O' Christmas Tree

Chapter 11- Christmas In Cancun

"Lamest Christmas ever," Kate commented when Teddy and I came back to the table.

"Really?" Teddy questioned.

"Yeah. What kind of person would wanna spend the best holiday of the year sitting on a hot beach with fruity umbrella drinks?" Kate questioned.

"Gonna go with just about everybody," Teddy replied.

"Well, not me. Not when I could be at home baking cookies and building snowmen with actual snow. And worst of all, all my friends are having parties, and shopping, sledding. I'm missing everything," Kate explained.

Teddy scoffed. "Kate, there's nothing you can do about it, okay? So you might as well just relax and try to have fun."

"Think I liked you better when you were a car thief," Kate said.

"I liked you better when you weren't such a buzzkill," Teddy retorted.

"At least you have your girlfriend, wait, no, f-" Kate stopped when Teddy covered her mouth.

"Don't finish that sentence." Teddy glared at her before uncovering her mouth.

"Ugh, how embarrassing," Kate cringed, referring to Mrs. Pierce and her boyfriend.

"Come on!" Mrs. Pierce waved us over.

"Oh, so that's what this is about. Bob," Teddy realized.

"No, this is not about Bob. I could care less about Bob. He just brought us here so he could kiss up to Mom," Kate said.

"Give him a break, Kate. It means he really likes her," Teddy reasoned.

"It's too soon. They've only been dating for, like, ten months," Kate argued.

"And they've known each other a lot longer than that," I reasoned.

"Besides, he makes Mom happy." Teddy smiled.

"Yeah, well, he's not Dad," Kate frowned.

"¿Cómo estás, party people?" Jack asked, walking over to us.

"Muy bien, gracias. ¿Cómo estás, Jack?" I asked, smiling.

"Bueno," Jack nodded. "What are we looking at?"

Jack looked over, watching his father and Mrs. Pierce dance. "Ugh! Now there's something you can't unsee. Am I right? What are the odds my dad proposes on this trip? Or maybe she does. I mean, your mom is a pretty progressive woman."

"Teddy, come here!" Mrs. Pierce called.

"Be right back," Teddy said, kissing my cheek before walking away. He paused, walking back to the table. "Hey, cheer up, Grinch. For a True Believer, you're forgetting the number one rule. Better not pout." Teddy turned and walked away again.

Kate got up, getting another smoothie from the counter. I got up, ordering one as well.

"So, what should we do?" Jack asked.

"We? Oh, I'm gonna hang out by myself, but why don't you try the waterslide? Looks pretty fun," Kate suggested.

"And risk breaking my nose? It's one of my best features." Jack grinned.

Mrs. Pierce sighed, walking over to us with Bob and Teddy trailing behind. "Hey, guys. They're having a caroling party on the beach. You guys wanna join?"

"Yeah," Jack said.

"Actually, Teddy and I were going to go for a walk," I said, making up an excuse. I know Teddy doesn't like to sing that much.

"No, thanks," Kate said.

"Come on, Kate. I heard you love singing Christmas carols," Bob pleaded.

"Kate has a great singing voice. She was the lead vocalist in the school choir," Mrs. Pierce commented, nudging Bob.

"In fifth grade," Kate said.

"Really? So was I," Bob said.

"Really?" Mrs. Pierce questioned.

"Yeah. You know, nothing raises the Christmas Spirit like music. Come on, music? O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree. How lovely are your branches?"

Teddy cleared his throat, clearly uncomfortable. "Ready, (Y/n)?"

"Yep," I nodded, taking his hand quickly walking off with him.

We made it onto the beach, letting the sun shine down on us. I breathed in the smell of saltwater, seagulls pecking at the surrounding sand.

"I'm sorry I made us leave. I shouldn't have done that," Teddy apologized.

"No, it's fine, truly. I know that song makes you uncomfortable. You don't even like it when I hum it, and I'm your girlfriend," I reasoned.

Teddy smiled. "I'm so glad your mom let you come on this trip."

I snorted. "She doesn't care where I go anymore. Ever since I confronted her about it, she doesn't speak to me unless there's a change in her schedule." I looked down at the ground. "Your family is the only family I've considered family."

"I'm glad you think so, because you're stuck with me for the rest of your life," Teddy said, taking my hand and twirling me.

I giggled. "I really hope that's a promise, Theodore."

Teddy smiled. "Well..." he trailed off, making me confused.

"Teddy. Please tell me you're teasing, or are you breaking up with me?" I questioned.

"No, no, no. I would never break up with you. I just... I wanted to ask you something," Teddy assured me, almost panicked.

"Yes, I'm happy with you, Teddy. I've always been happy. I will never not be happy when I'm with you. Sure, we've had arguments, but my feelings remain the same. I love you, Teddy Pierce. That's my promise," I finished for him.

Teddy shook his head, smiling. "We're eighteen, but I already know what I'm going to do for the rest of my life." I froze as Teddy pulled out a small, velvet-covered box from the pocket of his shorts. "And that's going to be staying by your side, no matter what happens." He opened the box, revealing a small circular diamond surrounded by smaller (f/c) crystals. "(Y/n) (L/n), will you marry me?"

"Teddy... yes," I said, happy tears forming in my eyes.

He beamed, standing up and taking the ring out of the box. I held out my hand, and he slipped the engagement ring on. He kissed me lovingly, just as the Cancun sunset showed.

"I love you." Teddy pulled away, letting our foreheads connect as we panted.

"I love you too," I replied, smiling.

"Woo!"

"Yeah!"

We turned around and saw Mrs. Pierce and Bob clapping. We smiled. I noticed Kate was smiling for the first time today. Jack was beaming at me, clapping as well.

"Welcome to the family, sweetie!" Mrs. Pierce said cheerfully.

"Thank you, Mrs. Pierce," I said, hugging her warmly.

"Please, (Y/n), call me mom," Mrs. Pierce said, a sincere smile on her face.

"Mom," I corrected myself, smiling back.