Ok so for all those Americans who watched the Superbowl and know that I live in Boston...it was a nail biter but soooo awesome! It took awhile for my 3rd grader to come off the high of that win! Who knew it could be so stressful to watch a football game?

Enough of that. I'm happier with this chapter than the last one and trying to get into the routine again so here you go. Another blizzard helping me to get this out without an overly long wait! Merry Christmas in "It Is What It Is - land". As for those who have asked, I will be picking up the pace. I won't be going day-by-day as I have in recent chapters but there are some events on the horizon that will keep them busy and life interesting! Thanks for hanging in there with me.

The days had passed all too quickly. It was Tuesday morning and William was regretting his promise to pick up Georgie by 11. Since Saturday evening, they'd been practically inseparable. He'd actually gotten Lizzy on downhill skis on Monday and she'd picked up the basics pretty quickly. Their evenings had been relaxed, spending time reading, listening to music, and playing Scrabble. It had been positively idyllic for him and it seemed like Elizabeth was of the same mind - at least he hoped so. Looking down on her sleeping form, he was amazed that this beautiful woman had so quickly taken hold of his heart and mind and that she seemed equally comfortable taking on his heart too. It had been days since they'd made love and he couldn't wait to connect with her in that way again. He was uncomfortable with the insecurities that plagued him when they didn't have the ability to also connect physically. Their relationship was still so new that he felt uncomfortably insecure at times. She promised him that soon she'd be fine. Until then, they'd kissed and cuddled and done a bit of stroking and it made him only want her more. Running his fingers down her side, he really couldn't get enough of her and he was itching to simply remove her top. She must have felt his gentle touch as her eyes slowly opened to gaze up at him. "Good morning." She mumbled.

"Good morning. Did you sleep well?"

"I did, although I wish we had another day before we had to go back."

"I was thinking the same thing. I'm glad you feel that way."

Wrinkling her brow she was trying to figure out what he meant by that last statement. "Why wouldn't I want to stay another day?"

"I guess I was worried you were bored or something. The nights have been pretty low key and I wanted to make sure you weren't, I don't know, hoping for more."

Cuddling up closer she placed a kiss on his lips, "You are a silly man. I'm so glad we've had a little more time just the two of us. I can't remember the last time I was so relaxed. Besides, you're the best Scrabble opponent I've had since I played papa." She was grinning up at him and all he could think about was how much he wanted to swallow her up. "Give me a minute and I'll be right back." She scooted off the bed before he could say a word. Anxiously, he watched the bathroom door waiting for her return. Minutes later Lizzy climbed back into bed and greeted her husband with a kiss that left no doubt as to her intent for the morning.

"Are you ok? Everything is ok?"

"Almost everything. But I'm hoping you can make it all better." She resumed her attentions to his neck and ears, running her hands down his body in an effort to communicate all she needed from him. William was quick to pick up on her cues and found himself quickly taking control of the situation. It was a short while later when he was positively able to affirm that sex without any barriers was infinitely better than with. Elizabeth seemed to take a lot of initiative in her life and he was very pleased with that particular character trait. It had certainly benefitted them.

"I'm guessing we need to get up and moving. We're going to be late picking Georgie up if we don't leave in the next 30 minutes." Lizzy suggested as she rolled over to look at the clock.

"I think my sister will be perfectly happy waiting at my aunt and uncle's house. I just found a spot I'd previously neglected and wouldn't want it to feel left out." William began nuzzling her right breast and Lizzy was quickly drawn back to him. A few more minutes passed before she remembered all they needed to do today. "William," she said softly.

"Hmmm."

"William, I really think we need to get moving. We've got a lot to do today and I want to enjoy the holiday."

"You're not enjoying the holiday right now?" William asked as he stroked her legs.

"I'm enjoying myself immensely but I don't think this would constitute Christmas Eve festivities," she teased. "Come on. We have sisters waiting for us and I don't want to feel rushed." Lizzy slid out of William's arms and out of their bed. She looked back to see him pouting and grabbed his hand. "If you hurry you can join me in the shower." William quickly scooted out to follow her. Eventually they made their way through their morning routine.

In the kitchen they found mugs of coffee had been prepared along with egg sandwiches for the road. "I guess Mrs. Reynolds wants to get rid of us," Lizzy laughed.

"Now you know that's not true Elizabeth. I had breakfast set out as you asked but as the minutes ticked by I was certain you'd be looking to rush out the door so I changed plans."

Turning quickly about, Lizzy was surprised to see Mrs. Reynolds standing at the door of the pantry. "Thank you for taking such good care of us. And you're right, we need to be off so the on-the-run breakfast is very much appreciated. We'll see you in a few days and we promise to sit for a proper breakfast then."

While Lizzy and Mrs. Reynolds packed up the food for the ride, William went out to ensure everything was ready. All in all, they were on the road back to Boston only fifteen minutes past their hoped for departure time.

Being 15 sucked. Once again her world was turned upside down and she had no alternative but to simply follow along. Georgiana Darcy sat silently in the back seat of her brother's Lincoln Navigator riding towards Jamaica Plain. They were all apparently going to pick up Lizzy's sister and then go together to pick out a tree. She'd practically begged her aunt and uncle to stay with them. Once she'd apologized for her lack of discretion, the rest of the visit had been rather pleasant. Her apology had been genuine and her aunt and uncle must have sensed it. Leaving their familiar home to the unfamiliar presence of Lizzy, and soon her sister, did not add up to a happy Christmas in her mind. The car finally stopped and she found herself getting out in an unfamiliar neighborhood. She followed her brother into some Mexican restaurant and, never comfortable in strange environments, stood just behind him attempting to figure out why they were here.

"Oh Lizzy! I've missed you. I'm so glad you're here. Billy's made some lunch and I thought we could eat here before heading to Allandale." Maria had launched herself into her sister's arms. For all the times she'd wished she didn't have such a loud family, the past weeks had been remarkably quiet, especially since the fall semester had ended. Maria was thrilled to see a member of her family.

Lizzy, for her part, was amazed at Maria's enthusiasm. Quiet, reserved Maria must be lonely indeed. Squeezing her sister tight, she returned the greetings and pulled back giving her sister a bright smile. She looked around the restaurant. It was as if nothing ever changed. The same vinyl tablecloths covered the tables and bright red poinsettias lined the windows, just like Christmases past. Even the plastic tree had its place in the entry: blue, red, green and yellow lights wound through its branches. For all that was transformed in her own life, this place was like a refugee from the past. Well almost. Her mama wasn't there to greet the patrons and her papa wasn't sitting in the corner with his friends or back in the kitchen telling Billy what to do. A twinge of sadness crossed her face before she caught herself. She looked around and saw William and Georgiana standing there expectantly.

Releasing her sister and stepping back, William came over and placed a kiss on Maria's cheek. "Merry Christmas Maria. We're so happy you're joining us for the holiday. You remember my sister Georgiana don't you?"

"Of course, hi and welcome. Why don't you hang your coats on the pegs in the back and take a seat at a table. Lizzy can direct you. I'll let Billy know we're ready for lunch." Maria excused herself and walked towards the kitchen.

William and Georgie followed Lizzy. As they were coming back into the restaurant, they were surprised when a stream of Spanish greeted them to which Lizzy replied. They followed the direction of Lizzy's words and eyes to spy a man in his mid-20's with jet black hair and dark brown eyes. Despite the beginnings of a beer gut, William surmised many women would likely find him reasonably attractive. He must have been Billy given how he was dressed. Just as he'd finished these thoughts, Lizzy did indeed introduce them. After perfunctory greetings, they sat down at a table to consume a ridiculous amount of Mexican food.

Georgie had never been in a restaurant like this in her life and she was uncertain whether it was even safe to eat the food. She silently watched the few other diners eating without pause. Her brother also seemed to be digging in without question so Georgie took some chicken smothered in a thick brown gravy and placed it on her plate. She was surprised at the how flavorful the sauce was and how tender the chicken was.

"Billy, papa would be proud of your mole sauce. It's excellent." Lizzy grinned to the man on her left.

"I'm glad I've met your standards Lizzy. You've always been my toughest critic." His eyes glinting with a bit of pride and something else.

Laughing, she playfully gave him a quick kiss on the cheek to which he blushed. William was not pleased by the exchange. It was clear that Billy had a crush on his Elizabeth. Jealousy was a new emotion and William found himself edging a bit closer to Lizzy.

A few more patrons entered the restaurant breaking the tension. Lizzy recognized them and went over to say hello. Darcy watched her as she flitted from table to table, inquiring about family members, exclaiming over a new baby and assisting an elderly gentleman with his food, all effortlessly. She was as easy in this room as she was at his aunt and uncle's dining room. It brought him back to that first night he'd met her. That evening she'd joked with the restaurant staff, smoothed Caroline's ruffled feathers and chatted with him about world events. He envied and appreciated her way with people whoever they were.

Georgiana had also been watching Elizabeth, taking in the entire scene. One thing was certain, she wanted to leave. Sure the food was good but she was decidedly uncomfortable. Her two years of Spanish were of no help. Everything around her was positively foreign. Elizabeth flipped in and out of the two languages without barely a thought. And the people in this restaurant had none of the polish or refinement of those she'd been surrounded by her entire life. If William hadn't been here with her she'd likely have feared for her safety. The meal finally ended and she was left with Lizzy while Maria and her brother went to get Maria's bags.

"Georgiana, you're awfully quiet. Was your lunch ok?" Lizzy asked, trying to break the silence between them.

"Um, yes. Thanks. So do you come to this restaurant a lot? You seem to know everyone here." Georgiana asked, trying to think of what to say.

Lizzy had to suppress a laugh. "This is my parents restaurant. Well, technically it's Maria's restaurant, I guess. I grew up in the apartment just above us and spent many afternoons doing my homework at that table over there." Lizzy was pointing to a table in the corner by the windows. Her mama always made her do her homework by the window so that passersby would see people sitting in the restaurant. Always the table in the corner so the better tables were available for paying customers. The light was better by the window and the corner was quieter so Lizzy never minded.

While Lizzy was lost to her memories, Georgie was trying to process this new piece of information. The gulf between them now seemed to be an ocean. The silence was fortunately broken when William and Maria returned to the restaurant, duffel and backpack in hand.

"Let's get going. We've got a Christmas tree to purchase." William said as he approached the two most important women in his life. He hadn't missed that they were each sitting quietly, looking in opposite directions, each lost in thought. At a loss for how to bring them closer together he simply hoped the time together over the next few weeks would help.

Lizzy looked up at him smiling, although it didn't seem to brighten her face like it usually did. "Let me just say good bye to Billy and the crew. I want to wish them a Merry Christmas."

"Alright, we'll meet you in the car?" It was a question as much as it was a statement but when she didn't seem to answer he moved Maria and Georgiana towards the door.

"Let's get a Christmas tree!" Lizzy's cheerfulness was forced but William decided to play along until they could be alone.

"Lead on darling. Where do you want me to go?"

Lizzy directed William towards the last remaining farm in America operating within city limits, Allandale Farm. It was only two miles from the restaurant and had been where she'd come every year to get their poinsettias and tree for the house. Stepping from the car, the scent of fresh pine began to reinvigorate Lizzy's spirits. Georgie didn't seem to share her excitement and declined to get out of the car, much to William's consternation. Maria, uncertain as to her place in this foursome decided to head into the farm stand, excusing herself from picking out a tree but also wanting to avoid the sullen teen.

Taking his hand, Lizzy pulled William towards the stands of trees. They would make the most of this time and not let sisters ruin the experience of picking out their first tree together. The 10' ceilings in the condo certainly gave them the ability to pick any of the trees on offer but they decided on a plump 6.5' tree that looked healthy, freshly cut and wasn't losing its needles when shaken. Inside the farm store they found a good selection of lights and a few ornaments that had been made by children at the local orphanage as a fundraiser. One of the workers assisted William in wrapping the tree and strapping it to the top of the truck. Once in the car, Lizzy found a local radio station playing Christmas songs. The songs played as background music to their individual thoughts, each wondering how the rest of their forced "family time" would go.

When they arrived home, Georgie quickly secluded herself in her bedroom while William, Lizzy and Maria got their packages, tree included, settled. After showing Maria her room, the three of them began organizing their tree decorating supplies. Lizzy grabbed Maria and recruited her help in the kitchen organizing snacks and egg nog to have while they decorated. William put on more Christmas music while bracing himself to retrieve his sister from her self-imposed exile.

Opening her door, William peeked in, "Georgie, I'd like you to come help us."

"Can you please knock before coming into my room?" she glared.

"Um, no. This is my house. I open doors when I want to. I am asking you to come to the living room to decorate the tree."

"No thanks. I'm not in the mood."

"Let me re-phrase this. I expect you in the living room in the next five minutes. If you're not there, then I'll use the next twenty minutes to put my creative mind to work to develop a suitable set of consequences. Your choice. Oh, one more thing. When you're with me, Lizzy or Maria I expect you to be pleasant and helpful. Otherwise, stay in your room and I'll think up something good." William closed the door and rubbed his hand over over his face. Why was this so hard? He was so frustrated and hoped this behavior was the worst of it. He returned to the living room to find Lizzy and Maria setting out food and drinks for their tree decorating party. They seemed to be having a nice time reconnecting. Lizzy was asking after Maria's classes and friends and her sister was genuinely pleased with the attention from her big sister.

Spying him standing in the hallway, Lizzy excused herself from Maria and walked over to wrap her arms around him. After a quick kiss she asked, "I have a favor to request. You see, I'm not a fan of stringing lights. I'm hoping you'll take charge of that task. I'm more of an ornament girl."

"I think I can easily handle that request." He kissed her again, grateful he could make one woman in his life happy so easily.

William had started with the lights and was pleased to find Georgie beside him as he was beginning. She really didn't say anything and he knew better then to demand anything more than companionship. That seemed to be enough.

Lizzy and Maria had busied themselves in the kitchen apparently making a feast for Christmas Eve dinner, their second of the day. He could hear them singing carols and laughing. It was a lovely sound and he was trying hard to focus on getting his tasks done leaving them to enjoy their sister time. Turning to Georgiana he suggested, "I brought down the engraved ornaments from Maine. Maybe we can put them on after dinner."

"Thanks, I'd like that. I was wondering if we'd have them to put on the tree." They fell into silence again and William was searching for a safe topic when he decided on school. "How was the rest of the semester for you? How'd finals go?"

"I think I did well. Doing 9th grade the second time around does make it a bit easier to be honest. I suspect next semester will be a bit more challenging given I missed most of it last year."

"I'm sure you'll do well. You're a smart girl. Do you like the school better than you're last one?"

"I really love the time dedicated to horsemanship. Having Mint with me and getting to ride her regularly helps with my anxiety. The girls are ok. It's been tough after everything happened last year but I'm adjusting. I like my doctor too and she's been helping me when I get too worried or self conscious."

"I'm glad. I miss you but want you to be somewhere with supervision and support. I don't think I could provide that for you as much as I'd like to."

"You don't need to worry about me at school. It's good. I won't ever be easy with new people or new situations. Its not who I am, but I'm managing, at least with school." Georgie said a little uncomfortably.

William was contemplating opening a discussion regarding her attitude towards Elizabeth when she and Maria came out of the kitchen. "Oh good, you're done with the lights. Can we start with the ornaments?"

"Of course. Is everything ready in the kitchen?"

"Pretty much. It's like old times cooking with Maria although much less chaotic then when mama was ordering us around. The turkey's in the oven and the posole soup is on the stove. The tamales are all made and we can't make dessert until later. I think we're in good shape." Lizzy smiled.

The ornaments were quickly placed. Will explained the annual tradition to Maria and gave Lizzy, Maria and Georgiana the one's he'd chosen for them. Lizzy gave Will his as well, explaining her choice of Santa for him. It was a sweet tradition and Georgiana actually acted interested in seeing the ones that had been chosen for the others.

If decorating the tree began to thaw the room, dinner served to bring the group of four up to room temperature. Georgiana was actually willing to try some of the new foods that Lizzy and Maria made, much to the surprise of her brother. Dessert seemed to continue the warming trend. Lizzy and Maria had arranged to fry up bunelos, putting Georgiana in charge of the powdered sugar and cinnamon as they came off the old clay dish Maria had brought with them. It was hard to not be brought into their spirited banter as they cooked and related stories of Christmases past. It was a comfortable atmosphere and Georgie was tired of resisting their fun, especially when it all seemed to have such a positive effect on her brother.

It was a satisfied group that made their way back to JP for midnight mass. Elizabeth wasn't a religious person but loved the traditions of her childhood and was grateful that William was so willing to incorporate them into his life. She knew there weren't going to be many more Christmases spent in her childhood church but given all of the other changes in her life, it was nice to have something familiar. Lunch at the restaurant had shown her, in stark contrast, how much everything had changed. It had been jarring and it would take her some time to fully process.

What was comforting to Elizabeth however was disconcerting to Georgie. The time at the condo had begun to lull her into forgetting her prejudices. It was all so confusing and Georgiana wasn't sure what to do with it all. Falling into her reserve seemed safe and it was that stance that she held for the rest of the night, impervious to the splendor of the church, the processional of the delivery of the newborn babe to his cradle in the manger, the voices lifted in song in Latin, English and Spanish.

On the other hand, William knew exactly why he was sitting in this church. It was the spirited woman beside him that brought him here. The joy on her face, and this time it was true happiness rather than the forced joy earlier, reminded him how important it was to help her retain this part of who she was. As comfortable as she was in his life, he needed to help her retain some of her old life too. That was his Christmas promise to her.

Some have asked if I want constructive criticism. Most definitely...just be gentle! I know it's not as good as it can be and the only way it will get better is if you share your thoughts. Trust me, I love your thoughts, comments, questions and reactions :)