"Hey!" Giana screams when the pool water drenches her feet. She paints a pretty picture: her bouncy curls and summer dress a perfect blend with the garden landscape of Matlock Manor. Lizzie snaps a quick picture with her phone, having promised William not to bring any of her professional equipment this year.
God forbid Anne Rosings show up asking for another boudoir shoot.
Freddie grins from inside the pool, showing no remorse whatsoever for his childish provocation of his cousin. The guy is handsome. He's been voted into the top ten World's Sexiest Men for a reason. It was a fun day when the family found out.
But it wasn't as fun as the day Fitz group-messaged everyone that he's planning to propose on the third day of this year's family Matlock Manor trip.
Somehow, the family bonded so much last year that they decided to make it a yearly tradition. What's even more surprising is that everyone agreed.
Another splash hits the poolside, this time claiming Lizzie's sandals.
"Freddie, stop!" Lizzie barks.
Freddie continues his grinning. "Given that your sister has stolen my usual pool company for 'a stroll around the gardens,' it's only right that you take her place."
"That's not how it works."
"Isn't it?" Freddie wades closer to Lizzie's side of the pool. The breeze is warm and kind today, reminiscent of the day she left Matlock Manor last year - hope and anxiety mixing in her heart.
It's been a long year - and a good year.
"Go find your own woman to stroll around the garden with," Lizzie orders.
Freddie pouts. "But I like your company so much better."
"Frederick Fitzwilliam." William strides over with the promised beverages he'd left earlier to retrieve. He leans down to kiss Lizzie, softly and gently and so very blissfully, before he hands her the ice cold lemonade. "Please stop flirting with my wife."
Freddie grimaces. "Will it make you stop all the lip action in public?"
"We are hardly in public." William doesn't miss a beat.
"Then no." Freddie winks and swims away before William can kick him in the head.
Lizzie snuggles next to her husband, her arm around his waist.
He surprised her with a proposal, at Christmas, a mere six months into their relationship. She surprised herself even more by saying yes.
It's been a long year - a good year.
The sounds of an excited, female scream reach them. Everyone present exchanges some happy glances.
"Should we go congratulate them?" Lizzie smiles.
"And then we proceed to grill Fitz," William growls. "God knows he deserves it."
They laugh the rest of the way.
A/N: That's all for now! And if you are on the look-out for more JAFF, do check out Austen Readers, JAFF on Kindle Unlimited, and Pride and Prejudice Variations on Facebook. I've gotten lots of great recs in those places! My next story will be back in canon setting, and I hope you'll like it!