A/N — Merry Christmas to those who celebrate! xoxo — kals
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Name: Happiness
Setting: Post-season 5; generally canon
Prompt: a couple celebrate their first holiday as husband/wife
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Eric watched as Courtney placed the tray of food on the coffee table and then settled on the floor before the Christmas tree. Her red dress was tucked neatly under her knees and Courtney had forgone her usual scarf, something she was doing more and more often when it was just the two of them.
Courtney smiled as she held out the mug of hot chocolate. "Merry Christmas, sweetheart."
Eric felt his heart swell, and he wondered if it was possible to love someone more. Since their wedding, the guys had ribbed him almost constantly about the newlywed glow, but Eric couldn't imagine anything better than sitting her in front of the tree to celebrate his and Courtney's first Christmas together. He took the mug, leaning forward to press a gentle kiss to the corner of Courtney's mouth.
"Merry Christmas." Turning, Eric retrieved a small box from under the tree. "For you."
Smiling brightly, Courtney unwrapped and opened the box to reveal the gold chain with a single, perfect emerald. According to both Sasha and Kara, the piece was understated yet elegant — exactly like Courtney herself. At the sight, one of Courtney's hands rose to her face, fluttering slightly. "Oh, Rick, it's beautiful. You shouldn't have."
"Here, let me help you put it on," Eric replied, setting his mug to the side and rising on his knees in order to attach the small latch at the back of Courtney's neck. As the pendant settled into the curl of her neck, Rick smiled. "You make the necklace beautiful."
For a second, Courtney looked as though she might cry, but then she turned and searched under the tree for a small, flat package. She hesitated for a second before handing it to Eric. "This is for you. I hope...I hope that you like it."
"Of course, I will," Eric reassured her, ripping open the gift. But it took him a minute to figure out what he was holding. It was a piece of cloth, no some sort of clothing. But not anything that would fit him. In fact...flipping the shirt over, Eric saw the printed words. Baby Miller, Due 8/24. His head jerked up, and Eric attempted to make a coherent sentence. "Are you? That is...I mean? Are we having a baby?"
One tear and then another slipped down Courtney's face, but she was still smiling radiantly. "Yes. I'm due in August. Are you excited?"
With a shout, Eric wrapped his arms around Courtney, making sure not to squeeze her too tightly. Apparently, it was possible to love Courtney more. "I couldn't be happier."