Elizabeth took a deep breath of cold mountain air, then let it out in a rush. Her breath clouded in the dim light before disappearing. "We're back," she said with a happy little sigh, looking at the familiar cabin in front of them. It was decorated once again for Christmas, with lights twinkling brilliantly, and Elizabeth knew the inside would look just as festive and peaceful as it had last year.
"It feels a little like home," Nathan said, wrapping an arm around her shoulders. "We really got to know each other as husband and wife here. This place is always going to have a special spot in my heart."
"Mine too," Elizabeth said, leaning her head on his shoulder. She shivered in the cold. "Though maybe we should go inside and get warmed up a bit. It's going to take some time for my body to adjust from Hawaii weather to Colorado weather."
They had arrived at the airport, made it to a Christmas Eve Mass at the Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Denver, and two hours later found their way back to "their" cabin.
They walked inside, taking in the cozy glow from the fireplace and the assortment of pastries and goodies the owners of the cabin had left for them, complete with a bottle of champagne. Elizabeth raised her brows with a laugh. "Too bad we can't use that," she said before glancing at Nathan. "Well, you can."
Nathan smiled, wrapping his arms around her from behind. "We can take it back to Kauai with us and use it to celebrate our babies' birth when the time comes," he said softly, nuzzling her ear. "That way we can both enjoy it." His hands rested lightly on her stomach, absenting rubbing gentle circles over the twins. "And their birth will definitely be worth celebrating, while reminding us of this little anniversary getaway."
Elizabeth leaned back into him, placing her hands over his. "You realize this is probably the last time we'll be able to get away, at least for a while? This time next year, we will have two babies nearly four months old and much too young to travel."
Nathan kissed her cheek. "Then I guess we'd better enjoy this while we can." He smiled against her cheek. "But somehow I think Christmas at home with our babies will be just as special as you and I coming here, if not more so."
"I agree," Elizabeth said softly. She sniffed the air, suddenly realizing that it smelled like something was cooking. "Do you smell that?"
"Yes," Nathan said, his brow furrowing. "It smells amazing, whatever it is."
Elizabeth walked to the kitchen as Nathan carried their suitcases to the bedroom. She smiled as she picked up a note. Welcome back, Mr. and Mrs. Grant! I hope you enjoy your stay. Since you were coming in later, I thought you might enjoy some homemade vegetable beef soup and bread. Thanks for choosing our little cabin as your home away from home! ~Susie
"Susie, the owner of the cabin, made us dinner!" Elizabeth called to Nathan.
"That was kind of her," he replied, his voice slightly muffled. Elizabeth could hear him unpacking their things, and she set about getting dinner served. By the time she had ladled the soup into bowls and cut and buttered the bread, Nathan was back in the kitchen. They said grace, then began eating.
"This hits the spot," Elizabeth said with a contented sigh. "There's nothing quite like hot soup on a cold winter night."
Nathan looked out the window with a smile. "True. And it's snowing."
Elizabeth gave a delighted gasp, following his gaze. In the soft glow of the Christmas lights, they could see large snowflakes falling gently to the ground. She rested her elbows on the table, letting her chin drop to her hands. "One of my favorite sights," she breathed.
Nathan chuckled. "We might need to consider finding our own Colorado mountain cabin so we can come out here anytime we want to."
Elizabeth's eyes grew large and she looked over at her husband. "Are you serious? Because I would love that!"
He smiled at her, reaching out to take one of her hands. "We can certainly afford it, sweetheart. We have a ton of savings, and it wouldn't even dent it all that much to put a downpayment on a cabin."
"Oh, Nathan," Elizabeth said, eyes shining. "Could we? Could we really?"
"We could," he said simply. "Maybe we can start looking while we're here."
Elizabeth reached over, enfolding him in an embrace. "Thank you, Nathan," she whispered, her voice catching. "That would be a dream come true." She smiled up at him. "Even if we can't find what we want, at least we know we might find something in the future."
Nathan kissed her forehead and nodded. "Exactly."
They finished eating, changed into their warm pajamas, and made their way to the couch in front of the fire. Elizabeth snuggled close to Nathan as he draped an arm across her shoulders. "This feels pretty perfect," she said, closing her eyes. "Full tummies, a warm fire, a beautiful tree, snow falling outside, you beside me…" She sighed. "It just doesn't get any better than this."
Nathan chuckled, pulling her a little closer. "No, it doesn't."
They sat, simply listening to the crackling and popping of the fireplace. Elizabeth felt as if she could fall asleep. The long plane ride combined with the drive up to the cabin was starting to take its toll.
"Elizabeth?" Nathan said quietly.
"Hmm?" she replied, eyes still closed.
"We've talked about having babies a lot, but I realized there's something we haven't talked about yet."
"What's that?" she murmured, willing herself not to fall asleep before Nathan finished speaking.
He took a deep breath. "How do we raise these kids?"
That made Elizabeth's eyes pop open, and she looked up at Nathan. "What do you mean? Don't we figure it out as we go along, like everyone else?"
He smiled. "That's not exactly what I meant. We both work full time. Who is going to take care of our children? Do we hire a nanny or put them in daycare?"
Elizabeth blinked. "I always just thought I'd be the one to take care of them," she said. "That's always been a dream of mine. And we could afford it, right? Living on one income?"
Nathan nodded. "We could. But is that what you want? To give up your job completely?"
"Well…" Elizabeth fiddled with his fingers. "Not completely, but I do want to be a stay at home mom. When the kids are old enough to be in school, I'd like to work again during the day, but I'd want to be there when they get home." She paused. "Maybe I could work two days a week until they are school aged, and then go back to full time once that happens. I know Carson would approve of that arrangement." She looked at him. "What do you think?"
Nathan smiled. "I think if that's what you want, that's what should happen." He kissed her cheek. "And I will help you in every way I can. I want to be an active part of helping with these babies."
Elizabeth smiled at him tenderly, cupping his cheek in her hand. "That means the world to me, Nathan," she said. "My father wasn't involved in caring for us." She frowned. "Though neither was my mother. We were raised by nannies. Wonderful nannies, mind you. I credit them with how Julie and I turned out." She sighed. "But I hardly knew my parents until I was an older child. I don't want that for our children, Nathan. I want them to know we love them and for us to be the ones to raise them." She leaned her head back on his shoulder. "But if I do work two days a week, we will need to hire a part time nanny for those days."
Nathan nodded. "We can do that," he said. "I know a few women who have been looking for exactly this kind of work. Very part time and allows them time with children."
"What?" Elizabeth said, looking up at him with a laugh. "How can you possibly know that?"
Nathan grinned. "You'd be amazed what I hear at the police station."
She snuggled back into him, a smile on her face. "You amaze me," she said, sleepiness gripping her once more. She gave a soft sigh as Nathan kissed the top of her head.
"Let's go to bed, sweetheart," he said, standing and taking her with him. "You sound like you're about to fall asleep right here on the couch."
"I was thinking about it," she mumbled, giving him a tired smile. Nathan half-carried her to the bedroom, laying her down gently and tucking the covers around her before sliding in himself. Elizabeth immediately curled next to him, resting her head on his shoulder as he lay on his back. "Love you," she whispered, her eyes closing.
Nathan pulled her closer, and she felt his lips brush her cheek. "I love you too. Goodnight, sweetheart."
With that, Elizabeth fell into a deep, restful sleep.
Nathan woke first on Christmas morning. He turned his body so that he was facing Elizabeth. She had both hands over her head as she slept on her back, her lips parted slightly as she took breaths through her mouth. Her hair was curling over her face, and Nathan smiled as he reached out to brush it back. His hand traveled down to her stomach, resting there gently. He still felt awed that after all their attempts to have a baby and all the disappointment when it didn't happen, they were now the parents of twins. He didn't care what combination of gender their babies were; he would be happy with whatever they got. What he was most excited about was embarking on the adventure of parenthood with his beloved wife.
They hadn't told their friends yet. They were waiting until after they got home from their trip to make the announcement. Nathan knew everyone was going to be happy for them. He would have to talk to Lee and Carson and see how they got along as new fathers. Especially Carson, who was still in the middle of figuring out how to be a dad to baby Hope.
Nathan watched his wife sleep, amazed that she was carrying their precious children. Soon her flat stomach would start to round, irrefutable proof that she was nurturing new life. Nathan couldn't wait to see her like that, to feel their babies moving against her stomach. He sighed, the miracle of life nearly overwhelming him.
Elizabeth's eyes started moving, not yet open but getting to that point. Nathan smiled and leaned over to press gentle kisses to her lips, bringing her more fully into consciousness. He could feel a return smile on her lips, and her arms wrapped around his neck. "Good morning," she whispered against his lips, pressing another kiss there.
"Merry Christmas, love," Nathan said, his lips moving to her cheek. "It's going to be a wonderful day."
"Mmm," Elizabeth said in agreement, stretching her arms over her head and letting out a long sigh. She nestled herself against Nathan's chest, her arms pulling him close. "You're warm," she said, nuzzling his chest.
Nathan chuckled. "So are you."
"We never get to wear fuzzy pajamas like this in Hawaii," Elizabeth said, wrinkling her nose. "That's another thing I miss about cold weather. I've never been so comfortable as I am right now, snuggled against you in warm PJs."
That made Nathan laugh outright, but he had to admit she had a point. Something about the soft, matching pajamas they were wearing was indeed very comfortable. "We can stay in them all day," Nathan said, grinning at her. "We don't have to go anywhere, and there's no rule saying we have to be dressed up for Christmas."
Elizabeth grinned back. "I was hoping you would say that," she said, giving him a cheeky look. "Though I was going to wear these all day regardless. But I'm glad to know we're on the same wavelength." She reached up and gave him a long, slow kiss. Nathan's heart started racing as he kissed her back, both of them taking their time with the kiss. When they pulled back, Elizabeth gave a soft little sigh that made Nathan smile. "Are you ready to get up?" he asked, tracing a line down her cheek.
Elizabeth shook her head. "Not yet. Just being here, cuddling with you, is the best way I can imagine spending the first part of Christmas morning. Can we keep cuddling for now?"
"Of course we can," Nathan said. He pulled her against him so that they were spooning, his hand resting on her stomach. "How's that?"
"Almost perfect," Elizabeth said, holding onto his hand. She looked over her shoulder with an impish grin. "The only downside is I can't see that handsome face of yours."
Nathan chuckled, burying his face into her neck, where the smell of vanilla met him. "You see my face all the time," he said, breathing her scent deeply before pressing tender kisses there. "I think you'll be fine for a few minutes."
"I don't know, Nathan," Elizabeth said seriously, though he could hear the laughter behind her words. "Any length of time without seeing those gorgeous blue eyes, and I start going into withdrawals."
Nathan felt a blush darkening his cheeks, and he marveled that his wife could make him blush with her compliments. He smiled a little bashfully, and Elizabeth turned and caught his eyes. Her face softened as she placed a hand on his cheek. "So humble," she said simply, smiling up at him.
She looked so breathtaking gazing up at him, her hair framing her face against the white pillow. Nathan couldn't stop himself from leaning down to kiss her deeply. Elizabeth's arms encircled him, drawing him closer as their kisses grew more passionate. When they pulled back, they were both breathless. Nathan pulled Elizabeth to him once more, and they cuddled together, their breathing deep and even while Nathan rested his hand on Elizabeth's stomach. He felt a low rumble against his hand, and Elizabeth smiled sheepishly. "I think the twins are ready for breakfast," she said. "Suddenly I'm starving."
Nathan nodded, flinging back the covers. "Then let's go eat," he said, helping her out of bed. He winked. "We have ingredients for scones."
Elizabeth laughed. "That sounds perfect."
After breakfast, Elizabeth poured a second cup of coffee for each of them as Nathan built a fire. Their gifts to each other were sitting wrapped under the tree, waiting to be opened. They settled on the floor in front of the fire, basking in the warmth of the flames.
"Christmas is easily my favorite holiday," Elizabeth commented, sitting cross-legged on the floor.
"Mine too," Nathan agreed. "Such a wonderful time of the year."
Elizabeth grinned at him. "It's the most wonderful time of the year!" she sang, the familiar melody coming naturally.
Nathan's eyes twinkled. "It is indeed."
Elizabeth smiled at him mischievously. "You know, that song talks about 'mistletoeing'." She pointed up. "I notice they put mistletoe over the fireplace this year."
"They probably did last year as well," Nathan said, chuckling. "We were just a bit distracted with being on our honeymoon."
Elizabeth placed her mug down and curled her arms around him. "This is like our second honeymoon…" she said in his ear, pressing a kiss to the spot right under his earlobe. "And for the next seven days, we are here all alone with only each other for company…" Her lips trailed to his neck, and she smiled against his skin when she heard the low groan in his throat. His lips sought hers, and he kissed her with a hunger that made her catch her breath. After several long moments he pulled back, gazing at her with his crooked smile. "I love you."
She snuggled into his arms, resting her head against his shoulder. "I love you too." She heard Nathan let out a breath and felt his laughter against her cheek. She glanced up at him. "What?"
"We are so mushy," he said, still chuckling. "The guys at the station would give me such a hard time for it." He tapped her nose. "And I wouldn't have it any other way."
Elizabeth grinned. "Neither would I."
Nathan pulled away, looking like sheer willpower was the only thing preventing him from whisking her into his arms and kissing her again. "We should probably get to our gifts," he said, running a hand through his hair. "What do you think?"
"I think you're all the gift I need," Elizabeth said, trailing a finger down his arm and raising her brow. "Like I said, this is basically our second honeymoon." Nathan raised a brow at her in return, a question in his eyes. Elizabeth smiled. "Okay, yes, let's open presents. But we are not wasting this romantic mood, sweetheart. I fully expect you to show me exactly how much you love me after we open our gifts. Deal?"
Nathan laughed. "Don't have to ask me twice. Deal." They shook hands in mock formality, then Elizabeth picked up the gift she had gotten him. "For you," she said.
Inspecting the large package, Nathan shook it lightly. Elizabeth laughed. "You're never going to guess what it is, so you might as well open it."
"Don't rush me," Nathan said, taking in the size and shape of the box. "Anticipation is part of the fun." He weighed it in his hands and shook his head. "This is huge, whatever it is."
Elizabeth smiled enigmatically. "Once you open it, you'll know what it is."
Nathan pulled the paper from the package to reveal a rectangular cardboard box. He placed it on the floor in front of him, carefully peeling away the tape. He opened the box to find a guitar case inside. Mouth hanging open, he looked at Elizabeth, amazement shining from his eyes. "A guitar?" he asked, opening the case to see the gleaming instrument. "Elizabeth, how did you know?"
She smiled. "Lee might have mentioned that you used to play all the time, but your old one broke and you just hadn't gotten around to buying a new one." She raised her brows. "I have no idea how I didn't know you play, but when I heard that I knew this was the perfect gift." She placed a hand on his arm. "Will you play for me?" she asked softly.
Nathan nodded wordlessly, pulling the guitar from its case. "This is the perfect gift," he said, eyes shining. "Thank you, sweetheart."
She smiled back, and Nathan started strumming. Elizabeth recognized the tune for What Child Is This? and her smile widened. "My favorite Christmas carol!"
"Sing with me?" Nathan asked as his fingers worked the strings. Elizabeth nodded, and together they sang the carol, then moved on to Silent Night and The First Noel. Afterwards, Nathan set the instrument down and took Elizabeth's hand, raising it to his lips for a kiss. "Thank you, Elizabeth. I love it." He reached around her, picking up her gift and placing it in her lap. "Your turn," he said, giving her a tender look.
Elizabeth slowly unpeeled the paper from the small box. She opened the box to see a black velvet bag. She smiled. "Jewelry?" she guessed, peering up at Nathan. He simply smiled back. Elizabeth opened the velvet bag and gasped.
A beautiful gold locket met her gaze, round and decorated with graceful swirls. The locket was surrounded by tiny diamonds. She looked up at him in wonder. "This looks expensive," she said.
Nathan shrugged, looking a little bashful. "Worth every penny," he said, reaching out to gently tug one of her curls. "Open it."
Elizabeth did and smiled at a picture of her and Nathan on their wedding day. Her eyes moved to the other side and she gasped again. "Nathan! How did you get a tiny copy of my sonogram?" She peered closer. "It even says A and B to show where the babies are!"
Smiling, Nathan took the locket from her and moved to clasp it around her neck. "I asked Carson for a copy," he said as he knelt behind her. Once he'd fastened the locket, he placed his hands on her shoulders.
Elizabeth looked down at the locket hanging against her chest, and she held it gently in her hands. "I love it, Nathan. Thank you." She tilted her head, looking back to smile at him. "Now I can carry you and the twins next to my heart at all times."
Nathan kissed her neck, his overnight growth of beard tickling the sensitive skin there. Elizabeth's stomach fluttered as his lips moved up her neck toward her cheek. He stood, taking her with him and turning her so they were facing each other. Elizabeth's arms slid around his neck as his lips continued to explore her face. "You promised to show me how much you loved me after we opened our presents," she whispered, holding him tightly.
She could feel him smile as his lips brushed her cheeks. "I did."
"And we opened them already," she continued, suddenly feeling breathless as Nathan's lips inched closer to hers.
"We did," he murmured, his eyes locking onto hers as his lips hovered mere centimeters away.
"So…" she started, but Nathan was a step ahead of her. His mouth met hers hungrily, and strong desire filled Elizabeth as her knees went weak.
She wasn't sure how it was possible to feel such an aching need for her husband after an entire year of marriage, while she was pregnant with their children, but she hoped it never stopped. She needed Nathan, and she knew the feeling was mutual. His kiss proved as much as he slowly backed her toward their room.
