Meghan felt the pressure of small kisses to her cheeks, down her jaw and finally on her neck then her eyes snapped open. A smiling Luke was kneeling beside the small couch in her study, his hand upon her abdomen. "Morning Sleeping Beauty."

"What time is it?" Meg asked groggily.

"A little past noon. You fell asleep while studying." He helped her to sit up then pulled her up to her feet. "Come, I have something to show you."

She smiled broadly. "A surprise? I love surprises."

"Good. Close your eyes and trust me."

Meg did as she was told and let her husband lead her out of the study. She guessed from the direction they were heading that he was leading her to their parlor. They stopped and he turned to her. "Okay ready?" Meg nodded eagerly and Luke chuckled softly. "Alright open your eyes."

A huge evergreen tree stood in the corner with Ian beside it and Meg gasped in joy. "Oh it's beautiful!"

"You like it Meg?" Ian asked.

"Oh yes." Timidly she walked into the room. "Our very first Christmas tree."

"Well, then I guess my sore back is worth it. Looks like you won."

"Won what?" Meg asked as she looked from one man to the other.

"A small wager. I happened to mention that Christmas was your absolute favorite holiday and because of that we should search for the perfect tree. Took us three hours." Luke replied.

Ian smiled. "I thought one tree was as good as another, but now that I've seen how your face lit up I am truly humbled."

"I hope it wasn't a very large wager." Meg replied with worry. "Luke had the upper hand as he's known me since I was twelve."

"It wasn't a monetary wager. You and your husband have won an entire weekend in the house alone."

"But where will you go?"

"The hotel. I can survive a weekend there."

Luke wrapped an arm around his wife's waist and pulled her in close to him. "I've never been so grateful that I've won a bet in my life."

Meg leaned up and kissed his neck. "When can we start decorating?"

Luke turned to Ian with a huge smile. "See? Didn't I tell you?"

Ian laughed loudly. "I've never met anyone with such a love for the holiday. I have to admit it's contagious."

Meg smiled broadly. "I can't help it. So when can we start?"

Luke rolled his eyes playfully. "I'll pick up the ornaments we've ordered from Cromwell's after work and we can decorate the tree tonight."

"Can I start on the room then?"

"Yes, if you promise me, you won't tire yourself out."

Meg crossed the space over her heart. "I promise."

"Will you make sure she doesn't over do it?" Luke asked Ian.

The man's mouth dropped open, the gesture was made as a sign that he was finally coming to trust him. "I'll probably be doing everything while Meg sits back and supervises."

"You obviously don't know Meg."

"Hey!" She said with a giggle. "I'm a doer not a watcher. Especially when it comes to Christmas."

"That's what I'm afraid of." Luke replied as he kissed her forehead. "Now I've got to get to the shop. Poor Corey's been there by herself all morning. Do I have your word Meghan?"

"Yes." She said with aggravation. "Trust me."

Luke waved at his friend and led his wife to the parlor door. She raised an eyebrow in question, and Luke pointed up with a smile. She giggled softly. "Leave it to you to put the mistletoe up first."

"It's for this very reason I did." He said softly. Meg glanced toward Ian and blushed. "Do you mind mate?" Luke asked his friend.

Ian couldn't get out of the room fast enough, now alone Luke turned back to his wife. Meghan stood on her toes and wrapped her arms around her husband's neck, her hands tangling themselves in the hair at his nape. Slowly Luke bent his head and softly brushed his lips over hers before he pulled back.

"I love you Meg."

"From that kiss, I couldn't tell." She muttered.

Luke laughed. "Can't start something we won't finish. I promise later I'll give you a better kiss.

"Well alright." She helped her husband into his coat then handed him his hat. "Don't forget to invite Corey over for Christmas dinner."

"I won't forget. I'll see you later." He kissed her sweetly then bent to her abdomen. "And I'll see you later, too." As he placed a kiss to the mound a soft thrust met his lips. He looked up at his wife with a broad smile. "That never ceases to amaze me." With one final kiss he left the house and his wife in his friend's care.

Ian grunted as he dropped the small trunk onto the sofa in the parlor. "What is in here?"

Meg's eyes brightened as she opened it to reveal several bows and baubles for decorating. "They were my grandmother's and mother's things. Daddy gave them to me shortly after Luke and I were married."

"Oh." Ian replied reverently. "Heirlooms."

"Yes, I suppose they are." She said softly.

Ian placed a tender hand on her shoulder. "So where should we begin?"

"The fireplace."

A half hour later Meg sat back on the couch and sighed. "I should have known you'd give up on me." Ian said with a wide grin.

\"Tell you what. You carry the baby around and I'll decorate." She replied.

"No thank you." Ian said and sat beside her. "It's coming along nicely."

"Yes it is. Oh! I've been wanting to ask you something."

"Yes?"

"Well, Luke and I were hoping you would build a cradle and dresser for Daddy and Serena as a Christmas present. I know it's short notice, and if it's too much trouble, then we can get them something else."

"For you, I'd work all day and night to do it."

"I don't want you doing that Ian."

He smiled shyly. "Don't worry about it Meg. You'll have your cradle and dresser before Christmas."

She was left speechless as he rose to continue decorating. When all was done he helped her to her feet and stood in the doorway with her as she surveyed their work "You've done wonderful work Ian. Thank you."

"I had a good partner."

Meg smiled and inhaled quickly as she put a hand to her abdomen. "Are you okay?" Ian asked.

"The baby is moving around." She saw his eyes fixated on her abdomen, and Meg grabbed his hand to place it over the movement.

Ian's eyes opened widely, and he smiled. "That's amazing."

"It's a miracle." She whispered.

Ian's eyes met hers then moved to the space above them. They were standing beneath the mistletoe. As he stepped away from her she grabbed his arm. "It's tradition Ian."

He told himself she was too naive to know what she was doing and vowed he would place a quick and innocent kiss to her cheek. But as she leaned in and he caught the scent of lavender from her soap all thoughts of innocence vanished. Before Meg could kiss his cheek he turned his face and her lips met his instead.

Tenderly, Ian's hands caressed her cheeks and instantly Meg stiffened and placed her hands on Ian's chest to push him away, but before she could grasp him he separated from her and turned away, muttering curses.

"He's going to kill me. He's not going to rest until I'm buried six feet under." He said quietly.

Meg touched her lips tenderly. "Who?"

Ian turned around and pushed a hand through his hair. "Luke that's who. He trusted me, and now I've ruined it."

"No, he won't."

"Sure he will, just as soon as you tell him what happened-"

"I'm not going to tell him."

Ian's eyebrows rose sharply. "Meghan, I won't have you lying to your husband."

"It was an innocent kiss under the mistletoe, Ian. You meant nothing by it. I won't say anything if you won't."

"Really?" He asked and when Meg nodded he hugged her. She again stiffened in his arms. "But now I've lost your friendship haven't I?"

"No." She said quickly. "You just surprised me is all. I wasn't expecting that kind of kiss, and I need a minute to get myself together."

Ian nodded. "I understand. I'm gonna go out for a while."

"Where are you going?"

"Just out for a ride."

"Will you be here for dinner?"

Ian turned to look down at her seriously. "Do you want me to be here?"

"Yes."

"Then I will." He went into the hallway and grabbed his coat. "I'll see you later."

"Ride safe, Ian."