She let the door shut behind her and she strode across the set; her heels making noticeably loud sounds on the floor.

Afton turned around and was genuinely surprised to see her. Why was Lucy here?

Their eyes locked and they both stared for a few moments. Lucy began to wonder if she'd made a mistake by coming here, but she supposed it was worth a shot. Finally, Lucy cleared her throat. “Hi Afton.”

“Lucy…” Afton said, more of a statement than a greeting.

“I need to talk to you.”

“I can't imagine what you and I could possibly have to discuss.”

“It's about Neil. I'm sure you've heard about his illness.”

Afton nodded. “I saw it on the news and despite what you may think of me, I feel really sorry for him.”

“He can't leave the hospital…he's under twenty-four hour guard because you said he attacked you…he's dying and he's going to die there.”

“Why are you telling me this?”

“I don't believe Neil attacked you…I think this is just some sick plot of yours to get back at me.”

Afton smiled and shook her head, not believing this. “I may have done some bad things in the past, but I wouldn't lie about something like that.”

“Afton…we hate each other and I'm sure we always will, but I'm begging you…if you know anything about this…something that you're not telling the police…something that might clear Neil, then I need to know.”

“Lucy Ewing Lancaster. Begging me. How tragic.”

Lucy bit her lip. Her contempt for this woman was about to come bubbling forth. “Please. I'll do whatever you want…I'll give you anything you want.”

Afton knew she couldn't tell Lucy about Rex; that would destroy her blackmail and then Rex would never marry her and she'd never see a penny of his fortune.

“I…I don't know anything.”

Lucy picked up on the hesitation…the stuttering. “You do and I am begging you to tell me. I don't want Neil to take the blame for this and I don't want him to die in the hospital.”

“I said I don't know anything…as far as I know, Neil was the one that attacked me that night.”

“Afton, I thought there was some goodness somewhere inside of you, but now I know there's not. This is all going to come back to haunt you someday…heck, I think it already has. Where's your daughter this holiday season? Far, far away from you isn't she? And Mitch? Couldn't he find time to drop by for a Christmas visit? Your selfishness has driven everyone you love away from you and now you don't have anyone left.” Lucy turned and walked away.

Afton watched her go, thinking about what she said. “Lucy…”

Lucy turned around. “What.”

“The man who attacked me…he had a scar…and a tattoo. It couldn't have been Neil.”

Lucy's face brightened. “Will you go to the police and tell them that?”

Afton nodded. It was time for her to do the right thing. She didn't have to implicate Rex in this…but she could still clear Neil.

“Christopher…I'm sorry.”

“About what?”

“Dragging you out Christmas shopping like this when I know you're not in the mood. You and Melissa were so close…”

Christopher nodded, thinking about his friend. “I don't know why it had to end like that…or why she took off with T.J. She and John Ross seemed so happy.”

“Things have a way of turning out how you least expect them to.”

“God, I'll miss her.”

Karen pulled Christopher close. “I know.”

“But I don't wanna ruin your Christmas mood…and I know Melissa wouldn't have wanted us to let her death make Christmas a sad time.” Christopher looked down into one of the shopping bags. “But we really should get home if we're ever gonna get all of this stuff wrapped up in time for Santa to bring it.”

“Well you're doing all the wrapping.”

“Oh yeah? We'll see about that.”

“All right Cliff, you have fifteen minutes.” Val said, as she approached him.

Cliff turned around and immediately stood up. “Valene!” he motioned for her to sit down on the cold cement wall of the fountain.

Val sat and shivered at the cold. Cliff sat next to her and pulled two coffees out of a bag. He handed one to her.

Val looked at it suspiciously. “You were so sure I'd come, that you bought me coffee?”

Cliff smiled, “I'd like to say that I was that sure, but I bought it just in case… but I'm glad I won't be throwing it away.”

Val took the coffee and laughed, “You never would have spent the money to buy the coffee unless you were sure I'd show up.”

Cliff shrugged, “Okay, I admit it. You already know me well, couldn't wait to begin your research, huh? I can't say I blame you, though, I am fascinating.”

“I'm sorry to disappoint you. No one needs to do research to know that you're cheap. It's a well known fact.”

Cliff waved his hand in the air. “Okay, I give… Now lets talk about our book.”

“When is it going to get through that hard head of yours? I have NOT agreed to write a book with you. Actually, I came mostly out of curiosity.”

“Whatever it took, I'm glad you came because there's no doubt in my mind that we'd be a great team. We already have a lot in common, you know.”

“Cliff, I shudder to think what I might have in common with you. I've heard enough to satisfy my curiosity.” Val started to get up, but Cliff touched her arm.

“Wait! Just listen for a minute, then if you don't like what you hear, you can leave and you'll be no worse off than when you came. Okay?”

Val settled back down on the cold cement. “All right, but no more blustering about how wonderful you are and what a great subject you'd be. I just ate lunch.”

“That's a deal. I want you to close your eyes and picture the cover of the book I sent you.” Val almost started laughing, but she suppressed it and only smiled. “Now imagine JR Ewing's face when he sees our book on the bestseller list.” Cliff chuckled. “He'd be enraged! I can't think of a better way to get him back.”

Val opened her eyes. “What makes you think I want to get back at JR for something?”

“Same way you knew I liked to save my money – it's a well known fact. Come on Val, you and I have a lot in common here, neither one of us are the Ewing's favorite people. And that's putting it mildly.” Since he realized that the subject matter alone wasn't going to be enough to convince her to write the book, maybe vengeance would.

Valene was offended at his presumptuousness in telling her what her relationship with her in-laws was like. “I don't know what you're talking about. You may have a vendetta against the Ewings, but I don't. I was accepted into the family a long time ago.”

Cliff noted something in her voice that belied what she was saying. “I don't think that's quite the case, in fact, I'd be willing to bet on it. You and I came from the same place, Val. I worked and scraped by half of my life to get to where I am. You were a waitress. Those aren't the kind of people the Ewings ever accept. No matter how good you clean up, when they look at you, they'll always see a waitress.”

Val was furious. “What do you know about families, Cliff? I know about you and some of the things you've put your sister through. There's not a loyal bone in your body! While we're at it, what do you know about relationships in general? I've never heard you talk about anyone but yourself. No wonder your wives all left you!”

“If you're such an expert on marriage, where is your dear husband Gary? I haven't seen him around. For such a happy, loving couple, you're spending a lot of time apart!”

That was it! Val was so angry, she looked around for something to throw at him, unfortunately, the coffee cup in her hand was empty and all she saw near her were flowers. Too angry for words, she tossed the coffee cup at him and began to walk away.

As she walked, Cliff stood and yelled at her quickly retreating figure. “Hey, where are you going? Come on back. Wha'd I say?”

Manny sat on the couch, wrapped in a blanket, but he still shivered. All the time he'd spent out in the cold that night had caused him to catch a cold and Jillian was doing her best to make him comfortable. She passed him a cup of hot chocolate and he drank from it.

“I hope it's okay…it may be too bitter.”

“It's great…really.” Manny coughed and set the cup on the table beside the couch.

“Yeah, well I wish I knew if you were telling the truth or not. If not, then you're a pretty good liar.”

Manny laughed, but soon double over in pain. He'd been coughing so much lately that his abdomen was sore and the laughter only made it worse.

Jillian looked around the bunkhouse and put her hand to her chin in thought. “That corner over there…that would be an awesome place for a Christmas tree.”

“I don't have one though.”

“Manny, this cabin is surrounded by cedar trees.”

“Hey now, if you think I'm going out in that cold to cut one, then you're crazy. I'd die for sure.”

“Got an axe?” Jillian asked, cracking her knuckles.

“Oh no…you're not.”

“Yes I am. Now where is it?”

“Out on the north side of the cabin…stuck in the stump next to the woodpile.”

Jillian walked over to the door and pulled her coat off the peg on the wall. “I'll be back…and if I'm not back in a half-hour, better send a search party.”

“Jill, this is crazy! You'll never be able to chop down a tree…”

“Oh yeah?”

“Well…yeah.”

“Watch me…”

“I think you have the wrong room Santa…the children's ward is in the other wing.”

Lucy laughed. The fact that Neil still had his sense of humor was the most wonderful present anyone could have given her that year…aside from what Afton had just done. “No, this is the right room. Now open…”

Neil shrugged and ripped open the first box, which contained a new pair of shoes. Perplexed, Neil put them back in the box and then put the top back on it. “Lucy…I didn't need these. I won't need them here.”

“Just open the others…”

One coat, a pair of jeans, a shirt, and a pair of gloves later, Neil was more perplexed than ever. “What's all this for? I can't leave the hospital…”

“Come on…get dressed.”

“Why?”

“Because we're going home for Christmas…and maybe even to Southfork.”

“How?” Neil wanted to smile…he wanted to be thankful, but he still clung to the pessimistic view that this was all some sort of joke.

“Afton gave the police some more information…she said the man that attacked her had a scar and a tattoo…it couldn't have been you.”

Excitement was creeping over Neil. “Are you serious? And they're going to let me go, just like that?”

“I used the Ewing name to speed up the process, but yeah, you're a free man again.”

Neil jumped out of bed and swallowed Lucy in a hug. “God Lucy, I'm the luckiest guy on earth to have you for a wife. I love you…”

And despite Neil's original reasons for marrying her, Lucy knew that he meant it. He did love her…and she loved him.

He tried every oil company he knew, but out of all of them, only a couple were willing to sell oil to him, and it wasn't nearly enough. He was thoroughly depressed. He had tried to divert his attention from his failing company by writing a book about himself. But after his meeting with Valene Ewing he doubted she would ever speak to him again, much less write the book. Though he still couldn't figure out what had made her so angry.

He pulled up in front of the Ewing building and took a deep breath. He was about to perform the last act of a desperate man – ask Ewing Oil to help him out. He would have died before even considering it if JR was still running things on his own. Cliff hoped that with Sue Ellen there, he could talk her into it without JR knowing.

A few minutes later, upstairs in the Ewing Oil offices…

Cliff tired to look casual as he walked into the offices. “Hello, Kendall.” She looked confused, but he kept walking. “Hello, Phyllis.” He continued walking down the hallway that led to Sue Ellen's office. Phyllis gave Sly a puzzled look. Sly only shrugged her shoulders.

“Cliff, you can't go in there.” Phyllis called.

Cliff yelled back. “Sure I can, Sue Ellen and I are old friends…” He opened the door to find Sue Ellen's office empty. He shut the door and quickly walked back to Phyllis. He didn't count on Sue Ellen not being there, he needed that oil now!

“So where is she?”

“I'm not sure, she stepped out of the office for a little while.”

“Well find out where she is. I need to talk to her now.” As he said it, Cliff stamped his foot like a child.

“What's all the yellin' about out here?” JR had stepped out of his office to see what was going on. “Barnes! What are you doing here? I thought we just had this place sprayed for pests.”

Cliff grinned, “If that's true JR, how did you survive?”

JR turned to Sly, “Find out what he wants and get him out of here. I have work to do.”

Cliff turned to JR. “I'm here on business. But not with you, with Sue Ellen.”

“If it's Ewing Oil business, you're doing it with me no matter who you talk to.” JR sized up Cliff, he'd been bored most of the morning, and this just might be fun. “I have to admit you've got me curious. I guess I could use a laugh, why don't you come in and tell me your proposal.”

Cliff hesitated, talking to Sue Ellen about buying oil was one thing, but the last thing he wanted to do was ask JR for anything. Then again, he had been naïve to think that JR didn't check every deal that came through. Sue Ellen would never have gotten it by him. If he wanted oil from Ewing Oil, he was going to have to get it from JR. He reluctantly followed JR into his office.

JR sat down at his desk and leaned back. He didn't offer Cliff a seat. “Let's here it, Barnes.”

Cliff didn't beat around the bush; he didn't want to spend any more time here than was absolutely necessary. “I need oil and I'm willing to pay twice the market value for it.”

“Now how could a loser like you afford to do that?”

“It doesn't matter how. Will you do it?”

“Let's see, you need oil… and you must be pretty desperate for it to come looking here.” JR steepled his hands in front of him. “When do you need the oil?”

“Yesterday.”

“When would I get my money?”

“Um… I can get half of it to you and the other half after I close on the deal with the other company for the oil.” Cliff was beginning to have some hope. “So how soon could we sign a contract?”

JR looked thoughtful. “I suppose when Hell freezes over would be a good time.” The blood drained from Cliff's face when he heard JR's answer. He'd only been toying with him, just like always. “Why in the world would I want to do business with you Barnes? You think I've lost my mind? I don't know what kind of bind you're in, but one thing's for sure, Ewing Oil isn't going to be a part of it.”

Cliff came out of shock; all he felt now was anger. “You snake! I thought for once that you were going to do what was best for your company instead of putting yourself first. It's a good deal that could make you millions.”

JR stood. “To do that, I'd have to believe that your contract with this other company was valid and would actually occur. Beyond that, I make it a point to never do business with idiots or lunatics. And you fall into both of those categories. Now get the hell out of my office.”

“I'll be glad to leave JR, but you just watch out because when this deal comes in, I'm going to have the richest oil company in Texas, maybe in the whole USA! You're going to be sorry you weren't in on it.” Cliff stormed out of JR's office.

JR shouted after him. “You're delusional too!!”

Ace was exhausted as he got out of his car and headed for his apartment. All he wanted to do was sleep. It wasn't bad enough that Eric was blackmailing him to help steal information, but he had to do real work down in the lab all day just to make his job seem legit. Not only that, but Eric was becoming impossible to work with, always riding him about getting the information. Like he could just make it materialize out of thin air.

He unlocked the door to his apartment and was shutting it behind him, when he heard a thump and the door stopped. Startled, he turned around to find Bobby standing in the doorway, holding the door open with one hand and leaning against the doorframe. “Who are you?” Ace asked shakily.

“Come on now, Ace, surely you know who I am. I certainly know who you are. Mind if I come in? We have some things to … talk about.”

Ace had never met Bobby, but he did recognize him from pictures he'd seen in the newspapers. And, of course, he knew that Bobby was currently running the company he and Eric were stealing from. “Um… sure… I guess… I mean… why not man. Come on in.”

Bobby hadn't waited for the invitation; he was already inside, shutting the door behind him.

Ace hardly ever felt nervous in his life, but he did now. “Uh… Mr. Ewing, can I get you something to drink?”

Bobby took a menacing step toward him. “Let's cut the bull and get right to the point.” Ace couldn't speak; he only nodded. Bobby pointed a finger in his face, looking like he'd like to hurl him through the wall. “All right. I know who you are and I know that you are working for The Clifford Group. I also know that you are helping someone at my company steal top secret plans.”

Ace's face was getting paler the more Bobby talked. Damn Eric! He had told Ace that there was no risk in the job he was doing – no one would ever find out. Well then why was 'Mr. President of the Company' standing here in his living room looking like he was about to tear Ace's head off?

“Now, I could very easily go to the police and have you arrested for espionage.” Bobby took a step back. “OR, you could agree to give me the answers to a few questions. Which will it be?”

Ace tried desperately to figure out what Bobby could possibly have on him to tie him to the spy. He wasn't sure, but better safe than sorry. “All right man, I don't want any trouble. I'll try to answer whatever you want to throw at me.” Ace walked over to his couch and sat down. “Have a seat, we'll talk.”

Bobby walked over and sat down on the arm of a chair that was just a few feet from Ace. “We can start with you telling me who your boss is.”

Ace looked down at the floor. “You already know that, man. You said I work for The Clifford Group.”

Bobby leaned over just inches from Ace's face. “Let me give you a quick tip. Don't try to get around the question or lie… because if you do… I guarantee you, that no matter how far you run, I'll find you; and when I do, you'll wish I had turned you in to the police. Understand?” Ace nodded and Bobby straightened back up. “Now, tell me who you're working for at the Clifford Group.”

“I can't do that man.”

“Why not?”

Ace's eyes pleaded with Bobby to understand. “The guy owns me. He has, you know, some stuff on me. Somethin' that I don't want to fall into the wrong hands.”

“You're telling me that someone blackmailed you into helping steal from my company.”

“No way, man, I'm not doin' the actual stealing. I'm just looking at the discs when the person who steals them brings them in. You know, to see if it's the right disc. I'm no spy.”

Bobby studied him for a moment. “Ace, I know you're scared of whatever this person has on you, but what you're doing is wrong. If you come clean with me now, I'll help you.”

“No help for me when I'm sitting in a stinking jail cell.” Bobby bowed his head, thinking. Ace spoke up. “Look man, I'd really like to help you. I really would. I mean, I don't even like the guy who hired me.”

“Then can you at least tell me who the spy is? Your boss would never know you told.”

Ace thought about that possibility for a moment. “Sorry. I just can't take the chance. I'm not going back to jail.”

Bobby snapped his head up. “But you'll be going back anyway when I take the information I have to the police.”

Ace had been thinking about this. “You don't have anything. If you did, you wouldn't have come here to talk, you would have had me arrested and let the police make me talk – more leverage that way.”

The frustration and anger showed on Bobby's face and he had an overwhelming desire to punch Ace. He took a deep breath and said, “You won't tell, fine. But let me tell you something, I'm going to find out who is behind this, and when I do, you're all going down. And that's a guarantee.” With that, Bobby stood and walked out of the apartment, slamming the door behind him.

Ace breathed for the first time in what seemed like an eternity. He had to figure out what to do. He knew Eric wasn't bluffing, but he was sure that Bobby wasn't either. He consoled himself with the thought that Bobby didn't seem to have any real evidence yet and maybe they would be done before he could get any.

“I guess I underestimated you, but we still don't have any decorations.”

Jillian sighed. “Are we Mr. Negativity or what? Don't think I didn't think this over while I was out there in the freezing cold chopping away at this tree.”

Manny couldn't help but smile at her persistence. “Ok, so what's the plan?”

“I saw popcorn in the kitchen. I'm sure you've got some string around here somewhere…we'll have an old-fashioned Christmas tree.”

“I'm sure I could come up with something.”

“Great! So I'll go pop the popcorn and we'll get started…in the meantime you can show me what a handyman you are and rig up some sort of stand for this tree.”

Miss Ellie could tell that Sue Ellen was troubled about something. She always seemed down lately and there were circles under her eyes. Though she didn't like to pry, she thought that talking about her problems might do Sue Ellen some good. “Sue Ellen, are you all right?”

The question caught Sue Ellen off guard. “Of course, I'm fine.”

Ellie gave Sue Ellen a skeptical look. “Are you sure? You don't quite seem yourself lately.”

Sue Ellen looked down at the half empty glass of club soda in her hands. “I suppose I have been down since Melissa and TJ's deaths. It came as such a shock.”

Ellie frowned, sorry she had asked. Of course Sue Ellen was upset about losing her grandchild and future daughter-in-law. “How is John Ross taking it all? He's been through so much, it just doesn't seem fair.”

“I don't really know. He has been keeping to his room most of the time. When I do see him, he doesn't want to talk. I keep telling myself that that's a normal reaction to grief. But I'm worried about him.”

Miss Ellie put a reassuring hand on her shoulder. “I'm sorry, I should have known that was upsetting you. It just seemed like you were distracted even before all of that happened.”

“Hello Sue Ellen, Momma.” Bobby and Pam walked into the room together.

Sue Ellen was glad for the interruption. She had a feeling that had someone not stopped her, she might have confessed her recent ambivalent feelings for JR and Miss Ellie didn't need to be worrying about that.

Bobby had poured him and Pam drinks and was standing just to the side of the chair that she was sitting in, his hand on her shoulder. “So how's the oil business these days, Sue Ellen?”

Sue Ellen didn't have time to answer the question. JR walked into the room and answered it for her. “It was a great day at Ewing Oil… in fact, I think it may have been one of the best days I've ever had.” He headed for the bar to make himself a drink.

“Well now, JR why would that be?” Bobby asked.

“Did you run over one of Santa's elves on your way home?” Sue Ellen added sarcastically.

JR poured his drink and turned around with a scowl. “No Sue Ellen, it's not open seasons on elves yet, you know that. Actually, Pam, you might be interested in this. I had a visit from your brother today.”

Pam was surprised, “Cliff? Why would he come to Ewing Oil?”

He turned to Sue Ellen. “He actually was there to see Sue Ellen, but apparently, she forgot she had a meeting with him, which is understandable since he's so forgettable.”

“I didn't forget, I didn't have a meeting scheduled with Cliff today.”

“Well, he thought he had one with you. Since you weren't there, out of the goodness of my heart, I agreed to see him. You'll never believe what he wanted.”

JR was enjoying his story all too much. But Pam was getting nervous, as she always was whenever JR started talking about Cliff. And for Cliff to come to Ewing Oil for something… that couldn't be good. Bobby sensed the tension growing in her and he rubbed her shoulder, reminding her to take it easy. After all, Cliff was a big boy and not her problem. “What did he want?”

JR took a swallow of his drink. “That's the funny part. He came begging for oil. Said he could pay me twice the market value for it.”

Sue Ellen snapped at JR. “That's a great deal, I hope you took him up on it.”

“Sue Ellen, I know that your friendship with the man blinds you, but you'll see an armadillo fly before I make a deal with Cliff Barnes!” JR took another sip of his drink. “And if you think otherwise, you're as delusional as he is.”

Theresa sighed and nonchalantly rolled her eyes, which was unseen by J.R. “I'm sorry Mr. Ewing…but there's so much to do here in preparation for the Christmas festivities. She must have somehow sneaked by me.”

“We wouldn't have this problem if it weren't for that niece of yours. She blew right into Southfork like a tornado and corrupted my daughter.”

Theresa couldn't help but agree. For the most part, everything had been fine at Southfork until Isabel had arrived. “I'm sorry.”

“Not half as sorry as I am. If Momma didn't own Southfork that girl wouldn't still be here causing trouble…”

John Ross walked by, ignoring both of them. J.R. cleared his throat. “Theresa, would you mind excusing us for a minute?”

Theresa quickly disappeared, glad for the chance to get away from J.R.

J.R. caught John Ross in the kitchen, taking a swig of eggnog and he touched him on the shoulder. “You're doing a hell of a lot better than me or your Momma'd be doing in the same situation. I'm sure we'd both be drinking something a lot stronger than that.”

“Are you trying to be funny?” John Ross' voice was bitter and frank.

J.R. shook his head. “No… no. Just tryin' to crack through that shell of yours so that maybe you'll open up to me a little bit. You haven't said two words to me…or anybody, since the wedding.”

“What's there to say? Melissa's dead. T.J.'s dead. There's no wedding…no relationship anymore. End of story.”

J.R. was quickly growing worried. “Son…what happened between you and Melissa to cause her to leave like that?”

John Ross took another drink of eggnog and a knot formed in the bottom of his stomach. For a moment, he felt like he would vomit, but he took a deep breath and it passed. “I wanted Melissa back so bad.”

“I understand that feeling. What'd you do?”

“I really screwed up everything. Screwed up my pride…my relationship and I screwed up Melissa and T.J.'s lives.”

“How?” J.R. and John Ross both took seats at the kitchen table and J.R. leaned forward to listen.

“I made a deal with the devil, that's how.”

For a split-second, J.R. thought John Ross was being serious. “Who?”

“Angela McSween. She was lonely…she promised that she could convince Melissa to give me a second chance and I used her loneliness to my advantage.”

“John Ross, what are you saying?”

“God, do I have to spell it out for you? You practically wrote the book on the subject! I slept with Angela to get Melissa back!”

J.R. couldn't believe what he was hearing. So this was why Melissa had left Southfork so quickly that day. “John Ross…”

“I'm just like you! I always tried not to be but in the end I couldn't escape it…” It tore J.R. up inside to hear his own son say those words, but he continued to listen. “I didn't want to do it…I tried to think of another way but I knew there wasn't one. Melissa needed to hear her mother say I deserved a second chance.”

“You're not like me John Ross.”

“Like hell I'm not.”

“You did the right thing…you told Melissa the truth.”

“And the truth killed her!”

“It was Melissa's decision to leave Dallas that day…not yours.”

“But if I'd kept the secret…if I hadn't told her then we'd be married now. We'd be married and she and T.J. would be alive and we'd all be a family…a happy family about to celebrate our first Christmas together but I told her what I did and now that will never be reality.” The tears that John Ross had fought so long to hold back now flowed freely from his eyes.

J.R. put his arm around his son in a stiff embrace. “It's okay John Ross.”

“My son and the woman I loved are both dead…and it's my fault…all my fault.” John Ross stood up, knocking the chair over in the process.

J.R. turned around in time to see him grab his coat and slam the door behind him.

“Yeah, well if you'd stop eating all the popcorn then maybe we'd get finished with this today.”

Manny playfully popped a piece of it into the air and caught it on his tongue. “Sorry, can't resist.”

“I see how sick you are,” Jillian teased. “Couldn't help me chop down the tree, but as soon as I get back you're all better.”

Manny smiled and set the bowl of popcorn to the side. “So you're a good nurse.”

“Either that or you're very good at playing sick just to get attention.”

“Hey! I'd like to see you spend half a December night tied to a tree half-naked.”

“Yeah…I bet you would.” Jillian winked, leaving Manny to blush over how that had come out sounding.

Manny quickly stood up and helped her hang the string of popcorn on the tree and then they both stood back. Still, it was missing something—a lot of something. “We need ornaments of some kind…”

Jillian propped her hand on her chin, deep in thought. “Ok, hmm…”

Manny looked around the room for ideas, but it was pretty much barren. “How about the holly bushes outside? They're covered in red berries. Would that work?”

Jillian smiled and opened the door. They both walked out into the frigid afternoon as snow flurries danced around them. Jillian kneeled over and began to pull the clusters of berries from the bush. Manny followed her lead and did the same.

At one point, their bare hands touched through the holly bush and they froze, staring into each other's eyes until they realized that much longer outside and they'd both be human Popsicles.

Manny was the first to pull his hand back. He focused on another part of the bush while Jillian remained still, thinking.

She wondered if Manny had felt what she'd felt when they touched like that, but she was afraid to ask, afraid his answer wouldn't be the one she wanted to hear. So she continued picking the clusters of berries until she had an armful. “I think this'll be enough…at least to start.”

Manny nodded and held the bunkhouse door for her and then shut it behind them, closing out the howling December wind. He walked over and added another log to the fire while Jillian began to hang the berry clusters on the rustic Christmas tree.

With the red bunches of berries and the white strings of popcorn, the little cedar tree was beginning to look like a beacon of Christmas—but it was still missing something.

Jillian stood back, scrutinizing the tree. “Pine cones…I saw several on the ground outside.”

“Pine cones painted gold would be even better,” Manny added.

“If we had that, then we'd also have lights and real tinsel…lot of good that idea's gonna do us.”

Jillian watched as Manny disappeared into the back storage room and came out with a can of gold spray paint. “I'm a packrat…I never throw anything away. I used it for a project a couple of years ago.”

“You just amaze me Manny.” Jillian shook her head and then once again, they both went outside to gather the next pieces to add to their tree.

Jillian kneeled over next to a small group of pines and picked up about ten pinecones. Several feet away, Manny grabbed a few more and then they walked over to the porch and began to spray them with the gold paint.

A half-hour later, Manny and Jill had eighteen new tree ornaments and they were both very proud of them.

Jillian and Manny took turns hanging them until the pile ran out and once again they stood back and sized up the tree. Jill smiled, but soon nostalgia crept over her and she was forced to wipe away a few tears that trickled down her face.

Manny noticed and out of concern, he put a hand on her shoulder. “Jill, you okay?”

Jill nodded. “Yeah…I was just thinking about my mom. Christmas was her favorite holiday.”

“It must be hard for you this time of year then…and it was about a year ago that she died, wasn't it?”

“Yes…I miss her so much Manny. She was all I really had…we were so close…we did everything together and she would have done anything to protect me.”

“And that's why she told you J.R. was your father. She knew he'd take care of you.”

“Well that was a mistake. He doesn't care about me and I know I'd be better off fending for myself…without him.”

Manny shook his head and tightened his hold on her. “He cares about you and I think he's worried that he's going to fail raising you…being that you're his only daughter.”

“I was so stupid…pushing you away before because I was worried about what he might think. Now I could really care less. God…I just wish Mom was here…”

“I know…I know.”

Jillian sank down into the couch. “Manny…sit with me. Will you hold me?”

After some hesitation, Manny walked over to the couch and joined her. Jillian pulled her knees up against her and leaned over, resting her head on Manny's chest. He reluctantly put his arm around her and at first his embrace was rigid, but soon it turned soft and comforting. They both stared into the crackling fire and eventually the howling wind outside lulled them both to sleep.

As he got closer, he could see the far-away look in her eyes. He knelt next to her chair. “Something wrong, Pam?”

She continued to stare out the window. “No… yes, yes there is.” She turned to him. “Bobby, I'm worried about Cliff.”

Bobby was furious with Cliff right now for spying on Wentworth, but he couldn't let Pam know about that. “Cliff can take care of himself.”

“But Bobby, I don't know if that's true this time. I had lunch with him not long ago. He was so depressed about the condition of The Clifford Group.” She looked down, trying to remember their conversation. “Something about needing oil quickly because some government agency had shut down his off shore wells due to a problem with a new drill. He really sounded desperate. And if he's so bad off that he would go to Ewing Oil asking for helpl… I'm worried about him.”

So that was why Cliff needed Wentworth's drill. He gently took her hand. “Pam, Cliff's been in tight places before, I'm sure he'll find a way out of this one.”

“I know… I didn't want to help him when he came to me earlier, but if things are so bad that he's asking JR for help…we need to do something.”

Bobby raised his eyebrows, “We?”

“Bobby, surely you know someone who could help him out. All of the oil in Texas can't be locked up.” Bobby looked away and she gripped his hand tighter. “Bobby I wouldn't ask if it weren't important.”

He was in a difficult spot. Pam wouldn't understand if he refused to help her brother, but if he told her that the reason was because Cliff was trying to steal from her. Right now, the only thing he wanted to do for his 'dear' brother-in-law was wring his neck. “I'm sorry, Pam. You know I'd do almost anything in the world for you, but I just can't do this.” He turned away, not wanting to see the hurt in her eyes. He stood and began to walk back to the dressing area.

“But Bobby…”

He stopped and turned around in the doorway. “I just can't do it. Please don't ask me again.”

She looked across the room at the clock on the wall and her eyes bulged when she saw that it was seven a.m. She'd spent the night here with Manny!

Jill looked back and saw him sleeping soundly on the couch and then she looked back at the clock, feeling much like Cinderella must have felt when she saw that it was midnight.

How would she explain to everyone where she'd been all night? She looked over at the Christmas tree. Had it really been yesterday that they'd decorated it together?

She turned around when Manny stirred on the couch. He slowly opened his eyes and they met hers. “Good morning.”

Manny rubbed his eyes and ran his hands through his hair before sitting up. “Morning?”

“We fell asleep last night.”

“Good grief. Your dad's gonna freak, Jill!”

Jillian tried to tell herself she didn't care what JR thought, but something deep inside of her made her worry. “I should get home.”

“Do you want me to drive you?”

“If you don't mind, I'd love for you to.”

Manny smiled at her. “Thanks Jill.”

“For?”

“For making me feel better yesterday. Decorating the tree with you yesterday… it was… a lot of fun. I enjoyed being with you.”

“I enjoyed being with you too Manny.”

Manny looked into her blue eyes and they drifted closer together momentarily, but their stare was broken when the door slammed against the wall and they both turned around.

It was J.R. “Jillian Ewing, what the hell are you doing here? I waited up all night and had half the police force in Dallas searching for you!”

“Daddy…I can explain this…”

“All the time you were sacked up in here sleeping with a lowlife cowhand?” J.R.'s face was red.

“You have no right to call him that…or to accuse me of that!”

“Well just what am I s'posed to think you were doing? Playing Monopoly?”

Manny stepped forward. “Leave her alone. She's telling the truth. I was sick yesterday and she came here to check on me…she helped me decorate the tree and we fell asleep on the couch.”

“You just stay the hell out of this. Come on Jillian.” J.R. grabbed his daughter's arm and pulled her toward the door.

“Leave me alone! Let go of me!” Jill tried to pull away but J.R.'s grip was tight.

Manny grabbed J.R.'s arm and pulled it off Jillian's. “She said let go.”

Without any warning, J.R. pulled back his fist and hit Manny in the jaw full force. Manny reeled backwards, but caught himself on the couch.

“Stop it!” Jill screamed.

Manny charged forward and punched J.R. in the stomach, but J.R. countered with a hit to the face.

“Leave him alone!” Jill shouted to her father.

Manny hit J.R. in the jaw, sending J.R. careening into the Christmas tree, which turned over on impact.

J.R. stood back up and began to walk back toward Manny, but Jillian stepped between them. “Stop fighting! Both of you! I'll go home!”

J.R. touched his hand to his bleeding lip and he pushed Jillian toward the door. After she was outside, he turned back to Manny. “Pack your bags, because you're out of a job…and watch your back. You've picked the wrong person to have as an enemy.”

Pamela put her finger where the green ribbons crossed and Sue Ellen finished tying it and put a hand to her forehead. “Whew. I didn't think I would ever get that one tied.”

Pam finished wrapping a tub of toddler-sized Legos for Gracie. She looked around at the stack of unwrapped presents. “I think it's going to take us all day to get these done.”

“I don't care if it does. It's wonderful to not have to think about anything for a while. No Ewing Oil…”

“Or JR…”

“Especially not JR.” He was the last thing she wanted to think about. Any thoughts lately about JR always ended in confusion.

There was a light tap on the locked door and both Pam and Sue Ellen said, “Who is it?”

“It's Bobby, can I come in?”

Pam opened the door and Bobby stuck his head in the room, “Hi Sue Ellen, watch out for paper cuts.”

“You're welcome to come join us… plenty to wrap.”

“I'd love to, but… uh… I'm allergic to wrapping paper.” He stepped back into the hallway and turned to face Pam. “Can we talk for a minute?”

Pam closed the door and they walked a few steps down the hall. Bobby stopped and turned to her. “Are you still angry with me?”

“No. I think I understand why you feel the way you do. Cliff has done so much to your family; I can't blame you for not wanting to help him. But he's still my brother, and I'm gong to do what I can to help him.”

Bobby put his arms around her. “As long as you don't do anything that would risk your health and that includes worrying.”

Pam smiled. “It's a deal. Now if I don't get back in there, Sue Ellen may revolt.”

“Okay, get going. I'll see you tonight.”

“Why tonight? Are you going somewhere?”

“I still have a little shopping of my own to do.”

As Bobby turned and walked down the hallway, she said, “Just don't expect us to wrap it.”

“I hope you didn't mind me just dropping by like this,” McKay apologized. He propped the package against the couch and Ellie joined him in the living room.

“No, not at all, but I must admit you've aroused my curiosity…what's in the wrapping paper there?”

“Just a little something I brought for you. You've been a good friend to me over the past few weeks Ellie. I've really enjoyed your company.”

Ellie smiled. “And I've enjoyed yours.”

“Go ahead and open it.”

Ellie began to remove the colorful Christmas wrapping paper and once it was unwrapped, she marveled at the painting of Southfork that was underneath. “Oh Carter…it's beautiful. You didn't paint this did you?”

McKay quickly shook his head and laughed heartily. “No, not at all. I can't even draw a straight line, but I have an artist friend who can.”

“Well give my regards to the artist…I love it.”

“I was hoping you would.” McKay stood back and looked around the room, soaking in the Christmas-like atmosphere. It had been a long time since he'd let the spirit of Christmas get to him, but this house was definitely making it happen. “Well, I think I should get back home.”

“Who will you be spending Christmas with?”

“Well, I'm a busy man. I thought I might use the quiet time to catch up on some work I've been needing to do.”

“Nonsense. I'd never be able to enjoy my Christmas if I knew you were spending yours alone. Why don't you spend Christmas Eve here at Southfork with us…”

McKay cleared his throat. “Miss Ellie, I wouldn't intrude like that. I know how some of this family feels about me.”

“Christmas Eve is an informal occasion here…we always invite friends. You've been a friend of the family for a while now.”

McKay chuckled slightly. “I'm sure J.R. would beg to differ.”

“He and I have had plenty of disagreements before. This won't be the first one and I'm sure it won't be the last. But Southfork is mine. JR doesn't dare tell me who can and can't be here.”

“Are you sure you don't mind?”

“Yes I'm sure. Now why don't you sit down and get comfortable. Everyone else'll be here soon.”

He reached the upper level and knocked on the door with one gloved hand. After a few seconds and still no answer, he knocked again. He heard a muffled “Hold your horses I'm coming” through the door and smiled in anticipation.

Afton swung open the door and her jaw dropped. “Mitch! Oh my God, what a surprise!”

Mitch Cooper smiled and gave his sister a hug and kiss. “Hey there Sis.”

“I can't believe this! What are you doing here?” Afton's face was one bright smile. “I mean…come in and sit down first.” She stepped back and took Mitch's coat and hung it on the rack near the door before they both sat down on the couch in front of a blazing fire.

“I really wanted to get back out here and see you this Christmas, but I just couldn't find the time.”

“What changed your mind?” Afton asked.

“A phone call I got last night…from Lucy.”

“Lucy?”

“Yeah…it was the funniest thing. I know you two can't stand each other, but she wanted my help in giving you a Christmas gift of sorts. She said that you'd really helped her out this Christmas and she wanted you to have someone to spend the holiday with.”

Afton couldn't believe what she was hearing. She'd cleared Neil's name, but hadn't expected anything in return. “You…she wanted me to spend Christmas with you?”

Mitch nodded and smiled. “When she asked me to come, I cancelled a few appointments and took the first flight back to Dallas. Made me realize how long it had been since we saw each other.”

“Lucy was behind this?” The whole reality of the situation was still sinking in.

“Yeah, she was. You act surprised…but Lucy was a good woman.”

Afton bit her lip and stared across the room at the small tabletop Christmas tree that she'd put up a week earlier. “We all have our good points…”

Mitch looked around the penthouse at all of the lavish furniture and paintings. “So…you live here.”

Afton sighed. “Yeah.”

“Are you spending Christmas here? Where's this Rex fellow?”

“Rex rarely even shows up half the time…I don't know where he is, but yeah, I guess I'll spend Christmas here.”

“What about Cliff…and Pamela Rebecca?”

“What Cliff and I had…if we ever had anything…is over. Pamela Rebecca left town a while ago and we haven't talked since then. I did get a Christmas card from her the other day though.” Afton was beginning to realize Lucy was right. Her selfish nature and cold heart had driven everyone she loved away.

“Have you tried calling her?”

“I don't know where to reach her. I suppose I could hire someone to track her down, but somehow I think she'd be better off if she were far away from me. I know she would agree…”

“That's not true Afton.”

“I was a terrible mother to her…rarely gave her the time of day and I was never there for her.”

“Don't tear yourself up over this. You and Pamela Rebecca can still be close. She might be older now but you can still be a mother to her.”

“God Mitch, Lucy was right. I'm a failure…as a mother and as a human being.”

“No you're not!” Mitch stood up and walked over to pull on his coat. “C'mon. Let's get out of here.”

“For what?”

“I think you need some fresh air.”

Afton reluctantly nodded her head in agreement, pulled on her coat and followed Mitch out the door.

Amelia brought a pan of dressing over to the table and sampled a bit with her finger. She was met with a disapproving glance from Helen. “I couldn't help it! You make the best dressing I've ever tasted.”

Helen pulled a bowl of sweet potatoes out of the oven. “You're very good at flattering the cook Amelia.”

“Now if Wade and his guest would just get here, we could eat.”

Helen brought another pot over to the table. “We can thank Wade for this meal because we wouldn't have been able to afford it if it weren't for him.”

On cue, the doorbell rang and Wade didn't wait for an answer. He pushed it open and pulled a reluctant Sly in behind him.

Helen dried her hands off on her apron and hugged her son.

“Momma, this is Sly.”

“Hi Mrs. Sawyer…Wade told me about your cooking. It smells great in here.”

Helen blushed. “Wade tends to exaggerate things sometimes. This is my daughter Amelia.”

“Hey Sly…so are you and Wade seeing each other now?”

Wade was instantly embarrassed and he shot his sister a scolding look. Sly looked at Wade's red face and then back at Amelia. “No, not at the moment.”

The atmosphere of the room went awkward and Helen decided to put an end to it. “So, who's ready to eat?”

Wade showed Sly to the table and Helen and Amelia followed and both took seats. “Momma, I think you've really outdone yourself this year. This is a lot of food and it looks darned good.”

“Thank you, but before we eat, let's ask the blessing.” Everyone at the table bowed their heads as Helen began. “Dear Lord, we ask that you bless this food that we're about to take for nourishment and we have faith that you'll continue to guide us through the hard times and help us to all to remember that no matter how bad things seem, we're very fortunate to have the things we do and especially to have each other. And please keep our Sam safe while he's away in service to our country and please return him back to us when the time is right. Amen.”

“Amen,” everyone echoed in a whisper.

Wade proceeded to carve the turkey. He put two slices on everyone's plate, which Helen followed up with a scoop of stuffing and various other foods.

“Is Sam your husband?” Sly asked over a bit of sweet potatoes. “I'm sorry if I'm being nosey, but I was curious.”

“Sam's my brother,” Wade answered. “Little brother. He's in the Air Force.”

“Oh.”

“Mom, you have really outdone yourself this year…the food is absolutely out of this world…and I'm eating for two now, so I should know.”

Helen smiled; glad to hear the compliment. “Thank you Amelia. Sly, can I get you anything?”

Sly shook her head while trying to swallow a mouthful of the delicious feast. “No thanks, I'm fine.”

“Well don't be shy. If you want something, just ask.”

Sly was really beginning to like Wade's family. Helen was sweet, a lot like Sly would have pictured her own mother to be, had she ever gotten the chance to know her.

Donna rubbed her arms to warm herself up and she followed Margaret into the living room, which was filled with a mixture of Christmas smells and sounds. The fireplace crackled over a soft rendition of “The Little Drummer Boy” and Pam and Sue Ellen stood up to greet them both.

“Donna! You look like a stranger!” Sue Ellen exclaimed, glad to see her friend again.

“Hey you two. I feel like a stranger. I haven't set foot in Southfork in at least a month, but things have been hectic at city hall lately.”

“I don't see how you keep up with it all Donna,” Pam added while fighting off an attack with a sticky candy cane by Megan. Grace sat on her other side, content to watch the Christmas tree's twinkling lights and pull the ornaments off the tree, which is why the fragile ones were on top.

Another whoosh of wintry air blew through the house, signaling another entrance. A few seconds later, J.R. and Bobby walked into the living room with bags in both hands.

Donna looked at them both and rolled her eyes. “Isn't it just like men to wait until Christmas Eve to do their shopping?”

Sue Ellen cast an awkward glance at J.R., wondering if any of those gifts were for her. She hoped not, but still, she didn't put it past J.R.

“Well before Donna makes more comments like that, I think I'll take these upstairs,” J.R. said. “Say, Margaret…”

“Yeah?”

“Would you mind helping your old uncle J.R. out by wrapping up some of these gifts for me? Damned stores wouldn't do gift wrap this late.”

“Well, what's it worth to you?” Margaret teased.

“Good lord, the whole world's gone commercial now.” J.R. put his hand on Margaret's shoulder and pushed her toward the stairs. “But we'll talk about it…”

Pam stood up and tried to peer into the bags. “Bobby, I thought we agreed not to get each other anything this year. Remember, we decided we have every thing we wanted now.”

“I know, so I didn't get you a thing.”

Pam's smile faded for a moment. “You didn't?”

Bobby turned to Donna and Sue Ellen and grinned. “Point proven. She can always say she doesn't want anything but just watch what would happen if I really didn't get her anything.”

“I didn't believe you for a minute…not that I would have cared.”

Bobby closed up the shopping bags. “I think I'll go see if I can convince Margaret to do my wrapping too…or else everyone may be getting gifts wrapped in paper bags.”

Lucy and Neil were the next to arrive for the Christmas Eve party. Lucy stood by Neil's side, desperately worried about him, but she didn't let it show. She wanted him to have a great Christmas and she'd already accepted the fact that it would more than likely be his last. But still, it didn't affect the mood much. Lucy always wanted to remember this as having been a happy Christmas…not a sorrowful one.

She helped Neil take off his coat, but he pushed her way. “I'm not helpless Lucy…I feel great, considering…”

“Sorry. Are you sure you don't want me to take the gifts?”

“Yeah, I'm positive…for the twenty-fifth time…”

“Just checking!”

Neil smiled at her and gave her a reassuring kiss. “Sorry if I sounded irritated.”

Lucy rolled her eyes and tossed her coat to Raoul. “Well I guess if someone had asked me twenty-five times if I wanted them to carry something, I'd probably sound irritated too.”

“Lucy! Neil!” Miss Ellie greeted them both with a hug. “I'm so glad you both could make it. It's a miracle…what Afton did to help you.”

She led them into the living room where their reception was no less warm.

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