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"This is the best present ever," Maddie lisped reverently as she helped open the gifts.
Finally, the box in April's hand was so small, she seemed to realize there could not be another inside it, and just as she was about to open it, Maddie took it from her and handed it to me.
"Hey," April protested.
Taylor stood and came over to pick up all the wrapping paper and stick it into a trash bag, clearing the area around April. And then I stepped in front of her, dropping to a knee with the box in my hand and my heart pounding madly. The girls and I had practiced this, and they'd done their parts perfectly. Now it was my turn.
"April," I said, as her hands flew to her face, which was turning pink. "You barreling into my life was the best thing that ever happened to me. You barged in here, bossy and demanding, and pulled me out of the darkest days I've ever known. You gave me a chance to find myself again, helped me discover a new life and were gracious enough to agree to be a part of it. Since you've been here, I have lived a better life than I ever knew was possible. I face each day with hope and excitement, mostly because I know it will be another day with you."
A tear was streaking down April's cheek and her hands had begun to shake.
I kept my eyes locked on April's as the crowd began to murmur around us, realizing what was happening.
"I'm hoping you might be willing to agree to spend some more time with me," I went on, lifting the small box and opening it to reveal a perfect solitaire diamond ring. "I'm hoping you'll be willing to stay forever. I'm hoping you might agree to marry me."
April was nodding, slowly at first and then madly, her dark hair sliding around her shoulders. "Yes," she whispered, and then she seemed to remember the crowd around them and her role as hostess. She stood up and nearly shouted, "I said yes!" so those in the back could hear.
I stood too, and slid the ring onto April's finger as her eyes locked on mine again.
"You've made me so happy," I said, leaning in to kiss her.
The gathered guests erupted in cheers and applause, and April whispered, "you can have forever."
I pulled her tightly against me again, my entire body warm and happy as the future glowed like the lights on the enormous tree in the parlor.
Forever sounded perfect. And with April at my side, every day of that forever would be just like Christmas.
THE END
