December 23rd

 
"You’ve got to be kidding!" Nathan stated incredulously as Kristin held up a
pair of costumes.

"I think they’re perfect," she said as she crossed to him and held one against him. "It’s so you." she teased "Shows off your knees."

"That’s not all I’ll be showing off if I wear this." he groused, looking down at the Roman toga. "I’d rather not have my ass flapping in the wind for all to see, thank you."

"Oh why not, it’s your best ass...et." Her quip earned her a glare.

"I don’t know why they decided on a masquerade ball for a Christmas Party
anyway."

"Because it’s different." Kristin put in.

"Musta been Bill’s idea.... stupid." he continued.

Kristin sighed and returned the costumes to the rack. She searched through
several more- each pair receiving an affirmative "No" from her partner.

"Help me out here Nathan."

"You know we really don’t have to go, we could just stay home and have our own party." He said hopefully.

"And what would Bill say to that?"

"He’d probably hunt me down and drag me there kicking and screaming."

"Exactly. I’ll tell you what. We go to this party and then when we get home I promise you we’ll have that private party."

"You’ve got a deal." he grinned.

"Good, then help me choose something."

"See what a little incentive can do." Kristin smiled as they stepped out of the shop twenty minutes later, each of them carrying their respective costumes in a suit bag.

"Well this had better be worth it," he teased. "I’ll have you know that I don’t do this for just anyone."

"Oh trust me, it will be." Kristin purred flashing him a seductive smile.  Now I just have a few last minute things to pick up."

"Me too."

"All right then, how about we meet back at the car in an hour."

"See you then." Nathan smiled and after a quick parting kiss then went their
separate ways.

Nathan arrived back with five minutes to spare to find that Kristin hadn’t yet arrived. He put his parcels into the back seat and leaned against the car to wait for her. When she hadn’t arrived 15 minutes later he grew worried and re-entered the busy mall to search for her.

A small commotion outside one of the shops drew his attention. As he moved
closer he saw Kristin sitting in a chair with 2 police officers and a security guard standing around her and a paramedic kneeling in front of her.

His worry increased as he rushed forward pushing through the gathered crowd
to get to her.

One guard stepped in front of him. "Please sir, you’ll have to stay back."

"But I’m with her." he protested and with a nod, the guard moved aside and let him pass.

"Kris?" he called out as he knelt beside her chair.

"I’m all right Nathan." she said softly as she turned to look at him. He winced when he saw the tiny bandage on her forehead.

"What happened?"

"I was coming out of the shop and someone came up behind me. He pushed me
down and took my bag."

Nathan frowned. "Your purse?" he asked, not remembering if she had had it with her when they had left the house that morning.

"I didn’t have it with me, just my credit card which is safe in my jeans‘ pocket."

Nathan nodded then looked up at the police. "Have you caught him?"

"Not yet sir but we are looking for him."

He gave the officer a short nod before turning back to Kristin, taking her hand in his and giving it a gentle squeeze. "Are you sure you’re all right?"

"Yes."

It was only moments later when an officer returned with a young man in tow.
As he approached he held up a shopping bag.

"Is this yours Ma’am?"

"Yes." Kristin nodded and accepted the bag from him.

"Do you wish to press any charges?"

"No."

"Kristin!"

"No, I just want to go home and forget all about this. I’m fine and I have my things back. Just take me home."

"You’re sure?"

"Yes. My head hurts and I want to go home."

"Okay."

Kristin sighed as she sank down into the hot lavender scented water. Leaning
back she closed her eyes and let the heat ease the tiredness and aches from her body. Moments later she heard soft footsteps and then Nathan’s quiet voice beside her.

"Here."

She opened her eyes and looked up, flashing him a grateful smile as she took
the glass of water and the small pain pills.

"Thank you."

Nathan sat down on the edge of the tub. Reaching out he tenderly bushed his
fingers down the length of her arm where it rested next to him.

"Are you sure you’ll be up to going to the party tomorrow?"

"Oh yes. It doesn’t hurt that much. All I need is this... a hot bath, a couple of aspirins and then a good night’s sleep with you holding me in your arms. Then I’ll be as right as rain."

"You’re sure?"

"Absolutely."

December 24th, Evening
 

Kristin and Nathan stepped through the doors into the hotel foyer. After
helping her with her cloak, Nathan moved to the coat check and Kristin crossed to a gilt mirror to check her appearance. She had just finished adjusting her feather mask when Nathan appeared behind her. His hands
settled warmly on her bare shoulders and he leaned forward to press a gentle
kiss to the tiny healing wound at her temple.

"Are you ready?"

"As I’ll ever be." she replied, leaning back against him.

"Then let’s go."

Nathan stepped back and held out his arm to her. She slipped her arm through
his with a smile and let him lead her to the ballroom.

Lucas, dressed as a knight, stood with Tim, as Robin Hood, Miguel, as Superman, and Tony as a Gangster. They were chatting, trying to determine
whom amongst all the masked party goers, was who.

"The astronaut over there has to be the Captain’s friend… Commander Keller"

"Maybe…" Lucas said. "And that medieval lady could be Doc Smith..." he added

A woman dressed as a bewitching Gypsy approached them. "What are you all up to?"

Lucas frowned for a moment and then smiled. "Hello Captain Hitchcock."

"How did you know it was me?" Katie questioned

"Your voice. How are you? It’s been a very long time."

"I’m great. Glad I was able to make it. Now enough avoiding my question…
What are you up to?"

"Oh nothing much.. Just trying to determine whom everyone is. The astronaut
is the Captain’s friend Commander Keller...."

"Obviously." Katie agreed.

"And that lady in the blue renaissance gown we think is Doc Smith."

"Could be."

"And... Wow!"

"What?" Tim questioned and followed the line of Lucas’ pointing finger.

Just entering the ballroom was a masked couple. The man was dressed as
someone from the old west, complete with hat, boots, six-shooter and sheriff’s star. The woman was dressed as a saloon girl. Her costume was skimpy; lace-up boots, fishnet stockings, short satin dress which swished elegantly as she moved and gave a glimpse of her red satin garters. The bodice and waist were cinched tight with a bustier giving the impression that her ample bosom could bust out at any moment, a feather boa was draped across her shoulders and feathers adorned the graceful upsweep of her hair.

"Who is that?"

"Don’t quote me on this… But given the red hair… I’d say it was Kristin and
Nathan." Katie smiled.

"No way."

"Way." Tony nodded. "Only Doc Westphalen has a body to do a costume like
that justice."

"And you know this because...?" Katie questioned

"Purely observation... Hey I can look can’t I."

"Sure… Just don’t let the Captain find out you’ve been ogling his girlfriend" Katie admonished.

"Yah, he’s libel to have you keel-hauled for it." Tim quipped.

"Or worse. He’ll tell Kristin. That could be a fate worse than death."

Tony shuddered. "You’re right. Okay… I’m gonna get a drink."

The evening was turning out to be quite enjoyable. Nathan and Kristin stood
with Bill and Janet, as Santa and Mrs. Claus, chatting and just generally
watching the dancers.

Kristin smiled when the music changed and grabbed Nathan’s arm.

"Dance with me," she said as she dragged him towards the dance floor.

"Kris… No… No…"

"Oh come on, don’t be a baby. I know you know this."

Lucas looked up towards the dance floor and Katie nearly laughed out loud
when she saw the look on his face.

"Wow... the Doc can boot scoot!"

"Apparently" Katie quipped with a grin " And very well from the looks of things."

"Never mind the Doc… how about the Captain… never knew the old man had it in him." Tony whistled.

"Lord, I’m hungry." Kristin sighed.

"I’m not surprised with all the dancing you’ve done." Janet smiled. "Do you want to visit the buffet?"

"No.... you know how it is with these press attended parties. The minute you
get food in your mouth someone wants an interview or takes a picture."

"True. Well, I’ve got a couple of Twinkies in my purse."

"Do I dare ask why you have Twinkies in your handbag?"

Janet laughed. "Bill and I had the grandkids yesterday and I’ve learned to
carry them in case of an emergency. Want to sneak out and share?"

"You bet I do." Kristin smiled and the two women made their way through the
crowds to the door.

Kristin breathed a sigh of relief as they stepped out into the foyer. She reached up to untie her mask. "Oh, I’ve forgotten how draining these parties can be."

Janet smiled as she fished through her purse and produced 2 packets of
Twinkies with an "Ah hah." and passed one to Kristin.

Tearing open the cellophane wrapper Kristin took a grateful bite, relishing the cake‘s creamy sweetness. "Oh that’s heavenly." she sighed and proceeded to take another bite.

"Oh Doc?" Lucas’ voice came from behind her and Kristin turned. A camera
flashed and Lucas laughed a "Thanks Doc." before hastily disappearing back
inside, almost before Kristin registered what had happened

"LUCAS!" She called after him and moved to the door, just as it opened again
and Nathan stepped out.

"There you are." he smiled. "What’s the matter?"

"Lucas, that little runt!" she huffed and the look on Nathan’s face told her she needed to explain.

"Janet and I snuck out here to share a Twinkie...."

"I’m not going to ask why."

"I had no sooner taken my first bite when he… he…"

"Yes?"

"He took my picture!"

When Nathan started to laugh she scowled at him.

"That’s why I saw him scurrying back into the room like his tail was on fire"

"His backside will be on fire if I get hold of him!"

"Kris… It’s not the end of the world." he placated softly as he slipped his arms around her waist. "I’ll get the picture from him."

"You will?"

"Yes."

"And the memory chip too?"

"Kris..."

"Please?"

"All right." he finally agreed.

"Thank you." She whispered and kissed him lightly.

"Mmm, you taste like Twinkie." he growled and licked the tiny drop of filling from her upper lip. She moaned softly and his lips seized hers in a passionate kiss. They pulled apart to the sound of someone clearing their throat.

"Janet?" Nathan said, seeing the older woman standing behind Kristin. "I
hadn’t realized you were here."

"Obviously." she grinned and moved to the door as she continued. "Don’t let me stop you.. I’m going back inside and find my husband. Why don’t you two go and find some Mistletoe. Then at least what you’re doing would be legal." she teased. "Have fun."

When she had disappeared back inside both Nathan and Kristin began to laugh.

"Why did you come out here anyway?"

"Oh I needed some air." At Kristin’s raised eyebrow he added. "Okay, okay…
Smith is on the prowl and looking for me."

"So you were hiding."

"Not exactly."

"Coward." Kristin teased.

"Hey, if you’d rather I’ll go back in there and let Smith jump my bones."

"Now I didn’t say that. The only one who will be jumping you tonight is me."

"Promise?" he questioned with a leer.

"Definitely." she purred. " So what do you say we go back in there and show her once and for all you’re mine."

"Deal." he whispered and brushed a kiss to her lips.

After helping her put her mask back on, Kristin slipped her arm through his
and Nathan led her back inside.

"Doc, I really hope you aren’t too mad about the picture." Lucas said. "It was Tony’s idea." he added, pointing to the man behind him.

"Well boys, I just want you to remember one thing about red heads." She smiled sweetly.

"What’s that?" Tony was brave enough to ask.

"We don’t get mad... we get even. Be afraid Boys… be very, very afraid. Enjoy the rest of your evening." she finished, flashing them an evil grin before stepping away.

"Kristin, that was beautiful." Katie grinned

"Thank you."

"You’re going to have them looking over their shoulders, afraid of when you’re going to exact your revenge."

"Good, that’s exactly what I want." she grinned then asked. "Have you seen
Nathan. I seemed to have lost track of him since we came back in."

"He’s over with Noyce and some of the brass. Uh Oh...."

"What?"

"Smith’s tracking Nathan like a heat seeking missile and she’s on a direct intercept."

"Well then I’d best deflect her hadn’t I."

Kristin reached Nathan’s side at almost the same moment Smith did and their
voices chimed together. "Captain..."

"Darling..."

Nathan’s eyes skimmed briefly past Smith to settle on Kristin.

"I do believe they’re playing our song. Dance with me m’love." she smiled and held out her hand. He took it, giving it a gentle squeeze.

"Excuse us gentlemen... Doctor." He said, adding Smith as almost an afterthought, and followed Kristin out onto the dance floor.
 

It must have been the mistletoe
the lazy fire, the falling snow
the magic in the frosty air
that feeling everywhere

It must have been the pretty lights
that glistened in the silent night
It may be just the stars so bright
that shined above you

Our first Christmas
more than we'd be dreaming of
Ah, Saint Nicholas had his fingers crossed
that we would fall in love!
 

"Damn but Bridger is a lucky bastard." One of the Admirals commented as they watched the couple... Kristin snuggled tightly against Nathan oblivious to
anything but the music and each other.

"Yah and with that temper of hers I’ll just bet she’s hell on wheels in the sack." another quipped with a chuckle.
 

It could have been the holiday,
the midnight ride upon sleigh
the countryside all dressed in white
the crazy snowball fight!
 

"He must have some stamina to keep up with her and I’ll tell you the truth, if I had a woman like that waiting for me at home I’d never want to leave, probably never leave the bedroom either."
 

It could have been the steeple bell
that wrapped us up in its spell
It only took one kiss to know
It must have been the mistletoe!

Our first Christmas more than we'd be dreaming of
Ah, St. Nicholas must have known that kiss
would lead to all of this!!

 
"You’re his friend Bill. What’s his secret?"

"Well I only know what he’s told me... he took one look at her and fell ass over heels, " Bill chuckled.

"Now he won’t even look at another woman."
 

It must have been the mistletoe
the lazy fire, the falling snow
the magic in the frosty air
that made me love you!

 
They all watched as Kristin pulled back slightly so she could meet Nathan’s
gaze and even from where they stood each could see the devotion and love that radiated from each.

"I mean... just look at them. They probably don’t even realize anyone else
exists." one Admiral chuckled amusedly.

"Damn he’s got it bad." Another laughed.

 
On Christmas Eve our wish came true
That I would fall in love with you
It only took one kiss to know
It must have been the mistletoe!

It must have been the mistletoe!

It must have been the mistletoe!

One kiss and oh…
I love you so

 
As the music ended and another song began Nathan and Kristin continued to
dance. Smith turned tossed them a glare, turned on her heel and stormed away

"What’s the matter with her?"

"Ah she’s just pissed," Bill quipped.

"I saw that. The question is why?"

"Well she wants Bridger for herself.. been after him from day one. And he won’t pay her the time of day."

"Because he’s in love with Westphalen."

"Exactly."

"Damn… What is his secret?"

Kristin lifted her head from Nathan’s shoulder and flashed him a smile. "What do you say we get out of here and go home?"

"I’d say… Let’s say our goodbyes and go."

"Mmm good."

After leaving the dance floor they quickly made their goodbyes and slipped from the party.

"Mmm, I love parties but it’s nice to be home." Kristin said as she moved down the hall to the bedroom. She heard Nathan close and lock the front door as she crossed to the bed and turned on the lamp. She had just finished unlacing and removing her boots when he appeared in the doorway.

"So," he said leaning up against the doorframe. "How about that private party."

She flashed him an amused grin. "Somebody’s anxious."

"You don’t know the half of it," he growled playfully.

She got up from the bed and picked up a couple of the shopping bags. "Well
just give me 15 minutes Sailor and we can get this party started." She purred, flashed him a wink and disappeared into the bedroom.

As soon as the door closed behind her Nathan moved. He hurried to the kitchen and took the bottle of champagne from where he had left it chilling in the fridge and slipped it into a bucket of ice. He then selected two crystal champagne flutes from the cupboard and carried them all back to the bedroom. After setting them down on the night-stand he finished preparing the room.

Kristin finished brushing out her hair, added a few minor finishing touches and then gave her appearance a final once over. With a small nod of approval she moved to the door, turning off the lights as she opened it.

She stopped just outside the bathroom. Nathan had been a busy little elf while she was inside. The bedroom was transformed: soft music played in the background, champagne sat chilling on the night table; the bed was turned down invitingly and the room was aglow with only the light from the flickering candles scattered about the room. That mixed with the candles soft scent added to the ambience.

And he was dressed, or undressed, for the occasion in only.. red silk boxers a red bow-tie and a Santa hat perched jauntily on the top of his head.

Nathan heard the bathroom door open and turned to greet Kristin. A vision in
red met his gaze. Starting with her feet, his eyes took in every small detail.

She wore red satin heels and her long legs were encased in sheer black stockings. His eyes continued their trek upward to the stockings‘ lacy tops where they were connected to a red satin garter belt. He took in her high-cut red lacy panties and matching satin and lace bustier. A ribbon was tied saucily around her neck and a Santa hat completed her outfit.

"Now that’s what I call a surprise." They chimed together and shared a laugh
as they crossed to each other.

Nathan slipped his arms around her waist and drew her close. "Seems we both
had the same idea." he smiled.

"Seems so."

"Well… since we both went to all this trouble… What do you say we put these to good use."

"Mmm, I thought you’d never ask." she replied with a grin and could see the smile in his eyes as he lowered his lips to hers and kissed her passionately... passion quickly giving way to ecstasy.

It was early. How early Kristin couldn’t be sure, she was too sated and too
tired to even lift her head from her lover’s chest to check the time.

"Merry Christmas, my love." his voice sounded softly.

"Mm, Merry Christmas," she whispered and pressed several tiny kisses to his
bare chest. "How long have you been awake?"

"Not long. Ready for your present?"

"You mean you haven’t given it to me yet." she teased.

Nathan chuckled. "I do have something more. I’ll be right back." he added,
brushing a kiss to her temple before slipping from her embrace.

Kristin watched as he slipped from the bed and strode from the room. When he
had disappeared, she got up and moved to her dresser. Opening her lingerie
drawer she pulled out 2 small wrapped packages. Returning to the bed, she
settled back against the headboard just as Nathan re-entered the bedroom.

He climbed back in beside her and held out the present. She took it with smile and pulled off the paper to reveal a jeweler’s box. Opening the lid she gasped in awe as she pulled out the fine gold chain. Dangling from the end was a tiny diamond studded key.

"Nathan..." she breathed. "It’s gorgeous."

"You like it?"

"I love it. Thank you."

"Let me help you put it on." he offered and she nodded, lifting her hair out of the way as he slipped the necklace around her and secured the clasp.

"Now you have the key to my heart." he whispered and dropped a kiss to her
bare shoulder.

She turned her head to look at him, tears shining in her eyes as she replied "And I‘ll keep it close to my heart... always."

They shared a brief passionate kiss, then Kristin said. "Your turn. This one first."

Nathan took the small square present and pulled off the wrapping. Taking the
lid from the box he pulled out a tiny gold medallion hanging from a gold chain.

"I remember you telling me once that Isis was the patron goddess of sailors.

"She is." he said softly, his finger tracing the image of the tiny goddess etched into the metal.

"She can keep you safe when we’re apart and I inscribed the back."

Nathan turned it over. "Ab initio Ad infinitum." he read out loud.

"It means… ‘From the beginning to infinity."

There was a catch to his voice as he continued. "My life, my love, forever
Kristin." He looked up to meet her gaze.

"Thank you Baby. I’ll wear it always." He told her softly and slipped it around his neck.

"I have one more gift for you," she said, reaching for the second parcel.

"Wait." He stopped her and took both of her hands in his. "Before you do...
Kris, I love you more than I ever thought possible. More than I ever thought I could again and you’ve made me happier in the time we’ve been together than I can ever remember being. Will you marry me?"

"Yes... oh yes." she laughed and threw herself into his arms, covering his face with kisses each punctuated with a ‘yes.‘  "When?"

"Today." he replied.

Kristin pulled back "Today?! Nathan it’s Christmas day. It’s impossible."

"Nothing is impossible, Baby. You taught me that," he said softly. "We can do it. Cindy and Lucas will be here anyway and I can easily round up Bill and Janet and any of the crew you want here. We can get the base Chaplain to
perform the ceremony."

"But there’s the rings and the marriage license and..."

"I have a friend who is a jeweler. He owes me a favor. And Bill’s brother-in-law is a judge. We can do this."

"We’re crazy. Completely insane." she laughed

"Uh Huh."

"All right. If we pull this off I want you to do one thing for me."

"Anything."

"I know it’s not summer but will you wear your dress whites?"

"Baby, I’d get married in my underwear if it would make you happy."

"Your whites will be just fine." she laughed "Now before you make me forget I have one more gift for you."

"Just saying yes was gift enough for me."

"Perhaps… But..." she held out the second parcel.

He unwrapped it, took the lid from the box and pulled out a piece of white plastic giving her a quizzical look as he studied it.

It was several inches long and had a small window cut into the end. Straight
through the center of the window was a pale blue line. It took him a moment for his brain to register that what he held was a home pregnancy test strip... and that the result was positive.

"Positive." he said out loud. "You’re..."

"Yes... Merry Christmas my love."

His reply was a brilliant grin and he pulled her tightly to him.

"God, I love you so much." he whispered, one hand sliding down to rest gently on her abdomen. "You’ve made my life complete and given me the best Christmas ever."

"Me too."

"I can’t believe you two are actually going to pull this off." Janet said as she helped Kristin get ready.

"I can’t believe it either." she replied as she smoothed down the champagne
satin and lace of her dress. "When Nathan said he wanted to get married today I thought he was crazy..."

Her words were interrupted by a knock on the door. Katie slipped into the room and closed the door behind her.

She was carrying a bouquet of champagne roses tied with a white ribbon. "Mrs Rosen next door gave me some roses from her garden."

"Oh they are gorgeous."

"Everyone is here." Katie continued as she set the flowers down on the bed.  And everything is ready. We’re just waiting for you."

"How’s Nathan?"

"Pacing down on the beach. And I thought the S.G was going to have a stroke
when he saw Nathan in his whites." Katie chuckled.

Janet shook her head with a laugh and turned to Kristin. "Ready?"

"Yes."

The setting couldn’t have been more perfect. The beach behind the house was
bathed in the brilliant colorful hues of the setting sun. Family and friends were gathered and Nathan stood facing the Chaplain, who had his back to the ocean. Bill stood on one side of him and Crocker the other.

"Having second thoughts?" Crocker questioned with a slightly amused grin.

"No Gator, I’ve never been more sure of anything in my life." Nathan replied
and slapped him on the back, then turned to face the house just as Kristin,
flanked by Janet and Katie, stepped out onto the deck.

His breath caught in his throat. Just when he thought she couldn’t look anymore beautiful she proved him wrong.

His eyes never left her as she made her way to his side.

As she neared he held out his hand and she took it with a soft smile. Hand in hand they turned to face the Chaplain.

"Welcome friends. " the Chaplain began.

"Ladies and Gentleman, I give you... Mr. and Mrs. Nathan Bridger."

The assembled group erupted into a chorus of clapping and cheers as the newly married couple turned to face them and walked arm in arm towards the
deck.

"You know," Bill began as a small group stood talking on the deck sharing
glasses of champagne. "When you called this morning and told me you were
going to do this today I thought it was the most hair-brained scheme you’d ever come up with."

"But?" Nathan questioned with a grin.

"But I can’t believe you actually pulled this off."

"Me either, what’s your secret?" Katie wanted to know.

Nathan and Kristin shared a look and then with a laugh they quipped. "It must have been the mistletoe."