Chapter 16: Simply Having a Wonderful Christmastime

A/N: Ok, this chapter didn't come out the way I planned. I'm not proud of it and you don't have to be either. I got a new computer and the original went with it! It was also the first day of school and my mind was having an idea like this all day, so yea, it's not the best, but I still hope you enjoy it. (The original was MUCH better)

Gathered around the big oak Pierce table on Christmas in the year 1921, were Daniel's parents, and of course his best friend, Robert. Elizabeth's family was not able to attend the same with her friends. It was okay in her mind because this was enough company as it is. She had just called her parents to inform them that they would be coming to visit around March or April depending on when Daniel can get the time off. She did not spring the surprise of being pregnant on them yet or the people at this dinner table; she was going to let Daniel do the honors when the time was right.

Chatter was loud as everyone ate the roast that Elizabeth made without burning it like with the chicken last year. In fact, it came out pretty good.

"Elizabeth?" Rosa Pierce asked. "You're glowing, what's it, dear?" Everyone looked over at her especially Daniel who had a smile on.

Looking over at her husband with a big smile, she said. "Well, we were going to wait until later to break the news, but I guess we can do it now. Daniel," she only called him Daniel in public for everyone. The nicknames were only their little secret. "Would you do the honors?"

"Are you sure?" he couldn't keep the smile off his face.

"Yes," she nodded. Everyone leaned in to hear the news.

"Here's the thing: Elizabeth and I… are having a baby."

The table filled with joy and praises just then as the news spread. Everyone asked when the child would be born and what gender they both wanted.

"The baby is due in August, we're hoping and I'm hoping for a girl while Daniel over here is hoping for a boy," Elizabeth faced the four people.

Rosa spoke, "The baby should be a boy. That way Patricia's son, Billy could have some company like a guy time since he already has a sister."

"But wouldn't the child be too young?" Elizabeth asked.

"Yes, but when the child grows older, he can hang with his cousin letting no harm come to him." Tim nodded in agreement.

"Either way, Elizabeth, Robert and I are very happy for you," Mary added speaking for both Robert and herself.

"Thank you, we're happy too."

"So, they'll be another Pierce in this small town, huh?" Robert asked.

"Is that a problem, my good chum?" Daniel shot back.

"Well… I'm not sure if Crabapple Cove can handle another Pierce. We have so many already."

"You're just going to have to get use to more Pierces' aren't you?"

"Yeah, but I'm not sure if I can take it."

"Oh, you will, Robert, you will."

Laugher filled after this, since Robert was teasing his buddy by acting as if it was a sin for another Pierce to set foot in this town.

There was a toast at the table for the happy couple and the soon to be child.

Gloria was sitting at her master's side begging for scraps, which wasn't happening until later on that night. Her eyes almost convinced her otherwise, but Elizabeth kept stern and did not allow Gloria to persuade her, even if she was a puppy still.

Elizabeth, Mary and Rosa all pitched in to help clean the table soon after. Both Mary and Rosa felt that they shouldn't work Elizabeth too hard since she's now a pregnant woman.

Once the table was clear of the dinner plates, out came the dessert: chocolate pie with whipped topping. The talks then continued followed by some Christmas carols in the living room with "The Little Drummer Boy," "Jingle Bells," and parts of "Silent Night".

Darkness has fallen deep with the howling wind making the tree branches swish. The stars were out as well as the moon that was orange. When the company left, Elizabeth went out to admire it from afar. She was always enchanted by the night sky with the magnificent sight it had to bring to the world. That sort of thing made her fell calm and secure just like going to the Christmas Eve service. It always had that feeling.

The snow continued to fall, but Elizabeth was used to it by now, it didn't bother her as much. She walked back in to see Gloria asleep on the couch after the hectic company she tried to entertain and Daniel staring at the Christmas tree.

"You know, Danny, we never gave each other our gifts yet, do you want to do it now?" Elizabeth asked sitting next to Gloria gently petting her so she wouldn't wake up.

Daniel stared back at his wife in the dim light. She still looked beautiful. "Why not!" He got up from his chair and headed to where Elizabeth's gift was. "Open mine first, Eliza."

Elizabeth took the gift and tried to shake it as if she was a five year old. It didn't shake and it had ridges, which meant it was a book of some sort. It was small. She ripped the wrapping paper like there was no tomorrow and realized that it was The Gift of the Magi by O. Henry. Her favorite book that she hasn't seen in a long time.

"Danny, for me? I love this book, how did you get it?" she hugged the book near her chest.

"It was easy, I ordered it from the local book store and they got their hands on it. Not that hard in this town, Eliza."

"Danny, I absolutely love it, thank you so much!" she set it aside on the couch next to Gloria and got her gift for him. It was also small, but it wasn't a book.

Daniel also opened it like no tomorrow. He saw that it was a golden pocket watch. "Eliza… how did you afford this?"

"I scraped up money. I have ways, you know. I realized that you didn't have a clock of some sort on you and every man needs one, especially in your line of work, you need to keep up with the time." She smiled at the comment.

"I love it; I'll wear it everyday and think of you. Thank you so much." He pulled her over to his lap and cuddled her. "Merry Christmas, my dear."

"You to, dear sir," she replied.