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grandparents and was leaving that afternoon.
    “Have a wonderful time, Karen. I hope you meet a hot guy down there.”
    “Probably not this time around, Major.” Karen laughed.
    Jessica left the office shortly after Karen had gone and stopped by Missy’s office on her way out. “So what did you decide about Christmas dinner with Andy’s folks?”
    “ I’m going. I’ll be a little nervous about it, but he insisted I go.”
    “And you still don’t think there’s anything going on there?”
    “We’re very close but not in a serious relationship. I don’t know any other way to describe it.”
    “And it’s still platonic?”
    “Yes, it is. We’ve never even kissed. That sounds strange, I know, but we’re good just the way we are for now.”
    “Okay, whatever works for you. I personally couldn’t have a strictly platonic relationship with Cody, I don’t think. There’s a strange chemistry there, one that I certainly can’t explain.”
    “Well, all I can say to you, my friend, is enjoy it while it lasts because in our line of work, we could be here today and gone tomorrow.”
    Sadly, Jessica agreed. She told Missy goodbye. “Let’s meet for lunch tomorrow and exchange our gifts. Does that work for you?”
    “ How about one o’clock? Come on over to my house and we’ll decide where to go. I’m not planning anything all day.”
    “I don’t have to be at Cody’s until late afternoon. He’s taking me out for an early supper and then we’ll be going to church. Maybe we should make it noon instead of one.”
    “See you at noon then.”
    Jessica had planned a night in alone since she’d be spending Christmas Eve and Christmas Day with Cody. She stopped off at a Chinese place on post and grabbed take out on the way to her apartment. When she got home, she stripped out of her fatigues and threw on her old pink terry robe and settled in front of the television. The Hallmark channel was airing Christmas movies all night, so her plan was to veg in front of the tube. She had eaten her dinner and was about to soak in a hot bubble bath when her cell rang. It was Cody.
    “Hey, babe, what are you doing?”
    “Just getting ready to take a bath then I plan to watch Christmas movies all night. What are you up to?”
    “Andy asked me to go out with him for a while, a guy’s night out thing.”
    “Sounds like fun. Don’t be picking up any stray chicks.”
    “No chance of that, pretty lady. I just wanted to call and say hello before I leave the house.”
    “Well, I’m glad you did. Have fun. I’ll see you tomorrow. Oh, did you give Andy the gift from me yet?”
    “I have it in my hand as we speak. I’ll give it to him tonight.”
    “Good, I hate it that I won’t see him before Christmas to give it to him myself but that’s okay.”
    “I’m sure he’ll be touched you thought of him. He tells me Missy is going to his folks’ house for dinner. I thought nothing was going on with those two.”
    “She says they’re not involved. I don’t understand it, but to each his own.”
    “Well, babe, I have to run. See you around five tomorrow?”
    “Sounds good, have fun tonight.”
    “Enjoy your movies.”
    “Goodnight.”
    “Sweet dreams.”
    She hung up and the thought crossed her mind, oh yes, Cody, my dreams will be sweet because I’ll be dreaming of you.
    She filled the tub with warm water and bubbles, lit a candle, poured a glass of wine , and after turning the radio on slid into the tub. She relaxed in the warm bubbles, listening to a mixture of love songs and Christmas carols on a local radio station and daydreamed about the Christmas she’d be sharing with Cody.
    When she’d finished her bath and slipped back into her robe, she decided to call her mother.
    “Hello.”
    “Hi, Mom, I just called to wish you a merry Christmas a couple days early.”
    “I’m glad you did. Merry Christmas to you, too, honey.”
    “What are you doing for the holiday this year?”
    “ I’m having dinner with