The terrace was covered with five inches of snow. The rail was coated in a smaller layer, but left untouched. Several windows were covered in frost, leaving entrancing icicle patterns on the surface. Lights of red, green, and blue fades on and off the glass. A large fir tree was set up in the center of the flat's living room. Emily leaned back in one of the chairs, tracing her fingers aimlessly over the smooth glass.

Matt walked up beside her, carrying two cups in his hand. He set the cups down on the coffee table beside the chair. Emily eased herself up, returning Matt's seat to him. Matt seated himself behind Emily. She leaned back against his chest, passing him his cup. A small radio played instrumental Christmas songs in the background.

"What are you think about?" Matt asked.

"I'm trying to imagine next year. How different it will be." Emily answered.

Matt set his cup down and wrapped his arms around her shoulders. "Just add a few more presents beneath the tree."

Emily felt something in Matt's hands. She looked down to find a small box within them. Matt released the box in Emily's hand. The box was wrapped dark green paper.

"I thought we agreed-"

"We did." Matt answered. "But I had this lying around and I want you to have it."

Emily slowly ripped the paper from the box. She lifted the lid and gasped. Inside was a gold chain and oval pendant. Emily lifted the necklace from the box and inspected it. The face of the pendant held a portrait of a large rose. She held it carefully in the palm of her hand.

"It belonged to my mother." Matt said.

"It's beautiful Matt." Emily said. "Thank you."

Matt reached around Emily and took the necklace from her. He unclasped the latch and fastened it around her neck. He wrapped his arm around her belly and kissed her head. "Merry Christmas Emily."

"Merry Christmas Matt."

London England

December twenty fifth two thousand and elven

I have spent many holidays in the company of family, but this is truly the first season that I have felt home. It fills me with such a feeling of love that I do not want it to end. I have come to the decision that I want to stay. I do not wish to return back to my own time. This is my home now; it has been for a long while now. I want to watch my daughter grow in this time. I want to watch her take her first steps. I want to stay here with Matt and raise her with him. I want to tell him that I love him. My only fear is that he will not return my feelings. I know that in the past few months we have grown closer, but I cannot help but feel that it will end all too soon.

short i know.