December 25, 2370

Her eyes slowly fluttered open at the tantalizing touch of his fingers gently trailing their way up and down her bare arm. It was still dark, but the soft light of the full moon filtered through the window, creating a blue-white glow throughout the quite room.

Smiling, she relaxed into his touch and wiggled herself closer into his embrace, resting her cheek on his shoulder as the previous night's events replayed through her mind.

She couldn't remember the last time she had such a romantic evening. After the carriage ride, they had walked hand-in-hand throughout the carnival – playing games, helping some small children make a snowman, stopping for a moment to laugh at Will attempting to ice skate after they had stopped at the coffee shop for a sinfully delicious hot chocolate, and then finally they had walked arm-in-arm back to the inn in the still of the moonlight.

They had barely managed to keep their hands off each other as they made their way up the old stairs to her room, as they both knew exactly what was going to happen once the door was closed. The pent-up energy and anticipation between the two of them was electrifying, and both were anxious to finally be alone in private. She recalled how much her head had been spinning, but through the haze she somehow managed to slide the key into the old lock, pushing the door open as she simultaneously turned around to face him, claiming his lips once again with her own as she wrapped her arms around his neck.

Stumbling backward, she had pulled him eagerly into the room. He let the door close loudly behind them and she shushed him, which only resulted in the two of them laughing like teenagers as they frantically started to remove the many layers of clothing between them. Before she knew it their coats, boots, and shirts were off, and she was pressed up against the four-hundred-year-old dresser holding on tight as Jean-Luc kissed, licked and nipped his way down her chest to her stomach. Not one for wanting to destroy history, she gently pulled him up and pushed him back towards the bed.

In an instant the air in the room had shifted. His eyes had locked onto hers in the shimmering moonlight and from there time slowed and they took their time. Exploring, laughing, savoring, and loving – they enjoyed every second of their first time together. It had been the most beautiful night of her life.

"What are you thinking about?" Jean-Luc's hand stilled on her arm as his whispered words pulled her from her thoughts and back into the present with him.

"Mmm, just remembering how wonderful last night was." Curling into him further, she rested her chin on his chest as she smiled and looked into his eyes. "I still can't believe this is happening. You're really here."

"I am, and I'm not planning on going anywhere." Leaning forward slightly he gave her a quick kiss on the nose. "I'm only sorry I didn't come after you a long time ago. I should have followed you when you left my quarters after Kesprytt – and I should have fought harder for you after the incident with Ronin. All I can say is I'm sorry, and I promise to make it up to you for the rest of my life."

Shaking her head, she placed a light kiss on his chest. "Jean-Luc, no. If either of us is to apologize it should be me. I'm the one who ran. I'm the one who was scared. I knew how you felt after Kesprytt but I allowed my idiotic fear of losing you get in the way of any rational thought."

"So, what happened? What made you change your mind?"

"I ran into an old friend who reminded me that if I continued to run and something did happen to you, not only would my heart be beyond broken, but I'd regret missing out on the opportunity to love you – for us to love each other."

"You'll have to remind me to thank your friend. Because of them I now have everything I've always wanted."

"Hmmm, is that so my dear Captain?" Smiling, she slid her leg over and between his as she leaned up to claim his lips in a searing kiss.

After a few moments he broke the kiss and put his hands on her waist, pulling her fully on top of him. "Well, almost everything I've always wanted."

"Oh! That reminds me. I have something for you." She shifted her weight off him, intending to get out of bed, but his grasp on her waist remained firm.

"Can't it wait until later? I'm quite enjoying having you in my arms at the moment. Plus, in my haste to get to you I left your gift in La Barre."

His slight pout brought a smile to her face. "And here I thought you were my gift." Grinning, she gave him a quick peck on the lips. "The question of my gift aside, it's officially Christmas and I want to give you your present."

"Honestly, Beverly, I don't think there is anything you could give me that would top last night."

"Hold that thought." Smirking at him, she slid out from between the sheets and sauntered across the room. Rummaging through her shoulder bag she purposely shifted her hips back and forth, knowing his eyes hadn't left her form. Her little dance had the desired effect.

"You're doing that on purpose." His voice was low and gravelly, causing a pool of desire to bubble in the pit of her stomach.

Turning, she smiled wickedly at him. "I know." Walking slowly back to the bed she handed him the small box as she curled up once again at this side as he sat propped up against the thick pillows. "Sorry I didn't wrap it. I wasn't exactly expecting to see you today."

Shaking his head, he leaned over to kiss her, letting her know he didn't mind the gift wasn't adorned with brightly colored paper and ribbon. The antique metal hinge on the wooden box creaked slightly as he opened it. His sharp intake of breath as he laid eyes on its contents brought a smile to her face.

"Beverly, it's exquisite. I…" His voice once again caught in his throat as he lightly traced a finger over the brass working of the piece. Turning to look at her, he reached over to caress her face. "I can't believe you remembered I mentioned trying to find one of these…that was ages ago. Thank you so much. I love it." Leaning over he captured her lips, taking his time to express just how much he appreciated her thoughtfulness.

Pulling back, he once again eyed the device in front of him. "See, Jean-Luc, now you have everything you've always wanted." Laughing, she reached an arm across his bare chest, enjoying his warmth and the feeling of content currently coursing through her veins.

Closing the box, he set the gift on the small table next to the bed and once again pulled her flush on top of him. "While this gift does help complete the list…I still don't have everything I've always wanted."

Arching an eyebrow at him she tilted her head as she placed her hands on his shoulders and pushed herself up to look into his eyes. "No?"

Reaching up he carefully brushed a strand of hair out of her face as he stared at her intently. "Marry me, Beverly."

Stunned, she could only stare at him. Eyes wide and mouth slightly ajar, her mind whirled at what he was asking. At her silence, he reached up to caress her face with both hands, letting his fingers slip through the silky strands of her hair. "We both know life can change in an instant. I don't want to waste any more time without you by my side. I've loved you since the day I met you, and that love only grows deeper with every passing day. I'm in love with you, Beverly. Will you please be my wife?"

Memories flashed through her mind in an instant as she gazed into his hazel orbs.

Jack introducing them for the first time. His kind, hazel eyes meeting hers as he shook her hand. Jean-Luc smiling at her with such joy the first time he held Wesley in his arms, all red and screaming. The grief in his eyes and sorrow in his voice as he told her Jack was never coming home. His strong arms holding her as they both cried at the tragic loss. Seeing him for the first time after ten, long years on the Bridge of the Enterprise and feeling her heart unexpectedly skip a beat. His eyes as they met hers after his rescue from the Borg ship. Her relief and happiness when she first saw him on Rutia IV, realizing that no matter what happened, it would be okay since they were together. The heartbreak in his eyes as she told him that perhaps they should be afraid of their feelings after Kesprytt, and the hope he still had when he came to Caldos to rescue her from Ronin's spell. Most recently, she remembered their first passionate kiss as he held her tightly in his arms as the snow fell softly around them like a dream. The warmth of his lips as they trailed their way down her neck as they made love for the first time. His firm body lying next to hers and feeling safe and calm wrapped in his embrace.

Her eyes filled with unshed tears as she thought of their extensive history. Everything they had been through and everyone they had lost along the way. There was no denying it. She loved this man with all her heart. He was her best friend and over the years had become as much a part of her as her own soul.

Catching his eye, she smiled as she slowly lowered her face to his. "Yes, I will. I love you, Jean-Luc."

Returning her smile, he wound his fingers through her hair as he smiled wide. "Now I have everything I've always wanted." Pulling her down slowly, he closed the distance between them. The kiss was deep, full of love, promise and hope for their future together.

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