Chapter 38

"Okay, the food is ready. So let's gather around and pray," Ann said.

Everyone stood up while Ann shut the t.v. off. We formed a circle and held one anothers hand. We closed our eyes and put our head sown. Then Ann began the prayer.

"Amen," we said as she finished.

"I'd like to say something," I said.

"Go ahead sweetie," Ann said.

"I'd just like to that I'm thankful for your friendships and for being my family," I said.

"I'm thankful for you coming back into my life," Kevin said.

Then we went around the circle, each person saying what they were thankful for. Then it was Brian's turn.

"I'm thankful for my family, for God protecting me when I was sick and most of all for you Ashley. We've been through some good times and bad times together and yet here wer are still together. Ashley, I'd love for us to always be together," Brian said as he got down on one knee.

He pulled out the ring andheld it in front of her.

"Ashley. I love you with all my heart and sould. Will you marry me?" he asked.

Ashley was in tears. She was crying as soon as he got down on one knee.

"Yes," she choked out.

He smiled and then he stood up. She was shaking as he placed the ring on her finger. We were all cheering and clapping. Then he hugged her as she began to kiss him. Once they were through we went up to them and congratulated them.

I hugged Ashley while she was still shaking.

"Congratulations," I said as I began to cry. "I'm so happy for you two!"

"Thank you," she said.

"Let me see that ring," I said as I let go of her.

She reached out her hand. I looked at the ring and admired it. It was so gorgeous.

"It's so beautiful," I said.

"Isn't it though," she said as she wiped her tears away.

After eveyone had congratulated Brian and Ashley, they went into the kitchen. Brian and Kevin came over to me and Ashley. I gave Brian big hug.

"Congratulations," I said.

"Thank you," he said.

"Come on, let's eat," Kevin said.

"We'll be there soon," Brian said.

"Okay," I said.

I took Kevin's hand and walked into the kitchen. They had two tables set up next to each other so everyone could sit together. They they had another little table set up for the kids. The kids were alreayd sittign down and eating. Kevin and I grabbed ourselves plates and stood in line. Everyone got their food and sat down. The only thing left was the turey. It was sitting ont he tbale waiting to be carved. We al sat down and Brian and Ashley still hadn't joined us yet.

"I'll go get them,' I said.

I got upa nd peeked my head into the living room.

"We're ready to carve the turkey," I said.

"We're coming," Brian said as he got up off of the couch.

We walked back into the kitchen. I sat down next to Kevin with two empty seats on the other side of me. Ashley and Brian got their food and then they sat down. Ashley sat next to me with Brian on the other side of her.

"Okay Jerald, go ahead and carve the turkey," Ann said.

He stood up and carved it perfectly. Then he gave a piece to everyone. All of us beang eating as soon as we got turkey. Eveyone enjoyed their meal. We all sat there talking and laughing. We enjoyed one anothers company. We sat there as long as we could.

"Okay, we better start cleaning up now if you guys plan on making it to your concert on time," Ann said.

Kevin looked at the clock.

"I guess you're right Mom," he said.

We all began to get up. The kids ran outside to play. The girls put the food away, while the guys lceared the table. With everyone helping things were picked up quickly. Then it was time for us to leave. We told everyone good bye and left. Tim and Jerald were going to the concert with Ann, Jackie, Haorld and their families, but a little later.

We all sat in the vans happy. Brian and Ashley were beaming with happiness. Lauren and Howie were enjoying their time together. While Kevin held me tighet and we enjoyed the peacefulness.

We pulled up to the arena. The bodyguards quickly got us in. Then the guys went off to do their sound check. All five of us girls sat in the arena. We were all checking out Ashley's ring. We were having a great time, considering it wa the first time we all had been together. It felt like I had four sisters. Then the guys came up to us.

"I can see you guys are having fun," A.J. said.

"Oh yeah," Stacey said while laughing.

"Well it's time to go itno the dressing room," Kevin said.

"Okay," we said.

We all got up and headed to the dressing room. We walked in and sat down. Kevin sat on the couch and I sat on his lap. Brian and Ashley sat on the other end of the couch. Each couple was having their own conversation.

"Tomorrow's my last day with you," Tina said sadly.

"Yeah, I know. but we'll make it a special day," Nick said.

"Any day with you is special. We could sit around and do nothing and I'd be happy," Tina said.

"I love you," Nick said as he leaned in to kiss Tina.

"I love you too," Tina said as she kissed Nick.

"I've missed you so much," Stacey said.

"I've missed you too. The road's so lonely without you," A.J. said.

"Yeah, talking on the phone is no where near as good as being with you," Stacey said.

"Well I was thinking. Since you're almost down with school you can come live iwth me in Orlando," A.J. suggested.

"Really?" Stacey asked happily.

"Yeah, I'd love for you to live with me. Plus, there's plenty of jobs for you in Orlando," A.J. said. "Please?"

"Yes, after school," Stacey said happily, then she began to kiss A.J..

"So did you enjoy Thanksgiving?" Howie asked.

"Yep. I got to spend it with you and my two best friends," Lauren said.

"I'm glad you enjoyed it. I've missed you so much lately. Especially now that the holidays are coming up," Howie said.

"I know. Things are just so hectic," Lauren said.

"I want you to spend Christmas with me. Will you?" Howie asked.

"Yeah, but what about your family," Lauren said.

"Well I'll take you with me of course. I want you to meet my parents, brother, and my sister. They'll really like you," he said.

"Are you sure they won't mind me coming?" she asked.

"No, not at all. I've alread talkig to my parents and they're dying to meet you," Howie said.

"Okay then. It looks like I'll be spending Christmas with you and your family," Lauren said excitedly as she hugged Howie.

"So you like your ring?" Brian questioned.

"Like it? I love it! It's so beautiful!" Ashley said happily.

"Just like my fiancee," Brian said.

"Thank you," she said. "But are you sure you want to do this?"

"Definitely. I've never been more sure of anything in my life," Brian said.

"Good because I can't wait to be your wife," Ashley said.

"How about we start practicing our kiss for when we get married?" Brian suggested.

"Oh, tha'ts a good idea Mr. Littrell," Ashley said as he wrapped her arms around Brian and began to kiss him.

"So how'd it go?" Kevin asked.

"Good. I feel so much better now. I finally feel like I said good bye to him," I said.

"That' s good. Did you enjoy Thanksgiving?" Kevin asked.

"Yes, this is the best Thanksgiving I've had in a long time. I finally got to be with my family," I said.

"Speaking of family, are you going to see your mom tomorrow?" Kevin asked.

"Oh. . .well. . .I haven't decided yet. I'll think about it later," I said as I rested my head on Kevin's shoulder.

He bent down and kissed the top of my head. I sat there looking around the room. Everyone had someone to love.