Well hello friends! I'm sad yet excited about this chapter. This is the last chapter for this story. It's been a long journey and I appreciate all of your support! Thank you all so much! So read and review this last chapter please. :)
Santana's phone went off in her pocket. She pulled it out and saw who was calling. She showed it to Brittany.
"You should answer it." Brittany smiled softly.
"I'll be back." Santana jumped up and stepped out onto the front porch. She took a deep breath as she hit the talk button. "Hello?"
"Santana," Puck sighed softly, "Merry Christmas."
"Merry Christmas, Puck."
"How've you been?"
"Pretty good."
"I know you don't want to talk to me. But I really want to apologize. For everything."
"Tell me why. Why did you do it? Why did you hit me? Why did you hit Brittany?"
"You want the truth?"
"Yeah, that would be nice."
"I was jealous of her."
"Jealous? Of Brittany?"
"Yeah. She has all of your attention. Me and you didn't get to hang out anymore. I was used to having you all to myself. And you've changed since you been with her. You don't drink with us much anymore. You have to ask her before you do anything. It's like the two of you have become one person and I don't recognize you anymore."
"Listen Puck," Santana sighed. "We're 24 years old. We have to grow up sometime. Drinking and getting stupid is immature. And Brittany is my girlfriend. I love her. And I don't have to ask her before I do anything. I do it because I value her feelings and opinions. We're together so decisions are made together."
"It's not fair."
"Life's not fair." Santana hugged her arms close to her body, cursing herself for forgetting her coat. "Have you talked to Quinn?"
"I called and left her a message. I hope she calls back."
"Give her time."
"Are we ok?"
"I don't know, Puck. Hitting me was one thing, but you hit Brittany, who has been nothing but gracious to you."
"I know. I feel so bad about that. I should never have done it."
"You got that right."
"I want you to know I've been getting help. I'm seeing a therapist and going to AA meetings."
"Good. I'm glad you're taking care of yourself."
"I really miss Quinn. And you."
"I know. But I need some time."
"I understand. Can I call you again?"
"That probably wouldn't be a good idea."
"Ok. Bye Santana."
"Goodbye Puck." Santana slowly hung up the phone and clutched it in her hand. Her body shook from the cold. She fought back tears and went back inside. She sat next to Brittany again, still shivering.
"San, are you ok?" Brittany looked her girlfriend over.
Santana nodded. "I'm f-f-f-fine."
Brittany took Santana's hand in her own. "You're freezing. Didn't you wear your coat?"
"I f-f-f-f-forgot it."
"We need to get you warmed up." Brittany pulled Santana upstairs. They changed into pajamas and got into bed. Santana cuddled closely to Brittany.
"You're so warm." Santana slid her hands under Brittany's shirt.
"Shit, San. You're hands are still freezing." Brittany squirmed under Santana's hands. "So do you wanna talk about the phone call?"
"I don't know." Santana sighed. "He apologized and said he's getting help but I don't know if I can forgive him so easily."
"I know you love him and I'll be here to support you in whatever decision you make."
"Thanks, B. You're too good to me."
"You deserve the best." Brittany shrugged.
"So do you."
"I have the best already." Brittany smiled.
"Listen to you." Santana smiled. "Where did you learn to be such a charmer?"
"Probably from spending so much time around you."
"I'm glad I'm being a good influence on you."
"Have you called your parents today?"
"Shit. Thanks for reminding me." Santana jumped from the bed to get her phone from her pant's pocket. She dialed her parent's number as she crawled back into bed.
"Hello?" Maria answered the phone.
"Merry Christmas, Mami." Santana smiled.
"Mija! I was wondering if you were ever going to call."
"Sorry. I got caught up in all the excitement here."
"It's ok. It's been crazy over here too. So how is Brittany?"
"She's great. She says she misses you."
"We miss her too. When are you coming back for a visit?"
"It might be a while. You know how expensive the holidays are."
"Did you get her a ring?" Maria asked with excitement in her voice.
"No, Mami. I didn't." Santana rolled her eyes, hoping Brittany couldn't hear her mother.
"Well when are you? I want grandchildren, Santana!"
"Whoa, whoa. One thing at a time. It's going to happen soon, don't worry."
"How are you going to propose?"
"I'm not talking about it right now but I already have it planned out."
"How is Puck, mija? You haven't talked about him in a while."
Santana sighed. "He's ok but we aren't really speaking right now."
"What happened?"
"I don't really wanna talk about it." The brunette's eyes started to get teary.
"Well whatever it is, honey, it can't be that bad. You two have been friends since you were 5."
"I know. That's what makes this so hard." The tears fell freely from Santana's eyes. Brittany took Santana's free hand and squeezed it.
"Mija, what is it? Why are you crying?"
"He made some stupid decisions and I don't know if I can forgive him."
"You're being vague, mija. Tell me what happened."
"He got really drunk one night and hit me and Brittany." Santana cried harder and laid in Brittany's lap. "I didn't tell you because I didn't want you to lecture me for taking Brittany's side over his."
"I wouldn't do that and you should know that. Don't forget, I raised you. I know you better than anyone else. I know how much she means to you. I know you protect the people closest to you from anything."
"I do. But he's my best friend. I miss him so much."
"I know, honey. Just give it some time and I'm sure you'll forgive him."
"I love you, Mami." Santana sniffled, sobs slowing to a stop.
"I love you too, mija." Maria smiled. "We miss you this year. It's not the same without you getting in a fight with your cousins."
Santana let out a laugh. "I miss you too. Can you hit Mateo for me?"
"Sure." Maria laughed. "But I should go. The boys are starting to fight. You need to let us know what you want for Christmas also."
"I will sooner or later. Tell everyone I love and miss them."
"I will. Give Brittany our love. Bye, mija."
"Bye, Mami." Santana hung the phone up and looked up at Brittany. "I'm sorry."
"Don't be." Brittany smiled. "I know how hard it must be to not talk to Puck."
"He's been my best friend since we were 5. We've been through everything together, you know?"
"I know. I just don't like seeing you so sad. Especially on Christmas."
"I'm ok." Santana smiled. "I'm with you so it's impossible to stay sad."
"You must be feeling better if you're laying on the charm again." Brittany laughed.
"I'm just a little hungry now."
"Well let's get some food." Brittany smiled, pulling Santana out of bed. They made their way downstairs and found Mrs. Pierce in the kitchen. "Hey mom."
"Hey girls." Mrs. Pierce smiled. "Hungry?"
"A little, yeah."
"Want me to fix you a plate?"
"Sure. Thanks."
Brittany and Santana sat at the table while Mrs. Pierce fixed their food. "Did you have a good day, Santana?"
"Yes, ma'am. I've had a lot of fun."
"The girls seemed to love you. They won't stop talking about you."
"San is great with kids. On Thanksgiving, she spent most of the time playing with her young cousins. They wouldn't leave her alone. It was so adorable." Brittany gushed causing Santana to blush slightly.
"Those boys are great." Santana smiled.
Mrs. Pierce smiled lovingly at the two girls. She handed them their plates. "Here you go."
"Thanks mom." Brittany smiled and started eating. The elder Pierce sat across from the girls. She smiled at Santana, getting tears in her eyes. "Mom? What's wrong?"
"I'm just so happy for you, honey." Mrs. Pierce took Brittany's hand in her own. "I've waited so long for you to find someone who makes you truly happy. And now you have. Everyone loves Santana, for the most part. It's just really good to see you smiling again."
"Aw mom. Don't start that. You're going to make me cry."
"I'm sorry." Mrs. Pierce smiled. "I just wanted you to know. And Santana, we are so happy you found our daughter. You're an amazing person. Thank you for taking such good care of Brittany."
Santana shook her head and smiled. "You don't have to thank me. I love Brittany and just want her to be happy."
"She's lucky to have found you."
"I'm the lucky one, ma'am." Santana smiled as Brittany squeezed her hand. She leaned over, kissing the blonde's cheek.
"You're too adorable." Brittany rested her forehead on Santana's.
"I try."
"Well girls, I'm going to go ahead and go to bed." Mrs. Pierce got up and hugged each girl. "Goodnight."
"Goodnight." Brittany and Santana smiled as Mrs. Pierce left the kitchen. They finished eating and went back upstairs, cuddling in bed.
Brittany wrapped her arms around Santana's waist. "I wonder why my mom was so emotional tonight."
"I don't know." Santana smiled to herself.
"You're not telling me something."
"You're being ridiculous babe. You know I always tell you everything."
"I guess you're right. But I'm still suspicious."
Santana kissed Brittany softly. "You're cute when you're suspicious."
"It's Christmas. You should be nice to me."
"I'm not being nice?" Santana laughed.
"Nope." Brittany said, a smile tugging at her lips.
"Oh yeah?" Santana quirked an eyebrow. She pulled Brittany's face to her own. She traced the blonde's bottom lip with her tongue. Brittany graciously parted her lips, accepting Santana's tongue. Their legs tangled together, hands roaming bodies. Santana pulled away after a few minutes. "Am I still being mean?"
"I guess not." Brittany smiled.
"You better say that." Santana placed a quick kiss on Brittany's lips before resting her head on the blonde's chest.
"I love you, San."
"I love you, B."
The next day, the bus left early afternoon. Brooklyn took the girls to the bus station, giving them each hugs. It was a quiet ride back to the city. Santana had a lot on her mind. After the conversations with her mother and Brittany's parents, she couldn't stop thinking about a proposal and marriage. She was getting a little nervous. The big day was coming up. New Year's Eve. So when Monday rolled around, she called Quinn for help.
"Wait, explain it to me again." Quinn walked next to Santana, drinking coffee.
"I need your help picking out a ring for Brittany." Santana sipped her coffee.
"An engagement ring?"
"Yes, an engagement ring."
"Oh my goodness, Santana! This is so exciting!" Quinn jumped up and down.
"I think you're more excited than I am." Santana laughed.
"So how are you going to propose?"
"I'm doing it on New Year's Eve."
"Friday? Are you serious?"
"What's wrong with Friday?"
"That's four days away!"
Santana shrugged. "So?"
"You're crazy. What's wrong with any other day? Or Valentine's Day?"
"I'm in love and don't want to wait any longer than I have to. And proposing on Valentine's Day is so cliché."
"That's true, I guess." Quinn shrugged.
"Let's go in here." Santana pointed at a shop and they went in. Santana looked around on one side while Quinn looked at the other.
"Hello, my name is Sasha. Is there anything I can help you with?" The saleswoman smiled brightly at Santana.
"I'm looking for an engagement ring for my girlfriend." Santana looked at the woman, nervously.
"Did you have anything in mind?"
"It has to be diamonds." Santana smiled softly. Quinn walked up next to her. "But I'm not sure about the band. She looks great in gold but I'm more of a silver girl."
"Follow me and I'll show you some of what I've got." Sasha led them to a case and pulled out some rings. "Here are some gold ones but here we have some gold and silver two-toned bands. But here we have platinum bands."
"These platinum ones are gorgeous. Quinn, help please. I have no idea what I'm doing."
"Well what do you think she'll like?" Quinn looked over the rings.
"I know she likes gold but I think she would look beautiful in the platinum."
Quinn pulled her phone out and sent a quick text. "Platinum." She smiled.
"Great." Santana smiled. She looked over the stones. "Solitaire or three stone?"
"Three stone for sure." Quinn nodded.
"Do you have more of the three stone platinum?" Santana looked up at Sasha.
"Sure thing." Sasha smiled. She pulled out some more, placing them on the counter.
Santana grabbed one from the middle of the display. "This one. This is it."
"It's beautiful, San." Quinn smiled.
"Try it on. I think your fingers are about the same size as Brittany's."
"Sure. This is probably the only time I'll be wearing one of these." Quinn laughed. She slipped the ring on her finger. "It's almost perfect. Maybe a little big but it could be different on Brittany."
"Wrap it up. I'll take it." Santana smiled at Sasha.
"Don't you want to know the price?" Sasha asked.
"Price isn't really an option. My girl deserves everything she gets." Santana couldn't stop smiling as she handed the ring back to Sasha.
"She's a very lucky girl." Sasha smiled. She wrapped the ring in the signature blue box.
Santana paid and took the box. She almost skipped out of the store with Quinn in tow. "We weren't together today, ok?"
"Whatever you say." Quinn smiled.
"Thank you. I have to get back to work though. See you on Friday though?"
"Of course."
"Thanks for everything, Q. I really appreciate it." Santana hugged Quinn quickly.
"Anytime."
Santana smiled and hurried off to work. She couldn't hide her excitement. She wanted it to be Friday already. Once Friday came, Santana and Brittany were working nonstop. They decided to have a party with some of their closest friends. Santana went grocery shopping while Brittany cleaned up. They cleared out the fridge for the alcohol and Santana started cooking as soon as she got home.
"Britt, babe, can you set my dress out for me?" Santana shouted from the kitchen.
Slender arms snaked around Santana's waist. "Sure babe. I'm going to get ready."
"Hurry up. I have to get ready too and everyone will be here soon."
"Calm down, babe." Brittany kissed Santana's cheek. "Why are you so nervous?"
"I don't know." Santana shrugged. "I just want tonight to be perfect."
"It will be." Brittany squeezed Santana softly. "I'll be out in a minute."
"Ok babe."
Brittany hurried off to the bathroom and a short while later emerged in a tight, mid-thigh black dress. "Go get ready. I'll finish up in here."
"Thanks, B." Santana turned around, taking in the sight of her girlfriend. "Wow. Britt, you look amazing."
"Thank you." Brittany smiled. "Now go get ready."
Santana ran into the bathroom to get ready. She got ready quickly and walked into the kitchen. Her dress resembled Brittany's but was white. "How's it going in here?"
"Everything is done." Brittany smiled. "You look beautiful."
"Thanks, B." Santana hugged the blonde tightly.
The night was going perfectly. Quinn showed up which made Santana happy. Everyone was having a good time. Santana looked at the clock. 11:50. She had five minutes before her plan would be set in motion.
"Nervous, Santana?" Quinn smirked. She found Santana alone for the first time that night.
"A little." Santana smiled. "Can you do me a favor?"
"Anything."
"Ok good. In a few minutes, I'm going to take Brittany up on the roof. I need you to watch over the party for me. Make sure no one breaks anything."
"No problem." Quinn smiled. "This is so exciting."
"Yes it is." Santana smiled. Brittany walked back up to Santana, kissing her on the cheek. "Get your coat, babe."
"What for?" Brittany raised an eyebrow.
"I have a surprise for you." Santana went into the bedroom to grab her coat. She shrugged it on then grabbed the blue box from her drawer. She stuffed it in her pocket before making her way back out to the party. She held out her hand for Brittany. "Come on, B."
Brittany took Santana's hand, smiling. She allowed herself to be led up to the roof. "This is beautiful, San." The pair looked out over the city.
Santana wrapped her arm around the blonde's waist. "You're beautiful, Britt." She turned their bodies so they were now facing each other. She stroked Brittany's cheek with her thumb. "Brittany, you are the most incredible person I've ever met. You make me so happy. You make me a better person. I never really knew what love was before you. I love everything about you. I love waking up next to you in the morning and falling asleep with you at night. This has been the most amazing almost year of my life and you're a major part of it. I can't imagine my life without you. I love you more than anything." Santana reached in her pocket and pulled the box out. "Normally, I would get down on one knee to do this but I can't in this dress. Brittany Pierce, will you marry me?" As she spoke the last sentence, Santana opened the box and the New Year's Eve fireworks started.
Brittany got tears in her eyes as she stared at the ring. She looked up at Santana then back at the ring. "Yes!" She shouted, throwing her arms around Santana's neck. She kissed the brunette over and over. Santana pulled back and took Brittany's hand in her own. She put the 14 karat platinum diamond ring on the blonde's finger. "It's so beautiful, San. I love it."
"Quinn helped me pick it out." Santana smiled. She kissed Brittany softly. "You've just made me the happiest person in the world. Let's go show off."
Brittany stared at the ring on her finger. She took Santana's hand in her own. "Happy New Year, San."
"Happy New Year, B."