Nice call back there from the show about the dueling voicemails. Even better considering Pam's still in New York with this one.

Wow, Helene's a bit much isn't she? Just demanding Pam give up her room because of clothes on the bed and there's no way she wasn't snooping Pam's phone. One thing I'll say is that Pam needs to learn to set some boundaries. Helen's walking all over her. Pam's not a child anymore and Helene needs to respect that.

And of course Helene and Michael are getting all goo-goo eyed over each other. I doubt it'll last very long but still.

Then Jim comes home early, with another great show reference by the way, and they can't keep themselves off each other. Very hot and descriptive. Even better that they can have some privacy considering the houseguest Pam has.

Author's Response:

Oh I’m glad you liked the voicemails! Was a little tricky to make it work. And glad you got the other reference too when Jim came home!

I had a lot of fun with Michael and Helene in this one. Hope they don’t have too much fun themselves 🫣

Thanks as always for the review! 

Yay you’re back!
I’ve been really missing this story.
Helene would drive me crazy too.
Very uppity and entitled.
At least she didn’t walk in on them having sex in Pam’s office like Jim’s mom did. 😂
It was funny when you included the flirting between Helene and Michael like in canon.
I loved seeing how excited Jim was for Pam’s new client. Even though I’m not a huge Kelly fan, I do hope that she comes to her senses and dumps Ryan for good because he’s just not that into her.
Please update soon!!!

Author's Response:

I'm sorry!! I've been really hoping to get more chapters out, I really will do better next year I promise!

Glad you liked this chapter, I promise there will be more soon. Thanks so much as always for your review! 

Loved this! So happy jts back!

Author's Response: Ah thank you! Sorry it took a while to get it up (twss). Glad you enjoyed it :)

YAY FOR UPDATES! You have no idea how happy it makes me to see the name of this fic in the notifications.

You are so good at getting the characters spot on. You placed Creed being manager so perfectly into to this chapter!

I feel for Pam not getting her "me time" but cant wait to see what having her mum around brings!

Author's Response:

Oh bless you! You're too much

I do love Creed, he's so much fun to write. And poor old Pam. I mean, this isn't going to be a rom-com without the com now is it? 

Thanks so much for your review. YOU ARE THE BEST 

Yay!
I’ve been missing this so much!
For a minute there I thought someone was going to walk in on Pam!
Kelly is as annoying as always. I don’t doubt for a
second that Ryan would dump her and walk away
from the babies.
I’m curious about what’s going to happen in Scranton. Will get a run in with Roy?
Please Please Please update soon!

Author's Response:

I'm so sorry for the delay! I really am going to try and speed up (I've just needed a bit of a break)

I thought I'd give these kids some uninterrupted time - doesn't happen often!

Scranton will be fun. It'll be a few chapters away, but I'm going to try and get to it ASAP as possible

Thanks as always for your review and support! 

FINALLY I'm doing an official review for this--however, I think you did get an in person review from me in London and how many people can say that?! Thanks for your patience--and I'm SO GLAD THIS IS BACK!!! I needed HD Jim and Pam so much! I'm so disappointed that Gerald can't get his act together... I'm worried that he and Jim won't find some resolution until it's too late. We don't see a ton of Betsy, or out of story Betsy, but sometimes I wish she was more forceful with Gerald and supportive of Jim. She lets Jim go away far too easily, in my opinion.

BUT I do LOVE Pam reminding Jim that "they" are three now, because that is very sweet and adorable and very true! Their tiny family will always support each other and I love it.

Girl. The whole Helene's apartment scene was soooo funny!!! Pam was SO worked up!! It was funny and yes, why are Jim's pants so tight?? Not that I'm complaining, but to meet the mom? I get it Pam, I do. I ADORED her snapping at Jim when he told her that she shouldn't get worked up-- I mean, that perfectly illustrated how worked up she was! And you write the cringiest Helene ever... she hates men but she's attracted to Jim? Oh Helene... now we know why Pam tries to steer clear.

I felt the cold breeze when we met Meemaw. Good lord.. that icy demeanor! I loved that bit about the booties on Helene's carpet, and especially when it was called back moments later by Helene herself. So hilarious! I loved Penny hiding in the kitchen, when Pam was going to "go and um" (GREAT line, by the way). The exasperation was so evident between the two and funny. I could almost follow Pam's line of thought that she could hide this baby from Helene and Meemaw--because it does seem almost as bad as she was making it out to be. But I did love Pam just ripping off the bandaid and telling her fam about the pregnancy when she couldn't partake in the wine. And that was BRILLIANT use of the canon, darling, sweet moment and line of Jim's "Wow! There is is!" One of my favorite parts of this chapter. Jim did a great job of defending his and Pam's choices--in fact, they both do, with the other person's family--but that's real life isn't it? You just can't always be objective with your own crazy people--but I loved Jim's calm but firm defense of their situation.

They definitely deserved every second of that vacation, good lord! R15, excellent swimsuit choice for Jim! Loved it! And what good is a private villa pool if you can't get it on with your sexy significant other in a tropical paradise?? Thanks for allowing Jam to have a moment of passion despite your policy of only essential smut.

I'm glad Pam said "wait" to Jim's proposal. She's going to say yes, and he's going to ask--but they're doing it on their timetable and I respect that. Even though Meemaw does not. And there we go with that sweet Pam reminder that she and the baby are not going anywhere. Great chapter!

Well look at that! You're back; HD's back, and now, the epic reviews are back too! As always thanks for . It was lovely to dish over this in person--such fun that I will always treasure! Can't wait for more!

Author's Response:

You spoil me with these reviews, thank you so so much!!

I love how much you loved the booties but. That made me laugh so much to write it!!

Hopefully I’ll get the next chapter out soon for you!! 

Yay for the update!

More Jim and Gerald drama. Oof. Man needs a hug. Maybe from his own father.

For all the talk about men being the root of all evil, Helene sure does want a piece of Jim to herself. I guess she had needs. Meemaw, on the other hand. Maybe they should name the baby after her. Also, really funny that Pam was the one who spilled the beans.

Lol at the proposal. Pam probably doesn’t have expectations but a billionaire should know better.

I don’t have any jellies but I don’t know… have a record player instead. I found it while robbing someone’s house.

Author's Response: Um no thank you, that record player needs to stay just where it is. It's important 

Big chapter for both sets of parents for sure. I see a bit of canon Jim here at the start. Running away and avoiding his problems rather than facing them. I get this Jim is intimidated by his father and all, but honestly it would probably help if those two would finally sit down and really hash things out. I know Jim has felt like he's tried, but often it seems like it didn't quite land. The fact the record player got left behind though seems like an important detail.

Likewise for Pam bringing Jim to meet Helene for the first time. Penny is 100% correct. Helene is totally projecting all her issues on any guy. Saying things like "all men are the same." She's also being very manipulative of Pam. Claiming "I'm only trying to protect you," and all. Feels like a real Mother Gothel and Rapunzel gaslighting vibe there. Though considering Meemaw is in top form it's not a surprise where Helene gets it from. Good for Jim for standing up for himself here and for Pam though. Countering the idea that the man is only the breadwinner and the woman is only the child raiser. No. They can both provide and they can both raise the child. Good way to call that out. Feels like some of it might have gotten through to Helene there at the end.

A very nice moment there on vacation for sure. Despite it all they still love being so close to each other and it's great to see. Pam not accepting what feels like a forced proposal was great on her part too. Yes they both know they're in it for the long haul, but it's also important for them to do things for themselves. Not because of some outside pressure.

The pictures about everything are always great as well.

Author's Response:

Oh I'm glad you picked up on the record player! 

I hope Helene came across ok. I wanted to strike the balance between the canon Helene that we see telling Pam she doesn't need to go through with it and the one that gets with Michael - and all in one part of the chapter!

Glad you still like the pictures! I sure do love shopping for thee two!

Thanks for the review! 

1

I'm just so happy that the pants are in the fic and the swim shorts starring role was also a highlight for me.

Intrigued re: the forgotten record player! You did good with the balance of Helene being anti men but pro Jim. Sylvia certainly doesn't help! Look forward to seeing what the new year brings these 2...

Author's Response:

What can I say, this chapter just wouldn't have been the same without your support. Thank you thank you thank you

You hang on to that thought on the record player, it'll come back around....

Oh heck. Dad angst. Dwight Shute!!

Author's Response: Yup. Dads

Oh, poor hungover, guilty, Jim. And to think this is not even as bad as this chapter gets for him. At least Pam's not mad. And doesn't dump him for not knowing who Ina Garten is.

I like this exchange about the record player. Good way to organically bring Jim's issues with his dad back up, and suggest how having Pam around might make them easier to resolve.

"I wanted to give you your Christmas present." Yeah he does. (Again, the backstory between him picking the necklace is very sweet.)

Oh, Jim. That's gonna be hard to get over. They're having a lot of fairly traumatizing sexual disasters in this story.

*Sighs* Feels like we've got a long journey to go still to heal things with Jim and his dad. Although again intriguing signs of passed down generational trauma.

Author's Response:

I know, I know. A lot seems to go wrong in their sex life, but it is a rom com after all. We need the comedy part!!

Oh there's a lot to come with his dad. We'll get there...eventually...

Thanks for the review! 

Thank you for your incredible Christmas gift! This was so cozy and red and plaid and snowy and Christmasy and I loved it! This AU is just the best and so are you!!

Jim… so everyone knows that you and Pam are expecting… she's accepted that your secret is out... you did not have to drown your sorrows! But maybe next time, use your arsenal of morning sickness remedies to feel better! Ginger tea? Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate? Some bland saltines or toast? Got it? Good!!

Oh the Hamptons and Ina. This is everything I think it would be. Yes, I do think since they PASSED HER HOUSE they will see her if they venture back!! I’ll have you know I have created a whole Ina Jam subplot and spin-off because I’m just obsessed with both of them!!! How bad can that be?? (Wink wink!) And Jim… yes, I agree with Pam... what DO you expect out of a gift for your mom on December 23??? The brooch was nice but Betsy’s def gonna need a better Mother’s Day gift. Something more personal and poignant. But… I love the record player… and I feel this will be making an appearance in future chapters!! There’s just a little bit more of a reveal of how deeply seated this Gerald angst sits with Jim. Also how maybe Gerald has lost some of the fun he had with Betsy and his fam too, revealing that maybe he's also not so thrilled with his choices to choose work… so clearly this was an important memory for the Halpert family. I’m slightly concerned that this Christmas seems to have put a bit more space between those two also… best to nip it in the bud sooner and while Pam is pressing the issue a little more, Jim really seems to go to a dark place when he’s confronted with Gerald. I'm a little surprised that Betsy didn’t push Gerald more too… at least tell him that his name is going to be on a gift for Jim and Pam!! But maybe Betsy and Pam can pair up to further shed light on this issue? Moderate a conversation between the two? But then again, maybe baby Jam will bring the two together as well in a few months. Maybe the trip to Scranton might also shed some light for Jim as that seems to be a trigger for Gerald certainly.

I love the whole scene with Pam’s necklace— just perfect! I love the cozy bed and the red and plaid pjs and a sparkling diamond necklace! You were so sweet in writing the few sentences about how he lovingly placed it on her neck. But oh no… emphasis on the com of the rom com girl!! What a horribly awkward secret for Jim, Pam, and Betsy to share!! I mean, I'm PRETTY sure that Betsy knows how Jim knocked up Pam but now she can’t blissfully ignore it… you write so well these scenes that I can see in a rom com… Jam getting hot and heavy… Betsy’s car pulling up in the driveway… Pam tying Jim up... the door opening… Pam sliding down Jim's body… Scamp busting up the stairs… Pam now sliding UP Jim's body… Betsy approaching the room... you know what’s gonna happen but you can’t stop the train wreck! And I can totally hear Jim hissing at Pam “Don’t move!!” I love Pam’s reaction… just laughing.. I mean, you can either laugh or cry… in this case, probably a little of both, lol!

What a sweet little callback to your first fic with Love Actually! Especially in cozy matching pjs! I can’t believe it’s been a year because you have such a volume of amazing work!!! Congrats!! I loved Topping Rose House; def Ina approved!

Will Jam pick Turks or Barbados… can’t wait to see that epic celebration in paradise!! And loved that perfect Jim Christmas outfit… so festive.. and Pam’s red AND plaid! I can’t wait to see Jim in some jeans and a sweater though.. I know he’s CEO Jim but I gotta imagine he’s just as yummy in his hipster casual comfort wear too!

And a sweet little baby bump scene… I can’t wait till Jim talks to baby… but it seems like Jim’s touchstone is not a necklace or a neckline but Pam’s baby bump and that’s super sweet… also fitting because he wants his baby to feel loved, accepted, cherished, and prioritized— which he doesn't get as a son from HIS dad, so of course he’s hoping his baby feels it all… A sweet little laugh in there from Pam’s misunderstanding of what Jim was referring to as “hard” too!!! And what a strong, sweet, loving, and confident speech from Pam to Jim about how she KNOWS what kind of father he’ll be to their baby… definitely a tear jerker!! It seems like Jim heard her, really heard her this time as opposed to brushing it off like he did during the Thanksgiving walk, and for that I'm grateful.

Thank you again for a year of great friendship, fun, laughter, and fan fics! You truly are the BEST! Epic as always and can’t wait for more! Much love and holiday warmth to you and yours!!! As always, write on your timeframe... but faster is def preferred!!!

Author's Response:

Ooof another epic review that I sure I'm not worth of!! Thank you so much!

I had a lot of fun Xmas shopping for this chapter, so I'm glad you liked it all. Sorry there wasn't more Ina, but just a sprinkle for that full Hamptons effect.

Glad you for the Jim and Pammy reference! But poor old Jam and Betsy!

Thank you so much for yet another amazing review!! 

Wow, we got to see Jim in different forms now didn't we? Let's list them

Hungover Jim - Probably a great story to tell in like ten years to your kids, but not awesome when you're trying to get from point A to point B and he has to stop every ten minutes to throw up.

Gift Cramming Jim - Not a big problem for someone who's rich, since it's nothing a credit card swipe couldn't handle. Maybe keep him away from record players moving forward (*sad violin music plays*)

Kinky Jim - Good to have when you're feeling bored at home. Maybe keep you dog away from him. And invest in safer doorframes.

Sad Jim - An upset stomach is code for "My dad thinks I'm a huge disappointment and not even the spirit of Christmas can repair our relationship." When it's bad, it's best to just let him brood.

Daddy Jim - Will protect your baby. Don't expect him to be hard while doing it.

No jellybeans but I'll have Scamp jump on your bed and lick your face.

Author's Response:

Please keep Scamp to yourself. I'll take Daddy Jim instead tho