Epilogue

Eight months later, it was New York's turn to be blanketed in crisp snow. Even if copious amounts had fallen overnight and it was slowing down the Big Apple somewhat, everyone was taken by the white spectacle in light of the holidays. It was two days before Christmas, to be exact. Bing Crosby's "White Christmas" was hummed with more gusto by the busy shoppers, and the dressed-up Santas on every street corner had tried to pack in an extra scarf or overcoat to try and keep warm. The temperature had taken a dip and the air was chilly. The store windows were shining with gift ideas, decorated with metallic hues that captured the light. Blasts of warm air, mixed in with cheery Christmas songs, escaped on the streets anytime the department store doors opened and closed.

Even though shopping wasn't high on his list of favorite activities, Wheeler had not minded being part of that throng of last minute shoppers. The American decided that it was solely due to the presence of his girlfriend beside him. Linka was ever so pretty and the picture of happiness as she examined the gift list in her hand. Having a mission pleased her, and he affectionately squeezed her hand in his. Wisps of her blonde locks peeked from her wooly hat, framing the delicate pink skin of her cheeks, and her pouty lips were set in concentration. Occasionally, she would meet his eyes to ask him what he thought of this and that gift idea for Gi or his mother or whoever was left that they had not already included. Linka would be lost in her thoughts and he would get lost in the green depths of her eyes, so Wheeler could only ever nod or offer some sort of monosyllabic response. The American could still not believe his reaction to her, even after being together all these months. Pure giddiness, not unlike the one present at slumber parties, and complete awe. His heart continued to ache for her, even though he finally had her utmost affection. He almost expected to wake up one day and be less moved by her beauty or her smile, her thoughts and her laughter, but every day he felt more hopelessly in love than the last. Wheeler happily decided this was something he could definitely live with.

The smitten American squeezed her hand again as they continued their journey down the busy street, this time leaning down to capture her mouth in a kiss. The world stopped, along with Linka, who readily returned his kiss, and it was as if everyone else around them had disappeared. Wheeler was very satisfied that he'd come to change Linka's view on public displays of affection. While it was in her nature to be more private about her emotions, Wheeler had found that he could not hold back the need to kiss her whenever they were out together. Getting lost inside each other happened frequently, and it was difficult to contain it exclusively to more private settings. Wheeler had long ago stopped trying to understand the emotions that bubbled out of him whenever Linka was concerned; his brain was constantly on the spin cycle whenever he was in the presence of the Russian Planeteer.

"I know you do not need a reason to kiss me, but what was that for?" asked the blonde girl with a warm smile once they'd parted, and Wheeler caressed her cheek before newly pulling her along.

"For agreeing to come spend Christmas with my family on such a short notice. I know you like to plan things out a little more carefully."

She rewarded him with a beautiful smile. "With the way the mission was going, I did not think any of us would get to celebrate Christmas at all," Linka shrugged, following Wheeler's lead as he maneuvered them past two women who were trying to manage a small group of zealous children.

The Fire Planeteer nodded, grateful that their work in Australia was finally wrapped up so that they could indeed celebrate the holidays properly. Plus, he would have found it difficult to really feel the Christmas spirit while sunbathing on the other part of the equator. Somehow, it just wasn't Christmas without the usual pile of snow that needed to be cleared before venturing outside. And this year, he had an incredible reason for celebrating, or better, and incredible person with which to share the festivities.

As expected, his mom had demanded that he bring Linka along, so that they could finally all have a proper meal together. She and Linka had met during their work as Planeteers, but only very briefly. Over the phone, his mom had disclosed that she was looking forward to celebrating her husband's health improvements, as well as showing off their newly renovated apartment. Wheeler knew, however, that his mom's biggest wish was to spend time with Linka and get to know her better. The older woman really was curious about the girl who had stolen her son's heart in such a fierce way, and Wheeler could easily envision her smile whenever he talked to her about Linka. Which happened a lot. The Russian girl monopolized his anecdotes as much as his thoughts, apparently.

Wheeler had to say that he was surprised at how easily his mom had taken the news that there was nothing going on between him and Trish. She had not argued or probed any further than was necessary. Maybe a part of her had always known that their teenage love was a thing of the past, and she had resigned herself to it even before her son had explicitly talked to her about it. Wheeler also guessed that it had something to do with the excitement he exuded whenever he mentioned Linka; after all, mothers were experts at detecting love.

As for Trish, they were still in contact. Wheeler talked to her on the phone at least once a week, but he preferred to do so in Linka's presence. Linka had been very understanding about their continuing friendship and Wheeler's attempts at supporting Trish, but he did not want there to be any misunderstandings about his intentions. He wanted Linka present in every aspect of his life, no matter how complicated or painful. He'd even began sharing bits and pieces of his past with her, even though the rough edges around it still stung him. Although, it was easier opening up when someone held him with such love, her tender touches on his head, her soft words encouraging him, building up whatever had been torn down by pain. That's how he knew he could trust Linka with anything, and why he still felt like the luckiest man on earth anytime he was in her arms.

Wheeler's mom had given them baked goodies to bring over to Trish at the Children's Center where she now worked. The young woman had created an art workshop in conjunction with social services, catering to children and youth in difficult social situations. Wheeler's mom had been very proud of her, albeit sad when Trish had moved out of her home. The American girl had found a small apartment close to work, and she seemed on the definite mend.

So the next stop for the young couple was downtown Brooklyn. Linka was seated beside him in the car, a content aura about her despite the traffic, but Wheeler felt a little nervous by this point. He still wasn't sure how he felt about Trish and Linka meeting. Maybe a part of him was afraid Trish would do or say something to upset Linka, and he really did not want their first Christmas together to be ruined. He had big things planned out. But a part of him was eager to see Trish and attest to her well-being. He missed her as one does a childhood friend; it would be incredibly difficult to erase her completely from his life given the past they had shared. He simply had to trust in Trish's good sense, thus avoiding sabotaging his perfectly constructed happiness. After all, he'd made it very clear how he felt about Linka.

The building was warm inside and they loosened their scarves as they entered. There was a sign indicating the Art Center as down the corridor to the left, and Wheeler took Linka's hand as they arrived and entered the vast room. There was a group of children looking at books in one corner of the room, seated on a circular couch, while a couple of teens were painting on canvases set on easels, one beside the other. Christmas music was playing in the background softly, and Wheeler saw a few paintings hung up that were reminiscent of Trish's style. When he examined them more closely, he saw her distinct signature on the bottom corner of the canvas. This pleased him, that her talent was finally on display for others to admire, and hopefully, to inspire.

Wheeler and Linka both turned at the female voice trying to get their attention. A matter of seconds, and Trish was standing directly before them, her smile wide as her eyes landed on Wheeler. She moved to hug him, catching the American boy off guard. All the same, Trish's movements sure, and she was laughing a little with happiness.

"Jake! I'm so glad you could make it!" Trish was beaming, and Wheeler returned her embrace before holding her at arm's length so that he could examine her better. Trish's face was pink and healthy, tastefully made up, her hair was cut shorter and sleek under her Santa hat. She was wearing a festive red dress that was becoming on her, with tights and flats to complete the ensemble. Her body weight seemed healthier than the last time Wheeler had seen her, and her eyes were placated, serene.

"A little snow wouldn't stop us!" Wheeler smiled back, before he moved closer to Linka and placed one hand on her lower back. His gesture brought them side by side, and Trish assessed them silently for just a second, an unreadable expression on her face.

"Trish, this is Linka," Wheeler offered, looking from one girl to the other to gauge their reactions. He was very relieved when Trish broke into a ready smile.

"Very nice to meet you," the American girl nodded, holding out her hand amicably to the pretty blonde.

"Likewise," Linka smiled, shaking her hand. The Russian girl gestured towards the walls before meeting the girl's dark eyes once more. "These paintings, they are beautiful. You are very talented."

Trish waved off the compliment with her hand, as if it embarrassed her, and she shrugged her shoulders.

"I'm just glad I put them to a good use, gave them a home."

"Ma's over the moon about what you're doin'," Wheeler smiled, enthused. "And you should be proud, too. These kids really need someone they can look up."

"I have read that art therapy is one of the most effective tools that can be used with children who are struggling," Linka volunteered, nodding along as her glance fell on the two teens who were now photographing their work with their phones, giggles escaping them.

"All right, guys, you are gonna make me blush if you keep that up! I'm still not used to hearing so many praises. This work has definitively got its advantages, even though it's far from easy."

"Hey, we've brought some cookies, biscuits, and stuff for the kids," Wheeler piped up, pointing to the bag Linka was carrying.

"His mom has been baking all night," Linka confided with a small smile, and Trish laughed.

"She's such a doll, thanks! I did promise them treats, so this is perfect!"

Trish called to the kids who were on the couches and they left the other chaperone there to tidy up the books. Wheeler noticed he was a guy about their age, maybe a couple of years older, and they shared a friendly wave as the kids came forward with great energy. Trish asked Linka if she could set up the treats on the area by the window and explained that the kids would help set up the table, since they were expecting more children to show up.

"Hands off the goodies 'til I tell ya!" Trish tried her best authoritarian voice on the kids, but they all just smiled at her as they got ready to follow Linka. Their interest had now moved on the blonde girl, keeper of the treats.

"So, how are you likin' it here, Trish?" Wheeler asked as he followed her to a few empty desks. The American girl was getting ready to arrange some pencil crayons and paper on them, laying out the activities for the afternoon.

"Like I said, it's pretty rewarding," nodded Trish, leafing through some handouts to place near the blank sheets of paper. "I'm not raking in the big bucks or anythin', but the pay is decent. I get to paint, and teach, and coach some of the kids, so that's the best part. Listening to their stories is difficult, sometimes that stuff just triggers other shit, you know? But I'm still seeing my therapist a few times a month. Plus, Tim over there is a really great help, not just with the work but with me, as well."

Her eyes met the young man's in question, and as if he could sense that Trish was talking about him, Tim gave her a wide smile. Wheeler did not miss the look they exchanged and he smiled, folding his arms over his chest while he sat himself on an empty desk.

"You and Tim, huh?" Wheeler could not help but grin, and was astounded when Trish actually blushed. She never blushed. If anything, she was known for making other people blush! But Wheeler could tell that she was different, softer, somehow; perhaps for the first time in a long while, she was happy. The thought warmed his heart.

"Shush!" Trish half laughed, smacking Wheeler's arm lightly. "It's not really like that."

"Why not? He seems like a decent guy," Wheeler went on, and Trish lifted her head to meet his eyes. For once, she seemed like the easygoing young woman she ought to be. Something that had been taken away from her for all these years.

"He's very decent. Probably the smartest guy I know. He's gettin' his Ph.D. in the summer. A social worker. The kids adore him to bits, he's very good with them."

"But you don't like him that way?" Wheeler tried to guess, and he watched her stealing another peek at Tim across the room. Trish sighed a little and newly turned to Wheeler beside her.

"I do," she conceded carefully with a small nod. A moment's pause, in which she tried to collect her thoughts. "I guess I'm just… scared. I don't really wanna jump into anything too serious while I'm still tryin' to figure out my life, ya know? The good thing is that he knows a lot of my past shit, and he isn't runnin' yet."

"A definite bonus," Wheeler teased while rolling his eyes at her a little. "Shit, it's not like you caused your past, Trish. It happened to you. But I get what you're sayin'. I have the same fear. Thankfully, Linka isn't runnin', either."

Trish sat beside him on the desk and he shifted to make more room for her. Their attention gravitated to Linka, who was helping the kids dividing the different treats into colorful plastic plates. Some of them were showing her their artwork while they set the table, and she was smiling and commenting on their pictures.

"She's fuckin' gorgeous," Trish remarked with a small sigh, although her voice held no trace of resentment. Wheeler was glad they could sit and talk like old friends without any sort of awkwardness between them. Just respect and trust, like it should be.

"Probably smart to boot, too. A nice girl, no doubt. Your eyes just light up when you look at her, you know that?"

Wheeler grinned sheepishly and shrugged his shoulders. "So I've been told."

"She's the one?" Trish asked, her voice lowering as she clasped her hands in her lap. Wheeler could read something in her tone, a note of the past weaving itself into the present. He hoped wholeheartedly that this was not painful for Trish in any way. He really didn't consider himself a good enough reason for anybody to be upset over, and he wished for Trish to find her own personal happiness.

"Yeah," the redhead nodded, briefly squeezing Trish's hand as he spoke. She smiled at his tender gesture, appreciating what he was trying to communicate, and examined him in silence for a moment.

Then, Trish took a deep breath and straightened her shoulders, as if she were turning a page. "I'm happy for you, then, Jake."

"I'm gonna propose to her," Wheeler blurted out, the words tumbling out of him before he could stop them.

As expected, Trish looked up at him with wide eyes, her mouth hanging open comically.

Wheeler ran a hand through his hair and took a deep breath to steady the beating of his heart. It was banging every which way inside his chest at the announcement he'd just made.

"You're the first person I've told, Trish. I have a ring and everythin'. I was thinking of taking her to Liberty Island on Christmas morning and asking her then. Am I crazy? Shit, what if she says no?"

The sheer panic interwoven in his voice caused Trish to laugh out loud, and his own anxieties calmed with the merry sound. Wheeler continued telling himself to relax and let fate take over. Even though it was a very difficult thing to do whenever Linka was concerned. His fear of being without her continued to linger, even when there was no apparent reason for it.

"Why would that be crazy if you love each other? That sounds like a very hard proposal to say no to, Wheeler."

"It's probably gonna be a long engagement. Linka isn't your traditional girl, planning the perfect wedding from birth or anything. But… I just want to know that our lives are travelling in that direction. I want her to be my wife, have a family someday."

"Shit, that's heavy," Trish let out, her voice still surprised, before playfully bumping his shoulder with hers. "You've gone all grown up on me. Fuck."

"I know, right?" laughed the redhead, the tension in his muscles easing a bit. His eyes found Linka once more and his features lit up with affection. "She's cast a spell on me and I'll never be free of it."

"Then you should never second guess yourself. All you can do is nurture the love you share, cherish it, help it become more beautiful each day. That way, it will become stronger than any adversity you will face, and it will be your guide for life."

"Now who's all grown up?" Wheeler teased her, secretly moved by her words and the soft sparkle in her eyes. Trish was a special girl, he decided, and he hoped with all his might that one day, someone bright enough would come along and cherish her like she deserved. Not like he'd failed to do, with that glimmer of selfishness thrown in, but with the warm light of a supernova.

Trish laughed quietly at his comment and slowly moved to stand up. She reached for his hand, and he took it amicably, mimicking her actions.

"Come on, enough of this! I want you to meet Tim while we wait for the rest of the kids to show up. And then we can all pig out on some deliciously prepared junk food. After all, that's what the holidays are all about!"

"Uhm, I'm sure there was something else to them, as well."

"Yeah, something about families, and love, and joy… and diamond rings?"

"Shhh!" Wheeler insisted loudly, making to run after Trish as she sprinted away, laughing merrily. "That's supposed to be a secret!"

"Did you forget I'm not very good at keepin' 'em?"

"Two can play that game! Where's Tim?"

Trish laughed and stuck her tongue out at him before nearly colliding with Tim. Wheeler noticed the way Tim's touch on her arms lingered longer than necessary, and the sincere smile he had for her. Trish was going to be all right. They were all going to be just fine.

Wheeler reached Linka, slinging an arm around her waist to bring her closer. She was surrounded by children who were eager to get her attention. Wheeler figured they were probably blinded by her beautiful smile, let alone the treats.

"Yankee," Linka turned to him, eyes bright, and he could not help but envelop her in a tight hug. She laughed a little but did not let go of him. Again, they lost themselves in each other, the setting becoming irrelevant.

"I love you," Wheeler whispered to her, and her familiar scent eased his mind. Trish was right. There was nothing to fear with a love this strong. In a matter of days, they would be engaged and happy, and life would always seem this sweet.

"I love you, too," Linka replied close to his ear, and he grinned in response as he loosened his hold on her. They let the children have fun setting the table every bizarre way they deemed apt, and watched over them in silence for a moment.

"You know," Linka started out thoughtfully, and Wheeler took her hands in his as he gave her his undivided attention. "I thought it would be difficult to meet someone who has shared such a close past with you, but Trish seems… all right. What she is doing here is terrific. It is a wonderful service to the community. She still loves you, by the way."

Wheeler's mouth opened at Linka's confident revelation, and he watched her shrug easily.

"It is in her eyes. I guess it is not something that can be turned on and off so easily. But her way of supporting you and being happy for you is very admirable. It makes her a better woman than most."

"Babe, I'm sorry if this is weird for you…" Wheeler started to reply, worried, but Linka hushed him with a kiss. There was a fondness to her glance that instantly warmed him, and he instantly knew she was not upset.

"I would say that this is hardest on Trish, if I had to guess. But as long as she is okay, then I have no problems with it."

Wheeler squeezed her hands and gave her a loving smile. She was being incredible about all this and he suddenly couldn't wait to be away from everyone and be alone with her.

"After all, it is very hard not to love you, Yankee," the Russian girl teased him, running a hand back and forth through his hair.

"Babe, this is going to be the best Christmas ever!" Wheeler jovially shared, and the overly convinced look in his eyes caused Linka to laugh.

"You will be just as excited for our New Years in Russia, da?"

"Yeah, I'd be crazy to turn down a week-long party! Besides, I already know this will be an amazing year," Wheeler all but chirped, before newly kissing her lips. He searched her eyes and smiled to himself. "We're starting it out together, how can it not?"

The rest of the afternoon was spent in the company of children, old and new friends, and the everlasting presence of love. The world was bright with the light of the smiles exchanged, alight with its glow. Wheeler could not have asked for anything more.