The day before Christmas. Brian decided that he would wait until the day before Christmas to pick up the engagement ring because he didn’t want to take any chances of Justin discovering it either at the loft or somewhere else. Brian was becoming more nervous by the minute and he knew that he shouldn’t be but he couldn’t help it. He knew that this was a big step and plus he was worried about everyone else’s reactions. Brian was still lying in bed when Justin finally woke up and noticed that Brian was daydreaming. “What are you thinking about?” Justin asked as he propped himself up. “ Huh? Oh sorry I guess that I was just daydreaming.” Brian said as he turned to look at Justin. “That’s ok but what were you daydreaming about?” Justin asked because it must have been important if Brian was daydreaming too hard. “I was just thinking about how amazing it is to share a holiday with the person you love.” Brian said as he sort of lied because that was only part of the reason. “So what are you doing today?” Justin asked as he was trying to stay warm under the covers. “Oh I have to pick up a present for someone.” Brian said as he was trying not to give away his secret. “Who do you have to pick it up for?” Justin asked as his curiosity started getting the better of him. “I can’t tell you because it’s a secret.” Brian said, as he knew that he was going to be in for a long day. “Ok but I have my ways of finding things out.” Justin said as he decided to go take a shower. Brian got out of bed but instead of going to take a shower with Justin he had decided to go ahead and get dressed. Once he was finished getting dressed he grabbed his jacket and his keys so that he could leave without Justin trying to follow him. Before he left he wrote Justin a small note. Hi Baby, I’ve gone to pick up the present and then I’ve got a few other stops to make but I’ll be home around 3 o’clock. Why don’t you call your mother and ask her if we can have Molly over on the 26th? I’ll see you when I get home. Love, Brian When Justin got through with his shower he noticed that Brian wasn’t there but then he noticed that there was a note sitting on the bar. As he started reading it he was smiling because he had always known that Brian loved him but now it was even better hearing those words. He also learned a long time ago that actions speak louder than words and that came in handy when Brian was still having trouble expressing his love vocally. Justin decided that he would call his mom to see how she was doing and to see if he and Brian could have Molly over on the 26th. “Hello.” Jennifer said after she had picked up the phone. “Hi Mom.” Justin said as he was trying to figure out what kind of present Brian was picking up. “Sweetheart how are you?” Jennifer asked, as she was always very happy when her son called. “I’m doing fine mom. How are you?” Justin asked while he was trying to think of all the hiding places that Brian had whenever it came to gifts. “I’m doing wonderful. So what do I owe this call too?” Jennifer asked, as she knew her son all to well. “Well Brian wanted me to ask you if we could have Molly over on the 26th?” Justin asked as he waited for his mom answer he decided to grab a bottle of water out of the refrigerator. “Sure she can go over and stay with you too. I’m just glad you asked me now because she’s been wanting to go over to your house for a while now.” Jennifer said, as she knew that this would give her and Craig some alone time. “Great I’ll tell Brian when he gets home from doing some errands.” Justin said as he was thinking that maybe the present was for him. “Ok that sounds good. Well honey I’ve got to go but I’ll see you tomorrow night at Deb’s.” Jennifer said as she was trying to figure out what to wear tomorrow night. “Yeah we’ll see you tomorrow night mom. Bye.” Justin said while waiting for his mom to respond. “Bye sweetheart.” Jennifer said as she broke out in a huge smile. Brian got home at about 3 o’clock and for the rest of the afternoon and evening they spent the time wrapping presents and picking out what they were going to wear to the gathering. They got to bed around 10 o’clock and it wasn’t long before they were both asleep. Christmas Eve Christmas Eve morning came way to early for the boys because they were all warm and snuggled up in bed together. They just didn’t want to get up but they knew that they had to be at Debbie’s house at around 2 o’clock because dinner was being served at 4 o’clock. Once they got up they jumped into the shower and then they had to make sure their cloths were ironed and ready to wear. “So are you ready to celebrate the holidays this year?” Brian asked, as he knew that this holiday season could only be better than last years. “I can honestly say that I’m ready because I have everything that I could possibly need right here in front of me.” Justin said as he kissed Brian on the cheek. “Your pretty special yourself sunshine.” Brian said as he wrapped his arm around Justin’s shoulder. “We need to finish getting dressed so that we can put the presents in the trunk of the car.” Justin said as he pulled away from Brian. “I know but we’ve got a little time to waste.” Brian said as he tried to use his pouty face. “I know that we do but there is snow and ice on the roads so we need to be extra careful.” Justin said, as he knew what Brian wanted to do. “Ok you win but when we get home then it’s a different story.” Brian said as he gave Justin a quick kiss. “I thought that you would see it my way.” Justin said as he smirked. They left the loft at about 1 o’clock because they wanted to allow enough time to get to Deb’s in one piece. They arrived at Deb’s house at about 1:15 and as usual Justin was already hungry and dinner wasn’t going to be ready for another 2 hours. Everyone else started showing up around 1:30 or so. Everyone agreed that they would open gift after dinner this year instead of before. “So how is everyone doing?” Debbie asked before she went into the kitchen to check on dinner. “We’re doing great Deb.” Lindsey said for both her and Mel. “I’m doing wonderful Deb.” Emmett said and as usual he was very flamboyant. “We’re doing wonderful Deb.” Jennifer said for her family. “I’m doing good Deb.” Ted said as he was still trying to kick his drug habit. “We’re doing great as well Ma.” Michael said for himself and Ben. “We’re doing fantastic Deb and yes Brian has been a good boy this year.” Justin said as he ducked a smack to the head. “Well that is all just so wonderful to hear.” Debbie said, as she was so proud of her extended family. Dinner was done in almost complete silence except the 2 younger kids were laughing every time one of the grown ups said something funny. Before long it was time to pass out the gifts and everyone got about 6 presents each. Once everyone had opened their gifts Brian stands up and clears his throat so that he could get everyone’s attention. “I have a surprise gift for someone here tonight and he knows who is.” Brian said as he was trying his best to not show any tears. Brian turned around to face Justin even though he was sitting down. The next thing Justin notices is that Brian is getting down on one knee. The room went completely silent except with a few gasp and whispers. “Justin you came into my life at a time when I didn’t believe in relationships let alone marriage of any kind. As I got to know you better you started to show me what love was and that I was worthy of being loved no matter what. I know that we’ve had our rough times but we’ve managed to find each other again and I wouldn’t change that for the world.” Brian said as he took a deep breath. “You have heart of gold that you were willing to share with me. You’ve been like a 2nd daddy to Gus since the night he was born and you got to name him. I fell in love with that very 1st night that I saw you even at the time I wouldn’t admit it and I know that it took me a while but I have realized it and I couldn’t be any happier. I love to see you smile because it lights up a room and you care a lot about other people. Justin will you marry me?” Brian asked as he pulled the ring box from his shirt pocket and opened it up. “Yes Brian I’ll marry you.” Justin said as he practically jumped into Brian’s arms. Brian swung Justin around in circles while in the living room waiting for everyone’s response. “Oh sunshine I’m so happy for you.” Debbie said as she grabbed him into a big hug. “Congratulations baby.” Mel and Lindsey said together as they gave him a hug. “Honey this is just wonderful.” Jennifer said as she gave her son a big hug. “Brian you take care of our son.” Craig said as he reached out to shake Brian’s hand. “I promise that I will sir.” Brian said as he returned the handshake. “You can call me dad son.” Craig said as he watched Brian expression. “Thank you dad.” Brian said while smiling at the man. “Brian you can call me mom.” Jennifer said as she hugged her soon to be son in-law. “Thanks mom.” Brain said as he gave her a kiss on the cheek. “Oh wow Justin this is just so cool.” Molly said as she hugged her brother. “Yeah I know Molly. So are you ready for a brother in-law?” Justin asked his little sister. “You bet because I’ll be the only kid in my class with a brother in-law.” Molly said as she was just way to excited. “Brian you take care of our sunshine.” Emmett said as he hugged his friend. “Don’t worry I will.” Brian said as he laughed. “Congratulations Bri.” Ted said as he shaked Brian’s hand. “So when is the wedding?” Debbie asked as she could wait for the ceremony.