Summer placed a fruit tray on the living room table, saying, "Okay, I think that's everything we need."
"Now we just have to wait for the moment of truth," Fen said.
"I know, I have a knot in my stomach too," Summer said, "But it's Christmas, and this night with our family will be fun."
"As long as you are here, I can handle anything," Fen said.
Fen leaned in to kiss her, when the sound of the doorbell, interrupted the moment. "Hold that thought," Fen smiled, heading for the door.
His hand on the doorknob, Fen paused, before pulling it open.
"Hi, Merry Christmas!" Lauren said, bustling in with gift bags.
"Hi Mom, Merry Christmas," Fen said, kissing her cheek.
Focusing on his father, Fen said, "Hey Dad, Merry…"
"Quick take this before I drop it," Michael said, handing off a casserole dish to Fen.
"It smells wonderful," Fen said.
"I wish I could take credit," Michael said, "But it is your mother's wonderful creation."
"Summer," Lauren said, "How nice to see you."
"Always a pleasure," Michael said.
"Here let me take your coats," Fen said.
"That's a lovely pendant," Lauren said.
"A Christmas present from you son," Summer said.
Spying the new photo set of Fen and Summer, Michael said, "I don't think I've seen this picture before."
"That was a present for me, from Summer," Fen said.
"A love story," Michael read. Leaning in to Fen he said, "So, does this mean…"
"All in good time Dad," Fen said.
"I really like your decorations," Lauren said, "That's a wonderful tree."
"Summer picked it out," Fen said.
"He's being too modest," Summer said, "We choose it together."
"Oh?" Lauren said.
"I have to agree with you mother," Michael said, pausing when he noticed he was standing next to a life size Santa Claus, "It's very festive in here."
Gesturing to the Santa Claus, Michael said, "How do you live with this? If I saw that in the middle of the night it would scare the pajamas off me."
"You don't wear pajamas," Lauren said.
Summer hid her face in her hand, as Michael said, "How about dinner?"
"Yes, Summer let me help you set things out," Lauren said.
"Actually, this is everything," Fen said.
Surveying the salad and fruit trays, Michael said, "Is it a vegetarian Christmas? Lauren, no one told me about this."
"My Mom, is coming," Summer said, "She is bringing the turkey."
"Phyllis?" Michael laughed, "She doesn't know how to cook."
"Maybe the season moved her to learn," Lauren said.
"My Dad and Daniel are coming too," Summer said, "And the casserole dish you brought looks amazing."
The sound of the doorbell, sent Summer to answer. "Dad," she smiled, "Merry Christmas." They shared a hug.
"As promised, my contribution to dessert," Nick said.
"Toffee pudding," Summer said, "This is one of my favorite,"
"I know," Nick said. Taking off his gloves and scarf, Nick noticed the others and said, "We've got a full house."
"It's good to see you," Lauren said.
"Nick," Michael smiled.
"It smells appetizing in here," Nick said.
"We are still waiting for the main course," Summer said.
"Okay…" Nick said.
"It seems that Phyllis," Michael started, pausing to chuckle, "Is bringing the turkey."
"She's what?" Nick laughed.
"That was a wonderful meal," Ashley said.
"I'm stuffed," Kyle said.
"That was the best turkey ever," Susie said.
"It was quite a treat," Rachel said, "But I think someone is ready for a nap." She gestured to Diana sitting on her play mat, eyes beginning to close.
"Too much excitement," Kyle said.
"Too much food too," Rachel said, "I'll put her down."
"May I come too?" Adele said.
"Of course," Rachel smiled.
"I'm going to come upstairs," Susie said, "Besides I want to use my new stereo some more, in my room."
"Just don't forget, you are going to your Dad's soon," Rachel said.
"Have a good nap," Kyle said, kissing Diana on the cheek and pausing to give Rachel the same.
Kyle smiled at the sight of Diana, with her eyes closed, resting on her mother's shoulder.
"Isn't it great to have little ones in the house again?" Ashley gushed.
"Oh, it's wonderful," Traci said, "It just brings the magic of the holiday to light."
"It's why I love being a grandpa," Jack said.
"Diana is definitely the light of my life," Kyle said, "Along with her mother of course."
"So, does this mean things are progressing with the two of you?" Jack said.
"I have no idea what you mean," Kyle innocently said.
"Jack, don't tease him," Ashley said, "Kyle does not have to go into the details of his love life. What goes in his torrid love affair is none of our business."
"Torrid?" Kyle said, "Thank you, I think. Plus, this isn't just an affair. Rachel's the best. I can say we are happier this time around than we've ever been. I had to be out of my mind to walk away from her last time."
"As long as things worked out for the two of you," Jack said, "It's wonderful to see you this much in love. I'm happy for you."
"Thanks, I am very happy," Kyle said.
"She loves you too," Susie said, slinking down the stairs, "I know she does, she told me."
"I thought you were listening to music in your room," Kyle said, "How long have you been eavesdropping?"
"Long enough to know you love my Mom," Susie said.
"It's no secret how I feel," Kyle said.
"I can see, Rachel is just as much in love with you," Traci said, "I feel inspiration for story coming on."
"Please no autobiographies about my love life," Kyle said.
"Don't worry Kyle, she can change to names to protect actual people," Ashley said, "Instead of The Escapades of Kyle Abbott, she can call it The Escapades of Caleb Kyler."
"Yeah…" Kyle said. Gesturing to Traci, he said, "There's a reason she is the author in the family."
"Not my best pitch," Ashley said.
"I appreciate the input," Traci said, "But I do like the name Caleb. I will have to remember that one."
"Kyle, are you going to be my step-dad again?" Susie said. Kyle sighed and looked at Susie.
"You are?" Susie excitedly said.
"Only if she says yes," Kyle said.
"You're proposing?" Jack said.
"A little louder Dad," Kyle said, glancing towards the stairs, "I don't want to spoil the surprise."
"That's so exciting," Traci said.
The room filled with murmurs, as Rachel and Adele descended the stairs. "It sounds like the party is in full swing," Rachel said.
Noticing everyone had fallen silent Adele said, "I get the feeling we are interrupting something."
"Yes," Rachel agreed, "What did we miss?"
"Mom, I'm so glad you made it!" Summer said, greeting Phyllis at the door.
"This was a wonderful idea," Phyllis said. Presenting her platter, she said, "As promised here is the turkey."
"Thank you," Summer said, taking the platter from her mother.
"Everyone's here," Phyllis smiled, as she greeted Lauren, Michael and Nick, "Fen it was nice of you to throw this dinner party."
"My pleasure," Fen nodded, "Thank you for coming."
"Phyllis, I'm curious," Nick started, "You cooked the turkey?"
"Oh…" Phyllis said, "Nobody said anything about cooking it. Just to bring it."
"You do realize it takes hours to cook a turkey?" Lauren said.
"Seriously, no turkey?" Michael sighed.
"No," Phyllis smiled, "I'm not serious. Of course the turkey is fully cooked."
"And it's piping hot," Summer said, handing the dish off to Fen.
"Good one," Michael said.
"Phyllis, come on," Nick said, "You didn't actually cook this."
Phyllis paused and said, "Let's eat!"
Nick and Michael looked at each other, with Nick saying, "She didn't make it."
"Which begs the question, who did?" Michael said, "Where did it come from?"
"Councilor, it's Christmas," Nick said, "Let's not make federal case out of it."
"Are you boys going to join us at the table?" Lauren called.
"Coming dear," Michael said, waking quickly towards them.
With everyone, situated in their seats, Phyllis said, "It all smells wonderful."
All the dinner guests were served, and raved about Summer's gravy contribution and her fresh baked rolls.
"You definitely need to make these more often," Fen said.
"If you like them that much then maybe I will," Summer said.
Looking at Summer, Fen said, "Should we um….?"
"I think so," Summer said.
"Is something up?" Nick said.
"No, we just have something to tell you," Summer said. Everyone stopped eating and stared at them.
Feeling the awkward pause, Summer said, "Fen?"
"I'm sure you're all wondering why we decided to have this get together today," Fen said.
"To celebrate the holidays?" Michael said.
"That's part of it," Fen said, "But, I also wanted to tell you, my living arrangements are going to change."
"You're moving?" Lauren said.
"No," Fen said.
"I am," Summer said, "I'm moving in here with Fen."
"You see, Summer and I are officially back together and have decided to live together," Fen said.
Everyone fell silent, until Phyllis said, "Live together…Nick they're…"
"I heard," Nick said.
"We are really happy together," Summer said.
Noticing Lauren was silent and looking down, Fen touched her hand, saying, "Mom?" Lauren looked at him with sadness in her eyes.
"Mom, please tell me you not upset about this," Fen said.
"It's just…" Lauren started, "No, I shouldn't."
"Go ahead," Fen said, "I need to know how you feel."
"I want you to be happy," Lauren said, "However, I am not sure this is right for you."
"Why is that?" Phyllis said.
"Considering, what happened last time," Lauren said.
"That was my fault," Summer said.
"Is that what he told you?" Nick said.
"Of course not," Summer said.
"What I'm hearing is you don't think Summer is good enough to meet your standards," Phyllis said.
"Mom…" Summer tried to interject.
"They don't have the best track record," Lauren said.
"Summer and I…" Fen trailed to say.
"Whose fault is that," Nick snarled.
"Was that a jab at my son's character?" Michael said.
"Dad…" Fen tried again, before sharing an exasperated look with Summer.
"If I recall is was your daughter, who earlier this year, was engaged to another man," Michael said.
"That has nothing to do with…" Summer sighed, as the argument continued "Fen…" she complained.
"Look can we just…" Fen sighed, his attempts to stop the fighting, going unheeded.
Alerted by the sound of the doorbell, Summer said, "I'll get it."
Summer opened the door to find Daniel on the other side. With a big smile, he said, "Merry…." Daniel paused hearing the commotion, before continuing, "…Christmas?"
"Enter at your own risk," Summer said, inviting Daniel inside.
"What's going on?" Daniel said.
"Fen and I told our parents we are back together and they have been at each other's throat's ever since," Summer said.
"You're back together?" Daniel smiled, "Cool. Then this wine I brought is for both of you."
"Thanks," Summer said, "Can you help?"
"I'll see what I can do," Daniel said.
Walking over, Daniel called, "Hello, folks!" The bickering continued, as Daniel raised his voice to be heard, as he said, "If we could all calm down, I think…." Ignored, Daniel looked back at Summer, with exasperation. As a last resort, Daniel whistled with his fingers.
The room fell silent, all eyes on Daniel. "There, okay," Daniel said, "Merry Christmas folks."
The others muttered the same back to him.
"You know, Summer and Fen were kind enough to bring us all together, as family to celebrate the holidays," Daniel said, "They share great news, and is great, and you turn the holiday into the complete opposite. Your daughter and your son are happy together, what are you fighting about? They are adults and can make their own decisions."
"Past history may suggest otherwise," Nick said.
"Sure, relationships carry a certain level of risk," Daniel said, "I know that firsthand and I'm sure you all do too. For the moment they are happy, let's celebrate that."
"It is rather childish of us to bicker this way," Michael said.
"Yes, what are we doing?" Phyllis said.
"It's embarrassing behavior in Fen's home," Lauren said.
"Fen and Summer's home," Nick said.
"Then you accept our arrangement?" Summer said.
"As long as you are happy," Nick said.
"We want the same for you," Lauren said, to Fen, "We apologize."
"Besides, Fen knows if he hurts Summer, I will kick his ass," Daniel said, roughly rubbing Fens shoulders. Fen half shook his head.
"Let's continue this dinner," Summer said.
As Daniel took his seat, Phyllis said, "My son, the voice of reason."
"I wonder where I got that from," Daniel said.
"You see, he's still in the developing stage, with his sense of humor," Phyllis said.
"That turkey looks delicious," Daniel said, "Who made it?"
"I did," Phyllis said.
Patting his mother's shoulder, Daniel said, "Of course you did."
"What did you bring?" Phyllis said.
"I made cookies," Daniel said, "Shortbread cookies."
"You made them, is that what you said?" Summer said.
Rubbing his hands together, Daniel said, "Someone pass the mashed potatoes please?"
"It suddenly got quiet in here," Rachel said, as she sat next to Kyle on the living room couch, "Where did everybody go?"
"Taking a break from all the celebrating I guess," Kyle said, "I'm not complaining about finally have some time alone with you today."
"I like it when we have time like this too," Rachel said, "But whatever are we going to do with it?"
"I can think of one or two things to keep ourselves occupied," Kyle said, pulling Rachel into a kiss.
"Do you think we have time to sneak away upstairs?" Rachel said.
"You tempt me," Kyle said, "But why don't we look forward to that for later."
"Oh," Rachel said, "Okay, if you don't want to see me in my new red lingerie."
"I do," Kyle said, But right now I have one more present for you."
"No, you are spoiling me," Rachel said.
"Yes, I am," Kyle said, getting up from the couch. Retrieving a parcel from under the tree, Kyle handed it to Rachel and sat down next to her.
"This is too much," Rachel said.
"You don't even know what it is yet," Kyle said.
"Maybe we should save it for next Christmas," Rachel teased.
"I can't wait that long to find out if you like it," Kyle said, "I hope you do."
"I already know I will," Rachel said, starting to peal the paper off. Removing the lid from the box under the paper, Rachel softly laughed as she lifted out a stuffed polar bear.
"Kyle…I don't know what to say," Rachel said.
"Do you like it?" Kyle said.
"Well, it's cute and very soft, but are you sure you didn't mean to give this to Diana?" Rachel said.
"It's for you, because it's a special bear," Kyle said.
"How so?" Rachel said.
"He asks questions," Kyle said, "And he has one for you around his neck."
Rachel located the ribbon and realized there were words printed on the fabric. Reading the words, Will you marry me?, Rachel paused.
Kyle slipped down on one knee, producing a diamond ring. "So, what do you say?" Kyle said, "One more time and this time forever and ever. Will you marry me?"
Tears came to Rachel's eyes as she looked from the ring to Kyle, too overcome with emotion to speak.
"Please tell me you are not going to make me wait overnight again," Kyle said.
Rachel shook her head and said, "I'm not going to make you wait. I love you so much and all I ever wanted was this. So, yes, I will marry you."
They both smiled as Kyle, put the ring on her finger. Rachel slipped to her knees, to kiss him.
"We're engaged!" Rachel beamed, wrapping her arms around him in a hug.
"Better believe we are," Kyle said, "I'm not letting you go this time."
"You said forever," Rachel said.
"And ever," Kyle said.
Offering Rachel his hand, Kyle helped her to her feet. "Should we tell everyone?" Rachel said.
"Allow me," Kyle said, before calling out, "If anyone is interested she said yes!"
Applause and comments of congratulations filled the room as family members appeared from various areas of the house.
"Oh, I see, you were all in on this," Rachel said.
"I let it slip earlier when you were upstairs," Kyle said.
"I knew I walked in on something," Rachel said.
"Let me see," Susie said, as Rachel held out her hand to display the ring.
"Oh, it's beautiful," Susie said.
"Stunning," Ashley said. Shifting her focus to Kyle, Ashley said, "Good job."
"Perfect job," Rachel said, admiring her ring.
"Does this mean a wedding and bridesmaids?" Susie said.
"You know you are my first choice," Rachel said.
"Kyle, I love this ring," Rachel started, "But you didn't have to go to all this fuss, I still have the other ring you gave me, it would have been fine to use that one."
"This is a fresh start for us," Kyle said, "I figured a fresh new ring was required."
"I like the way you think," Rachel said.
"This calls for a toast," Jack said.
"I take it you're happy about this," Kyle said.
"Ecstatic," Jack said.
"Good, that's the attitude I need from my best man," Kyle said.
"I'd be honored," Jack said, sharing a hug with his son.