The Christmas season was fast approaching, and Chris and Stephanie had
decorated the entire house. Their parents and Stephanie's brother were
coming down for Christmas Eve dinner. It would be the first time since
Stephanie had moved in that they had any company over.
Yeah, so they lived like hermits a lot of the time, but they had each other, and that was fine with them. Stephanie watched as Chris put a star on the top of the Christmas tree, and stood back to make sure it was straight.
"Chris, move it a little to the left," she told him. He did so, and Stephanie looked again.
"Yeah, that looks fine, now get down here before you fall," she said laughing.
Chris climbed down the small ladder, and went to stand next to Stephanie. They had bought a tree yesterday, and they had just finished decorating it. It looked truly spectacular, it was a huge tree too, and so they had to buy a lot of ornaments for it.
"I'd say we did a good job," Chris said.
"We did. This is going to be great."
"Yeah, and I finally get to meet your brother."
"Yeah, Shane's cool. I get to meet your parents too."
"Yeah, I'm sure they'll like you. Mostly because it proves that I'm actually talking to girls, and not still mooning over Jessica."
"But you are," she said laughing.
"I know, but let them think what they want."
Dungy bounded into the room, and went over to the tree. He started sniffing at it, wondering what this thing was in his house. As he was sniffing, one of the branches touched his back, and he jumped, and ran behind Chris and Stephanie, now scared.
"Aww, poor thing, I'm going to take him outside for a while," Stephanie said, as she picked him up and walked towards the back door.
Chris stayed there, and thought about what he was going to do. He had made the decision a while ago, and he was going to execute it on Christmas. He didn't know how Stephanie would react, she'd be surprised, but he hoped that she wouldn't make a big deal out of it either.
He made plans to go into town the next day, and get the things he needed for his plan. His parents and Stephanie's family were only staying for a couple of nights, and they were leaving on Christmas Day. That gave Chris the perfect opportunity to do the plan on Christmas night.
Chris heard Stephanie and Dungy walk back into the house, and she came back into the room to see him still standing there.
"I know the tree is beautiful Chris, but don't you think it's time to stop staring at it?"
"Sorry, just daydreaming."
"What about? How perfect Christmas would be if you and Jessica were together?"
"No, that wasn't it at all," he said, "I have to go to town tomorrow do you want me to pick you up anything?"
"Um, no, I think I'm set, do you want me to come along?"
"No, that's ok, you don't have to. What are you going to do tomorrow?"
"Well, I thought I'd go on a ride with Ophelia and Dungy. You know how he loves to run along side. Then get a few shots in, maybe develop them as well."
"Well, have fun."
"Oh, I will, I'm gonna go to bed," she told him.
"Ok, I'll be up in a bit."
"Kay," she said, before heading upstairs, Dungy following close behind.
Chris listened to some music for a while, thinking of what he was going to pick up in town. He would have to be stealthy about it, and he needed to get something of Stephanie's. That would be the hard part.
He walked upstairs, and into his bedroom. Him and Stephanie still had separate bedrooms, but they slept together in Chris's bed. He saw that Stephanie was already asleep. That was perfect, now was his chance.
He walked out of his room, down the hall to Stephanie's bedroom. He opened the door silently, and stepped inside. He scanned room quickly, and then found what he was looking for on her dresser. He walked over and looked quickly. He found what he needed than left her room.
He walked back down the hallway, and back into his room. He slipped what he had gotten into his nightstand drawer. He got ready for bed, and then slipped in next to Stephanie. She unconsciously moved closer to him, and laid her arm across his chest. Chris pulled her closer with an arm, and then fell asleep himself.
He awoke the next morning to find himself alone in his bed. He figured Stephanie had already left for her day of riding. That was fine, less questions from her. He got dressed quickly, and headed straight out of the house.
As he was driving towards town, he couldn't help but think about what he was planning to do. Was he crazy for doing this? Maybe, but right now, there were no alternatives, and this seemed to be the best plan for both of them. Stephanie was his best friend, and he needed her.
He parked in front of the shop that he wanted, and walked inside. The man on duty came over to him, and asked if he needed any help. Chris didn't know where to start, but with the man's help, he found just what he was looking for. He took the thing he had gotten from Stephanie's room as a guide. Pretty soon, everything was set, and Chris had found the perfect gift for Stephanie.
"Hey, you're back," Stephanie said from the couch, where she was reading a book, Dungy sitting obediently at her feet.
"Yeah, how was your ride?"
"Great, I took some fabulous shots. I think I might have a show after Christmas. So what did you buy?"
"Just some last minute Christmas shopping," he told her, being deliberately vague.
"Something for me?" she asked grinning mischievously.
"Maybe, maybe not."
"Well, if it is for me I can't wait to see it."
"You'll just have to wait."
*****************
Chris and Stephanie were at the airport, waiting to pick up Chris's parents. They were flying in a day earlier than Stephanie's family, who they would pick up tomorrow morning, on Christmas Eve.
"Oh, there they are," Chris said, pointing to a couple that had just stepped off the plane.
Chris walked briskly over to them. Stephanie lagged behind a little, a little nervous about meeting Chris's parents. Chris engulfed his mom in a hug, which she enthusiastically returned. He pulled away, and gave his father a hug as well. As soon as the hugging had finished, Chris led his parents over to where Stephanie was standing.
"Mom, Dad, this is Stephanie. Stephanie, these are my parents, Ted and Elizabeth Irvine."
"Hi, it's nice to meet you," Stephanie said, shaking their hands.
"It's nice to meet you," his parents said, smiling at Chris in approval. Chris just rolled his eyes.
"Well, let's get out of here."
Later that evening, the four of them were sitting around the fire that Chris had started in the fireplace. After Chris had given his parents the tour of their house, they had all enjoyed a quiet dinner, where Stephanie learned a lot more about Chris. His parents were very talkative people.
Now, Chris was talking to his parents animatedly while Stephanie was reading. She looked up every so often when Chris addressed her. He was glad his parents could make it down here, and pleased that they seemed to like Stephanie.
His parents excused themselves to their bedroom, and Stephanie and Chris were left alone. Chris looked over at Stephanie, and saw she was engrossed in what she was reading. He lifted the book from her hands, and she gave him a look of annoyance.
"Give me my book back Chris," she demanded.
"Nah," he answered, setting the book aside, "So what do you think of my parents?"
"They're really nice. They like to talk a lot too. Now I know where you get it from."
"I'm glad you like them, they really like you too."
"Did they tell you that?"
"Yeah, when you went into the bathroom," he grinned impishly.
"Oh yeah, I could hear them you know, they're kind of loud. I can't believe they were goading you to marry me."
Chris laughed, but it sounded hollow, "Yeah, that's parent's for you."
"Unless my name was Jessica, I don't think you'd marry me."
"Uh-huh."
"So I guess we have to go back to our old sleeping arrangements for the next couple of days?"
"Huh?"
"Because our families are here, do we want them thinking that we're together, when we're really not?"
"Are we together?"
"Answer a question with a question, how profound. We're friends Chris....I guess you can say friends with extra privileges."
"Very nice extras," Chris said winking at her.
"Whatever. But we both know there are no romantic feelings between us. Why complicate it by letting people think we're together?"
"I guess, so I'm going to have be all by myself."
Stephanie got off the couch, "Well, Dungy can keep you warm if you want?"
*****************
Everyone sat around the dinner table talking and laughing. It was Christmas Eve, and everyone was having a nice time. They had prepared so much food, and there was an entire feast on the table.
Chris's family and Stephanie's family got along great, and everyone was very jolly and spirited as they sat around the table. Chris and Stephanie smiled at each other glad that everything had gone according to plan.
Later that evening, when everyone else had gone to bed, and Chris and Stephanie were in the kitchen cleaning up. Chris laughed as he splashed Stephanie with some water from the sink. She stuck her tongue out at him, before hitting him with her dish rag.
"Now I'm all wet," she complained, "I'll have to take a shower."
"Want me to join you?" he asked jokingly.
"Shut up, no I don't want you to join me."
"Darn, cause I need a shower too."
"I'm sure you do. Tonight went really well, I'm glad our families got along so well."
"Yeah me too, considering how different they are. Your brother is pretty overprotective of you."
"What do you mean?" she asked.
"Well, while you were discussing some of your photographs to our parents, he took me aside and gave me a warning."
"Warning? What kind of warning?"
"That if I ever hurt you that he would hunt me down."
"WHAT?" she exclaimed, "Why would he say that?"
"I don't know, he probably thinks we're together or something. I just took it in stride."
"Good, don't listen to Shane, he's always trying to be the tough guy."
"Stephanie, can I ask you something?"
"Go ahead."
"Our 'arrangement' or whatever you want to call it, it's not bad for you or anything is it? I mean, you don't think I'm taking advantage of you or anything right?"
Stephanie walked over to him, and grabbed him by the back of his head. She kissed him firmly on the mouth. Chris was surprised by her prowess, but that didn't stop him from kissing her back. They made out for a little while when they heard someone coming down the stairs and broke apart quickly. Moments later, Shane was in the room.
"Hey you guys, I was wondering where you kept the towels?"
"Oh, they're in the closet right next to the bathroom," Chris answered.
"Thanks, night you guys."
"Night," they said in unison.
"That was close," Chris said.
"So did that answer you're question? You're not using me Chris. Maybe we're using each other, but you're not using me."
"Ok, just making sure, I don't want to hurt you in anyway."
"You're a good person Chris, Jessica should never have let you slip out of her fingers."
"Thanks, what do you say we call it a night? I'll walk you to your room."
"How can I say no to that?" she said, linking her arm in his, as they walked upstairs.
*****************
The next day passed in a blur. That morning they had all opened presents, and then Chris and Stephanie had driven everyone to the airport for their flights. Now they were back home, resting against each other, tired from the last couple days.
Stephanie sighed and watched Dungy play with the forgotten wrapping paper lying around, thinking about her previous Christmas's with Hunter. Chris heard her sigh, and wondered what was up.
"Everything ok?"
"Yeah, I was just thinking about the Christmas I spent with Hunter. He was so much fun to be around. He got me this beautiful necklace. You know the one with the star, with the diamond at the point."
"Yeah, that is really nice. What did you get him?"
"A DVD player, that's what he really wanted, so I got it for him."
"That's nice of you."
"I'm glad I'm not alone for the holidays this year. It was nice to be around people."
"Remind me never to have so much company over though," Chris said.
"Ok, I don't think we're used to having that many people around."
"I know. Thank you for the gift by the way," he said, referring to the surround system she had gotten him.
"You're welcome, although I noticed that I didn't get a gift from you."
"Oh, I have one, I just wanted to wait until we were alone to give it to you."
"Ok, so can I open it now?"
"Yeah, hold on."
Chris untangled himself from Stephanie, and got off the couch. He walked over to the desk in the corner of the room. He opened the top drawer, and lifted out a small box. He walked back over to her, and handed her the gift. She smiled as he sat down beside her.
She opened the box and gasped. Inside was a diamond ring, surrounded by sapphires, and mounted on a platinum band. She looked shocked for a moment, just staring at the ring. Then she looked up into Chris's face.
"Chris, what is this?" she asked, though she knew exactly what it was.
"It's an engagement ring."
"But-but why? Why would you get this for me?"
"Because I want you to marry me," he said, definitively.
"But, we're not in love Chris, we're not even dating."
"I know, but I do have a point with all of this."
"You do? Well, then please let me in on it, because I'm confused as hell."
"Stephanie, who do we have in our lives, look at us? We only have our families and each other. Why shouldn't we get married, I mean, we live together, and we sleep together."
"But Chris, you're in love with someone else, and so am I. And the person you're in love with, she can come back."
"She hasn't come back Stephanie. It's been almost two years and she hasn't come back. For all I know, she isn't going to. It's time to cut my losses and go with what works."
"And we work?"
"I like to think we do. Stephanie, I may not love you but you make me happy, I like living with you, and I like being around you."
"So you want to marry me?"
"Yeah, I think that we can make it work. You're my best friend Stephanie, and I guess this is more of, I'd like to be best friends for the rest of our lives."
"Well, as long as we both know that we're not in love. I mean, I love you as a friend, but not like that."
"I know. So you accept?"
She nodded slightly, "I accept."
He leaned over and kissed her gently, "Great."
"A question Chris."
"What is it?"
"This ring, you didn't buy this for Jessica did you?"
"No, I bought it in town for you."
"Ok, good."
Yeah, so they lived like hermits a lot of the time, but they had each other, and that was fine with them. Stephanie watched as Chris put a star on the top of the Christmas tree, and stood back to make sure it was straight.
"Chris, move it a little to the left," she told him. He did so, and Stephanie looked again.
"Yeah, that looks fine, now get down here before you fall," she said laughing.
Chris climbed down the small ladder, and went to stand next to Stephanie. They had bought a tree yesterday, and they had just finished decorating it. It looked truly spectacular, it was a huge tree too, and so they had to buy a lot of ornaments for it.
"I'd say we did a good job," Chris said.
"We did. This is going to be great."
"Yeah, and I finally get to meet your brother."
"Yeah, Shane's cool. I get to meet your parents too."
"Yeah, I'm sure they'll like you. Mostly because it proves that I'm actually talking to girls, and not still mooning over Jessica."
"But you are," she said laughing.
"I know, but let them think what they want."
Dungy bounded into the room, and went over to the tree. He started sniffing at it, wondering what this thing was in his house. As he was sniffing, one of the branches touched his back, and he jumped, and ran behind Chris and Stephanie, now scared.
"Aww, poor thing, I'm going to take him outside for a while," Stephanie said, as she picked him up and walked towards the back door.
Chris stayed there, and thought about what he was going to do. He had made the decision a while ago, and he was going to execute it on Christmas. He didn't know how Stephanie would react, she'd be surprised, but he hoped that she wouldn't make a big deal out of it either.
He made plans to go into town the next day, and get the things he needed for his plan. His parents and Stephanie's family were only staying for a couple of nights, and they were leaving on Christmas Day. That gave Chris the perfect opportunity to do the plan on Christmas night.
Chris heard Stephanie and Dungy walk back into the house, and she came back into the room to see him still standing there.
"I know the tree is beautiful Chris, but don't you think it's time to stop staring at it?"
"Sorry, just daydreaming."
"What about? How perfect Christmas would be if you and Jessica were together?"
"No, that wasn't it at all," he said, "I have to go to town tomorrow do you want me to pick you up anything?"
"Um, no, I think I'm set, do you want me to come along?"
"No, that's ok, you don't have to. What are you going to do tomorrow?"
"Well, I thought I'd go on a ride with Ophelia and Dungy. You know how he loves to run along side. Then get a few shots in, maybe develop them as well."
"Well, have fun."
"Oh, I will, I'm gonna go to bed," she told him.
"Ok, I'll be up in a bit."
"Kay," she said, before heading upstairs, Dungy following close behind.
Chris listened to some music for a while, thinking of what he was going to pick up in town. He would have to be stealthy about it, and he needed to get something of Stephanie's. That would be the hard part.
He walked upstairs, and into his bedroom. Him and Stephanie still had separate bedrooms, but they slept together in Chris's bed. He saw that Stephanie was already asleep. That was perfect, now was his chance.
He walked out of his room, down the hall to Stephanie's bedroom. He opened the door silently, and stepped inside. He scanned room quickly, and then found what he was looking for on her dresser. He walked over and looked quickly. He found what he needed than left her room.
He walked back down the hallway, and back into his room. He slipped what he had gotten into his nightstand drawer. He got ready for bed, and then slipped in next to Stephanie. She unconsciously moved closer to him, and laid her arm across his chest. Chris pulled her closer with an arm, and then fell asleep himself.
He awoke the next morning to find himself alone in his bed. He figured Stephanie had already left for her day of riding. That was fine, less questions from her. He got dressed quickly, and headed straight out of the house.
As he was driving towards town, he couldn't help but think about what he was planning to do. Was he crazy for doing this? Maybe, but right now, there were no alternatives, and this seemed to be the best plan for both of them. Stephanie was his best friend, and he needed her.
He parked in front of the shop that he wanted, and walked inside. The man on duty came over to him, and asked if he needed any help. Chris didn't know where to start, but with the man's help, he found just what he was looking for. He took the thing he had gotten from Stephanie's room as a guide. Pretty soon, everything was set, and Chris had found the perfect gift for Stephanie.
"Hey, you're back," Stephanie said from the couch, where she was reading a book, Dungy sitting obediently at her feet.
"Yeah, how was your ride?"
"Great, I took some fabulous shots. I think I might have a show after Christmas. So what did you buy?"
"Just some last minute Christmas shopping," he told her, being deliberately vague.
"Something for me?" she asked grinning mischievously.
"Maybe, maybe not."
"Well, if it is for me I can't wait to see it."
"You'll just have to wait."
*****************
Chris and Stephanie were at the airport, waiting to pick up Chris's parents. They were flying in a day earlier than Stephanie's family, who they would pick up tomorrow morning, on Christmas Eve.
"Oh, there they are," Chris said, pointing to a couple that had just stepped off the plane.
Chris walked briskly over to them. Stephanie lagged behind a little, a little nervous about meeting Chris's parents. Chris engulfed his mom in a hug, which she enthusiastically returned. He pulled away, and gave his father a hug as well. As soon as the hugging had finished, Chris led his parents over to where Stephanie was standing.
"Mom, Dad, this is Stephanie. Stephanie, these are my parents, Ted and Elizabeth Irvine."
"Hi, it's nice to meet you," Stephanie said, shaking their hands.
"It's nice to meet you," his parents said, smiling at Chris in approval. Chris just rolled his eyes.
"Well, let's get out of here."
Later that evening, the four of them were sitting around the fire that Chris had started in the fireplace. After Chris had given his parents the tour of their house, they had all enjoyed a quiet dinner, where Stephanie learned a lot more about Chris. His parents were very talkative people.
Now, Chris was talking to his parents animatedly while Stephanie was reading. She looked up every so often when Chris addressed her. He was glad his parents could make it down here, and pleased that they seemed to like Stephanie.
His parents excused themselves to their bedroom, and Stephanie and Chris were left alone. Chris looked over at Stephanie, and saw she was engrossed in what she was reading. He lifted the book from her hands, and she gave him a look of annoyance.
"Give me my book back Chris," she demanded.
"Nah," he answered, setting the book aside, "So what do you think of my parents?"
"They're really nice. They like to talk a lot too. Now I know where you get it from."
"I'm glad you like them, they really like you too."
"Did they tell you that?"
"Yeah, when you went into the bathroom," he grinned impishly.
"Oh yeah, I could hear them you know, they're kind of loud. I can't believe they were goading you to marry me."
Chris laughed, but it sounded hollow, "Yeah, that's parent's for you."
"Unless my name was Jessica, I don't think you'd marry me."
"Uh-huh."
"So I guess we have to go back to our old sleeping arrangements for the next couple of days?"
"Huh?"
"Because our families are here, do we want them thinking that we're together, when we're really not?"
"Are we together?"
"Answer a question with a question, how profound. We're friends Chris....I guess you can say friends with extra privileges."
"Very nice extras," Chris said winking at her.
"Whatever. But we both know there are no romantic feelings between us. Why complicate it by letting people think we're together?"
"I guess, so I'm going to have be all by myself."
Stephanie got off the couch, "Well, Dungy can keep you warm if you want?"
*****************
Everyone sat around the dinner table talking and laughing. It was Christmas Eve, and everyone was having a nice time. They had prepared so much food, and there was an entire feast on the table.
Chris's family and Stephanie's family got along great, and everyone was very jolly and spirited as they sat around the table. Chris and Stephanie smiled at each other glad that everything had gone according to plan.
Later that evening, when everyone else had gone to bed, and Chris and Stephanie were in the kitchen cleaning up. Chris laughed as he splashed Stephanie with some water from the sink. She stuck her tongue out at him, before hitting him with her dish rag.
"Now I'm all wet," she complained, "I'll have to take a shower."
"Want me to join you?" he asked jokingly.
"Shut up, no I don't want you to join me."
"Darn, cause I need a shower too."
"I'm sure you do. Tonight went really well, I'm glad our families got along so well."
"Yeah me too, considering how different they are. Your brother is pretty overprotective of you."
"What do you mean?" she asked.
"Well, while you were discussing some of your photographs to our parents, he took me aside and gave me a warning."
"Warning? What kind of warning?"
"That if I ever hurt you that he would hunt me down."
"WHAT?" she exclaimed, "Why would he say that?"
"I don't know, he probably thinks we're together or something. I just took it in stride."
"Good, don't listen to Shane, he's always trying to be the tough guy."
"Stephanie, can I ask you something?"
"Go ahead."
"Our 'arrangement' or whatever you want to call it, it's not bad for you or anything is it? I mean, you don't think I'm taking advantage of you or anything right?"
Stephanie walked over to him, and grabbed him by the back of his head. She kissed him firmly on the mouth. Chris was surprised by her prowess, but that didn't stop him from kissing her back. They made out for a little while when they heard someone coming down the stairs and broke apart quickly. Moments later, Shane was in the room.
"Hey you guys, I was wondering where you kept the towels?"
"Oh, they're in the closet right next to the bathroom," Chris answered.
"Thanks, night you guys."
"Night," they said in unison.
"That was close," Chris said.
"So did that answer you're question? You're not using me Chris. Maybe we're using each other, but you're not using me."
"Ok, just making sure, I don't want to hurt you in anyway."
"You're a good person Chris, Jessica should never have let you slip out of her fingers."
"Thanks, what do you say we call it a night? I'll walk you to your room."
"How can I say no to that?" she said, linking her arm in his, as they walked upstairs.
*****************
The next day passed in a blur. That morning they had all opened presents, and then Chris and Stephanie had driven everyone to the airport for their flights. Now they were back home, resting against each other, tired from the last couple days.
Stephanie sighed and watched Dungy play with the forgotten wrapping paper lying around, thinking about her previous Christmas's with Hunter. Chris heard her sigh, and wondered what was up.
"Everything ok?"
"Yeah, I was just thinking about the Christmas I spent with Hunter. He was so much fun to be around. He got me this beautiful necklace. You know the one with the star, with the diamond at the point."
"Yeah, that is really nice. What did you get him?"
"A DVD player, that's what he really wanted, so I got it for him."
"That's nice of you."
"I'm glad I'm not alone for the holidays this year. It was nice to be around people."
"Remind me never to have so much company over though," Chris said.
"Ok, I don't think we're used to having that many people around."
"I know. Thank you for the gift by the way," he said, referring to the surround system she had gotten him.
"You're welcome, although I noticed that I didn't get a gift from you."
"Oh, I have one, I just wanted to wait until we were alone to give it to you."
"Ok, so can I open it now?"
"Yeah, hold on."
Chris untangled himself from Stephanie, and got off the couch. He walked over to the desk in the corner of the room. He opened the top drawer, and lifted out a small box. He walked back over to her, and handed her the gift. She smiled as he sat down beside her.
She opened the box and gasped. Inside was a diamond ring, surrounded by sapphires, and mounted on a platinum band. She looked shocked for a moment, just staring at the ring. Then she looked up into Chris's face.
"Chris, what is this?" she asked, though she knew exactly what it was.
"It's an engagement ring."
"But-but why? Why would you get this for me?"
"Because I want you to marry me," he said, definitively.
"But, we're not in love Chris, we're not even dating."
"I know, but I do have a point with all of this."
"You do? Well, then please let me in on it, because I'm confused as hell."
"Stephanie, who do we have in our lives, look at us? We only have our families and each other. Why shouldn't we get married, I mean, we live together, and we sleep together."
"But Chris, you're in love with someone else, and so am I. And the person you're in love with, she can come back."
"She hasn't come back Stephanie. It's been almost two years and she hasn't come back. For all I know, she isn't going to. It's time to cut my losses and go with what works."
"And we work?"
"I like to think we do. Stephanie, I may not love you but you make me happy, I like living with you, and I like being around you."
"So you want to marry me?"
"Yeah, I think that we can make it work. You're my best friend Stephanie, and I guess this is more of, I'd like to be best friends for the rest of our lives."
"Well, as long as we both know that we're not in love. I mean, I love you as a friend, but not like that."
"I know. So you accept?"
She nodded slightly, "I accept."
He leaned over and kissed her gently, "Great."
"A question Chris."
"What is it?"
"This ring, you didn't buy this for Jessica did you?"
"No, I bought it in town for you."
"Ok, good."
