Escape A Barson story

Chapter 23

Rafael and Olivia hosted Christmas Eve. It was the first Christmas event Olivia had ever hosted, so she followed Rafael's lead, and gratefully accepted Lucia's help. Lucia and Noah enjoyed each other's company, and made 2 batches of Christmas cookies. The Garland Family came to the Barba- Benson home with a turkey, and cranberry sauce. They thanked Rafael and Olivia for inviting them. and enjoyed seeing the new couple together. Liliana came over with rice pudding, and her new boyfriend Damian Ricci. Liliana insisted on checking on Olivia's ankle, and found that it was healing nicely.
For the first time in his life, Rafael was happy to attend Midnight Mass with his mother. He was so grateful that Olivia had allowed herself to forgive him, and that she understood why he did what he did. He kept thinking about how grateful he was that they repaired their friendship. They were closer now than they had ever been. She was his soulmate. He was privileged enough to have a life with his soulmate, he was fortunate enough to help her raise Noah. Soon, he would adopt the boy. Rafael Barba thanked God for meeting Olivia , and Noah, he thanked God for helping him get the life he wanted since the day Olivia first spoke to him. He loved his life. On Christmas day, Rafael and Olivia gave everyone who came over gifts. Rafael gave Noah The Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy. box set by Douglas Adams.Rafael promised to buy Noah a new bike when they returned to New York. This was something Rafael and Olivia had agreed on the night before. Noah was ecstatic.Rafael and Olivia also agreed last night that they would exchange gifts with each other after Noah and Lucia went to sleep, and their guests were gone. That's what they did."Open mine first, Rafa", Olivia said, handing him a box.
Carefully, he opened the box to reveal a yellow gold pocket watch that looked like his grandfather's. "Liv, how did you get this?" He asked."I remember you told me your grandfather had a gold pocket watch , you said you couldn't find it. You described it.""I think I lost it when I moved from Brooklyn to Manhattan. I think one of the movers took it, but I'm not sure.""You told me about it after your grandmother died. I looked for one like it for years, but I couldn't find one. A few days ago when we went shopping for gifts, we went in opposite directions for a little while, so we could surprise each other. I went into a little jewelry store, and found it right away. Is it like your grandfather's?""Yes, Liv", he whispered, tears in his green eyes."Take it out of the box", she said, softly. He did as she instructed, and found that the watch was engraved with the words from Livia to Rafa. I love you unconditionally.
Rafael was speechless. He placed the watch in its box, and closed it, Leaning forward, he kissed the top of her head. Soon. he was looking deeply into her eyes. "Thank-you.", he said, "This means so much to me." He captured her lips, and kissed her passionately. He reluctantly broke the kiss. "Now it's time to open your gift", he said. Quickly, he handed her a small box wrapped in dark green paper. She slowly unwrapped , and opened a white box, and her eyes fell on the most beautiful piece of jewelry she had ever seen. On a white gold chain, Olivia found 3 connected rose shaped pendants. Her eyes focused first on the red rose, then on the pink rose, and then on the yellow rose.
A tear slid from her eye, and down her cheek. "Rafa, it's so beautiful.""The red rose symbolizes love and passion, the pick rose symbolizes admiration, and joy, the yellow rose symbolizes friendship. It's a locket, it can hold 3 photos.""Rafa.", Olivia whispered, as her eyes focused on the inscription. Across every rose were the words Unconditional Love. "Rafa", she whispered again."Every time you look at this necklace I want you to remember that I love you unconditionally." Rafael wanted to say more, but decided not to. Quickly, he wiped away her tears with his thumb, and kissed her lips.

New Year's Eve was quiet. Rafael and Olivia invited The Garlands over. They accepted the invitation, but left before midnight when Abby fell asleep. Noah fell asleep seconds later, and Rafael carried him to his room, tucked him under the covers, whispered a good night, and shut the door. He returned to Olivia who was sitting on the couch. Seeing the longing in Rafael's eyes, Lucia went to bed early to give her son and the love of his life some quality time, alone.