Liam looks like a five-years-old as he barrels down the stairs. "Mother?" he calls excitedly.

I take my time following behind him, a smile on my face. And, much to my joy as well, I see Eleanor swiveling her head around and glances back at her son. Her face freaks with happiness.

"She's here," I murmur.

"My son!" Eleanor squeaks and Liam pulls her into a heart-melting hug.

"Why didn't you say you were coming, huh? I could've picked you up." Liam is smiling gleefully at her.

"It wouldn't be a surprise if I told you, would it? So here I am, back to where my heart is," Eleanor replied matter-of-factly, her smile divided between happiness and longing.

I halt by the stairs, witnessing this lovely moment. Eleanor is still as beautiful as ever, and Liam is extremely happy to see her again.

"You look great," he tells her.

Eleanor flushes. "It's just some old jeans and boots, Liam. Recognize the coat, though? Your gift from my last birthday." She sounds proud as she analyzes her outfit.

"I hardly remember. Wasn't it blue?" Liam teases her.

"Rascal!" Eleanor slaps his arm and hugs him once more. As they pull back she asks, "Where is your wife? I seriously miss her."

"Um . . ." Liam starts but stops midway at my presence on the staircase.

"I'm right here." I wave at them.

"There she is." Liam shrugs as Eleanor giggles softly.

"I nearly thought he'd abandoned my daughter in some corner of the house," Eleanor says gracefully.

"Oh? So I'm the villain of the story all the time!" Liam laments.

I chuckle and mutter, "You're really here."

"Of course, honey. I'm finally here." Eleanor strides over and drags me into a bear hug. "Oh, I missed you two so much!" she rumbles and her mood attests her words.

She's so warm—much more than I remember—and her presence is forever healing for some reasons I can't tell.

"We missed you, too." I huff an emotional laugh, and her eyes rest on me. "Well, you caught us at a compromising time," I say.

Your husband's shirt and leggings? A way to leave a first impression, Kira!

Eleanor laughs. "You look cozy, and it's nothing but a good sign. I'm happy about that, trust me."

I give no comment on that, but my cheeks are most probably red.

A bottle of chilly champagne is poured into glasses by Eleanor during dinner. She hasn't stopped talking since her arrival this evening and no one is tired listening to her.

"Just sit down and let me do it," Mrs. Prescott scolds her for the umpteenth time.

"I tried but she won't let me," I comment truthfully while serving the BBQ shrimp and Greek salad onto my husband's plate.

"Come on, guys! I'm not arguing with any of you, okay? I miss doing this so let me," Eleanor states and Liam smiles gently at our banter as he takes a seat. "Nana, call Lisa and Mr. Prescott. Let's all have dinner together. I miss you, guys!" She pouts her lips cutely.

"Alright." Mrs. Prescott smiles and walks out.

"Ah, it's so good to be home," Eleanor whispers under her breath after a sip of champagne.

I grin at her and focus back on Mr. Intense. "Some pasta?" I ask him while clutching the ceramic bowl of parmesan pasta that smells terrific.

"Just a little," Liam mutters while sipping the champagne poured by his mother.

Mr. Prescott and Lisa join us in the dining room. Like a big family we all eat together and I've never felt like this for so long ever since our beautiful meal times back in Montana.

"Nana, this is super!" Eleanor tries another mouthful of pasta and everyone laughs at her enthusiasm.

It's as though her presence has shifted everyone's mood and the house feels brighter. I love the joy painted in everyone's face this evening.

"How is everything in Montana?" Liam quizzes when everyone begins eating.

"Great," Eleanor mutters. "Well, Peter and Betty want to get married by January. That's the latest news that I'm still trying to process myself."

"What?" I nearly choke on my peach juice that I've purposely chosen over champagne.

I'm not sure if it's okay drinking even a bit, under the medication I'm having. I'll have to consult Dr. Adams tomorrow—a mental reminder.

"That's what they said. But I told them to wait until I return and hear it anew," Eleanor says. "So, in other words, I think I'll have another wedding to plan very soon." She chuckles and it seems like no one is surprised by her love for hosting parties.

She's great at that. Or she's great at so many things, I might add.

Liam doesn't seem shocked about the marriage news, however, which makes me scowl at him reproachfully.

"You knew about it, didn't you?" I mumble into his ear.

"Um, But wasn't it obvious?" Liam returns and she scowls at him. "No, Kira, I'm not your gossip buddy to tell you such details, too, am I?"

"Of course you are."

"Huh?" Liam chortles.

I roll my eyes

"Okay, I shall keep in mind that my wife should, and must know everything that I know. How preposterous, though."

"Preposterous?" I huff a laugh and proceed eating.

"And Malik? Oh, I really miss my crazy son." Eleanor is still inquiring about anything and everyone.

"He flew to Los Angeles today. Some emergency over there," Liam replies.

"He did?" I had no idea at all.

"Yeah," Liam utters.

"Well, he better show up before Christmas! I take no one's absence," Eleanor articulates like a mama bear she is, but suddenly her eyes light up when she looks at me. "Tell me, honey, how is life in London? Do you like it?" She seems excited to know.

"Um, I love it! Little by little I'm starting to enjoy everything this city has to offer. Just today I was at the British Museum and then at Hyde Park. Oh, it was splendid." I tell them about my little gateway and they laugh indulgently.

As for Liam, he just smiles tightly and guilt reappears on his face.

"You were really stressed because of me, right?" he asks after a few minutes.

"Yeah, but I'm good now," I reply with a bright smile.

After dinner we settle in the living room and watch an interesting Christmas family movie. Mr and Mrs. Prescott are busy chatting with Eleanor, and Lisa is overly occupied with the family drama on the TV.

"Sleepy?" Liam asks me over a smooth kiss on the temple.

"No, I'm tired." I snuggle up by his side, yawning, my head on his chest as we're seated on the couch by ourselves.

"You need to sleep then," Liam murmurs.

"Mmm," I hum quietly.

"I think we're heading in first. I had a tiring day and I have to be in the office tomorrow," Liam announces to everyone.

"Of course, honey. I'll see you both tomorrow, because I don't think I'm going to sleep anytime soon." Eleanor beams.

"Okay. Goodnight, everyone," he says, and I do exactly the same.

"Goodnight!" they all reply.

Despite being tired, I feel an immense joy inside. We head straight to our room.

"I need a shower," Liam states while locking the door smoothly.

"Me, too." I yawn again. "Can I join you?"

"Only if you allow me to wash you, Mrs. Darcy. I'll wash you thoroughly."

"I'm intrigued. You can do however you please, Mr. Darcy. I'm all yours."

***

In the morning I wake up gloriously at the feel of warm lips touching my forehead. I smile softly and my eyes fly open with difficulty. The sight of Liam's face closer to mine is still arresting, and there's no better way to wake.

"Hey, beautiful," he whispers, staring down at me amorously.

He's lying sideways, his elbow supporting his head.

"Hey, handsome," I return playfully, a smile radiating my well-rested face. "You're up early. Are you going to work?" My enthusiasm fades at the thought.

I wish I could have the whole day with him.

"I have a considerate amount of work today, but I'll do it right here," he replies.

Relief fills me, pleased to have him in the house just as I prefer. "Do you know I've never been to your office? Isn't that strange and unfair?" It suddenly dawns on me.

"Oh yeah?" Liam's face glows as he lays his head back on the pillow. "If you want to go, I'll take you there. Maybe you'll be tempted to join my company, who knows? I'm a dream-come-true boss, just so you know." He winks.

I scowl and laugh at the same time. "A dream-come-true boss? I think you have a lot of explaining to do, Sir. What do you mean by that? What should I expect if I decide to work for you?"

Liam's lips curl up into a sexy grin as he looks at me. "Wouldn't showing be much better than telling? I'm a man of a few words, Mrs. Darcy," he whispers.

"Oh boy!" I chuckle lightly.

"And where did you go yesterday? Tell me all about it," Liam demands after a short moment. I shrug innocently while playing with his hair. "I'm serious, Kira. That dress was hazardous and I'm still very disturbed that I wasn't there with you."

"Jeez, Liam! Hazardous?" I sit up astride him, laughing heartily.

"Very dangerous, Kira. And don't be proud please," he says.

"Jealousy much?"

"Always. You're mine."

"I know. And you're mine, too." As I whisper this my lips find his and I know what I need for the day to begin splendidly.

When we step downstairs the house feels alive. Eleanor's voice becomes the chief of merriment and laughter fills the air as Liam and I approach.

"Seriously, Nana, I was on the plane and all I could think of was to reach here and have your delicious pancakes for breakfast!" Eleanor says from the kitchen.

"They'll be done in just a little moment," Mrs. Prescott returns.

We walk in and they both face us.

"Good morning," Liam greets them.

"Morning, honey. Had a good night?" Eleanor is busy arranging the flowers into a vase.

"Yeah. And you?" Liam kisses her on the cheek.

"As great as I can be," Eleanor replies. "I heard someone needs a partner for this. Am I right?" she utters in glee as I move over.

Aww, it's about Christmas decorations!

"Yes! Yes! Finally I get to see someone who cares about Christmas!" I cheer.

Liam smiles softly while regarding Mrs. Prescott. They exchange a few words before the old lady hands him his cup of coffee.

"Well, I better leave you, ladies. I'll be in the study for some work," he announces quietly.

"No, wait!" Eleanor says stoutly. "We need someone tall to help us with Christmas decorations."

"And . . . That someone tall is me?" Stupefied, Liam points a finger at himself.

"Are you not, son?" Eleanor grins.

I laugh amused, much to Liam's horror.

"You can ask the guys outside. Sebastian . . . or Tylor can aid you with whatever—" He pauses as Eleanor and I give him a flat, unimpressed look. "Oh come on! Are you ganging up on me now?" he growls at us.

I stifle a laugh.

"Honey, it won't take long. Just an hour or two and we'll be done," Eleanor tells him tenderly.

"An hour or two," Liam mutters under his breath, rolling his eyes. "As if I'm a stranger to female shenanigans."

"What?" I blurt out, laughing loudly.

"Nothing, Kira. I just need to make one call," Liam says and wanders out of the kitchen.

The decorations are on point as Eleanor and I discuss the layout. Sebastian, a stout raven-haired security guard with remarkable green eyes, brings the tree. He's in a black suit, his body stout and macho.

"Here it is, ma'am," he utters, his voice deep.

Lisa is behind him, flushing a deeper shade of red. Jeez! Is someone smitten?

"I thought you're into Tylor," I tease her.

"I'm not into blondes," Lisa mutters, lost into her subject of interest. But suddenly she regains her wit and her eyes flash in comprehension. "Huh? No, ma'am, what are you talking about?" She blushes, staring at me with a chagrined look.

"If you say so." Smiling, I join Eleanor in deciding on where to place the Christmas tree. "How about the foyer? Right at that corner near the staircase," I suggest.

"Over here?" Sebastian lifts the gigantic tree with ease, following my lead.

"No, over here." I point and the same speech takes place on different occasions until we place it rightly.

"How are you and my son doing? Is everything alright between you two?" Eleanor asks me some minutes later.

We are both seated down on the rug, picking the ornaments from the shopping bags.

"Um, good. We're fine," I reply, forcing a smile.

What will Eleanor say when she learns about my condition? She's probably counting days to hear some resplendent news of becoming a grandma in several months.

I know how excited she is about it.

And much to my horror, Eleanor chirps, "I can't wait to see the cutest toddlers running around here. Hopefully by next Christmas I'll have at least one on the way." She takes the lights out with a big, hopeful smile.

I smile back nervously, unable to quip.

"We're not planning to have kids right now," Liam interrupts coolly as he walks over with a ladder. I sigh softly with relief. "For now you can save your excitement, Mother. I want to have my wife all to myself." He smiles down at me.

That's my husband. I smile back.

"Do I have to be jealous now that you've stolen my son from me, Kira? I don't think he ever lets you out of his sight at this level—does he?" Eleanor muses.

"Barely." I giggle.

Liam huffs. "Okay, I'm here so let's get it over with. Only one hour and I'm off to work. What should I do first?" he asks urgently.