Flora woke a bit earlier than usual Christmas morning. As soon as she heard her stir, Caroline who had been lying awake lost in her thoughts, with Nicola still asleep beside her, jumped out of bed to rescue her from her crib before she could disturb the rest of the household. As she picked her up, she was struck by how much she looked like Kate. Remembering that the monitor was on in her bedroom, she refrained from saying so out loud and said a silent prayer of thanks for Kate giving her the gift of Flora.

Then she wished her a Merry Christmas and started talking to her about what was planned for the day as she carried her back to her bedroom to find Nicola waking up.

She handed her to Nicola and then crawled back under the covers. The three of them snuggled for a bit, trying to be quiet so as not to wake anyone else.

"Penny for them," Nicola eventually offered, having noticed that Caroline was quieter than usual.

Caroline merely responded by squeezing her hand.

"I can tell you're lost in thoughts of last year and that's understandable. I get it if you don't want to talk about it."

"Hmmm. Just recalling a good memory. I remember waking with Kate beside me last Christmas morning and neither of us wanting to put a foot on the floor for fear of breaking the spell that seemed to have been cast on us the night before. It was a morning that held so much promise."

"I'm glad you have good memories and I'm also glad you can share some with me."

Caroline leaned over for a chaste kiss in response. "It's been quite a year. I keep wondering if I knew last year at this time all that was going to happen what I would have done differently. I know I wouldn't have let her drive the boys that morning but …"

Nicola saw the tears start silently falling from Caroline's eyes and was at a loss for words. "Would you like me to take Flora down to give her breakfast and give you some space?"

"Would you mind? I think I'll go have a cry in the shower and then I'll be down to start on breakfast for everyone."

"I can do that. Want me to pop the strata in the oven?" Nicola was tying her robe closed while moving back to the bed where Caroline was holding Flora.

"No. Let me. It will give me something to fuss over and a buffer from having to sit and make small talk with everyone." Caroline kissed Flora on the forehead and handed her to Nicola. She smiled as she watched Nicola kiss Flora's forehead as well as she took her in her arms. While it saddened her that Kate never had a chance to do that, she realized what a blessing it was that Nicola showed no hesitancy in being affectionate to Flora.

"Got it. Want me to at least bring you some coffee or tea?"

Caroline stood and kissed her. "No. I'm good. I'll be down shortly."

###

Gillian and Calamity had joined Nicola and Flora in the kitchen by the time Caroline made her appearance.

"Happy Christmas you two. How did everyone sleep?" Nicola was relieved to see Caroline was seeming much more bright-eyed than when she left her upstairs.

"Happy Christmas right back at ya. I can't remember the last time I got to sleep past 7 am. It might have been on our honeymoon. That mattress is just firm enough for my back. Some days the farm really takes it out of me. Robbie decided to stay in bed for a bit since you said last night breakfast would be sometime after 9 am."

"I keep thinking I should replace that old mattress in the guest room so I'm glad it was all right. I think I'll take some of that coffee and then I'll get Flora dressed before I start in on the breakfast. There are just a few things to pop in the oven, challah and fruit to slice, and then rashers and bangers to fry. Breakfast should be ready when the masses descend which should be as soon everyone smells the bacon cooking." Caroline stirred her coffee then continued, "I can tell you that I don't miss the days Lawrence woke at 5 am on Christmas Day insisting we open presents right there and then. I suspect we'll be lucky to see him before 10 am today."

Nicola excused herself to go take a shower. As soon as she was out of the room Gillian suggested Caroline at least sit down to drink her coffee while the oven preheated. "Knowing you, if you don't sit down now, you won't sit down until the dishes are done later today. Come on, tell me how it's been having Nicola here for so long while she's upstairs and out of earshot."

"It's been almost seamless. We've kept busy and frankly it's been great. The house has never looked more festive this time of year and that's thanks to her." Caroline reached for the pot to top off their cups, using it as an excuse to avoid eye contact as she spoke.

"How have you been with everything? I noticed you were quieter than usual yesterday." She reached for Caroline's hand as a show of support as she spoke.

"I've kept myself so busy that I haven't allowed myself to think about last year much. I have to admit it hit me a bit this morning as I went in to get Flora. But all in all, I think it's not been as bad as I feared."

"I'm glad Caroline. I knew that day that we were peeling potatoes in my kitchen that time would help heal so much for you, as I finally saw glimpses of a smile on you then, but I remember after Eddie how the first of everything was hard. That first Christmas was awful. I had to make a nice holiday for Raff but it was really tough. I wish I had someone like Nicola to help me through it and I'm so glad for you that you do."

"Me too. Don't know how I would have done this week without her."

Caroline put the strata in the oven and then headed upstairs with Flora to get her dressed. When that mission was accomplished, they joined Nicola in the bedroom.

"I'm glad you're still up here. I wanted to give you your present while we're alone," Caroline said as she moved to her dresser and removed a small gift-wrapped package.

"Excellent. I was hoping we'd get some time on our own to do just that," said Nicola as she reached into her sweater pocket and pulled out a small box covered with snowflake paper.

"Open yours first," prompted Caroline. Nicola was delighted to find an Apple watch nestled inside.

"It's beautiful Caroline. I had been thinking about getting one. I love the color."

"I wanted you to know how much I look forward to spending time with you. It's meant to be symbolic and I hope you don't think it's too corny."

"I love it and I love you. Now it's your turn. I hope you like it."

Caroline removed the wrapping and opened the lid to reveal a diamond pendant. "It's gorgeous but it's also very extravagant. You shouldn't have."

"Ah, but I wanted to. My mum use to say that you never know how strong you are and how much you can shine until you are put under pressure and really tested just like a piece of charcoal that is pressed into a diamond. It's just meant to be a reminder that you shine like a diamond to me despite all you've been through this year. Happy Christmas my love."

"I love it and I love you, too. Happy Christmas."