Disclaimer: I do not own High Mountain Rangers or Jesse Hawkes.

Author's Note: I know this is a little late for a Christmas story, but here it is. Enjoy!

Christmas Miracles

December 24, 1988

Robin Kelly snuggled closer to her boyfriend, Matthew Hawkes, in the cab of the High Mountain Rangers heavy-duty Ford pickup. She felt like pinching herself to see if this was real as Matt pulled the truck into the church parking lot. Just two weeks ago she would never have believed that Matt would be her boyfriend and that she'd be cuddling up to him on Christmas Eve. They'd had a long talk one night after a particularly dangerous case had nearly left both of them dead, and they rest as they say was history. Now here she was with the handsome Matthew Hawkes by her side.

Robin's thoughts jerked back to the present as Matt opened the door of the truck and hopped out, tossing her a smile.

"You stay there," he commanded. "I'll get your door."

Robin's eyes tracked Matt as he circled the truck. He made a handsome picture – tall, with his blonde hair being ruffled by the wind and wearing his white High Mountain Ranger snow uniform. She was dressed the same way since both were technically on duty.

Matt opened her door and snatched a quick kiss as she hopped down from the truck. He reached for her hand, and they entered the church, settling into a rear pew in the tiny mountain country church.

Matt's arm slid around her shoulders, and Robin relaxed against him. She still didn't know how she'd ended up with such a great man.

The service ended with the congregation lighting candles and singing Silent Night. Robin blew out her candle at the end of the song and shivered in anticipation. She couldn't wait to exchange gifts with Matt. They had decided to give one another their presents on Christmas Eve so they'd have their privacy from the other rangers, most of whom would be out celebrating.

Once back at the station, Robin joined Matt in his office. They settled comfortably on the small sofa in the corner, and Robin eagerly handed Matt her gift. "Open it."

Matt gave her a smile of anticipation and reached to accept the gift. His eyes widened in surprise as he removed the paper and looked inside a square box to find an expensive sports watch. "Robin, this is great. I love it!"

"Look at the inscription." Robin turned the watch over so Matt could see the back.

Matt read aloud. "Our first Christmas. All my love, Robin." Matt found his eyes getting suspiciously moist. He pulled Robin into his arms and kissed her slowly and lovingly. Their first Christmas, and hopefully it would be the first of many more to come.

Matt gently broke the kiss and brushed Robin's silky blonde hair behind her ear. "Help me put it on," he murmured, handing her the watch.

Robin slowly hooked the watch around his wrist, allowing her fingertips to brush against his skin. He shivered.

When she was done, Matt traced his fingertips over her cheek and smiled. "Now it's your turn." He handed her a long, slim package that he produced from somewhere behind him.

Robin took it with trembling fingers and carefully divested the box of its paper. She wasn't usually so sentimental, but this was different. It was her first gift from Matt.

Robin breathed, "Oh, Matt; it's beautiful," when she opened the box to reveal a gorgeous golden heart pendant with a sparkling diamond on a slender, delicate chain.

Matt took the box from her hands, removed the necklace, and moved to fasten it around her neck. "My heart is yours, Robin, for always."

Robin could hardly breathe; her throat was clogged with emotion. When she could speak, her voice was husky. "I love you so much, Matt, and my heart is yours as well. It has been yours for a long time."

What started out as a simple thank you kiss ended up as a passionate embrace that lasted until an emergency call came in over the radio.

TBC….December 24, 1989