Kevin smiled as Laura chatted on and on. "So, anyway, we'll have this big dinner, then we open gifts." Laura was so excited to go home. "Laura, honey, I don't know who put a quarter in you this morning, but you sure are riled up," Kevin joked. "But seriously, it's good to see that you're feeling better, beautiful." She leaned over and kissed Kevin on the cheek as he rounded the corner to Laura's parents place. "I feel pretty good. I've even healed up pretty nice, because it didn't take hardly any makeup to cover up my war wounds," Laura laughed, trying to make light of a not-so-ideal situation. Kevin grinned as he turned and kissed her back as he pulled into the driveway.
"Kevin, we're all so glad you're here," Laura's brother Ben said as Laura's dad, Bob, took their coats. Laura smiled and winked at Kevin as she went to put their presents under the Christmas tree. Laura's mom, Julie, was coming out of the kitchen as she saw Laura by the tree. "MOM!" Laura yelled, as she hugged her mother. "Happy Birthday, Merry Christmas, and all that jazz," Laura said. Bob returned and also gave his daughter a hug. "Well, it's nice to see that you're still able to give your old man a hug, not like some members of this family," he said, as he shot Ben a look, then smiled. "Dad, now you know Ben isn't really a hugger, give him a break," Lisa said as she snuck up on them. Laura gave her twin a hug. "Hey sis, how you feeling?" Lisa asked, with a bit of concern in her voice. "I'm great Lisa," she said, looking then at Kevin and back to her sister, "I've never been better! Well now that we're done with our little greet, let's get to the meet! C'mon Kevin... let's go introduce you to the rest of the family." Kevin smiled as he followed Laura into the living room.
Laura introduced Kevin to the rest of her family. Some aunts and uncles, cousins, grandparents, Ben's wife Tina and their kids, and some close family friends. Kevin was overwhelmed by all the people there, and could see why Laura was so excited to come home. Her family reminded him of his own. Just then Julie came in the room and announced that dinner was ready. Everyone gathered around tables set up in the dining room and kitchen area and found seats. Kevin and Laura sat at the big table with her parents and Lisa.
Bob tapped his glass with his fork to get everyone's attention. "As you know, this year is a special year. It is the last year of the century and the millenium. Keep this in mind as Laura leads us in prayer."
"Thanks, Dad," Laura began. Kevin smiled as she began to speak. "As most of you know, I'm really not one to pray a real structured prayer, but I do feel I have much to be thankful for this year." Laura paused as she smiled at Kevin as he took her hand, and continued. "To say the least, 1999 was not a good year for me, as most of you know. Due to certain circumstances, I decided to move my life to Florida. It was so hard--getting settled, finding a new job, making new friends. My life was finally starting to take order again. Then something amazing happened. I met Howie Dorough, another member of the Backstreet Boys, and it really changed my life for the better. I took a job with them, and much to my surprise, it's become the best decision I've ever made in my life. Not only am I traveling the world doing what I so love to do, but I also met this wonderful man sitting next to me." Laura then looked at Kevin as she continued. "Kevin, you have been the most kind and loving man, and I feel so fortunate to have you in my life. I could never tell you how much I respect and love you, especially for being there for me this last week. I hope to share more experiences with you, because you know this is only the beginning for us. I love you, Kevin," she said, then kissed Kevin. A lot of ooohs, ahhhs and smiles came from all of Laura's family. "This year, I thank God for all of the wonderful things I have in my life--my family, my friends, my health, my job... and Kevin." Laura kissed Kevin again as everyone clapped. "Laura, well said! We all love you very much, and hope that your blessings continue into the new year," Bob said. "OK, let's dig in!" Everyone smiled and chatted as they started eating their meal.
All through dinner, all of Laura's family made Kevin feel right at home. They asked him about his own family, about what it was like to be a famous singer, about his life growing up in Kentucky, and about how he and Laura met. Kevin just beamed when he remembered the first time he saw Laura. Laura smiled at the thought too. Who would have known then that they would be so happy together now? It almost seemed like a dream. . .
It was a joyous afternoon for everyone. The biggest surprise of all was when Laura's brother Ben was surprised by his wife, Tina, when she told him that the baby she was carrying was going to be a boy! They already had 2 girls, and so everyone was very excited that the baby was going to be a boy. Bob and Julie were pleased that they were going to have a grandson, Lisa and Laura were excited that they were going to have a nephew, and even their girls were excited about a baby brother. It was deemed the best news of the century! Even Kevin couldn't help but get excited by the news. It was hard not to, because everyone in the room was contagious with joy. He kissed Laura as they helped gather all the wrapping paper and bows to throw away. Laura got up to take the wrappings out to the trash, then headed to the kitchen to help clean up.
Laura's nieces, Katie and Jessica, were playing near Kevin. Kevin has a niece and a new nephew of his own, so he was excited that there was some young children there. He so loves children and wants to have a couple of his own one day. Kevin got up off the couch and moved to the floor to play with the girls. They laughed and giggled as Kevin played with them on their level. He played with their dolls and other toys with them. He also played some counting games with them and colored with them. Kevin was having so much fun it was hard to tell if he was having more fun or if Katie and Jessica were!
Laura returned to the living room to see Kevin playing with her nieces. She smiled as she watched him interact with the children. He was so gentle, patient, and loving with them. Laura sighed as Kevin noticed her in the doorway. He smiled at her and winked, then turned back to the kids. Just then Julie came up in back of her daughter and saw Kevin playing with her grandchildren. "Looks like someone's gonna be a great daddy someday," she said with a small hint of hope in her voice. "Mom, stop, Kevin and I have only been together for about 5 months. I'm in no rush to settle down and have a family." Julie sighed and shrugged her shoulders. "Oh well, a Mom's gotta try," she said, then added, "You know, Laura, I mean it though... he's a keeper. I'd be proud to have Kevin as a member of this family. Just something to keep in mind if he ever pops the question." Laura's mother giggled as she smiled and turned back to the kitchen. Mom, you're too much sometimes, Laura thought as she started to watch Kevin again. She sat down on the couch near where Kevin and the girls were on the floor. Kevin turned to Katie and Jessica and said, "Well, your Aunt Laura is back. I'm gonna go sit with her a while, ok?" The girls nodded and continued to play and Kevin got up, sat down next to Laura and put his arm around her. "Hello beautiful," he said as he kissed her cheek. "Hello, love. I see that my nieces have taken a liking to you," Laura said as she rested her head on his shoulder. "What can I say?" he joked, "I have a way with women!" Laura winked and said, "Well, I know you have a way with me, that's for sure!" and kissed him. Laura laid her head back on Kevin's strong shoulder and fell asleep.
Laura awoke to find that Kevin had fallen asleep too, and they were covered up with a blanket. Most of the family had gone home already, since they had been asleep for over 3 hours! She looked at Kevin. He looked so peaceful as he slept. Laura reached up to stroke his face, and he awoke with her touch. "Now this is a site I love to wake up to," Kevin said as he kissed Laura. "Hello beautiful." Laura smiled at him. "Hey handsome. I see you were tired too!" He pulled her closer to him as he hugged her. "Yeah. I tried to stay awake but I guess I couldn't fight it anymore. Your brother put a movie in the VCR and that was it... I was out cold!"
Just then Ben walked in the room. "Well it's about time you sleeping beauties wake up!" he joked. Laura sarcastically laughed and play-slapped her brother. "Tina and I are leaving now. It was good to see you Laura," he said, hugging his sister. Ben then shook Kevin's hand. "It was great to meet you too, Kevin. Well time to go load up the car with presents and people," he laughed. Kevin offered to go help Ben pack up and get the girls in the car. He kissed Laura then followed Ben out of the room. Just as they left, Tina walked in.
"Laura, Kevin's so awesome, he really is. I can see he really loves you," Tina said about Kevin. "Yeah, I can feel that he does. If he loves me even half as much as I love him, then I'm the luckiest woman in the world," Laura replied. Tina hugged her sister-in-law and said, "I just want you to be happy, and something is telling me that he's the one that you've been looking for. Only good things will happen for you from now on, I can feel it." Laura smiled and kissed and hugged Tina goodbye as she headed out to the car. Laura smiled to herself and closed her eyes as she thought about what Tina had said. Tina's right, he's the one... the one I've dreamed of for so long. I know he's the one for me... Laura's thoughts were interrupted by a soft kiss on her cheek. "Hey beautiful, don't fall asleep on me again!" Kevin said, as he took Laura's hand. "We should get going if we are going to make it to Milwaukee at a decent time," he added, pulling Laura to her feet. She fell into his arms and hugged him tightly. "Yes, love, we should go," she agreed as they got their things together and packed up the car.
Laura hugged her Dad and Mom. "Thanks for everything, you guys, it was great! I love you." "We love you too sweetie," Julie said, "and we hope to see more of you, Kevin." Kevin smiled as Julie hugged him and Bob shook his hand. "Yeah, you keep an eye on our daughter," Bob added, "and keep her out of trouble!" he said with a wink. "Oh Dad, come on!" Laura whined as they all laughed. They all said their goodbyes as Laura and Kevin head out to the car, got in and drove off.
"Well, my love, you were a hit!" Laura said as they made their way to the highway. "This was the best Christmas yet, because you were there to share it with me." Kevin smiled as he turned on the radio. "It was special for me too, beautiful. I can't tell you how much I loved meeting your family. Now I feel like we're 'official,' you know what I mean?" he asked. Laura chuckled as she answered, "That's funny, that's kind of how I felt after meeting your family, and--" Laura stopped as she listened to the radio. From This Moment started playing. Laura and Kevin both smiled at each other as they sang with the radio, holding each other's hand. Indeed this was a Christmas they would never forget . . .
Take me to the first page, puh-leeze!
Am I crazy? Tell me I need a shrink . . .
