Notorious Hope

One-Shot: Christmas Bells

Friar Family Apartment- 8:05 am

''I can't believe our baby boy is already 3. It seems like just yesterday I was holding him in my arms for the very first time.''

The couple has been together for almost 3 years now and entering their first year of college. Recently moving in together despite her family's protests. 

Alex is talking more and more as the days go by. Much to the couple's shock, Alex has only ever called Lucas 'Daddy'. This does bring a smile to the emerald-eyed man's lips whenever the little boy utters that simple word.

Riley is as stressed as can be.  The couple has the day perfectly planned out. 

''Lukey can you go and get the presents from our room?''

Just as Lucas departs the room, there are a little boy's footsteps pattering through the household. 

''Merry Christmas Bubba.''

Smothering her son with kisses and tickling him as he laughs his head off. 

''Merry Christmas, Momma''

Lucas returns with a stack of presents. Placing a box with large holes out the sides in front of an excited Alex.

''Here we go, Buddy. This is from Mommy and Daddy''

As Alex unveils the box, squeals of excitement release from his mouth. Jumping up and down from the overwhelming joy of this surprise. A Yorkshire terrier gazes up at the little boy. His mother takes the dog into her arms placing the dog on the floor.

''Puppy!''

The parents laugh in joy at their son's happiness. Watching as he chases the pup around the house for a good half an hour. This before the little pup climbs into his bed over in Alex's room, falling asleep in an instant.

''He sure has found his best friend forever.''

Lucas and Riley wander towards the Christmas tree, admiring the life they've created. 

''What's this?''

Alex points towards the clear snowflake ball-ball hanging from the tree.

''That's a ball-ball. Can you hand it to Mommy, buddy?''

Raising the little boy onto his shoulders, allowing him to grab the decoration from the tree. Setting the boy down once he retrieves the ornament.

''It's got a note in it''

Riley takes the ball-ball that Alex hands her. Unscrewing the top to find out what her son meant. Feeling a small object within the decoration. Her heart stops in her tracks as she feels the velvety texture.

''Lucas...''

She looks up to see her boyfriend has suddenly disappeared without a trace

''Turn around Momma''

Her son tugs at her pyjama shorts willingly. Finding her emerald-orbed boyfriend kneeled down on one knee. Biting her lip to stop herself from grinning like an idiot.

''Riles, my beautiful princess, I've loved you from the day I saw you at Pop's with your brothers. We've been through a hell of a lot together and I don't think I would've made it out alive if I didn't have you by my side through thick and thin. Despite the circumstances, we've been blessed with Alex, our handsome baby boy. There's nobody else I'd rather be with for the rest of my life, so, will you marry me?''

There's not even a second thought about her answer

''Of course, there's nobody else I'd rather be with''

Kissing the brunette like there's no tomorrow. Both plastered with grins the size of the grand canyon as they depart. Slipping a simple gold band onto her finger with a single 1 carat in it.

''Momma and Daddy are getting married bud. Luke, wouldn't it be so cute if he was our little ring bearer?''

He's in awe as he sees her chocolate orbs light with happiness.

''Maybe even this little bub may walk down the aisle''