Title: Like I Always Say
Pairing: Ryder/Marley
A/N: Okay, so finally, this is the end of the story. I really hope you all like it. I spent a lot of hours trying to figure out the best way to write this, and though it's not my best writing, I'm glad it's finally completed in time for Christmas Day. Anyway, leave a review, and let me know what you thought of it. Thanks for Reading, and a special thanks to everyone who reviewed, or are going to review. I love you all, and MERRY CHRISTMAS!
-Sux2budude
Final Part of Chapter Two:
…
-(WITH RYDER'S FAMILY)
…
The days go by in a big, light-show of a blur for Marley Rose. She doesn't think she's ever been so happy. Of course, she's always happy when she's with her mom or her friends, or when she's singing, but… with Ryder, it's a different kind of happiness. It was a euphoric kind of happiness. When she's with him, he takes up each and every part of her brain. All her worries, her problems, and her insecurities fade away completely when she's with him.
On the day after they arrived in Woodland Lights, Ryder's mother and grandmother had woken her up early, asking if she'd like to prepare breakfast with them, while they wait for Henry, Ryder, Royce, and Raymond to get back from their trip down to see how everything was set up for the big night tonight. Marley was pleased to be able to help the two women, making chocolate chip and blueberry pancakes and waffles, bacon, eggs, salads, breadsticks, tomato soup, and hot chocolate. They were done just in time for the guys to arrive, and Marley smiled widely at Ryder as he ducked into the cottage kitchen. His face practically lit up upon seeing her, and he crossed the room, leaning on the counter. "Good morning, Miss Rose." He greeted cheerily with a fake southern accent.
Marley giggled, feeling like she were in one of those old Christmas movies where she's a housewife, being greeted by her husband. "Why good morning to you too, Mister Lynn."
Ryder chuckled, leaning over to dip his finger into the pot of tomato soup that she was currently stirring, but getting his hand slapped away. He pulled back, laughing at the way Marley was looking at him in mock-disapproval. "Wash your hands first, and breakfast will be ready in a few more minutes."
Ryder let out a dramatic sigh, but his smile stayed intact. "Yes, ma'am." He was tempted to lean over and kiss her cheek, but didn't want to get hit over the head with the metal spoon in her hand.
After breakfast, Ryder, Marley, Royce, and Raymond had gone outside to build a snowman. Marley absolutely loved the fact that Ryder didn't feel like he was too old to be doing this kind of stuff, remembering how Jake had told her that they were too old to play in the snow. She voiced her concern to Ryder, who had simply raised an eyebrow at her and said, "Marley, you can never be too old to build a snowman… and Jake is an idiot." This made her giggle as she helped him roll up the first part of their snowman.
After playing outside for an hour or so, they were called to head back inside and get ready to finally head down to the Main Gate of Woodland Lights, where Marley would finally get to see the rest of the place.
And Woodland Lights, was absolutely breathtakingly beautiful. The main entrance outside of the gate was nothing compared to what laid inside. Every inch of the place was crawling with little children, pulling their parents, friends, or siblings with them, trying to get pictures, or trying to get to a certain place quickly. The entire place was covered in Christmas lights, people wearing costumes of different whimsical creatures, real live reindeer, eating hay, were displayed behind a fence. There were little rides and game booths scattered around the area, food booths, a hot chocolate booth, and even a kissing booth with a cute little elf behind it. The whole place looked like a Christmas amusement park.
Ryder spent most of the time, watching Marley's face as she took everything in. "What do you think?" he asked her, and Marley looked back at him, shaking her head.
"I think I get why this is your favorite place… It's marvelous."
"Yeah. It is." He said. Their moment was interrupted by Royce and Raymond, squealing excitedly as they bounded towards one of the whimsical Christmas characters standing by one of the fences, waving at the passing kids.
"It's Johnny!" the two brothers raced down the road, and practically launched on top of whoever was under the costume of a giant squirrel with an equally giant acorn on its head.
Ryder laughs, grabbing Marley's hand. "Walk with me."
They walked hand in hand, passing plenty of other amazing whimsical characters, rides, booths, and people. Marley enjoyed the way Ryder's hand felt, holding hers. Though it was cold outside, his hand emitted a comforting warmness that quickly seeped through her entire body.
The whole place went quiet as a loud booming rumble of what sounded like a monster truck engine, echoed through the place, followed by a very familiar cry of, "Ho! Ho! Ho!"
Marley turned her head in the direction of the sound, and saw a large, fire engine, pulling in through the snow, with a man in a red suit sitting on top of it. Squeals of delight, screams of joy, and murmurs echoed throughout the place as each and every one in Woodland Lights watched Santa Claus pulling up in his sleigh, and slowing to a halt at a historic log cabin. Marley turned to look at Ryder, her eyebrows raised at the way he seemed enthralled by the sight.
He noticed her look and he smiled sheepishly with a shrug of his shoulders. "He's the main character!"
She loves this side of Ryder. The side where he almost looked like he was the happiest boy in the world. The side where he doesn't even try to hide his love for Christmas. Of course, what kid doesn't love Christmas? But… Ryder doesn't hide it like most kids do.
The little kids immediately started forming a line in front of the cabin, ready to go up to Santa and tell them what they wished for Christmas this year. Marley smiled fondly, remembering her own childhood, when she had been the excited six year old who dragged her mom to the local mall so she could ask Santa for a puppy.
Her thoughts were interrupted by Ryder, who leaned in to her and asked, "Do you wanna go sit on Santa's lap and tell him what you want for Christmas?"
Marley laughed, nudging him playfully with her elbow. "I'd rather not be the only girl over twelve years old, standing in line to sit on Santa's lap."
Ryder stared intensely at her for a moment, before he finally said, "Let's just do it."
Marley raised an eyebrow at Ryder, not really sure if he was joking or not.
At her suspicious look, Ryder grinned and held out his hand to her. "How about we both go and tell Santa what we want?" he shrugged his shoulders a little and added, "We might not get it, but... it always feels good to know that someone out there actually knows specifically what I wanted."
She contemplated it for a moment, and decided that there was no harm in doing this, so she agreed. They stood in line for a good twenty minutes, until finally, they found themselves at the front, staring up at a guy, wearing a fake white beard, and a red suit. "You go first." Marley said, nudging Ryder forward. He shrugged and walked up the four steps to get to Santa. He, of course, knew the guy playing Santa, and he grinned as he walked up to Santa and sat on his lap. He could hear Marley giggling, and he turns to find her, holding her cellphone, and snapping pictures of him. He flashed a quick smile at her, before turning to Santa and whispering in Santa's ear.
Santa nodded several times, leaning forward and whispering back to Ryder.
When Ryder got up, he gestured for Marley to take her turn. She put her cellphone away and nervously made her way up to Santa. She knows he's not real, and she knows that there was very little chance of her ever getting what she wants for Christmas, but as her childhood memories flashed into her mind's eye, she decided that she was going to tell him exactly what she had told the local mall Santa when she was six. She sat on Santa's lap, nervously fidgeting with her hands, glancing down at Ryder who already had his iPhone out and was taking her picture with Santa, so she mustered up a smile, before turning to Santa, and finally telling him, that she always wanted a puppy.
They got back to the cottage around 9p.m. before the place closed for the night, and the two joined Ryder's family in singing Christmas songs as they decorated their Christmas tree. When they were done, the three adults moved into the kitchen to prepare more desserts, while Ryder, Marley, Royce, and Raymond stayed behind in the living room and watched the dancing lights on the Christmas tree.
Marley felt a tinge of sadness, thinking of her mom down in Texas, probably busy helping with her sister's wedding. Marley has never spent Christmas away from her mom, and though this Christmas was turning into something she'd never dared to dream of, she still felt a bit sad that her mom wasn't there to enjoy all of this with her. However, she should've expected that Ryder would do something to cheer her up, because he suddenly pulled her up out of her seat on the leather couch, and started swaying his hips.
"What are you doing?" Marley asks as she tries to bite back her laugh at his dramatically exaggerated movements.
"Dancing with you." Ryder replies, grinning widely, and Marley realizes that she and Ryder had never slow-danced before. As if on cue, an old, slow Christmas song starts playing in the background, and Marley turns her head towards the music, seeing Royce holding a remote and pointing it to the old stereo in the corner of the room.
Marley chuckles lightly as she lets Ryder pull her arms to rest around his neck, while his own drift down to encircle her hips. "I see you've got a wingman." She nods towards Royce who grins widely at the both of them.
"They know about you."
"What do you mean?" Marley asks curiously.
Ryder shrugs, "Like my mom said, I talk about you every day."
"Oh." It's all she can say.
"Marley, I know I said I wouldn't pressure you into doing anything you don't want, but… I invited you here so I can prove to you that I can do this. I can be the guy who spends his every waking moment, doing everything in his power to make you smile, and to make you happy. I can be the guy to help you forget all your problems, even if it's just for a second. I can be the guy who will go out of his way, just to make everything perfect for you. I can be the guy who fears hurting you more than he fears death… I can be the..."
Marley stares at him, watching him continue to talk, but not hearing anything, because she's suddenly entranced by his lips. She knows that all she has to do, was lean up on her toes, and press her own lips to his. With that in mind, she falls back to earth.
"… and because I love you." Ryder was almost panting after his ramblings, and Marley could only smile at him because he said it. He finally said the words that would determine so much. He said the three words, and whether he knew it or not, he had made her decision for her.
Marley slowly leans up, standing on the tips of her toes, keeping her eyes on his. She was so close now, and she can feel his warm breath on her lips. And just as her eyes slide close, a loud crash interrupts them, both jumping away from each other and turning towards the sound.
"Sorry." Jane says apologetically as she stoops down to pick up the platter of cookies that she had dropped. "Don't mind me. I'll just—," she waves a hand at them as she starts walking backwards. "Please, continue." Without another word, Jane turns and practically sprints out of the room. But the moment was gone as the embarrassment of getting caught by Ryder's mom, set in.
There were no repeats of that moment for the next few days. It's only five more days until Christmas, and Ryder made it his mission to plan out the perfect five nights for Marley.
Night number one, they spent the entire night with his family, for Family Fun Night & Light. It was tradition, so he couldn't get any alone time with Marley, but he made sure that she would enjoy all the games that Woodland Lights had to offer them in the game room, and gym inside Rec West Building.
Night number two, Ryder was finally able to get away from his family with Marley, and he took her to the Woodland Lights Hall Theatre, to see the production of 'Jingle Aargh The Way'. They had a great time, and Marley couldn't stop laughing as Ryder made hilarious impressions of each of the main characters in the production.
Night number three, Ryder left the cottage a bit earlier before the place opens at 6, and came back just in time for the place to open. He revealed to Marley where he had been, and finally presented her with her first gift. "It's not Christmas yet, but I thought it'd be convenient for tonight."
He pulled her outside, to where Marley saw a large box sitting on the front step of the cottage. She jumped a little when the box moved. "What is it?" she asked cautiously, hesitating to pull it open.
"Open it." Ryder replied.
Marley gave him a wary glance, but slowly uncovered the box. What she saw inside, made her heart melt. "Oh my God—How did you know?" she looks up at him with wide eyes, shining with tears because aside from Santa, she'd never told anyone what she had wanted ever since she was a child; not even her mom, because she didn't want to be a burden.
Ryder grins widely at her. "Do you like it?"
"Like it?" Marley asked incredulously. "Ryder, I love it!" she practically launched herself into his arms, hugging him as tightly as she could, but as quickly as she did, she pulled away, looking suspiciously at him. "But how did you know?"
Ryder shrugs lightly, giving her a guilty look. "Promise you won't get mad?"
Marley blinks confusedly at him, but nods. "I don't think that's possible at this moment." She says as she stares back down at the cute little slumbering puppy.
"Okay." Ryder begins slowly. "Remember that night when we both told Santa what we wanted?"
Marley nodded, beginning to realize where Ryder's story was headed. "Yeah."
"Well, I kind of- sort of went looking for him today, and I asked him to tell me what you wished for, for Christmas."
"And he told you?"
Ryder laughs nervously. "I guess it helps that I kind of- sort of knew him, and he's kind of- sort of the guy in the squirrel uniform on that first night. The one Royce and Raymond were excited to see."
"Are you related to him?"
Ryder shrugged, "Johnny Pappa's sound familiar?"
For a moment, Marley was confused, but as realization hit her, her eyes widened at Ryder. "Johnny Pappas?! The Johnny Pappas? Your second cousin Johnny Papas? The very same Johnny Pappa's you told me about during our production of Grease?"
Ryder grinned, nodding. "Are you mad?" he asked cautiously, trying to gauge her reaction.
Surprisingly, Marley started laughing hysterically, and it wasn't those small giggles, or the tiny laughs. It was laugh-out-loud-almost-dying kind of laugh, and it made Ryder's worries disappear as he joined her in the moment. "You let me sit on your second cousin's lap?" she asked through her laughs.
"I wanted to know what you wanted for Christmas! And to be honest, I actually browsed your Facebook page for clues as to what you would want, but I couldn't find any, so I tried again with the Santa thing... and like I always say, 'If at first you don't find answers, find them somewhere else'."
Marley laughed, not having the heart to tell him that he said the quote wrong as she glanced down at the adorable puppy, stirring in the box. It wasn't just any puppy. It was a pure-bred Shiba Inu puppy, and it was hers. "Thank you." She tells him sincerely. "Sohow is this convenient for tonight?" she asked him excitedly as she scooped up the cute little canine into her arms.
"It's Bow Wow Walk Night." And that was that. Bow Wow Walk Night is when the people who have dogs, would be able to stroll around in the Woodland Lights park with their dogs on a leash, and they could enjoy the scenery. It was almost like another repeat of Marley's first night seeing all of Woodland Lights, but this time, she had a little friend to join them on their walk. "I'm gonna name him Jingles."
Ryder laughs at that. "Seems pretty fitting for the time of year."
That night, Marley kissed Ryder on the cheek, thanking him again for getting her the most adorable puppy in the world. And Ryder was riding that high by the next night.
Night number four, Ryder opted to make this night extra special since it was Christmas Eve, and Woodland Lights would be closed for the night. He had a nice long talk with his grandma, before she let out a huff and asked him, "What do you need, Ryder?"
-RM-
…
-(IN CHRISTMAS MORNING)
…
Ryder pulled Marley out of the cottage around 10 o'clock at night, "You're not peeking, are you?"
Marley giggled lightly at that. "I'm blindfolded, so no. I'm not." She assures him.
"Good." Ryder continues to lead her down onto the driveway, passing his dads Escalade, his own Camaro, before halting in front of his surprise for Marley. "Okay, I'm gonna take the blindfolds off, but keep your eyes closed, okay?"
Marley nodded, feeling a bit confused about this big surprise. She thought she already had the big surprise last night when he gave her Jingles.
"Okay… open your eyes." Ryder whispered softly into her ear.
Marley slowly let her eyes slide open, and she nearly went lightheaded at the sight before her. She gasped, slapping a hand to her mouth to keep from screaming in delight. A real, large, horse drawn sleigh, complete with two white horses at the front, stood waiting in front of her.
"Like I always say in… those other times, 'your chariot is parked'." Ryder grinned as he stepped up in front of her and held his hand out for her to take. Marley laughs at his quote, but doesn't hesitate to take it.
"Isn't it 'your chariot awaits'?" She asks him, though she doesn't bother to ask when he ever said that. Ryder laughed as he helped her onto the sleigh, before joining her on the seat.
"Whatever you want, Marley."
Marley takes in the whole thing. The silver sleigh, the soft, comfortable red seat that they're sitting on, the reigns tied to the front of the sleigh, the beautiful white horses waiting patiently in the front of it, and she finds herself wondering how Ryder does all of this. "How did you—When did—How?" she stammered, amazed at everything he's doing.
Ryder smiles, "I had some help."
"You mean your grandmother?"
Ryder nods, and he smiles as he glances at the open door of the cottage, where he sees his grandmother, smiling widely as she gives him the thumbs up. "Yeah. She really likes you." He grins.
Marley grins too. "I really like her too. She's pretty amazing."
Ryder unties the reigns, and clicks his tongue, making the horses lurch forward into a slow trot. Marley couldn't believe this was real. She had dreamed of riding a sleigh like this, but she had never dared to think it would ever be real. Ryder leans back beside her as the horses continue to pull them down the road, towards the main gate of Woodland Lights. He reaches his arm back, and for a moment, Marley thought he was going to hug her, but instead, he grabs something from the back of their seat, and dropped it onto the small space between them. It's a thermos of hot chocolate, and she smiles gratefully at him as he reaches back and pulls up a soft, warm blanket, setting it gently on her lap. He just knew her too well. The snow was still falling, and the sleigh was still moving, and Marley knows that things can't possible get any better than this… Until it does.
The sleigh moves towards the main gate of Woodland Lights and Marley looks curiously at Ryder. "Isn't the place closed tonight?"
Ryder nods, "It is, but… since my family owns it, my Nana agreed to let us have the whole place to ourselves for tonight." He looks away in thought. "Well, us and the reindeers, horses, fireflies, and… some other people." He shrugs nonchalantly.
The gates open up, and Marley sees Ryder's dad wave at them from the entrance. "Your dad too?" Marley asked Ryder, who chuckles and nods.
"My family can be very… supportive when they want to be." He shrugs, and Marley relaxes back into her seat, sipping from her cup of hot chocolate while enjoying the ride and the view. It felt like something out of a fairytale.
The sleigh continues down the winding path, past the Rec West Building, and turning towards a part of Woodland Lights she hadn't seen before. She turns her eyes towards Ryder who sighs and smiles at her. "I may have hid a couple of things from you." He admits.
Marley raises a questioning eyebrow at him, urging him to continue.
"This is my last surprise for Christmas, but I promise it won't be anything too compelling… at least I don't think it is."
Marley turns her whole body to him, staring intensely at him. "Ryder, you don't have to give me anything else." She tells him. "You've already done so much for me, and I can't even thank you enough for all that you've done. I had a really great time, and like you said, I think this is the best Christmas I've ever had." She cocks her head to the side, giving him a smile, "Everything is so perfect."
Ryder couldn't help the way he was almost grinning like an idiot. "Then it wouldn't hurt to show you one last thing… just humor me."
Marley giggles, nodding as she scoots a little closer to him. Ryder smiles down at her, pulling her closer to his side.
After a few more minutes, Marley rests her head on Ryder's shoulder, trying to savor the moment, and committing the feeling of euphoria into her memory. The feeling of his arm wrapped warmly and protectively around her like a sanctuary. A safe haven where she can be happy and be herself. She closes her eyes briefly, hoping that by the end of the night, she would finally be able to give him her gift. Now that she thinks of the gift she picked out for him, it seemed a bit pathetic compared to everything he had given her for the past two weeks. These two weeks have truly been the most amazing two weeks of her life, and it's all thanks to this extremely handsome guy, sitting beside her on a sleigh drawn by horses, as they ascend towards his last surprise for her. She feels the sleigh pull to a halt, followed by Ryder's soft voice.
"We're here."
Marley opens her eyes, and they all but widen in surprise. She can see why Ryder hid this place from her until tonight. It was probably the most romantic thing she's ever seen. Lying just ahead of the sleigh, was a huge, round pond that stretches to the end of the path. Fireflies floated around and over the pond, blinking and shimmering like the Christmas lights hanging above the pond from a thin line. The twinkling reflection over the water created the perfect romantic atmosphere. It was breathtaking, and almost painfully so, knowing that she would probably never see this place again after tonight. "This," Marley begins as Ryder ties the reins to the head of the sleigh. "Is the most beautiful thing I've ever seen."
"This is my favorite part of the place." Ryder admits, hopping off the sleigh and turning to help Marley down. He pulls her to a bench, already covered in a soft, fuzzy material. They both take a seat, enjoying each other's company as they both stare out over the pond. Ryder leans in, whispering softly, "Don't freak out when some random guy starts singing to you, okay?"
Marley looks confusedly at him, not sure if he's joking. "What?"
Suddenly, Ryder gets up off the bench and walks back to the sleigh. Marley watches him curiously as he starts rummaging in the back. Not long after, she sees him emerge with a guitar in hand, and she giggles lightly, understanding the meaning of his words.
"Now, for the second part of my surprise," Ryder grins, walking slowly to Marley while strumming out the intro to Michael Buble`'s Cold December Night , he sways a little as he turns to face Marley, standing a couple of feet away from her with a wide grin mirroring hers.
Marley rocks from side to side to the rhythm of his guitar, and she's not able to believe that Ryder was really about to sing/serenade her. Of course, she's sang with him before, and she's had her fair share of imagining of what it would be like to be serenaded by him, but now that she's actually sitting there, waiting for the opening of his song, she feels like her heart would burst right out of her chest and take a nice long swim through the pond.
Ryder smiles, winking at her. "This is for you."
Stockings are hung with care, as children sleep with one eye open
Well now there's more than toys at stake cause I'm older now, but not done hoping
The twinkling of the lights, as Santa carols fill the household
Old Saint Nick has taken flight with a heart on board, so please be careful
Each year I ask for many different things, but now I know what my heart wants you to bring
So please just fall in love with me, this Christmas
There's nothing else that I will need, this Christmas
Won't be wrapped under a tree, I want something that lasts forever, so kiss me on this cold December night
A cheer that smells of pine, a house that's filled with joy and laughter
The mistletoe says stand in line, loneliness is what I capture
Oh that this evening can be a holy night
Let's cozy on up by the fireplace and dim those Christmas lights
Ryder moves forward, dancing and swaying a little as he belts out the chorus, making Marley giggle at the adorable way he was dancing. He wasn't the greatest dancer in the world, but he always had the most unique way of moving his body. And it was oddly alluring.
So please just fall in love with me, this Christmas
There's nothing else that you will need, this Christmas
Won't be wrapped under a tree, I want something that lasts forever,
so kiss me on this cold December night
They call it the season of giving; I'm here, I'm yours for the taking
They call it the season of giving; I'm here, I'm yours
Just fall in love with me, this Christmas
There's nothing else that we will need, this Christmas
Won't be wrapped under a tree, I want something that lasts forever, cause I don't wanna be alone tonight
I'll wear you like a Christmas sweater, walk you proudly to the mistletoe tonight
I want something that lasts forever, so kiss me on this cold December night
They call it the season of giving; I'm here, I'm yours for the taking
They call it the season of giving; I'm here, I'm yours
As Ryder strums out the last note of his song, Marley couldn't wait any more as she got up off the bench, smiling like a love-struck teenager. And maybe she was, but in that moment, she knew what she wanted more than she wanted her next breath.
Ryder could see Marley liked his little surprise, so he decided to just jump the gun and give her his final gift, and hopefully, finally have his Christmas wish come true. He reached into his pocket, anticipating the moment when Marley would take that final step that brings them close enough to him, and finally, he pulled out the small box he had in the pocket of his coat, and holding it up between them.
Marley let out a small gasp, looking up at Ryder with wide eyes, halting her original actions. He smiles nervously at her. "It's not what you think." He says, opening the box and revealing a small silver ring, with a simple, heart-shaped ruby being clasped together by what looks like two hands, and surmounted by a crown. It was beautiful, but she still doesn't get what this is if it's not what she had thought it was.
Ryder pulls the ring out of the box, snapping the black box closed and placing it in his pocket. He takes Marley's hand, and instead of slipping the ring on her finger, he places it in her hand. "It's a Claddagh ring. It's an Irish thing, and… well, my grandmother is part Irish or something, and she said her own mother gave her this. My grandmother gave it to me last night, and she explained the meaning of it and how it's used. The wearer can wear it on her right hand if she's not married, and if the heart points away from her wrist, she's single… if it's turned towards her wrist, then she already belongs to someone." He explains. "It usually comes with a little quote, but… I thought I'd go ahead and say it in my own way." Ryder smiles softly to Marley, watching her face closely. "Marley Rose, I've loved you from the moment I met you. I tried really hard to fight what I felt for you because you weren't mine, but… I was never strong enough." He plucks the ring out of Marley's hand and holds it up, letting the lights around them dance of the ring. "And maybe I don't want to be the strong guy who lets you go. Maybe I want to be strong in everything else, but that. Maybe I don't want to let you go… but being here with you now, I can no longer fight what my heart feels for you." He looks away from the tears shining in Marley's eyes. He's never liked seeing tears in her eyes. He takes a deep breath and smiles at the ring. "So, I want to give you this… a promise ring." He holds up the Claddagh ring again, and stares at it for a moment. "Marley Rose, this is my heart, which I give to you, crowned with my love… and for as long as you accept and wear this ring, I will forever be yours and yours alone." Again, he places the ring in her hand, giving her the choice of putting it on her finger, or giving it back to him.
Marley couldn't believe it. He was promising her his heart. Promising to be hers, forever. To love her for the rest of her life. To be the man who she realizes now, she's totally, utterly, in love with. She sniffles, only realizing then that she was crying, probably looking like a fish out of water. She looks up into his eyes, shining with love and… nervousness. She looks down at the ring, and with the knowledge from the explanation from him on how the ring should be worn, she takes it between her left hands thumb and forefinger, and slipping it slowly onto her right hands ring-finger, with the heart-shaped ruby, facing her wrist. "I belong to you." She whispers softly, and she feels her hear swell with so much love at the way he smiles like he was the happiest man in the world in that moment.
Ryder couldn't hold back tears of joy. He doesn't think he's ever cried out of happiness before. He usually just laughs, or smiles. But this… finally being accepted. Finally hearing those three words from her. Finally getting his Christmas wish, was more than enough to spring tears of utter joy and happiness from his eyes. "Does that mean…?"
She nods, taking his hand in hers. "I want to be with you, Ryder." Marley took a deep breath as she smiled at him softly. It was her turn to take the next step. To finally pay him the debt she owed for the bet he made with her at the beginning of this wonderful dream. She leaned up on her toes as her fingers bunched up the front of his coat, pulling him down to her. In the midst of it, Marley could swear she sees her whole life flash before her eyes as her lips finally, finally brushed against his in a soft, sweet, lingering kiss that made everything in the world fade away. Everything but him. He took up each part of her brain and her heart, inhaled her very soul from her body as his arms winded slowly around her back, pulling her closer to him. She's kissed him only twice before, not including the kiss to his cheek, but in this moment, she knew right then and there, that this… this is what it feels like to kiss the one you love. To love and be loved in return. When they pull back for air, Ryder rests his forehead against hers, his eyes still closed in total bliss. Marley could only stare at his face, her eyes suddenly heavy with the desire to kiss him again. But first thing was first.
She pulls away a little, reaching into the pocket of her coat and pulling out the small wrapped box containing her gift to Ryder. The one she bought with her mom at the mall in Lima.
Ryder blinks confusedly at the box, "What's that?"
"It's your gift." Marley says pushing it towards him. "From me and my mom."
Ryder lifts an eyebrow, "Marley, I told you that you didn't have to get me anything."
"I know, but… I thought of you when I saw this, and I wanted you to have it."
This peaked Ryder's interest. What could possibly be in the box that made her think of him? He takes it from her, whispering a thank you as he begins to tear through the red wrapper. He found himself holding a small brown box, and he shook it gently. No sound was heard, so he slowly opened the box, his eyes resting on a thick leather wrist band with… his eyebrows furrow slightly in confusion at the two words written across it.
Carpe Diem
Marley could see his confusion so she takes it out for him. "It means 'Seize the day'." She tells him. "I know it's kind of lame, but… it reminded me of how you're like a living example of the phrase."
"It's not lame." Ryder says quickly, and he holds out his wrist to her. Marley takes the hint and clasped the leather band around his wrist. "It's awesome." He whispers, and Marley smiles at the way he seems like he's never received something so special. He looks up at her with eyes full of love and joy, and he pulls her into his chest, hugging her fiercely. "Thank you." He whispers softly.
Marley smiles against his chest, her own arms tightly embracing his strong, hard physique. "I love you." She whispers softly, and Ryder could only hug her tightly, not wanting to break the moment. But Marley has other plans. She pulls away slightly, only to pull Ryder's head down to hers so she could kiss him. And dear God above, his lips were heaven.
He pulls away a minute later, gasping for air. And he tells her with everything in his heart, "I love you too, Marley Rose." He glanced down at the new band around his wrist, his eyes dragging over to his wristwatch.
12:06 a.m.
"Merry Christmas."
Marley's eyes watered with tears. "Merry Christmas, Ryder Lynn… This is truly the best Christmas I've ever had. Thank you."
Ryder shrugs with a hint of smugness, though his eyes held the same softness of love and affection towards her. "Me too. I'm glad you had a great time."
"Do you think we'll be able to come back here someday?" she asks softly, taking a look around the place, trying her best to memorize each and every light, the scent of fresh air, and Ryder's uniquely aromatic cologne, the feeling of his arms around her, his lips against her own, his eyes intensely boring into hers, and the euphoric feeling of fullness and happiness that she feels here with him.
"Of course." Ryder replies, kissing the top of her head. "And like I always say," he pauses, giving her a serious look as he pulls her right hand up and kisses the back of her hand as he smiles at the ring shimmering with the Christmas lights around them. "'Whatever you want, Marley'."
Marley squinted closely at him. "That actually made sense, is true, and fits perfectly."
Ryder laughs, "Why, because the quote is mine, I actually said it before, and I'm saying it at an appropriate time?"
"Pretty much." Marley laughs.
Ryder chuckles, kissing her softly on the lips before he starts tugging her arm. "We should get back. My family is probably waiting for us. They all want to give you your gifts, and I don't want to get the lecture of how we could've frozen to death out here before we even got the chance to open our presents."
"They got me gifts?" Marley asks incredulously. The already gave her so much!
Ryder nods, "So if you think my gifts to you were too much, wait till you see what they're gonna give you."
Marley tries not to groan, but she couldn't. Not while Ryder's arm goes to circle her waist protectively.
The young couple headed back to their sleigh, having spent the first few minutes of Christmas morning together in complete and utter happiness. Christmas Day has barely begun, but for the two of them, this was already the best day of their lives. Just like he said.
-The End!
Author's Note: Finally, I'm done! I'm already starting to write another Ryley fic, and it's going to be a one-shot, so look out for that. It's called 'Drunken Objections.'. Anyway, Please leave a review and let me know what you all thought of this story. Thank you all to the people who took the time to review. I love and appreciate you all. Thank you also to the people who just read and follow, or read and favorite, or read, follow, favorite, and never review. But yeah. Thank you all!
-Sux2budude