Chapter One – The Wish

Becky walks into her best friend's house and wipes her feet. "Hello," she calls out. She unzips her coat as she sees Charlotte walk in from the kitchen. "Good morning, bestie."

Charlotte laughs as she hugs Becky. "Morning. I'm so glad you could come."

"Like I would miss our annual trip." She smiles at the taller woman. "Even if I am the fifth wheel."

"You know damn well that's not what you are."

She does know that. However, it doesn't mean Becky doesn't feel that way occasionally. "I know that." She looks past Charlotte to see Roman walk in. "Big Dog!"

Roman snorts. "Hey, Squirt," he says as he hugs her. "Where are your things?"

"In my car. I figured I'd grab them when we were leaving."

"Nonsense. Gimme your keys."

"Roman…"

"Don't argue with me, Irish."

Becky laughs as she hands him her keys. "I actually beat Dean and Renee?" she asks Charlotte.

"You did," Charlotte says as they walk to the kitchen. "Dean overslept apparently."

"Of course he did." Becky sits down at the counter. "Good thing we don't have to be anywhere at an exact time."

"Right? I think it's Renee's fault. She probably kept him up all night last night."

"Wouldn't surprise me."

Charlotte and Becky had started this tradition back in college. Becky had moved to the United States to go to college; which is where she met Charlotte. They became instant friends. When it came to Christmas break, Becky was planning on just staying at the dorms. It was much easier than flying back home to a place she probably wasn't welcome anyways. Charlotte wouldn't hear of it. She insisted that Becky come with her. And instead of going to Charlotte's home, they ended up in a small town after Charlotte's car broke down. It ended up being the best trip ever. The town was perfect.

They've continued the tradition over the years, even after Charlotte and Roman got together. That pulled in Roman's best friend as well; who Becky actually went on a date with. The third year Roman and Dean came Dean brought his girlfriend, Renee. Since then it's been the five of them. Charlotte and Roman even got married here. There have been plenty of times that Becky feels like the fifth wheel. She knows that the two couples love her; but they're also in very serious relationships. It's what Becky wants.

Becky settles into her room at the small inn they stay at; Double A Inn. She sits down on the end of the bed and looks around the room. It's the room she gets every year. She can't help but smile as she takes in the decorations. One of these years, she's going to have to insist on helping set up. Of course she knows that Anna wouldn't have it.

After she gets unpacked, Becky walks downstairs to the main living area. She finds Charlotte and Renee standing at the front window and joins them. "You're missing two," she says.

Charlotte smiles the woman. "I wouldn't say missing," she says. "They're out back helping Andrew get more wood."

"Andrew has already put them to work? I think this is a record."

Renee laughs softly. "Dean actually offered this year. Probably so Andrew didn't ask him first."

"Naturally."

The day continues with all of the annual festivities. The five friends join in most, just like they always do. After dinner, they sit around the living room to make their yearly ornaments. Anna had made Charlotte and Becky the first year they were here despite both saying they shouldn't be in a tradition they weren't part of. This is the one tradition that Becky is thrilled to be able to a part of every year.

"So Anna," Renee says when the owner walks into the room. "When are the kids coming in?"

Anna smiles over at the group. "Stephanie and her family will be here in the morning. Jacob had a big meeting today that he couldn't miss. Ricky and his family are actually here. They just went to the city for the day. Last minute shopping apparently. And don't tell Andrew, but I have a big surprise for him. Our other son and his three kids will be here soon too."

"The long lost son comes home, huh?"

"Something like that. Andrew doesn't know though. Honestly, I'm not sure how he's going to take it. So I figure the best way to do it is have him see Allen."

"Could be the best way."

Becky had almost forgotten that Anna and Andrew have another son. She doesn't know much about what actually happened. She knows there was a fight between Andrew and Allen, but that's it. She has to wonder if it was worth losing ten years over. Of course, she really can't say anything because she has a strained relationship with her own family. If it weren't for Charlotte, Roman, Dean, and Renee she'd be completely alone.

Later that night, when Becky knows the other four are in for the night, she pulls her boots on and grabs her coat before walking downstairs. She walks outside, shoving her hands in the pockets of her coat. She's never done this before, but she feels like going for a walk tonight. She needs to think and be alone in the fresh air. She walks toward the town square too see the tree, even if it isn't lit yet. It's beautiful even when dark.

Becky stops by the low wooden fence that's around the tall tree. She isn't sure how it's so beautiful even with the lights out. Of course it could only be her who thinks this. She takes a deep breath, enjoying the slight burn of the cold air in her lungs. The only thing that could make this better would be someone to share this moment with. And she isn't talking about Charlotte. While she has loved every moment she's shared with Charlotte, she wants to find her someone to spend this moment with.

Looking up at the angel at the top of the tree, Becky can't help but smile sadly. "I wish I had a family to share this with," she says softly. At that moment a cold gust of wind blows around her. She shivers a little before turning to head back to the inn.