Under the Mistletoe

He cornered her under the mistletoe and gently leaned in to kiss her but she was quick to stop him by placing her hand on his chest.

"Michael, your family is here," she warned him while glancing around to make sure no one was coming.

"So, they already know we're together and that we're serious," he answered back as he took her hand and gently fingered the ring he had given her earlier.

"I know, it's just..."she hesitated.

"What is it?"

"I don't know. I guess it's just a bit weird you know with me working at ELQ. I'm technically at my boss' house and..."

"Look the Quartermaines are always talking about how they want me to be a part of this family, that's why were here tonight. And if I'm family then you're family too. So would you please stop with all this nonsense and let me kiss you already."

She smiled at him and wrapped her arms around his neck pulling him closer and letting him bring their lips together.

"Well it's about darn time. I thought you kids were going to stand underneath this thing all night."

Edward chuckled as he made his way out from where he was hiding. He hadn't meant to spy on them but he just couldn't walk the other way when he stumbled upon them. Words couldn't begin to describe how happy he was that Michael was starting to accept them as a family. Last name or no, he was proving to be a true Quartermaine: strong, steadfast and determined to get whatever he set his mind to.

He may not have stayed with ELQ but he knew that he was doing a wonderful job running the coffee warehouse and he was proud of him. He seemed to have finally moved past all the horrible things that had happened in the last few years and he was now enjoying all the happiness he deserved. Abby was a remarkable young woman who was proving to be quite the asset to ELQ and he would always be grateful to Michael for bringing her to the office and insisting that they hire her.

"You know my dear," Edward said just as Abby had started making unnecessary apologies. "My great-grandson is right, the two of you are family and don't either of you ever forget that."