Responding to the pounding on her front door, Rachel opened it, to find an angry Nick on the other side.
"Where is she?" Nick said.
"Merry Christmas to you too," Rachel said.
"Where is she?" Nick repeated.
Stepping aside to let him in, Rachel said, "I assume you are looking for my niece."
"I know she's here," Nick said, "I heard from Kyle, that you told him."
"She was here," Rachel said, "I went upstairs for a few minutes and when I came back down she was gone."
"She ran," Nick said, "That proves she's guilty."
"Yes, she admitted to me that she fought with Summer," Rachel said, "I didn't get all the details, just that she didn't mean to do it."
"Once the police get involved they will find her," Nick said.
"Isn't it up to Summer if she wants to press charges?" Rachel said, "By the way how is she? I heard she woke up."
"Kyle is bringing her home today," Nick said.
"That's good," Rachel said, "At least she won't have to spend Christmas Day in the hospital. Miranda on the other hand, is who knows where, spending the holiday alone and probably scared."
"She should be," Nick said, "She is going to pay for hurting my daughter."
Surveying himself in mirror Austin, checked over his sleepwear, consisting of an adult body suit, zipped up the front, patterned with animated snowmen. Hearing the sound of Lola approaching he affixed a Santa hat on his head and jumped onto the bed, propping up by one arm.
As Lola entered the room, he took in the vision of her satin red lingerie. Austin was mesmerized by her beauty, as she did a 180 degree turn, modeling if for him. "What do you think?" Lola said.
"I like my Christmas present," Austin said.
"This is only part of it," Lola cooed, walking towards him.
"I can't wait for the rest," Austin said.
"Not yet," Lola said, "First of all I need to know…what is this?" She gestured to his attire.
"It's my holiday pajamas," Austin said, "Since it's that time of year, I thought I would wear something appropriate."
"There is nothing appropriate about that," Lola said.
"You don't like my holiday wear?" Austin said.
"Austin, they have feet," Lola said.
"It's very cozy," Austin said, "Why don't you come see for yourself."
Climbing onto her side of the bed, Lola leaned closer to Austin and said, "The only way I am getting near you, is if you take this off." She whipped the Santa hat off his head, tossing it on the floor.
"All of it?" Austin said. Lola nodded. "If I do that, I might get cold," Austin said.
"I'll keep you warm," Lola said, beginning to undue the zipper.
"There you go," Kyle said, easing Summer onto the couch, in the Abbott living room. "Are you sure you don't want to lie down?"
"I'm fine," Summer said, "Besides it's Christmas Day. I would like to spend it with the people I love."
"You will let me know if you get tired," Kyle said.
"Yes, I will take a rest a bit later," Summer said, "I just wish I could remember what happened to me. When I try to think about it, everything is hazy."
"Don't push yourself," Kyle said, "It will come back to you soon enough."
"Summer, what a nice surprise," Jack said, walking into the room, "I didn't know you were being released today. Welcome home."
"Thanks," Summer said, "It's good to be home. Your son is fussing over me though."
"It's my pleasure," Kyle said, "I will make sure you have everything you need." They shared a smile, before Kyle continued, "Merry Christmas, Dad."
"And to you," Jack said.
"Wow, there sure are a lot of presents under that tree," Summer said.
"Santa has been here," Kyle said, "Most of those are for someone's first Christmas."
"Oh, that's right," Summer said, "Where is Diana?"
"She's right here," Rachel said, walking into the room with Diana in her arms.
Jack and Kyle broke into big smiles, with Kyle about to approach, when Rachel said, "Wait, Diana has something to show you."
Rachel lowered Diana to the floor, and holding on to her mother's fingers, Diana took a few unsteady steps towards Kyle.
"Look at you," Kyle said, "You're walking!"
"Remarkable," Jack smiled.
Kyle scooped Diana into his arms saying, "She's an Abbott, everything she does is amazing." Giving Diana a gentle hug, he said, "Merry first Christmas."
"Hi Summer," Rachel said, "I hope you are feeling better."
"I am," Summer said, "Thank you for asking."
"Can you tell me what happened?" Rachel said, "Miranda admitted that she did something, but I don't know what."
"I don't really remember," Summer said, "It's all a bit fuzzy."
"The doctor said, it's normal," Kyle said, "The memory should come back in time."
"I'm sorry, that my niece did something to hurt you," Rachel said.
"Why would Miranda do such a thing?" Jack said.
"I'll tell you why," Rachel said, "It's because of me."
"What do you mean by that?" Kyle said, setting Diana on the floor, letting her crawl around.
"Ever since you and I split up, Miranda has taken a dislike to you," Rachel said.
"I noticed," Kyle said.
"And I think she feels the same about Summer, by association," Rachel said, "I hate to think she would be vengeful, but maybe she hurt Summer as some sort of retribution for me. I want you to know, I never suggested she should attack either of you or would ask her to."
"I know you had nothing to do with this," Kyle said, "She acted on her own."
"I wish Miranda didn't feel that way," Jack said.
"Her mother would be ashamed of her behavior," Rachel said.
"Where is she now?" Jack said.
"Your guess is as good as mine," Rachel said, "She's taken off on the run. Just when I found her, she will likely disappear again."
"I am going to make sure she doesn't get away with it," Kyle said.
"Miranda did say something strange to me," Rachel said, "She told me the situation is bigger than I know. I have to wonder what she meant by that."
Conversation began to fade away around Summer as visions flashed through her mind. She saw Andi and heard muffled raised voices. They were fighting over something. Summer closed her eyes, pinching the bridge of her nose with her fingers.
"Summer?" Kyle said, "Are you alright?" Not getting a response Kyle tried again, touching her shoulder. "Summer?"
Summer looked at Kyle and said, "It was her."
"What are you talking about?" Kyle said, "Do you remember something?"
"Andi was in front of me," Summer started, "And she…she had my things."
"What things?" Kyle said.
"She had my earrings, she was wearing them," Summer said, "You know, the ones I lost and my bracelet too."
"How do you know they weren't just similar to yours," Rachel said.
"She admitted it to me," Summer said.
"How would she get your jewelry?" Rachel said.
"The hotel," Summer said, "Kyle, Miranda is the one who trashed our room!"
"Don't you think you're reaching just a bit?" Rachel said, "Miranda is a lot of things, but she wouldn't resort to that kind of violence."
"But she did," Summer said, "I threatened to call the police and she flipped on me. She wrestled me for my phone and pushed me down. I remember my head hurting and wanting to call out to Kyle, but next thing I was in the hospital."
"Summer are you sure?" Rachel said.
"Yes, it's all come back to me," Summer said.
"So it was her," Kyle said, "Miranda also destroyed your phone."
"It's hard to believe," Jack said.
"What has happened to that sweet girl, that she was," Rachel said, shaking her head.
"We will have to tell the police," Kyle said.
"Oh, Kyle not today," Summer said, "It's Christmas, let's enjoy it."
"I second that," Jack said.
Looking around, Kyle said, "Where did…?" Kyle trailed off when he saw Diana under the tree. She had ripped half the paper off a present.
"Diana, what are you doing?" Kyle laughed, rushing over.
"We opened a few last night," Rachel said, "I guess she got the hang of it."
"At least this one is for her," Kyle said, "No reason not to take all the paper off now." Kyle helped her unwrap the gift, Diana squealing in delight at the colorful stuffed parrot she found.
"Who is that from?" Rachel said.
"I don't know," Kyle said, "It must be Santa."
"Oh, I see," Rachel said.
Clutching the stuffed toy, Diana said, "Ba!"
"That's right," Kyle said, "It's a bird. Did you all hear that? She tried to say it."
"She's been saying that one a lot," Rachel said.
"Soon she will be talking non-stop," Jack said, "If I'm not mistaken that was Kyle's first word too. He would babble on and on, telling me all kinds of things. I could never make any sense of it."
Summer and Rachel laughed, as Kyle said, "Thanks for that, Dad."
Lying in Austin's arms, Lola said, "I love the feeling of Christmas Day."
"Me too," Austin said, "Although I did have to take my holiday pajamas off."
"Trust me, this is much better," Lola said.
"Just think of all the holidays we can spend together in the future," Austin said.
"Yeah," Lola said, "That would be nice."
"You know, having you in my life and being with you like this, makes this best Christmas I have ever had," Austin said.
"It's special for me too," Lola said.
"Do you think we can stay like this all day?" Austin said.
"Skip Christmas Day?" Lola said.
"Celebrate in our own way," Austin said.
"Didn't we just do that?" Lola said.
"Care for a repeat performance?" Austin kissed Lola, for just a second before she pushed Austin back and said, "What time is it?"
Checking her phone, Lola said, "It's so late. We have to get up."
"Right now?" Austin said, "Couldn't we just…"
"Your sister and Mariah will be here soon," Lola said, "And I still have lunch to prepare."
"Let them get their own lunch," Austin said.
"We invited them," Lola said.
"Whose idea was that?" Austin said.
"Yours," Lola said.
"Why did you listen to me?" Austin said.
"We can't let them find us like this," Lola said.
"Why not, we're all adults here," Austin said.
Lola gave him an exasperated look, prompting Austin to say, "Okay, I'm up." Passing by her, he kissed her and said, "To be continued."
"Look at this pretty outfit," Rachel said, as she and Kyle opened Diana's presents with her. Jack and Summer watched as Rachel held up a pair of pink pants and matching floral patterned top.
"That's really nice," Kyle said.
"There's more," Rachel said, reaching into the gift bag. "Oh, here it is," she continued, "Your first pair of designer jeans. Kyle, look at these aren't they cute?"
"Adorable," Kyle smiled, "Thank you Summer."
"Your welcome," Summer said, "There is one more thing in that bag."
Rachel lifted out a small hooded sweater, imprinted with ladybugs. "Now that is sweet," Rachel said.
"I got bigger sizes, so she can use them for a longer time," Summer said.
"Thank you," Rachel said, "Between your new clothes and Susie's old ones, you'll be all decked out."
Diana handed Kyle her new clothes, prompting Kyle to say, "Thank you. They're not really my size though."
"Pink isn't your color?" Rachel said.
"Doesn't suit me," Kyle smiled.
Surveying Diana, surrounded by new toys, Kyle said, "I think she did pretty well."
"Santa went a little overboard," Rachel said.
"It's the rule for someone's first Christmas," Kyle said. He picked up a wand attached to a Xylophone and tapped some of the keys to show Diana how it worked.
"We especially like these toys from Grandpa," Kyle said.
"It was my pleasure," Jack said, "I had such fun deciding what to buy. It's been a long time since I shopped for a baby."
"I can't believe in a few months she will be a year old," Rachel said.
As Kyle continued to tap keys, amusing Diana, Summer said, "I don't know who is having more fun with that toy, Diana or her daddy."
"We both are," Kyle laughed, "I love playing with her."
"I'm sure Diana loves her daddy time too," Rachel said.
Diana looked at Kyle and confidently said, "Da, da."
Kyle stared at Diana, before shifting his eyes to Rachel. "Did you hear that?" Kyle said, wonder in his voice.
"She just called you da da," Rachel laughed happily.
Jack smiled proudly, as Kyle addressed the baby. "Did you just try to say daddy?" he said.
"Da, da," Diana said again. Kyle's heart melted at the sound of his daughter's words.
"Kyle, that's so sweet," Summer said.
"I remember the first time my son said that to me," Jack said, "It's an incredible moment."
"I don't even have the words to describe how amazing it feels," Kyle said, "She knows I'm daddy and she tried to talk to me."
"What wonderful Christmas present," Summer smiled.
"Nothing could have meant more," Kyle said.
"Merry Christmas!" Tessa chirped, as Austin opened the apartment door.
"Ladies, please come in," Austin said, while Mariah followed Tessa inside.
"Coats?" Austin said, holding out his hand to take them.
"What a gentleman," Tessa said.
"What is that incredible smell?" Mariah said.
"That would be lunch," Lola said, "I'm afraid it's not quite ready yet."
"We got held up this morning," Austin said.
Lola hit Austin on the shoulder, before she said, "Anyway…welcome! I'm glad you could make it."
"We come bearing gifts," Mariah said, as her and Tessa held up gift bags.
"That's nice of you," Lola said, "You can put those under the tree. There's some presents for you both as well."
"Maybe we could open a couple, before lunch?" Tessa said.
"Yes, Austin this is for you," Mariah said, handing him an envelope.
"You want me to go first?" Austin said.
"Of course," Mariah said, "It's the least I could do for my future brother-in-law."
"Thanks, I…" Austin stopped in mid-sentence, "What did you just say?"
"Tessa proposed," Mariah said.
"And she accepted!" Tessa said.
"You're engaged?" Lola smiled, "That's so exciting!" Lola shared a hug with each.
Austin stood staring at the couple. Mariah leaned into Tessa and said, "There's no volume, something must be wrong."
"Austin, aren't you going to say anything?" Lola said.
Austin walked to Tessa, who was concerned her brother's look was disapproval. Austin surprised Tessa when he embraced her in a warm hug, saying, "Congratulations, Tess."
They shared a smile, with Tessa saying, "You mean it?"
"Of course," Austin said, "I wish you both every happiness."
Austin focused on Mariah who hesitated, before saying, "Okay, I guess we are going to be family." They shared a quick hug.
"Alright, now open your gift," Tessa said.
Austin gave one more look of disbelief, coupled with a smile at his sister, before removing the contents of the envelope.
Staring down at the ticket's in his hand, Austin looked from the tickets, to Tessa and back again.
"We've made him speechless, twice in one day," Tessa said.
"That is a Christmas miracle," Mariah said.
"Where did you…how did you…?" Austin stammered.
"Your welcome," Tessa said.
"What is it?" Lola said.
Looking at her with wonderment in his eyes he said, "Concert tickets."
"I know how much of a fan you are," Tessa said, "Just don't expect me to go with you. It's not my cup of tea."
"Nor mine," Mariah said, "But enjoy."
"That's fine," Austin said, "Lola and I will go."
"Oh, are you sure you don't want to take someone else?" Lola said.
"Which is her way of saying she isn't into the concert either," Tessa said.
"Just wait until you're there," Austin said, "It will change your whole perspective."
"I think that's what she's afraid of," Mariah said.
"Rachel, thank you, this blouse is just beautiful," Summer said, "I appreciate you thinking of me."
"These are really nice gloves too," Kyle said, "Thanks."
"How did you know I needed new socks," Jack said, displaying his new footwear, with the word Grandpa, running down the material.
"Old man socks," Kyle joked.
With Diana in his lap, Jack said, "Don't listen to him."
"Hey, don't go teaching her that kind of behavior," Kyle chuckled.
"Thank you, for the wonderful socks, Rachel," Jack said.
Passing by Rachel, Kyle handed her a bag and said, "This is for you."
Rachel looked at Kyle in surprise. "You didn't have to," she said.
"I wanted to," Kyle smiled warmly at her.
Rachel reached into the bag to retrieve a box. Lifting the lid, this sight of the earrings made her gasp, "Oh, Kyle, they're beautiful."
"They sparkle, just the way you like," Kyle said, obviously pleased Rachel has liked his gift.
"Thank you, so much," Rachel said, standing up to share a one arm hug with Kyle.
"You're very welcome," Kyle said.
Summer shifted, uncomfortable watching Kyle and Rachel share an affectionate moment.
"Summer, are you okay?" Kyle said, "Do you want to take a rest?"
"I think maybe I should lie down for awhile," Summer said.
"I'm pretty sure Diana needs a nap too," Rachel said, "I'll take her home and we will be back for dinner."
"Why don't you put her down upstairs?" Kyle said, "Then you can stay and visit for the day."
"Thanks, okay," Rachel said.
"Kyle, will you sit with me for a bit first?" Summer said.
"Of course," Kyle said.
As Rachel, held Diana in her arms, Kyle kissed the infant on the forehead and said, "Have a good nap."
Kyle let Rachel go up the stairs before him, when the doorbell rang. Opening the door, Kyle paused and said, "What are you doing here?"
"Merry Christmas," Fen said.
"Fen?" Summer said.
"Hi," Fen said, "I heard you were out of the hospital, I figured you would be here."
"Now, is not a good time," Kyle said, "We were about to…"
"No, it's okay," Summer said, cutting him off.
"I thought you were tired," Kyle said, "You don't want to overdo it."
"Yeah, but Fen's here," Summer said, "I don't mind if he comes in to visit."
"I can come back later if this is a bad time," Fen said, "I guess, I should have called first."
"Perhaps you should have," Kyle said.
"Don' be silly, please come in," Summer said.
"It's great to see you home," Fen said, "You look like you're feeling better."
"I am," Summer said, walking into the living room with Fen, "And I remember everything. It was Andi who trashed our hotel room and knocked me out at Crimson Lights."
"You mean the waitress from the coffeehouse?" Fen said, sitting next to Summer on the couch, "Rachel's niece?"
"That's the one," Summer said.
"Has she been arrested?" Fen said.
"No, she ran," Summer said, "So they have to find her first."
"She will pay the price," Kyle said.
"Anyway, I don't want to talk about that," Summer said, "Would you like a hot drink or something?"
"That would be nice," Fen said.
"Kyle, would you mind getting something?" Summer said.
Kyle paused before he said, "I'll ask Mrs. Martinez to make us some coffee."
"Whatever you have is fine," Fen said.
After Kyle left the room, Fen said, "Geez, can't the guy even make his own coffee?"
"Trust me, you don't want Kyle's personally made coffee," Summer joked.
"I guess not, he might put a dash of cyanide in mine," Fen said.
"He would never do that," Summer said.
"Don't be so sure," Fen said.
"So, what brings you by?" Summer said.
"You," Fen said, "I mean, I wanted to see you how you were doing."
"You're always so sweet to me," Summer said.
"You make it easy," Fen said. There was silence between them, Fen said, "I see someone hit the mother load with toys today."
"Yes, Diana got overloaded on her first Christmas," Summer said, "But I think she had a really fun day. She's napping now, but earlier, it was the cutest thing. Diana called Kyle, Da da for the first time today. It's been a nice Christmas."
"Good to hear," Fen said.
"How about you?" Summer said, "Any plans for the day?"
"I am meeting up with my parents for dinner later," Fen said, "The whole family should be there. It's usually a good time."
"We are having a big dinner here tonight too," Summer said.
"Okay, here we are, coffee," Kyle said, walking into the room and setting a tray on the table.
"Did you remember the toxin for mine?" Fen said.
Kyle snapped his fingers and said, "Fresh out."
"You two," Summer said, shaking her head. Observing the tray, Summer said, "You have four cups, there's only three of us."
"I thought Rachel might like some when she comes downstairs," Kyle said.
"See, I go upstairs and you talk about me," Rachel said, entering the living room.
"Coffee?" Kyle said.
"Love some," Rachel said, "Hi Fen, Merry Christmas."
They shared a hug, Fen saying, "Merry Christmas to you."
"This is a nice surprise," Rachel said.
"Huge," Kyle said, handing Rachel her coffee.
"I wanted to come and wish the Abbotts a happy holiday," Fen said, "And check up on Summer."
"He's too good to me," Summer said.
"Someone has to be," Fen said the words before he could stop himself. Noticing Kyle's stern stare, Fen said, "I didn't mean you weren't….I just…it was nothing personal."
Rachel could feel the tension between the two men, as Summer said, "You are both very dear to me, in different ways," Summer said, "I think that's where Fen was coming from. As a close friend."
"Absolutely," Fen said.
The room was quiet, until Rachel said, "So…"
Startled the other three looked at her, Kyle nearly choking on his coffee. "Fen, how's the music business?" she said.
"Great," Fen said, "We still have good momentum going on the song. I'm pleasantly surprised we have such a great response."
"I wouldn't have expected any less," Summer said.
"Before I forget, I have something here for you," Fen said, handing Summer a small gift bag.
"Fen…" Summer started.
"Don't tell me I didn't have to," Fen said, "I've actually had it for awhile. I wasn't sure when I was going to be able to give it to you."
As Summer reached into the tissue paper, Fen handed Rachel another small bag. "I want to give this to you," Fen said, "It's for Diana."
"Fen, that's sweet," Rachel said.
Turning his attention to Summer, he saw tears in her eyes as she held the crystal blue dolphin her hand. "I can't believe you remembered," Summer said.
"How could I forget?" Fen said, "It meant so much to you."
"Do we get to know the significance here?" Kyle said.
"I used to have one just like this," Summer said, "My Mom gave it to me years ago. Through my own carelessness, it broke and I was so upset. This one is identical. The color, the design. Where did you find it?"
"It was at a Festival in Madison, last spring," Fen said, "When I saw it I couldn't believe my eyes. I had to buy it."
Kyle could see Summer was touched by the gift, however he could not remember Summer, ever mentioning this to him.
"Thank you," Summer said, giving Fen a lingering hug.
"Kyle, look," Rachel said, "It's a baby's first Christmas ornament. It has a bear just like the one she loves so much. Fen it's perfect, thank you."
"My pleasure," Fen said.
"Doesn't she already have one of those?" Kyle said, "That I gave you last year?"
"Yes, but now she has two," Rachel said, fixing the decoration to the tree, "Nothing wrong with that."
"Maybe, I should get going," Fen said.
"I know you have plans," Summer said, "Can you stay a bit longer? I feel like I haven't seen you in forever."
Kyle noticed the look in Summer's eyes, when she talked to Fen. It was a look that was supposed to be for him. Kyle felt the need to strike back.
"Rachel, I've been thinking," Kyle started.
"Always a dangerous trend," Rachel teased.
"Why don't you and Diana move into the main house," Kyle said, "Permanently."
"What?" Summer and Rachel said, together.
"That way we can both be here for Diana at the same time," Kyle said, "Without shuttling her back and forth all the time. We can provide that sense of family for her."
"Sure Kyle," Summer said, "Why don't you just marry Rachel again?"
"Maybe I should, then you can spend all the time you want, with your former fiancée," Kyle said.
"There's no need to get nasty," Fen said.
"You're being ridiculous," Summer said, "He came over for one visit!"
"Two if you count the hospital," Kyle said, "He can't seem to stay away from you."
"Is Summer not allowed to have friends?" Fen said.
"Come on, let's not fight," Rachel said, "It's Christmas, remember?"
"How could I forget?" Kyle said, "We have Fen's perfect ornament to remind us."
"Why do you have to be so impossible?" Summer said.
Suddenly shouts of "Merry Christmas!" were heard as Traci and Ashley bustled through the front door. Kyle sighed, putting on more pleasant demeanor as his aunts shared hugs with him.
"Fen, hello," Traci said.
"Hi, Traci," Fen smiled.
"I thought I heard the party start in here," Jack said, emerging from the Den.
"Now Jack you know it's Christmas," Ashley said, "I hope you weren't working back there."
"Just checking on a few things," Jack said, "Not to worry, I am in complete holiday mode now."
"Fen are you joining us for dinner?" Traci said.
"I appreciate the offer, but I have family plans," Fen said, "In fact I have to get going."
"I'll walk you to the door," Summer said.
As Fen put his coat on, Summer said, "I'm sorry about Kyle."
"He's just in one of his moods," Fen said, "I don't take him seriously anymore."
"Thank you for coming by," Summer said, "It was wonderful to see you and I love my gift."
Rachel watched Kyle bristle as Summer gave Fen a kiss on the cheek, that merged into a hug.
Laughter was abound between Austin, Tessa, Lola and Mariah. Gifts were exchanged and drinks were poured.
"Do not put this man on a pair of skies," Tessa said, "He won't be on them long, while he tumbles down the hill."
"Lots of people fall downhill skiing," Austin said.
"It was the child's hill," Tessa said, "And you were a good size teenager."
"I mess up one ski trip…" Austin said.
"It was the first and last ski trip," Tessa said.
"We should go skiing," Tessa said, to Mariah.
"Um…no," Mariah said.
"Oh come on, why not?" Tessa said.
"On that note I think it's time we take our leave," Mariah said, standing up.
"You see, she thinks this conversation is over," Tessa said.
"No skiing," Mariah said, "Lola thank you for a wonderful meal. That dessert was out of this world."
"It really was amazing," Tessa said.
"Before you go," Lola said, "I made cookies for you to take with you."
"Oh, thank you," Tessa said, taking the tin from Lola, "I better hold on to these or they will be gone before we get home."
"If you hold on to them, then for sure they will disappear," Mariah said.
"We'll talk about it in the car," Tessa said.
"Bye, Merry Christmas!" Lola said,
Tessa hugged her brother before, leaving the apartment.
"That was such fun," Lola said.
"I thought they would never leave," Austin said.
"You looked like you were enjoying yourself," Lola said.
"I did," Austin said, "And I like spending time with Tess, but I was getting anxious to be alone with you."
"Did you want to pick up where we left off this morning?" Lola said.
"Soon," Austin said, "First, I have one more gift I want to give you."
"Another one?" Lola said, "You're spoiling me."
Taking her hand, Austin led her to the couch. "Now, you just sit here," Austin said.
"What are you up to?" Lola said.
"I have something very important, I need to say," Austin said. He got down on one knee if front of her.
"Austin…" Lola said.
"Please hear me out," Austin said, "Lola, you are the most beautiful, wonderful woman I have ever known. You have brought a happiness into my life that I never thought was possible. I love you and cannot imagine my life without you." Austin opened a ring box, Lola gasping at the diamond as tears came to her eyes.
"Lola Rosales," Austin continued, "Will you marry me?"
Lola's breath was coming short and fast, as tears spilled down her cheeks.
"Lola?" Austin said, "It's your turn to say something."
"Austin…." Lola whimpered, "I…I'm sorry!" Lola got up and fled to the bedroom in tears.
"Lola, babe what's wrong?" Austin called.
Trying the bedroom door, Austin found it locked and heard Lola sobbing on the other side. "Lola, won't you talk to me?"
Realizing she wasn't coming out, Austin strolled to the couch. Sitting down with a heavy breath, he picked up the ring box. "Merry Christmas," he sighed.