A Chance at Life

Another Year Full of Love

On Christmas Day, we had Fatin come round since Leah was in Texas with her family. We were exchanging gifts when my phone started to ring. "Hey guys it's Marty!" We all crowd round the phone and I answer.
"Toni!" She shows me her hand and a beautiful heart cut diamond ring sparkles in the light.
"You said yes!" We all cheer and congratulate her as she wipes away her tears. Marcus comes into view and smiles.
"Hey guys, Merry Christmas"
"Merry Christmas and congrats Marco"
"Thanks T, I hope you guys enjoy the rest of your day" He waves and leaves the view. "Marty the taxi's here"
"I gotta go but I'll see you in a few days. I love you all!" We wave and end the call.

"I'm so excited for her"
"Your turn Toni"
"My turn?"
"To propose"
"Fatin, we're not gettin' married anytime soon. It's a big commitment" Shelby holds my hand and kisses my cheek. "We have forever already. I don't need a piece of paper to tell me how much I love Toni"
"Ok that's cheesy" Fatin and Eli laugh as he makes a puking noise, putting his fingers in his mouth. "You're my new best friend Eli"
"Can I go play on my Xbox now, Em?"
"Fine" He runs off and Fatin goes with him.
The rest of us spend the last hours of the night camped around the fireplace watching 'Elf' on the tv.

Over the next few of days, Fatin finally leaves to go to Texas and Kate comes back to spend the New Year with her family. We were packing our suitcases when Kate comes in our room smiling. "Hey girls"
"Hey Kate"
"Hi Kate, what's up?"
"So I know you're away in Texas this year but I wanted to see if you would join us next year in Australia for Christmas and the big countdown"
"Australia?"
"My offices are in many places, Toni" she winks and Shelby starts to nod.
"We'll come with you"
"We will?" I look at Shelby and she grabs my hand.
"Of course, we will. It's another vacation and I already know it's a well earned one. Next year you'll be workin' so hard with basketball and who knows what else"
"Perfect. Everything will be paid for, just bring yourselves and a change of clothes" Kate walks out whistling to herself.

I turn to watch and follow Shelby as she walks around the room cleaning up. "Shelby?"
"Before you say anything, it's free and we'll be in the summer heat celebrating"
"No, I agree. I just wanted to say that you look beautiful" I laugh and pull her onto the bed.
"I have to clean!" We laugh as I cover her with kisses.
"Me too" I continue to kiss her until she manages to break free and gets back to cleaning.

Our flight was early afternoon the next day with Shelby dragging me along the airport by also pulling my suitcase. "We're late"
"We're two hours early"
"We're late"
"It'll be fine"
"We have to go through security, come on"
I laugh as she tells me off like I'm her child.
An hour and a half later, we're sat in our plane seats. "Told you we'd be okay"
"I hate you" I kiss her cheek and she smiles.
"I love you too"

Marty and Marcus pick us up from the airport and I sit in the front of the car with Marcus while Shelby and Marty talk about their Paris getaway and Shelby's new ring.
"I'm proud of you Marcus"
"You are? For what?"
"You didn't flake" He laughs and nods.
"Me too, I was so scared but I nailed it"
"The ring is beautiful"
"Bernice helped me, I'd of loved your opinion but you've been so busy"
"I know, I'm happy for Mart. She's come so far"
"I'm proud of you too Toni. As kids I was scared that no one would be able to handle you"
"Hey!" He laughs and I join in as he parks up.
"Shelby's perfect"

We get out the car and walk inside while Marcus brings in our suitcases.  "See you all later"
"Thank you, bye Marcus" Marty insists she'll take them upstairs so I go into the lounge. "I do love the new living room, Mrs B"
"It's nice isn't it. I thought of adding a modern feel so it's not as overwhelming. I went with a royal blue and gray theme"
"It looks good. The new couches are comfy"
"Bigger too"
"Where's Mr B?"
"He's out buying some stuff for tomorrow"
"Hey mom, me and Shelby are going to go out. Toni do you want to come?" Marty shouts and then peeps around the door and smiles.
"No thanks, enjoy"
"Okay catch you later" I hear the door open. "Helsby's back, Toni" I hear it shut and then I get up to find him.