The Royal Scandal | Prince William |

Not the Time for Christmas Cheer

December 25, 2012

She pulls the pillow box hat on, trying to hide the parts of her hair that won't settle down. Behind her William's pulling on his coat, and she rolls her eyes ninety-nine percent positive it's the same coat he wore last year, and the ten years before that.

She turns back to the vanity her eyes catching sight of the Christmas card tucked in the corner. It's a candid picture of them laughing during the Jubilee celebrations, his hand supporting her back as she turns to him with a huge smile. It was more informal than the one they did the year before, which featured of photo of them at their wedding reception.

Even though it's from a little over six months ago Jaclyn barely recognizes herself. She looked bright, strong, and full of life. Though she would never turn back the clock she wonders if she could still get back to being that girl after the baby is born.

"What are you thinking about?" William sets his hand on the back of her chair, leaning over to rest his chin on her head before she swats at him. She carefully picks up the card holding it up for him to see. "Do you miss this girl?"

He looks over the picture, but more obviously is looking at her with skepticism written all over his face. "Far as I can tell she's still here." He squats, arms wrapping around from the back to gently lay on her shoulders as he holds up the picture for them both to see. "What about you, do you miss him and all his hair."

"Darling, you had no more hair six months ago than you do now," she teases, lips quirking in the faintest smile. Her hand reaches back rustling the thinning but still present hair. "Besides, there's a bit left."

"What should I do when there's none?"

"Invest in some hats?"

"Well I was going to give you your present, but you're being smart-"

"Now wait a second," she gasps, melting backwards as he kisses her cheek and stands to go retrieve something from the dresser. When he return his fist is closed around something, and she gives him a 'really' look but knows he's atrocious at wrapping.

Teasingly slow, she opens his palm, revealing a dark jeweled brooch piece by piece until it becomes whole. It's such a cheesey and small gesture, but the encrusted oak leaf is enough for tears to well in her eyes.

William carefully pins the brooch over her heart, but before he can pull away she leans up and kisses him. It's brief she doesn't have the strength to stretch for long, but as she pulls away his hands settle at her sides and carefully return her to sitting.

His finger traces the brooch, barely brushing her coat, but it's enough to make her spine stand straighter. "Just to remind everyone where you're from."

She beams, reaching over to grab the flat square box on the vanity. "Well this is for everyone to see where we're going," she explains as he pulls the lid off. Inside is a simple black rubber braided bracelet with three silver links. The first two have their names, but the last one is blank.