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A/n thank you all for your kind reviews and support. Please enjoy.

When Spencer opened his eyes, he immediately squinted against the winter daylight, filling the room with golden brilliance. The night's storm had passed, and the sun shone through the window to his left. He blinked and scrubbed at his face until his eyes grew accustomed to the light. He sat up and looked to his right, but Emily wasn't there.

"Emily!"

"In the kitchen, but stay where you are. I have a surprise for you." Emily called back.

Spencer shrugged and propped up his pillow. It was Christmas morning, and they had time off until the day after New Year. He stretched, groaned, and looked at his alarm clock. It read 10:27 am, and he blinked again. He hadn't slept this late in years but realized it felt terrific.

"Hey," said a voice from his doorway.

Spencer looked over, and his jaw dropped. Emily stood there in a pair of red silk lounging pajamas, a red and white Santa hat on her dark curls, and matching scarlet lipstick. She held a silver serving tray he didn't recognize with steaming, wonderful-smelling food.

"Wow," he said.

"Is that all you have to say?"

Emily strode over and carefully gave the tray to Spencer before climbing into bed with him. She sat against a couple of pillows and smirked at him. "Merry Christmas, lover."

"Merry Christmas," Spencer said and leaned over to kiss her.

When they parted, he looked down to see fresh omelets, fresh fruit, orange juice, coffee, and two delightful chocolate donuts that he recognized from his favorite bakery. "This looks wonderful," Spencer said and licked his lips. "Thank you, but you didn't have to go to so much trouble. I would've been happy with coffee."

"I know, and that's why you're so skinny," Emily said. "You need breakfast or, in this case, brunch."

Spencer kissed her again and picked up his coffee as Emily took her plate and began to work on the omelet. "Mmm," Spencer said after he tasted his serving. "Just the way I like it. Thanks for remembering that I hate green peppers."

"You're welcome."

They ate in silence, and then Emily cleared away the dishes. "Stay put because I have another surprise."

"Emily," Spencer put out a hand to stop her from leaving with the tray. "You don't have to do all of this." He gestured with this hand. "I'm content to spend time with you. I love you so much."

"I know, babe. I love you, too. I want to make your day fun, okay."

"Alright, but please don't spend the day waiting on me."

"I'm not. After you're next surprise, it's your turn to clean up."

Spencer groaned, and Emily laughed. "Come on, you have a dishwasher, and there's only a couple of items that need handwashing. It'll be a snap to clean up the mess."

"That's what you said after my birthday celebration."

"True, but remember what I did after you finished."

Spencer went pink and said, "Um, yeah, that was amazing."

Emily wiggled her eyebrows. "Yes, it was. I'll be right back with your gift."

Spencer lay back on his pillow and wondered what she had in mind for a surprise. He didn't have long to wait because Emily returned with a gift bag in her hand and a smile for him. "There you are. Hope you like it."

Spencer took the bag and grunted. "It's heavy."

"I know, be careful."

Spencer lifted out a box and goggled at the label. "Wow, Emily."

He removed the top and stared down at a new – well, it was new to him, but it was a vintage chess set carved from ebony and maple. The pieces were large, with the king standing six inches tall.

"Emily, this must've cost a fortune, I can't –"

"I know you have a chess set, but I wanted you to have this when I saw it in an antique shop in Georgetown. Don't worry about the price, babe. I wanted to get you something extra special for our first Christmas together."

"It's so – beautiful."

Spencer admired the matching wooden playing board and the case that held all the pieces, including two extra kings. "Thank you." Spencer pulled her down for a kiss.

"You're welcome."

"Now, it's time for your gift. Close your eyes."

Emily closed her eyes without complaint and felt Spencer get out of bed. After a minute, he said. "Okay, you can open them."

An envelope lay in her lap. It was a festive red and green with Emily written across the front. Emily looked at Spencer, sitting on the edge of the bed watching her with his bottom lip caught in his teeth.

Emily opened the envelope, and a sheet of paper fell out. She read the contents, and tears filled her eyes. "Oh, Spencer."

"Hey, I didn't mean to make you cry. It was supposed to be a happy gift. I'm sorry, I can get you something else if you – "

Emily stopped him with a kiss that lasted until he had to pull away for breath. "I love it," Emily said. "Thank you."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes, you showed me your heart, and I can't ask for more, babe."

"I couldn't decide what to buy for you so –"

"It's wonderful. I want to cash in on your first promise right now."

Spencer sighed. "If you must."

"I must and don't pretend that you're upset because I can see in your eyes that you're not."

"Alright, smart lady. I did promise that I would practice expressing my emotions, what's in my heart, so – thank you, Emily. I'm so grateful that you love me and that you stand by me every day."

Emily wiped away another tear. "I'm thankful for you too, Spencer. Love you."

"Love you too."

"Now," Emily smacked his leg. "It's time for clean-up."

Reid rolled his eyes. "Yes, ma'am."

"I want to go for a walk, afterward so I will help this one time."

"Thanks," Spencer said and gave her one more kiss. "Let's go."