This was your first Christmas that wouldn't be with your family, due to not having enough money for plane fare from Los Angeles to home. However, it is the first one that will be spent with your boyfriend of one and a half years and his family.
It was about 4:45 pm when you arrived at the Lynch household. You were greeted by Rydel and dragged inside, along with the presents you brought for everyone. When you placed the packages near the Christmas tree, you noticed an unusually large, wrapped box. That's when Riker came up from behind and winded his arms around your waist. He turned his head and kissed your cheek.
"Merry Christmas," he said.
You turned around in his arms and replied after giving him a quick peck on the lips, "Merry Christmas to you too."
Eventually, he let you go when his mom called for your help in the kitchen. Stormie was like a second mom to you, which was good since you were dating her son and your mother is nowhere near you.
When there was nothing left to be done in the kitchen, you and Stormie walked back into the living room. Everyone was sitting down, ready to exchange gifts, except there was one person missing. "Um, where's Riker?"
"I think he went to the bathroom," Rocky answered.
"Well, let's go ahead and start. (Y/N), you can start us off," Mark directed to you.
"What about Riker?" you question.
"Oh, he won't miss much. I'm recording it all," Rydel responded, gesturing to her camera. "Start with the giant box."
With hands up in surrender, you complied and started tearing into the paper. The paper was discarded and you were trying to figure out how to open the cardboard box. Ryland informed you that there was velcro on a corner so that it opened up more easily. You thought that was kind of odd but dismissed the thought anyway.
When the 'door' was opened all the way, Riker was in plain view. He was on one knee with a velvet ring box in his hands. "(Y/N), I'm absolutely positive that you're the one for me. There's no doubt in my mind that we were meant to be together. So, (Y/F/N), will you marry me?" He finally opened the velvet box that held a beautiful sterling silver ring with a diamond in the middle and an engraving that reads 'My One True Love'.
Tears are slowly beginning to flow from your eyes as you nod and semi-whisper a yes. Riker stands up and puts the ring on your finger while cheering goes on around you.
"Turn around," Riker whispers. You do as he says and see your parents. Your mom is crying while your dad is trying not to cry, but failing miserably. Running over to them, you cry even harder and hug them.
"How did you get here?" you asked after pulling out of the hug.
"Mark and Stormie paid for our flight to come out here," your mom said.
Turning around, you walked over to Stormie and Mark to hug them individually. "Thank you so much! It means the world to me that they got to witness my engagement."
"No problem, sweetie," Stormie replied with a smile.
You walked back over to Riker, speaking to him. "And you, mister," you wrapped your arms around his neck while he snaked his around your waist. "I love you." The two of you kissed, only for it to be interrupted by Ross.
"Okay! You two can kiss and celebrate as much as you want later. Can we get back to Christmas, please?" You rolled your eyes and shook your head playfully before sitting on the loveseat, leaning your head against Riker's shoulder.
Everyone continued to open their presents. On top of the beautiful ring from Riker, he got you a cute gold bracelet that said 'love' and you received some other things from the boys, Rydel, your parents, and – to your surprise – your soon-to-be in-laws. Then you all cleaned up wrapping paper, bows, and ribbons.
After all of that was finished, everyone sat down for dinner. It was nice to see your parents get along with the Lynches, considering your parents and Riker's parents had never met in person before. When dinner was finished, your parents thanked Stormie and Mark, said their goodbyes, and left to go back to their hotel. Shortly after – about 8:30 – you decided you needed to get going too.
As you were walking out the door, you hear Riker. "Wait!" Turning around, you see him put on his jacket. "I'm coming with you." Smiling like crazy, the two of you said goodbye to everyone and left to go back to your apartment.
When the two of you got inside your apartment, Riker stopped under a doorway and waited for you. You stopped next to him and he grinned, making you look at him curiously. "What?"
He pointed up and so you shifted your gaze to where he was pointing. "Mistletoe." Looking back at him, you shook your head and grinned as well. Grabbing you around the waist, Riker dipped you right before kissing you.
'This is definitely a very merry Christmas,' you thought to yourself while still kissing Riker.