Kyle shivered as he shut the front door behind him and Rachel as they arrived home. "Wow, it's cold," he said.
"It sure is," Rachel said, "Much nicer in here." Kyle helped her off with her coat, before Rachel walked over to the tree and stood admiring it.
Kyle walked up behind her, hugging her around the waist. "It's really beautiful," Rachel said, "Already Christmas Eve."
"I know it seemed to come up really fast," Kyle said.
"It's already much better than the last two," Rachel said.
"You need to put that out of your mind," Kyle said, "You're here with me and my family now."
Turning to face him, Rachel said, "You're right, the perfect Christmas." She engaged him in a kiss.
Noticing how quiet it was, Rachel said, "Are we alone?"
"Looks like it," Kyle said, "Which makes this the perfect time." He took her hand and led her to the couch.
"Why do I get the feeling you're up to something?" Rachel said.
"Can't imagine," Kyle said, sitting with her, "I have a Christmas present for you."
"Right now?" Rachel said.
"I am so happy we are together," Kyle said, "I do love you."
"I love you," Rachel said.
"I can't imagine my life without you," Kyle said.
"I'm always going to be here," Rachel said.
"I am glad to hear you say that," Kyle said. He took a deep breath, before getting down on one knee if front of her.
"Kyle…" Rachel said.
Reaching in his pocket, Kyle produced a small box, opening it to reveal a diamond ring.
"Kyle…" Rachel said, again.
"I know this seems really soon," Kyle said, "But I have thought about this every way I could. I know I couldn't possibly love anyone as much as I love you and there is no one I would rather spend my life with." Taking one her hands in his, Kyle continued, "I want to devote the rest of my life to make you as happy as you make me. Rachel, will you marry me?"
Rachel released a nervous breath, but she didn't say anything.
"Rachel?" Kyle prompted.
"Kyle I…oh, I do love you," Rachel said.
Kyle's nerves were working overtime as he said, "But?"
"It's just that…I can't give you an answer right now," Rachel said.
She saw the disappointment in Kyle's eyes as he pushed himself off the floor and sat beside her. "Kyle, this is huge," Rachel said, "I need to think about it, to be sure."
Kyle nodded. "Okay," he said, "If that's what you want."
Rachel could tell Kyle was discouraged, so she took his hand and said, "I'm not saying no. I really want to be sure before I answer you."
"I admit I was hoping for a response, but if you need to take time, then I can wait," Kyle said, "While you're thinking why don't you hold on to this." He put the ring box open in her hand.
"It's so beautiful," Rachel said.
"It was my mother's," Kyle said.
Rachel looked at him in amazement. "Oh Kyle," she said.
"It's okay," Kyle said, "She would approve of me giving it to you."
Moving closer to him and resting her head against his shoulder she said, "First thing in the morning." They looked at each other and she said, "That's when I'll have an answer."
"If you need any convincing," Kyle said, "Maybe this will help." He kissed her.
Rachel sat on the couch, early Christmas morning admiring the engagement ring on her finger. Trying it on, she liked the way it looked and how it felt to be wearing it. Lost in her thoughts, she smiled, as she replayed Kyle's proposal in her mind.
"There you are," Kyle said, coming down the stairs,
Slipping the ring off her finger and into her pocket, Rachel said, "Kyle, Merry Christmas."
"Merry Christmas," Kyle said, kissing her on the cheek, "You disappeared on me this morning."
"I couldn't sleep," Rachel said, "I've missed celebrating Christmas. I couldn't wait to start this one. Besides, by the looks of that tree, Santa has been here."
"There are a lot of packages under there," Kyle said.
"I saw some with your name on them," Rachel said.
"The only gift I am interested in is the one you promised me last night," Kyle said.
"My answer," Rachel said, "I thought about it, about us, about what it's been like since we have been together. We hit a rather huge bump in the road, but we got through it. If we can get through that we can get through anything. I have never loved anybody this much, I didn't know I could. I can't think of one single reason, not to marry you."
"You mean…?" Kyle anxiously said.
"Kyle the thing is, we have known each other and been together for only a short time," Rachel said, "There are things you don't know about me and I am sure there are things about you that I don't know."
"You're saying no," Kyle said.
"I'm saying maybe we should wait before we talk about marriage," Rachel said, "Sure I could throw caution to the wind and marry you today. Then we could find that we aren't as compatible as we thought and both end up miserable."
"Who says that's going to happen?" Kyle said.
"That is what has happened in every romantic relationship, I have ever had," Rachel said, "It never works out for me. The first time I got married, I was proposed to and married five minutes later. Sure it was wonderful at first, but then it all fell apart. Now I have 12 year old daughter that I haven't seen since she was nine. Not only that, but her father has moved several states away with her. I want to start a relationship with her again. If I married you, then you would be an instant step-father to a pre-teen."
"I didn't forget you have a daughter," Kyle said, "I know you want to be part of her life and I would do whatever I could to help you parent her."
"I haven't seen her in three years," Rachel said, "She's almost a teenager, I don't know how to parent her."
"That's something we could figure out together," Kyle said, "Besides, I am not asking you to marry me in five minutes. The thing is we have been living in the same house, I see you most every day and a lot of nights too. We have been living together and it's been amazing. We love each other, you know we are perfect together. When it's right, it's right. Why not get married?"
"I am so scared things won't work out," Rachel said.
"Then let's make a promise," Kyle said, "We will not let the little things get in our way. We will be honest with each other and if something huge comes up, we will deal with it together. I know we will have problems and disagreements, that's part of life. There is nothing better than the love between you and me. I believe in us."
"You say we're perfect together," Rachel said, "I agree that we are. I don't know what I would have done if you hadn't come into my life. You were the first person to be my friend unconditionally. It's been a long time since someone has loved me, but no one has loved me the way you do. No one has made me fall in love the way you have."
Rachel leaned in close to Kyle and said, "So, yes, I will marry you."
Kyle pulled her into a hug. With a huge smile, Kyle looked at her and said, "You said yes."
"I did say that," Rachel smiled. Kyle leaned in and kissed her.
"I guess it's official," Kyle said.
"Not yet," Rachel said, pulling the ring out of her pocket, "You need to put this on for me."
Kyle took the ring and slipped it onto her finger. "Perfect fit," he said.
"Are we really engaged?" Rachel said excited.
"Yes we are," Kyle said, "You are going to be Mrs. Abbott."
"In that case," Rachel started, "Kiss me Mr. Abbott." Kyle obliged her request.
Kyle and Rachel sat snuggled in each other arms. "Don't you wish we could stay like this forever?" Rachel said.
"That would be nice," Kyle said, "The perfect Christmas."
"That reminds me," Rachel said. Standing up she walked over to the tree and retrieved a wrapped parcel from underneath. Walking back to the couch she handed it to Kyle. "This is for you."
"From you?" Kyle said.
"I want to give it to you while we are alone," Rachel said.
"Sexy lingerie?" Kyle said, gesturing to the gift.
" I guess you won't know until you open it," Rachel said.
Kyle proceeded to unwrap the parcel. "If I can get into it," he said.
"Sorry, I like to tape things well," Rachel said.
"I can see that," Kyle said. Finding a spot to tear the paper, he removed the wrap to reveal a box. Setting it on his lap, Kyle lifted the lid, surprised by what he found inside. "Rachel…" he said.
"I hope it's okay," Rachel said.
"I haven't seen this picture in a long time," Kyle said, staring at a picture of him with his mother, "I was really young when this was taken."
"I thought it would be a way you could spend part of Christmas with your mother," Rachel said.
Kyle looked at Rachel and said, "That was really thoughtful."
"I hope I didn't overstep," Rachel.
"No," Kyle said, "It's perfect, I love it. Thank you so much."
Looking at the picture, with Kyle, Rachel said, "She's very beautiful."
"Yes," Kyle said, "She was a great mom. I miss her."
"Sorry," Rachel said, rubbing his shoulder.
"Don't be," Kyle said, "This is the best gift you could have given me. I am curious, how you accomplished this."
"I got the picture from your dad," Rachel said, "I had it in enlarged and framed."
"You're the best," Kyle said, kissing her.
Billy descended the stairs, catching the end of their kiss. Noticing the ripped paper, he said, "You two started opening gifts already?"
"Just a couple," Kyle said.
"We couldn't wait," Rachel smiled.
Jack walked down the stairs, as Billy said, "So, what did you give each other?"
Kyle and Rachel paused, before Kyle said, "Rachel gave me this great picture of me and my Mom."
"That's a nice gift," Billy said.
"You got the picture," Jack said, "When Rachel told me what she wanted to do, I knew you would like it."
"I love it," Kyle said.
"So, Rachel what did you get?" Billy said.
"Me?" Rachel said. She looked at Kyle, who nodded. "I got a fiancé," she said, displaying the ring on her finger.
"You what?" Billy said, staring at them both.
"I proposed last night," Kyle said, "She made me wait until this morning to answer me, but she accepted."
"That didn't take long," Billy said.
Kyle looked at Jack who said, "You're engaged?"
"Yes, we are," Kyle said, fearing Jack disapproved.
"Come here," Jack said, to Kyle. Kyle stood up and approached his father. Putting his hands on Kyle's shoulders, Jack said, "You're sure?"
"Never more so," Kyle said, expecting a lecture on why this was not the right thing for him. Instead Jack hugged him. "Congratulations, son," Jack said.
"Thanks Dad," Kyle said.
Turning to Rachel, Jack said, "You have always been a part of this family. It's wonderful to welcome you even more in this way." Jack hugged her. Smiling at both of them, Jack said, "Seeing how happy you make each other, you couldn't have given me a greater gift."
Rachel looked at Billy, who said, "Good luck."
"I thought we conceded to be friends," Rachel said.
"We did," Billy said, "I didn't know that was going to make us in-laws."
"Is that a problem?" Kyle said, "I wish you two would get along."
"This is us getting along," Billy said. He walked over and gave Rachel a kiss on the cheek. "Congratulations, you two," he said, adding, "Really."
Sitting in the Abbott living room, the family proceeded to open gifts from each other. Rachel handed out boxes, the same shape and size, to Kyle, Billy and Jack.
"I'm intrigued," Jack said.
They began to unwrap them, Kyle getting in his first. Opening the lid he smiled. Lifting it out he said, "It's a tie. With reindeer on it."
Holding his tie up, Billy said nodded and said, "Santa Claus." Smiling Billy, shook his head, "What did you get Jack?"
"Christmas trees," Jack proudly said, displaying his tie, "Thank you."
"Cute Rachel," Billy said.
"I couldn't resist," Rachel said.
Kyle loosely put his reindeer tie on and looking at Rachel, he said, "Now it is your turn."
He handed her a small parcel.
"Kyle, you already gave me an engagement ring," Rachel said, "I don't need anything else."
"I want you to have this too," Kyle said.
Rachel unwrapped her gift, lifting the lid of a small box to reveal its contents. Gasping in surprise, she said, "Kyle…"
"I can't tell if you like them or not," Kyle said.
"They're gorgeous," Rachel said.
"Every woman should have a pair of diamond earrings," Kyle said.
Rachel looked at Kyle, "Are you…" she started, "Are these real?"
Billy craned his neck to see, as Kyle said, "Of course they are."
"You shouldn't have," Rachel said.
"Nothing's too good for my fiancé," Kyle said.
"They are beautiful," Rachel said, "Thank you."
A knock was heard on the front door, sending Billy to answer. He opened the door surprised to see Victoria, with Johnny and Katie. The kids ran in to hug him, as he said, "What are you guys doing here? You knew I was coming by later."
"They couldn't wait to see you," Victoria said.
"Well, this is a great surprise," Billy said.
Rachel looked anxiously at Kyle, as Jack walked over saying, "Victoria, it's lovely to see you. Merry Christmas." He gave her a hug.
"Thank you," Victoria said, "Merry Christmas to all of you." Noticing the Santa Claus tie Billy was wearing she said, "Billy, what is this?"
"It's a Christmas present," Billy said. Victoria raised her eyebrows at him, so he continued, "It's festive."
"Of course," Victoria said. Walking over to Kyle and Rachel, she said, "I see everyone has a festive tie."
"It's Christmas," Kyle said, "Can you put your differences aside for one day?"
"I agree we should," Victoria said, "In fact, Rachel, I have a gift for you."
"You do?" Rachel said.
"Yes, I wanted to let you know, I am cancelling my restraining order against you," Victoria said. Rachel stared at her in disbelief. "You have proven that you are better," Victoria said, "Billy has told me he has forgiven you and I would like to do the same. I believe you are building a good life for yourself."
"Victoria, I don't know what to say," Rachel said, "Except, thank you."
"You're welcome," Victoria smiled.
Bending down to the kid's height, Billy said, "You see that tree over there. There are presents with your names on them. Would you like to see what they are?"
Both kids eagerly agreed. "Then go for it," Billy said, waving them over. They ran over and the sound of ripping paper soon followed.
"About that life Rachel is building," Billy said, "She made a big step towards it today."
"Oh?" Victoria said.
Sitting behind Rachel, Kyle leaned forward and rested his chin on Rachel's shoulder. "We're getting married," he beamed to Victoria.
"Oh…" Victoria said. She shared a look of surprise with Billy before continuing, "That's exciting. Congratulations." Rachel displayed her ring, to which Victoria responded, "That's lovely."
Watching the kids opening presents, everyone sat around the living room. "Interesting day," Kyle said.
Sitting close to him, Rachel said, "That's one way to put it. I can hardly believe Victoria came around."
"I can hardly believe we are engaged," Kyle said.
"Oh yeah, there's that too," Rachel teased. She leaned over and kissed him.
Across the room Victoria watched them for a few seconds and then said, "They seem happy. I was surprised to hear about the engagement. I didn't realize they knew each other that well."
"I'm not sure they do," Billy said.
"You don't approve?" Victoria said.
"If they make each other that happy then it's great," Billy said, "It's all happened so fast. I don't know if they have really thought this through."
"Looking at them now, it looks like love," Victoria said, "Maybe they will make it work."
"Yeah, maybe," Billy said, watching Rachel and Kyle. Shifting his focus to the kids, Billy smiled. Walking over to them, he said, "What have you got there? That looks pretty cool."
Victoria noticed Billy, glance at Rachel for a few seconds, before turning his attention back to the kids.