Merry Christmas All! :))

The characters don't belong to me, but I promise to return them in time for the new season. (Wasn't that a lovely promo last night?) :))) We're just going to play for a while.

In this story I mention Steven's daughter. She comes from a passing statement Jim made about his six-year-old niece. I'm sorry but I don't remember which episode that was in and I don't have time to sift through them all if I want to get this posted tonight. I know she could just have easily been from Carolyn's side of the family but I chose to make her from the Ellison side.

Thanks to my beta readers: Rayden, Linda and my friend at work, Roni. Also, many thanks to Mackie for giving my stories a new home. Thanks girl. :))

One last word of caution. Never, ever try to cross Microsoft Word with WordPerfect. They don't like each other.

Any comments are welcomed by Cheyenne at dpack@mmcable.com

Rated G, After all it is a Christmas story. :))

I hope you enjoy.

* * * * * * * *

A Family Christmas
by Cheyenne

Jim Ellison trudged up the final steps to the third floor landing, cursing the out of service elevator for what, the fiftieth time? Why, he wondered, couldn't building maintenance keep the thing working?

He shook off the ill feelings as he reached for the door to the apartment he shared with his partner and friend. The doorknob turned easily and he found his anger returning once more. How many times did he have to remind Blair to lock the door behind him? They'd certainly dealt with enough psychos that Jim would have thought Sandburg would have learned a lesson.

He sighed and stepped through the door, letting his hearing automatically scan the loft until he located Blair sitting on the couch, surrounded by a mass of papers and books.

Tossing keys and mail onto the table beside the door, he headed to the refrigerator. "I thought you were on break during Christmas."

Blair looked up at him over the rim of the glasses perched on the end of his nose. "Not just yet," the younger man said as he smiled hesitantly. "I...ah...I offered to grade these for Elaine Perkins so she could catch an early flight home for the holidays."

Jim frowned as he retrieved two bottles of beer and proceeded to the chair in the living room area, then handed one to his partner. Jim disapproved of how hard Sandburg pushed himself during the end of each term, every time completing not only his own staggering amount of work, but often taking on someone else's in addition. Just to help so they could leave on their own holiday a little early or because they had other things that 'had' to be done. Jim had voiced his disapproval on several occasions. It was an argument he and Sandburg had gotten into many times in the past and would probably do again in the future. Jim would harp and Blair would continue to overload himself. It was the way of the universe according to Sandburg.

Jim decided not to add to his partner's burden by ragging on him about his workload, this time. Somehow Blair always managed to fit it in.

"Oh, hey. Before I forget. Your dad called. He wanted you to call him back as soon as you got home."

"My dad?" A frown crossed Jim's handsome face. After a lifelong estrangement, he and his father had been making progress on improving their relationship, but it was still unusual for his father to call. "Did he say what he wanted?"

Blair shook his head without looking up from the stack of papers in his lap. "No. Just said to call."

Jim took another sip of beer before reaching for the phone and dialing. While waiting for his father to answer, he was reminded that Blair had been trying for the past week to reach his mother. "Did you have any luck contacting Naomi?"

For the past six months, Blair had been saving back small amounts of money from each of his meager paychecks to buy his mother an airline ticket to Cascade. It was to be his Christmas gift to her.

Again Sandburg shook his head without looking up. "Not yet. I called again, but she still hasn't gotten the message, but I went ahead and booked the reservation. I don't want her to not be able to get a flight." He shrugged his shoulders. "She'll call. She always calls before Christmas." He shrugged again before returning his attention to the paper in his lap.

As the phone rang at the other end, Jim watched his partner continue to work. Jim's father and brother were close to being strangers to him because of hard feelings from the brothers' childhood. On the other hand, Blair and his mother had been separated most of Sandburg's adult life, and as far as Jim could determine, for a good portion of his childhood, but they still remained the most loving parent and child Jim had ever seen. He had never told Sandburg, but he envied the relationship the younger man had with his mother.

"Hello?"

His father answering the phone brought Jim back to the present world. "Hi Dad. It's Jim. Blair said you called?"

"Yes. I did."

Jim could hear a hesitant smile in his father's voice and felt a pang of sadness that they were still so far apart emotionally. Even now, Jim knew his father was wanting to ask him something but was afraid of the answer. "Is everything okay Dad?"

"Yes, Jimmy. Everything's fine. I...I was just wondering..."

Jim waited for his father to continue. He was caught between being concerned and irritated at the man's hesitation. "Dad?" he prompted.

"I'm sorry, Jimmy. I just...I just want to do this right."

"Do what right, Dad?"

"I was wondering if you'd come home for Christmas, Jimmy. I've talked to Steven and he has Jennifer for Christmas Day this year and I was thinking, maybe it would be a good chance to, um, make a really good beginning on rebuilding our family."

Jim couldn't help but smile at his father's manner. His speech had increased in speed as he'd completed his request. The older man had sounded just like Sandburg when he was on a roll, trying to get all the words out before someone could put a stop to him.

Jim considered the request and found himself excited by the idea. Christmas was a time for family and with Steven's six-year-old daughter, no wait, seven-year-old daughter, the little girl's birthday had been in September, maybe it would help bridge the gap between the Ellison men. It would be nice to have a child around at Christmas. A smile crossed Jim's face once again. The little girl would probably have all of them wrapped around her finger before an hour was up.

"I'd like that Dad. What time?"

"Uh..."

Jim could his father hesitate once again.

"Well, actually, Jimmy, I was hoping you'd come Christmas Eve and stay the night. You could stay in your old room. Sally wants to make a nice dinner for us all and..."

Jim could hear his father's uncertainty.

"Would you, Jimmy? Please?"

Jim debated for only a few seconds. His father sounded sincere in his desire to have his sons with him this Christmas, and Jim really wanted to make inroads on establishing a better relationship with him and with Steven. "Sure, Dad. I can do that. I'll be there after work. And Dad? Thanks for asking."

Jim heard a catch and a smile in the man's voice. "You're welcome, Jimmy. I'm looking forward to it."

"Me too."

"Oh, and Jimmy? Invite Blair, he's welcome to come here also. Anytime."

Jim smiled again. "I'll tell him Dad. Thanks. Talk to you later."

As Jim hung up the phone, Blair ceased his work on the papers and looked up at him, removing his glasses as he did. "Everything okay?"

"Yeah," he smiled wistfully. "My dad wants to do a family Christmas this year."

Jim could see Blair hold in the smile he wanted to express. He never ceased to be amazed at the openness of the younger man's face. Jim knew Blair wanted to see a reconciliation between the Ellison family. He suspected it had a lot to do with Sandburg's unconscious yearning for belonging and, as far as Jim knew, his never having experienced a family Christmas. Several times his partner had casually mentioned that Christmas was the time of year for families. Jim knew he was waiting to hear the decision before he expressed his excitement. "How do you feel about that?"

The wistful expression returned to the sentinel's face as memories of Christmases from long ago surfaced, a time when his mom was still...

Jim halted his thoughts. He didn't want to think about that now. Now was the time to start rebuilding and to leave the past alone. He thought again of the possibility of spending Christmas with his father and brother. "I like it. I'd like to feel closer to them." Jim let the emotions he was feeling appear on his face, knowing it was a departure from his normal stoic expression.

He saw a smile suddenly appear full-blown on Sandburg's face, pure joy and happiness for his friend shining from his eyes. "I'm glad, Jim. It'll be good for you and Steven, but it'll really be good for your dad."

Jim watched the younger man from where he sat, always curious about Sandburg's train of thought. "Why do you say that?" he asked.

Blair shoved aside the stack of papers he'd been working on, and Jim immediately recognized the signs of Sandburg slipping into 'teacher' mode. Each time his guide began explaining something to him, he used the same tone of voice.

"Think about it, man. Your dad's been the epitome of the successful businessman. He always put business before anything else." Jim nodded in agreement. "It cost him his wife and his sons. Now...he's retired and alone." Jim heard a definite note of sadness creep into Blair's voice. "He's got no one, Jim, and he's edging toward the end of his life." He heard the younger man swallow hard. "I don't know of anyone who truly wants to be alone forever."

Jim sat in silence for a moment, shocked at the depth of loneliness he heard in his partner's voice. Although he knew Blair's childhood had been erratic and unorthodox, he was always talking about the people that had been around, but had he mentioned other children? Blair was always so energetic and full of life, it never occurred to Jim that perhaps as a child, Sandburg had been lonely. As Jim thought back over his conversations with the younger man, he realized he couldn't remember Blair ever mentioning having children his own age to play with, only his mother's friends and his 'uncles'.

Jim was beginning to understand Blair's longing to see the Ellison family reconcile. The younger man had experienced the loneliness first-hand and he didn't want Jim to look back with regret on something that could be corrected with a little forgiveness and acceptance. Blair was pushing him to keep him from that fate. "You're right," he said, grinning. "I think this'll be good for all of us." Jim paused. "He also asked you to come."

Blair smiled and Jim knew his partner appreciated the thoughtfulness. "That's nice. Maybe Naomi and I can stop by Christmas afternoon for a visit."

"Why not come with me Christmas Eve? You know you'd be welcome."

"Christmas Eve?"

"Yeah. Dad wants us to stay the night. I guess he's wanting to recapture the old traditions." As Blair looked at him in bewilderment, he continued. "We used to have a big dinner on Christmas Eve, then Steven and I were allowed to open one gift. The rest were saved until Christmas morning. I guess he wants to regain some of those times. What do you say?"

Blair gave him a smile. "That sounds nice, but I think you, your dad and Steven need some time to reestablish your family. Besides, it would put too much of a strain on Sally if Naomi and I were there too."

"We could offer to do the dishes," Jim said hopefully.

Blair looked up at him with a wondering look as a new thought crossed his mind. "Jim? Are you nervous about going alone?"

It was Jim's turn to hesitate. It figured his partner would understand his fear and easily put into words the problem. Even though he was feeling more relaxed showing his emotions around his guide these days, Jim still felt apprehensive. Rising from the chair, he paced to the balcony. "A little," he said, taking a deep breath and staring into the darkness before continuing. "I want this to work out for us but...I'm not sure it will." Jim shook his head in regret without turning around. "There's been so much hurt between us. Sometimes I think maybe it's too late to correct things. Maybe we let the hurt stay unresolved too long and now it can't be fixed." He finally turned back to Blair, his eyes longing for answers.

Slowly Blair rose from the couch and walked to his side. "If you want them to be fixed, Jim, they can. It might take longer than an overnight stay to make it happen, but it will, if that's what you want."

"You think so?"

Blair smiled and gripped the larger man's shoulder. "Yes. I do." He released Jim's arm and took a step back. "But, you don't need an audience while you do. You'll have your hands full with Jenny anyway. Naomi and I will stop by Christmas afternoon. Take the time with your family and enjoy it."

Jim heard the sincerity in Sandburg's words. He knew Blair believed the words he said, but Jim couldn't help feeling that a part of his family would be missing if the younger man didn't go with him. Somewhere during their years together, before any thoughts of a reconciliation with Steven, Blair had become his brother. In many ways he was still more of a brother than Steven. It might have been because of the sentinel thing or it might have simply been Sandburg's own brand of character and easy-going charm, but without a doubt the anthropologist had been able to get under the walls Jim had built around his heart and carve out his own special place.

Jim would rather have Blair at his side, but if the younger man felt it necessary for the Ellison family to experience their holiday without him, then Jim would reluctantly accept that fact. He wouldn't like it, but he would accept it. He tried to console himself with the thought that Blair would be spending the time with his family, even if that family consisted only of Naomi.

* * * * * * * *

Two days later, Blair still had not heard from Naomi and was beginning to worry. He was also glad he had already booked her flight. With Christmas only three days away, it would be almost impossible to get any kind of a reservation once he heard from her. He had tried calling the number she had left for him several more times, but was repeatedly told that she had left with friends to visit a commune in the mountains and she had not yet returned. Blair knew it was one of her old haunts and that the place didn't have telephone service. He'd just have to wait for her to call him.

He smiled as he thought about presenting her with his gift. Despite Naomi's travels, she never had much money. It seemed to be a Sandburg trait. Most of her traveling was done by bus or by catching rides with friends headed in the same direction. That was the way it had always been with them.

Blair settled himself on the couch more comfortably. He'd finished with the last of Elaine's papers yesterday and was now free from his university duties until the start of the next semester in January. After working with Jim at the station this morning, he had taken the afternoon off to do his Christmas shopping. Actually, he had gone to pick up Jim's gift.

He opened the small box once more and ran a finger along the edge of the supple leather badge wallet, smiling in satisfaction.

After seeing the condition of Jim's badge and I.D. carrier, Blair had decided a new one would be the perfect Christmas gift. He had even managed to get his partner's initials impressed in one corner by a local leather worker.

The telephone rang, bringing Blair out of his thoughts.

"Hello."

"Blair? Hi Honey. How are you?" The connection was bad but it was Naomi at last.

"Hi, Mom," he grinned into the mouthpiece. "I've been waiting for you to call."

"Oh, baby. I'm sorry it took me so long. We went up to the old Freedom Camp. Do you remember the summer we spend there? Anyway, we got snowed in for a few days and couldn't get back." She was talking a mile a minute.

"That sounds cold, Mom. Are you okay?"

"Oh. Yes. I'm fine." A hint of suspicion crept into her voice. "Harry said you've been calling for several days. Is something up? Are you okay? Is Jim okay?"

Blair smiled at her barrage of questions. "Yes, Mom. I'm fine and so is Jim."

"You're sure?" Again, he could hear suspicion in her voice.

"Yes Mom, I'm sure. We're both fine. What I ca..."

"Well that's good." She was apparently not hearing him well through the constant static. "Because I have some exciting news." Blair's nearly inaudible sigh went unnoticed. "Jerry and Lisa have invited me to St. Thomas with them. Isn't that exciting?"

Blair felt a stab of apprehension. "Really? When?"

"We leave tomorrow. Lisa's sister was supposed to go, but at the last minute something came up with her ex-husband and she can't get away. The tickets and lodging were paid for and they couldn't get a refund, so Lisa and Jerry asked me to go. Isn't that wonderful?"

Blair swallowed his disappointment. "Yeah, Mom. That's great. I'm...I'm happy for you."

There was a short silence at the other end of the line, broken only by the interference. "Blair? Are you sure you're okay?"

"Yes, Mom. I'm sure. You have a good time and call me when you get back. Okay?"

"I will, honey. And you have a good Christmas. Tell Jim I said Merry Christmas and if your package hasn't arrived yet, it should by tomorrow. Take care and I love you."

"Love you..." He heard the line go dead. "...too."

Blair slowly hung up the phone. For long moments he remained silent, feeling the pangs of loneliness cutting sharp pathways into his heart. He hadn't realized how much he had been counting on Naomi's being with him for Christmas. So many things had changed and happened since her last visit, and he'd been looking forward to filling her in and sharing the details and memories with her. Now he just felt empty.

The packages and decorations only reminded him of her uncaring feelings. Blair knew that wasn't right. He knew Naomi loved him, but she had just never been the type of person to stay in one place for very long.

She still disliked his living in Jim's loft. To her that not only meant danger, but it also meant he'd been in the same place for more than three years and that translated into possessions and permanence, two words that were taboo in Naomi's vocabulary.

Blair knew she suspected more had happened to him than he had let her know about while he had been working with the police department, but apparently she had decided it was better if she didn't ask.

With the two of them things had always been very free and open. Naomi had never tried to stifle Blair in anything he had wanted to do. As a child if he had asked for something that might harm him or that was out of the realm of possibility for him, she had simply sat him down and explained the details. He had been a bright child and had usually understood her reasoning. As a result he had grown up very self-sufficient and had learned to look after himself at a very young age.

So where was this feeling of sadness coming from? It wasn't like this would be the first, second or even the third Christmas he and Naomi had been separated. They had spent more holidays apart than they had together. It surprised him how much he had been looking forward to seeing his mother this year. But why?

As he thought more about it, he realized that despite his and Jim's different reasons for being apart from their families, his partner had given him a sense of home and family over the past three years.

Even before Jim had begun reconnecting with his dad and brother, the tough cop had made Blair aware of how it felt to know someone cared whether or not he came home at night. Or worried about him if he didn't show up when scheduled. Or to look out for him when he was too exhausted to do so himself. If he got sick, Jim was there to make sure he took care of himself, and when he had been injured and couldn't do it himself, Jim had been there to do it for him.

Blair shivered as he remembered the times before meeting Jim. There had been one particular time, shortly before meeting Ellison, when he'd had the flu and without realizing what was happening, it had developed into pneumonia. Fortunately, one of the other TAs from the university had come by the warehouse where he had been living to retrieve a book Blair had borrowed and found him in time to call 911. Blair didn't remember much about the incident, except that he had been so cold and nothing he did seemed to warm him. He could have died in that warehouse and no one would have known for days or maybe even weeks.

Another shiver traveled down Blair's back. He'd had the freedom and the loneliness that went with it his entire life. Now, he didn't want it back to that extent.

Blair sighed and picked up the box containing Jim's gift. He knew he could join the Ellison family for Christmas, and if Jim knew Naomi wasn't going to be coming he wouldn't go unless Blair went with him. But Jim needed some time with his family. Blair believed what he had said to his partner about needing time alone to work out their problems without an audience.

He carried the decorated box to the small Christmas tree sitting beside the balcony windows. Touching its branches just enough to stir up the fresh pine fragrance, Blair put the box beneath it. He'd have to let Jim believe he was picking Naomi up from the airport after he left to be with his family, and he'd probably be angry when Blair showed up alone Christmas afternoon, but by then it would be too late and Jim would get over it. Blair cringed a little at that thought. It might take Jim a year, but he would get over it.

With a final sigh, he turned away from the decorative tree and headed for the kitchen to start supper.

* * * * * * * *

Jim stomped the remnants of snow from his feet as he waited for the door to his father's house to open. It felt strange to be waiting for admittance like a guest into the house where he had grown up, but this hadn't been home for a long time. Long before he had left to join the army it had not felt like a home, and he hadn't been back since that time. That is not until last spring when he'd had to return during a murder investigation.

These days when he used the word home, it meant the loft. He smiled to himself. Even the term "family" meant something different now.

As a child, Jim had seen the structured family lifestyles his friends had been a part of, and he had envied them. Before he had realized it, he had found a family in Sandburg.

The young anthropologist had turned out to be the younger brother Steven hadn't been since they had been children. It was the closeness and type of relationship he had longed for after he and his brother had grown apart.

His thoughts were cut short as the door opened. He could see his father's hand trembling as he tentatively stepped back and beckoned Jim to enter. It was obvious the situation was hard on the older man and that he wasn't entirely certain how he should act or what to expect from his oldest son.

"Come in, son. It's cold out," he finally said before looking behind Jim, then to the driveway where Jim had left his truck parked. "Where's Blair?"

"He won't be coming tonight," Jim told him, stepping inside and placing the packages he carried on the entryway table before removing his coat. "His mother's arriving at the airport later and they'll come by tomorrow afternoon."

William Ellison took the jacket Jim shed and hung it in a coat closet beside the door. "They're not coming tonight?"

Jim was a little surprised at the tone of disappointment he heard in his father's voice. "No. I think Blair wanted to give us some time together," he said softly, "plus I think he wanted some time with Naomi. They don't get to see each other very often."

William nodded toward the living room where a huge tree stood in one corner. A fire blazed in the fireplace, warming the room with its heat. "You can put those under the tree if you like," he offered.

He watched for a moment as Jim placed the gifts among those already present. "He knows he's welcome here, doesn't he Jimmy?" Again Jim heard a slight note of disappointment in his father's voice.

"I told him what you said, Dad." He paused a moment, thinking over the arguments he had used trying to get Blair to change his mind and accompany him overnight to his father's house. "I think he's wanting to give us some time together, 'without an audience', as he said."

Jim's father nodded reluctantly, "Just as long as he knows, he'll always be welcome here."

Jim smiled at his father's acceptance of his unorthodox partner. After the case last spring had been solved and Jim had discovered his father had known about his senses from the time he was a young boy, he'd made sure his father knew about Blair's part in his life, emphasizing that Sandburg had been the one saving factor that had kept him from insanity. His father had listened and after questions had understood. Jim had nearly choked. Not only had his father listened and believed but he had gone out of his way to keep in contact with Blair about Jim's senses. In fact, his father had spoken more with his partner since that time than he had with Jim. The thought dawned on Jim that perhaps it was because of this that Blair had understood his father's apprehension to call with the invitation for Christmas and why Blair had insisted the Ellison men spend the time together.

Jim smiled again as he realized his scamp of a partner had succeeded in manipulating him again. He could let himself be angry, but it was a good feeling to know Sandburg was watching out for him. He'd let Blair get away with it this time, but tomorrow when he and Naomi arrived, Jim intended to make sure he took his partner aside and let him know he knew what he was doing.

Steven entered carrying a tray full of mugs of steaming spiced cider. The warmth and the memories the smell evoked in Jim reminded him of his partner. For the past two Christmases, the pleasant aroma had filled the loft as Sandburg had kept a steady supply of the drink ready for consumption at a moment's notice.

* * * * * * * *

"Merry Christmas, Jim."

Jim smiled at his younger brother. He and Steven had almost an entire year's head start on their father at reconciliation and they had been making up for a lot of lost time, again thanks to Sandburg.

When Jim had first revealed the existence of a brother to Blair, the anthropologist had gone through a kind of shock. For over a year he had lived with Jim, sharing his work and his everyday activities, and never once had Jim given him any indication of Steven's existence. Jim remembered the first few weeks after that little revelation. Blair had been quiet and withdrawn, totally opposite of his normal self. At first Jim had worried that he'd been working himself into exhaustion and as a results was coming down with the flu, until a cryptic remark by Sandburg had led him to an understanding of the problem. Blair had been unsure of his position in Jim's life now that his brother had made a reappearance. It had taken a lot of discussion, but Jim had finally been able to convince his friend that there was no way for anyone to take his place in Jim's life. Jim had been tempted to use the same line about friendship Blair had used after they had returned from Peru earlier that year, but now it was even more than friendship. Whether it was because of their sentinel/guide connection or simply because Sandburg had filled the void Steven's absence had created, Jim knew his feelings for his friend could never be replaced.

After that, Blair had gained more confidence in his position with Jim and he had made it a point to include Steven in many of their activities. He had never pushed, only quietly asked on various occasions if Jim would like to ask Steven to join them. Once again Jim could see, where he'd been blind before. Despite any insecurities Blair might still have running around in his mind, he'd made certain Jim and Steven were given the opportunities to become close.

"Merry Christmas, Steven. How's business?"

Steven gave him a sly grin. "Are you sure you want to go there?" he laughed.

Jim held up a hand in surrender, laughing. "You're right. Forget I asked."

"I thought you'd see it that way." The younger blond-haired man looked around the room. "Where's Blair? I thought he was coming with you."

Jim started to launch into his speech again, only to be interrupted by the ringing of the cell phone at his side. As he reached for it, he cursed the new, smaller design that enabled him to carry the thing clipped to his belt. He'd intended to take the thing off and leave it at home, but had forgotten. Now he'd probably be called out on a case.

He excused himself to his father and brother.

"Ellison."

"Jim?"

Jim felt his heard skip a beat. It was Naomi and she sounded upset. It took all of his restraint to keep his voice calm. "Naomi? Is something wrong?"

She hesitated, sounding nervous. "No. Nothing's wrong. I was just feeling a little guilty, knowing how much Blair likes the warmth over the cold in Cascade and thought I'd call and talk to him. I couldn't reach him at the loft. Is he with you?"

Jim felt his world slide sideways. Blair should have been at the airport by now. "No. He's not. He left an hour ago to pick you up."

"Pick me up?"

"Yeah. He said your plane was landing at 5:30."

Jim looked at his watch to double check the time as his mind raced to the next action he needed to take to locate his missing partner. He'd start with checking the loft, then follow the route Sandburg would have taken to the airport. If he didn't find him broken down in the Volvo along the way, he'd contact dispatch, then the hospitals....

Naomi's voice brought him back from the fear he could feel growing.

"What?"

"I said, I'm not at the airport."

Jim felt confusion smothering him. "Then where are you?"

"In St. Thomas. Didn't Blair tell you?"

Jim's fear rapidly turned to anger as what Blair had done became clear. "No. He didn't."

"I don't understand, Jim."

Jim snorted before he could stop himself. "Join the club." He took a moment to control his anger. Naomi was over three thousand miles away, there was no reason to make her worry any further. "What are you doing in St. Thomas?" he asked, changing the subject.

"Some old friends of mine had a last minute cancellation in their group and invited me along on their annual holiday. I called to let him know three days ago." She turned quiet and seemed to finally understand that something wasn't right. "Jim? If he's not with you, where is he?"

He exhaled heavily. "I'm not certain, Naomi, but I'll find him and have him call you."

"Are you sure he's okay?"

"I'm sure Naomi. Don't worry."

"Okay." She still sounded slightly unsure. "I'll be waiting."

She gave the number of the hotel where she was staying and elicited a promise from Jim to have Blair call as soon as possible.

For long moments after he ended the call, Jim remained silent, undecided on which emotion should rule his actions. For the past week, he'd been getting cryptic answers from Sandburg on his mother's arrival. Jim had chalked it up to Blair's desire for Jim to concentrate his attention on the upcoming Ellison family Christmas. He shook his head, feeling anger beginning to win the battle. Several days ago he'd asked Blair if he'd been able to reach his mother. He'd noticed a subdued tone to his partner but had let it slide, thinking it was due to exhaustion and the heavy schedule Blair had been maintaining during finals.

"Did you reach Naomi?" he'd asked.

Blair had shrugged his shoulders. "Yeah. She called this afternoon."

"Well? What did she say when you told her about the tickets?"

Sandburg had been very mysterious with his answer. "She was happy to hear my voice, said she loved me and she was looking forward to seeing me."

Jim recognized the careful wording as he thought back on it now.

And then tonight before leaving the loft he'd asked Blair what time Naomi would be arriving.

"Her plane lands at 5:30."

But he'd never mentioned if she would be on the plane. Obviously she wasn't. Jim felt the anger course through him once more. Blair had wanted to give the Ellison family time to work out their problems before having a house full of people arriving to interrupt them. It looked as if he was determined to make sure they received that time, even to the extent of lying and being alone at Christmas.

Should he be angry at Sandburg's obvious deception? Or grateful to his friend for the sacrifice he was willing to make for Jim's benefit?

"Jimmy? Is something wrong?" It was his father.

Slowly, Jim turned to face him. "Dad? Did you mean it when you said Blair was welcome here any time?"

Without hesitation William answered him. "Absolutely. He's important to you Jimmy. That makes him important to me. Besides, he's helped me to understand a lot of things I'd been blind to for years."

"Dad's right, Jim. Blair's helped me too. I...I don't know if you and I could have made the progress we have if he hadn't opened my eyes on a few things."

Jim felt an immense amount of pride in his partner. Pride that was quickly overcoming his anger.

"What's this all about, Jimmy? Has something happened to Blair?"

Jim grinned, feeling relief and a growing admiration for his family. "No. Not yet. But I may arrange something," he finished with a half grin.

Quickly, he explained the phone call and Blair's most recent obfuscation. When he'd finished his father was the first to speak.

"You've got to go get him."

Jim shook his head in doubt. "I don't know, Dad. Once Sandburg gets something into that head of his, it's hard to change his mind."

Without a word, William Ellison turned and started for the kitchen.

"Dad?" Jim stared at the doorway where his father had just disappeared, then quickly sent a questioning look to his brother.

Steven shrugged his shoulders that clearly said, 'Your guess is as good as mine'.

Within a minute the elder Ellison reappeared, coat and hat in hand. "I told Sally we'd be back within the hour and to expect one more for supper."

Jim felt a warmth spread through him and sent his father a thankful look as the two of them headed for the door. "Thanks, Dad."

* * * * * * * * *

Jim turned the corner on to University Boulevard. Naomi had said Blair didn't answer the phone at the loft so Jim could think of only one other place he would go on Christmas Eve: his office. Even though the university was closed for the winter break, Jim knew his partner well enough that he would take the opportunity to prepare for the upcoming classes.

As he pulled into the parking lot, he was gratified to see the Volvo parked under the streetlight nearest the entrance to Hargrove Hall.

He parked next to the small car and climbed out of his truck. "I'll be right back Dad," he said, not waiting for a response from the other man.

Jim made his way quickly to the anthropologist's office. Without conscious thought he let his hearing scan ahead of him, hearing Christmas music playing softly over a radio and the ever-present scratch of pen on paper. He smiled. That seemed to be a constant with Sandburg: no matter where he was working, he was constantly writing. Jim reached the partially opened door and knocked.

"Sandburg?" he called quietly, seeing the younger man jump at the unexpected interruption.

"Jim?" As soon as the fear left his face, it was replaced by guilt. Blair knew he'd been caught. "What're you doing here?" he asked, standing to face Jim.

"I could ask you the same question, Chief. I thought you were picking Naomi up at the airport."

Blair shifted uncomfortably in his chair. "Ahmm...Well....you see, there was a change of plans."

Jim nodded, waiting to see what creative explanation the kid would come up with now. Jim used the term 'kid' because that was exactly what Sandburg reminded him of at the moment. A kid with his hand caught in the cookie jar.

"I'm waiting," he said calmly, holding in the laughter that threatened to escape.

"Well. You see...Naomi kind of had other plans and...I didn't want to be in the way or mess up your plans. I mean, after all the arrangements with your family, I couldn't very well just barge in at the last minute. Besides, you needed some time with them, and I thought I could get some work done on my classes for next semester and then I'd be free to spend more time with you at the station during break."

Jim waited for a few heartbeats as Blair took a breath from his rapid speech. "Are you done?"

Blair gave a soft sigh of ridicule at himself and shook his head as he realized he'd been babbling. "Yeah," he said. "I'm done."

Jim crossed the distance between them and placed both hands on his partner's shoulders. Taking a deep breath he began. "You are never in the way. No matter what I or anyone else may say at the time. You. Are. Never. In the way." He paused and took another breath, hoping he was saying this right. "Sandburg. Blair," he corrected. "We've been working together for almost three years and in that time, you've been there for me every time I needed you. Whether I realized I needed you at the time or not, you were there. I know I've pushed you away sometimes." Jim shrugged his shoulders. "It's been a very long time since I had anyone who cared that much about me to fight their way through my defenses and stick around. I don't blame them. I'm not an easy person to get along with. I know that. But, buddy, let me tell you one thing, and if you never remember anything else, always remember this: I want you with me. Not just when it's convenient or when I need you, but always. Not only have you kept me from insanity dealing with my senses, but you've shown me what it truly means to be a brother and a friend."

"But, Jim..."

"No buts. You said I needed to be with my family on Christmas, and you were right." He paused and ducked his head slightly to make sure Blair was looking at him. "All my family."

"He's right, Blair," a soft voice came from the doorway.

Both Jim and Blair were startled by the unexpected entrance of William Ellison. "We all want you there. You're a part of our family."

Jim felt Blair stiffen a moment before the tension in his shoulders drained away. The younger man's eyes looked quickly to William before flicking back to Jim.

Ellison could see the barely retrained emotion in his partner's eyes.

"Thanks, Jim. Mr. Ellison. That means a lot to me."

William Ellison proceeded into the room to clap Blair on the back. "Now," he said with a grin. "Let's go home. Sally probably has dinner ready and I'm starved."

Each with an arm, each around Blair's shoulders, Jim and his father guided the young man out the door and to the truck.

For the first time in more than twenty years, Jim reflected, he was looking forward to Christmas Day.

The End