Greetings!

We are still in the Christmas season so... :)

Author's note:

I was never blessed with children and admire all of the

wonderful parents out there! Special congratulations

to the guest who recently discovered she will be

expecting twins! There is another reader who

was blessed with twins and I hope each day

is filled with the wonder and awe children

can bring to our lives! It has been a pleasure writing

this chapter - I'm happy for Georgie and Elvis! xx

Chapter 3

Tidings of Joy

1500

Georgie excitedly got out of the car and whipped out her mobile, instantly texting Elvis.

"I'm here. On the way xx!"

Elvis was sat back, boots on the desk top, gleefully reading Georgie's text.

"Really good! I'm still here" He responded. Once he pressed send he was on his feet and began pacing. This was so different from what he had experienced before. He never knew Debbie had been pregnant until she unexpectantly presented him with Laura. He was never in love with Debbie, but dearly loved their child. And now he would become a father once again. But this time with Georgie…the woman of his dreams and the keeper of his heart. He simply shook his head, grinning. He was certain he could never describe the feeling of joy he felt, and knowing Georgie felt the same way….. Elvis pumped a fist and wanted to burst with the anticipation of his expectant wife's arrival.

There was a familiar rap a tap tap…..Elvis made short work of striding to the door. When he opened it the love of his life was standing there beaming like sunshine. He looked around and pulled her inside. Georgie instantly fell into his arms. They kissed, then began to giggle.

"Good that we're married." She cooed.

"As if 'at ever mattered."

They both laughed. It had always been a challenge maintaining a relationship in the army whilst they were single. They had codes and signals for each other and it made their courtship exciting. Now they were lawfully married but their passion still sparked like flint against steel.

"So, everythins good, eh? Wha' did they say?" Elvis asked, rubbing his hands up and down her upper arms, anxious for details.

"Dr. Brown said I'm in perfect health. My bloods are good. I do need to have a sonogram, which is routine, but they will want to closely monitor the baby's development."

Elvis' heart dropped. "But 'at's done anyway innit?"

Georgie nodded. "Yeah. But even more closely for me because of the fuckin Ricin shit."

Elvis studied her demeanor for any clue she was holding anything back from him. He soon relaxed however because Georgie seemed as ecstatic about everything as he was. He dipped his head to gain her eye contact.

"You're good with all 'at?" He asked, rubbing her arms again.

"Absolutely." She said brushing his splayed bangs back. "Stop worrying."

He gave her a toothy grin. "You look beautiful." He said, not taking his eyes from hers.

"I feel beautiful inside Elvis." She said and lovingly touched her belly. He looked down and placed his hand over top of hers, then kissed the top of her head. Georgie leaned into him and savored the brief intimacy.

"I best get back to work." She finally said, squeezing his hand.

"Oi. Yeah. That." He said laughing. "Just a few more hours babe."

"I reckon I'll tell Peters the news." She said.

"Yeah. We'll make contact with our folks tonight." Elvis said, confirming their plans.

"Definitely." She said smiling and caressing his arm.

"I'm headin out to that meetin. I'll walk with ya to the Trainin Center." He said, not really wanting to part from her.

"That would be fab. Will it be a long meeting?"

"Uncertain. Finalizing the roster." He said shrugging into his camo jacket. Elvis placed his hand at the small of Georgie's back as they walked out of his office.

Xxxxx

1900

The Hartes were home and had finished their evening meal. The Christmas tree was sparkling as Elvis fluffed cushions and pillows on the sofa hoping to make Georgie more comfortable. She was knackered and appreciated his efforts but could not resist.

"Ya know Elvis, I am fine, wait until I'm the size of the sofa before ya punch the stuffing out of those pillows!"

He ignored her comment as he placed said pillow behind her. "Just tryin to help." He said reaching for his laptop so they could face time with their folks. "I know. I'm sorry." She said leaning over to kiss his cheek as he brought the computer to life. She scooted right up against him as they were sat side by side. He placed the laptop on the coffee table. Georgie snaked her arm around his middle as his nimble fingers tapped away.

"Oh sure, now ya want to snuggle." He joked and pressed a kiss into her temple. She turned her head and their lips met. "Your folks first?" Elvis asked.

"Yeah. That OK?" Georgie said, biting her lower lip and rubbing her hands on her thighs.

This was a monumental moment for them.

"You bet. Here we go…"

Georgie took a deep breath as the call rang up. Elvis grasped her knee and gave a little squeeze. They were both beyond chuffed.

"Hello! Georgie ! It's Georgie and Elvis !" Grace called out as her face became visible on the screen. The couple exchanged glances and grinned.

"Hey mum! Merry Christmas!" Georgie said, her eyes twinkling with excitement.

"Merry Christmas Grace!"

"Ah Merry Christmas you two! Your callin early." Grace said her delighted face completely taking over the screen.

"We are mum! We have news! Wonderful news!!" Georgie said.

"Well what is it luv?!"

"Get dad and the girls" Georgie said just about bouncing in her seat. Elvis laughed.

Grace's eyes grew large at the thought that something was amiss. "Is everythin alright Georgie?"

"Yes!" Just get everyone"

"Oh God! What's goin on?"

"Please mum!"

As Grace rousted the Lane household, Elvis dipped his head and laughed. Georgie hugged him with anticipation.

"There's our girl and son in law!" Max said clearly pleased to see them. "Merry Christmas!"

"Merry Christmas!" The Hartes responded in unison, smiling from ear to ear.

"Come on girls!" Grace said making certain everyone was positioned around the screen.

"Heyyy!" Georgie gushed as curious eyes stared back at she and Elvis. He nudged her.

"We have something wonderful we want to share with you!" She said as Elvis put his arm around her.

"What is it Georgie?" Grace asked, the anticipation killing her. Georgie could not contain her joy.

"Elvis and I are going to have a baby!"

Grace almost came through the screen!

Georgie! Oh my God! Elvis ! Seriously!? My girl is pregnant?" Grace squealed.

"Yay Georgie! Good one Elvis!" Lulu shouted.

"Awwww Georgie! Congratulations!" Marie said, her eyes tearing. She could see how blissfully happy her sister and Elvis were. It was as it always should have been.

"You're pregnant?!" Max said, staring, shock and realization colliding. He was grinning but looked dumbfounded at his wife. Grace laughed, grabbed him and hugged him tightly.

"We're gonna be grandparents!"

Georgie burst out laughing. Her dad was still trying to wrap his head around the news, then

"What wonderful news you two and for Christmas!" He finally said.

"Yeah! Oh mum, I can't believe it!" Georgie said.

Grace was in tears. Lulu fetched tissues for her.

"I am really happy for you two." Marie said sincerely.

"Thanks." Elvis said as Georgie simply nodded her head. It was such a joyful, emotional time for them all.

"How far along?" Lulu asked.

"Yes luv…." Grace said now that she could speak again.

"Five weeks." Georgie said, thrilled to see how happy her family was.

"Must have been some reunion when ya two got home!" Lulu said and was quickly silenced by her mum's elbow.

"Elvis you're mum is going to be over the moon!" Grace said.

"Exactly!" Elvis laughed. "More accurately she'll probably land in the next solar system!"

They all laughed.

"We still need to tell Elvis' folks so we'll keep ya posted. Just wanted to give you lot a special Christmas gift!" Georgie said, sniffling and wiping the tears from her cheeks.

"Oh you have Georgie!" Max said. "The Merriest of Christmases.!"

"Give us a ring back over the holiday yeah?" Grace said. "We would love to see ya in person if possible."

"I know mum. We'll see." Georgie said.

"Do ya know if it's a boy or girl?" Lulu asked.

"Nope. Too early." Georgie said lightheartedly.

"Oh heavens yes. But you'll let us know as soon as you do, yeah!" Grace said.

"Absolutely mum. Se we'll try to ring ya again tomorrow."

"Ok bye Georgie, Elvis….love you both! And the tiny one!"

"You take good care of them Elvis." Max said smiling.

"You 'ave my word." Elvis said. They all knew there was no doubt he would keep them safe.

Xxxxx

Elvis knew his family would be caught up in the Christmas Eve celebration this evening and would not be paying any attention to computers or tablets so he attempted to ring his sister to give her a heads up. As the call was processing Elvis' knee jumped up and down.

"You're gonna go airborne!" Georgie said. He laughed and gently palmed the side of her face. She leaned her head in and kissed his hand. Their eyes locked until…..

"Hello?! Elvis?!"

"Elena!" Elvis said excitedly.

"Hey bro! Buon Natale!

"Buon Natale! Hey can ya do me a quick favor?" Elvis said.

"I surely can. What is it?"

"Need for ya to round up the troops and fire up mum's ipad."

"What?! Do you have any memory of Christmas Eve here?" Elena said laughing.

"Indeed. That's why I need yer help!"

"We thought you would give us a ring tomorrow."

"Change of plans. Deal with it."

"Alright. Hold on."

Elvis could hear his sister traveling throughout the family home rousting everyone into the lounge.

"It's Elvis." He heard her saying. He could hear happy chatter and his mum's voice.

"They're gonna shit!" He said and his knee began to release his pent-up excitement once again.

"Do ya want me to sit on that?" Georgie joked, watching his leg in constant motion. Hell she was just as excited. She was thrilled when they told her folks and she was fairly certain that she and Elvis would be able to hear the Harte family cheers all the way from Peterborough.

"Elvis. All assembled." Elena shouted into the phone.

"Good deal. I'm gonna close out 'ere and ring up the ipad." He said.

"Get the ear plugs !" Georgie said and they both laughed.

"It's Elvis and Georgie!" Came Elena's voice and appearance on the screen. The couple could see the happy relatives all huddled around. An exuberant …. "Buon Natale!" exploded and everyone was waving.

"Where's nonna?" Elvis asked.

"There. There, she is next to your mum." Georgie said.

"What you doin Elvis? You said you would call tomorrow." Guilia Harte said but it was clear she was thrilled he was calling now.

"Yeah, yeah. Big surprise ma!"

"What is it figlio?" Guiseppe asked.

Elvis looked at Georgie and took her hand, they both leaned in closer to the screen.

"Stiamo avendo un bambino! We're having a baby!" Elvis announced. ….

The response was crushing! The cheers and squeals of delight were incredible! Georgie thought Elvis' laptop actually vibrated from the reaction. She laughed out loud and grabbed onto him. Guilia brought Nonna Sofia closer to the screen. The smile on the senior's face was priceless.

"Grazie Dio!" She said clasping her hands together. "Thank God! Benedici voi due!" Bless you two! Ahhh Elvis, Georgeea." She kissed her hand and gestured it towards the screen.

"Love you nonna." They both responded. Georgie swiped at the joyful tears trickling down now. She wished that both of their families could have been together for the reveal but all was well. The couple hoped to one day own a home of their own and invite the Hartes and Lanes to a smashing celebration.

Eventually it was simply Guilia, Guiseppe, Elena and Nonna Sofia gazing at the expectant parents.

"When did you know?" Guilia asked.

"Today, officially." Georgie said.

"It is so wonderful! Congratulations!" Elena said happily. "Such a gift!"

"The best!" Elvis said squeezing Georgie's hand, her fingers were interlaced with his.

"Does you mum know?" Guilia asked Georgie.

"Yeah, they're on cloud nine!"

"This will be their first grandchild?"

"It will be!"

"Such wonderful news for us all! Molto bene! Well done!" Guiseppe said proudly.

"Will you leave the army Georgie?" Guilia asked. That gave Georgie pause….

"Uh, no. I wasn't planning to at this point." She answered looking at Elvis. He smiled.

"Well they can't send you overseas now!" His mum said.

"Of course not." Georgie said pulsing Elvis' hand.

"It's good ma." He said, putting an arm around Georgie. "Not to worry. She'll be stayin on home soil." He said it as much for Georgie as for his mum. He knew her emotions were raging about so many things right now.

"You come. You visit me, si?" Nonna Sofia said.

Georgie smiled warmly. "Yes. We will."

"I will hold my grandchild here for now." Sofia said, clutching her chest.

"Aww nonna." Georgie said, overcome with the sweet love of this gentle woman.

"You call tomorrow too! Elvis you are missing my Panettone!"

He laughed. He loved her Christmas bread. "Io so! I know! You can make another one for us."

"No! Vieni a trovarci! You come visit, then I make it!"

"Concordato. Agreed." He said tossing his nonna a kiss.

"Buona note. Buon Natale!" Sofia said tossing kisses back.

As the call ended and Elvis' family resumed their Christmas Eve celebration, Georgie and Elvis fell back against the sofa cushions together giddy with smiles, still holding hands, fingers interlaced. Georgie placed a hand over her belly.

"Elvis. I am so happy!"

He took her into his arms. She cuddled next to him, lying her head against his shoulder. He stroked her hair and began to softly sing…

"O bambino, mio divino, Io ti vedo qui tremar….."

Georgie smiled, warmly, deeply…her husband's voice soothing her…..and their growing baby

….. it was a beautiful Christmas lullaby.