"So," Vaughn said as he laid down on the bed next to Sydney. She was
halfway under the covers, and had her back propped up with several pillows.
"So.what?" She said smiling.
"So, I feel like I haven't seen you for a few hours." He said reaching over and putting a stray strand of hair behind her ear. The truth was that they had both been very busy over the last three hours. After the short celebration of their engagement everyone agreed that it was time for bed. After kissing everyone goodnight Sydney and Vaughn had begun their Christmas Even duties. Ryan had made Vaughn read him three books before he even hinted at being tired, and Sydney was trying to find enough blankets and pillows for Damien and Alex, who had been booted from their original sleeping quarters. Sydney had at first wanted them to sleep in the living room, but quickly realized that they couldn't be there while "Santa" was working; so she'd asked them to wait until Ryan fell asleep and then crash on his floor. The boys had gone to eat leftovers in the kitchen, and Sydney seized the opportunity to take care of Santa's Christmas Eve chores. She filled the stockings, one for each of the boys, and then added a few presents from Santa to the mound under the tree. When she had finally finished, she'd gone upstairs to kiss Ryan goodnight, and had found both Ryan and Vaughn asleep in his bed. After kissing Ryan and waking Vaughn, the two had gone downstairs and bid Damien and Alex a goodnight, before finally retiring themselves.
"I know, Christmas Eve is a lot of work." She said softly before scooting closer to him. Vaughn slid one arm around her waist and pulled her in close.
"I know." He said smiling.
"How would you know, you spent the entire time sleeping with Ryan." She giggled, poking him in the ribs.
"Hey now, that isn't as easy as it might seem." He laughed. Sydney reached up and turned their bedside lamp off.
"Uh huh, let's just say you owe me." She said sarcastically.
"After all of the paper cuts I suffered, wrapping all of those boxes, I'd say we're even." He laughed pulling her in close once again.
"Uh huh, yeah, whatever you say." Sydney whispered as she brought her lips down on his.
The next morning was announced by a rapid knocking on their bedroom door, followed by a timid voice.
"Um, Dad, Sydney, Ryan's been awake for about a half an hour now, and I don't think we can keep him in his room much longer." It was Damien, sounding as if he was still asleep.
"Okay Dame, we'll be right up." Vaughn croaked, sounding equally asleep. He then lifted his head to check the clock. "It's seven." He said softly kissing Sydney on the forehead before letting his head fall back hard against the pillow.
"He's four, he has no concept of the idea of sleeping in." She laughed as she tried to lift her own head off the pillow. "Ah!" She laughed failing in her attempt.
"Come on. We'd better let the kid open some presents. And even better, we'd better get the coffee going." Vaughn said sitting up.
"Okay you go ahead, I'll just." She was interrupted by her own enormous yawn. "Be there in a minute." She said pulling the covers closer, and closing her eyes. Vaughn leaned over her, kissed her nose, and whispered in her ear.
"Come on Santa, if you don't come now you'll sleep through everything." He kissed her hair.
"I know I just can't believe how tired I am. We weren't even up that late." She said slowly pulling back the covers and sitting up. "I'm usually not this tired." She said standing. Vaughn stood as well and began searching for a pair of pants.
"You forget that you're sleeping for two." He said glancing at her as she walked into the bathroom. She smiled slightly and then started the water to wash her face.
A few minutes later both ascended the stairs to find Vaughn's mother, Jack, Will and Alicia already up and enjoying their coffees.
"Well good morning." Mrs. Vaughn said as she poured two fresh cups for Sydney and Vaughn.
"Merry Christmas Vaughn said picking up a cup." He smiled at his mother and glanced over at the table where the others sat.
"Oh, dear that's decaf for Sydney." She said pointing to the cup.
"Oh," Vaughn said looking down at the cup before handing it to Sydney. He reached over and grabbed the other cup.
"Thanks" Sydney said as she kissed Mrs. Vaughn on the cheek. "Merry Christmas."
Sitting at the table, Jack and Will were engrossed in conversation, while Alicia sat sipping her coffee. When she saw Sydney approaching she looked up and a bright smile covered her face.
"Hi there!" She said excitedly.
"Good morning." Sydney said, smiling as well. Vaughn walked up behind her and wrapped an arm around her waist.
"Well shall we let the 'lost boys' up there, come down and open their presents?" He laughed. Everyone smiled, and then stood to make their way into the living room.
Within thirty minutes there was wrapping paper everywhere. It was Vaughn's family tradition that the presents were opened one at a time, in order to prolong the process, and give everyone time to appreciate their presents. Ryan had gone through his stocking immediately, as had Damien and Alex. Within them they found plenty of candy and chocolate, along with CD's for the older boys, and a package of new dinosaur figurines for Ryan. They also had a bunch of random gifts like wallets, shoe laces, and walkie talkies. Ryan thought that Santa's gifts were the greatest things ever, and played for almost an hour with only his stocking gifts. Meanwhile the adults had begun to open their gifts. Will had received a few new ties, and a beautiful painting. Jack had been given several books, and a new set of pens. Mrs. Vaughn had received several cooking items, and more pictures of Ryan, Sydney, Vaughn, and the boys. Vaughn had been given a new hockey stick, and a set of autographed pucks. Sydney had received a beautiful necklace, and a matching bracelet, along with a stylish leather coat.
Everyone was overwhelmed with happiness by the time breakfast was mentioned, and they hadn't even made a dent in the pile of presents. While they boys played and reveled in their new acquisitions, the adults set about making breakfast, and discussing their own gifts. Mrs. Vaughn was especially happy to make omelets with her new skillet, and Sydney helped with a recipe from her new cook book.
They ate quickly and a few minutes into the meal all three boys were itching to return to the tree. They were forced, however, to remain seated and sat fidgeting through the rest of the meal. As many people finished up their plates Jack, who hadn't said more than two words all morning stood as if to make a speech. Everyone quieted down immediately, and looked to Jack.
"Well I know that we're all very anxious to return to the living room and open more presents. However, I have to ask you all to bear with me on this. If everyone would please find a place in one of the many cars at our disposal, we have somewhere we need to be in fifteen minutes." He said this very deliberately and nonchalantly.
"All of us?" Mrs. Vaughn asked.
"Yes all of us. Now, I know this is quite strange but trust me, it is very important that you all follow me." Jack turned and without another word made his way to his rental car. The group followed slowly, each wondering what this was all about. No one really knew, but all followed Jack's lead and found a place in one car or another. Jack took the lead instantly and led them expertly around the winding mountain roads.
After what must have been fifteen minutes Jack pulled his car to a stop in the driveway of a large house. The caravan came to a halt as well, and soon everyone was standing around in from of the house. It looked as through it were a little log cabin, pushed back in the woods, and in the middle of nowhere. However, the house was much bigger that a simple cabin, and though it was tucked back in the trees, and in a very secluded spot, it was hardly in the middle of nowhere. Everyone watched in awe as Jack led the group to the atrium near the front door. The small area held all of them, and not an eye wandered from Jack as he dug in his pocket.
"Well I'm sorry for all of the suspense, but I though it most necessary." He looked around. "I didn't think any of you would believe you if I told you back at the house." He withdrew a set of keys from his pocket and held them up high so everyone could see. "Sydney your mother and I want you to have it. Michael it's yours as well. It is for you to start your lives together, and continue on with your family." Jack said lowering the keys and handing them to Sydney.
Vaughn starred at Jack in disbelief. "You bought us a house?"
"So.what?" She said smiling.
"So, I feel like I haven't seen you for a few hours." He said reaching over and putting a stray strand of hair behind her ear. The truth was that they had both been very busy over the last three hours. After the short celebration of their engagement everyone agreed that it was time for bed. After kissing everyone goodnight Sydney and Vaughn had begun their Christmas Even duties. Ryan had made Vaughn read him three books before he even hinted at being tired, and Sydney was trying to find enough blankets and pillows for Damien and Alex, who had been booted from their original sleeping quarters. Sydney had at first wanted them to sleep in the living room, but quickly realized that they couldn't be there while "Santa" was working; so she'd asked them to wait until Ryan fell asleep and then crash on his floor. The boys had gone to eat leftovers in the kitchen, and Sydney seized the opportunity to take care of Santa's Christmas Eve chores. She filled the stockings, one for each of the boys, and then added a few presents from Santa to the mound under the tree. When she had finally finished, she'd gone upstairs to kiss Ryan goodnight, and had found both Ryan and Vaughn asleep in his bed. After kissing Ryan and waking Vaughn, the two had gone downstairs and bid Damien and Alex a goodnight, before finally retiring themselves.
"I know, Christmas Eve is a lot of work." She said softly before scooting closer to him. Vaughn slid one arm around her waist and pulled her in close.
"I know." He said smiling.
"How would you know, you spent the entire time sleeping with Ryan." She giggled, poking him in the ribs.
"Hey now, that isn't as easy as it might seem." He laughed. Sydney reached up and turned their bedside lamp off.
"Uh huh, let's just say you owe me." She said sarcastically.
"After all of the paper cuts I suffered, wrapping all of those boxes, I'd say we're even." He laughed pulling her in close once again.
"Uh huh, yeah, whatever you say." Sydney whispered as she brought her lips down on his.
The next morning was announced by a rapid knocking on their bedroom door, followed by a timid voice.
"Um, Dad, Sydney, Ryan's been awake for about a half an hour now, and I don't think we can keep him in his room much longer." It was Damien, sounding as if he was still asleep.
"Okay Dame, we'll be right up." Vaughn croaked, sounding equally asleep. He then lifted his head to check the clock. "It's seven." He said softly kissing Sydney on the forehead before letting his head fall back hard against the pillow.
"He's four, he has no concept of the idea of sleeping in." She laughed as she tried to lift her own head off the pillow. "Ah!" She laughed failing in her attempt.
"Come on. We'd better let the kid open some presents. And even better, we'd better get the coffee going." Vaughn said sitting up.
"Okay you go ahead, I'll just." She was interrupted by her own enormous yawn. "Be there in a minute." She said pulling the covers closer, and closing her eyes. Vaughn leaned over her, kissed her nose, and whispered in her ear.
"Come on Santa, if you don't come now you'll sleep through everything." He kissed her hair.
"I know I just can't believe how tired I am. We weren't even up that late." She said slowly pulling back the covers and sitting up. "I'm usually not this tired." She said standing. Vaughn stood as well and began searching for a pair of pants.
"You forget that you're sleeping for two." He said glancing at her as she walked into the bathroom. She smiled slightly and then started the water to wash her face.
A few minutes later both ascended the stairs to find Vaughn's mother, Jack, Will and Alicia already up and enjoying their coffees.
"Well good morning." Mrs. Vaughn said as she poured two fresh cups for Sydney and Vaughn.
"Merry Christmas Vaughn said picking up a cup." He smiled at his mother and glanced over at the table where the others sat.
"Oh, dear that's decaf for Sydney." She said pointing to the cup.
"Oh," Vaughn said looking down at the cup before handing it to Sydney. He reached over and grabbed the other cup.
"Thanks" Sydney said as she kissed Mrs. Vaughn on the cheek. "Merry Christmas."
Sitting at the table, Jack and Will were engrossed in conversation, while Alicia sat sipping her coffee. When she saw Sydney approaching she looked up and a bright smile covered her face.
"Hi there!" She said excitedly.
"Good morning." Sydney said, smiling as well. Vaughn walked up behind her and wrapped an arm around her waist.
"Well shall we let the 'lost boys' up there, come down and open their presents?" He laughed. Everyone smiled, and then stood to make their way into the living room.
Within thirty minutes there was wrapping paper everywhere. It was Vaughn's family tradition that the presents were opened one at a time, in order to prolong the process, and give everyone time to appreciate their presents. Ryan had gone through his stocking immediately, as had Damien and Alex. Within them they found plenty of candy and chocolate, along with CD's for the older boys, and a package of new dinosaur figurines for Ryan. They also had a bunch of random gifts like wallets, shoe laces, and walkie talkies. Ryan thought that Santa's gifts were the greatest things ever, and played for almost an hour with only his stocking gifts. Meanwhile the adults had begun to open their gifts. Will had received a few new ties, and a beautiful painting. Jack had been given several books, and a new set of pens. Mrs. Vaughn had received several cooking items, and more pictures of Ryan, Sydney, Vaughn, and the boys. Vaughn had been given a new hockey stick, and a set of autographed pucks. Sydney had received a beautiful necklace, and a matching bracelet, along with a stylish leather coat.
Everyone was overwhelmed with happiness by the time breakfast was mentioned, and they hadn't even made a dent in the pile of presents. While they boys played and reveled in their new acquisitions, the adults set about making breakfast, and discussing their own gifts. Mrs. Vaughn was especially happy to make omelets with her new skillet, and Sydney helped with a recipe from her new cook book.
They ate quickly and a few minutes into the meal all three boys were itching to return to the tree. They were forced, however, to remain seated and sat fidgeting through the rest of the meal. As many people finished up their plates Jack, who hadn't said more than two words all morning stood as if to make a speech. Everyone quieted down immediately, and looked to Jack.
"Well I know that we're all very anxious to return to the living room and open more presents. However, I have to ask you all to bear with me on this. If everyone would please find a place in one of the many cars at our disposal, we have somewhere we need to be in fifteen minutes." He said this very deliberately and nonchalantly.
"All of us?" Mrs. Vaughn asked.
"Yes all of us. Now, I know this is quite strange but trust me, it is very important that you all follow me." Jack turned and without another word made his way to his rental car. The group followed slowly, each wondering what this was all about. No one really knew, but all followed Jack's lead and found a place in one car or another. Jack took the lead instantly and led them expertly around the winding mountain roads.
After what must have been fifteen minutes Jack pulled his car to a stop in the driveway of a large house. The caravan came to a halt as well, and soon everyone was standing around in from of the house. It looked as through it were a little log cabin, pushed back in the woods, and in the middle of nowhere. However, the house was much bigger that a simple cabin, and though it was tucked back in the trees, and in a very secluded spot, it was hardly in the middle of nowhere. Everyone watched in awe as Jack led the group to the atrium near the front door. The small area held all of them, and not an eye wandered from Jack as he dug in his pocket.
"Well I'm sorry for all of the suspense, but I though it most necessary." He looked around. "I didn't think any of you would believe you if I told you back at the house." He withdrew a set of keys from his pocket and held them up high so everyone could see. "Sydney your mother and I want you to have it. Michael it's yours as well. It is for you to start your lives together, and continue on with your family." Jack said lowering the keys and handing them to Sydney.
Vaughn starred at Jack in disbelief. "You bought us a house?"