A/N: I apologize for the delay in updates as I'm currently in the middle of moving from one home to another. Otherwise this would have posted just before Christmas. I hope you all enjoy it and thanks so much for all the reviews so far. Thanks to Paige, Tammy, and Terrie for helping me out with this chapter. Please review :)

Part IV

John looked up to the dark sky and prayed for relief from this nightmare he was trapped in. He searched his pockets frantically for the picture of Anna that he always carried with him. John almost began to hyperventilate as his search turned fruitless. It wasn't until he had checked every pocket three times that it dawned on him, he wouldn't have a photo of a wife he'd never met or married. "Did you hear me God?!" he shouted into the night air. "I was wrong...she needs me just as much as I need her. I understand that now." He wrung his hands in anguish. "I want to live again. I want her back," John said with a heavy sob. "I want my wife back." The more he cried the more muffled his words became. Nothing seemed to matter anymore. He didn't care if the darkness swallowed him up completely.

John heard a banging and it shook him from his sleep. He thrashed violently, still attempting to wake up completely until he fell from the chair he'd fallen asleep in. John was thrown off balance and landed on the hardwood floor with a thud. He hadn't landed on his knee but it hadn't made the brunt of the fall any easier to bear. "Ugggghhhh!" John groaned in protest as he attempted to stand up on his own without the use of his cane. He quickly realized he couldn't as a sharp pain shot up the length of his leg. "Damn!" he cried out.

"What's going on in there?" a familiar voice called out.

"Hold on!" John called back from the floor. He rolled his pant leg back and saw the pink, gnarled flesh that covered his kneecap and let out a sigh of relief. He never thought he'd be so happy to see that mangled excuse for a limb, but it was there. It was certainly not the reaction he expected from himself, but he took it as a sign that he had returned.

John then patted his jacket looking for the photo. But it wasn't there. How could it be? Oh god, what if he'd gone to some other time and place where his leg was injured but Anna was still unaware of who he was. It had to be here somewhere, he thought to himself. John found his cane still resting against the back of the chair and used it to stand up and hold steady.

"Mr. Bates!" the voice called out again from the other side of the door.

John was just about to turn to address the voice when he saw the worn photograph of his beloved Anna sitting on the table beside the confession he'd begun to write out on paper before he'd fallen asleep. "I'm back," John whispered. He picked it up tenderly as if it might evaporate or tear on impact, John brought it to his lips and kissed it sweetly. "I'm not giving up my darling. I'll fix this. I promise," he vowed in a low voice as he placed the photo.

"What's going on in there? Do I have to break this door down?" the voice rose in pitch as the handle jiggled frantically.

John opened the door just as the person on the other side was about to break the door down. "Thomas," John said with a smile. An unexpected wave of peace came over him.

The under butler stood there with wide eyes. Thomas was already dressed for the morning and surprised to see Mr. Bates still wearing his suit from the day before. "Well who else were you expecting? You've been making odd noises all evening and keeping me up," Thomas said in a scolding tone. "And after I performed your valet duties for you last night so you could get a moment of peace."

John didn't even have time to think as he threw his arms around the man he'd always been at odds with. "You certainly are a sight for sore eyes."

Thomas tried to pull free from the valet's embrace and looked at John like he had a screw loose. "Have you gone mad? Get off me."

"I never thought I'd be so happy to see you again," John uttered as he let Thomas go from his grip.

"Again?"

"Nevermind. I have to speak with Mr. Murray about Anna," John said.

"That's what I came to talk to you about. Mr. Murray is on the phone downstairs. Mr. Carson says you can take the phone call in his office. Unless you aren't feeling up to it," Thomas said.

"No. No. I'll be right down. Thank you," John said gratefully before closing the door to change.

"Blimey, what was that all about?" Thomas asked himself.

His hands were shaking as he set the phone back down onto the receiver. John almost couldn't believe his ears. Mr. Murray said that new evidence had been brought forward and that there was a very good chance Anna would be released before Christmas. He had reason to hope now, but John had been burned before. John requested that Mr. Murray not say anything to Anna in case something fell through, he couldn't stand her having to live through another disappointment.

Two days later he was over the moon to find out that his Anna was being released. John only wished he could be there to see her face when they officers told her she would be heading home soon. He felt horrible when he found out that another woman would be taking his wife's place in her cell for the murder of Mr. Green. No doubt the poor soul had suffered the same fate Anna had, but at least this time they had the right person. Having experienced it himself, John would hate to think of anyone else serving time in that prison for a crime they didn't commit. Although, he knew Mr. Green had gotten everything he had coming to him and he couldn't blame that woman for giving him his come uppance. But John knew what this mix up had cost him and his wife. John only hoped that he could be the support system Anna needed when she returned to him.

"Well?" Mrs. Hughes asked as John stepped out of Mr. Carson's office.

John was beside himself. He had even taken a few moments to collect his thoughts and compose himself so that he wasn't a bawling mess, but even now he felt the tears pricking at his eyes once more. "That was Mr. Murray…" John said a little out of breath as he imagined the possibility of having Anna home in time for Christmas.

"I gathered that much," the housekeeper replied. "But what did he say."

"She's coming home," John said softly. He had never heard sweeter words, including the day he was told he would be released. John could have lived with life in prison or a death sentence, even for a crime he hadn't committed. But the prospect of watching his sweet wife suffering behind bars for the rest of her life would have been too much to bear.

"That's wonderful," Mrs. Hughes said as she dropped her notes for the day's chores and preparations.

"It is. It truly is," he said softly.

"You don't sound very excited," Elsie replied with concern on her face.

"It's still so surreal. I keep thinking I'm going to wake up and find out none of this is true. I just hope that prison hasn't destroyed her completely. She already had to build herself back up once before," John replied with a tinge of sadness.

"And she'll do it again. Anna is made of sterner stuff and she has you to help her through it."

"That she does...and I won't let her down," John said resolutely.

She was to be released at dawn. A fact he was painfully aware of without being told. He wanted to be the first to greet her and so John had made arrangements with Lord Grantham to stay at Rosamund's place in London the evening before so he could pick her up first thing. John had felt rather a pain to be asking the chauffeur to wake up so early so that they could be there a half hour early, but he wouldn't miss the chance to welcome her back to the real world. John was reminded of the way their surrogate family had pulled together to make Anna's transition back to life. Mrs. Hughes and Mrs. Baxter had been kind enough to help him pack a bag for her so she could change into some of her regular clothes before heading back to Downton. Mrs. Patmore had baked a chocolate banana nut bread that she knew Anna was so fond of. John had to laugh at that and remarked to the chef, "I'm bringing her back, not shipping her off."

"I know, but she hasn't had much to eat in the past few weeks. At least nothing I'd want to touch with a ten foot pole I'm sure. It will be nice for her to have something familiar and comforting in her belly before she can come back here. Then I can spoil her some more," Mrs. Patmore insisted.

"I have no doubts about that. And I'm sure it will be much appreciated. Don't worry I'll be sure to give it to her," John said with a warm smile.

"And these too," Daisy said as she pushed some jam tarts into his hands. "I made a special batch with the strawberry jam. I know it's her favorite."

John couldn't help but be moved by the gesture as he stared at the assistant cook who had moved up from preparing fires in the mornings and a whole other list of menial tasks. Daisy had certainly grown up over the years and John was glad that she hadn't taken a complete shine to Thomas. God only knows how she would have turned out. He was only sorry that William wasn't here to see it. Even if it hadn't resulted in marriage he was sure the lad who had died protecting the life of Mr. Crawley would have been proud of all her achievements and accomplishments. It was only right that someone from their lot should move up in the world after working so hard to better themselves.

"What time are you leaving to head to London?" Mr. Carson asked as he walked into the servants hall.

"I'm catching the afternoon train just after Lord Grantham finishes his tea. I want to stop off and pick up something special for Anna for Christmas," John said.

"You didn't get her something sooner?" Daisy inquired.

"I...I wasn't sure she'd be home for Christmas," he answered truthfully. "Even when I heard of her release, I didn't think it would be in time for Christmas."

"Well, that's quite alright," Mrs. Hughes said with a reassuring pat on the back. "You can make it up to her when she returns. I'm sure she'll love anything you get her. And besides, she won't have had time to go shopping for you."

"I wouldn't need anything. Wouldn't even dream of asking for anything more. Anna's release is the greatest gift I could have asked for," John said with a sigh.

"Alright, don't go getting all weepy on us," came a voice laced in smoke from the far end of the servants hall table. "Finish up your work so you can get out of here and bring her back home," Thomas added with a smile.

Maybe it was the weeks without Anna that had done it, or his new lease on life, but John just couldn't find it in him to be at odds with the under butler. Not now. Not today, when everything was finally looking up for him and Anna. It went without saying that he wished this whole experience could have been avoided, but knowing that it would all be ending well made him more than grateful. He was going to prove his mother right and make this life worth living. Every day was a gift and he was going to get another chance to experience it all over again with Anna by his side.

John was brought back from his memories as he looked over at the small basket of goodies sitting next to him in the car. He thought he saw some movement by the door to the prison and began to exit the car. John's hands were practically sweating through his gloves and nearly crushed his bowler hat as a result of nerves. He patted over his heart and felt the picture of Anna through the fabric. He felt like a child on Christmas morning awaiting the appearance of Saint Nick; his heart was almost leaping from his chest and every muscle in his body was teeming with excitement. John had dressed in his Sunday best and pulled out his pocket watch to check the time again. It was just past six in the morning when the prison seemed to erupt with life. John heard the locks of the door begin to clatter and one of the guards made his way through to hold the door open for her.

The moment she stepped into view he felt himself instantly relax. His bottom lip quivered as her sky blue eyes met his own and that smile that could only belong to one person lit up his world all over again. She looked smaller in stature than he remembered her. Not just her weight but the way she carried herself, but he wouldn't focus on that for too long. The last thing he wanted to do was make her feel self-conscious about something. No. Today and every day after would be all about making her stronger, healthier, happier. It didn't matter to him how long it took. He knew he was better for being with her and vice versa. John would hold her hand through it all.

There was still a gap between them. One that neither was willing to close just yet, fearing that the slightest movement would bring this dream crashing down around them. The slam of the prison door behind her caused her to shake and John made his way towards her as quickly as possible. She did the same, if only to prevent him from hurting his leg by doing more than he was used to. If only she knew he would have just as gladly crawled the distance on his belly if it meant she was his reward.

John tore off his gloves needed to have that instant contact with her when he knew decorum would call for minimal public displays of affection. But the rules be damned, he had been kept from her far more than he cared to admit. Their hands reached one another first and just as it had countless times before her tiny weight crushed against his chest. He pulled her in tightly and covered every ounce of her with his arms and body, shielding her from the world and keeping her safe. John pulled away long enough to look deeply into her eyes; his rough hands found either side of her cheeks and cradled her face gently. His fingers traced the edges of her face, refamiliarizing himself with the touch of her skin all over again. Tears slid down her cheeks but she smiled through them.

It was a silent reminder that she did not want to be treated like a victim. And he would do everything in his power to bring her back to some sense of normalcy; take her to a place where she wasn't known as a suspected felon, a victim, or a wife of a murderer. He wouldn't put off their future any longer. As soon as she said the word, they would do as they always planned and find their little hotel by the sea.

"I never knew such happiness was possible," John said. He could feel her shudder in his arms as she let out a ragged breath. "The last few weeks there were so many times I thought of what I might say or do when I finally had you back in my arms."

"And?" she asked.

"I don't know how to explain it...it's like I've died a thousand painful deaths without you…"

Anna began to speak, sensing the onset of some self deprecating remark.

He silenced her and picked up where he left off, "...but now it's time we lived a thousand beautiful lifetimes together."

"Wha-"

John let his mouth envelop hers. It took her breath away and he felt her begin to melt into his grip. She smiled against his lips and he felt his heart flutter as he imagined how bright and beautiful it must look. But it had been so long since he had felt her in such away, had tasted her so fully out in the open. He couldn't pull himself away from her even if he wanted to. He let his tongue slip into her mouth and delve into her welcoming warmth; their lips moving in sync as their hands anchored them to one another. How large a part silence and separation had played in their relationship that whenever they were reunited it only made the moments all the sweeter.

His hands moved to the back of her neck and smoothed her hair down. "John," she managed to moan in between kisses. But her voice only spurned him on. It was sweeter than he remembered. John kissed her harder and deeper and before he knew it his own tears were mixing with hers. He stopped momentarily to dry her eyes. His fingers drifted down her sides before resting on her hips. "Take me away from this place," she said.

"As you wish my darling," John said as he stroked her cheek and led the way. He held the car door open for her as he helped her up. She chewed on her bottom lip nervously and clutched his hand tightly until the prison was out of sight.

He recalled the anxious sensation when their roles had been reversed. "I thought we could return to the Crawley house in London to give you a chance to bathe and change into some of your regular clothes." She had been released in her lady's maid uniform. The same one she'd been taken away in. Anna nodded her head in understanding. "Lord Grantham said we could have the next few days to ourselves. After the servants ball tonight to celebrate Christmas the family is heading off to Duneagle again. They won't be requiring our services. I thought maybe we could head straight back home."

"Oh no. Please I've wanted us to be able to spend at least one Christmas together at the servants ball as a married couple," she said in a pleading voice. "We've always been separated or never went because you couldn't dance," Anna pointed out.

John frowned at the honesty of her words and the simplicity of her request. He admitted it was quite unexpected. He thought she'd rather head home to slowly re-immerse herself into her work life. But that wasn't his Anna. She preferred to conquer things head on. How could he deny such a request after all she'd been through? And after all she'd done for him over the years. John was going to start living even if it meant muddling through a dance with two left feet. "Alright my darling. If it's what you want," he said before kissing the back of her hand.

Rosamund had been more than accommodating in allowing Anna to bathe and change before having to board the train back to Downton. John couldn't help but notice she tried to stave off her exhaustion even though he insisted she take a nap. If she was anything like him, she was probably scared to fall asleep, worried that when she woke up she wouldn't be here anymore. Instead they made small talk about all that she had missed and any new developments at the abbey. He had already informed Anna that Mr. Branson and Miss Sybbie would be leaving soon and they both agreed it would be hard to see them go, knowing how much both of them meant to their employers.

John fulfilled her wish in stopping off to make an appearance at the servants ball before returning to the cottage. They approached the abbey through the courtyard entrance. John paused for a moment as he recounted the way Anna had looked in his dream when she hadn't recognized him. He tried to shake the thought from his head, but the gesture hadn't gone unnoticed by his wife. "John...what is it?" Anna asked as she tugged on the hem of his jacket sleeve.

He wouldn't ruin their night reminiscing about something that never happened. John also knew she would see right through a lie if he told one. "I just thought I'd check one more time...see if you wanted to change your mind and just go home instead. The abbey will still be here in the morning and tomorrow."

"John Bates, you aren't trying to duck out of this party after you already promised me a dance?" Anna asked in scolding tone.

"No," he answered back with a chuckle. His hands rose in surrender as he shook his head back and forth. "I just wanted to make sure. It's been a long, trying day for you and you need your rest," John pointed out. She looked so breathtakingly beautiful in her pink, handmade dress. He fell even more in love with the expression on her face, that fierce determination that had always been there since day one.

"I'll have plenty of time to catch up on sleep later...among other things," she said with a hint of mischief as she stroked his cheek. The country lilt in her voice never failing to make him smile broadly.

"I'm counting on it," John said with a wicked grin of his own. He pressed a kiss to her forehead and she let out a small, pleasure-filled moan.

"But first," Anna said with a finger pointed at him, "I want to see my friends and wish them a happy Christmas. And then I want to share a kiss under the mistletoe."

"I don't think I can manage that," John replied with a flirtatious tone.

"Which part?" she asked.

"The mistletoe part," John said gruffly.

"And why is that?" Anna asked with a hint of disappointment. She knew that in their early years of courtship John had been more than adamant about not sharing public displays of affection where their employer might see them. But it wasn't like him in the last few years. After all the entire household knew they were married and it wasn't as if worse things hadn't occurred under this roof; like the death of Mr. Pamuk.

John leaned in to whisper into her ear, making sure that his warm breath seared her neck and his gravely voice had its intended effect. "Because I don't think I could restrain myself to just one kiss with you under the mistletoe." Anna giggled and blushed at the sound of his words. "In fact, I'm positive I wont be able to stop at just kisses."

"What has gotten into you, John Bates?" Anna asked with a smile of pride etched upon her face.

"You. You have gotten into me, my darling. You have invaded me, body and soul since the moment I met you and now that I have you back, I have every intention of showing you just how much you mean to me."

"How is that any different from the way you treated me before?" Anna asked.

"Because now I know that I have had that same impact on you," he said. Anna began to cut him off but he went on, "And I know you've told me that countless times, but I believe it now. I love you so much, Anna." Before he could say anything more he was interrupted by the sound of the back door opening. A wave of music and laughter filtered out from the party taking place inside. They separated enough to keep a sense of decorum and looked over to the shadow that filled the doorway.

Thomas revealed himself and glanced back and forth between John and Anna. "Golly I'm glad you're back so your husband will stop moping around here," Thomas said as he lit up a cigarette.

John couldn't help but let out an irritated sigh.

Anna rubbed her hand along his lapel as she attempted to cheer him up. "Come now, let's not let him ruin our night."

John threw on a smirk for Anna and looped his arm so that his wife could loop her arm with his. "You're right. It's Christmas after all," he responded.

As the two of them went to walk past Mr. Barrow, who was blowing smoke rings, they were stopped by Thomas's hand on Anna's arm. "I'm truly happy to see you back within these walls," the under butler said.

"Thank you, Thomas," she replied.

"Happy Christmas."

"Same to you," Anna said with a smile as they made their way toward the great hall.

They walked back to the cottage hand in hand, just as they always had. Their bodies gravitating towards one another and grazing each other with every step. The contact went beyond passionate desire, it was a necessity. They craved the other's touch like they needed oxygen. Loving one another came as easy as breathing and without choice. She stopped every so often to allow him a moment to rest his leg after having danced through more than one song without the use of his cane. She took the opportunity to shower him with kisses. He never knew a short journey to the cottage could seem so long, but he would have done it a thousand times over to give her that moment of happiness she so truly deserved.

When he reached the door of their home his hand lingered on the lock after fishing for the key. John turned back to check on her when he heard Anna release a shallow breath as if she were preparing herself for some monumental task. "Are you alright my darling?"

He was always so considerate of her feelings. Almost annoyingly so but she could never find fault in it. She loved how he spoiled her. Anna was all too aware that most women were not as lucky to have a husband like him who doted on them the way her John did. She cast off an easy smile. "I'm fine. I just...I didn't think it would hit me so hard to see our home coming more into sight as we walked the path and now that we are here...I mean once we are inside..." Anna's words were cut off by her own tears and she swallowed hard to rid herself of them. She should be happy not crying.

"It'll be real," he filled in.

She nodded her head silently in agreement.

"But that's the best part," John said with a grin. "Once we are inside our future can begin again."

Anna tilted her head in confusion. She wasn't sure where this surge of optimism had come from but she had to admit she rather enjoyed it.

"We don't have to do anything you don't want to tonight or any other night unless you're ready," John assured her with considerate eyes.

Her hand came up to rest on his chest, his heart beating steadily beneath her hand reminding her that this all was in fact real. "Why are you so good to me, John Bates?" she asked. Most men would have left their wives or at the very least turned their attentions elsewhere after what happened with Mr. Green. Most men would have left their wives to rot in that jail after hearing their wife was possibly involved in the murder of their attacker. Most men would have been horrified to hear of her tragic experience with her step father. But just as he had in all the years she'd known him, Anna Bates found that her husband was not most men.

"I suppose it is the same reason you've shown me such kindness through the years," he answered before pressing a small kiss to her cheek. "Besides I rather fancy you," John added with a wink. They shared a small giggle and he helped usher her into the cottage with his hand resting on the small of her back.

They walked through the doorway and John quickly assisted her out of her coat and lit the lamp. Like old lovers they picked up right where they left off. Anna helped him out of his coat and hung it on the rack. The cottage was dimly lit but Anna couldn't help but noticed its nearly immaculate appearance. She had always kept a clean house and John wasn't a dirty man by any means. Not when he was a trained valet. But it looked as though it had just been thoroughly cleaned. Almost untouched and the realization broke her heart when she figured out why. "You didn't even come back here did you?"

John hung his head in shame. "It was too much to bear. Everything reminded me of you. It didn't seem right coming back here when you couldn't."

She nodded her head in understanding. Having been in the same position before she knew only too well what it was like to frequent a location seemed to be almost haunted with memories of the one she loved.

"When Mr. Murray confirmed your release date I came down here and tidied the place up. I left everything just like you like it and even went down to the village to pick up some of your favorite soaps and creams."

"You picked me flowers too," she noted with a blinding smile. Anna made her way over to the tiny vase on the kitchen table that was filled with white and yellow winter camellias. Her hand never leaving his own as they moved about the cottage.

"Oh yes, that," he said with a red blush gracing his cheeks. "I wanted to get you something special from Molesley's father, but I didn't have time to before I went to London. I got those in the garden behind the house," John explained.

But it didn't require an explanation. The flowers reminded her of the ones that had been on the tray he had brought to her in the attics of Downton all those years ago and it made her heart swell with love for him. "They are more than special. They are perfect," Anna responded as her fingertips danced along the edges of the flowers. Anna then turned her attentions back to the small tree in the corner of their sitting room. "And you have picked out a tree for us," she said.

Anna saw that he had put up the lights but left out the ornaments since he knew that was her favorite part and she always had more of an eye on how to space them and place them accordingly. He even had a few small gifts under the tree waiting for her.

"I did." John flicked the switch and the tree instantly came to life. "Told you I could manage," he joked. "I just wanted to make sure you were able to come home to a very happy Christmas."

"Getting to come home at all...to you...that was all that I ever needed," she said with tears in her eyes. She wiped them away as she looked around their tiny cottage. It wasn't much but it was theirs. It was where their married life had begun, it's where she had hoped to create and bring children into the world, where she hoped to grow old with John if the hotel never came to pass.

"I know. I know that now."

"I don't understand what's brought all this on?" she asked.

John took her in his arms and stared deeply into her eyes, "I just had an epiphany of sorts, let's call it a moment of clarity in the fog while you were away." He brought both her hands up towards his face and kissed the palms of her hands. "I never truly felt worthy of you, because I didn't think you could ever need me as much as I need you. And I know you'll fight me to end of your days on this, which is why I'm telling you now I agree with you. I used to feel that I was holding you back, but I know now that one cannot exist without the other. Our love is a partnership and you would be just as lost without me as I am without you. I can admit that now. I'm sorry for everything that's happened and while I can take responsibility for the things I caused, I promise I wont blame myself for the things I didn't."

She was visibly shaking at the sound of his words, but didn't make an attempt to cut him off or correct him as she had in the past. Anna was stunned silent by this grand gesture her husband was making. Seeing him make such progress and being so open with her about it was moving her to tears.

"I love you, Anna Bates. More than I could ever hope to express. But I'll certainly try," John promised.

"I love you, you silly beggar," she chided him before pressing a kiss to his lips. Her mouth molded to his so perfectly, when she tilted her head back she whispered, "Thank you for dancing with me tonight."

John's memory took him back to only a few hours before, after everyone congratulated her on her return and drank in her honor. She looked so at peace and at home, a sensation he feared would never return after her horrific ordeal in the boot room. Yet somehow she emerged from prison with a new found strength, almost stronger if that were possible. His Anna laughed again with her full body and smiled as if it were the last time she'd get to experience it. She even indulged in a bit of sherry which amused him to no end. He let her take a turn with Thomas, Mr Carson and Andy during the faster songs. Her cheeks turning red with every turn and twirl around the floor. He didn't have to try hard to imagine what she looked like as a little girl dancing with such abandon. It pleased him immensely; John could only think of one word: Marvelous. She was just as breathtakingly gorgeous and captivating as she had been in Duneagle as she reeled across the dance floor. She looked like an angel bringing joy to all that she met as she flitted around the room like a hummingbird stopping say something to everyone she met. Their co-workers who had become like family and employers joined in on the fun and it warmed John's heart to see them all so happy. Even with all they had lost over the years it was clear to him now what could have been. And in the wake of losing Lady Sybil and Mr. Matthew, John could not recall a happier Christmas in all his life.

But when a slower song came on the gramophone John was promptly by her side, having been waiting in the wings for the opportune moment to swoop down and cut in. He had left his cane hanging over the back of a chair at a table Mrs. Patmore was seated at. His limp was more pronounced without its aid but it didn't matter anymore, nothing mattered to him but her. She met him halfway and guided his hands to where they should rest, one on the slope of her lower back and the other securely propping up her left hand. John had stopped to take notice of the wedding ring that was back in it's rightful place as he ran his own fingers across it . It wasn't the most graceful picture, but they moved as one. They were each other's support and they only had eyes for each other. It was as plain to see for anyone standing in the room that they were just as in love as ever before and that the trials of the past had not broken them.

Anna leaned forward to whisper, "I feel like everyone is staring at me. Perhaps we shouldn't have come."

"No, they are staring at me. They are wondering how an older man like myself, with such a torrid past and a limp managed to land a woman like you," he said with a smile. John may not have been able to move his legs the way he wanted to, but he still knew the motions and managed to put Anna on display the way she deserved to be.

"I see," she said with a hint of playfulness. "Well I suppose I've always shied away from the younger men, they still have so much growing up to do and can be rather self involved. And you do look rather dashing and distinguished with this hint of silver feathered about your temples."

John had to chuckle at that when he considered some of the younger footmen that had graced the halls of Downton Abbey.

"I never saw it as a torrid past. We all have a past," Anna said with a small sigh. "And while we may not like to reveal them, they make us who we are. And I knew I loved who you were from the start, John Bates." She couldn't help but notice the warmth that seemed to wash over him at the sound of her comment. That look of pride that graced his face was enough to break her heart. "As for your injury it has and never will bother me. It is a badge of honor after serving and fighting courageously for King and country. You saved the life of our employer. And I expect to see those medals at some point now that I am home," she reminded him.

"Yes, yes, I know," he added with a wink. "Anything else I should be aware of?"

"I love how you love me. How everything you've done has always been to protect me, preserve my honor, and treat me like a lady."

"But you are a lady to me. And I've never known a finer one," he said as they swayed back and forth to the music.

She smiled at his remark and allowed him to lead her a little more around the dance floor.

John hadn't just danced through one song, but several. He found he was rather good at it once he got back in the swing of things. And the look on his wife's face was reward enough for his efforts. They sat through the family's rendition of Silent Night and a few chords of Mary's performance of Come All Ye' Faithful before they quietly slipped out undetected.

John pulled her closer as he led her over to his arm chair. He kept his eyes on her, the path to the chair already memorized in his mind. "Did I ever tell you how incredibly beautiful you looked this evening?" John asked his eyes filled with mirth.

"You did. Though I wouldn't hold it against you to hear it once more, my husband," Anna said with a teasing lilt in her voice.

"Then I shall tell you every hour on the hour, if it brings you such pleasure," he promised between kisses. John took a seat and patted his knee in silent invitation for her to join him. As always, she lowered herself with caution so as not to put too much weight on his knee. She allowed her body to ease against his and became comfortable with her head resting upon his shoulder as his fingers caressed and teased at the skin of her arm. He helped her unlatch the buckles of her shoes while massaging the muscles of her supple calves and she groaned in delight. The feeling all too tempting and familiar but most definitely missed. In their own little slice of heaven they took joy in reacquainting themselves.

Anna had already begun to work on his tie and removing his waistcoat when his hand came up to stop her ministrations. "As much as I am thoroughly enjoying this and all that is to come. I have to give you your Christmas gift. You can open the rest tomorrow. But I wanted to give you this one when you came home," John said adamantly. He began to rummage in his trouser pocket and pulled out a small gift.

Anna wouldn't deny that she was disappointed they had to slow down for a moment, but she was rather excited at the prospect of opening a gift. "But I didn't get you anything," she quickly pointed out.

"You didn't have to. You are my greatest gift: past, present, and future. I could not want for more," John said with boyish eyes. "Now, please open your gift," he urged. His hand lingered on her back, tracing the patterns of braids in her bun. His eyes were eagerly awaiting her response to such a gift.

"It's awfully small," she commented.

"Sometimes, big things come in small packages," he hinted.

Anna tore away at the paper and found a small replica of a house constructed out of matchboxes with ribbon looped around the top. "An ornament?" she guessed.

"Sort of," he responded. John used his much larger hands to delicately pry the top of the house off for her. "This is to our future," John added.

"I don't understand," she replied. Anna looked back at her husband who was slumped in his chair like an adorable teddy bear.

"Look inside."

Anna's much smaller fingers dug inside the tiny house ornament and pulled out a small piece of paper that was rolled up neatly and unfurled it. When she read it to herself he saw the expression on her face change in silent understanding. "You sold it? You sold your mother's house?" she asked aloud.

"I did. I had already asked the tenants about it years ago but they didn't have the funds and you weren't ready to leave yet," he said not wanting to bring up that old skeleton. "As soon as I heard from Mr. Murray they were releasing you I made some calls and arrangements and they bought the house. We can start making plans to start our hotel just like we've always dreamed of. No excuses this time," he said with a pointy finger.

"I've never been so happy in my whole life," Anna said with a smile.

John let the pad of his thumb sweep across her cheek before her kissed her deeply. The passion building with each passing second. He could eventually contain himself no more and lifted her up with him as he rose from the chair; her stocking-clad feet dangling above the ground as he carried her up the stairs. John Bates had every intention of making their time together count and it started with properly welcoming his wife home.