Partners in Crime

Chapter 21 - Christmas Celebrations (part 1)

*Christmas Eve*

*No one's P.O.V*

The world outside was busily preparing for the impending holiday, rushing to get any last-minute shopping done before the shops closed. The snow was beginning to blanket the city, but Jay and Erin were oblivious, having started celebrating early. All that existed in that moment was the two of them as their bodies twisted and writhed in heated passion under the sheets. Neither detective knew of the chaos that would befall their lives in a few short months. All they knew in that moment was the love they felt for each other and that neither of them would be getting much sleep that night.

*Christmas Morning – 6am*

They wake to the sound of Erin's phone blasting out perhaps one of the most obnoxious sounds Jay Halstead had ever heard.

"I really wish you would change that bloody thing" Jay mumbled, leaning over Erin to turn the alarm off.

"Yeah I know but I keep forgetting" she mumbles, still half asleep.

"How about you do it now before you forget?" Jay suggested, handing the phone to her.

"What's it worth to you?" she asked, rubbing her hand on his chest suggestively. Jay paused, pretending to mull it over in his head.

"On second thoughts, I think I could get used to it," Jay teased, getting out of bed and pulling his boxers on. Erin called after him, making him laugh in response. Erin rose up out of bed and went after him, not bothering to put clothes on just yet.

"Jay!" Erin whined, catching up to him in the kitchen. Jay turned around and started to speak but upon seeing his girlfriend completely naked, he forgot what he was going to say. It took him a few seconds to regain his composure.

"As much I would love to spend all day in bed with you.... Again" he smirked, placing his hand on her hip and pulling her closer, "everyone will be here in a few hours and Will said that he and Natalie will be here at 8 to help us with the preparations. Which means, you my gorgeous lady, need to get that sexy butt of yours into the shower. I'll make us some coffee and some breakfast and then I will have a shower once you are done in the bathroom" he finishes, giving Erin a quick peck on the lips before turning to put the kettle on.

Erin went to go have a shower as Jay got to work on making pancakes for both of them.

*8am*

Erin was busily cooking in the kitchen whilst Jay finished putting up the Christmas decorations.

*knock knock*

"I'll get it!" Jay called, putting down the piece of tinsel he was trying to untangle and going to answer the front door.

A breeze raced through the front entranceway as Jay opened the door and stepped aside to let his brother and Natalie in.

"Come on in. Erin is in the kitchen and I am just finishing hanging decorations" he said, hugging them as they entered.

"Merry Christmas" Natalie cheered, returning Jay's hug before going to join Erin in the kitchen. The two women hugged each other in greeting before continuing with the food preparations, chatting as they worked.

"So, how are things between you and Jay?" Natalie asked, pausing to tie her hair back before continuing with peeling the carrots.

"Really good. He's been so great since I came back home. I still have the occasional nightmare every now and then, but he has been wonderful. He stays up with me when I can't fall asleep and he has been there for me whenever I have needed him" Erin replied, smiling softly in the direction of the living room where Jay and Will had set to work on hanging up the remaining decorations. Natalie smiled in response.

"How do you make it work? Does your relationship not affect your work?" Natalie asked, her question confusing Erin.

"It isn't easy but every moment I spend with him is worth it. He has been a lot more protective of me since we started dating and I suppose so have I of him, but it only makes us more determined to keep each other safe" Erin responded, turning to face Natalie before continuing, "Why? Is there something going on between you and Will?" she asked, a hint of hopefulness in her voice.

"I guess you could say that" Natalie admitted, glancing towards the living room. Erin put her knife down and focussed all her attention on Natalie.

"Do tell" Erin asked, stepping closer to Natalie who grew increasingly anxious.

"Well about three months ago, we had a really tough day at work. We lost three people that shift, and we decided to have a few drinks when we got off work. A few drinks turned into a whole bottle of wine and the next morning when I woke up I was lay on top of him naked" she admitted, taking a shaky breath before looking Erin in the eye "I'm pregnant" she said, bursting into tears.

Erin wrapped her arms around Natalie as the tears streamed down the young woman's face.

"A baby? Nat that's a good thing. What's with the tears?" Erin asked, as Natalie pulled back and wiped the tears from her eyes.

"I'm not ready for a baby and I don't want Will to feel like he has to be with me just because I'm having his baby" she admitted. Erin smiled at her.

"Will is crazy about you. He looks at you the same way Jay looks at me. Jay has been telling him to grow a pair and ask you out for three years. And as for not being ready for a baby, Hun no one is ever ready" she said, handing Natalie a tissue to wipe her eyes.

"Really?" Natalie asked, blinking away the few remaining tears threatening to spill from the corner of her eyes.

"Yes, and despite your little act, you are crazy about him too" Erin smirked, resuming the food preparations. Natalie blushed, choosing to return to peeling the potatoes. 

A.N.////// So sorry this chapter took so long. Uni got hectic and I didn't have time to write. 

I realised how long this chapter was getting so I decided to make it a 2 parter. I also didn't want to keep you guys waiting any longer. 
I hope you enjoy it

Until next time
amberjadecatherine
xxx