TITLE:  ATF/AU:  "Thanksgiving Parade"
AUTHOR:  Lisa
RATING:  PG
Written:  November 2004

DISCLAIMER: Trilogy, MGM, and the Mirish Corporation own The Magnificent Seven characters. They are unfortunately not mine. The only purpose of this story is for entertainment.  No money is being made. 

AUTHOR'S NOTES:  Many thanks to Sarah for betaing!!  You ROCK!! 

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"Thanksgiving Parade"

It was a cool crisp Fall Saturday and a large crowd had gathered for Denver's annual Thanksgiving parade.  ATF Agent Ezra Standish and his date were also among the attendees; both bundled in their coats and scarves as they weaved themselves through the crowds while buying roasted chestnuts and popcorn to snack on. 

"I can't believe how crowded it is," she remarked after munching on some popcorn.

"It does look like the event is quite popular with the locals," replied Ezra while looking around.  "I do believe we should find a location to view the parade."

She nodded in agreement and replied, "Lead the way."  He took her hand and together they found a perfect spot to view the upcoming parade. 

The throng of people cheered as the marching bands and floats began to move past.  She shivered, pulling her coat tighter around her body.  Ezra noticed her actions and moved closer to her; slipping behind her he wrapped his arms around her.  "Cold?" he asked. 

"Just a little," she replied as she glanced back and smiled, her hands moving to cover his which were resting lightly on her stomach. 

"Well, maybe we can fix that," he murmured as he pulled her tighter to him, her body now resting snuggled against his.  Yep, that was definitely doing the trick, she thought, as she felt a warmth spread through her.

"Better?" asked Ezra in a low voice who was equally affected by her closeness. 

"Much," she replied in a soft voice. 

The afternoon was turning out quite well, thought Ezra.  He had his paramour snuggled tightly in his arms as they enjoyed the festive procession, which was coming to an end.  The crowd began to cheer as the last float carrying Santa Claus made its way down Main Street. 

After the last float passed, the crowd began to disperse.  Ezra and his date remained there, waiting for the hordes of people to filter off the sidewalks before they began their leisurely stroll to Ezra's vehicle. 

"That was so much fun," she commented.  "Hard to believe Christmas is just around the corner." 

"It does seem time passes by in a blink of an eye," replied Ezra as he squeezed her hand.  They arrived at Ezra's vehicle and the undercover agent opened the door for his date. 

She stopped short before slipping inside the car and said, "And thank you for keeping me warm."  She leaned forward her lips teasingly brushed against his . . . first once and then twice before settling on his for a slow, deep kiss.  His mouth was firm and warm, the slight stubble on his jaw tickling her skin and she trembled but not from the cold but from desire coursing through her.

He murmured her name as his fingers found their way into her long auburn hair as his lips coaxed and explored her honeyed depths.  When the kiss finally ended, Ezra smiled softly as he replied, "It was my pleasure."