"Make sure you pack this, Penelope," Erin said as she handed a dress bag over to her. "There's one in there for you and me. We have to wear them on Boxing Day."
"What's happening then?" Penelope asked as she gently folded the garment bag and placed it in the large suitcase.
"You'll find out soon enough. Is there anything else left to pack?"
Penelope shook her head as she shut and latched the case. "I'll go load this into the car and then we can get going. The train leaves in what, two hours?"
"Yes. Paul said he'd drop us off at the train station. He and Karen will meet us in New York for Christmas. I just wish Annie had been cleared to fly, then we could have all been together for the holiday."
"She can come for the twins' birth. Then we can meet her daughter as well." Penelope went to lift the suitcase when Erin stilled her hand.
"Let Paul get that. I don't want you to do too much." Penelope nodded and Erin wrapped her arms around her waist, splaying her hands over the tiny rise that was forming there. "You and the babies are the most important thing in my life right now, and I want to keep you safe."
"And you are the most important thing in my life." Penelope turned and kissed Erin sweetly. "Now go tell Paul we're ready to head out. I know we'll be a little early, but I want to make sure we don't miss the train." She kissed Erin once more and wriggled out of her light grasp. Penelope watched Erin leave the room. Moments later, she returned with Paul and he picked up the large suitcase, carrying it down the stairs while they followed with smaller cases over their shoulders.
"Is this the last of it, Mom?" Paul asked as he placed the three bags in the trunk. Erin nodded and he sighed in relief. "You know you're only going to be gone a week?"
"Yes, but what a week. I made certain we were prepared for every possibility," Penelope replied.
"Every possibility?" he teased, smiling at her.
"Well, within reason. Are you ready to head out?"
"Of course." They all got in the car and Paul turned up the Christmas music while Penelope snuggled into Erin. The drive was slower than usual, since a fine dusting of snow was covering the roads, but Paul got them to the station with plenty of time. While Penelope bought the tickets, Erin and Paul loaded the luggage where it needed to go. Erin handed her her purse and they got on the train, waving at Paul as it pulled away from the platform.
The three hour trip went by quickly, though Penelope found herself heading to the bathroom a few times as her stomach rebelled against the motion of the train. Erin was there by her side each time she threw up, holding her hair back and getting her water to wash her mouth out with. "Is the entire pregnancy like this?" she asked as she got up from in front of the toiled for the fourth time.
"Not usually. Morning sickness goes away by the fifth month, or at least it did for me," Erin replied as they went back to their seats.
"Good," Penelope said as she curled up best she could into Erin. Both ignored the looks they got from some of the other riders at their familiarity. "After we check in, our first order of business is the Empire State Building, right?"
"Yes, I bought tickets in advance, and they're in my purse already."
"Wonderful." She rested her head on Erin's shoulder, looking out at the scenery passing by. Finally, the conductor announced that Penn Station was only twenty minutes away and Penelope sighed in relief. She felt her eyes flutter closed and smiled as Erin pushed a stray chunk of hair from her face. "Will you massage my scalp?"
"Of course." Erin buried her fingers in Penelope's hair and gently massaged her head. "Does that feel better, my peacock?"
"Yes," she purred, relaxing further into Erin. The next thing she knew, the train was stopping and Erin was prodding her up.
"Up you get, princess. Take my purse; I'll go for our luggage." They tramped off the train and Penelope turned to watch Erin claim their bags. Setting the luggage by Penelope, Erin turned to scan the crowd, looking for someone. "Ah, there he is," she said as she raised her hand, waving someone over.
"Erin Strauss?"
"Yes."
"Are these all your bags?"
"Uh huh." The man shouldered the two smaller bags and picked up the larger case.
"Follow me please, ladies." They trailed after him out to a waiting limo. He helped them inside and then loaded the trunk with the baggage. As he got in, he turned and asked, "The Plaza, right?" Erin nodded and the limo moved smoothly into traffic. Penelope fiddled with the knobs on the radio until she heard Christmas music begin to softly play.
"We're here, my dove," Penelope whispered as she scooted closer to Erin. Erin wrapped her arm around Penelope, pulling her close.
"A week of holiday bliss before we go back to our lives."
"And then three weeks until our one year anniversary. So much has happened to us in such a short time. I'm so happy." She paused and entwined her fingers with Erin's. "No, not happy, so much as content. When Gideon was here, he mentioned something that's stuck with me. Even though I still wear the loud clothes, I feel so much more grounded, my love. You've given me such stability that I never knew was possible to have in this chaotic life we lead." She turned her head and kissed Erin's cheek softly.
Erin sighed. "Contentment of the highest degree – who'd've thought we'd find it together?" They fell silent, watching the New York skyline pass by. Soon, the driver was stopping in front of the Plaza and helping them out of the limo. A doorman collected their luggage while Erin led Penelope inside. Penelope looked around at all the festive decorations while Erin checked them in.
Once Erin had the room keys, a bellhop took over the handling of their bags, disappearing into a side elevator while they waited for the main one. "What floor are we on?"
"Nineteen. We're in one of the Rose Suites."
"That sounds lovely." They stepped onto the elevator and Erin pressed the button for their floor. By the time they arrived, the bellhop had opened their door and was putting their bags inside the suite. Penelope dug out some money and handed it to the young man, who nodded politely. They hardly noticed him leave as they looked around the suite.
"I'll hang up the garment bag and then we can head out."
"Sounds perfect, Erin." Penelope took a seat on one of the plush chairs. Humming absently, she rubbed her stomach as she waited for Erin. At their last check up, Dr. Liggett had detected both heartbeats, much to their joy. "Good afternoon, Alan, Elinor. Mommy is going to tell all of New York City just how much she loves your Mother. Okay, so not many others besides who happens to be on the observatory deck with us will hear me, but that's all right. As long as Mother know Mommy loves her, everything will be perfect."
"Mother does know that. Are you ready to go?"
"Yes, let's head out." Penelope held out her hand and Erin helped her stand. "Can we take the stairs down? The elevator made me a little queasy." Erin nodded and they went into the hall, looking for the stairwell. Once they were in the lobby, the doorman hailed them a cab and Erin asked the cabbie to drive them to the Empire State Building.
"And take the scenic route, please. We're not in a hurry to be anywhere," Erin added. The cabbie looked back at them in surprise and she nodded. "Honestly, it will be fine."
"Anything you want, ma'am," he said, his accent liltingly beautiful. "Would you like me to tell about the city as we go?"
"If you would," Penelope eagerly replied as she settled back into the seat. His voice soothed her somehow, and she found herself seeing the city through his eyes. When they arrived at their destination, Penelope pulled out some money to pay the man, including a handsome tip. "Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays to you and your family."
"And to you as well, ma'am," he replied, smiling at both of them. Arm in arm, they entered the building and Erin pulled out their tickets, enquiring with a worker as to where they should head. She directed them to the correct place, and they got in line, waiting to be taken up to the eighty-sixth floor. They were crammed into the elevator with a lot of other people and Penelope found herself turning in to Erin, almost clinging to her.
"Are you all right?" Erin whispered in her ear as she wrapped an arm around Penelope's waist, drawing her close.
Penelope nodded and buried her head in Erin's shoulder. "I'm trying to focus on you right now. I don't know why elevators are affecting me like this. Do you think it could be the babies?"
"It might be. Riding in cars set off my stomach when I was pregnant with Annie. It went away by the fourth month with her. We'll have to have some ginger ale sent up to the suite tonight." Finally, the elevator came to a stop and they all tromped off the small box. Erin took Penelope's hand and together they walked out into the brisk December air.
Penelope took a deep breath, forcing her stomach to calm down. A sudden shyness enveloped her and she felt her cheeks redden. She bit her lip and looked at her lover. Then she turned and looked out at the New York skyline. "I love Erin Strauss!" she exclaimed loudly, grinning. She turned back and looked at Erin. "I love you and if ever I lost you there would be a hole the size of the moon in my heart."
Erin smiled in return, wiping her eyes free of tears. Then she pulled out a small camera from her purse and squeezed in close to Penelope. "Smile, my peacock." She fumbled with the camera, trying to get a good picture of them.
"Would you like me to take a picture of you together?" a young woman asked, a smile on her face. Erin nodded and handed the camera over. The young woman took several pictures of them, having them pose in a few different ways. "There you go. Merry Christmas."
"Thank you so much, and Merry Christmas to you as well," Penelope replied, taking the camera from her hand. The girl nodded and melted back into the crowd and Erin and Penelope turned back to watch the city go by. After an hour of watching the city, they went back down and walked aimlessly until they found a small restaurant.
After they had but their order in, they sat quietly, drinking in the sounds around them. "Tomorrow will be a lazy day for us. Paul and Karen will be by about one to have Christmas with us. I'm sorry that after the birthdays we've had that it will be a low key holiday."
"Cheese alert, but the greatest gift is in here," Penelope said, touching her stomach lightly. Erin laughed lowly and reached out to clasp her hand. "Besides, I'm in New York with you. What more could I ask for?" When they'd finished eating, Erin hailed them a cab and they went back to the Plaza.
"Do you want to go up to our room or walk about Central Park for a little while?" Erin asked.
"Let's go for a walk, my dove." Penelope put her arm through Erin's and they took off down the street. As the walk sign turned, they crossed the street in a group of people. Erin took them down the closest pathway into the park and they leisurely strolled along. After they'd been walking for some time, Penelope shivered, suddenly feeling chilled to the bone.
"Time to head back?" Erin asked, stopping by a bench. Penelope nodded and they turned around. Penelope took a step forward and slipped on the slush. She fell back a little and Erin caught her, helping her to sit on the bench. Penelope tried to calm her racing heart but instead found herself bursting into tears. Erin sat next to her and she turned and wrapped her arms around Erin. "Shh, my sweet peacock. You're all right, nothing happened. Oh, baby, everything is okay." Erin gently stroked her hair, holding her close.
Penelope finally got control of her emotions and stood up with Erin's help. "A little more carefully this time, right, my dove?" Erin nodded and firmly took her arm as they walked back to the hotel. The door was opened for them by a smiling doorman and then went up to the elevator bank. "I want to take a long, hot, bath," Penelope said as the doors slid shut.
"May I join you?"
"Always." The doors slid open and they walked down the hall to their room. While Penelope got undressed, Erin disappeared into the bathroom. She could hear the water running and joined Erin. "That smells heavenly. What scent is it?"
"Lily of the valley. I found it sitting next to the tub and added it in. Here, let me help you." Erin held out her hand and Penelope took it, stepping into the hot water. She scooted over to the far side of the tub and watched Erin strip off her clothes. "Is the water warm enough?" she asked as she stepped in.
"Perfect." Penelope slid closer to Erin and sprawled out in the tub, melting into the warmth. She sighed in pleasure as she felt Erin run a washcloth over her shoulders. She leaned forward and let Erin wash her back. Penelope's sigh turned into a moan as Erin slid her hands around to cup her breasts. Erin gently pushed her forward and then placed her legs around Penelope's, pulling her back against her body. She reclined against her lover, offering her neck up. Erin took the invitation and gently kissed her pulse point while thumbing her nipples absently. "I love you."
"I love you, too. Are you feeling better?"
"A little. I can't believe I was so clumsy. I put their lives in danger, Erin. I'm sorry."
"Don't beat yourself up, Penelope. I was there, I caught you, and nothing happened. As long as I'm near, I won't forget to catch you, ever." She kissed her cheek gently and massaged her shoulders, trying to relieve some of the tension there. Penelope arched into Erin's touch, the warm water lulling her into a light sleep. "Honey, you can't fall asleep in the tub. If you're this tired, let's get you into bed."
Penelope nodded and stood as Erin drained the tub. Gratefully, she let Erin help her step out of the tub and took the towel from her hands. As they dried off, she watched Erin, a warm smile on her face. Penelope dropped the towel once she was dry and pulled on a plush robe. Erin followed suit and they made their way to the bedroom. Erin pulled back the covers and let the robe fall to the floor. Looking over her shoulder, she smiled at Penelope, inviting her over to the bed. Penelope did just that, losing her robe on the way.
The bed was soft and Penelope felt her eyes close almost as soon as her head hit the pillow. "Erin…" she breathed out, holding out her arms. Erin climbed in next to her and curled up close to Penelope, letting Penelope hold her tight.
Penelope woke up the next morning alone. By her side was a small package, festively wrapped. Sitting u, she reached for the gift, turning it over in her hands. "Go on, open it," Erin said, holding on to a cup of tea.
"Grab my purse first and join me on the bed," she responded, pulling the sheet up under her arms. Erin returned moments later, purse in hand, and joined her. Penelope opened the large bag and pulled out a similarly small package, handing it to her lover. Together, they opened their gifts and Penelope sucked in a breath as she opened the hinged box. Nestled on a bed of velvet was a large peridot pendant. "Oh, Erin."
She looked over at her lover and saw her smiling down at the flower-shaped peridot earrings she'd bought for her. "Great minds think alike, my peacock," she said with a gentle laugh.
"Will you put in on me?" Penelope asked as she held up her hair, turning slightly. She felt the cool touch of metal against her skin. The length was the same as her previous pendant and rested gently between her breasts. "Now I know why Duane laughed when I requested the earring being made. You must have gotten there first."
"And he gave me a funny look when I picked up the pendant." Erin kissed her shoulder and Penelope arched back into the touch.
"How long do we have until the kids come?" she asked, lifting her lips for a kiss.
"Not long enough, I'm afraid. I let you sleep a little longer than you normally do. They'll be here in about an hour."
"It's noon already?"
"Uh huh. I figured you needed the sleep when you hardly moved as I got out of bed this morning. Are you having trouble sleeping?"
Penelope got out of bed and went over to their bags, only to find Erin had put everything in the drawers and closet. "A little," she responded as she opened the drawers, looking for underwear. "The teams have had some brutal cases lately and it seems to be sticking with me more than usual. Sometimes, I have nightmares." She fastened her bra as she turned to face Erin once more. "Usually, you're the one that sleeps heavily. I've spent more night watching you this last month that I think I have every line, curve, and slope of your body memorized."
"You don't have to be alone at night."
"It's peaceful watching you." Penelope pulled out the turquoise sweater she loved so and a short black skirt. She zipped the skirt and pulled the sweater over her head. "Have you ordered dinner yet?"
"I did that before we came. They promised to have it here by 1:30 at the latest. Bring your brush and a clip here, would you?" Penelope nodded and did as asked, sitting on the edge of the bed. Erin straddled her, running the brush through her hair. When she'd gotten all the snarls out, Erin quickly twisted it up to match hers.
"You'll just have to take it down again tonight."
"That was kind of the point."
"Oh, right." Penelope got off the bed and smiled at Erin. "Merry Christmas, my dove."
"Merry Christmas, my peacock." Erin slid off the bed and went over to the dresser. She pulled out her jewelry bag and took off the earrings she was currently wearing, putting them inside. Then she put her new ones in and went over to Penelope. "Should we wait for them in the sitting room?" Penelope nodded and took her outstretched hand.
As Erin opened the door, Penelope gasped. "How did you manage to do this, my love?" she asked as she looked around at the Christmas wonderland in their room.
"I had a few elves help me," she replied, taking a seat on the sofa, an enigmatic smile on her face. Penelope was just about to join her when someone knocked on their door. Penelope went over and opened it.
"Merry Christmas, Penelope!" Paul exclaimed as he wrapped his arms around her.
"Help me with these bags, Paul," Karen said as she struggled to remain balanced.
"Sorry, Karen." He let Penelope go and took back his bag. "Didn't think the extra weight would throw you off that much." As they came in, Penelope saw a bellman pushing a cart down the hall towards their room. She caught his eye and he nodded at her, holding up a finger.
While Penelope held the door open, the young man came in the room and set up the plates on the table in front of the fireplace. Erin tipped him and he nodded at them all before leaving the room. "Come sit, Penelope," Erin said, putting her hand down on the seat next to her. She nodded and sat next to Erin, accepting the goblet of water Karen held out.
"Duck a l'Orange?" she asked as she removed the silver dome from her plate.
"My mother used to make it for Christmas every year. I was feeling nostalgic," Erin replied as she balanced her plate on her legs. "Or did you want something different?"
"This is fine, just unexpected. I was actually going to try making it with you in a few weeks. I found a delicious sounding recipe for it online."
She caught the look that Paul and Karen exchanged and raised her eyebrow at them. Karen just smiled at her and ate the food. After they'd finished, Paul cleaned everything up, setting the plates on the tray the bellman left and putting it outside the door. As he did that, Karen brought over the gifts that had appeared under the tree, passing them out to the appropriate recipient.
Penelope found herself with three more gifts, the same amount as the others. "Are we going youngest to oldest this year?" Paul asked, holding his gift from Penelope aloft.
"I suppose we could," Erin replied. Almost before she'd finished speaking, Paul was tearing the paper off his gift.
"Awesome! I was hoping to get this game for Christmas. Thank you, Penelope!" He made quick work of the paper on the other gifts and thanked both his mother and Karen.
Karen went next, leaving Penelope's gift for last. "Penelope, how did you know?" she asked as she thumbed through the first edition copy of Faulkner's Light in August.
"I have my ways," she replied as she looked through her gifts. "Well, since we're going youngest to oldest, that's how I'll open my gifts." Picking up Paul's gift, she slid her finger under the tape and peeled the paper away, revealing a flat box. She opened it and found a silver charm bracelet with two charms already on it.
"I got a bear for Alan and a unicorn for Elinor," Paul said, blushing slightly. "I know you like jewelry and hope this suits you."
"I love it, Paul, and I can keep adding to it as the years go by." Turning to Erin, she held out her wrist and the bracelet, and she fastened it for her. Then Penelope picked up Karen's gift and opened it. Pulling back the paper, she found a model kit for her favorite anime.
"Aaron gave me the suggestion a little while back. I had to do some digging on the internet to find it."
"This will look perfect in my office. Thank you, Karen!" Setting the box aside, she picked up Erin's gift. She opened the box and found a new dress nestled in white tissue paper. Penelope pulled out the winter white linen and held it up to her skin. As she looked down, she saw the skirt was covered in a forest scene with peacocks and doves showing up all over. She delicately touched the fabric on the skirt and found that the scene was hand painted. "How did you?"
"Joyce has some very talented people on staff. I don't know how much longer you'll be able to wear it, since it was made to your pre-pregnancy measurements."
"Then I'll have to put it on today," she replied, smiling at Erin. "Now open your gifts, my dove."
Erin nodded and picked up her gifts. Penelope noticed she saved her gift for last as well. Slowly, Erin peeled back the paper from the small box. Removing the lid, Erin sucked in a deep breath, running her fingers over the delicate filigree work. "When did you?"
"At the same time I had your earrings made. Duane said it wouldn't be hard to do. It's a bit more heavy duty since you've been growing your hair out. And even when I'm at work, I'll be near you." Penelope leaned over and gently kissed her lover.
"Okay, if you two are going to get mushy now, we're going to see a movie," Paul said, getting up from his chair. He went over to his mother and kissed her cheek gently. "Merry Christmas, Mom." After hugging Penelope, he an Karen left them alone.
"We could probably attend a Christmas service at one of the churches in the city. I know we're not religious, but there's something comforting about the message of hope in the Christmas story."
"If that's what you want, my peacock. You could wear the new dress."
"That I could. Will you help me into it?" she asked as she stripped off her sweater, laying it on the sofa. Erin stood as she stepped out of her skirt and reached for the dress.
"I had her make it a lace up back so that it could be let out a little. Tell me if it's too tight," Erin said as she tugged on the laces, pulling the dress flush against Penelope's body.
"No, it feels fine." Penelope ran her hands across her stomach. "I have a bump already, Erin. They're growing!"
"That's what babies do, Penny." She handed Penelope her coat and they made their way downstairs. "Excuse me, could you tell us if there are any church services going on soon?" she asked the concierge, smiling at him.
"Certainly there are. Do you have a denominational preference?" Erin shook her head and the man tapped away on his keyboard. "All right, I have a Methodist service that begins in about thirty minutes, uptown from here. I'll hail you a cab and tell them where to take you. Merry Christmas." He led them outside and opened a cab door for them, telling the driver where to drive them.
The ride uptown was quick as there wasn't too much traffic going their way. The church they were let off at was small, but beautiful, and Penelope could feel a sense of peace settle around her soul as they took a seat towards the middle of the sanctuary. She looked around at the people gathered and smiled as she saw a number of couples like her and Erin.
After they had sung a few Christmas carols, the pastor announced a time of greeting. Penelope found herself a bit shy around so many people she didn't know, though Erin warmly greeted those around them. They took their seats once more and the pastor began to speak. Penelope recognized the passage as the story from Luke. She clasped Erin's hand and brought it to her stomach. "Swaddling clothes and Bethlehem," she whispered lowly to Erin, who nodded.
When the service had finished, they slipped out into the narthex. The pastor was standing at the door greeting everyone who'd come to the service. They got in line and waited their turn. Finally, they reached the front of the line and shook hands with the woman. "Where are you ladies from? I haven't seen you in my congregation before."
"We're visiting from Washington D.C. for the holiday. My partner wanted to attend a Christmas service," Erin answered.
"I'm glad you chose to spend part of this blessed day with us. Have a wonderful Christmas."
"And you as well." Erin took Penelope's hand and they walked outside. Penelope huddled close to Erin as she hailed them a cab, the wind cutting through her to the bone. After a few minutes, an empty cab stopped for them. "The Plaza, please." Once back at the hotel, they went up to their suite.
Penelope took off her coat, hanging it in the closet by the door. She went over to the sofa and curled up on it, spreading her skirt around her legs. "Do you think if we ask, they'd start a fire in the fireplace?"
"If you want that, I'm certain they will. Would you like me to call down?" Penelope nodded and Erin picked up the phone, dialing the front desk. Penelope heard her request their fire be lit and curled further into the sofa. Erin sat down next to her and Penelope rested her head on her lover's shoulder.
"Thank you, my dove. I just can't seem to get warm right now." Erin wrapped an arm around her, pulling her close. They sat together quietly until a knock came at their door. Erin got up and let the visitor in, rejoining Penelope on the sofa. They watched the young man light the fire and then he left. Penelope yawned and snuggled up into Erin. "If I fall asleep, wake me for supper."
"Of course, my peacock," she said as she ran her fingers through Penelope's hair, taking down the twist as she did so. The gentle motion quickly lulled her into a light sleep. "Honey, it's time to wake up. Our reservation is in twenty minutes." Penelope sat up and stretched, smiling up at Erin.
"Where are we going?"
"To the restaurant in the hotel." Erin held out Penelope's brush. "Or may I?"
"If you want to, I would love it." Penelope slid off the sofa onto the floor so Erin could do her hair. She sighed happily as Erin ran the brush through her hair and then quickly pulled her locks up into two high ponytails. When she'd finished, Penelope looked up and Erin leaned down to kiss her.
"Let's go." Erin helped her to her feet and they quickly went downstairs to where the restaurant was. After a short wait, they were led back to a secluded table. Penelope looked over the menu and quickly made up her mind, deciding on the chicken dish offered that night. "Are you getting the chicken?"
Penelope giggled. "Yes. Are you?" Erin nodded. "Will you have a glass of red wine for me?"
"Of course I will." The waiter came by and they put their order in, Penelope choosing to have Earl Grey tea with her meal. "Tomorrow's going to be a long day."
"We're ending it at the Frick Collection, right?"
"Yes. What painting did you want to see there again?"
"I really just want to explore the collection. The photos online make it look absolutely lovely. I just hope we have enough time to explore the entire house, since we're starting our day at the Met. I definitely want to go through the hall of instruments."
"Old World paintings are what I'm looking forward to seeing. But I think that we'll have more than enough time to do both. We won't see all that the Met has to offer, but I've heard it takes days to see everything there."
"That's a good reason to come back, isn't it? We'll always have something new to see." Penelope clasped Erin's hand and smiled. "A week in the city is too short to see everything." The food came out and they began to eat. "Are we going back to our room for dessert?" she asked as she set her napkin next to her plate.
"That sounds like a wonderful idea, my love." She signaled the waiter and settled the bill. Penelope giggled slightly as Erin took her hand once more. Ignoring the looks of some of the people there, they went up and Penelope tried not to make a scene in the elevator, though she wanted to turn to Erin and kiss her senseless. She did stand closer to her lover, as the motion of the elevator again set her stomach off.
"Just two more floors," she whispered as she watched the last people get off the elevator. As soon as the doors closed, she turned to Erin and buried her hands in Erin's hair, kissing her deeply. Erin tugged on one of Penelope's ponytails, pulling her closer to her. The doors slid open and they stepped out of the car still kissing. Erin fumbled with her purse, taking out the key and unlocking the door. As Penelope kicked the door closed, she felt the ties on her dress being tugged apart. Releasing Erin, she shrugged off her dress and stepped out of it. Bending, she picked up her present and laid it over the back of the sofa.
She faced Erin once more and saw her smiling at her, wearing only her bra and panties. "Merry Christmas, Penelope."
"Merry Christmas, Erin," she said lowly as she stepped into her lover's open arms.