Author's Note
If you wince, you'll catch an original Oz Easter egg. There will be one more chapter after this one, not to mention the appendices, so don't give up on me yet! Enjoy! - WR
Chapter Fifteen
Within days of Ezra coming back to Hilltop, the weather completed its annual shift, bringing winter to the prairie. Without many places for it to break against, the winter winds blew hard and biting through the dried grasses, making the ground go hard and cold in preparation for the snow that would soon come. With Elmer accounted for, the days following Ezra's return were quiet for Wyatt and DG, and they went about their existence in blissful enjoyment of the simplicity that they knew would be drawing to a close soon.
Knowing this time when she would be leaving, DG had managed to put in her notice to Carter, and she happily carried out the last days of her employment after doing so. Carter was sad to see her go, he admitted, but DG was getting married and moving on with her life, so he could not be anything other than happy for her no matter how dull the Café would be in her parting. DG could not contain her excitement – not just for going home to the OZ, but for having the opportunity to share the holidays with Wyatt before they departed. As a child, with no other family than her nurture units, DG had always delighted in Thanksgiving with Ruby and Owen, feeling that her world had expanded gloriously if only for a day. Christmas, on the other hand, represented magic and renewal for DG. Until her memories were returned to her of her life in the OZ, DG had thought it only the innocence of youth that drew her to the enchantment of that season. In reality, it was deeply personal, and harkened back to her most treasured times while living on the Northern Island, where winters were awash in real magic, and cause for celebration in and of themselves.
So, when Thanksgiving came around, DG was bubbling with excitement, and relentless in dragging Wyatt into it with her.
"DG," Wyatt grumbled into the pillow on Thanksgiving morning, "Why are you so bubbly this morning? Is something wrong with you?"
DG stopped rifling through the closet, which still held a mixture of Hank and Emily's clothes as well as theirs and popped her head out into the room with a roll of her eye. "Wyatt," DG growled adorably, "if you don't get up, we're going to be late to Ruby and Owen's. I have to help Ruby with Thanksgiving dinner. If I don't, she'll be sure to break a hip or something. Besides, we'll miss the Thanksgiving parade pre-show. I don't know when I'll get to see the Rockettes again, and I'll never forgive you if I miss them."
Wyatt didn't know who the Rockettes were, but judging by DG's tone, he didn't want to risk her wrath on the matter. So, when DG's head disappeared back into the confines of the closet, Wyatt dragged himself out of bed and shuffled into the bathroom, silently resolved to bathe before being dragged out into thirty degree weather. When he emerged from his shower only minutes later, DG was already dressed and pulling on her boots. DG had found an oversized cowl neck sweater in the closet, which Wyatt reasoned must have belonged to Emily, since DG had only just taken to wearing more feminine attire in the past annual. The dark blue sweater suited DG though, and the fluffy angora seemed to frame her face in a beautiful blue haze that made her eyes appear to sparkle. To this sweater DG opted for a crisp pair of blue jeans which Wyatt was eager for her to stand in so he could inspect how they fit on her backside.
DG had been a little moody as of late, Wyatt thought absently, so instead of wickedly demanding inspection of his bride-to-be's choice in clothing, he slid quickly into the closet, hoping to escape any lecture that she might invent for him not being dressed already. Wyatt wasn't sure if she was nervous about going back to the OZ, or if her usual monthly hormonal swings were just heightened due to their rapidly changing circumstances. While Wyatt pondered this silently, he pulled on a sweater of his own, a dark grey cable knit, over his undershirt and jeans, not leaving the closet until he rescued his work boots from under a pile of DG's discarded clothes.
Wyatt felt he was tempting fate by kissing his fiancé when he reentered the bedroom, but his chance paid off, and DG smiled sweetly up at him from the bed after their lips parted, and she sighed in quiet contentment. "I'm sorry I'm being weird, Wyatt. I'm just excited to be able to share these holidays with you before we go back home. They were really important to me growing up, and I'm not sure when we'll be back here again."
Wyatt was pulling his shoes on while DG explained, and he rose when he was done, pulling her up with him as he went. As DG was pulled into his space, Wyatt pulled her into a slow, reaffirming kiss. DG seemed to melt, and her knees tried to give way, but Wyatt held her firm against him, so she remained pleasantly upright. "DG," Wyatt murmured against her lips, "I understand, and I'm happy that I get to see this side of you. Just calm down, okay?"
Wyatt grinned when he said this, causing DG to instantly relax, smiling back at him in reply. Satisfied that DG would now try to comply with his request, Wyatt kissed her forehead before motioning to the door, "Come on, Your Impatience, let's not keep Ruby waiting."
DG grinned happily and led the way, depositing herself in the passenger side of the already-running truck while Wyatt groaned his way into the driver's side.
"When, pray tell, did you manage to warm the truck up?" Wyatt asked with incredulity as they moved down the gravel lane.
DG smiled smugly and replied, "While you were in the shower. I know you hate being cold."
Before turning the truck onto the pavement, Wyatt brought the car to a stop and leaned over to peck DG on the cheek, "Thanks Deeg," he replied as he straightened back up, "I'm lucky to have you in my life."
"Don't you forget it Tin Man," DG replied good-naturedly.
Wyatt chuckled as they pulled onto the road, heading a little further out to Ruby and Owen Holt's homestead. Ruby and Owen Holt had long been considered two of the most important pillars of Hilltop's small community. Even before marrying, Ruby Hugson and Owen Holt's families had been respected, being rightfully viewed as kind, hardworking souls, that would help any in need whether or not it was asked for. As the years past and the Hugson and Holt lines narrowed until only Ruby and Owen remained, the respect for their families was still much remembered and spoken of. Ruby came from a long line of cattle ranchers, and instead of following in the footsteps of the other women in her family, who were cattlemen's wives; Ruby had gone off to college in Kansas City as a bullheaded young woman, only returning when she was offered a position as the town librarian. Owen's family had run the general store since Kansas was still a territory and one's ability to shoot a gun provided the most stable rule of law. Far removed from their Wild West ancestors, Ruby and Owen were more a peace-loving type of people and had been adopted as surrogate relatives to many of the locals. None were quite as endearing to the couple as DG was, however, although after almost fifty years of marriage, there weren't many in Hilltop that may have guessed why. Many locals surmised that Ruby and DG just had a lot in common and bonded over their similar loves of art and literature. In truth, Ruby and Owen had once had a daughter much like DG, who was headstrong, kind, and resembled her to an unbelievable degree, but had lost her at an early age. The couple had never had any children after losing their daughter Anne, so when DG appeared years later, they felt themselves blessed to be allowed to be in her life instead.
Although DG was aware of the Holt's tragic past, she never dwelled on it, and instead reveled in their friendship. Thanksgiving at the Holt's home had become a tradition early in DG's time in Kansas, for Hank and Emily had no knowledge of the holiday and were eager to learn through observing their new friends. So, by the time Hank's truck pulled up in front of the Holt's modest brick home, DG was positively beaming. Wyatt had barely parked the car when DG jumped out, heading straight for the side door underneath the carport, which would deposit DG directly in Ruby's domestic realm.
When DG flew into the warm kitchen, her face flushed from the cold and her face beaming brightly, her senses were overwhelmed with the smells of the season, and she paused to take a deep whiff of roasting turkey and pumpkin spice. Wyatt appeared behind her in short order, slightly out of breath from trying to catch up to his partner, and similarly wind chaffed. Wyatt stood in the doorway like he was afraid to be run over, though, for when DG entered, Ruby quickly embraced her and Wyatt, before dragging DG away to the table to help her with the dishes being prepared. Having heard the truck pull up, Owen popped his head into the kitchen just far enough to greet DG and beckon to Wyatt.
"Come on in here, son. Don't want to get run over by those two. They'll be on a mission for the next few hours."
Wyatt surveyed the room with wide eyes, blowing out a huff of air as he nodded his head muttering, "You might be right about that, Owen."
DG seemed to have heard him from her station at the kitchen table, and she grinned happily as he passed, taking her coat with him while he leaned down to kiss her in parting, "Don't get into trouble in here, Darlin', I can't save you here," Wyatt joked, purloining a carrot stick from the stack of cut vegetables on his way out. Ruby frowned at him and tried to swat his hand away, but the carrot was in his mouth by the time she reached him, and he chuckled as he left the room with a wave, calling "Have fun ladies!"
With the men out of the way, Ruby's eyes twinkled mischievously while she pushed the vegetables to the side, making way for much more tempting ingredients. DG gasped in happy surprise as the ingredients were revealed and she hissed, "Are you going to teach me how to make fudge? You swore you'd never tell a soul your recipe!"
Ruby winked at DG and replied as if DG should have known, "DG honey, you're the closest I'll ever come to having a granddaughter of my own. I have to pass my family recipes down to someone, and seeing that you're getting married, I thought this might be a nice treat for the both of us. Consider it a wedding present."
DG squeaked with delight, giving Ruby the biggest bear hug she could without crushing her. Ruby laughed with equal light-heartedness, before she finally patted DG's hand lovingly. DG then resumed her seat at the table, ready to receive Ruby's instructions and trying desperately to contain her exuberance. Ruby had always found that DG learned best by doing, so under the guise of trying to spare her old hands, she set DG to work in her stead. DG worked diligently, listening carefully to everything Ruby said while absorbing her techniques like a sponge. By the time the fudge was laid out on a sheet pan to cool, DG hadn't yet lost the ruddy color to her cheeks, and she glowed like a little girl when she leaned over to smell the rich chocolate littered with nuts.
Ruby surveyed her young friend with a knowing eye, and asked nonchalantly as she popped a spare piece of walnut in her mouth, "DG, how long have you been carrying that little one that you've been hiding beneath your sweater?"
DG's eyes just about popped out of her skull when she looked up from the fudge, and her hands went to her abdomen when she exclaimed in a small voice, "But I'm not even showing yet! How did you know?"
Ruby laughed heartily and whispered back, "You forget, dearest, I was a mother once myself. How long, sweet girl?"
DG's ruddy cheeks darkened to Ruby's comments and she smiled bashfully in return, admitting, "I don't think more than a month. I just missed a week or so ago, so I haven't even told Wyatt yet."
Ruby was simply brimming with joy, and she rose from her seat when DG confirmed her news, enveloping her in her frail arms, "Oh, congratulations, honey. Your secret is safe with me."
"Thanks, Ruby," DG murmured, "I guess I'm just nervous. I mean, I know Wyatt wants more children, I just don't know how he feels about having them now." DG picked at the tablecloth as she spoke, her eyes roving the room in an attempt to find something to draw her attention.
DG's eyes stopped moving when Ruby patted her hand, effectively stopping her nervous fidgeting and drawing her attention back. "Just tell him, dear. I know he'll be over the moon. You'll see. Anyone who's had children will tell you that you can't ever plan these things, but they're still a blessing, all the same." Ruby smiled warmly at DG, making DG instantly relaxed. Once DG took a few steadying breaths, Ruby patted her hand once more, saying, "Now, let's get back to it. We've got a meal to get together, and you've got some recipes to learn!"
Ruby knew exactly how to get DG's mind off of her worries, setting DG to work right away on their next dishes. The two women worked side by side as the morning worn on, sharing stories on topics ranging from Ruby's childhood to memories from recent past. Ruby recounted her first-time meeting Wyatt, drawing boisterous laughter from DG; and her impressions of how DG and Wyatt were as a couple, which made DG feel warm all over and hopeful for the future. DG wanted to tell Ruby about how she had met Wyatt, and how they had managed to come so far apart before flying back together again, but she couldn't manage to find a way to tell the woman without giving away the truth of who she really was. Ruby, for her part, seemed to feel DG's reluctance, and silently resolved to assist DG in relieving the burden that was etched in the worry lines at the edges of the young woman's eyes.
After all of their preparations, dinner came and went with alarming speed, leaving all overstuffed and sleepy. Wyatt didn't think he had eaten so much in annuals and swore that he'd have to do a month's hard labor to work the rich food off of his bones. DG could never turn down food, even without an extra mouth to feed, but even she groaned with the amount of food she had consumed.
"Oh," DG groaned as she led the group from the dining room and into the warm little parlor, depositing herself on the couch in front of the fireplace, "Why did I eat that much?"
Wyatt sat down next to her and joked, "I normally ask how. I don't know where you put it."
DG smacked his arm and exclaimed indignantly, "Hey, I can't help it if I have a hyperactive metabolism!"
Wyatt burst out laughing, and replied while still mid laugh, "Okay, okay, I'm sorry Deeg!" Wyatt wrapped his arms around the small woman while he laughed, pinning her arms to her sides, keeping her from swatting at him any further.
At that moment, their youthful roughhousing was interrupted by Owen and Ruby, who shuffled in slowly from the dining room arm in arm. "If you two don't cut that out, I might have to go take you to see the preacher sooner than you expected," Owen deadpanned, a hint of a smile appearing as he gazed down on his wife while he helped her into one of the arm chairs flanking the fireplace.
Wyatt stopped immediately and cleared his throat, attempting to sober up quickly in light of being reprimanded like a young man. When Owen let out a sudden chuckle, Wyatt relaxed, realizing that he'd been played by the older man. With joking aside, Ruby decided that now was the time to assist DG in relieving the burden on her shoulders and asked in a curious manner, "DG, when are you two going to go see your folks? I assume that since they're not here, you'll be seeing them soon?"
DG glanced at Wyatt, who shifted somewhat uncomfortably at the mention of DG's parents, and DG replied in her usual practiced manner, "Well, we planned to go back to Omaha around Christmas, but honestly, if we get a phone call sooner, we'll have to leave pretty quickly. Not sure how Grandma is fairing."
Ruby's eyes narrowed, and a wicked smile spread across her face as she corrected DG in a nonchalant manner, "When you say phone call, you mean the violent, twisting vortex kind, is that right?"
DG answered without even thinking, being lulled by all of the food and Ruby's manner of keeping her at ease, "Well, it's not really as violent as it seems. It does make me a little queasy when I touch down though."
Wyatt cleared his throat loudly while DG's eyes widened at the realization that she'd been caught. "Ruby, how did you know?" DG gasped.
Wyatt and DG leaned in to hear what Ruby would say next, while Ruby motioned to Owen, who seemed unfazed by mention of travel by twister. Owen seemed to know what Ruby was indicating for and reached up for a photograph sitting on the mantle, handing it to Ruby before resuming his station in his own armchair, pipe in hand.
Ruby sighed wistfully and replied, "Well my grandfather, Zebidiah Hugson, used to tell me so many stories when I was young. There were times when I wondered which were true and which were fancies. I loved them so much that I suppose that was why I became a librarian – so I could be among those stories all the time." Ruby paused for a breath before continuing her story, "There was one story he told, though, that was more vivid than all the rest. It was all about the adventures that he had with his young cousin, who you'll see in this picture."
Ruby reached over to DG and handed her the picture, which DG grasped in both hands and stared at as if she was seeing a ghost, "But that's-"
"Dorothy Gale," Ruby finished for her, pausing just momentarily before offering thoughtfully, "You looked a lot like the young girl in that picture when you were small, DG. That's how I always knew you were someone special. The stories were true, weren't they?"
DG seemed to have lost her voice for a moment, and instead nodded lamely. Wyatt watched DG as she wiped away a rogue tear away, and replied for her, his voice proud and clear as he described the Gales, "Dorothy became a beloved Queen in the OZ, and there have been a long line of great women that have followed after her, leading all the way to DG."
DG squeezed Wyatt's hand in thanks for his description, being stopped only by Ruby, who replied in slight awe, "So that makes you a Princess, then, doesn't it DG?" When DG nodded again, Ruby then turned to Wyatt and grinned, "and you must be her knight in shining armor then?"
DG and Wyatt both laughed out loud at this and DG answered diplomatically, "Well yes and no. Wyatt is actually General Wyatt Cain, of my mother's Royal Army, but when I met him, he was a Tin Man."
Owen's eyes narrowed in confusion and he inquired skeptically, "Tin Man? What's that?"
"They're what policemen are called in the OZ," DG answered with a sly smile, "that's why he made such a natural sheriff."
Wyatt scoffed at this, but still kissed DG's hand, accepting her comment as a compliment rather than the jab that resounded in her tone. Ruby also laughed at this, but for a different reason, and she explained while she wiped away an amused tear, "Oh, I'm sorry Wyatt. I'm just laughing because listening to my grandpa's stories had me thinking that the Tin Men were made of metal. I'm glad to know that at least some of his stories were yarns after all."
Wyatt raised an eyebrow in Ruby's direction and answered after a brief pause, "Well, actually, he wasn't completely wrong, and being that he was in Central City probably when Ozma the Great still reigned, he may have actually seen the Tin Man." DG frowned in confusion, not being aware of this story, and waiting with baited breath for Wyatt to explain. After glancing at his fiancé's expression, Wyatt laughed somewhat nervously and continued, "You see, the Order of the Tin Men was formed by Ozma after she retook Central City from General Jinjur's Army. Ozma didn't want to leave Central City or the people of the OZ unprotected again, so she named her civilian police force in honor of the Tin Man, who had traveled with Ozma and Dorothy and did many services for the people of OZ afterwards."
"Wyatt," DG interjected skeptically, "You're leaving something out. What is it?"
Wyatt's trepidation didn't die down, for DG had caught him leaving out the most pertinent part of why Zeb may have given Ruby that false impression. With a loud huff, Wyatt replied, "Sorry, it's just not a story for a friendly fireside. You see, the Tin Man was just that. Although he was a man once, a woodsman named Nick Chopper, a sorceress grew angry when one of her servants fell in love with him and enchanted his axe to cut things other than wood. An alchemist took pity on Nick and replaced parts of him with parts of metal until finally, he was a Tin Man. Dorothy found him rusted in the woods annuals later and helped restore him."
"Oh my!" Ruby exclaimed, "You're right, that sounds more like a story for a campfire! Goodness." Ruby paused in her exclamations to see DG toying with her sweater again and she asked kindly, "DG, sweet girl, what is it?"
Wyatt and Owen's attention was on DG now, and DG blushed with the attention, asking Wyatt quietly, "Would you mind if I told them about how we met?"
Wyatt suddenly realized the cause for DG's sudden bashful turn, and he kissed her sweetly, nodding silently. Now that she had Wyatt's approval, DG turned back to Owen and Ruby and explained, "It just reminded me of how I met Wyatt. You see, when I got dumped back in the OZ, a horrible witch had taken control, and imprisoned a lot of good people, my mother included. Her goons also hunted down many of the Tin Men and imprisoned many in enchanted suits of metal that kept them young and made them watch as their worst moment over and over again." With a gulp DG continued on, "Well, when I got to the OZ, one of the first things I stumbled on was one of those suits, with Wyatt inside."
"And she brought me back to life just like Dorothy did for Nick Chopper," Wyatt murmured, meeting DG's eyes with his own sparkling set, showing his deep adoration for her in them.
"And now he just won't leave me alone," DG laughed, causing Wyatt to poke her in her side good-naturedly. This elicited a round of laughter from the Holts and giggles from the sprite, which were only silenced by a gentle kiss from the Tin Man.
When the laughter died down completely, Ruby sighed happily, "Oh my, this has been quite a Thanksgiving. I'm so glad to know that we truly are family, my dear DG. You've made me happier than you'll ever know."
While Ruby patted DG's hand fondly, DG had a sudden epiphany, and exclaimed excitedly, "Ruby, why don't you and Owen come back with us to the OZ? Wouldn't you like to see if all of Zeb's stories were true?"
Owen and Ruby both chuckled and Ruby answer wistfully, "Dear girl, we're too old to travel by airplane much less a tornado, but I wouldn't want to anyway. This is our home." Then she grasped DG's hand and looked her in the eye, declaring firmly, "but you must promise to come back and see me if you can. I'd like to see you after you've been Mrs. Cain for a bit. Maybe you can bring some of your family with you."
DG accepted Ruby's declination with grace and reached across the arm of the couch to embrace her instead, murmuring so that only she could hear, "I'd like for her to meet you, Ruby. I promise I'll come back before too long."
Ruby and DG parted from their warm embrace, gazing on each other as if they were truly grandmother and granddaughter. Owen and Wyatt watched on in quiet respect, understanding that something truly important had happened that day. DG had no idea that her sojourn to Kansas would result in so many blessings, and she spent the remainder of the afternoon in quiet shock. Ruby did her best to mitigate the astonishment of the young woman and passed Dorothy stories of her predecessor and other members of their family. Finally, as the sun started to set on the day, and Wyatt and DG had cleaned up the signs of revelry for their newly discovered relatives, the couples said goodnight.
Thanksgiving seemed to have a pleasant effect on the Tin Man as well, and he chatted happily about his experience on the drive home. "You know, I don't think there's anything like this in the OZ, but given what our people just went through, maybe you could talk to your mother about instituting something similar. I like the idea of gathering with your loved ones to celebrate family and friends," Wyatt mused as they strolled inside, Wyatt seemingly forgetting the weather, which had grown colder during the day, and would most likely bring snow soon, and wispy clouds were thickening overhead and beginning to fill the dusky sky.
DG smiled to herself, finding solace from her internal dialogue in Wyatt's confession about his love of being with family. DG had known early in their friendship that he was, at heart, a family man, so it shouldn't have come to such a surprise to her that he would enjoy such an observance, but her irrational fears had gotten the better of her and made her more distracted than usual. While Wyatt continued his musings, they ambled into the back bedroom, peeling clothing off as they both neared the bed. Once finally tangled up in each other's arms, Wyatt finally paused in his delighted rambling to caress DG's cheek, tapping on her forehead lightly to get her attention.
"DG, where have you been all this time?" Wyatt asked with a mixture of concern and amusement.
DG was admittedly tired, and when she looked up into Wyatt's eyes, her fatigue was evident both in her drowsy expression and the manner of her reply. "Huh, oh. I'm sorry Wyatt, I didn't mean to zone out. I've just had a lot to absorb in the last few hours. I guess I'm just worn out."
Wyatt leaned down accept DG's slow kiss, humming against her lips contentedly until they separated and resumed their positions in the bed. "I can't say I blame you. We gained a lot of unexpected family today. I know that was a lot to take in," Wyatt offered sympathetically.
DG hummed against his chest, playing idly with his chest hairs until her eyes drifted shut, and the world and its worries seemed to melt away. She wasn't sure how long she had been sleeping when her eyes next opened, but judging by the inky blackness around them, DG judged that it must have been nearly midnight when she finally sat up and stretched. A glance to her side told her that Wyatt was still in deep slumber, and she smiled, recalling that while they had been in the OZ, he never seemed to allow himself this kind of rest – always on the alert, his eyes would always come open when someone else roused. The fact that he didn't rouse now told DG that Wyatt was content and without care, and she sighed wistfully in the dark, wishing that she could partake in his contentment. So, in an attempt save her love from the worries that burdened her spirit, DG slipped out of bed noiselessly and pulled her sweater back on, adding pajama pants and heavy wool socks to the ensemble to keep her warm.
DG wandered the house for hours, never settling anywhere longer than a few minutes. Her restlessness frustrated her, because the prospect of being a mother actually gave her joy, and she delighted in the notion of watching her belly grow with who she was certain would be her daughter. Despite these sweet notions that brought a smile to DG's face, she could not shake the fear that she might fail as a mother, given the difficulty her own mother had experienced as a result of DG's encounter with the witch. When DG finally settled on the back porch, she clutched Ruby's recipe book in her arms, worrying over the mother she wanted to be and all the ways that she might be kept from being so. She recalled the terrible family tragedy that had kept her own mother from giving all that she must have wished to give DG as a young girl, and she tried to tally all of the dangers that her daughter might face in the OZ, and whether she and Wyatt should just raise her in Kansas or not to avoid the perils she perceived still lurking in her homeland.
DG pondered all these concepts while she wrapped herself tightly a thick blanket, rocking herself quietly in an effort to assuage the niggling concerns robbing her of sleep. The sight of the dormant prairie as the sun slowly crept up into the sky gave DG's weary eyes some rest, and she allowed a sigh as she gazed out thoughtfully on the sight as it emerged from the darkness. The snow had, in fact, arrived during the night, and had covered the ground as far as DG could see in a thick blanket of fine diamonds that seemed to glitter in the early morning light. The scene was still pristine, as not a single paw print or stray leaf had yet to mar the surface of the pack, and it gave one the feeling of restful dormancy. Were DG in a less pensive state of mind, she might have pulled on her boots and gleefully disturbed the pristine beauty with her own variations of snowmen and angels, but as she was, she only laughed quietly while she recollected other such occasions over the years. DG's exuberance with regards to the winter season had always been infectious, and she had always managed to enlist droves of willing soldiers to help her in her cause, creating endless memories of snow castles and forts being made and destroyed by DG, her nurture units, and many others. DG laughed when she happened to remember similar activities from before the witch, when she and Azkadellia had managed to draw in conscripts for their many campaigns ranging from both of their parents and Ambrose, to the many guards that kept them under protective watch. These memories relieved some of DG's worries, and while she sat, she suddenly remembered something her mother had once told her as a child when they were similarly marveling at the fresh snow.
"Mother, why do you like the snow so much?" young DG had asked her innocently as she tucked herself further into her mother's ermine draped lap.
DG's mother laughed a gentle, musical laugh and replied thoughtfully, "Well, my angel, how else can our world rest from its busy annual? Without the snow, our world would not know dormancy, and without that, it would not experience the glorious renewal that we see in the spring. We should enjoy this magical time, for it is the herald of what is to come."
Lavender's words echoed in DG's mind, and it seemed to DG as if her mother might have been telling not to worry about the future. With a sigh of relief, DG realized that worrying about the future would not change its outcome, and she should just marvel in its progression as it happened. This was her life, she smiled to herself, and it was everything she could have ever wanted.
While DG was still out on the porch, sorting out the jumble of thoughts in her mind, Wyatt was beginning to rouse. Although Wyatt had been sleeping more soundly of late, he still kept his usual routine overall, and woke as the sun rose on almost all days unless he was ill. Today was no exception, and as he stretched, expecting to find a sleepy reaction from DG when his hand rested on her soft backside, he found a cold empty bed. This was not completely accurate, he found after a moment of moving his hand drowsily among the sheets, for his hand finally rested on a fluffy form, which meowed brightly in response to Wyatt's hand.
Wyatt let his eyes come open to meet the amber eyes of Tiger, who stood up and stretched after being prodded gently by Wyatt. Tiger padded over to the Tin Man and gave him a loving head butt, purring loudly as his companion. Wyatt scratched Tiger's back affectionately and purred in return, "Hey Tiger, where's our girl?"
Tiger blinked at Wyatt and chattered as if speaking. Seeming to understand his question, the large feline jumped down from the bed and made lazy circles in front of the door, cracked open so he could leave if he had so decided. Seeing that Wyatt was getting up, Tiger pushed his head through the door and made his way out. Wyatt soon followed once he had pulled on a pair of pajama pants and his sweater from the previous night, stepping lightly on his bare feet as he followed the cat out to the kitchen. Wyatt looked around the empty room and shrugged at Tiger, asking dejectedly, "Tiger, where is she?"
Tiger rubbed his body against Wyatt's legs before sauntering over to the back door, where he sat himself down and meowed in a somewhat shrill tone. Wyatt frowned slightly at the cat, not believing that DG could possibly have gotten herself out of bed and outside on a day like this. In an annual and a half of knowing the Princess, he had never seen her out of bed so early on purpose, and certainly not when it was literally freezing outside – even if she did have a peculiar love of the snow. Wyatt glanced at the coffee maker, and seeing it still empty, he huffed. Something was not right, he thought, and he quickly decided to take the cat's advice and check outside for his wayward fiancé. Tiger pushed his way outside as Wyatt opened the door, peering out to check the porch.
DG was sitting in the rocking chair just on the other side and smiled up at him sleepily when his head appeared in the opening. "Good morning," she greeted him in a dreamy voice.
Wyatt could not shake the feeling that something was up, and replied softly, kneeling in front of the princess, "Hey, how long have you been up?"
DG frowned to the ceiling and replied after a moment, "I didn't really sleep. I mean, I napped for an hour or two after we got home, but I've probably been up since about eleven."
DG's heart felt warmed by Wyatt's reaction to her statement, which was a mixture of alarm and worry, to which he answered, "You never miss a night's sleep. What's wrong?" DG smiled down on the recipe book still in her lap, which she fingered lightly. Wyatt noticed the motion and inquired with growing curiosity, "has this been what's kept you up?"
DG laughed brightly and reached forward to place a gentle kiss on Wyatt's lips, parting from him to reply, "Nothing's wrong, honestly. I just had a lot of thinking to do, and the book helped."
Wyatt was confused and sat down on his feet, asking with furrowed brows, "With what, sweetheart? Will you tell me?"
DG's face felt hot, and she knew she was blushing when she smiled shyly, meeting his eyes with a flutter of her eyelashes. In a soft reply, she explained, "I was just wondering what kind of mother I'll be in eight months."
The breath left Wyatt's chest in a whoosh of air, and his ears thundered with the sound of his own heart thudding loudly. Wyatt stared, dumbstruck, unable to speak for a moment until he finally shut his open mouth to wet his lips, answering softly, "You're, we're, you mean," he stammered, finding that his brain had apparently shut down in happy shock.
As a delighted grin slowly melted the shock on his face, DG slipped into his lap, straddling his waist and wrapping them both in her blanket, "Are you happy?" DG asked almost in a whisper.
Wyatt's arms wrapped around her small frame and replied in a light laugh, "Are you kidding? This is the best news next to you telling me you love me!" Then pulling his blushing fiancé up to her feet he continued while picking her up bridal style, "We're going to have a baby!"
With that exclamation, DG laughed in overwhelming happiness while Wyatt swung them in a small circle. At that point, the cold must have finally caught up with the happily flushed Tin Man, and he rushed them inside, claiming to be thinking of her all the while. "We'd better get you warmed up, Princess." Wyatt grumbled sweetly as he set her on the living room couch and began making a fire, causing DG to stifle a giggle while he bustled around her, "Don't want my girls freezing to death."
"Wyatt," DG laughed, almost feeling that her gut would burst, "I'm fine! Don't forget, daughter of light? I lived in an ice palace as a little girl? Don't worry so much!"
Wyatt was not done grumbling and replied with a slightly irritated tone, "Am I about to get outnumbered by a gaggle of women who are abnormally attracted to cold weather?"
DG gave Wyatt a thoughtful side eye, replying, "Well, I don't know about a gaggle. Probably more like three tops, depending on how many children we decide we want to have."
Wyatt was crouched in front of the fireplace, arranging logs, and turned midway through his chore with a confused frown, "How do you mean three tops?"
DG got up from the couch and sat down on the floor next to him, handing him kindling as she explained, "The way I understood it from mother, no Gale woman has ever had more than two daughters before they finally gave birth to a son."
Wyatt smirked as he took the box of matches from DG, replying in a teasing manner, "and what if we had more than three children?"
DG eyed him suspiciously and replied in a warning tone as he lit the fire, "Let's just see how this one goes, Tin Man, don't push your luck."
DG shoved Wyatt playfully, and the man chuckled in response as he tackled her to the rug, kissing her heartily. The paternalism that had overtaken Wyatt's demeanor previously seemed to melt away when DG whimpered, wriggling heatedly under his body. Wyatt's hands roamed from her wrists, which he had pinned over her head, down her sides, causing DG to hum happily while her pelvis thrust upwards against Wyatt's growing arousal. Wyatt emitted a deep rumble in response and broke their necking to gaze down into DG's eyes, his own pupils blow wide and his face flushed.
"I have to have you Darlin'," Wyatt rasped, sitting up to remove his sweater.
DG sat up with him, letting her hands explore his muscular chest as it was revealed to her, as if possessed, she left soft, open mouthed kisses on his abdomen while she hummed in agreement. With Wyatt's shirt removed, DG toyed with the waistband of his pajamas, kissing him there as well as she pushed the fabric down. Wyatt hadn't expected DG's movements and gasped in ecstasy when DG grasped the muscles of his posterior, holding him to her while she took him inside of her mouth.
"Gods Deeg," Wyatt gasped to the ceiling, "I don't know how you do that, but you're amazing."
DG hummed while still consumed with making Wyatt pant uncontrollably. Finally, Wyatt seemed to lose control until he finally succumbed to her, clutching her shoulders as he felt himself empty. When he looked down on his Princess, it seemed that he wouldn't need time to recuperate – DG was staring up at him temptingly while she licked the corner of her mouth, and Wyatt could not hold back. With a growl, Wyatt got back on the same level with her so he could peel her clothes away from her. First, her sweater, which he pulled over her body while pulling her now bare chest against his, so he could take her into a heated kiss. Then, as if he was suddenly ravenous for her, his mouth moved, leaving wet kisses and nips against her neck and chest as he helped her back down to the floor. DG's pants were next, which Wyatt ripped off in lightning speed. When DG's tight curls were revealed to him, Wyatt growled hungrily and he spread her open, ready to consume her like his last supper.
DG was already wet and moaned as Wyatt lapped up her sweetness, her hands grasping at his shoulders as she came unglued. "Oh, Wyatt," DG screamed out when she exploded. Wyatt slowed to savor her while she felt as if she was levitating, until her breathing slowed, and her eyes slowly opened.
While Wyatt was sitting back up to reposition himself at her opening, DG gazed down at him and pouted, "It's not fair that you get to have all the fun. What if I wanted to be on top?"
Wyatt responded by entering her leisurely. As he moved slowly over DG, luxuriating in her softness, his lips drew close to her neck, where he whispered between feathery kisses, "Should I stop then?"
DG's eyes widened in apparent fear of cessation and she shook her head while she bit her lower lip, trying to hold back another moan. Wyatt seemed to be enjoying toying with her though and continued to tease her, softly purring, "You drive me crazy with the things you do to me. Makes me want to hear you scream, Darlin'."
DG grinned wickedly before biting her lip again, still trying to hold back her cries to win out against him. Wyatt grinned back, knowing just how he could finally draw her out, and sat up. Wyatt grasped DG's hips, holding her firmly against the floor, before stating in a warning tease, "This is a game you can't win Princess."
Wyatt stopped for a moment, waiting for DG to take his bait. It seemed that DG couldn't help herself and replied in a husky tease of her own, "Oh, I think I can Tin Man."
Wyatt raised an eyebrow at her, smirking evilly, before he started to move again. This time, the luxurious pace was gone, and he thrust hard against her repeatedly, hitting that perfect spot within her each time. The first thrust made DG gasp with unexpected pleasure, and the next had her biting her lip hard. After that, she couldn't hold on any longer, and arched up against Wyatt, calling his name with wild abandon as she was swept over the edge. As Wyatt felt his own body shudder against DG's, his punishing pace slowed, and he began to massage her hips where his thumbs were bound to leave marks later. DG moaned again at the feel of his hands, and it seemed as if she would probably let him make love to her all day before she finally gave out, with how wet and responsive she still was. Wyatt could not keep it up though and sighed in defeat as he slowed to a stop, coming back to DG to gaze down on her as he slid out of her warmth.
Wyatt's eyes studied DG's flushed countenance in the glow of the firelight, feeling as his is chest would burst with joy. He marveled at the blessings that seem to be raining down on him all because this waif of a girl decided to jump into a knife fight with a stick, intent on protecting a perfect stranger. If it hadn't been for her selfless act of kindness that day, which felt like an age ago already, he might still be in that iron suit reliving one of the worst moments of his life. Instead, he was lucky enough to see DG's eyes flutter up at him dreamily while a warm contented smile graced her face, just for him. To add to his list of unbelievably lucky breaks due to the woman in his arms, was the child that she was now carrying. The thought of watching DG's body change with the growth of their child and being able to explore that adventure with her sent a surge of exhilaration though Wyatt, making him feel like he could run a marathon for how excited he was.
DG's lips were swollen from their overuse and parted from want of air, and Wyatt couldn't resist the urge to lean down and kiss her again, this time softly and conveying his adoration. When their lips parted, Wyatt continued his study of the Princess, letting his fingers trace the side of her face as he whispered, "I love you so much Dorothy. I don't think anyone has ever made me feel this alive before. You're like oxygen for me."
Between Wyatt's gentle exploration of DG's body and the tender confessions that poured out of him like water, DG could not help the flush that covered her face and neck, and she felt overwhelmed by his adoration. In her own soft voice, she replied, "I love you too, Wyatt."
Wyatt's hand continued to explore her now, traveling down her torso until his hand covered her abdomen. As Wyatt's hand moved, so too did the rest of him, and when his hand warmed her soft mound, it was met by his lips which kissed her skin there tenderly, and he sighed happily, "I can't wait to meet this little person. I didn't think I'd ever have the chance to have another child, and I'm just beside myself that it'll be with you."
DG was beaming at this confession, and she fought a giggle as he inadvertently tickled her skin. Wyatt seemed to realize this and turned to her belly before pulling away to lay down, "You are already so loved little one. I hope you'll be just as much trouble as your mother, and just as beautiful."
Wyatt glanced up at DG as he whispered to their unborn child and kissed her belly one last time before collapsing next to her. Wyatt let out a relieved sigh as he stared up at the ceiling, grinning like a kid as he recollected the revelations of past hour. While he was busy considering himself the luckiest man in either world, Wyatt stuffed his sweater under his head and opened his arm to DG, purring contentedly when she curled up at his side with her own satiated hum.
DG yawned deeply while she lay on Wyatt's chest, absently staring at the fire and rolling her fingers through his curls, and she asked meekly, "Will you still want me like this when I'm showing?"
Wyatt's hand rubbed DG's back and he replied while trying to stifle a laugh, "DG, I don't think I'll ever not want you; I don't think that's possible."
DG sighed happily, satisfied with his response. At least for the moment, when she was overtired and physically spent from her playful lovemaking, the irrational worries subsided for a time, and she settled comfortably on Wyatt. When finally, DG drifted off, and her breathing deepened, Wyatt pried himself out from underneath her and carried her to bed. They would spend the rest of the day there, nestled in the warm blankets and dreams of what was to come, and not a care could touch them in their snow-covered haven.
