June 13, 2000

Okay, you guys are going to think I'm daft writing a Christmas story just as the summer is starting, but I couldn't help it.

I've learned to never refuse my muse plus having insomnia helped to finish this story in about 3 hours. So if you find any typos blame my sleep deprived eyes. I wrote, I submitted, I slept.

Dear Santa

by

IvanaBgood
(IvanaBgood@aol.com)

Too dapper for such an early hour, the Sheffield Butler held back a yawn as he moved the curtains aside, allowing the first burgeoning rays of sunshine into the livingroom. Smiling he surveyed the jumble of mugs on the coffee table and the clutter of crumpled wads of paper on the floor and furniture.

‘Last night was quite fun,’ Niles thought to himself as he gathered the mugs and placed them on a large silver tray. He filed away the remembrance of his family and how they had all gathered in the livingroom after dinner and relaxed with one another…

Maxwell smiled down at his nanny as she closed her eyes, grabbing a cushion and squeezing it tightly to her stomach. He sat down at the end of the couch and enjoyed the feel of her weight on his shoulder as she scooted closer to his warmth.

"Niles it’s cold in here," she sleepily replied.

"I’m trying to fix that problem at the moment Miss Fine," he smiled at his friend affectionately as he stoked the fire, pushing the logs closer with a dark silver poker.

"I think I’ll be going home now Maxwell," CC spoke quietly trying not to be pulled into this warm family setting.

"No, I won’t hear of it CC. I know the storm has stopped, but I’m sure the streets haven’t all been cleared away. I’m thanking our lucky stars that we came home before too much snow fell down."

Niles watched from the corner of his eye as she nodded slightly before sitting down in one of the available chairs.

"Alright. I have a change of clothes inside my suitcase so that won’t be a problem."

As Brighton and Maggie joined their dad and nanny on the couch, Grace kneeled in front of the coffee table, deep in thought. No one noticed as Niles trekked upstairs with CC’s luggage in tow.

~~~~

Crumbled wads of notebook paper were rapidly picked up and thrown into a small blue rubbish bin. As he picked up a stray one that somehow found it’s way in the foyer, his eyes fell upon the neatly stacked envelopes sitting on the small table. The suited shoulders stood stock still, his ears cocked listening for movement upstairs, but a quick glance at the mantel clock gave him the courage he needed. Quickly he walked over, his hands paused for a moment above the envelopes before sweeping down and clasping them. He sat upon the couch and opened the first envelope, noting with mild surprise that they were not licked closed. He smiled at the careful and precise printing of young Grace.

Niles looked up unseeingly at the far wall and then quickly folded the letter and placed it back in the envelope. He then picked up the next one.

Niles chuckled as he put that letter away before picking up the next one.

Niles smiled at the wonder of how fast Miss Margaret grew up. He hastily tucked the letter back in, gave the mantel clock one more quick glance and opened the next one on the pile.

The silence in the room was deafening, but the wheels in Niles’ head were quickly churning. He picked up the next one.

Again Niles looked up thoughtfully at the clock before picking up the last letter, leaving the one he wrote untouched. He grinned.

‘I should have known Babcock wouldn’t have left her envelope unsealed.’ He quickly got up and strode to the kitchen where he held it just above the steaming teakettle. At the same time he turned off the fire as the kettle began to whistle. As he leaned against the counter, he unfolded the crisp white paper.

‘Love? Of all the things I would think she would wish for, that would not have even made the top 100.’ The sounds of showers being turned on and footsteps above jolted Niles from his musing. Shakily he returned CC’s letter to the envelope and carried it back to the livingroom. He piled the envelopes back into an orderly fashion atop the foyer table and turned resolutely back towards the kitchen where he automatically cooked breakfast, his mind clearly on something else.

~~~~

Maxwell’s forehead creased with worry. He looked up to see his butler closing his office door and locking it.

"Something wrong old man?"

"No, not at all sir. I have something to ask of you and it’s quite awkward."

"What is it Niles – did you want today off?"

"Today is my day off sir. I had forgotten and made omelettes this morning, but Miss Fine appreciated my lapse in memory."

Maxwell grinned. "Ah yes, Miss Fine does enjoy a good meal. She even absconded with my last piece of toast," he finished chuckling.

At the word ‘abscond’ Niles glanced deviously at his employer’s wooden cigar box. He looked back and grinned at the silly smile on his friend’s face as he stared off into space. Then he cleared his throat.

"Hmm…? Oh yes, you wanted something Niles?"

"Yes sir. It’s of a delicate matter. Oh dear, how should I put this?"

"Just spit it out old man, I’m behind with things here."

Niles nodded. "I was wondering sir, if you would mind terribly…that is…," Niles inhaled deeply and went for it. "Would it be at all possible to get my Christmas bonus right now sir?"

Maxwell flashed him a look of surprise and then shrugged his shoulders. "Of course Niles, that will be no problem whatsoever."

Niles heaved a sigh of relief and watched the millionaire pull out his checkbook and sign it with flourish before handing it over. "Thank you sir."

"Your quite welcome. And Niles…"

Niles turned back as he stepped towards the door, "Sir?"

"My favorite color is blue."

The butler smiled back infectiously. "I’ll keep that in mind."

~~~~

The next day as Niles vacuumed he noticed Margaret squeezed into a ball on the chair, a yellow book on her lap. He stepped on the power button and the Hoover quieted. "Is something wrong Miss Margaret?"

Margaret gave him a look of supreme unhappiness, her hand waved at the book annoyingly. "It’s just so much more complicated than I thought."

Niles walked over at the same time Brighton did, a Snapple in his hand.

"Dance Steps for Dummies. Hey Maggie, I didn’t know they wrote books just for you."

"Shut up Brighton!"

Her little brother grinned at the victory. Just as he was about to make another sarcastic remark he noticed Niles’ glare. "O-kay. I think I’ll be going now."

Maggie gave a long sigh of despair before turning back to the book on her lap. Her head snapped up at the sound of music and she saw Niles turn away from the CD player.

"Come here Miss Margaret. I believe I can help you." His teeth flashed winningly at her.

Slowly she unbent her legs from underneath and made her way to him. "You’re going to help me?"

Niles smiled. "I’m thinking that this has something to do with the special night coming up that you mentioned to Miss Fine the other day?"

"Yeah. The night will be special alright. It will just be the four of us – Parker Williams, my two left feet and me."

He chuckled. "You have two days until the big event right?" At her nod, he gestured for her to step into his arms. "Mr. Williams won’t know what hit him."

~~~~

"Aaarghh!" CC groaned in frustration.

Fran stepped off the last riser on the staircase. "What’s wrong Miss Babcock, is your girdle on too tight?"

"I don’t wear a girdle. Where are those pointless letters that we all wrote yesterday?"

"Oh those? I gave them to Mr. Sheffield to mail this morning. He said he was on his way to his lawyer’s and the post office was in the same direction. Besides I didn’t have any stamps so-"

CC turned around and walked away.

"Fine, my story was going to get more interesting but now you’ll never know," Fran called after her.

"Maxwell," CC tapped her fingers on his desk as she waited to get his attention. "Maxwell!"

He looked up, "Yes?"

"Where are those letters that we all wrote to the big fat guy last night?" She asked, a fake smile plastered on her face.

"Letters? Oh yes. Miss Fine gave them to me this morning to post. Unfortunately it slipped my mind. Would you mind doing that for me?"

CC gave a sigh of relief. "No, not at all. Where are they?"

"In my briefcase," he nodded towards the side table.

Nervously she picked through the manila folders inside, until she came upon the stack of white business letter sized envelopes. "I’ll be back in a few," she called over her shoulder. Moments later she hailed a cab, stepped in, found her letter and ripped it in half before putting it in her purse. "Take me to the post office," she directed the cab driver. Her eyes caught the sight of Niles’ familiar writing. Without a moment’s hesitation, she ripped open the envelope and pulled the letter out.

CC read and reread what was in her hand. Then she reread it once more. Her fingers shakily rose to her lips in heart-stopping surprise.

"We’re here lady," the cabbie pointed out.

She shook herself and muttered, "I’ve changed my mind. I think I’ll go home." She gave him the address and sat back in shock, Niles’ letter gripped tightly in her hand.

~~~~

Brighton pulled a juicebox from the fridge and looked at the butler in puzzlement as he watched him set up the pawns in a nice neat row. "Whatcha doing Niles?"

"Baking a cake. What do you think I’m doing?" he remarked wryly.

The young boy shrugged. "I didn’t know you knew how to play is all. I’ve never seen you play dad before."

"That’s because," Niles grinned, "your father hates to lose."

"Wha? No way! You can beat dad?!"

"Ever since we were kids. He’s vowed never to play me again."

"Oh my god! Can you give me a few pointers?"

Niles rubbed his hands in merriment. "That’s precisely the idea I came up with," he replied enjoying the joy lit upon his young master’s face.

~~~~

"I’m sorry Miss Fine, but it is tradition," Maxwell uttered as he pulled away from her and the mistletoe that was hanging above the doorway to his office.

"And there’s another apology," she muttered to herself as she stepped back.

"I’m sorry Miss Fine, I didn’t quite catch that."

"Nothing, nothing," she smiled vaguely at him as her eyes fell upon the lips that had just touched hers. "I got a little lipstick on you."

Maxwell closed his eyes as he felt her fingers brush the edge of his mouth.

Fran gasped as she felt his tongue dart out nervously as he licked his lips. His eyes snapped open at the sound and he found himself gripping her by her hips. His hand tightened as he felt her release the top two buttons on his shirt, and felt her slide her hand inside. Their lips touched one another again. The kissing grew more frenzied, and both of his hands moved to cup her butt and pull her against his arousal. She grabbed his shoulders with both hands and wrapped her legs around him causing her skirt to ride up to her hips. He groaned as he felt her squirm against him. He held her to him with one hand, carefully bracing them against the wall, as his other hand sought the heat at the juncture of her thighs.

Warning lights went off in his mind and he stopped his hand from reaching the ultimate prize. Gasping deeply he set her back down.

Maxwell turned and walked away as his hand rubbed the back of his neck raw. "Miss Fine, I’m s-"

Fran took deep breaths as she pulled her skirt back down. She held her hand up, "I know. You’re sorry." And with that she stumbled out of the office.

Maxwell sat down on the couch, obviously befuddled. He looked down and then closed his eyes at what he almost did. "I’m the rottenest of scoundrels."

"Is that a line from a new play?" Niles inquired as he walked in with the tea.

Maxwell shook his head. "Hold all calls for me Niles. I need to take a shower."

"In the middle of the afternoon sir?"

"Yes, I find that I-I suddenly need it."

Niles smiled conspiratorially and winked at the mistletoe. "I knew you wouldn’t let me down. We’ll reel them in yet."

~~~~

"Wow, Miss Babcock – a box of chocolates! And just an hour ago a gorgeous vase full of exquisite oriental lilies were also delivered. So tell me, who is he?"

CC grinned happily as she opened the box and grudgingly offered Nanny Fine some of the sweets. "I don’t know. Neither one of them came with a card. It’s such a mystery." She caught Niles peeking from around the hallway, but didn’t let on.

"Yeah, but you have to know who it is. I mean look at you. This is not your usual attire," Fran pointed out as she bit into the candy.

"You got that right," Niles mumbled to himself as he stared at the tall blond once again. He can still feel the way his pants tightened at the sight of her in that dress as he helped her off with her winter coat. As he picked up her fallen red scarf, his eyes traced from her ankles and up before catching himself as he ogled.

"I’m not sure," CC sighed wistfully. "It could be that handsome attorney friend of my brother’s. He seemed a bit dewy eyed at me when he and Noel took me out to dinner the other night."

‘Great. I spend a fortune on expensive chocolates and flowers to make her feel loved and someone else is going to get the credit!’ Niles growled in frustration.

Turning towards the sound. "Niles what are you spying on us for?" Fran asked distractedly, picking out another candy before Miss Babcock changed her mind.

"I’m not spying. I was-" He stopped as he smiled as Miss Margaret twirled inside the house, forgetting to shut the door after herself.

"Hi Maggie, how did the ball go? Was Parker the perfect prince?" Fran grinned at the dancing girl as she shut the front door for her.

Maggie continued to twirl dreamily, her hands up as if holding onto a partner. "It was the most fantastic night of my life. And yes, he was amazing!"

"Just how amazing was he?" Maxwell intoned stepping into the room from the office.

Maggie just flashed her dad a whimsical smile, kissed him on the cheek and twirled her way up the staircase.

A moment later, all the adults turned to the quickly approaching footsteps as Maggie ran back down the stairs. She sped towards Niles, gave him a hug and placed a tender kiss on his cheek. "Thank you!" she enthused and then ran back upstairs to call Sheila.

"Interesting effect you have there," Fran grinned at her best friend.

"Me and the Beatles," Niles replied wryly with a glint of amusement in his eyes.

Maxwell, CC and Fran flashed him questioning looks as he smiled back before walking to the kitchen. "I’ve got a lot of cooking to do if you people want your Christmas Eve dinner to be ready on time."

~~~~

"Ah Brighton, what is this?" Maxwell inquired, exhaling a big breath, stuffed to the gills with Niles’ extremely delicious holiday cuisine.

His son looked up from the coffee table, setting the last chess piece into position. "Okay, this is it Dad. I challenge you to a duel of the minds."

"It’ll be a pretty short battle considering you have just dull, gray matter to use," Maggie teased as she sat on the arm of the couch.

Maxwell grinned down at his son as he settled down next to her. "Alright, I accept the challenge."

The competition was on as each opponent sharpened their wits and strategy.

"I’ll get that," Niles stated by habit as the doorbell rang. He signed the receipt that the delivery boy held out and turned around with a white pearl embossed envelope with a silver satin bow.

"Wow!" Fran exclaimed taking it out of his hand. "It’s addressed to you Miss Babcock. This guy sure is giving you the rush."

CC took the envelope with much trepidation, and looked at Niles’ departing back from under her lashes.

Nervously she unfolded the paper inside to find flawlessly printed calligraphy.

"Well what's it say or is it X-rated stuff?" Fran asked trying to peer over her shoulder.

CC flashed her an annoyed look before walking towards the piano.

The jarring sound of the piano keys as CC dropped down hard on the bench made Fran and Maxwell rush over.

"Is everything alright CC?" He looked sharply at her, as she turned away.

"That must have been some letter," Fran implied.

CC nodded agreement as she looked down, the black and white keys blurred in her vision. "I think I’ll go home now Maxwell. Thank you for dinner. I’ll see you all in the morning," her voice wavered a bit. Surreptitiously she wiped a tear with the back of her hand as she made her way to the closet.

Maxwell and Fran watched her leave, not noticing the soft footsteps of Niles as he walked away from the shadows.

"And she has no idea who has been sending her all these things?" Maxwell asked in astonishment.

"Nope. That’s why he’s called a secret admirer." Fran sighed heavily.

"What’s wrong Miss Fine?" Maxwell asked placing his attention back to the chess match.

"Nothing. It’s just…oh I don’t know. I guess I’m envious of Miss Babcock."

"You have many admirers Miss Fine," he replied as he picked up his Queen and set it diagonally down from Brighton’s rook.

"Maybe. I know Bill Rodgers likes me, if that kiss was any indication."

"Kiss?" Maxwell asked perturbed, his attention on his nanny as he placed his Queen down without looking.

"Oh my god! Check mate!" Brighton whooped. "I beat you Dad, I finally beat you!" The happy teenager football danced around the room, threw Maxwell’s queen down and then pulled a touchdown pose.

Maggie and Gracie’s mouths gaped open as they stared down at the board.

"Nicely down son," Maxwell replied, his eyes shining proudly.

"Thanks Dad," his head bowed down a bit in joyful embarrassment as he shook his father’s hand. "This calls for ice cream!" Brighton enthused and his sisters followed him to the kitchen.

There was an awkward silence in the room as the couple looked at each other.

"Who is this Bill Rodgers chap?"

"Just someone I met at a club the other night when I was with Val."

"And he kisses good, does he?" Maxwell asked between clenched teeth as he put the chess game away.

"He-" Fran gave him a curious look. His body seemed to tense as her arm brushed against his as she helped him put the pieces away. She touched his hand, wanting to know what was wrong. Her fingers softly grazed his knuckles.

Maxwell groaned, trying to gather his composure. With one quick motion he carried her to the office and shut the door.

Fran’s eyes widened in surprised as she felt him move snugly between her legs and took possession of her mouth. She felt him press against her. ‘Oh my god, is this really happening?!’ Fran moaned against his lips, shutting out any more thoughts. She felt his hands pull her closer, then something moved against her hip, while his mouth was on hers, making her crazy.

His hands began moving, he couldn't have stopped them even if he had wanted to. The taste of her, the feel of her, he needed it. He felt like he just drank a full bottle of scotch on an empty stomach.

Fran felt him lift her easily in the air and onto his desk, his lips never leaving hers. She felt him groan more than heard it and he began moving rhythmically against her. Her heels dug into his backside. She arched her neck, pulling her mouth from his.

"Hey Dad, Fran – are you guys in there? Do you want some ice cream?" Gracie asked through the door.

Maxwell’s body shuddered as he tried to get a hold of himself.

"Dad?"

Taking a deep breath, "Yes sweetheart we’ll be right out."

Fran pulled away and adjusted her clothes, her body rigid waiting for the apology that always followed. When nothing but silence touched her ears, she looked at him.

He winked and pulled her into his arms. "It’s a good thing Gracie interrupted us, I almost ravished you on my desk."

"Yeah, what a stroke of luck that was," Fran replied chagrined.

"It was, because you are a lady and should be treated as such," he answered back softly, running his knuckle tenderly upon her cheek.

Fran smiled as she leaned into his touch.

"Fran Fine would you give me the honor of escorting you around town tomorrow? Dinner, a play, dancing – whatever your heart desires?"

"You’re asking me out on a date?"

Maxwell leaned down and nibbled on the most luscious lips he ever had the luck to nibble on. He nodded as he kissed her.

Fran pulled away, her eyes glazed as she felt him nibble his way up her throat and to her ear. "Oh yeah."

"Dad. Fran. You better get out here if you don’t want Brighton to bogart your ice cream," Maggie called out from the other side of the door.

~~~~

"Merry Christmas! Merry Christmas!" The kids ran into their dad’s bedroom. "Daddy wake up!" Gracie sat down on the edge of his bed and bounced on it jarring him from an exquisite dream about a certain sexy brunette.

"I’m awake, I’m awake," he mumbled and then his eyes smiled up at his children. His hands reached out and tousled Maggie’s and Brighton’s hair before pulling in his youngest for a quick hug.

Gracie’s eyes shone with merriment. "Are you happy Daddy?"

"Of course I am sweetheart. Extremely happy. Now let’s go open those presents!"

"Did someone mention presents?" Fran grinned as she stood in the doorway.

Maxwell smiled at her beauty. His eyes took in her pink fuzzy slippers and the light blue robe with a big half moon on it, a nightcap balanced on its ‘head’. He whistled silently at her flawless make-up and her beautiful hair hanging loose down her shoulders. "Aren’t you a vision," he couldn’t help but compliment as he took her hand in his.

The children grinned at each other before they scurried downstairs ahead of them.

"Morning Niles! Merry Christmas!" They all greeted as they saw him downstairs waiting for them.

"Merry Christmas!" he greeted back, raising his cup of tea. He stood there, a bit tired and still in his comfy blue robe.

"Look Santa presents!" Gracie squealed, hopping up and down with excitement.

Maxwell and Fran looked on in surprise as Gracie began handing out the Santa presents.

"Did you-"

Fran shook her head, "Not me. And if you didn’t-"

They both turned as one towards Niles who just gave them an innocent look right back.

"Alright! Fatal Fury just what I wanted!" Brighton yelled with glee.

"I got it, oh my god I can’t wait to call Sheila with it!" Maggie’s eyes widened with surprise as she held aloft the new phone she asked for.

Five heads swiveled as they heard a funny recorded voice, "Sweetie, don't ever lose weight for a guy…that's what control tops are for."

"Isn’t she great!" Gracie’s eyes fairly twinkled with adoration at her newly acquired doll. "She can say two other phrases and comes with a red jacket with a faux leopard print collar and cuffs! Plus this really cool pink hairbrush that I can use to brush her beautiful black hair."

Maggie bent down and looked at the toy. "She sort of looks like you Fran."

"Sounds like her too," Brighton whispered to his oldest sister.

"Really? Let me see that Gracie," her father reached across for it. He held it next to Fran, "A slight resemblance," he admitted, "but there can never be another Fran Fine."

"Aww…Mr. Sheffield, stop – you’re embarrassing me." She gushed as she gripped his hand tighter, enjoying the warmth and feel of him.

Maxwell gave the doll to Brighton to hand back to his sister.

"Brighton!" Fran lightly smacked him on his shoulder as she saw him peek up the doll’s skirt.

Niles chuckled just as he heard a ding ring from the kitchen. "I’ll be right back," he announced, not wanting to leave the sheer happiness that exuded from the room.

"Here’s your Santa present Fran and yours Daddy," Gracie called out as she handed something to each of them.

"Ooo – the lime green cashmere that I wanted!" Fran exclaimed giddily. "I’ll get it Niles!" she shouted loudly as the doorbell rang.

"I want to try out this game!" Brighton ran up to his room.

"And I’m going to call Sheila really quick just to make sure this phone works, okay Dad?" Maggie followed her brother up.

"And I want to introduce my Barbies to my new Fran doll," Gracie called out gaily as she bounded up the stairs.

A few moments later Niles came back to a much quieter room. "Where did everyone go?"

"The kids were so excited with their Santa gifts that they ran up to try them out."

"That sweater will look very fetching on you Miss Fine," Niles smiled.

"Thank you Santa Niles. This was the best Christmas ever!" she kissed him on the cheek. "Of course I’ve only had two so far."

"Didn’t I hear Miss Babcock at the door?" he asked nervously.

"Yeah. She came in and announced that she found out who her secret admirer was and was going to share the day with him."

Niles felt his chest tighten with pain. "Oh." He attempted to smile, but it looked more like a wince.

"And then she dropped off that big bag over there and told me to make sure you don’t open it." Fran directed. "I’ll be back in a bit, Max wanted me to meet him in the office."

"So it’s Max now is it?" Niles teased half-heartedly.

Fran winked and almost skipped to the office.

Niles scowled at the big red bag that was placed near the Christmas tree. He stepped towards it and tried to peek in, but the drawstring was pulled too tight. He then looked up the stairs and then towards the office making sure the coast was clear.

"One little peek won’t hurt. I can’t believe the witch bailed out on me…us." Niles mumbled to himself as he kneeled in front of it, loosened the string and tugged the bag open. From inside the confines of the bag, CC uncurled herself and stood before him. Niles looked up in stupefaction, finding himself directly across from her exposed knees. He took in her outfit and gasped. She wore a red skirt that was trimmed with white fir. And it showed quite a bit of thigh. Above that she had on a red blouse with white fur cuffs and collar. The neckline plunged a bit graphically and he later noticed that the back of the blouse plunged just as indecently. He blinked a few times and pinched himself before he found his voice. "Miss Babcock?"

She smiled and reached down to take hold of his lapel. She reeled him up by it gently until he stood in front of her. "Hello Secret Admirer." CC’s fingertips traced his trembling lips, fascinated by their softness. She moved forward eager for her first taste of Niles. At first the kiss was gentle, tentative. Then CC licked at him and he opened for her. As soon as their tongues touched, Niles managed to accept that this was not just another dream. This was his Christmas wish, his heart's desire come true. He slid his arms around her and lifted her out of the bag.

"How did you know it was me?"

CC grinned as she pulled out his Santa letter from beneath her waistband. She then wrapped her arms around his neck and whispered, "No need to admire from afar, when closer distances are much more satisfying."

Niles looked down at her cleavage and smiled broadly. He felt her fingers lift his chin up until his eyes were upon hers.

"Didn’t you say you admired me for my strengths?" she teased.

"Believe me you’re very healthy," he remarked, kissing her again.

Someone tumbling down the stairs interrupted a more serious smoochfest from happening.

Brighton gulped, "Miss Babcock?!"

His sisters gaped.

Fran and Maxwell emerged from the office, both wiping their lips.

"CC? Is that you?"

"Hi Maxwell. Thanks Nanny Fine, I knew he wouldn’t have been able to resist opening the bag especially when he is specifically told not to. I know my Niles."

"Your Niles? I like the sound of that."

"Come on children let’s open the rest of these presents and then lets go outside!" Maxwell urged. "There’s a snowman who can’t wait to be built on this beautiful Christmas day." He smiled at the shining faces of his children, who were infected with the picture he painted in their minds. His arm snaked around and pulled his love closer to his side.

Fran sighed happily. "I’m the luckiest woman alive."

"I beg to differ Nanny Fine," CC mumbled as Niles kissed her once more.

"Begging is good," Niles teased. "What else do you like to do?"

"CC Babcock does not beg." She ran her fingernails along the back of his neck and smiled as his eyes closed. He gave an almost animalistic growl.

"Tease," he winked as her other fingers ran down the vee of his navy blue robe and then stopped.

"If you want more you’re going to have to give me something first."

He bent down and pulled something from behind the tree.

"Miss Babcock, you got a Santa present too!" Gracie smiled.

Niles enjoyed the look of wondrous surprise etched on CC’s face as she reached for the medium-sized teddy bear dressed in a miniature navy blue Armani suit.

"It-it has blue eyes," she uttered in a daze as her hands brushed the soft fur. She leaned over, kissed his cheek and whispered, "Thank you Santa Niles."

"Does it remind you of someone?" His eyes glinted mischievously.

"Umm…Chester?" she smiled at his scowl.

"Is it just me, or is seeing Miss Babcock and Niles play nice a Christmas miracle?" Brighton asked, his face puzzled.

"Niles, may I have a word with you?" Maxwell called over, as the children became busy ripping wrapping paper and pulling off bows.

CC and Niles walked over, hand in hand and watched as Maxwell pulled a beautifully engraved humidor from behind his back, lifted the cover and tilted it towards his butler. "Blue cigars?"

"You did mention it was your favorite color," Niles grinned. "Merry Christmas sir," he elbowed him playfully.

Maxwell chuckled, "Indeed it is." He felt Fran’s arm wrapped snugly around his waist and he pulled her in for a tight embrace.

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