Post by Chrissy on Feb 27, 2004 12:37:37 GMT -5
Chapter 11
It had been three months since the confrontation with her brothers but things were running smoothly now. She and Shawn couldn’t have been happier and her family was amazingly supportive. Even her brothers, although that was after they told Shawn he was a marked man if he ever hurt Belle again. Christmas Eve was now upon them and they were on their way to do some last minute shopping before they headed to her parents’ house for a family gathering before mass.
“Hey Belle, would these work for the twins?” Shawn asked as he held up a box with a light up toy that the babies could kick.
She smiled as she saw his enthusiasm at being in Toys R Us on the busiest night of the year. “That’s perfect. Grab two and put them in the basket.” She instructed as she grabbed the tickets to two pint sized Barbie Jeeps for her nieces. She laughed as she thought of Austin and Lucas trying to assemble them. After quickly finding a play mat for her newest nephew, Matthew, and a new Playstation 3 for Will they hurriedly paid for their items, picked up the kiddy jeeps in Shawn’s truck and went to the next store.
“Hey I’ll be right back.” Shawn said as he kissed Belle’s cheek and ran off.
“Now what is that boy up to?” She shrugged and continued to look for various items for her siblings. She was almost done when Shawn returned with a mischievous look on his face. “So why is it that you look like the cat who swallowed the canary?”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” His sly grin told her otherwise but for now she would let him go. “Ok well anyways, I think I’m done with my shopping. Are you ready to go?”
“Yea, let’s get this show on the road.” He kissed her forehead and they headed out.
Once they had purchased the assorted items for Belle’s siblings and had them gift wrapped they shoved the packages in the truck and headed for Belle’s apartment where they wrapped the kids’ presents and then reloaded them and headed for the penthouse.
“Now I know how my parents must have felt.” Shawn grunted as he carried one of the mini jeeps into the building.
“Yea no kidding. Remind me to have this stuff delivered next year.” Belle replied as she carried three medium sized boxes. When they reached the door she realized she couldn’t ring the bell so she lightly tapped the door with her foot hoping someone would hear it. Thankfully Lucas answered fairly quickly. “Watch out. Heavy load coming through.” Belle cautioned as she made a beeline for the tree. She laid the presents down and groaned.
“Haha! I take it you’ve been shopping?” Lucas asked as he watched Shawn and Belle lay down the gifts they were carrying and start to head back out.
“Yea, wanna help? There’s a lot more stuff in the truck.”
“Sure, let me grab my coat. Hey guys! Get out here! Belle went shopping!” He called into the kitchen. Within minutes Rex, John, Austin, Eric, Brady and Philip were making their way to the door with their coats already on. They knew what it meant when Belle went shopping.
Austin groaned. “You didn’t get the kids the biggest toys in the store again did you?”
“Of course I did silly. What are aunts for?”
All the men trudged down the stairs, each swearing to find Belle’s credit cards and rip them up.
Belle sat on the couch and laughing and was soon joined by her sisters and soon to be sisters-in-law. “You should have seen the looks on their faces. Poor guys. I’m sure they’ll be ok once they see what they got.”
“Speaking of which, what did you get me?” Sami asked anxiously.
“Sorry sis, you’re gonna have to wait like everyone else.”
“What did Shawn get you?” Chloe asked as she sipped her hot chocolate.
“Hmmm, good question. I’m not sure. He hasn’t given it to me yet.” She started thinking about what her Christmas present could be as the women exchanged knowing glances and smiles.
“Ok the Santas are here. Let’s put these down and go eat. I’m starving.” Lucas put the items under the tree and headed straight for the kitchen.
Sami dashed after him. “Lucas Roberts keep your hand out of those pies!”
“He has the right idea though. Let’s go set everything out ladies.” Marlena grabbed Belle’s hand and all the women walked into the kitchen to get dinner while the men were complaining of back problems and muscle aches.
Once everyone was gathered at the table, including the babies in their various seating contraptions, grace was said and everyone began to dig in. Will was the first one done and the eleven year old bounced in his seat urging everyone to hurry. “Come on you slow pokes! I wanna open my presents sometime before New Years.”
“We’re almost done buddy. Chill out.” Lucas instructed as he ate the last bites of his pie.
“Ok everyone now it’s the moment you’ve all been waiting for. Time to quietly and calmly move into the living room to open presents.” John said before giving Marlena a sideways glance and a wide smile. “Ha! Ok now on a more serious note, 1, 2, 3, GO!” he called as a stampede of adults and grandchildren headed for the living room in a dead run.
Watching the presents being torn open reminded Belle of a parade with the confetti flying everywhere.
“Wow! Thanks Aunt Belle! Thanks Shawn!” Will called as he opened his new Playstation.
“Yea, thanks Belle. We’ll have tons of fun with that won’t we buddy?” Lucas asked Will as he surveyed the machine.
“Um, dad what’s this we you’re talking about?” Will replied to the amusement of everyone in the room.
Sami and Carrie thought the Jeeps were adorable while Lucas and Austin sent glares Belle’s way knowing the assembly it would take to get them up and running. She was redeemed however when they opened their presents. She had bought all the guys season tickets for the new Salem NHL team, The Stallions. Rex, John, Eric, Austin, Philip, Brady, Shawn and Lucas were now all huddled in a corner discussing team stats and what they thought of the teams’ chances of making the playoffs. Belle was giving hugs to each of women since they had just opened their gifts, certificates for monthly massages, manicures, pedicures and facials for the next year from the Salem Spa.
“Mom, I love this sweater. It’s adorable! Thanks!” Belle gushed as she folded her new pink fluffy sweater.
“You’re very welcome my sweet girl. I can’t wait until we can all go to the spa together. It’s like you read my mind on what I wanted for Christmas.” Marlena replied as she gazed at her daughter.
“Did you get everything you wanted for Christmas Belle?” Cassie asked as she handed Belle a glass of hot chocolate with a candy cane in it.
“Not quite yet, she hasn’t.” Shawn interrupted. He took Belle’s hand and stood her up. “Belle, I’ve loved you as far back as I can remember. I honestly don’t remember a time I didn’t love you. We’ve been from the playpen, to the playground, to high school and it’s all brought us to today, here, this moment. What I’m trying to say is this.” He pulled a red velvet box from his pocket and lowered himself to one knee. Everyone in the room gasped as they realized what was happening. He opened the box to reveal a white gold diamond solitaire. “Give me the best Christmas present in the world. Isabella Grace Black, will you marry me?”
With tears rushing down her cheeks and goose bumps covering her body she nodded her head before saying. “Yes! Yes! A million times yes!”
Shawn stood up grinning ear to ear, slid the ring on her finger and pulled her into a long kiss.
The couple was soon embraced by the family as the women all started talking of wedding plans the guys were nudging Shawn and joking about “the old ball and chain”. John was the first one to cut in with something serious. He extended his hand and simply said, “Welcome to the family, son.”. Shawn shook his hand and hugged him.
He looked back at Belle in the mob of ladies wanting to see her ring and hugging her. She caught his stare and held her other hand out to him. He took it and while the family chattered on, Shawn and Belle stood there hand in hand, staring at each other and off in their own world.
**Across town at the Salem Inn**
“Well since Shawn’s not going to come back on his own I’ll have to make him. Come on Daniella let’s go.” As the woman was heading out of the room her phone rang.
“Yes that’s right. I want them sent to Shawn Brady. Make sure the card says I love you daddy. Love, Daniella.” She listened as the man repeated the order. “Yes, just charge them to my account. It’s under the name Jan Spears.” She grinned wickedly. This would be one homecoming Shawn would never forget.
It had been three months since the confrontation with her brothers but things were running smoothly now. She and Shawn couldn’t have been happier and her family was amazingly supportive. Even her brothers, although that was after they told Shawn he was a marked man if he ever hurt Belle again. Christmas Eve was now upon them and they were on their way to do some last minute shopping before they headed to her parents’ house for a family gathering before mass.
“Hey Belle, would these work for the twins?” Shawn asked as he held up a box with a light up toy that the babies could kick.
She smiled as she saw his enthusiasm at being in Toys R Us on the busiest night of the year. “That’s perfect. Grab two and put them in the basket.” She instructed as she grabbed the tickets to two pint sized Barbie Jeeps for her nieces. She laughed as she thought of Austin and Lucas trying to assemble them. After quickly finding a play mat for her newest nephew, Matthew, and a new Playstation 3 for Will they hurriedly paid for their items, picked up the kiddy jeeps in Shawn’s truck and went to the next store.
“Hey I’ll be right back.” Shawn said as he kissed Belle’s cheek and ran off.
“Now what is that boy up to?” She shrugged and continued to look for various items for her siblings. She was almost done when Shawn returned with a mischievous look on his face. “So why is it that you look like the cat who swallowed the canary?”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” His sly grin told her otherwise but for now she would let him go. “Ok well anyways, I think I’m done with my shopping. Are you ready to go?”
“Yea, let’s get this show on the road.” He kissed her forehead and they headed out.
Once they had purchased the assorted items for Belle’s siblings and had them gift wrapped they shoved the packages in the truck and headed for Belle’s apartment where they wrapped the kids’ presents and then reloaded them and headed for the penthouse.
“Now I know how my parents must have felt.” Shawn grunted as he carried one of the mini jeeps into the building.
“Yea no kidding. Remind me to have this stuff delivered next year.” Belle replied as she carried three medium sized boxes. When they reached the door she realized she couldn’t ring the bell so she lightly tapped the door with her foot hoping someone would hear it. Thankfully Lucas answered fairly quickly. “Watch out. Heavy load coming through.” Belle cautioned as she made a beeline for the tree. She laid the presents down and groaned.
“Haha! I take it you’ve been shopping?” Lucas asked as he watched Shawn and Belle lay down the gifts they were carrying and start to head back out.
“Yea, wanna help? There’s a lot more stuff in the truck.”
“Sure, let me grab my coat. Hey guys! Get out here! Belle went shopping!” He called into the kitchen. Within minutes Rex, John, Austin, Eric, Brady and Philip were making their way to the door with their coats already on. They knew what it meant when Belle went shopping.
Austin groaned. “You didn’t get the kids the biggest toys in the store again did you?”
“Of course I did silly. What are aunts for?”
All the men trudged down the stairs, each swearing to find Belle’s credit cards and rip them up.
Belle sat on the couch and laughing and was soon joined by her sisters and soon to be sisters-in-law. “You should have seen the looks on their faces. Poor guys. I’m sure they’ll be ok once they see what they got.”
“Speaking of which, what did you get me?” Sami asked anxiously.
“Sorry sis, you’re gonna have to wait like everyone else.”
“What did Shawn get you?” Chloe asked as she sipped her hot chocolate.
“Hmmm, good question. I’m not sure. He hasn’t given it to me yet.” She started thinking about what her Christmas present could be as the women exchanged knowing glances and smiles.
“Ok the Santas are here. Let’s put these down and go eat. I’m starving.” Lucas put the items under the tree and headed straight for the kitchen.
Sami dashed after him. “Lucas Roberts keep your hand out of those pies!”
“He has the right idea though. Let’s go set everything out ladies.” Marlena grabbed Belle’s hand and all the women walked into the kitchen to get dinner while the men were complaining of back problems and muscle aches.
Once everyone was gathered at the table, including the babies in their various seating contraptions, grace was said and everyone began to dig in. Will was the first one done and the eleven year old bounced in his seat urging everyone to hurry. “Come on you slow pokes! I wanna open my presents sometime before New Years.”
“We’re almost done buddy. Chill out.” Lucas instructed as he ate the last bites of his pie.
“Ok everyone now it’s the moment you’ve all been waiting for. Time to quietly and calmly move into the living room to open presents.” John said before giving Marlena a sideways glance and a wide smile. “Ha! Ok now on a more serious note, 1, 2, 3, GO!” he called as a stampede of adults and grandchildren headed for the living room in a dead run.
Watching the presents being torn open reminded Belle of a parade with the confetti flying everywhere.
“Wow! Thanks Aunt Belle! Thanks Shawn!” Will called as he opened his new Playstation.
“Yea, thanks Belle. We’ll have tons of fun with that won’t we buddy?” Lucas asked Will as he surveyed the machine.
“Um, dad what’s this we you’re talking about?” Will replied to the amusement of everyone in the room.
Sami and Carrie thought the Jeeps were adorable while Lucas and Austin sent glares Belle’s way knowing the assembly it would take to get them up and running. She was redeemed however when they opened their presents. She had bought all the guys season tickets for the new Salem NHL team, The Stallions. Rex, John, Eric, Austin, Philip, Brady, Shawn and Lucas were now all huddled in a corner discussing team stats and what they thought of the teams’ chances of making the playoffs. Belle was giving hugs to each of women since they had just opened their gifts, certificates for monthly massages, manicures, pedicures and facials for the next year from the Salem Spa.
“Mom, I love this sweater. It’s adorable! Thanks!” Belle gushed as she folded her new pink fluffy sweater.
“You’re very welcome my sweet girl. I can’t wait until we can all go to the spa together. It’s like you read my mind on what I wanted for Christmas.” Marlena replied as she gazed at her daughter.
“Did you get everything you wanted for Christmas Belle?” Cassie asked as she handed Belle a glass of hot chocolate with a candy cane in it.
“Not quite yet, she hasn’t.” Shawn interrupted. He took Belle’s hand and stood her up. “Belle, I’ve loved you as far back as I can remember. I honestly don’t remember a time I didn’t love you. We’ve been from the playpen, to the playground, to high school and it’s all brought us to today, here, this moment. What I’m trying to say is this.” He pulled a red velvet box from his pocket and lowered himself to one knee. Everyone in the room gasped as they realized what was happening. He opened the box to reveal a white gold diamond solitaire. “Give me the best Christmas present in the world. Isabella Grace Black, will you marry me?”
With tears rushing down her cheeks and goose bumps covering her body she nodded her head before saying. “Yes! Yes! A million times yes!”
Shawn stood up grinning ear to ear, slid the ring on her finger and pulled her into a long kiss.
The couple was soon embraced by the family as the women all started talking of wedding plans the guys were nudging Shawn and joking about “the old ball and chain”. John was the first one to cut in with something serious. He extended his hand and simply said, “Welcome to the family, son.”. Shawn shook his hand and hugged him.
He looked back at Belle in the mob of ladies wanting to see her ring and hugging her. She caught his stare and held her other hand out to him. He took it and while the family chattered on, Shawn and Belle stood there hand in hand, staring at each other and off in their own world.
**Across town at the Salem Inn**
“Well since Shawn’s not going to come back on his own I’ll have to make him. Come on Daniella let’s go.” As the woman was heading out of the room her phone rang.
“Yes that’s right. I want them sent to Shawn Brady. Make sure the card says I love you daddy. Love, Daniella.” She listened as the man repeated the order. “Yes, just charge them to my account. It’s under the name Jan Spears.” She grinned wickedly. This would be one homecoming Shawn would never forget.
