Under the Mistletoe

All I want for Christmas is you

Snow continued to pile up on the ground over the next week, the town truly becoming a winter wonderland. Nini had a smile on her face as her mother's parked on the Bowen's driveway. Their families had decided to spend Christmas Eve together this year.

"Nina, please grab the casserole," Dana instructed as she had the sparkling cider tucked under her arm. She grabbed the dish, quickly making her way to the door. Before she could even knock, Ricky pulled the door open. His heart practically melted at the sight of his girlfriend in a simple red dress, loose curls hanging over her shoulders.

"I was waiting," he said smugly as she raised an eyebrow.

"Hi Ricky," Carol greeted as she appeared behind her daughter. Ricky moved to let them in, pressing a kiss to each woman's cheek, and one on Ninis lips.

"Dana! Carol!" Mike exclaimed as the group walked into the dining room. Ricky and Nini snuck into the family room, cuddling on the couch as their parents made small conversation.

"Merry Christmas," Nini whispered while intertwining their fingers.

"Merry Christmas, Neens," Ricky smiled adoringly. Nini couldn't wipe the smile off her face as she was curled into his side.

"Hey lovebirds, come set up the table," Dana said as she walked into the room. The teens shared a look, both furiously blushing, before jumping up to help. They set up quickly, everyone sitting down to eat. As the couple sat across from each other, they kicked each other the entirety of dinner. Soon enough, their plates were empty.

"Can we open gifts now?" Ricky pleaded, the smile of a six year old plastered on his face.

"I suppose so," Mike teased and before he knew it Nini and Ricky were running off to sit under the tree. Everyone exchanged gifts. Nini gave Mike a new collection of ties to celebrate his new job, he gave her a notebook and pen knowing how much she loved to write music. Ricky gave Dana and Carol gardening tools for the spring, because they always grew their own vegetables, and they bought him a new pair of converse (because his were so worn out). Mike gave Ricky a new skateboard, Ricky giving his dad a book of insta-pot recipes. Nini's moms had bought her a new ukulele after the strings on her old one had snapped, and she gave them a delicate vase she had seen them eyeing at the home store last month. Finally, it came down to Ricky and Nini.

"I get to go first," Nini declared as she pointed to a large box under the tree. She could feel the nerves pool in the bottom of her stomach as he pulled it out from under the tree. He carefully tore off the candy cane wrapping paper, his eyes widening as he realized what exactly the gift was.

"Nini," he whispered in complete awe.

"Do you like it?" she asked as she bit her lip. The boy nodded, his curls bouncing.

"I love it," he breathed out. He tore the rest of the paper off, revealing a keyboard. Nini had been teaching him how to play over the last year, the boy completely falling in love with the instrument.

"I love you," Ricky whispered, pressing a hasty kiss to her red painted lips.

"And I love you," she said against him.

"Okay, my turn," he said as he grabbed a small box that was hidden under the shadow of the tree. The adults all shared a glance, knowing what Ricky had gotten the girl. Nini delicately tore the blue paper off to reveal a small velvet box. Tears immediately pricked her eyes as she opened it, a beautiful ring sitting inside.

"It's a promise ring," Ricky spoke up.

"Yeah?" she smiled. He nodded.

"I know we're young, but I also know I'm gonna marry you one day," he confessed. She jumped forwards, throwing her arms around his neck.

"I love you, I love you, I love you," Nini said as tears streamed down her face. Ricky smiled, kissing the side of her head.

"I love you so much," he whispered. They pulled away, Ricky picking up the box and taking the ring out. Nini stuck out her small hand, the boy slipping the ring on before bringing her hand up to his lips, pressing them to her knuckles.

The rest of the night whirred past, the clock striking midnight.

"Could I spend the night here?" Nini asked her moms as she let out a yawn.

"We figured you'd ask that, of course, Merry Christmas darling," Carol replied before kissing her forehead, Dana doing the same before Mike walked them out. Ricky pulled her upstairs quickly. Nini grabbed a pair of running shorts she'd left there beforehand, stealing one of Ricky's shirts before changing and both of them heading into the bathroom, brushing their teeth besides each other. Soon enough, Ricky's arms were wrapped around her as they laid in the dark of his room.

"Goodnight Ricky, I love you," she sleepily whispered.

"Goodnight princess, I love you more, Merry Christmas," he replied before they both slipped into a blissful sleep.

Needless to say, it was the first of many Christmases they would spend together