That was an intriguing look at Bodie's past. I'm really enjoying the bite to this, as well, as the sweeter sentiment underneath. And I echo Rebel, I love the way you're adapting Dicken's Carol. This line seems to say it all!

"It's Christmas Eve and you're chatting up a dead girl, Mr. Bodie," Maeve said with the first bit of temper Bodie had been able to coax forth. "Seems to me it doesn't get much more alone than that."