Notorious Hope

One-Shot: A Special Miracle

Christmas Day-12:07pm

It's 7 past 12 and extended family have begun to arrive in the Friar-Jones household. This has also caused the Christmas tree to pile up. 

Riley has prepared special gifts to announce their pregnancy to the family. Adding the small square boxes to each of their family members.

''Riley, honey, you didn't have to get me something. I feel like I tell you that every year. The happiness you've given my son is more than enough.''

Erica squeezes Riley's hands, Lucas wraps his arms around her shoulders, kissing the side of her head.

''We just have two announcements that we'd like to tell everybody. So, Jug can you open yours first?''

Jughead adjusts Alex in his lap. His nephew snuggles into his chest and wraps the blanket around himself.

''You wanna help me, buddy?''

Kissing his nephew's head, the pair unwrap the box placed in front of them.

''Why's there a rattle Riles?''

Although this is a hint to their announcement, there's also another journal of their mother's that he's been asking for. As well as old copies of childhood photographs in frames.

''Just wait and see. Next, I'd like Elliot to open his gift''

In his box, there's a packet of binkies. Furrowing his eyebrows but he just ignores the peculiarness of the present.

''Binkies, I see a running theme here, Riles''

In the bottom, there's their grandmother's wedding ring looped around a simple golden chain.

''This is beautiful, but what's going on here?''

She raises her eyebrow fiercely, causing Elliot to back down.

''Anyways, next, I would like Auggie, Mom and Dad to open their gifts.''

The trio unwraps a pack of diapers, with baby photos for Auggie, pacifiers with throwback photos for her Dad of him and herself and baby beanies with an old dress for her mother.

''You're not pregnant, are you?''

Removing her jacket, Riley reveals her small baby bump and the sonogram with the words ''Due July 29th, 2022'' inscribed on the back.

''Oh my goodness, sweetheart!''

Her father and mother envelop her in a bone-crushing hug, 

''I can't believe my baby girl is having another baby! I can't wait to see Alex as a big brother. I know he's going to be an amazing one. You two are going to be even more amazing parents than you already are.''

Riley's heart beats rapidly as she comes to the realization that there's a bigger announcement at hand.

''You guys said you had another announcement?''

Recognising the glow on Riley's face, her mother pieces together what their announcement is before they say it.

''Are you engaged?''

Sighing heavily, Riley covers her blush cheeks by burying her face into the emerald-eyed blonde's chest.

''Yes?''

The couple becomes engulfed in loving embraces and congratulations by their friends and family.

''How about we make a toast? To Riley and Lucas!''

Everybody raises their wine glasses as well as Riley whos' is filled with water.

''To Riley and Lucas!''