Matthew could wait to tell Alice that his daughter's were in town to see him. Of course Alice new of the girls, because Matthew was truly proud of them. She had to admit not only to herself but Matthew as well that she was extremely nervous. "Nothing to be nervous about my love, they will love you just as much as I do".
Well Christmas day was here and everyone was set to arrive at Lucien and Jean's, of course. This was going to be the best Christmas they all chivied. Matthew was so excited to spend Christmas with his girls the only thing making it better was spending it with little Matthew. Knowing all the work Lucien and Jean put into this party was really starting to get them all excited.
The girls cornered Lucien much to his surprise to gather intelligence on this new lady in their dad's life. "Girl's she is quite nice but be prepared she may come off a bit brash. They are good for each other she looks after him, and believe or not she knows how to deal with his cantankerous moods".
Now that Alice has arrived Matthew takes her by the hand with a deep breath and a smile to get her to relax he thought. She tightens the grip on his hand and encourages him to lead on.
Victoria and Elizabeth stood and moved over to take a look at the woman who had supposedly taken their father's heart. "Girls this is Alice , and Alice this is Victoria and Elizabeth, my girls". Alice held out her hand to each in succession and greeted them with honest pleasure. The girls introduced their families and Alice greeted them as well. To everyone's surprise, but Matthew and Alice's, Alice picked up the baby and gave a quant smile. Little Matthew was quite content sitting in Alice's arms most of the day. The only time he cried is when Matthew tried to take him away.
After Christmas dinner the girls decided it was time to enquire about Alice's intensions. Alice was happy to tell them she only wanted to make him happy. She told of how reluctant at first they both were and how he worried about their reactions. She held nothing back and finally the ice started to crack. They could see what their father saw in the woman called Alice. She was honest and forthright and left nothing to hide.
After the boys were done cleaning the kitchen they all gathered around for some more Christmas spirit. Matthew was glad the girls had mentioned that Alice was good to go in their opinions. Matthew had a special gift for Alice to night and was glad all his family was here to see him present it.
Everyone done opening their presents, but only one still under the tree. It was a small box in green wrapping with a pretty little red bow. It was addressed to Alice from Matthew and her cheeks were all a glow. He handed the box as he got down on his good knee. "Alice will you marry me"? The hush around the room was apparent as Alice burst into tears. Matthew kneeled there for just a few more minutes and repeated "well". Alice pulled him up from the floor with a smile on her face and exclaimed loud and clear "why yes Matthew I will". As everyone jumped for joy, Matthew pulled Alice under the mistletoe.
As the girls were admiring the ring, the boys were drinking a toast. If they had ever had a better Christmas they didn't know where.