Page 25 of It's Your Love: Rebel & Holly

I prepare myself because I’m pretty sure two little girls are about to scream in total excitement. Seconds later, I realize I was correct. They’re so ecstatic, they’re practically in tears as they run to their mother and great-grandparents to hug them.

“It’s a kitchen, Mama! And a school! Plus, we have a movie area too!” Mina exclaims, while Ruby claps her hands.

“Yes, it is. Do you two like it?” Holly questions.

“Oh, yes, Mama. Thank you and Grammy and Pappy and Santa!” they exclaim in unison.

“Now, how about we go see what Santa brought and what else is under the tree for two good little girls,” Pappy states. “Then, while your mama and Grammy put dinner together for later, you can play in your new room, okay?”

Holly had explained the gifts her grandparents give the girls, so I tried to follow the same edit; something they want, something they need, something to wear, and something to read, with her help, of course, since I’ve never shopped for a child in my life. Hopefully, they’ll be happy.

We let the girls unwrap their presents first, so we could ooo and ahh over them, but finally it’s time for us adults to open gifts. Clearing my throat, I go over to the tree and pull out a small box then turn and get down on my knee in front of Holly.

As she looks at me, I see her eyes fill with tears when it dawns on her what’s happening. Esther has her phone recording a video as the girls watch intently. “Holly, my decision to go to the grocery store that particular day was the best thing I ever did because it led me to you and the girls. While there may be some out there who think this is too soon, I don’t care what anyone thinks except for you, the girls, and your grandparents. You’re the love I’ve been looking for and I want to spend the rest of my life with you. Will you marry me and become my old lady as well?” I ask, opening up the ring box.

She gasps and reaches out, her hand trembling. “Rebel, it’s… it’s beautiful. Yes, I’ll marry you! I love you more than words can express.”

I slide the ring on her finger, grateful that Esther got the size right, then stand and pull her into my arms before I kiss her. While it’s not quite PG, it’s definitely far tamer than normal considering Mina and Ruby are avidly staring at us.

“Mama, does this mean that Mr. Rebel will be our daddy now?” Mina asks.

Holly, who has tears of happiness streaming down her face, nods. “Yes, once we get married.”

“Can we do that today?” Mina questions, making all of us laugh.

“Not today, sweetheart, but soon,” I tell her. “And, if you and Ruby are okay with it, I want to adopt both of you, so you’ll officially be my little girls. What do you think about that?”

“It’s the best Christmas ever,” Mina whispers, tears now falling down her face. “I asked Santa for a Daddy for Christmas, and he brought one.”

Now I’m the one who’s blinking back moisture from my eyes. I’m not the only one, however, because I hear Paul clearing his throat multiple times and know that his emotions are running high as well.

“Well, I’d say this has been a great day so far,” Esther declares. “Now, who’s ready for breakfast?”

The End… for now!

---