A Moonacre Fanfiction Peace on Earth

Meanwhile in the kitchen, Marmaduke had speedily prepared and served a delightfully scrumptious strawberry shortcake for Jackie and Ambrose before dusting the countertops, shaking his head, and leaving.

"Thank you," Jackie said finally, pushing her plate back.

"For what?" Ambrose looked up at her. "You said yourself that you don't even know if it was right, to turn in your uncle. And I knocked him out."

"That's true," Jackie studied his features. He was too good-looking for his own good. For anyone's good, really. She looked away.

"I should be thanking you. For the bandages, I mean. I could've done it myself."

"It was the least I could do," she shrugged. "Your clothes are ruined, though."

"Good." His answer made her look at him again. "I'm beginning to think I could use a little less finery." The corner of his mouth quirked up. But this wasn't a perfected charming smile. It was almost, dare I say, humble. Jackie noticed it.

"What do you think you'll do? That is, what trade?"

"A trade. I don't know. What would you suggest I learn?"

"Well," she said slowly, "it's not a trade, per say, but I think you need to learn…before you do anything else, you need to learn how to love." She wasn't quite sure what gave her the courage to say it, but she was glad she did. And obviously, this was not the answer Ambrose was expecting. His breath caught. He leaned forward, willing himself to keep his eyes trained on hers at all costs.

"I'll learn, if you teach me."

Jackie's heart lurched. But she had to keep her head.

"I did try, you know."

"I wasn't exactly the most willing pupil, I know. But—would you be willing to try again? I think you know I've changed—at least a little bit—and I'm sure you could help me. You've already helped me."

"You've helped me too." Her eyes raked over him, from his messy black hair to the bandage along his jawline. Then the dark eyes, pleading. "You called us two broken people earlier," she said. "Do you really believe two broken people can fix each other? Does that even make sense?"

"I don't know," he said honestly. Honesty was a new thing for him, and it was a little frightening. "But I'm willing to try." He leaned forward hesitantly, trying to read her expression. She nearly lost herself in his eyes, but then she sat back quickly.

"No. Wait. You promised you wouldn't do this."

"I promised—oh. No, you nincompoop!" He exclaimed. She frowned in bewilderment. "Yes," he nodded slowly, "now you know how it feels to be on the receiving end of such an insult," Ambrose sat back, satisfied. "Now you know how I felt. But see, that's not what I promised; I never promised not to fall in love with you. I only promised I wouldn't try to look for wealthy partners and hey, your uncle is broke and you're a maid, so I think I'm safe in—"

"Hold on; fall in love with me?" Ambrose froze. Blast it, why had he said that? "Have you fallen in love with me?" Jackie asked it so frankly, it startled him. His jaw went slack. "It's a yes or no question, Ambrose." He stared at her forthright, dangerously pretty face.

Now was not the time to be a coward.

"Yes."

It was barely more than a whisper, but he said it, and it felt like the bravest thing he had ever done.

And before he knew what was happening, he was being kissed. And then he was kissing her. She tasted of strawberries and strength and certainty.

"Let's try this," Jackie whispered, sitting back with flushed cheeks. For the first time in his life, Ambrose was truly flustered.

"I can't—are you serious? Are you really sure? If you don't want—" She kissed him again.

"Merry Christmas, nincompoop."

Loveday and Sir Benjamin were delighted with the news of Coeur De Noir and Lillian's engagement, as one would expect. Thus, there was a great deal of hugging and kissing. By and by, Robin sent Maria an imploring look, and she nodded in reply. They slipped out together.

"Need some air?" Maria suggested in the entryway, holding up his coat. He took it gratefully, then helped her into hers. They stepped outside, breathing in the frigid air. The winter sun was getting lazy, and long purple shadows stretched across the snowy banks.

"Are you all right? I know it's all rather sudden," Maria said, burying her hands in her pockets.

"Yes—no, I'm fine. I'd given up hope for a mother. But you know what they say; better late than never, eh? And she can teach me the piano. And maybe I'll learn the organ." Maria glanced up.

"Is something else troubling you, then? Why did you want to escape?"

"Oh, just to escape." He turned toward her, a glint in his eye. "Do you know, we haven't had a real kiss today. And it's Christmas. And we went to a wedding. And witnessed a proposal. And we still haven't had a proper kiss." Maria's eyes danced, and she pulled her coat closer around her.

"It seems everyone is kissing but us," she summarized.

"Seems that way." He stepped closer.

"What a cruel world this is," she shrugged sadly.

"A shame." His arms encircled her, and she rested her arms on his shoulders, letting her fingers play with his curls. They leaned in, foreheads resting against each other.

"Princess?" His breath was warm.

"Bloody handsome, arrogant Bird Boy?"

"Merry Christmas."

"Merry Christ—"

But she got no further, which was just as well. They had to take advantage of this moment of stillness, with no interruptions from the outside world. After all, a proper Christmas kiss is hard to come by, and Robin and Maria meant to enjoy theirs thoroughly. There was peace on their earth, for now, and that was all that mattered.

A/N: Reader!

You didn't think you'd live to see the end of this, did you? I confess, I didn't either. But we're finished. With this story, anyway. What did you think? Too long? Too many of my characters? Just right? Too short, even? Please tell me your thoughts.

If you have any ideas for a one-shot, I'd be delighted to look into them. You can message me directly or simply add it to your review. I'll of course give you credit for the idea, no need to fear (unless you prefer being an anonymous inspiration)!

Thank you again for your continued support, and congratulations to you for your endurance in completing my story! But for you, my story would be pointless. You have

My undying devotion,

Ponygirl7