Disclaimer- Hello again. I’m so happy to have so many stories going out this week. It’s awesome. The new chapter for The Sims 2 will be coming soon I promise. –Backs away slowly- Put the sticks down. Good people. –Pets them then tosses this story and runs- Lyrics belong to Rascal Flatts.

Warrick walked into the Christmas party the lab was throwing. He had to admit he looked pretty good in the crisp white dress shirt and black slacks. His green eyes sparkled as he walked up the stairs and inside. He loved Christmas.

He wasn’t even four feet in the door when he saw her. She was talking to Nick and Sara and laughing, her eyes crinkling with humor. Catherine looked absolutely stunning in the v-neck dress she was wearing. The blue brought out her eyes and the slit up the leg accented her lovely figure. When she caught sight of him she smiled and gave a little wave. He grinned and walked over.

“Hey guys, Merry Christmas,” Warrick said as me smiled at the group.

“Come on Rick, it isn’t Christmas yet,” Nick teased. Greg came over to talk to Nick and Sara, leaving Catherine and Warrick alone. The blonde smiled at him.

“You look good,” she said with a grin. The man smiled as he looked her over. “You don’t look so bad yourself.” They both laughed as they talked and joked around. The music had started and when he recognized the song he held out his hand to her.

“Will you honor me with this dance?” She could hear the playfulness in his voice and she chuckled. “I would love to.”

He led her to the floor and moved his hands to her hips as hers settled around his neck. They danced together as he looked around. Nick and Sara were dancing together, smiling. Warrick couldn’t help a grin and Catherine followed his gaze. She whispered, “They’re a cute couple.” He couldn’t help but agree.

I set out on a narrow way many years ago

Hoping I would find true love along the broken road

But I got lost a time or two

Wiped my brow and kept pushing through

I couldn't see how every sign pointed straight to you

His ears listened to the words as he and Catherine danced. The song was sweet and he couldn’t help but compare them to it. They’d been through quite a bit together and Catherine had always been there- as a friend. Somehow though, he wanted more. He almost felt guilty for having those thoughts but he couldn’t help it.

He knew Catherine hadn’t had an easy time of it with Eddie and now Lindsay. The woman was obviously stressed out and he wished he could help her get everything back together.

Catherine’s arms shifted around him as the lights dimmed. She gave him that brilliant smile and leaned her head against his chest as they continued to move together. His heartbeat could be heard through the fabric of his dress shirt and she took comfort in just listening to it. It was steady and reliable and lately that was all she needed- something reliable.

Every long lost dream led me to where you are

Others who broke my heart they were like northern stars

Pointing me on my way into your loving arms

This much I know is true

That God blessed the broken road

That led me straight to you

Warrick had always been that for her. He was there day after day and offered her a friendship that she valued. He was her safe haven and she looked to him for help when things got rough. Was that wrong? She hadn’t really decided.

He moved his head closer to her neck and she could feel his warm breath there. The feeling made her shiver as she relaxed in his arms, letting him hold her as they swayed to the soft beat. The song was so beautiful. She pulled back a bit so that she could look into his green eyes. They were darker with the dim lights but the little spark could still be seen there.

I think about the years I spent just passing through

I'd like to have the time I lost and give it back to you

But you just smile and take my hand

You've been there you understand

It's all part of a grander plan that is coming true

He knew the song was ending and as it came to the end he moved his hands to cup her face as he looked at her. He sang softly to her, “God bless the broken road that led me straight to you.” With tears in her eyes, the blonde gave him a kiss that seemed to last forever. It finished as the lights came back up and she brought her hand to his lips for a gentle kiss. Catherine and Warrick both decided right there that if everything they had been through brought them to each other, it was defiantly worth it.