James was heading out of their morning skate when his phone rang. He grabbed his phone from his pocket and saw a picture of Ali on the screen. “Hey!”

“Okay, be honest” she said. “Real…..or fake?”

James laughed. “Babe, I told you, your boobs are perfect---“

“Ugggh, no!” She laughed. “Think again.”

He was trying, but he couldn’t for the life of him think of anything other than boobs. “I don’t know, I’m stumped. Help me out?”

“Trees, James.”

“That’s not much help.”

“Christmas trees!”

"Ohhhhh." James stopped walking and slapped his palm against his forehead. “Yeah, I was way off.” He heard Ali giggle again. “So are you getting one right now?”

“I was thinking about it!”

He continued towards his car, thinking it over. How did he not remember that it was the first week of December and Christmas was around the corner?

“Do you have a preference? I’ll go grab it after I leave work.”

“No, no preference. Get whatever will make you happy.” He hit the button on his car keys, and two beeps echoed through the parking garage.

“Okay, I think I know which to get. I had an idea all along."

“As soon as you said it, I knew you probably did.” James got in his car and closed the door. “I gotta drive now; when will you be home?”

“My shift ends at 2…But don’t expect me home right away.”

James’ face fell. “Don’t stay gone all day. I need my fix.”

“I won’t. And! When I come home, I’ll have surprises. Talk later?”

“Can’t wait. Have fun picking out whatever those surprises are.”

“Bye baby!”

Ali hung up and James leaned his head back against the headrest of his seat. Three weeks until Christmas and it somehow went right over his head. He knew his game schedule, and he supposed the schedule is what made him forget all about the holiday.

He took a second and brought up the calendar on his phone. It was separated into Ali’s work schedule, and his game schedule. Sure enough, there it was: Dec 23rd, an away game in Phoenix.

James sighed. All of a sudden, he felt behind.

And this was the holiday I wanted to just blow Ali away.

His mind kept running as he started his car and left the parking garage. His thoughts followed him all the way home as well, but by the time he got there, he had a plan.


* * *


Ali hung up and turned to John. “He doesn’t care! I love this!!”

John clapped excitedly. “So which are you going to get?”

She thought a minute, tapping her nails on the counter. “I was leaning towards fake…but a good fake one. Then we won’t have to worry about this question again in the future.” Ali watched as John’s sassy smile appeared on his face.

“In the future, huh?” he said.

“Damn right.” For the first time, Ali felt confident in saying so…and it felt good. “So the minute we’re done here, I’m out. Not to be rude or anything, Johnny.”

“Of course not! I know how first Christmases go.”

As he said this, a guest approached the counter and John assisted them. Ali stood thinking about what she would need to get, and where. She wanted to surprise James big time with the whole tree and trimmings, so he wouldn’t have to worry about any of it. In a strange way, she was feeling kind of domestic again. James’ house was beyond boring when she first moved in; slowly but surely though, they were collecting things together that was making it a home, not just a place James crashed when he wasn’t on the road. This would be their first Christmas together as a couple, so Ali wanted to do it right, and really make the house homey for him.

The last two hours of Ali’s shift flew by, and she was out of her uniform and into jeans, boots, and a green tunic sweater, ready to shop. She considered maybe James should be part of it – but he’d just tell her the same thing he already told her: “get whatever makes you happy.”

Already have it, baby…already have it, she thought with a smile.

Since she didn’t want to screw around with inexpensive trees, she went straight to a popular home decorator store. The entire store was decorated in everything holiday: bright lights, colored wreaths, table décor, tree trimmings…everything. It was a bit much at first, with all the colors and all the items for sale, but Ali knew the tree she wanted the minute she saw it. It was in a long line of trees for sale, most of them decorated already, but the one she liked wasn’t. It was tall, kind of skinny, a mimicked a blue spruce in color.

“Can I help you?”

Ali smiled at the friendly-looking sales associate. “Yes! How much is this one?” She fingered one of the sprigs of needles. Even feels real.

“That is our most popular tree” she said, watching Ali. “It’s $350, which could be a little pricey for some, however it is a regal tree.”

That’s what I figured I might spend. Ali considered the tree a little more. “Are these permanent lights?”

“Yes, and it comes apart in three pieces; the minute you click them all together – the lights come on. Super, super easy. That’s the chief reason why it’s been our most popular.” The woman smiled. “Do you have a room in mind? This one is a bit taller than the others.”

Ali laughed. “Oh, that’s fine. I have a six foot two giant at home.” She took a walk around the tree one more time. It was pretty tall, but it looked awesome. It felt real. She loved it.

“Box it up” Ali said. “It’s coming home with me.”

“I can definitely do that!” the woman said. “I’ll be right back, but I’ll meet you up at the register, okay?”

“Sounds good.” Ali was pleased. She looked at the tree and almost laughed again when she thought of needing James to put ornaments some of the higher portions of the tree. This made her dig out her phone from her purse and send him a text.

First part done! Second part now in progress. See you in less than an hour.

She felt a response vibrate in her purse as she paid for the tree, but was too busy directing the staff to where her SUV was. She folded the seats down, allowing them to stuff the box inside. She happily thanked them, then planned out her next route to get the ornaments. This part would be easy.

Before she pulled out of the parking lot, she checked his text:

I think I can make it that long. Not sure though. Better hurry. ;-)

A winky face? Ali giggled and put her phone back in her purse. She’d harass him for that later. She drove over to her next stop; it was another décor place that was huge that had rows and rows of Christmas ornaments. When she walked down the aisles, she honestly didn’t know where to start. Did they want a theme? Did they want to go multi colored? The lights on the tree were white, so that helped her a little.

Ali dug out her phone.

Another question – multicolored? Or a theme of colors? Black and yellow?

J: Blue and silver. Or pink and yellow. Maybe purple and orange. Do they have silver and gold?

“Ugh, damn him” she said aloud.

Just answer me, babe! This is important!

J: I know, but you know me. Whatever you want. I do like blue and silver, though.

Ali was thrilled at just getting that much out of him. She hurried down the aisle of boxed ornaments and grabbed a few that contained various shades of blue, then grabbed a few boxes of silver. She also threw in some funky-designed, multi-colored ornaments just for fun. All in all, she had ten boxes of ornaments, which she thought should do it for now.

Ali was so excited on the drive home, she almost couldn’t handle it. She was wondering what James’ expression would be when he saw what she picked out. She knew he’d love it all, but it was their first Christmas together…the thought of cold feet was always in the back of her mind.

He’s not like the others were, Allison. He won’t bolt on you now.

She knew that; she felt that. But her last relationship had ended near Christmas. The reason? Too many holidays together, which meant too much commitment, which led her ex to say goodbye two days before Christmas. He’d told her he wasn’t ready for that sort of commitment, he was still ‘young’, but didn’t feel it.

Erase it all. Get rid of it.

Ali shook her head, pushing her worries away. He sucked and you know it. James is different.

Yes, he very much was. Ali wasn’t even in the driveway for three seconds before James came out of the house to greet her. She noticed he was wearing her slippers as she scooted down their snowy sidewalk.

“How’d it go?” he asked, hugging her.

“Amazing! Wait ‘til you see what I got us” Ali said. One thing she loved about James was how huggy of a guy he was. She was treated to his arms more than any girl should be, and she loved it. “I got everything we need….I think. Want to help me with the tree?”

“I got it; just grab the front door for me.”

James went around the back of Ali’s car and grabbed the tree box with little effort. Ali hurried up the sidewalk to the door, and James brought the box in and went straight to the living room. Back out at the car, Ali grabbed the bags full of ornaments and came back inside. As she closed the door with her foot, she heard the box already being opened in the living room.

“Jeeze, wait for me!” She took her boots and coat off, then went to join him. He was sitting on the living room floor, cracking open the giant cardboard box that contained the tree.

When he saw the tree inside, he actually gasped. “No shit, babe - this tree is huge.” He looked at her excitedly. “NICE choice.”

Ali sat down next to him. “Look – only three pieces, and all the lights are already attached.” She held up the top piece of the tree for him. “What do you think?”

“I think I didn’t even know this kind of thing existed” he said with a laugh. “What’s in the bags?” He was already reaching for one.

“Ornaments upon ornaments upon ornaments.”

James lifted one of the boxed sets out of the bag. “Blue?”

“And silver.” Ali lifted another box out of the bag nearest to her. “Oh, and a bunch of other colors, but primarily blue and silver.” She hoped he liked it all. Judging by the look on his face, she was convinced he did.

“Well….I am impressed.” James looked around at the mess of boxes and bags on their floor. “Really impressed. When do we set it up?”

“When do you want?”

“Now.”

Ali laughed. “Really?”

“Damn right! Why not?” James got on his hands and knees and leaned over a few of the bags between him and Ali. “A kiss first. I need my fix.”

Ali wasted no time giving it to him. She leaned into the kiss, opening her mouth for just a touch of his tongue. His lips were so soft on hers, and she loved the feel of his scruff against her skin.

“Mmm….keep this up, and the tree may have to wait” Ali said, parting from him.

“I know.” James gave her one last peck, then stood up. “Can’t waste time, though.” He clapped his hands once, and looked around. “Game face, Als. We got a tree to trim. Where do we start?”

Ali stood. “Um….how about music?”

“Music!” James laughed. “What, like Christmas music?”

“Yes! Hang on…” Ali trotted out of the room and went upstairs. When she came back, she was holding her iPod. “I have some. Prepare to have your mind blown.”

She fitted the iPod up to the sound system in their living room. James waited, arms crossed over his chest, a smile on his face. “This is great music, babe.”

“Hush! I’m almost there.” Ali scrolled down through all the playlists she had, landing on the Christmas one. She clicked on ‘shuffle’, and then stood.

James had to laugh. Ali’s face gradually got more and more excited as the first few notes of White Christmas by the Drifters was heard on their surround sound.

“Yes?” She started to dance towards him. “You feeling it?”

“Oh, I’m feeling it.” He was biting his bottom lip. “You might be the coolest person ever, have I told you that?”

“Thank yoouuuu.”

“So now that that’s been settled…” James reached into the box and hauled out the bottom piece to the tree. “We decorate?”

Ali pulled out the pointed top part she had earlier. “We decorate!”


* * *


They sat together on their couch with all the lights off, save for the lights of their brand new, fully trimmed Christmas tree. James and Ali were quietly admiring their handiwork, pleased with the final product.

“Not bad, eh?”

“Not bad at all.” Ali glanced at James and smiled. Even with the two cuts on his face, he looked perfect. He was one big ball of comfort in his hoodie and sweats, the soft waves of his hair contained by the hat he wore backwards. Even the reflection of the white tree lights shone in his eyes.

“Thank God for your height, though” she added. “The lady at the store wasn’t lying.”

“I could’ve held you up and you could’ve put the ornaments on the top” he said, grinning. “You know….Rudolph-style.”

“You mean the kid’s tv show?”

“Who said anything about kids?” James looked offended. “I love that show.”

“Oh, me too!” Ali replied. “I just…I guess I wasn’t expecting you to bring it up.”

“Okay, so we’ve both seen it. Remember the Bumble?”

Ali put her hands in her face and laughed. “Oh my God, yes I do! But…”

“But what?” James was chuckling now. He took Ali’s hand in his. “I could’ve held you up like the little elf on the show.”

They laughed at the absurdity of it, and James pulled Ali down into a resting position on his lap. Immediately, she settled her head into a comfortable spot on him, both of them still facing the tree.

“Blue and silver was a good choice” she said. “Why did you pick them?”

James shrugged. “Reminds me of snow and ice, I guess.”

“Aww...ice…”

“Not just rink ice…Regular ice.” He ran his hand along her thigh. “You know, icicles and snow. Winter Wonderland type stuff.”

Ali shifted her eyes up and saw James’ timid smile. “I like that.”

“But your purple ornaments go great with it.”

She laughed. “Oh, gee thanks.”

“I mean it! Purple is our favorite color, right?”

“Right…so that’s why I thought it was a must!”

“Settle, seeetttllleee….” James ruffled her hair. “I’m only giving you shit because I get this kind of reaction.”

Ali sighed and glanced at the tree again. Despite how perfect it looked, something was missing. James’ hand on her thigh was distracting her, though. “Do you think the tree needs something else?”

“It doesn’t have a star.”

“OH MY GOD.” Ali sat up, her mouth open. “James!”

“Ali!”

“We forgot the damn star! How did we forget the star?” She looked at him, wondering why he wasn’t more surprised.

“Probably the same way we almost forgot the turkey at Thanksgiving” he replied, grinning coolly.

“Oh my God.” Ali laid back down on James, in disbelief that they almost, once again, forgot one of the main parts during their attempt at a holiday.

“We’re not going to do this every year, every holiday, are we?” James asked.

There it was. Again. He’s really in this. Ali’s happiness was written all over her face at that simple question. When she looked up, she brushed her hand across his short beard. “I think it’s just first year jitters with us when it comes to holidays.”

“I couldn’t agree more.”

Ali saw James’ eyes crease at the corners when he smiled this time; his unmistakable giveaway that he was happy inside.


* * *

After the guys finished their morning skate, they were heading directly to their plane for a quick, overnight trip down to Tampa Bay for their game that night. As soon as James was showered and dressed for the trip, he knocked on the door to Dan Bylsma’s office.

“Hey Neal, what’s up?” Dan waved him in.

James took a seat in one of the chairs that faced his coach’s desk. “Don’t want to take up a whole lot of time here before we head out, but I was looking at our Christmas schedule…”

Dan had been writing something, but now set his pen down and focused on him. “Pretty tight, I know.”

“Yeah…that’s why I’m here.” James had never asked his coach for anything, and certainly not anything pertaining to a girlfriend. If Dan laughed in his face, he wouldn’t blame him.

“You’re worried about being home for the holidays?”

“You took the words right out of my mouth, actually” James said with a soft chuckle.

Dan smiled. “Hate to tell you, Neal – but this kind of stuff is obvious on your face, considering how rare it is to see.”

James shrugged one shoulder and rolled his eyes, a little embarrassed. “Yeah, that’s probably another exercise I should work on, eh?”

“Don’t worry about it” Dan said with good humor. “So did you have plans to be in Whitby?”

“Uh, actually…” Here it comes. “I, uh…I had plans to stay in Pittsburgh.” He watched for some sign of emotion on his coach’s face, but there was none. “To be with Allison.”

“Ahhhhhh” Dan was grinning from ear to ear. “Was wondering if that might be it…Thought I’d be safer asking about Whitby.”

“What’s your over/under we’ll be back in time for Christmas Eve?” James asked him. “This is kind of an important one, since it’s our first…”

“I remember what that was like.” Dan nodded, a far off look in his eyes. James thought it was a good thing he was still smiling; he may have a shot yet. “I think, barring any weather problems, we’ll be back by late afternoon on the 24th.”

“And that’s really why I’m here” James said, sitting on the edge of his chair. “Is there any way I can leave after the game ends? I’ll pay all costs if I can fly separate from the team. But if you want me to stick with the team the whole way, you know me – I won’t waste another second asking.”

Dan looked down at his desk for a moment in contemplation. James waited patiently, but he was starting to wonder if maybe he should’ve just kept his mouth shut. It’s not like Ali wouldn’t understand, but dammit – he had a plan for her, and the later he got back, the less he’d be able to put it into action.

“Sure, I can allow that” Dan said, looking at him. “But tell me something, first.”

James nodded. “Ask anything.”

Dan folded his hands in front of him on the desk. His sharp gaze narrowed on James behind his glasses. “This isn’t another one of those girls you bring—“

“—Absolutely not.” Fuck, even he knows about my past. “Honestly. This is way, way different, Coach.”

Nodding, Dan sat back in his chair a little more relaxed now. “Well…if it’s…” he shook his head, holding back a laugh. “Sorry for the pun, but – if this is the real deal…”

James chuckled. “Yeah, yeah.”

“…Then I give you all the permission in the world. Pick whatever flight works for you, and we can work out the details later.”

“Wow, thank you for that, Coach. Really.” James stood and shook Dan’s hand, completely relieved and beyond grateful.

“You’re not proposing to her, are you?”

“Ha…not quite yet.”

“Thinking about it?”

“More like working on it.” James smiled at Dan. “Surprising, I know.”

“No shit. ‘Surprising’ might be an understatement” he said with a laugh. “But that’s great, Neal. I’m happy for you.”

“I appreciate it, Coach.” James headed for the door and gave him a wave. “Thanks again.”

“See ya on the plane.” Dan folded his arms over his chest, wondering to himself how he could coach a team every day, nine months of the year, and still not really know the guys on his team.


* * *