Our Christmas dinner turned out perfectly, mostly thanks to Harry. If I had attempted it on my own, I'm sure we would have had to call the fire department. The upside, however, was that I'd been learning some things from Harry so hopefully I could transform into a good cook. I'd had my mother's instruction all my life, but I took it for granted and didn't retain much. Now that Harry was teaching me, I had an authentic desire to learn. The idea of cooking for Harry had unexpectedly swept over me the past few months, whereas before, I couldn't care less what landed in my own mouth, as long as it was quick and easy.

We ate our formal dinner quite early, as was the tradition in my family, but also because we then had time to Skype with Harry's family in England before it got too late there.

I was glad to virtually meet Gemma. I was shocked at how much she looked like Harry, and even more shocked at how well they get along. She seemed to know everything that was going on with him, asking him all sorts of questions about finding a job and putting his house on the market; in other words, recent things. I had no idea they kept in touch so closely since Harry didn't talk about her much.

"So, Regan," Gemma spoke to me after grilling Harry at length. "Are you able to put up with him all right?"

"Sure," I shrugged. "I think I'll keep him around."

"Hey," he complained in childish whine.

"You look happy, Harry," she said to him.

"I am," he returned with a contented smile.

"I'm so pleased. I hated the hell you've been through the past year. You deserve something good. You both do."

In what was probably the most corny display of affection, we turned to each other simultaneously and kissed, just enough to make Gemma shout, "Okay, enough with the visuals. I hope to see you kids soon!" She blew a big kiss and Harry's parents took center stage.

"Hello, my darlings," Anne said. "Merry Christmas." Robin's voice melded with hers as he echoed, "Merry Christmas."

"Merry Christmas to you as well," Harry said. "Miss you."

"Oh, darling, we miss you too," she pouted. She honestly reminded me of my own mom with her unguarded affection for Harry, and now for me, too. "So we have one more surprise for you, kind of a late Christmas and early birthday gift combined."

Harry looked intrigued. "You didn't have to do anything else. What you sent was plenty."

"Well too bad because we've already bought the tickets," Robin said, keeping a very straight face while Anne's face transformed into a glowing smile.

"Tickets?" Harry said excitedly, but I could tell he was trying to hold back.

"We're coming for your birthday," Anne cried out happily, clasping her hands together.

"Really?" His face shone sheer delight.

"Yes," Anne answered. "I believe we land on the 27th and we'll stay through til mid-February, if that's all right with you."

"Fine, of course." Harry was nodding emphatically and I was so happy he would get to see his family soon. "There is one thing, however. I'm going to sell the house. You're welcome to stay there if it hasn't sold yet, but I'm going to put it on the market first thing in January."

"So soon?" Robin asked.

"Yes, Regan and I did a fair amount of cleaning, as we told you, and I brought several boxes over to the Metlers. And they want to come and look through her things at the house as well. I have no need for an antique china set, really, so they might as well have it."

"Sounds good, dear, but I want you to make sure you're ready to part with the house," Anne expressed her concern.

"I am, Mom," he assured her. "Sure, Cathryn and I had three good years there, but the last year and a half just spoiled it for me, I guess. The only thing I can associate with that place now is heartache. I want to have a new beginning with Regan." He looked at me fondly.

"Sounds like you two are already serious," Robin remarked.

Anne answered before Harry even said anything. "They are, darling. Regan has helped him through so much." Then she turned back towards the screen. "Just take your time, both of you. There's no rush."

"I know, Mum. Thanks. Oh and thank you for all the gifts, especially the sweets."

"You should have seen him," I told Anne. "Eating chocolate right after we had a big breakfast. He looked like a little kid again. And thank you for the roast instructions. Harry helped a good bit or I might have ruined the darn thing."

"So you've eaten your dinner then?" Anne inquired.

"Yes, we just finished," I nodded. "We're stuffed. Oh and thank you for the scarf and hat set. It's quite lovely." As I was finishing that thought, another one popped in to take its place. "I just thought of this but if there's any problem about staying at Harry's house, I have a sofa bed in the living room here and I've got plenty of space. You'd be more than welcome here."

Anne regarded me warmly. "Thank you, that's very kind. I guess we'll have to see how things go."

"Thank you for everything," Harry said and I repeated the sentiments.

"You're welcome, both of you. We love you so much and wish we could be closer."

We finished up our conversation with them, adding many warm thoughts and "I love you's" before finally disconnecting.

"I love your family, Harry," I told him.

"I'm so glad."

We had exchanged Merry Christmases with a few of our friends throughout the day. We were both surprised, though, when Harry's phone rang around 9 PM.

"Hello?"

He paused to listen.

"Oh, thank you," he said unsteadily. "Merry Christmas to you, too."

I motioned to him, trying to guess who it was but he put his finger up to tell me to wait.

"Oh, uh no, Mary, I didn't know that."

Mrs. Metler. He spoke sparingly with lengthy pauses in between.

"Why don't we plan on the day after tomorrow. Come by around ten?"

"Okay, I'll look for it in the meantime."

"Yes."

"Okay, bye."

He rolled his eyes as he went over to place his phone on the charger in my kitchen. "That was interesting."

"What was that about?" I asked. It clearly wasn't a Merry Christmas call.

He sighed, looking up at the ceiling, then stretching his arms way over his head, his hands finally coming to rest on top of his curly mop. "Mrs. Metler said she called the hospital to ask about Cathryn's belongings. Obviously, they don't have anything of hers anymore, but she wanted to know what would have happened if they found anything of value with her. She said they told her they would try their best to return it to the family, but if it was significantly damaged from the accident, they would likely just discard it. It's usually too painful a reminder of the person's death if it was an accident like this one."

"Did you ever see Cathryn? After she died, I mean?"

He winced. "No, the accident was too horrific, they said. She had a closed casket as well."

"What was Mrs. Metler asking about?"

"She asked if I had Cathryn's necklace. It's a family treasure for certain. It was the only item of Cathryn's estate that was supposed to be returned to her parents. I'd give it to Mary if I knew where it is, but I haven't seen it since Cathryn died. I think she was wearing it." He paused uncomfortably. "That day."

"She asked you before, though," I reminded him. "Doesn't she believe you?"

"Apparently not." Harry's face twisted into a disgusted scowl. "Wouldn't be the first time. She was always checking up on me, making sure I wasn't taking money from Cathryn's account, weird shit like that. That family is so messed up."

"Sounds like it. Well, if you'd like, I can help you out this week. I don't have to work, remember?" I was using my end-of-the-year vacation time so I was looking forward to lots of time with Harry and our friends.

"That would be nice. I'm going need it if I'm going to put this thing on the market in January."

"Maybe we can take care of all the material things and then you can just hire someone to do the cleaning and painting."

"That's a good idea," he mused. "Yeah, I might do that. Anyway, enough about that for tonight. It's still Christmas and I want to enjoy my gifts. One in particular comes to mind."

"Oh, which one is that?" I asked, thinking he'd  have to be crazy to eat more sweets after the meals we had packed away today.

His eyes danced while he gave me a sly smirk. Clasping his hands around my waist and tugging me close, he murmured, "You."

* * * * *

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