Chapter 8
Two days later it was Christmas morning, John had his arms wrapped around Stephanie with one hand on the baby. John didn't wake up until Stephanie started to stir and wake up.
"Merry Christmas baby." John told her.
"Merry Christmas to you too." Stephanie responded with a smile.
John knew what that smile meant and he couldn't help but smile right back at her. Neither one could resist the urge of a Christmas morning love making session. Stephanie was more sexual during the second trimester than she was before and John loved every minute of it.
Later that morning, after everyone was awake and showered, they headed into the livingroom to open presents and enjoy a continental breakfast that Carol had put together. After all the gift were open, there was just one left for John.
"I hope you like this." Stephanie stated as John opened the frame.
"I love it. I can't wait to have the ultrasound picture in it and on my desk at home. Thank you." John responded as he hugged her.
The rest of John's family arrived for dinner around 3pm. After dinner everyone gathered in the living room for drinks and Christmas carols. John couldn't wait until New Years Eve to propose to Stephanie.
A few days after Christmas, John and Stephanie flew to North Carolina just in time for Matt's annual bash. Stephanie told John that there wasn't a need to dress up and that jeans and a nice shirt would be just fine.
"And there is my favorite sister in the whole world." Matt stated as Stephanie and John walked through the door.
"Matt, I'm your only sister." Stephanie responded.
"Hey sis." Jeff stated with a hug.
"Hey. Ugh, I though you stopped smoking?" Stephanie asked.
"I just had one." Jeff answered.
"Ugh..One is one too many. Please stop if not me then for your niece or nephew." Stephanie begged him.
"Alright. I give up. I'll stop smoking." Jeff responded.
"Thank you." Stephanie smiled.
For the rest of the night, John and Stephanie made their way around talking to everyone and having fun. There were lots of questions about the baby and if they were planning on getting married. Gilbert just laughed and shook his head. He knew that wether or not John and Stephanie got married, he would support their decisions 100%.
By the end of the night, John was pretty wasted as he got caught a few times by Matt's drinking games. Stephanie just laughed at her boyfriend and her brothers. Stephanie drove her and John back to her dad's house shortly after 3am and both crashed as soon as their head hit the pillows.
The next two days went by rather quickly and soon it was New Years Eve. Everyone was planning on heading out to Southern Pines for the big New Years Party. John made sure that he had the engagement ring in his pocket before they left the house.
At the party everyone was having a blast. Kinley and Shannon were back from their little trip away from home. Midnight was steadily approaching and John was mentally preparing himself for popping the question. John went to the bar and got him and Stephanie a non-alcoholic drink for the toast at midnight.
10...9...8...7...6...5...4...3...2...1
"HAPPY NEW YEAR!" everyone cheered.
"Baby there is something that I want to ask you." John stated.
"What is it?" Stephanie asked.
"I love you and the baby with all my heart and I can't imagine a day without you in my life. Will you marry me?" John proposed.
"I love you too. Yes, I will marry you!" Stephanie exclaimed.
Matt and Jeff as well as Shannon, Kinley and the rest of their friends were all gathered around them when John popped the question. Once John placed the ring on Stephanie's finger, everyone came over to them and congratulated them on their engagement.
When John and Stephanie got back to Gilbert's house, Gilbert was still up as a few of his friends were there to play music and celebrate the new year. Gilbert noticed the huge smile on his daughter's face when she walked through the door.
"I take it yall had a good night." Gilbert stated.
"One of the best daddy." Stephanie responded.
"Glad to hear it." Gilbert stated.
"I was going to wait until morning, but since you're still up, John asked me to marry him and I accepted." Stephanie announced.
"Congratulations to the both of you." Gilbert told Stephanie and John.
"Thank you Daddy." Stephanie responded.
"Thank you, sir." John responded.
John and Stephanie headed to their room for the rest of the night. John couldn't wait to tell his family and everyone at work that they were getting married. Stephanie was thrilled that John asked her to marry him and she couldn't wait to start planning the wedding let alone the nursery for their baby.
After arriving back in Tampa, John and Stephanie started shopping for the baby. John wanted all the furniture bought and put together before they had to go back on the road.
"John, don't forget that we need to call your parents and tell them about our engagement. And we have our ultrasound appointment in two weeks." Stephanie stated.
"You're right. Why don't we call them now." John suggested.
"Ok." Stephanie agreed as John dialed his parents phone number.
"Hello." Carol answered the phone.
"Hi mom." John stated.
"Hi John. How are you, Stephanie and the baby?" Carol asked.
"We are doing good. We have our ultrasound appointment in two weeks. But that's not why I called. Stephanie and I have something very important to tell you." John answered.
"What is it?" Carol asked.
"I asked Stephanie to marry me and she said yes. We're engaged." John answered.
"Congratulations to the both of you. I am so happy for you and I know your dad will be too." Carol responded.
"Thank you mom." John stated.
After they were off the phone, Stephanie started making dinner while John finished putting the dresser together. Stephanie and John couldn't wait to find out what they were having.
