The final chapter is here, please enjoy!

Chapter Eleven

"Day and Night"

Christmas Eve found Finn and Holley spending a nice, quaint time with the original residents of Radiator Springs. There was a light dusting of powdery snow on the ground and Sally had rented out the Wheel Well for them all to celebrate together. As Holley gazed around the place she could tell there was still some damage but it definitely on the road to recovery. They had all done a fastidious job sprucing it back up with strings of red and green bulbs, a fir tree, pots of poinsettias and the traditional mistletoe.

Finn interrupted Holley's dreamy stare and asked, "Can I get you a drink?"

"Oh, yes, please," she smiled warmly.

"Champagne?" he offered at once.

Holley's eyes perked up, "My favourite…how did you know?"

He grinned devilishly, "I told you I was observant."

She rolled her eyes teasingly, "Alright, don't be cheeky!"

After Finn disappeared to the bar she spotted Mater driving over to her, his tires swivelling mischievously.

"Miss Holley! I ben lookin' fer ya! There's sumthin' I want ya to have," he said with a toothy smile. Whipping around his tow cable he produced a leafy ring spotted with red; a holly wreath. Placing it on her roof his mouth opened wider with glee and he shouted, "Well, it fits ya perfectly!"

Holley laughed with amusement. She'd gotten used to the puns on her name over the years, but the wreath topped them all.

Before she or Mater could speak McQueen dashed over and broke into the laughter. His voice was anxious as he spoke, "Mater! Now is the right time!"

"Where is she?" Mater asked, leaving Holley feeling out of the loop.

"Finn's got her busy in the bar mixing up some drinks."

"Alrighty. Excuse me, Miss Holley," Mater said rushing off with McQueen.

Holley watched curiously as the pair circled through the other townsfolk. They spoke quickly with each one and left them hushed. Finally, Finn emerged from the bar and pulled to the side as Sally followed close behind. Once outside the bar, her eyes searched the silent crowd with confusion.

McQueen drove forward into the open space and called Sally to come nearer. Holley's expression softened as she saw Sally's face light with excitement. Suddenly she knew where this was going.

"I'm sure you are all aware of what a loyal and kind citizen Sally is to this town," McQueen began, "but what you don't know is what a loving, caring and all-around amazing girlfriend she has been to me for five faithful years."

Sally's eyes swelled with tears and she didn't speak. She stared affectionately back at him, awaiting the question she'd longer to hear since her childhood.

"And I think I've waited five years too many to ask you this, but Sally Carrera, will you marry me?"

"Oh, yes! I will!" she cried and kissed him tenderly before the crowd.

Holley sighed with happiness for her friend while the others flocked around the newly engaged couple. Through the crowd Finn appeared and approached her without a drink.

"May I escort you on a short drive? Leave the new couple to be received?" he suggested calmly.

She didn't question about the drink but simply replied, "Of course."

They drove quietly together until they came to the old mine shaft. Stopping just outside the entrance of it Finn began to talk again.

"I apologize for not bringing your drink. You see, McQueen asked me to distract Sally while he prepared to pop the question, so to speak," he explained.

"It's fine," she said tactfully.

"Speaking of distractions," he turned to face her and looked into her eyes, "You, my dear, provide one hell of a distraction. Are you aware of that?"

Holley gasped at his outspokenness but was intrigued by his words. "I-I…" she said breathlessly.

"It's no wonder Sir Mater was attracted to you on his first mission. And I am certainly not an easy one to crack, but you've done it. However, unlike Mater, I won't settle for friendship. And I've got a good feeling you won't either…" he left the statement wide open for her to intercept.

Her heart pounded with the exhilaration and the realization that this was not another bittersweet dream. Finn was really saying these things to her!

"Don't toy with me, McMissile. You know how I feel. I'm sure you've known all along. You also know very well the dangers of crossing work and relationships," she warned him, "That's what worries me."

"Ah, correct, love and business certainly do not mix or merge. We do have lives outside of C.H.R.O.M.E. though, ones we are free to spend as we wish," he reminded.

But Holley was hardly listening; she was still stuck on his first line. Love? Was he imposing that what they had could be more than just a crush?

"Well, you're right on that. I'm willing-," she paused to correct herself, "I want to give it a try if you're in on it."

"Unstoppable spies by day and lovers by night; I like the sound of it," he said confidently.

Holley smiled at him then began looking around the area purposefully.

"If you're searching for mistletoe I haven't hung any," Finn grinned smugly.

"Pardon?" she said innocent surprise, "Well, we don't need it you know…"

He chuckled lowly and moved closer to her, "No, we don't need anything but each other."

THE END ~

Thanks so much for reading :) This story had some wonderful readers and I hope you will feel compelled to leave me one last review on this story. I truly hope you enjoyed "Dangerous Keepings" and will check out my other works. Until next time!