Disclaimers: I make no profit from this writing. This story is purely for the pleasure and entertainment of the fans and myself with no copyright infringement intended or implied.

Daniel, Alex, Dylan, Molly, Kevin, Boris, Father Mac, Nub, Brian and Callie belong to PAX TV and LionsGate TV. Hope Island is a grand and magical series that was ended before its time. It is what family television should be.

Notes: In the Hope Island timeline, this obviously takes place a year after "Don't Give Up The Ship". Minor spoilers for it, "Look One Way And Row Another", "In A Bit Of A Tight", "Batten Down The Hatches", "A Sailor Who's Lost His Leg Doesn't Miss His Boot", "Promises Made In A Storm Are Soon Forgotten On A Calm Sea"/"New Skies Call For New Duties", "It Blew So Hard, It Took Two Men To Hold One Man's Hair On" and "Abandon Ship".

Dedicated to Maureen who was kind enough to take time from her busy schedule beta this fic (and many others). She makes them better and any mistakes that remain are entirely my responsibility.

Daniel Cooper woke slowly. Turning over, his eyes blinked open and squinted in the sunlight. Brown eyes widened in surprise as he saw the white blanket outside his window. While the minister had slept peacefully, a well earned sleep brought on by hard work, it had gently snowed. Something that had not been in any of the forecasts he had heard. The tall man sat up and stretched languidly. If the snow was very deep, it would be a lazy day. Curious, he stood up and padded barefoot to the window. Shifting from foot to foot because the floor was cold, he looked out in wonder at the white landscape. Judging where the snow reached on a nearby tree, he realized it wasn't even an inch deep. Not a problem, not really, and it would probably be gone by tomorrow so it wouldn't interfere with services.

Softly humming "White Christmas", Daniel dressed and went into the kitchen to make some coffee and toast. Finished eating his toast, he sat sipping his coffee. He smiled as he watched the birds hopping around, picking at the snow, looking for seeds and other things to eat. He should make his Christmas list. He really needed to get that done since it was only a little over two weeks away. Time had slipped away as people and things demanded his time. If he wanted the gifts to get to his parents and Arnie in time for the holiday season, he needed to get busy! As a minister for a small church he didn't have a lot of money so he would have to control his spending. And he had a lot of people he wanted to give presents. Decided, he rinsed his dishes and moved to the living room. He sat on the couch, a pad of paper in his lap, and chewed thoughtfully on his pencil. First things first. He needed to know three things. One - how much money did he have to spend? Two - who was he giving gifts? Three - what was he giving each one?

After the fiasco with finances that almost lost his church for him, Daniel had made sure he followed the budget Alex had helped him to set up. He was very thankful to the people of Hope for donating the money to save Hope Island Community Church and he didn't want it to ever happen again. While his budget wasn't as tight as it would have been if he had been required to pay back the church association or a bank loan, it was still strict. His first, and only, deviation had come on his birthday as he stared at the money his father had given him. That was the day he realized that if he wanted to give anyone presents for Christmas this year, he had to start saving money now! His birthday money had become the seed for his Christmas fund. Unfortunately, circumstances hadn't allowed him to add much more and he'd even had to take some out once for an emergency with the church. Setting his pad and pencil aside, he went to the closet and pulled the shoe box down from the shelf. Daniel returned to the couch and sat down. With a soft sigh, he opened the box and looked at the small pile of bills and coins. He counted it out and frowned slightly. Picking up his pad and pencil once more, Daniel wrote the amount in the top right hand corner. Two hundred sixty-three dollars and seventy-two cents wasn't much money. It was really pathetic considering his father had given him two hundred for his birthday.

Daniel started writing down the names of all the people he wanted to give to. He would have to be careful or he wouldn't have enough for anybody. Naturally, his parents were on top, followed by Arnie, Dylan and Alex, then Callie, Kevin and Molly, Father Mac, Boris, Ruby and Bonita and Marcus, Nub and Brian, Harry, Kenny, Bob and Evan, and... He stopped writing. Uh oh. Daniel stared at the names he'd written with wide eyes. He had almost filled the page and he wasn't anywhere near finished! There was no way to stretch his money to get gifts for all of them.

The reverend ran his hands through his hair and wondered what he was going to do. He didn't want to take anyone off the list and, in fact, wanted to add more people. People in his congregation. People who had made him feel welcome on Hope. People who had become his friends. People... His mind cast back to Christmases past and the people who had given him presents. He tried to think of all the gifts he remembered, all the ones he liked best, seeking inspiration. His frown turned to a soft smile as he remembered Miss Amy.

Miss Amy had taught the first grade and had been retired for many years when they moved into the little parish house next door. His father, as usual, immediately threw himself into the swirl and needs of his congregation. His mother had been obligated to entertain party after party, guests and guests and more guests. Daniel had been left to, more or less, fend for himself. His first (and biggest) problem proved to be there weren't any other children in the neighborhood. When he wasn't in school, he was mostly bored because he didn't have anyone to play with. Left too much alone, it just sort of naturally followed that he got into mischief.

An errant baseball, deliberately tossed next door, led Daniel into his neighbor's flower garden. Curiosity led him into the greenhouse. The boy was terrified at first when Miss Amy caught him there. Instead of reporting Daniel to his parents, she took him into her kitchen and fed him the most delicious homemade cookies and milk. It didn't take long for the retired teacher to discover how smart Daniel was or how lonely. Soon, Daniel was heading next door as soon as his schoolwork was done. His mother smiled benignly and didn't say a word.

There, the lonely boy helped weed and rake, hoe and sweep. He watched with wide-eyed fascination as his new friend created the most wonderful treats. Gradually, he learned how to help, measuring the ingredients, sifting and mixing. It was Miss Amy who began his love of poetry with exhilarating readings of "Tiger, Tiger", "Kubla Khan" and "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner". This lead to other poems by these poets and others like Tennyson, Shelley and more.

That Christmas, Miss Amy had given Daniel a Christmas present he had never forgotten. It had been unique and seemed almost magical because of that. She had cut out old Christmas cards and sewn the pieces together using yarn making a beautiful basket. The basket was filled with his favorite cookies and peppermint candy. He had gotten more expensive gifts that year, but that one was never forgotten because it had been made with loving hands just for him.

One hand lightly touched a book of Tennyson. Thanks again, Miss Amy, Daniel thought to the former owner of that book. When Daniel was sixteen, he'd been surprised to come home to find a package had come for him. He didn't generally receive things in the mail, his parents did. He was stunned by what he found inside, several volumes of poetry and all of Miss Amy's recipes. He had been grieved to discover she had passed away peacefully a couple of weeks before. His grief was tempered by the knowledge that she had been very old, without any surviving family and, as she had explained to him so long ago, ready to meet her Maker when He called her to His home. Amazingly, she had never forgotten her young neighbor and, in the midst of bequests to charities and worthy causes, had willed the items to someone she knew would appreciate them. Now, he could put those same recipes to use in making Christmas gifts. The cards would have to be new, but he thought he had enough for them and the ingredients as well as presents for his parents, Arnie, Alex and Dylan. Daniel knew he didn't have to give Alex an extra gift. They weren't that far in their growing relationship yet, but... He wanted to do it!

Daniel sat back. Now that he had decided on the homemade baskets and cookies, he needed to decide what else he was giving. His parents were always difficult to choose for, especially his father. He sighed deeply. What to give? There were those little artists' shops near the wharves in Seattle. They always had unique items. Several of the artists were relatively unknown, but most of them were quite good. They just hadn't been discovered yet. He should be able to find something he could afford for his parents and for Arnie and Alex too, something different and unique.

That left Dylan. Last year, his first Christmas on Hope, he'd gotten his very first friend on the island a new basketball. This year... The minister knew what he wanted to get his acolyte. Dylan had been reading a bit in Daniel's Bible lately. The minister dearly wanted to give the boy one of his very own, but... How would Alex react? The man shifted uncertainly. The redhead had come a long way regarding her views on religion and God over the past year, but she hadn't come that far yet. Should he do it? He dropped his pencil on to his pad and looked out the window, seeking solace and an answer from the quiet beauty outside. He had a feeling he knew what Alex's reaction would be. Maybe he should wait another year or maybe he should just ask her first. Asking seemed like a good idea, but he would have to do it soon. Asking while Dylan was at school sounded even better. That way the boy would not be subjected to hearing any explosive responses from his fiery mother. Deciding to ask the first chance he got on Monday morning, Daniel set aside his pad and went to sort through Miss Amy's recipes to decide which ones he would be using.

The snow was just a memory as Daniel Cooper approached the Widow's Walk on Monday morning with a faint feeling of trepidation and dread. He felt a bit like there was an axe poised over his head just waiting to drop. The minister wasn't quite sure why he felt that way. He and Alex had come a long way since his arrival on Hope Island. That first day, he would have said the beautiful redhead would never allow her son to set foot in his church again, never mind being his acolyte. He also would have thought she would never warm up enough to be his friend, much less more. Of course, they hadn't done a lot yet, a few double dates with Molly and Kevin, a few dates for just the two of them. And how they managed to keep that quiet he wasn't sure, but quiet it must be since he'd found no sign of the normal island gossip or pressure from Ruby. ... Or maybe the islanders were keeping their gossip quiet around him since he was a minister? Maybe Ruby had taken his 'request' to leave his private life alone to heart? He smothered a chuckle at the thought of Ruby Vasquez resisting the obvious temptation of Daniel's and Alex's mutual attraction. No, it seemed they were just fortunate enough to have avoided too much notice--so far. He walked inside and looked around.

"Good morning, Daniel," Molly said cheerfully. "Would you like a table?" Not waiting for an answer, she turned to sweep an experienced eye over the dining room, looking for a place to seat the minister.

"No thank you, Molly. Where's Alex?"

Molly was a bit surprised by Daniel's subdued tone. This wasn't normal. What was going on? Natural curiosity and concern rose in the pretty blonde, but she pushed it down. If Daniel wanted her to know, he would tell her. Besides, she could always pump Alex for information later. "She just went upstairs," she responded.

That sounds good, Daniel thought to himself, maybe we won't have too many witnesses. "Thanks, Molly." He climbed the stairs and looked around, wondering if Alex was in her personal quarters or cleaning one of the rooms. He shrugged and walked to the end of the hallway, knocking on her door.

The door opened and Alex looked out. One eyebrow raised a bit in surprise at seeing the minister. "Well, Daniel, to what do I owe this unexpected visit?" Not that she was actually complaining or anything. She was always delighted to see Daniel Cooper, something she was surprised by when she thought about it. So she didn't think about it anymore, just accepted it and the warm fluttery feeling she got every time.

"I, um, have to ask you something," Daniel blurted out, his nervousness rising. "Could we talk? In private?"

Alex felt her heart leap, then start to beat too rapidly. Daniel was awfully nervous about something and he was very seldom nervous about anything. Was he...? No! He couldn't! He wouldn't! Part of her wished desperately, but another, stronger part was suddenly afraid. She licked her lips and cleared her throat. "Uh, sure. Come on in." She looked around for a moment, making sure everything looked neat and clean, absurdly nervous herself now.

Daniel stood just inside the room, grateful for the closed door. He looked around nervously, anywhere but at Alex. "It's almost Christmas."

Alex's expression turned to bewilderment. Yes, Christmas was almost here and her budget had the dent in it to prove it too. Buying Christmas presents for a son did not come cheaply or easily. It seemed harder every year to find the right things to get. "Yes, it is," she answered.

"I want to give Dylan a Christmas present," Daniel told her, looking into her eyes, needing to know what she truly felt when he finally said it.

A present for Dylan? Okay, but why was he talking to her about it? It wasn't like he hadn't done it last year. "That's sweet of you, Daniel," thinking about his finances, she continued, "but you don't have to do that."

"I want to do it, Alex. I want to give Dylan a bible." There, he'd said it! He saw the storm clouds gathering on the redhead's face. Oh dear, it looked like it was going to be as bad as he feared.

"Oh you do, do you?" Her cheeks flushed and her blue eyes started to spark with her anger. "Just what I expected from the first! You're trying to shove your religion down my son's throat! Well, you listen to me, Daniel Cooper, you're not going to get away with it. I'm not going to let you get away with it!"

Shove his religion?! A part of Daniel vaguely wondered what Alex had thought her son had been doing all this time as his acolyte. Hurt appeared in his expressive brown eyes, only to be shoved aside as he struggled to remain reasonable and composed. Something Alex Stone still seemed incapable of when it came to religion. "I didn't think you would like it. That's why I wanted to ask you first, Alex."

"Damn right I don't like it! No way!" She stood there, her arms crossed over her chest. He could almost see the smoke coming out of her ears.

Daniel sighed softly. "All right, Alex. I'll--I'll just think of something else." He realized he better withdraw before he caused any further damage to their growing relationship.

Still furious, Alex followed him out the door. "Maybe you better stay away for a while, Reverend Cooper."

Daniel winced at her icy tone and the sneer in her voice saying reverend as if it was a dirty word, as if she was soiling her tongue to speak it. She hadn't been this cold since he had first arrived and she found out he was the new minister. As he retreated down the stairs and out the door, he thought the temperature in her voice might have gotten even colder than it had been then. It was hard to believe, considering how fiery her temper was. As he walked forlornly over to wait for the ferry, he hoped he hadn't caused irreparable harm to their friendship and maybe more than friendship.

Molly watched in surprise as Daniel left the Widow's Walk. If he was subdued before, he looked... Well, he looked like a kicked puppy now. Just what was going on? Not one to stand aside when something was going wrong, the blonde set the tray of dirty dishes she was carrying down and headed up the stairs. Reaching Alex's room, she knocked tentatively and called out. "Alex?" She stepped back startled when Alex yanked her door open.

"What?!" Alex asked, her tone low and angry.

"Well, no need to bite my head off." No wonder Daniel was down if this was the way Alex had greeted him. But he had seemed to expect something of the sort when he arrived. Had Alex called him to break their budding relationship off? "What's wrong?"

"Oooh, the nerve of that man!" Alex fumed and went back into her room.

That man? Daniel? "What did he do?" Molly asked curiously as she followed Alex inside and closed the door. After all, she couldn't straighten things out unless she knew what was wrong first, now could she.

Alex pointed her finger at the closed door. "That man! That man had the nerve to tell me he was giving Dylan a Bible!"

Molly blinked and stared at the finger under her nose for a moment, thinking. "Oh? Why would he tell you that?"

"He's showing his true colors! He--"

"He didn't have to tell you first, Alex," Molly pointed out, quite reasonably she thought. Watching her best friend stand there with her mouth hanging open like a fish out of water, she continued. "After all, Daniel is Dylan's minister and Dylan is his acolyte. It would be perfectly natural for him to give Dylan a bible. So what's wrong?" Not getting an answer, she forged ahead, hoping Alex would still be talking to her afterwards. "He didn't have to tell you anything. It sounds like he was asking your opinion first. Alex, he didn't have to do that! What is wrong with you? Why are you being so defensive?"

Alex snapped her mouth shut and glared at Molly. She fumed to herself. Naturally, Molly would take his side of it. Why couldn't people understand and leave this religious stuff out of things!? It caused nothing but pain. It... Obviously, this was something they could never agree on. Molly went to his church religiously. Not wanting to yell at her best and dearest friend, she pushed past her and headed out the door, mumbling, "I have to go over the books."

"Alex, you can't run forever." Molly sighed and went back to the dining room, hoping Alex wouldn't do something foolish in her anger. Whatever the redhead had said, Daniel would forgive it and forget. He was that type of person. She just hoped Alex didn't yank Dylan into the middle of it first. Why couldn't Alex Stone see what a wonderful catch Daniel Cooper was? Fully the equal to her Kevin and infinitely better than Dylan's father, Steve, who could commit to nothing except his camera.

As Alex stared at the account book in front of her, struggling to make sense of the columns of numbers, her mind cast back to 'the fight'. Not much of a fight when only one person was yelling though. Her mouth twisted into a wry grin. Her mind would not leave Molly's words alone. "Traitor," she whispered to her conscience as she finally acknowledged that Molly Brewster Mitchum was right. Daniel did not have to say a word to her about the Bible. He had shown her a great courtesy by seeking her out first and getting her opinion. And she had done him a huge disservice by yelling at him and, well, throwing him out seemed a bit strong. While she still didn't want Dylan to get a bible for Christmas, she didn't have to be so... hostile about it. She owed Daniel an apology for that at least. Deciding to do just that the very next time she saw him, she bent over the books with a clearer head and settled down to get some actual work done.

Daniel disembarked from the Tarquin II, trying to shake the depression and pain Alex's words had brought. He paused and looked around for a moment, before turning away. He walked briskly, his head up, looking around. Every step seemed to reinforce the ache he felt in his heart. Determined to enjoy his day and shopping, he gave himself a mental shake and started to peruse the window displays. As he drifted from store to store, he eventually reached the less desirable locations. These shops were where he was most likely to find gifts he could afford. His footsteps slowed and he examined each display carefully, also peering into the depths of the stores, seeking the perfect presents. He shivered as the wind whipped down the street, tugging at coats and scarves, endeavoring to steal hats from unwary shoppers. The tall man looked up and saw dark clouds scudding across the sky. He knew it would soon be a solid mass and hoped it only produced rain, not snow. He wanted to be home if it snowed.

When a window display or something in the store caught his eye, Daniel entered the store and examined the items with a critical eye. Exiting the third store he had visited, he realized it was starting to rain. He noticed several fellow shoppers who were upset by the turn in the weather. They started to leave, complaining about the rain cutting into their shopping time and talking about how they didn't have time for this. He mentally shook his head, grateful that he had dressed appropriately for the weather and headed for the next shop. The beautiful pottery in the window immediately captured his attention. He smiled as a bell tinkled merrily when he entered the little store. The hand thrown pottery was beautiful. The pastel and earth tones used were appealing. Each piece had been done in a way that reminded him of the ocean or the beach. He grinned when he found the coffee mugs. Several of them had bible verses etched on their sides - Perfect for his parents! Carefully reading each mug, he picked out two and looked around for the shopkeeper. He didn't see anyone else. He spotted the bell next to the cash register and went over, tapping it gently.

A beautiful young woman with honey blonde hair came from the back. Spotting Daniel, she wiped her hands on the apron she was wearing and smiled brightly. "May I help you, sir?" Crystalline blue eyes examined the tall, thin man. A gleam appeared in her eyes as she enjoyed the view.

"Yes, I was wondering how much the mugs were?" Daniel pointed out the two he was interested in getting.

"Twenty-five apiece or two for forty-five dollars. If you're interested we also offer gift wrapping and shipping."

Daniel frowned thoughtfully. "How much for wrapping?" He did a horrible job wrapping and he wanted his parents, okay, his father to receive a good first impression of his gift.

"A dollar fifty with a purchase."

"Each?"

"Yes sir," her smile turned sultry. "For you, I might do it for nothing." She ran a hand up his arm.

The minister jumped in surprise. He looked at the woman, the mugs and threw a glance at the door. He started to edge away just as another woman, slightly older with auburn hair came out of the back.

The woman cast a knowing eye over them and frowned slightly. "Madeline, I need you to inventory the delivery that just came in."

"As soon as I finish helping this customer, Junie." A slight pout touched the woman's face.

"I'll handle it. You take care of that shipment."

The pout turned full blown as Madeline went to tend her new task.

June gently touched her shoulder as she went by. "Maddy, I've warned you about coming on to our male customers too strongly. We almost lost this one."

The blonde tossed a look over her shoulder and finally noticed how ill at ease the handsome man had become. She sighed. "Sorry sis, I'll try to do better."

June patted her shoulder. "I know you will." She smiled, then turned to their customer. "Now, I believe Maddy was offering free wrapping. Well that sounds like a good idea to me. If you'll step this way," she gestured back to the counter and headed over to it, the precious mugs in her hands. She sighed in relief as the man slowly followed. They needed every sale they could get.

Daniel smiled, trying to hide his relief. "Thank you. I'm a terrible wrapper."

"That's all right. A lot of people are. Fortunately, my sister and I are quite good at it. Now, which paper would you like?"

The minister looked at the rolls of colorful paper. There weren't many selections, but they seemed to cover all tastes. He pointed to a nearly full roll in silver and blue with the repeated image of a manger scene, the star shining overhead. "That one."

June nodded. "Do you want them to be wrapped separately or together?"

"Separately, please, if it's not too much trouble."

"All right. Now, how will you tell them apart? I assume these are for two different people. Does it matter?" Seeing the look on the young man's face, she knew it did. "How about a blue bow on one and a silver on the other?"

Daniel nodded in relief. He paid careful attention to which mug went with which bow. He didn't want to mix up the one for his mother with the one for his father. His selections had been made with each of them specifically in mind and were not meant to be interchangeable.

"There," she said, fluffing the last bow. "Will there be anything else? We also handle shipping, if you like."

Daniel Cooper dearly wished he could take her up on the offer, but he didn't dare. He couldn't risk anyone figuring out his secret. "No thank you."

The shopkeeper nodded and rang up the purchase. Daniel doled out the correct amount. Carefully placing the wrapped presents in a shopping bag, she handed it to him with a bright "Happy Holidays!"

Daniel smiled, his eyes twinkling. "Merry Christmas. Thank you for the wrapping." He headed out into the rain. Two down, three more to go!

As her younger sister came up front, June turned toward her. "You know, he really appreciated that free wrapping. Maybe it would be a good idea to offer it all the time. It wouldn't cost us much and it might increase our sales."

Maddy smiled in agreement. "I'll put up a sign."

"Alex!" Molly dashed into the office, breathless with excitement.

"What is it, Molly?" The redhead hoped that her friend wasn't going to push about her fight with Daniel.

"You have a phone call! It's Laura!"

"Laura? My sister, Laura?" Alex asked, bewildered by the surprise phone call. She hardly ever heard from her sister. The contacts had come even less frequently after Alex had returned home to take care of their mother when she became deathly ill. Laura was suppose to have come to take her turn, but had never done it. She had just gotten a job at a prestigious Chicago law firm and, like Steve, had placed career above family. That's not fair, Alex Stone! You don't know that! However, she couldn't help wondering about this call when she hadn't heard from her sister in, well, she didn't remember in how long.

Molly nodded, torn between excitement and worry. Why was Laura calling now? Was she coming for the Christmas holidays or was she just calling to wish Alex and Dylan Merry Christmas? Laura had not returned to Hope Island since leaving and now she was calling so close to Christmas! As much as she didn't want to, she left to give Alex and her sister some privacy.

Alex took a deep breath and mentally began to brace herself. I will be calm. I will be calm. Learn a lesson from the 'fight' with Daniel this morning. Don't jump on Laura. Listen first. You can always jump later. Feeling more ready for the confrontation, she picked up the telephone. "Laura?"

"Alex?"

Only one word, her name, but Alex could already hear the stress and unhappiness in Laura's voice. "Yeah, it's me. What's up, Laura?"

"I... I need money. I... I want to sell my half of the Widow's Walk."

Alex felt the floor drop out from underneath her. "Sell?" She whispered in shock. She couldn't sell the Widow's Walk! It was her livelihood! The roof over her and her son's head. The...

"I checked. I know how much it's worth, but... I really need the money, Alex, so I'm willing to sell for fifty thousand. That's a fraction of what I should get."

Fifty thousand?!? She didn't have fifty thousand! Where was she suppose to come up with that type of money and on such short notice? "Laura, why? Why now?" Don't you know it's almost Christmas? I don't need this. Not now! "Why do you need the money? What's happened?"

"You... You wouldn't understand and it's none of your business anyway. Just get me the money, Alex. Please!" She hung up.

Alex sat in shock, listening to the buzz of the dial tone. What? How? Who did Laura think she was to call up out of the blue and ask, no, demand money from her!? The Widow's Walk was hers. She worked hard to bring it back from the brink of bankruptcy. It was hers! Laura had no right to... Laura was half owner. That had been in Mom's will. Even though it had been Alex who took care of her and everything else, Laura had still gotten half. The redhead remembered the pain she heard in her sister's voice when she said please. She groaned and dropped her head into her hands. What was she suppose to do now?

The minister continued moving down the street. He wished he could honor the eight days of Chanukah for Arnie, but didn't think he could afford gifts for each one. Spotting a menorah, he went inside the shop. He looked around, then picked up a bag of gelt. Thinking about Boris, he added another bag of the chocolate coins. He would put them in the basket for the Russian instead of peppermints. Fortunately, a couple of Miss Amy's recipes were kosher. He could include some cookies for one of the days for Arnie. That would take care of two days. What about the others? He turned around and stared in surprise. The teddy bear wearing a yarmulke or kippot seemed to smile at him. Curious, Daniel walked over to examine it. The light brown bear was very soft and huggable. Reading the tag, he wasn't surprised to find that it was handmade. He was surprised to find that all proceeds from the sale would go to a children's cancer ward. What better gift could he find for Arnie? He could see his friend making his rounds with the teddy in his arms. The minister wondered how many secrets and tears, how much pain and joy might be shared with this little helper. He had to have it, even if it took every penny he had left. It, he, was just too perfect. He searched for the price tag, but couldn't find one.

"Shalom, may I help you?"

Daniel turned to look at the young woman. Her dark hair and eyes reminded him of Kate. He pushed the grief away that came with the thought. It was time to move past that. Kate would not want him to spend his life grieving. She would want him to be happy. "Shalom," he returned the greeting. "I was wondering how much this bear is." He stroked the teddy's soft fur.

She looked at the little bear and smiled sadly. "Fifty dollars."

Fifty? Okay, that wasn't too bad. It was more than he intended, but the toy would be worth it and it was less than he had expected. Besides, it was a worthy cause, making it a double gift. That covered four days. Four more to go, if he could think of something. He just wished he could see his friend's face when he opened it. "I'll take it."

The woman nodded. "Anything else?"

The tall man passed her the two bags of gelt. Following her to the counter, he spotted a set of cookie cutters for Chanukah. They were on sale and quite cheap. He snagged those as well. He could use them to make the cookies for Arnie and Boris, then give them to Arnie - five gifts. A small dreidel ornament caught his eye. Six gifts. He picked up a small wooden Star of David - seven.

"Is he for your son?" She asked wistfully as she petted the bear.

"No," Daniel answered, a bit confused by the question. He had been distracted by his search for more little gifts for Arnie.

"Ah, a daughter then."

"No, he's for my friend." Daniel saw surprise touch the woman's eyes. "He's a rabbi. He works in a hospital with seriously ill children."

"A good place for David to be then," she smiled as tears shimmered in her eyes. "Yes?"

"Yes," Daniel answered softly. He wondered who she had lost and if he could help. "I'll be sure to let Arnie know his name."

"Arnie? You call your rabbi by his first name?"

Laughter touched compassionate brown eyes. "Arnie is my friend, not my rabbi. I'm not Jewish."

"A close friend for you to honor traditions not your own," she spoke hesitantly.

"They honor God whatever He is called and Arnie is one of my best friends."

"You... You believe in God?"

"Yes," Daniel answered with firm gentleness, wondering how they had gotten here.

The woman looked around. Not seeing anyone, she spoke softly, yet Daniel could hear the ache in her voice. "I am not so sure anymore. I do not know if I believe." A tear ran down her cheek.

"Tell me," the minister demanded softly.

"My youngest brother... He died three months ago. It was cancer. They, the doctors, couldn't do anything to stop it... And... He did not do anything. Why?" Tears ran openly down her cheeks.

"I don't know," Daniel answered quietly, his heart aching at her fresh grief. His own sorrow at losing Kate touched his voice. "Sometimes, we're not meant to know. Some things we can't know. Sometimes, we can only have faith and know that He loves each one of us. We remember our loved ones here," he placed his hand over his heart, "but they would not want to weigh us down. They want us to be happy."

The woman smiled through her tears. "Are you sure you're not a rabbi?"

Daniel shook his head.

Collecting herself, she totaled up Daniel's purchases. Gently touching the yarmulke on the bear's head, she spoke. "You know, your friend, the rabbi, should look like his new friend."

Bewildered by the statement, Daniel watched as she reached under the counter and rummaged through a box. She pulled out an adult size skull cap that exactly matched the one the bear wore.

Daniel laughed at the sight. He added the yarmulke to his vision of Arnie on his rounds with the teddy. "Perfect!" Eight gifts, he had eight gifts for Arnie for Chanukah!

Smiling with laughter touching her eyes, she added the price of the cap to the total. She caught Daniel's anxious look as he saw the price. Her expression serious, she asked again, "Are you sure you're not a rabbi?"

Surprised by the repeated question, he shook his head. "No, I'm a minister."

She grinned at that. "Close enough. One religious discount." She punch some keys and told him the total.

Daniel blinked, then grinned back. He carefully counted out the amount, trying to remember how much was still left for Alex, Dylan and the things he would need for the rest of his gifts. It was going to be close. Too close?

She wrapped some of the items in tissue paper and put everything into a large bag. Handing it to Daniel, she gave him a grateful smile. "To-dà."

Daniel smiled as he answered. "You're welcome. To-dà!" He waved as he headed outside into the pouring rain.

An older man came inside, shaking water from his hair. He looked sadly at the young woman. So much anger, so much pain and nothing he did seemed to help.

"Papa," she said. "I will make latkes for the holidays. Danny loved them and we must remember him this season.

The man looked at his daughter in surprise. What had brought this change? "Who wrought this miracle?" His face flushed as he realized he had spoken aloud.

"A man, Papa. A minister who understands Hebrew buying Chanukah gifts for his friend, the rabbi. If God can have such things as this, then who am I to question why? Sometimes... We can't know, but we can have faith. I was just reminded of that and that He loves us, all of us. Danny would want us to be happy."

He closed his eyes briefly, saying a silent prayer of thanks. He had been so worried about his daughter. He opened them and looked around. "You sold David?"

She nodded. "The minister's rabbi serves sick children. A good place for David to be." She suddenly looked anxious. "Isn't it?" Perhaps she shouldn't have sold the bear that she had originally made for her brother. He hadn't lived long enough to enjoy him.

"A perfect place," he hastened to reassure her, "Danny would be pleased, I think."

She turned to hug her father. "I think so too."

"Alex?" Molly peeked around the office door. When Alex hadn't come out and there hadn't been any shouts, she wondered what was happening. What had Laura said? Too anxious to wait any longer, she came seeking answers. She didn't expect to find her best friend crying. "Alex! What's wrong?"

"Nothing. Laura just wants to sell her half of the Widow's Walk."

"Sell?!?" Molly swallowed hard. "How much?"

Alex laughed bitterly. "Oh, a real bargain. Just fifty thousand dollars." She looked up at the blonde, tears shimmering in hurt blue eyes full of fear. "Where am I going to get that much money, Molly? Where?!?"

Molly sat down hard in the visitor's chair. Fifty thousand? She never dreamt of that much money. Where were they suppose to find it? "How... How soon do you need it?"

Alex shook her head. "I don't know. Laura didn't say, just that she needed the money."

Molly blinked back her own tears. "You're--you're not mad at her?"

Surprised by the question and her own feelings, Alex shook her head again. "No, just... She didn't want to ask, Mol. I could hear it in her voice and--she's hurting. I don't know why she needs it, but this is a last resort. I'm sure of it." I hope, she whispered silently to herself, not wanting to think that her own sister would take that type of advantage of her.

Molly nodded unhappily. "What--what will you do?"

The redhead ran her hands through her hair and stood up. "I don't know. I don't have that type of money and I don't think I can borrow it. I just don't know. Well, we still have a business to run and the lunch crowd will be starting soon. Time to get to work."

"Yeah," Molly whispered painfully as she followed her determined friend, wondering what the future would hold for Alex, for Dylan, for her. "Work."

Daniel ventured on, his wallet considerably lighter than when he first started. He still had to buy gifts for Alex and Dylan, plus the ingredients, cards and yarn for his other gifts. However, his heart was correspondently lighter as well. He was extremely pleased by the things he had found for his parents and Arnie. Arnie's were especially appropriate and would help him in his chosen function and the children he served. He paused in front of a store with several pieces of jewelry on display. His eyes scanned the selection, seeking one that he could picture Alex actually wearing and that he could still afford. Feeling the rain dripping down over the back of his collar, he decided he better go in to look, even though he didn't think he would find anything.

An elderly man watched the tall, young man enter, his mouth drawn in a tight line. Suspicious eyes tracked Daniel as he glanced over the display cases. The minister ignored the disapproving looks having experienced this type of attitude before. He swiftly passed the cases of more expensive items, stopping only when he found prices displayed, prices in his range. He was torn between a beautifully carved rose pendant made from red cedar and an enameled pewter hummingbird pin. Both were exquisite and within his remaining budget. Which one should he get for Alex? He was playing a mental game of eenie, meanie, minie, moe to help him decide when a glint on the floor caught his eye. Surprised, he bent down and picked it up. One brow arched as he recognized what he was holding. While he wasn't an expert by any means, this was an expensive diamond solitaire pendant. He looked up for the store owner. The elderly man was no longer there. Daniel looked around. He walked over to the cash register, hoping to gain someone's attention.

The man who had been watching him when he came in stomped over to the register. "Don't tell me you're buying anything," he rasped, raking a knowing eye over the young minister.

Daniel said a mental prayer for patience and smiled pleasantly. "Actually, I wanted to return something I found on the floor." He held up the pendant.

The other man's eyes widened and he snatched it from Daniel's hand. "I've been looking all over for that! My best customer bought it and is picking it up today. I couldn't find it anywhere." He pulled out a jewelry box and carefully positioned the pendant inside, sighing in relief as he shut the box. Looking at Daniel, he hesitated. Licking his lips, he spoke again. "I'm sorry, young man. You must find me to be a crotchety old man, but I haven't had a good week. Forgive me for being so abrupt."

Daniel smiled gently. "I think we've all had times like that. I was interested in a couple of your, um, less expensive items though."

"Certainly." He followed Daniel over to the display case. "Which ones?"

"The rose and the hummingbird. I can only afford one and I can't decide between the two. They're both beautiful pieces."

The old man pulled out a set of keys and unlocked the case. He picked up the two pieces. He ran a critical eye over them. "Yes, they are excellent quality for the price." He glanced at Daniel and hid a smile. "You're fortunate. We're having a two for one sale today so you can have both for your lady friend."

Daniel blinked. Lady friend? How did he know that? Two for one? That can't be right. There weren't any signs advertising a sale. Puzzled, Daniel followed the owner back to the cash register.

"Of course, you will have to pay for the more expensive of the two," the man continued as he pulled out boxes and placed the items in them. He then took the two boxes and placed them in another one. Pulling off a sheet of wrapping paper, he expertly wrapped it, then tied a beautiful ribbon around it. The gift was carefully placed in a bag. He rang up the sale and waited.

In a daze, Daniel pulled out his money. Gratefully accepting his change back, he smiled at the older man. "Merry Christmas!"

"Merry Christmas to you," the elderly man smiled back and watched as Daniel cheerfully headed out into the cold rain. People like that were enough to renew your faith in humanity.

The lunch rush over, Alex pushed back a stray lock of red hair. No longer distracted by work, her mind returned to her dilemma. Knowing she shouldn't put it off, she wiped her hands on a towel. "Molly, I need to visit the bank on the mainland." She smiled dryly. "We might as well know right off the bat whether I can get a loan or not. I certainly can't get it at the community bank."

Molly nodded soberly. "Not a loan that large." The community bank didn't do much loan business at all. "Get changed and go. Boris and I have things covered here."

Alex turned toward the stairs, then looked over her shoulder. "Mol, let's keep this between us for right now. No need to get everyone else in an uproar until we know. Okay?"

"You got it." She gave Alex a thumbs up and went to clean up the tables, silently praying for a miracle the whole time.

Having learned well the way to impress a businessman or a banker, Alex took a shower and changed into a smart, conservative dress. Brushing her hair, she gave herself a critical once over. She put on a minimum of makeup, then squared her shoulders. "Well, here goes nothing," she muttered. Picking up her purse, she marched out the door, grabbing her rain slick and hat on the way. As much as she wanted to make a good impression, showing up looking like a drowned rat wasn't it. Because of the time of day, she couldn't take the ferry. She would have to take her own boat. She paused by the front door to put the hat and coat on. She pulled her rainboots on over her low pumps.

Molly looked at the redhead and mouthed the words "good luck" at her. Alex nodded and smiled slightly. Heading outside, she shivered as the wind blew up her dress. Wishing she could wear a pant suit instead, she walked down to where her boat was docked. Hopping in, she was soon on her way. Soon--soon she would know if she could have the Widow's Walk for herself or if she would have to find some stranger who might be willing to partner with her. She hoped for the former, but prepared herself for the latter. Hopefully, that stranger would fit in. Hopefully, she would be able to stand him or her and they wouldn't try to tell her how to do things.

All too soon, she was sitting at the bank's loan officer's desk. Her hat, coat and boots dripped water at the coat rack next to the door. Alex tried very hard not to fidget as the woman went over her financial history, studying the records for the Widow's Walk. Finally, the woman turned and looked at her.

"Ms. Stone, while you have an excellent record and have managed to bring a failing business into the green, I'm afraid we are unable to make a loan in the amount you're requesting. In all honesty, we can't go above thirty thousand."

Thirty thousand? It was more than Alex had expected, but it still wasn't enough. Somehow she knew Laura would never accept anything less than the full fifty she had requested. Licking suddenly dry lips, Alex spoke. "Thank you for your time, Mrs. Landon. I'll have to give it some thought."

"Of course," the woman stood up with Alex. She held out her hand. "Please let us know if we can be of further assistance. I'm sorry we can't grant the full loan."

Feeling numb, Alex shook her hand and went over to put on her rain coat and boots. Looking out at the rain, she found the weather entirely too appropriate for her emotions. With a sad sigh, she put on the hat and went outside. She needed to let Molly know the bad news. Deciding she really didn't want to shatter her friend's hopes just yet, she turned to wander down the street. Idly, she looked into the stores, not really seeing anything. She was surprised to see Daniel inside one of them. She almost went inside to tell him the news and seek his advice when she realized just what type of store she was looking in - a bookstore! Why was Daniel in a bookstore? Surely he had enough decency to honor her request about Dylan and the Bible. Her eyes narrowed as she watched him accept a book shaped package from the clerk. So, he had gotten it anyway. Angry, she turned and walked away. She didn't need that type of man or relationship. Especially not now, she couldn't handle it. She was too upset already and Daniel Cooper would be an all too easy target.

The minister stopped at a discount card shop. By selecting judiciously, he bought an abundance of Christmas cards for much less than he expected. At the craft shop next door, he almost bought skeins of red and green yarn, until he spotted some white yarn that was much cheaper. Alex would be proud of him.

Entering the large chain supermarket on the way to the docks, he sent a mental apology to Ruby and Bonita. He hoped that they forgave him for shopping here instead of at their general store. However, if he did it at the Islander General Store, the Vasquezes would know something was up and he wanted it to be a surprise for everyone. He was delighted to find several ingredients were on sale, some were even two for one. His pockets were bare when he finished with just a few cents left. "Thank you, God," Daniel said to the sky as he exited, earning odd looks from a couple of other shoppers going in. He laughed silently, nodded pleasantly to them and moved on. His arms were full and his packages were getting heavier by the minute.

Daniel walked to the docks to wait for the Tarquin II with a bounce in his step. He had successfully finished all of his holiday shopping. He even had the boxes, tape and labels he needed to priority mail the gifts for his parents and Arnie. Feeling much better than he had when he boarded the old ferry before, he didn't even mind having to juggle everything in his arms to keep from dropping things or the cold, windy, rainy weather. It had turned out to be a wonderful day. He was always happy when he found the perfect things for his friends and family. He nodded a greeting to the captain. Unable to free a hand to get his return ticket out, his eyes laughed when he was waved on aboard.

"Get on with ya', Daniel. Not like we don't know who you are. You can hand in the ticket later."

"Thank you, Captain Grundy. I do have my arms a bit full at the moment."

The grizzled African American laughed and threw a swat at the young minister's rear. "Go on. I have work to do. Wonder what brought young Alex out in her boat in this weather."

Daniel's brow furrowed at the news. "You saw Alex?"

"Yep. She just left a little while ago. There was a woman with fire in her eyes!"

The lanky man maneuvered his way to a seat, all the while wondering why Alex had come in her boat to Seattle in this weather. It had to be something important, but what? Thinking about it, he put his packages down inside and sorted through his pockets. Finding his boarding pass, he went to turn it in. Returning to his seat, he looked out at the harbor, an anxious feeling inside, troubled by the mystery. He worried at it all the way back to Hope. Leaving the ferry, he looked longingly at the tavern and inn. Remembering Alex's words of that morning warning him to stay away for a while, he turned and trudged up the hill with his arms full.

Molly immediately saw the fire in Alex's eyes when she came into the inn. Following her upstairs, she sighed unhappily. "I guess it was bad news?"

Alex nodded. "They will only loan thirty."

Thirty? That was more than she expected, really. "Is there anyway we could make up the rest?"

We? "Not that I can find. I thought about selling the boat, but that still wouldn't be enough and I don't think Laura will take payments. I--I put an ad in one of the Seattle papers."

Molly swallowed. An ad? Already? "Okay," she looked around nervously, "it's not like you have to sell if they don't fit in. Right?"

Just like Molly, always look for the positives. "Right." Watching the other woman turn to leave, she suddenly blurted out. "I saw Daniel buying that Bible for Dylan."

Daniel had bought the Bible for Dylan after Alex had specifically said no? That just didn't sound like the Daniel Cooper she knew. Turning back, Molly asked softly, "Are you sure?"

Alex rolled her neck, trying to work out the tension there. She sighed and admitted, "No, I saw him buying a book in a bookstore. I don't know it's a bible and I don't know it's for Dylan." She looked at the blonde in distress. "But what if it is?"

"What if it isn't? Look, Alex, you could always ask him."

"What? Then he'll think I was spying on him."

"Tell him the truth. Tell him what you saw and why, then ask."

Alex closed her eyes. "Then he'll think I don't trust him."

"Do you, Alex? Do you trust Daniel?"

Did she trust Daniel? Could she trust Daniel? Alex Stone had been betrayed too many times by the men in her life. First by her father leaving them, then by Steve abandoning her and Dylan for his career. Was she ready to trust yet another man? However, this man was nothing like them. He was kind and gentle, sweet, honest, intelligent, stubborn, but willing. He didn't run away from problems, but tackled them head on. And he wasn't afraid, not of commitment or hard work. Did she trust Daniel Cooper? Her mind was saying no, but her heart was overriding it. "Yes."

Molly smiled at that and hugged Alex tightly. "Then trust him. I don't think he'll let you down."

"You're too optimistic for your own good, Molly Mitchum," Alex returned the hug with her own and a smile.

"You're too pessimistic, Alex Stone." As she headed out the door, she threw some last words over her shoulder. "That's why we balance each other out."

Alex grinned, suddenly feeling better. She didn't know what the future might bring, but they would face it together. She went to change back into her regular clothes. She couldn't serve their customers looking like this. She might run them off. Even worse, tongues would start wagging.

A week later, Molly pushed her hair back as she watched the last of the breakfast crowd leave the dining area. She looked around thoughtfully and turned to Alex. "You know, it's funny, but I haven't seen Daniel for a week. Well, except at church services yesterday, of course."

Alex straightened up. "You're right. We've been so busy and I've been worrying so much, I hadn't thought about it. I wonder why."

Molly shrugged and bent to pick a fork up off the floor. "Maybe he thinks you're still mad at him."

"I'm not mad at him, Molly! I... Uh oh."

"Uh oh? What uh oh? What did you do, Alex?"

"I, um, sort of told Daniel it would be better if he stayed away for awhile." Seeing the fire in her friend's eyes, she waved her hands in surrender. "I didn't mean it! Okay? I was angry when I said it, but I didn't really mean it!"

Molly nodded. "All right, but I think you better apologize and it better be before Dylan finds out."

"I will, Molly, right after lunch. Honest! Right now, we need to clean up."

Molly acknowledged the truth of that and they both got to work, collecting dirty dishes, washing them, wiping down the tables and sweeping the floor. They split up to clean the recently vacated rooms, finishing just in time for the lunch crowd to come barrelling in. When they finally left, Alex pulled off her apron. "I'm going to see Daniel now, Mol. I'll be back as soon as I can."

Molly smiled. "Don't hurry on my account. Boris and I can handle it for now."

"Thanks Molly." Alex went to pull on a winter coat and headed out to warm up her truck. As she waited, she blew on her hands and sighed. So far no one had answered her ad and she'd placed it in the largest paper too. If someone didn't answer soon, she didn't know what she was going to do. Laura hadn't called back yet and she didn't want to call her until she had some news for her. She sighed and started off. First things first, apologize to Daniel and maybe tell him what was going on. Maybe he would have an idea.

Alex pulled to a stop in the church parking. Getting out, she looked around and walked to his door. Knocking on it, she didn't get an answer. She wasn't surprised. If Daniel was at home, he was probably in the church working on something. She went over to the little white church and tapped on one of the doors. Pushing it open, she peered inside. "Daniel?"

"Alex!" Daniel stood up from where he had been working on setting up the manger scene that Roy had made for the church. "Come in. I wasn't expecting you."

The redhead stopped just inside, closing the door behind her. She looked down at her feet. "I, um, we were wondering where you were this past week. We haven't seen much of you."

Daniel smiled. "I've been busy. You know... I've..."

Alex took a step forward and looked around uneasily.

Recognizing Alex's feelings, Daniel gestured. "Would you like a cup of coffee? I can make some back at the house."

"Yeah. Thanks. That would be... great." She smiled brightly and tried to act like she wasn't fleeing the church. After all, it was just a building, nothing special either. Right?

Daniel poured a cup of fresh coffee and handed it to Alex. "So, what brings you up here?"

Alex stared at the cup, stirring it thoughtfully. Taking a deep breath. "I wanted to apologize. For before. I--said some things last week and I didn't mean them. Not really. I mean I still don't want you to give Dylan a bible, but I... I didn't mean about..."

Daniel smiled gently and decided he better let Alex off the hook she was squirming on. "That's okay, Alex. I know you didn't."

"You do? Then..." Alex stopped and bit her lower lip.

"I really have been busy. So, what's been happening while I've been out of touch? Dylan gets out of school Thursday, right?"

"Yeah, he does. He, um, he'd probably like to go riding or something with you while he's out."

"I'll be sure to put him on my calendar," the minister teased.

Alex laughed. "You do that." She took a sip of her coffee and sighed. She had missed him. She hadn't realized how much until she found herself relaxing in the warmth of his eyes. "I do have a problem though." She looked up, her eyes full of worry. "My sister called."

Daniel reached out and touched Alex's hand. "Nothing serious, I hope."

"Yeah, sort of. Not that, I don't think. She--she wants to sell her half of the Widow's Walk." Alex poured out the whole story that she hadn't shared with anyone except Molly. This time she added all of her worries as well. "I don't know what I'm going to do, Daniel. It's been a week and no one has answered the ad. I know Laura needs the money. I don't know why, but I'm afraid I won't have it when she calls again." She dashed the tears from her eyes. "I don't want to let her down, but I just can't come up with that type of cash."

Daniel sighed. He wished he could just give Alex the money. It wasn't fair that she had to go through this. She had already been through so much in her life. She shouldn't have to go through this worry too. The only thing he could think of was asking his father for the money and somehow he didn't think Alex would accept that answer.

"Thanks for listening to me babble, Daniel." She smiled at the handsome man. "I needed to tell somebody. I couldn't tell Molly. She's already worried enough and she has Brian to worry about too. I... Thanks."

Daniel cleared his throat. "You're welcome, Alex. I just wish I could do more." He dropped his eyes and sighed. "I wish..."

"Me too." Alex squeezed the hand holding hers. "You're already doing--a lot."

Molly was mopping the floor when a tall, thin man walked in. The first thing she noticed when she looked up was his soft, wavy hair. The second was his clothes which were all black. As she walked over to the bar, she saw he had a bag which oddly enough had a red F and white X embroidered on it. "May I help you?"

"Yes, I'd like to have a room, if one is available, please."

The softly accented words sent a shiver down her spine. She better not let Kevin find out about that particular reaction. "Of course." She reached down and pulled out the register. "Just sign here, Mister...?"

"Tyler." The man scrawled his name where the blonde pointed.

Molly pulled out a key. "Here you go, room eleven. It's up on the next floor and just down the hall to the left, Mister Tyler." Finally looking up, she blinked and shook her head. It couldn't be!

"Thank you." He smiled, took the key and picked up his bag, heading upstairs to find his room.

Molly watched him leave, still stunned. It couldn't be! Except for the hair styles and a scar on his cheek, their new guest looked just like Daniel Cooper. Maybe the minister had a twin brother and just hadn't mentioned him? But that didn't explain the accent. Who was he? She whirled the register around to take a closer look. R Tyler, NYC, NY. That accent certainly didn't sound like New York City. She reached for the phone, dialing Daniel's number.

Daniel and Alex jumped as the phone rang, their hands separating. Daniel gave the beautiful redhead an apologetic look as he went to answer the call. "Hello?"

"Molly? What? ... Slow down, I can't understand you."

Molly? "What is it?" Alex asked, suddenly worried again.

Daniel shrugged in confusion. "A man? What do you mean he looks like me?" He frowned, then brightened. "Wait a minute. Accent? What type of accent?"

A man who looked like Daniel? Intrigued, Alex stood up and moved to his side.

"Could it be Australian?"

Australian? Did Daniel have relatives in Australia? She remembered how little they all knew about the minister and wondered.

"New York? That makes sense." Daniel laughed. "No, I saw a man once in New York. He looked like me. We didn't talk or anything, but it sounds like it could be him." He grinned. "We'll be right there." He hung up the phone. "How about a lift, Alex? I want to find out about my 'twin'."

Alex shrugged. "Sure." She led the way to her truck. She glanced at Daniel as they went down the hill. "If you didn't talk, how did you know he had an Australian accent?"

"Well, we didn't really talk, but we did. Sort of. He gave me directions when I got lost."

"And you didn't ask him then about, well, you know?"

Daniel shrugged expressively. "I didn't see him until after I got on the bus. He had been doing a puppet show and was behind a curtain."

"Soooo, this 'twin' could see you, but you couldn't see him?"

Daniel nodded. "Yeah, I guess so."

"Why didn't he ask you about it?"

"I don't know, but I think we're going to find out," he finished meaningfully as they reached the Widow's Walk.

Alex parked in back and trailed Daniel inside. "Hey Mol! So, where's Daniel's twin?"

Molly practically jumped over the bar to reach them. "He's in room eleven. Daniel, what's going on? Who is he?"

"I'm not sure," Daniel held up his hand, "but I'll try to explain." He told the two women about his trip to visit a great aunt in New York City and his encounter with the kangaroo puppet, then later seeing the man he thought might have been the puppeteer, a man who had looked just like him, except for his hair cut.

Alex and Molly looked at each other, puzzled and curious. "What are you going to do?" They giggled slightly at saying it in perfect unison.

Daniel smiled. "Saying hello seems like a good place to start." With that, he stood up and walked up the stairs.

The women trailed him, then paused at the bottom of the steps. Maybe they should leave them alone. At least until the two men had a chance to talk together first. "We'll wait down here, Daniel," Alex told him, then pulled her curious friend back into the bar to work on cleaning up.

Daniel nodded at Alex's words, then walked to room eleven. He paused and took a deep breath, trying to prepare himself. For what, he wasn't sure, but he definitely wanted to find out. He knocked on the door and waited.

"Just a minute," his twin called out.

The words were muffled by the door, so Daniel couldn't be sure if it was Boomer or not.

The door opened. "Yes?" The man froze and stared at Daniel in shock.

Daniel stared back, taking in the bright, intelligent brown eyes, the longer, wavy hair... Would his hair look like that if he let it grow that long? The scar that Molly had mentioned. He didn't remember the scar from that Christmas Eve, but you never knew. It wasn't like he'd been that close to his twin and scars were easy to acquire. "Hello... Boomer?" Daniel hesitantly used the name he had been given by a white kangaroo puppet on the streets of New York City so long ago. He found it hard to believe that the person behind the black curtain was here on Hope. He had wondered if the man behind the puppet was Australian or just very good with accents. Later, spotting his 'twin' for the first time as his bus left, Daniel had a feeling that he was the unseen puppeteer. He never did figure out why the other man had not said anything about their resemblance to each other if it had been him. Now he would know if his twin was the puppeteer and Australian.

The man smiled and shook his head. "My name is Rollie. A boomer is a male kangaroo. That was the puppet's name."

"Then it was you. I mean..." Daniel trailed off, not sure what he meant.

Rollie nodded. "It was me." He stepped back, gesturing for his twin to enter. "My name is Rollie Tyler."

"Daniel Cooper," the minister responded, automatically shaking the offered hand. "Reverend Daniel Cooper."

The Australian looked surprised. "Reverend? You're weren't when we first met."

The American smiled. "Well, no. Not then. So, how come you look like me?"

"Could ask you the same question, Mate, uh, Reverend Cooper."

"Daniel, please. Rollie?"

Rollie nodded firmly. No way he was going to be 'Mister Tyler'! "All right, Daniel. Have a seat and lets try to sort this out."

The two men sat, Rollie on the bed, Daniel in the only chair in the room. They compared birth dates. Rollie was a bit relieved to find out that Daniel was a few years younger than he was. He wasn't sure what he would have done if they'd shared the same birthday and year. Comparing known family names didn't find a link and they both looked puzzled. How could they look so much alike?

Daniel's life was as far from his own as it could get. Well, his father seemed neglectful too, but that was all. And, thankfully, Daniel's mum was still alive. He shoved the pang that he always felt when he thought of his mother aside. "Maybe we should both do some family research and see what we can find out?"

Daniel nodded thoughtfully. "That sounds like a good idea. I'll call Mom. She's done a bit of genealogy."

"I'll ask Angie to do some poking around on the Internet and check the available records." Rollie frowned as he thought about it. Who else could he ask? It wasn't like Dingo or Mangela could give him any answers. He smiled slightly as he thought of something. "I'll also ask my cousin. See if he knows anything." He hadn't thought of Davy in forever. Davy was part of his darkest times. He had been the only bright spot afterwards. His younger cousin was the only one who really understood how Rollie felt and had gone out of his way to help him. They had formed a close kinship that summer Rollie had stayed with him and his grandmother. He didn't think he had ever thanked him for it either. It was past time he should. His dad had said Davy looked just like Rollie did at that age. Maybe his cousin would have some answers. In any case, this would be a good excuse to finally touch bases with him again. Something that was long overdue.

Daniel smiled. "That sounds good. You know, I bet Alex and Molly are about to die from curiosity right now." Seeing the question in the Aussie's eyes, he explained about the two women. "Why are you here anyway? I always wanted to find you again, but I never expected it to be on Hope Island."

Rollie grinned. It was so infectious, Daniel grinned back. "I read an ad in the paper about part of the Widow's Walk being up for sale. I thought I'd check it out since I seemed to be stuck here for a while anyway."

Daniel blinked in surprise. "Wait a minute. You're interested in the Widow's Walk? Why?!?"

His twin shrugged. "Manny always told me I should be diversified in my investments. That was what managed to keep him and Angie going after they escaped Cuba. All of his money wasn't tied up at home, so the Cuban government didn't confiscate all of it." He grinned cheekily. "Besides, I want to see the look on Dingo's face when I tell him I'm part owner of a tavern on Hope Island."

"Huh?"

Taking pity on his twin's confusion, Rollie explained about his dad who was alway sharping, conning and gambling. He then went on to explain about Hope Island in Australia, which was a far cry from the little fishing community outside of Seattle. That Hope was a tourist hot spot, full of hotels, resorts and casinos.

"So you want your father to think...?"

"That it's there, then I'll explain it's here. I don't get to put one over on Dingo very often. When I do, it helps to keep him on his toes."

"Okay." Daniel was still puzzled and wasn't sure about the whole thing, but if it helped Alex... "You should talk to Alex. You might not want to invest here. It's kind of--quiet."

"I don't know. I kind of like the thought of some peace and quiet. I don't get much of that in New York. I think Angie would like it too. At least she wouldn't be worrying about me playing Batman and Commissioner Gordon here."

"What?"

"Long story, Daniel. I'll explain it sometime. Right now, let's put your friends out of their misery and I can see how the Widow's Walk is doing as a business."

Daniel bounced up and lead the way downstairs. He was thoroughly puzzled by some of the remarks Rollie had made, but he would probably figure it all out eventually. Fortunately, he seemed like a good person and he might be able to bail Alex out of her dilemma. "Alex is an excellent business woman. She really worked hard to pull the Widow's Walk out of debt."

Rollie nodded noncommitally, just to let the minister know he'd heard and understood. He would withhold judgment on how well Alex Stone had done until after he'd check things out.

The two women were surprised and as puzzled as the men were as they explained what they had discovered about each other so far. Alex was shocked to find out Rollie had come to check out the Widow's Walk as an investment. She led him to her office to go over the books. Watching him review them, she realized he knew what he was doing. "So, Mister Tyler..."

"Rollie, please. I don't like Mister Tyler. It's too formal." Rollie's eyes crinkled as he smiled at her.

"All right. Rollie. What do you do for a living?"

Returning his attention to the ledger, he answered. "Special effects."

"Special effects? You mean like in the movies? Hollywood?" She frowned uncertainly. She didn't know if she wanted to have a Hollywood person for a partner. The stories that were reported in the news... No. This didn't seem so promising anymore.

Rollie sighed softly, then smiled again. He could imagine what she was thinking. He shook his head. "Yes, we work on movies and TV series. No, we don't do Hollywood. I work out of New York City. The East coast, not the West." He grimaced. "I don't particularly like Hollywood."

"Huh? But you said..."

"I do special effects. Angie and I are very good at what we do, but those stories you hear from Hollywood? We're not like that. We're perfectly ordinary people. You'll find most of us who work behind the scenes are. Even some of the ones in front of the cameras are 'nice people'. Some of my best mates are actors or stuntmen." He looked up, clear brown eyes trapping her blue ones. "And some of them are cops."

Cops? She certainly hadn't expected that. "So what do you think?"

The Aussie nodded. "It looks good. You've done a lot of work and invested a lot of the money you made back into your business. I like that. It's the only way to build and grow. I..."

Just then the door opened. "Mom!"

"Dylan!" Alex frowned slightly. "What have I told you about barging in here, young man?"

"I know. I'm suppose to knock first." He twisted the door knob and sighed.

Alex nodded. "I think you should apologize to our guest."

Guest? Dylan had thought she was in here alone. He wouldn't have just come in otherwise. He looked up, his mouth opening, only to have it drop to the floor. The man sitting at his mom's desk looked just like Daniel, but he didn't either. His hair was too long.

"G'day, Dylan. Pleased to meet you, Mate." Rollie grinned at the boy. Glancing over at Alex, he wondered where the boy's father was. He was pretty sure Alex was unattached and his 'twin' and she were interested in each other. He'd have to ask Daniel about it or Molly.

G'day? Only Australians said that... Didn't they? "I, um, Hello. I'm sorry, I didn't mean to interrupt."

"No worries," Rollie assured the boy.

"Why do you look like Daniel? Are you related?"

Rollie shrugged. "We don't know. Daniel and I are going to try to find out though. So, do you like Daniel?"

Like Daniel? "Yeah, Daniel's my best friend and my minister. I'm his acolyte!" He stood up straight at the proud declaration.

"Good for you, Dylan. Daniel seems a bit of all right to me, too." Rollie knew he was playing up his accent and slang. He hadn't talked this Aussie in years. It was fun the way that Dylan's eyes lit up. "I think Daniel is in the kitchen with Molly."

"He is? Great! Mom, can I go bike riding with Daniel next week? Please!"

"If Daniel has time, but I think you better ask him first." Alex smiled at her son. "Scoot. And wash your hands before you eat your snack!" She called after him as he tore off again.

"Dylan seems like a fine boy."

"Oh, he is."

"Seems to really like Daniel, too."

Alex leaned back a bit and smiled warmly. "Daniel is Dylan's best friend. He's been like a father to him since he got here. Not like..." She clamped her mouth shut, appalled at what she almost said to a near total stranger. Just because he looked like Daniel...

Rollie sighed and frowned. He smiled sadly, guessing at the rest. "Like Dylan's real father?"

"Yeah," Alex responded automatically, then looked at the man, startled. "How did you...?"

"Know? My father was never around for me either," Rollie told her, feeling a familiar ache. "I was lucky. I had someone who was a father to me as well." He nodded at her surprise. "Yeah. Kind of like Daniel. I was lucky. Your son is too." And he still has his mother around. Rollie squashed that thought before it could take him somewhere. He looked at the books. He knew that he needed to make a decision. Alex was a fine, hard working, single mother who deserved all the help she could get. The amount listed in the paper ad was too low though. He had a pretty good idea what the Widow's Walk was worth, both from looking around and from what Angie had found when he'd called to get her to check it out. He stretched. "I really would like to invest in the Widow's Walk, Alex."

Alex looked up in surprise. She had been thinking about Dylan and Daniel. "What?"

Rollie smiled, his eyes twinkling. "Invest. Remember?" He pointed at the books scattered on her desk.

"Oh. Well..." Alex didn't know what to say. She hadn't really thought that far and certainly not with someone like Rollie Tyler.

"I'll pay you seventy-five thousand for forty-five percent of the Widow's Walk. You will be in charge here. Not me. That gives you majority ownership and the right to make the decisions as to what is best for the business."

Seventy-five? Forty-five?! She cleared her throat. "I was advertising fifty percent for fifty thousand."

Rollie shook his head. "Too low and you know it. Why?"

"It's my sister's half. She needs fifty thousand and wanted to sell. I don't have that type of money, so..." Alex shrugged.

The Aussie nodded. "Give her fifty then and invest the rest or put it back into your business. Whatever. I've made my offer. Think about it. I'll be around for awhile longer." He walked out the door, muttering. "For too long, if Anderson doesn't make a decision soon." He really wanted to get home for Christmas. He wanted to see Angie, to hug her, to... He certainly didn't want to spend Christmas in Seattle or on Hope Island as nice as the people here were. Why had he let Angie talk him into coming here this close to the holiday?

Alex sat down in her chair, still warm from his presence. Seventy-five thousand? Seventy-five!!!

Having seen the Aussie leave the inn, Molly stuck her head in the doorway to Alex's office. "Well? What did he say?"

"He wants in, Mol."

"That's good. Right?"

"Better than good maybe. He wants to give me seventy-five thousand for forty-five percent of the business." Alex sighed at the thought, then frowned. "I don't know if it's wise though. I'm not sure we can afford to give that much profit away." She grimaced. "Not that it would be that much."

"Maybe you should ask him some questions, like what does he expect out of the Widow's Walk?"

"You're right. But I better line up all my ducks before I start asking those questions. We want to impress Rollie, not have him think we're scatterbrained."

"You're not scatterbrained, Alex. In shock maybe, but not scatterbrained."

"Why, thanks Mol, I don't know what I would do without you."

"Go crazy for one thing," Molly giggled.

Alex frowned and popped at rubber band in the blonde's direction, then giggled too. "Get out of here so I can think."

"Sure thing, boss!" Molly hurried off.

"Good evening, Daniel," Mayor Brian Brewster nodded absently at the tall, lanky man. Nub gaped in surprise as he stared at the man. The blond wondered if this was Reverend Cooper's brother. He hadn't mentioned a brother.

"G'day! I'm not Daniel though."

The accent and laughter in the voice worked its way past the thinking Brian was doing. He was still trying to find a way to recoup the reversal he'd suffered several months before. He looked up and felt his jaw drop as he stared in surprise.

Now Nub knew he couldn't be Daniel's brother, not with that accent. "Hello. I'm Nub."

"My pleasure, Nub. I'm Rollie." He shook the young, slender blond's hand. Considering the way the wind was blowing, he wish he had a watch cap like Nub did. Maybe he would pick one up if he stayed much longer. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I'd like to look around some more before it gets dark."

Brian watched the apparition that looked like Daniel walk away. He shook his head and blinked. Who was that man?

Nub reached over and gently pushed Brian's chin up, closing his mouth. "You're catching flies, Brian."

"Who? He? What? Who was that man?" Brian sputtered out.

Nub shrugged. "Rollie."

"But he looks like Daniel!? Where did he come from?"

Nub started walking again. "That accent doesn't sound like Daniel. He's an Australian, Brian. He must be staying at the Widow's Walk."

"The Widow's Walk? Well, of course he's staying at the Widow's Walk, Nub!" Brian bustled importantly after the younger man. He would ask Molly. His daughter would know about the stranger that looked like Reverend Daniel Cooper. Maybe he had money? Maybe he would invest on Hope Island?! Maybe... Eager to find out, the mayor almost broke into a run.

Rollie continued walking down the street, his hands shoved deep in his pockets. Even with his gloves on, they felt cold. His ears were cold too. Nub's cap was looking like a better idea every second. Spotting a general store, he decided to see if they had any. He climbed the steps and walked inside. A cat mewed a complaint at the cold wind he let in and he quickly closed the door behind him. He was in complete agreement. He looked at the two women working at the counter. One brow raised slightly as he realized they were writing notes to each other instead of talking. Shrugging, he stomped his feet and spoke. "G'day!"

The auburn haired woman looked up and smiled. "Good day. May I help you?" Seeing Rollie for the first time, her mouth dropped open. She nudged the older woman at her side.

Angry at the interruption, Ruby looked up and gasped. "Oh my."

Rollie smiled charmingly and nodded. "I was wondering if you have any knit caps. That wind is cold."

Ruby pointed to the left. "Over there." She watched in a daze as the tall man walked over to look at the selection. Both women watched wide eyed as the stranger went through the selection. He picked one out and started to look at other items. He came to the shelves of souvenirs and began to go through them.

Who is he? Ruby wrote on her pad.

How should I know? I've never seen him before! She erased her chalkboard. Do you think he's related to Daniel?

He must be! They look just alike.

They jumped slightly as the man appeared at the counter, his arms full of beannie toys and coffee mugs saying Hope Island. He carefully laid them down and added the cap he had stuffed into one pocket to get it out of his way. "There. How much, ladies?"

Exchanging glances, mother and daughter sorted the items out. As Ruby placed each one in a bag, Bonita rang them up. "Eighty-three dollars and twenty-two cents," Bonita told him.

Rollie dug into his pocket and pulled out his wallet. He extracted a credit card and his driver license. He handed them to Ruby.

"Roland Tyler?" She looked up at the man.

"Rollie," he corrected, then grinned. "Yes, I have met Daniel. No, we don't know if we're related." He was well acquainted with small towns.

"Oh," she turned and ran the card through the credit machine, waiting impatiently for the approval to come back. Ruby hadn't liked the thing at first, but was glad to have it as it increased sales to the tourists.

"Are you going to be here for Christmas, Mister Tyler?" Bonita asked.

"I hope not and it's Rollie." He shrugged. "Hope Island seems like a very nice place, but I want to be with Angie for Christmas, not here."

"Of course you do. We all prefer to spend this time of year with family. Your wife?" Ruby probed curiously.

Rollie shook his head and smothered a laugh. Oh yes, small towns were the same whether in Australia or the States. "No, she's my fiancée." A warm smile touched his lips as he remembered the way they had become engaged. Contrary to their friends' belief and custom, Angie had proposed to him. They were still working out the details of the wedding. It was taking a lot longer than they expected. He grinned as he thought about Daniel. Maybe he could talk the minister into performing the ceremony. Wouldn't that be a kick!

Signing his credit slip, he returned his card and license to his wallet, carefully folded his copy of the receipt and put it away. He pulled out his PDA and tapped in the amount he had just spent into the financial program with a note that it was mostly gifts.

Bonita blinked at the gadget. "What's that?"

"A PDA," Rollie answered, "a personal digital assistant. It's quite useful sometimes." Remembering how many times it had saved his hide, 'and that's an understatement,' he finished mentally..

"Really? That's nice." She wondered if they were worth the money. It might be interesting to find out. She handed the bag with his purchases to Rollie. "Happy Holidays! I hope you get home in time for Christmas."

"Thank you. Happy Christmas!" He pulled out the cap and snipped off the price tag with his pocket tool. Pulling it down snugly on his head, he headed out the door to explore more of Hope Island. He didn't get very far when he bumped into a police officer with red hair.

"Daniel?! But I just saw you..." He pointed back the way he had just come in bewilderment.

The Aussie shook his head, not sure whether he should be amused or irritated. This could get old very quickly. "I'm Rollie." He held out his hand. "Rollie Tyler." Amused was probably better, after all, it wasn't anybody's fault.

"But... Are you related to Daniel?" Now that he was looking, Kevin immediately spotted the scar on the man's left cheekbone. He wondered how he had gotten it.

"No, at least we haven't found any traces yet. We're still checking though." Remembering what the reverend had told him about Molly, he continued. "You must be Kevin, Molly's husband."

"Yeah, I mean, yes, I am. How did you...?"

"Daniel told me." He fell into step with the other man. "So what's crime like on Hope Island?" he asked, genuinely curious.

"Oh," Kevin laughed. "It's low, virtually nonexistent really. Last big crime wave we had was some caviar smugglers a few month backs."

"Caviar smugglers? That must have been... interesting."

"It was. We arrested them and they're serving their sentence. That's the important part."

"Yeah, you're right. It is." Leo had said the same thing. Rollie looked up ahead. "Is that a lighthouse?"

"Yes, it is. Hope Island Lighthouse."

"Who owns it? The Coast Guard?"

Kevin shook his head. "Nope, it belongs to the town. Comes in handy for the fishermen sometimes. Brian, Mayor Brewster owns the keeper's house though."

"Oh? Can we look inside?" Rollie felt his curiosity bubbling, he was itching to take a closer look at both, ready to explore.

"Sure, I guess so." Kevin led the way. He pulled out his keys and unlocked the lighthouse. For the next hour, the redhead watched in fascination as Rollie thoroughly explored the mechanics of the light and the rest of the building. "You seem to know a lot about mechanics," he commented.

Rollie shrugged. "This and that. It's all part of the job. Can we look at the house or should I ask Mayor Brewster instead?"

The sergeant thought about it. He shrugged, "I guess we can look. I have keys."

"Do you have keys to everything?" Rollie asked, curious.

"Nah, just the public buildings and the unoccupied ones. I have to check things out on my rounds."

Stepping inside after the other man, Rollie looked around. He coughed a bit at the dust. "How long has it been empty?"

"I'm not sure, at least fifty years. Molly will know for sure. Ask her."

"I think I will." Rollie looked in all the rooms, including the basement and the attic. "This place is well built. None of the wind is getting inside."

"They don't make them like this anymore." Kevin patted the railing to the stairs. "Still, it needs some work."

"True, but not too much. It's in good shape for a place that has been empty as long as it has." Rollie followed Kevin back outside and looked around, taking in the town as the policeman locked up. Lights were being turned on as twilight closed in on the island. "What's the oldest building? Do you know?"

Kevin paused and thought about it. "I think the lighthouse is. If you want the history of Hope, you really should talk to Molly. She knows all the old stories. The Brewster family has been here as long as the town has."

Brown eyes passed over the Catholic church on the way back, then looked up the hill. He nodded toward the lights up there. "Is that Daniel's church?"

Kevin nodded. "Yes, it is. Daniel put a lot of work into it. You should have seen it before he got here. Now there was a mess!"

"Pretty," Rollie commented. "I'll have to make sure I take some pictures before I leave." He shivered and slapped his hands together. "I'm cold and I'm hungry. Come on, Kevin, let's eat. I'm buying!" He started to walk toward the tavern and inn, then stopped. "Or do you have to go home now?"

"Nah, Molly's working the dinner crowd right now. She'll probably be happier to feed me there than at home." Kevin walked beside the Aussie toward the Widow's Walk. "You don't have to buy though."

Rollie slapped his shoulder. "Nonsense, Mate! I've never known a cop who wasn't hungry and would turn down a free meal."

"Oh? Have you known many cops?" Kevin asked, bemused.

"Have I known many cops? Some of my best mates are cops! Let me tell you." Rollie launched into some of the funniest stories he could remember. Most of them involving Leo McCarthy. Mira Sanchez took herself much too seriously, though she had her moments.

They were sitting down, waiting for their orders to arrive, when Daniel came in the doors. He spotted Rollie immediately. Not a surprise, since everyone in the room was staring at his twin. The stares just got wider as Daniel Cooper sat down beside him. "What are you doing, Rollie?"

"Oh, I was just telling Kevin here some cop stories." He chuckled.

"Yeah, I think Rollie spins wilder yarns than my dad," Kevin told the minister.

"Really? Are they true, Rollie or are you just pulling our legs?"

Rollie made a cross my heart motion. "Struth!"

"Hmm. I see." Daniel gave Molly his order and turned back to his twin. He examined the man who looked so much like him. Sitting here, he could see very little difference. Hair styles would be easy to change. Rollie looked older than his memories as was to be expected. Even though he was three years older, they were identical! Except for the scar. He didn't remember that scar either so it must have occurred since their first encounter. "I don't remember that scar. What happened?" Daniel asked, expecting to hear about an accident or something, hopefully not serious.

Rollie shrugged and looked around the room. "I was shot."

"Shot?!?" His companions chorused, staring at him wide-eyed. Daniel had expected a lot of things, but that wasn't one of them. "What happened?"

The Aussie sighed as he looked in his cup of coffee. Quietly, he explained about how Leo had died, the beliefs that his friends and he were crooked, the fight to protect Francis in the hospital resulting in the graze giving him the scar and finally convincing the investigating I.A.D. officer, Mira Sanchez, of their innocence. He finished up only to find that their meals had arrived and his audience had grown a few extra people. He shrugged, sighed sadly, then smiled. "Leo would have been proud."

Kevin stared at his meal, not sure of what to say. He swallowed, thankful nothing like that had ever happened to his dad. It was one of an officer's worst nightmares. Daniel gently touched Rollie's hand. "Yes, I'm sure he is."

Rollie peered intently into his twin's compassionate eyes. Daniel must be very good at his job, he thought. "You should know," he said with a warm smile. A phone rang and everyone else jumped. Rollie shrugged in apology and pulled out his cell phone. "Hello, Tyler here. ... Hey Ange! How's it going, sweetie?"

The others drifted away, Daniel and Kevin concentrating on their meals to give the Aussie some privacy. He talked on the phone between bites. Eventually, the conversation wound down. "I miss you too, luv. I hope we're together soon. I told you I shouldn't have come." He laughed. "Yeah, I did and, as usual, you didn't listen. Pushy!" He grinned and winked at his table companions. "Are too!" They heard a muffled "Am not!" come from the phone that Rollie had pulled away from his ear. "Too!" His grin widened. Obviously he was enjoying the childish game. "Good night, luv. Sleep tight. Love you!" He put the phone away.

Rollie watched a priest enter the dining area and look around. Spotting the Aussie and his twin sitting with Kevin, his eyes widened. He walked over. "May I join you?" The words were spoken with a slight Irish accent.

Rollie smiled. "Be our guest, Father." He grinned as the man looked even more surprised by his accent.

He offered his hand. "Father MacAnally, but you can call me Father Mac, Mister...?"

"Tyler, Rollie Tyler. Call me Rollie, Father Mac." He shook hands and the priest sat down in the other chair. "Are you a friend of Daniel?" He grinned at the two clerics.

"Well, yes, I like to think so," Father Mac smiled at his fellow clergyman. He hadn't been kind to Daniel when he first arrived, but that seemed long ago now. "Are you related to Daniel?"

"We don't know," Daniel answered. "We're going to have to do quite a bit of research to figure it out. So far we haven't found anything."

"Amazing resemblance. Absolutely amazing." He responded, steepling his fingers.

"Yes, it is," Molly said as she handed the priest a menu.

"Perhaps your parents will know or your grandparents?"

Daniel shrugged. "Mom's done some genealogy. She might have something. Rollie's going to have his partner, Angie, check on the Internet."

"And I'll ask Davy if he knows anything."

"Davy?" Father Mac looked curious.

"My cousin. Din--Dad always said he looked a lot like me when I was that age. He's closer to Daniel's age than mine."

The priest made a surprised sound. "You're older than Daniel?"

"Three years older, almost four actually" Rollie confirmed.

"Amazing. You don't look any older."

Rollie shrugged and grinned. "I'd say it was good, clean living, but I'd probably be lying. Just lucky, I guess."

"What about your parents and grandparents, Rollie, Daniel?"

Daniel nodded, "I'll be sure to ask." He looked over at Rollie in time to catch a flash of pain in his twin's eyes.

Rollie shrugged. "I never knew my grandparents." He didn't continue as Molly appeared with the priest's food.

Shifting uncomfortably at the sudden tension, Kevin snatched at the opportunity. "Molly, Rollie was asking earlier which were the oldest buildings on Hope."

"Well, the lighthouse and keeper's house, naturally."

"The light keeper's house is in excellent condition. How long has it been empty?"

"Um, let me think. The last keeper left in... 1934. The lighthouse was fully automated by then."

Rollie's eyes widened a bit. "Sixty-six years? Has any upkeep been done on the house since?"

Molly shook her head. "Oh no, very little. I think Dad replaced some boards three years ago, but that's it."

"Dad?" Rollie looked curious. Was he the local handyman?

"Mayor Brian Brewster," Molly said. "Nub actually did the work, of course."

Of course, Daniel and Kevin had mentioned Molly was a Brewster. Rollie smiled and had to ask even though he'd been there himself more than once with Dingo. "Is Mayor Brewster really your father, Molly?"

"Yeah, that's him. Don't take him too seriously, Rollie. He's not that bad." She went to serve another customer.

"Yeah, that's my father-in-law," Kevin confirmed.

Thinking about his own father, Rollie laughed. "How many ruffled feathers does Molly have to smooth down in a day?"

"Not too many," Kevin responded, "we're pretty used to Brian. Hey! How did you know about...?"

"Trust me, Kevin. I've seen the type before."

"Brian means well. He just gets... carried away sometime," Daniel explained.

"Yeah, and Molly usually ends up have to 'uncarry' him. She's real good about keeping him in line." Kevin smiled proudly as he watched his wife.

Rollie smiled. "I bet she is," he answered softly. "So, Brian owns the keeper's house?"

"Yeah, he does. Why? Surely you're not interested in it?! The facilities aren't very modern, you know."

"I know. Don't worry about it. It's just a notion." Rollie smiled. "I happen to like New York."

Daniel asked a question about Rollie's movie work. He explained a little about what he did and named some of the movies they had worked on.

Kevin was particularly enthralled. "Wow! I've seen some of those. That's great, Rollie!" He shook his head in disbelief at talking to someone who actually worked on movies he had seen. "Hey, Mol! Rollie worked on 'Earth Doom'! Isn't that amazing?"

"Yeah, amazing," Molly smiled at the Aussie.

He could tell she wasn't impressed. He knew why too. Most of the movies they worked on weren't 'chick flicks'. He smiled at the blonde and winked. "We also did 'Mystery of the River'."

Molly immediately pulled a chair over and sat down. "I loved that movie! It was so romantic. Remember, Kevin." She smiled and gripped her husband's hand.

Kevin looked at her fingers entwined with his and smiled warmly at her. "Yeah, I remember. Wasn't Lucinda Scott in 'Earth Doom', Rollie?"

"The star of 'Dream Date'? Oooh, she's good. Do you know her, Rollie?" Molly stared at him with wide eyes, obviously impressed.

Rollie grinned, pleased to know that his friend was finally getting some recognition, even if it was in a small community in the Pacific Northwest. "Yes, she did. Luce is great. We miss seeing her since she moved to L.A. over a year ago." They had little excuse or time to get together now.

With the evening crowd thinned to just a few, Alex joined them. "So you actually know Lucinda Scott?"

"Yeah, she's a good friend, one of the best."

Boris had come out of the kitchen and now sat down, listening. "Boris like Lucinda Scott. Is good actress. Boris could have been leading man. Came this close to being actor! Director say Boris very good."

"Rollie, this is Boris, our cook."

"Pleasure, Boris," Rollie offered his hand and found it engulfed in strong shake. "Good food. You'll have to make me some real Russian food before I go."

"Boris pleased to make Rollie good Russian cooking. See! Someone who knows good food! Not afraid of new things." The Russian beamed happily at the Australian.

"You've made a friend for life, Rollie," Alex told him.

Rollie laughed. "Not exactly new, Boris. I've had Russian before. Of course, Angie always claimed I would eat anything anyway."

"Boris hear on radio that Lucinda Scott may be working on new movie. Is to be filmed around here somewhere."

Rollie turned curious eyes on the Russian. "Oh? What movie is that, Boris?"

Boris shook his head. "Not hear name. Director is Bill Anderson."

Rollie looked surprised. "That's who I've been meeting with. He wants us to do a movie... near here." He beamed happily. "Maybe Tyler FX better do this one after all. I had been thinking about passing the way he's kept me hanging. We don't do many movies on the West Coast anyway, but Angie would never forgive me if I blew a chance to get back together with Lucinda."

"Is good for friends to get together."

"Very good, Boris." Rollie nodded in agreement.

"You do this movie. You bring friends here. Boris make big Russian feast! You will like."

"I just might take you up on that, Boris. Luce and Ange love Russian."

"Is good! Russian very good food. Good for you! Make big and strong like Boris!"

They talked awhile longer about movies, food and things happening on Hope. Eventually, Rollie yawned, to be echoed by his twin. "I think I'm for bed. Good night, everyone. It's been a pleasure." He stood and headed upstairs to his room. It had been a very good evening. The only thing that would have made it perfect would have been if Angie had been here too. Unfortunately, when Rollie had been called to meet Bill Anderson, she had to stay in New York to wrap up some things from their last film. He missed her. While he was glad to have finally met Daniel and the people on Hope were very nice, he almost wished he had stayed with her in New York. If he didn't make it back in time for Christmas, he would wish he had passed on the opportunity!

Rollie was up bright and early the next day. When Daniel showed up for breakfast, he talked him into showing him around. The Aussie snapped lots of pictures, starting with the Widow's Walk, Alex, Dylan, Molly and Boris and moving on to the Islander General Store, Ruby and Bonita. He took plenty of shots from various angles of the lighthouse and the keeper's house. Daniel showed his twin his church, pointing out some of his repairs and other places that still needed work. When Kevin stopped by while they were talking, Rollie got him to take pictures of them together in front of the little church. "After all, I need proof that Daniel is real."

Kevin laughed. "Will they believe it in your line of work, Rollie?"

The special effects artist grinned. "Probably. Angie does most of the computer effects. I can do it, but she's a thousand times better. She'll know they're real."

They returned to the Widow's Walk for a big Russian lunch. Rollie was careful not to ask Alex about her decision. He didn't want to pressure the redhead into deciding something she didn't want. They were eating dessert and sipping their coffee, when Alex sat down at the table.

She folded her hands and placed them carefully on the table. "Rollie, we need to talk about your offer."

Daniel looked at them. "Is this my cue to leave you two alone?"

Rollie shook his head. "I think we better take this to your office, Alex."

She nodded and stood up. She looked at Daniel. "I--It would be nice if you were there, too."

Closing the door, Alex sat at her desk. Daniel leaned against it, while Rollie sat in the visitor's chair.

"I'm sure you have questions, Alex. Shoot."

Alex nodded and took a deep breath. She asked Rollie what he expected from his share of the Widow's Walk. She was pleased and surprised to find he didn't actually expect money. He was adamant that any profits he earned be put back into the business. Any investments in the community were also important as this could only help the business to grow.

"You're surprising me here, Rollie. It's sounds too good to be true." Suspicion touched her voice.

Rollie looked at her and Daniel, his eyes serious. "I'll tell you the truth. Alex, I want a place where, if something should ever happen to Tyler FX, Angie or I can turn to for work and help." He looked at his hands. "If something ever happens to me, I... I want Angie to have friends she can rely on, a place where people will help her out and give her support. I think Hope Island is that type of place. You're good people. I can see that. There's something in small communities that's lacking in large cities like New York. Angie can come here and heal if..."

Alex blinked, surprised to find tears in her eyes. She knew she loved Hope and maybe colored it with that love to be something it wasn't. Yet here was a virtual stranger telling her the very things she believed in her heart. She hadn't expected that. She watched as Daniel reached over and hugged his twin. Even though she hadn't met Angie yet, she could feel the love this man felt for her. "Angie will always find a home here, Rollie. So will you." She smiled at him. "I agree to the deal."

Rollie nodded and smiled. They worked out the details and headed over to the mainland to get the paperwork drawn up and signed. Daniel had watched them go with a troubled look. Apparently, Rollie had cause to believe that something might happen to him one day. Otherwise, why was this so important to him? He wondered what his new friend did to feel like that. Then remembering what Rollie had said about the scar on his cheek, Daniel knew. From now on, he would pray for Rollie and Angie every night. He would ask Father Mac to pray too. Feeling better, the minister headed home to bake more cookies. He wanted to give some to Rollie before the Aussie left.

Everyone was sorry to say good-bye to the Australian. His discussions with Anderson finally over, he left, more than ready to return home. He promised Daniel he would keep in touch and to visit the next chance he got. He hoped to bring Angie with him. They still had a lot of research to do to determine if they were related or if it was all a strange coincidence. He was hugged, kissed and solidly thumped on the back. Rollie boarded the Tarquin II with a baggie of fresh baked cookies and the knowledge that he had made lots of new friends.

Callie Pender returning from visiting her family on the mainland, stared in surprise when she spotted Daniel waving good-bye to the departing ferry. Hadn't she just passed Daniel? She turned to see who she had said good morning to, only to have her jaw drop as she watched Daniel Cooper's twin waving back. Darn! While she'd been off making nice with her family a great story had happened on Hope and she was watching it sail away. She walked up to the minister. "Daniel, who was that?"

"A friend, Callie."

"A friend? Not a relative? He looks just like you!"

"We don't know if we're related. We're going to try and find out though." Daniel plucked her bag from her hand and steered her toward The Lookout's office. "I'll tell you all about him. How was your visit?"

Alex entered the attic, turning on the overhead light. She went to an old trunk and opened it, searching the contents until she found what she was looking for. The redhead touched it gently, thinking about all that had happened recently. Alex remembered the relief in her sister's voice when she informed her she was wiring sixty-five thousand dollars to her account. Laura had thanked her profusely, promising to explain as soon as she could, but right now she had to tell Tom, her boy friend, the good news. The redhead had nodded and made positive and supportive noises, content to wait until her sister was ready. She smiled as she thought of her new 'silent' partner. She plucked the item from its resting place. Slipping it under her sweater, she smuggled it into her room. There, she carefully wrapped it and set it aside to wait for Christmas morning.

Daniel sighed happily as he sipped a cup of hot chocolate. He looked around at his friends. The morning Christmas service over, he couldn't think of where else he would rather be than right here, in the Widow's Walk surrounded by good friends. He smiled as everyone commented on how tasty the cookies he'd given them were. Boris was quite happy munching on a mix of the delicious treats and gelt. He turned his eyes to where Dylan was opening his present. He caught Alex watching with serious eyes. She looked up at him and smiled warmly.

The minister almost fell out of his chair laughing at Alex's surprised look when Dylan excitedly showed her his new book, a beautifully bound and illustrated copy of "Treasure Island" by Robert Louis Stevenson. Fortunately for his wallet, it had been discounted and quite reasonably priced.

"You gave my son a book." She growled at him softly. "My son and he's excited about it. Okay, what did you do with Dylan and what do I have to do to get him back?" She darted one hand to Daniel's side, tickling.

Daniel sputtered with laughter. "Nothing! I didn't do anything with Dylan! Honest!" He waved his hands in surrender. "Alex, I loved that book when I was Dylan's age and this!" He waved a hand around the room. "This is the perfect place for it. Do you know what I would have done to 'play' Treasure Island here? On a real island in a real fisherman's tavern!?" He sat up, suddenly sobered by a thought. "You--you thought it was a bible, didn't you? Alex, I would never..."

Alex pressed her fingers to his lips. "Hush, Daniel. I know you wouldn't. I--I've been thinking. I was wrong to react the way I did and I'm sorry, Daniel. So... Dylan!" She called her son to their side.

"Yeah, Mom?" Dylan ran over, bouncing with excitement over his presents.

"I have one more gift for you, young man." She opened a drawer and pulled it out, handing it to him. Her fingers lingered on it for a moment. "I--hope you like it."

"Thanks, Mom!" Dylan eagerly pulled the wrapping paper away, only to stop and stare. In his hands was a bible, obviously old, well used and loved. He looked up at his mother, puzzled.

"It--belonged to your grandmother. She--I think she would want you to have it. Daniel," she smiled at the shocked minister and closed his mouth with one finger, "said you were ready to have one."

Dylan stroked the leather cover with gentle fingers. "I'll take really good care of it, Mom! I promise!"

"I know you will, Dylan." She smiled warmly as he dashed away, taking his new prizes to show to Nub.

"Alex?" Daniel looked up at her, puzzled and surprised, a pleased light in his warm, brown eyes. "Why?"

"Dylan was ready, even if I wasn't. I can't hold him back or make him not believe. I won't do that. My baby is growing up. And I for one am not holding him back." She said it, fiercely proud of her son's display of independence in his insistence on helping Daniel.

"Alex, I--Thank you." Daniel smiled warmly at this beautiful woman. She was so amazing and strong and... He felt a wealth of love fill his heart.

Alex laughed and tugged him to his feet. "Now, about my present, Daniel Cooper. Just what do you have in that box for me?"

Daniel grinned as he followed her. "Well, you'll just have to open it to find out. Won't you?"

"Oh? I will, will I? What if...?

Alex was interrupted by a whoop from Molly. She turned to the lithe blonde in surprise, then followed her finger to look over her head. Her lips turned up in a wicked grin. "Oh my," she said dryly, "look what we have here."

"What?" Daniel looked up puzzled, then spotted the mistletoe. Oh! He looked down, only to find Alex's arms wrapped around his neck, pulling his lips into a kiss.

"Tradition," she muttered as she took a breath. "Can't fight it." She returned to thoroughly kissing the tall, handsome minister breathless and speechless.

These are down here because I wanted it to be a surprise for those who know FX. It was a surprise for me as well and I hope that you enjoyed it.

Further Disclaimers: Rollie, Angie, Lucinda, Leo, Mira, Francis, Dingo, Mangela and Manny belong to Rysher and Hallmark Entertainment. F/X: The Series was Cameron Daddo's previous TV series - before Hope Island as it were. He led me to Hope and I am forever grateful. I am also grateful to have known one of the best action/adventure series on television. It too ended before its time.

FX Notes: F/X: The Series is (very!) loosely based on the FX movies starring Bryan Brown and Brian Dennehy. Cameron Daddo played the part of Rollie Tyler, an Australian special effects wizard living in New York City, who assisted the police with his knowledge and gadgets. Christina Cox played Angie Ramirez, his more than capable assistant/partner, who is a computer wizard supreme in her own right. Minor spoilers for "Pay Back", "Dingo", "Requiem For A Cop", "Flashback" and "Ritual".

Fic Notes: This fic is a continuation of my "Christmas Eve Surprise" stories which recount Daniel's and Rollie's first encounter from their respective points of view. It also falls in line with my on-going "Heart" series, being an obvious follow-up to "Two Hearts That Beat As One" which is where Angie proposed to Rollie. And yeah, Maureen, they have waited this long on the actual wedding--Not entirely due to choice as Real Life happened to them as it does to all of us. I'll have to figure out all the details and write that story for you. ... One day. ... Maybe. *wg*

If you're interested, Daniel's version of "Christmas Eve Surprise" is on my Hope Island Lookout site - http://fichound.com/hopeislandlookout. (Don't know why I included that since it's the same place as this one is!) The Heart series and Rollie's version of "Christmas Eve Surprise" is at my other site, the F/X: The Series Fanfiction Archive -http://fichound.com/tylerfx. Feel free to drop in anytime. We're a friendly bunch!

Final Note: Davy belongs to someone else as well. I won't say who, but he will make an appearance one day. Honest!