Rosemary lay in bed, her thoughts wandering back to the Christmas party she attended the night before. Many personalities were in attendance: some colorful, humorous, and laid back, while some were a little mischievous, like Dean.

Do their gatherings always have high attendances, or was last night special? It was their Christmas party. Kaye mentioned having to bring a plus one, which would have doubled their numbers.

Rosemary was partially joking when she suggested having a Christmas song relationship. Dean kept twisting the song around, and it got stuck in her head. She didn't know what made her mention the idea, but the group loved it. Their newfound enthusiasm changed the mood in the room. Rosemary's skin tingled when they voted and applied the recommendation to their holiday curriculum.

Conceivably, The Twelve Dates Of Christmas would teach them how to interact with each other, especially with personalities like Grace. Rosemary imagined the poor woman spent the majority of her holidays alone.

The more she thought about the idea, the more it grew on her. Each team could go on twelve or more dates, but twelve of their partnered dates must represent the carol. Thankfully, the teams could interact with each other - as long as they stayed connected to their partner.

Roland, after a quick scan of the room, nominated her to put the teams together because she was new. He figured she had no interest in showing any favoritism. He was right; she didn't.

Kaye eagerly placed her name in the bucket. She was one of the first to do so. Then she went to the other party guest, encouraging them to join her. In high school, it was Kaye who rallied their friends to take part in the school's extra activities. Rosemary chuckled.

Kaye's frienemy Grace didn't add her name. She felt the whole dating concept was silly. With her head held high, she refused to partake in it. Rosemary felt the woman was missing out. It was the chance to make a friend, despite her horrid attitude.

A few others, mainly the plus-ones, chose not to take part in the drawing. The opportunity to add their names to the container ended when the announcements began.

"Times up!" Roland bellowed, capturing the group's attention. He nodded at Rosemary, giving her the nod to go ahead.

"I'm going in!" Rosemary stuck her hand inside the round bowl. Swirling the pieces of paper, she pulled two rectangular strips out of the container, creating the first sealed team.

"Roland Westmore and Grace Alton," she read out loud, choking on the last name.

Someone slipped Grace's name in, regardless of her vocal objections. They didn't care for her attitude, but the group refused to let the woman miss a chance to make a friend. Rosemary saw Kaye smile, and she had a good idea of who the culprit was that put the woman's name in the container.

"Hey! I don't want to be a part of this charade!" Grace exclaimed, her eyes wide. She practically fell out of her seat when Rosemary said her name.

"Come on, Grace! Do something fun for a change. You might make a new friend," Norman persuaded.

"I doubt it." Someone, who sounded a lot like Dean, muttered.

"No..." she lifted her chin, adamantly shaking her head.

"Give it a shot, Grace," Emmett urged, looking her in her eyes.

Rosemary swore she saw several layers of ice melt off the Grinch's heart and puddle at her feet.

"You say you're bored with your life, but you refuse to participate in the group activities. Why don't you do something different? Take a chance. Have some fun." His voice was deep and commanding as he encouraged her to change.

Rosemary felt herself blush. The unique invitation worked on her, and he did not direct her request at her.

He smiled, lighting up his face.

She wasn't breathing.

What is wrong with me? Pull yourself together.

Rosemary noticed several other women with dreamy looks in their eyes, gazing at Emmett.

"Fine," Grace reluctantly agreed, her cheeks turning crimson.

So, there is someone here she likes. I was beginning to wonder why she came to the function.

Rosemary, dipping her hand back into the bucket, twirled the names around.

The awaiting group cheered, urging her to draw the next pair.

"Two guys form the second team," declared Rosemary, noticing several of the guys stiffen.

"Norman Berlin and... Irving Cleave."

Releasing a weighty sigh, the group delivered cheers and whistles for the second team.

"I am a man's man. We ain't going on no girly dates," Irving bellowed.

Everyone erupted into laughter. Rosemary waited for the group to settle down before she continued.

Hal Cope and Ellen Crosby made up the third team.

The fourth team chosen was Anne Curtis and Sam Dolan.

The fifth team contained two females, Vera Gregory and Rosemary's best friend, Kaye Whitfield.

"And just for the record, we are going on girly dates," Kaye announced, setting the group into another fit of laughter.

The sixth team was Loyal Griggs and Dean Jagger, the boisterous ones of the group. The place went wild with hoots and hollers. Loyal and Dean cheered the loudest.

"Sorry guys, I'm now off the market," Loyal teased, blowing Dean a kiss.

Grinning, he dramatically caught it and placed the air kiss in his pocket.

He winked at the group and said, "For later."

Chuckles and whispers flew around the room.

Wally Troy and Edith Lilley made up the seventh team. Hearing the names called, Roland tapped Wally on his back.

"That leaves two pieces of paper," Rosemary withdrew them from the container.

The room fell silent, and everyone leaned in to hear the last team announced.

"The eighth and final team... Emmett Robert..."

Audible sighs of disappointment filled the room. Several women wanted to be his partner.

"Who's his partner?" Grace asked after Rosemary opened the last strip and stood staring at it.

"Well?" Kaye asked with a huge grin on her face.

For the first time in their friendship, minus when she dragged her to the party, Rosemary believed her friend was the devil's daughter.

"Do you want me to read it for you?" Kaye could barely hold her giggles in.

"I've got it. Thank you."

Rosemary double-checked the paper before saying the name; it was still the same. She had hoped a little Christmas magic would have transformed it into another name.

"Emmett's partner is..." she took a deep breath, "Rosemary Sanders!"

While she wasn't looking, Kaye entered her name in the drawing. Rosemary never won prizes; she wasn't upset when she didn't win the door prize, but this was different. Somehow, someway, she was going to make Kaye pay for her meddling. It was funny when it happened to Grace, but not so humorous when it involved her.

At the announcement of the eighth team, cheers erupted, filling the room with thunderous applause. Rosemary blushed, noticing Emmett stiffen. Sensing his displeasure, a lump formed in her throat. To make matters worse, he refused to look at her throughout the rest of the meeting.

"I don't think Emmett cares for me," Rosemary whispered to her friend after the meeting adjourned.

"Just talk to him. Let him get to know you. He will open up," Kaye prompted.

Rosemary sighed.

"I'm going to give my number to Vera. I'll be back." She brushed her hair out of her face, smiled, and walked away.

"Ugh," Rosemary sighed. "Easy for you to say; he appears to like you."

The paired couples swapped phone numbers as soon as the meeting concluded - everyone except for Emmett. He dodged Rosemary whenever she approached his area. While they cleared away all evidence of the dinner party, he chatted with Kaye and Roland, freezing her out.

Why did I let Kaye talk me into coming? This is embarrassing. I'm always left feeling frustrated after her ideas fail.

"It was nice meeting you," Hal told her as he was departing.

"You too." Rosemary turned with a grimace in Emmett's direction.

At least, the majority of the group is friendly.

"Thanks for helping clean up. Most people flee before they have to do any manual labor," Roland joked.

"I don't mind. Cleaning up afterward is when you have the best conversations," Rosemary said.

I wish I had one with my dating partner.

"I don't know where Kaye has been hiding you but make sure you come back for our next meeting," he encouraged.

"I will be back," she blushed.

"Great!" Dean said, coming up behind them. "We need more pretty faces around here."

"I like hot-looking chics!" Loyal winked as she vacated the party.

"Loyal's a superb partner for me," laughed Dean. "Thanks for choosing her for me," he said to Rosemary, following the bouncing redhead out the door.

"It was the luck of the draw," she explained to Roland.

"He knows. He has been trying to hook up with Loyal for a while."

"He got lucky then. I better find Kaye so we can get going." Rosemary said her goodbyes and promised, for the second time, to return.

"Hey! Rosemary, can I speak with you real quick?" Vera asked, hindering her exit.

Emmett offered his arm to Kaye. Rosemary watched the duo disappear out the door. He had a smile plastered on his face that would give the sun a run for its money. His gorgeous blue eyes twinkled with the reflection of his smile.

Not a surprise. Everyone likes Kaye, and from his behavior, Emmett is no different.

Distracted by their departure, she missed Vera's question.

"I'm sorry. Can you repeat that?"

"What is Kaye's favorite color?"

"Green. All shades."

"Does she have a favorite book? Author?"

"The Mortal Instruments series. Cassandra Clare is one of her favorite authors," Rosemary answered.

Do I look like a Kaye encyclopedia? Rosemary, slightly annoyed by the bombardment of questions, wanted to escape.

"What's her favorite movie?"

"It's Christmas. She likes a variety of Christmas shows."

"What does she like to do in her downtime?"

"She does different things: cook, draw, paint, play the piano, and sew."

Unsure of how she would get through the following twelve dates with someone who didn't want to be near her and tired of answering questions about Kaye's likes and dislikes, she excused herself with the truth of being weary. Vera, who said she understood, followed her to her friend's car.

Rosemary's chest tightened when she noticed Kaye leaning against her car and Emmett's right arm resting on the roof behind her. Both were laughing at something he said when the two women appeared in the driveway.

"We finished inside," Rosemary said, joining them.

Emmett's smile froze when their eyes connected.

"I will talk to you some other time. I may need help to plan my dates for Kaye," Vera said.

Turning to Kaye with a smile bright enough to outshine the moon, she said, "I will call you tomorrow to plan our first date." She waved before climbing into her car and driving off.

At least she is trying to get information so she can make their dates enjoyable. My partner has all the characteristics of an igloo. Rosemary's hands hurt from her nervous wringing of them.

"I'll wait in the car," Rosemary said, picking up on the awkward pause in their conversation.

She was preparing to open the passenger door when she heard Kaye ask Emmett if they had exchanged phone numbers. Rosemary tossed a look of horror in Kaye's direction. Emmet glanced over his shoulder, replying with a no.

Hoping to dodge Kaye's plan, Rosemary tried to hide inside the car.

"Rosemary, Emmett needs your phone number. Come join us," she called, beckoning her friend over with a wave of her hand—a secret smile playing in the corner of her mouth.

Removing her phone from her bag, she glanced at the couple watching her.

She has pushed our friendship tonight. Our ride home should be pleasant. She thought an orange shirt was fight-worthy, wait until I recall her poor choices tonight. I bet she says it was in the name of friendship.

Getting Emmet's phone number is going to be like pulling teeth. I'd rather go to the dentist's office. Painting a smile on her face, Rosemary advanced slowly.

"By exchanging numbers, you can plan your dates," Kaye said enthusiastically.

Rosemary smiled. Mentally, she sent warning messages to her friend. Her ESP must have missed her because Kaye continued on.

"I haven't introduced you yet, have I? Rosemary, this is Emmett. Emmett, meet my friend Rosemary." Kaye grinned from ear to ear.

"Hello, Emmett," Rosemary greeted him.

"Hello," he returned, meeting her gaze.

He laboriously sighed as he entered Rosemary's number into his phone.

Pursing her lips together, Rosemary glared at her friend.

Entering the last digit, Emmett called her phone, thereupon giving her his number. Looking at Kaye, he said goodbye. Then nodding in Rosemary's direction, he made a hasty retreat.

"He's shy. He will open up as he gets to know you. Give him a chance," Kaye pleaded before she had the opportunity to yell at her.

Well, he's lucky to have me as his partner. If partnered with someone else, he'd never get close to Kaye. She prepared herself for a night of Vera-like questions- all about the Kaye.

Rosemary fumed, thinking about Emmett's actions from the night before. Throwing her covers off, she went about getting ready for her day.

The warm relaxing shower eased her tight muscles and washed away her anxiety. She leaned against the shower wall, allowing the soothing water to flow over her back and trickle down in a winding waterfall.

Ding
(Emmett) He's up early.
Lady Gomme wrote in 1898 -' The Twelve Days' was a customary Christmas game played at a friend's house.

"Okay." Rosemary dressed in jeans and a t-shirt.

He doesn't speak to me, and now he wants to send me Christmas facts? Rosemary shook her head at the strange behavior.

Ding
(Emmett)
A lady starts the game by singing the first line of The Twelve Days of Christmas in a high, clear voice. The person sitting beside her takes up the second line, then the third follows, and so on. At first, the group sings gently, but before reaching the twelfth day, the entire circle joins in with stentorian (their word, not mine) noise and incredible enjoyment.

Days? Is he implying he wants to sing the song during each of our dates?

Pulling the eggs from the refrigerator, she laughed.

I can't sing.

Ding
(Emmett)
Keeping to the rules of the song, the lady goes first. How do you feel about planning our first date?

Great! I'd rather plan the second date. I don't have a problem with the man going first.

Rosemary broke an egg into the frying pan.

Ding
(Rosemary)
Do you have any suggestions?

Flipping her egg, she added some seasonings and laid a slice of cheese on top.

Ding
(Emmett)
I'll leave it up to you.

She placed the egg between two slices of bread.

I don't even know what his interests are. How can I plan a date that will be fun for both of us?

Glancing at her watch, she'd think about it later. Right now, she needed to get to work.

I tried to ask Kaye what his interests were, but she did not know! She wasn't much help. I hope Vera does well with the information I gave to her.

Rosemary dropped her breakfast sandwich in a baggie; she'd munch on it as she drove.

She loved being a nanny. It wasn't her first job choice, but she fell in love with the family. Nancy, her boss, hired her before the twins were born; four years later, she was still their nanny. When they hurt, it was Rosemary they ran to for comfort.

Their mother, feeling guilty about the time she spent away from her kids, overindulged them. When their mother spent time with them, they treated her like a playmate. Rosemary was often the voice of reason and discipline.

They obeyed Rosemary, and it was a good thing because Nancy was pregnant with her third child, offering Rosemary job security for a few more years. Nancy, who was due soon, planned on taking a week off after the baby was born. She made a request for Rosemary to continue with the twins so she could bond with the baby.

One minute the thought of having a new playmate excited the twins, and the next, they were upset they'd have competition for their mother's affections. Rosemary did her best to reassure them their parents loved them and still would after the baby arrived.

"You will still love us, won't you?"

"Always and forever."

Nannying is the most rewarding and challenging job she'd have ever had. She watched over several children and learned a lot about her parenting style through babysitting. She found that once you realized what worked for you and the kids; it was much easier to do the job. The twins were fun to take care of, and they made her life enjoyable.

Nannying was much more than a few hours spent with the twins each day. For Rosemary, nannying was about being a role model for the children. Even though they weren't biologically hers, she loved them as if they were.

Taking advantage of their nap time, Rosemary searched the internet for date ideas for her first holiday date with Emmett. She wanted to make it exciting and unforgettable. She searched and searched until she found a play constructed around the Christmas song; the only day available was Sunday.

She sent Emmett a text to see if he could make it. Then she called Kaye; Rosemary didn't want to be alone with him until they were comfortable with each other. Right now, he could hardly look at her.

"I am glad you answered. I came across a play, 'A Partridge in a Pear Tree.' The play's constructed around the gifts of the twelve days of Christmas. It is the story of how a young lady marries Simon, a bird seller, while battling with her scheming, overbearing mother. They sing the Christmas carol throughout. It's a Lowell Swortzell's play," Rosemary read the article's description of the play.

"Love it! We can't wait to join you and Emmett. Vera will enjoy it. She loves attending plays. It's eixciting, and I get to be with my best friends while on a date."

"It was this or visit a zoo to check out their bird exhibit," Rosemary confessed.

"Several of the teams are going to the zoo. I'd rather check out the play. Zoos are cold and dirty this time of year."

Rosemary loved petting zoos. Kaye was the opposite and complained whenever invited to join the twins' on their field trips to the farm. The outings stressed her. She whined for days about the farm fresh smell lingering on her clothes.

"I am glad you agreed to join us."

"Thanks for inviting us. Finding something for us to do, other than the zoo, was difficult."

"I have to go check on the twins. They're too quiet."

The house was silent. The twins were getting into something they had no business being in. One day, Rosemary left her purse unattended, and Barrie went through it. She found her empty makeup bag on the kitchen table. Chase paraded into the kitchen, where Rosemary prepared a snack for them, looking like a clown. There was more eyeshadow on him than Tammy Faye ever thought of wearing.

At the sight of them, Rosemary froze. What in the world?

Chase's cheeks were brighter than landing lights for planes. Rosemary took a picture and sent it to his mother.

Nancy, who thought it was hilarious, reimbursed Rosemary the money to replace her makeup. They day she went shopping, she found several items on sale. Having a couple of dollars left, Rosemary went to the dollar store and bought children's makeup for Barrie. Delighted to have a makeup bag like her mother and nanny, Barrie squealed with joy.

Rosemary invited some of Barrie's friends to a makeover party to teach them how to apply makeup.

"See you! Kiss the twins for me," Kaye said.

"Barrie! Chase!" Rosemary called, heading upstairs.

The day of the play arrived, and Rosemary's stomach fluttered throughout Sunday service. Starting focused on the sermon proved difficult, her mind wandered to what to wear on her date. She wanted everything to go smoothly, so she could impress Emmett. The sensation of butterflies dancing in her stomach plagued her as she chose an outfit. The river dance in her gut affected her decision-making.

Eating a couple of saltine crackers, she hoped to settle the hyper-active butterflies in her stomach. The dry crackers didn't help. The butterflies continued their assault as she prepared for the Christmas play.

Maybe tonight, Emmett and I can have a conversation.

We are both friends with Kaye, I hope her presence will ease our anxiety. We'll see.

Preposterous butterflies. Why Can't you let me be?