It had taken a trip to the Bishops for us to be able to tromp through the forest, looking for a Christmas tree. Will had assured Lyle that he could handle an axe and drag back a tree, while I had been drug around by Ellen to meet all the animals. They had several cows in addition to the horses and all of them had calves that bawled as soon as they saw us. A number of sheep were also housed in the large barn, along with a large dog to protect them when they went out. Chickens clucked around the floor of the barn, pecking at anything they saw.

All of them had names and Ellen had taught me every single one before I was finally able to make my escape.

But in the end, Lyle lent Will his axe and we were deemed skilled enough to not accidentally hit each other with it. Then we had started hiking through the woods, searching for just the right tree. We couldn't handle a large one, but the small ones left much to be desired. I was glad that I had been able to sneak out a pair of trousers from Will's trunk to wear, for I wouldn't have been able to scramble through the snow as quickly in a skirt. Rigel was more than happy to accompany us, for is there was anything he loved as much as swimming, it was snow.

He never seemed to tire of romping through it, clearing paths for us to follow. It took some time, but we finally managed to find an area of new growth that had plenty of trees to choose from. Then it became deciding what exactly we wanted. I was elaborating on my reasons for a full tree when Will sighed, "We're going to have to carry it back, you know."

I furrowed my brow, "So?"

"So, a fuller tree is much heavier. And besides, we don't have that many decorations for it. What have we got, some popcorn strings and some ribbon?" He snorted, then pointed to a relatively young sapling. "This one can manage that just fine."

I pouted, "It won't smell as good!"

"Then I'll cut some branches from other trees on our way back and we can weave them into wreathes." Will hefted the axe, "Now, grab the dog while I get this done." I pursed my lips but held onto Rigel's collar. Wreathes were acceptable, and I could use the ribbon I had gotten to make them look pretty. The chopping was done fairly quick, and soon enough the tree was over Will's shoulder and dragging on the ground as we retraced our steps back to the cabin. I wound up carrying the axe, and with Will's coaching, was able to at least cut a few branches to take with us.

We were both ready for a warm mug of chocolate when we caught site of the front of the cabin, and stopped.

Two large carriages were pulled up with a wagon behind them, and porters were unloading trunks and boxes with an alarming speed. Squinting, I tried to see exactly who had come. As soon as I did though, I gave a little yelp and darted behind Will. He paused, looking over his shoulder at me. "Who is it?"

"My mother and God only knows who else!" I hissed, pulling my coat around me. "Oh, she's going to be so angry to see me in these."

"She forbade you trousers?"

"Not specifically but I never wore them before now. Imagine if she sees me like this!" I muttered, glancing around his shoulders. There was a familiar family with Mother, a man, two boys and a new child held in her mother's arms. "And the Lightollers?" Mother left them with a tweak to Mavis's blanket as she headed in.

Will gave a laugh, starting off with a renewed vigor. "Lights! Over here!" He waved the hand that wasn't carrying the tree as he called out. "What are you doing here?"

Charles, with a smile so wide that it threatened to split his face, waved at us. "It's only a few days until Christmas, and apparently I'm spending it here." We had gotten closer, and he glanced at me, smirking. "And it appears you've turned her into quite the Amazon, not exactly what I had in mind when I told you to bring her here, but if you prefer it."

I suddenly realized that I looked like a madwoman in my trousers and carrying an axe, and darted over to the porch to set the axe down. Liz looked over the railing at me, "Ah, you're still wearing trousers?" Oscar was grinning at my growing distress, and I backed away from the both of them. James, coming back out from taking something inside, gave me a smirk as he took in what I was wearing. Oh God, everyone was going to see me in Will's trousers.

I looked to the door and darted for it, "I'm sorry, I wasn't expecting guests. I'll go change."

Lights, back with Will, called out. "Don't go change on my account!" If I thought I would be safe once I got inside, I would have been dead wrong. Waiting in the parlor, with a fire roaring, was everyone else. The Fields, the girls all bundled up, the elder Vanderbilts and Mother. All of them looking right at me. I paused in a moment of indecision, should I greet them or run, but then rushed upstairs and slammed the door behind me. I cursed as I tried to get the buttons undone on the trousers, Will was able to get them off so quickly!

Instead I threw a skirt on over them, and leaned back against the door to prevent anyone coming in until I got them off. Shortly, a light knock sounded and Will's amused voice came through the door. "Ana, are you in there?" I opened the door for just a minute, shutting it just as quickly once he was inside. He took in the sight for a moment, me standing before him with my skirt tucked into its waistband while I struggled with his trousers. "Whatever are you doing?"

I let out a growl as yet another fly button escaped my grasp. "I'm trying to get these things off before everyone remembers they saw me in them!"

"You usually don't have a problem unbuttoning my trousers."

"Very funny, now will you help?"

He stepped forward, his fingers sure on the buttons. "Generally it helps to take your shoes off first." I grumbled, but managed to toe off my boots while he attended to the trousers. Without any suspenders they fell right off, and I gratefully let the skirt drop down while I stepped out. Will still kept his hands under my skirt, and traced his fingers over my waist. "You know, we could keep them all waiting for a bit."

"Later," I stepped forward, kissing his cheek. "And I can put the trousers back on, if you like."

"You know I do." Will grinned, taking my arm once I had slid my feet into a pair of slippers. "Now, shall we go figure out what the hell they're all doing here?" By the time we had made it back downstairs, everyone had gathered in the parlor and it had been utterly transformed. Our small Christmas tree had been brought in and stood up in a corner, more lamps and candles had been lit, presents had been piled on every available surface and everyone seemed to be quite content to sit near the fire and talk.

Aside from the children, who were running rampant through the house and being chased by a barking Rigel.

I gave them all a smile, stepping around them before addressing the crowd. "What are you all going here?"

Mother stood, coming to embrace me. "I thought you might like to have Christmas with your family and friends." She looked over her shoulder, "It took a little time, I know we have only a few days until Christmas itself but you would not have believed how long it took to arrange everything."

Richard Vanderbilt sighed, "I had to purchase two boxcars to get the horses and carriages down here!"

"And we had to go shopping." Light stood, coming to stand behind Sylvie and freeing up a place for me to sit. "I was all set for a nice bit of leave, and then I get a letter with five first class tickets to New York." He rolled his eyes as I sat next to his wife, admiring the little bundle cradled in her arms. "And then we get here and it's all shopping and packing until we're sent here." He leaned over, ruffling Mavis's hair. "At least we can get some rest now."

"Speaking of rest," Will looked around, "It's not that I'm not thrilled to have all of you here, but we don't exactly have the room for everyone."

"Not a problem," Abe nodded, "Ruth has arranged rooms for everyone in the inn in town, we'll let you two have some peace at night."

"What little you can get." Morgan was beaming, "Anastasia, you look much better. Although perhaps your new wardrobe had something to do with that. Trousers are quite a wonderful invention, aren't they?"

I immediately blushed and focused entirely on the fire. Mother laughed, "Oh, they really are. Why, when I was a girl back in Nebraska I would always wear a pair when I had to help out in the storerooms." I flicked my eyes over, seeing Moira had a grin that she was trying to suppress. Mother caught my eye, "Really, my dear, they're just practical. So long as you don't take up the habit for a jaunt through Central Park, wear them if you like them."

"I may never wear them again," I grumbled. "Although having more pockets is nice."

Charles chuckled, his voice low so that only I could hear. "And I think someone else enjoys you wearing them as well." I glanced over to Will, smiling a bit when I remembered how he seemed to enjoy the view they afforded him of me. He greatly enjoyed them, and made no secret of it when we were alone. I couldn't count the number of times he had run his hands over my rear, or up my legs, since I had taken to wearing them.

Sylvie had clearly heard her husband, "Bertie, be nice."

"Of course, darling." He simpered, leaning down to ruffle her curls. "Anything for you."

She shook her head, "Such a complete and utter fool, now, can you at least give us a little peace?" Charles grumbled, but drew back. Sylvie turned to me, smiling. "Now, Anna, I should like you to meet your niece, Mavis."

And then she placed her daughter in my arms.

I did my best to cradle the baby as I had seen Madonnas do in paintings, and considered the child in my arms. "Hello, little one." Her eyes were barely open, the clear gray-blue of her father even as her dark curls were clearly from her mother. I couldn't help but smile as she mewled in my arms, turning towards the warmth I provided. I brushed my fingers over the fringe of brown hair, "Sylvie, she's beautiful."

She chuckled, "Yes, a far sight better than Roger or Trevor when they were that age."

"Darling, take a look at William." Lights had leaned down, his voice low. "He's utterly besotted." I took his advice, looking towards my husband. The elder Vanderbilts had drawn him into a conversation, but his eyes were focused only on Mavis and I. His lips worked for a moment, and he swallowed thickly several times before looking away, his eyes bright and clearly filled with tears. Charles gently took Mavis from my arms, "Perhaps we should hold off on Aunt Anna stepping in until we know our fair Scot won't turn into a puddle of tears."

Sylvie pursed her lips, but nodded. "No need for him to get upset, go give her to him." With a grin, and a kiss to Sylvie's cheek, Charles bounced his daughter in his arms and then promptly dumped her into Will's. Will stammered out something, but quickly had her settled in and she clearly was enjoying it. Her little hands had come out to gently grip his shirt, and he chuckled down at her. I could feel my heart rising in my throat, and quickly looked away. It looked so natural for him, as if his arms had been made purposefully to hold a child. Sylvie sighed, "Not you too."

"I'm sorry," I dabbed at my eyes with my sleeve. "It's just-"

"I know, I know." She reached over, patting my hand. "And it will come in time, there's no need to get misty eyed." She stood, gesturing for me to join her as she made her way to Will. "Alright, that's enough." Mavis was soon snug against her breast, "You two don't need to start crying over her, and if you keep acting like this I'll let you change her. That should put a stop to it."

Will chuckled, reaching over and taking my hand. "I think I may have a bit of experience there, although Roger and Trevor never looked so sweet."

"Well, I don't." I grumbled, but gave his hand a squeeze. "She really is beautiful, Sylvie."

"And a perfect niece," Charles laughed, "At least until she starts talking. That always puts a damper on it." Everyone had a good laugh at that, and things settled in for the afternoon. The children eventually tired of running and tottered back, or were herded back by Rigel. He took his duties as their guardian quite seriously, making sure that they were all settled down before he laid in front of the fire.

Part of the presents that had been brought was enough food to feed an army, which meant that there were plenty of treats to snack on as we grew hungry. Oscar bumped my shoulder as he finished off a plate, "It wasn't that your gingerbread wasn't good."

I laughed, "It was hardly edible, and you know it."

"I know, I know. But I thought you might enjoy a Christmas dinner that you wouldn't have to cook." He looked to his father, who nodded. "We brought along our cook, so don't you worry about a thing."

"That's very kind of you." I shook my head, "It's just so odd to have all of you here."

Liz rolled her eyes, "Well, would you rather have all of us back in the city and leave you here all alone? At least this is something new."

"Indeed." Abe, his eyes closed and his legs stretched towards the fire, raised an eyebrow. "Although it is time for us to head back to town." That drew a general groan from everyone else, but preparations were made, if slowly. Ezekiel lifted one of his sisters up, David hauling the other along as they shuffled towards the door. I followed, smiling and glad. Christmas with all of them was going to be wonderful, but I stuck close to Mother as the carriages were readied.

She glanced over, "Anastasia, I've only arranged all this for a few days, we'll be back in the city by New Year's. Do you think-"

"Yes," I interrupted, smiling as I felt the rightness of it all. "I will come back with everyone."

"You do look better." She brought her hand up, brushing my cheek. "I think some country life has done wonders for you."

I felt a hand on my shoulder, Will's voice calm and steady. "She's never been more beautiful." He leaned down, his voice low. "Even if she has taken up wearing trousers." Mother laughed as I smacked at his side, and soon enough the carriages were rattling back towards town as the weak sunlight started to fade. Will caught my hands after I had given him another hit for a comment about how much he enjoyed me in trousers, "Such viciousness."

"Really Will, if you keep going on like that I am not wearing them again!" I wrinkled my nose, "It's embarrassing."

He slung an arm around my waist as he turned us towards the parlor. "Well, I should hate to lose that."

Dinner was a far sight better than the ones that they had been having, cold chicken and warm fresh bread. With a little butter, freshly made by Ana after Sarah had taught her how, it was quite the feast. And then Ana had asked him to keep reading from the pile of books that had accumulated on the low table by the fireplace. Rigel, feted on the remains of their dinner, stretched out to his full length and promptly fell asleep. Ana seemed to take inspiration from him, stretching out and cuddling close to him.

Will found himself struggling with the Russian names and was still trying to puzzle one out when Ana sighed, "You know, I think I might prefer something else."

"The Sands?" He had already started for the book, "I can at least manage those names."

She reached out, stilling his hand. "Actually, I think I'd prefer some poetry."

"Are ye sure, lass?" He let the burr slip into his voice. "'Tis a dangerous game with that."

"It's hardly dangerous." She laughed, low in her throat and Will felt a thrill in his stomach. "But I have not a clue what was packed." Neither did he, but the books had been placed on the shelves and he took a lamp with him as he searched for something that would suit the mood of this dark, warm and intimate night. He found himself missing the electric lights of New York, or even gaslights of the Newport cottage. At least he didn't have to carry the light with him there, and he had to hoist the light high as he searched through the shelves.

Will couldn't help but grin as he found a leather-bound volume, the gilt letters glittering in the lamplight. "Romantic Poems," He chuckled, pulling it from the shelf. "I know it means the Romantic movement, but this should serve quite nicely." He tucked it under his arm and picked his way back to Ana, carefully moving around Rigel. The big lump was almost snoring, and Will did not want to wake him. So he walked softly, and pulled Ana to him once he had made his way to the settee.

Her eyes had been closed, but flicked open when he sat. The brown in them glittered in the light, and she smiled. "Oh, this should have everything we need." Will heartily agreed, and he handed the book to her. She started with some Keats, and he started on her shirtwaist. By the time she'd finished one, he had wormed his way into her brassiere and was kneading her breast. She leaned back against him, her sigh having quite a bit of a moan to it. "Oh, Will."

"Ana," He rumbled, pressing kisses to her. "Keep going." Her fingers flicked through the pages, ending up on Wilde as he continued on with disrobing her. She was squirming in a most delightful way as he did so, and he could feel himself growing harder. God, the feeling of her, so soft and warm and the sound of her voice could have undone him in an instant. But there was more to come tonight, he needed to be patient. Although that was hard when she shoved the book at him, "Your turn."

Considering that she was naked, while he was still full clothed, she was right. "Let me see, ah, Byron. Wonderful." No what was truly wonderful was the feeling of her hands on his shirt buttons and tracing against his chest. He barely kept hold of the book when her hand wiggled past his waistband, "She walks in beauty, like the night, Of cloudless climes and starry skies; And all that's best of dark and bright, Meet in her aspect and her eyes; Thus mellowed to that tender light, Which heaven to gaudy day denies." He groaned as her hand brushed against him, teasing up and down his length. And then she was urging his hips up, and she had stripped his trousers off and knelt before him.

Will gulped as she pressed kisses to him, her tongue sneaking out to taste him. "One shade the more, one ray the less, Had half impaired the nameless grace, Which waves in every raven tress." And then her mouth was around him and he lost all thought but the sensation of her sucking and bobbing her head. Her fingers trailed along his thighs and he panted as she swirled her tongue around him. She paused, looking up at him and he almost came at that. The sight of her lips, tight around him and her eyes on his was almost more than he could bear. But then one of her hands raised, fingers gesturing for him to continue. Christ, how could she do that with her tongue and expect him to keep going? He stammered for a moment before finding his place, "Or softly lightens o'er her face; Where thoughts serenely sweet express, How pure, how dear their dwelling-place."

He felt her smile around him, and he let his free hand move to her hair. It was so soft, and she hummed happily when he wound his hands through it. His hips snapped up at that, and her own hands gently pushed him back down. But he couldn't help himself, he was thrusting into her mouth as he finished the last lines, rushing and not keeping the meter at all, but he hardly cared for he wanted the poem to be done and to haul his wife to bed. "And on that cheek, and o'er that brow, So soft, so calm, yet eloquent, The smiles that win, the tints that glow, But tell of days in goodness spent, A mind at peace with all below, A heart whose love is innocent!"

She let him slip from her lips, smiling. "I don't think I'm quite that innocent."

"No," Will threw the book aside, standing and hustling her towards the stairs. "An innocent would not be seducing me so easily." She was laughing as he pulled her after him, her voice light and when he shut the door to the bedroom she wrapped her arms around her shoulders and shoved her breasts against him as she began to rub against him.

"Will, God, please." Her voice was soft, her hands teasing and he herded her towards the bed. Her laugh as she tumbled back was fire in his veins, and he caught her legs as she lifted them up. He gently pressed them back, and quickly grabbed a pillow to place under her arse and lift her up. She raised an eyebrow, "You have an idea, don't you?"

"Indeed." He leaned down, kissing her relentlessly even as he pressed her knees back and rubbed himself along her length. It was nice, pleasant even, but it was only a tease. He wanted to sink into her, to bury himself to the hilt and make her moan and writhe and sigh. He wanted to feel her walls, tight and soft and hot, clench around him and draw him further and further into her. So when Ana adjusted her hips and pressed herself to him, he entered her gladly. "By God, Ana." This position was indeed quite nice, and she seemed to enjoy it too by the way she cursed under her breath before he began to move further into her.

She was past words at this point, simply moaning and giving that strangled gasp that he had made his goal in life to hear every time he entered her. She was rocking her hips against him, and Will planted his feet firmly before driving himself all the way home. God, being inside her was heaven. She was so smooth and tight, and wet in the way that made him plunge ahead faster and faster. Her cries were growing louder, and part of him could hear Rigel whining by the door, but he didn't care. Not when her legs were curling around him, pulling him tighter and tighter. It was all he could to keep his feet under him as he ravaged her, his hands moving to her hips to pull her even harder against him.

But then she was grimacing, her hands tight where she was grasping the blankets. She was close, and Will abandoned her hips to grab at one of her breasts and brush his fingers against her center, intent on seeing her come to her pleasure. He could feel her twitch around him, her muscles beginning to clamp and keep him insider her. He leaned over her, watching as her mouth seemed to catch in a silent cry, her body lifting underneath him and staying up for only a moment before she collapsed back onto the bed. Will joined her shortly after, utterly spent and exhausted. He knew his knees would punish him in the morning, but he hardly cared now.

Rigel barked, very loudly, and Ana stirred. "Just a moment." She quickly opened the door, and the dog quickly situated himself by the fireplace in the room. Will was glad that he wasn't interested in the bed, for he pulled the blankets over the both of them and cuddled his wife close. She sighed happily in his arms, "You don't mind us going back with everyone, do you?"

He chuckled, kissing her. "Of course not, so long as you're comfortable." He leaned back into the pillow, looking up at the boards of the ceiling. "Although I will miss this place, it's been nice to get away from the city."

"It has been." Ana wound her fingers through his, "I imagine this was what Newport was like before everyone built it up."

"Well, we're not telling them then." He teased, "We'll keep this all for ourselves."

"And our friends."

"Yes, well, I highly doubt the Lightollers will purchase a lot and build a cabin up here." He sighed as Ana traced her fingers over her chest. "And the Vanderbilts probably don't want to either."

She chuckled, "I was actually thinking about building them a cabin near us, the Lightollers I mean. I think they would like it, and it would be a good experience for the children, to come over and see their eventual American cousins."

Will brought a hand up to pinch the bridge of his nose. "Do not tell him you're thinking about it."

"I won't, but do you think they would like it?"

"I do, and I can see it happening eventually, but let's focus on building up things here before we commission a new cabin. You wanted a greenhouse, right? And a flower garden?"

Her hand slipped up to his shoulder as she draped herself on him. "I do, but I also want to see the Lightollers more. Don't you?"

"You know I do." He pulled her closer, "Which is why we'll spend the holidays with them. Now, I think we could both stand to get some sleep before they're all back over here." Ana gave a delightful little grumble, and nuzzled against him. Will closed his eyes, and he could see a future that he wanted. Ana and Sylvie, each carrying a babe as they sat on a fallen tree by the lake. The lake itself was a wonderful clear blue, and he and Charles were running their sons through how to sail on the small boat. Later they'd take a stroll through the gardens, lovingly tended by Ana and the families would retire to their separate cabins. He held that idea close, for he would not let it disappear. It would be the future, even if it took time to get there.