Chapter 11:

'Cut through the heart, cold and clear.

Strike for love and strike for fear.

There's beauty and there's danger here

Split the ice apart

Beware the frozen heart'

Jon hadn't seen or spoken to Allie in two days. She was ignoring his calls and texts and he hadn't been able to catch her at the office yet. He had stopped by when he arrived to work that morning, but she hadn't been in yet and then again at lunch, still with no luck.

Joe and Colby hadn't had any luck either in reaching her and he couldn't help but wonder if she viewed them guilty by association. He had been put through the wringer with them as they chastised him for not being honest with her, but now they were doing what they could to make sure she was alright.

Having some free time, he decided to pop down to her office and see if she was around. Knocking on the door, he heard an unfamiliar come in that caused a confused look to cross his face. Pushing the door open, he was met with an unfamiliar face sitting at Allie's desk and he had to take a second look at the door just to make sure he was in the right office.

Looking back at the rather pale, black haired woman sitting at the desk, he watched her raise her head and give him a questioning look. "Can I help you with something?"

Her heavy British accent sounded somewhat annoyed with his presence as walked towards the desk. "I was looking for Allie."

"Well she obviously isn't here," she snipped at him, before looking down.

Jon had started to feel annoyed with the woman and her snappy attitude. "And who are you?"

"I'm her new assistant," she answered rolling her eyes as she shuffled through papers. "Paige."

"Well, Paige," Jon snapped, feeling his irritation getting the better of him. "My name is Jon Good." That piece of information seemed to immediately get Paige's attention and she looked at him sheepishly for a minute.

"Mr. Good?" Paige asked in confirmation that she heard him correctly. When he nodded, she sighed and rubbed her forehead. "Sir, I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to bark at you. I'm just a little overwhelmed here. Today is my first day as Allie's assistant and they shipped her off to Paris last night and-"

"Allie's in Paris?" Jon asked disheartened. How was he suppose to get her back if she was across the ocean? "When will she be back?"

"Not until after the new year," Paige answered seeming apologetic that she had to deliver the bad news. The information about knocked Jon on his ass. She wouldn't be here for Christmas? Allie was gone? Allie hated him and she wasn't even here for him to try and work it out. "She left this for you."

Jon snapped out of his thoughts, focusing back on Paige who was now holding out a small wrapped box to him. He stepped forward and took it with a shaky hand. She had gotten him something for Christmas? Why would she do that if she hated him?

"She said not to misunderstand," Paige said softly, cutting into his thoughts again. "That this changes nothing."

Jon stared at her for moment, feeling like his heart was shattering all over again. Nodding slowly, he thanked Paige before turning and exiting the office. He walked slowly to his office. Never taking his eyes off the small package in his hand.

Once in his office, he sat at his desk and set the package in front of him. He clasped his hands together and rested them beneath his chin as he stared at the gift. He was terrified to open it.

Sighing deeply, he let his hands fall to the ribbon that was tied in a neat bow on top of the box. Gripping the ends, he slowly untied the ribbon, then slid it off the box. Pulling the lid off, he found a aged looking envelope, resting on top of tissue paper, with his name scrawled in Allie's elegant writing.

After setting the lid to the side, he carefully picked up the envelope and stared at his name for several minutes. With another heavy sigh, he flipped the envelope over and slid his finger along the seam to open it. Pulling out a piece of equally aged looking paper, Jon unfolded it to find Allie's pretty writing once again.

'"I have always thought of Christmastime, when it has come round...as a good time; a kind, forgiving, charitable, pleasant time; the only time I know of, in the long calendar of the year, when men and women seem by one consent to open their shut-up hearts freely, and to think of people below them as if they really were fellow-passengers to the grave, and not another race of creatures bound on other journeys."

Thank you for being the Scrooge to my Marley.

Merry Christmas, Jon!

Love,

Allie'

Jon swallowed harshly at the letter, fighting back tears that threatened to fall. He set the letter down carefully and pushed aside the tissue paper inside the box. He cleared his throat and sniffed back a tear as he trailed a gentle finger down the fragile binding of the vintage reprint of 'A Christmas Carol' by Charles Dickens.

The Scrooge to her Marley. He remembered the conversation they had shared after the play and it hadn't affected him quite as much then as it did now.

"You know," Allie chuckled, drawing Jon's attention as they walked towards his car. "You're kind of the Ebenezer Scrooge to my Jacob Marley.

Jon shot her a look before responding, "How do you figure?"

Allie chuckled again, almost teasingly. "Well, aside from the being partners and one of us being dead, I guess we're two lonely figures searching for redemption. One of us trying to help the other find theirs, while trying to achieve their own."

"What kind of redemption are you trying to achieve?" he asked in confusion, holding her hand tightly, not being able to fully disagree with her logic.

"That all of you are the same," she smiled at him. "I guess we all hold some kind of prejudice against each other and as much as you need to get over yours, I also need to get over mine. I'm starting to realize that maybe we're all just a little misunderstood. Except for Renee and Nemeth. They're just douche bags."

Jon wiped harshly at a tear, when the sound of knocking on his door pulled him from his thoughts. Taking a minute to collect himself, he put Allie's gift back together and straightened himself up.

"Come in," he called, just as the knocking sounded again. A moment later, Colby and Joe strolled into his office looking at him with concerned expressions. Jon cleared his throat and husked out harshly, "She's in Paris."

"We know," Joe spoke gently as they moved towards their friend. "We just came from her office and met her new assistant."

"Ray of fucking sunshine, that one," Colby huffed as he perched himself on the edge of Jon's desk and spying the gift sitting near him. His tone softening as he spoke again. "Is that from her?"

Jon could only nod as his eyes filled with tears again. He picked it up with a shaky hand and handed it to him to look at. Colby and Joe inspected it with wide eyes and heartbroken expressions, then turned back to Jon.

"Wow," Joe said, not knowing really what else to say, handing the box back to Jon.

"So what are you going to do?" Colby asked his heartbroken friend.

"I don't know," Jon answered, feeling completely lost, as his right hand gripped tightly at his hair. "I have no fucking clue."

A week later

Christmas Eve

"Steph, I know it sucks, but what choice do I have?" Allie groaned into the phone as she listened to her friend whine about the fact that she wouldn't be home for Christmas.

"Part of me feels like you did this to run away," Steph spoke sternly, making Allie roll her eyes. They had had this conversation several times over the last week. As much as it may have seemed like it, she hadn't elected to go to Paris.

Stephanie had called the day after the gala and had informed her of a potential client that needed swaying, but that she would have to do so in person. She'd had enough time to pack and explain the situation to Sami and Steph before having to jump on a plane to Paris.

"As coincidental as it may seem, it's the truth," Allie argued. "Don't you think that given the choice I would rather be home with you guys for Christmas? I'm not running or hiding."

"Have you at least called him?" Steph asked with a sigh.

"No and I have no intention of calling him," Allie responded, moving over to the balcony doors of her hotel room and pushing the curtains open. Paris at night was breathtaking and she couldn't believe she hadn't made the time to make the trip sooner. "I meant it when I said I never wanted to speak to him again."

"Don't you at least want to hear him out?" Steph's quizzical tone sounded through the phone.

"Why?" Allie asked defensively as she turned back into the room. "So I can hear more of his lies? No thank you."

Steph sighed heavily on the other end of the phone. "Is he still calling?"

Allie stopped and couldn't help the disheartened feeling that came over her. Jon had been calling or texting everyday, several times a day, since the gala. She hadn't answered or returned any calls, but she couldn't help the sad feeling that came over her when the calls had suddenly stopped yesterday. "No. They stopped yesterday."

"Well maybe he finally got it in his head that you aren't interested and he's letting you move on," Steph responded, thinking Allie was looking at it as good thing.

"Yea, maybe," Allie murmured as she picked up the room service menu. She still needed to eat dinner and she knew Sami and Steph still had most of the day ahead of them. "Go spend time with your boyfriend. I'll call you tomorrow."

"Ok," Steph answered. "We'll miss you."

"I'll miss you too," Allie gave a small smile. "Give my love to Sami."

"I will," Steph said, almost sadly. "Merry Christmas, Al."

"Merry Christmas," she answered, before disconnecting the call. Flopping down on the bed, Allie sighed sadly.

So maybe she hadn't been entirely truthful. Yes, she had been sent out here for work, but that work had ended two days ago. After she had signed on the new client and shared the good news with Stephanie, she just couldn't bring herself to go home.

She couldn't be around all the love. She would have obligations at home, when all she really wanted to do was crawl in bed and eat ice cream and watch Christmas movies until Christmas was over. She knew at home she couldn't do that, but here, on her unexpected last minute vacation, she could. She had sworn Stephanie to secrecy, telling her boss she just needed to get away.

So for the last two days she had gorged herself on French cuisine and delectable French desserts. She had watched everything from 'It's A Wonderful Life' to 'A Flintstone's Christmas Carol' and back again. She had done everything within her power to forget about Jon. Temporarily anyway. Until her phone started ringing again. Then she was thrown back into reality and found herself melting into tears from the heartbreak.

She had realized in her time away that in the short time the two had been friends, the man had captured her heart. And for that she felt extremely foolish. How could she have been so blind and put her guard down? She had let him in and he had crushed her. How could she possibly forgive that?

She sniffed back the tears that threatened to fall and quickly reached for the phone on the table next to her. After calling and placing her room service order, she stood up and moved to the bathroom to take a quick shower.

Once she exited the bathroom, now relaxed and in a pair of baggy black sweatpants and a black hoodie, she walked to the door and unlocked it so room service could get in when they arrived. Deciding to take in some of the Parisian night air, she poured herself a glass of wine and stepped out onto the balcony connecting to her room.

She stood at the rail, sipping her wine and taking in the sights, sounds and smells of Paris at Christmas. She watched as pedestrians walked up and down the snow covered street, carrying large bags and calling seasonal greetings to each other. She wished desperately that the spirit of the season was with as it usually was and could walk amongst them, sharing their joy.

Christmas had always been a time of surprise and beauty for Allie, but now she was having trouble stomaching the joy she watched come from others. How one man was able to completely change her outlook on something, she couldn't understand.

Would Christmas always be this way now?

She hoped not.

Hearing movement inside her room, she turned to walk in to tell room service to just leave it by the tv. Deciding to find another movie to watch. Maybe a French film this time.

"Vous pouvez régler par le-" Allie froze as she walked into her room. "Wh-what are you doing here?"

Allie watched as the man in front of her pushed her room service cart over towards the tv, then turned to face her. He stood quietly for a moment while he stood his rollaway and backpack against the wall nearest him, his eyes never leaving hers. He looked just as physically and emotionally exhausted as she felt, which made a wave of different emotions flood her.

"Merry Christmas," his gruff voice rumbled softly.

Allie stood motionless as Jon moved further towards her. Only when he was within arms reach did she snap out of her stupor and took a step back, making him stop.

"What are you doing here, Jon?" she breathed.

"I came to talk to you," he answered simply, as if he had just told her it was snowing out.

"You flew four thousand miles to talk to me?" Allie looked at him in disbelief.

"Well you weren't answering your phone," Jon shrugged, removing him scarf and hat, tossing them on the nearest chair, before removing his gloves and coat.

"I didn't answer because I thought I'd made it rather clear that I never want to see or speak to you again," Allie huffed in annoyance as she watched him set his things down.

"Look, I'm sorry I wasn't honest with you," he sighed as he looked into her angry eyes. "I'm sorry I didn't tell you about the bet. It was stupid and I regret ever getting involved in it.

"It doesn't matter now, Jon," Allie answered with a shrug of her own. "It's done. Strike three. You're out."

"I know and I'm sorry," Jon's voice had become more pleading, "but I'd really like a chance at another at bat if you can find it in you."

"We've done this Jon," Allie argued, turning from him and walking towards the balcony doors. "Obviously we weren't meant to be friends."

"Maybe not," Jon agreed. Even in her anger, Allie felt her heart plummet even more in disappointment. "Maybe that's because we were meant to be more."

"Why can't you just leave this alone? Leave me alone?" Allie lashed out, turning back towards him. Not fully hearing what Jon had just said. "You won the bet. Shouldn't you be reaping the rewards? What did you win anyway?"

"It doesn't matter Allie, because I lost," Jon answered looking at her sadly.

"How did you lose?" Allie asked perplexed at the response.

"Because you were suppose to fall for me," he said, walking slowly towards her as if approaching a scared animal, "but I wasn't suppose to fall for you."

"What are you saying?" Her confusion deepened as he got closer.

"It was all real, Allie," Jon said finally reaching her again. "From the moment I left the rose taped to your door to this very minute, it has all been real. I wasn't playing you." He took a deep breath before continuing. "I was falling for you."

"Jon-" Allie began, shaking her head.

"You have no idea what you've done for me," Jon cut her off, taking her hands in his, which she allowed. "How you've changed me. I like who I am when I'm with you and there is no one else in the world that could have changed me the way you have. You've opened my eyes and showed me that the prettiest girl on the outside can have the ugliest soul and the nerdiest bookworm can be the most beautiful woman in the world."

"Jon, how am I suppose to trust you?" Allie asked in harsh whisper, but left her hands in his. "I can't have someone I can't trust in my life. I don't need it and I can't handle the idea of setting myself up again."

Jon swallowed, wishing she would at least look at him. She kept her eyes locked on their joined hands and as good as it felt to have a grasp on her, he knew if he let go he may never get this chance again. He had to take the opportunity to convince her while she allowed him.

Allie was struggling to breathe. She wanted so badly to believe him, but how could she after everything they'd been through? The start to their attempted friendship had all been a lie and he hadn't been honest with her when he should have been. And now, he was telling her that he shared her suppressed feelings.

"You may not need me, but damn it Allie, I need you," Jon finally spoke up, arguing gently. "I need to be in your life and I desperately need you to be in mine. Why else would I sit on a plane for 18 hours just to get to you? I flew to Paris for one reason and that was to be with you on Christmas. Would I do that if you were just some bet to me?"

Allie finally looked up at him, but her she looked so lost. Like she was battling internally with herself. She wanted to believe him, but she wasn't allowing herself to.

"No you stubborn ass woman," he groaned, moving his hands up to her upper arms and pulling her closer. "I'm here because you are the Marley to my Scrooge. I'm here because there is no where else in the world I'm suppose to be, but here with you."

Allie felt the tears fill her eyes and she swallowed harshly, trying so hard not to cry. "Jon, I want to believe you," she sniffles out, "but I just-"

"Good Spirit," Jon pleaded as he fell to his knees in front of her. His last resort. She felt her heart skip a beat as he recited a quote from 'A Christmas Carol'. "Your nature intercedes for me, and pities me. Assure me that I yet may change these shadows you have shown me, by an altered life!"

Allie felt tears stream down her. "And what shadows are those?" She whispered out.

"A life without you in it."

Allie felt her body begin to heave in sobs as she threw herself into Jon's arms. She could no longer fight what this man made her feel. She was immediately wrapped tightly in his arms and lifted off her feet as he stood up.

Jon felt a wave of relief pass over him to have Allie in his arms. She felt perfect there. As her body shook against his, he couldn't help but feel thankful that she had forgiven him. He still felt as though he didn't deserve it, but he wouldn't have given up on finally achieving this even if it had meant following her around the world. He was where he belonged. With her.

After several minutes, Jon set her back down and wiped the tears from her cheeks. Feeling his heart flutter when she smiled up at him.

"Come on. Let's get some food in you," he said, leading her over to the cart. She noticed then that there was more food than she had ordered sitting there. She gave Jon a curious look making him smile. "I got enough for both of us in the hopes my groveling would pay off."

Allie couldn't help the giggle that escaped her as she leaned into his side, tucked tightly by his left arm. "What did you get us?"

Jon smirked as he lifted the silver dome off the dish, causing Allie to giggle again when she saw what it was. "Coq Au Vin," he drawled in impressive French.

"You've been practicing," Allie beamed at him.

"I had four thousand miles to get my Rosetta Stone on," Jon chuckled. Allie laughed as she stepped forward to examine what else was on the cart.

A bunch of oval evergreen leaves with clusters of white berries caught her eye and she leaned forward to pick it up, drawing Jon's attention. He smiled when she straightened back up and examined the plant with a smile of her own.

"It might be cheesy," he said nervously as she looked up at him," but I was hoping maybe you'd be one for tradition."

She blushed slightly, but couldn't help the chuckle that escaped as she glanced between Jon and the mistletoe. Her heart began to beat rapidly as she slowly raised it in the air and above her head, making Jon breath catch. "I've always kind of liked cheesy traditions."

Licking his lips nervously, Jon leaned forward slowly. His eyes flicked between Allie's lips and her eyes, watching for any hesitation or reluctance. Seeing none, he gently pressed his lips against hers.

They both moaned, deepening the kiss as they felt the electric charge between them. Jon wrapped his arms tightly around as she pressed herself against him and snaked her arms around his neck. The kiss intensified for several minutes before they both began to struggle for air.

Pulling back, Allie cupped his face with her hands and rested her forehead against his. She panted and sighed heavily, her eyes closing as she tried to calm herself down.

She sighed softly this time, before whispering to him, "Please tell me this is real. That you're really here."

Jon began to rain soft kisses all over her face, lips and neck. "I'm really here," he said between kisses. "And I'm not going anywhere."

Allie reconnected their lips with a moan of relief at his words. She couldn't fight her need for him anymore and if this was a mistake, she'd worry about the consequences later. Jon was here and as much as she had battled with herself to keep him at a distance, she just couldn't any longer.

Pulling back again, but keeping her eyes closed and her lips stayed close enough to his to brush against them as she spoke. "I want you, Jon. I want everything with you."

Allie felt Jon's breath stutter against her lips before he moaned and pushed his lips more demandingly against hers. Her lips parted allowing his tongue to slide into her mouth and massage hers with eagerness. He stooped down, not breaking the kiss and lifted her into his arms.

The movement caused a squeak of surprise from Allie, but after a moment she wrapped her legs snuggly around his waist. She felt Jon moving beneath her as he carried her across the room to the bed and laid her down gently on top of it.

Crawling up over top of her, Jon began peppering his lips across any visible skin, but soon realized there just wasn't enough available to him. His hands reached down to the hem of her hoodie and looked up into Allie's eyes, silently asking for permission.

Nodding shyly, Allie sat up slightly to allow Jon to remove her hoodie. When she laid back, Jon was quick to remove her sweatpants encouraging her to lift her hips so he could slide them down her legs. Jon kept his eyes on her as he tossed them to the side with her hoodie, taking in her beautiful body in her green bra and panties.

Allie felt her face heat up as he ran his eyes up and down her. After a few moments, she sat up on her knees making him sit back on his haunches. Her lips found his again as she slowly began to undress him and before long he was left in only his black boxers.

Their eyes took in each other's nearly naked forms before Jon latched his lips back onto hers, forcing her back gently onto the bed. Her back arched up into him and she hissed against his lips as her warm body touched the cool mattress. Jon groaned as her body moved against his in her attempt to adjust to tempter shock on her body.

Allie parted her legs allowing him to slide in between them and press even further into her. She could feel the heat from his hardness rubbing against her core and the sensation made them both moan. Separating his lips from Allie's, Jon ran his fingers through her hair before running them down her back to the clasp of her bra.

Allie kept her eyes locked on his as her unhooked her bra and pulled it away from her body. As it joined the other clothes on the floor, Jon's breath hitched in his throat as he once again took her in.

"Damn, baby," Jon husked out. Allie blushed once again this time at the term of endearment, feeling her entire body warm in happiness. "Do you know what an amazing body you have?"

Allie swallowed and shrugged, as Jon laid against her once again. "I've never felt beautiful," she said almost embarrassed. "I never had the guidance, so I always just dressed for comfort."

"You're beautiful no matter how you dress, baby," Jon said honestly, running his nose against hers. "You don't need to flaunt your body to be beautiful."

Allie couldn't help the smile that crossed her face, but it was quickly replaced with a nervous stare as Jon's lips lowered and began kissing down her body. He felt her fidget nervously and glanced up at her with lust filled eyes.

"Let me show you how beautiful you are," Jon said, his warm breath tickling her skin making her eyes fill with need.

Allie nodded, then gasped as Jon's lips lips continued their delicious assault on her body. He worked his way down her chest making sure to pay special attention to her erect nipples. He moved further down running his lips and tongue over her flat stomach, swirling his tongue around her navel. By the time he reached the edge of her panties, Allie was a gorgeous panting mess with her hands gripped tightly in her hair.

Not giving her the time to gather herself, Jon looped his hands in her panties and slid them down her creamy legs. Jon dragged his lips down her thighs and over her healing scrapped knees, before moving back up to her hot core.

"Oh, Jon," Allie moaned as he pressed his lips against her and kissed her folds applying an amazing suction.

Allie continued to squirm and moan as Jon's mouth licked and kissed against her core. Sliding his fingers across her folds, he gently slid one inside her making Allie buck against him. "Oh shit."

Jon hummed against her driving her even further into sexual madness. After Jon added a second finger and pumped into her a couple times, Allie felt the heat building inside her reaching its peak.

"Jon, I'm- I'm gonna," Allie gasped out as she arched her back and ran a hand into his hair.

"Cum for me baby," Jon murmured against her as his fingers and mouth picked up their pace, sending Allie over the edge with a loud moan.

Jon watched Allie ride out her orgasm in complete awe. She was stunning and wished he could watch her like this forever. Lifting himself back up to eye level with her, he waited as she came down from her high.

When Allie's eyes opened, she immediately pulled Jon down by his neck and reconnected their lips in a passionate and demanding kiss. Jon felt himself harden even further at the intensity of the kiss and groaned against her lips.

Sliding her hands down his sides, Allie gripped his boxers and began to slide them down. Jon separated them only long enough to kick his boxers off before lunging back at her lips. His breath stuttered when he felt Allie reach between them and gripped him gently.

"Fuck, baby," Jon groaned as he pulled back when Allie began stroking him firmly. "You keep that up and this is gonna be a short night."

Allie giggled, releasing him and watched as he leaped from the bed quickly and walked to his bags. Allie bit her lip, propping herself up on her elbows, while she checked out his delicious ass as he walked and leaned over. She smirked when he stood back up and turned around, catching her in the act.

"Were you just ogling my ass?" Jon asked with a chuckle as he walked back towards her.

"How could I not?" She answered playfully, nipping at his bottom lip when he leaned over her. "You have the perfect bubble butt."

"I do not have a bubble butt," Jon huffed playfully.

"Could've fooled me," she teased, before Jon attacked her lips again.

He kissed her thoroughly before pulling back again and holding up the small silver packet in his hand. Allie smiled at him, laying back on the bed as he ripped the packet open and rolled the condom down his hard shaft.

"You came prepared," Allie teased again. "You must have been pretty sure of yourself."

"Wishful thinking," Jon chuckled again, before laying himself between Allie's spread legs. His expression turned serious as his hardness rubbed against her. "You can still back out of this you know."

Allie smiled, reaching down between them and gripping him once again. Jon groaned when he felt the tip of his erection press against her entrance. "Why would I want to do that?"

Jon kept his eyes locked on hers as he slowly slid himself inside of her. Jon watched as Allie's eyes rolled back in her head in bliss as she moaned loudly. His thick shaft setting her entire body on fire.

Jon began to thrust into her gently making softer moans escape from Allie as her eyes fluttered open. She bit her bottom lip as they kept their eyes locked. They were both lost in the foggy haze that filled their heads.

"You feel so perfect," Jon murmured as he leaned down and kissed her lips, before moving them across her jaw and down her neck.

Allie gripped his biceps tightly while they continued to thrust against each other. Their pace began to quicken and their moans got louder. Allie wrapped her legs around Jon's waist, pulling him in deeper.

"Jon, please," Allie begged, pulling him down flush against her.

"Please what, baby?" Jon moaned against her neck as he peppered kisses along the slender column.

"Please, faster," Allie panted, then moaned deeply as Jon promptly picked up his pace. "God, yes."

"Mmm," he hummed, as he continued his pace pulling long sexy moans and gasps from Allie. He never faltered and never missed a beat as they thruster against each other. "Baby, I'm not gonna last much longer."

"Oh, Jon, I'm gonna cum," Allie moaned loudly. Jon slid his arms underneath her and pulled her even tighter against him, his pace becoming impossibly fast. Leaning down, he captured her lips in a bruising kiss that made her shake violently against him as her orgasm ripped threw her.

Jon followed shortly after, groaning harshly as he emptied himself into the condom deep inside her. They both collapsed as a tangle of limbs against each other. Jon was quick to roll them over, letting Allie sprawl on top of him as he slipped out of her and placed light kisses against her kiss abused lips.

After several minutes, Allie groaned in disapproval as Jon slid out of bed and walked towards the bathroom to dispose of the condom before walking to his luggage. He shuffled around inside for a few moments before apparently finding what he was looking for and walked back towards the bed.

He sat himself back down, propped against the headboard as he watched Allie sit up slowly. She stared at the object in his hands, then glanced up at him with a look of curiosity.

Jon smiled as he held out the neatly wrapped gift in silver and purple. "Merry Christmas, baby."

Allie returned the smile as she took the gift from him and pressed her lips against his in thanks. Turning back to the gift, Allie began to tear the paper, as Jon pulled her back against him.

Once the paper was removed, Allie popped the lid off the black box now sitting in her lap and felt tears well in her eyes as she pushed aside the tissue paper.

Inside the box was a framed collage that Jon had assembled. Picture of them from ice skating and the gala, their ticket stubs from the play, a napkin from Mouse's, a pressed dried rose, and a couple other things that all represented their time together up until that point.

"Jon, I love it," she sniffles back the tears, turning to press her lips against his once again. She turned to the night stand beside the bed and placed the frame on display. "It's beautiful."

"I'm glad you like it," Jon smiled, before sliding them both down into a laying position. He sighed in content as they cuddled against each other comfortably.

"Where do you see this going?" Allie asked suddenly, in a hesitant voice as she laid her head against his chest once again.

Jon wrapped both his arms around her tightly and pressed a kiss to the top of her head. "Why don't we take it day by day and see what the future holds for us."

Allie smiled as she glanced up at the frame sitting on the nightstand, before pressing a kiss to his chest. "Sounds perfect."

Epilogue:

2 years later

Jon was sitting in another long meeting with the board. Ever since he was promoted to Director of Operations about a year ago, he had found himself in more meetings than he thought his brain could handle. At least when Allie was in these meetings with him the time seemed to move faster. At the very least it gave him a very beautiful Vice President of International Affairs to look at.

He and Allie had both been promoted around the same time and Jon couldn't have been more proud of her. She had taken the lead on improving and expanding their international relationships and it rightfully earned her a promotion to a newly named job title.

When the previous Director of Operations had retired, Jon had been quickly moved up into the position based on his reliable work ethic and impressive leadership abilities. He smiled remembering the weekend long celebration the two had had in their bed and all over most of their newly purchased house.

The couple had moved into the suburban 5 bedroom house in early October the previous year. Until that point they had gone back and forth between apartments and had finally felt it was time to give them up.

Their relationship had been complete bliss and Jon couldn't ever remember a time in his life when he was happier. Glancing across the table from him at the vacant chair, made Jon's heart clench in disappointment knowing that the blonde beauty wasn't even in the building today. He sighed frustratedly, making a mental note to call her as soon as he was out of this ridiculous meeting.

A frantic knock on the glass door behind him, made everyone in the room spin towards it. Jon's eyes widened when he turned and saw not only Colby and Joe, but Sami as well. Joe opened the door quickly and spoke hurriedly.

"Ladies and gentlemen, I'm sorry, but I have to steal Jon from you," he said, before turning to Jon with a big smile on his face. "It's time, buddy."

Jon's eyes widened even further, before jumping to his feet and gathering his things quickly. After everything was in his arms he made a dash for the door, being stopped by Stephanie's calm voice.

"Jon," he turned to face her and she gave him a warm smile. "Give her our love and let us know how everything goes."

"Good luck," Hunter said from beside her with an equally warm smile. Jon nodded and thanked them before darting out of the room with all three friends right behind him.

"Where is she?" He asked as he dumped his things in his office and grabbed his coat.

"She's with Steph," Sami answered, checking his phone. "They're on their way there."

"Ok," Jon nodded, feeling his heart race. "Lets go." He buzzed passed the other three men and out the door, towards the elevators.

"Jon, you need to breathe," Joe said as they stepped onto the elevator and Jon bounced nervously on the balls of his feet.

"I will when I get to her," Jon answered, feeling his anxiousness worsen. When the doors slid open all four men stepped out into the garage. Jon reached into his pocket for his keys, but they were instantly grabbed by Colby. "Colby!"

"No way you're driving, dude," Colby said, tossing the keys to Joe as they approached Jon's car.

Jon relented and climbed into the passenger seat just as his phone started to ring. Retrieving it from his pocket, he answered while Joe started the car and threw it into reverse. "Hello?"

"Hey," Steph's voice sounded though the phone. "Where are you?"

"Just leaving the garage," Jon answered, as Joe maneuvered his way out of the parking garage. "We should be there in ten minutes. How is she?"

"She's doing great," Steph assured him. "We're here and settled in. You wanna talk to her?"

"Yes, please," Jon sighed relieved, as he listened to the scuffling on the other end as the phone was passed.

"Hey," Allie's tired voice came across the phone. "Everything ok?"

"Hey, baby," Jon smiled through the phone. "Everything's fine. We should be there in about ten minutes. Are you ok?"

"I'll be better once you're here, but I'm ok," Allie answered, giving a small smile.

"I'm coming, baby," Jon nodded, as he glanced over at Joe, who gave him a nod in understanding to be as quick as possible. "I'll be there soon."

"Just be careful," Allie said worriedly. "I want you here in one piece, please."

"No worries," Jon smirked as Joe weaved in and out of traffic. "I love you."

"I love you too, Jonny," Allie responded, making Jon beam at the nickname. "I'll see you soon."

"You bet," Jon said, before hanging up the phone.

Several minutes later, Joe zipped them into the parking lot and they all piled out after he parked the car. Rushing into the building, Jon slid up to the front desk inside and waited to be acknowledged.

"Can I help you?" The lady behind the counter asked politely.

"Yes, can you tell me what room Alicia Good is in?" He asked quickly, before adding. "She's my wife." The lady quickly typed the name in, while Jon drummed his fingers impatiently.

"Mrs. Good is in room 127," the woman answered looking up from her computer. "Head straight down the hall and take the elevator up one floor."

"Thank you," he said, before the four men headed down the hall.

"Jon!" A voice called when they stepped off the elevator onto Allie's floor. Turning they saw Steph and immediately headed for her and the door she was standing in front of. "Come on. She's in here. She turned down the epidural."

Stepping inside the room, Jon was greeted with the amazing sight of his beautiful wife of almost a year, laying back comfortably on her hospital bed, talking to her pregnant belly. Looking up she smiled brightly at Jon as she continued to rub her belly gently, "Daddy's here. I told you he'd be here in time."

Jon stepped forward and closed the door quietly behind him before pacing towards the bed. Leaning down he placed several soft kisses to Allie's lips before pulling back. "I'm sorry I wasn't home."

"Nothing to be sorry for," Allie assured him as he placed a kiss to her belly before sitting down next to her. "That's why we had our back up plan and I think it worked perfectly."

Jon nodded and rested a hand on her belly, feeling the gentle kicks of his son or daughter. He still couldn't believe how much his life had changed in the last two years. He never would've imagined himself married, let alone, married with a baby on the way. They had only been married for three months when Allie had gotten pregnant and Jon had felt nothing but love and excitement when she had told him the news.

He was going to be a daddy, or already was, as Allie liked to put it. She had been so calm and mellow throughout the entire pregnancy, quite often being the voice of reason when things would seem hectic. He had often found her in the nursery decorating and humming lullabies to herself and her pregnant belly, making his heart flutter and his nerves calm. Even now, she seemed so calm and put together while Jon felt

at any moment he would go crazy.

"What did the doctor say?" Jon asked as he looked at Allie, trying to calm himself down.

"They wanted to give me an epidural, but I didn't want it. The pain's bearable right now," Allie answered, reaching for her water and taking sip. "I'm almost eight centimeters and the contractions are about five to six minutes apart. Won't be long now."

"Do you need anything?" Jon asked, knowing that before the epidural had been administered, she was probably in a large amount of pain.

"No, sweetheart, I'm fine," she smiled at him. "Your scrubs are there if you want to change into them now." She motioned towards the bathroom in the room, earning a nod from Jon.

"I'll be right back," he said, before standing and disappearing into the bathroom. A few minutes later, he reemerged now fully dressed in his scrubs.

"You look sexy in scrubs," Allie grinned at him.

"Are you sure they didn't give you anything?," he chuckled. A twinge of pain crossed her face and Jon rushed to her side instantly. "Are you ok? Do you need anything?"

"Nope," she winced and shook her head, before resting it back against the pillow. After a few moments the pain subsided and she let out a deep breath. "So what letter were we on?"

"M," he smiled at her in absolute astonishment. Jon took her hand in his and placed a kiss on it. They were still in the process of picking middle names for the baby, so until then the baby's first name remained up in the air as well, due to the need for them to sound good together. "You go first."

"Meredith," Allie answered, suddenly seeming more awake.

"Mackenzie," Jon smiled, when Allie grinned brightly at the name. "Ok. Boys?"

"You first," she urged him on.

"Mason," Jon answered, then waited for Allie's pick.

"Moxley," Allie said watching Jon's expression.

"I love it," he beamed at her, just as the door opened and the doctor and a couple nurses walked in. He walked over and shook Jon's hand in greeting, before washing his hands and pulling on a pair of gloves.

"Ok, Alicia," the doctor smiled at her, as he sat down at the end of the bed. "Let's take a look and see where Baby Good is now."

Allie nodded, then let Jon help her into a comfortable position for the doctor to look. They both kept their eyes locked on the doctor as he examined Allie. A moment later, he lifted his head and glanced between the two of them. "I think we're ready to start pushing. Are you ready?"

"Yes," Allie nodded, looking at Jon who nodded as well.

"Ok," the doctor smiled and began preparing. "Jon, I need you to sit Allie up and help her slide to the end of the bed. Then you can sit behind her as support."

Jon nodded and did as instructed, placing a kiss to the side of Allie's head once they were ready. "Ready, beautiful?"

"Ready," Allie smiled at him. Keeping her eyes locked on her husband's, Allie began to take long steady breaths.

"Alright, Allie I need you take a deep breath and push," the doctor spoke up and Allie did as requested. She clasped Jon's hands in hers tightly and pushed, letting out a pain filled cry.

"That's it, baby," Jon encouraged her as she stopped pushing and fell back against him. "You're doing so well."

"Great job, Allie," the doctor said as the nurse gave her some ice chips. "Ready to push again?"

Allie simply nodded and gripped Jon's hands hard, before pushing again. The pain was a little more intense this time as she cried out in pain again.

"Ok, Allie rest a minute," the doctor said.

"Good job, baby," Jon whispered to her as she panted and whimpered slightly in pain. "I love you. You're doing such a good job."

"I love you too," she husked out. "It hurts Jon."

"I know, darlin," he responded worriedly, kissing her head.

"Allie," the doctor said getting her attention. "Baby's head is out." The news made the couple smile happily. "One more good push and we'll be home free. Ready?"

"Yes," Allie answered determinedly. The nurse blotted her slightly sweaty head, as Allie prepared to push again.

"Come on, beautiful," Jon cheered her on. "One more and we can see our baby."

Letting out a grunt and one last long cry of pain, Allie bared down and pushed.

"There we go, Allie," the doctor encouraged and Allie continued to push as Jon whispered in her ear. "That's it, Allie." Suddenly Allie felt the relief as the baby slipped free and a loud cry filled the room. "Baby's out. You can rest now, Allie."

She leant back against Jon in relief and took several deep relieving breaths, listening to the beautiful sound of their baby. Jon peppered the side of her head with loving kisses and gave her loving words of praise as they waited on words from the doctor.

"Congratulations, guys," the doctor grinned at them. "It's a boy. Jon do you want to come cut the cord?"

Jon nodded nervously, then waited as one of the nurses slipped in behind Allie to support her. Walking to the end of the bed, Jon felt his heart leap at the site of the matted blonde hair, scrunched up face and wrinkled little body of his baby boy and couldn't help but fall instantly in love.

After cutting the cord, Jon followed the nurse and helped to clean up his son, while the doctor and nurse finished taking care of Allie. His eyes stayed transfixed on the screaming miniature person laying on the table in front of him.

"8 pounds, 2 ounces," the nurse called out from beside Jon. "21 inches long."

"Is that good?" Jon asked nervously. Hoping and praying that their baby boy was healthy.

"You have a beautiful and healthy baby boy, Jon," the nurse assured him, making Jon glow with pride.

After putting a diaper on the baby and swaddling him, the nurse handed his son to Jon. He took him carefully and held him as if he was holding a piece of fragile crystal. As Jon began to slowly rock and coo at him, the baby began to settle down and soon the baby was sound asleep in his father's protective arms.

Turning back to his wife, Jon found Allie smiling at him with a look of complete love and adoration as she took in the beautiful scene before her. Walking slowly towards her, he perched himself on the edge of the bed.

"Hi, Mommy," he whispered, not wanting to wake the baby.

"Hi, Daddy," she whispered back with a wide smile. "How's our little man?"

"He's perfect," he smiled proudly. "How's Mommy doing?"

"I'm ok," Allie chuckled. "A little sore."

Jon leaned down gently and placed a kiss to his wife's lips, before carefully handing the baby to her. Once he settled into his mother's arms, Allie couldn't help the tears that filled her eyes as she took in the tiny face. "Oh, Jon. He's beautiful. He looks just like his daddy."

"I think he looks like you," Jon chuckled as he rested back with her and got another look at his son. His son. Their son. He couldn't help the warm feeling that filled him when he looked at his family. It was an amazing feeling to have his own family. Something he never truly had before. "Do you want me to get the others?"

"In a minute," Allie answered, keeping her eyes glued to the bundle in her arms. "Let's just enjoy the quiet time with just the three of us. Just for a little bit."

For several minutes, they say and cooed over their new baby. Neither of them could believe they were parents and how they had gotten here. Two years ago seemed like an eternity to them and yet it seemed like only yesterday. They were honestly looking forward to all the years and children ahead of them. Growing old together and seeing their grandchildren.

But that was a long way off. For now, they were ready to introduce their little family to the world. She waited as Jon exited the room and then quickly ushered in the others, who instantly melted at the site of the tiny baby in Allie's arms.

"Everyone, we'd like you to meet our son, Grayson Moxley Good," Allie grinned at all of them as she held up the precious bundle in her arms. She held him out to Jon, smiling fondly at her husband as he cradled their son perfectly in his arms.

"He's an angel," Steph beamed as she and Sami walked up to Jon and gazed down at the beautiful baby boy.

"He's beautiful," Seth exclaimed excitedly, as he and Joe followed suit.

"He's perfect," Joe smiled, stroking a gentle finger down the baby's cheek.

"He's a Good," Jon said proudly down at his son, before turning and giving Allie a beautiful smile. This was only the beginning for them.

Do you believe in Christmas miracles? If not, I hope this story has changed your mind. The Christmas season is full of wonder and spectacles. Though the spirit can be hard to find. There is more to a seasonal greeting than glitter, holly and lights. It is a time for more humble, courteous and humane sights. We all must find a way to reach past the superficial draw. For only then do we find a way to make Frozen Hearts thaw.