A/N: To be honest, not sure why I'm updating. A little disappointing with the response to last chapter, I really do like to hear what you have to say... I know it might seem like it's not a big deal. But after the day to day grind of life and social life it can take hours to get updates up.

And hearing from you that you want me to continue, keeps me motivated. We know I lose motivation for a year at a time...

However it's almost Christmas and I wanted to do a Christmas chapter as I've been asked to.

Anyway, sorry - just had to say it.

Fate Chapter Thirty-Nine

Brooke POV

"Wow Brooke, it sounds like the perfect day."

"It really was." I can't stop the sigh slipping through my lips.

"What is it?"

"Nothing."

"Brooke." I roll my eyes at Haley.

"I really thought he was going to propose." I can feel the pout on my lips, taking away my smile.

"It'll happen."

"I was so sure."

"Maybe he doesn't think you're ready." Her voice is soft.

"What if it's him who isn't ready Hales?"

"That's not it. I spent almost a month with you guys."

"Maybe I should start hinting I'm ready?"

"I'm sure that's not necessary."

"Yeah." I bite my thumbnail distractedly.

"Ugh. I've been hinting for days and he's not reacting."

"Like you didn't when he was fishing to move in?" I glare at the screen, shaking my head at Haley's smirk.

"Ha, ha."

"He's not here… maybe I should snoop."

"Brooke! No… don't do that."

"I'll call you back." I disconnect the call ignoring her protests.

I jump from the couch and march towards the master bedroom, pausing at the door.

"No… stupid idea Brooke." I turn on my heel, before groaning and turning around.

I tear the room apart, checking inside socks, under the bed, in with his toiletries. I collapse on the bed frustrated when I can't locate the ring anywhere in the home; the phone vibrates in my hand.

"Hello." I grumble into the phone.

"I take it you didn't find anything."

"No Hales, I found the ring and this is my annoyed tone knowing he's going to propose." The sarcasm is dripping from my tone.

"I see. On to happier subjects. You guys coming for Christmas?"

"Yeah," I'm smiling again.

"Hank told Jay yesterday to take Christmas and New Years off. So thankful we can spend Christmas with you."

The phone dings in my hand; I bring it from my face to read the text from Jay.

Dress warm, be home in an hour and I'm taking you somewhere special.

I squeal excitedly before typing a quick reply, and reciting the text to Haley.

"You think he'll propose?"

"I sure fucking hope so."

"Well good luck, talk to you later."

"It's fucking cold." I grumble into my jacket.

"The December weather has certainly kicked in." He chuckles, bringing me further into his arms.

"Why are we outside?" I bite his neck playfully, laughing as he jabs my side.

"Just a little stroll down memory lane." I pull away frowning before I see where we're standing, on the water edge from our very first date.

"Good thing I'm not wearing heels. Let's not take a dive tonight okay?" His lips press against mine urgently, the heat of his breath is intoxicating as I inch even closer to him.

"I'd save you."

"You always do." I tease back.

"I can't believe how long ago it feels… when it really wasn't that long." I nod against his chin, smiling as he kisses my forehead.

"You hungry?" I can't help but feel the flutter of disappointment at his question.

"Always."

"Let's grab some dinner, there's a nice place up ahead." He pulls away, bending down, my heart skips a beat.

I watch as he ties his shoelace, the surge of disappointment rushing through me at the false alarm.

His warm hand finds mine when he's standing back up, and pulling me along beside him.

"Hales. I don't get it. He's been so romantic lately. All these dates. Is he trying to torture me?"

"Maybe he's just spoiling you. Like the bucket list day."

"I really thought he was setting up a proposal."

"Perhaps he's keeping you on your toes."

"How so?"

"Well you expect it, and he doesn't want you to."

"Huh." A smile overtakes my face.

"Or…" My smile disappears.

"Or what?"

"Or he's just being the handsome, kind, romantic man we know he is."

"I like your other option better." I grumble into the phone.

"Where are you?" She asks suspiciously.

"At the district."

"Why?"

"No reason."

"Uh huh."

"Gotta go, bye."

"Hi Trudy." I smile up at her, before sliding the bag across the counter.

"Is that?" She smiles looking at the bag with hot dog inside.

"Uh huh."

"What do I owe the pleasure?"

"Jay in?"

"No, the teams out."

"Any chance you could let me in? I need to grab my phone. He accidentally took it with him today." I swallow nervously as she stares me down.

"I'm sure you aren't trying to lie to a seasoned Chicago officer."

"Um, no?" My smile is innocent, heart beating in my chest.

"Level with me girl." I sigh, my shoulders dropping.

"I'm sure he's going to propose. But he hasn't… I've already tore our apartment apart…"

"Say no more. Let's go." I raise my eyebrows in shock.

"I won't be long, just gotta grab something for Haley."

"No worries babe."

"You didn't have to come Christmas shopping with me."

"I know, just wanted to spend time with you." I give him a quick kiss before heading into the jewelry store.

My heart still stings from not finding a ring at the district, and wishing Jay wasn't with me so close to engagement rings he clearly has no intention of gifting me this Christmas.

"What you getting Haley?"

"Ring, it's from Nathan, just grabbing it for him."

"Why is he getting it here?" Jay scratches his head before leaning on the glass counters.

"He got it custom made." I can tell he's only half listening, staring at the rings in front of him while I move to speak to the lady behind the counter.

"Do you want to try it on?"

"Oh no, we're not the same ring size." I smile at the lady moving to place the ring in the box.

"What size are you? I have some amazing stones that would look great."

"Oh I'm not really looking at getting a ring."

Well not one of these anyway.

I watch as Jay shifts on his feet before pulling out his buzzing phone and walking away.

"How about this?" I stare down at the purple stone.

"That's gorgeous."

"Try it on." I slide it on my finger.

"Perfect fit."

We're rolling our suitcases out of our room as I hear the buzzing of Jay's phone; I turn to glare at him as he picks it up.

I groan at his apologetic look, dumping my purse on my suitcase.

"Sorry babe."

"Don't say it." His lips find my forehead.

"I gotta go into work."

"You can't be serious." I try and hold back the tears.

"I'll meet you at the airport." I'm avoiding his eyes before his fingers bring my chin up.

"Jay…"

"I promise. You right with my suitcase?"

"Yeah." I nod, brining his lips down to mine.

I watch the door close behind Jay, taking a moment to compose myself, ignoring the fear that his work will take his time away again. I reach for the handle of his suitcase, pausing when an idea hits.

I quickly race towards the door, checking through the peep holes he's gone.

I'm smiling as I lay his suitcase down, ruffling through everything for a sign of a ring.

I curse as I brush away a tear when my search comes up empty, resigning myself to accept our love as it is for now.

My tapping foot is driving the lady beside me insane as I glance at the time on my phone again.

My phone buzzes with a text from Jay.

Held up at work, won't make the flight. I promise I'll fly out as soon as I can.

Tears fall down my face as I angrily type out a reply.

Like you promised you'd meet me at the airport?

I swipe my tears away before deleting the message and typing another reply to hit send.

Be safe, I love you.

I shuffle past other passengers through to arrivals, seeking out Haley. She meets me halfway, the suitcases forgotten as I dive into her arms.

"He's not coming Hales." She holds me tighter.

"It will all work out Brooke."

"Once again I thought maybe it was time to propose… but it's not. No ring in his suitcase."

"Brooke turn around."

"What?" I grumble into her shoulder.

"Christmas came early." I frown before turning around, eyes widening as I see Jay walking through the airport.

"Jay." I breathe out, closing the distance between us and jumping into his arms.

"Hey baby. You excited to see me?" He chuckles into my ear. "We saw each other less than 24 hours ago."

"I know but I started thinking you weren't coming." My feet touch the ground again as his lips kiss the side of my head.

"You made it." I whisper in disbelief, smiling as he joins our lips.

"I keep my promises. I met you at an airport." He smirks, hugging me closer.

I know I shouldn't but I feel for a ring, instead of feeling disappointed again, I'm just thankful he's here.

There may be romance this holiday season, and I need to open my heart ready to be grateful. A proposal isn't the only way to show our love.

A/N: Alright so I hope I can get the special chapter up, it will be a Christmas update with what I think we have all been waiting for.

I am working Christmas break while all the offices close, there are only a couple of us. And my grandparents are coming up.

So will see how I go.

I want to wish Happy holidays to everyone who is celebrating, above all else be safe and happy and enjoy time with loved ones.