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Elizabeth woke slowly on Christmas morning, curling into Will as he slept soundly beside her. She stretched and felt Fenway move at the foot of the bed, smiling when he made his way toward her.
“Merry Christmas,” she whispered, petting him gently and smiling when he settled on top of the comforter in the small hollow of space between her stomach and Will's back. Will stirred a bit, and she watched as Fenway focused on Will's head, getting ready to pounce, until she reprimanded him.
“No, you're not doing that this morning. Let him sleep.” She gave the kitten a soft nudge. “Scoot, troublemaker.” Fenway, obviously displeased at having his playtime thwarted, jumped from the bed and left the room.
Elizabeth pressed up against Will and lightly kissed his back and shoulders before laying her cheek against his warm skin. He stirred more, and she slid up in the bed a little so she could reach his ear. She draped her arm over his waist and rested her hand on his stomach, lightly stroking it, and when she kissed his neck and then nibbled his earlobe, he jumped slightly.
“Good morning,” she whispered.
He lifted his head and turned to peer over his shoulder at her, and then rolled over to face her. “Good morning,” he said sleepily.
He buried his face in her neck, kissing her there and entwining his legs with hers. She didn't say anything for a moment, just continued to lazily stroke his back, and she could tell he was drifting off again. Her hands glided over him with a featherlight touch, up to his shoulders and into his hair, and she massaged his scalp lightly, knowing how much he loved it. She felt his lips against her neck and hooked one leg over his hip.
He lifted his head and stared at her, one eyebrow quirked. “Well. Merry Christmas.”
She hitched her leg up higher on his hip and pressed her breasts against his chest. “Merry Christmas.” Her hand moved under the sheets to stroke him, and when his body quickly responded, she grinned. “I see you're ready for the holiday.”
“I am. I come bearing gifts.”
She bit her bottom lip. “Better yet, you bear gifts that come.”
His jaw dropped. “Elizabeth Rose Bennet!”
“Did I offend your delicate sensibilities?”
He growled playfully. “Not at all.”
“Good, because I have to know—is that that a yule log, or are you just happy to see me?”
He cracked up and she laughed, enjoying this moment of silliness. The day ahead was full of uncertainties, but this little bit of time between them, this respite from the outside world, was full of nothing but certainties and truths and love—a tremendous amount of love.
“Merry Christmas, Lizzy,” he whispered.
“Merry Christmas, Will. I love you.”
He gently rolled her onto her back and hovered over her, looking down into her eyes. “I love you too.”
They made love tenderly and slowly, basking in the emotions that swirled between them, bringing them closer and binding them together. Afterward they dozed lightly, wrapped up in each other, as the snow began to fall once again.
* * *
Christmas festivitiesat their home had been well under way for over an hour. The Bingleys had arrived a short time ago, around the same time that Lydia had arrived with Mr. and Mrs. Bennet. Georgiana and Matt had come over early, making their way across the snow-covered back lawn and offering their assistance with Christmas dinner and anything else that needed to be done. So far, everything was going well—until Jane pulled Elizabeth aside and asked to talk to her privately.
“What’s going on? Is something wrong?” Elizabeth asked as she led Jane into the office and closed the door behind them.
“No, nothing is wrong,” Jane answered, and pulled a small, festively wrapped gift from behind her back. “I–I have something for you, and I wanted to give it to you in private, that's all.”
“What’s this? We haven’t exchanged gifts in ages.”
“You’ll understand when you open it.”
It took only a moment to pull the paper off, and at first, Elizabeth was puzzled by the tiny white bib, until she read the words embroidered in green thread across the front.I Love My Auntie. Elizabeth looked at her sister with wide eyes.
“Are you–are you pregnant?”
Jane nodded and smiled widely, her eyes shining.
