How Deep is Your Love

Chapter Twenty-Four: Merry Christmas

Alexandria smiled as she kissed her daughter on the cheek, she rested a hand on the bump of Aliona’s stomach; she couldn't believe that she was having another grandchild, she loved children.

“How are you?” Alexandria asked her daughter, who showed her parents into the living room; they hadn’t really been able to see each other since Jose had been promoting the hotel and they had been getting a lot of visitors.

“I’m fine,” Aliona said as she glanced at the twins, who were talking with José Luis as he rested on the couch; Carmen was in the kitchen preparing for Christmas dinner which she insisted that she help make.

“So any news on what you are having?” Nathaniel asked as Iker took Aliona’s hand, she grinned at her boyfriend as he sat down and pulled her close; he hated her doing too much as her pregnancy continued. The Spaniard held his girlfriend close as they shared a look.

“We’re having a boy,” Aliona revealed making her parents stare at her; her father grinned happily while Alexandria squealed in excitement.

Iker smiled as he wrapped an arm around his girlfriend, he had yet to give her his gift since he wanted their families together when he gave it to her; he pressed a kiss to her neck before he slipped away to check on his mother.

Aliona watched Iker leave wondering what he was up to, she didn't know what it was but she had a feeling that it was going to be memorable.

***

Aliona brushed some hair from her face as she watched the twins play with Unai, the blonde smiled as she watched the two children melt through his tough image.

Iker wrapped his arms around her waist and kissed her softly as he watched his younger brother play with the twins.

“Do you want your gift now amor?” Iker asked making Aliona look at him, she nodded her head making him grin as he kissed her lips; the blonde looked at him confused as he dropped down on one knee.

The room went silent as they all stared at Iker, Aliona swallowed as she realised that he was going to ask her something life changing; she wasn’t sure what she would say to him in response.

The Spaniard chuckled as he looked up at his girlfriend through his eyelashes.

“I’m not asking you to marry me, it’s too early for that yet,” Iker said making Aliona nod her head as she tried to remain calm; he didn't raise of the floor as he produced a box holding a princess-cut quad diamond twist ring in 10K white gold.

“It’s a promise ring, a promise that when the time is right, I will ask you to marry me, a promise that I will also be here for you,” Iker said softly as tears formed in Aliona’s eyes; she couldn't believe that he had done this for her.

The Spaniard slipped the ring onto her left hand before he moved back to his feet, he kissed Aliona softly as she wrapped her arms around his neck; it was clear that everyone was still in shock from what had happened.

***

“Seriously stop doing stuff like this, Madre will expect me to do the same,” Unai said as he watched Iker playing football with Liam; he grinned at his older brother, who he had never seen this happy before.

Unai watched as Iker with Liam and smiled, he was grateful that his brother had found Aliona; he didn't know what he would have done if he’d had married Sara or someone like her.

“I’m glad that you found Aliona… I don’t think you were ever this happy with Sara,” Unai said making Iker pause allowing Liam to put the ball into the back of the net; the older Spaniard glared at his younger brother for mentioning his ex-girlfriend.

Unai held up his hands in defence, he knew that Iker didn't like to talk about the woman that had ripped out his heart without a second thought; he hated her for what she had done to him and what she was now putting Aliona through while she was pregnant with his child.

Iker ran a hand through Liam’s hair as he looked down at the little boy, he would do anything for the twins; he felt for them that they didn't have a proper father in their life and he hoped that he would be able to fill that space in their lives.

Daniel was losing interest in the twins and hardly spent time with them, something made Iker’s heartache as he remembered a time he had yarned to be a father; he hated that Daniel didn't seem to care.

“Why don’t you go and wash up for dinner?” Iker said making Liam nod before he hurried inside with his football, the Spaniard smiled as he watched the little boy fondly leave; he loved acting like a father to him and Lola, something that he hoped helped him when his own child was born.

Unai chuckled as he looked at his older brother by seven years, he could see that this was the life that Iker had always wanted and now he had it.

Iker raised an eyebrow at his brother, who shook his head as he headed inside; Unai knew that whatever happened, this was where Iker would always be.

Iker watched his brother heading inside, he knew what had crossed Unai’s mind and he wanted nothing more to enjoy his time with his ever growing family.

***

Aliona smiled as she watched the twins settle down to watch television, she closed her eyes as Iker wrapped his arms around her waist and kissed her neck; the family were alone now since their parents and Unai had headed home.

!You should rest amor,” Iker said as he rested his head against hers, she opened her eyes as she turned to face him; she kissed his lips softly making him smile as he held her close.

It had been a long day for them and Iker wanted his girlfriend to relax while she had the chance, he wished that he could do more for her while she carried his child.

“I love you,” Aliona said softly as she pulled back slightly, her green eyes searched Iker’s brown ones; she didn't know what she would ever do without him.

The Spaniard smiled as he kissed her lips again, he held her close as they kissed knowing that this was where he belonged; he didn't want to be anywhere else.

“I love you too,” Iker replied as he pulled back from her, he brushed some hair from her face before Lola called for her mother to join her and Liam; the blonde linked her fingers with Iker, who grinned.

Iker allowed Aliona to lead him into the living room; he smiled as he sat down on the couch and Lola clambered onto his lap and cuddled into him.

He held the little girl close as Aliona sat down next to him, there was no doubt in his mind that Liam and Lola were his children; they might not have been his by blood but that didn't matter to him.

The twins were everything that he had ever wanted in children; he loved playing football with Liam in the back garden and he loved reading to Lola when it was her bed time.

They made his life complete just as much as his girlfriend and he didn't know what he would ever do if Daniel attempted to take them from Aliona.