Forever Knight and its characters were created by James Parriott, et
al., and are owned by Sony/TriStar. I wanted to wish everyone a
joyous New Years. I am sorry I posted this after the contest but here
is my unedited version of my fanfiction. All the rest of my fanfics
are located at
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Forever_Knight_Romance/

The Christmas to Remember

The Christmas Song
Lyrics by Mel Torme
Chestnuts roasting on an open fire
Jack Frost nipping at your nose
Yuletide carols being sung by a choir
And folks dressed up like Eskimos
At the loft the day before Christmas Eve:

"Nat look," Natalie heard Nick say with the excitement of a
youthful child. Natalie came over to stand by Nick and looked out the
window. There standing in the snow was six little boys and girls
singing Christmas carols. They looked like pure angles with the snow
fluttering down around them and sticking lightly to their hair. She
used to fervently hope that one day she would have a whole brood of
little angles. She had even gone as far as picking out their names.
However, that dream had withered long ago as it slowly became clear
to her that she wanted to be immortal with Nick. She wanted to be
able to have more than those seemingly innocent pecks on the
forehead. She wanted to feel Nick Knight in all his glory. She wanted
……. 'Natalie control yourself Nick would never allow you to be
brought over.' During the whole ten years that Nick and her had
been "friends" she had never let it be known to Nick her feelings
towards becoming a vampire. Natalie's heart began to beat faster as
Nick slid close to her and put one of his big strong arms around her.
Nick sneakily glanced towards Natalie and almost failed to stop
the sigh of contentment before it escaped. He was very content with
Natalie...'too content you fool.' Yes, he admitted it he had allowed
himself to get too close to Natalie. On top of that he had overstayed
his allotted time for the incarnation of Nick Knight. Lucien had told
him last week that, ""You do not have much more time left maybe a
week or two. If you continue on past that then the enforcers will
come and forcibly remove you, which would undoubtedly put Natalie in
grave danger.'" It is not that he had not tried to leave before; in
fact he had attempted it many times. However, each time his heart had
begun to ache so badly that he was forced to stop and rethink his
plans. What was he to do? He knew that it was impossible for him to
stay, but equally as impossible to leave. He leaned over and kissed
Natalie's temple softly. Then let his eyes wondered over Natalie's
body that had gotten only better with age.
She was getting older and this was probably her last year
before her maternal clock ran out. It was definitely time to leave.
He wanted her to have a family a human husband… "You're lying to
yourself." Yes, he knew it too there was no way on earth another man
would ever touch Natalie the beast would not allow it. Most
importantly the human side of Nick would not allow it. She was his
and his alone. This was the precise thing that had motivated him to
leave time and time again. She could not be his or the beasts. She
deserved better than him, and the only way she would ever be his is
if she crossed over. This was especially true now that the time had
come to move on he had to either bring her over or move on and never
contact her again. This is not a dilemma he wanted to be dealing
with, especially not at Christmas.
"Nick you all right?" she asked a couple of time even having to
rub his shoulder to awaken him.
"Yes, I was just thinking about how lovely you looked tonight
at the policemen's' ball," He said as he pulled her tighter. She
looked so breathtaking in that red slim cut dress that accentuated
her lovely curves. Her hair was brushed back away from her face
exposing her attractive neck. It had been and continued to be hard
for him to resist her.
"You didn't look that bad yourself Mr. Knight," she smiled as
she let her eyes once again trace over his knightly body that was
clad in a black suit and sported a red tie for a hint of color. She
was growing concerned though as he seemed to be increasingly spacing
out as it drew closer to Christmas. He had never been this hard to
awaken or drifted off as much, which was making it all the more
anxiety provoking for her. What was troubling him so much that he was
continuously escaping from reality? He had been doing this all
throughout the policemen's ball earlier in the night. He had spaced
out when they started serving dinner and the waiter had had to ask
three times what he had wanted for dinner. She had been happily
surprised though when he had asked for plum pudding and had even
attempted a bite. Tracey and her husband, Fred, had ordered the
chicken parm. like her. It was a very lovely night, especially since
Nick had been so attentive when he wasn't spacing out. He had also
been a lovely dancing partner refusing to let her sit out even one
slow dance. She smiled and glanced out again towards the carolers.
They stood there embracing each other and listened as the carolers
started to sing Mariah Carey's - All I Want For Christmas Is You:
I don't want a lot for Christmas
There is just one thing I need
I don't care about the presents
Underneath the Christmas tree
I just want you for my own
More than you could ever know
Make my wish come true
All I want for Christmas is you

I don't want a lot for Christmas
There is just one thing I need, and I
Don't care about the presents
Underneath the Christmas tree
I don't need to hang my stocking
There upon the fireplace
Santa Claus won't make me happy
With a toy on Christmas day

I just want you for my own
More than you could ever know
Make my wish come true
All I want for Christmas is you, youuuuu, ooh ooh baby, oh oh

I won't ask
for much this Christmas
I won't even wish for snow, and I
I just want to keep on waiting
Underneath the mistletoe

I won't make a list and send it
To the North Pole for Saint Nick
I won't even stay up late
To hear those magic reindeer click

'Cuz I just want you here tonight
Holding on to me so tight
What more can I do
Oh, Baby all I want for
Christmas is you, youuuu, ooh baby

All the lights are shining
So brightly everywhere
And the sound of childrens'
Laughter fills the air

And everyone is singing
I hear those sleigh bells ringing
Santa won't you bring me
The one I really need
Won't you please bring my baby to me quickly, yeah

Ohh ohh, I don't want a lot for Christmas
This is all I'm asking for
I just want to see my baby
Standing right outside my door

Ohh ohh, I just want
you for my own
More than you could ever know
Make my wish come true
Oh, Baby all I want for Christmas is you, you ooh, baby

All I want for Christmas is you, ooh baby
After the song had ended Nick could feel Natalie's heartbeat
strumming though his ears. God how that song had wished he could take
her where she stood. `Do it Just Once' he couldn't tell if that was
his own voice or if Natalie had actually just ordered him to kiss
her. However, he didn't care as he quickly placed both arms around
Natalie and pulled her warm supple body against his and passionately
began to kiss her. He heard Natalie moan and press her adorable
breasts against his cheats, which increased his desire. He ran his
hand up her back and threaded his fingers through her brown silky
hair. He felt her tongue begin to trace his lips lightly asking for
permission to touch her tongue to his. He ran his other hand down her
slim waist and curved his palm around her ample butt in return. He
heard her heart begin to race faster in response. He let his lips
part just and hair and Natalie excitedly advanced their kissing. `How
did you become such a good kisser Natalie' he silently cursed to
himself. Never had he allowed himself a kiss of this magnitude with
her, and she was showing him just why he shouldn't have. Natalie was
making all the right moves and kissing just the right spots that
would erg him on. He drew away quickly from her and put a foot
between them. "I am sorry Nat….."
"You are still going to see Santa with me with my niece
tomorrow, right?" she saw him nod his head and with that she turned
and left.
Everybody knows a turkey and some
Mistletoe help to make the season bright
Tiny tots with their eyes all aglow
Will find it hard to sleep tonight
Christmas Eve:
"Hey sweaty you ready your turns next?" she asked her cute
little five year old nice. Her niece and she had worn matching
dresses for their photo with Santa. Natalie smiled as her niece
brushed at her velvet green dress so that should could look
presentable for Santa.
"Okay Natalie I am ready" Her niece said with a beaming smile.
"You both look so pretty" Nick said as he squeezed the little
girl's hand. The little angel had asked to hold his hand when they
first entered the mall and had not dared to let go since. He had
known her from the time she was born. Natalie's sister in-law had
remarried and moved to Toronto six years ago. Only to lose her new
husband a few days before the baby was due. Nick upon Natalie's
request had stepped up and acted like a father to the child. Natalie
and Nick often would baby sit young Emily. When they got together
like this, sometimes he would get caught up with the notion that one
day him and Natalie could have a family. He and Natalie had been
doing a lot more babysitting since Emily's mother had gotten sick
with cancer two years ago. If he wasn't being forced to leave he
could imagine Natalie and him raising Emily as their daughter.

Flashback:
Nick watched as the little baby girl was christened in the
tiny white dressed her father had picked out before he died. "Can we
have the godmother and godfather take a step forward?" said the
priest who cradled the baby. Sarah beamed at Nick as he stepped
forward and took the baby from the priest. Natalie placed her hands
on the tiny girl as the priest bestowed them both with the honor of
godparents. Nick had almost cried that day for it was the closest he
figured he would ever get to holding a daughter of his own. That day
he had formed a special bond with both Emily and Natalie.

End of Flashback:
"Thanks Daddy" Said little Emily.
"Your up angel" said the little elf that stood their taking
the pictures.
Emily bounded toward Santa gleefully pulling on Nick's hand
to keep up. Nick could not help but to smile. He watched as Santa
gently placed the little girl upon his lap. Emily was definitely
enjoying the authentic looking Santa. She lightly ran her fingers
over his snowy white beard, which caused Santa to crinkle his ruby
red nose and make his stomach giggle as he said "ho ho." Nick instead
of getting happier at his "daughters" excitement retreated into
sadness, as tomorrow was his last day in Toronto.
"Now sweet Emily, I know you been a good little girl this
year…you see I been keeping special attention on you…" He said the
last bit then trailed off to a small stop and looked directly at
Nick, "your such a precious little girl that I wanted to make sure
that you were safe. Now I read your Christmas list already, but I am
undecided about the request you made. I was wondering if you could
tell me more about why you want such a `special' present."
Nick looked on in bewilderment at why this mall Santa was
acting in such a weird fashion. Especially, glaring at him and
talking about keeping Emily safe, as if he knew that Nick was a
danger to her or something. He did not think that he gave off a weird
vibe, but perhaps his retreat out of reality had stricken this
stranger as a danger sign. Nick stared on as Emily talked.
"I just think that Daddy Nick should be with Aunt Natalie,
because they love each other. Shouldn't we be with the ones we love,
if we can?" she said to Santa.
Natalie and Nick looked at each other and then at Emily. She
had always seemed so mature for her age. It was mostly due to the
complicated life she had led so far. Her father's death and currently
her mother's illness had aged her beyond her years. They both read
the sadness in each others eyes before they looked back at Santa.
"Hmm…I might be able to pull a couple strings…but I will not
promise anything, okay?" Santa said looking at Emily.
Emily looked at her daddy and aunt and then finally back at
Santa before responding. "Okay" Emily said a bit disappointed that
Santa had not fully agreed.
"Say Cheese," said the camera man a little annoyed. He was
mad at how long Santa had taken with this couple considering how long
the line was. `It is good he makes such good Santa by pretending to
know their names out of thin air and guessing what is on their
Christmas list before being told.' "Happy Holidays" He said to the
couple as he handed them their picture as they were leaving. "Next,"
He said as he readied the camera for the next little boy or girl.

They know that Santa's on his way
He's loaded lots of toys and goodies
On his sleigh
And ev'ry mother's
Child is gonna spy to see if
Reindeer really know how to fly
Christmas Eve Night:
"This is ridiculous they should be back with news by now,"
Natalie whispered below her breath, as to not stir Emily. She had
received the terrible phone call from the hospital a little less than
ten minutes after their visit with Santa. Nick had so graciously
offered to drive them to the hospital. They had now been sitting here
for four hours without any news on the condition of Sarah. She had
had to stay calm for Emily's sake but now that she was asleep she was
able to more aptly express her emotions. Emily had taken the news
with some crying but for the most part she had remained relatively
calm. Natalie realized that it must be because from day one Sarah had
been preparing her daughter for a night like this. Emily also knew
she had two loving adults that would do anything for her.
Nick had cradled Emily for most of the time at the hospital,
until Emily had fallen asleep. He began to feel a bit uncomfortable
as the feeling of fatherhood swept over him. He got up and laid the
sleeping child delicately on Natalie's lap. As soon as he had sat
back down he had retreated into his own thoughts. How was he supposed
to leave tomorrow with both Emily and Natalie suffering and needed
him? It all seemed so impossible to both stay and to leave. He
realized the only way he was going to be able to solve this was to
have a talk with Natalie.
"You here for Mrs. Miller" said a tall blonde man all dressed
in scrubs. Nick instantly recognized him as Lucien. "I regretfully
have to inform you that the young woman has passed away. I am very
sorry for you loss doctor and yours young Emily." Lucien looked into
the little girls young beautiful blue eyes "You will be
okay….tomorrow you will awaken and realize that Natalie and Nicholas
De Brabant are going to be your new mommy and daddy. You will have
some sadness but you will become a healthy happy child quickly"
Lucien said softly making sure the young child's malleable mind was
melding to his desire. "Now sleep," Lucien said as he picked the
child up into his big strong arms.
"Nick, I have prepared the papers already for you and your
vampire bride Natalie and your daughter. Consider this my Christmas
present. I love you son." With that Lucien flew away with a sleeping
Emily in his arms.
Nick was flabbergasted had that really just happened, had
his father just came and told him that he, "his vampire bride"
Natalie and "your" daughter could stay together. He had even used the
term "vampire bride" and "your" daughter. To top that he had even
said he loved him. He ran to the window and looked out to see if the
Earth had just frozen over. Instead of seeing an ice covered earth he
saw Santa's sleigh amongst what looked and felt like at lest five
enforcers. He blinked and looked again and they were still
there. `WOW!' what power young Emily had to convince Santa to speak
to the enforcers. Nick began to cry as the concept of the miracle
that had just taken place. In his whole 800 years of existence he
had never been giving something so incredible. He had just been
awarded a blessing from Santa to turn his true love Natalie into a
vampire. Natalie would always be there for him throughout eternity.
He may not have found the cure to his vampirism, but he had been
given the best gift of all the love and trust of a child. But not any
child a child that regarded him as her dad.
"Oh God Nick," Natalie said as she felt herself being
swept off her feet and into the arms of the man that she loved.
LaCroix had just accepted her as a partner for his precious son. Not
only that he had just convinced Nick to bring her across, now she
could have all those lovely kisses that she had dreamed about and
more. She would even be able to take Emily with them, so that they
could be a family. `A family….oh how could this be happening?' She
soon heard the answer as a "ho ho" echoed through the night sky. She
began to cry in joy and happiness. "We are going to be a family,"
she squealed.
And so, I'm offering this
Simple phrase to kids from
One to ninety-two
Altho' it's been said many times
Many ways; "Merry Christmas
80 years later on Christmas Day:
"I love you my dear" said Natalie to her beloved husband
Nick.
"I love you too my dear" said Nicholas as he nibbled on
Natalie's earlobe. It was amazing sometimes that he and Natalie
seemed to only grow more and more in love. She was the beacon of
light in his stormy shadows. They had accomplished so much together
over their eight years. Among them was that they had successfully
managed to raise their daughter, who had turned out to be smart,
intelligent, and successful. Although she had lost her husband
quickly after the marriage, her new husband loved and adored her more
than the first. Another one of their accomplishments had been to
resist the urge to ever kill. Natalie still had not made her first
kill and Lucien had accepted it for now. They had also managed to
further restore the De Brabant estate and house to its former glory.
He looked around and marveled at how much better the De Brabant house
looked with love, laughter, and music filling the air.
"I want to make a toast" said Emily as she stood up with a
glass full of blood red wine. "I want to thank Santa for the love of
my wonderful parents and the love of my husband and daughter Flower…"
she trailed off as she glanced towards Lucien who was smiling like a
little boy in love "Merry Christmas you all, I love you all very
much."