"Quite understandable, sweetheart," Eleanor said. "Why don't you and Toni do the honors?"

"All right," Laura said, reaching out to take Toni's hand. "Come on."

When they reached the hallway, Toni pulled Laura to a stop. "What's going on?"

"Tonight is Christmas Eve."

"I know that."

"But in Scotland, it's also called Oidche Choinnle."

"Say what?" Toni said, jerking back her head at the Gaelic flowing easily from Laura's mouth.

Grinning, Laura said, "It means Night of Candles."

"Okay?"

"You remember how I said that Mum likes to go all-out for Christmas?"

"How I could I forget? I'm the one who was hanging lights from the rafters."

"Well, it's her favorite time of the year because she loves all the Scottish traditions, and one of them is to put candles in the windows on Christmas Eve to light the way for the Holy Family. And legend has it that shopkeepers used to give out Yule candles to strangers to help guide their way and keep them safe, so tomorrow when everyone gets here, we'll give the rest to them."

"Really?" Toni asked softly.

"Yeah."

Smiling at the sentiment, Toni said, "Where do we start?"

"Upstairs. Let's go," Laura said, trotting up the stairs.

When they returned to the lounge a few minutes later, Toni was surprised to see both Eleanor and Bill removing their coats. Noticing that the crisscrossed stack of wood near the hearth had grown taller by a few rows, she asked, "Okay, so what's this all about, or did someone forget to pay the power bill?"

"This is more superstition than anything else," Laura said, putting the remaining candles on the bookcase. "It's said if you keep a fire going on Christmas Eve, the sprites roaming around outside won't get down the chimney to wreak their havoc."

"The sprites?"

"I said it was a superstition."

Glancing at the stack of wood again, Toni said, "So, wait. Are you saying someone stays up all night to make sure it doesn't go out?"

"I'll stoke it before we retire and then get up around three to check on it," Bill chimed in. "After all, we wouldn't want any sprites ruining our day, now would we?"

"Heaven forbid," Toni said, smiling back at the man whose eyes were filled with whimsy. "So, Bill, tell me, exactly what does a sprite look like?"

Placing his finger on his lips, he thought for a moment. "Well, to tell you the truth, Toni, I've never really seen one, but I'm told they're a bit like an elf...only with teeth."

"Sounds scary."

"Yes, indeed. I've also heard that most have red hair, green eyes and are about this high," Bill said, holding his hand a few feet off the ground as he glanced at Laura. "And they have one hell of a temper."

"My hair is auburn. I'm taller than that, and Mum was right!" Laura said, playfully bumping her hip into Toni's. "We seriously need to keep you two separated."

"What are they up to now?" Eleanor asked, coming out of the bedroom carrying what appeared to be more Christmas decorations.

"Just working on their comedy routine, I think," Laura said with a laugh. "What's all that?"

"The new stockings. In all the commotion, I forgot to put them up," Eleanor said, setting the two cast-iron hangers on the mangle. Placing the stocking on the hooks, she stood back and admired the embroidered names of Toni and William stitched across the white bands. "That's much better." Turning around, she handed a small package to Toni. "Hang that up. Will you sweetheart?"

Glancing at the package, Toni pulled the mistletoe from the cellophane. "Now, this is a tradition I know about," she said. Walking over, she hung it from the garland draped over the doorway, and then turning on her heel, she crooked her finger at Laura. "Come here and be my first victim."

Laughing, Laura sauntered over to Toni and looked up at the sprig above their heads. "Just to let you know, in Scotland mistletoe is supposed to bring luck and ward off evil spirits."

"Is that so?"

"Yes."

"And...um...it's got nothing to do with a kiss?"

"Some people think it does."

"Laura?"

"Yes?"

"I'm one of those people," Toni said as she pulled Laura into her arms and placed a chaste kiss on her lips.

"If you two keep snogging, we'll never get to the presents!" Bill shouted as he topped off their wine glasses.

Grinning, Laura and Toni walked over and sat on the floor near the fireplace, each taking a glass as it was offered.

"So, now that all the traditions are out of the way..." Toni said, reaching for the large foil-wrapped package.

"Not so fast," Eleanor said. Taking the rowan branch from the top of the wood pile, she placed it in Laura's hands. After one quick glance at William, Eleanor leaned in close to her daughter. "Put it in the flames, Laura. Clear away the bad feelings and make room for the good."

With an infinitesimal nod, Laura smiled as she took the branch, and crawling over, she placed it in the hearth.

"Now the traditions are over," Eleanor said, sitting on the sofa. "So which package first?"

"This one," Toni said, grabbing for the large box again.

"No, not that one, Toni. Really...it needs to wait," Laura said, reaching for the box.

"Why?"

It was a simple question, but one not easily answered with her parents sitting only a few feet away. Thinking quickly, the corners of Laura's mouth turned up just a hair. "Because they aren't white."

Toni tilted her head to the side. Staring at Laura, she replayed the words in her mind and when the answer came Toni's eyes bulged. "Oh!" she said, shoving the box into Laura's outstretched hands. "Oh...well...um...perhaps Laura is right on this one. Maybe I should wait until...um...until later to open it."

Bill's eyes darted from Toni to Laura, and then back at Eleanor. Shaking his head, he said under his breath, "I'm not going to ask."

"Neither am I," Eleanor whispered in return. "Neither am I."

Kisses were given and looks of love were exchanged as they opened their presents of clothing and books, and as the fire crackled in the hearth and wine was sipped, love filled the room.

When Toni and Laura had returned to Stirling earlier in the week to finish their shopping, Toni insisted they go to Barleys. After spending a better part of a morning decorating the outside of Eleanor's house with Bill by her side, Toni knew what she wanted to get the man. So, strolling over to their selection of gloves, she perused the rack until she found the perfect pair of fur-lined leather worthy of the man who had become her friend.

Even though Laura was determined to buy her father only a card for Christmas, while she was waiting patiently for Toni to decide on the gloves, she noticed a display of woven scarves. Going over, she ran her finger over the soft Scottish cashmere and debated. Convincing herself that her decision was only because of the Christmas music spewing from the overhead speakers, she pulled out one displaying the MacLeod tartan and then walked with Toni to the register.

Toni watched as Bill carefully opened the gift from his daughter, the smile on his face matching the one she had worn the day Laura had bought the scarf.

"Oh, Laura, it's marvelous," Bill said, fingering the cloth. "Thank you so much."

"You're welcome, Bill," Laura said softly.

"And these gloves, Toni. How very thoughtful of you."

"I'm glad you like them, Bill," Toni said.

"Well, it seems we made short work of that," Eleanor said, laughing at the emptiness under the tree.

"Actually, I have a few more," Bill said, getting to his feet. "Be right back."

Disappearing into the bedroom, he emerged a minute later carrying a shopping bag. Returning to his place on the sofa, he reached into the bag and pulled out a small box wrapped in red foil. Handing it to Eleanor, he said, "This is for you."

"But you already gave me the sweater...and this cookbook."

"Just open it, Ellie."

Pursing her lips, Eleanor sighed and pulled apart the ribbon. Tearing away the wrapping, she held her breath as she opened the ring box.

"I hope you don't mind, but I took the liberty of looking through your jewelry box to find them. I had them cleaned and polished in hopes...in hopes that you'll wear them again," he said, pointing to the rings he had given her over thirty years before. "Of course, if you want new ones, I can-"

"Don't you dare," Eleanor scolded as tears appeared in her eyes. "These are the only rings I ever want from you."

"Does that mean yes?"

Pausing for a moment, she looked at her daughter. Seeing the happiness in Laura's eyes, Eleanor smiled back at William. "Yes."

"Woohoo!" Bill shouted, pulling Eleanor into his arms.

Before she knew what was happening, Eleanor found herself locked in a passionate kiss, and momentarily she forgot where she was, but as the kiss began to deepen, she came to her senses. Freeing herself from Bill's embrace, she said, "William, sweetheart, we have guests."

"Oh...oh...of course," he said, quickly glancing at Toni and Laura. "Sorry, I guess I got a bit excited."

"No problem, Bill," Toni said, smiling as she picked up the empty wine bottle. "But I think this calls for some more wine. I'm going to go grab another bottle and get a quick fag. Be right back."

"Not yet," Bill said, reaching into the bag by his side. Handing Toni a small box, he said, "This is for you."

"But you got me the-"

"Why is it that all the women in this house believe themselves only deserving of one gift, eh? Now, don't argue with me, Toni. Just open the present."

With Laura looking over her shoulder, Toni did as asked. Tearing away the silver paper, she discovered a small blue jewelry box, and opening the lid, she peered inside at the gold and silver necklace it contained.

Moving from the sofa, Bill knelt on the floor in front of her as she gazed at the gift. "The gold part is the Trinity knot, also known as the Celtic love knot. The silver design behind it is a thistle, our national flower. Legend has it that when the Vikings were about to attack a Scottish castle, one stepped on a thorny thistle, and his cry of pain alerted the Scots inside of his existence, thus saving the castle." When Toni raised her eyes to meet his, Bill said, "It protected the Scottish, and my hopes are that it will protect you, lass. That it will act as a talisman, so that smile you wear so well will continue to shine."

Toni's eyes filled with tears, and removing the necklace from the box, she placed it in his hand. "Will you?"

Bill's chest swelled with pride and his face glowed with a light that came from his heart. "I'd be honored." Getting to his feet, he walked around the sofa, and after fastening the silver clasp, he leaned down and placed a light kiss on the top of Toni's head. "May it protect you for forever and a day."

Returning to the bag, Bill pulled out the remaining present. Handing it to Laura, he said, "Last...but certainly not least."

Knowing better than to argue the gift, Laura smiled politely as she quickly unwrapped the present, and when she saw a delicate gold dress watch, her eyes opened wide.

"We both know that it's impossible for me to go back in time and right the wrongs I've made," Bill said quietly. "What I hope is that over the coming years, you'll allow me the time to try. The time to...to show you just how much I truly love you and how proud I am to say you're my daughter. I'm sure you don't think I have a right to feel that way, but I can't help it...I do."

Laura listened to his words, and staring at the watch she could feel tears forming. Raising her eyes, she was about to tell him that she loved him, when an idea popped into her head. Quickly regrouping, Laura said, "It's beautiful, Bill. Thank you for your sentiments, and...um...well, all I can say is that we'll see what happens. Okay?"

"We'll see what happens!"

"Sshhh, they'll hear you."

"I don't bloody care," Toni barked, closing the bedroom door. "Your father poured his heart out to you down there, and all you could think of saying is we'll see what happens?"

Single-minded, Laura ignored Toni's rant as she headed to the other bedroom, and by the time Toni caught up with her, Laura had opened almost every drawer in the room.

Staring in disbelief at the mayhem Laura had caused in only a few seconds, Toni said, "What the hell are you doing?"

"Looking for something."

"I can see that, but whatever it is, it can wait."

"No, it can't."

"Yes, it can," Toni said, grabbing Laura's arm. "Laura, you need to go down and talk to him."

"Tomorrow."

"No! Today...tonight...right now!"

"Toni, relax."

"I will not relax until you give me one bloody reason why you just treated him like that. He loves you, Laura, and we both know you love him."