Protecting Alice

Chapter 10: Christmas

A few weeks have passed and Asher was all healed except for his ribs.  It was Christmas and the Townsend family were going full out for it.  They had a lot to celebrate since Wallace Burke was arrested for tampering with Asher's car since there was evidence in his convertible.  He maintained his innocence.  Wallace passed his polygraph test for killing Carly and for the attempted murder of Max at his apartment. He also passed the polygraph about the car incident with Alice and Asher.  Alice's penguin that Asher gave her survived the crash but her laptop and art kit were destroyed like his phone. 

The Townsends all pitched in to get Asher a new phone for Christmas.  Ashton gave his sister an iPad, which was an upgrade from her old laptop. Everyone was all grateful to be alive and well while spending Christmas with their family and friends. The police called Nick interrupting Christmas dinner.  The officer said, "Wallace has been released on bail. We don't have enough evidence since he passed his polygraph.  He admitted to dating Carly but it was a brief fling.  The teaching assistant for his history class uses Mr. Burke's car all the time so they are going to question him at a later date." 

Nick shared the news with everyone hesitantly.  Alice and Asher still believed that Wallace Burke was guilty and they wouldn't rest until he was behind bars.  Everyone else started to think since the police searched his place and came up with nothing, that he didn't murder Carly.  Alice never got upset very often. She stood up and yelled, "I know what I read in Carly's journal.  He is guilty and I will prove it!  That psycho almost took Asher from me and tried to kill Max.  What proof do you need?"  Asher backed her up by saying, "Psychopaths can beat the polygraph test and the way he looks at us in class gives me chills.  He is only 24 years old and Carly was 22.  She probably dumped him after finding out he would be her history teacher.  He had opportunity and motive.  Wallace Burke admitted to dating Carly."  Nick sighed then said, "There is nothing on him.   Ashton and I searched his place ourselves after the police went through it.  I am sorry Alice and Asher.  He can't be the guy." 

Tara tried to change the subject by talking about previous family christmases.  Alice was angry and hurt that no one but Asher was supporting her.  Jeremy was too busy playing charades with Penny, Max, Janie and Jake.  Ashton and Becca were reminiscing with Tara and Nick about hilarious family stories.  Asher whispered, "I know my sweet kitten.  I love you so much.  They don't understand what we are going through right now.  I know for a fact that it is Wallace.  It will be up to us to catch him.  It seems everyone wants the situation just to go away but it won't until he is dealt with."  Asher had a glimmer in his eye and a mischievous smile on his face.  He said, "I have some things in mind for us to do first..." She playfully hit his arm saying, "Asher Parker!  If you are thinking what I believe you are, then you are being very fiery!" Asher chuckled and said in a deep voice, "I am just going to give you your Christmas present.  You are the one taking it wrong." 

He gave her a wink and then left to retrieve her gift from the guest room.  This wasn't going to be her only present.  She unwrapped the snowman wrapping paper and to her surprise, it was a small black box.  Alice opened it and said, "Asher, this is so beautiful!  I can't believe you got this for me!"  Her heart was pounding so fast that what happened earlier with her family was immediately put in the past.  The box contained a princess cut diamond ring.  He said on blended knee, "I love you with all of my heart, Alice Marie Townsend.  After we catch Wallace Burke, I want you to be my wife.  You have brought so much to my life in the short period we have been dating.  I feel as if I have known you for a lifetime.  Will you marry me?"  Alice teared up and said, "Yes, Asher Blake Parker!  I can't wait to marry you!" 

They kissed each other sweetly until he said, "I have some more presents in your room."  He didn't have to tell her twice. She grabbed his hand tugging Asher to her room.  She was amazed that he got her a new art set and a boy penguin with a blue bow tie to match the girl penguin that he won her.  He whispered in her ear, "Kitten, I wanted to get you these presents because you are my everything."  She blushed and said, "You are the best gift I could ever receive.  I am so happy and I love you so much!  I have your presents, too!" 

Alice handed him car keys then showed him a brand new silver SUV that was outside her window.  He picked her up and gave her endless kisses.  He was thankful and grateful for the new car.  Asher was almost speechless.  After he put Alice down softly on her bed, she gave him his second present in a red Christmas bag.  It was filled with new shirts, jeans, and a black hipster hat.  He put his hat on and confidently said, "Kitten, you were right earlier about me wanting to give you an extra special gift!  The car is wonderful but I want only you, Alice." 

Asher went to lock her bedroom door and they had a very merry Christmas indeed.  After an hour had passed they went downstairs to see everyone sleeping on the couches watching Christmas movies. They covered everyone up with blankets careful not to disturb them.  Asher took Alice by the hand and led her outside and said, "Merry Christmas, Alice.  I am so happy you said yes!"  She smiled and said, "Me too, Asher!"  He kissed her under the mistletoe on the front porch.  It started to lightly snow, which it never did very often in San Marcos, but it was very magical for the newly engaged couple.