Chapter Eight: The Eighth Night

The arrivals started early. J'onn arrived just after breakfast, his arms packed with presents, and his eyes bright and full of love. Brainy and Nia arrived shortly after J'onn. Brainy had celebrated a few holidays with Nia's family, but he was eager to see how the Danvers clan celebrated their Hanukkah. Lena opened the door just as Nia was explaining to Brainy the emotional significance of the holiday. Lena grinned when she told him not to treat the evening as a science experiment, but to tap into the familial connection and warmth of the last night.

When Clark and Lois arrived with Winn in tow, Alex couldn't resist asking Clark if they had finally adopted Superman's biggest fan. Winn blushed uncontrollably for an hour after Clark mussed his hair and jokingly gave Alex an affirmative nod. Lois looped her arm through Winn's and smiled.

"We just couldn't resist bringing the little guy home with us," Lois said, with a chuckle.

Within minutes of everyone's arrival, Eliza put their extended family to work. Using every free hand in the house, Eliza prepared an amazing meal, fit for an army. She made her unrivaled brisket, roasted chicken, latkes, kugel, and an incredibly special batch of matzo ball soup for Clark. She made four huge batches of sufganiyot, honey balls and cookies.

By the time the food was prepared and plated, everyone in the household was ready to celebrate the eighth night.

The Danvers home pulsed with a love and warmth only a big reunion of friends and family could bring. Kara's Hanukkah playlist played throughout the home, and a beautiful fire blazed in the fireplace. The smell of the food wafted through the air and enticed all the partygoers.

Eliza, Lena, Kara, Alex, and Sam stood in front of the table of food, marveling at the feast they had all prepared. Nia walked up behind Kara and put a hand on her shoulder.

"You know, I'm really worried we're going to run out of food. I mean, there's only enough here to feed all of Midvale," Nia said, playfully.

"You really are like one of my kids. Alex said the same thing on the first night," Eliza said to Nia holding onto her arm.

"Tell me you didn't make this much food for the five of you," Nia said.

"Of course not," Eliza replied cheerfully.

Alex popped in behind Eliza.

"Don't let her fool you, Nia. It was close."

Eliza grabbed Alex and gave her a kiss on the cheek.

"You see what I have to deal with?"

Eliza moved to Lena and wrapped her arm around her shoulder.

"Now if only all my kids were like Lena, my life would be painless. I'll never let her leave," Eliza said, pulling Lena in closer.

"I'm not going anywhere. I think I'll stay here forever. Kar, we live here now, okay?"

Kara wrapped her arms around Lena from behind.

"Sorry Malkati, I can't sleep in a twin bed forever and National City needs both of us. Thank goodness Barry agreed to keep watch."

"Okay, no problem," Eliza said. I'll keep my Lena and you can visit anytime."

Everyone in earshot giggled and shot Kara a playful look of sympathy.

Nia and Kara sat close together in front of the fire, sharing a quiet chat before sundown.

"Cat sent a massive gift basket to the office for you," Nia said with a sad smile. "She said she is cruising the Mediterranean for the holidays, but she sends you and the family all of her love."

Kara smiled, but her eyes were sad.

"I miss her so much. It has been so long since we saw each other. My heart rests so much easier when I have her nearby. I wish she could have come here, but I guess cruising around the Mediterranean is a good enough excuse."

"It must be so hard being that rich," Nia said with a chuckle.

"Yeah, poor Cat," Kara said, shaking her head. "I'm sure she's in agony sunning on the deck of her yacht."

After dinner, the family gathered around the hanukkiah. Much like Lena's first night, Eliza waited to explain the meaning of Hanukkah to the group until after she recited the prayer and lit the candles for the eighth night.

She stepped back and gave Kara, Lena, Alex, Sam, and Ruby a big kiss on the cheek. She held Lena a little longer and whispered in her ear.

"You are a gift and I love you with all my heart. Nothing brings me greater joy than knowing you and Kara have one another. Thank you for joining our family, my love."

Lena held Eliza and whispered back.

"You and your beautiful family are the gift. Thank you for giving me a family and a home. I have never known such peace."

They both let go and stepped back, wiping away their tears.

Clark and Lois stepped forward and gave the women hugs. They had attended many Hanukkah celebrations at the Danvers home. Eliza waved Winn, Nia, Brainy and J'onn forward so they could receive their special Hanukkah hug.

Eliza sat down with the group and explained the meaning of Hanukkah. J'onn and Winn appreciated the education, but they found it difficult to concentrate on anything but the delicious latkes and sufganiyot. Lena marveled at how much she had learned in seven short days. She thought it was sweet watching Winn and J'onn try to take it all in.

Ruby's Hanukkah wish came true when Lena recruited their extended clan to play Dreidel. With ten players, the stakes were higher and so were the rewards. The pots of gelt grew quickly. As Ruby predicted, Lena was a natural and took the gimel three times. Lena held onto her partner in crime and giggled as she pulled the gelt from the center of the table. As promised, she split the pot with Ruby and shared a piece or two with her beautiful Ahuvati.

The gift exchange was the liveliest by far. The group opened dozens of gifts and an infectious joy spread through the living room.

Nia knitted the entire group matching scarves and hats. Brainy performed unauthorized brain scans on all of them and framed the read outs. The group was a little creeped out at first, but the readouts were beautifully displayed, and they knew Brainy's heart was in the right place. Alex and Sam gave Ruby a new computer, and Kara and Lena gave her a Virtual Reality game system she was dying to try.

As they had done each night before, the last present of the evening was Kara's present to Lena. Eliza took a moment to explain to the group what Kara had been doing for Lena all week.

"Each night my Kara has presented Lena with a beautiful letter and a sentimental gift that connects them. Each night has been more romantic than the last. I'm not sure how she could beat last night, but the pressure is definitely on," Eliza said, winking at Kara.

Lois leaned in and whispered in Alex's ear.

"Do you think she'll propose tonight?

"Kar said it was too early," Alex whispered back. She rolled her eyes and gave her sister a disapproving nod.

The group hushed and sat agape when Kara walked out with a massive silver box that stood almost three feet tall.

"Definitely not an engagement ring," Sam whispered to them both.

Kara set the box down in front of Lena and handed her an envelope. She took a seat next to her and gave her a charming smile.

"Damn. I was really hoping for a ring," Eliza said, whispering to the other women.

Lena opened the envelope and cleared her throat.

"Night Eight. Malkati, first, thank you for spending the last seven nights with us. This Hanukkah was our best by far, thanks to you. I have spent so many years searching for someone to share my family and traditions with. I searched for someone who could love my family as much as I do. My search was over the minute I found you.

As you might have already guessed, the theme of this last night of Hanukkah is our future. I have guided you through my past and some experiences that have shaped who I am. I have exposed my weaknesses, and my fears. Hopefully, I have shown you just what you mean to me and my family and how thankful I am for our life together.

Tonight, on this last night of Hanukkah, I would like to share some of my hopes for our future.

In this enormous box, you will find two tickets to Paris. We've talked about going for the last few months and I decided it was time we finally see the most romantic city on the planet together.

The second item in the box is the outline for my novel. You have been so loving and supportive and I want to show you that I will make good on my promise to write my first book. I want to make you proud.

The last item in the box is a five-dollar bill for Alex."

Lena looked over at Kara and cocked her head in confusion.

"Read on, Malkati," Kara said, grinning.

J'onn cleared his throat and looked perplexed.

"Excuse me, Kara. Can I ask you a question? What is that name you're calling Lena?" J'onn asked.

"'Malkati'. It means 'my queen' in Hebrew," Kara said, rubbing Lena's cheek tenderly.

The sound of the doorbell ringing interrupted their sweet moment.

"I wonder who that could be," Eliza said. "Everyone we know, and love is here."

"I'll get it," Alex said, bracing herself to stand.

Lena stood up and smiled.

"Alex, why don't you let Kara get the door?"

Alex took the hint and smiled.

"Of course. Go ahead, Kar."

Kara stood up and gave Lena an inquisitive smile. Lena followed Kara over to the door.

"Is this one of those Hanukkah singing telegrams?" Kara asked with a little laugh and a snort.

A loud knock startled them both. Kara opened the door, and in a matter of seconds, she was sobbing. Cat stepped forward into the doorway and gave Kara her incredibly special and exceedingly rare Cat Grant smile.

"Happy Hanukkah, Keira," Cat said playfully.

Kara threw her arms around Cat's neck and continued to sob. She pulled back, trying to get a hold of herself.

"How are you here? I thought you were in the Mediterranean. Nia said...," Kara started.

"Oh yes, the basket. A cleaver rouse orchestrated by your brilliant soulmate over there."

Kara looked back at Lena and smiled. She turned to Cat and held onto her in disbelief.

"I can't believe you traveled all this way. I missed you so much."

"I missed you too. Lena contacted me and said that she thought it would be a delightful surprise if I joined you all on the last night of Hanukkah. I was going to cruise the Mediterranean, but there is nowhere I would rather be than with you and your family for this special occasion."

Cat stepped inside and everyone greeted her warmly. Cat turned to Kara and beamed.

"Hey, the last time you were at my place, you forgot a little something. I brought it with me. Let me see if I still have it."

Cat started digging through her comically large Prada beach bag purse. She pulled out a small box and handed it to Kara.

"Here it is. Take this," Cat said, handing the box to Kara. Kara's brow furrowed, and she tried to remember what she would have left at Cat's place. She opened the box and found a stunning engagement ring. She looked at Cat, bewildered.

"I don't understand," Kara said with a shaky voice.

"Don't you? I'm not proposing," Cat said.

Kara turned around to find Lena down on one knee. Kara moved her hands to her mouth and sobbed uncontrollably.

"I... I don't understand."

Lena took Kara's hand and gave her the smile that was only hers. Their eyes filled with tears, but their smiles were infectious. The entire room stood still, breathless, and hanging on their words.

"My Kara Zor-El, my Kara Danvers, my beautiful hero and my Ahuvati, you have loved me unconditionally and without limit, since the day we met. Your love is rich and beautiful and every minute I have known you, I have wanted to be a better person. You are the greatest thing that has ever happened to me.

Spending this week with you and our family has only solidified the fact that you are the love of my life, the reason I live and breathe, and my tether to the light. Nothing I say or do will be half as romantic as what you did every night this week, but I knew asking Cat to be here was important. I wanted Cat to be a part of this because you love her so much and she means so much to you. I wanted Cat and our entire family with us when I ask you, my everything, to spend the rest of your life with me. Will you marry me, my love?"

Kara exploded into uncontrollable laughter. Her reaction was shocking to everyone in the room.

"Go grab your box and bring it over here. Kara just barely managed through her laughter.

Lena seemed a little shaken by Kara's response.

"Go ahead, Malkati. Remove the lid."

Lena removed the lid from the box and looked inside. None of the objects from the letter were in the box. Instead, a small ring box sat in the center. Lena looked back at Kara and broke down into a fit of happy tears and giggles.

"You were going to propose to me too?" Lena asked, laughing. "God, I love us."

"You two are ridiculous," Cat said with her signature Cat Grant smirk.

"I wanted to throw you and the family off the scent. Of course, I was going to propose. I wanted to marry you after our first date. If I'm being honest, I wanted to marry you the moment we met."

Lena threw her arms around Kara's neck and kissed her with all the love in her heart.

"I'm so happy, I feel like I could burst," Lena said.

"I called Cat and asked her to be here, but she said she had other plans that she couldn't reschedule. I was so disappointed," Kara said, wiping the tears from her eyes. "It crushed me."

"Sorry, Kara. We've been planning this for a while," Cat said, giving Kara's shoulder a gentle pat.

Lena reached down and grabbed the ring box. She opened the box and found a stunning princess cut diamond resting on a gorgeous platinum setting. Her face lit up. She turned to Kara, who was now down on one knee.

"Lena Kieran Luthor, I know I'm a little late to the game, but will you marry me... um too?"

Lena dropped to her knees and grabbed Kara's face.

"Of course, I will."

They hugged each other hard as everyone in the room looked on.

"This is absolutely absurd and so Kara and Lena," Alex said, holding onto Sam and Ruby.

Lena pulled Kara's face closer and stared deep into her eyes. They didn't hear a thing. It was just the two of them in that moment.

"You're right, Alex. So absurd," Cat said. "And adorable."

"Hey Kar! What the heck? You specifically said it was too early to propose," Alex said.

"If I had told you and Mom, you two would have acted all weird and told Lena about it on the second night. You two are terrible at keeping secrets when it comes to romance. I did you guys a favor."

Eliza and Alex both shrugged their shoulders and laughed.

"So true," Eliza said.

Eliza quickly moved to Lena and Kara's side. She wrapped an arm around each of them as they stood together. She kissed them both on the cheek and pulled them in tight.

"I received so many beautiful gifts this Hanukkah, but this gift is the greatest by far. We didn't need rings to make you a part of this family Lena, but I am so happy you are joining our family officially."

"Will you change your name or keep it, Lena?" Sam asked.

"Who wouldn't want to be a Danvers?" Lena asked.

"That's why Rubes and I changed our names. Welcome to the Danvers family officially, Lena," Sam said, blowing her best friend a kiss.

"It's time to do away with my Luthor darkness and embrace the Danvers light."

Kara pressed her forehead to Lena's and closed her eyes.

"You can change your name, but you'll always be my Luthor and I will always be your Super."

Eliza clapped her hands and beamed.

"Everyone let's head to the kitchen. I have some sparkling cider and some champagne chilling. I never imagined the eighth night would end with a double proposal."

"It sure took you two long enough," Alex said. "I was starting to think it would never happen. We have two miracles to celebrate tonight."

Maybe it was the flickering flames of the candles on the hanukkiah that made the night glow, or maybe it was the love of two unlikely friends-turned lovers that spread the magical warmth and joy through the Danvers home. Kara and Lena stood, wrapped together, and watched happily as everyone celebrated the happy, albeit ridiculous, double proposal.

The next morning everyone packed up their things and prepared for their trip back to their respective homes. Kara brought their luggage downstairs and joined the rest of the house guests in the kitchen. They hugged Eliza goodbye and thanked her for her kind hospitality.

Eliza wrapped her arms around Lena and held on tight. She whispered in her new daughter's ear.

"Thank you for joining us for Hanukkah Lena, my love. This was the best Hanukkah we've ever had. You were exactly what we needed to make our family feel complete."

"Thank you. This was, without a doubt, the happiest week of my life. I wish we didn't have to leave."

"If it were up to me, I would keep all you forever. This house will be so cold and so lonely without you all here."

"Come home with us. Spend some time in National City and we can start planning the wedding."

"I think you and Kara deserve some time to celebrate your engagement, as a couple should, but how about I come and visit you in a couple weeks? I'll take you shopping for wedding dresses and we can choose your colors and your china. It will be perfect."

"I love that."

"We will grab Sam and Ruby and leave Alex and Kara to their own devices."

"It's a date," Lena said, kissing Eliza's cheek.

Eliza pulled back and held Lena's face between her hands.

"Okay, Lena, my love. Safe travels. And please take care of my Kara."

Eliza leaned in and whispered softly.

"She may be super, but you are her hero."

Kara walked over to Eliza and Lena and wrapped an arm around each of them.

"Baby, I do have one question," Lena said to Kara as everyone crowded around.

"Shoot," Kara said with a smile.

"I understand that the last box was just a decoy, but what was the five-dollar bill for Alex all about?"

"Well, I have the outline and the tickets at home waiting for you under your pillow. I gave Alex her five-dollar bill last night before bed."

"That's my question. Why were you giving Alex a five-dollar bill?"

Kara wrapped an arm around Lena's waist and kissed her cheek.

"You haven't figured it out, Malkati?"

"Nope."

"The day you and I confessed our love to each other, I ran to Alex and told her everything. She bet me five dollars that I would propose to you within the year. Of course, I told her we would take it slow, but she was right. It was the happiest five dollars I've ever lost."

Lena wrapped her arms around Kara's neck and kissed her passionately.

The group of friends and family gathered for their last goodbyes before heading off. Kara looked around at all the people who she loved, gathered in one place and she knew that no matter what villain tried to attack, or catastrophe was waiting for her around the corner, she could get through anything with their love and support. Kara looked down at her engagement ring, a small floating diamond nestled into a platinum band, and her heart tingled with joy. Lena grabbed her hand and looked over at her with an inquisitive smile.

"Are you okay, baby?"

"Better than okay. I'm so happy, this all feels like a dream."

Lena interlaced her fingers with Kara's, and they looked down at their rings.

"Marrying you and spending the rest of my life with you and your wonderful family is definitely my dream come true. Thank you for giving me the best Hanukkah a girl could ask for."

"My pleasure. What do you say we head home and cuddle up in our bed for the next twelve hours? Maybe we can burn off some of these Hanukkah calories," Kara whispered playfully."

"I love the way you think, my naughty hero."

Eliza stood on the front porch waving goodbye to everyone. She wrapped her arms around her body to warm up and smiled as everyone blew her kisses.

"A new daughter, a wedding to plan, and Alex and Sam are working on a new grandbaby. Not bad. Not bad at all."

Eliza walked inside the house and closed the door, content that the story of the Danvers family was just beginning.

The End

The sequel to this story, "The Wedding", is posted on AO3.

/works/23136088/chapters/55365496

Thank you for reading and Happy Holidays to you and all the ones you love.

~ ValkyrieNine