Katrina Johnson

The scent of freshly baked cookies filled my nostrils as I stepped foot inside The Walton's mansion. Speakers were blasting with holiday music and the kids were running around in red pajamas with Santa's face on the top. They were happily playing together and laughing, ignoring Mason and me as we made our way to the kitchen. I noticed there was a Christmas tree in every corner.

Elise Walton had outdone herself. Everything looked magical and perfect giving us the opportunity to really feel the Christmas spirit. I was in love with how the trees were all decorated in gold and white, giving them an angelic feel. There were little deers and Santas here and there were the cutest, along with the candles that only added to the magic of Christmas.

I heard Elise humming to the 'jingle bell' as we went into the kitchen and gasped at the sight before me. The kitchen isle was filled with food and desserts. I looked around at the messy kitchen before my eyes landed on my mom who was humming as well with the brightest smile on her face. She was helping with the cooking.

"Oh Mason, Katrina, you came!" Elise rushed over to us and hugged us both in turn. My mom did the same. They were so cheery they reminded me of Mrs. Claus.

"Thank you, Mason, for spending Christmas with us this year like old times. It means a lot to me. I know you've made it a tradition to spend Christmas with your friends in a different place every year so I know how hard it must have been to break it."

"Mom, you don't need to thank me, Kat and I wanted to be here with all of you. And... I don't know about the gang but, I have a new tradition starting tonight. I'll always spend Christmas eve with you."

"Awww... That is so sweet."

I smiled at my mom loving how quickly she got emotional and handed her a tissue.

"That is the best gift you ever gave me." Elise hugged her son once again before turning to me, "Are you here to help us or spend more time with him?"

"I'm definitely here to help. He's just dropping me off."

"Great! Then, you're in charge of the bedrooms. You need to decorate them and place a Christmas card on the bedside with a plate of cookies." She told me giddily.

"Alright, I can do that." I chuckled and pecked Mason's cheek "I'll miss you" I whispered in his ear.

I heard our moms clearing their throats and pulled away from him feeling a blush creep up my neck and onto my cheeks. "Where do I find the decorations?"

"In the closet under the stairs, Mason will show you." It took her seconds to change her mind "No, I'll show you."

"Why? I'll show her on my way out."

"If you show her, you'll never find your way out."

Oh. Mason and I, in a closet, under the stairs. How did she even get that thought? The shock of her statement passed and we all laughed as she led me out of the kitchen and to the closet. She opened it and showed me the box I needed.

I made my way upstairs to the third floor which was usually used for guests and started with my parents' room. Every couple had a room on that floor except for Helena and Adam. They'd be staying in her own room that was now attached to her kids' room. I was told that connecting Helena's room to the bedroom next to it was Zachary's idea.

I reached the third floor out of breath and had to pause a little before starting on my task. Once inside, I opened the box and started taking out what I needed. I loved the idea of decorating the bedrooms as well. It didn't take me long to finish all the bedrooms and I already missed Mason so I went down to the second floor where his bedroom was and pushed it open wanting to feel close to him even if he wasn't actually there.

I lay on the bed and closed my eyes hugging his pillow. His perfume hit me like a high wave in the ocean, making me dizzy. I felt all sorts of things. His perfume brought back so many memories, one of them dating from this morning...

He lay on top of me kissing me sweetly, taking his time not rushing his moves as his lips traveled from my lips to my right cheek lowering to my neck leaving a trail of fire lighting up my body. I remember how reluctant I was to have sex not wanting to be late, but he wouldn't take it. He kept kissing my bare body leaving a love bite here and there, earning low moans from me.

His fingers worked magic from under my panties, making me press my legs together throwing my head back. My panties were gone, his fingers stopped and I could feel his tongue caressing my...

"Katrina? Are you done?"

Elise's voice snapped me out of my blissful memory and I jumped on my feet feeling frustrated. "Yes! I'm coming!" I called back and hurried downstairs.

"Here you are! Helena is here along with Tara and Kayra. They are waiting for you in the living room to start the movie marathon. The boys won't be here until tonight."

"What? why? Mason said he wasn't going to be long..."

"Aw... you miss him?" She looked at my mom with a grin "See Izzy, she misses him already."

My mom laughed shaking her head "I thought I'd never see her in love like that."

"Alright you two, enough with teasing me." I giggled and made my way to the girls.

"Hi!" I hugged Helena lightly not wanting to crush her belly. I knew she was pregnant but never asked how far she was. The twins and Emily gave me a group bone-crushing hug making me laugh heartily.

"We missed you, Katy!" Emily smiled "When are going to play dress-up again?"

"Leave her be kids, go play with Adam junior" Kayra said as she came and greeted me.

"Who is Adam junior?" I asked her as I pecked Tara's cheek.

"My son, he's playing video games in the game room."

"Your son? I didn't know you had kids, I thought only Helena and Adam had kids in your group."

"Johnny and I have a three-year-old son and Serena has a daughter the same age."

"Wow, I had no idea! I'm so sorry." I was embarrassed not to know these important facts about them. I looked at Tara who I spent a lot of time with during Mason's hospitalization. "What about you Tara?"

"Nah, I'm waiting a bit for that." She smiled "And don't be sorry about it, the kids never came up. Kayra never mentioned Adam and Serena never mentioned Angie when we met you, so it's not your fault."

"How is Serena?" I asked Helena who shrugged rubbing her belly gently.

"She'll be okay. She's in France with her mom and daughter for the holidays. I don't really know what happened between them, but she's not taking the divorce really well."

"I'm sorry for her and I hope she'll feel better soon."

We all settled down watching 'the Christmas chronicles' when I notices Helena typing away on her phone and not paying attention to the movie. It was weird since she was the one who chose it. The kids were in the next room playing video games and for some reason, they became really quiet.

"Are the kids okay?" I whispered to Tara who shrugged.

"They are probably in the kitchen with Elise and your mom. Don't worry."

I focused back on the movie still not convinced but if their moms weren't worried why should I? Just as I was going to relax back on the couch Helena paused the movie. We all looked at her funny and she got on her feet phone still in hand.

"What? I'm pregnant I need to pee." She rolled her eyes and walked out of the living room.

We were all waiting for her return when we heard the Christmas music shift to Ed Sheeran. "What the?"

"Come on, let's see what is going on!" Tara jumped on her feet and walked out first followed by Kayra.

'Cause we were just kids when we fell in love
Not knowing what it was
I will not give you up this time
But darling, just kiss me slow
Your heart is all I own
And in your eyes, you're holding mine

A smile tugged at the corner of my lip as I got up and followed the song. I could totally relate to it with Mason, we really fell in love when we were just kids.

Baby, I'm dancing in the dark with you between my arms
Barefoot on the grass, listening to our favorite song
When you said you looked a mess, I whispered underneath my breath
But you heard it, darling, you look perfect tonight

Well, I found a woman, stronger than anyone I know
She shares my dreams, I hope that someday I'll share her home
I found a love, to carry more than just my secrets
To carry love, to carry children of our own

I walked out finding every one, even my parents and siblings, gathered in the foyer around candles scattered in the center of the foyer. They were placed in a way to form four words 'WILL YOU MARRY ME?' with red petals scattered all around.

I gasped and looked up and saw Mason kneeling on one knee holding a velvet box in his hand. He had the most beautiful smile on his face. I felt the tears gather in my eyes loving every detail of his surprise. All I wanted to do was run to him and feel his arms around me.

Baby, I'm dancing in the dark, with you between my arms
Barefoot on the grass, listening to our favorite song
I have faith in what I see
Now I know I have met an angel in person
And she looks perfect

I don't deserve this, you look perfect tonight

"Kat, you are my everything, my childhood best friend, my high school crush," He chuckled "The love of my life. I want to spend the rest of my life with you, build a family, and never let you go. Will you do me the honor of being my wife?"

I wiped away my tears and nodded quickly "There's nothing I would like to do more than spend the rest of my life with you."

Everyone started whistling, cheering, and applauding as I made my way to him and pulled him up to his feet holding his free hand in mine.

"Of course yes! Today, tomorrow, and forever."