This week has been crazy. Busy with exams, deadlines and lab work at university so updates will be spaced. Enjoy the next chapter!

"Any plans today?"

Mary keeps her eyes on the familiar ceiling as she nods at Dr Diaz's question. "Yeah, going shopping for Christmas presents and a whole new dinner outfit," she replies.

"You'll be stuck in queues," Dr Diaz chuckles.

"Yeah, but it's worth it. We've already done the bulk of the present hunting a couple of weeks ago, but we're looking for gifts for people we didn't know that are coming to the Christmas dinner," she replies before sighing. "Maybe my Christmas present will come true."

Finishing up, Dr Diaz gives her a comforting smile. "Your chances are increasing."

"Let's hope they're increasing greatly," she replies. "I'd like to be a mother before I'm thirty-one."

"Treatment for IUIs work up to thirty-five years of age, Mary," Dr Diaz says as she shifts from a lying position to a sitting one. "Your fertility could still be in good shape at thirty-six even. But just as with IVF, the older you get, the fewer chances you have."

"Okay. Thanks," she says before he excuses himself to let her get some privacy to rest and get changed.

Retrieving her phone from her bag, Mary checks the time and sees that it's just gone past noon. She sets a timer for twenty-five minutes to catch a quick nap before getting dressed and leaving.

Slowly, she's been adding to her growing pile of baby things and somehow, there is something that's telling her that third time's a charm. It started off with that onesie from Tesco's and has ended up with adorable teething rings and baby bottles from John Lewis when she and Francis went gift buying.

Even her mother dragged her and her brother's baby things from the attic, blankets and christening gowns and it's surprising Mary that Francis hasn't caught on at all. Just the other day as she was working, her fingers had a mind of their own, opening up a new tab to browse baby names.

She doesn't know if it's an unhealthy obsession at this point but if she is actively working towards having a baby, it shouldn't hurt that she's preparing for it too, right?

Before Mary knows it, she's wandering Westfield with Francis, going in and out of shops for the perfect formalwear. She's looking for something that hugs her figure and shows some cleavage as it will probably be the last Christmas for a while that she's her current size. And she's going to wear heels with it before she will probably switch those out for flat shoes.

All of her friends have warned her about swollen ankles and apparently, Kenna had meltdowns about hers. Mary hopes to keep her emotions in check but she knows she'll be just as emotional when her favourite pair of shoes won't fit her feet anymore.

"What do you think? Black tie or a Christmassy one?" Francis asks, showing her two ties. One is a snowy theme and the other is a simple black tie.

"Is this party really formal or are we also going to add ugly sweaters to the mix?" She asks back, grabbing the snowy one.

Francis grins. "My father's wearing an ugly Santa sweater," he tells her. "I'm going to wear one too during dinner. I got Rudolph and his red nose plays his jingle when you press it."

Mary gapes. "And you didn't think to tell me to get one? They'll be sold out of ugly sweaters by now..." She pouts.

"How about a lovely, nice one instead," Francis suggests, nudging his head in the direction of the womenswear upstairs where a neat blue and white Christmas sweater is on the rack from their view downstairs.

"It is cute..." Mary drawls. "But I think I'll go with the black and white one if my dress is going to be black."

"Are you going to a funeral or a party?" He laughs, grabbing both ties as he decides to wear one with his suit blazer and the snowy one with his sweater.

Mary rolls her eyes, gesturing to her Winter coat-clad frame. "Black is elegant. Don't you want to be the envy of the party? Having me on your arm?" She pokes his chest, pulling him towards her by the collar of his jacket.

"It will be a first," he says lightly, pecking her forehead before leading her upstairs. "Grab the sweater and we'll go and find you a dress to make you the belle of the ball."

"Ooh, I love that!" She says. "Belle of the ball! You know how to make a woman feel special."

Francis chuckles loudly, gaining a coy look from an elderly woman. He blushes and continues to follow Mary around the shop before they go and pay for their new stuff.

It takes another two hours until Mary finds the perfect dress and heads to the changing rooms to try it on as Francis waits. It's slimline and reaches her calves, accenting her curves perfectly and she just knows Francis will bug out seeing her in such a dress.

She's worn many dresses that have caught his eye. Actually, she can remember when they were seven, the day after her birthday in August when she wore a pretty yellow summer dress and Francis couldn't stop gushing over it, saying something about one of his sisters being unable to pull off such a colour. Funnily enough, his mother took a photo of them picking flowers in their gardens and has that photo in her home office along with other photographs of her children as kids.

She heads out of the changing room and poses, waiting for Francis to take notice of her as his eyes are glued to his phone. "Ahem?"

Blue eyes rise upwards and then he's gaping like he's out of breath. "J-Jesus, Mary! Y-You're wearing that?!"

Mary frowns. "What's wrong with-"

"Now, I really don't stand a chance," he says. "My cousins are going to be there Mary. The guy ones especially and if they see you in that, you'll never be left alone. You're going to need a bodyguard."

"Or I'll tell them I'm your baby mama," Mary replies simply, making him choke. Kenna has seriously got to her now. "Then they'll be forced to look away from my perfection." She twirls around and grins.

"Are you trying to kill me?" He asks, shifting some shopping bags on top of his lap. "Go and change right now."

Mary narrows her eyes. "Why?" She asks, turning around and looking at him over her shoulder. "Has a little someone awakened down there?"

"Fuck you, Mary," Francis breathes out, searching for something before leaving the other stuff they're buying. "Excuse me. Whilst I'm gone, go and change."

She cackles when he shuffles off and shakes her head in disbelief. She can't believe she makes him feel that way. She's always turned guys on but Francis has always seemed to have kept it hidden from her. But lately, he could be mistaken for a dog on heat.

She does as told and returns back in her usual clothes. She grabs the stuff Francis left, slinging the dress over one arm and heading to the large queue that grows to get items checked out. It is busy for December and Mary can't wait to be done with the shopping and put her feet up.

But she remains patient, letting out a giggle when Francis joins her before she heads to one of the tills.

...

The day of the Christmas party arrives all too soon on their third day in France and Mary attends on Francis's arm, surprised that for an 'intimate' event, the room is full of people. Apparently, they're either work colleagues of Catherine or Henry or family friends or even extended, extended family members. Mary has no idea why this party has such a high number of guests.

"Francis, Mary, over here!"

Mary turns first and spots Catherine waving them over, a flute of champagne in her other hand. "Catherine!"

When they reach her, Catherine hugs Mary first. "God, aren't you just a darling in that dress? I knew I could count on you to uphold the image of this family."

"Thank you," Mary laughs. "You're stunning too, Catherine."

Catherine gives Francis a wink. "For once, I am happy with you," she tells him. "Bringing Mary and not that wretched..." She rolls her eyes before smiling once more. "I really wish you weren't here for another two days only. I'd beg you to extend your stay but you know me, I don't beg."

It's a hint, that Mary should really take it on but she can't, she has her appointment to think about. She takes Catherine's free hand in both of hers. "I really wish I could but you know..." She glances at her stomach and Catherine beams tearfully.

"Mothers have this intuition," she says before leaning close to Mary's ear. "It's happening, Mary."

"I hope it is," Mary whispers back, taking Francis's hand. "We should greet everyone else. I see Kenna, Bash and the children."

"Soon, I'll have seven grandbabies to dote on!" Catherine gushes before floating away to greet more guests.

Francis snorts. "I like how you're suddenly her golden child and I've just been pushed to the side," he says. "It takes two to make a baby."

Mary places her hands on his shoulders and smirks. "Is someone feeling a little left out?"

"She's been obsessed with you women throughout this trip," he mutters. "And I'm the one who got her the watch she wanted for Christmas!"

"You're acting like a child," Mary laughs.

"Oh, should I start calling you 'Mummy' now?" He asks her, placing his hands on her hips and pulling her to his chest.

Mary flushes and licks her lips. "You can call me that in-"

"Well, well, well, what do we have here?"

"Leeza!" Mary cries out, hugging the woman tightly. "It feels like forever since I last saw you!"

Leeza laughs. "You saw me yesterday."

"Exactly," Mary breathes out, pulling away.

"And you say you aren't a couple," Leeza tells them. "Do us all a favour and get together. Mother would prefer that over the stuff we got her this year."

Mary gives Leeza a look. "Your mother asks for too much."

"Don't let her hear you say that," Francis laughs. "And we're trying, Leeza, remember?"

"Aren't babies the best?" Leeza gushes. "When they're not sucking you dry and vomiting all over you. Trust me, Mary, you'll come to love baby sick and kids deliberating coughing in your face when they're sick."

Mary grins, sharing a look with Francis. "Bring it on!"

...

France feels like a dream because before she knows it, she's back at home, wrapping Christmas gifts for her family. It's almost New Year's and her mother is having a little get together which Francis is invited to so Mary hopes that he and her mother and brother can get to bond with him a little more as they prepare to have a baby.

She's got a few more stuff whilst in France for the baby. Just some Winterwear like gloves, booties and cute hats and she packed them away into her bottom drawer before stuffing some of her underwear and bras on top of it. Francis would think she was weird, preparing for a baby that isn't even guaranteed yet.

But his mother is hopeful and so is Dr Diaz. However, it is only her third attempt and it could very well be another negative result but she just tells herself that no matter the result, she will have a baby regardless. Whether it takes three goes or ten, she won't give up.

As she finishes cello-taping the last present which is for her nephew, Harold, she feels a presence behind her and smiles when Francis places a hot mug of hot chocolate down on the coffee table.

"Thanks," she says, patting the gift down with a relieved sigh. "I've got three paper cuts now."

"Want me to kiss them all better?" He asks.

She blushes. "You can try," she replies, sticking her fingers up to his face as he sits down on the sofa and pulls them to his mouth. She holds his gaze as he presses soft kisses on every one of the cuts and she laughs softly, pulling her hand back so she can push herself off of the floor. "All better, thanks.

Francis smirks. "I've got the magic healing powers in me," he tells her. "Are you okay?"

"Why do you ask?" Mary replies, sitting down next to him and reaching forward to grab her hot chocolate.

"No reason, just making sure you're good," Francis says. "Dr Diaz said that checking up on you would be a good thing to encourage you and let you know that I'm here for you."

Mary smiles, squeezing his forearm. "I'm good."

She's considered taking the offer of therapy up the last time she heard that the cycle was unsuccessful but she's okay now. She doesn't think she's too far gone to ask for therapy yet. She knew it would take time and a few rounds to work. It isn't magic, her body is not a breeding mare.

"Thanks for asking," she adds. "I guess I'm just mentally preparing for either way," she replies. "Next week's going to be... huge."

"It will be the end of the month..." He trails off. "And then a new year."

"When I'll be a year older," Mary mumbles. "I don't know what I'm going to do if I'm not a mum before my next birthday, Francis. And I'm not a naïve person. I know that trying for a baby could take months or years even. But I think I've wanted a baby since my best friends started having theirs. Even though I'm sure most of their pregnancies were surprises, I felt like waiting to find the right person to start a family was the way to go. But I shouldn't have waited until now... Because then I wouldn't be stuck getting drunk at thirty, begging for my best friend to donate his goods to give me a baby."

Francis snorts. "Goods," he repeats with a coy smile. "And Mary, if you had asked me this five years ago, I'd still say 'yes'."

Mary turns to him in surprise. "What?"

"Even if you told me that you wanted me to be your boyfriend, I'd say 'yes', a million times," he tells her.

"Even if you were still with Olivia?"

Francis lets out a breath of air. "Maybe I would have had the balls to leave her then. End the toxic cycle between us. And had something better, worthwhile... healthier. And a chance to be a dad whilst I was at it."

"You'll be a great dad, Francis," Mary whispers.

Francis takes her hand in both of his own and presses a kiss on her palm. "You'll be a wonderful mother, Mary... You haven't given me my Christmas gift."

Mary furrows her brows. "I gave you the-"

"My real gift," he cuts her off. "You."

Mary laughs in disbelief, slapping his chest. "Francis..."

"I mean it," Francis says. "I want you."

Mary licks her bottom lip and nods. "Slow, okay? We'll take things slow. I don't want a messy relationship destroying what we have, okay? If there was a choice between losing you and being in your life as a friend, I'd choose to be your friend because I don't know what I'll do if you're not in my life."

"Mary, if that is what you're scared of... Ruining our friendship in favour of a relationship that could go awry... Then banish those thoughts right now," Francis replies. "Because we're going to take this leap. Together."

Without saying a word, Mary pulls him in for a deep kiss and when they pull apart, she gives him the smile. The smile which tells him that they're taking this leap. Together.

...

"We have the results from your blood test," Dr Diaz starts.

Mary grips Francis's hand tightly and bites her lip. This appointment falls before their dinner with her family and if she can give them some good news, everyone some good news, she'll be elated. Ending the year on a high - a baby high.

"Do you want the good news or bad news?" Dr Diaz asks and Mary's eyes widen as she wonders what could be bad and what could be good.

The bad, she's not pregnant and the good that he's going to give her a discount for her next cycle or even announce that her chances have increased even more? The good, she's pregnant and the bad that there are a billion risks that could affect her baby or her?

"Don't look so worried," Dr Diaz tells her, cracking a smile and she gasps, covering her mouth as tears spring to her eyes.

"No..." Francis breathes out, pressing his forehead against the side of her head. "She's... pregnant?"

Dr Diaz nods and Mary closes her eyes, tears sliding down her cheeks. "Congratulations, you're pregnant. But the bad news is, you won't be able to drink or eat raw food for a good while yet."

Sniffling, Mary laughs. "And I'll still have to have all of those regular check-ups."

"Of course," Dr Diaz says with a playful roll of his eyes. "We love you too much over here, we can't let you go for long periods of time."

Mary giggles, sharing a happy smile with Francis, hugging him tightly. "It's happening. I knew it! Your mother knew it! Oh my God, we have to tell everyone-"

"I'd advise letting friends and relatives know until the twelve-week mark," Dr Diaz tells her. "As it is with every pregnancy."

Mary nods. "Right. God, I don't think I'll be able to keep quiet about this to my mother today," she mumbles. "We should cancel and not see her or anyone until twelve weeks have passed. God, I'm going to explode."

"Please don't, our baby will go right with you," Francis laughs, kissing her cheek. "I'm so proud of you."

Mary beams, pressing her hands against her nonexistent bump. It's finally happening. The best way to end the year is with news of new life coming in the next year. She ought to tell Francis about all of the baby things she has got for their baby. Their baby which is coming in September.

"We'll have an Autumn baby," she breathes out. "Oh, this... this is the best day of my life."

Her Christmas wishes have come true - Francis and their baby.