The train was cold, and Jenny could see her breath in the space in front of her. She had to constantly question why she'd wanted to desperately to go to school at Yale. Sure, she had been thrilled that she was smart enough and had high enough grades to attend- Reid's good word had helped greatly too, but Jenny couldn't help but wish that she'd chosen to attend a school closer to New York. Catching a train to Union Station, and then riding the Subway to catch a taxi to go to visit someone for Christmas....it was a pain.
Her suitcase was stashed securely at her feet, and Jenny felt her hand raise to play with the necklace that always hung around her neck. Bailee Malone, her boyfriend, had given it to her two years ago for Christmas, and Jenny rarely took it off. The silver rose pendant was so pretty and simple. Jenny felt that is suited a Library Science major. A soft smile stole to her lips, as she anticipated spending Christmas with Bailee's family.
The subway lurched to a stop, and Jenny stood with her suitcase, and fought her way off the thing. Walking to the surface, she hailed a cab, and told him her address. She hadn't seen Bailee in four months. This was their second year of college, and they were getting used to the separation. They'd discovered that it made their moments together that much more sweet. The taxi pulled up in front of the little bungalow, and Jenny paid her fare before grabbing her belongings and heading to the door.
Nerves took her when she reached the door, but she knocked anyway. Over the past seven years, Jenny had come to know Bailee's family well. The door swung open, revealing Reuben. The boy grinned.
"Hey, Jen. You're lookin' good."
She smiled at Bailee's adoptive brother, and slid past him through the door. Her eager eyes searched for Bailee, but she didn't see him. His father, David, walked out of the kitchen and she didn't bother to hide the disappointment in her eyes.
"Hey, Jennifer! Bailee went to grab some last minute things for supper, but he'll be home soon. Roo, take Jenny's suitcase down to Bailee's room. We set up a cot down there for you." Jenny smiled at David, and he hugged her. "Welcome home, gorgeous." he whispered to her.
The truth of his words caused Jenny to smile. He was right- she was more home here than she ever had been. She shed her coat and hung it up, sitting on the couch to wait for Bailee. She was entertained by Reuben, who insisted on sharing details of his life while 'practicing getting his flirt on'. Jenny was treated as a patient and wise older sister, which she supposed she was. She'd been chatting with Reuben for nearly half an hour when the door opened.
"Hey, Dad. Sorry I'm late, the lines were-"
Bailee was cut off, for Jenny had bolted from the couch and flung herself at him. She had really, really, missed him. His free arm went around her, immediatly speaking soft words into her ear. Reuben wisely took the bag from his brother's other arm, taking it to the kitchen where their two fathers were busy cooking. Jenny and Bailee stayed as they were for some time. Mostly they didn't say anything, possessing a relationship that transcended words. After a bit, Jenny wandered into the kitchen to offer her help, and Bailee played cards with Reuben.
Dinner was a fun and rambunctious affair as it always was in this household. Jenny loved it, and was the center of most of the mischief. She was relaxed here, and let out her talkative and playful streak that until now was mostly only witnessed by Bailee. Bailee spent much of his time refereeing between Jenny and Reuben. The two were very good at bouncing ideas off of each other. He couldn't say that he minded all that much.
Later that night, after everyone was tucked into bed, Bailee kissed Jenny's forehead which jolted her into wakefulness.
"Take a walk with me, Jenny?"
Of course Jenny agreed, and soon the two found each other walking hand in hand.
"It was nice to see you comfortable with my family." Bailee finally commented.
"I love your family. They're so vibrant and friendly." She didn't mention that she could see herself as a permanent part of the family dynamics. She'd always known that she wanted to marry Bailee someday, and she was sure he knew that as well.
"Jenny..." Bailee paused, stopping and turning Jenny to face him, drawing her into his arms. It had begun to snow in the course of their walk, and Jenny was cold. She blew on her free hand to warm it. Bailee frowned at the cold appendage, and took it between his own hands, warming it.
"I love you. And I-I want to make a statement that shows just how much I do love you." He cleared his throat. "I think we've always known where we would end up, but I....I want everyone else to know too."
Bailee took her left hand- which he already held, and slipped a ring on it.
"Will you marry me?"
Jenny's only answer was a kiss that took Bailee's breath away.
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