I have put some pictures up in my profile page of the different homes that I talk about.


What are they going to think of me,? Elizabeth thought, suddenly tense again. She pictured Skye Morrow, a beautiful dark haired, deep brown eyed woman, and her attractive blue eyed husband, an ex football player, who had managed to accumulate the massive wealth that his family enjoyed.

You did tell your parents I was coming didn't you? Elizabeth asked, her brow creasing with worry.

Yes, I told them this morning, right before I left.

Nicholas! You should have given them better warning.

Relax, Liz, Nicholas said, leaning over and kissing her on her pursed lips. My parents already know you. He grabbed one of her curls.You look beautiful by the way.

He leaned over and kissed her again.

Elizabeth crossed her arms. Your flattery will not get you off the hook. I don't want them to think I'm imposing by crashing your aunt's party.

You won't be crashing. You're my guest, you're their guest. And they like you already Liz, he assured her.

I didn't even have to lecture my mother to be nice to you, like I've had to do with some other girls.

Oh? Elizabeth widened her eyes. And how many have there been?

Ummmm. Let's talk about how much you're going to miss me while you're away.

The expression on his face was so endearing, so adorable, that Elizabeth just couldn't keep up her ire at him. She squeezed him into a hug as they stopped at a red light. This much.

That's it? Nicholas pouted.

She pulled him towards her again and held him even tighter.

You know, we could forget dinner with my family, turn around and go back to the Waldorf, he said mischievously, as he caressed the smooth skin around her lips.

I hear the tower suites are pretty amazing.

Elizabeth removed her glove and playfully swatted Nicholas.

I know you don't want to go back there to enjoy the architecture.

Besides, she said, as they pulled up to Eleanor's Belle Haven mansion, this house is much prettier than the Waldorf.

The butterflies bounced around Elizabeth's belly at the thought of facing her elderly hostess again. They got out of the car and walked to the detailed front door.

Merry Christmas Elizabeth, Skye Morrow said graciously as Nicholas led her into the grand Victorian mansion. Elizabeth smiled warmly as the older woman kissed her cold cheek. Even with the two inches of added height her brown leather oxfords gave her, she noticed that Skye was still taller than her. Elizabeth removed her shoes as she saw Nicholas do the same. He gave Elizabeth another kiss and disappeared into the kitchen.

He's abandoning me,! Elizabeth screamed internally.

I haven't seen you in so long, Skye said. It's nice to see a familiar face. You look lovely dear, she said.

Thank you Mrs Morrow, Elizabeth said politely, before returning the Christmas greeting.

Eleanor sauntered into the hallway and walked over to Elizabeth.

It's nice to see you again Elizabeth, she grimaced as Elizabeth reddened, remembering the last time she was in this very house, caught in a very compromising position. Elizabeth took off her coat and handed it to the attendant at the door.

Likewise Mrs Dumfries. Elizabeth smiled as she removed her gloves. Merry Christmas, she said to the elderly woman.

To you too Elizabeth. Her old face broke into a genuine smile, and Elizabeth began to relax.

Can I help with anything? Elizabeth asked.

Oh no, you come sit with me, let's have a little chat, Skye said, as she led Elizabeth to the long couch in the blue wallpapered parlor. Elizabeth suddenly felt like the biggest idiot.

Of course they don't need help Liz, she thought, as she saw several uniformed servers walking throughout the large foyer.

Kurt Morrow was seated in an armchair, at the other end of the large room, his head tossed back and his eyes closed. Elizabeth almost giggled when she heard him snoring.

Oh dear, Skye said. I think my husband has had too much eggnog. Nicholas walked into the room, gave Elizabeth a wink and went towards his father. He shook the elder Morrow's shoulder and a drowsy pair of eyes opened and stared confusedly at his son.

Hmmm? Kurt muttered. Oh,! he exclaimed, looking across the room. He got to his feet and walked towards the front of the room.

Hello Elizabeth, he smiled, shaking her hand. Seeing his bright blue eyes brought up visions of Regina to Elizabeth. She chuckled as he held her hand up and kissed the back of it.

It's nice to see you again young lady.

You too Mr Morrow. Merry Christmas!

Merry indeed. This place is so cold. Living in California has me spoiled.

Dad, this isn't cold. Nicholas eyed his father. Boston is way colder than this. And you spent most of your life there.

Only by about five degrees, Kurt declared.

Well, I like it, Skye insisted. Christmas isn't Christmas unless it's cold and unless we have some snow. I'm still hoping for a white one this year, but it doesn't seem like we'll get any, she said, as she moved the silk drapes and looked out the window.

A waiter appeared before them with a tray filled with small glasses of eggnog. Skye grabbed a couple and handed one to Elizabeth.

Perhaps you would prefer something stronger Elizabeth? Skye asked.

Oh, no thank you. She took a sip of her drink. This is delicious.

Elizabeth marveled at the beautiful Christmas tree that she was pretty sure was decorated by Mrs Dumfries' maid Monica. Elizabeth almost laughed, as she imagined the elderly woman sitting on her comfy armchair, dictating where to place the sparkling tinsel balls and the candy canes. The foursome spoke of the happenings in Sweet Valley, Skye shared her memories of growing up in Greenwich, and within a few minutes, Elizabeth began to relax, wondering what she was apprehensive about in the first place.

The Morrows were just as she remembered them, Nicholas' tall, elegant mother sometimes wore a placid expression that could be mistaken for arrogance, while his father was all smiles, and was perhaps the more amiable of the two.

Nicholas told me you went back to school Elizabeth, Skye interrupted her thoughts.

Yes, I did, Elizabeth confirmed, but it was only one course this semester. I'm so busy with work and everything else, I really don't have much time to dedicate to my studies.

I don't know how anyone does it. Work and school. I was never too good at school myself. And by the time I was your age, I already had Nicholas. So do you want children Elizabeth?

Elizabeth felt her face flush. I do, very much, she said, someday. But not anytime soon, she insisted. Her nerves were stirred again as she had the distinct feeling that Skye was sizing her up, to see if she was suitable to be in a relationship with her son.

Actually, Elizabeth laughed. I had to deal with a lot of children today. We had a Christmas party at the Waldorf earlier.

Yes, Nicholas told us he was meeting you there. Children are what the holidays are all about, Skye said thoughtfully.

So will you come to Aspen with us? We usually go every year. Or to Switzerland.

No Mother, Nicholas interrupted, sipping his eggnog. I'm taking Liz somewhere special.

And Aspen isn't special? Skye tilted her head. Well, if you change your mind…she looked at the two of them. My own son doesn't want to be with his old mother, she sniffed.

Mom, not now. Nicholas kissed her on the cheek before sitting closer to Elizabeth. You're nowhere near old, and I enjoy spending time with you. But Liz and I both have to get back to work. So it's better we stay closer to home.

Well, if you worked for your father, you could take as much time off as you'd like, Skye started. And think about how much warmer it is in Californ…..

Look, there's the hor d'oeuvres, Nicholas got up suddenly and walked over to the center table as a uniformed server brought out an elaborate tiered tray full of delectable appetizers. Skye, Kurt and Elizabeth all started laughing at Nicholas' avoidance of his mother's suggestions. Nicholas grinned at them from the other side of the room, while he grabbed a small saucer and started placing the various pastries on it.

I think I'll join my son, Kurt said, as he looked at the mini shrimp wraps that were just laid out.

Don't eat too much, Skye warned. You won't be able to enjoy your turkey if you do.

Oh yes I will, her husband smirked, as he walked towards the table.

Skye turned to Elizabeth, her face suddenly serious. You know Liz, I haven't seen my son this happy for a long time. I noticed his changed mood while we were in Belgium. He didn't tell us that what was going on, but now I can clearly see that it has to do with you. He doesn't tell us anything these days, she frowned loudly.

Well, Elizabeth said guiltily, I have to confess, my parents would probably say the same thing about me. I haven't even called them yet, to wish them a merry Christmas.

Skye shook her head. Oh no Liz, that just won't do. You should try to contact them, at least by the end of the day.

I know, but…..I'll see them tomorrow, Elizabeth explained. I'm flying home tomorrow, did Nicholas tell you?

No, he didn't.

I'll be leaving tomorrow evening and coming back on the thirtieth.

I see. Well, if the two of you change your mind, Aspen is still open to both of you. You do ski don't you Elizabeth?

I do, but I'm probably not as good as Nicholas is.

Well, Skye laughed. You're probably a lot better than I am. Nicholas and his father are very competitive. And my daughter. Instead of sitting there and looking pretty in her ski suit like the good girl I taught her to be, Regina was always more than ready to race the two of them down the slopes.

Elizabeth saw the look of pride in her eyes, mixed in with a moroseness that she knew would never really heal. She grabbed hold of her hand and squeezed it just as Mrs Abigail Wexford walked in with her son and daughter in law. Lance followed at a distance behind.

Merry Christmas everybody, Abigail said loudly, greeting the room. A series of hellos and cheerful greetings followed, and Elizabeth felt herself relaxing again.

You're still staying with me tonight, right Elizabeth? Mrs Wexford asked.

Yes, if you'll have me.

Of course, Abigail insisted. We're leaving here after dinner, but, I know you'll want to stay longer. I'll send Elias back for you. You'll just let yourself in.

Will I need a key?

The front door's unlocked so you can let yourself in.

You leave the door unlocked?

Elizabeth, this is Greenwich, no one locks their doors here.

Elizabeth giggled as Abigail's little dog , decked out in a red sweater and reindeer antlers, snarled as Lance came up to them, wearing a Santa hat on his dark head.

Behave yourself Chi Chi! Abigail cried. We're not in our own house, if you're not on your best behavior, Eleanor will kick us out!

Merry Christmas Sandy, Lance winked.

Elizabeth grimaced. I won't say Merry Christmas unless you call me by my real name.

Oh? Well how about a kiss then? He said, holding up some mistletoe.

Fine, Elizabeth said, and gave him a peck on his cheek.

Now I'll give you one, Lance threw his arms around her and planted a sloppy kiss on her cheek.

Heyyyyyy, Nicholas said, as he pulled Elizabeth away. I'll take that, he smirked, grabbing the mistletoe from Lance. The doorbell chimed several times that day, and there were so many people walking around the stately mansion that Elizabeth began to lose track of all the new faces. One of the caterers had been given the task of capturing all the day's joyous moments, and Elizabeth saw her frequently throughout the house, snapping away with her camera.

At six o' clock, the servers announced that dinner was ready. Nicholas and his father came forward to escort Elizabeth and Syke to the dining room.

Elizabeth was seated between Nicholas and his father. Nicholas' father was seated next to Lance's father Edward, and on hearing their chatter about business matters, Elizabeth was grateful that she could keep up with the conversation about marketing trends. She looked at the delectable assortment of dishes on the table, and couldn't help but think of her own family.

She could lie to herself and pretend that the time difference made it difficult to remember an appropriate moment to call, or she could freely admit that the reason she refused to dial the Calico drive address was because she was pretty sure that Jessica would answer the phone. She was broken out of her thoughts as she felt Nicholas' hand going up her thigh. She moved her foot over to his and pinched him with her toes as she felt his fingers moving higher. She moved her hand down and smacked his as he smirked wickedly. The two of them continued on with their playfulness under the table all while trying to keep straight faces.

Two hours later Elizabeth sat on the couch watching three young children playing with gift wrap. She was chatting with Avery, the strawberry blonde wife of one of Nicholas' cousins, Phillip? Or was it Barron? She was too full to remember. Two other young women joined in their conversation. One of them, whose name was Meghan had dark hair and was obviously a relative of Nicholas' mother.

So has Nicholas proposed yet?, the other one, with thick light brown curls asked her.

Ummmm, Elizabeth said uncomfortably.

Shut up Kirsten, the brunette who looked like Skye said.

We hear that Nicholas has had a thing for you since you were in high school, Kirsten smirked knowingly.

Ummmm. Elizabeth said again.

Don't pressure her! Meghan scolded. You don't have to answer them Elizabeth. Elizabeth is a career woman!

You work for Cityscoop right? Kirsten asked. We get the show on one of the local channels in Port Chester. I love the piece they do about the hidden tunnels in the city.

Well I like the clips on real estate, Avery said. Although I must say, I like our brownstones in Boston better.

Ha! Kirsten scoffed. New York wins every time when it comes to comparing the two cities.

Well, Boston is cleaner, Avery continued. Bostonians are friendlier.

Have you ever been to Boston Elizabeth? Meghan asked.

No, I haven't.

Well you have to go. It's a lot less crowded than New York. And you haven't had Clam Chowder until you've had it in Boston.

I'll have to try it, Elizabeth said, as Mrs Dumfries motioned to her.

Uh oh. Aunty's calling. Better go see what she wants, Meghan giggled.

Elizabeth got up and went towards the elderly woman. She followed her as she walked out of the room. They moved towards the back of the house when Eleanor turned to her.

Did you enjoy the dinner Elizabeth?

Yes Mrs Dumfries, Elizabeth said politely. The mini pecan pies were my favorite.

Mrs Dumfries opened the door to what Elizabeth knew was the library. They walked in and she closed the door behind them.

Now Elizabeth, I see my nephew is very fond of you.

And I'm very fond of him.

Well, that's nice dear. Young love is always so special. Now, you're probably wondering why I brought you in here. Nicholas told me you like to read and write. As you see here, she gestured around the large room, I have quite a fortune of reading material. I'd just like to say that you are welcome to come here any time for use of my library.

Thank you Mrs Dumfries, Elizabeth said sincerely. I've been thinking in awe of this room every since Nicholas showed it to me, the last time I was here.

Oh? You had the time to come in here? I thought the bedroom tour took up too much time.

She stared at the look of embarrassment on Elizabeth face and gave her an amused look.

You don't need to look so ill at ease. I do want you be sure that you're welcome in my home.

Thank you Mrs Dumfries, Elizabeth managed to squeak.

And Elizabeth…. she said, no more Mrs Dumfries….You can call me Eleanor.