part0032

Steph stretched, groaning. This was their first Christmas together, and she had been surprised at the level of excitement that Mia showed, she was like a big kid. Steph hadn’t planned on getting a tree in Gibraltar given they weren’t spending Christmas there, but Mia had been aghast at the suggestion and they had immediately gone out and bought one. Arriving in Falkirk they both had tears in their eyes when they discovered that the large tree their parents had was decorated with a mix of childhood baubles from each of their homes, including their home-made efforts. They had taken time telling each other how they had come by each decoration and what each meant to them. They decided then and there that they would start their own shared collection of baubles, build their own tradition.

They had also kept to tradition, leaving out whisky and shortbread for Santa and a carrot for Rudolph and Steph had loved watching Mia’s rapt expressions. They drew the line at Mia’s tradition of flour and footprints to look like Santa had walked through the living room, but they’d all hung up stockings next to the fireplace.

“Has Santa been then?”

Steph was on her knees on top of the covers. “Definitely, he wouldn’t forget about me, come on let’s not waste the day.”

“Hey, come here a minute first.” Mia smiled laying back down and burrowing her head on her chest. Steph kissed her deeply. “Merry Christmas darling.”

“Merry Christmas babe. Are you nervous about telling the parents?”

“No, I think they’ll be fine, at least I hope they will.” They had discussed their parents’ feelings at length, as Christmas approached, they had worried about ruining their first Christmas together if they weren’t happy for them. Friends had reassured them that their reaction would be positive, but a little anxiety remained. Still it was too late to change their plans now given what their stockings held.

Emma laughed. “That’s good, we’ve made loads, I think your father has taken after Jesus and fed the 5000. Steph grab the coffee and we’re all set.” They sat at the kitchen table looking out over the garden, the snow had continued to fall overnight, and they were soon all roped into the plan to build a snowman after their food had settled, by an enthusiastic Mia. Steph appreciated the strong coffee to wake her up and was holding her third cup when it was decided it was present opening time.

They’d bought their parents joint presents and Rob loved the black Barbour jacket and her mum the red leather bikers style jacket after they all assured her she’d be able to carry it off. She had admired one Emma had worn. They had also bought them a weekend break at a hotel and spa they loved. Mia had an original Harley Davidson jumper and t-shirt and Steph had a new kindle and leather laptop case.

After hugs all round they came to their stockings. Each pulled out the requisite sweeties, chocolate Santa, oranges and ten pence, until both parents were left holding envelopes and Steph and Mia hiding small black velvet boxes in their hands.

“Mum, Rob, don’t open the envelopes yet please, we’ve got something we want to tell you.”

Steph pulled Mia towards her. “Yes. Dad, Emma, we’re getting married.”

Emma was first to react. “Oh god darlings, that’s wonderful, I’m so happy for you.” She hugged them both to her, tears in her eyes. “Well Steph you realise that that will make you my daughter-in- law as well as my step-daughter.”

Rob quickly followed. “Steph, Mia, I couldn’t be happier. Come here.” He pulled them both into a tight hug. “Well I guess that’s more marriage celebrations to follow.”

“Oh, don’t apologise I must admit I’ve got quite into it.”

Mia looked at Steph and then back at them. “On that note you can open your envelopes now, carefully.”

They did so quickly to find plane tickets to Las Vegas in April. “Las Vegas?”

“Yes, we’re getting married Las Vegas style, but before you ask no Elvis.”

“I hope you don’t mind mum there’s no planning, other than the dress, which I need you to help me with, the rest, it’s all organised.”

Rob grinned. “Actually, that sounds good, it’s hard work. We would like to pay for some of it though.”

“Don’t worry Pop, I’m sure there will be plenty of things you could pay for, we can talk about that later.”

Emma suddenly looked at them. “What about rings... ah that’s what the boxes are, can I see?”

“In a minute mum, when Steph proposed it wasn’t planned so we didn’t have rings, we decided to get them for each other in time for Christmas, we haven’t even seen them yet.”

“You haven’t.... right Rob come on give the girls some privacy.”

“It’s okay you can stay.”

“No, we can’t, you should see them first, together. Call us when you’re ready. Just don’t take too long, the suspense is killing me.” Emma took Rob by the arm, smiling as she led him from the room.

“Well I guess our fears are groundless.”

“So it seems. Okay Mia you go first.”

Mia smiled opening the small box, gasping when she saw the large square solitaire diamond and white gold ring. “Oh my god Steph, it’s so gorgeous, and huge.”

Steph reduced the distance between them, kissing her softly on the lips and placing the ring on her finger. “Well you’re worth it, can’t have my wife to be without a stunning ring, can we?”

Mia wiped the tears from her eyes. “It’s beautiful babe, really beautiful.” She kissed her gently before pulling away. “Now it’s your turn.” She was really nervous about this. Steph wasn’t a girly girl and she had never known her to wear anything than a plain gold band, her mother’s wedding ring her dad had had resized after her mum’s death. With trepidation she watched her face as she opened the box.

Steph smiled as she looked at the ring. It was a white gold band, about 5 mm wide, with square rather than rounded edges. Small diamonds and emeralds were set into the ring.

“I hope you like it, I know jewellery isn’t really your thing, and you’d not want a large stone. I designed it myself, the emeralds are to match your eyes.” Mia took the ring and placed it on her ring finger, kissing her deeply.

“It’s really beautiful, and it shows just how well you know me baby, thank you.”

“Come on let’s show the parents, mum is desperate to see them.”

Emma loved the rings and Rob showed as much enthusiasm as he could muster. They opened champagne early to toast them. They wanted to hear about the proposal and what was organised for the wedding. Emma admitted that she suspected and hoped that they would get engaged. After spending time with them in Gibraltar she could see how much they adored each other and how compatible they seemed. She loved Steph and said that she had never seen Mia as happy, or as at peace with herself as she had been since they got together. Rob agreed, even though he had seen Steph in longer term relationships he had never seen her so infatuated. He just wanted them both to be happy and it was obvious that they were very much in love.

They talked about where they would be in April after the wedding. Steph’s project was being extended so they would be there another six months which would take them until June. Knowing they were staying this long Mia had managed to get a full-time staff nurse post in a private hospital, and whilst it was still shifts, they were Monday to Friday.

Emma and Rob toasted to their happiness, before they all helped Emma prepare dinner, turkey and all the trimmings. Steph couldn’t believe how content she was, she was with the woman of her dreams and they were beginning to make their own traditions as a combined family, what she had thought would be a challenge before she met them, now seemed so natural, so right. They would spend new year with Abby, Ailsa, Janie and Marie where they would celebrate their engagement with their friends. Life right now was just perfect.