Well this is the last chapter. I didn't think I would ever find a way to end it nice and happy. I hope you have enjoyed reading it as much as I have enjoyed writing it. Even though its the end reviews are all ways welcome. I know its late but Merry Christmas to you all.
Chapter 7.
As Chris woke from his deep sleep he reached across to pull Merri to him but found the bed empty. Opening his eyes he reached over for his phone and hit the button to light the screen. As the screen lit up so did his face, there as his screen saver was a picture he had taken of Merri all done up when they were playing in the snow. She had a huge smile on her face and she looked so happy and content. Looking at the time he realized it was still early as it was showing as just gone 06:00. Climbing out of bed the cool air hit his skin and he shivered. Putting his sweat pants and t-shirt he slowly made his way down stairs checking the rooms for Merri on the way down. As he came to the foot of the stairs he saw the lights on the tree twinkling on the hall wall so he came round the frame of the door and looked in the lounge. There sitting curled up on the sofa staring at the tree was Merri. She had either fallen asleep or was so deep in thought she never heard him come down the stairs.
Coming in to the lounge he came round and stood in front of Merri so as not to startle her if she was awake and he creeped up on her. He didn't feel like being tackled to the floor this early in the morning. As he came round he saw she was awake but deep in thought. When her field of vision was disturbed by Chris she looked up at him and smiled. Sitting down next to her he pulled her in to his arms and kissed her hair. as he took her hands in his he felt how cold they were.
"Christ how long have you been down here your freezing" as he pulled her tighter to him and pulled the throw from the back of the chair.
As he pulled her in to his lap he covered her with the blanket and tucked her in as best as he could. Rubbing one hand up and down her back he used his other hand to hold her hands and try to warm them up. He felt her warm up and slowly lift her head to look at him.
"Don't tell me you were one of those kids that waited up all night just to Santa but ended up falling asleep on the couch "Chris said laughing as he looked down at Merri.
"I thought I was dreaming.I thought my mind was playing tricks on me and when I came down here all this would be gone. I was to scared to come back up stairs as I thought I would walk in to the bedroom and you would be gone as well so I stayed here so i knew this part at least was real " Merri told Chris as a single tear rolled down her cheek.
Chris heart ached as he heard Merri say those words. Looking down at her he decided it was time to give her one of her presents. Placing her back on the couch he went under the tree and picked up the small box that he palced there yesterday with the other gifts he bought. Coming back to sit down he saw Merri sit up and look at him.
"I was going to save this one till last but after what you just said I think you need it now " as he passed the present over to Merri.
Merri took the small gift and smiled as she ran her finger over the top before she ripped the paper off and looked at the box before slowly opening it. There sat tucked in a red cushion was a ring. It was a silver and gold band with a small heart on the front of it. Taking the ring out the box she turned it in his fingers and caught sight of something on the inside. Tilting it so she could see the inside she read the small words there. Chris loves Merri 2014 was engraved in tiny letters. Running her finger over the words yet again she felt herself start cry and she couldn't stop herself.
"Please don't cry, If you don't like it we can get a different one. I hate to see you cry cause there's nothing I can to do to make the tears go away " Chris told Merri as he tried to wipe the tears away.
"No it's beautiful, it's just that I am not sure what to expect after it. I had a ring once before but it didn't last, I couldn't stand it if the same happened to us " she told him still running her finger over the words on the inside.
Chris took the ring of her her took her right hand in his. Kissing her ring finger he slowly slid the ring on and once it was in place he kissed it again. Keeping her hand in hos he looked her in the eyes and used his other hand to hold her chin up so he could keep eye contact,
"I want you to take this ring as it's name suggest, a promise from me to you that I will all ways be here for you no matter what. I love you Meredith Brody and I want to spend the rest of my life showing you how much. I want to be there when you wake and when you fall asleep, when you feel happy but most of all if you feel sad. I want to share everything I have with you now and forever. Some day god allowing I want to be able to call you my wife and maybe just maybe the mother of my children. I will never hurt you if I can help it but I fear at some point I may but know if I do I will do everything in my power to put it right if I can. When you look at this ring never forget that I love you more than words could ever say".
Chris finished speaking and kissed Merri trying to transfer his feelings in to a more physical state. When he pulled back after the kiss he saw she was smiling which in turn made him smile. Seeing her happy was what made him happy and that was what was important.
"Thank you for the ring and the words it came with. I know you love me and I know you will be by my side now and forever. God willing one day I would be honoured to be you wife and with a little help from you be the mother of your children. I love you Christopher LaSalle and I will be here by your side now and all ways " and she reached up and kissed him making sure he understood how she felt.
They sat for a few moments in silence after the kiss ended just enjoying the closeness and the words they had just shared.
"You ready for more presents now "Chris said laughing as he got up and went to the tree to get the rest of Merri's presents from under it.
"The first one on top I bought a few weeks back so I bought it before we became us but the rest I got yesterday when I was out " as he handed her the small pile of gifts.
Merri looked at Chris then back at the gifts then made light work of the wrapping paper on them all. Opening the first gift she found a book on local food and cooking which she had to admit she did need. The next gift was a picture frame with a selection of pictures in that she didn't even know Chris had taken. Most of them were from the days in snow hell but she had to admit they were nice pictures. Also included were a couple of pictures which must have been taken when they were out in the field. The pictures were nice and she had to say that Chris had caught her good side. Her favorite picture had to be a one with them both in when they were making snow angels. It was off them both lying flat on their backs with arms out wide laughing. Resting the frame at her feet she turned back to the present on the couch. Taking the paper off she opened the box to reveal a necklace and key chain set. The necklace was a women's necklace but the key chain was a mans. Taking the necklace out the box she turned the little heart over and on the back she saw the word Chris. Turing the key chain she saw the name Merri. Passing the necklace to Chris he clasped it round her neck then ran a finger over the heart on the front.
The finally thing left was the card he bought so he passed it to Merri and sat back. Watching her open it he knew he had picked the right one when she pulled out the card and smiled. After reading the card Merri reached over and kissed Chris as she said thank you against his lip. Pulling her in to his arms he hugged her tight letting his hands wrap in hers. They stayed that way a minute or 2 till Merri sat up and looking at Chris then the tree she got up and went to retrieve the present she had bought Chris from under it. Coming back to sit beside him carrying the gifts she bought him she passed him the first gift.
Opening the first gift Chris found a book on how to make any holiday special. It had tips and advice on how to survive any holiday that came along from hallowe'en to Christmas and every other excuse for a holiday. Chris laughter when he opened it as he loved every holiday they had come up. Passing him the next gift he ripped the paper off the find a phone cover. It wasn't till he turned it over he saw a picture on the back of both Merri and him playing in the snow. It looked like from when they were building a snowman. Pulling his phone out his pocket he clicked it on the back and smiled. Turning his phone to Merri he showed her the cover on the phone then turned the phone pressing the button so the screen lit up showing her the screen saver he had put up of her.
"No matter which side I look at I have you on either side" he said with a huge smile on his face.
Passing him the final gift she had bought him he looked at the small box and this time he took his time opening it. Inside was a small box which had him puzzled as he didn't do jewelrey. Opening the box he found a watch that there names on the screen inside. Taking the watch out he went to put it on but when the light caught the underside he saw writing. Sure enough he turned it over to find the message
" Chris, love you always Merri xxx".
Smiling he put the watch on and opening his arms Merri shuffled across the couch and it to his arms using his chest as a pillow she weaved her arms round his back and pulled him closed.
"Thank you for the gifts, it would seem we share similar taste when picking gifts. We must have followed each other round the shops yesterday" Chris whispered in to Merri's ear.
The sat together in each other's arms as they both thought of how lucky they were. It was then Chris's stomach decide it wanted feed by the loud rumble that came from it. They both laughed and stood up walking in to the kitchen still arm in arm.
"As it Christmas Day I am going to cook you a traditional Christmas breakfast. So I hope you like pancakes, hot chocolate, waffles, syrup and anything else I can find with sugar on it or in it" as Chris escorted Merri to the table and held the chair out for her.
Chris made himself busy with the pancakes and waffles as the milk heated up for the hot chocolate. Find the marshmallows he put them on the table then found a box of lucky star cereal in the cupboard. Taking the box, 2 bowls and some spoons to the table he went back to dishing up the waffles and pancakes. Once all the food was on the table he went and made the hot chocolate and made sure he added extra chocolate to Merri's. Bringing the drinks over he sat down next to Merri and helping himself to a pancake he looked at Merri who thought she was having a sugar over load just looking at the food never mind eating it. This was her first breakfast like this so she decided to make the most of it.
After eating at least one bit of everything and adding enough marshmallows to her hot chocolate to fill half the cup Merri sat back and watched Chris finish his bowl of lucky stars. The amount of sugar they had both eaten would see them though a weeks sugar rush never mind a meals worth. As Chris finished his cereal Merri sat with her hands holding her hot chocolate cup and she couldn't help but keep looking at her ring. She couldn't help but smile as she looked at it, the words that were spoken when he put it on played over in her head. Looking at the ring she knew that she would do everything in her power for the man sat next to her, the man who held her heart. Feeling him watching her she looked up to see hi sat with a smile on his face.
"I take it you like the ring the way your looking at it. I wasn't sure at first if a ring was a good " and before another word left his lips Merri silenced him with a kiss.
"I am still kind of speechless to be honest. I keep looking to make sure it's real and still there" Merri said as she twirled the ring round her finger.
"Come let's clear these up and then go see what films we can watch as I know they will have some on TV" as he pulled Merri to her feet and they cleared the table away.
Once the dishes were done they went and sat on the couch and flicked through the channels till they found The Santa Clause and snuggling up they sat and watched the film. Once it was finished Chris suggest a walk to burn off some of the sugar from breakfast and Merri happily agreed. Getting ready they went for a walk round the local neighbour hood. As they walked they passed kids playing on there new bikes and scooters and playing football in the park. After walking round the park they decided to head home and see what they could gather together to make of them had ever done a Christmas type dinner so it would be fun to interesting to see how it works out.
Arriving home they went straight in the kitchen to make a start on lunch. Merri grabbed the vegetables and set about preparing them will Chris set about cook the small joint of meat. Once the meat was cooking and the potatoes and vegetables were done they went back to the lounge and sat watching The Santa Clause 2. It was a very lazy day for them both which they didn't get to do very often due to work so they made the most of doing absolutely nothing but most of all doing it with each other. As they lay in each other's arms watching the film they couldn't help but kiss and touch each other, never losing some form of intimite contact with the other. Once the film was finished Chris went and checked on the meat and out the rest of the dinner on to cook while Merri went and found the bottle of wine they had bought to go with dinner and some glasses. Placing them on the table they went and sat on the couch to watch the final Santa clause movie.
When the film was finished they got up and went in to the kitchen to see if lunch was ready. They both helped serve the lucky on to the plates and for a first attempt they were both surprised how well it turned out.
"So far today I have eaten what I would normally eat over the course of 3 days never mind 1" Merri said as she lay on the couch after lunch.
"So you don't fancy dessert then" Chris asked as he pulled out a cheesecake from behind his back .
"Oohh cheesecakes, I can definitely make room for some cheesecake" as she sat up and grabbed a fork of Chris.
Tucking in to the slice of cheesecake Chris had brought through she sat back happily and managed to finish the whole slice .
"I swear these jeans have shrunk since I put them on" Merri protested as she un-did the button and then the zip.
Chris stood at the back of the couch laughing. Seeing Merri lie on the couch looking happy and content with her jeans lose on her very slender and very sexy waist he couldn't help but smile. Seeing him smile down at her Merri quirked and eye brow and starred at him.
"Do you realise how beautiful and not to mention sexy you look lying there" Chris told Merri as he reached down with his hand and ran a finger along her jaw before cupping her cheek.
Merri blushed a little at his comment but closed her eyes and rubbed her cheek against his hand. Removing his hand he walked round the couched nudged Merri to move over. Merri turned on her side and Chris lay down beside her draping his arm over her waist. Laying small kisses along her forehead and down her nose he came to a stop just before he reached her mouth. Locking eyes with her he smiled and bent in to kiss her. When they need for air caught them he pulled back and saw Merri stifle a yawn. Slotting both his arms round her he pulled her to his chest so her head rested on him. Stroking her face he felt her slowly drifting off to sleep so he rested his head on hers and joined her in sweet slumber.
Waking a few hours later Chris went to stretched out but found he had a weight on his whole body. Looking down he saw the weight was a very sexy looking Merri who had somehow managed to crawl her way on top of Chris and now had him pinned to the couch. Slowly stroking his fingers up and down Merri's back he watched as she moved a little before opening her eyes and looking up at him.
"Good evening beautiful, enjoy that nap? I know I did but I need to get up and move as I have lost movement in some of my limbs due to a heavy weight on me" Chris said as he smirked at Merri.
"Heavy weight on you" as she thumped his arm.
Chris gave her one of his award winning smiles that she couldn't resist so she moved and rolled off him then went to stand up. Chris stood up and stretched out moving his legs and arm to get the blood flowing. Merri told Chris she was going upstairs to get changed as he went in the kitchen to make coffee.
Coming down stairs Merri was greeted with the smell of coffee and something cooking. Going in the kitchen she was greeted with the site of coffee on the table and Chris was dishing out soup in to 2 bowls. There was fresh cut bread on the table along with the block of butter. It smelt wonderful and Merri was amazed how hungry she felt after all she had eaten that day. Sitting down at the table Chris brought the soup over and sat down next to her passing her soup to her.
Sitting eating their soup they ate in peace enjoying the soup and bread. When they were finished Merri stood from the table and went to the fridge to find the cheesecake which see had at lunch time.
"I swear you have hollow legs today, I have never seen you eat so much" Chris laughed as Merri stuck her tongue out at him and proceeded to eat the cheesecake.
When she was finished she put her dirty dishes in the sink and went to lie on the couch. Chris finished cleaning up and came to join her. Once he was lying on the couch Chris looked at Merri and with that awarding winning smile on his fear his bent and kissed Merri before pulling back a little. Reaching round to his back pocket he pulled out a small green and red twig like item. Bring it round he placed it above their heads and looked at Merri then up at his hand. Merri looked up and seeing what Chris was holding she couldn't help but giggle.
"I was wondering why I hadn't seen any of that hanging up. I thought there would be some with the rest of green stuff that arrived. So do you intend to use it or just get arm ache holding it there " Merri's asked licking her lips.
"I will definitely be using it and this is not the only piece, there's another piece attached to the bed" Chris said as he edged forward and captured her lips.
As they come up for air their eyes locked and they saw in the other's eyes all their hopes and dreams for the future.
"Shall we take this upstairs and find that other piece of mistletoe " Merri asked as she went to stand up and held her hand out to Chris.
"Merry Christmas princess, I hope you had a wonderful Christmas and I hope this is just the first of many we spend together " Chris said as he lend forward and placed a gently kiss on Merri's lips.
"Merry Christmas to you too, I had a wonderful Christmas and I know this will be the first of many many more to come " Merri told Chris as she kissed him back.
One year later.
As Chris and Merri sat on the couch after they had their dinner Merri looked at the sparkling engagement ring that shone on her left ring finger then across at the promise ring on her ring finger of her right hand. Everything changed a year ago that day when Chris gave her the promise ring and side he would all ways be there. Today he gave her an engagement ring with the idea of making it a long engagement due to the way things were now. Chris pulled Merri to him and rested her back against his chest. Sliding his arms round her waist he rested his hands over the small bump that had started to show in the last month. Slowly stroking his fingers over her bump Chris leaned in a placed a kiss on Merri's neck. Working his way up to her ear.
"Things will be so different next year with a baby around to celebrate it with us " Chris's whispered to Merri as he nibbled her ear.
" I can't wait to find out if it's a boy or a girl, they will love Christmas and all the lights " Merri said as she rested her hands over his on her bump. Just then the baby kicked and Chris jumped at the feeling as it was the first time he had felt it move.
"Wow that's amazing, that has made my day feeling that " Chris said as he looked down at where their hands rested.
"I am sure in a few months you can fell it as much as you want when there kicking you in the back and keeping me awake all night" Merri told Chris as she looked at her baby bump.
"I love you Meredith Brody soon to be LaSalle and I love you too little one more than either of you will ever know" Chris whispered against Merri's ear
"We both love you too" Merri replied to Chris just as the baby kicked again.