The Christmas season had come and gone as Peter and Aleisa anxiously awaited the birth of their child. Aleisa was waddling around the kitchen, working on getting a meal ready as this year they were having everyone over to their house for New Years. Aleisa was excited as this was the first holiday they were hosting. However, she was a bit frustrated with the large bump that hindered her from being a normal human being. Aleisa pursed her lips as she watched one of her stirring spoons clatter onto the floor. She stared down at it, trying to muster up the willpower for the daunting task. Just as she was about to start Peter walked in and stared at his wife in confusion.
"What are you doing?" he inquired, clearly amused. Aleisa glared at him.
"The spoon dropped to the floor and I can't pick it up." She pouted. Peter chuckled and easily swooped in to pick it up, handing it to her with a grin.
"I never thought it would say that I miss being able to lean over." Aleisa joked as she rinsed it off before using it to stir her sauce again. Peter chuckled, leaning in to kiss her as he ran a gentle hand over her stomach.
"Don't worry it won't be long now." He assured quietly. Aleisa beamed up at him before looking down at her bump.
"Feel free to pop out sometime soon. We're ready when you are." She cooed jokingly. As if listening, the baby kicked at Peter's hand. The couple chuckled at the rambunctious child.
"You nervous?" Peter questioned, still running his hands up and down soothingly.
"Kinda, but not as much as I thought I would be. I'm more anxious about finding out what it is." She admitted. They had decided not to find out what they were having. To them it kept it more exciting and honestly, they could care less what it was. As long as he or she was healthy then they were happy.
"Are you going to be alright with hosting the meal tonight?" Peter asked, kissing her on the temple as he held her, not wanting to kill the moment.
"I think I'll manage well enough." She told him. Peter smiled down at his beautiful wife that was carrying his first child. Despite what anyone said he thought she was even more attractive when she was pregnant, simply because she was the mother of his child. Overwhelmed with the sudden emotion Peter leaned down to press a slow, sweet kiss to her lips. Aleisa hummed in approval as she reached up to run a hand through his hair. The moment was broken as they heard the doorbell ring. Aleisa frowned in confusion and looked around her husband as if she could see who it was through the door.
"Did you invite anyone over earlier?" she inquired. It was still a few hours until they expected everyone over. Peter shook his head and made his way to the door. Aleisa grinned and rounded the corner as a chorus of familiar voices could be heard floating around the house.
"Mom what are you all doing here?" Peter asked, as he embraced the older woman.
"What me and your siblings can't come for a visit if we like? Besides I'm not about to let your wife slave over the meal all day as she carries my grandchild." Mrs. Pevensie scolded, brushing past her to hug her daughter in law. Peter turned to stare at Edmund in surprise.
"I wasn't about to argue with her." he shrugged. The two boys chuckled as he entered the house and Lucy following in after.
"Is Susan not with you all today?" Aleisa questioned as Lucy bounded over to them.
"No, she's with Andrew this New Years. She say's sorry and sends her love." Lucy explained. Susan had gotten a fiancé this past year which everyone was thrilled to hear.
"But it's okay cause you have your favorite sibling-in-law here anyway." Edmund butted in with a cheeky grin. Aleisa laughed and walked over to hug him as everyone else shared their distaste for the joke.
"Sure you keep telling yourself that." Aleisa teased.
"Alright dear now you show me to the kitchen and we'll get started on this lovely meal you have planned out." Helen clapped her hands together, eagerly turning towards Aleisa.
"You really don't have to do this."
"Oh nonsense! You know I love cooking and I don't want you stressing yourself out." she chided easily. Aleisa sighed and smiled as she led the way. She would never admit that she was secretly relieved that they had come to the rescue so to speak.
...
By the time the evening had been scheduled to kick off, the house and meal were fully prepared thanks to the extra help that Aleisa had for the day. As the night went on the families retired to the living room to sit around the fireplace, keeping away the cold outside. Aleisa was seated in her own chair chatting with her cousin Bethany and Aunt Maria. This year she was thrilled that they were able to come in long enough for the holidays. As the conversation continued Aleisa glanced over and spotted Peter with her younger cousin, Colin who was now an active 3 year old. She stared at them fondly, instantly drowning out the conversations around her as she did. Her heart twisted with excitement and love as she watched her husband interact with the boy, keeping him in a giggling fit. Colin adored Peter and it just confirmed what Aleisa already know about the man and children. She couldn't help but wish that their own baby would hurry up so she could watch Peter interact with their child. Maria noticed her distracted expression and glanced over to spot the objects of her attention.
"Can't wait until it's your own huh?" she inquired knowingly. Aleisa snapped her attention back to her family and smiled sheepishly.
"Sorry, I couldn't help it." She admitted with a grin. Bethany giggled at her cousin's embarrassment and Aleisa stuck her tongue out at her childishly.
"Don't apologize, it's only natural. So when is the little one due?" her aunt asked.
"Hopefully sometime this week." Aleisa grinned, rubbing her very pregnant stomach fondly.
"Do you know what you're going to name it?" Edmund suddenly chimed in from across the room. Everyone quieted down and looked over at him.
"Eavesdrop much Ed?" Aleisa teased. Edmund simply shrugged his shoulders. Peter rolled his eyes at his brother's antics.
"We have a few in mind." Peter answered, resituating Colin on his lap. The toddler turned to look up at Peter with a grin and giggled.
"Oh and I'm sure Edmund is at the top of the list for boys right? Not that I have a preference or anything." Edmund added cheekily. The group broke into a fit of laughter.
"What's wrong with that? It's a good, strong name." he defended fruitlessly.
"Yea right Ed, if you're going to play that card then they would be choosing Ross." Aleisa's uncle thundered with laughter. His wife rolled her eyes and pat his chest condescendingly.
"Sure honey." She sighed, earning a pout from the man.
"Thank you for your input but we still are keeping it a secret until he or she is born." Aleisa told them with a grin at her husband. From his lap little Colin yawned loudly, getting everyone's attention.
"I think someone is ready for bed. Valiant effort to stay up my boy but maybe next year." Ross chuckled quietly and moved to take his son from Peter.
"What time is it?" Lucy inquired from her spot on the floor. Mr. Thompson lifted up his watch, blinking a couple times to see the smaller print.
"Almost 11." He answered. From there the adults made small talk, killing time until they were able to begin the countdown. As 11:40 rolled by they brought out some Champaign for everyone, minus Aleisa, Bethany, and Lucy who all had juice instead. Finally the time to bring in the New Year arrived. All the couples joined up and the others waited in anticipation. As her father began the countdown from his wristwatch Aleisa turned to face her husband with a wide grin.
"Here comes another year." She murmured under her breath. Peter grinned.
"I know this one will be the best yet." He assured almost giddily. Aleisa smiled coyly.
"Oh?" she hummed. Peter wrapped his arm around her waist as best he could. Ultimately it ended up with her stomach pressed up against his as he leaned down to place his forehead against hers.
"Oh yes. This year I get two people to spoil and love instead of just one." He grinned. Aleisa beamed up at him as the last of the countdown began. The couple chanted down from ten and once it hit midnight they leaned in to share a long and loving kiss. The moment was momentarily disrupted when they both could feel some movement from Aleisa's belly. As if sensing the happy mood, the baby had wiggled around and pressed its foot up against Peter's frame, connecting the little family in his own little way. Peter chuckled in amusement and knelt down to lay his hands on her stomach.
"Happy New Year little one." He whispered before pressing a kiss on where the tiny foot had been. Aleisa ran a hand through his golden hair, nearly tearing up at the sight of her growing family.