Well - what can I say… surprise! There’s still more to this.
There’s this one last story… which is long enough to be cut into two to three parts, I’m sorry 😂
I think this one is even sappier than the earlier stories - I couldn’t help it, it is a Christmas story…
The rest will be posted probably tomorrow, depending on how much time I’ll have for the last minute edits 😅
So, Merry Christmas FoLCs
---
Lois stirred as the first light of Christmas morning filtered through the curtains. She blinked sleepily, registering the comforting warmth of Clark's arm draped over her waist, tugging her close in a protective embrace. For a moment, she stayed still, savoring the peace of the moment - no deadlines, hopefully no rescues, just them.
“Merry Christmas, honey,” came Clark’s soft, drowsy voice, his breath warm against her ear.
She turned to face him, smiling. “Merry Christmas, farm-boy.”
Clark brushed a strand of hair from her face, his eyes full of quiet affection. “Did you sleep well? It was freezing and very windy last night - I hope you weren’t cold.”
She shook her head, nestling closer. “I’m never cold with you nearby. You make a pretty good human heater.”
He chuckled, showering her with kisses. “And you make a pretty good reason to stay in bed all day.”
Lois smirked. “Enticing, but not today. There are presents to open and we still need to finish the preparations for dinner tonight.”
His eyes crinkled with a sultry grin as he brushed a stray strand of hair from her face. “You’re pretty full of energy for someone who loves to sleep in.”
“I couldn’t help it,” she admitted, her excitement bubbling just below the surface. She reached out to trace small circles on his chest, her touch light but deliberate. “There’s something about today that feels... special.” Lois laughed softly, as her hand drifted to rest lightly on her stomach.
Clark kissed her forehead, holding her closer. “It is special. It’s Christmas and we’re surrounded by everyone we love. And most importantly, you’re here with me.”
Lois bit her lip, her heart racing as her excitement bubbled beneath the surface. She had been carrying the secret for only a short time and now it felt almost impossible to keep it in a moment longer. But not yet - not here, not like this. She wanted the moment to be perfect.
Instead, she leaned up and kissed him softly. “You’re still a sap,” she teased, her voice tender and warm.
“And you still love it,” he replied, his grin widening.
“Maybe,” she said with mock reluctance, slipping out of bed before he could pull her back. She grabbed her robe and glanced over her shoulder, a mischievous sparkle in her eyes. “Come on, let’s start Christmas morning right. Coffee, presents and maybe something sweet.”
Clark chuckled, sitting up and running a hand through his hair. “I don’t know what’s sweeter - breakfast or you when you’re like this.”
Lois rolled her eyes but couldn’t suppress her smile as she padded toward the door. Today wasn’t just any Christmas. It was the start of something new, something that would change both their lives forever. And she couldn’t wait to tell him.
She paused, glancing back at Clark, who had followed her lead and was just tying his robe. Her heart full of love and anticipation.
Downstairs as she turned toward the living room, she suddenly found herself halted by a familiar arm snaking around her waist. Lois looked up, and there it was again - Clark had positioned her squarely beneath the mistletoe hanging in the doorway.
“Really?” she asked, raising an eyebrow but unable to suppress her grin.
“Rules are rules,” Clark said with a mischievous twinkle in his eyes. He leaned down to kiss her, slow and sweet, leaving her breathless.
Lois smirked, tilting her head. “Only you would treat mistletoe like some sort of law. You know, you can bend the rules now and then.”
“Not this one. I’d never miss an opportunity to kiss you,” he replied, his grin widening as he leaned down to do exactly that - slow and sweet, leaving her breathless.
“You’re relentless,” she teased when he finally let her go, her cheeks flushed and her heart racing.
“And you love it,” he shot back with a wink before disappearing into the kitchen to make their coffee.
Lois shook her head, smiling as she carefully placed a small bag beneath the tree, hiding it from direct view.
The sound of Clark humming along to a Christmas carol drifted from the kitchen and she couldn't help but smile. He embodied the spirit of Christmas more than anyone she knew.
Moments later, he appeared in the doorway, with two steaming mugs of coffee. “Merry Christmas again,” he said, his eyes lighting up at the sight of her.
“Merry Christmas, my love,” she replied.
Clark handed her a mug and they settled onto the couch. Lois felt the anticipation building in her chest as her eyes darted to the gifts beneath the tree.
“You’re eyeing those like a kid on Christmas morning,” Clark teased, nudging her lightly.
“Who says I’m not?” she shot back with a grin.
“Well,” Clark said, standing and reaching for a brightly wrapped box, “why wait?” He handed it to her with an almost boyish excitement.
Lois ripped the paper with eager hands, revealing a plush blanket in her favorite shade of red; it almost looked like his cape. She ran her fingers over the soft material, her smile widening. “It’s soft and warm and big - it’s perfect.”
Her fingers lingered on the fabric as a warmth spread through her chest. She imagined the two of them curled up together under this very blanket, sharing quiet moments in the glow of the fire.
“I’m happy, I got it right,” Clark said with a laugh.
She reached under the tree and pulled out a thin, rectangular package. “Your turn.”
Clark unwrapped it carefully, revealing a photo album. He opened it to find pictures of their adventures together, snapshots from their wedding and candid moments they had captured. “Lois,” he said softly, his voice thick with emotion, “this is amazing.”
“I thought we could fill the rest with new memories,” she said, her smile turning shy.
He leaned over and kissed her. “Thank you. I love it.”
The next hour passed in a flurry of gift exchanges. Lois laughed as she unwrapped a set of novelty superhero socks and Clark chuckled at the carefully selected tie that fit perfectly into his collection of crazy ties.
“Okay, one more,” Clark said, retrieving a small, flat box from under the tree. He handed it to her, his expression suddenly nervous.
Lois opened it and gasped. Inside was a delicate gold necklace with a tiny, intricately crafted locket shaped like a star.
“Open it,” Clark urged.
She did, revealing a tiny photo of the two of them on one side and the word Always engraved on the other.
“Clark, it’s beautiful,” she whispered, her throat tightening.
“I just… wanted you to have something to carry with you. A little reminder that no matter where I am, I’m always with you,” he said softly.
Lois blinked rapidly, touched beyond words. She leaned in and kissed him deeply. “Thank you. It’s perfect.”
Clark smiled, his eyes warm and steady on hers. “You’re welcome.”
Lois hesitated, glancing toward the tree. Her heartbeat quickened. “There’s one more.”
Clark tilted his head. “Oh? Did I miss something?”
She stood and retrieved the small bag she had tucked away earlier. “You made Christmas special for me this year and I hope I can return the favor by making it even more special for us! So… I have one last present for you,” Lois said, her voice steady but filled with a quiet excitement. She extended the small bag to him as she sat back down.
Clark took the bag gently, his expression shifting to curiosity. “What’s this?”
“Just… open it,” Lois said, her voice barely above a whisper.
His curiosity deepened as he untied the ribbon and reached into the bag, his eyes flicking between her and the contents inside. Her heart was hammering in her chest. She was sure he could hear it but he said nothing, completely engrossed in opening his last gift.
As his fingers brushed against something smooth and cool - an ornament - he raised his eyebrows. Pulling it out, he found a tiny glass pacifier glinting in the light, tied to a folded note. He unfolded the paper carefully, his eyes scanning the words:
Clark,
This year, you’ve done what I never thought possible - you’ve shown me the true beauty of Christmas. Not just in the traditions or the lights, but in the quiet moments and the joy we share. Every step of the way, you’ve reminded me what this season is truly about: hope, love and family.
But this - this is more than I could have ever imagined. It’s not wrapped in shiny paper or nestled under the tree. It’s here, with us. Something so small yet so miraculous. Something that will forever change the way we see the world.
Clark, we’re going to be parents.
Even as I write the words, they feel too big, too wonderful to fully believe. But it’s real. And knowing that we’re stepping into this together, side by side, fills me with a happiness I can’t even begin to put into words.
You’re going to be an incredible father - I know it with every part of me. The love, the patience, the hope you carry inside you... it’s the best gift I could ever wish for, not just for me, but for this new life we’ll welcome into our world.
Our family is growing, Clark. And so is the love I feel for you.
Merry Christmas, my love.
Forever yours,
Lois
Clark’s hands froze, as he stared from the ornament to her face then to her stomach and back to the ornament. Clark’s hands trembled as he took her hands in his, his breath catching. “Lois... is this - are we...?” His voice faltered and his eyes searched hers, wide with disbelief and wonder.
Tears shimmered in her eyes as she nodded. “It’s our Christmas miracle, Clark.” She swallowed hard, her throat thick with emotion. “Against all odds... we’re going to have a baby.”
Clark stared at the letter again for a long moment, his breath caught in his throat. The weight of the last year, the struggles, the uncertainty, everything that had been heavy between them, felt like it was all being lifted in that one moment. His whole body was trembling as he pulled her into a tight embrace.
“I - Lois, are you sure? This... this is real?” His voice was barely above a whisper, unsteady thick and with emotion.
She nodded, her cheek pressed against his chest. “My doctor confirmed it two days ago… I had my appointment when you flew off to save that bridge…” she closed her eyes to ban those memories.
He showered her with kisses, “Oh honey, I didn’t know - I’m so sorry!”
For a moment, all he could do was keep her tightly in his arms, holding her close as though letting go might break the fragile magic of this moment.
Finally he loosened his embrace to slip one hand down to rest lightly against her stomach, the realization sinking in like the most beautiful truth he’d ever known.
There was nothing but the quiet sound of their breathing, the soft beating of their hearts. Clark pulled back slightly, lifting her chin with one hand so he could look into her eyes.
“I love you both so much,” he whispered, his voice filled with wonder and joy. “You’re my miracle, Lois. This... this is everything.”
Lois smiled through her tears, her heart swelling. “It’s our miracle, Clark. Our Christmas gift to each other.”
Clark’s breath hitched and his knees nearly buckled under the weight of her words. He stared at her, his mind racing, his heart pounding in his chest. Every challenge they’d faced, every doubt they’d carried, seemed to dissolve in that moment. A tear slipped down his cheek as he reached out, his hands cupping her face as if to reassure himself she was truly there.
Clark pulled back just enough to meet her gaze, his eyes shining with tears and joy. “Lois, this is... this is more than I ever dared to dream of. I thought...” He paused, his voice breaking. “I thought I could never give you this. I thought it wasn’t possible.”
“And yet here we are,” she whispered, her smile soft and full of love. “Miracles, Clark. Maybe that’s what Christmas is all about.”
He kissed her then, slow and tender, as if pouring every ounce of his gratitude, his love, his wonder, into her. When they finally broke apart, he rested his forehead against hers, his voice low and full of promise.
“I’ll be the best father I can be. I’ll protect you both, love you both, with everything I have.”
“We’ll figure it out together,” Lois replied, her hand covering his. “We always do.”
The room seemed to glow with the warmth of their shared joy, their breaths mingling in the quiet promise of a future they hadn’t dared to hope for. Clark glanced at the letter still in his hand and let out a soft laugh, shaking his head.
“Best Christmas gift ever,” he murmured, his voice thick with emotion.
Lois smiled, her eyes shining. “Merry Christmas, Clark.”
He pulled her close once more, whispering against her hair, “Merry Christmas, Lois.”
---
Later, as they sat together eating Christmas brunch, the delicious aroma of fluffy pancakes, fresh fruit, scrambled eggs and Clark’s favorite maple-glazed ham filled the room. The twinkling lights from the tree cast a warm, festive glow over their quiet celebration.
Clark reached across the table, his fingers brushing against Lois’s. “So,” he began, a hint of excitement in his voice, “how do you feel about telling our families? I know it’s still early, but... I can’t wait to see their faces.”
Lois smiled, her fork pausing midway to her plate. “Well, your parents are going to be over the moon. I can already hear Martha brainstorming baby quilt patterns and Jonathan quietly tearing up while pretending he’s just ‘really proud.’” She softened, her eyes growing thoughtful. “I think we should tell them first. They’ve been with us through everything... they deserve to know before anyone else.”
Clark nodded, his expression tender. “I couldn’t agree more. Mom and Dad first. But...” He hesitated, choosing his words carefully. “What about your parents? I know things with them have been... complicated.”
Lois sighed, leaning back in her chair. “Yeah, complicated is one word for it. But... they’ve changed a lot this year. And maybe this is another step forward. I want them to know, Clark. I want them to feel included, even if Christmas wasn’t exactly magical growing up - but let’s wait to tell them, at least for a few more days.”
Clark’s hand tightened around hers, his eyes full of understanding. “How about this,” he suggested gently, “I’ll fly to Smallville and bring my parents here a little earlier than planned. We can tell them first, just the four of us. Then, together, we’ll figure out the best way to tell everyone else.”
A smile tugged at Lois’s lips, but there was a mischievous twinkle in her eyes. “That sounds perfect. But I need one more thing before we make this big reveal: a game plan to keep Perry from chaining me to my desk the second he finds out. You know he’ll start assigning me every ‘working mother’ feature under the sun.”
Clark chuckled, the sound warm and rich. He stood, crossing to her side of the table and pulling her gently into his arms. Nibbling at her ear, he whispered, “Lois, we both know no one can chain you to anything - not even Perry White.”
She laughed, resting her head against his chest for a moment. “You know, you’re not wrong.”
He pulled back, his hands on her shoulders, his gaze steady and full of love. “Come on,” he said with a grin. “We’ll get the house ready for tonight and I’ll fly to Smallville to pick up my parents. By the time everyone arrives, this place will be sparkling.”
Lois nodded, her smile widening. “Let’s do it, farm-boy. Let’s make this Christmas one to remember.”
---
TBC
That letter you/she wrote was perfect.
