Oliver and Grace were married three days later, deciding to elope now and bless and celebrate later so they could begin the new year as husband and wife (and of course make Annie and Molly's adoption complete). They rang in 1934 as a family, even though the younger half had fallen asleep well before midnight. The four of them were snuggled on the couch in the parlor, Grace and Oliver blissfully letting time pass before having to carry the kids up to bed.

The days following Christmas had been among the happiest of their lives. Starting the new year like this, they couldn't help but be overwhelmed with the possibilities of the twelve months ahead of them. The world was uncertain right now but knowing none of them would have to go through it alone anymore brought them comfort. No longer was there a distance between Grace and Oliver, nor did Annie and Molly have to navigate their childhoods without guidance. They had warm beds to sleep in, full meals, and a lovable mutt that took no care in chewing up Oliver's custom leather wingtips.

Oliver glanced over at Grace who hadn't realized she'd spent the last few minutes staring at him. Reaching over Annie who was curled against his side and Molly who was fast asleep with her head in Grace's lap, he tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear.

"Why don't we bring these sleeping beauties up to bed? We've got a honeymoon to pack for."

Grace sighed as she stroked Molly's hair. "I hate the thought of leaving them."

"I'd say they could come, but that won't be much of a honeymoon for us."

"No, it wouldn't be," she grinned.

Oliver reminded, "It's only for a week."

Rubbing the back of his hand, she said, "I am looking forward to having you to myself for a while."

A knowing look finished the conversation for them, moments later standing up and taking care not to wake the girls. Each took one of them in their arms, kissing their cheeks as they carried them to their rooms as though they'd done this dozens of times before – as though this was the way things were meant to be all along.

"Happy New Year, darling," Oliver whispered once they were in the hall.

Grace reciprocated, her heart full. "A very Happy New Year."


Thank you all so much for reading! A special thank you to naybaybay for her undying support and kind words. It means the world!