PROLOGUE:

6 MONTHS FOLLOWING THE WEDDING…

Elizabeth was insisting on a sleigh ride in the country on Christmas Eve.

"Elizabeth, it's not a good idea. You haven't been feeling well."

She smiled at his concern. "Jack, I need fresh air. This will be good for me. Trust me."

He finally gave in. He left and got the sleigh ready and hitched Sergeant to it. He helped Elizabeth in, bundling her up tightly. They rode in silence for a time. She leaned on his shoulder with her arm wrapped through his while he held the reins guiding the gallant black horse. He stopped the sleigh in front of a breathtaking view of the snow covered mountains and looked down at her tenderly. "You doing all right?" he asked with concern in his voice.

"I'm fine," came her tired reply.

"I think I need to get you back."

"No, Jack, please, really, I'm fine." She paused before asking, "Were you going to start adding on to the house soon?"

"Maybe in the next few months, once warmer weather comes. Why?"

"I just thought it might be a good idea to add a room soon." He looked at her, puzzled, but she didn't respond to his questioning look. Instead she seemingly changed the subject. "You know it's your fault I've been sick."

Another look of concern crossed his face at the mention on her illness, a look that had become common the last couple of days. "What do you mean?"

She smiled at him.

"What?" He was still puzzled.

Elizabeth pulled out a small package. "While you've been at work, I made something for you, well not really for you. Open it."

Another change in subject? She was acting really strangely. "Elizabeth, what does this have to do…?"

She held her index finger to his lips and said, "Hush. Just open it." He untied the string and pulled the paper away. Inside was a pair of small white knitted booties."

He held them up. "Uh, dear, while your cooking has improved, you really need to practice more on your knitting. These are a little small for me."

"But they won't be for your son or daughter."

Realization finally hit, and she giggled at the expression on his face. He turned to her. "Seriously?"

"Yes, seriously. I saw the doctor today."

"We're having a baby? We're having a baby!" He gave her a big hug.

Her heart warmed at his enthusiasm.

He placed his hand on her cheek, caressing it. The love they had for each other shone like stars in their eyes. He moved his hand to the back of her head and brought her to him for a kiss. She paused before their lips met and whispered tenderly, "Merry Christmas, Jack."

"Merry Christmas, Elizabeth." And they kissed. Half an hour later, they finally made their way back home.

THE END