A New Chapter

Chapter 28

I become aware of a heavy weight pressed against my chest. My eyes spring open to find a nest of blonde hair moving around. Just then, two bright green eyes meet mine and I give Amelia a tired grin.

"Santa came!" She squeals in delight, giving me a blinding smile.

"Really?" I excitedly whisper in which she enthusiastically nods before crawling off me and yelling at me to follow as she scurries down the stairs.

I let out a light laugh as I grab a fluffy white robe and trot down the stairs; following the sound of Amelia and Mom's chatter in the living room.

"Can I start?" Amelia asks just as I sit down.

"Of course." I smile and as soon as the words leave my mouth she quickly crawls over and opens the biggest present first.

"A dollhouse!" She shrieks, looking over at us with a giddy expression before focusing her attention back to the lilac coloured doll house with a moveable elevator. I almost had to tackle a grandmother for that one.

"Here." My mother murmurs to me as Amelia gets started on another present.

I look over to see her twinkling at me, holding out a small box. I gingerly take it from her grasp and undo the ribbon.

"Wow." I gasp, looking down at a pair of pearl earrings.

"They're your birthstone." She comments looking at me with a small smile.

"They're beautiful Mom. Thank you." I beam and hug her before removing them from the box and putting them on.

~~

After an hour of exchanging gifts and laughing at Amelia's several happy dances the doorbell rings and I hop up to answer it. I pull it open, allowing the freezing temperature to enter the house.

"Merry Christmas!" The Spencer's cheer simultaneously.

I greet them with a smile before opening the door further letting them crowd in through the threshold.

The twins immediately run towards Amelia to show off their presents. Natalie gives me a kiss on the cheek before following my mom into the kitchen; leaving Ethan and I alone.

"Merry Christmas." He whispers before giving me a quick peck on the lips.

"Merry Christmas." I reply with a giddy grin before leading him up to my room.

I walk over to my desk to retrieve his present.

"I know it's not much, but I hope you like it." I shyly smile as I hand him the small box.

"Thank you." He grins before hastily ripping away the wrapping paper like an excited child.

"Holy shit." He comments taking out the thick black watch.

"Turn it around." I instruct him, my nerves evident in my tone.

"I love every second with you." He reads before looking up at me with a dazzling smile.

"I love it." He whispers before kissing my cheek and putting on the watch. I let out a sigh of relief, glad that he likes it.

"I got you something too." He reaches into his back pocket and retrieves a small box, my hearts leaps to my throat at the sight of it.

"Sebastian told me that he got a promise ring for Riley, and how you thought it was a beautiful sign of commitment in a relationship and well.." He pauses to open the box, a small, simple ring with a knot sits in the centre. "The knot in the ring isn't fully tied. It symbolises how I feel about you; I have every intention of making you my wife one day Ashley, but I know we're too young right now. I would love if you would wear this ring until I can replace it with a wedding ring and finally tie the knot with you." He gives me an adorably shy smile, my eyes filling up with tears.