Chapter Four- Christmas Eve

I couldn't believe it was Christmas Eve. Berlin was so magical in the snow. During the day, we took Anthony around the Christmas markets. Dan had hot mulled wine while Anthony and I had hot cocoa. We bought some pretty hand-made gifts to take back with us for family and friends. All in all, it was a very enjoyable day. Every now and then, I would smile widely when I thought to what was going to happen that night. Once Dan caught me as I smiled.

"What are you smiling at?" he asked, taking my hand as we walked along a street lined with wooden huts and Christmas smells.

"I've got a surprise for you later." I replied simply.

His eyes lit up and I kissed him gently on the lips. "Easy tiger!" and I smiled.

We found an English crib service at a church earlier in the week and we made our way there. Anthony sat on his daddy's knee and paid close attention. It was a lovely service and really got me in the mood for Christmas. We had dinner out and Anthony gave us a lovely retelling of the nativity story. He struggled to say Frankincense so it because Frankie-sense instead. He also told us that if he had gone to visit the baby Jesus he would have taken a blanket and cuddly toy so that he had something soft to hold against the straw.

We headed home earlier than usual that night. This was partly due to the fact that Anthony really needed an early night but also because we had been telling him since the end of November that Santa wouldn't come unless he was asleep in bed early. So we got home, bathed Anthony and made some hot cocoa. We left some in a cup for Santa next to a plate with a mince pie, a biscuit and a carrot. Anthony left a note for Santa and then Dan took him to bed. I went over to the tree and found the little square shaped envelope that I had wrapped up for Dan. I placed it on the mantelpiece and was just about to join Anthony and Dan for story time when Anthony came running out of his bedroom.

"Mummy, mummy!" he called.

"What? What is it?" I said, crouching down to his height.

"Mummy…" he said breathlessly, "We forgot something!"

"What did we forget?" I asked.

"My stocking!" he said.

I smiled. "Oh yes! So we did." And I unhooked his stocking from over the fire and gave it to him. Dan and I followed him into his bedroom where he placed his stocking at the end of his bed. We read him his story and kissed him goodnight. As we were leaving his little voice asked:

"Daddy, Santa knows where to find me, right?"

"Yes, son, he got your letter, remember?"

"I know but what if he forgets and he takes my presents to London and I'm not there and there's no mince pie or cocoa for him?"

"Anthony, he knows where you are. Santa knows everything and he doesn't forget. But he won't come unless you fall asleep."

"Ok, daddy. I love you." And he settled back against the pillows and closed his eyes.

"I love you too, son, I love you too." And Dan shut the door.

Dan and I sat in front of the fire, just talking away for a few hours. Then Dan looked at me around 11pm and said, "I believe you had a surprise for me, Mrs Holmes."

I smiled. "Sharp as ever, Mr Holmes. Have you been taking lessons from Santa?"

"Now that would be telling!" and he winked. "Speaking of telling, this surprise…"

I got up from the sofa and went over to the mantelpiece and got the little envelope. I walked back over to the sofa and sat back down.

"Happy Christmas!" I said, softly as I handed it to him.

He looked confused but opened it anyway. Inside was a Christmas card. I had written on the envelope of the card: To my Daddy. I can't wait to meet you in May. Lots of love your little Peanut! Xxxx

I'll never forget the look on Dan's face as he looked up at me.

"Are we… are you… are we pregnant?" he asked, smiling widely.

I nodded, also smiling. "We are!"

"Oh!" he said, tears welling in his eyes.

"Open the card." I told him.

Hands shaking, Dan opened the back of the envelope. The Christmas card has a little snowman on it set against a background of snow. Dan opened the card and let out an audible gasp when he saw the photo inside.

"Oh Abigail," he sniffed, holding the picture, "This is the best gift of all."

I snuggled back into him. "You're welcome!" and I laughed.

"I don't half love you, Abigail Holmes."

"I love you too."

We went to bed not long after that. We made sure that Anthony's stocking presents were assembled neatly in his room and we fell asleep in the comfort of each other's arms.

Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.