I dont want a lot this Christmas
There is just one thing I need
I don’t care about the presents
Underneath the Christmas tree
I just want you for my own
More than you could ever know
Make my wish come true
All I want for Christmas is you

To me, you are perfect. – Love Actually

Merry Christmas! May God Bless You and Your Families!

Shane showered and dressed after she hung up with Ryan. She headed out the door and called Marina at the Planet.

Hey, its me, I need a huge favor. And please dont ask questions. I will tell you later. I promise.

Shane proceeded to ask Marina to put together some coffee gift baskets. She didnt want to meet Ryans family for Christmas and be empty handed with no presents.

Marina happily obliged and told Shane not to be anxious, she would get it done and make them exquisite.

Thanks Marina, I really appreciate it.

Youre welcome, Shane. It will take a couple of hours. Do you want them delivered or picked up?

Ill pick em up. Thanks again, I owe you one man.

Well settle up later, Ok, Ciao!

Later.

Shane called information to get the address for Tiffanys. It was on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills.

That will be my last stop.

She drove to the liquor store and picked up a good bottle of wine. A classic red bordeaux.

She then headed to the foster home. She loved dropping the presents off. This was her favorite part of Christmas. Giving to others.

She knocked on the door and gave the presents to the house mom. The house mom usually was someone different every year. And this year was no different. Shane never gave her name. She just said she was instructed to drop the presents off by someone from the County offices. Shane liked to remain anonymous.

Shane smiled as she got into her truck. She loved the warm feeling she had in her heart produced by giving. It was a feeling she could hang on to when life kicked her in the *****.

She ran back over to the Planet to pick up the gift baskets. Marina wasnt in at the time, so Shane got off not answering any questions. The baskets looked amazing. Thank you Marina, Shane said to herself.

OK, Beverly Hills. Shane said as she started her truck.

She arrived at the store. It still was crowded even this close to closing time. She was a little nervous. She wasnt used to buying a chick something. Especially one that she really cared for. She had an idea of what she wanted. She casually walked around and browsed at the beautiful jewelry. After walking up and down the display cases she finally found what she was looking for.

Shell love it.

Its perfect, Ill take it. The salesman rang her up and put the gift in the famous blue box. Shane strolled out the door, happy with her purchase, and headed over to Ryans house.


Ryan and Taylor had spent most of the morning cleaning the house. The house looked clean and the Christmas decorations looked spectacular. She was so proud of the work she and Shane had done.

Taylor had also helped her set up the backyard. She pulled out her tiki torches and candles from the garage. She also wanted to use the outdoor fire pit, so she sent Taylor to the store for firewood. She wanted to have dinner outside. One of the many joys of having Christmas in So Cal.

A couple of months ago, Ryan had some landscapers come in a fix the yard up and put in a pond with a fountain. She thought the pond was so cool, she even put koi fish in it. Although it drove the dogs crazy.

Under the gazebo, she had a hot tub installed and outdoor Bose speakers connected to the theatre system inside.

Her job created a lot of stress and she wanted a special place to relax. She spent a lot of time in the backyard so she felt the money was well spent. She had created a beautiful oasis filled with romantic ambience. It was her special place to relax and unwind.


Shane knocked on the door. Her heart was in her throat. She was nervous, again. She could hear music, laughing and muffled talking from the front porch.

Relax Shane, she said to herself. She wanted to pinch herself to wake up. Everything felt so unreal and unnatural. The nervousness all melted away when she saw Ryans warm and caring eyes as she opened the door. Those eyes and that smile made her feel so welcome and wanted.

Hi you, Ryan said as she kissed Shane softly on the lips and led her in the house.

Hey, Shane said in her normal husky voice.

Ryan led Shane into the house and began the introductions. Shane handed the bottle of wine to Ryan.

You didnt have to bring anything, but Thank you.

Hi Shane, Taylor said as she smiled and offered her hand.

Hey Taylor, Hows it goin?

Around the corner came Ryans parents. Ryans mom was gorgeous. She had the same blue eyes, but blonde hair.

Hugging Shane tightly, Mrs.Sawyer said, Its nice to meet you Shane, weve heard a lot about you.

Its nice to meet you too, Mrs. Sawyer.

Call me, Stehpanie. Shane said Ok, but she had no intentions of calling her anything than Mrs. Sawyer. Not yet anyway.

Ryans dad came in from outside holding Laney. He was teasing her as any grandpa would do and she was loving it.
The first thing Shane noticed was that he had Ryans warm smile.

Hi Shane, Mr. Sawyer said as he held out his hand and holding on to Laney at the same time. Its nice to meet you.
Dont even think about calling me Mr. Sawyer. Call me John.

Ok.Nice to meet you, John. Shane said as she responded to his shake.

John then put Laney down and she started jumping and dancing around, doing what five year olds do best. She was trying to get the full attention of Shane.

Calm down, Laney, Dont jump on the couch. Ryan said as she was half laughing at her niece.

Laney moved next Shane and grabbed her hand, she began rapid firing questions. Hi Shane, have you seen the fish in the backyard? Have you seen the Max and Sam? Wanna go play with some of my Care Bears?

Uhno, I havent. Shane was puzzled and panicked. She didnt know what question to answer first. Ryan saved her and told Laney to go throw the ball for the dogs outside. Laney immediately took the order and ran outside to the dogs. She forgot all about Shane for the moment.

Shane set at the bar and watched Ryan and her Mom make dinner. She offered to help, but both told her no. John and Taylor were keeping Laney busy outside with the dogs and the fish.

So, Shane, Ryan tells me you work at a salon.

YeahI actually own half of it.

Really? Thats very impressive at such a young age.

I just got lucky. I was introduced to my partner by the friend of friend.

Where is your salon?

Its in West Hollywood.

Maybe I should let you do my hair while Im in town.

SureI would love too, Shane said grinning as Ryan was shaking her head no violently behind her Moms back.

At that time Emily and Caden came through the door with the ice they had been sent to get.
Shane got up out of her chair in anticipation to meet them. Shane couldnt believe how much Ryans twin brother was so strikingly like her. Even though they were twins, it was still weird.

Hi Shane, Im Caden, as he held out his firm hand. This is my wife Emily.

Hi Shane, its nice to have you here, Emily said as she shook Ryans hand. I hope our daughter isnt driving you crazy yet.
If she isnt, just give her time.

Dinner was ready and they all sat down to eat outside on the patio furniture.

Sit by me Shane, Laney said leading Shane to her chair. Shane took Laneys hand and followed.

It was a beautiful night and Ryans backyard ambience was perfect. Shane was thinking how nice it would be to eventually have Ryan out there by herself.

Easy, casual conversation flowed throughout the dinner with a couple of instances were Laney got in trouble for interupitng.
The Sawyers were kind and gracious. They involved Shane in every conversation. They made her feel so welcome. Not once did she feel uncomfortable.

What did you ask Santa for Shane, Laney asked. Shane glanced at Ryan and held her gaze and smiled.

A fish. I asked for a big fish, as Shane stretched her arms out. Ryan smiled at Shanes instinctive answer.

Cool! I wonder how Santa will get it to you? Laney said as she looked puzzled.

After dinner they all came inside. Before Laney went to bed they sat out milk and cookies for Santa. Laney went around kissed and hugged everyone goodnight.

Goodnight Shane, I love you. Laney said sweetly.

Goodnight, Laney Ill see you in the tomorrow. You have sweet dreams, ok, Shane said as she rubbed her nose to Laneys. Then Shane kissed her on the cheek and hugged her. And Laney hopped off to bed.

The loving display sent goosebumps up Ryans spine. It was so sweet and cute and it melted her heart.

They sat around and visited while drinking coffee and eating desert. They told Shane stories of Ryans childhood that embarrassed her. Shane loved getting insight on Ryan.

Shane had always wondered what it would be like to have a real family on Christmas. This was definitely it. She was having so much fun. And she loved feeling part of this family.

When Laney finally was asleep, her parents along with the help of everyone else, played Santa and set out the gifts. Ryan held up a small box and said, This one is for you. But you will have to wait till tomorrow just like everyone else.
Shane just gave Ryan a big smile.

She had already given Ryans parents, and her brother and his wife their coffee gift baskets and they were extremely grateful. She had one last gift to give and she wanted to do it in private.

It was getting late and everyone was tired from the time change. They knew it would be an early morning because Laney would want to see what Santa brought. Taylor made her exit first. She hugged and said her goodbyes to everyone. After she left, everyone made it to their respective bedrooms and turned in for the night. Ryan finally had Shane all alone to herself.

Ryan led Shane outside to the back. The candles, torches, and fire were still burning strong. Ryan grabbed the remote to the stereo and switched the CD player on. Once the song started, Ryan grabbed Shane and began to slow dance with her.

They danced to the lyrics.. Ive waited all my life to cross this line / to the only thing thats true / so I will not hide / Its time to try / anything to be with you.

Shane held Ryan close as they danced and nuzzled Ryans neck then she softly licked Ryans lips and pulled her into a slow, deep kiss. Without Ryan knowing, Shane slipped her hand into the pocket of her jacket and pulled out the necklace. She continued to kiss Ryan ever so softly and gently. Shane moved her hands up Ryans shoulders and around the back of Ryans neck where she clasped the necklace and caught Ryan off guard.

Oh..Shane its beautiful. As she looked at the silver heart pendant on a black silk cord.

Its my heart, and I want you to have it.

Oh..ShaneI..

Sshhhhhhh, dont talk. Shane whispered. She kissed her fingers and placed them on Ryans lips.

Merry Christmas. Then she parted Ryans lips with her tongue and pulled her into another slow kiss as they danced under the stars for the rest of the night.

And the song continued to play. All my life Ive waited, this is true.