Soledad

Everything was crazy once the families arrived. More presents were piled around our tree and I felt like we ate every five minutes. We did a lot of holiday events in the city for Lindsay and she beamed through all of them. God, I loved making her happy this way

Alex suggested a drive one evening and I looked at him across the bedroom. “Where?”

“We could grab some dinner and have a relaxing night. Maybe go and see some lights.” He shrugged, and I pulled my hair up. We hadn’t done too much today and that could be fun.

“Have you run this idea by anyone else?” I asked as he told me he’d do that now. I was wearing worn jeans and a pink cashmere sweater after a lazy day and stretched, thinking how great a nap sounded. I’d been tired lately. Working so much and Lindsay was exhausting enough in itself but I had news for Alex.

“They’re in, baby. Let’s take the big SUV,” he said from the door as I glanced at him.

“I’ll get my boots on.” I smiled and sat down to pull the soft, warm shoes over my jeans. I was happy now beyond my wildest dreams. I had almost everything I wanted and wanted to tell him everything as a Christmas gift in addition to the ones under the tree. I walked out to see everyone slipping on jackets, hats, and scarves as Alex held my thick gray coat up. He’d already suited Lindsay up and she took my hand as we walked down to the garage. I got into the front as Mom got Lindsay in before slipping into the back with Stan. Alli and Jane took the seats beside my daughter and I smiled back at them as Alex started the car.

Christmas music played as we drove. Lindsay sang along, and I chuckled as I gazed back, melting at seeing her so happy. Was she amped up more tonight? It was probably just the excitement and I reached for Alex as I turned back around. He drove through the city and seemed to ease into a neighborhood that overlooked the water. There were a lot of lights out here all over the houses and I smiled as I pointed them out to Lindsay. I imagined how pretty it was when the sun was out as I looked at the settling sun on the horizon. “It’s gorgeous out here,” I murmured as Alex squeezed my hand.

He drove around the corner, pulling into a driveway as I frowned. This house didn’t have Christmas lights on the outside, but it was lit up inside. I looked around and then in the back, seeing a lot of curious looks. “What are we doing here?” I asked as I looked at Alex. He was serious as he gazed back at me.

“Come inside.” He got out and took my hand as he pulled me from the SUV. I glanced back to see everyone else slowly doing the same as he walked me towards the door. There was a large white light hanging above the large stained-glass door and he pushed it open as I stared at him.

“Alex?” I let him take me inside and looked around. The lights were dim, but I could see the beautiful sunken living room lit with several candles. It was an open room with a big kitchen and my mouth dropped open as I turned to face him. “Is this what I think it is?”

“Do you like it?” He asked as I cupped his face.

“It’s gorgeous. I can only imagine what it must look like during the day.” Like the loft, it had several windows that looked over the water and the orange and pink of the sunset.

“I was thinking of buying it.” I looked at him with wide eyes. “It has five bedrooms and an apartment in the basement for Rosie to live in.”

“Oh my God.” I started crying as I wrapped my arms around his neck. “Alex. I love it.”

“I love you,” he breathed into my ear as he held me. “I love you more than I’ve ever loved anyone before, you and Lindsay. I want us to build a future of memories and happiness.”

I stared as he pulled back and dropped to the floor. A little hand touched my leg and I glanced down at Lindsay as she smiled at me. “Lindsay.” I breathed as I realized that everyone was walking inside now. I didn’t look but assumed that phones were out. I touched Lindsay’s hand and looked back at Alex with blurry eyes.

“Meeting you changed my life, Soledad. I have never felt that way so fast with anybody and I knew that I was taking a lot on. I didn’t care, and I’d go to the ends of the Earth for you.” I dropped down with him, hugging Lindsay to me as I stared at him.

“You did,” I sobbed as he smiled.

“We have surpassed a lot. Now it is our time, Soledad. Will you do me the honors of marrying me?” I rested my face in my hands as Lindsay walked over to him. “I want both of you forever making memories in this house if you want it. If not, we can get another one. Anything for you, Sol.”

“I love the house. I love you. I’ll marry you,” I cried as I threw myself into his arms. We kissed slowly as he held me in his arms before everyone started clapping and cheering. Eventually, he slipped a beautiful ring on my finger and I fussed over it before I remembered my own intentions. It wasn’t Christmas yet, but this was the right time. “Can I see the rest of the house?”

He turned lights on, so we could see, taking me to the downstairs rooms as we all looked around. They were perfect for guests and I smiled as we walked up the wide stairs. Everyone followed, and Lindsay held our hands as the ring pressed into my skin, making me want to hyperventilate. I saw the master that overlooked the water though all I could see was the reflection of the moon on the choppy surface. There were two more rooms, both big and with views of the water as well. This house was more than I could have ever imagined.

I watched as Lindsay claimed her room and walked slowly to the other one. Alex followed me as Lindsay chattered about her room, wrapping his arms around my waist. “What do you want for this room? An office?”

“I was thinking that it would make a great nursery.” I spoke softly, and he tightened his arms before he rubbed my stomach.

“Nursery?” Alex confirmed as I swallowed the lump in my throat.

“I found out after the shooting. There was so much going on and I… focused on that. I wasn’t sure if this would even happen for me with everything going on. It is though. I am close to the three-month mark and we can tell everyone.”

“You’re pregnant.” He said as I smiled and turned in his arms.

“I am.” I confirmed as he kissed me.

“Figures you would up the ante,” Alex told me before he kissed me. He pulled me close and I laughed against his mouth as people came in to see what was happening. “She’s having a baby.” He told them as he held me close. There were gasps and tears as everyone hugged me. I picked Lindsay up and gazed into her eyes as she stared at me.

“I’m going to be a big sister?” Lindsay asked as I nodded. “We’re going to live in this house?” I nodded again.

“We’re going to make a new life, baby.” I hugged her as Alex slipped an arm around me, hugging us both to him.

I felt the pieces fall into place.