Jack's POV...
Arabella and Caroline sit by the window trying to see who can count the most snowflakes while he assists Jackie with the last of the decorations on the Christmas tree. As promised he will be staying with Jackie and the girls to bring in Christmas together, since this will be the first Christmas they will be celebrating together. Also, tonight is an important night for the two of them as he has a big surprise for Jackie.
He watches as Jackie hangs another bulb before he is to put the star on top.
"So how does it look?" Jackie asks standing back and admiring their work.
"It looks beautiful kid, but not as beautiful as you are," he replies.
Jackie blushes and reaches out to adjust a crooked bulb.
"Thank you, you didn't do too bad yourself," she replies with a smile.
"Thank you, I try. Ready for the star to go up?" he asks.
"Yes, thank you. Usually, I have to get a step ladder."
Picking up the star off of the end table he walks over to the tree and places the star in its correct place right at the very top. Once the star is secured they both step back.
"Perfect!" Jackie says smiling.
"Hey I was there first!" they hear Caroline exclaim.
"No, you weren't I was here first!" Arabella argues back.
"Girls, girls, stop fighting or Santa will not be stopping by tonight," he hears Jackie say.
"Yes mommy," his girls reply.
He smiles as his daughters remind him of him and his siblings when they were younger.
"Daddy, can we have a cookie?" Caroline asks looking up at her father.
He looks over at Jackie who looks at him with a smirk. She already knows he's going to fold like wet cardboard. He hates telling them, no, but he knows he needs to be firm with them from time to time.
"Please Daddy," Arabella says as both girls plead with puppy eyes. He knew it, he was a goner.
"Sure, girls but one cookie," he says looking at Jackie who has a smirk on her face as she shakes her head.
"Yay! both girls exclaim excitedly as they race towards the cookies on the dining room table.
He looks down at Jackie who is now on the floor organizing the gifts under the tree.
"I'm sorry ok, I have a soft spot for them. I hate telling them no," he says to Jackie while sitting down beside her.
"I know, but you are going to have to start being more stern with them Jack, they will run all over you if you let them. I know you want the girls to have everything they want, but that isn't going to help them in the long run. They will turn into spoiled little brats who think the world owes them everything."
"I know, I know, I'm trying kid. I promise I will do better. Scouts honor," he replies holding up his hand.
"Good, and just because you tell them no Jack, doesn't mean they are going to love you any less."
Later on that night...
He and Jackie are cuddled together on the couch sipping hot cocoa and watching the flames dance around the inside of the fireplace. An hour ago they put to sleep excited Arabella and Caroline to bed. Now it's just the two of them together enjoying each other's company.
He looks up at the clock on the mantel and it reads five minutes past midnight meaning it's officially Christmas day.
"It's officially Christmas Day, Merry Christmas kid," he says kissing her lips.
"Merry Christmas Bunny," she replies smiling.
"I wanted to wait until Christmas morning when the girls wake up to give you your gift but I can't wait until then," Jack says getting up and going towards the Christmas tree. He moves a couple of gifts around to locate the one he was looking for.
Nervously he walks the short distance back to Jackie and gets down on one knee. Even though his back began to protest the new position, he is determined to ask this very important question the right way. After all, they had been through Jackie deserved for this to be done right.
"Jack what are you doing?" she asks confused.
Reaching out and taking her hand he begins," Jackie seven years ago I made the grave mistake of letting you go. If I had only been half the man I am now, I would have asked you this a long time ago. You are a special lady Jackie; you and my daughters have changed me for the better. It would take many lifetimes for me to adequately repay you for everything you have done for me and for being the wonderful mother you are to my daughters. So..." he pauses and takes a deep breath..."Jacqueline Bouvier, will you marry me?"
Jackie looks at him and then at the ring he is presenting to her, a look of shock written across her face.
"So what do you say kid?" he asks taking her hand.
"Yes," she whispers as tears begin to flow down her cheeks.
"Yes!?" he asks making sure he heard her correctly.
"Yes! Yes!" she exclaims.
He feels as if his heart could burst with the amount of happiness he feels at this moment. He smiles as he slides the emerald and diamond gold band onto her finger. He hugs her before kissing her.
"Now they'll be referring to you as not only as First Lady, but Mrs. Kennedy," he says knowing she's not a fan of her soon-to-be new title.
Jackie rolls her eyes, "can I not be referred to as First Lady, sounds like a saddle horse. I wouldn't mind being referred to as just Mrs. Kennedy."
"Well Madam First Lady," he teases, "it will be inevitable."
Jackie huffs and sits back against the sofa. "I guess," she replies.
"Now, now kid. Let's look at the bright side of all this?" he said sitting down next to her.
"What bright side?"
"At least the four of us will be there together."
YOU ARE READING
The Senator's Twin Daughters
Historical FictionShe was the one who wasn't supposed to get away. The dashing playboy Junior Senator meets a beautiful young journalist whom he falls for. Afraid of his feelings he develops towards her he leaves her after a night of passion. Fast forward seven years...
