Chapter 58
Forever and A Day
Scarlett
I have never seen Levi smile as big as he is right now, thanking David and Anna for his new car. He no longer has to drive around in a vehicle he hates; we are freeing him of all things Grant.
“Alright, honey, your turn.” Anna turns to me, smiling widely, Levi gives Spencer a goofy smirk, while I open my present.
Digging in, I pull out a small box. Looking at Anna, she smiles with complete radiance.
Opening the black velvet box, I see that the small insert holds a pear-shaped diamond ring.
No way. I gasp, looking around the room.
Levi nods his head. He knew? Anna claps her hands, Maddie shrieks in excitement, while David wipes a tear before it falls.
Turning my eyes to Spencer, he kneels in front of me, placing his hand on my leg.
Oh my God, this is happening. Right fricken now.
My heart beats hard in my chest, watching Spencer get ready.
“Scarlett, I love you. I know I’m going to love you forever in this lifetime and the next; there is no end to my love for you.
There is nothing I wouldn’t do for you. I promise to stand beside you in all things this life throws our way.
Your heart is my home, baby. I just want mine to be yours.
I promise to love you endlessly, forever, loudly and passionately, with everything I am.
Promise me forever and a day, baby, be my wife.
It doesn't have to be now, it could be five years, or ten, just say you'll be Mrs. Collins, say you’ll be mine, when you're ready.” His hand shakes on my lap as tears fill his eyes.
Emotions flood every inch of my body, my heart hammers in my chest as my family sits around our first real Christmas, where my boyfriend confesses his undying love with the biggest question of a lifetime.
“Spence.” Gasping, taking in his words, his confession, his devotion, tears swell in my eyes, “I’m ready to be yours forever, yes, yes to everything.
Make me yours.” Spencer slides the ring on my finger, with tears in his eyes.
“Thank you, baby. For trusting me with your heart, I promise to give you mine forever and always.” He says, kissing me until my breath leaves me as everyone around us laps and cheers.
Pulling away from Spencer’s kiss, my heart bursts, removing all the hate and torment I’ve felt for years. Now, all I feel is happiness mixed with safety and everlasting love, feelings I have never felt until now.
“Thank you guys, for everything. Levi really said it all. Spence, I’m so happy you climbed that trellis. The Trellis Effect saved us. You all saved us; you led us to the light we needed. I love you all so very much.”
Enthusiasm courses through the room. We finished opening gifts, Anna gave me the family cookbook, highlighting all the ones we have made together.
Eventually, we plan to do them all, now that we have forever to look forward to.
Anna and David gave Spencer a check to spend on whatever he wished to do after high school, whether it was for college, a new home, a new car, or anything else he pleased.
Levi gave Maddie the most beautiful infinity heart necklace, with Anna's help.
David smiles, opening a terrible wrapping job that I did myself.
When he pulls out a pack of ugly cotton socks, he laughs.
“I thought this is what kids get their dads,” I explain, shrugging my shoulders, and he laughs, standing up to come and embrace me in a warm hug.
“There is another thing, it's attached to the back.” Turning the socks around, he finds the envelope. Labeled, For Spencer, Levi, and David.
Opening the envelope, he pulls out the paper with a written note: “For the dad I always wished for.” His chin wobbles as he pulls out three season pass tickets to his favorite baseball team.
“Baseball brought you guys together, so why not go to as many games as you can?” Spencer and Levi jump to their feet, running to see if it’s legit.
“This is incredible, thank you, Scarlett. The best gift. Sorry, sons, she beat you this year.” They both nod in agreement.
Finally, I gave Anna her gift. “I never had a mom who appreciated me the way you do, who loves anyone the way you love. Trying to find something for you was impossible because you’ve given us the world.
You have given me my world.” Looking over to Spencer, he smiles and winks.
“I am so blessed to be your daughter. I had this made for you.” She takes out the wooden oak cutting board, with yarn twisted around the handle.
Her eyes meet mine before she turns it around, reading the carved recipe listed down the front.
Recipe for the best Mom
??2 Cups Of Understanding
??1 Heart Filled With Love
??1 Dash Of Laughter
??3 Heaping Cups Of Patience
??4 Scoops Of Fun
??1 Handful Of Generosity
Mix well. Sprinkle with kindness, faith, and love. Bask in the warmth of sunshine and savor it over a lifetime for a plateful of joy and warm memories. Love always, Scarlett.
Anna pulls the cutting board to her chest. “This is amazing, sweetie, thank you so much. I love it.” Standing, we meet each other halfway before hugging out our feelings.
Levi stands up, “This has been the most emotional Christmas I have ever experienced. Who wants to get fucked up?” he hollers, before turning to David and Anna. “I mean… who wants to be responsible and have a sip of wine or something?” Anna laughs, and David opens a beer, handing it to Levi.
“One, you can’t drink heavily on your meds.” Maddie pulls his shirt, bringing him into her.
“And two, we have plans.” She winks and kisses his cheek, making me halt.
“Okay. We need to sort out where everyone is staying tonight.” Anna looks at Spencer and me.
“Well, you two lovebirds can always stay here, but we do not want to hear you praising my son, while we hear the bed shaking.” Spencer busts out in laughter.
“What about me praising her?” He winks at me, making me turn white as a ghost.
“Spencer Collins, take your dirty boy comments elsewhere. I am too young to be a grandmother; however, in your stocking,” she points to Levi and Spencer, “are condoms to ensure I have no grandkids. Use them.”
Levi grabs the stockings and laughs before looking at Anna. “What about us? I think we could be qui–”
Anna shakes her head no and covers her ears. “Levi. Do not finish your sentence, young man.” He laughs hysterically while Maddie and I stand there completely embarrassed.
Anna turns and runs out of the living room. “David, fix your sons, please.” David laughs, choking on his beer.
Spencer is the first to sort it out. “You two go to Maddie’s, and we will stay at your house? I don’t want to hear my dad playing Santa again this year, telling my mom she’s on the nice list, and oh so deserving.” Levi pretends to vomit, while David laughs, walking away, hollering to Anna.
“Sweetheart, the kids are all gone tonight, ready to be my nice elf and ride the sleigh.” Ohmyfuckinggod. We all stand there while our ears are bleeding, wishing like hell we never heard it, but we did. So instead of wishing, we all cheer and chug a beer.
“Merry Christmas, bitches.” Spencer laughs, pulling me in.
Looking at Maddie, I laugh. “Girl, you'd better run while you still can.” Levi’s eyes grow, the corner of his mouth lifting before he pulls her into him.
“Letty, little do you want to know, but I like the chase. Maddie is never getting away from me; she can run, but that only turns me on more.” He kisses her cheek. “I’m keeping her forever, and always. But even then, I’ll never stop chasing her.” Maddie takes his lips with hers, smiling into them.
“Ewwwww,” I whine in my best tantrum voice.
Levi turns to Maddie, “Run, baby, because when I get you, I am going to…” I instantly plug my ears, as my mouth drops open.
Walking to the living room, I spot Anna and David dancing in the kitchen. I love this love unconditionally, never wavering, all in, kind of love, the type of love I can’t wait to live on, and grow with forever.