Michael threw back his head and laughed as LJ wrapped the handmade scarf around his neck. Sara elbowed him softly as she shot him a look. But then grinned and shook her head.

The scarf was blue and gray making their nephew's eyes glow. Sara had worked hard on making the scarf, but had admitted herself that she shouldn't give up her day job. The scarf was crooked in some areas and it wasn't knitted tightly enough in others. Still its the thought that counts thought Michael as reached to squeeze Sara's hand.

Michael grinned as LJ stood suddenly and began to strut dramatically as he modeled his Aunt's creation. Everyone laughed as he sucked in his cheeks like a super model and turned his head one way and then the other. LJ fought to keep his serious expression and continued to strut in front of the Christmas tree before falling back on the sofa joining in their laughter.

LJ who was now 18 was home on holiday break from college. Michael looked at his nephew smiling proudly. He knew that after everything LJ had been through it was a miracle the boy was so well adjusted.

At the sound of the baby crying Michael looked to see Veronica scoop up his beautiful niece and bring her to her bosom. He then looked to his wife and saw the pain there as she too watched the exchange between mother and child.

Michael and Sara had been trying to conceive for almost a year. They were still trying, but he knew sometimes Sara felt hopeless. He would try to tell her that she just had to have a little faith, that it would happen when the time was right, but she would look at him with her beautiful brown eyes full of tears, and it killed him that he couldn't give her the one thing that was missing in their lives.

Michael looked to see Lincoln studying him and smiled at his big brother.

Linc of course was well aware of their fertility issues and Michael knew he felt bad for them.

"Shhh", cooed V as she rocked her crying baby daughter.

"Its okay Lizzie, shhhh". The baby quieted and V looked up beaming.

Motherhood certainly suited her, Michael thought as he smiled at his brother's lovely wife. She was glowing brighter than the Christmas tree.

Lincoln and V had decided to name their Daughter after the two brother's mother.

Michael found himself thinking of the very first time he had held little Elizabeth. She was so pink and new; so amazingly alive.

Standing there looking down at Lizzie that day in the hospital, Michael had choked up as the realization of her existence hit him.

She was possible because of him. Lincoln had looked over at him as Michael held his niece and he had known his brother was thinking the same thing. The two brother's had stared at each other with tears in their eyes, no words needing to be spoken.

Now Michael pulled himself from his thoughts and rose from the sofa.

"I think I need some more eggnog… Anyone"? He asked as he looked around at his family.

After everyone agreed that more eggnog was in order, Michael and Sara headed into the kitchen. When they were safely behind the closed door, Michael pulled Sara into his arms. She sighed and rested her head on his shoulder.

"You okay"? He asked gently as he stroked her back.

Sara pulled away a little and looked at him smiling softly.

"Yeah, it's just kind of hard to watch V with little Lizzie", she replied looking down.

"Hey"? Michael said softly as he eased her chin up. Sara met his eyes questioningly.

"It'll happen, Sara. I promise it'll happen for us too".

Michael leaned his forehead against hers, praying that he was right.

TBC?

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