"Hey there," Frank said softly.

"Hey yourself." Callie smiled. "How are you feeling?"

"All right."

"And before you ask, your mom said it was okay for me to be up here," Callie said. "When I called earlier, she told me you were asleep and that I could come for dinner. After I arrived, she suggested I come sit with you knowing you would wake up soon."

Frank reached over and took Callie’s hand in his. He gave it a squeeze. "I’m glad you’re here." He pulled Callie close to the bed and she sat beside him. She leaned toward him to give him a kiss.

"I think dinner would be more fulfilling than what you’re doing," a voice said.

Frank groaned knowing that was his little brother. "Thanks, Joe."

"No problem," Joe said with a smile. "Besides, Mom wants you both downstairs for dinner."

"We’re coming," Callie said.

As they heard Joe head down the hallway, Frank said, "We should probably head down or he’ll come back."

"You’re right."

Frank slowly sat up, then swung his legs over the side of the bed. As he stood, Callie leaned in and gave him a kiss. He pulled her close enjoying the moment.

"Frank! Callie! Dinner!"

"I knew that was coming," Frank mumbled as Callie leaned back.

"We can finish that later," Callie said wrapping her arm around his waist and they went downstairs together.

After they all finished eating, the sat at the dining room table talking for a while. Frank finally said, "Mom, let me help with the dishes."

"You don’t need to, Frank," Laura said. "You need to rest as the doctor said. Besides, your brother can help."

"What?" Joe asked turning around in the doorway where he had been trying to sneak out.

"You heard your mother," Fenton said.

"Frank can handle doing the dishes," Joe protested. "He even volunteered."

"Joe, would you rather have your brother here at home taking it easy or still be in the hospital?" Fenton asked.

"All right," Joe grumbled.

"Let me help clear the table," Callie offered.

"There’s no need," Laura said with a smile. "I know Fenton would be more than willing to give me a hand. Why don’t you and Frank go and relax in the living room."

"Okay," Frank and Callie chorused, then headed into the other room.

Frank moved over to the Christmas tree and plugged in the lights. He turned around and walked over to Callie who was standing by the couch gazing at the lighted and decorated tree.

"That is a beautiful tree," Callie commented.

"Mom does a great job decorating it each year."

They sat down on the couch with Frank’s head pillowed in Callie’s lap. She gently brushed the hair back from his forehead avoiding the bandage covering his stitches.

"You know, we really haven’t had a chance to talk since all this happened," Callie said.

"I’m sorry. I was looking forward to finishing my exam and then spending the night together with you catching up."

"I was looking forward to that too, but what happened wasn’t your fault. Accidents happen."

"I know, but with each of us being at our respective colleges and focusing on our classes, we really haven’t spent a lot of time together these past couple months," Frank said reaching up and touching her face.

"But we do have our month-long winter break to enjoy." Callie smiled. "And I think we can make the most of it."

Frank smiled back. "I think we will too."

Callie leaned forward and kissed him. "I love you, Frank Hardy."

"I love you, Callie Shaw."

After a few minutes, they broke apart and listened to the holiday music drifting into the living room from the kitchen.

Callie resumed brushing the hair off his forehead as Frank asked, "How were your classes this semester? I remember you saying you were going to take a creative writing course."

"The classes were fine, and I’m so glad I took that writing elective."

"How come?" Frank asked looking up at her.

"It was a lot of fun. We wrote poetry and short stories. Then we would critique them as a class pointing out the positives and negatives. We also gave suggestion on how the works could be made better."

"It sounds like an interesting course."

"I’m glad I took it. And the comments I got were helpful."

"Will you let me read some of what you wrote?"

Callie’s smile got bigger. "I think something can be arranged."

Footsteps could be heard coming toward the living room and a moment later, Laura entered the room carrying a tray with two steaming mugs and a plate of cookies. Laura said, "I thought you both would like some refreshments."

"Thanks, Mom," Frank said as Laura set the tray on the table.

"Thank you, Mrs. Hardy," Callie said.

Laura smiled. "You’re welcome." She turned and left the living room.

Callie said, "Frank, your mother is so kind and caring."

"She’s just like your mom."

"Are we still going to have dinner together tomorrow?" Callie asked.

"I would like to," Frank said. "But if you have to be somewhere else, we could reschedule."

"Tomorrow is fine. I was wondering since you just got out of the hospital and may not be up to it."

"I’m fine and looking forward to it being just us."

"Your brother won’t be around?"

"He has plans with Vanessa and my parents will be going to a party, so we will have the entire evening to ourselves."

"I like the sound of that."

"So do I," Frank said. "So do I."

*****

The next day, Frank set up everything for his dinner with Callie, but also taking it easy so he wouldn’t hurt himself since his injuries were still a bit painful if he moved in the wrong direction or too fast.

He had set the table with candles and the good dinnerware excited about giving Callie her gift. They were going to do their exchange that night since they both had plans with their families the following day.

Frank stood at the stove stirring the sauce that was simmering to go with the spaghetti he was going to make when Callie arrived. He glanced over at the small cake he had ordered for dessert and was pleased with how things were turning out.

"Do you need help with anything?" Joe asked entering the kitchen fiddling with his tie.

"I think I’ll be fine," Frank said turning around from the stove. "What are you and Vanessa going to do tonight?"

"We’re going to a party, then back to her place," Joe said sliding his jacket on. "Are you sure you’re all set?"

"I’ll be fine," Frank said. "Don’t worry. Wish Vanessa and her mom a Merry Christmas for me."

"The same for Callie."

"Got it."

"See you later," Joe said.

"Night."

Joe grabbed his keys and left the house. Frank took a breath feeling anxious for the evening to begin.