This is an old holiday chapter written in 2015! It was hypothetical see as no one knew who Ivy would end up with. Enjoy! This is for Patience of a Gordon and occurs after the story ends.

The aromas drifting out of the kitchen had been enough that several had come in asking what I was making. I had only thanked them before sending them out with a subtle hint that I did not plan on sharing it.

I had spent countless hours trying to make the breakfast only to burn the food several times. This was the first attempt where everything was working out as I wanted. I was more than happy with it, although that didn't last long.

The smoke alarm was set off once again as the toast began to burn. I bit my lip, quick to take it out and wave around one of the kitchen towels to get the smoke out.

I could feel my eyes watering, upset that I couldn't do this. After so many tries, I still could not cook to save my life. I had planned for today to be special, yet it had just begun and I was already ruining it.

I could hear the kitchen door opened and I prepared to snap, but once I turned I was met with a pair of concerned green eyes. I could feel the water in my eyes growing, threatening to pool down my cheeks.

"Dear, what is going on in here?" he asked, looking around at the huge mess I had made.

I could feel all my hope for the day dwindle down, leaving behind disappointment and frustration. "I had wanted to surprise you with breakfast, päästja. I thought it would be sweet and a beautiful way to start off our first Christmas together but-" I started, babbling on and on until he walked over, pulling me to him and shushing me effectively with a light kiss.

"It is already the most memorable Christmas for me, Ivy. Do you know why?" He asked before giving me the answer. "It is because you are spending it with me and I could not possibly ask for anything more than that."

Just like that, I could feel my mood lightening. It was amazing, the power he had over me. Just how easily he could change my emotions and make me feel as if all was alright. He did not realize it which only gave it more meaning.

I gave him a smile to reassure him that I was fine and received one in return. His thumb pad ran across my cheek, swiping away the few tears that had managed to escape. He gave me a tender look before pulling me even closer, my head resting on his chest.

I could feel his chest vibrating with soft laughter before he said, "Let us clean this up." I laughed briefly before we cleaned up the mess, teasing each other along the way.

By the time we were finished, the day had already began, the sun shining out. I grabbed his hand, pulling him along with me.

"I have the perfect day planned, päästja! Go get dressed for me," I murmured, pressing a kiss to his cheek before darting into my own room. Before closing the door, I could hear him laughing.

I had chosen a red sundress Cayne had bought for me a while back. There was a silk, black ribbon around the waist, a bow on the back. I had a pair of flats to wear with it, along with a beautiful silver necklace.

I glanced in the mirror once before leaving the room and finding Cayne standing there. His eyes travelled my body, causing me to smile, before meeting my own.

"You look beautiful, my dear," he murmured, reaching for me. I willingly went over to him, running my hand along his arm.

"As do you," I responded lightly, pleased with the black and red suit he had chosen to wear for the day.

"Am I allowed to know where we are going yet?" He asked and I smiled, shaking my head as I twined our fingers together.

"It would not be a surprise, päästja. Let us go," I replied, quickly pulling him outside. There was a carriage awaiting us patiently. Cayne opened the door for me, allowing me to enter first, before following behind.

The ride there was peaceful. Cayne held my hand the entire ride there, his thumb gently stroking it. I was leaned against his chest, his lips pressed against my hair. I would laugh occasionally at something he said or lean over and stroke his arm. Sometimes, neither of us would talk and we would simply enjoy one another's company.

When we finally arrived, I could feel the carriage pulling to a stop and Cayne lifting his head to glance out the window.

"Does Kai know we are here?" He asked, his voice cautious. I understood why, but I was quit to clear things up so that our day wasn't ruined.

"Yes and I have told him we are just stopping by. I just wanted to show you something," I replied, hearing someone step off the carriage and move towards our door.

They opened it and Cayne was the first one out, holding out a hand for me. I graciously took it, smiling at him.

I took his hand and guided him through the village where I had been born and raised. It had been a joyous experience, something I wanted to share with him.

"They are out celebrating Christmas by the river. I just wanted to show you where I once lived," I explained, following the path.

We had lived at the beginning of the path, but once I was chosen by Kai, things had changed. We were quickly moved to the center, right beside his house. I could still remember how often we would stay up giggling as we talked through the walls until our parents told us to hush.

I finally stopped, glancing sadly at the house that was there now. It looked similar to my old house, but it did not have the familiarity with it. It felt cold and distant, not as inviting as the house that had once stood there.

"Our home used to be here. It was where my mother and father settled down and had me. That house was their everything, my everything. It was my everything before I met you," I said softly, smiling at him.

He had a smile on his own face, one of fondness and delight. I pulled him to me, pressing my lips against his for a moment.

"I thought it was suiting to show you the place where I was raised before I gave you our present," I whispered, my nerves getting the best of me for a moment. I hesitated before handing him the box I had brought along with us.

"I left your present at the palace, dear. I did not-" he started but I shushed him, shaking my head.

"Just open it, päästja," I laughed, nudging at the box.

He did so, a curious look on his face. He pulled out the small pair of shoes, looking at me questioningly. "I do not think these are my size," he teased and it was my turn to laugh.

"That is correct. However, in a year from now they will fit someone else," I whispered, his expression after etched into my heart forever.