I pulled my knees to my chest, feeling the pressure it put against the bump in my lower abdomen. Sighing, I stretched my legs back out and leaned against the arm of the chair. It had been one year today since I'd began my life at Davenport manor. So much had changed since then. I chuckled to myself as I remembered my initial impression of Connor. It hadn't been completely positive. I'd thought he was cute, but never dreamed I could grow to love someone so different from myself.

I wondered where he was now. I hadn't seen him in over a month. Not since Kanen'to:kon had come to tell him that William Johnson was trying to buy the Kanien'keha:ha land. I didn't blame him for being angry. Or for leaving. What did irritate me was that hatchet in the post by the front door. I had thought about removing it a few times, but I knew that would make Connor mad. It would be disrespectful to him and his beliefs. So, I only scowled at it every time I went outside.

I glanced up as Achilles entered the study. He looked at the half decorated Christmas tree that Myriam and I had put up that morning, then at me. Sighing, he sat in the chair next to me. He pulled the box of decorations in front of him and began to sort through them.

"I thought you weren't going to help," I stated with a grin.

"I was hoping my refusal would dissuade you," he said. His eyes went to my stomach. "You shouldn't exert yourself."

I frowned at him. Achilles had become increasing more concerned with my well being since my pregnancy had started to show. I wondered if he'd been the same way with Abigail. The thought of him being an attentive and nurturing husband made me laugh. He glanced at me with confusion as I did.

"Sorry," I told him, attempting to squelch the fit of giggles.

"I think your condition is affecting your mind," he joked.

I only smiled at him as I picked up a bright red bow and hung it on one of the branches of the tree. The evergreen was larger than the one we'd had last year. Myriam thought that since we had so much room, we needed a large tree. I didn't argue with her. I informed Achilles that I was inviting her and Lance to Christmas dinner. He thought that was a good idea. He said he liked the idea of having other people around so that I wouldn't be expecting so much happiness from only him. I knew he was kidding.

"You think Connor will be home for Christmas?" I asked. I tried to sound casual about it, but I'm sure Achilles heard the worry in my voice. I wasn't good at hiding my feelings from him.

"I don't know," he said. "I'm sure he will be if it's possible."

The uncertainty didn't make me feel any better. I really wanted my husband home for our first holiday together as a couple. It just wouldn't be right without him here. I finished decorating the tree in silence, trying not to think too much about how lonely I was. It was sort of bare because we didn't have enough ornaments, but I was happy with it.

"Do you want lunch?" I asked Achilles.

"I suppose I could eat," he said.

I was starving so I went to the kitchen to fix some food while he went outside. I didn't pay any attention when I heard the door a few minutes later. I guessed it was Achilles coming back inside. But my breath hitched and my heart raced when I felt arms go around my waist and recognized the earthy scent of Connor as he whispered in my ear.

"She:kon, kheksten:ha."

I turned quickly in his embrace and hugged him tightly. He smiled at me, that lovely, sweet smile that I had longed to see for weeks.

"You're home!" I stated happily.

"I am home," Connor replied.

"I'm so glad you're home," I muttered as I buried my face in his chest. I held him tighter, refusing to ever let him go. I could hear the okra frying loudly in the pan behind me, but I ignored it. I didn't want food anymore. I wanted my husband. It felt so good to be in his arms again after our time apart.

"I missed you," I told him.

"I missed you, too," Connor whispered. His lips pressed against mine in a quick kiss as his hands moved between us, resting on the prominent baby bump. There was a small grin on his face. "You have grown."

I glanced at him with a somewhat agitated look. He frowned, suddenly nervous about expressing my size.

"I-I mean the baby," he corrected. "Has grown."

I smiled at the insecurity on his features. "I know what you meant," I said. "I've noticed. Everyone has noticed."

Connor grinned. I think it made him proud to think that our child was showing signs of health even before birth. I had received assurances from Catherine and Diana both on how well my maternity was advancing. It eased my mind to hear them relate their opinions on an uncomplicated pregnancy. I worried about the baby a lot. With every new ache and pain I got, I ran to one of the mothers with concern only to receive confirmation that they were normal.

"Your food is burning," Connor stated, pulling me back to reality.

He released me and I turned to move the pan from the fire. The okra was scorched and black. I began to scrap it from the bottom of the skillet into a trash bin.

"Sorry," Connor said from behind me. "I did not mean to distract you."

I smiled at him over my shoulder. "That's okay. I'm glad you did."

He grinned at me. "Would you like me to fix you something else?"

I put the pan down, watching him with amusement. Connor did not like to cook. He avoided it whenever possible. That made his offer all the more meaningful.

"No," I told him. "There's leftover cornbread."

Connor frowned and nodded. I knew he felt I should eat something other than just that. He would have preferred it if I ate meat. He said it would be good for the baby if I did. I assured him that my diet was fine. I know he didn't agree, but he said nothing.

"When you are finished," he said. "I have something for you."

I stared at him as I got a piece of bread and milk. "You mean like a Christmas present?" I asked. I couldn't contain my excitement at the thought. I had never gotten anything for Christmas before. Except last year, when he'd given me the bracelet. I wore it all the time.

"I suppose," he said.

I smiled. "Put it under the tree."

"I would rather give it to you now," he said.

I frowned at him. I really wanted a present for Christmas morning. It was a childish fantasy of mine. To get up that morning and find a gift for me. "Please," I begged.

Connor sighed in resolution. "Very well," he said. "I will do as you want."

He started to leave the room.

"Don't forget to wrap it!" I called after him.

He paused at the door, giving me an irritated and challenging glance before leaving. I only smiled as I sat down to eat lunch.

I sat on the floor in the study, staring at the wrapped gift Connor had put there for me. It was a box about four feet long and a foot wide. I wondered if it were new arrows for my bow. That would be nice. I certainly needed some. And it would be like Connor to give me something I could use. It would also be quit ironic considering arrows were one of the gifts I'd gotten for him. I'd also gotten him a new sharpening kit for his blades. I knew he had been wanting one. I'd only gotten clothes and handkerchiefs for Achilles. He was a hard person to shop for.

Connor came in and sat down next to me. He saw me studying the gift and smiled. "Would you like to open it now?"

"No," I answered. I looked away with disinterest. "I already know what it is."

Connor chuckled. "So you think."

I looked at him. There was a playful glint in his eyes. He smiled at me secretively. I shook my head.

"You're not as clever as you think you are, Ratonhnhake:ton."

He shrugged nonchalantly, letting me think as I wished. "What was it you said?" he asked. "That anyone standing beneath mistletoe was required to receive a kiss?"

I told him that was right.

Connor stood up. He took my hands and helped me to my feet. I let him led me to the vine hanging in the doorway with a smile. The kiss was deeper than I expected. Connor never kissed me like that outside of our bedroom. I guess it was because he had been gone so long. Or because I was his wife now and he was allowed to show me such affection. I enjoyed it very much. Or I did until Connor pulled away abruptly at the loud sigh that Achilles let out when he noticed us. Connor's cheeks became dark with embarrassment as he saw his mentor standing in archway across the hall.

The old man approached us. "Move," he ordered.

Connor and I backed out of the doorway. Achilles reached up and took down the mistletoe that I had attached to the frame of the entrance earlier that day.

"From now on," he told us, holding the plant up, "this is forbidden."

Connor nodded obediently at the old man. I only shrugged.

"It's not like we need it," I said.

Achilles arched his brow at me in disapproval. I fought to hide a grin and I heard Connor attempt to hid a chuckle with a short cough.

"Sorry," he muttered.

Achilles looked his pupil. "Don't lie, boy," he said. "You're not good at it."