Unexpected

Mistletoe and Christmas Pudding!

The festivities were in full swing as both Tom and Melody's family crammed themselves in the couple's flat to celebrate Christmas together. Tom's sister Sarah had flown over from India specially.

Despite being engaged for just over four months, everyone was still congratulating the two on their special moment.

The families were squashed in Tom and Melody's tiny living room, Tom's niece Ava sitting in Tom's lap, snuggling into his soft winter jumper that he'd bought especially for the occasion.

"I can't believe there's only two weeks until your wedding Tom!" Emma squealed from the rug on the floor by the tree. Tom ran his fingers through his hair chuckling softly at his sister's enthusiasm. Ava hopped off his lap and waddled over to Melody, who happily bundled her into her arms with a smile.

"Are you sure you want Ava as your flower girl Mel? She can be a bit of a handful sometimes" Sarah chuckled as her daughter wriggled around in Melody's lap.

"Oh of course I'm fine with it! She would make a fabulous addition to the bridal team" Melody responded as she tickled Ava's tummy, proceeding to blow a raspberry on her stomach making Ava scream with laughter.

"You are so wonderful with children Mel, you are going to be a great mother one day" Sarah added with a smile. Melody's lips twitched up slightly at Sarah's statement. That had been the first time anyone had mentioned Tom and Melody starting a family since the miscarriage, and still it hurt Melody to think about it.

"Ex-excuse me for a s-second. Um Emma c-can you take Ava f-for me?" Emma jumped to her feet and pulled her niece into her arms after Melody had stood up and made her way into the kitchen. Tears welled up into her eyes as she thought of those past events. The hospital, the pain that had shot through her stomach and the heartbreak that occurred for the few months after. Salty tears emerged and rolled down her cheek as Melody ran her palm over her stomach. She would have been six months pregnant today.

Tom noticed the wetness in Melody's eyes as she escaped to the kitchen  so automatically got up and followed her. He didn't get far before he heard her quiet sobs, knowing automatically what they were for. She turned when she heard him enter the kitchen and without saying a word, stepped into Tom's tight embrace.

"Oh my darling. Just because it happened once does not in any way mean it will happen again. Children or no children, I will always love you!" Tom whispered into her hair as Melody sobbed into his chest. "All I need is you Melody. It's always been you and always will be" Tom whispered, wiping a tear from Melody's cheek. She smiled softly and kissed him gently on the lips.

"You're such a cheesball Hiddles!" She replied with a giggle, prodding him in the centre of his chest.

"I'd like to call it hopeless romantic" he stated with a breathy chuckle when Melody rolled her eyes. "Now give this cheeseball a kiss" He growled as he held a piece of mistletoe above their heads. Happy to oblige, Melody giggled, grabbed Tom's collar and pressed her lips firmly against his.

"Oh get a room you two!" Emma said giggling as she walked into the kitchen, followed closely by Ava who had decided to chase her aunt wherever she went.

"I do what I want" Tom called back, sending Melody into a fit of giggles at his reference to Loki.

"You may be my big brother, but I could easily take you any day Tommy boy!" Emma retorted playfully. Deciding to be the gentleman and allow his sister to win, Tom simply tutted and turned his attention back to Melody, who now had the most wonderful smile on her face.

"That's more like it my darling! Now, let's get that Christmas Pudding ready" Tom said with a grin. Melody ran the backs of her fingers across his cheeks, chuckling lightly at his remark.

"After that huge Christmas dinner, you're still hungry?! I'm positively stuffed!" She replied.

"Darling" Tom said before pausing to smile and push a strand of hair out of her face. "There is always room for pudding"