Remember WENN and its characters are copyright Rupert Holmes, Howard Meltzer prods and those other guys. Infringement is not intended. The original characters and storylines in the Baby Singer "universe" are copyright Michele Savage.

Thanks to Dani, Diane and Britt for Beta-ing and spot checking my booboos. :-) Diane would like everyone to know that there is no chocolate in this story. Oh.. and there are a couple "hanky moments" :-) Enjoy!! and Merry Christmas to my readers!! And my aforementioned Beta-readers would like to be thanked for beta-reading my "Thanks". :-) (Ha!)

You Make It Christmas: Another Baby Singer Christmas '99.

By Michele Savage

December 24th, 1959

"Bethie! This is a live show and it starts at six-thirty!" Jeff yelled up the stairs. He glanced at his watch and noted the time was nearing five thirty.

A crash was heard from the upstairs bathroom, followed by an "ow!", "Keep your shirt on, Daddy, I'm coming!"

"Princess can't get her hair perfect." Alexander chimed in sarcastically from his bedroom.

"Shut up Alex!" Bethie snapped, then slammed the bathroom door.

Jeff rolled his eyes and walked back into the kitchen where Hilary was setting out hors d'oeuvres, "You sure you don't want to go with us, Darling," he asked as he stole a deviled egg from the platter she was filling.

"I've got a house full of people coming and I'd rather watch Bethie's debut on the television, as it was meant to be seen." She noticed Jeff nibbling at the snacks and smacked his hand, "get out of there."

As Bethie walked past his room, Alexander whistled, "I hate to say this, Princess, but you look pretty decent."

"Thanks," she stopped in his doorway skeptical of the compliment and asked, "so what do you want?"

"Just because I said something nice, doesn't mean I want something." Alex strummed the guitar he was holding, "so you think you could talk dad into letting my band play on the show sometime?"

"Can I be your lead singer?" Bethie walked into the room and asked.

"Well, Matt's already got someone in mind," Alex admitted.

"Diane Sutton?" She guessed knowing Matt Sherwood had a crush on her best friend.

"Maybe."

"Diane is going steady with Joe Marshall; you know that."

"Still that jock?" Alex asked surprised, "I thought they broke up."

"Johnny and I double date with them all the time." Bethie said, "they are most certainly not broken up."

"So anyway, you think you could get the 'Boys on the Pantry Hour?" Alex asked, getting back to the original subject.

Bethie crossed her arms, "I'll ask Daddy. Maybe he could talk to Mrs. Medwick.

"Thanks, Princess," Alex smiled.

Bethie growled and snapped, "will you stop calling me that!"

She left the room and started downstairs, lifting the hem of the maroon crushed velvet gown she wore so she wouldn't trip. She walked through the house and stopped at the kitchen doorway. She watched as her parents flirted with each other and said with a grin, "This is a live show and it starts at six-thirty. We don't want to be late."

Jeff turned and marveled, "you look beautiful, Little Pumpkin."

"You certainly do," Hilary walked to her daughter and began to re-arrange a strand of curly auburn hair hanging down the side of Bethie's face. The rest of her hair was tucked neatly into a French roll with the excess curls flowing from the top of the roll and down to her shoulders.

"Mom," Bethie protested, "I spent a half hour getting my hair just right, could you leave it alone please?"

"Sorry sweetie," Hilary instead hugged Bethie, "You sing beautifully Elizabeth. I'm so proud of you."

"Thanks mama." Bethie hugged her mother back, then stepped away and turned to her father, "so are we going or not?"

Oh, yes." Jeff was startled from the moment, "let's go." He kissed Hilary goodbye and followed his daughter into the dining room. He watched her pick up her coat and car keys. "I'll drive if you want me to."

Bethie laughed, "Daddy, you still don't know what direction the streets go downtown, you are not driving my car!"

Hilary watched them leave, smiling at the teasing argument they were having as they got into Bethie's yellow Chevrolet. She shut the front door and called upstairs, "Alexander could you help me set up a card table and chairs in the dining room before the guests start arriving?"

The lanky sixteen year old bounded down the steps two at a time, "Sure, mom. Where you want them?"

"Set it over there next to the fireplace," Hilary pointed, "thanks, hon."

Alexander set out the table and chairs, then sat in one, "Mom can I ask you a question?"

"Sure sweetie, what?" Hilary sat opposite him.

"Me and the guys have been thinking about driving over to Philly to see if we can get the Steeltown Boys on American Bandstand. Could you loan us some bucks for gas?"

"Why don't you ask your daddy if he'd let you on his show?"

"Bethie said she'd talk to him tonight." Alex said, 'but if we get on the Bandstand we could get national exposure. WENN is just here in Pittsburgh, and honestly old lady Medwick hates rock and roll."

"Alexander Jeffrey don't talk about your elders like that," She got up, walked past him and tapped him on the arm, "especially when they are my age!"

Alex stood, "I never really think of you as old, I mean, you're my mom."

Hilary glared at her son through lowered lids, "keep digging Alex, that grave isn't deep enough yet." She turned on the television set and sat on the couch with a relaxing sigh.

"Sorry," Alex walked past his mother and gave her a quick peck on the cheek, "I'm going back upstairs."

Bethie pulled into the driveway of the old building that still housed WENN. The same studio floor had been converted to a local television station in 1951, thanks to a brainstorm idea of Scott Sherwood's and the death of Tom Eldridge. With his will, Tom had revealed that he had been the principle stock owner since late 1941, and that his shares would be split evenly with the core 'family of WENN'. They still operated as a radio station in the same suite, but had taken over the rest of the floor for the television station.

Bethie walked into the make-up room followed by Jeff. "Hey Aunt Maple," she greeted the woman sitting in the first chair, "Do you know what song we are singing for our duet?"

"Hey Beth, oh gee, you look pretty sharp." Maple complimented. "Hi Jeff," she said as she noticed him standing behind his daughter.

"Are you and Nick coming over to the house after the show?" Jeff asked Maple as she gave her seat up to Bethie.

"Sure. I told Hilary that I'd bring over my turkey salad."

"Mmmmm, sounds good."

"It's in the fridge in the green room at the radio station marked, 'death to the person who eats this', so don't touch it!" Maple threatened with a grin.

The time finally came for the show to begin. Jeff stood, waiting for the commercial for Cup o'Comfort to end. He felt a tap, then recognized his daughter's chin on his shoulder.

"Daddy, I love you," she said as she embraced him, 'but if you call me 'Little Pumpkin' on live television, I may have to hurt you."

He laughed, "now how can I resist an offer like that?"

She turned slightly and kissed him on the cheek, "very simple." She then tightened the embrace. "I'm a little nervous."

Jeff turned then hugged her tightly, "you are a Singer, Little Pumpkin, being on a stage is in your blood. And if you get nervous, just glance over, I'll be right here."

"I do love you, Daddy."

"I love you too, Pun'kin." he replied, then pulled away as the music swelled signaling the beginning of the show. "Gotta go." he said, kissed her quickly, then bounded onto center stage.

Hilary opened the front door to let Scott, Betty and Matt in. "I was beginning to think you'd gotten lost."

"No," Betty walked into the house, "Scott couldn't find his car keys. We haven't missed it have we?"

"No, the show just started," Hilary told Betty as she took a warm pie. "I've got these in the kitchen."

"Alex here?" Matt asked as he stepped into the front door followed by his father.

Johnny Sutton answered from the couch, "he's upstairs."

"Thanks man." the younger Sherwood said as he raced up the stairs.

"Hey Johnny, what's doin'?" Scott sat next to the young man.

"Pretty good. I've got one more year at Penn state, then I'm going to Carnegie-Mellon for Med. school."

"Good for you. Bet that makes Jeff glad, huh?" Scott winked and nudged an elbow into Johnny's side.

"Yeah, that reminds me," Johnny stood, "will you watch for Bethie and let us know when she's on? I need to talk to Mrs. Singer."

"Sure." Scott sat back and chuckled at a Vaudeville type routine that Jeff and Maple were currently doing, "Yep, I'm glad I begged out of the Pittsburgh Pantry Variety Hour."

Johnny walked into the kitchen and gave his mother a glance. She nodded and ushered Betty from the room, leaving him alone with Hilary. "Uhmm, Aunt...er...Mrs. Hila--" he closed his eyes annoyed with himself. "Can I talk to you?"

Hilary stopped what she was doing and smiled at the young man currently stumbling over his own tongue. "Sit down, dear, before you fall down."

"Thanks." he laughed and sat at the kitchen table, feeling a little better.

"What is it you want to ask me?" Hilary said as she approached the table.

"Well, Jeff," Johnny stopped again wanting to be a little more formal, "er, Bethie's father--"

"I'm well aware that Jeffrey is her father," Hilary said as she watched Johnny with amusement.

"I know you know that...I mean.." he dropped his shoulders in defeat and took a deep breath. "Let me start over."

Hilary smiled and lay a comforting hand over Johnny's. "I know what you are trying to say. You were told to wait until she's eighteen and she is now. As far as I'm concerned Mr. Sutton, you've always had my blessing. Talk to Jeff when they get back tonight." Hilary assured, "I have a feeling his answer will be the same as mine."

Johnny bounded out of his seat, "thanks, Aunt Hilary!" He hugged her tightly, "you won't regret this!"

Hilary laughed and hugged the excited young man back, "I'd better not, John Sutton, and that's a threat."

"Hey!" Scott called from the living room. Susan ran into the kitchen, "Jeff's introducing Bethie now."

Hilary rushed out of the kitchen followed by Johnny. The both sat together on the end of the couch closest to the center of the television. "Alex!" Hilary called, hoping he'd come down to watch.

"I'm right here, Mom." he said from the middle of the stairway. Matt stood behind him.

Hilary smiled and turned her attention back to the show.

"...was four years old when she became a weekend regular on WENN radio and now at eighteen, she debuts again on WENN. This time on television. I'd like to introduce my--well, I've been forbidden to call her Little Pumpkin," an offstage annoyed "da-a-ad!" was heard and Jeff laughed, "my daughter, who is now going to kill me, Elizabeth Singer."

She walked onto the stage and grabbed the microphone from Jeff and reared back as if she were going to hit him over the head with it. She laughed and instead gave him a push off to stage right.

Bethie set the microphone back into its stand. She bowed and turned to signal that the band could begin to play.

As her daughter began to sing "Ave Maria", Hilary couldn't stop the proud tear that slipped from her eye.

"She's really something," Johnny whispered, "I really love her Aunt Hilary."

Hilary leaned up and hugged Johnny around the shoulders, "I know you do, sweetie."

"Hilary, has she thought about singing professionally?" Scott asked, his mind already coming up with possibilities.

"She wants to act." Hilary replied, "She hasn't said anything to me about singing."

"She wants to be our lead singer," Alex admitted.

"Yeah!," Matt blurted, then at the answering glare from Alex, amended, "I mean, really?"

"Alexander, why don't you let your sister sing with you," Hilary suggested. "The two of you sing marvelously together, when you can stand each other."

Alex smiled sarcastically and sat on the step, watching his sister sing and mulling over the idea.

Finally the show drew to a close with Bethie and Maple singing a duet to "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas." Hilary and Susan walked back into the kitchen to set out the hors d'oeuvres to last until the rest of the Christmas Eve guests could arrive.

Jeff and Bethie arrived followed quickly by Nick and Maple. Mackie came in, bringing Mr. and Mrs. Foley. Soon the house was noisy with celebrating people.

After the dinner was finally eaten and things began to calm down, Bethie noticed the conspicuous absence of her father and boyfriend. She went into the kitchen and grabbed a dish from Hilary who was washing. "Mom, do you know what Daddy and Johnny are talking about?" Susan, who was drying took the dish from Bethie with a short laugh.

"No. I have no idea." Hilary told her.

Bethie turned to the woman standing on her other side, "Aunt Suzy?"

"Probably the weather." Susan said with a smile. "Oops, Hil, you missed a spot," she said changing the subject.

Hilary took the plate from her best friend, "Thank you Mrs. Sutton."

"Anytime Mrs. Singer."

Bethie looked from one woman to the other, "I hate it when you do that," she said and left the kitchen.

Hilary and Susan laughed. "So would I fit in the "evil mother-in-law category?" Hilary asked.

"Shh!" Susan said, then leaned close to her best friend and whispered into her ear, "you're not evil Hilary. You're just misunderstood."

"Thanks," Hilary said with a chuckle, "I think." She punctuated her statement with a splash of water at Susan.

Once the dishes were dry and put away, Jeff and Hilary gathered everyone into the dining room, near the tree to exchange gifts. Everyone loved the gifts that they received from their gift exchange partner. Bethie squealed with delight when she opened the Elvis Presley album that Johnny had given her.

After all the gifts were opened, Johnny stood and walked to the center of the dining room, "Um, I was gonna wait till tomorrow, but well, with all the family here, I can't think of a better time." He reached his hand for Bethie and pulled her next to him. "Bethie, honey I've been waiting three years to do this." he laughed and pulled the small wrapped box out of his suit coat pocket and handed it to her.

Bethie took the box, realization dawning at what it likely was. She looked at her parents, both of whom were smiling. As she turned her attention back to the box she noticed her mother wipe a tear from her eye. She felt herself begin to get choked up. Once she had the box unwrapped, Johnny took it from her.

He knelt and took her hand. He nervously laughed, "I had this speech all planned and I can't remember any of it now." The random laughter from the rest of the people in the room, helped to bring him back to focus. "Bethie, I don't think I can remember any part of my life that you weren't in. It seems like it's always been Johnny and Bethie. We got into a lot of trouble you and I." When she nodded, he continued, "you used to come over and cry on my shoulder when your dad was in Korea. When anything happened. If your dad wasn't there, you came to me. I'd play games, watch television, do anything to make you smile." When she smiled through tears that were tracking down her face, Johnny said, "Yeah, like that. When you smile your whole face lights up. I love that."

"I think it was sometime when I was in high school, that I realized that I was in love with you. I've been wanting to give you this for three years, but your dad told me I had to wait until you were eighteen and you are now, so Bethie, um..." he took the small diamond ring out of it's case and took a deep breath, "Elizabeth Booth Singer, will you spend the rest of your life growing up with me?"

"Oh, Johnny," Bethie sank to her knees, "of course I will." She let him slip the ring onto her finger, then kissed him.

Applause and cheers and more than a few sniffles rang out and everyone moved in to congratulate and hug the newly engaged couple. Scott pulled Bethie into a bear hug then said loud enough for everyone to hear, "just do yourselves a favor, LizzyB, don't go to Mexico!"

Bethie laughed along with everyone else, "I don't think I'd be allowed to, Uncle Scott."

"Not on your life!" Jeff laughed.

The women crowded around Bethie each wanting to see the gold solitaire diamond. Hilary hung back, letting her daughter have center stage. There would be plenty of time for her own sentiments later. She felt a comforting arm snake around her waist and she leaned into her husband's body. "It's hard to believe she's getting married, Pumpkin."

"I know, darling. I keep seeing her at various ages. I noticed it while watching her sing tonight. It was as if I was watching her grow-up all over again as she sang." Jeff said softly. "My little pumpkin isn't so little anymore is she, Mittens."

"Neither of the kids are." Hilary whispered, "Alex wants to take his band to Philadelphia. He thinks he can get them on American Bandstand." Hilary leaned back and looked at Jeff, "Pumpkin, could you let the Steeltown Boys onto the Pantry Hour?

Jeff thought for a second, "I'll find a place for them. It may not be on Medwick's show, but I'll talk to Scott."

"Thank you Pumpkin, Alexander will be thrilled."

December 25th, 1959

The sun had barely risen Hilary heard a knock and a laugh from outside the bedroom door. She stretched and lifted her head to be able to see the clock over Jeff's side. It read 5:45. She dropped her head back onto the pillow with a groan. "Go away!" she mumbled.

"Oh, come on mom! It's Christmas!" Bethie said with a giggle.

Jeff stirred at the sound of voices and sat. He rubbed his eyes and looked at the clock.

"Why can't you two be like normal teenagers and sleep all day?" Hilary wondered aloud.

"Can we come in or not?" Alex chimed in.

"Well, we're awake. I don't see why not." Jeff replied, much to Hilary's chagrin.

"Good!" Bethie opened the door and both kids bounded into the room with the excitement of six year olds. Bethie hopped into the bed and gave both her parents a kiss. "I have been dying to give this to you!"

"We." Alex reminded.

"Yeah. Anyway," Bethie stated, "It's something special that we designed ourselves and had made. It was my idea."

"It was OUR idea, Princess."

"Stop calling me that!"

"Stop acting like that."

"Alexander...son," Jeff patted him on the shoulder, "If you haven't figured it out by now, she comes by it honestly," he said while nodding toward his none too amused spouse.

"Pumpkin, do you want to live to see our anniversary?"

"Anyway!" Bethie interrupted, before all four of them were arguing. "Alex and I had this made for you." She handed both her parents matching small boxes. She scooted closer to Jeff so she could see his reaction, and Alex moved near his mother.

Hilary opened hers first and gasped when she saw the gift. It was a delicate gold pendant shaped as a pumpkin being held in a pair of mittens. Both encircled in vines, a small pumpkin nested in the leaves on either side. The base of the pumpkin sat on four diamond chips embedded into the gold. "Sweetie, this is beautiful."

"Daddy's is the same thing, but cufflinks." Bethie said. She pointed "the little pumpkins represent me and Alex."

Jeff wrapped his arm around Bethie and hugged her to him, "Little Pumpkin this is perfect. Thank you." He opened his box and promised, "I'll wear these every day."

Hilary rubbed Alexander's back, "Alex, your father has something to tell you."

"I talked to Scott before he left last night," Jeff began, "we've decided that I should move more permanently into the news department. Serious newsmen do not host variety shows. I suggested you for my replacement. How would you and the Steeltown Boys like to work for WENN?"

"Would we!" Alex's face lit up, "and how! Thanks Dad!" Alexander leaned forward and hugged his father, "Do Matt and Wenndel know?"

"It's your band, son. You tell em."

"Can I sing some of your leads?" Bethie asked again.

"Okay." Alex agreed, "but, it's MY band! You won't be the Princess there."

Bethie sarcastically saluted, "Yes your highness."

"Thank you." Alex stood started to leave the room, "as long as we have that straight." He closed the door behind him.

Bethie sighed, "well, guess I'll go start breakfast. Wanna help, Daddy?"

"Sure." Jeff said, "You go on down. I'll be there in a bit."

As the kids left the room, Jeff lay and pulled Hilary down and into his arms. "When did they grow up?"

"It happened so fast," Hilary smiled. "I'd love to have some of that time back; minus a couple wars, of course."

Jeff smiled, "of course." He turned slightly and cradled Hilary's face between his hands. "I love you, Mittens." He lifted slightly and met her lips with a gentle loving kiss.

Hilary settled naturally in his embrace and moved slightly to close the distance between their bodies.

"Da-addy!" A voice was heard from the foot of the stairs, "Are we gonna cook?" She then giggled, "or should I leave you alone for a while?"

Bethie heard something hit the bedroom door, which knocked it completely shut. Then she heard her father yell, "leave us alone!" She laughed and walked into the kitchen. "Hey Alex, you want your eggs scrambled or fried?"

"If you're cooking, I want em from O'Malley's."

"Ha ha!" Bethie sarcastically laughed, "think fast!" She whipped a towel at the back of Alex's hip.

"Ow!" He quickly grabbed the end of the towel as she flipped it again and yanked as she kept her grip on the towel she fell into him. He dropped the material and began to tickle her in spots he knew was vulnerable.

"Stop it!" Bethie laughed, "Aleeex!" She did the best she could do to fight him off then realized that the bacon she'd begun to cook earlier was burning. "Stop!" She said between laughs, "I need to finish cooking!"

"Okay." Alexander let his sister go, "so you need any help Princess?"

"Stop calling me that."