Thanksgiving at the
Christmas Tree Farm
By Tooki
Edited by Tonya
2022
Thanksgiving was coming up fast, the detectives usually spent it together unless Starsky went to New York to spend it with his mother and Nick. But the older he had gotten the less he went to his boyhood home, opting instead for a phone called to his mom.
Hutch never went home, he would rather spend the holidays alone than see his father, it always turned into a fight. It had been Starsky that had shown him the joy of Thanksgiving and especially Christmas.
Starsky burst into the squad room humming ‘It’s Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas’. The old Hutch would have been annoyed and made a comment about it not even being Thanksgiving yet. But the blond just grinned at his counterpart. “Where’s your Santa hat?” Hutch asked.
“Not yet,” Starsky answered, then explained. “After the Macy’s Day Parade, Santa brings up the rear of the parade.”
Hutch shook his head, so many rules, “But carols are okay?”
“Sure,” The dark headed detective had been known to break into a chorus of Jingle Bells in the middle of July. “Carols are allowed anytime.”
“Only in your world.” Hutch said under his breath as he went back to his paperwork.
Starsky perched on the edge of Hutch’s desk, “Let’s go see Billy and Dorothy at the lot when we get off.”
“Why don’t we wait until Friday?”
“The day after Thanksgiving is when everyone goes, it will be packed .”
“I’m sure Billy could use some help on Friday.” Hutch tried to push his partner off this desk without success.
“But I want to get some of Dorothy’s cookies for Thanksgiving.”
“Uh?” Hutch asked, distracted by the report he was trying to work on.
“I want cookies! Come on Hutch!” Starsky declared.
“If we go after work will you get off my desk?” Hutch pulled a folder from under Starsky’s rear.
Starsky hopped up, “Your wish is my command!”
After stopping at The Pits for a quick dinner the detectives pulled up to the tree lot. There were several families milling around looking at trees, buying wreaths and cookies.
Billy was with a young couple, the woman was holding a baby. “Are you sure you don’t want a bigger tree?” Billy asked.
The man smiled, “We have a small apartment right now, but are looking for a house. Next year we will be in the market for a bigger tree. This tree is perfect, how much?”
Bill told him a price much lower than the actual price, the old man had a way of reading people. He figured they could use a break. The man fished several bills from his wallet and handed them to Billy. Dorothy appeared at her husband's side holding a box of cookies which she handed to the woman.
“For the little one,” Dorothy smiled. As she turned to head back to the small building at one side of the lot where she sold the wreaths, cookies and hot chocolate, she spied Starsky and Hutch. “The boys are here,'' she called to Billy.
It was clear that the couple had been expecting them. “Dorothy!” Starsky folded the woman in his arms. “Business is booming.”
She hugged him tightly, “All thanks to you and Ken.” Dorothy left Starsky’s arms so she could hug Hutch. “She’s not here.”
Hutch blushed, she had caught him looking around hoping that Samantha was there. “I only have eyes for you,” Hutch joked as he kissed Dorothy’s wrinkled cheek.
Billy joined the group, he clapped Starsky on the back, “I figured you would be here today for Dorothy’s cookies.”
Starsky pulled out his wallet, “It’s not Thanksgiving without a box of your cookies.
“I got it.” Hutch said, pulling out his own wallet
“Your money's no good here,” Billy said.
Hutch shook his head as he pressed money into Dorothy’s hand. “I insist.”
“Is there anything we can do to help?“ Starsky offered.
“You have already done so much.” Dorothy said heading back to the shed to wait on the forming line.
Hutch followed Dorothy to help her, while Starsky went with Billy to help with the trees. It was nearly 9 p.m. before the crowd thinned and the couple began closing the lot for the night.
“Do you two have plans for Thanksgiving?” Dorothy asked.
Starsky shook his head no, “Probably burgers at Huggy’s bar.”
“That’s not Thanksgiving!” Billy exclaimed. “Come out to the farm, bring Huggy with you. He worked hard on the tree lot.”
Nobody had to ask Starsky twice where food was concerned, “We would love to!”
“Come Wednesday if you can, the earlier the better.” Dorothy locked the shack. “You can spend the night.”
Early Wednesday morning found Starsky impatiently waiting in the Torino for Hutch to join him. Starsky was about to get out of the car when Hutch finally emerged from his apartment building. He was wearing a tailored tan leather jacket, a white button down shirt and dark slacks.
Hutch tossed his bag in the back seat before he climbed in next to his partner. Starsky eyed the blond, “You are awfully dressed up to go to the farm.”
Hutch ignored the comment, “Let’s stop and get some flowers.”
“For…”
“Dorothy.”
“Uh huh.”
“What is that supposed to mean?”
“Don’t you mean Samantha?”
Hutch was clearly annoyed, “For Dorothy!”
Starsky smirked, “If you say so.”
“Just drive, will ya!”
Starsky turned into the Conway driveway, even though it was still early, there were several cars in the large gravel parking area.
Both men got out, grabbed their bags and made their way to the large white farmhouse. Hutch brushed the dust from his leather jacket and fluffed the tissue holding the bouquet of fall flowers he had picked up at a small flower shop on the way out of town.
Starsky shook his head as he watched his partner, then he reached up and knocked on the screen door which was the only thing standing between them and the inside of the house. When nobody answered, Starsky peered through the screen, knocked again and called “Hello?”
They could both hear voices, but still no one came to let them in. Starsky pulled on the door handle and it opened, he looked at Hutch who merely shrugged. Starsky stepped into the house, followed by Hutch. “Hello?” Starsky called again.
A gale of laughter from the back of the house greeted their ears. They followed the laughter until they were standing in the doorway of the large kitchen. Dorothy was mixing cookie dough in an enormous bowl. Samantha had a rolling pin in her hand, while a blonde woman was tossing flour on the counter.
There was something similar about the two younger women as the detectives watched. “Excuse me!” A small voice said behind them. They moved and a little girl with long blonde hair squeezed between them.
The old woman looked toward the door, “You’re here!” Dorothy dusted her hands and went to hug them.
As Hutch was hugging the older woman his eyes were on Samantha, she was smiling at him. As he handed Dorothy the flowers, Hutch plucked a single red rose out of the bouquet.
“So these are the detectives you have been talking so much about,” The blonde said.
“Beth!“ Samantha exclaimed.
Beth Conway smiled at Hutch as she watched him hand the rose to Samantha. “Are you going to introduce us, Sammy?”
Samantha took the rose Hutch offered her, blushing slightly, “Thank you.” Then she sighed, “Beth, this is Ken and David.”
“Guys, my older sister Beth.”
“Only older by a year,” Beth qualified.
“What about me?”
“My daughter Holly.” Samantha put her hands on her daughter's shoulders.
“They are pretty cute.” Holly grinned.
“Holly!” Samantha's blush deepened. Holly giggled as she ran off. “You have to excuse those two.”
“So you don’t think we are cute?” Starsky teased.
Samantha ignored Starsky’s comment, as she smelled the rose. Then she looked at Hutch, “Glad you could make it.”
“I bet you are!” Beth winked at her sister.
Samantha glared at her, “Don’t you have something to do?”
“Besides embarrass you? Not at the moment.”
“Girls!” Dorothy eyed her daughters. “Beth, take David and Ken up to one of the rooms. Samantha, get to rolling out that dough before it dries out.”
“Yes ma’am,” They said at the same time.
The pair followed Beth up the stairs, she was a few inches shorter than her sister, her blonde hair was twisted in a French knot. There was something elegant about the woman even in her jeans and flannel shirt.
Beth talked a mile a minute as they walked, asking questions without allowing either of them time to answer. She stopped in front of Daniel and Ted’s room, the same room they had stayed in earlier in the month.
“They aren’t coming home for Thanksgiving?” Starsky asked.
Beth snorted, “No, they are whipped, they go to their in-laws for this holiday.”
“You aren’t married?” Starsky wanted to know.
“God no!” Beth looked at him, “Who has time for that?”
Hutch raised his eyebrows at Starsky, Beth was a little firecracker. He knew Samantha was tough but not so vocal about it. He put his bag on the bed and smiled at Beth.
As Beth left the room, “Don't be long, it's almost time for lunch.”
“Wow!” Starsky flopped on the bed, “She is something. Hard to believe she and Samantha are sisters.”
Hutch pulled off his leather jacket, tossing it on the bed, then rolled the sleeves up on his shirt. “You ready to head down?”
“I think I’m still catching my breath from Beth,” Starsky joked.
“Come on.”
The women were still in the kitchen, pans of cookies sat on wire racks to cool. Beth and Samantha were washing and drying mixing bowls and sheet pans.
“Anything we can do?” Hutch asked.
Dorothy plucked two cookies from one of the racks and held them out. “You can be the taste tester’s.”
Starsky examined the white rectangle cookie, he sniffed it, then popped it in his mouth. His eyes lit up, “Delicious,” he said around a mouth full of cookie.
Hutch took a bite and nodded his approval, “What are they?”
“Shortbread, my mother used to make them when I was a kid,” Dorothy explained. “I found the recipe in some old letters I was going through.”
“I guess they are a keeper mama.” Beth smiled as she swatted her sister's butt with the dish towel she had been drying with. She scooted away before Samantha could retaliate.
Exasperated, Dorothy sighed, “Just be glad the rest of them aren’t here. I swear they regress to teenagers when they come home.”
The back door opened and Billy stepped into the kitchen, a tall, muscular dark haired man right behind him. Dorothy put her hands on her hips and stared at their dirty work boots. Both men backed out of the kitchen and slipped off their boots, leaving them on the porch. “Sorry, my dear,” Billy said, padding across the kitchen in his sock feet and planted a kiss on her wrinkled cheek.
The tall man walked over to Samantha, slung his arm around her neck and kissed her forehead. “Hey babe.”
Samantha pushed him away, “Go shower before lunch, you smell.”
“Do I?”
Her eyes narrowed, “You do.”
“You too old man,” Dorothy told her husband.
Both Starsky and Hutch watched the commotion, not sure what to think. Holly went running over to the younger man, “Daddy!” She exclaimed as she put her arms around his waist. Then she hugged Billy, “You just smell like trees.”
“And sweat.” Samantha mumbled under her breath.
Hutch looked at his partner and hiked his eyebrows. He thought Samantha said she was divorced. Starsky just shrugged, he didn’t know what to think either. Hutch backed out of the kitchen and headed to the front porch.
“Will, this is David and …. where did Ken go?” Samantha looked around the kitchen.
Will shook Starsky’s hand, “I’ll meet Ken later, I have to shower remember?” Will headed out of the kitchen followed by Billy.
“Where is he?” Samantha asked Starsky.
“Front porch, I think he’s a little confused.”
Samantha brow wrinkled a moment then, she realized what he must be thinking.
She found him sitting on the front porch swing, eyes closed gently pushing the swing back and forth with one foot. Samantha sat down next to him. Hutch opened one eye then closed it, “l kinda feel like a fool.”
“Why’s that?” She curled her feet up under her.
Hutch shrugged.
She sighed then commanded, “Look at me.” When he didn’t, she poked him. He opened both eyes and looked at her. “Will and I are just good friends, we always have been since we were kids. We had no business getting married. I got pregnant and Will insisted we get married, I knew it was a mistake as soon as we said I do.”
“Why didn’t you tell him no?” Hutch asked.
“I guess I thought we could make it work. We loved each other but we weren’t in love.” Samantha said matter of factly. “I realized college wasn’t for me, when I was six months along I quit and came home. Shortly after Holly was born we got divorced.”
Hutch leaned forward and brushed her lips with his, then pulled back and looked at her. Samantha smiled at him, then laid her head on his shoulder.
“Where did Ken and Sammy go?” Beth asked.
“Porch,” Starsky said as he grabbed another cookie.
“Don’t spoil your lunch.”
Starsky laughed, “It’s not possible, just ask Hutch.”
“Hutch?”
“Ken, his last name is Hutchinson, Hutch for short.”
“And what are you called?”
“What makes you think I’m called something?”
Beth cocked her head at him, “Oh come on.”
“Starsky, it’s my last name.”
“David Starsky.”
“Yup.”
“Starsky and Hutch!” Beth giggled. “Great name for a TV show.”
Starsky rolled his eyes. “Oh please, nobody would be interested in what we do.”
Beth walked to the pantry and took out a loaf of bread which she tossed to Starsky, “How are you at making sandwiches?”
“Beth, David is company.” Dorothy admonished her daughter.
“I don’t mind,” Starsky said. “What kind are we making?”
Lunch was loud, with playful insults being hurled back and forth between the sisters, with a comment here and there from Will. Dorothy acted like she disapproved, but she was loving having a full table, even though she was missing the rest of her children.
Neither detective came from a big family and were mesmerized by the commotion. Holly leaned on the back of Hutch’s chair, “Do you like my mom?”
“I uh…..uh.” He stammered.
“It’s okay, you know.” She twisted her finger in her long hair. “I think she likes you.”
“Is that so?”
“Yep!”
“What makes you think that?”
“We-l-l-l, ever since grandma told her you guys were coming for Thanksgiving she has been smiling.” Holly skipped away and crawled into Will’s lap.
Will ruffled her hair and smiled over the top of her head at Hutch.
“I better get to those pumpkin pies,” Dorothy said, getting up from the table. “You’re folks coming, Will?”
“Yes ma’am, they wouldn’t miss Thanksgiving. Madeline will be here too, she just broke up with her boyfriend.”
“I’m sorry to hear that,” The old woman said as she started toward the kitchen.
Will laughed, “No love lost there, mom and dad couldn’t stand him.” He put Holly on her feet and started gathering up lunch dishes.
Starsky started picking up dishes as well, “Nope!” Beth exclaimed. “We made lunch, they get to clean up. How about a walk?”
“Go on!” Samantha said as she took the dishes from him, “We got this.” Then she looked at her sister, “Bethy, play nice.”
Beth stuck her tongue out at Samantha, she grabbed Starsky’s hand and pulled him toward the front door and whispered, “We gotta escape now, mama will have us up all night cooking for tomorrow when we get back.”
“How many guests are you having?”
Beth shrugged, “Twenty or thirty most likely.”
“What?” Starsky was shocked, he didn’t think he knew that many people, at least not that he would want to share a meal with.
Beth laughed at his expression. “Mama can’t stand the thought of anyone being alone on Thanksgiving.”
“You and Samantha are the only two not married?”
“Yep, the rest took the plunge so they aren’t here for Thanksgiving. But you should see Christmas. Everyone comes home, Holly isn’t the only grandkid, there are fifteen more…I think.” Beth started counting on her fingers, “Let’s see Daniel is the oldest, he and his wife have…” She thought hard for a moment then threw up her hands. “Oh who cares. Come on!”
Starsky found himself being pulled down the front steps and around the house toward one of the large barns in the back.
Beth bypassed the barn where they had made wreaths the last time they were there, she pulled him into the horse barn.
“I don’t ride,” Starsky said, eyeing the horses.
“Who said anything about riding?” Beth pushed the detective down into a fresh pile of hay then flopped down next to him. She kissed him, “I have been wanting to do that since you got here.”
Starsky’s mouth opened and closed a few times but no words came out. He wasn’t sure what to think of her. Beth kissed him again. Finally he found words, “You definitely aren’t shy.”
Beth laughed, “I go after what I want.”
“What makes you think I’m not already taken?”
“Are you?”
“No but…..”
“But what, you don’t like me?”
“I don’t know you!”
“Wouldn’t you like to get to know me?” Beth teased.
“How old ARE you?” Starsky blurted out.
“34!” She chirped as she got up.
He shook his head as he stood and tried to brush the straw from his clothes. “You are crazy, do you know that?”
“I do!” Beth spun around with her arms out, as she did her long hair tumbled out of the French knot. Dizzy, she stumbled and Starsky caught her just before she hit the ground. “Thank you kind sir.”
He held her close and looked down into her face, then he kissed her. “A little crazy is okay.”
Beth threw her arms around his neck. “I like you David Starsky.”
“I like you too, crazy girl.”
“Perfect!”
“What do you do?” He asked.
“For work?” She asked. He nodded. “I’m a lawyer.”
Starsky wasn’t sure if she was telling the truth, “You are a lawyer, for real?”
“For real.” Beth confirmed. “I work for the D.A.’s in Los Angeles.”
“You are a lawyer?” He repeated still in disbelief.
Her whole demeanor changed and her face looked stormy, “Believe me buster, you don’t want to come up against me in court.” Beth barked at him.
“Hey I-I’m sorry.”
Beth’s face softened and she began to laugh. “I can be a bitch if you want and I am in the courtroom.”
“No, I like this Beth.”
“Good, I like this Beth too. But fun doesn’t work in the courtroom. My job is stressful, that is why I come here whenever I can.”
“I can understand that.”
“I guess you can, police work is no picnic,” Beth said. “I’m surprised we haven’t run into each other.”
“Hutch and I try to stay out of court as much as we can.”
Hutch and Samantha, under Dorothy’s watchful eye, were making pies when Beth and Starsky walked in the back door into the kitchen.
“About time,” Samantha glared at her sister, “Where have you been?”
Hutch pulled hay from his partner's curly hair and held it up, “The barn?”
Beth ran her hand through her hair also finding hay and giggled, “Guess we have been found out.”
Samantha rolled her eyes, “Now that you have had your roll in the hay, how about a little help?”
“SAMANTHA JEAN!” Dorothy exclaimed.
“Sorry mama!”
Starsky suddenly felt self-conscious, feeling the need to escape the kitchen as he was having visions of a shotgun wedding, although nothing happened “Where’s Billy?” He asked.
“Chicken.” Beth said under her breath.
“He went out with Will to tag trees.” Dorothy tried not to smile, picking up on Starsky’s discomfort. “They just left, you should be able to catch them.”
“I’ll come with you,” Beth grinned.
“You are staying right here and helping with these pies.” Dorothy ordered. “I'm going to have to start dinner soon.”
“See ya later,” Beth winked at Starsky as he escaped out the back door.
“For heaven sakes Bethy, no wonder you don’t have a man.” Samantha shook her head, “You terrify them.”
“I don’t see you in a relationship,” Beth retorted.
Samantha blushed and avoided looking at Hutch, “Mama, I think the pies are done.”
“I’ll get them out, you and Ken can start on the pecan pies.” Dorothy said as she opened the oven door. “Beth, get cleaned up, you are dropping hay on my kitchen floor.”
After a dinner that consisted of roast and all the fixings, Beth disappeared dragging Starsky with her. Samantha helped her mother make cranberry relish and prep three large turkeys, which Dorothy would be up before the crack of dawn to slide into two very large ovens.
Billy was in his recliner watching The Price Is Right and indulging in his pipe. After which he would head to bed, he would be up as early as his wife to feed livestock then check on the trees.
Hutch stood on the front porch taking in the fresh air. It was pitch dark, which made the stars and moon stand out. In the city, stars were barely visible with all the lights. The screen door slammed shut behind him. He felt someone come up behind him but Hutch didn’t turn around.
“Beautiful isn't it?” It was Will.
“You don’t see this in the city.” Hutch commented.
“You don’t see anyone like Sammy there either.” Will stood next to Hutch, he was a few inches taller.
“No you don’t.”
“I just want to give you a heads up.”
Hutch continued to stare out into the night, “About?”
“Sammy, she won’t leave this place for anyone.” Will said matter of factly.
“I know, I wouldn’t expect her to.” Hutch looked at Will. “You are in love with Samantha.”
Will didn’t hesitate, “I am, have been as long as I can remember. I thought if I got her away from here, in college she might see me differently, more than a close friend.”
“She must have changed her mind at some point, you have a child.”
Will gave a bitter laugh, “I guess you could say I took advantage of her, I’m not proud of it. I thought if we had a kid that would make her change her mind.”
Hutch stared at him, anger flashed in his eyes but before he could say anything Will could see what the detective was thinking.
“I didn’t force myself on her. But I knew how lonely she was, she didn’t have any friends at school, just me. So one thing led to another and bang she was pregnant.”
“Does Samantha know this?” Hutch asked.
Will shook his head no, “She might have suspected, especially when I pushed for us to get married. I had asked her several times before we left for college but she always turned me down.”
“Why are you telling me?”
“Honestly I don’t know, I have never told that to anybody, I guess I felt like someone needed to know.”
“And that someone was me?” Hutch was annoyed. This was not something he wanted to carry with him.
“I’m sorry,” Will started down the steps then turned and looked at Hutch. “I guess the point is, don’t try to change Samantha.”
“I wouldn’t dream of it.” He watched Will get into his truck and drive down the long driveway until he could no longer see the tail lights.
Samantha had been standing just inside the screen door. She opened the door softly and walked up behind Hutch. “Will warning you about me?” She asked, causing the detective, who was lost in thought, to jump.
Hutch turned around, “I already know all I need to know about you.”
She smiled in the darkness. “You don’t even know half of it. I’m complicated.”
Hutch shrugged and walked down the steps into the yard. He hated Will for telling him his secrets.
Samantha ran down the steps, catching up with the detective she slipped her arm through his, “Will shouldn’t have burdened you with that.”
“What?”
“You don’t have to play dumb, I know. Will thinks I don’t, but I do. I wouldn’t trade Holly for anything. But I wasn’t going to stay married to a man I wasn’t in love with.”
Hutch let out the breath he had been holding. The drama was too much, he felt like he had been dropped into a bad TV movie. “Why haven’t you told Will?”
“Why let him off the hook?”
Hutch moved away from Samantha, the daughter he could handle, but not an ex that was still in love with her. Then there was the long distance thing. She wasn’t moving to the city and he was going to become a tree farmer. “Samantha I like you but…”
She came closer and put her finger to his lips to silence him, “Come with me.” Samantha grabbed his hand and led him to the old pickup truck they had taken the wild ride in to watch the sunset. “Get in, I want to show you something.”
Reluctantly Hutch climbed in the passenger side, she started up the truck and slowly drove down the driveway and made a left onto the dirt road that ran in front of the house. The ride this time was slow and easy, Samantha had felt the change in Hutch, he was probably no longer interested in her. That was alright but she wanted to show him something before Thanksgiving was over and he and David would leave most likely never to return.
Shortly she turned off the road onto a rutted grassy road, if it could be called a road. They bounced along in silence, her hands tightly gripping the steering wheel, Hutch hanging onto the dashboard. Finally she brought the truck to a stop. Hutch peered out the cracked windshield, he could make out a structure in the moonlight.
Samantha got out walking through the weeds toward the house in progress. She turned and waved for Hutch to follow. He slowly got out of the truck as the rusty door protested.
“I’m hoping to have it done before summer.” Samantha said. “I’ve lived with my parents long enough. Mama and daddy gave each of us kids several acres to build on if we wished.”
“And you are the only one that wished,” Hutch said softly.
“I could see Beth maybe one day building here. She loves the farm but not as a career.” Samantha turned and looked at him. “Maybe the rest of them when they are older, who knows. Most of my brothers and sisters couldn’t wait to escape.”
I guess I can relate, I couldn’t wait to get away from home.” Hutch shared. “Mostly my father, he was suffocating, he thought I should follow in his footsteps.”
“Which was?” Samantha perched on the edge of the newly constructed porch. It was a large porch that stretched around two sides of the house.
He sat down next to her, “He is a minister.”
“I see.” Was all she said.
Hutch laid back on the porch, the roof was framed but it was still open, he watched the stars twinkle in the dark night sky. The crickets and other night bugs were nearly deafening. There was a series of howls in the distance either a dog or possibly a coyote.
Samantha lay back next to him, “I hate Will has ruined this.” She whispered.
“We would never work no matter how much I wish we could.”
“What do you mean?” She raised up on one elbow.
“You know what I mean, you are a country mouse and I’m a city rat.”
Samantha burst out laughing, “You are hardly a rat.”
Hutch smiled despite how he was feeling, “We would see each other once or twice a month? Maybe? Starsky and I have a rather unpredictable life. We go undercover, on stakeouts, get called in, miss dates, and lost lots of girlfriends.”
“Maybe you didn’t have the right girlfriends.” Samantha mused.
“It’s hard, believe me.” Hutch leaned on his elbow until their faces were only inches away.
“It doesn’t have to be that complicated.”
“Let’s go before Sammy finds something for me to do.” Beth said to Starsky.
“Where are we going? It’s dark.” Starsky protested.
“Just for a walk.”
“But it’s dark.”
“That is what is perfect about it. No city lights, you’ll see it’s beautiful.” Beth chirped, as she pulled him along with her.
Again she talked a mile a minute, mostly about work, asking if he knew this person or that person. A few he knew, most he didn’t.
Finally they stopped, “Look up.” Beth told him.
Starsky looked at the sky, “Wow.” Was all he could manage. The heavens were brilliant with stars and some planets were visible. Beth pointed them out along with several constellations naming them all. “You know a lot about this stuff,” Starsky said, impressed.
Beth shrugged, “I wanted to be an astronomer when I was a kid.”
“Why didn’t you?”
“I don’t know, guess I grew up and changed my mind.”
“I think you would have made a great astronomer.”
“I do more good getting the dirt bags off the streets.” Beth began walking again.
Starsky followed, “Too many end up back on the streets.”
“There’s the pond!” Beth squealed. She took off running, stopping at its edge. The moon was shimmering on the dark water.
She stripped off her shoes and socks, then her shirt and jeans. Dressed only in her bra and panties she waded into the pond as frogs hopped into the water around her legs.
Starsky stood on the bank, “Come on Beth, get out of there.”
Beth only laughed and waded deeper, not caring the air was beginning to get chilly. “Come in!” She called.
“Not on your life.”
“Chicken!”
It was the second time she had called him chicken but he didn’t care, he wasn’t getting in the water that looked black in the darkness, not to mention the frogs. “Please, come out,” Starsky begged.
Beth only laughed and began floating on her back, suddenly she went under.
“Beth!” Starsky yelled. When she didn’t resurface he began to panic, “Shit!” He ripped off his shoes and socks and plowed into the water calling her name.
Starsky was splashing around still calling for her. The pond was up to his neck, he hoped it didn’t get deeper. Even with the brightness of the moon it wasn’t enough to see, but then he heard a sound. Starsky stopped and held his breath. It took him a few minutes to register the sound he was hearing was laughter.
“Are you looking for me?” Beth sat on a stump on the other side of the pond watching the detective flail around looking for her.
“WHY? JUST WHY?” Starsky sputtered, he wasn’t sure if he was relieved or pissed off.
Beth poked her lip out, “Awwww don’t be mad.”
“MAD? MAD?” Starsky yelled, “I thought you drowned!”
She waded into the water until she was standing in front of him. “Do you need me to save you?” Beth asked coyly.
“I know how to swim!” Starsky barked. “Ma insisted that Nicky and I take lessons.”
“You have a brother? Younger or older?”
“Younger…wait a minute, I’m not going to tell you my life’s story standing in a pond up to my neck in water.” Starsky shivered as much from the chilly air as the thought of what could be lurking below the surface of the water.
Beth laughed again and took his hand leading him toward the edge of the water. “Watch out for the leeches.”
“Leeches? Those things that stick to you and suck your blood?” Starsky dropped her hand and waded quickly out of the water. Once on the bank he started looking at his arms then stripped off his shirt. Beth leisurely made her way to the waters edge. “Do you see any?”
Two lights were bobbing toward the pond, when Samantha and Hutch had returned to the house Dorothy sent them out in search of Starsky and Beth.
“Oh I hope she didn’t take him to the pond.” Samantha said as they walked through the tall grass.
“What’s wrong with the pond?” Hutch wanted to know.
“Beth is the practical joker of the family.” She explained. “She likes to…we are too late.” Samantha trained her flashlight on the pair just in time to see Starsky pull his dripping wet shirt off. He was hopping around rubbing his hands over his torso.
Beth was laughing hysterically watching him. “Stand still, let me have a look.”
“Elizabeth Caroline Conway!” Samantha shouted. “What do you think you are doing?”
“Just havin’ a little fun.” Beth answered.
“At my expense,” Starsky grumbled. “Do you see any leeches, Hutch?” He was relieved to see his partner.
“Leeches? Beth you didn’t!” Her older sister just shrugged. “David there aren’t leeches in the pond.” Samantha assured him.
Shivering, Starsky picked up his wet shirt, he shot a dirty look at Beth. He headed in what he hoped was the direction of the house. “Hey buddy, wait up,” Hutch called.
“Get your clothes Beth!” Samantha ordered. “Why is it you are older but I always feel like a mom to you.”
“Only by a year and you are uptight.” Beth put on her clothes and slipped her bare feet into her tennis shoes.
“I’m not uptight, I just grew up.”
“I’m grownup at work, it’s exhausting. What’s wrong with having a little fun?” Beth wanted to know.
Samantha sighed, “Nothing, but does it have to be at someone else’s expense?”
“Oh come on, David is a big boy.”
“Bethy,” Samantha said gently.
“I’m sorry.” Beth looked at her sister.
“Don’t tell me, tell David. He’s the one you scared half to death.” Samantha suppressed a smile.
Beth ran to catch up with the two detectives, “Hey David,” she called to Starsky. Hutch stopped walking but Starsky continued stalking toward the house, he was wet, cold and angry. “STARSKY!”
He stopped and turned around. “WHAT?”
“David, listen I’m really sorry.” Her crystal blue eyes looked into his. “I took it too far.”
“The leeches were one thing, but making me think you drowned?”
“Can you forgive me?” Beth said sincerely. “I promise I’ll behave.”
Starsky started for the house again leaving Beth standing there watching him walk away. He stuck his elbow out, “Come on crazy girl.”
The house was dark except for the porch lights, Samantha snapped on the kitchen light as they entered. Billy and Dorothy had gone to bed as well as Holly. Thanksgiving would be a long day of cooking, eating and then cleaning.
Beth hoisted herself up on the counter grabbing several cookies their mother had left out on a plate. She handed one to Starsky who was starving after his ordeal.
Samantha grabbed a large pot, “Go get a hot shower David, I’ll whip up some hot chocolate.”
“Get those leeches washed off.” Beth joked.
Starsky wagged his finger in her face, “You said you would behave yourself.”
“I’m just kidding.” She handed him another cookie.
He took it, jammed it in his mouth and headed upstairs to get out of his wet clothes and shower.
Starsky emerged from the bathroom wearing a fresh pair of jeans, bare chested with a towel hung around his neck. He opened the bedroom door to finish dressing, Beth was sitting on the bed dressed in pink satin pajamas and white fuzzy slippers. Her hair was wet from the shower she had quickly taken so she could be waiting for him. He stopped in the doorway and stared at her.
Beth had a cookie which she held out to him, “I wanted to apologize again. I didn’t want you to think I was doing it because Samantha was making me.”
Starsky stepped forward and took the cookie, “Good thing your mom is a good cook.” He smiled as he accepted the treat.
Beth grabbed the ends of the towel around his neck and pulled him closer to her. He tried to step back but she had him off balance and pulled him down on the bed.
“This is behaving?” Starsky asked nervously looking toward the door as if he was expecting Billy to come in carrying a shotgun.
“Relax, they are asleep.” Beth put her arms around his neck and kissed him.
Starsky grabbed her arms, pulling them from around his neck. “Will you be good?”
Beth laughed, “You are so easy to mess with.” She pulled the towel from around his neck and swatted him with it, “Get dressed Samantha and Ken are waiting with hot chocolate and more cookies.”
Starsky shook his head at her, “What am I going to do with you?”
“Oh, I can think of a few things.” She tossed the towel at him and danced out of the room.
The next morning when the detectives emerged from their room things were already in full swing downstairs even though it was only 7 a.m.
Large picnic tables were set up in the backyard. Samantha, Beth and Holly were decorating and setting the table along with Will’s sister, Madeline. Betty, Will’s mother, was helping Dorothy in the kitchen. While Will, his dad Chuck, went with Billy to feed the cattle. Then they would be out marking and cutting trees for the next day's rush at the tree lot.
The two detectives emerged from the house, fresh blueberry muffins in hand for breakfast. “What can we do?” Hutch asked as they approached the tables.
Samantha smiled at him as she handed him a handful of silverware. “Good morning!”
He accepted the utensils and began following Holly who was placing napkins at each spot. “How am I doing?”
Holly giggled, “Good job!”
Starsky went around one of the tables where Beth and Madeline were fixing the center pieces. Beth had a pile of colorful leaves and mini pumpkins she was arranging around a large white candle that was sitting on a large golden plate. “Your family never does anything half way do they?” He commented.
“If you think this is something you should come for Christmas.” Beth smiled at him. “Are you still mad at me handsome?”
“Nah, I could never stay mad at you.” He kissed her cheek.
“Good,” She said as she nestled one of the small pumpkins in the leaves next to the candle. She picked up the leftover leaves, “Can you grab the pumpkins? I have a bunch more centerpieces to make. Beth moved down the table to the next candle on a plate. Starsky grabbed the pumpkins and followed.
Samantha also had a hand full of silverware, she had started on the other end of the table, she and Hutch met in the middle. Holly had finished with the napkins, “Now what?”
“Go see if grandma needs anything,” Samantha answered.
Holly was clearly disappointed, she wanted to stay outside, “But mom…”
“You can always get your bath and get dressed.”
“I’ll see if grandma needs something,” Holly said, deciding that was better than getting a bath and wearing a stinky old dress. She liked her overalls better.
“Suit yourself.” Samantha shook her head as she watched her barefoot daughter run to the house, “Put on shoes,” she called after her.
“Nice to be that free,” Hutch said sitting down on the bench.
“She is like me, she would rather be here than in the city. Will tries to bring her out during the school year as much as he can.” Samantha explained. “She is here in the summers and he comes out when he can.”
“Sometimes I think I would like to make a change,” Hutch confessed.
“What kind of change?” Samantha sat next to him.
“Job, mostly, I love California, the Minnesota winters aren’t for me anymore.”
“What would you like to do?” She wanted to know. When he shrugged she asked, “A tree farmer?”
Hutch laughed, “I don’t know a thing about trees.”
“Don’t you like police work?”
Hutch thought for a moment, “I did…I do, it’s just frustrating, Starsk and I get them off the street and the courts put the right back on for us to arrest again.”
“You sound like Beth. I think that is why she acts like she does when she gets home. Her way of letting off steam. I’m just sorry that David was her victim.”
“Victim?” Hutch rolled his eyes. “Don’t let my partner fool you, he loved every minute of it.”
Before Samantha could respond Holly came running around the house. “Mom, there is a tall man in a purple suit and a big hat on the front porch,” she yelled.
“Huggy!” The detectives said at the same time and rushed around the house to greet him.
“Huggy?” Beth questioned.
“He helped put the tree lot together, good friend of the guys,” Samantha told her sister.
“Well don’t just stand there, let's go meet him.” Beth dropped the leaves she was working around the candle.
The three women along with Holly rounded the house in time to see the detectives greet the tall man dressed in purple.
After quick introductions Huggy Bear was ushered into the house and to the kitchen where Dorothy was checking on the turkeys. She closed the oven door and turned to see Huggy, “You made it!” She exclaimed and crossed the room to give him a big hug.
He gave her a huge grin, “Thanks for the invite Miz Dorothy.”
“Too bad you couldn’t have come up with the boys, you might have corralled this bunch.” Dorothy winked at him, “Such shenanigans.”
“Hey, what did we do?” Samantha wanted to know. “That was all Beth.”
“Throw me under the bus!” Beth bantered back.
“I wasn’t the one that tricked David into the pond!”
“I-I…” Beth stopped, she couldn’t deny what she did.
“Are the tables done?” Dorothy asked.
“No ma’am.” Beth answered.
“Then you better get to them.” She ordered. “Holly, you go get cleaned up. Madeline you go help her pick out a dress.”
Betty handed Huggy a muffin and a mug of coffee. “Here’s your chance to relax before the others get there.”
He nodded his thanks as he accepted the mug and muffin. Huggy looked at the detectives a little overwhelmed wondering what he had gotten himself into.
As the day progressed the activity heightened, more people showed up to help. The feast was scheduled to begin at three. There would be no trips to the pond or barn, but Beth and Starsky worked side by side at whatever needed to be done. Samantha and Hutch were busy in the kitchen cutting pies and arranging serving dishes that would hold the food.
Holly and Madeline stood on the front porch to greet guests who arrived taking their contributions of food to the kitchen. Huggy sat at the kitchen table watching the hubbub and staying out of the way even though he had offered to help. He had been told by the lady of the house he was a guest.
Betty and Dorothy had begun pulling out the turkeys, Dorothy looked at the wall clock in the kitchen, it was nearly time to eat and she hadn’t seen Billy, Will or Will’s dad. “Where are you old man?” she grumbled under her breath.
About that time the trio of men came in the back door. “Cutting it close my dear.”
“Sorry, I just wanted to make sure we have enough trees for tomorrow.” Billy winked at his wife. “We better get cleaned up boys!” He spied Huggy sitting at the table, he went over to shake his hand. “Glad you could make it!”
“Thanks for including me, my man!” Huggy jumped to his feet to accept the old man’s hand.
“Will and I will head home and shower.” Chuck told his wife.
“No need,” Betty said, “You both have clothes up stairs.”
“Thanks mom,” Will kissed his mother’s cheek.
By the time the men had cleaned up, the guests were gathered around the tables awaiting the main attraction, a cheer went up as Dorothy came out carrying the first turkey. Bowls of sweet potatoes, green beans, and other fixings followed. Everyone was eager to dig in.
Starsky, Hutch and Huggy sat at the family table as the guests of honor. Billy clinked a fork against his glass to get everyone’s attention. He thanked everyone for coming, and said a quick prayer of thanks. “Let’s eat!” Billy exclaimed.
Samantha sat next to Hutch, Holly was on the other side of her and then Will. Starsky and Beth were across the table from them.
As the meal was wrapping up Samantha asked, “Do you have time for a quick ride before you and David leave?”
Hutch smiled at her but shook his head, “Starsk and I need to get back, gotta be to work early tomorrow.”
She nodded, Samantha was disappointed but didn’t let it show.
“Sorry,” he said softly. He liked the thought of spending time with her but where would a relationship with Samantha go? Hutch glanced across the table at his partner and Beth. She was giggling, probably at something stupid Starsky had said. And he was looking at her all starry eyed. Hutch knew that look all too well. Beth had managed to catch his friend in her web. At least they had a chance since she lived in L.A. He couldn’t help but feel a twinge of jealousy.
“How about a walk before dessert?” Beth suggested.
Starsky looked at her, “I’m not going to the barn.” The thought of showing up in front of everyone covered in hay mortified him.
She laughed, “No barn or pond, just a short walk. Cross my heart.”
The couple walked arm in arm toward a field of pine trees still too young to cut. “It’s beautiful here.” Starsky took a deep breath, breathing in the scent of the pines. “My favorite kind of trees.”
“You really love Christmas don’t you?” Beth asked.
“I do, it’s a magical time of year.”
“I hear that partner of yours, not so much into Christmas.”
“He has finally come around.” Starsky grinned, he had finally worn Hutch down.
“You would love the farm at Christmas. The place is full of lights and garland. We have hayrides, homemade treats and Will’s dad dresses up as Santa on the weekends.”
“How do your folks get this all done?” Starsky asked, amazed.
“Mama splits her time between the farm and the tree lot, my sister stays here, they have help but it’s still a lot.” Beth frowned, “I wish I could help out more. It all falls to my parents and Sammy.”
“Your parents are amazing. I bought my first Christmas tree from Billy and everyone after that.” Starsky put his arm around her waist.
Very softly Beth asked, “Do you think we could see each other when we get back to the city?”
Starsky stopped and looked at her, “I would like that.” Then he kissed her, “I would like that a lot.”
They made their way back to the tables just as slices of pie were being brought out. The couple each grabbed a slice and sat down across from Hutch and Samantha. Holly had run off to play with the other kids.
Will slid over next to Samantha, “Can I talk to you for a minute?”
“Sure,” she said but didn’t move to get up.
“In private?”
“If you want to talk to me, talk.” She said abruptly. Samantha was still angry at him for talking to Hutch.
Will glanced at Hutch then swung his eyes back to Samantha. “My firm is expanding and my boss wants me to head up the new office.”
“That’s wonderful,” She said in an even tone, knowing there had to be more.
“Sammy, it's in New York.”
“Wait just a minute!” Samantha jumped up from the table, her eyes blazing.
Hutch shifted uncomfortably, wishing she had gone with Will to talk in private like he had asked. Hutch looked across the table at Beth and Starsky who were both intently watching Samantha and Will.
Beth had a scowl on her face. “Will, really? You think this is the time and place for this conversation?”
“Let me finish!” Will growled. “I’m leaving Holly here with you.” Samantha stared at Will. “Holly hates living in the city. She would rather be here with you. She will have both sets of grandparents. I already told mom and dad, they will be more than happy to help out any time you need it.”
“But you won’t see her much.” Samantha now looked sad. She knew how much Holly loved her father and he loved her.
“I’ll get back as much as I can. My boss said I can use the company jet anytime I want.”
Samantha put her arms around him for a quick hug, then stepped back. “When are you going?”
“When I bring Holly back for Christmas, I’ll bring all her things. I’m leaving the first of the year.”
“That's so fast.”
Will shrugged. “It is and it isn’t. It has been in the works for a while. I didn’t want to say anything until I knew for sure. I’ll tell Holly later.”
She nodded and sat back down next to Hutch. After Will walked away, he asked, “Are you okay?”
“Yes, he just caught me by surprise.” But she looked stunned. Without another word Samantha got up from the table.
“Samantha,” Beth called to her sister but she didn’t stop. Samantha went around the house and disappeared.
Beth started to get up, “Let me?” Hutch asked.
She smiled at him and nodded. Beth could tell that he cared about her sister.
By the time Hutch got to the front yard Samantha was nowhere to be seen. He started walking down the long driveway. He knew where she had gone.
Hutch found Samantha sitting on the front porch of her under construction home. “Hey.”
She looked up, “Hey.”
“You love him.”
“Yes, but I’m not in love with Will. I told you that.”
“I know what you told me but do you believe it?” Hutch asked.
“He has always been there and now he’s moving clear across the country.” Tears pricked the corners of her eyes.
“Maybe the two of you need to have a heart to heart talk,” Hutch suggested.
“What is there to say?” She shrugged. “I would never tell him not to go. I think I might be the reason he is leaving.”
“I think you are right. So this is your last chance to tell him how you feel.”
“But I love you!” Samantha blurted out.
Hutch smiled at her, “Honey, you don’t know me. We have known each other for four days total? I don’t want to be your ‘someone who is always there’, because Will is gone.”
Samantha looked up at the darkening sky, the stars would be out soon. “I’m sorry if I ruined your Thanksgiving.”
He leaned over and kissed her cheek, “You didn’t ruin anything. This is the best Thanksgiving I have ever had.”
“I’m glad.”
“I better go, Starsk and I need to head back.”
“Is Sammy okay Ken?” Beth asked the moment he walked into the back yard.
“I think so, but she could probably use her big sister right now. She is out at her house.” Hutch answered. Then he turned to Starsky. “Are you ready?”
Starsky looked at Beth, “Yeah, I guess so.”
“I’ll walk you out.” Beth said, taking his hand.
They stopped in the kitchen to tell Dorothy goodbye. They found her loading Huggy up with leftovers and a whole pumpkin pie.
“I didn’t forget you boys,” Dorothy handed Hutch a large bag of food and two pies to Starsky. Then she kissed each one on the cheek and whispered, “Come for Christmas.”
As they passed through the living room they said their goodbyes to Billy. The old man shook their hands and thanked them, along with Huggy, for everything they had done.
They loaded the goodies in the back seat. Hutch looked down the road to see if Samantha was coming to say goodbye but he didn’t see her. He got in the car, while Starsky leaned on the driver's side door talking to Beth. “See you soon?” He asked.
“I’ll call you when I get back to town.” She said giving him a quick kiss, “I better go check on Sammy.”
“Want a ride?”
She shook her head, “Nice night for a walk.”
Starsky watched while Beth walked down the driveway. He got in the car.
“Hard place to leave.” Hutch commented.
“Yeah,” Starsky said as put the car in gear.
Monday Morning
“Hey, Detective Starsky!” Officer Carl Anderson called from the squad room door. “There is a lady looking for you.”
A woman in an expensive navy suit, walked in behind the officer. Her blonde hair was pulled back in a tight bun and she was carrying a briefcase.
Starsky studied her for a moment then exclaimed, “Beth!”
“Hi, David,” Beth grinned. “I had some business downstairs and I thought I would take a chance you would be here. How’s it going Ken?”
“It’s going. How are you?” He asked. He wanted to ask about Samantha, but didn’t.
“Alright, better now.” She flashed a smile at Starsky. Beth sat on the edge of Starsky’s desk. “Bet you didn’t think you would see me so soon.”
“I was hoping.” The dark headed detective said. “I was going to call you tonight. I figured you would be back in town.”
“Got back last night.”
“Have you got time for lunch? I’ll take you over to Huggy’s.”
“I’d love that!”
Hutch concentrated on rolling a blank report into the typewriter and lined up the lines on the page. He was typing out the notes he had taken from a case when he heard a soft “Hi.”
He looked up and was shocked to see Samantha in a flower print dress with a white sweater over it, standing next to his desk. Hutch stood up so quickly he nearly knocked his chair over. “Samantha, what are you doing here?”
She smiled at him, “I…we came to extend an invitation from Mama and Daddy. They…we…I would very much like you and David to come for Christmas.”
Hutch looked doubtful, “Christmas is for family.”
“Silly, haven’t you figured out by now you two are family?”
Hutch looked over at his partner who nodded his approval. “I guess we will be there.”
Samantha impulsively threw her arms around him, “Maybe we could give this a try?”
Hutch hugged her back, “I don’t see why not.”
The End.