Stay by my Side

Conclusion

Joe looked anxiously out of his parents' living room window, waiting for his brother and Callie to arrive. It was Christmas Day, and everything had been going great so far. He, Vanessa, and Evan had gone to church with his parents after opening gifts from Santa at home, and now they were preparing for the long day ahead.

Already, there were many people at the house. In addition to Aunt Gertrude, there would be friends who always came over for at least a little while after spending time with their own families. This year, they'd decided on coming over for dessert, leaving only a few hours with family. Right now, Andrea was chatting with his mom and baking was in full swing. Later, the house would welcome Chet and his girlfriend, Biff and Pat and their respective fiancés, Tony and his family, Phil and his girlfriend, and other close friends: Stephanie, Liz, Ezra Collig and his whole family, Sam Radley's family… the list went on and on. Of course, the Shaws and Mortons would be arriving as well. Somehow, the Hardy home had become the hub of the holidays, and he couldn't have loved it more.

And tonight would be extra special, as they'd announce Vanessa's pregnancy to everyone.

But one issue remained unresolved. He and Callie hadn't really spoken much since the day of their ill fated conversation, other than to be civil and exchange pleasantries when their paths crossed. Truth be told, he missed her terribly, and he didn't know what to do to make it right. He knew he hadn't intentionally meant to hurt her— quite the opposite, in fact— but he had, and he knew he had stupidly crossed a line with the girlfriend comment. The thing was, he had never had to watch what he said to Callie, and that's what made them so close. So knowing his words had caused her pain now was discomfiting.

A few minutes later, he saw them. JJ was holding Frank's hand and Callie was holding onto Laurie as they walked the lengthy pathway to the front door. Joe had to smile. They looked as if they had stepped out of a holiday card; picture perfect and classy. He chuckled softly at the thought of his, Van, and Evan's matching Ugly Christmas sweaters, which he loved. The contrast between his way of life and his brother's was evident, but they were both incredibly happy, and that's all that mattered.

As Fenton threw open the door, he scooped up JJ as Laura gathered Laurissa in her arms, and Vanessa joined them all immediately, bringing Evan into the mix. Callie stood laughing with his parents as Frank came into the room.

"Hey, little brother!" Frank called out, enveloping Joe in a big hug. "Merry Christmas!" His eyes reflected no antagonism, and he'd been perfectly normal at work the past few weeks as well, though he obviously had to know what was going on.

"Merry Christmas," Joe responded. "How was this morning?"

Frank's face broke into an even bigger smile. "Amazing! JJ got got up at 6:00, and we had to force him back to sleep to wait for Laur to wake up. Look—". He took out his phone and opened to photos, and Joe's heart warmed as he took the phone from his brother and flipped through them. They reflected exactly what they should have: a beautiful, happy, grateful family, complete with parents who, even in pictures, looked crazy in love, and children whose eyes were wide with wonder and excitement. Good- it was exactly what Frank deserved and what he had always wished for him.

"Bet JJ didn't listen," Joe replied with a chuckle, returning the phone, and Frank laughed. "No, he didn't. It's like dealing with you sometimes! How was Evan? Was he so excited about Santa?"

"Totally," Joe answered, smiling at the memory. "He's little, but he can't stop playing with that singing bear toy."

"You can always try the motorcycle again next year," Frank winked, and Joe chuckled again.

"Well, I sure as hell won't try to win him over with a minivan," Joe teased, while Frank started laughing.

"Haha!" Frank retorted. He lowered his voice. "I will bet you that this time next year, you'll have a minivan. You'll need one."

"Hell no," Joe argued. "MAYBE an SUV. I refuse to be a Daddy Dorko."

Frank rolled his eyes. "I think saying 'Daddy Dorko' has already made you one."

Joe smiled as he looked into the kitchen. Frank followed his gaze.

"They'll be in here in a few minutes," Frank told him. "Lots of play time today. JJ spent the last week planning every game he's going to play with you tonight and telling me what to play with Evan. Don't worry- he's got it all mapped out." Frank's eyes were twinkling.

Joe nodded. He loved talking to Frank like this; still talked to him every day outside of work and saw him almost every weekend. He had a blast with his brother, now more than ever, and he hated there to be any tension at all. "Can I talk to you?" he asked. "About Callie." Might as well be direct.

Frank hesitated for only a minute before nodding. "Sure. Let's go outside. It's pretty mild."

Joe followed his brother, who shocked him by speaking first once they were outside on the deck. "Listen, Joe. Just so you know, I'm completely neutral in this. I'm staying the heck out of it. I know you were trying to make things better and actually be sensitive about everything to Callie and me, and I appreciate that. I'm really fine with it, but Callie isn't, so I think that made her on edge. Just understand that it's a very touchy subject for her and try to forgive her reaction."

Joe squeezed Frank's shoulder. "There's nothing to forgive. I love her. I didn't want to upset her. And she said I was using what she told me against her. I would never do that. I feel bad for her, and I had no idea about her health issues regarding kids prior to getting married. You never told me."

Frank looked at him. "No, I didn't. That was a private issue. It's still… it's a painful one. I can't say anything more about it."

Joe was touched by Frank's open demeanor, the fact that he was sharing anything so personal. Frank had opened up so much in the last year, and he was so grateful for it. "Of course. I understand; I really do. I was just stating a fact. Thanks for not getting defensive."

"Nothing to be defensive about," Frank replied. "You're coming from a good place. I know that. So does Callie, deep down. She's just going through a lot the last few weeks. Go easy on her."

"I will, when she talks to me," he replied.

Frank sighed. "I know I told you I'm staying out of it, and I will, but I have to tell you, bro, that comment about Callie not having any girlfriends, if she related it to me accurately, was out of line."

"It absolutely was," he agreed readily. "And I shouldn't have said it and I'm sorry."

"Why did you say it?" Frank asked. Then he stopped himself. "Actually, I'm going to share something with you, okay? Take it for what it's worth. You're very observant and you're very smart, but some things that seem a certain way really aren't what they appear. You can ask her about it, if you really can't let it go, but think about me. Would I be okay with Callie having tons of other men in her life? No. I told you on our last case that there is a whole backstory to John Gellers that you don't know. Other than John, Callie confides in you; that's it. And that took a long time, and your relationship is so important to her. Joe, there's a reason that Callie hangs out with mostly our friends, and that's because…" He paused, unsure of what to say without really saying anything, "Joe, she needs to feel protected. That's all I can say. So just… just protect her, okay? And don't make it a bigger deal than it is or make her feel as if she can't protect herself. She is the mentally toughest person I know, but she's also very guarded. Don't let her lose your trust or she will never give it back. Sounds like someone else I know," he finished with a small smile.

Joe was humbled by his brother's words and vulnerability and total trust in him. Reaching out, he hugged Frank tightly. "You are the best brother in the world and my best friend. Thanks, Frank. I won't let you down. I'm always on your side; on Callie's side. Merry Christmas. I love you."

"I love you too," Frank responded, hugging him back. "Now don't give me a second thought. Enjoy the big news tonight and spend time with Van."

"Your buddy," Joe replied, pulling back.

"Yeah, you did well there," Frank answered. "We both married up." He chuckled. "Van is something else. I have a feeling we will end up pretty good friends."

"Like me and Callie," Joe replied. Knowing what he had to do, he nodded. "Yeah. And I need to fix this with her. Right now."

"Then do it," Frank encouraged with a smile. "You have my permission." He winked.

With a final pat on the back for his brother, Joe headed inside, searching for his sister.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Joe made his way to the kitchen and unobtrusively touched Callie on the shoulder. She turned around, surprised, and then a cloud came over her face. He waved at her to follow him, and she nodded as they both slipped unnoticed from the room.

He extended a hand to her, and felt better when, after a minute, she reached for it. Quietly, he led her outside to where he and his brother had spoken not five minutes earlier.

"Can we be done with this? Please?" Joe asked her, earnestly. "I'm sorry for hurting you and for what I said. I just want you back, Callie. I miss you."

Callie took a deep breath. "I miss you, too," she admitted. "And I'm sorry that I reacted the way I did. I know you were trying to be kind. Please know that I really am over the moon about you and Van welcoming another child. I would never NOT be, if that makes sense."

"It does," Joe acknowledged. "But I didn't know if it would make you feel bad, and I wanted to give you a chance to work through it, in case it did. I swear that's all I meant, Cal."

She nodded, and squeezed his hand. "I know," she said softly. "I do. And I thought about Evan. I realize now that you and Van did the same thing with him. I was in the hospital and very sick, and the doctors all thought I would lose my daughter. So until I was in the clear, you guys didn't tell anyone that you'd found out it was a boy… just in case I lost my child." She met his eyes. "That was so selfless, and I never realized it until our talk. Thank you, Joe. I was completely wrong to mistrust your intentions and to even think you'd use a personal story against me. Forgive me for that."

Joe smiled, and leaned down to kiss her forehead. "We good?"

"No, we are not," Callie replied shakily. She looked to the sky for a minute before taking a deep breath. "Come- sit for a few minutes," she told him. Puzzled, he moved to the built in seat at the far end of the deck, where Callie sat next to him.

He could see she was trembling, and immediately he was concerned. "Cal?" he asked.

"You were right," she began, shakily, unable to meet his eyes. She was looking down, and had her arms wrapped around herself. It was time.

Joe's words to her a few weeks ago stayed with her still, making her realize that she would always be dealing with the consequences of IT, even when she had grown so much, had moved beyond that horrific night almost a decade ago. Too many times her instinct and avoidance had caused others pain and confusion, and it had to end. She was scared, truly, to think of it even now, to muster the strength to say the actual word, because it had been so, so much worse than what that one terrible word could even convey. But saying it demystified it so that she could deal with it, even if she couldn't and wouldn't revisit what it actually meant; what had been done to her. Her doctors had told her that it had been one of the worst cases of brutality they ever dealt with. And she knew that only Frank and Johnny would ever know the details, had loved and protected her and lived her nightmare with her until she had awoken, stronger than before.

But JJ's being taken with Joe had thrown her badly. She was no longer the most important person in her world; her past was over. Her future was with her husband and children and she would not be held captive by fear any longer. Time had healed her, along with a remarkable support system and the two men whom she loved so much. But when she had a little setback or something triggered her, even though she could pretty much control it at this point, it still confused others, understandably so. And two years ago, when John had died and a maniacal killer had targeted the whole Hardy family, her inability to address her secret past had almost cost Joe and Frank their relationship, as her impregnable and amazing husband would never have betrayed her. Though it had worked out in the end, her reaction to Joe's words recently made her realize that the only way he could understand why she occasionally shrank in fear or reacted badly is if he knew. She had grown a lot; was stronger and more confident, and was ready to move forward. Maybe Christmas, maybe this day, was not ideal, but maybe it was. He had earned the right to know, at least a little bit, and there was no one she loved or trusted more than Joe, next to Frank and her babies.

She was ready. And she trusted that Joe would ask no details. He deserved to really know that her issues were not his fault. Ideally, he would silently support Frank, too, who had grown so much after he'd gotten help, but who might need someone else one day for comfort or a sounding board. She took a deep breath, knowing that she could not have done this even a year ago.

"Callie?" Joe asked gently. "Are you okay? I'm a little worried." His bright blue eyes held only concern.

Callie met his eyes, starting slowly. "We need to talk. It's long overdue. I don't have a lot of girlfriends, Joe. You're right. That's why I treasured Iola so much, why I adore Vanessa. I tried, you know. I did. When I went to college, I tried to surround myself with women, because your brother and I had broken up and I really didn't like men."

"Callie, don't," Joe cut in. Slipping an arm around her, he rubbed her shoulder in comfort. "You don't owe me an explanation, especially for something so stupid that I shouldn't have said. Who cares who you're friends with? I'm lucky to have you as one of my best ones. Forget it."

"No," she told him. "Joe, I trust you implicitly. I trust you with my children. We made a deal a long time ago about trust, and I haven't forgotten."

"Me either," Joe replied, still confused.

"Joe, I'm very sensitive to certain things; you know that from now and from years ago. I've made some bad choices in my life with who I can or can't trust; as a result, I over-relied on Frank and Johnny for a long time, when the burden could have been shared. Failure to talk or to trust anyone has led to a whole lot of miscommunication, and I want you to know that I take full responsibility for that. Our recent argument was my fault. The case with Roy Grant? I played a big part in that, too. And I'm sorry."

Joe was on full alert now.

She reached for his hand and squeezed it, fighting the pounding of her heart. "I'm sticking with my decision to keep some things about my past to myself, because I've done so for a long time. And it's very painful for me to think about, even now. But I need you to know that when you don't understand something about me, there probably IS a reason. Please don't assume things about me that you don't know. I can reveal little tidbits now and again if it's important, but please have faith in me and care enough to trust me … not to judge me."

"I don't, Cal," he whispered.

"You know how something will trigger you about Iola, even now, years and years later, after you've tricked yourself into believing it's dead? I mean, you're okay and you're strong and you have managed to live with it, maybe even emerged stronger as a result, but it shows up at the weirdest times...like in the Mall, maybe? I assume you've had nightmares after what happened with you and JJ. Because it's the Mall, Joe. It's where she died."

Joe audibly gasped. How the hell did she know that?!

She met his eyes, her own watery. "I know because I know you; I always have. I know you on some unspoken level because we are so alike that it's scary. But we get each other, which is why it's been so hard to keep some parts of my life private. It's never been about not trusting you, especially in recent years, since you've become the brother I never had. I want you to know that."

Joe's eyes were filled with tears as well.

This was it. She squeezed his hand and allowed herself to mourn, taking solace in being strong for him. There must be only directness here, no room for things to be misconstrued.

"Joe, I think knowing something about me is important." She hesitated, voice wobbly, and willed herself to be strong. "It's Christmas, and the timing may be way off. This is your day with Vanessa, and I don't want to put any sort of damper on that." She managed a weak smile, struck by the intensity and concern in Joe's bright blue eyes. "You are my brother, and it's time you understand me better so that my past will never again cause a rift with me and you or you and Frank. But I can wait. I've waited almost ten years, so another few weeks won't matter." She inhaled slowly, fighting the queasiness in her stomach despite her resolve.

Joe reached for her, held both her hands tightly. "Tell me," he said softly. "Now. Let me help you."

Callie felt tears form in her eyes which she willed away. Joe's hands holding hers gave her strength; she felt his support and knew she was making the right call. Only Joe would want to hear simply because he wanted to be able to protect her, and that idea warmed her heart.

She began in a soft voice. "Joey, my insecurities, the fact that doctors thought I could not have children, the fact that I had such medical issues with JJ and Laurie, extenuating circumstances aside, the fact I don't like being sneaked up on or touched without my consent, even the fact that a lot of people perceive me to be distant... there's a reason for all of it." She paused for a moment, then met his eyes directly, straightening her posture and raising her chin, rubbing Joe's hands. She would not be afraid any longer.

"I was sexually assaulted... brutally... it happened when I was nineteen in California. Frank and I were not together and I had no one. Well..." She paused, trying somewhat unsuccessfully to steady her voice, "I had Johnny, and he was the most supportive person on Earth and the reason, Joe, why both Frank and I will forever be in his debt. I can't give you details, not ever. They're unimaginably horrifying, and it took years for your brother and I, for John, to sort through it all. I can tell you that Frank knows it all and John knew as well, and it was unbelievably bad; I barely lived. No one else knows- not my parents— just my team of doctors and a therapist I worked with for a long time. And though it's my past, as Iola was yours, it affects me in ways I couldn't imagine, even today, as Iola does with you."

Joe could barely breathe, literally felt the color drain from his face. Oh god. No.

She rubbed his hand, touched deeply by Joe's obvious devastation on her part and his love for her, which did not need words. She understood. The look on his face said it all. "The whole 'guy' thing stems from the fact that I feel very vulnerable a lot of the time, and I hate myself for this, but I like feeling as though guys can protect me. I've done all I can; I work out, I eat right, I've taken self-defense classes and even martial arts with Frank. I'm strong; I'm quick. But Joe? I'm barely 5'3" and I weigh 105 pounds, and there's literally only so much I can do. Nothing I could have done would have stopped it."

"I understand, Callie," he replied in a low, shaking voice, almost unable to speak, tears spilling onto his cheeks. "I'm so sorry I brought this asinine topic up. God, Cal..."

"Well," she went on, ignoring him, a few tears finally falling, "now you know." Joe remained shocked; Callie almost never cried, and his own tears continued as well in response. She was taking shaky breaths now, clinging to him, face buried in his shoulder, and Joe held her tightly. "I can't get into detail about what happened, for... so many reasons, none of which has to do with you. I've talked to you about it before, once, when I was in the hospital with Laurie, and I tried to tell you then that..." she paused, fighting for control, "that I don't trust too many people, but I trust you- and Van- because you just accept me for who I am. What happened a long time ago changed my life forever. But I was… it was… life changing …really horrifying ... and I will never fully recover. So please understand me and support me and just... love and accept me... when you don't understand why. Neither will you fully ever recover from Iola and the aftermath of her death, though life goes on and we live it fully. So... that's what happened. You touched a nerve and inadvertently reminded me that I am not totally the person I want to be. I'm still insecure in a way that I thought I was over long ago. When you stated the obvious about my lack of girlfriends, about my sensitivity to having children, I felt exposed and embarrassed. I got scared and I lashed out at you and I was wrong."

Joe released her, stood up, and walked to the edge of the deck, shocked at her complete candor and vulnerability. He had known Callie for a long, long time, and he'd never heard her so open, even in their most personal talks. In that moment he knew that her depths were deep and protected; saw for the smallest of moments the Callie who his brother knew; who he thought he'd known. She had been purposefully direct but vague on details; had chosen her words very carefully. She had opened up to him in ways she never had done before, and he felt sick, nauseated, and physically pained as his mind tried to process her words and all the weight they carried. His poor sister. Oh, Callie.

God, it all made sense now. Everything. Frank's reaction on their last case, his severe overprotectiveness towards her for years, Johnny… Johnny knew. He KNEW. And somehow he must have played a huge role in helping her, solidifying a friendship that was so strong and inexplicable that he had never fully understood it. Now he knew why.

All those years ago, for a long time, Joe had resented Callie, called her horrible names, thought she was crazy for reacting to simple things in the way she had, when she was fighting demons as bad as— probably worse—- than his own. And Frank had listened to him, knowing the truth, and unable to talk to him about it, protecting the woman he loved at all costs. He had stood by Callie, always, unyielding, strong and silent and stoic and brave. Thinking of his brother's character and strength for all those years, when he must have felt so alone, tore at his heart.

All he had known as truth now shook him with its fragility.

His stomach churned and he wanted to throw up. It was too much to process. He was almost brought to his knees by the magnitude of her trust in him. He never would have asked, though he HAD suspected after Callie had mentioned some things in the hospital when they had spoken, finally, after the horror of her accident. But he had promised her that he wouldn't think about any of her veiled allusions, and he hadn't. And he wouldn't, ever again, unless she wanted to discuss it with him, though he knew she would not. He didn't want or need to know. He was sure that this vaguest veiled allusion to the unmentionable was far more than she had ever thought she would give, and he ached for her. How bad had it been? How much pain had she been in if... if... it affected her ability to have children? That it had almost cost her her life? How ... No. He would not go there. He felt shaky. Words failed him.

There was so much to think about. Callie's unspeakable pain and terror. Frank's ability to hide the truth and suffer alone for so many years. Johnny's deep love for and commitment to Callie hidden beneath a carefree and wild facade. Sorrow and rage filled him; he hoped the animal who hurt her so badly was rotting his life away in jail. THAT he would make it his quiet mission to ensure. Someday.

He reached a trembling hand to his forehead. Rarely in his life had he felt so humbled. She had said so much without actually saying anything specific, but he understood. Again, his relationship with Callie, their uncanny closenes, struck him. Maybe it was because really they were so alike; maybe it was because despite how beautiful she was, he had barely noticed or cared all his life, was genuinely drawn to or averse to her personality only and therefore was never a threat to her; maybe it was because they both loved Frank so much, or because they had learned to be completely authentic and honest and supportive of one another. Whatever it was that defined their relationship, he didn't know. All he knew was that he loved her a lot; she was his sister and dear friend. And someone had hurt her...unbelievably badly...

He felt Callie come up behind him and wrap her arms around his waist. "Please don't cry now," she told him, gently, leaning her head against his shoulder. "Just remember that there are always reasons that people are who they are, why they act how they act, good or bad. I was hurt once, a long time ago. I am okay now. Anything beyond that… don't let your mind wander." Her voice was stronger now. "Me and you- we're survivors, okay? We get through things. We'll be okay. We ARE okay."

Joe turned to her, eyes glassy, and, for a moment, looked right into her eyes, seeing himself reflected in them. How appropriate.

"My gift to you this Christmas is my total trust," she told him. "I'm sorry I didn't tell you sooner, but-honestly- I wasn't emotionally ready. And up until two years ago, you didn't need to know. Frank and Johnny went to hell with me and helped me back. When I saw what my secret almost did to you and Frank, it shocked me into reality. I needed time to conquer my past and to get rid of the shame and horror and everything that went with it. I'll never be there completely, but I AM close. Now, you know just enough to understand me better; to understand and support your brother more. If, God forbid, he should ever not be able to handle something relating to my past, support him. Love him. He has been my greatest ally and he doesn't have John now to talk to, okay? I love him and trust him enough to tell you what is appropriate... and what is not appropriate... for you to know. He deserves that; he deserves you. Just as you choose not to reveal a lot of what you've been through, respect that of me. I will never go further than I have today. I cannot. You understand."

"I do," Joe managed, stepping away silently before turning again to her. "You got hurt. That's all."

Callie managed a small, brave smile. "That's it. And you... just needed time to figure things out; get your head on straight. Stuff happened while you were working through it. Stuff. Nothing else."

Joe took an uneven breath and smiled shakily. For a brief moment they froze, their eyes locking in gaze of trust, vulnerability, and absolute understanding before they stepped into each other's arms and embraced tightly. "Love you," they said at the same time.

Frank walked up to both of them, eyebrows raised. "Uh… under any other circumstances, when a guy sees his wife and brother like this and hears them declaring their love for each other, he would get a little worried, right?" He was teasing, but concerned when he saw both Joe and Callie with tear- streaked faces.

Callie squeezed Joe's hand and walked to Frank, stepping into his arms, which instinctively closed protectively around her, and burying her face in his chest. "Everything's fine," she whispered. "I'll tell you later. For right now, please just hold me. I need you."

Joe met Frank's eyes and managed to smile. "It's time to get this Christmas started," he said softly, and walked back toward the house, pausing only to kiss Callie's head and his brother's cheek before disappearing inside, leaving his big brother staring after him, confused.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

For the first hour, Joe found himself alone, still fighting tears, still trying to comprehend the magnitude of Callie's confession and the unbelievable strength that she and Frank had exhibited for years- for YEARS. His heart broke for his sister and brother, but he saw with clear vision now just how deeply Frank and Callie loved each other, how if ever there were true soulmates, it was them. He wanted to run to his brother and hold onto him and apologize for every time he had done wrong by Callie, for every misunderstanding that he had caused by his own immaturity.

But he would not do that. Because what Callie wanted and needed, he knew, was to release herself from her past, as he had learned to do with his. And she had given him the single greatest gift of his life; knowledge and trust, two things he could use to help and grow closer to Frank and Callie and their family. Her bravery took his breath away.

No, he would not cry or apologize. She would not want that; would understand that he could not have been responsible for what he had not known. Frank would know that, too.

Instead, he would choose happiness. He returned to his family and friends.

Close to four hours later, the house was packed. Frank and he had spent a considerable amount of time playing with Evan, Laurie, and JJ, who, along with Tony's toddlers, were the hit of the party.

For the briefest of moments right after dinner, Frank had met Joe's eyes, and gave him a soft, shaky smile, his eyes reflecting so many emotions that Joe couldn't process them all. He'd left for the other room, but not before squeezing Joe's shoulder. He knew. And Joe was glad that Callie had told him. He might never speak of it, but now Joe could offer Frank support and understanding in ways he never could have imagined. And from the horrible tragedy, when she had just "gotten hurt," some good night come.

Before the huge dessert array was piled out, Joe asked for everyone's attention, signaling Vanessa to stand by him.

"This better be good, Hardy," Biff joked, "caused I'm damned hungry."

Joe rolled his eyes at his second brother. "It is good. It's better than good. Van and I would like to take a minute tonight to announce that we will need to have another place setting at the table next year at this time." He took Evan from Frank's outstretched arms, kissed his cheek, and had Vanessa quickly take off his sweater. Underneath, he wore a t shirt, simply stating "I'm the Big Brother."

The room erupted into cheers and Joe and Vanessa — and baby Evan— were gathered into hugs and kisses, and there were tears from Andrea and Laura, and Fenton beaming with pride as he held JJ. Laurie, in her Grandpa Robert's arms, started clapping with everyone, making those gathered near her laugh.

Frank, arm wrapped firmly around Callie, looked deep into her eyes as he held onto her. Ignoring the crowd, he leaned down and kissed her slowly and deeply. "I love you so, so much," he whispered. "And I stand behind you and whatever decisions you make. You know that. You are the most amazing, strongest person I know. Thank you for giving me this beautiful life." His eyes shone with love and pride. She had made one of the hardest decisions of her life tonight, he knew that. But SHE had made it, on her own terms, in her own time, with absolutely no influence from him. She had empowered herself today, something that had taken her almost a decade to do, but which others might never have done, as it would have destroyed almost anyone else. "You are extraordinary, sweetheart," he finished, simply.

"I love you," she whispered back, wishing she could just disappear for a little while with him alone. "Thank you, baby, for a lifetime of support and love. For being by my side always." She reached up and touched his cheek lightly. "Frank, you are the most compassionate and trustworthy person I have ever known. You're my anchor." Finally, she wrapped her arms around his neck. "You're an amazing dad and husband, best friend, and lover." She kissed him, not caring at all who saw. She was long done with hiding her emotions from people. She was who she was and she loved who she loved, and she would do anything for this man who had been her everything for so long. "I'll be happy to show you my gratitude this evening," she finished with a wink, and melted as Frank pulled her close and she nestled against him, at peace, genuinely happy, and safe, as always, in his arms.

After ten minutes or so, as everyone settled down, Joe held up his hand. "One more thing."

"You got a minivan?" Biff called out, and Joe laughed as Frank blushed.

"No, Hooper. Van and I would like to thank everyone for their support. But I'd like to say a Christmas toast, if I might."

Slowly, the room quieted, and Joe took a few moments to take it all in. Frank was now holding JJ and Callie had Laurie, but she had her other hand clasped with Laura, and he smiled. Frank held onto Vanessa's hand as she balanced Evan against her. Abundant love filled the room.

"Merry Christmas to the best family and friends in the world. We are especially grateful this Christmas for everyone's health and safety, for JJ being with us all."

The silence of the moment was broken by JJ's calling out, "Hi Unca Joe! Love you!"

Everyone laughed as Frank kissed his son, and Joe called back, "I love you too, buddy."

He looked around the room. "How lucky are we to be here right now, with so many things to be grateful for? So right now, I wanted to tell everyone here that I am so in love with my beautiful wife and my son and my future babies."

"Awww," a few people called out.

"And I wanted to tell you all that I love you, because you can't say it enough. Life can change at any moment. This year, I'm especially grateful for my family, including my best friend and brother, Biff, who's a jerk, but otherwise a reliable guy."

"Love you, idiot!" Biff called out as everyone laughed, but Joe knew he was touched.

"And for my brother, my blood one, Frank." He stopped and met Frank's eyes directly. "You're the strongest, kindest, most selfless person I have ever known, and there is nothing I wouldn't do for you. You remind me every day to be a good man just by living your life as an example. Thank you... for more reasons than you will ever know."

The room remained silent now, everyone drawn into the weight of the words in the air.

Joe went on. "For my mother- in -law, Andrea, as beautiful and young as always. For my dad, who always guides me in the right direction, and who is open and honest. To that end, I honestly need a raise. We'll talk."

Scattered laughter arose.

"For my mama, who I love so much. For my little miracle niece Laurie and miracle best buddy, JJ. And this year, to my incredible sister, Callie. You are my mirror. I know you understand that, and really love you so much." He tried to steady his voice.

He watched as she blew him a kiss and Frank nodded slowly, appeciative.

"To all of us." He raised a glass, "my family and family through extension."

Everyone raised a glass, waiting for him to wrap up. "And finally, to those who will always be a part of us and will never be forgotten: Iola and Johnny, who made the world a better place and us better people... we miss you and love you."

Several people held hands, wiped away tears, and huddled close to each other.

"Merry Christmas, everyone. May we stay by each other's sides forever as our circle of love expands."

As glasses clinked and the chorus of "Merry Christmas" broke out, activity resumed in the room.

Joe took Vanessa's hand and carried Evan, walking to Frank and Callie and their children. He had promised his dad one good family picture.

He stood between Frank and Callie, wrapping an arm around each of them. Frank held Evan in one arm and held Vanessa's hand, as Vanessa held Laurie and JJ sat on Joe's shoulders, laughing.

It didn't matter who held whose kids, or who stood by whom. They were family, all them, united in strong bonds, forever and always standing by each other's sides.

Unbreakable and unafraid.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Author's note: Thank you for the reviews on the last chapter to Drumboy100, candylou (thank you for clarifying!), Moon in Scorpio (always for your support, and the reviews on the last few chapters), EvergreenDreamweaver, BMSH, ErinJordan, sm2003495, Paulina Ann, Max 2013, and Caranath. Thank you as well to everyone who left a comment along the way, and those who read, Favorited, and enjoyed the story.

A brief musing on the past year... Feel free to skip! :)

I must say that the past year or so has been a great creative experience for me. I had not written anything since 2008, and, prior to that, 2002. Then, when my friend Red Hardy asked if I wanted to participate in a little holiday contest on the HDA, which turned into "The Path to Gratitude", I started getting hit with the writing bug again...and it has been relentless! My idea for a little Frank and Callie centered story (since I rarely saw one) turned into "First Encounters," and then somehow an entire universe exploded with recurring OC's and plot lines. Soon enough, in one year, I also wrote "The Secret Spaces," "Alternate Plans," "The Stages of Conviction," "Civil Skirmishes," and now this little Christmas story.

This is a new experience for me, writing in the same arc, but I have come to be invested in it. I feel a need to develop a good mystery (since this is, after all, a mystery genre), but I care more about characterization and exploring relationships. To me, that's what makes stories come alive. I always start with "What if..." and go from there. I did not plan many of the major events in my stories, but, once they entered my mind, I couldn't let go. My greatest hope with my effort is that I handled Callie's crisis with sensitivity throughout the series (since so very many women experience something similar). To that end, after almost a decade, I thought this talk between Callie and Joe was warranted, as she has grown tremendously and she knows it is time: on her own terms, in her own way, she survives and thrives. I wanted to show also that John Gellers was a hero, a truly great man, who happened to be gay (so what? I hate stereotypes and truly believe people should not be pigeon-holed into one aspect of their personality, no matter what that aspect is). I also wanted to show my favorite brothers as good, decent, upstanding human beings... who are flawed, as we all are, and who make mistakes, but who always try to do the right thing, to let their love for each other and their family and friends carry them through their own doubts and insecurities. I hope I have accomplished some of these goals.

Several people have been especially kind and supportive to me privately and in reviews: to that end, SnowPrincess88, TinDog, Moon in Scorpio, Paulina Ann, and Drumboy100... thank you for always giving sound advice, not being afraid to offer constructive and honest feedback, and often for encouraging me more than you knew when I almost gave up this process. To receive support from people who are such talented writers themselves and excellent people meant so much along the way. I am always receptive to inquiries via PMs and will be happy to answer anyone's questions as best I can. For anyone reading, reviews do make a difference to an author, and sending negative or downright mean comments or PMs can sometimes negate the encouragement. Yes, this happened- many times. Despite it all, truth be told, I love to write, and, though I have much to learn and much growth to experience, every time I sit down at a computer and immerse myself in this world, it is fun, it is uplifting, and it is fulfilling.

I am currently working on one more story in this universe which will come right after this story, but it probably won't be done until the spring or summer. It is tentatively called "Relative Fortune,", and, if you've enjoyed the series, I hope you'll consider reading it. In any case, thank you so much for coming along for the ride. I wish you all the best in 2018: a year of happiness, good health, and enjoying what life has to offer.

All the best,

Cheryl