The Thanksgiving event ended on a high note for most of the guests that had attended the McAlisters' Thanksgiving dinner that night. They left the place in high spirits, knowing it would be an event they would be talking about for weeks to come. For a few, Thanksgiving was a day they would want to forget.
After the surprising encounter in the flower garden, Carly had been taken to one of the guests' rooms inside. Angel and Leo made sure to stay by Carly's side until she finally came through. She was still frantic and in shock about what had happened as she asked time and time again if that man in the garden was really her father. Angel had to calm her down each time, assuring her that he was. Carly still couldn't believe it. Angel had to force her to rest until the event was over. However, Carly couldn't keep calm as she lay there on the bed staring up at the ceiling like she had seen a terrifying ghost that had ingrained itself in her mind. It worried Angel, as she feared that something was wrong. As much as Angel knew that Carly had never seen a picture of their father before, Carly acted like she knew him but never knew who he "really" was. Maybe somewhere down the line, the two had met. But Angel couldn't tell for sure, and now wasn't the time to ask questions.
Angel and Leo had a private moment alone when Carly was resting in the room. They wondered whether to inform the rest of the family about the sudden appearance of Angel's father. Angel felt no need to hide from them. In case her father showed up again, it wouldn't affect or throw the others into a state of shock.
All that had been said between the two of them before the unexpected twist had been forgotten. There were much bigger things to worry about now. And as the first drop of snow started to fall, the two of them stood in silence, looking out of the window and wondering what was in store for them going forward.
The rest of the McDonells didn't take the news lightly when they were told of Angel's father when they got back home. Leo was also in attendance for the same reason. Mrs. McDonell suggested filing a restraining order for Leo's safety. But considering that Angel's father had made nothing but mild threats, Leo and his father didn't see the need for it. Besides, they didn't want any attention if they did so. It wouldn't look good for the Barclay sisters if word got out that their estranged father had threatened Leo. Angel did assure the family that once she got ahold of her father, she would emphasize the need for distance, as it was best for all of them.
As for Carly, who was in her room resting while the family was downstairs discussing the issue, she was tormented by the sudden truth. Red Lion is her father. As she turned and twisted in her bed, she wondered how she never saw all of this coming. From the start, she never knew her father and never came across any pictures of him even as she was growing up. All she had of him were stories, which weren't good ones. The fact that the man who threatened her and used her to help him achieve his goals was her father tore at her heart and mind like a sword. This traumatized her so much that she stayed up all night, overthinking things until her body couldn't take it anymore. She hadn't realized that she had fallen into a deep sleep in the early hours of the morning. Angel only came to check up on her and thought it better to let her sleep through the day.
December came by in a flash, and with the start of snowfall, it meant warm clothes and keeping yourself cozy and comfortable with warm blankets, sitting near the fireplace with a cup of hot cocoa. But it also brought the festive mood for Christmas. The McDonells planned that this time around, they would spend the Christmas holiday at home and have a simple delicious dinner as a family with a few other family members. Everyone was in agreement. Too many events had happened; they needed a break from it all, especially with what happened at the McAlisters' Thanksgiving dinner.
As at the McDonell Construction Company, the whole place was excited and giddy for the Christmas break that was to start a few days before Christmas. This meant a lot of work to be done before the break so as not to have much to worry about during the break. Despite all that, it didn't stop the employees from talking about plans they had made with their family and friends during the break.
Leo had come back from his leave, and everyone couldn't help but talk about his relationship with Carly even more. Angel did her best not to involve herself in such conversations, as she hadn't found the solution to this mess with Carly and the drug cartel she works for. Also, she still had to make plans to have a word with her father, and that brought her other plans to a halt. As for her interactions with Leo, nothing had changed. They never brought up the topic the two of them had in the garden. Leo still didn't believe Angel, and Angel was still hurt that despite her efforts to tell him the truth, Leo didn't believe her. The tension between them grew even more. Now they only got along in front of people, but when they were alone, they barely acknowledged each other at all.
Carly wasn't the only one going through some personal struggles. After that awful Thanksgiving night, she blocked Red Lion, his goons, and sadly, even Alex, as she didn't want anything to do with them anymore. It was for the best that things between them ended for good. Now that Carly knew who Red Lion really was, for the sake of them both, it was best not to keep their distance. It wouldn't be any good if Angel and the rest of the world knew who he really was. Carly bet that was why he hadn't tried in any way to communicate with her. Too much was at stake, and it was risky to pull out a silly move.
On the first Saturday of the month, Carly was on her way to see Leo at his apartment. For the start of December, it was pretty cold. Carly stepped out of the cab she had booked to get to her destination. She stood in front of the apartment complex carrying a bag of food and snacks. She and Leo had planned to spend the weekend on the couch, eating takeout and watching a movie.
Carly was starting to make her way to the entrance of the building when she heard someone call her from behind. She stopped and turned around to see a familiar face she wished not to see. Alex stood there on the wet pavement dressed in a heavy black coat and black head sock over his head. He slowly made his approach.
"I thought I made it clear by blocking you on my phone that I want nothing to do with you people," said Carly.
"There was no way of reaching you for a week. Today, we thought of following you instead," said Alex.
"You say we," Carly noticed as she started to look around her. "Where is he?"
"He's in the car parked across the street." Alex pointed with his thumb behind him.
"Forget it. He can go to hell for all I care."
"He isn't going to take no for an answer, Carly. He really wants to have this conversation right now."
Carly scoffed. "Isn't he afraid of what I'll say to my sister if he decides to get anywhere close? The man has done more damage than good. He wants to talk after what he put me through as a child but also now when he would threaten me over Andre. No. If he wants to keep my mouth shut about his identity, it will be best if I take my leave."
"You know revealing who Red Lion really is won't only ruin him and the organization, but yourself as well?"
"Well, I guess karma has caught up with me, and I'll have to pay the consequences."
"You say that now, but deep down, you know it's not true. You getting arrested will mean Leo will know the truth about you. And you wouldn't want that to happen given that you claim to love him."
Carly's eyes fumed at that statement. "Andre is gone now," she said. "And as sad as it is that I contributed greatly to his death, it's all in the past. I have to focus on the future."
"If that's the case. Then you better talk to Red Lion and hear him out. It's your future he's concerned about. And that of your sister."
Alex wasn't going to budge, it seems, Carly concluded. She sighed. As much as she never wanted to see the man ever again, there was no running away from the fact that he was her father. And this talk was needed. If she had refused, Red Lion might go to any length to get to try and talk to her. She was afraid he might try and hurt Leo in the process without himself getting involved. He was a powerful drug lord with a lot of influence, so anything is possible.
"Let's go," said Carly, finally giving in. "He better be quick, or else Leo will start calling to ask where I am."
Alex gave a nod, and just as he was about to turn around to lead the way, Carly stopped him by holding his hand.
"I have a question to ask," she said. "For how long did you know that he was my father?"
Alex sighed as he looked at her. "Remember those first days when we were getting to know each other and I told you that you should quit before it was too late? I already knew. He told me how important you were to him and that I should protect you at all costs."
Carly was stunned at the answer. Alex knew this whole time and never told her? For a moment, she felt betrayed. But just like her, he was only following orders. She now remembered what Veronica had told her back in Mexico about Red Lion treating her differently from the others. If Alex had told her, she wouldn't have gone through with deceiving Andre. She would have confronted Red Lion about this, though. But knowing who he is, he would have found a way to get her to do his bidding. There was just no limit to him.
Alex started to lead the way, and Carly calmly followed him in the cold mid-morning across the street. They waited for a few cars to pass before they crossed the road. Alex approached a black Chevrolet SUV. The windows of the car were tinted black. It didn't surprise Carly as Alex opened the door for her to the passenger side and she got in. He closed the door as soon as she got in.
Carly looked next to her, and in a comfortable warm black coat was Red Lion. He had been looking through the window when Carly had entered. As soon as Alex closed the door, he turned to look at Carly. Carly furrowed her eyebrows as she looked out the window on her side. She couldn't bring herself to look at him.
The two of them sat in silence until Red Lion cleared his throat to speak. But Carly was quick enough to speak first.
"Save your breath," she said. "I really don't want to listen to what you have to say."
"Then you wouldn't be here," said Red Lion as he raised an eyebrow.
"What do you want with me, huh?" Carly asked, giving in. "It turns out the person who is an infamous drug lord just happens to be my father." She turns to look at him. "I seriously don't have to take whatever it is you have to say into consideration."
Red Lion scoffed. "I know you're angry. But just know that whatever I did was to benefit you as well."
"Benefit me?" Carly turned in her seat. "How? How does committing all of these crimes benefit me? If you think I've benefitted, you're greatly mistaken."
"Because of you killing Andre, our drug business has boomed a lot since then. Don't pretend you didn't enjoy the huge pay you received after his house blew up."
Carly huffed as she remembered receiving a large sum from Hugo, who had deposited it in her account. As much as it was good to receive such an amount, it wasn't enough to pay off the guilt she had in her conscience knowing that she had just killed a man.
"Whatever it is, it doesn't hide the fact that I'm your daughter and you used me like a mule," said Carly. "You've no idea how troubled I was when I found out that you were really my father. You really messed me up."
"I know. I didn't mean for this to happen. I just wanted to warn Leo, and that was it."
"Yeah, well, how does it feel that your plan didn't go as you wanted? For goodness' sake, did you really have to threaten Leo like that? I know you probably carried a gun, so at least you didn't point it at him. That would've been insane."
"All of this wouldn't have happened if you had broken up with Leo as we agreed."
"Do you hear yourself right now?" Carly raised an eyebrow. "You don't even feel the least bit sorry that you had kept your true identity from me for a long time. Angel was right. You only think about yourself. She won't be surprised to see that you really haven't changed."
"I plan to meet her tomorrow," said Red Lion.
"Does she know?"
"She got my number from Aunt Cathy and texted me on Monday. I'll meet her tomorrow at the cemetery."
"She didn't tell me about that." Carly folded her arms.
"I wanted to meet you both. But she insisted that it should be the two of us."
"She's going to give you a scolding of a lifetime. I think it's for the best that I'm not there. Who knows? She might just realize that the two of us know each other after all."
Red Lion scoffed. "So I take it that you will keep what you've learned about me to yourself?"
"I don't have much of a choice. If I take you down, I go down too. And I don't want to lose what I already have, especially with Leo."
"Then it means in a way you and I are still allies. But… I still feel you and Leo shouldn't be together."
"Here we go again." Carly rolled her eyes and opened the door. Red Lion didn't try to stop her as she got out. "For once, when are you going to understand that not everything is all about you?"
"I'm only looking out for you, Carly. And if you care about Leo, you would take my advice."
Carly shook her head. "Screw you. Just because you think you're my father doesn't mean you can control me. Do I need to remind you you were never around?"
Red Lion didn't answer as he sighed. "We will keep in touch. And make sure to keep an eye out for your sister."
"One last thing," said Carly before she closed the door. "Were you ever going to tell me that you were my father if things hadn't gone the way they did?"
Red Lion smirked as he looked away. "Of course not," he answered.
Carly sucked her teeth as she banged the door shut. She looked down the pavement and saw Alex and Hugo, watching the car. She went on to cross the street to head to the apartment complex. As she got into the lobby of the building, she realized that she had to come up with something to get Red Lion off her back. Even now, he still wanted her to break up with Leo. He just doesn't quit, does he? Carly asked herself as she headed for the elevator. The man was stubborn, and she had to be the one to teach him that she wasn't a woman to be played with for a fool.
***
Angel set the white lilies on her mother's grave, said a short prayer, and went on to look at her mother's tombstone. She felt she hadn't visited in quite some time. After church, she had asked Eric to drop her off at the cemetery. He and Amanda wanted to come along, as they feared letting Angel meet with her father alone was not ideal. But she assured them that she will be fine on her own. Besides, this meeting was personal.
She adjusted the white head sock on her head to cover her ears. New York could be bitterly cold in the winter. And her father showing himself now was the worst possible time.
As Angel looked at her mother's grave, she couldn't help but wonder why all of this was happening. Her discovery of her sister's betrayal and now her father showing up in their lives again had all come at such a trying time. It reminded her of the day she discovered that Carly was working as a call girl; soon after, she received the news of her mother's death, and soon afterwards, she was involved in an accident. So much had happened since then. Angel sighed, as thinking of all this felt like nothing but a heavy weight on her shoulders. She only hoped that nothing else would pop out of the blue. Looking at what she had to deal with, she didn't know if she was able to handle any more problems.
Angel heard footsteps behind her in the snow, and she turned around to see her father approaching in a heavy brown coat and a black hat over his head. He also held lilies in his hands. When he got close, he bent down to put the lilies beside the ones Angel brought. After he straightened up, he slowly turned to look at Angel.
Angel remained silent as she continued to look at her mother's name engraved on the tombstone. She couldn't bring herself to look at him.
Brian sighed, a small mist forming out of his mouth. "I would have asked how you're doing, but we all know the answer to that," he said.
Angel raised an eyebrow. "You made quite an entrance that night," she said. "How do you expect anyone in my situation would feel?"
Brian moved his hands into his pocket for warmth. Even with gloves, it wasn't enough to fight off the cold. "I know you felt embarrassed and ashamed of how I presented myself. But I swear to you, Angel, I was only doing what I thought was right."
"And how is threatening your daughter's boyfriend the right thing to do?" Angel asked as she turned to look at him. "You only came back to New York a few months ago, and you claim that you were only looking out for Carly? Until you give me a reasonable explanation, you don't get a claim in saying that."
"My only explanation is this: Leo is not the right man for Carly. She should think of finding someone better."
"On what grounds?" Angel asked in surprise. In the end, she couldn't help but laugh. "Leo is a good man. He might have his flaws, but to be human is to err. You don't even know him, and you want to be quick to judge whether he's good for Carly or not? You've failed to convince me greatly that that could be your only reason."
"Leo isn't my problem. Carly is."
Angel was stunned at the statement. "What do you mean?" she asked.
"In my view, Carly is still too young, and she needs to mature a little. She might be over her 20s, but she still has school to worry about."
"You make it sound like she's too young to get married when marriage isn't the issue here. She's simply dating the guy, for goodness' sake. Young women have the right to date, you know?"
"But doesn't it scare you that that might be the outcome here?" Brian's tone and the look on his face became serious. "With the social media influence, those two will be pressured to please the crowd and go for something they aren't ready for."
"I shouldn't meddle in their affairs, and neither should you. You're the one who abandoned us, remember?"
Brain silently scoffed. "It's nothing but a friendly warning, Angel. I know you love your sister, and you would do anything to protect her. I suggest that you keep an eye out. You of all people know that she isn't ready for that step."
Angel raised an eyebrow at him. "And you think you know better?"
"Marriage is a big thing, Angel. And for someone who isn't ready for it, you know it will in some way ruin her."
"You talk of marriage as if yours was ever successful." Angel turned to look at her mother's grave. "I really shouldn't be taking your advice after you left your family to fend for themselves."
Brian sighed. "I know you're never going to forgive me for all the hurt I caused, and I have come to accept it. The reason I came back to New York was to try and make amends with you and your sister. I waited for you to call after Aunt Cathy gave you the news. But you didn't. I don't blame you. I am far from redemption, but you should know I'm not the man you think I am."
Angel smirked. "After what you did that night, I don't think you've changed at all."
"I was only doing what was necessary to protect you and your sister."
"Why don't you cut the crap and tell me your true intentions?" Angel asked sharply as she looked at her father. "You never do anything unless in one way or another it has to benefit you."
"Do you really think I'm that selfish?"
"Says the man who gambled his life away and didn't care for his family, but only for himself. Yes, I do think you're selfish. You still are. I don't know what game you're playing, but it isn't going to work on me or Carly. As for that, I suggest that you stay far away from us."
"That will be a little difficult to do now that I and my family have come here to stay."
Angel's eyes widened with surprise, but she was quick enough to hide it. "I figured you might have one," she said. "How long have the two of you been married?"
"We're not married. But we live and have a son together."
"Scared of commitment, I see. Does she know about your past?"
"She does. And no, I'm not scared of commitment."
Angel waited for Brian to continue. When he didn't, she asked, "Then what is it?"
"Nothing. I love her, and she does love me. We decided staying this way would be for the best."
Angel smiled. "In my honest opinion, you're scared that if you do marry, it will end just as badly as the first one. If you have or did take steps to change to become better, marrying her wouldn't be a problem. In a way, marrying her would be the courageous step to take to try and make up for the times you failed in your previous one."
Brian turned to look at Angel with an eyebrow raised. "Well, those are some wise words. Did your mother teach you that?"
"No, life did." Angel looked at her father. "That's just the way life is. You either stay where you are, or continue moving forward, or drag yourself back. The only advice I can give in your situation is to choose wisely."
"You should be telling Carly that just in case she decides to take a drastic step."
Angel sighed. "The last time I tried to advise someone over their relationship, I got burnt big time. I'll do all I can, but I want you to do your bit. I don't care if you're living in New York with your new family. All I want is for you to leave Carly, the McDonell family, and me alone. The last thing we need is for you to cause a scene like you did last time. The McDonells even wanted to file a restraining order against you, but I told them I would talk to you first."
"I appreciate the gesture, Angel."
"Don't be grateful just yet. This doesn't mean I'm looking out for you. If word of this got out, it wouldn't look good for either of us."
"True. Message received. I'll do my best to stay away from you and the McDonell family. But if anything concerning you and Carly comes up, don't expect me to stay away."
Angel sighed as she turned around and started to walk away. She quickly stopped as she turned her head to look at her father.
"I want to ask something really quick," said Angel.
Brian turned to look at her. "What is it?"
"Were you by any chance in New York before my mother's death?"
"No, I wasn't. Why do you ask?"
Angel also wondered why she had asked, but she thought she would get answers concerning the pearl necklace she had found in her mother's belongings. Now wasn't the time to probe him further. In fact, she shouldn't even be thinking of it anyway.
"Nothing," Angel replied. "Have a nice life."
Angel turned her head to look forward, and she walked in the snow, going further away from her father and her mother's grave. Brian watched Angel until she disappeared out of sight behind the trees. He turned back to look at the gravestone, and a smile couldn't help but play across his face. He might not have seen Angel for a long time now, but there was no denying that she took after her late mother. But in another way, she was her own person. And that moved his heart warmly.
***
It's Christmas, and the McDonell mansion was merry and jovial as the children woke up early to come over to the Christmas tree to get to open their presents. A few family cousins had come to visit the McDonells for the holidays, so the place was livelier than ever in the last few days. That Christmas morning when the children had run over to the Christmas tree in their pajamas, they were greeted by Angel, who had woken up earlier than them as she stood in front of the tree, blocking their way.
"Morning, everyone." Angel greeted the four children in front of her.
"Morning," Oliver greeted her first. "You're up early."
"Well, someone had to come guard the presents. We aren't opening them until the evening when everyone is present. Remember, we promised to do that yesterday."
"Aww," groaned Ashley, a brown-haired ten-year-old who happened to be the daughter of Mr. Joseph McDonell, who happened to be Mr. McDonell's cousin. He came along with two other children. Malcom, who followed after Ashley and Susan, the youngest.
"Aww, indeed," said Angel as she smiled at them. "Now, go to your rooms and get ready for breakfast. I want you looking spotless this Christmas, and I'm not going to take no for an answer."
The five children turned around as they grumbled. As they marched out of the living room, Diana walked in dressed in her warm sleeping gown. She held a few wrapped gifts in her hands, and she watched as the children left the living room. She turned to look at Angel.
"You've just saved Christmas," said Diana as she approached Angel. "You've no idea how those kids come about and open presents before anyone gets a chance to see. Last time, they even opened our presents so that by the time we got down here, we couldn't tell which present belonged to whom, as they got everything mixed up."
"I bet those who had bought gifts had to say which one belonged to whom. It must have been pandemonium."
Diana chuckled. "Trust me, it was. Mrs. McDonell almost cancelled Christmas dinner at their expense. But you know how they are. Kids will always be kids. Here, help me put the gifts down there. I also bought something for you too."
"Thank you so much," said Angel as she took some of the presents from Diana and helped put them below the white decorated Christmas tree. As soon as Angel straightened up, there came a knock at the front door.
"I wonder who is here this early," said Diana. "Maybe the delivery man?"
"I'll go check," said Angel, and she started to make her way out of the living room.
As soon as Angel reached the front door, she opened it. There, standing in front of her, was Leo, in a warm black and grey winter jacket and a black head sock over his head. He wore earmuffs, as it was very cold outside. This took Angel by surprise. Leo wasn't supposed to be here until after noon. He's come way too early, Angel thought to herself. But it wasn't Leo's early arrival that got her this way. His cold wintry look with snowflakes all over him, gave him a weird, yet handsome look. His cheeks were red from the cold, and his blue eyes matched the coldness outside. Angel couldn't help but feel they shone brighter than she had ever seen them.
"Damn, it's freezing," said Leo as he got in with a pile of presents. He closed the door with his foot behind him.
"Here, let me help you with those," said Angel as she took some of the gift boxes on top of the pile. Leo stopped short to see Angel. At first, he was so concerned about getting inside away from the cold that he didn't see who had actually opened the door for him.
"Oh, Angel, it's you," he said as he blushed slightly. "Good morning, and Merry Christmas."
"Merry Christmas to you too."
The two of them looked at each other, and before Angel could say anything, Diana appeared as she walked out of the living room.
"Oh, Leo, darling," she said with glee as she came over to kiss him on the cheek. "Merry Christmas to you."
"Merry Christmas, Aunt," said Leo as he blushed even more.
"Let's go put these presents away," said Angel. "And you'll need some hot cocoa. You look like you almost turned into an icicle out there."
Angel led the way to the living room as Leo and Diana followed her. She neatly arranged the presents under the tree and took those from Leo as well.
"What brings you here so early, Leo?" Diana asked.
"Oh, I didn't want to get stuck in traffic this afternoon," Leo answered. "And I wanted to bring in the presents early."
"You weren't worried that the kids were going to open them?"
"I wasn't worried since I knew Angel would be the one to handle it. She's good with handling children."
Angel straightened up from the floor. "Well, someone had to bring a little law and order," she said.
"And you've done a fine job at it," said Diana. "Come, let's go make some hot cocoa in the kitchen. Today is freezing. Angel, you should come too."
"I'm heading there as well since I still need to bake more cookies."
"Is Carly still fast asleep?" Leo asked.
"Yeah, she is." Angel was just about to make her way to the kitchen when Eric entered the room.
"Merry Christmas, everyone!" Eric happily greeted. "I didn't expect anyone up so early. Leo? What are you doing here?"
"Came to deliver the presents early," Leo answered. "Merry Christmas, Eric."
Eric turned to look at Angel standing close to the Christmas tree. "I see Angel has managed to control the situation with the kids." He walked over to her, pulled her into a hug, and kissed her on the cheek. "Merry Christmas, Angel," he said. "You're a lifesaver."
"Mm… thanks," said Angel as she blushed. She didn't expect Eric to do that. "Merry Christmas to you too." Leo coughed as he looked away.
"We were just about to go and make hot cocoa in the kitchen," said Diana. "Care to join us?"
"Yeah, sure," said Eric. "I want to be geared up for the day."
Diana and Leo made their way first towards the kitchen. Eric stayed behind with Angel, who had turned her head towards the bottom of the Christmas tree.
"Are there any presents for me?" Eric asked as he stood close to Angel.
"Well, I got one for you," Angel answered. "Leo and Diana probably have a gift for you too. Though, I saw a present Leo had brought with no name on it."
"It must be a surprise gift for someone. We usually like to do that. Who do you think it's for?"
"Carly, who else?" Angel asked as she shrugged her shoulders.
"Why don't you think it might be yours?"
"Because Leo hates me. He might have bought me a present, but there's no denying that he just did it because he had to."
"You think too much. Come." Eric wrapped his arm around Angel's shoulders and made her walk with him to the kitchen. "Let's go make a hot cup of cocoa."
In the evening. Everyone had settled down at the table in the dining room. The table was lit with candles and greenery decorations with ribbons and flowers to signify the spirit of Christmas. Lovely dishes of food had been set on the table, and everyone couldn't wait to dig in. Mr. McDonell said a few words to all those present and thanked his cousin, his wife, Vanessa, and their children for coming for this event. He wished everyone peace and happiness and also wished many more blessings to the newest couple in town, Carly and Leo. At the time, everyone was holding a wine glass, and they raised a toast to a very Merry Christmas.
After supper, the whole family gathered in the living room. It was time to open the presents. A plate of cookies went round the room as Eric, who was to host the gift opening ceremony, stood in front of everyone. The children who sat on the floor had their gifts opened first. Most of them received toys and lovely cashmere sweaters.
Next were the adults. Amanda was first to open her many gifts. She had mostly received scarves, necklaces, and a lovely black hat with a red ribbon that she had received from Vanessa. The rest of the older adults had their gifts opened, and soon Leo, Carly, Eric, and Angel were left.
Eric opened his first. He received a lovely scarf from Angel with his name on it. From Leo, a lovely smartwatch, and Diana gave him a lovely sweater. Angel opened hers next. She received a lovely trinket necklace and bracelet from Diana. And from Amanda and Mr. McDonell, a lovely knitted purple sweater. Surprisingly, she got a lovely red dress from Leo. It shocked her for a moment as she didn't expect it. She thanked Leo all the same.
When it was Leo's turn, he insisted that Carly open her presents next. She opened one present from Leo, which was a lovely Louis Vuitton handbag, and she received a lovely gold bracelet set with rings from Angel. After opening her other presents, Carly was just about to take her seat when Leo stopped her, saying that she had one more gift.
"I have one more gift?" Carly asked as she looked confused, looking under the Christmas tree. "The rest of the gifts down here are yours."
"Not quite," said Leo as he stood up from his seat and went towards the Christmas tree and searched underneath. He removed a rectangular-shaped box that had been gift-wrapped, but it had no name on it. Angel turned to look at Eric in front of her and shared a look with him. She did tell him that that gift belonged to Carly.
"Ooh! Carly gets the mysterious gift," said Diana excitedly. "I wonder what's in there."
"Maybe there's a beautiful dress inside," said Ashley as she looked up at the gift.
"Maybe it's a stuffed bear," Eric joked. Everyone threw Eric angry glances and murmured at him.
"Just open it, dear," said Amanda. "If we were all to play the guessing game right now, no doubt we would all get it wrong. There's just something about a surprise gift that no one ever gets right."
Carly took a deep breath. "Okay, here goes," she said.
Carly tore off the ribbon on the box and opened the lid. Inside was a red wrapper, and when she set it aside, the box almost seemed empty. Everyone watching became curious when they couldn't see anything.
"What the hell?" Eric asked as he came to take a little sneak peek. "I can't see anything?"
"Me too," said Carly as she moved the wrapper to see if there was anything inside. "Are you really sure there's a gift in here, Leo?"
"You just aren't looking hard enough," said Leo.
Carly put her hand in the box and started to feel every inch and corner until she felt something. Her eyes lit up as she took hold of whatever it is. She pulled it out. In her hand was a small black box. Everyone in the room grew silent as they looked at the item in her hand curiously. Diana, Amanda, and Vanessa silently gasped.
"Oh, what is in it?" Carly asked as she looked at Leo.
The smile on Leo's face grew even wider. "Open it," he insisted.
Carly put the other box down and slowly opened the tiny box in her hand. Her eyes grew wide with surprise, and she suddenly felt her heart beat faster. The whole room held their breath as they saw what Carly was holding in her hand. It's a round-shaped diamond engagement ring.
"Leo…" Carly was lost for words as she looked at him. "Are you serious?"
All eyes turned to look at Leo. The whole thing played out like a movie in front of them. The Christmas lights and decorations added on to the setting, making it look even more romantic. Leo slowly took the ring box from Carly, who felt her knees grow weak.
"Yes, I am," said Leo. He looked down at the box in his hand. "I've been thinking about us lately. And I realized that I am the happiest I have ever been when I'm with you. I know this may feel sudden or rushed, but I love you so much, Carly. I know that I can face anything, all the criticism, and all the challenges with you. It's you I want to spend my whole life with, and that's why I want to ask you this very important question."
Leo went down on one knee, and Carly, who was overwhelmed with what was going on, covered her mouth to prevent herself from squeaking with excitement. The children, who were in the front row seat of the whole thing, looked on with mouths wide open. Eric, who stood there, couldn't believe what he was seeing as he placed his hands over his head. Everyone else had their mouth wide open as well. Diana and Vanessa, who sat next to each other, couldn't contain their excitement as they squealed. Mrs. McDonell couldn't help but look on with her mouth wide open. At the moment, she couldn't think as she looked on. It was the same with Angel and Amanda, who sat close to each other.
"Carly Barclay," said Leo as he took the ring out of the box. "Will you marry me?"
The room stood silent and still as they waited for Carly to reply. Carly dropped her hands from her mouth as she looked down at Leo, kneeling before her. Her sudden warmth flooded her as she smiled and gave a nod of her head.
"Yes, I will marry you, Leo," said Carly.
Diana and Vanessa both jumped up from their seats as they cheered and clapped; so did the children. Leo took Carly's left hand and slid the engagement ring on her finger. It was a perfect fit. Everyone else stood and clapped, including Angel and Mrs. McDonell. Leo got up from the floor and hugged Carly.
"Aww! Congrats, you two," said Vanessa as she came to hug the two. "This surely is a wonderful moment to remember."
Leo and Carly receive their congratulations from the rest of the family. Mr. McDonell couldn't help but admit that this caught everyone by surprise but congratulated them all the same. Mrs. McDonell went on ahead to hug both Leo and Carly, congratulating them. Amanda took herself there as well with a bright smile on her face, congratulating them.
Angel was the last person to join the family that surrounded the couple as she tried to take the moment in. Her little sister was getting married. As much as she smiled at them with tears in her eyes, she couldn't help but feel something pull at her heart. As if all of this was just one big mistake. It didn't feel right at all.
"Congratulations, Carly," said Angel as she pulled her sister into a hug. "Mum would've been so happy for you."
"Thank you, Angel," said Carly. She looked at her sister with a huge smile after they had hugged.
Angel looked at Leo beside Carly. Looking at him in that moment felt like the hardest thing to do. She didn't know why she felt like this, but she was doing her best not to let the tears in her eyes drop. She told herself to calm down and told her mind to focus when she felt it start to wander into uncontrollable thoughts. She didn't want to think right now, for she might not act, or she might say things she didn't need to say, especially in front of the family.
"Congratulations, Leo," Angel managed to say. "I couldn't have asked for a better man to ask for my sister's hand. I know you will take good care of her."
Did she really mean it, though? She felt her heart tear at those words when she knew she was lying. All this just felt wrong, and she felt the need to stop it all. But she couldn't. Leo had pulled a fast one on them, yet again. And despite her earlier warnings of her sister—which he didn't take into account—there's nothing much Angel could do. Was the issue for her sister the only reason why Angel felt this way, or was there something more? At this point in time with so many emotions flying around, she couldn't tell.
"This calls for some champagne," said Joseph as he patted his cousin, Mr. McDonell, on the back. "We need to celebrate."
"Of course," said Mr. McDonell. "Eric, please be kind enough to get a bottle and some glasses."
"I'll come and help you," said Vanessa, who was happier than Mrs. McDonell. "This is a jolly good Christmas, indeed."
After the champagne was popped open and all the adults had their glasses filled—the children had glasses of juice—everyone raised their cups in the air. To make a toast.
"Let us make a lovely toast," said Mr. McDonell, "to the future Mr. and Mrs. McDonell. May they live long and happily on this new journey. Cheers!"
"Cheers!" everyone else exclaimed as they clinked their glasses.
As they drank to their champagne, Angel was apparently not the only one who thought that this whole engagement was nothing but a mistake.