Christmas On The
Christmas Tree Farm
By Tooki
Edited by Tonya
2022
Detective Ken Hutchinson stood staring into a jewelry case looking for just the right gift for Samantha Conway. He was about to tell his partner, David Starsky, he was ready to go. Hutch knew Samantha probably wasn’t much of a jewelry kind of girl but he was at a loss as to what to get her and he wasn’t going to show up empty handed. But then something caught his eye.
“Hutch, look at this!” Starsky was pointing through the glass a few cases down.
Hutch sighed, he already knew Starsky had spied a watch from the excitement in his friend's voice. Why he was so enamored with watches was anybody's guess.
“What do you think?” Starsky asked. “It’s a beauty!”
Hutch leaned over the case to examine the watch. “What’s wrong with the one on your wrist?”
“Nothing but this one is really fancy.” Starsky was practically drooling.
“I’m sure it has a fancy price too.” Hutch tugged on Starsky’s arm. “I think I found the perfect gift for Samantha.”
Hutch back at the case full of necklaces pointed, “I would like to see that one.” He told the salesman.
The man nodded as he unlocked the case and took out the necklace laying it on a black velvet square of fabric. “Very nice choice.”
Hutch picked up the necklace, it was silver with a small silver pine tree and pine cone charms. “What do you think?”
“I think she will love it!” Starsky admired Hutch’s choice. “I need to find something for Beth.”
“Not a watch!”
“I never thought about that. Why not? Something professional, classic.” Starsky walked back to the watch case. This time checking out the women’s watches.
Sisters Beth and Samantha Conway had come to the station just after Thanksgiving to extend an invitation for Christmas at their family Christmas tree farm. Beth was a lawyer in Los Angeles and Samantha helped her parents Billy and Dorothy run the family Christmas tree farm.
The men left the jewelry store pleased with their gifts. Starsky saw Beth often but Hutch had only seen Samantha twice when she had come to help at the tree lot one weekend. There had been no time for dates, Samantha was busy at the farm. And the holidays kept Starsky and Hutch just as busy with pickpockets targeting the tourist, shoplifters, and a couple of shootings.
As they got in Starsky’s Torino Hutch asked, “What do little girls like? I want to give Holly something.” Holly was Samantha’s seven year old daughter.
“You are asking the wrong person.” Starsky answered as he crawled behind the wheel.
“Hang on a second,” Hutch shut the car door and went back into the jewelry store. He was back in record time, carrying a second bag.
“What did you get?” Starsky asked. Hutch pulled out an oblong box and held it out to his friend. Starsky opened it. The box held a silver bracelet that had the same tree and pine cone charms. “You are really going all out for Samantha.”
“This is for Holly.”
“Kind of expensive for a seven year old.”
Hutch shrugged. “I think she will like matching her mom.”
“What are we going to get Billy and Dorothy?” Starsky backed the car out when the traffic cleared.
Hutch thought for a moment, “Let’s go by our favorite florist and get a couple large poinsettias.”
They decided to take vacation to spend time with their ladies. The detectives had more than earned time off. Christmas was on Sunday and they had planned on driving to the farm on Thursday and staying through New Years. Dorothy had insisted. She and Billy thought of them as family. If it hadn’t been for them there would not have been a Christmas tree lot. They had brought Billy back to life after a wildfire had destroyed many of their trees.
It was going to be a full house with all eight siblings and their children coming home. There were 15 grandkids, Beth was the only one without a child. Her baby was her work.
The detectives arrived at the Conway tree farm late Thursday afternoon, it was a couple hours from Bay City. They had stopped by the tree lot to see if Billy and Dorothy needed any help, but by this time the crowds at the lot had thinned greatly. They were selling mostly wreaths and cookies, occasionally someone would stop by for a tree but there weren’t many left. Billy never cut more than he could sell. If he did have any left he would give them away. It was the last night the lot would be open until next year.
They pulled down the driveway to find the parking area in front of the house was nearly full. It took Starsky a few minutes to find a place to park. Once parked he sat looking at the house, “Are we sure about this? Looks like they already have a full house.”
“Dorothy wouldn’t have invited us if there wasn’t room.” Hutch said as he got out of the car.
Starsky got out slowly, “Do you think Beth is already here?”
Hutch shrugged as he opened the back door, pulling out one of the huge poinsettias. “Grab the other one and we'll come back for our bags.”
Starsky did as he was told. He didn’t see Beth’s dark blue Mustang.
They made their way up the front steps; Hutch started to knock on the front door when two boys in their early teens came bursting out the door, nearly knocking the potted flower from Hutch’s arms.
“Boys!” A woman’s voice yelled from inside. She appeared in the doorway looking frazzled. “Oh!” Kelly Conway was surprised to see two men she didn’t know standing on the porch. “I’m so sorry.”
“Samantha around?” Hutch asked. Kelly smiled, “You must be Ken.” She then looked at Starsky, “And you’re David.”
“That would be us.” Starsky returned her smile.
“You two are the hot topic around here.” She laughed at the expressions on their faces. “It’s all good. Nobody thought someone would capture Beth’s heart, and don’t get me started on Samantha.” Kelly realized she had said too much.
“Ken!” Said a voice behind Kelly. Samantha was coming down the stairs. A smile spread across her face as she squeezed by her sister-in-law. She took the poinsettia from his arms and handed it to Starsky, who struggled to hold them both. Samantha hugged Hutch tightly, “I never thought you would get here.” She whispered in his ear.
Kelly relieved Starsky of one of the flowers and led him into the house. “You can put it there by the tree.” She sat the one she was holding on the other side of the enormous Christmas tree. “Dorothy will love them.”
“Is Beth here yet?” Starsky asked as he admired the tree.
A loud scream startled both of them. “Excuse me, one of mine.” Kelly rushed off without answering.
Starsky meandered toward the kitchen hoping there was a pot of coffee brewing. Other than the kids, there didn’t seem to be much movement in the house. Billy was still at the tree lot, with no noise coming from the kitchen since Dorothy was with Billy.
He found Beth sitting at the breakfast table sipping coffee and reading. Her briefcase was open on the table next to her. Beth was so engrossed in what she was reading she didn’t hear Starsky enter the kitchen.
“Hi beautiful.” Starsky leaned in the doorway watching her. Beth’s blonde hair was pulled up in a messy bun and her reading glasses perched on her nose.
“David, when did you get here?” She dropped the file into her briefcase and pulled off her glasses. She got up and went to him. Beth kissed him which he gladly returned. It had been almost a week since they had seen each other
“Just now.”
“Where’s Ken?” She asked.
“With Samantha.” Starsky grabbed Beth and spun her around. “Just you and me sweetheart.”
About that time three small children entered the kitchen, “Auntie Beth we are hungry,” One little girl said, she had a head full of brown curls. Another girl and a boy that appeared to be brother and sister nodded in agreement.
Beth crouched down so she was eye level with them, “You are huh? What would you like?”
“Cookies,” they chorused together.
“I think we can manage that.” Beth grabbed a platter of cookies from the counter, holding it low enough so they could choose a cookie. They each took one then looked at their aunt. She laughed, “Okay one for each hand.”
Grabbing a second cookie the children scampered out of the kitchen, “Thank you Auntie Beth.” The boy called.
Starsky stood smiling as he watched her talk to the kids. “You are good with them,” he commented.
Beth shrugged as she offered him the platter of cookies. “I love kids, I spoil my nieces and nephews.”
“You don’t want any?” He asked, taking several cookies.
“With my work schedule?” Beth munched on a cookie. “Maybe someday.”
Samantha grabbed Hutch’s hand, “Come on, I want to show you something.” She pulled him across the yard and along a path of stepping stones.
“Where are we going?” He wanted to know.
“You’ll see.”
They walked along the path for several minutes until Hutch could see a house in the distance. He had been there a month ago. Samantha was in the process of having it built for her and her daughter Holly when the little girl came to stay.
As they stepped into the yard that surrounded the house Hutch was astonished to see the house was finished. He looked at Samantha in amazement, “How?”
She laughed, “When everyone heard that Holly would be living with me full time. They pitched in and finished the house.” Samantha’s ex and Holly’s father Will, who was a lawyer, was moving to the east coast.
“I’m impressed.” Hutch admired the house.
“Come on in!” Samantha ran up the stairs and opened the front door.
Hutch stepped into a cozy living room with a fireplace and a fragrant decorated tree in the corner. Two overstuffed chairs and a couch sat on a large rug over the hardwood floor. Matching end tables and a coffee table rounded out the room. The kitchen was small but functional. There were two bed rooms, one was clearly a little girls room with a pink canopy bed.
“Your place is beautiful. Has Holly seen it?”
Samantha shook her head, “She will be here tomorrow.”
“Dorothy and Billy are going to miss you two.” Hutch commented as he explored the house.
Samantha rolled her eyes, “We are within yelling distance. And if I know Holly she will spend the night with them every chance she gets.”
“Not when she sees that room.”
He walked out onto the back porch that wrapped around the house. There was a spectacular view of the farm and rows and rows of pine trees. He sat down in one of the chairs and stretched out.
Samantha joined him, handing Hutch one of the mugs of coffee she had made. They sat silently sipping the coffee and enjoying the late afternoon sun as the day began to cool.
“Would you like to stay here?” Samantha asked so softly Hutch barely heard her.
“Are you sure?” They had been taking things slowly.
“It’s going to be crazy at the house.” Samatha put her hand over his as she looked into his eyes. “It will give us a chance to get to know each other.”
“After all the nights on the phone I think you know everything about me.” Hutch smiled as he thought about their late night chats.
“You can tell me again, this time in person.”
“If you are sure.”
“I’m very sure.”
Beth and Starsky were being constantly interrupted by a parade of nieces and nephews. Finally, he grabbed her hand and led Beth out the back door. “Are you sure there is room for Hutch and I?”
She laughed, and pointed to three campers sitting near the barn, where they put together wreaths and garland that were sold at the lot. There was a second barn that held the horses. “We are prepared.”
Starsky wiggled his eyebrows at Beth, “Can we get one of those?”
“The older kids stay out here and the adults take turns keeping an eye on them.” Beth shook her head, “You are so bad.”
“When will Billy and Dorothy be back?” Starsky asked, his stomach was beginning to rumble despite the handful of cookies he had just eaten.
“Probably late. They stay open just in case someone needs a last minute tree or a wreath.”
“Or those delicious cookies!”
“I think I know a place more private where we can have a little dinner.” Over the few weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas, Beth had gotten to know him quite well. She led him down the same path Samantha and Hutch had taken earlier.
“Where are we going?” Starsky was a little leary of Beth after some of the pranks she had pulled on him last time they were at the tree farm.
“You’ll see.”
Minutes later Samantha’s house appeared, it had gotten just dark enough that the Christmas lights that outlined the house were on. They climbed the steps, Beth gave a quick knock on the door then opened it.
Samantha looked up from setting the table, “About time.” She smiled.
“We were accosted by hungry kids.”
“Hope they aren’t waiting for mama.” Samantha laughed.
“They will have dinner in the city.” Beth explained to Starsky. “It’s tradition, daddy always takes mama out on the last night.”
Samantha crossed the room to hug Starsky, “Great to see you David. Ken is out on the back porch.”
Starsky left the two women to work on dinner while he went out the back door in search of his partner. He found Hutch leaning on the railing still taking in the view.
“Isn’t it beautiful?” Hutch asked, sensing his friend behind him.
Starsky put his hand on his partner's shoulder, “Yea,” he responded, enjoying the view. “Is everything okay?”
“Yes, why?”
Starsky shrugged, “You just seem a little different since we have started coming here.”
“I guess I can see a different future for myself.” Hutch looked at Starsky out of the corner of his eye to see what his reaction would be. But Starsky just stared out at the darkening sky.
“What future would that be?”
“That I don’t have to be a cop the rest of my life. I guess I thought that was all there was.” Hutch sat down but Starsky remained standing.
“Where does that leave me?”
“You will always be my best friend.” Hutch said softly.
Starsky turned to look at his friend, he leaned on the rail. “So you have made up your mind?”
Hutch laughed, “Not quite yet buddy, not quite yet.”
Starsky looked relieved, he wasn’t ready for his life to change, although he knew it wouldn’t be long before Hutch made a decision. Honestly he wasn’t sure what he wanted for himself. Starsky had fallen in love with the farm, the trees and the tree farmer’s daughter. He let out a little laugh and he smiled at the thought of Beth as he realized he loved her.
“What’s funny?“ Hutch wanted to know.
Again Starsky shrugged, “Life, it can turn on a dime.”
Before Hutch could respond Samantha was at the back door, “You boys hungry?”
Neither had to be asked twice. The sisters had gone all out setting a festive table, figuring this might be the only meal they would have with just the four of them. Soon Dorothy would be making meals for the whole clan.
Their dinner was simple. Samantha had done up one of her mother’s pot roasts.
“Mama better be careful you are giving her a run for her money.” Beth complimented her sister.
“Why thank you Beth.” She winked at her sister. “You aren’t bad yourself.”
“I threw some lettuce in a bowl, I don’t think that is cooking.”
“You are a good cook,” Starsky said, putting his arm around her. Beth had fixed him a meal or two. “You both learned from the best.”
“We did,” Samantha agreed.
After dinner and coffee on the porch, Starsky and Beth went back to the main house. Samantha poured two glasses of wine, and she handed one to Hutch, she curled up next to him on the couch.
“Is everything alright between you and David?” She asked, sipping her wine.
He put his arm around her pulling Samantha closer. “Yea why?”
“You both were pretty quiet during dinner.”
“It’s nothing.” But it wasn’t nothing, he had pretty much told his best friend and partner he was thinking of leaving the force.
Samantha nudged Hutch who was lost in thought. “Spill.”
He put the glass of wine on the table then looked at her. He reached up and tucked a wisp of hair behind her ear, “I told him I realized there was more to life than being a cop. I think I want to do something else.”
Samantha was intrigued, “Like what?”
“I don’t know. Tree farmer?”
Samatha laughed, “You would go crazy here. All that excitement of the city? It’s pretty dull here.”
“Dull? I thought you loved it here.”
“I do but this is pretty much all I have known. It’s who I am.”
Hutch looked into her eyes, “It could never be dull with you.”
Samantha blushed and looked into her wine glass.
Starsky and Beth walked slowly back to the main house. It was ablaze with lights inside and out. Billy and Dorothy had just gotten home after shutting down the tree lot for the season and their special dinner.
The couple climbed the steps to the porch. Beth stopped before opening the door she took a deep breath, “Are you ready for this?”
Starsky looked at her quizzically but understood the moment she opened the front door. There were loud squeals as the younger children saw their aunt and they rushed around them.
One little girl tugged on the detective's jeans, he looked down at her, “Who are you?”
“Uh..uh..uh.” Starsky stammered, caught off guard by her question. Their relationship had never really been defined.
Beth laughed at the look on Starsky’s face. “Bailey, this is my boyfriend David.”
Bailey smiled at him as she took his hand, “Hi!”
Beth leaned close to him, “Kid has never known a stranger.”
“Hi Bailey.” Starsky was grinning from ear to ear. He was thrilled Beth had called him her boyfriend.
“David!” Dorothy had spied him from across the room. She rushed to him, enveloping him in a tight hug. “Billy, David and …..” she paused and looked around the room.
“He’s at Samantha’s.” Starsky informed her.
Billy came to shake Starsky’s hand, “Glad you could come. Where’s Ken?”
“Samantha’s,” Dorothy smiled at her husband. They both approved of the relationships between their daughters and the detectives.
“Come meet everyone,” Beth pulled Starsky into the living room. She pointed to a couple sitting on the couch, “That is my brother Dan and his wife Kelly, you met her when you got here. Then there is Ted and Susie, Bill Jr and Tonya and Robert and Sherri.” They all waved. Beth moved to her sisters, “My sisters Marie and Donna and their husbands Thomas and Brad. Everyone, this is David Starsky.”
Starsky took a deep breath as he nodded to them all as they greeted him with handshakes and hugs. Kelly put her arm around him, “Don’t let us overwhelm you.” She laughed.
As the kids buzzed around, Beth tried to explain who each child belonged to and their names but she finally gave up. “I’m sure you will figure it out.”
Dorothy appeared with a large platter of cookies and announced. “Hot chocolate in the kitchen!”
“Then it's time to start getting ready for bed!” Kelly called after the younger children heading toward the kitchen.
A collective, “Awwww.” Went up from the group. The older kids hung back hoping they didn’t have to go to bed yet. Although they knew they would get to sleep in the campers out back.
Starsky looked at Beth, “Oh, go on.” She laughed as she swatted his back side.
He grabbed several cookies, kissed Dorothy on cheek, winked at Beth and followed the kids to the kitchen where Billy was pouring hot chocolate into mugs.
Samantha woke and looked at the clock on the bedside table, it was almost 4 a.m. She felt the spot next to her, it was empty. Samantha got up, grabbed an oversized sweater from the back of her bedroom door and put it on as she padded into the living room. The tree was on, she knew they had turned it off when they went to bed.
She looked around the room but Hutch wasn’t there, Samantha went into the kitchen but he wasn’t there either. She noticed the coffee pot was on, grabbing a mug she poured herself a cup and opened the backdoor.
Hutch was standing staring at the sky, Samatha went to stand next to him. She set her coffee on the railing and wrapped the sweater tightly around herself to ward off the chill of the early morning.
“Is everything alright?” Samantha asked.
He looked at her and nodded, “I have made up my mind.”
“About?”
“Leaving the force.” He said barely above a whisper.
“You don’t sound sure.”
“I gotta tell Starsk I’ve made a decision.” Hutch took a deep breath. “We’ve been partners for a long time.”
“You’ll still be friends.”
“But it won’t be the same.” Saying it all out loud made him wonder if he was making a mistake.
“You and David will work it out. Anybody can see how much the two of you care about each other.” Samantha slipped her arm around him, “What are you going to do?”
Hutch shrugged, he had told her a tree farmer but he knew nothing about growing trees or running a farm. “Don’t say anything to anybody. I got some things to figure out before I tell Starsky.”
Samantha pulled on his arm, “Come back to bed. The next few days are going to be crazy. Holly is coming today.”
“And Will.” Hutch didn’t exactly dislike the man, but Will was still in love with Samantha although she didn’t return the feelings.
Samantha laughed, “You don’t have to worry about Will.”
“I’m not worried about Will!” Hutch proclaimed as he allowed her to drag him into the house.
Starsky got the feeling he was being watched, he opened one eye and looked around trying to get his bearings. He rolled over in bed as he remembered he was at the farm. Last night Billy had poured a little something extra in the adults hot chocolate. The detective couldn’t remember the last time he had slept so well.
“Hey sleepy head,” said a female voice above him.
Both Starsky’s eyes popped open, he could see long blonde hair hanging over the bed above him. Then Beth’s face appeared, she slid from the top bunk and slipped in the narrow bed next to him.
He sat up quickly, “That didn’t work last night and it’s not going to fly this morning.”
“Mama and daddy don’t care!”
“I care!”
“You are such a prude!” Beth teased. “Time to get up anyway. Two days until Christmas we have lots to do.”
As Beth started to get up Starsky pulled her back into the bed, “Just a couple more minutes, huh?”
“So, you aren’t a prude after all.” She laughed as she snuggled against him. “Or are you just scared of the chaos awaiting you down stairs?”
“I just want you to myself a little longer.”
“We can manage that.” Beth said, snuggling even closer. “Sorry it’s so crazy.”
“I have never had a big Christmas with lots of family. It was just me, Nicky, mom and my pops until he was killed.”
Beth propped herself up on one elbow and looked into his blue eyes. “Your father was killed?”
“Murdered, he was a cop. It was never really proven but I think it was a mob hit.” A look of pain briefly crossed Starsky’s face.
It didn’t go unnoticed by Beth, “I’m so sorry. I shouldn’t have asked.”
“You didn't, I told you he was killed of course you were curious.” He brushed her shoulder with a kiss. “It was a long time ago. I was just a kid.”
“That had to be hard.”
“It was, but like I said, it was a long time ago.”
The tone of his voice told her not to pursue the conversation further. “Are you ready to get up and face the pandemonium?”
“Maybe I’ll just hide up here,” Starsky answered, but he was smiling.
“Get dressed,” Beth commanded as she grabbed her robe and slipped out of the room.
Hutch and Samatha were already in the kitchen eating breakfast when Starsky and Beth walked in.
“There you two are.” Dorothy said as she flipped pancakes on a plate and handed it to Starsky. She prepared a second plate for her daughter.
“Thanks mama,” Beth kissed her mother on the cheek.
The back door opened, Billy came in shaking the snow from his coat. “Looks like we might have a white Christmas if this keeps up.”
Hutch looked surprised, it hadn’t been snowing when they had walked over from Samantha’s house. But it had gotten colder and he wished he had a heavier coat. Not that he owned one anymore.
The kitchen filled with squeals as the younger children realized it was snowing. “Can we go out grandma?”
Dorothy laughed, “Clothes first, then breakfast.” She told her pajama clad grandchildren. They all scampered out of the room and up the stairs talking excitedly.
“Either of you boys want to go check on the trees with me?” Billy asked.
“Didn’t you close the stand for the year last night?” Starsky asked.
“We did, but the trees are a year round job. I check on them everyday.”
Hutch stood up, “If you have an extra coat I’ll go.”
“Make that two?” Starsky asked.
Billy chuckled, “In the mud room, you’ll find boots too.”
Starsky wolfed down his pancakes and followed Hutch into the mud room. He found his partner putting on a pair of heavy boots. “What’s with you?”
“What do you mean?”
“You seem awfully eager to check on trees.”
Hutch just shrugged.
“You boys ready?” Billy asked, sipping on a mug of steaming coffee.
“Now you stay warm out there old man,” Dorothy smiled lovingly at her husband.
He kissed her cheek and handed the mug to her. “We won’t be long.”
After the men left, Beth and Samatha helped their mother make breakfast for the rest of the family. Once the kids were fed and out the door to play, Dorothy began getting out baking supplies. Soon the kitchen was full of the smell of baking cookies and pies.
“Better put on some hot chocolate. Those kids will be cold and need something to warm their tummies.” Samatha said, looking out the window. The snow was falling heavily and piling up quickly. “Mama did you know we were getting a snowstorm?”
Dorothy shook her head, “Your dad and I have been so busy with the tree lot, no time to keep up with the weather.”
After making the hot chocolate, Samantha stood staring at the falling snow, the roads were getting bad. Will and Holly were due around lunch time and Billy and the detectives hadn’t returned.
“Mama I’m worried.” Samantha said, peeling herself away from the window.
Dorothy smiled at her daughter, “It will all be okay.”
Samatha nodded, but she couldn’t stop worrying, the roads to the farm were dirt and wouldn’t be cleared until it stopped snowing. What if Will and Holly got stuck or slid off the road?
“Come on sis,” Beth put her arm around Samantha’s shoulders. “Everyone will be clambering for lunch soon.”
About that time the back door opened, Billy, Starsky and Hutch came in covered in snow. “It’s getting deep out there,” Billy said as he took off his coat and slipped out his boots.
“Have Holly and Will arrived?” Hutch asked, he had hung the borrowed coat up in the mud room and slipped out of the boots. His nose was red and his face cold.
“Not yet.” Worry written across her face. She kissed his cold lips, “Go sit by the fire, I'll bring you some hot chocolate.”
Starsky grabbed Beth and put his cold hands on her face. “You too David, go get warm.”
“Hot chocolate?”
“Of course.”
“And a couple of cookies?” He asked hopefully.
“What’s hot chocolate without mama’s cookies?”
It wasn’t long before the kids, young and old, piled into the kitchen tired, cold and hungry.
Samatha stood on the front porch shivering, staring down the driveway, hoping to see a car pull in. Hutch opened the door with Samantha’s sweater in hand which he then put around her shoulders. “They will be here.”
“They are two hours late.”
“Maybe they got a late start.” Hutch suggested. “Come in, it's freezing out here.”
Reluctantly Samantha allowed him to guide her back into the house. Billy was standing just inside the door. He patted his daughter’s hand then looked at Hutch. “Are you up for a search party?”
“You bet!” Hutch went into the den where the men had gathered, he poked Starsky, “Grab a coat.”
“What’s going on?” Dan asked.
“Will and Holly are late. Billy wants to take a walk up the road and see if we can spot them.” Hutch explained.
“I’ll come,” Dan said. The rest of the guys immediately got up and went to put on coats and boots.
Within minutes the group were walking down the driveway and up the road. Some carried shovels in case the car needed to be dug out if they found it. The snow was still coming down, there was at least a foot already on the ground.
They were just over a mile out when they spotted a car off the side of the road. It was snow covered but still running. Billy got to the car first and cleared the door with a shovel then jerked open the passenger side door. Will sat behind the wheel, Holly was bundled up in the back seat.
“Will, are you and Holly alright?” Billy asked.
A very relieved Will nodded. “I have been trying to decide what to do. I didn’t want to drag Holly out in the snow but I didn’t want to leave her alone.”
Hutch opened the back door after Dan removed the snow, Holly peeked out of the blankets she had been snuggled down in. “Ken!” She exclaimed as she scrambled out of the blankets. Holly threw her arms around his neck.
Will had been driving down the middle of the road but hit an icy patch and slid off the side of the road landing next to a fence. He had tried to open the driver's side door but there wasn’t enough room for him to get out.
“Come on.” Starsky held out a hand to help Will out of the car. He had a small cut on his forehead but thankfully Holly wasn’t hurt.
Hutch had Holly in his arms, Will walked over to them to check on his daughter. “I’m okay daddy.”
He kissed her cheek, “Thank you.” Will said to Hutch.
“Are you alright?” Hutch asked, seeing the blood that had run down the man’s face.
“I just bumped my head when we ran off the road. Can you carry Holly?”
“I would be glad to.” He smiled at the little girl.
They trudged back to the house, Samatha was on the porch waiting. She rushed down the steps when she saw the group heading up the driveway.
“They are okay.” Hutch called as they got closer.
Samantha pulled Holly from Hutch’s arms. She had to see for herself that her daughter was alright. “Are you okay baby?”
“I’m fine mommy, but daddy hurt his head.” Holly informed her.
She handed Holly back to Hutch and went to check on Will. “I’m fine, stop fussing.” Will said when Samantha tried to look at the cut.
“Come on, let's get that cleaned up.” She led him toward the house.
He started to say he was fine again but Will knew it was no use. If truth be known he was enjoying the attention he was getting from her. He knew it would be the last time.
The pair disappeared into the house, Hutch felt a twinge of jealousy as he watched them. “Let’s get you in the house and warmed up.” He said to Holly.
Dorothy had hot coffee and hot chocolate waiting. Beth took Holly up stairs so she could change into some dry clothes. They were all wet from the heavy snow.
It was nearly dinner by the time everyone was warm, the crew would go out and dig the car out in the morning. With so many in the house, the kids ate first, then the adults.
After dinner Samatha invited Starsky and Beth to come back to her house. Holly rode on Hutch’s shoulders as they waded through the snow, which was still coming down.
“If this keeps up we might not make it back to the main house.” Starsky commented. He hadn’t seen this much snow since he left New York.
“That’s okay by me.” Beth said as she clung to his arm. She loved her family but when they were all home it was overwhelming.
Holly was excited to see her new home, she hadn’t been there since Thanksgiving. She urged Hutch to go faster. “I can’t wait to see my room.”
“I hope you like it.” Samantha smiled.
The colorful lights on the house lit the way to the front porch. Hutch lifted Holly from his shoulders. Samatha opened the door and flipped on the lights. “Go on.”
Holly squealed when she saw the tree then ran to find her bed room.
The two couples stood on the front porch watching the snow falling. “It’s really beautiful here,” Hutch said.
Starsky nodded, “I didn’t realize how much I missed snow.”
“Come on guys, let's get warmed up!” Samantha went in, “Make yourselves comfortable. Beth, come help me in the kitchen.”
Once the two detectives were settled on the couch, Starsky looked at his friend. “So what are you thinking?”
“About?”
“Leaving BCPD?”
Hutch took a deep breath, he didn’t want to talk about it right now. He wanted to wait until they were back in Bay City. Hutch didn’t want to spoil Christmas for his friend. “We’ll talk after the first of the year.”
“Is anything going to change in the new year?” Starsky wanted to know.
“Starsk, this conversation can wait.”
“You have made up your mind, haven’t you?” He persisted. “You're quitting.”
“I am, there has to be more to life than chasing bad guys and putting our lives in danger.” Hutch finally said. He was expecting Starsky to protest but instead he just nodded his head.
Starsky could read his partner like a book. He had sensed this coming for a while. “When?”
“I honestly don’t know, there are a lot of things for me to figure out.” He looked at Starsky, “I wouldn’t leave until we find a new partner for you.”
“What makes you think I would do it without you?” Starsky looked away from Hutch and stared into the fire.
“Starsk,” Hutch put his hand on his partner's shoulder.
But before Hutch could say more. Beth and Samantha came in carrying snacks and coffee on trays.
“Where’s Holly?” Samatha asked, looking around.
“She hasn’t come out of her room.” Hutch said getting up, he took the tray with the coffee from Beth as Samantha sat down the other one on the coffee table.
“Let me check on Holly.” Samantha went down the hall and peeked into her daughter's room. Holly was lying crossways on her new bed sound to sleep clutching a teddy bear with a pink ribbon around its neck, an early gift.
“Do you need some help?”
Samantha had been trying to get her sleeping daughter under the covers without waking her. She waved Hutch into the room. He gently picked up the sleeping girl. Samantha pulled back the covers and slipped Holly's shoes off. Hutch lay her down and Samantha covered her up and kissed her forehead.
“I guess she is all tired out.” She said as she turned off the light next to the bed.
“Big day,” Hutch agreed.
“What’s wrong?” She asked.
“Am I really that transparent?”
Samantha closed Holly’s bedroom door and backed Hutch against the wall in the hall. “You are when it comes to David.”
“I told him I was leaving the force. I wanted to wait until after the first of the year to say anything but he knows me too well.”
“What did he say?”
“Not much, I’m not leaving right away. It might be a year to get everything wrapped up. I can’t just leave him after everything we have been through.” Hutch said. “I don’t even know what I would do.”
Out in the living room Beth and Starsky were curled on the couch. “I can see the wheels turning.” She said, staring at his handsome profile.
He gave a small smile, “Hutch is quitting the force.”
“Seriously?”
“Yea.”
“What is he going to do?” Beth asked.
Starsky looked at her, “He doesn’t know it yet but help your father run a tree farm.” She looked back at him quizzically. “He loves this place, he loves your sister. He just hasn’t figured it out yet, or maybe he has and doesn’t want to admit it.”
“You know, daddy and mama would be thrilled. Daddy isn’t a young man any more he could use the help.” Beth lay her head on his shoulder. “What about you?”
“What about me?”
“What are you going to do?” She knew how close they were and Beth couldn’t imagine David doing the job without Ken.
“I don’t know. I’m still trying to wrap my head around Hutch leaving.”
Samantha and Hutch joined the couple on the couch. “Why don't you two spend the night here? Samantha suggested. “It’s still snowing.”
“We’ll sleep out here,” Hutch said, he would get a chance to talk to his friend.
The sisters could feel the tension between the two men. Beth got up and as she was going into the kitchen said, “Maybe we could use a little something stronger than coffee. She returned with a bottle of bourbon and four shot glasses.
“Are you trying to get us drunk for Christmas?” Samantha asked.
“It’s not Christmas yet and we gotta get through tomorrow with the mob.”
“So you do presents on Christmas Eve or Christmas morning?” Hutch asked.
“Both,” Beth said. “The kids get one gift each on Christmas Eve, the rest the next day.”
Samatha poured them all a shot and held up her glass, “Merry Christmas!“
The rest grabbed a glass and they all clinked them together and downed the bourbon.
“Wow!” Starsky exclaimed, “I can feel that all the way to my toes.”
Beth laughed and poured more. After several shots, they were all more than a little drunk. Samatha unsteadily got to her feet. “I’ll get some blankets and pillows. I think I might have a sleeping bag.”
After the girls had gone to bed, Starsky took the sleeping bag and unrolled it in front of the fire. “You take the couch.”
“Are you sure? You can have the couch.” Hutch offered. But Starsky had already climbed in the bag.
“Toss me a pillow.”
“Starsk.”
“I don’t want to talk. It will wait until we get back. Isn’t that what you wanted?”
“I didn’t want to ruin Christmas.” Hutch said, handing him the pillow.
“You aren’t. I just don’t want to talk about it. I need to process.”
“Starsk, you know I love you buddy. My wanting to quit has nothing to do with you.”
“I know, go to sleep Hutch.”
Not so early the next morning Hutch woke to a noise on the porch. He sat up quickly, instinctively reaching for his gun which wasn’t there. Both their firearms were locked in Starsky’s car.
He jumped up but sat down quickly as his head was spinning from the bourbon they drank the night before. Taking a deep breath he made it to the front door and Will stood there with several suitcases.
“‘Morning.” Will said as he held up the luggage. “The guys helped dig out my car. I thought Holly would like to have her clothes.”
“Daddy!” Holly had just gotten up and come into the living room
“Hey baby.”
“Come see my new room.” She pulled her father into the house. Will followed his daughter with her suitcases.
Hutch looked out, the snow had stopped leaving a winter wonderland. Someone, he assumed one of Samantha’s brothers, had dug them out. And cleared a path so they could walk to the main house.
Rubbing the sleep out his eyes, Starsky sat up, “What’s going on?”
“Will brought Holly’s things.” Hutch headed to the kitchen, “I’m going to make some coffee, want some?”
“More like I need some.” Starsky stretched the kinks out of his back and followed Hutch into the kitchen. He looked out the back door at the snow piled up on the porch.
Hutch appeared at his side with a steaming mug of strong black coffee. “We can’t go to the house hung over.”
Starsky accepted the coffee and hoped it would help his pounding head. Before he could take a sip a hand snuck around him and took the mug from him. “Thanks!” Beth laughed.
“Hey!” Starsky exclaimed. “I need that.”
Hutch held out another mug for him. “I think we all do.”
“You can say that again.” Samatha groaned.
“Will is here.” Hutch said.
Samantha nodded as she blew on her coffee, “I saw him. Holly is getting dressed. Will is going to take her over to the house for breakfast.”
Will walked into the kitchen. “Holly is getting ready.”
“Coffee?” Hutch asked.
“No thanks.”
“I’m ready daddy!” Holly hugged her mother and Hutch.
“We’ll be over soon.” Samantha kissed the top of Holly's head.
Beth and Starsky made their way over to the main house, to shower and change, they hadn’t brought clothes with them.
Samantha stepped out of the shower, “Your turn.” She called to Hutch.
Just before they left Samantha’s, Hutch said, “Hold up.” He dug around his bag and pulled out two wrapped boxes. One he put under the tree for Holly the other he handed to Samantha.
“What’s this?” She smiled at him. “Presents are this evening.”
“I want you to have this now.”
She sat on the edge of the couch and carefully unwrapped the oblong box. Samantha caught her breath as she removed the lid and saw the beautiful silver necklace with the tree and pine cone charms. “Oh Ken, I love it. Help me put it on.”
After the necklace was secure she turned in his arms and kissed him. “I'm glad you like it.”
“It’s beautiful!” Samantha gushed. “Hold on, I have something for you.”
“You didn’t need to get me anything.” Hutch called after her as she disappeared into the bedroom. She was back in a few seconds holding out a small square box wrapped in shiny gold paper and a red bow.
Samantha held the box out to him, “Open it.”
He took the box and unwrapped it as carefully as she had unwrapped his gift. Hutch pulled off the lid, inside was a key. He looked at her confused.
“It’s to my house,” Samantha said, and then more softly, “And my heart.”
Hutch pulled her into his arms, “This is so fast, but I love you.”
Samantha grinned at him, “I knew the moment I met you that we would fall in love.”
Hutch laughed, “We sound like one of those romance novels.”
“Nothing wrong with that.”
Hutch and Samantha went to join the festivities in the main house. It was chaotic to say the least with the young ones anticipating getting to open their one gift that evening.
“You two look happy,” Starsky observed as the couple walked into the kitchen hoping there was something left from breakfast. They were both starving.
Samantha showed off her necklace, there were oohs and aahs from the woman. “Guess you made the right choice.” Starsky winked at Hutch.
“I did,” But Hutch was talking about Samantha, not the necklace.
The day went by quickly with the kids in and out, playing in the snow. Board games were brought out to keep everyone entertained. In the kitchen, preparations for Christmas dinner the next day, and platters of sandwich fixings for that evening before gifts and bedtime.
With full stomachs everyone was ready to pick a present from the stacks under and around the Christmas tree. Billy, dressed in a red plaid shirt and black pants looking every bit like Santa with his white beard, gave the signal. Taking turns everyone found a package with their name and took it back where they had been sitting and waited.
Dorothy went to the tree and took two white envelopes from its branches. She handed them to Billy with a smile and a nod. The couple motioned to the detectives, “David, Ken.” Dorothy started as Billy handed them each an envelope. “You two have become a big part of our family.”
“We hope you will accept our gift.”
Starsky and Hutch looked at each other then opened the envelopes. Their mouths fell open when they read the document inside. “Billy we can’t accept this, it’s too much.” Starsky said, stunned.
Billy and Dorothy had given each of them ten acres of land on the farm. “We have 900 acres, we have more than enough. We talked to the kids and they all agreed.” They had spoken to each of their children, except for Samantha who had already claimed her land.
“But…” Hutch began.
“No buts,” Billy interrupted. “This is what we want to do for you two. You can build a house on empty land or pick acres with trees. It's up to you.”
Samantha was as surprised as the detectives, “Mama, daddy this is wonderful!” She hugged them both then Hutch.
“Alright everybody.” Billy said, getting their attention, “Time to open!” There were squeals, a flurry of wrapping paper being torn and showing each other what the other got.
Hutch stood with his arm around Samantha’s shoulder watching the activity. Starsky disappeared up stairs, when he returned he was carrying Beth’s gift.
Handing it to her he said, “I hope you like it.” Unlike her sister, who had carefully unwrapped her gift, Beth ripped the paper off and opened the box to reveal the beautiful watch Starsky had picked out.
Beth let out a small laugh, Starsky frowned thinking that she didn’t like it. “Just a minute.” She went into the dining room and came back with a wrapped gift. Beth handed it to him.
Still rather hurt that Beth had laughed at his gift, Starsky unwrapped the box. When he saw the contents he understood why she laughed. It was the watch he had been admiring for himself in the jewelry store. He grabbed Beth and whirled her around then looked at Hutch.
“Don’t look at me buddy, I didn’t tell her a thing.” Hutch shook his head.
Hot chocolate and cookies were brought out, Christmas music was on, the kids were playing with their gifts and wondering what the morning would bring.
Hutch wandered out onto the big front porch and leaned on the railing looking up at the sky that was clear and full of stars. It wasn’t long before Starsky was standing next to him.
“Amazing gift Billy and Dorothy gave us.” Starsky commented.
“Beyond generous.” Hutch was grinning from ear to ear.
“I know you don’t want to talk about this but I can’t think of a better time.” Starsky said, “At the risk of sounding cheesy, you need to follow your heart. And this farm and Samantha are your heart.”
Hutch nodded, finally admitting to himself he had known all along where he wanted to be. “But what about you…us?”
“Like you said, we will always be best friends.” Starsky confirmed. “Even as much as I love the trees and Billy and Dorothy, I'm a city boy, at least for now.”
“And you have Beth.”
Starsky smiled, “I do. And who knows, I might decide to move here and build a house like you are going to do.”
“Who said I was going to build a house?“
Starsky nudged his friend, “Oh come on Hutch, how long have we known each other. I know what you are thinking before you do.”
“I love you buddy.” Hutch said, nudging Starsky back.
“You can’t get rid of me this easily.” Starsky laughed. “Hey look, it’s snowing again.” The sky had clouded up and snow was beginning to fall.
“Merry Christmas buddy.”
“Merry Christmas Hutch.”
The end