A Year Later

After a year in England I'm finally coming home to St. Louis. This has been the best and longest year of my life. My teaching job was amazing, the students were such a joy and my colleagues gave me advice and helped me out when I needed it. I'm sad to be leaving the school, but I got offered a job at my old elementary school teaching first grade and I couldn't pass it up.

Over the past year I've seen Evan, Randy and John on five separate occasions. Evan visited me over Thanksgiving, Christmas through New Years, Valentine's Day, my birthday and another time out of random. Randy and John also visited over Thanksgiving, Christmas through New Years and my birthday. Then they came to visit on Randy's birthday and then they came to visit when Randy and John announced their engagement to me. I've spent so much time texting and emailing them the past year, it's more then I've ever texted or emailed in my life! And they sent me so many postcards from different places that had to make a scrapbook to keep them all together! I'm not complaining though, I've missed them just as much as they've missed me.

I ran through the airport gate and over to a grinning Randy and John. I dropped my bag and threw myself into my brother's arms.

"Damn it's so good to see you," he said, squeezing me tightly "I've missed you so much Ava."

"I've missed you too Ran" I told him, squeezing him back.

When we pulled apart John pulled me into a bear hug and said dramatically "I'm so glad your home! Randy can't cook and our apartment looks so dreadful!"

"He's lying," Randy told me "The apartment is clean and I can cook... it's called take out."

I laughed and said "I guess that's John's way of telling me he missed me."

"Yeah it is," John told me "I figured I'd save the sappy stuff for Randy and Evan."

I pulled away from John and asked "Where is Evan anyways? I thought he'd be here."

"Good question," said John "He said he'd meet us here."

"Think he's okay?"

"I'm sure of it," said Randy "Lets go get your bags."

After getting my bags we made our way out to the car. Evan was standing next to it, grinning happily. I dropped my bags and ran to him, jumping into his arms. He pulled me into a passionate kiss, holding me close. When we pulled apart he said "Sorry I'm late, but I had trouble getting your gift. The store was so busy."

"Evan I didn't need a gift," I told him "I just needed you."

"I know, but this is an important gift."

"What is it?"

He pulled away from me and got down on one knee. "Avary Orton I love you," he told me "You make everyday worth living and you make so happy, I can't imagine letting you go away again. I can't lie without you. Will you marry me?"

He pulled out a velvet blue box and opened it to reveal a silver sapphire and opal ring. Tears sprang to my eyes and I covered my mouth with my hands. He stood up and grabbed my left hand. "Avary marry me," he said "I promise to make you so happy and love you forever."

"Yes," I sobbed "Oh Evan of course I'll marry you!"

He grinned and put my engagement ring on my finger, kissing me passionately.

I could hear John and Randy cheering behind us.

When we pulled apart he whispered "Lets go home."

"Sounds good to me," I whispered back, grabbing his hand and squeezing it gently.

Putting my bags in the trunk we got in the car and made our way, another new chapter of my life starting, but this time I'd be home and with Evan, Randy and John.

I can't wait to see what happens next!

And so ends the fic!

And yes there is a The Future chapter which is being posted immediately after this.

Hoped you enjoyed the fic and their future!

Look out for my new fics which will be posted soon :)

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