Legacy of the Dreams

Chapter 52 - Christmas

Christmas morning that year was full of surprises. The girls, including Melody, had everyone up early, eager to find out what was in the packages beneath the Christmas tree. Susan always loved watching her children on Christmas morning, but this year Matt and Melody drew her attention most of all.

For Melody, it was the first Christmas she'd had where she was walking well and was aware of what presents meant. Susan enjoyed watching her toddle about, excited by the colorful paper, unwrapping the presents and the toys. Her favorite by far was a Raggedy Andy doll, given to her by Jessie. She ran immediately to retrieve her Raggedy Ann doll from her bedroom, putting them together right away. Melody sat with them, holding them face to face so the dolls could hug one another before being hugged by her too. She played with them for the longest time before turning her attention back to the unopened presents under the tree. But eventually, Melody rejoined them, opening the next present in the pile waiting for her. The entire thing was a pleasure to behold.

But for Matt, it was a different kind of Christmas. Although he enjoyed and appreciated the gifts he was receiving, he suddenly seemed so much older than the rest of the children. Even though his brother Zack and cousin Chris, who was also in college, weren't that much behind him in age, Matt came across as an adult opening his gifts, instead of one of the kids.

Matt smiled a wan smile at his mom.

"I don't know what's wrong with me," Matt told her as he came to sit beside her on the sofa. "I feel so distracted this morning."

"That's not surprising," Susan told him. "I felt that way too, five years ago."

"Five years ago?" Matt questioned.

"Yes. If you remember, Greg proposed to me too on Christmas Eve."

Matt nodded. "I felt like I got the best Christmas present I could ever receive when Ashley said 'yes' last night."

"She said 'yes'?" Zack asked overhearing their conversation.

"Yeah," Matt said. "I mean, yes, she said 'yes'."

"Cool" Zack said with a grin. "Did she like the ring?"

"Oh my God ... she was so excited," Matt told his brother.

"Did you take her to the beach, like we talked about?" Zack wondered.

Susan looked between her two sons. Apparently Zack was Matt's collaborator in planning how he should propose.

"Yes. She couldn't figure out why we were going there ... I mean I suppose it is a weird place to go on Christmas Eve ... but for once, it wasn't raining and the moon was out. It was shining on the water and looked really nice," Matt said. "So it worked out good."

"Yeah, I know. It's been raining a lot this year," Zack commented. "Are you going to tell Dad when he gets here?"

"I suppose I should ... and I suppose I should tell everybody else too," Matt said, looking at his aunt and uncle and cousins who were in the middle of opening presents.

Susan smiled. Clearing her throat to get their attention she said,

"Everybody? Could I interrupt, just for a moment?" Susan said. "Matthew has an announcement he'd like to make."

"What sort of announcement, Sue?" Stephen asked.

"Just listen to him, Stephen," Jenny admonished. "Go ahead Matt."

"Thanks," Matt said. "I wanted to tell everyone ... Ashley and I got engaged last night."

"You mean you proposed?" Chris asked.