Choices (Book Four)

Chapter 38

Shawn

It's my favourite time of year. Christmas. I'm sitting on the couch next to Bailey as my dad sits in his spot in the recliner and Milo it sitting on the floor in front of Bailey. We already finished breakfast and almost opened all the gifts from under the tree. I glance at the window and watch as the snow falls outside. The perfect Christmas Day. It reminds me of when I was a kid and we would go out tobogganing after opening presents then come home and have hot chocolate while my dad picked out a Christmas movie to watch.

Rupert comes bouncing into the room and jumps up onto the couch between Bailey and I, snuggling into my lap as I chuckle down at him. I scratch his belly as he wiggles away happily. He's already demolished everything that was in his stocking so I'm sure he's feeling ready for a nap. I turn my attention to my dad who is opening his gift from me and Bailey. He chuckles when he stares down at the picture frame. Bailey had convinced me to recreate a childhood photo of us sitting on Santa's lap at the mall. I had put up a bit of a fight but I knew I couldn't disagree with her so I let her put me in a stupid ugly Christmas sweater and drag me to the mall. She originally wanted to get the photo printed on a t-shirt too but I drew the line there, not wanting this photo to be out in public.

The idea of the shirt reminded me of the one Lyla made for me. I haven't seen her in over a year. The last time we spoke was when I called her at the start of September this year. It was the anniversary of her dad's death and I just called to check in with her. We ended up talking for over four hours and into the night. We both cried and laughed as we recalled memories of him. Lyla even remembered and brought up how I still haven't told her about my favorite memory with her dad. I told her she still had to wait for that one. Hell, it was one of my favorite memories in my life hands down that didn't include Lyla directly.

That was the last time we spoke and it just reminds me how fast time goes nowadays. I certainly never forget about her though, she is still on my mind most days. Which is why I couldn't resist to send her a gift for Christmas two weeks ago. I had reached out to her mom to give her the heads up and ask that she hide the gift under the tree for Lyla. Her mom was more than happy to help out with my plan. I was a bit nervous when I bought it and even more nervous when I dropped it off at the post office. I just hoped it made her smile.

My dad places the framed photo onto the fireplace mantle and everyone in the room laughs as we stare at it. There's only one small gift left under the tree and my dad passes it to Milo before he takes his seat again. My dad looks over at me with a knowing look before we both turn our attention to Milo and Bailey. Milo nervously hands the small box over to Bailey who excitedly accepts it and tugs at the bow wrapped around it. I watch as Milo drops to one knee in front of Bailey and her mouth drops open in shock as she starts to clue in to what's happening. Milo starts in on what turns out to be quite a romantic speech as I watch Bailey start to tear up and the sight has me getting choked up.

"Bailey Marie Nolton, will you marry me?" He finishes as he takes the box in Bailey's hands and opens it to reveal a diamond ring.

"Yes!" Bailey screams out as I cringe a bit at the loudness.

She springs off the couch as Milo stands to his feet and they share a kiss. When they separate Milo slides the ring onto Bailey's finger as she stares down at her hand with tears in her eyes. My dad and I stand from out spots and take turns hugging each of them.

"Congratulations you two," I tell them.

I just smile as I watch them both with giddy smiles on their faces. It feels damn good to see Bailey so happy. Dad and I knew since last night this was happening today. Milo had sat us both down and asked for permission to marry her when Bailey went out to the store last night. I had respected the hell out of him for doing it, knowing it would have been intimidating enough to just sit down with my dad, but he included us both. I knew he was a good fit for Bailey just watching the two of them over the past few years.