Under the Mistletoe

Christmas Tree Farm

The snow stuck to the ground, flurries falling all around the couple as they strolled between the trees.

"You know," Ricky started as he looked down at his girlfriend, "we're gonna have to pick a tree eventually."

"Well, this isn't my tree," Nini laughed as she squeezed his hand a little tighter. Ricky threw his head back, a laugh echoing out of his lungs. Chilled air wrapped around them, Nini snuggling further into his touch.

"Ricky!" they heard Mike call out a few rows away. Nini looked up at him before dragging him towards his father. They found him with a smile, standing in front of a tree. It appeared to be around 12 feet tall, the pine needles looking ethereal as the snow coated them.

"I think this is the one," Mike proudly stated as they looked up at it. Images flooded Rickys head. Nini and him decorating the tree, exchanging gifts underneath it on Christmas Eve, propping her up on his shoulders to place the star atop whilst his dad took pictures.

"This is definitely the one," he replied with a smile. It took them about an hour to get the tree taken down, paid for, and tied to the top of Mike's SUV.

"I call shotgun!" Nini called out as she jumped into the passenger's seat. Ricky just smiled at his girlfriend, shaking his head before climbing in the backseat. The soft hum of christmas music soon began to play throughout the car, Nini belting out the lyrics as she turned, singing them directly to Ricky.

"All I want for Christmas," she sang with her eyes burning into his, "is you."
He felt the warmth of a blush scatter across his cheeks despite the freezing temperature of the car as the heat slowly poured in. the remainder of the car ride consisted of that, with Ricky joining in as well. Once they arrived back at the Bowen household, Nini watched as the boys carried in the tree. They cautiously set it up in the corner of the family room.

"How's it look?" Mike asked as he turned to the girl he saw as a daughter.

"It looks beautiful," Nini beamed as she walked next to Ricky, his arm looping around her waist.

"Great, we'll decorate sunday," the man said.

"Alright, Neens and I are gonna go watch a movie," Ricky declared before dragging the girl up the stairs. She followed him into his bedroom, Ricky jumping onto the bed immediately. His arms extended, gesturing for her to come lay with him. Of course, she happily obliged.

"What do you want to watch?" he asked as he pressed a kiss to the top of her head. Nini smiled at the action.
"Rudolph," she whispered, burying her head in his chest. Laughter rumbled throughout his body, the girl feeling it as she listened to his heartbeat. Ricky pulled one arm away, grabbing the remote for his T.V. off of his nightstand. Quickly pressing a few buttons, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer appeared on the screen in front of them. Nini pulled the covers over them, further snuggling into Ricky as they watched the movie. They watched, making comments at their favorite scenes, stealing kisses (mostly Ricky), and of course Nini cried when they reached the island of misfit toys.

"Neens, shh, they're just toys," Ricky teased, kissing the tears that slipped onto her rosy cheeks.

"I know, I just feel bad for them," she confessed with a laugh. After finishing the rest of the movie, Nini sat up.

"I should get going," she whispered, eyes peeking over to the snowfall outside the window. Ricky nodded, mimicking her actions. They headed downstairs, one of Ricky's sweatshirts covering Ninis small figure.

"Heading home?" Mike asked from his spot on the couch.

"Yeah, thanks for letting me tag along today," Nini softly said.

"Of course, you're family," he simply responded, a wave of gratitude washing over his son at the words.

"I'm gonna drive her home," Ricky piped up.

"Figured, watch out for ice on the road," Mike said as he turned his attention back to whatever show was running on the screen in front of him. After slipping on shoes and coats, they stepped outside under the Salt Lake City sky. Ricky walked her over to the passenger's side, opening the door, before running to the driver's seat and slipping in. Taylor swift instantly began to play through the speakers as Nini's phone automatically connected to the bluetooth of his car. A comfortable silence overtook them as he drove, his left hand resting comfortably in Nini's hand. The both of them climbed out of the car as he parked in her driveway, Ricky walking Nini up to the door.

"Would you look at that," Nini smirked, head looking up at the mistletoe hanging above them.

"I guess that means I have to kiss you," Ricky shrugged with a smile.

"I guess so," she whispered as his hands were placed on her waist, the kiss only lasted seconds but it felt like it lasted hours.

"Goodnight," she said with a bright smile.

"Goodnight, I love you," he said as she walked to open her front door.

"I love you," she replied before slipping into the house.