"I'm warning you, Lita," William begins as he folds a pair of jeans and adds them to his suitcase. "My grandparents are something. The house will be much more... lively this year, to say the least."

Aelita, who is neatly arranging a few books to take with her in a tote bag, looks up and raises an eyebrow. "Lively, huh? You make it sound like they're a hurricane. I thought you said they're lovely people."

"I did. They are," William assures her. "But Mémé can be quite the chatterbox, and Pépé tells stories that last for ages, worse than Professor Fumet." He chuckles. "You'll get to hear all about their American adventures, and they'll want to know everything about you. Everything."

Aelita giggles, placing a loving kiss on William's cheek. "Well, I'm looking forward to it, lively or not. I've heard so much about your grandparents; it'll be great to finally meet them."

As they continue to pack their bags, William can't help but smile. Spending the holidays with his fiancée like this is going to be a dream come true, and he knows that despite the chaotic atmosphere his grandparents might bring, it is going to be a holiday season filled with love and laughter. He zips up his suitcase and sits on Aelita's bed, content to watch her flit about the room, a gentle breeze seeming to carry her wherever she needs to be. Every so often, the ring on her left hand catches the light, and William feels his heart swell.

"We're going to have the best Christmas ever, I just know it," Aelita announces. She has packed her clothes, her toiletries, and her books, and has just finished tying her hair up into a loose bun. As she sits down next to William, she looks him in the eyes. "What is it?"

"Nothing," he says, and she can tell that it is very much something. He takes her hand in his. "Just admiring how beautiful you are."

"You're ridiculous," she replies, shaking her head.

"Ridiculously in love with you, yes."

She rolls her eyes, but can't hide the smile that plays on her lips. "I'm ridiculously in love with you, too. Now come on, we have a drive to make."

They walk hand in hand down through the Hermitage to the front door, their suitcases rolling and bumping heavily over the hardwood floors. As they walk towards the driveway where his car is parked, William pauses and smiles as he looks around the street at the smattering of holiday decorations dotting the neighborhood. The sun is at its highest point, shining down on them with a pleasant warmth, and the sky is a brilliant, unblemished blue. William helps Aelita into the passenger seat and loads their luggage into the trunk before taking his own place behind the wheel.

As he backs out of his parking space and starts the drive to Versailles, they fall into a comfortable silence, both simply enjoying the other's company. There's no need for conversation; being in the same space is enough.

The drive is brief but unhurried, and soon enough, they are pulling up outside of the Dunbar home. As he parks the car, he turns to look at his fiancée, a grin plastered on his face. "Ready?"

She smiles back at him. "More than ready. Let's go."

With their bags in hand, they approach the front door, which is flung open as they near. "Willy!" comes the cry, and suddenly they are accosted by a blur of green and red.

William lets out a loud laugh as he is embraced tightly. "Hi Mémé," he says, his voice squeezed.

"Hello, my darling boy," comes the reply, and then she notices Aelita, standing just off to the side, and she gives a gasp. "Is this her? Is this Aelita?"

"It is. Mémé, Pépé, this is my fiancée, Aelita Stones."

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr. and Mrs. Desrosiers," Aelita says, and it is then that she is engulfed in a warm hug.

"Call me Mémé," comes the muffled reply. "I can't believe Willy is marrying someone as beautiful as you."

"Thank you," Aelita replies, laughing softly.

"Oh, what a charming girl! I'm so happy to finally meet you," Therese says, her eyes glistening with emotion. "Come in, come in!" She ushers the couple inside and shuts the door behind them.

It is then that Philippe speaks. "It's very nice to meet you, Aelita."

"Likewise, sir," Aelita replies, shaking his hand.

"Please, call me Pépé."

Aelita smiles. "Thank you, Pépé."

"Willy, why don't you take all your bags upstairs? Supper will be ready in a couple hours," Therese instructs.

"Of course, Mémé. Come on, Lita, let's get our stuff settled."

As the two of them walk up the stairs to William's old bedroom, he says, "You're doing great."

She breathes a sigh of relief. "I was nervous. I want to make a good first impression."

He squeezes her hand. "They already love you."

As soon as they are out of earshot, Therese turns to Philippe. "Isn't she wonderful, my dear?"

He nods. "Absolutely charming. I'm glad William has found such a lovely girl."

"She reminds me of myself when I was her age. So full of life and energy." Therese sighs wistfully.

Philippe laughs. "I can't believe it's been so long."

Therese leans against her husband, a dreamy expression on her face. "Oh, those were the days, weren't they, my dear? The two of us, madly in love and exploring the world."

"Indeed they were, Therese. Indeed they were." Philippe watches as his grandson and future granddaughter-in-law descend the stairs and reenter the foyer.

With a jolly laugh, Therese pulls the couple into a tight embrace. "Oh, I'm so happy you're both here! Yvonne!"

"Yes, Maman!" Yvonne's voice comes from somewhere inside the mansion.

"They're here!"

Yvonne appears from the kitchen, wearing a flour-splattered apron. "Hello, sweetie!"

"Hey, Mom," William says as he gives her hug.

Yvonne turns to Aelita and hugs her, too. "So good to see you, dear. How was the drive?"

"Not too bad," William says with a shrug. "The usual."

"Good, good. Come, let's sit down and have some tea," Yvonne offers.

The five of them sit down at the dining room table, where James is sitting and reading the newspaper, and Yvonne pours each of them a cup.

As they enjoy their tea, they chat about the upcoming holiday and all the fun activities they have planned. William and Aelita tell Therese and Philippe all about the championship and the engagement, and Therese is more than delighted by the news. "I can't believe it," she says, clasping her hands together. "I'm going to have my first granddaughter-in-law! How exciting!"

Aelita just smiles and blushes.

As the afternoon progresses, Aelita gets to know William's grandparents better, and they seem to get along swimmingly. They share stories from their youth and their adventures in America, and Aelita finds herself captivated by their tales.

"That's when we decided to leave France," Philippe says, finishing his story. "Maine has been our home ever since."

Aelita nods. "It sounds like you've had quite the life."

Philippe smiles. "We have, indeed. But enough about us. What about you, my dear? How did you and Willy meet?"

"Well," Aelita begins, glancing over at William, who is watching the conversation with amusement. "I met William at Kadic, in middle school. He joined my friend group after a while. We didn't talk much then, nor in high school really."

William continues the story from his perspective. "Then one spring, the drama department was putting on a performance of Peter Pan. Aelita was Wendy Darling."

"Oooh," Therese interjects.

William continues before his grandmother can interrupt again. "And that's when it hit me, I was absolutely smitten with this girl. The way she moved and sang and acted was mesmerizing."

Aelita blushes, looking at William with affection.

"But, like most teenage boys, I didn't really know how to show her that," he continues.

"So, we got to talking," Aelita picks up, "and the rest is history."

Philippe laughs. "A real romantic, you are, Willy."

William just smiles. "It's worked out pretty well, hasn't it, Lita?"

"Definitely," she says, leaning into him and kissing his cheek.

The day passes by quickly, and soon enough, the six of them are gathered around the table, enjoying a delicious beef bourguignon supper. The wine and the conversation both flow easily, and the laughter is infectious. Soon enough, the group is gathered around a Monopoly board, and it is then that Aelita experiences the legendary competitive streak that runs in the family.

"Come on, Mom, you know I'm always the shoe! It's tradition!" William exclaims as Yvonne picks up the boot for herself and James.

"Traditions can change, sweetheart. Besides, the shoe is mine, and I'm keeping it," Yvonne declares.

"Fine," William grumbles. He takes the iron for himself and Aelita.

Therese scowls. "That's what I was going to pick, Willy." She now picks the thimble instead.

"Now, who's going first?" Philippe asks.

"Age before beauty," William quips, eliciting a giggle from Aelita.

"Cheeky," Therese replies, shaking her head. "Very well, we'll start." She takes the dice and rolls. The pieces move, and the game is underway.

The game progresses with excitement and laughter filling the room. William and Aelita are making strategic decisions and investments, while the elder players chuckle and chat about the memories they share over countless Monopoly games in the past. The colorful paper money is flying, properties are being purchased, and the occasional shouted dispute over trades adds to the vivacious atmosphere.

Over time, tensions begin to rise. William, with a playful smirk, argues with his father over a rent payment, insisting that the amount is incorrect. "Dad, you can't charge us that much rent! We have two houses and a hotel on Boardwalk. It's too much!" he protests.

James, lawyer by profession and Monopoly menace by night, can't resist the opportunity to nitpick the rules. He leans back in his chair, raising an eyebrow, and replies, "William, my boy, in this game, I'm not your dad; I'm just your opponent. And I assure you, the rent is calculated correctly down to the cent. If you can't pay, you'll have to mortgage some properties."

The room erupts into laughter.

William rolls his eyes. "Alright, fine. We'll mortgage Park Place. You're killing me, old man."

At the end of it, James and Yvonne end up winning, despite William and Aelita's best efforts. Philippe and Therese come in third, and everyone is ultimately pleased, even William.

"Hey, Princess," he whispers when everyone has gone off to their respective rooms.

"Yeah, Will?" Aelita replies, turning to face him.

"Wanna go to Starbucks?"

"Yes!" And just like that, Aelita is up, throwing on her coat, pulling on her boots, and heading outside before William can even properly stand up.

"This feels familiar," William comments as they get in the car.

"What? I like hot chocolate," Aelita defends herself.

"Oh, I know, Lita. I'm not complaining." He backs out of the driveway and starts the short journey to the cafe. When they get there, they quickly order a peppermint mocha for William and a toasted white hot chocolate for Aelita.

Once they're back in the car with their steaming hot drinks, William turns on the radio and lowers the volume. "Remember the first time we went to Starbucks?" he asks, smiling at the memory.

"How could I forget? Let's not have a repeat of the steering wheel incident. Deal?"

William nods. "That's on you." He starts the car and they're off, heading down the dark streets, illuminated only by the streetlights and the moon. "Can I ask you something, Lita?" he says after a few minutes.

"Sure," Aelita replies.

"Why do you love Christmas so much?"

Aelita sighs, her breath fogging up the cold window next to her. "My mom was the one who loved it the most. She used to make us these little gingerbread men and decorate them with frosting and sprinkles. I loved how sweet they tasted, and I loved the way her face would light up when she watched me eat them." She sighs again. "I really miss her, Will. The more time that passes, the more details about her that I start to forget. And it's hard. I wish I could tell her about the soccer game and about our engagement. I wish I could just spend one last Christmas with her."

"I'm so sorry, Lita," William murmurs, taking her hand in his. "Your mother sounds like she was a wonderful woman. I'm sure she's watching over you and celebrating your victories."

Aelita smiles. "I like to think so." She takes a sip of her hot chocolate and closes her eyes. "I guess Christmas is just a reminder of all the good things in life, you know? It reminds me that no matter how hard things get, there will always be hope and joy."

William nods, squeezing her hand.

"That's why it makes me so happy your family insists that I spend Christmas with them, Will."

William's eyes shine with emotion. "You're the best thing that's ever happened to me, Aelita."

Aelita grins, and the two of them enjoy the rest of their ride in silence.

As the pair walk through the door, the house is dim but for the bright lights of the Christmas tree, and it's quiet. The only sounds are their footsteps and the hum of the refrigerator.

"Ready for bed, Lita?"

She nods, yawning. "Yeah, let's go."

They ascend the stairs and make their way down the hall, entering the room they share. They each quickly shower, get changed, and brush their teeth, and soon enough, they're cuddling under the covers. Aelita gets a little extra clingy, and William's arms wrap tightly around her. Her hand roams his bare chest, tracing circles across it. Slowly but surely, their lips meet, and the kiss is deep and passionate. Aelita moves to straddle William, but he stops her.

"Aelita," he whispers, his voice husky but hushed. "As much as I want to... not with my grandparents in the house."

Aelita pouts. "I can be quiet."

A laugh escapes before William can stop it. "We both know that's wrong."

Aelita pouts more and crosses her arms.

William chuckles before continuing. "Second of all, hear that power saw?" He pauses for dramatic effect, and the sound of Philippe's snoring becomes more audible. "That's Pépé's snore. They're right next door."

"Okay," Aelita relents. "Then hold me?"

William smiles. "Of course."

And so the night passes. William holds Aelita as they both drift off into a peaceful slumber.


The morning sun rises over the snow-capped rooftops, and the sound of laughter fills the house. Aelita, Yvonne, and Therese are in the kitchen, whipping up a feast for Christmas Eve breakfast, while the men are sitting at the table, chatting.

"How's the practice going, Willy?" Philippe asks, taking a sip of his coffee.

"Pretty good," William replies. "Playing for Versailles is pretty hard work. I wonder what it'll be like playing for a Ligue 1 team."

Philippe chuckles. "You'll have plenty of time for that in the next year."

"So, Pépé," William says, turning to face his grandfather. "Mémé told me you got a new car?"

"That I did, my boy. She's a beauty. Her name is Rosie, and she's the fastest car I've ever driven."

William shakes his head. "I can't believe you named your car."

"Naming your car is an important part of bonding with it."

William laughs. "Whatever you say, Pépé."

James watches the interaction, a smile on his face. He loves seeing his son and father-in-law get along so well.

As the women bring the food to the table, the conversation continues, but a different topic is being discussed.

"Oh, my dear," Therese says, placing a hand on Yvonne's shoulder. "Your cooking has gotten better."

"Thank you, Maman," Yvonne replies, blushing.

"It's true," Philippe adds. "These omelettes are the best I've had."

"I agree," James chimes in.

Yvonne is practically beaming with pride. "Thank you, thank you. You're too kind."

"Don't be modest," Therese scolds. "Take the compliment, darling. You deserve it."

The rest of the day passes by in a blur of food, family, and fun as they play more board games together. When the early evening hits, Philippe looks down at his watch. "Ah, it's about time for us to start thinking about getting to the candlelight service, yes?"

James and Yvonne share a look. "Uh, yeah. We should probably get going," Yvonne says, standing.

William leans in closer to Aelita, whispering, "Ugh. I forgot to tell you. My grandparents are suuuuuper religious. Another reason we couldn't do our thing last night."

"Understood," Aelita whispers back, trying her best not to giggle.

The Desrosiers and the Dunbars—Aelita included—quickly dress and pile into two of the cars, making the short drive to the church. As they pull into the parking lot, Aelita sees a beautiful sight.

There, in the middle of the lot, is a tall evergreen tree decorated with sparkling ornaments and shimmering tinsel. Lights are strung up all around the branches, and they seem to sparkle in the evening sky.

Aelita gasps. "It's so beautiful!"

William smiles. "It is, isn't it? I used to love seeing that tree every year. It's always been one of my favorite things about this church."

"Oh, me too, my dear," Yvonne says, smiling.

The six of them make their way into the church, where a sea of people is already gathered.

As the pastor takes his place behind the podium, the lights in the room dim, and the space is filled with the gentle glow of candles. The choir begins to sing, and the soft, somber notes of "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel" echo through the building.

William's grandmother joins in, her voice strong and clear, and the rest of the congregation soon follows suit. Aelita's breath catches in her throat, and she feels tears pricking at the corners of her eyes.

After the beautiful candlelight service, as Aelita is making her way to the ladies' room, she feels a tap on her shoulder. She turns to find Colette, who's wearing a smile that stretches ear-to-ear. "Hey, Aelita. Fancy seeing you in town. Visiting the Dunbars for the holiday?"

"Yes, I am."

Colette's smile widens, if that's possible. "Good, good. It's always nice to see you. How are you doing?"

Aelita can't resist smiling in response. "It's nice to see you, too, Colette. I'm doing wonderful, thank you. Look!" She enthusiastically shows her the ring.

"Wow, congratulations! What a stunning ring. I'm so happy for the two of you."

Aelita's grin widens. "We're so happy. Thank you."

"Of course. I'll let you get back to your family. Enjoy the holiday."

"Thank you, Colette. You, too."

Aelita's heart is warm, and her cheeks are flushed with happiness. She rejoins the Desrosier-Dunbar clan, and the six of them walk outside, the night air cold against their faces. They go out for dinner and then make their way home.

In the bedroom, Aelita is lying on the bed, staring up at the ceiling, when William walks in. He sits down next to her, a smile on his face.

"What's on your mind, Princess?"

"I was just thinking about how happy I am."

"That's good. I'm happy, too."

"Yeah, but it's more than that. I'm so lucky to have found someone who loves me the way you do. Someone who accepts me for who I am. Someone who makes me laugh. Someone who believes in me. I'm so, so lucky."

William kisses the top of her head. "I feel the same way, Lita."

"Merry Christmas, Will. I love you."

"I love you, too, Lita. Merry Christmas."

"I'll see you in the morning."

"Good night, Princess."

Aelita drifts off, dreaming of the next day, and the day after that, and the one after that, and all the days with William. She has no idea what the future holds, but she knows that she's going to spend the rest of her life with the love of her life.