***Ericson Place***
"Shawn what are you doing here?" Marie called out as he hopped out of his car. She was happy to see him but confused after the scene at Brian's house earlier.
"I need to talk you..."
"Listen I'm sorry I wanted to tell you when we were at Brian's but you slammed the door in my face. I'm sorry about what happened and I love you Shawn." a smiled slowly spread across his face.
"I still love you marie." he smiled wider wrapping his arms around her.
"I'm glad..." she mumbled burying her face in his chest as she wrapped her arms around his neck. "But what made you change your mind?" she asked softly.
"I talk to Brian. He told me it was better to be a fool in love than a Jerk with pride."
"I'm glad you listened..." she laughed. "So now you're a fool in love?"
"Yep and Brian was right. It's a better than being a Jerk with pride." he said kissing the top of her head.
"Good...I missed you so much."
"I missed you too. So just stick around this time and things will work out Miss." he teased.
"It's still kind of creepy that we could have ended up being related if things had been slightly different."
"But they weren't. So let's just be happy. Plus I was born after you were already gone. It's not like we knew each other as babies. And for all we know you'll end up back in the family anyway." he teased.
"You are a pain in the butt ya know?"
"Yeah but I'm still the cutest guy you know so it's alright."
"Says who?"
"Me!"
"Maybe I disagree."
"You better not." he said pulling away slightly to look into her eyes. The worried look he was giving her told her he was taking her seriously.
"Don't worry Shawn, you are the only one for me honey."
"But am I the cutest?" he asked pretending to pouting.
"You are the most gorgeous man I've ever seen honey. Just don't go and get a big head not because I told you that. I've thought it for a long time but didn't want your ego out of control."
"Really?" I'm happy to hear that. You also happen to be the most beautiful woman I've ever laid eyes on, so we're perfect for each other."
"Shawn did anyone ever tell you that you're an awful liar? So keep your day job sweetie."
"I'm not lying. I mean not only are you beautiful on the outside but on the inside as well. Trust me you are stunning baby."
"Well thank you..." she said kissing him lightly. "Why don't we go inside? You could stay for dinner if you'd like."
"I'm there....I love your mom's home cooking." he grinned as he rested his hand on the small of her back while they walked up to her house.
***The Littrell's Home***
"You are a weirdo!!" Devon laughed into the phone.
"So when are you coming over you geek?" Hazel asked trying to hide the smile in her voice.
"I don't know. You want to go out and grab some food before we start this endless project?"
"Ok how about I come over there and I'll grab something to eat on the way?" she suggested not wanting to waste a whole lot of time.
"What about me?" he whined.
"Oh my gosh....I was planning on getting you something too whiny." she teased laughing at him.
"Oh ok...Fine." he agreed.
"Good I'll be there in like twenty minutes ok?"
"Kay...love you Haze."
"Love you too pain in the ass."
"Whatever girl, just hurry up with the food alright?" he teased.
"Pushy aren't we now?" she laughed before hanging up the telephone leaving Devon smiling on the other end because he knew she'd do something like that. She always hung up before he had a chance to say anything back because she knew it annoyed him.
"Devon and Hazel sitting in a tree K-I-S-S-I-N-G. First comes love then comes marriage then comes the baby in the baby carriage!" Brad's voice cooed sarcastically.
"Shut up you little brat."
"You wouldn't even care if what I was saying weren't true!" he countered not having any idea how correct he was.
"Go away Brad." he said before shutting his door in his little brother's face.
"Devon loves Hazel!!!" he called out one last time before bounding up thee next set of steps to his own room. Devon laughed as he listened shaking his head as Brad retreated to his room.
***The Carters***
"What should I get for Savahanna?" Nick asked as he drove to the restaurant.
"Don't tell me that's all you're going to think about Nick." she said looking over at him and wondering if maybe the date had been a bad idea.
"I won't but I mean, I promised her..." he started.
"Nick she'll be happy with anything you get her but right now it's just you and me...can't we at least enjoy that?" she asked resting her hand on his thigh.
"You're right." he said firmly as he took her tiny hand into his own slowly bringing it up to his mouth to place a gentle kiss on the back of her hand. He turned his head away from the road quickly to look at her and whispered, "I love you Nikki."
"Good so we can enjoy out date." she said smiling.
"Yup.. then we're got the house all to ourselves..." he grinned as if just realizing what that actually meant.
"Yes we do..." she laughed. "And Nick..."
"Yeah baby?"
"I love you too." she smiled watching as he grinned a little bigger.
***Dorough Residence***
"Howie, are you at all worried about James pursuing a career in music?" Jessica asked resting her head on her husband's chest.
"No it'll be alright baby. Like I said before just let things flow. We don't even know that he'll hold a true interest in it." he said laughing easily knowing that his wife worried enough for the both of them.
"I know but..."
"But just stop worrying for a day. Nothing you can do to stop him. So I say we just get some sleep."
"I don't think I could right now...I'm worried."
"Aw c'mere baby. Let me give you a massage to help you relax a little." he said sitting up in there king sized bed. "Just sit up and lean your back against me." She did just as he said and he slowly massaged her shoulders to take away some tension.
"Mmm thank you babe. That feels so good."
"No problem honey." he said kissing the back of her neck lightly. Eventually the massage did finally put her to sleep and Howie just sat smiling at her; thanking the lord he didn't have a relationship like AJ and Andrea's. They both still loved each other but were getting a divorce...He didn't think he would ever in his entire life understand that. But who knows maybe things will change. He thought about it until he too fell asleep.
My Favorite Web sites
Home
Chapter 10
Challenging Love 3
Chapter 12