"Did you have fun today, Maxie?"

"Yeah…."

"Good. And what do you say to Polly?"

"Thank you Polly…."

A sweet grin formed on Polly's face as she leaned in the doorway. The boy had played all day, just like a kid should, but his little body hadn't been able to fight the sleepy monster. His eyes were already closing as his dad tucked him in.

"You're very welcome Hun. Sweet dreams."

"Yeah….."

The soft snoring started as Stefanos stood up, leaving his son to rest. The adults tiptoed away, flicking the nightlight on low as they closed the door. It always touched Polly's heart just how loving the single father was to his boy. She couldn't imagine how hard it had been for the single parent, and she wanted to be there to support him as much as she could in the future. It was important Maxie understood that she wasn't there to replace his mother, but if he ever needed someone to cry to, or hug, or to be loved by, then Polly would be there for the five year old.

Alighting to the living room, Polly took a seat on the couch while Stefan poured them some drinks, smoothing her dress as she sat. She'd gone with a simple classic. A red ankle-length one piece with a short bodied white knit cardigan. Not exactly fancy, but suitable for a quiet family Christmas. Her fiancé passed her a bell shaped glass with a small measure of amber liquid inside as he took his place next to her. Even when he tried to keep things casual, the man looked good. His white shirt had a few buttons undone and the sleeves rolled up, and his usually neatly trimmed beard was ever so slightly shaggy. Polly snuggled up in the crook of his arm, coughing slightly as she sipped the strong drink.

"Ahem….Brandy! Well that is a surprise!"

He gave her a warm, slightly sad smile. Polly knew what was on his mind. She'd been trying her best to avoid the topic all day, but she knew they'd have to tackle it sooner or later.

"You're still thinking about her, aren't you?"

Taking a small sip and setting his glass down, he leaned back into the cushions, almost looking guilty.

"Yeah. I know I shouldn't, now that you're here, but she'll always be there. In my memories, in the back of my mind."

It was hard. Polly knew she should feel jealous, but she just couldn't blame the man. Seeing such a happy, strong face suddenly go sullen hurt her deeply. Slipping her flats off, she curled up into Stefanos' embrace, staring at the photo underneath the TV. It was a slightly younger Stefan, laughing and hugging a tiny little Maxie, with a dark haired woman leaning over his shoulder.

"Tell me about her…"

Polly has wanted to know for a while, but Stefan had always disliked talking about his first wife, but Polly wanted him to appreciate her memory. Losing someone you loved was never easy, especially if it left you caring for a child alone. The man gave a slight chuckle.

"Honestly, you would've liked her. She was kinda like you, old fashioned yet open to new ideas, a go getter who knew when to be sweet and when to be sour….She was wonderful. When we had Maxie, you should've seen her. Non Stop gushing and coddling. I…I just…."

A tear began to form in his eye. Polly pulled him down, laying his head in her lap as she stroked his hair.

"I know…..You've been so strong, so good to Maxie. I don't really have any right to say it, but I think she'd be proud of you."

It was silent except for the crackle of the digital fireplace. With the warm decorations and festive smells that filled the room, they could've been in a snow covered cabin. Only the view of Central Park out of the window gave away that they were in a cushy apartment.

"I hear her at night sometimes, Y'know. She's laughing and telling me to go be happy, but as much as I love you, and I really do love you Polly, I just can't forget her…"

She bent forward and kissed his temple.

"Then don't. Those are important memories. And when Maxie gets bigger and starts asking questions, you'll have to share them all with him. I'm not asking you to let me take her place there, but maybe we could share your thoughts , Hmm?"

With a snorting chuckle he rolled against her thighs, looking up at her. His massive hand cupped her cheek with unbelievable delicacy. Despite his appearance, she knew that Stefan was a sensitive little teddy bear.

"You've been amazing today, you know that? Maxie absolutely adores you."

Polly leaned over him, pressing her lips to his. In less than a hundred days she'd be Mrs Polly Nomikos, and she couldn't wait. Her dress was already picked out, the flowers and venue were all taken care of, the only thing left was the agonising wait.

"Do you wanna fire up the laptop again? I know you've been looking while I'm at work."

With a guilty grin Polly pulled the computer up from the side of the couch, setting it on her lover's belly. Within seconds they were browsing through pictures of Rome, planning all the stops they'd make on their honeymoon. Polly adored Munroe, but she wouldn't mind playing Hepburn for a week or two.