Disclaimer: Nothing from the show is mine.
A/N: It's Christmas in July, LOL! Enjoy, and please review!
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Kate Watson Lestrade woke on Christmas morning to the sound of her alarm clock. She leaned over to turn it off, her husband obligingly loosening the arm around her waist so that she could reach. She rolled over to face him, bending down for a kiss.
"Merry Christmas."
"Merry Christmas, darling." Gabriel yawned. "Though I think there's something inherently wrong about being awakened by the alarm on a Christmas when I don't have to work."
Kate laughed. "I agree, but I was afraid if I didn't set it, I'd oversleep and dinner wouldn't be ready on time."
"Good point." He stretched, running a hand over his face.
Kate had to smile at the sight: Gabriel's hair was delightfully rumpled, chin prickly with morning stubble, and brown eyes bleary with sleep. She couldn't resist leaning over for another kiss before getting out of bed.
After breakfast, the couple took a few minutes to exchange presents before getting ready for the day. Kate opened hers first and discovered a fire topaz pendant on a gold chain. It would go perfectly with the earrings Gabriel had given her for her birthday.
"It's beautiful! Thank you."
"I thought you'd like it."
Kate watched closely as Gabriel turned his attention to the package she handed him. She was certain he'd like it, but was eager to observe his reaction nonetheless.
He smiled as he opened the box to find a silver dress watch. It was obviously high quality. He looked up to thank Kate and found her smiling mysteriously.
"Look on the back."
Gabriel did so and found an engraved inscription: Merry Christmas, my silver fox. I love you. Your Kate.
"Thank you, darling."
"I thought you could use a nicer watch for more formal occasions."
They shared another kiss, cleaned up the wrapping paper, and moved into the kitchen. Kate retrieved the recipes she would be preparing, and began laying out the ingredients. Once everything was cooking, she hurried upstairs to take a quick shower and get ready.
She left her hair down, curling it and pinning it back from her face with rhinestone pins. She wore a pair of black jeans and an emerald green jumper, put on her new pendant and fire topaz earrings, and went back downstairs to check the food.
As Gabriel passed her on his way to shower and shave, he paused. Kate glanced down at her outfit.
"What? Something wrong?"
"No. Actually, you look gorgeous."
She grinned. "Thanks."
Kate had told John and Sherlock that dinner would be ready around six. She was a little surprised the consulting detective had accepted her invitation. John had jumped at the chance of not having to see his estranged sister, mentioning how awkward things had been when they'd gotten together the year before.
She spent the next few hours keeping an eye on the food, preparing the pudding, and reading. When Gabriel came downstairs in gray trousers and a dark blue shirt, wearing his new watch, Kate occupied a good ten minutes admiring him.
The doorbell rang at five-thirty. To Kate's surprise, Sherlock contributed a bottle of very good wine for the meal. While they waited for dinner to be ready, they exchanged gifts.
Kate had gotten John a jumper, the warm cable-knit kind he favored. For Sherlock, she'd chosen a subscription to a new online science magazine. Both men seemed pleased with their gifts; Sherlock even smiled when he thanked her. She had to chuckle when she saw what John had gotten Gabriel: a scarf in the Watson clan tartan.
"If I'd thought about it, I would have gotten one for you last year," the doctor grinned. "Consider it a late welcome to the family."
Kate opened her gift from John to find a pair of very nice leather gloves. They weren't bulky, and so wouldn't interfere with her ability to use her phone or write. John shrugged modestly when she thanked him.
Leaving the men to deal with the wrapping paper and boxes, Kate went into the kitchen and began setting out the food.
"Were you planning to eat tonight, Sherlock?" she called.
"Hmmm, I don't have a case, and it is a holiday, so I suppose I will."
Kate was pretty sure she heard John muttering something about miracles really happening, and hid a smirk as she set the table. Glancing around to ensure she hadn't forgotten anything, she stepped back into the living room.
"All right, you lot, time to eat."
Gabriel opened and poured the wine, and offered a toast. Then they all filled their plates and tucked in. The roast beef, Yorkshire pudding and trifle were delicious. Kate was relieved everything had turned out well.
"Delicious," John reached for a second helping.
"Thank you," she smiled. "Glad you're enjoying it."
Later, as their guests prepared to leave, Gabriel remembered something. "Hold on a second, Sherlock. Got an extra gift for you, so to speak."
He disappeared into the office and returned a few moments later with several folders. Sherlock's eyes brightened.
"Cold cases?"
"Uh-huh."
"Excellent! This should give me something to do until the criminals recover from the holidays."
Kate noticed John mouthing an enthusiastic 'thank you' to Gabriel over Sherlock's shoulder. She ducked her head to hide her grin as she walked with them to the door.
As Gabriel helped her clean up the kitchen and put away the leftovers, he commented, "That wasn't so bad. And the food was marvelous, love."
"Thanks. I'm just glad it went well."
"It did; better than I thought it would."
Kate laughed. "You and John get along great. And admit it, Sherlock's the annoying younger brother you never had."
"The key word being 'annoying'."
She laughed harder, leaning over to kiss his cheek. "I'm done in; I'm going to bed."
"Good idea."
As she snuggled happily into her husband's embrace, Kate wondered what the New Year would bring. Whatever it was, it couldn't be much crazier than this one!