AJ stood with Amanda at the doorway of his mom's house. He knocked on the door and waited for his mom to answer. The door opened and the smiling face of AJ's mom appeared.
"Alex!" she said as she reached over and hugged him.
"Hey Mom," AJ said as he hugged her back.
AJ's mom let go of AJ and looked over at Amanda. "My goodness girl you've gotten so big," she said as she placed her hand on her stomach.
"I know," Amanda said with a laugh.
"Well, come on in. Everyone's here," AJ's mom said as he led them inside.
AJ and Amanda walked into the living room to be greeted by AJ's grandparents. They all exchanged hugs and went into the kitchen for Christmas dinner. AJ pulled Amanda's chair out for her the sat in the seat next to her. They said grace and began to eat the delicious dinner. Amanda laughed at AJ was enjoying every bite of his food.
"Mmmm, Mom you make the best Christmas dinners," AJ said as he leaned back in his chair.
Amanda laughed and placed her hand in AJ's. "I agree with AJ. It was really good Denise."
Denise smiled as she cleared away the table. "I don't know why Alex likes my dinners so much. I make the same thing every year. But he always loves them."
"That's because they're good," he said as he patted his stomach.
Denise laughed. "From the looks of you, it wouldn't hurt you to gain some weight," she said as she pinched his arm.
"Ow! Mom that hurt!" he whined.
Amanda laughed. "He's such a wimp isn't he?"
Denise nodded. "He's always has been."
"Aw man! I've got my mom and my girlfriend attacking me! How fair is this?" AJ said.
Amanda laughed and grabbed AJ's arm. "Help me up. We're going to open presents soon."
AJ got out of his seat and helped Amanda pull out her seat. They went into the living room and sat down on the couch. Soon Denise finished with the dishes and join everyone in the living room. She sat under the tree and began handing out the wrapped presents. She handed Amanda her first one. Amanda starting ripping it open when AJ stopped her.
"Don't open it yet. Our family has a tradition. My mom hands everyone all their presents then we all open them at the same time."
"Oh, sorry," Amanda said, embarrassed.
AJ laughed. "It's okay. You didn't know."
Once everyone received all their presents they all began to quickly rip open the paper. Amanda laughed as she opened her first present. It was a kit of baby bottles and rattles given to her by all of AJ's family.
"Aww this is so cute! Thank you!"
"You're welcome," Denise said. "We thought you would need it when the baby came."
"It's wonderful I love it," Amanda said as she set it aside.
"Oh my God!" AJ exclaimed as he saw his present from Amanda. It was a framed collage of Frank Sinatra. "Where did you get this?"
"I found it at a flea marker a few months back. Do you like it?"
"I love it! This will go great in my game room. Thank you!" he said as he hugged her tight.
"You're welcome," Amanda replied then kissed him.
The rest of the afternoon they all talked in the living room. Denise brought in freshly baked cookies and eggnog. The house was filled with Christmas cheer. Amanda couldn't help but laugh as she watched Denise run around the house taking pictures of everyone. It was a fun day for her.
Later that night AJ and Amanda were lying in bed at their own home. AJ was watching television while Amanda was reading a book and eating a bowl of popcorn. She finished the last chapter and set the book down. Amanda kissed AJ on the cheek and cuddled up next to him.
"Did you have fun today?" AJ asked as he reached into her popcorn bowl.
"Yeah I did. I'm glad I came."
AJ smiled and kissed her on top of her head. "Oh I almost forgot. I'll be right back," he said as he got out of bed. He went into the next room and came back with his hands behind his back. "I didn't give you your last Christmas present."
Amanda laughed. "You didn't think the mall gift card, leather purse, and perfume was enough?"
AJ shook his head. "This one is much more important," he said as he laid back down on the bed. He handed her a small rectangular box. "Open it."
Amanda carefully unwrapped the paper and then opened the box. Inside was a beautiful gold heart shaped locket.
"Oh my God! AJ it's gorgeous!"
"Open it up."
Amanda opened it up and inside was a picture. One side had a picture of her and AJ together. The other side was empty.
"Awww AJ!"
"See on the other side you can put a picture of the baby."
Amanda smiled widely as she hugged AJ. "Thank you. I love it," she said then kissed him.
"You're welcome," AJ replied. "Anything to see the love of my life smile."
Amanda looked at AJ with loving eyes. "I love you too. More than you will ever know," she replied then kissed him.
Chapter 55
It was Christmas morning and Rachel was still fast asleep in Brian's bed. She was awoken by the sound of children giggling and running. She opened her eyes and looked around. She noticed that Brian was gone. Rachel grabbed Brian's pillow and snuggled up next to it and tried to fall back asleep. She was slowly drifting off to dream land when she heard the sound of the door opening. She opened her eyes to see Brian coming into the room. He smiled at her and hopped onto the bed.
"Wake up sleeping beauty. It's Christmas morning!" he said with a glimmer of excitement in his eyes.
Rachel wrinkled her nose and groaned. "It's too early."
Brian laughed and pulled the blankets off of her. "Nope you can't go back to sleep. No one in this house sleeps past 6 AM on Christmas morning. It's a tradition."
"Brian I'm so nice and warm under the covers. I don't wanna get up."
Brian wrapped his arms around her waist and kissed her on the cheek. "You can wear my sweatshirt and sweatpants. Come on get up."
Rachel sat up and stretched out her stiff muscles. She let out a yawn as she waited for Brian to hand her his sweatshirt and sweatpants. He handed them to her and Rachel went into the bathroom to brush her teeth and get changed. When she finished she came out of the bathroom and took Brian's hand. They walked out of the room and headed downstairs. They arrived downstairs and Rachel immediately smelled the scent of freshly brewed coffee.
"Ooh is that coffee I smell?"
Brian laughed. "Yeah, do you want some?"
"Yes, please."
"Okay I'll get you some. Why don't you take a seat on the couch?"
"Okay," Rachel said as she laid down on the couch.
She looked around the living room. Harold and his wife were playing with their two daughters, who were excited to find out what Santa had brought them. Rachel let out a yawn and looked over to the other side of the room and saw Brian coming back with two mugs filled with coffee. Rachel smiled and sat up.
"Here you go," Brian said as he handed her the coffee. "I put in sugar and milk, just the way you like it," he said as he sat down next to her.
Rachel smiled. "Thank you baby," she said then kissed him on the cheek.
Just then, there was a knock on the door. Rachel and Brian looked over at the door and saw Kevin, his family, and Sarah coming into the door. They all exchanged hellos and congregated into the living room. Rachel smiled and walked up to Sarah.
"Hey there girl! You look so pretty!" Rachel commented as she admired Sarah's new dress.
"Thank you. Kevin picked it out and gave it to me this morning. I decided to wear it for Christmas Day."
"Well, it looks very cute on you. Especially with your stomach," she teased.
Sarah laughed and rubbed her hand over her pregnant stomach. "I wouldn't go that far, but I do like the dress."
"Have you gotten all your Christmas presents yet?"
"No, Kevin said he has one more for me, but he won't let me see it until later. He says it's something the whole family needs to see. I have no idea what it could be."
Rachel shrugged. "I'm clueless myself."
"I guess we'll find out later."
"Yeah we will. Well, I'm going to sit back on the couch. I'll talk to you later," she said.
"Okay," Sarah replied then walked back over to Kevin.
The day went on and everyone had unwrapped their presents. Rachel was happy when she saw that Brian had gotten her the giant pooh bear that she wanted. She couldn't help but smile when she saw Brian showing off his new watch that she had bought him to everyone. It had been a good day. After everyone was dressed and cleaned up they had a big Christmas dinner. Once everyone had stuffed themselves full of food they all went back into the living room to visit for a while. Rachel relaxed on the couch with Brian and looked around the room. She noticed Kevin stand up and look around the room.
"Okay everyone I have something I want you all to see," he said in a loud voice. The room grew quiet, and all attention was drawn to Kevin. He glanced over at Sarah and grabbed her hand. "Sarah, you remember this morning I told you I had a present I wanted to give you. But I had to do it in front of my family right?"
Sarah nodded. "Yes, I do remember."
Kevin nervously cleared his throat and drew in a deep breath. "Sarah you know I love you with all my heart right?"
"Yes, Kevin I do."
"And you know I would do anything for you right?"
"Yes," Sarah said softly.
"And you love me too am I right?"
"Of course."
Kevin laughed to himself and shook his head. "You know I had this whole thing planned, but now I'm too nervous to remember what I had rehearsed so I'm just gonna wing it," he replied. Kevin got down on one knee and looked into Sarah's eyes. "Sarah I have been in love with you since the day I laid eyes on you. I'm crazy about you. And it would mean the world to me if you would marry me." Kevin took out a small black box and opened it up. "Would you do me the honor and become my wife?"
Sarah gasped in surprise. "Yes," she said in between tears. "Yes, Kevin I will marry you."
Everyone in the room clapped as Kevin slid the ring onto her finger and kissed her. Christmas Day was finally complete. Rachel looked over at Brian and smiled. Brian smiled back and put his arm around her shoulders. Rachel patted him on the leg and stood up. She walked over to Sarah and hugged her tight.
"Awww girl I'm so happy for you!"
"Thanks," she said as she wiped away her tears. "I'm so happy I don't know what to think," she said with a laugh.
Rachel laughed along with her. "All I have to say is it's about to time Kev!" she joked as she punched him on the arm.
"Hey I was just waiting for the right time," he said with a smile.
"Aww look at you! You're glowing! That's so cute!"
Kevin laughed and hugged Rachel. "Don't ever change Rach."
"Just for you I won't."
Kevin laughed and shook his head. "You're too much."
"I know," Rachel said as she turned around. She ran into Brian who was right behind her.
"Hey cuz, congratulations to you both," he said as he hugged Kevin and Sarah.
"Thanks Brian," replied Kevin. "Well, we're going to say good night to your mom and head on back to my house. We'll see you two later."
"Okay, take care," Brian replied then drew his attention back to Rachel.
Rachel sighed and leaned up against Brian. "I'm so glad those two found each other aren't you?"
Brian nodded and wrapped his arms around Rachel's waist. "Yeah, it's great to see Kevin so happy."
Rachel smiled and turned around. She wrapped her arms around him and looked into his blue eyes. "You know, today was fun."
"Yes, but the day's not over yet. There's still one more tradition you haven't completed.
"And what would that be?"
Brian smiled and pointed to the ceiling. Rachel looked up and saw that they were standing under the mistletoe. She smiled and looked at him. "You little sneak."
Brian smirked kissed her passionately. "Merry Christmas," he replied in a soft voice.
Rachel smiled and hugged him tight. "Merry Christmas," she replied then kissed him again.
