So did you enjoy yourself,? Nicholas asked Elizabeth, as they stood on the front porch, looking at the distant lights of the yachts bobbing up and down in the waters of Long Island Sound. The temperature had dropped to below freezing, but Nicholas was barely aware of it. There was a surge of warmth in his heart, brought on by the young woman standing next to him.

Very much. Elizabeth smiled contentedly. I wanted our first Christmas together to be magical and it was. Spending time with you, with your family, that's what the holiday's all about. She planted a soft kiss on his lips.

Is that all,? Nicholas said, pouting his lips. Should I get some mistletoe? We can go upstairs to my very comfy bedroom and wait.

Elizabeth's eyes sparkled in the dim lighting of the porch. She gave him three more kisses, two on both cheeks, and the last one on his neck.

Hmmmm, he moaned. I really liked that last one.

The other two weren't any good? Elizabeth's eyes narrowed as she pulled away and placed her hands on her hips.

I liked those too, Nicholas insisted. You may continue.

He pulled her closer, grabbed one of her curls and twirled it around his fingers. So what did Aunt Eleanor want?

Your aunt gave me free reign over her library. That's what we were discussing earlier. And she told me I'd always be welcome in her house. I don't think she meant your bedroom though, Elizabeth teased, inhaling the frigid air.

The two of them were waiting outside for Elias, Mrs Wexford's chauffeur, to pick Elizabeth up and bring her to her Tudor style mansion in the back country.

Don't look now but I think someone is spying on us, Nicholas whispered, tickling her ear. Elizabeth giggled and looked to the window. Sure enough, the curtain moved back in it's position.

Who do you think it was?

Perhaps my aunt, or my mother, or both of them.

Well, let's give them an eyeful then, Elizabeth said, tilting his head and kissing his forehead. She moved to his lips, eliciting in him a series of pleasurable sighs as he ran his gloved hands along her thighs. Elizabeth broke free and laughed as she saw the curtains moving again.

Nicholas' eyes flashed. I should go in and talk to them, tell them to mind their own business!

It doesn't matter, Elizabeth said, holding the lapels of his jacket. You know Nicholas, today was almost perfect….but…

But what?

We didn't get a white Christmas.

It's supposed to snow tomorrow, Nicholas stated. At least that's what the weatherman said.

Really? Elizabeth exclaimed. I can't wait,! she said excitedly.

Oh yes you can, Nicholas warned. Too much snow means the planes will be grounded at La Guardia and JFK. Which won't be a bad thing actually. He smiled lazily. I wouldn't mind if you were stuck here.

The sooner I go, the sooner I'll come back. My flight's in the evening, so hopefully we'll have time to do something earlier in the day…

A pair of lights flashed at the entrance to the driveway and Elizabeth recognized Mrs Wexford's Bentley pulling up in front of the house.

Elias is here, Nicholas announced. Shall I go tell him fifteen more minutes,? Nicholas teased.

Don't even think about it! Abigail was nice enough to send him here and pick me up, and even though it's just fifteen minutes away, I don't want to take advantage of her generosity. And…. if we stay out here much longer, we'll turn into icicles.

Soooo…. she smoothed a lock of Nicholas' dark hair. See you tomorrow? I'll leave Mrs Wexford's house by about nine, so I can pick you up and then we'll take an early train to Grand Central.

Elizabeth held Nicholas' hands and kissed him again on the lips. Goodnight.

Merry Christmas, he whispered in her ear, squeezing her again.

Merry Christmas, she returned. Elizabeth walked past the lawn and Elias got out to open the door for her. She strapped herself in the back seat and waved to Nicholas as they pulled out of the property and onto the road…

The next morning, all of Greenwich woke to a wonderful blanket of white that covered much of the region's tri state area as well as most of upstate New York. The sight of the trees, and back country palatial mansions covered with fluffy snow reminded Elizabeth of those classic Christmas cards she admired as a child.

It's gorgeous, she gushed to Mrs Wexford as they ate breakfast early the next morning. I've never been on this side of the country for winter. It's more beautiful that I ever imagined….

About one hour later, she sat on the train with Nicholas, headed for Grand Central Station.

I love it, Elizabeth grinned, as she looked outside at the brilliant powder that covered everything in sight. My first snow storm in New York City!

Nicholas looked at the passing buildings as the train moved closer towards Manhattan.

This isn't a storm Elizabeth, he laughed at her child like jubilance. This is a sprinkle. We only got a few inches. Just wait till January when we're covered in two feet and have to dig ourselves out. You won't love it then.

Nicholas, you have no idea, Elizabeth exclaimed. You're used to this, this winter wonderland. We've never have anything like this in Sweet Valley. I mean, I've seen snow in California lots of times, especially in the mountains. But this is special.

You won't be saying that later after it gets all gross and oily, Nicholas warned.

You better not be raining on my parade,! Elizabeth said as they pulled into the historic train station. Mrs Wexford said the same thing. I don't care what you say! I'm going to enjoy it while it's still white and pretty and imagine that it's always going to be as beautiful as this. And I finally get to wear my snow boots!

They went into the subway, got on the four train to fourteenth street and look the L train to Bedford avenue in Brooklyn. Nicholas looked at Elizabeth, slipping and sliding along the messy slush. He had never seen her look so beautiful, with her cheeks red from the cold air, and the fat white snowflakes sitting on top of her golden head. He wrapped his arms around her waist and kissed the hair that was now damp from the snow. They walked into Elizabeth's shared apartment, went into her bedroom, and sat on her twin bed.

Are you all packed?

Yes. Elizabeth gestured to her knapsack. I'm not taking much. I still have a lot of clothes over there, as well as everything else. But…

But what?

I don't want to go home empty handed. I have to bring something. I want to buy gifts for Enid and her baby, and for my nephew too. And then maybe something for everyone else.

What time do you have to be at the airport?

My flight leaves a little after six, so I should be there by four. Which gives us plenty of time….

To do what? Nicholas' eyes twinkled raunchily as he nodded at the bed.

Not that! Elizabeth giggled. Lets go back to Manhattan. I want to go to Macy's to look around.

Nooooooo! Nicholas whined. You're not going to make me go through all nine floors of the store are you?

I promise it won't take long. And I won't buy much. We'll bring my bag with us and then I don't have to come back here. I'll just go to the airport from Manhattan. Come on Nicholas! Elizabeth pursed her lips cutely, wrapping her arms around him while she nuzzled his neck with her nose.

When you touch me like that I can't say no to you, Nicholas said weakly as he moved to put on his coat.

They arrived at Macy's half an hour later, and Elizabeth walked through the elaborately decorated store, looking for last minute gifts. Elizabeth chose a cashmere sweater for her mother, silk robes for her father and brother, a bottle of perfume for Cara, and another for Enid, a small musical lamb for her baby Alex, and a toy truck with the store's label for her nephew Nathan.

You see,? all done, Elizabeth smiled, as she finished making her last purchase.

OK, what now? Nicholas said, as they walked through the throngs of tourists and out of the store. We still have about four hours before you have to leave. How about we get something to eat? I'm pretty hungry, he stated.

Let's go to Tavern on the Green, in Central park, Elizabeth suggested.

My treat, she grinned, for being such a good boy at Macy's.

You're paying? Nicholas held her hand and smiled wickedly. Does this mean I get to order the most expensive thing on the menu?

Keep up that attitude and I'll take you to Mc Donalds,! Elizabeth threatened.

Within half an hour, they were seated at a table and Nicholas ordered the mushroom flatbread while Elizabeth settled for the jumbo lump crab cakes.

I better eat up, Elizabeth said, as Nicholas stole some fried sweet potatoes off her plate. On my flight here, they only gave us peanuts.

Remember our first date? Nicholas smoothed the skin of her palm.

How can I forget,? Elizabeth reminisced dreamily. It was the most high class restaurant I had ever been to. And the company was pretty generous with his admiration, she winked at him as he smiled warmly at her.

Elizabeth glanced at her watch. I know,! she cried suddenly, as the waiter brought the bill. Let's go skating!

Skating?

Yes, Elizabeth's eyes brightened as she opened her purse and pulled out some cash. She counted enough to cover the bill and left enough for a tip.

Where are we going to skate? Wollman rink? Nicholas queried. We could just walk to it. It will take ten minutes. .

Well it is closer, Elizabeth said thoughtfully.

She shook her head. No, definitely not there, and not at Rockefeller Center either. They're both way too crowded. Let's go to Bryant park instead. I haven't been skating in forever. And you're going with me,! Elizabeth smiled excitedly.

Come on,! she said, grabbing Nicholas' hand. Bryant Park is better. We can spend time on the ice, and then we can walk around the park's winter village, till the time for me to go to the airport.

Nicholas kissed her on the lips. OK OK. We'll go. They left the restaurant and walked along the street, heading for the subway.

You were right Nicholas, Elizabeth giggled as they sidestepped a heap of blackened slush. New York is disgusting after a snow storm.

A ha! Told you so, Nicholas said smugly. It only stays beautiful in the park and outside of the city.

I can't believe what happened to my beautiful dreams of white, Elizabeth groaned while avoiding a puddle. She looked in dismay at the piles of garbage outside the apartment building they were passing by.

Whenever it snows, New York's strongest never seem to show up to remove the trash, Nicholas declared, referring to the city's sanitation department.

They got into the train and went straight to forty second street behind the large marble public library. They rented skates, left Elizabeth's belongings in a locker and moved to the ice, where a large Christmas tree stood at the top of the rink.

After a series of near misses and almost tumbles, they grew accustomed to the frozen surface, and were skating like they'd never been out of practice. Nicholas stood behind Elizabeth and held her waist and they glided along the ice together. After a half hour of skating, they decided they had enough and left the rink to explore the winter village. They purchased some hot cocoa and walked around the various shops and elaborate displays.

Are your parents still trying to convince you to go with them to Aspen? Elizabeth wondered aloud.

They are. Last night, after you left, they tried to sway me again.

They want you to come with us. It's not too late to change your mind Liz. They leave tomorrow morning.

Nicholas' voice was salacious as he whispered in her ear. If you want to see beautiful snow, Aspen is the place. We'll have our own suite, in a very large cabin. We don't even have to see my parents if you don't want to. All the cabins have hot tubs where you can relax in the warmth and coziness, and enjoy the mountain views in the back. He nibbled her earlobe. I can't wait to go swimming with you.

Elizabeth felt a tingle going down her spine at his suggestive words. You're making it hard for me to say no. But what about New Years?

Oh, we can still fly back and do that. Whatever happens, I just want to be with you. Nicholas planted a soft kiss on her forehead and Elizabeth closed her eyes. I can't believe I never noticed it before, he said, as he ran his finger along her brow.

What? Elizabeth asked, her eyes widened.

Nicholas examined her closely. You have the cutest tiny specks of gold at the roots of your eyelashes.

Elizabeth giggled.

Nicholas! There's nothing special about that. I would think most blondes do.

But you're not just any blonde, he said, embracing her again. The feeling of his strong arms was thrilling and she pictured him from early November, clad in his tight breeches, standing next to his black horse…..

They arrived at LaGuardia airport amid the hustle and bustle of passengers and long lines that seemed to never have an end. After clearing security, they sat at the gate in the departure lounge, looking out the large glass windows at the planes on the tarmac. Elizabeth lay her head on Nicholas' shoulder, as they awaited the time for her to leave. The sight of so many people saying goodbye to their loved ones brought out a wave of emotions in her and she felt the need to cling to him, to tell him how she felt.

Nicholas….I….she said shyly. I love you…she whispered in his ear.

He looked deeply into her eyes. I love you too Elizabeth.

You do? Her heart fluttered.

Of course I do. I always have. His voice was filled with earnestness as he pulled her closer to him.

You'll call me when you're over there. Promise?

I promise, Elizabeth said sincerely.

I have something to show you before you leave. Now close your eyes, Nicholas said, as he turned Elizabeth around in her seat. He pulled out a delicate robin's egg blue box out of his coat pocket and pulled Elizabeth's hair to the side. He placed a necklace around her neck and attached the tiny clasp. Elizabeth looked down in awe at the sparkling piece.

Nicholas, It's gorgeous! But Nicholas, we said no gifts.

We said no gifts on Christmas. But we didn't say no gifts the day after Christmas, Nicholas said. You like it?

I love it, Elizabeth exclaimed, as she traced the delicate horse shoe with her fingers.

Nicholas, is this platinum? And diamonds? She looked again at the classic pale blue box. You bought this at Tiffany? It must have cost a fortune. You shouldn't have bought something so expensive.

But you're worth it, he said, kissing the back of her neck. You're worth it to me. Elizabeth turned to face him and his lips meant hers. An old woman, probably even older than Nicholas' aunt, gave them a dirty look at their display, of what was obviously more than affection. Elizabeth was aware of the scene the two of them were making, but she was too engrossed with the warm kisses that she didn't care. For the first time in such a long time she was blissfully happy and didn't want to let him go.

After another half hour, the boarding call was announced.

I don't want to go, Elizabeth said, as the passengers lined up behind the counter. She ran her hands along Nicholas' hair. Will you miss me?

Nicholas cupped her chin. More than you know.

I wish you could fly home with me.

Me too, Nicholas said, running his hand up and down her arms.

It's not too late to stuff you in my bag, she giggled, as she brushed a lock of dark hair from his eyes.

Just make sure your parents don't lock you in the basement to prevent you from coming back. Remember, I have plans for us.

You're still not telling me where we're going,? Elizabeth looked at him flirtatiously.

It's a surprise, Nicholas smiled. Someone needs to learn patience, he teased.

Elizabeth folded her arms and pouted.

Nicholas' green eyes twinkled in a smile. You look like a naughty two year old when you do that.

Nicholas, are you going to dream of me ? Say yes and I'll stop pouting.

No. Your pout makes you extra cute, he laughed, kissing her lips again. The old woman rolled her eyes at them. The final boarding call came over the airport's PA system and Elizabeth regretfully got up to join the line and show her boarding pass. She gave Nicholas one last look as he blew a kiss and she entered the walkway leading to the plane.

She placed her small bag under the seat in front of her, buckled her seat belt and put the armrest down. Elizabeth almost burst out laughing when she saw her seatmate approach. It was that same elderly woman who sneered at her earlier.

I can't stretch that far, her old crotchety voice rang out. Will you put my bag in the overhead please,? the woman asked humbly, her earlier annoyance forgotten.

Sure, Elizabeth smiled politely, as she unbuckled her belt, grabbed the woman's bag and placed it in the bin above their heads. Within half an hour, they were in the air, looking at the bright lights of the skyline saying goodbye to them. Elizabeth pulled out her diary, which she regretfully never had time to write in, and jotted her thoughts down.

Sweet Valley here I come…...