Chapter - 7

The weeks have flown by so fast as Christmas is quickly approaching us. I really must say the new Star Wars was AMAZING! Dinner was great too, but the movie was my favorite part! I'm really glad they kept all of the original characters in it, but I don't want to say too much as some of you may not have seen it yet! Matt and my mother have gotten very serious in their relationship, and I really think he's gonna pop the big question soon! Adam and I have really grown to like him, and we really want him to be a part of our family, but of course that's for Matt and our mother to decide. After Dinner and the movie, Matt came home with us and helped us decorate our house for Christmas. Adam and I decorated the tree and the inside of the house, while Mom and Matt decorated the outside and hung the lights up on the house. I really must say I haven't seen Mom so happy in a long time. After everything has been decorated, Mom made us all her famous hot cocoa, and we all sit at the table just chatting away about the day, and how far we have all came since we moved to Newcrest.

"How's your shopping with Shannon been coming along?" Mom asks me. "It's been going great! I have almost all of my Christmas shopping done. I only have Shannon and Blaire left to buy gifts for, which I can get tomorrow while they're off doing their own thing," I reply as I sip my hot cocoa. "That's great honey. I have mine all done, and I can't wait to see the expression on your faces when you all open your gifts," she tells us with a smile. "I especially can't wait until you open yours darling. I think you're really gonna love it," Matt tells her. "What is it?" Mom asks him as she nudges his arm. With a smirk, Matt replies, "Ah, ah, ah. Now if I were to tell you it wouldn't be a surprise now would it?" "Oh, I guess not. You're such a tease!" Mom replies. "Oh! Before I forget, what do you say Matt joins us for Christmas?" Mom asks Adam and I. "Mom, do you really need to ask that? You know we really like him and consider him a part of the family. Of course we would love him to be here with us for Christmas." I tell her. Her eyes light up with cheer as she turns to Matt and tells him that Christmas dinner will be at six O'clock. He smiles in return and tells her that he will be here and kisses her tenderly. Adam and I glance at one another with a smile, and decide that we think it's best if we leave them alone for a while and head up to our rooms.

The following day, Camryn gets a call from her mother, Vicki who tells her that she's going to be paying us a visit for Christmas. "That would be great Mom! I really have someone that I would love for you to meet, and I can't wait for you to meet him!" Camryn tells her excitedly. "Is there a new man in your life that you have failed to tell your own mother about?" Vicki asks curiously. "Yes, well we have been dating for quite some time, and the kids just love him, and I'm sure you will love him too. I didn't tell anyone until our relationship got serious. He's so sweet, kind, caring, and puts us above his own needs," Camryn says. "So when do your father and I get to meet this mystery man of yours?" Vicki asks. "Well actually, you will get to meet him here on Christmas Day," Camryn replies. "Well, I can't wait to meet the guy who stole my daughter's heart. We'll see you on Christmas Day sweetheart. I can't wait to see you and those grand babies of mine!" Vicki tells her. "I can't wait either Mom! Well I still have so much to do here, and I really need to get to work. I love you and I can't wait to see you all!" Camryn tells her. They say their goodbyes, and Camryn gently closes her phone and heads off to work.

Two weeks later......

Christmas is finally here, and I luckily finished my shopping last night.  The clock which sits on the mantle of the fireplace chimes 5:45pm, and the doorbell chimes a joyful tune. "I got it," I call out as I open the door to find Matt on the other side. "Matt, hello. Won't you come in?" I ask him. He then steps inside and I close the door behind him. "Merry Christmas," I tell him as I give him a friendly hug. "Merry Christmas my dear," he replies. "Where's your mother?" he whispers. "She's in the kitchen tending to dinner," I whisper in return. "Why are we whispering?" I ask. "I have her Christmas present, but if she wants it, she will have to find it," he whispers as he holds out a small box wrapped in Christmas paper. "For something that small, I have just the right hiding place," I tell him and lead him to the Christmas tree. "You can hide it in the branches, she'll never think to look for it there," I tell him with a smile. "That's a great idea! Now why didn't I think of that?" he chuckles. He places the small box in the thick branches of the tree as Adam enters the room. "Hey guys, what's going on?" he asks. "Just hiding your mothers Christmas gift. I really hope she likes it," Matt tells him. "Are you kidding? Mom loves you, and I'm sure she'll love anything you got for her," Adam replies. "Honey was that Matt at the door,?" Mom calls out. "Yes Mom. Adam and I are sitting in the living room with him," I reply. Mom then says that the turkey is done and that I need to put the last pie into the oven, and I head into the kitchen to bake the remanding pie sitting on the counter.

Twenty minutes later, as I pull the apple pie out of the oven, the doorbell chimes again. "I got it! I know you all are busy in the kitchen," Adam yells. "It's probably your Grandma Vicki. Just show them into the living room honey," Mom yells back to Adam. He turns the door knob and pulls the door open. Only to his surprise it isn't our Grandma Vicki who is on the opposite side of the door, but our Grandma Emily is standing there smiling With Grandpa Christian, Aunt Allison, Uncle Nick, Uncle Kevin, Aunt Carrie, and Aunt Morgan behind her. Adam stands frozen in his place unsure of what to say or do. "Well aren't you going to invite us in?" Emily asks. "Uh.... Yeah, sorry. Come on in. Please take a seat in the living room. I'll let Mom know that you're here," he tells them. "Sure thing Kiddo," Grandpa Christian replies. Adam rushes into the kitchen, nearly knocking me and the pies I have in my hands onto the floor. "Mph! Adam! Watch what the hell you're doing!" I scold. Gritting his teeth he says, "Sorry Sis!" "Mom do we have other guests you didn't tell us about?" he asks. "No, just your Grandma Vicki, Grandpa Harrison, Uncle Steven, and Aunt Brianna. Why do you ask?" Mom asks curiously. "Well ummm....... Grandma Emily and the rest of the family are here," Adam explains. "Ugh! I didn't plan for this! The last time we spoke was after your father passed away, I'm sure they aren't here on the best of terms. Faith, can you finish setting the table? Keep your brother occupied too, the two of you don't need to be in this mess," Mom whispers. I give a little nod and tell her that it's no problem, and she heads into the living room.

Upon entering the living room, Camryn finds Mr. and Mrs. Parker standing by the mantle of the fire place, and the others had made themselves at home on the couch. Camryn puts on a happy face as she approaches them and says, "Mr. and Mrs. Parker, how nice to see you! What brings you all the way to Newcrest?" "Why, Camryn Parker, is that you? You look stunning!" Emily replies. "Thank you Mrs. Parker, but really what brings you here?" Camryn asks curiously. "Now Camryn, is that anyway to speak to your family? You know very well that I came here to see my grandchildren! Those two children in there are the only family of Jake's. Just where is your family Camryn? You have a father who cheats on your mother, gets your stepmother pregnant, and walks out on your mother. He didn't care about how it would make you feel, or how heartbroken Vicki was when she found out not only was your father married, but she was pregnant too. Like I said, just where is your family?" Emily yells. "My family? My family is here is Newcrest! I don't know what you get out of this, but you're not the person Jake described to me all of those years! I was too young to remember what happened between my mother, father, and stepmother, but I haven't seen my biological mother since I was really young. As far as I'm concerned, Vicki is my mother and has always treated me like one! I suggest that you just leave, my mother and father should be here soon, and I'm sure they won't like the way you're talking to me right now! Boy was Jake ever wrong about you! He used to tell me how loving and kind his mother was. Hell you even had me fooled! Just because I was going through depression due to my husband passing away, you wanted to take the kids from me. Well I have news for you old hag! MY kids will be staying right here with me, End of story!" Camryn shouts. "Why I never! I have been nothing but good to you and this is the thanks I get! I told Jake to stay away from you, and that you were no good! After all the crap your daddy put my dear friend Vicki through, I knew you were no good! But Jake just wouldn't listen to me, he just had to be with you. Now he's dead and you're off living the good life with HIS money! I just won't allow that!" Emily yells angrily. "Emily.... darling I think that's enough. Lets go huh?" Christian tells her calmly. "Excuse me! Just who are you to tell me when it's enough and when we should go!" Emily yells at him.

As the yelling and screaming match in the living room continues, the doorbell chimes again, and I find Grandma Vicki, Grandpa Harrison, and my aunt Brianna and uncle Steven on the opposite side of the door this time. "Grandma! Grandpa!" I shout hugging them tightly. "Mom is in the living room with the rest of the guests," I tell her. Clearly overhearing everything that is being said she says, "I think I can find my way to the living room. Just keep your brother occupied." Aunt Brianna and Uncle Steven follow me back into the kitchen, as Grandma and Grandpa find their way into the living room. Emily smiles and says, "Why Vicki, isn't this a nice surprise." Turning to Harrison, she clears her throat and says a snobby hello to Him. "Just what brings you to my daughter's home?" Vicki asks Emily. Emily points her nose in the air snobbishly and says, "These are my grandchildren too, and I can see them whenever I would like. After all, they are the only children Jake had. If Jake would have listened to me years ago, and stayed away from that little tramp daughter of yours, none of this would be happening right now, and my dear Jake would still be alive today! But he wouldn't listen. All he talked about was joining the military to make Camryn and his children proud by doing so." Vicki clenches her fists as she yells, "How DARE YOU!! Camryn has done nothing wrong and you just think you can come into her home and start a war? She loved Jake just as much as you did. All you want to do is drive her back into the deep end so you can take her kids. Well I have news for you lady, those kids will remain in her custody as long as I have anything to say about it! You think that just because you have money that you can flash it all over town, and do or say whatever you want to anyone who steps on your shoes. We used to be best friends, but you have changed and have destroyed that! I no longer want anything to do with you! I'm giving you this last warning, you are Not the only family here who has money. Don't make me hire a lawyer and sue you for harassment! Just leave Camryn and her family alone and things won't get ugly! I'm gonna tell you something right now! This is my daughter, and Only I can say something about her if I want, but no one else better say one word about her or any of my children!"

Matt enters the living room after exiting the restroom and walks right into the lion's den. "Is everything alright darling? I couldn't help but to hear all of the yelling," he asks Camryn sweetly. "Oh and just who is this? Surely no one can even compare to the type of gentleman my son was," Emily snaps. Camryn gives Matt a sympathy look and says, "Mrs. Parker, Mother, this is Matt Whitmore....my boyfriend." Vicki smiles and says, "Mathew, I remember when you and Jake were little, and the two of you would come over, and hang out with Camryn and Steven. It's so nice to see you again." With a grim look Emily says, "Mathew!? You were Jake's best friend, how DARE YOU be with his wife! Do you really think Jake would want his best friend rolling in the hay with his wife! You have got ALOT of nerve!" Camryn's smile then turns into a frown, and angrily says, "Get out! Mrs. Parker, you don't have any respect for me or my family. Get out of my house NOW! You are no longer welcome here!" Emily thrusts her nose into the air and replies, "Well I never! Christian, gather the girls, Kevin, and Nicolas together, I think it's time that we leave! I know when we're not welcome!" Christian apologizes to the others and Emily storms outside as Camryn shows Christian into the kitchen.

Upon entering the kitchen, Christian turns to Camryn and says, "I'm sorry for the way Emily is acting. I was really hoping to have a nice Christmas with the whole family here, since we haven't done so since Jake's death. None of what she had said is true you know. Jake would want you to be happy and to move on. You have a nice home here, and two beautiful kids, move on with your life and be happy. If Mathew is who makes you happy, then be with him. Between you and me, Mathew has always been one of my favorites out of all the friends Jake had, and you have always been like a daughter to me. Jake loved you and you made him very happy. Don't let anyone else tell you different, or rain on your parade you hear?" "Thank you Mr. Parker. You have always treated me with kindness, and like a part of your family, and for that I am truly grateful," Camryn replies as she hugs him tightly. "I'm sorry we spoiled your Christmas, but with Emily being so angry, I think it's best for us to go before she ends up throwing a fit again," he tells Camryn. She gives a nod, and he tells his remaining family members who are also in the kitchen that it's time for them to leave, and they all head outside to get into the car with Emily.

Ten minutes later, Mom calls Matt and the rest of the family to join us in the dining room for Christmas dinner, and we all take our seats at the table. "Matt, would you like to say grace?" Mom asks him. Matt smiles before replying, "I would love to." "Father, we thank you for the many ways you have blessed this day. We are thankful for each of those who are gathered around this table. We ask you to bless us and our food, and to also bless those we love who aren't with us today. I pray for those who don't have enough to eat. We remember the stable in which you were born in, and pray for those who don't have a place to live. We bless you and give you thanks to your spirit who brings our hearts to life on Christmas day forever. Amen." Grandpa Harrison then carves the turkey, and we all chat and enjoy our delicious meal.

After we have all eaten dinner, Mom tells everyone to head into the living room to open our presents. Of course she didn't have to tell Adam and I twice, because as soon as that sentence escapes her lips, Adam and I rush off into the living room, and take our seats on a nearby sofa. "Would you do the honor of handing out presents? Think of it as being Santa's helper, Mom asks Matt. "I would be happy to," he replies and seals the deal in a kiss. Matt pulls up a chair and sits beside the tree, and begins to separate the presents by name, and we open our gifts as he hands them to us. Moments later, sweaters and dresses are being admired, necklaces envied over, and chocolates devoured. "We really didn't know what to get the two of you since you two basically have everything, but we hope you like your gifts. Adam and I smile at the two and tell them we love their presents and thank them. "Well looks like all of the gifts have been handed out. There's a garbage bag over in that chair Adam, won't you pick up the paper and throw it in there for me please," Mom asks him. "Wait a second. Not all of the presents have been opened," Matt smiles. "Are you sure you're feeling alright? Clearly there aren't anymore gifts under the tree," Mom tells him. With a smirk Matt says, "Oh but there is, but if you want your present, you will simply have to find it as it's hidden somewhere right in this very room." "Matt you dirty dog! You didn't have to get me anything. Just having you and my family here is the best gift I can ever receive." Mom tells him.

Twenty minutes pass by and Mom still can't find her gift. "Babe, would you like a hint?" Matt asks Mom. "That would be quite helpful," she replies. "Well look around or maybe even in the tree, " he tells her. Finally after five minutes of searching around the tree, Mom finds the small gift hidden in the thick branches of the tree. Her eyes lock on his and she begins to tear up as she thinks she knows what the small gift contains. "Well, aren't you going to open it?" Matt asks her. She gives a small nod, and shakily removes the paper which contains a small black box. As she opens it, she freezes in her spot. As her hands start to tremble, tears pore from her eyes, for the small black box contains a solid gold engagement ring, with a sparkling twenty kt diamond in the middle. Her eyes lock on his once more, as he gets up from his seat and takes the ring from the box. He then takes a knee, and says, "Dear sweet Camryn, I have loved you for a very long time, and nothing will ever change the way I feel about you. I love everything about you, and I even consider Adam and Faith as my own, and I love them just as much. You are my world, my everything. Will you marry me?" Shocked at what she had just heard, she smiles widely and says, "Yes! Yes! I will marry you!" Matt then places the ring upon Camryn's finger and scoops her up in his arms and looks deep into her eyes. "I love you," he whispers to her. "I love you too! This truly is the best Christmas present you could have given me," she whispers back. Adam and I beam at the fact we now have a wedding to plan for. Grandpa Harrison, Grandma Vicki, and the others all get up from their seats and hug them both tightly. "Welcome to the family son. Whatever you do, don't hurt her," Harrison tells Matt. He smiles widely in return and replies, "No need to worry about that Sir. I love your daughter with all of my heart, and I would never hurt her." A few hours later, Grandma Vicki and the rest of the family head home, and the room grows a little steamy as Mom and Matt share a passionate kiss. Adam and I glance at one another, and I nod my head towards the stairs to signal Adam to give them a little privacy.

The following day, Adam's outside working on his car as I return home from shopping with Shannon. As Adam slides out from the hood of his car, he begins to wipe off the grease from his hands and arms. "Where is winter already?" I ask as I lean against his car. "Ah, who needs winter here?" he replies. "Me. I need a season I can sulk and be depressed in," I tell him. "Don't tell me, you're babysitting tonight, and every movie store was out of Dirty Dancing," he says jokingly. "Very funny! Do you know that I had to go to three different movie stores just to find it?" I ask. "You must have it memorized by now," he says. "Well, whatever gets you through the night. Isn't that what you always say?" I reply. Just then someone rolls out from under the car, and I whip my head around to see Jax who is looking at me. His eyes wonder from my feet to my face, as he says, "That's what I always say." I smile slightly before saying, "Hi. I didn't see you." As he looks me up and down he says, "I saw you." Mom then interrupts to tell me that I have a phone call. Turning my attention back to Jax I say, "You'll have to excuse me. It's probably a very important phone call." Jax watches me as I head inside to get the phone from Mom. Adam must have noticed him watching me because he playfully throws his greasy towel in Jax's face.

Once I grab the phone, Matt heads outside and approaches Adam and Jax. "Hey Matt, why don't you check out what we've done to the car?" Adam asks him as he heads inside to get cleaned up. Matt gives a little nod as he turns to Jax. "So where did you learn to work on cars?" "By working on cars, same as Adam," Jax replies. "Adam tells me that you have a Porsche," Matt says. Jax gives a little nod before replying, "Yeah, now that is a happening car." "You uh, bought it with your paper route earnings?" Matt asks curiously. Jax smiles and says, "Yeah, something like that. Say Mr. Heartwell, would it be alright if I cleaned up a little bit and took a shower?" "I'm sure Mrs. Parker won't mind. The bathroom is upstairs, the third door on your right." Matt replies and Jax thanks him before heading into the house.

Ten minutes later, as I enter my room, I can't help but notice the shower running with the door wide open. Walking towards the bathroom door I yell, "Adam, can't you ever shut the door?" "It's hot enough in here already," I continue to yell as I enter the bathroom. Jax the peaks his head outside of the shower curtain and says that he's sorry. "Umm....So uh....it's ok." I begin to say. I smile and hurriedly walk back into my room and stand in front of the dresser mirror and try to do something with my hair before continuing, "You uh, keep popping up on me today." The shower then turns off and Jax wraps himself up in a towel before replying, "So you're into videos huh?" "Yeah, like movies," I tell him. "Have you ever seen Space Balls?" he asks. After pondering for a moment I reply, "I thinks so. On TV." "It's almost better on the big screen. Too bad you're babysitting tonight or you could see what I mean," he says as he enters my room with only his shirt off. "Well, actually, my plans have changed as the little girl I was supposed to babysit got chickenpox," I tell him. "Would you like to come along with Adam and I? We're going to see the new Hunger Games," he asks. I tell him that I would, and he gives me a nod before heading back into the bathroom to finish getting ready.

Later that evening,  after many coke and popcorn refills, Jax drops Adam and I off at home and heads home himself. Upon entering the house, Adam and I chat away about the movie we had just seen. "I'm glad you came, it wouldn't have been the same without you," Adam tells me. "Yeah, it was a lot of fun," I reply. "So much fun that you dumped your container of popcorn all over Jax. NOT just once, but TWICE," Adam points out. "Well if they wouldn't have it so loud in there, I wouldn't have jumped when the explosions happened!" I say now getting frustrated. Adam chuckles before replying, "Calm down sis! I was only joking, and Jax didn't seem like he was upset about it. We're going to see another movie tomorrow if you would like to join?" he tells me. "Oh, I don't know. I've had way too much soda and popcorn tonight, I don't wanna get fat," I tell him. "Well save it for another day," he says. I give a little nod and tell him that another day sounds perfect, and that I'm heading upstairs to take a nice bubble bath and head to bed.