A/N:: This is my annual Christmas fic. It's a one parter. A huge thank you to all the reviewers and readers of my fic over the past 12 months.
December 24th. Christmas Eve. The day before Christmas. The day with many names, yet all meant the same thing. The children were buzzing with excitement, having decorated the tree, along with the rest of the house. They'd helped Jill to make the Mince pies and other culinary delights, all before Gordon's return from work. The house smelt wonderful, like a bakery in full swing.
Now, after a pretty busy day, the children were all tucked up in bed, having been told that Father Christmas won't come until they were fast asleep. After much persuasion, they gave in, heading up to their rooms, settling down for the night. Jill knew they'd be up early the next day, as they always were, the excitement too much. They'd want to open their presents, and see what Santa had left for them in their stockings. Letters to Santa sat neatly on the mantelpiece, in the hope that they'd be read when Santa came down the chimney during the night.
It wasn't long before Gordon returned, having had a busy day at work, seeing to the usual Christmas related injuries and illnesses. Nothing hugely life threatening thankfully. However he was glad to get home, and begin to celebrate Christmas properly. The first thing he noticed was the aroma of cakes, which had filled the hallway.
"Evening love. Can see you've been busy, house smells wonderful". Jill, who'd heard him come in, nodded and smiled, having been keen to surprise him. She had another surprise planned, one which couldn't wait till Christmas day.
"Yes, we've all been busy today, getting things ready for tomorrow." Gordon smiled, knowing that Jill would've done all she could to make things perfect. She loved Christmas as much as he did. They went through to the living room, where Jill had already poured a glass of Gordon's favourite whisky, knowing he'd need it, a much needed comfort. Next to his glass was an upturned envelope. Curious of it's contents, he resisted the urge to turn it over, wondering who it's recipient was.
He was soon joined by Jill, grateful of the opportunity to sit down, without the children looking for their next task, or wondering when Santa was coming. The house was silent; the lights dimmed slightly, the only light coming from the hallway and a lamp in the corner. The house was calm now.
"How was work? Busy I expect." Gordon placed his glass on the table in front of him, leaning back into the sofa. "Busy. Few fractures, 2 alcoholic poisonings, sprained ankle, 1 with food poisoning and a man who mistook a bauble for a biscuit!" Jill couldn't help but laugh, Christmas always a trying time for staff at The Royal.
"Eventful then!" Gordon smiled, before looking lovingly at his wife, who was curled up on the sofa, looking really quite comfortable.
"Gordon... you see that envelope on the table? It's for you." Gordon leant over, picking it up, unsure as to whether he should open it. In the end it was Jill who gave him permission to open it. He did, albeit rather tentatively. Inside was a Christmas card. Nothing unusual there.
He opened the card, only to be met by another envelope. This time it was brown, no writing on it, no indication as to what was inside. He cast another glance at Jill, who nodded, assuring him it was ok to open. He opened it carefully, slightly worried as to what he might find. He pulled out a sheet f white, headed paper, Jill's name printed on one side.
"Go on. Have a look" She moved closer to him, sensing his reluctance. 'Please. For me."
She watched as Gordon unfolded the piece of paper, reading it's contents, a smile erupting on his face as he did so.
"Jill... This is fantastic news. How long have you known?" He couldn't stop smiling, this being the best Christmas present he could want.
"I've known for a couple of weeks. Was waiting till now to tell you. Wanted it to be special."
"It is really special. How far?"
"It's early days. 12 weeks." Gordon was thrilled at the thought of a new, much wanted addition to the family.
He savoured the moment, he hadn't suspected a thing, so this was a complete surprise. Embracing his wife, he smiled, knowing that things were finally looking up for them both. They kissed, albeit briefly, for they had a visitor.
"Tom.. what are you doing up?" Gordon asked, seeing the sleepy child come into the living room, snuggling up on the sofa between Gordon and Jill.
"Couldn't sleep." Jill wrapped her arms round him, while Gordon went to find a blanket, which he placed around them both.
"Merry Christmas darling." Kissing her lightly, he sat down next to his son, who had made himself very comfortable.
"Merry Christmas." She whispered back. Tom was settling down once more, his eyes closing, anticipating Santa's arrival...