[Mackenzie]All I Want Is You This Christmas

[Riley Scott Collins]

-- Dated for 12/25/2011 --
Riley smiled as he walked Mandi to the door as she was talking about going to see Hunter at his brothers later. “ Are you sure you don’t want me to stay?” she questioned as she was pulling her mittens on and then wrapped her scarf around her neck before she turned to look at him, clearly unconvinced that he was going to be okay on his own with Lily for Christmas. “ Please.. I want you to go see him. Besides you have to give him my present, and.. Christmas is sort of about Lily now anyways. I’ll just watch her play with all of her new toys. I’ll be fine. I promise. “ he said, though she still looked unconvinced. “ Okay well… seriously, just call me and I’ll be back as soon as possible, okay? she stated, but this time Riley placed his hand on her back and began to shove her out the door. “ Go. Celebrate Christmas. Get a gift, give gifts. Kiss under the mistletoe. Insist that you don’t want a second serving of dessert, and then eat Hunter’s anyways. Go… I’ll talk to you later tonight. I love you,” he said, giving her a quick hug once she finally took a few reluctant steps outside. “ Love you too..” she said before she gave him a wave and headed over to her car. Riley locked the door before he walked away from the foyer and went back to where Lily was in the center of all of her wrapping paper, looking for toys that had fallen victim to being thrown across the room. He grinned as he watched her, fascinated by the tissue paper, glitter, bags, amount of toys. It was probably a little overwhelming for her. He scratched his thumb over the edge of his jaw as he leaned away from the wall, listening to the faint sound of the Michael Buble Christmas ipod list that Mandi had put on earlier and was basically streaming through his entire house. What was Christmas without a little Christmas music, and he was a classic guy. He liked the Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, the Rat Pack. But Mandi had sort of sold him on this Michael Buble guy.

Riley picked up his coffee mug from the coffee table and walked closer over to Lily, looking down to inspect some of the toys that ‘santa’ had brought her. He wondered what it was like to be that mesmerized by something, to think it was that magical. But then he smiled softly, of course he knew what that was like. He felt it every day with Mackenzie and Lily in his life. He sighed inwardly, looking over at his phone subconsciously. He hadn’t wanted to ask Mackenzie to stay. Her family was having Christmas back home and she’d taken Kiersten with her. Riley heard a knock at the door and sighed. Seriously, Mandi? “ Come on, princess” he said, picking Lily up quickly as she held on tightly to one of her new Minnie Mouse dolls and headed over to the front door. He set his coffee mug down on the table in the foyer before he opened the door, “ Look, Mandi I’m fi-“ he started off but was quickly interrupted with Joel singing loudly, “ FA LA LA LA LAAAA LA LA LA LA…” he said, belting at the top of his lungs like his life depended on it. Riley laughed as he looked away from Joel and looked at Claire, who was giving an annoyed smile. “ The entire car ride over. Keeps singing. Every time someone opens a door, he thinks he’s caroling,” she said out of annoyance before she stepped inside, giving Lily a quick kiss on her cheek. “ Beautiful girl, what did Santa bring you?” she said, lifting her arms up and taking Lily away from Riley before she headed back towards the tree. Riley ran his palms together before he looked back at Joel and Lance. “ Not that I’m complaining but why are you kids here?”. Lance made a hurt expression out of sarcasm before he stepped inside. “ Why else, Parker sent us over with food to make sure you didn’t starve to death on what she called ‘the holiest of all cooking and baking days’. “ he said, lifting the bag that held all of the food as proof. “ And you kids are all just hanging out for Christmas? That sounds like something we would all do… if we didn’t all have kids..” he said, thinking about how grown up they all were now. Yeah they were a family, but now they actually had..well, families. Joel gave a shrug of his shoulder, stepping inside as Riley shut the door and offered an explanation. “ Well Kiersten is out of town” Joel started off, before Riley kept a stern expression, keeping his tone dry. “ Oh wow, didn’t know that” he said, picking his coffee back up before he headed back towards the living room to watch Claire and Lily. “ AS I was saying, “ Joel continued, “ So Lance spent the morning with Blake, Logan and Kenzie. And my parents are in town.. but uh.. well Ryan and Madeline are still together. I think they were with Felicia for a bit? Anyways.. Lance is going to come hang out with me, Ryan, Felicia, their mom, Madeline and my parents later this afternoon. You know, since we’re roommates. Makes us friends,” he said and Riley gave a small nod. Made enough since. “ And Claire?” he asked, causing Claire to look over her shoulder and offered a smile. “ Ethan went back home to Australia the day before yesterday. I’m not really sure what Dalton’s plans are” she said, and Riley narrowed his eyebrows slightly, wondering why she wasn’t spending it with Shane. He looked down at his phone, wondering what Chad and Sam were doing for the holidays . They wouldn't care if he stopped in. He had to give them their present anyways. Lily grew disgruntled that Joel wasn’t paying attention to her and threw her Minnie Mouse up at him in a fit before he leaned down to pick her up.

“ What is this old-timer bullcrap?” Joel asked, listening to the Christmas music before he looked at Riley, walking over and picked up the iPod touch that was connected to the sound system. He let Lily wrap her arms around his neck and rest against him. She was already such a little flirt. He quickly purchased a few of his Christmas songs before he looked at Riley and offered a smile. “ As much as I support your career, I really don’t think I’d prefer to lis-“ he started but stopped as he watched Lily start clapping her hands and dancing to the music. Of course. She was a woman under the age of eighteen. Foster beat out of the Buble anyday. How was he going to turn it off now when she was so clearly enjoying herself. “ Smooth” he said sarcastically to Joel and then gave his head a slight shake of his head as he sat down on the couch. “ How’s Mackenzie?” Claire asked, designating herself to separating the toys from the mess and cleaning everything up. Riley looked over at Claire, deciding to talk to her while Joel set Lily down, holding her hands up. “ I don’t want to miss out on the holiday, but I don’t want to miss out on your face,” he said, singing along the lyrics to her. Riley smiled before he looked back at Claire, “ I think she’s doing pretty well, we’re supposed to skype later.. I think it’s hard on her not being here, but.. I don’t know. I think she felt like she was probably making the wrong choice no matter where she went for the holidays,” he said, not blaming her at all for the choice she made. It was a tough call to have to choose. Just then Lance came out of the kitchen, arms out in confusion, “ Where are the jammie dodgers?” he asked as if terror had struck. “ The what?” Riley asked in confusion as he looked over the couch to look at him. “ Jammie Dodgers” Lance repeated again, placing his hands on his hips as he looked at Riley who still looked like he was confused. “ ANYWAYS, Claire interrupted , bringing the topic back to Mackenzie. “ Did you guys already give each other your presents?”. Riley gave a small shake of his head as he lifted his coffee mug to his lips and took a drink. He felt guilty keeping them here, they each had people they could be with. Well, Kiersten was with Mackenzie so he sort of sympathized with Lance, but he was going to hang out with the O’Neils and Fosters. And Claire, she was probably more than welcome wherever Shane was. “ Honestly, don’t let me keep you guys here. I was just about to skype Mackenzie anyways..” he said, causing Claire to finish picking up the last of the mess as she gave a mock salute. “ We will get out of your hair. If Blake asks, we stopped by,”. Riley smiled and stood up, so he could walk them to the door. “ How was little Kenzie’s Christmas?” he asked, wondering if Blake and Logan had gotten her gifts since she was only eleven days old now. Lance gave out a large sarcastic laugh, “ How do you think it was? She has Blake for a mother, and she already has Logan wrapped around her finger,” Riley smiled faintly, completely understanding that. “ Alright guys…. Merry Christmas. I’ll see you later tonight, alright?” he said, figuring that they would all meet up at Logan and Blake’s by the end of the night. Literally, they probably all would. Those that were in town. Lily reached out to hug each of them and then sank back against Riley’s chest shyly, saying about as quietly as she could, “ Byebye” she said, already ready to focus her attention back on her toys. Riley gave a small wave as they all turned away and headed back to Joels’ car.

After the shutting door one more time, he looked down at Lily and gave her a small bounce against his side. “ Want to talk to someone who misses you very much?” he asked, though Lily was looking down at the Christmas dress she was wearing, pulling at the red fabric around her legs and lifting it into the air. Riley kissed the top of her hair and brought her back to her toys before he leaned down and picked his phone up off of the coffee table. He scrolled to Mackenzie’s name before he sent her out a quick text, ‘ Merry Christmas, beautiful. Have time to skype for a few minutes?’ before he sent it and set it back down. He didn’t want to bother her if she was busy. He looked up to make sure Lily was okay before he sat forward and lifted the lid of his macbook that was sitting on the coffee table. Maybe she was already on. He watched Lily carefully, trying to ease his way into switching the music back to Michael Buble before she stopped playing with her toys and looked at him. Alright, looks like they were going to celebrate with Foster. Riley gave an apologetic smile and switched the song back to ‘Santa Claus Is Coming To Town'’ before he gave a slight shake of his head and looked back at the list of contacts on skype to see if Mackenzie was on.

Outfit

[Mackenzie Janelle Collins]

Mack stood in the kitchen with her mom and Grandma, helping get things ready for dinner. It was the same every year. Open presents, have breakfast. Then her dad and her grandpa and uncles went and had coffee while the girls got dinner prepped. Kiersten was off somewhere with their cousins Cassie and Justin. Mack was sure she had her phone glued to her anyways, probably texting Lance. Ellie was attempting to make a pie, though Mack didn't figure she really knew how to cook much of anything. It was weird, Mack and Ellie. They were the same age, and yet they were at such different places in their lives. It was no wonder Kiersten spent so much time at Lance's place with him and Joel, Ellie was never home. She partied, drank, hooked up with random guys. She'd just went crazy. Mackenzie thought her aunt and uncle were a bit more strict, so maybe it was normal Ellie had kind of let loose once she got out of the house. Even though she partied, she did work hard and stay dedicated for Logan, so that was still good. Mack wondered how many people knew who really wrote all of Ellie's songs. But either way, it just brought Mack back to the fact that they were at such different places. Mackenzie thought for a moment about her situation as she handed Hannah the spoon she was using to stir the cookie dough. Most people made stuff before Christmas, but for some reason her family had gotten in the habit of making everything on Christmas. They were all so far apart nowadays it was really all the time they had to spend together.

But Mack had her own little family now. She was sure a lot of people judged her and Riley's situation. And she knew that most eighteen year olds weren't in her situation. But she knew she wouldn't change anything either. Sure they struggled, but they always did have their moments. He was the first guy to ever question her, not just give her what she wanted. Her father doted on her, said his girls were perfect. Any guy would be lucky to have them. But Riley saw past her exterior. Helped her through her rough spots. He saved her from herself. He was the first guy to realize how self destructive she really was under her perfect exterior. He challenged her, made her challenge herself. She was lucky to have him. Of course she wished all the time that he'd never lost his memory, but she couldn't change that he had. She spent a lot of time digging for her Riley. She knew he was in there. He just needed a little bit of reminding. Mackenzie left the room to check her phone, seeing a text from Riley and he asked if she had time to skype.

Mack smiled and texted him back, Merry Christmas! I always have time for you, I'll be on in a minute :). She missed him. And Lily. She missed them both terribly. She knew from the beginning that if she wanted Riley then Lily was part of the package, and she also knew she'd have no problem having room in her heart for that little girl. She just hadn't anticipated how... attached to Lily she had become. She had hoped that they would become like a family, but she hadn't realized how much she could grow to love a child that wasn't hers. She was not Lily's biological mother, but dammit she was the closest thing to a mother that Lily had. She cared for her like her own child. Loved her like her own child. At first she had instantly loved Lily because she was Riley's. But now she loved her for so many other reasons. The way she giggled at little things. Her cute little smile. How easily she could fall asleep in Mackenzie's arms. The way she looked at Mack like she needed her when she woke up in the morning, still half asleep and was extra cuddly. She loved watching Lily play with Riley. How she lit up when he got home from school or work or where ever. The funny things she told him with her limited vocabulary. She was perfect. He was perfect. They were a perfect pair, somehow Mack fit into their puzzle.

Mack grabbed her computer and went in the study, setting it on the desk and sat down, waiting for it to boot up. She opened up skype, seeing that he was already online. She smiled to herself and called him, waiting for him to pick up. Mackenzie sat back in the big chair, fiddling with some sticky notes that were sitting on the desk. Ever since she'd gotten here, she'd been happy to see her family, but she felt like there was a tug on her heart. Like she was forgetting something. She knew it was because she felt she should be with Riley for the holidays, but she had a feeling she would have felt bad abut whatever decision she made. She hardly ever made it home to see anyone. But Riley had picked up the call and Mackenzie smiled when she saw him finally, with Lily. "Hi, Merry Christmas!" she waved at Lily, "Hi princess!" Her heart ached. She wished their wasn't so many miles between them, to be sitting with them for real. But she smiled anyways. She didn't want him to worry.

[Riley Scott Collins]

Riley leaned down and kissed the top of Lily’s hair as he adjusted the dress against her legs. She kept pulling it up to look at it, which basically looked like she was flashing everyone. Which she did in a lot of her dresses anyways. But it was Christmas. Time to be a little classy. “ Lily, stop that “ he said, kissing her cheek before he wrapped his arms around her and blew a raspberry against her cheek, hoping to playfully distract her from pulling on her dress. He looked up at the computer as he heard it ringing and answered it quickly. “ Hey gorgeous,” he said with a genuine smile as he looked at the screen, followed by the squeal of excitement from Lily at seeing Mackenzie on the screen. When Mackenzie had left, Riley had put on a few episodes of Glee in the living room, watching Lily as she stayed transfixed on the screen, on the gorgeous blonde cheerleader who outshined the rest of them by far. “ How is everything on your end of things? Parker sent a troop equipped with food to make sure I didn’t starve while you were gone,” he said through a slight laugh, until he looked down at Lily, smiling as Mackenzie addressed her as princess. Lily’s expression lit up as she sat up in Riley’s lap, saying quietly in her sometimes shy tone, “ Hi,” she said and waved her hand clumsily to Mackenzie. Riley grinned before he held her up a bit. “ See the dress. I wonder who picked that out” he said sarcastically before he offered a grin to Mackenzie.

Riley wrapped his arm protectively around Lily, pointing to the computer screen. “ Who is that, baby girl?” he asked, placing his finger by Mackenzie’s face. “ Who is that?” Lily leaned away from Riley’s arms, placing her face up near the computer and gave out an exasperated tone. ‘Mama’ she said, sounding more desperate than like she was trying to give an answer. Riley felt his arms freeze as he held onto her, not even able to look back at Mackenzie yet since his mouth was slightly open and he was staring down at Lily like she had said something completely life changing. Lily seemed to grow impatient with the silence coming from both of them and stomped her tiny foot against Riley’s knee, placing her hand up on the computer screen by Mackenzie’s face, “ Mama peeeeaassee” she stretched out in desperation again before she smacked her hand against the computer screen and looked away, towards the door. Was she coming through there? Then she looked back towards where Riley and Macks’ rooms were. Finally she crawled onto the coffee table, peering behind the computer. Maybe she was in it. ‘ Mama’ she said again, though this time it was quiet, back in her shy tone before Riley snapped back to reality slightly and looked back at the screen at Mackenzie.

[Mackenzie Janelle Collins]

Mackenzie laughed about Blake sending over food and company to check up on him, "Well, we don't expect anything less from her, do we?" No one was surprised by Blake's caring nature. She just wanted everyone to be well fed. "Well, at least we'll have plenty of food to go around when I get back, I'm sure my grandma will send me home with twenty different cookies." She waved back at Lily, smiling at her when Lily squealed. Riley mentioned the dress that Mackenzie had bought for Lily, holding Lily up so Mack could see her in it, "Aww, how pretty." she said. On the bright side of things, at least Mack had managed to find a guy who didn't mind her obsessive interest in clothes. And Lily always looked cute, even when Riley dressed her. Give him a closet of cute clothes and he was totally capable of putting together a cute outfit for Lily. It really only proved that Riley was totally fine with Lily on his own, he didn't need Mack per say. She knew it was the other way around, she needed him. Riley had asked Lily who that was on the computer and Mackenzie fully expected her to just say it was Mack, that's what Lily had been calling her up until now. So she was completely taken by surprise when Lily instead called her 'mama'.

Mack froze, looking at Lily as if she'd just recited the quadratic formula or something. Had she just called her mama? It sounded like she did. Mack watched her carefully, realizing she was looking for her, almost desperately. Mack closed her eyes, trying to keep calm and a happy face for Lily. But she knew her heart just broke. She knew she should have stayed with Riley and Lily for Christmas. She just didn't realize Lily saw her like that, but since she did, wasn't it frustrating to not have mom around? Lily didn't understand, all she understood was that mommy wasn't there where she wanted her. No wonder she was trying to look for her. Mack looked at Riley, giving a weak smile if that. She thought she might cry. How was she sitting there in Georgia when there was a little girl back home who didn't understand where she was and why she wasn't home with her? Mack took a deep breath, smiling. There was a bright side to this. Lily had accepted her as her mom just as Mack had accepted her as a daughter. She couldn't ask for a better relationship with Lily, she loved her. And though it upset her that she couldn't be home with Lily and Riley, the littlest thing from Lily, just the few words she had said changed things. Mack smiled, as Lily showed back up in front of the screen, "Lily," she said, getting her attention, "Lily, I love you, baby, I'll see you soon." Mack blew her a kiss, looking at Riley.

[Riley Scott Collins]

Riley gave a half hearted smile as Mackenzie gave a weak one to him. Now both of his girls were upset and there wasn’t anything he could really do about it. He placed his hand on Lily’s back to make sure she didn’t fall off the table as she looked at Mackenzie when she spoke to her. He picked her up and pulled her back into his lap, deciding that her being on the coffee table that way wasn’t really safe at all. “ So..” he said, giving a knowing look at Mackenzie. “ I’m going to assume that you’ll be here soon?” he questioned, letting a smile spread across his lips slowly. He didn’t want to keep Mackenzie on the chat any longer than he needed to, since he knew she was upset. And the sooner he distracted Lily, the sooner she would quit asking for her mom to walk through the door, and though Riley knew that neither of them had to say anything, they both had to understand how it tugged at their heartstrings. “ I’m gonna go get her distracted with some toys or something,” he said, picking her back up to his side before he smiled at Mackenzie. He could tell her he loved her, but he didn’t want it to be over a video chat so instead he took in a deep breath and coughed. “ Alright well uh.. Merry Christmas, and I’ll see you. Sooner than expected, it seems.” he said, lifting his hand into a wave before Lily waved at the camera as well.

Riley closed out of skype after she said goodbye and took a deep breath, placing his forehead gently against the side of Lily’s head. How selfish of him was it to want for Mackenzie to be there, away from her family. He felt horrible putting her in that position, but he hadn’t wanted her parents to think he was an ass for tearing her away from them during a holiday. Plus, and he’d never admit this, but he was worried about how he was going to behave around Mackenzie, or anyone for that matter, considering it was his first Christmas without his parents since they had passed away earlier that year. “ Alright miss Lily. Let’s find something to do…” he said picking her up and placing her down on the floor before he turned and headed back to her plethora of toys. She might have missed her mama, but surely she would get distracted soon. Riley on the other hand, would take a bit more distraction.

[Mackenzie Janelle Collins]

Mack smiled slightly, watching Riley and Lily longingly through the computer screen. She wanted more than anything to just go back to New York and spend Christmas with them. Watch Lily open at least one present. Give Riley a present and actually see him open on Christmas day. And here she was, in a different state. It was like no matter where she was, she would miss someone. But she knew at least one place was the lesser of the two, where she'd feel even the littlest but better about it. And that place was New York. Riley held onto Lily, saying to Mack that he'd see her soon. Mack nodded, "Yeah... soon." She smiled. Riley told her he was going to try to distract Lily from Mack, and they said their goodbyes, Mack blowing them each a kiss, "Merry Christmas, love you both." After they'd hung up the call, Mack closed the laptop on the desk and slumped back in the big chair, closing her eyes. She needed a game plan. She needed to go home. She took a moment to think, composing herself. Okay. Today was Christmas, she could be back first thing tomorrow... that would be good, right? Riley probably half expected her as soon as tomorrow. He knew she wasn't going to be back on Tuesday.

"So, how soon are you going back to the city?" Mack opened her eyes, seeing her mother standing in the door frame. How long had she been standing there? But her mother was smiling softly, watching her, "You miss them." Julie sighed, coming in and sat down in the arm chair by the book cases. "You know Mackenzie, you've grown up so much since last year. Independent. Watch out for your sister. Made a name for yourself, made a career for yourself. Have your own family." She was still smiling softly, Mack looked at her questioningly. But Julie continued, "You always were the mother hen. The compassionate one. I knew you'd be the first one to settle down. Have a little family. I just didn't realize it would happen so soon. But look at you." Her mother leaned forward, shaking her head, "You aren't our Mackenzie anymore, you belong with Riley. And Lily. That's your home, don't you think so? I should have realized that sooner." Mack laughed softly, "Just like you. Just like dad always said. Guess I do make a good house wife." "No." Her mom shook her head again, suddenly serious, "No. That was your fathers mistake. Didn't give you girls enough credit. We both know you're more than that. You have a career and a name for yourself outside of your relationship. That's something i didn't have."

Mack nodded. Her mother was right. She was falling into place like her mother had, but she had so much more to show for it. She was not destined to be just a trophy wife. "I think I'm going to go home tomorrow. I miss them. I mean, I miss all you guys too, Grandma and Grandpa... I just can't shake the feeling that I was supposed to be with Riley and Lily for the holidays. But tomorrow's the next best thing I guess." Her mother stood up, "Why not go now?" "Huh?" Had she heard her correctly? "Go now. You don't have to wait until tomorrow, you're a big girl. We've all gotten to see you, that was enough. Go home, spend Christmas with Riley." Mack looked at her mom like she had lost her mind, "Seriously? How am I supposed to get back..." before she had even finished she already knew. It was as easy as calling Riley's pilot and asking a favor. The man was a 50 year old bachelor with hardly any family, the most he was doing this Christmas day was watching movies on TV. He'd probably be glad for something to do. Julie held her hand out to her daughter, "Come on, let's go pack your things, call that nice pilot, see if you can't charm him into a flight this afternoon."

A few hours later and a relaxing flight with Riley's very personable pilot, Mack was handing the pilot a big container of cookies and wishing him a Merry Christmas. As it turned out, he was pretty happy to be back home in the city as well. Apparently he had a little bar he liked to celebrate at right there in the city. Mack took her one suitcase, a feat for her considering her wardrobe, and climbed into a taxi before telling the driver the address to Riley's house. Her house? Their house? That sounded normal. He pulled up to the house and helped her take her suit case out of the back. She paid him and heard him drive off as she climbed the steps, letting herself in with her key. It was just before dinner time. Mack closed the door behind her and set her suitcase down and her purse on the table beside the door. "Hello?" she called out. Riley must be in the kitchen or something. She hoped he was home. Mack walked over t peek in the living room but only found Lily, crawling curiously toward the baby gate in the doorway to see who was at the door. Mack lit up when she saw her, happy to see her ow excitement to see Lily was mirrored on the tiny girls face. "Hi, Lily!" She said, reaching over the gate and picked her up, giving her a kiss. "Hi, Merry Christmas Princess, I missed you!" She hugged her tightly, taking a deep breath. She was happy for the moment, holding Lily. She hadn't anticipated how much she would come to love this kid, miss her, how much she would be relieved to see her when she got back.


outfit

[Riley Scott Collins]

Riley chewed the apple in his mouth slowly as he wiped his hands clean on the kitchen towel. There were so many sweets and goodies, that he wanted to make sure that Lily got in something healthy to eat before she gorged herself on the candies and ruined her appetite on stuff that wasn’t good for her. He set the ramakin of yogurt in the center of the plate that held the apple slices and stopped chewing completely as he heard the front door opening, He turned his head, listening for a tell-tale sign of who it would be and of course he heard her footsteps, the familiar sound of her purse hitting the table in the entry. He grinned brightly, swallowing what apple was remaining in his cheek before he set the kitchen towel down and made his way to the living room where he found Mackenzie clinging to Lily. “ You couldn’t wait until the morning?” he said, walking over to her before he wrapped his arms around both of them, resting his cheek against Mackenzie’s hair. He did feel slightly guilty that he had torn her from her family, but let’s face it.. this was her family, too. Lily didn’t understand the concept of Mackenzie not being there the way her family might be able to understand it. Next year, he’d have to invite her family to come stay at their place so that he and Mackenzie could host the festivities. “I’m so glad you’re home,” emphasizing the last bit. Not just that she was here. This was her home. This house, him and Lily. All of it.Riley gripped his arm tightly around her shoulders, kissing the side of her hair before he reached out to take Lily from her. He needed to do something, and he needed to do it now. He’d waited for weeks, months now. But there wasn’t a better time.

“ I was just getting a snack ready for Lily. Why don’t you go put your things upstairs and sort of settle in. Blake and Logan are having people over tonight that are in town, but we can stay in too.. but uh… go ahead and get settled. We’ll still be down here when you’re done,” he said, tilting his head to the stairs. Ordinarily he would have taken her things up for her. Ordinarily he would’ve done anything to make sure she was treated like a princess, the same way he treated Lily. But he needed her to go upstairs, to get out of sight for just a bit. There was something in his desk drawer that he needed to get out without her prying eyes over him. He had been carrying it in his pocket when she had been home, incase the moment ever struck. But since she was away with family there was no need to carry it around, so he had put it away diligently. But now she was home. And he’d never felt more complete, more whole. He thought that there wasn’t anything in the world that might make him feel like he really was on top of the world. But then he had realized. Standing there with his arms around the two girls who meant more to him than anything in the world. Yes, they were a family. But if Riley was a man of anything, it was of making things official.

[Mackenzie Janelle Collins]

Mackenzie held onto Lily, but turned when she realized that Riley knew she was home and had come out of the kitchen. Mack shook her head no, but smiled anyways when he mentioned her being home so soon, "Yeah..." She leaned into him, closing her eyes when he came over and wrapped his arms around her and Lily. She knew coming home was the right thing to do, especially now that she was actually there. There wasn't any place in the world like being in his arms, even through all that they'd had thrown at them, he was still her rock. Riley was the most comforting place she knew, hands down. She was as glad as he was that she was home, knowing she'd probably never spend another holiday away from them if she didn't have to. "Me too." Mackenzie handed Lily to him, looking at Riley questioningly as he said he was getting Lily a snack and she could go put her things away. Usually he'd happily take her things upstairs for her, but like he said, he was getting Lily a snack. Not a big deal, Mack was completely capable of taking her bag upstairs. She shrugged, nodding and picked up her lone suitcase, "Okay, I'll be back down in a bit." She headed upstairs and laid her suitcase on the bed, unzipping it and took out the dirty clothes and put them in a pile to throw in the hamper. She hung up a few things and then dragged her suitcase down the hall to the spare room where she had a lot of her other things. A lot of it was clothes, some hung up, some still in boxes. There were other boxes scattered around full of pictures and trinket type stuff, all things she had packed back in Malibu when she moved in with Blake. Some of it was Vanessa's things that she couldn't bear to get rid of just yet, or at all. Some she just wasn't quite ready to actually take out. But either way, all were old things she'd held onto, things she should have already unpacked after moving to New York, but opening one of those boxes was like opening up the wound again, something she was working hard to help heal. She'd save it for another day.

After unpacking the rest of her things, she put the suitcase in the closet, not planning on going anywhere all too soon anyways. She was grateful for not having had packed a lot of things to begin with, so unpacking hadn't taken long at all. Mackenzie headed back down stairs and went in the living room, examining Lily's new things with a smile. Lily had had a good Christmas. And probably would have great Christmases always. Lily was munching on apple slices and Mack picked up a few stray toys that were in danger of being stepped on. Riley was sitting with Lily and mentioned that Lily hadn't found the Christmas pickle hidden in the tree yet. As if a baby who wasn't a year old yet would be able to find it, but still. Had to start the tradition early. Mack offered to help find it, bending down to pick up Lily, wiping her mouth with a napkin, "Let's find the pickle, Lily, can you say pickle?" Lily could not say pickle, although she made a pretty good attempt, but Mack laughed, "That's okay, pickle wouldn't have been my choice word to learn either." Mack scanned the tree, looking for a shining green pickle among the deep green branches, passing over the different glass ornaments. She patiently searched the tree, passing over a small glimmering- what? She looked back out of curiosity, leaning forward to get a closer look. "Riley?" she questioned hesitantly, carefully plucking the diamond ring off of the branch and turned around to look at him suspiciously, "What is this?" Lily squirmed in her arms, reaching for a toy on the floor not too far away, so she set her down, still watching Riley. The ring was beautiful. And looked suspiciously like an engagement ring. The idea dawned on her that Riley may have put it there purposely, planting it right where she would find it. "Did you...?" she said asking him hesitantly for confirmation, a smile spreading across her lips. Was he serious? Because if this was the part where he proposed to her, Mackenzie couldn't find any reason in the universe to say no. She wouldn't say no, would never want to. She'd only dreamed about this guy asking her that question for practically ever. And now it seemed it just might actually happen.

[Riley Scott Collins]

Riley took one of the apple slices off of the plate for Lily and ate it distractedly. He didn’t get nervous often. Meetings at work , dealing with clients, studying for finals and trying to cram in everything he needed to study for his MCATs. Nerves were a thing he had learned to put in a box and just shove away. Part of his personality was that he thought things through, never made a decision unless he calculated every last detail, pointed out to others when they were being dumbasses. He was one of the more logical men in his group of friends. Which is why he knew without a doubt that he was making the right choice in asking Mackenzie to marry him. She was for all intensive purposes Lily’s mother, she was beautiful, intelligent, stood by him through all of his rough patches, and she was one of the strongest people he had ever met in his entire life. Plus he wanted to take care of her, through all of her rough patches as well and through all of the good times. There wasn’t anyone else in the world that he wanted to take care of in the way he felt about Mackenzie. When she came back downstairs he smiled as she took Lily to go find the pickle in the tree. It was a tradition he hadn’t really heard of until this year. He picked up his mug of coffee and followed Mackenzie and Lily into the living room where he leaned against the wall as he watched them endlessly searching for the pickle, waiting for the moment when her eyes were going to come across the diamond ring. How couldn’t she? It was Mackenzie Bannon. There were certain things in life she could spot. Fake designer handbags, a girl posing like she belonged in a richer zip code, and diamond rings. He smiled as he saw her do a double take and set his coffee down, getting down on one knee before she had a chance to turn around.

“ Mackenzie as we both know, I’m not one with words or great at giving speeches,” he said sarcastically before he gave a smile to match her own. He ran his hand over the back of his neck before he took his hand and wrapped it back around Mackenzie’s delicate hand. “ I didn’t intend for this to happen today.. of all days,.. I’ve actually been carrying the ring around for over a month,” he said honestly, giving a small shrug of his right shoulder. “ I do a lot of things in my life for other people. I took over my fathers company. I took on a load that some may question just to avoid putting any extra stress on my sisters’ shoulders. I’m attending medical school. I stay out of trouble,..for the most part. I uh.. hid how hard this whole accident has been for me, and I know you’ve done the same. And I’m asking you to do something with me that is uncharacteristic of both of us. Forget the people who say we’re too young. Forget your family who might disapprove. Marry me. Be selfish with me. Let’s.. forget Sunday morning meetings and banquets, stay in and have breakfast in bed and spend the day with Lily.Live in this upper Eastside world with me. Pose with me for page six, and then.. make out with me like we’re teenagers, well.. you are, in the closest bathroom …or closet, I’m not picky. You’re the one thing in my life that wasn’t thrust upon me by the actions of others. You’re the one thing in my life that I am absolutely, without a doubt, passionate about for my own free will. Let me call you my wife. I could be cliché and say make me the happiest man alive but,… I already am, having known you. Let me have the opportunity to make you the happiest woman,” he said, reaching for the ring from the tree branch before he held it up towards her hand.

Ring,..but I only looked for like 5 minutes.

[Mackenzie Janelle Collins]

Mack turned around from the tree, only to find Riley in front of her, down on one knee. She felt her heart skip a beat for a second, but smiled anyways. It was really happening. Even though she had hoped for months that this day might happen, it still didn't diminish the excitement of it. She'd been waiting months to even get back to were they were before the accident. And though they still had some ways to go, she felt in her heart that he loved her. Even while he wasn't quite sure himself, when he'd looked at her like she was a total stranger, just 'that cheerleader on that singing show,' she'd still known that deep down he loved her. Deep down in the part of him lost in his memory. But he'd loved her once, she knew he'd have to love her again. And they had all the time in the world to continue getting back to where they were. So many things she still wondered if he knew. Some days she couldn't remember what she'd told him after the accident what she hadn't burdened him with. She remembered it'd been months before she finally told him the source of the underlying guilt she lived with. It'd taken her so much just to accept it herself. And then he'd forgotten it all. It wasn't that she didn't want him to know, it just seemed like a lot to tell him after he was dealing with so much. He could barely remember his own past, let alone hers. But that might all change. She trusted him, wanted to tell him things he didn't know. And she wanted to spend the rest of her life with him, they had all that time to iron out all the kinks. But right now all she wanted to do was promise him she was his, always had been. She didn't need convincing. She could have told anyone she would marry him from the first date. He was more than most guys were for her. They came from similar backgrounds, he understood how she'd grown up. Understood things about the way she acted that she would have to explain to any other guy. He didn't treat her like arm candy, respected her career choices. He didn't expect a lot from her, but he appreciated the things they had together. Allowed her to be Lily's mother when it had never really been her place or responsibility. But most of all, he let her love him. Even before he'd lost his memory, she'd had to stand her ground with him, to not let him go. She wasn't going to lose him, and she'd had to show him that. And after he lost his memory, he let her love him even though he didn't really remember it from his end of things.

Mack smiled at him and he took her hand, sarcastically saying he wasn't one for speeches. Riley and his speeches. He always gave her one when he had something important to say. She laughed, shaking her head. He was right. They acted like adults when they had to, acted like teenagers behind closed doors. She wouldn't have it any other way. But he was always right in the sense that there we're things they both had to do, and things they chose to do. And of the things in life she was passionate about he was number one. There were few things she cared about that passionately, but she had a small list. Dance was on the list. her family was on the list. Lily was at the top of the list. But Riley was number one. And he'd always be her number one. "Riley..." she said, feeling every happy thing she'd ever hoped for swelling up in her gut, "I would want nothing more than to marry you. And make out with you in closets. Preferably in inappropriate situations. Details can be worked out in due time..." she grinned, letting him place the ring on her finger. She took his hands, pulling him to his feet and wrapped her arms around his neck, "I love you. You're the only thing I ever been sure of. Of course I will marry you." She smiled softly and kissed him, pulling him in closer. This of all things, felt the most right. Even as a broken person that was pieced back together in odd ways, Riley made her feel whole. And that was all she'd probably ever need.

[Riley Scott Collins]

Riley smiled softly as Mackenzie agreed to marry him, but honestly why wouldn’t she? And he didn’t think of it in a cocky sense, by any means. It was more of an obvious answer to him because well.. she had to marry him. She was the only key to happiness that he might have. That woman was going to marry him. Even if she said no now, he was determined. No matter how long he had to wait, or what he had to do- she was his, and always would be. He stood up, wrapping his arms around her waist as she brought her own around his neck. “ Thank God,” he said quietly through his smile before he kissed her. Life had thrown enough shit at them lately, why not let them be happy for just a little bit. They deserved it. They deserved each other. Riley kissed her softly, his fingers clinging almost desperately to the soft curls of her hair. He stood there with her, arms wrapped around the most beautiful women in the entire world for what seemed like forever until he felt Lily’s hand tugging against the side of his jeans. He broke away from Mackenzie and looked down at Lily before he picked up their beautiful daughter. ‘ Mama, peez’ she said, leaning away from Riley and towards Mackenzie with her arms stretched out.

Riley smiled, looking down at Lily before he looked back up at Mackenzie, who was absolutely her mother and always would be. The only relationship he’d ever seen that was more pure and fit right than the one he shared with Mackenzie, was the one that Mackenzie shared with their daughter. He leaned over, offering Lily to Mackenzie, knowing that she was the next person she would want to hug after kissing Riley now that they were engaged. Riley placed his hand on the small of Mackenzie’s back as she held onto Lily and leaned down to kiss the side of her forehead and smiled as he looked down at the two of them. They were his family, they were his future and everything that he wanted in the world. In every sense of the word, Mackenzie was already his wife. To be able to now make it real, written in paper, legal, it wasn’t a matter of if it was going to happen, just when. He took in a deep breath and sighed happily, taking Mackenzie’s free hand in his own. “ We’re only just beginning, Kenzie” he said with a soft smile. They may already be engaged. They may already have a daughter. But Riley knew deep down in his heart, that this was just the beginning.