I have to say that I am really sorry that these chapters are so short. Like I said, I havent looked at the story in awhile and i didnt realize the chapters were so short compared to what most people write on here. I'm still glad that you all have given me great reviews. Let me know what you think of this one :)

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Chapter 7: Merry Christmas

About two hours later, the movie finished and it was time for dinner. What a feast it was. There was joy and laughter spread throughout the meal. I couldn't remember the last time I had this much fun with our family and friends, including Dan. It still surprised me how much Dan has changed in the past year. I actually enjoy his company. I can have a normal conversation with him without it being awkward. Thank god he changed or I don't know what it would still be like.

We conclude dinner with the "women's" amazing dessert. Just as we thought, the guys were thankful that we made something instead of all of us having what they kindly picked out at the grocery store. It gets close to bed time for the little ones and they are put upstairs in their cribs.

Finally, peace and quiet. Brooke, Peyton, I clean up the dishes from dinner and dessert while Dan and Karen begin to grab all the presents to put under the Christmas tree. Luke and Nathan decided to be nice and be the ones to get more firewood into the house.

Once everyone's jobs were completed, we sat by the fire. It was nice. I caught up with Brooke and her many adventures in New York studying fashion design. Brooke and I began to ramble on about our lives, the ups and downs, when suddenly something caught my attention out the window.

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It was snowing! Snow was one of the many things that always made Christmas special for me. I felt like a kid whenever I saw it, wanting to go sledding or make snow angels. With that joy it also brought peace. There was this calmness about it that sometimes was hard to understand. But I realized you don't have to understand it. Just enjoy it.

Brooke and I got up from the couch where we were sitting and ran to the window. Conversations are now on pause and everyone else walks towards us.

"Isn't it beautiful?" I say with such joy.

Nathan comes up behind and rubs my shoulders. "Yeah. It really is."

"I love this time of year." Brooke says with a smile. "Although, I haven't had much of a family these past few years, but when it snows, it brings back the good times I had in my childhood."

It hurts me when Brooke talks about her past with her parents. From the way I see it, they pretty much abandoned her. It is sometimes hard for her to talk about it, but when she does, you can still hear the hurt in her voice, even if she doesn't admit it.

When I look at Brooke, I don't seem someone who is lonely from the hurt that her parents put on her. I see someone who has so much talent for design and uses it in every way possible. I see what a huge heart she has. She is a wonderful person. I would never want to replace her for anything.

Peyton breaks the silence and says, "I love the snow!" Luke held her close. I look around at everyone and notice we are all at peace.

"Merry Christmas everyone!" I say with a smile on my face.

"Merry Christmas!"

I turn towards Brooke who is still facing the frosted covered window. She sees me watching and gives me a smile, letting me know she is fine.

"You sure hun?" She nods in response. I pull her in for a hug and give her a peck on the cheek. "Merry Christmas Brookie! Love you!"

Her smile widens and she has tears in her eyes. They seem to be happy tears though. "Merry Christmas Hales! I love you too."

I leave her side so she can be alone, just remembering.