Disclaimer: they still aren't mine but I'm starting to think they should be.

AN: A big thank you to Beth for helping out.

I have the final chapter to post on the other site and am doubling up the remaining chapters on this site, so we can get there quicker. Thanks to those dedicated few who have been there for this journey. I deeply appreciate it.

God bless Japan. Thoughts and prayers are with everyone who has endured so much this year. xox

Between Christmas preparations and wedding plans, between children and in-laws, between school and speech lessons and everything else that constituted December, Mac crawled into bed just after 1900 hours on the 23rd of December absolutely exhausted. She hadn't even bothered to change from her sweats; she'd simply kicked off her shoes and burrowed deep under the covers; her head ending up near where Harm's knees usually were, her feet in the space usually occupied by her head.

It wasn't really a voluntary choice to go to bed; Trish had insisted and insisted vigorously. Trying to do everything and picking up a cold, Mac had been overdoing things and once the men had gone out for Colin's pre- bachelor party party, Trish had packed her off to bed. One weak protest was all Mac could manage before she realised if she didn't get some sleep and get better Christmas, the wedding and New Year's would be miserable for her.

While she slept, Mattie bathed the youngest children and settled them all into bed, while Trish and Lily did some more baking for Christmas.
"Do you think we have enough, grandma?" Lily asked, surveying the bench filled with containers and racks of baked goods after a very productive night.
"I think we have more than enough," Trish said as she finished washing up.
"Do you think we will have some to give Ms Murphy and Jessie when they get back from New York?" she asked, glad Jessie was seeing her brother for Christmas, a bit sad they wouldn't have Christmas together.
"Certainly," Trish replied, "And if there's not, we'll bake some more. Now, Miss Lily, it's already gone 9:30, way past your bedtime."
"Good thing school's finished for Christmas vacation then," she said with a laugh.
"How about you go up and change for bed and I'll make us some hot chocolate?" Mattie said, putting away the last of the dishes.

Lily was about to protest but Trish nodded her head and Lily knew her time was up – trust adults to notice these things.

Two steps up the stairs and Lily backed down and turned to Mattie.
"Hey, Mats, how come Colin gets a party and you don't?" she questioned, hands on hips.
"I get a party too," she said. "Two days before the wedding when everyone is here, Colin and I will have our bachelor and bachelorette parties."
"But isn't he having one tonight too?" she asked, looking from her sister to her grandmother.
"Well, tonight's a pre-party party," Mattie said, wiping down the bench.
"What's a pre-party party?" she asked, climbing up on the stool to watch Mattie pour the hot chocolate.
"It's a party you have before the actual party," Mattie said.
"Actually, it's just your dad and grandpa taking Colin out to have a few drinks and a good night out," Trish said, dropping in the marshmallows.
"And a few words of wisdom, no doubt," Mattie said with a laugh.
"No doubt," Trish agreed. "Now, pyjamas, young lady."
"But the hot chocolate's ready," she protested.
"It's still too hot," Trish reminded her. "Pyjamas, now."
Quickly, Lily disappeared up the stairs.

Once Lily was tucked up in bed asleep, Trish and Mattie made a start on wrapping the children's Santa gifts which had been stashed in the mobile home. With four big rolls of colourful Santa themed paper, each one a separate base colour for each of the different children, an endless supply of invisible tape, scissors, gift tags and pens, they spent the next three hours wrapping and chatting.

They covered the Rabb's Runways, Christmas menu, wedding plans, honeymoon, the kids, life on the farm before moving onto future plans.
"So, when will we hear the pitter-patter of little feet?" Trish asked, pausing over Harry's Thomas the Tank puzzle.
"Whenever Frankie starts walking," Mattie replied with a laugh.
"Well, I guess that is technically correct," Trish said, getting back to work. "What I meant was..."
"I know, when am I going to have children?" she said for Trish and Trish nodded. Mattie tried to come up with an answer but Trish was far more astute.
"Is there something you're not sharing, Mattie?" she asked, reaching out for Mattie's hand.
"Um, noooo," she said slowly.
"Matilda?" she said is a whisper. "Are you pregnant now?"

Not knowing the exact answer to that question herself, Mattie shrugged.
"I'm kinda thinking it's a possibility," she said, shaking her head to clear her thoughts. "My period is a little late..."
"How late?" Trish asked, focusing all her attention on the bride to be.
"A couple of days," she said, drawing a deep breath.
"Well, a couple of days is nothing, especially not with the stress of the wedding and Christmas," Trish offered by way of explanation.
"Well...it's a little more than a couple..." she said slowly.
"How many exactly?" Trish asked.
"Thirteen," she said with a grimace.
"Thirteen?" Trish echoed and Mattie nodded... thirteen...thirteen very long and anxious days.
"Have you told Colin yet?" Trish asked, getting Mattie to sit alongside her. "Or at least that it's a possibility."
"No," she said quietly. "I wanted to be sure...actually, I didn't want it to be possible...Colin wants kids and as soon as possible and I'm sure he'll be absolutely elated."
"But you're not?" Trish asked and Mattie shrugged. "Don't you want children?"
"I do," she said. "I always imagined having two or three kids. I just wanted to be married and established in my own home before it happens."
"Well, you're eight days from being married, you are in your own house, and by the time bubs comes along you'll be well and truly settled in your home," she said gently.
"I guess I'm just finding the possibility of being a mommy a little overwhelming...getting married was supposed to be the life changing event these holidays," she said tearfully.
"You'll be a fantastic mommy," Trish said, rising from her chair to embrace the young woman. "I've seen you with the little ones in this house and you're a natural."
"Thanks, Trish," she said hugging her back. "I needed to hear that."

Without a pregnancy test kit, nothing was going to be determined, so the ladies decided on taking the children with them to Charlesville in the morning to give Mac more time to rest and to make the necessary purchase. They also decided to keep the possibility of this news to themselves.

Arriving home to a silent and darkened house, Harm and Frank entered quietly as Colin made the trek across the yard to his own home. Being the designated driver, Frank was sober, while Harm and Colin had enjoyed several celebratory beverages. While probably over the limit to drive, Harm didn't consider himself drunk, preferring the term merry...after all, it was Christmas.

His claim on sobriety was challenged when he had stripped off to his tee and boxers and had pulled back the covers off his wife's face only to have it reveal her feet. Confused, he shook his head. Peeling the covers back slowly, more of his wife's legs came into view. Before long he discovered her head over where his feet usually were and instantly he was relieved he hadn't sat on her head when he sat to take off his shoes and socks.

Blinking hard several times, Harm realised Mac was actually upside down in the bed and it wasn't just the Budweiser haze tricking him. Not too sure what it all meant, Harm carefully reached down and scooped her up before repositioning her on his side of the bed, which was the easiest place to leave her. Slipping into her side of the bed, Harm pulled the covers up around them both just as Mac rolled over and made herself comfortable using his chest as her pillow.

By morning, Mac was slumped over Harm still sound asleep. Needing to relieve himself, Harm slipped a pillow under her head before making his way out to the bathroom. Heading back to the bedroom, he found a note pinned to the door telling him they were the only ones left in the house. It was then he realised how unusually quiet the house actually was. Stepping back into the bedroom, Harm closed the door and glanced at the clock. The fact that it had just gone ten surprised and alarmed him; how was it that his wife was still asleep? He knew she'd been sent to bed at seven, Mattie had told him when he had phoned the night before after he'd gotten a text from a client; which meant she had now slept for fifteen hours.

Slipping back into bed, Harm realised his wife was now minus her sweat pants which meant she had awoken during the night, most likely to use the bathroom, or to see to a child. Swapping the pillow for himself, Harm sunk back into the bed and closed his eyes, recent times had taken their effect on him too. With the winter sun struggling to make an appearance and the house warm and cosy, thanks to Trish putting the heating on high, it wasn't long before Harm was asleep once more.

By the time Mac awoke, she was sprawled starfish style across her husband, not all too sure why her bed was lumpier than usual. As her eyes fluttered open she realised the cause, her husband's firm body was below her. Closing her eyes, she smiled happily until the time registered and she struggled to get up.

Instantly, Harm's strong arms surrounded her and pulled her closer.
"Shh, sssh," he said soothingly, "It's okay, it's okay."
"It's gone midday and we're still in bed," she said, the panic evident in her voice.
"I know," he said, not releasing his hold. "But we're the only ones home, so there's no need to stress."

When this news sunk in, Mac relaxed into him once more before Harm told her of the note he'd found and the fact the others wouldn't be back until evening. When Mac went to protest about having so much to do, he told her that the kids presents had all been wrapped, the baking completed and the house cleaned thoroughly.
"So, then it's really okay we're still in bed at noon on Christmas Eve," she said in a half-question, half-statement.
"Yes, it is," he replied, kissing her head. "Now, more important than anything else..." he said, using his finger to raise her chin so he could look into her eyes, "...how are you feeling?"
"I'm okay," she said slowly. "I guess mom was right about me needing an early night."
"Yes, she was, and I'm glad she insisted," Harm said, kissing her nose.
"Me too," she replied, taking a deep breath.
"How's your cold?" he asked, swiping his thumb across the swell of her cheek.
"I think it's gone," she said, gazing up at him.
"You need to take things easy for the next few days," he said, knowing the chances of it happening wasn't great.
"Take it easy, over Christmas?" she challenged. "And with the wedding a week away?"
"I know it won't be easy," he said gently. "But, at least tell me you'll try."
"I'll try," she promised him, knowing Trish would be overseeing such things as well and she was a much more formidable opponent than her husband when it came to such matters.
"Can I get you something to eat or drink?" he asked as she snuggled down once more.
"Not yet," she said, closing her eyes. "Maybe in a bit."
"Okay," he agreed kissing her head.

For a while there was gentle silence before Harm spoke once more, not sure if Mac was still awake.
"Do you remember our first Christmas together, gorgeous?" he asked, raking his fingers through her hair.
"The first one we knew each other, or the first one after we were married?" she asked moving around so she could look at him.
"I mean the first one we were together," he said, caressing her face.
"Oh, yeah," she said with a grin. "It wasn't only the first time we were together for Christmas, it was the first time we were 'together'."
"One of my fondest Christmas memories ever," he said, leaning down to kiss her.
"Mine too," she replied, snaking an arm up and around his neck.

Flashback
Christmas: 13 years previous.

Having spent the best part of the last three months playing tag at JAG Headquarters, Harm and Mac hadn't seen much of each other. No sooner had one returned from a case, the other would be dispatched. Not wanting to complicate matters, Cresswell had ensured they were never partnered meaning the chance of nurturing any relationship was non-existent.

It was during those lonely three months, both realised just how much they missed the other, how much they needed the other in their lives...for better or for worse. Rather than hide from the realisation, as his previous history had established should have been a given, Harm emailed Mac and took the first tentative step towards something more.

'Hey, Mac,
It's been so long since we've had the chance to talk...to hang out...I'm missing you...'

That was the entire message and Mac wasn't sure whether he had been interrupted or was just thinking aloud and sent it accidentally. Foregoing her initial inclination to ignore it and to see what he'd do next Mac replied with a simplistic honesty.

'Hi Harm, I miss you too.'

So began brief personal emails, each one inching towards the something they both wanted.

With Harm away before Christmas on a case and not expected back until New Year's, Mac took it upon herself to visit the wall on Harm's behalf. Standing in front of the name she knew as well as her own, she ignored the winter chill and steady snowfall to trace the engraved name.

Closing her eyes, she thought of the day they found out the truth of Harm Snr's death and the pain she saw in his son's eyes; the pain born of a tragic outcome to a lifelong pursuit; the pain born of his desire for a happily ever after future shattered by the testimony of a stranger.
"Sorry I never got to meet you," she said quietly. "I know so much about you, sir, that I feel we're family... You'd be very proud of your son, he's a fine man ... he never stopped believing in you... never stopped searching for you ... until we found the truth. I'm so sorry you survived everything else to die that way... but it didn't surprise me that you died defending someone else, it's just what your son would do..."

Pausing, she took a breath. It felt surreal to be in this place, on this day, talking to Harm's dad, especially since she'd never gone to her own father's grave other than the day of the funeral.
"I'm sorry Harm couldn't be here tonight, he's off on an investigation," Mac continued. "I'm sure he's thinking of you though..."
"I was...but I was thinking of you more," Harm said startling her.

Spinning around, Mac turned straight into his arms and he wrapped her up quickly.
"Didn't expect to see you here," Mac said, sliding her arms under his jacket to keep herself warm.
"Ditto," he replied. "After stonewalling us for a week, the major capitulated and confessed everything. Wrapped it all up quickly."
"So, you're home for Christmas," Mac said, even though it was obvious.
"I am," he replied, lifting a hand to brush the snow from her face. "And I was coming to see you, right after I said hello to dad."
"Do you want me to give you some time alone?" she questioned, glancing at the wall.
"No," he replied. "I've had enough time alone ... besides, I caught a cab here; I'm going to need a ride, if that's okay?"
"Sure is," she said. "Where will we be headed?"
"Your place," he said, tilting his head. "I have nothing at my place, wasn't expecting to be there."
Mac smiled; this was exactly what she'd asked Santa for.

Turning in his arms, Mac traced the name once more. "Well, sir, as you can see, Harm's come home. I'll let him talk to you now."
"Hey, dad," he said, pulling his jacket further around Mac to keep her warm. "It's a cold night here, snow is falling, just the way you like it. Great excuse for the open fire and marshmallows you'd always say. Sorry, you're not here with us, miss you all the time, miss you more this time of year though," he admitted quietly. Mac squeezed him a little.

A few more quiet words and Harm decided it was too cold to have Mac stand here any longer. "Anyway, dad, Merry Christmas, love you."

As Harm took a hot shower, Mac prepared supper for them both, grilled cheese sandwiches to be followed by hot chocolate and some of Harriet's famous cookies. Coming out of her bedroom dressed in sweats, thanks to the contents of his seabag, Harm watched Mac cross the room with a tray of mugs and plates.

"Smells good," he said, taking the tray from her and placing it on the coffee table.
"Hmm," Mac replied, thinking the same could be said about the freshly showered man next to her.

Taking a plate, she handed it to Harm and once he settled on the end of the sofa, she sat beside him. Amiable chattered ensued as both caught the other up on recent events and finished their sandwiches.
"I think it's time for hot chocolate," she said.
As Mac went to stand, Harm took her wrist and took the plates from her, before placing them on the table. Standing in front of her, Harm slipped his arms around her waist and joined his hands.
"I think it's time for this," he said before brushing his lips across hers. When he realised she was reciprocating, he rested his lips on hers before deepening the kiss. With the kiss taking on a life of its own, both were quite aroused and a little dazed by the time air became an issue.
"Mmmm," Mac murmured, moistening her lips. "That was...ah, good ..." she said slowly.
"I think so too," he said, quite proud of the glazed eyes and swollen lips he saw in front of him. "Maybe we can have that hot chocolate now."
"Damn the hot chocolate," she said before throwing her arms around his neck once more and initiating the kiss that ignited their physical passion and put their life together in motion.

"I think it's time you fed me," Mac mumbled, bringing Harm out of his reminisces.
"Hmmm, hot chocolate," he muttered and Mac laughed, she'd obviously got to that part of the memory sooner than him.
"What was that about hot chocolate?" she asked slyly.
Harm shook his head embarrassed. "Umm..."
"Damn the hot chocolate," she said before making the memory come to life.

Sated and very relaxed, Mac lay across her husband, ignoring the growling of her stomach. It had been a lovely day; sleep, sleep and sex.
"I think I should feed you," Harm said, kissing her head. "I don't think you've ever gone this long without food."
"Mmmha," she replied, hungry but not all that interested in moving.
"How about I go prepare us something for breakfast in bed?" he said, hoping to entice her to eat something.
"Promise you won't be gone long?" she said edging off him to let him get up.
"I'll be as quick as I can," he said and true to his word he appeared at the door ten minutes later with a tray of coffee, fruit juice and a selection of baked goods he'd stolen from his mother's baking efforts the night before.
"Oh, yummy," she said catching sight of the offerings.
"I know I am," he chided with a wiggle as Mac sat up in bed pulling the covers around her.
"What's in the envelope?" she asked, as he placed the tray on her lap.
"Not sure," he said, "But as it's addressed to us both I thought we'd open it together."

Carefully, Harm slipped into bed and took the tray back as Mac picked up the envelope. Running her finger under the seam, she opened it and pulled out the paper it contained. It was a Christmas card.
"Dearest Harm and Sarah," she began reading. "We've spent months trying to think of the best Christmas gift for you and came up with nothing you needed. Then we were struck with inspiration. The thing you two need most is time; time for the two of you to share some quiet, intimate moments away from the hustle and bustle of family life. Now, we know if we had given you a night away you would have declined, so we have taken the children away...just for the day. There are two scenarios, either it's Christmas Eve morning and you have the whole day in front of you or you've just got this card and it's midafternoon. Our bet is it's midafternoon – and that's the reason I put the preliminary note on your door.
Anyway, we are having lunch in Charlesville before taking the children to see the matinee Christmas performance at the Windsor Theatre and following it up with dinner. You'll have to fend for yourselves, we're sure you'll manage.
We hope you enjoy your day.
Love Mom, Dad, Mattie and Colin."

"Wow," said Harm. "It's the perfect gift."
"It certainly is," Mac replied, biting into a chocolate chip cookie.
"You know what it means?" he asked taking a cookie for himself. "We have about four hours left of our Christmas present."
"Well, eat up and we'll put it to good use," she replied, taking another cookie; after all, a girl needed her strength.

When their snack was finished, Harm placed the tray onto the floor before slipping down in the bed once more and drawing Mac to him.
"Thirteen Christmases," he said, kissing her head.
"Thirteen wonderful Christmases," Mac said, slowly rubbing his arm.
"And we've been married for eleven of them," he said, kissing her head.
"Eleven wonderful years," she said, rolling onto him and kissing him deeply.
"Any regrets?" he asked, having to ask.
"Nope," she said, "You?"
"Sometimes I regret we didn't do this sooner," he said quietly. "But then I think that maybe things wouldn't have worked out like this if we had."
"I've had those thoughts myself," Mac admitted. "I would have liked things to work out for us earlier ...it would have stopped a lot of hurt and angst," she said honestly. "But looking back I don't think either of us were ready for something this serious back then."
"I don't think we were either," he agreed. "And we certainly wouldn't have retired to the farm ten years after we were married."
"No, we wouldn't have," she agreed. "And that being the case, we would have missed out on that precious time with Grams. And I, for one, am extremely grateful for the opportunity to have that relationship."
"So am I," he said, kissing her nose. "Do you think we'd have had four children?"
"Who knows?" she said. "I do know that they wouldn't be the wonderful children we have now as we wouldn't have been the same people, the same parents."
"True," he said, brushing his lips against hers.
"I'm just glad we're here now," she said, kissing him back. "I'm very proud of us and what we've created."
"I'm very proud of us too," he said, wrapping his arms around her tightly.
"I am so very much in love with you, Harmon," she declared. "More today than ever before but not as much as I will be ten years from now," she added tearfully.
"And I love you so very much, Sarah," he replied. "More than I thought possible, more than I knew I was capable of. You are by far the greatest thing which has ever happened to me. You are my life."

With ease they came to a joining once more, with tender and sensual expressions of their mutual love and desire. Coming down from their blissful high, Mac dozed in Harm's arms for a short while before she realised they should actually get up and dressed and have attempted something around the house before the others returned.

Sitting up slowly, Mac yawned and stretched before taking Harm's hand and encouraging him to get up and join her in the shower. After such an active day, she wasn't all that sure she had the energy to wash her own hair. She also wasn't all that sure she could bear to have Harm out of sight even for a little bit today, such was her overwhelming feeling of love and adoration towards him at the moment.

Standing in the kitchen half an hour later, waiting for a variety of leftovers to heat in the oven, Harm leant back on the bench and Mac leant against his body, her head resting on his chest as his fingers gently raked through her hair.
"Okay?" he asked, kissing her head.
"Exceptionally," she murmured, kissing his chest.
"I think this is the best present mom has ever given me," he said softly, not wanting to disturb the peacefulness of the moment.
"Me too," she replied. "It is exactly what we needed ... just some you and me time."
"And something we would never give ourselves," he added, caressing her face.
"I have something special for you," she said, looping her arms around his neck and gazing up at him.
"You've already given me lots of special things today," he said, rubbing his nose against hers.
"And you've given me lots too," she said with a smile. "But this is something that has a receipt. I was going to find a quiet time to give it to you tomorrow but I think today is the perfect time."
"In that case, I'll give you yours too," he said with a grin before disappearing upstairs to retrieve her gift as Mac got hers from her secret place in the school room.

Meeting up again in the kitchen, Mac resumed her place in front of Harm, holding the brightly wrapped gift in one hand while she snaked her other one around his neck.
"Merry Christmas, Harm, I love you so much," she said, pressing up on tiptoes to kiss him.
"Do you want me to open it now or give you your gift first?" he questioned, one arm around her waist.
"Open it," she said, stepping back to give him some room.

Putting the box on the bench, Harm pulled the green ribbon to undo the bow before running his finger under the tape and opening the shoebox sized gift.
"Oh my," Harm said quietly as he pulled out a model deHavilland Tiger Moth biplane, the one and only model father and son had put together more than four decades ago. The one he'd thrown against the wall and shattered the day his mother sought to have his father declared dead.
"I know this one is special," Mac said reaching up to brush his tears away. "I know how much it means to you."
"It does," he said, his voice shaking. He'd tried for 25 years to find a replacement to no avail. "So very much."
"Well, the model's not the only thing," she said as she pulled back the tissue paper to reveal a folded sheet of paper at the bottom of the box.
"What's this?" he asked taking it from its resting place.
"That, my darling husband," Mac began. "Is the proof of purchase for the real thing. It will be delivered on the 9th of next month. It needs a lot of TLC and restoration work but I figured it brought you joy working on the model as a young child and now you can work with your children on the real thing."
"I can't believe it," he whispered. "But the cost?" he said shaking his head. "It must have cost a fortune."
"Not as much as you'd think," she said, wrapping her arms around him. "And definitely worth every penny of it to see that smile."
"Thank you so much," he said, kissing her deeply. "Love you."
"Love you too," she said pulling back slightly. "My turn!"

Dipping his hand into his pocket he drew out a pale blue ring box.
"I love you so very much and I am very, very happy we have our eternity," he said, opening the box to reveal a channel-set band eternity ring with diamonds in platinum.
"Harm!" she exclaimed. "It's absolutely stunning!"
"You are absolutely stunning," he said, kissing her cheek. "May I?" he asked.

Nodding, Mac let the tears tumble down her cheeks.
"Sarah MacKenzie," he started, getting down on one knee. "You are the absolute love of my life. Would you do me the honour of being my wife until the end of time?"
"I would," she said watching through her tears as he slipped the ring onto her left hand above her wedding bands, it matched perfectly.

Without another word, Harm stood and embraced her before kissing her deeply and endlessly.

It was in this position they were found when the others returned ten minutes later.
"I think whatever's in the oven is done," Mattie said scurrying past them and turning off the oven and trying to fan away the smoke coming from it.
"Oops," Mac said, still gazing at her husband.
"Guess we'll have to find something else to eat now," he said, kissing her head before turning his attention to the burnt offerings.
"No need to ask you two how your day was," Mattie said with a grin as she flicked on the fan.
"No need at all," Mac replied. "But, how was your day?"
"Excellent," she said, "But I'll let the kids tell you all about it."
"How were they?" Harm asked, hoping they'd been kind to their grandparents.
"Great, considering it was a very long day for them," she said, before heading off to the bathroom, the one place she had been desperate for before she'd spotted the smoke.

Mattie was followed by one very tired set of grandparents each carrying a sleeping twin, Colin carrying a sleeping baby and Lily yawning widely.
"Wow!" Mac said as Lily wandered over for a big hug from her mom. "Looks like you all had a big day."
"A very big but wonderful day," Trish said, kissing her son before kissing Mac. "The children were beautifully behaved all day and crashed the moment they were back in the car."
"Did you have fun, baby?" Mac asked Lily as she still held tight to her.
"Yeah, everything was so cool," she said, resting her head on Mac's breast. "We had the best lunch and then the play was good and funny, even Frankie laughed, and then we had dinner at Maxie's and that was so yummy and we also went to the park and the shops and everything..."
"Well, it's no wonder you are so tired," she said kissing her head. "I think it will be an early night all around."
"But it's not even seven," she protested quietly.
"I'm not sending you to bed right now but you have to remember Santa comes tonight so the sooner you're asleep the sooner he gets here," she explained and Lily tilted her head in thought.
"I guess I could use an early night," she conceded. The thought of a whole lot of presents more enticing than arguing to stay up.
"How about you go up and change for bed while mommy and daddy organise the little ones and then you can curl up with us in front of the fire and the Christmas tree and have some milk and cookies?" Mac offered and Lily nodded, it sounded like the perfect way to finish off the perfect day.

Going up the stairs, Harm had his boys in his arms, while Mac carried Rosie. Going into the twins' room first, Harm left Frankie sleeping on Harry's bed as he took Harry to the bathroom before changing him. Once he'd returned, he swapped the boys and kissed his son. Allowing Mac to pass as she took Rosie to the bathroom, Harm soon exited the room before changing Frankie's diaper and clothes and tucked him into the crib.

Usually, he and Mac recited 'T'was the Night Before Christmas' to their children on Christmas Eve but with the youngest three exhausted it would have to be skipped this year. Once the baby was settled, he kissed him goodnight before returning to the twins' room and kissing his daughter goodnight. He couldn't help but smile when he thought about the joy he would see on their faces the following day.
"You okay?" Harm asked as Mac stood alongside Harry's bed silently.
"Yeah," she whispered, snaking her arm around his waist. "Just thinking about tomorrow."
"Snap," he said, kissing her head. "I remember when Lily was their age and just how excited she was by everything on Christmas morning."
"And now we get to experience double the joy at this age," she added, reaching up to kiss his cheek.
"Yes, we do," he replied.

By the time they returned downstairs, supper was ready and Mac realised just how hungry she was.
"Mommy, hot chocolate and cookies are ready," Lily called from the living room.
"Okay, honey," she called back, still looking towards the kitchen.
"Are you after something else to eat?" he asked, following her gaze.
"Yeah," she said, "Something a bit more substantial."
"Well, how about we go and curl up with Lily for a bit until she goes to bed and then I'll organise something tasty for us," he offered and Mac readily agreed.

When they entered the living room, the Christmas lights were twinkling and the fire was alight. Patting the seat beside her on the sofa, Lily waited for Mac to settle beside her before she climbed up on her lap and snuggled into her.
"I had the best day, mom," she said with a yawn, "But I missed you and dad...wish you could have come with us. What did you do?"
"We missed you too," she said, kissing her daughter's head. "I spent most of the day asleep."
"Really? You went to bed early too," she said pulling back and looking at her mother. "Are you okay?"
"I'm fine now, honey," she said, pulling her close once more. "I was exhausted and had a cold and just really tired, but a big, big sleep and I feel so much better," she added, ignoring the fact that a day in bed with her amazing husband, and a whole lot of loving, was a fantastic medicine too.
"So what did you do all day, dad?" she asked looking around Mac to her dad.
"Slept for a lot of it," he said honestly. "Mommy was using me as a pillow so I didn't want to move."
Lily laughed; she liked using her parents as pillows too.
"Can't believe Santa comes tonight," she said with a yawn. "It seemed to be forever away and now it's right here."
"You're yawning a lot, Lil, do you want me to carry you up to bed?" Harm offered.
"Not yet," she said, holding Mac tighter. "Just a few more minutes."
"You haven't had any of your milk or cookies," Mac observed as Lily's eyes closed.
"Not hungry," she mumbled. "Had sooo much today."
Within minutes she was sound asleep.

The moment Harm tried to pick her up she protested but he quickly overcame that by holding her close and kissing her head. Happy she was still with her parents, she drifted off once more and was completely out of it by the time he tucked her into bed.
"Sarah, I couldn't rescue anything from the oven," Trish said coming into the living room. "What else can I get for you?"
"It's alright, mom," Harm said returning. "I'll organise something, but first, can I say thank you for your present. It is exactly what we needed."
"I thought it might be," she said with a grin. "And we had a lovely day so it was a win-win situation." She looked over to her husband to gain his support to find Frank asleep in the armchair. "Very exhausting all around though."

It turned out to be an early night all around and after Santa had made his delivery and Harm and Mac had eaten all couples retreated to their respective bedrooms, knowing that Christmas morning came very early where little children were concerned.

"He's been! He's been!" screamed Lily throwing open her parents door. "Santa's been...I went downstairs and there's presents everywhere and the milk and cookies and carrots are gone and it's so exciting and ... and ...can I get the twins? Can we open presents?"

The only thing Mac could do at her daughter's babble was laugh.
"Merry Christmas, baby girl," Harm said with a smile on his face. "How about you climb in with us for a few minutes and say hello..?" he said, trying to buy some time, after all it had barely gone five.
"Dadddddy," she groaned. "But Santa's been."
"I know, honey," he said, "But we'd really like to spend some quiet time with you. Wouldn't you, mommy?" he asked, looking at Mac.
"I'd love that," she said pulling down the covers in between them. "Just for a little bit."

For a moment, Lily chewed her bottom lip as she contemplated her options; a living room filled with presents or some precious minutes with just her and her mommy and daddy, something which didn't happen too often these days.
"Okay, just for a few minutes," she agreed, scampering across the bed and snuggling under the covers with her parents. "Merry Christmas, mommy," she said, hugging and kissing her mother before doing the same to her father.
"Merry Christmas, Lily," they replied in unison.