Lilian sighed, running a hand over her rapidly swollen belly. It was now Christmas Eve, one week before her wedding. The past four months had gone quickly, albeit smoothly. The bridesmaids dresses and groomsmen tuxes were chosen, her dress was undergoing the final alterations, the flowers and cake were ordered, and they had a suite in Connecticut set up for the rehearsal dinner. Now, all they had to do was relax and wait for the big day to come. Everything was paid for, and she was ready.
She was sitting in the living room of Dave's mother's house, her feet propped up on the couch, a fire burning brightly in the fireplace. She adjusted the blanket over her waist, shivering slightly despite the warmth. Lilian glanced at the large Christmas tree standing proudly in the corner, decorated with old yet well loved ornaments, the smell of pine fresh in the house. She took in a deep breath, enjoying the smell of turkey cooking and other delicious foods that Dave's mother was making for a Christmas Eve dinner.
She turned her head to the door, smiling gratefully as she saw Dave bringing her a mug of mint hot chocolate. "Thank you, Babe," she said softly, accepting the warm mug in her cold hands.
"You okay, Sugar?" Dave asked softly, settling down at the end of the couch, lifting her feet up and placing them in his lap.
"Yeah," Lilian said with a small sigh. "My feel just hurt and I miss Trish and Steph and Dahlia and everyone. I didn't get to see them last week since Raw was in Iraq and I couldn't travel that far. Plus, Dahlia is visiting my Dad, so…"
"It's okay, Lil," Dave replied gently. "I'm sure Trish and them understand. And Dahlia will be here the day after Christmas, so you'll get to see her."
"Yeah, I know," Lilian answered. "I just feel like I should be seeing my friends… well, my family, at this time of the year."
"Just think, Lil… you could still have sickness," Dave said with an innocent grin, rubbing Lilian's feet, trying to get her to cheer up some.
"Shut up, David," Lilian said, though her words were accompanied by her megawatt smile. "Thank God that shit is over."
"Yeah, tell me about it!" Dave teased, ducking his head back when Lilian put her slipper clad foot in his face. "Stop that!" he said, stealing her slipper.
"Hey! Give me my slipper back!" Lilian said indignantly. "Or I won't wear socks to bed and will put my cold feet on your back!"
"Okay, okay, you win!" Dave said with a laugh, putting her slipper back on for her. "There. No cold feet tonight."
"Hmm… we never shook on it, baby," Lilian replied slyly, tapping her chin.
"That's just cruel," Dave said, shaking his head. "I'll make sure you're the one to explain to my mother why I'm screaming in the middle of the night."
Lilian laughed, shaking her head. "So… Dave, I hate to bring this up now, but what did you think of the house we looked at a couple days ago?"
"Honestly, Lil, I didn't really like it," he admitted, relieved when she nodded her agreement with him.
"I know… I really loved that house we looked at last week," Lilian said dreamily. "One floor, ranch style, beautiful. Close to your mother… That awesome Jacuzzi…"
"I know, Lil," Dave said with a small smile. "It was beautiful, but the real estate agent told us it got bought, remember?"
"I know," Lilian replied with a slight pout. "Oh, well. We'll find something. We could live in a shack and I'd be happy. As long as I'm with you, it's okay."
Dave smiled, looking up as his mother walked into the den area. "Dave, dear, would you mind helping me with the potatoes?" she asked.
"Sure, Mom," Dave replied, lifting Lilian's feet up to stand up.
"Is there anything I can do, Mom?" Lilian asked, prepared to swing her feet down to stand up to help.
"No, dear. Just lay there and prop your feet up," Dave's mom said kindly. "Honestly, we can handle it. I know your feet and back are hurting you."
"Okay," Lilian replied, laying her head back against the pillow. "Thank you."
She watched as Dave and his mother walked out of the room, Dave wrapping his arm across his mother's shoulders. She felt tears welling in her eyes as she thought about the loving relationship Dave had with his mother… and the lack of relationship she had with hers. "Damn it, Lil, relax," she murmured to herself, brushing her eyes. "Fucking hormones."
With another sigh, Lilian grabbed the remote, flipping through the channels, nearly squealing with excitement when she saw that there was a Saved by the Bell marathon on. She settled back, smiling as she watched Slater and Jessie get into yet another argument.
She was just getting into the episode when the doorbell rang. "Lilian, can you grab that?" Dave called from the kitchen. "It's probably some Carolers."
"No problem, Dave," Lilian said, pushing herself up from the couch and walking towards the front door. She felt bad that she wasn't able to help more with dinner preparations, but she just felt so tired right now. 'I hope I'm not like this next week,' she thought worriedly, opening the door.
"Surprise!" Lilian heard, jumping slightly when looked out the screen door.
Lilian covered her mouth with her hands, shocked to see Stephanie, Hunter, Trish, Lita, Dahlia, and Matthew all standing there, each holding a small pile of presents and smiling widely. "Oh, my God," she said happily. "Come on in!" She pushed open the door, ushering them in. "What are you guys doing here?" Lilian asked, accepting a hug from her sister.
"Well, we heard you were kinda sad that we weren't going to see each other for Christmas," Dahlia said. "So, Dave contacted all of us and here we are."
"But what about your families?" Lilian worried, glancing between her friends.
"It's not a problem, Lil," Stephanie replied. "My Dad sends his holiday greetings, by the way. He said the soldiers in Iraq were all asking for you. Apparently, you're quite popular over there."
"Hmm…. Must be her irresistible charm," Lita said, hugging Lilian.
"Either that or that sexy Santa's Little Helper outfits she wears," Trish teased, laughing when Lilian blushed.
Lilian laughed too, willing the tears that had formed away. She glanced over her shoulder, seeing Dave and his mother standing there, both smiling. "Thank you," she said softly.
Dave nodded at her, his eyes conveying his response. "You're welcome, dear," his mother replied. "Now come on. Dinner is served!"
A couple hours later, they were all settled into the living room, happily opening presents. Trish all but shrieked in excitement when she saw that Dave and Lilian had gotten her the first and second seasons of ER on DVD. "Thank you so much! You so know I'm bringing this on the road with me!" she said, hugging Lilian and Dave.
"Yeah, thanks," Lita said sarcastically. "I'm holding both of you hostage and forcing you to spend the night with her, too."
The group laughed, looking among each other. Lilian was curled up on the couch, leaning against Dave, smiling up happily at him. He kissed her forehead, wrapping his arm across her shoulders. Trish was sitting on the other end of the couch, reading the backs of the DVD's, looking as if she was about to go pop one of the DVD's into Dave's DVD player at that very moment. Lita was looking at the shirt Trish had bought her, one that would obviously be worn for the next live edition of Raw. Stephanie was sitting in an armchair, Hunter on the floor in front of her, looking very content as she ran her fingers through his hair. Dahlia and Matthew leaned against the couch in front of Lilian, Dahlia resting her head on her husband's shoulder. Dave's mom sat in an armchair, one that had been her husband's favorite, surveying the group.
"I think this is my favorite Christmas ever," Lilian spoke up after a few moments of silence. "And it isn't even Christmas yet!"
Dave glanced at his mom, who nodded slightly. He cleared his throat, getting everyone's attention. "Lilian, I was going to wait until tomorrow, but I want to give you one of your presents tonight while everyone is here," he told her.
"Okay, but you and Mom have to open a present, too," Lilian agreed.
"Okay," Dave said, laughing. "Well, Lilian, remember that house that you fell in love with?"
"The one with the Jacuzzi? The one that is off the market?" she asked, wondering why he was bringing that up now.
"Yeah," Dave said, smiling at her.
"What about it?"
"You're looking at the buyer."
Lilian's jaw dropped and she stared at him, not really comprehending what he was saying. She finally managed to stutter, "You- you mean- we…"
Dave laughed at her reaction, hugging her closely as he said, "We settle on January 8th."
"Oh, my God, Dave!" Lilian squealed, hugging and kissing him. "I can't believe this!"
"Believe it, sweetie," Dave said with a grin. "It'll soon be ours."
"Our first home," Lilian said dreamily. She saw that her friends were watching her, and she said, "You guys are going to LOVE this house. It's so beautiful. There's a huge Jacuzzi and it's so freaking cute."
"Yeah, we gathered," Hunter said with a laugh.
"Oh, I can't wait for settlement," Lilian said happily. The doorbell rang, and everyone glanced toward the doors. "Carolers again?" Lilian asked Dave, raising an eyebrow at her fiancé.
"I don't know of anyone else coming," Dave said, walking to the door, everyone following him. He opened the door, seeing that this time it really was a small group of Christmas Carolers.
Everyone stood silently, listening as the group sang 'Silent Night.' When they were finished, everyone clapped for the young Carolers. Dave's mom went and grabbed some cookies, offering them to the youngsters as everyone fussed over how cute they were.
"Just think, Sugar. In a few years, that could be us taking Carolers around on Christmas Eve," Dave said softly, kissing Lilian on the forehead.
"I know," Lilian said softly. "I love you."
"I love you, too."
End Part 2.8
Next in the series: Till Death Do Us Part