Make sure to go back to Chapter 39 to read from the last part!! If not you will be lost!! 

Song above is...Endlessly by The Cab! This fits the end of this chapter!

"It's Christmas! It's Christmas!"

The words were yelled directly into my ear followed by a small but heavy body landing on my legs. Next to me someone grunted as the yelling started again. It took me a minute to wake up enough to realize it was Harper jumping on the bed yelling.

"CHRISTMAS! SANTA CAME! SANTA!" Harper yelled.

"Harp." Alex's sleepy voice sounded next to me.

"GUYS COME ON! EVERYONE ELSE IS UP!"

It took a second for her words to sink in before I jerked up. Everyone else was up. That meant...that meant my brother was up too. I looked over at Alex laying on his stomach, his bare back facing me.

Because of my brother being here I didn't want him to know Alex and I sleep in the same bed, so Alex graciously took another room but in the middle of the night he snuck in here. Both of us so use to sleeping next to each other that neither of us could sleep without the other. But the last thing we need is my brother coming in here and finding Alex...and he's shirtless.

"Alex." I shoved his shoulder. He grunted but didn't move. "Alex get up." Harper got up and ran out of the room, leaving the door wide open.

"Why." He moaned moving to get more comfortable on the bed. The muscles of his back flexed immediately drawing my eyes to it. Trying to ignore the sight in front of me I shoved him again.

"Alex get up! My brother is going to walk in and see you." I looked over at the open door knowing Trent will walk in at any moment; especially with Harper getting him up.

Suddenly I heard footsteps coming towards us making me start to panic. Alex was no help as he just laid there. I frantically looked around and found only one way.

Placing my hands on the side of Alex I pushed him with all my weight, literally throwing him off the bed. He landed with a thud followed by a groan.

"What the fu-"

"Shh." I hissed. "Be quiet."

I barely managed to fix the bed so it looked like I just slept in it before my brothers head popped in.

"Harper get you up too?" He grinned, not at all looking tired.

"Yeah. Let me get dressed and I'll be right down." I tried to not act like I was inwardly freaking out.

"Sounds good." He went t leave before he stopped. "Oh and Ri..." I held my breath getting ready for him to say something about Alex. "Merry Christmas." He said with a soft smile. One that made my shoulders relax a little bit.

"Merry Christmas T." I sent one back. Harper suddenly appearing.

"Come on T lets go." She whined tugging at his hand. My smile widened at the nickname she just used for him. I looked up at Trent who just shrugged. The fact that Harper seemed to be instantly taken with Trent made my heart explode. I wanted them to like each other; especially since I've pretty much taken residency up in her life.

With one last smile at me Trent let Harper tug him away. Once I was sure they were gone I hurried over to the side of the bed and peered down at Alex.

"You okay?"

Seeing Alex laying there on his back glaring up at me made my lips twitch.

"You pushed me off the bed."

"You wouldn't get up to hide."

"So pushing me off the bed was the only other option?" I shrugged smirking.

"We're just lucky he didn't see you. He may like you but he wouldn't like you sleeping in the same bed as his sister." I pointed out.

"That shit hurt." He mumbled getting to his feet.

"Sorry." I actually meant it, even if it was a tad bit funny. Alex stood in front of me and stretched his arms above his head. The muscles in abdomen flexed and moved as he did so. The low hung sweats he was wearing seemed to tug a bit a lower.

My eyes were glued to his bare chest. It was still surreal to think that was all mine. The thought was a bit possessive but I didn't care. Alex was all mine.

"Like what you are seeing?" My eyes snapped upwards at his voice. He stared at me with a cocky smirk.

"Yes." The words escaped my lips before I could stop them. His eyes widened at the confident tone. Even I was a bit shocked at myself.

"Well stare all you want. It is yours after all." He said the exact same words I was thinking. A smirk of my own appeared on my face.

"Yes it is."

I sat there on my knees staring up at him. He stared right on back taking a step forward until his arms came to rest on the bed beside my thighs. His face inches from mine.

"And these are mine." His lips pressed softly against mine, making me instantly melt. I swear his kisses get better and better. When he pulled away I whined. "I better go before someone comes back." He spoke against my lips.

As much as I wanted to keep kissing him I knew we had to get ready. If we weren't downstairs in a few minutes Harper would be back.

"I guess we better. Harper is probably opening presents as we speak." We both chuckled at that.

Alex stared into my eyes. He looked like he was about to say something but instead he pressed another soft kiss to my lips.

"I'll see you downstairs in a minute." He pulled away and headed for the door, shooting me a smile over his shoulder. I stared after him. The feeling I've been shoving aside for months spilling over once again.

Today. I'd tell him today.

* * * * * * * * * * *

By time I sat down on the couch everyone else was there waiting. Harper was bouncing on her toes, eyes glued to the christmas tree. I didn't bother dressing up, still in my PJ's but at least my hair didn't look like a birds nest.

I sat between my brother and Alex as everyone else was scattered around the room.

"Merry Christmas everyone." Ava grinned at everyone, her face glowing with happiness. We echoed it back excitement filling the air. It was the first time in a long time it felt like a real Christmas morning.

Ava let Harper go first since she was practically jumping on the spot to grab a present. I let out a laugh as she dove underneath the tree to grab one. She ripped into the present with no hesitation, throwing the wrapping paper over her shoulder as she did so.

The best part about having Christmas with little kids was seeing their reactions. Watching their little faces glow as they opened a present and saw what they got.

We all let Harper open a few more presents before grabbing ones of our own. I went to tell Trent that his present was at home since I didn't know he was coming, but Alex interrupted me by handing me it. I looked up at him confused at how he managed to bring it here without me knowing.

"I snuck it into the car the other day." He answered casually. Alex literally went up and beyond in getting my brother here and grabbing the present I bought him so I wouldn't feel bad. Could he get any more perfect?

The next little bit was filled with wrapping paper being ripped open and little squeals coming from Harper. When Ava and Mason handed Trent a present I could practically feel the surprise coming off of him. They've only known him a day and they already got him a present. It shouldn't have surprised me seeing as that was just who Ava and Mason were but I was so grateful I almost jumped over the table to give them a hug.

I peered over Trent's shoulder as he opened it and felt my throat closed up. Sitting inside the box was a phone case and on the back was a picture of Trent and I from a few years ago. It was right after his last championship game. I was standing beside him grinning widely as his arm was slung over my shoulders. Neither of us said a word as we stared at the picture.

"We know your in the military and can't really have much so we thought a sturdy phone case would be good and have a picture of you and Riley." Ava explained. I noticed she was biting her bottom lip, worried that Trent didn't like it.

I placed my hand on his arm as he slowly brought his head back. Clearing his throat he looked over at both Ava and Mason.

"I...this is perfect. Thank you." Ava nodded as I saw the tears gather in her eyes. I squeezed Trent's arm a bit tighter as he looked back down at the photo.

When it came to Ava and Mason's present I wasn't sure what to get them. They already had everything they needed which just made buying them a gift that much harder. So instead I went a slightly different route. When Ava opened it she once again started tearing up.

I decided to draw a portrait of both Ava and Mason. It was taken from a photo I saw on the wall of the two of them. The moment I saw the picture I knew I wanted to hand draw it for them. It had taken a bit to do and I was severely worried it didn't look as good as the original but when they both looked up at me with teary eyes I knew they loved it.

"Oh Riley its gorgeous." I blushed at the compliment.

"I just wanted to thank you guys for letting me spend Christmas with you guys."

"You are always welcome here Riley, and you too Trent. Our door is always open." Mason nodded at the two of us.

Noah was next to open his. When it got to mine I nervously played with my fingers in my lap.

"Holy shi....cow." He breathed, changing the word at the last minute as Harper looked up at us. Noah gently pulled out the signed soccer ball like it was made of glass.

All the guys, including his Dad, stared at the ball with wide eyes. I had known the signed ball was pretty cool but not that cool judging by their reactions.

"How did you...how did you get a signed ball from my favorite player?" Noah looked up at me in disbelief.

"Ebay." I shrugged. Which was true. I was just browsing on it one day and it suddenly just appeared. For some reason I just clicked on it and hit 'bid' and ended up winning.

"Riley...thank you."

"You're welcome." I sent him a smile. He passed it around to the others as Harper opened my gifts. Which mostly consisted of barbies and a big Elsa blanket which I knew she'd love.

The only two left were Trent and Alex. I felt a bit bad that my gift to Trent wasn't as big as the others but I knew he would love it. It was our little thing to give the other person something small but meaningful. Whether that was a hand made gift or not.

Inside the little box sat a simple black braided bracelet. It was surprisingly nice looking despite being simple.

"Its a good luck charm. They say whoever wears it will have good luck. And the leather is meant to within stand anything." The moment I saw the bracelet and read what it was meant for I bought it without hesitation.

It may be fake but just a little bit of hope that it will protect my brother meant everything. I needed him to be safe when he was gone and if this little bracelet helped me sleep at night it was worth it.

I could tell he knew what I truly meant as he held his wrist out for me to put it on him. Neither of us had to say a word as I put it on him. Trent pulled me into a tight side hug and kissed the top of my head.

Finally it was Alex's turn. The two little ones I wrapped were nothing huge. A new wallet since he was literally so worn down it was coming apart. And a new helmet for his bike. It was a nice sleek black helmet that would keep him safer than his old one.

Those were ones I knew he would like...it was the big one I had yet to give that I was worried about. It was currently hidden in the game room closet so he couldn't find it. I wanted to give that one to him alone.

My own presents consisted of a brand new coffee machine curtesy of Noah. He stated that since I loved my coffee so much I should have a good one. Next were multiple gift cards to use on books from Ava and Mason. Trent got me something similar to what I got him, a handmade bracelet that was beautiful. He apparently got it somewhere that he couldn't fully tell me but I loved it none the less.

And finally was Alex's gifts. He bought me the entire box set of Friends on DVD's which I literally squealed about. And then he gave me a photo album. From the front cover I knew Harper helped a bit with it as glitter practically covered the whole thing. Inside were pictures of all of our friends, pictures of Trent and I, and then pictures of Alex. It was probably the best gift I had received. Having something like this to remember everything was everything I had wanted.

It was a good hour and half before we all finished unwrapping our presents. The floor was covered and sitting directly in the middle was Harper playing with her toys.

Everyone else were catching and showing their own gifts which meant it was a perfect time for me to give Alex his final gift. Trent and Noah were off to the side too busy looking at the soccer ball to notice me stand up.

Grabbing Alex's hand I quietly lead him out of the room, not missing the soft smile Ava sent in our direction.

"Where are we going?" He whispered as we left the living room.

"It's a surprise."

"Are you taking me off to a dark corner to have your way with me? Wow freckles didn't know you had it in you." I sent an elbow to his ribs.

"Get your mind out of the gutter pervert." I laughed.

"Not my fault that is what it seems like." He teased, tightening his grip on my hand as we went down the stairs towards the game room.

The closer we got the more nervous I became. I really hoped he liked this present and that it doesn't back fire. Which was a pretty good chance to.

"Okay but seriously why are we down here." Alex asked again as I pulled us to a stop. Trying to calm my nerves I let go of his hand and turned to face him.

"I have one more present to give you." His eyebrows raised. "I didn't want to give it to you in front of everyone else." I explained.

Before I could chicken out I took a deep breath and headed for the closet. Noah had helped me clean a spot out for it earlier this week. Knots formed in my stomach as I grabbed the giant wrapped present.

Alex stood in the middle of the room as I brought it over to him, his eyes glued to it. It was quiet big which meant it took a little bit of work to sneak it into the house without him knowing. By the look on his face he was thinking the same thing.

Biting the inside of my cheek and digging my nails into my palm I waited for him to open it. He looked at me for permission before slowly pulled at the wrapping paper. I felt like my heart was going to burst through my chest as I watched. I gifted it to him backwards so once it was unwrapped he slowly turned it around to face him.

I watched as he went utterly still. The longer he stared at it the more I started to believe he hated it.

"You don't have to keep it if you don't want to. Its okay." I quickly said. You probably crossed a line Riley. I needed to know if he liked it or not, the silence killing me. "Please say something." I whispered. If he didn't like it I would be crushed but I'd understand.

Finally he lifted his eyes off of it and looked at me. His gorgeous grey eyes were glossy.

"Y-you did this for me?" I nodded.

About two-ish months ago I was at his house with Harper putting her to bed while he was still at work. I found myself heading to his parents room, a room I knew I shouldn't have gone into but I did. Everything was still in its place, almost like it was waiting for his parents to come home from a trip.

My legs had moved on their own as I walked around looking at everything. The one thing that drew my attention immediately was a family picture on a dresser. It must have been one of the last pictures of them all together.

Alex looked around the same age but more boyish, the death of his parents making him grow up faster afterwards. He was standing in-between his parents smiling. His mom holding Harper while his dad had his arm around his sons shoulders. I could see the resemblance in them so much it almost took my breath away.

I wasn't sure how long I stood there staring at the photo and only the sound of the front door opening jerked me away. I had quickly left the room but the picture had haunted me for days. The image never going away. So I did the only thing I knew to do...I painted it.

It had taken a lot of time and a lot of hair pulling to it get like in the picture. For a moment I almost didn't want to give it to Alex, afraid it would just bring up bad memories, but when Noah caught me working on it one day he pretty much demanded that I had to. I would have given it to him on his bday a few weeks ago but I wanted it absolutely perfect first.

"I'm sorry if I over stepped." I said once he stopped talking.

"You didn't. This is...Riley this is..." He trailed off. I could see his hands shaking as he held the painting. I took a step towards him wanting to comfort him in some way. After another moment he swallowed.

"This is perfect Riley." His eyes met mine again as a tear ran down his face. I hadn't seen him cry since the day he told me about his family in the clearly. Seeing the tear my own let loose. All it took was one step to reach him and wrap my arms around him.

His body shook as he held me with one arm, burying his face in my neck. My own tears were silent as I held him, letting him cry.

I had known the picture would be emotional for him. Noah had confirmed it was the last picture they took before the accident so it was the last thing he had of his parents.

I let Alex cry against me until he started to calm down. He pulled away from me sniffling.

"Sorry." Shaking my head I reached up and grabbed both of his cheeks.

"Don't ever be sorry Alex. Never when it comes to your family." He placed his forehead against mine.

"Thank you." And I knew he meant that from the bottom of his heart.

Standing there in his arms like this I knew this was the right moment to tell him. I had to tell him.

"Theres something I need to tell you." I whispered.

"Hold on theres something I need to do first." Reluctantly I let him pull away from me, already missing the feel of his arms around me. He gently placed the painting against the couch and turned to me.

His eyes were red rimmed but they held a sort of brightness in them it almost took my breath away.

"I got you another present as well." He admitted. "You sorta beat me to it first." He chuckled.

I was glued to the spot as he reached into his pants and pulled out a little box. A ring box. My breath caught on my throat as I stared at it. Was he going to propose!? My inner voice was screaming as he stepped towards me.

Oh god he was going to propose.

"Riley," he started as my hands shook at my sides. "from the moment I saw you I knew you were mine. The day you came up to me on the playground when I was ten I was a goner. I went home that day and told Noah I had found my future girlfriend. "

At his words a sudden memory clicked in my head. A little boy sitting on the playground with the same grey eyes Alex had. I never put two and two together until this moment.

"Now here we are and you are my girlfriend. A girl who I thought was unattainable is mine." My bottom lip started to quiver as he spoke, staring down at me with pure adoration in his eyes. A look I've always long to be looked at with.

"Now I know we've only been dating a few months and that we are young. Too young for marriage." I couldn't help but sag a bit in relief. I wasn't sure we