Hey, here's the next chapter. Don't worry about last chapter. The story will work its self out. Anyways, read and review please.
Beth slowly got out to gather her clothes. Steph and Reid had left minutes before. Tyler had been lying beside her silently, one hand stroking her hair and the other behind his head. He hadn't said anything since they had stopped to rest and was now looking up. Beth finished collecting their things, handed Tyler his and sat beside him to pull her own on. She felt him rubbing circles on her back as she pulled her jeans up to her thighs. She got up and pulled them the rest of the way on. She quickly snapped her bra and threw her shirt over head. She leaned in, kissed Tyler on the cheek, sighed when she got no response, and then walked swiftly out of the room. She felt empty now. She knew things had been screwed up. She wondered how Reid would take the news that he had done his best friend's pregnant girlfriend. She didn't think it would go over well. She walked down the stairs and passed the room her friends (including previously mentioned blonde) and family sat. Her sisters looked up as she passed the door. They all ran out to her as she continued down the stairs. They caught up with her halfway down the staircase.
"Beffy," Haley said. Beth knew it was her because she has all her teeth. "What's wrong?"
She considered it. She didn't know what was wrong. But she could guess. She felt bad because she had done something so intimate and it hadn't been with Tyler. Also, she was worried about telling her parents. "Nothing, I just kinda wanna talk to Shane." She didn't know why she had said him, but it just seemed right. They fought all the time, but he was a good friend. She knew Steph couldn't keep quiet.
"We could go get him," volunteered her oldest sister Tiffany.
"Would you," asked Beth. When they all nodded, she said "Thanks. Tell him I'm in the kitchen."
"Ok, I'll race you guys," cried Maddie. They all shot up the stairs and Beth continued to the kitchen. She got there and immediately went to the fridge. She dug around and pulled out a chocolate pudding cup. She licked the top as she grabbed as spoon. She had already finished it by the time Shane made his way into the room.
"What's up," he asked, grabbing a banana off the counter.
"We're friends right?"
The question caught him off guard, but he answered "Well yeah. I thought we were… even though you are in love with me. You really need to let it go sweetie." She smiled and looked at her empty cup.
"So if I told you something as a friend, in confidence, you'd keep it quiet?" He just stared at her. She seemed really nervous, tense.
"Beth, are you alright." He had a thought. "Is that Tyler guy hitting you? I haven't liked him since I saw him."
"Shane, you just saw him like two hours ago. And no, Tyler's great. Perfect." She looked up at him. "Would you stay quiet?"
"Yeah, unless it's something life threatening. It's not is it," he asked suddenly worried.
"No, it's more life changing." She took a deep breath and then just said it. "Shane, I'm pregnant." She watched his face and, had it not been so serious, she would have laughed. His face changed emotions so fast, she thought of a cartoon. Shock, stupidity, anger, more shock, possibly jealousy? He eventually settled on dumb struck.
"Are you serious?"
"Yeah, I am," she said, now looking at the floor.
"Well why tell me, I'm not even in the family."
"That's why I picked you. If you were, then you'd be even more ashamed. I couldn't take that from the first person I told. Besides, you're as close to family as you can be without blood lines, so it's only one step up to relatives. You've been in every family photo of ours since you were three."
"I'm the only one who knows?" He was astonished she'd picked him over Steph, but he knew her to be a real gossiper.
"There's the doctor and Tyler, but he found out at the same time I did."
"So, he's the dad?"
"Yeah, and I feel like such a hoe because of it." Shane cocked an eyebrow. "I've only know him a couple of months."
"Don't be like that. You seem like you really like him."
"I don't… I love him. And he says he loves me, and I hate to make him sound so bad, but I am so scared he's gonna leave me." "If he does, it just goes to show that he's not the brightest skittle in the bag." She laughed.
"Thanks, that means a lot," she began, but at that moment, she covered her mouth and shot at the sink, where she emptied her stomach. She heard Shane as he came around the counter, pulling her hair out of her face. He ran his hands up and down her spine as she clung to the sink.
"That's it, get it all out. Just let it come up. Get it done and over," he said. It was then, as she continued vomiting in the sink that she was glad she had told him.
*************
Tyler sat staring at the ceiling in Beth's room. She had left about five minutes ago. He barely acknowledged her presence as she left, wrapped up in his own world. She had kissed him on the cheek but he didn't even move. She sighed and shut the door. He now lay on the covers, wearing his boxers and jeans, watching nothing. He was disgusted with himself. How could he have done that to her. He had basically pawned Beth off to Reid for sex with Stephani. He felt odd. He hadn't noticed until Beth came along, but he used to feel nothing after sex with the campus girls. He'd let them down gently, see them around, and that was it. After just being in the same room with Beth for five minutes, he felt almost warm. He now noticed the empty feeling again. He had taken Steph… twice, while Beth was right beside him with his best friend. He hadn't done anything but give Reid a tip on how to make her cum harder. He wanted to go throw up. He had to make it up to her. He just didn't know how. He had really messed up this time. He got up and went to her balcony. He hadn't looked out there yet, so he went and sat half naked, for all to see as he tired to pull his hair out. Then it hit him like a ton of bricks. It might not make everything better, but it wouldn't hurt to do it anyways. He quickly got up and ran back inside. He had work to do.
*************
Beth was white as she finished, Shane supporting most of her weight. He helped her up the stairs, hoping to make it past the TV room where her friends were, but no such luck.
"MATTY," one of the twins screamed. "MATTY, SHANE KILLED BETH. HE KILLED HER, LOOK!" They had all turned and were standing up in shock, just staring.
"Ummm…" he said, as Beth slipped a few inches. "I don't wanna be rude, but she's kinda heavy, so if you could you know, help?" Pogue was there first, taking her in his arms with a small grunt. She wasn't heavy to him, but Shane was smaller than the sons and Beth. Reid and Caleb rushed up after him.
"Shane, what the hell happened," screamed Steph.
"Nothing, she just threw up, a lot, and she wanted me to take her to her room." He noticed that Tiffany and the twins were crying, so he went to them.
"You killed her," stated Tiffany with a sniffle.
"No, she just got sick, and wanted me to carry her. I promise she'll be ok."
"You sure you didn't kill her," she asked.
"I'm positive." With that Steph went to the stairs, and the others followed after her. They climbed up to the fifth floor, and all felt bad for Pogue as they stood there panting.
"Down, there," said Matt. He pointed to her bright door. It was open and as they came inside, they saw all of the guys hovering. It was kind of comical the way Caleb's hands were fluttering over her, trying to push her down, as she tried to sit up. She was pale, but ok otherwise.
"Caleb, if you don't let me up, I'm going to pop you in the nose. Now move," she commanded, pushing his hand away. He stepped back and as soon as she stood, she was knocked down as her sisters, Kate, Steph, and Sarah jumped her. They were all hugging her about to cry. "I'm fine; I just threw up is all. Don't worry about me." They all climbed down and Steph put her hands on her hips.
"Beth, that is the second time in three days that you've blew chunks that hard. What's wrong with you?" They all stared at her, and she blushed and looked over at Tyler. He shrugged and she knew it was ok to tell. She patted the bed beside her, and he came over and held her hand rubbing circles on her palm. He looked at her and shook his head. She was confused, but as he took a deep breath, she knew he was fixing to tell everyone. She felt like a coward. She had only told one person, and he was fixing to tell ten people that she was going to have a baby.
"Guys, Beth is pregnant." There was about two seconds of silence as this sank in, and then several things happened. Beth's sisters started jumping up and down in excitement, not knowing what this really meant. Steph, Kate, and Sarah were looking at each other in shock, not comprehending his words. Reid was trying to hide a smirk, while Pogue and Caleb just stared at him with confusion on their faces. Only two people seemed to have had a reaction that wasn't standing there. Shane, because he already knew, and Matt, his face red with anger. Shane tried to grab him, but missed, and Matt hit Tyler's nose, making a sickening crunch. This made all the girls start screaming. Matt hit him again, this time on the cheek, before Shane could get a hold on his shoulder, and Reid jumped in the way. Tyler just sat there as blood came out of his nose and his cheek swelled. Kate and Sarah had regained the ability to move, and were now comforting the girls still crying at the sight of the blood.
"MATT, STOP IT," yelled Beth as he continued to struggle against Reid and Shane. He didn't listen, still trying to get to the boy on the bed. "Would you guys help me," she said as she pushed his chest. Reid grabbed him under one arm, Shane on the other, and they lifted him and took him out into the hallway. He was kicking, trying to get free, while screaming at the top of his lungs.
"I WANT THAT MOTHER FUCKER OUTTA HERE. I WANT HIM GONE. DUMB ASS RICH BOY THINKS HE CAN JUST COME IN OUT HOUSE AFTER WHAT HE DID. GET HIM OUT!"
"Where do you want him," asked Shane.
"As far up the stairs as you can get him," she said. They struggled up the steps, finally getting to the next floor. "Thanks Shane, I think Reid's got it now he's not being dragged. Shane turned gratefully and ran down the stairs. Matt tried to break his grip, and Beth tackled him. He landed with a soft thud while Reid, unprepared, crashed. He hadn't had time to let go. Beth was sitting on Matt, her knees in his stomach and hands on his shoulders. "Matt, stop screaming, you're scaring the girls." He quieted. "Now, stop moving, trying to throw me off, or I'm gonna hit you like you hit Tyler. Why'd you do that?" "Forgive me for not liking the guy who knocked up my sister." He spit the words at him.
"It wasn't just him, because in case you didn't know, I'm the one who's pregnant, not him, and it was actually my fault."
"What the fuck is that supposed to mean," he asked her.
"It means I was to damn happy to let him fuck me stupid, we didn't remember a condom."
"Ok, this is awkward for me. I don't really like hearing about Baby Boy's sex life. Can I go," asked Reid.
"I'm finished talking about it. Please stay; I might need you to kick his stubborn ass. Now, Matt, you have got to calm down. Please," she asked, using her sad face.
"Dammit, I always hated that look," he said quietly. "So, what are you gonna do?"
"First, we're gonna tell mom and dad tomorrow. Then, we're gonna go back to Ipswich on Sunday, and I'm going to the doctor Monday."
"I meant are you keeping it, adoption, or what."
"I wanna keep it, whether Tyler does or not. I wouldn't give a kid up," she said bitterly.
"Well, you know mom and dad are gonna freak. Dad will probably try and shoot him." He said. He pushed her off himself and helped her up. "I guess you want me to go apologize now."
"I'd appreciate it." They started down the stairs but Reid grabbed Matt's arm "Don't hit him again, or he will beat your ass. He let you get those shots in. Don't forget that," he said. They continued down and when they reached her bedroom, Tyler had a cloth over his nose. Steph, Kate, and Sarah were all holding a little girl. They were no longer crying, but the twins turned their heads into their holders' shoulders when Matt walked in. He looked down in shame. He hadn't meant to lose his temper but, it pissed him off to think of that guy coming in all nice and innocent when he had been nailing his big sister. He walked over to Tyler, who stood up to his full height. He was about seven inches taller than him. He removed the rag and crossed his arms. Even with dried blood on his face, he still looked pretty scary. Matt cleared his throat. "Hey man, I'm sorry about the whole, you know, face thing," he said. Beth rolled her eyes. That was such a guy apology. He held his hand out, and Tyler shook it in truce.
"Well, now that everybody knows, you can't tell mom and daddy about it. I'm gonna tell them." Tyler shook his head. "We're gonna tell them," he said. Suddenly, he heard Reid's voice in his head singing 'Way to go, you man hoe, knocked her up from down on the flo (floor)'. He thought back to him 'shut the fuck up man. You went at it with a pregnant chick. It was my fault, but you still did.' Reid flinched back as he realized it was true. 'That is sick man. I wish I hadn't of stopped Matt, cuz now I'm gonna have to finish what he started.''Oh, ahh, I'm soooo scared. I know it's sick, you really think I haven't thought about that. Don't tell me what I did was wrong. I know it was.' Tyler was now glaring at Reid. Reid knew better than to piss him off. He may usually be the shy, quiet, nice one, but if he was really mad, Tyler was dangerous. He remembered the day in the library. If Beth hadn't have said something to him, it probably would have taken the other three sons to pull him off. 'Do you wanna talk to Beth?' He was trying to get out of there. Tyler shook his head yes.
"Alright you guys. I think the lovely couple needs some time alone to talk things over." No one moved. "Are y'all deaf? Get outta here, go downstairs," he said, ushering the girls. They all looked back at Beth before turning down the hall. Reid nodded at her and then smirked at Tyler. She flushed bright red. Pogue waved to her but Caleb stayed.
"Beth, if you need anything, call us." He looked menacingly at Tyler. "We'll take care of it for you."
She giggled at the 'dude-how-could-you-I've-known-you-longer look on Tyler's face. "Thanks Caleb, I will. I promise." He swept out of the room after Pogue. Reid stayed at the door and gave an exaggerated sigh. "My little boy is becoming a man," he said and wiped a fake tear. Tyler's eyes went black and a pillow shot at his head as he shouted "Get outta here." Once the door slammed and he heard Reid thundering down the stairs, he turned to Beth. "I'm sorry that had to happen that way." He took her hand and she turned to face him fully.
"Tyler, don't be. It was gonna happen sooner or later. I'm just glad they know now. I felt so bad lying to them."
"So, about earlier, with Reid I mean. I shouldn't have let him do that. It was really fucked up of me."
She looked him straight in the eye. "I wasn't exactly saying no either. I saw you and Steph and just watched."
"And I'm the one who started it. I went to her. I should of thrown his ass out as soon as he came in."
"Well, it's done with, he knows, and we both feel bad enough about it. Let's not make it worse." He leaned in and kissed her on the top of her head, then moved over to lock the door.
"Where are we going," she asked as he pulled her up. He led her to the balcony. The curtains were closed, which she never did. "What's going," she started, but Tyler pulled her shirt up over her head. He had her pants halfway down before she could react. "Tyler, what are you doing? Are you seriously trying this right now? Stop it," she commanded as he unhooked her bra. He kissed her on the shoulder.
"Don't you trust me," he whispered in her ear. She shuddered and stilled as he slowly slid her panties down her legs. He gently ran his hands up to her waist. He pulled from his pocket a length of black material. He tied it over her eyes.
"Tyler, I don't like this," she complained. And then so suddenly she didn't really know what had happened, she was in his arms bridal style. He carried her to the door and opened it. She instantly blushed at being outside naked, even though they had no neighbors, huge hedges on all sides, and it was dark out. She then smelt something that smelled like sugar, vanilla, and roses. She clung tighter to his neck and he laughed. He took a few steps forward, and then bent down. She squealed as she sank into hot water. She slowly let go and sank to the bottom of a tub. She felt that the top of the water was completely covered with bubbles, so she wasn't so worried about being seen now.
"Can I take the blind fold off yet," she asked impatiently.
"Can I have a minute to work my charm," he asked with a chuckle. She sighed and crossed her arms, but made no move to remove her blindness. She heard him moving around. There was suddenly soft music playing close by. Then, his hands were in her hair. She felt the cloth being loosened, and then it was gone. She gasped. She was sitting in her bathtub, covered in bubbles, on her balcony, which was bathed in candle light coming from all around her. There was a small radio which was emitting the music. There was a table she was pretty sure came from her garden baring three bowls of strawberries, melted chocolate, and whipped cream, with a small silver fork. There were also two crystal champagne glasses with see through gold, bubbly liquid. He was beside her and watched as she took everything in. She smiled and he saw her eyes glistening. "Tyler, this is without a doubt the sweetest thing ever," she said as he sat down behind her. He felt her shiver as his hands entered the water and started massaging her shoulders. She leaned back into his touch and let her head hand over the edge of the tub. "Tyler," she said, more as a question than anything else. "How did you do all of this? I know you're not strong enough to move a tub full of water out here, and I didn't see you go outside to get the table. Not to mention, the last time I checked, we most definitely did not have this many candles." She turned to face him, and saw he was blushing slightly.
"Well, I may have used a little bit to get the stuff up here. And I duplicated a couple of the candles." He was looking down now.
"Tyler," she cried. He had told her what happened if someone used to much. "This is totally sweet, but you could have kept the tub in my bathroom, used a box or something for a table, and I don't need all of these candles. I don't want you using because of me."
He sighed. "Beth, I told you. It doesn't truly affect us until we ascend. Don't worry about it." He placed a kiss on top of her head as he moved to her side with the table. He poked a strawberry with the fork, then dipped it in chocolate and whipped cream. He offered it to her, but she was looking down again. "Beth, are you really going to refuse this innocent, delicious, juicy little strawberry because of something I did."
"It is not innocent. You probably had to use to get that stuff too," she said, but she took it anyway. She smiled as she bit into it. He knew her weaknesses too well. She looked at her tub. It was larger than most, and she still had plenty of room. She got an idea. "Tyler, can I see your phone and wallet? I put a number in there I was wanting to call." He dug around in his pocket, confused, but handed them to her. She set them on the opposite side of her. He stood up and started "What was the point," but was silenced as she pulled him in on top of her with a splash. He sat up and looked at her innocent face. "You really should be more careful, you could've hit your head."
"You could have just asked if I wanted to get in. I would have said yes."
"Well, I like surprises," she said as she peeled his wet shirt off of his body. Her breath caught at the sight of him glistening in the candle light. She was staring as she dropped the shirt behind them. He laughed.
"Is everything ok," he asked and she shook herself back to reality.
"What?"
"I asked if everything is ok," he said. "But, judging from the brain dead state you're in right now, I'd say no." He moved as if to get out, but she wrapped her arms around his shoulders and her legs around his middle and growled at him.
"I am not brain dead. I've just never seen you quite like this, and quite frankly, it's kind of a major turn on." He eased back into the water. She ran her hands over his chest, feeling every inch of him. He closed his eyes and leaned into her touch. She made her way to his jeans and after a couple of minutes, she finally managed get them off, no help from him.
"Are you anxious to get me naked," he asked as he watched her throw them a few feet away.
"Maybe," she said. She started to slip his boxers down, but he stopped her. He slid them off himself, then moved to sit behind her. She was seated in between his legs, his arms wrapped protectively around her mid section. He set his head down in the crook of her neck and planted kisses on her cheek, her throat, and her shoulders. She reached for another strawberry, but they were out of reach. She moved to get up but he stopped her. "Don't even think about moving right now." He held her closer still, and she looked back at him. His eyes were black. She started to protest, but he just shushed her. He nodded towards the table. She reluctantly looked back and watched in amazement as it lifted, the legs shrinking and the table itself stretching out. She saw the edges curving to form two clamps. The table hovered over to the tub, then easily slid down to rest right in front of them, hooked on the sides. As much as she hated him using, she was fascinated but what had occurred. She looked back and he was smiling at her.
"Ok, that was kinda cool," she said.
"Yep, and I can do so much more. Do you wanna see," he asked her eagerly.
"No, maybe later." She reached forward and covered an entire berry in chocolate with a little cream on the tip. She brought it up to her mouth and was about to bite into it, but then Tyler's mouth was there and took the whole thing.
"Hey, that was mine."
He stuck his tongue out. "Still want it," he asked her after he had swallowed. She covered another one in chocolate and tried to sit forward, but was prevented by both Tyler and the table. "I'm sorry, I won't eat your strawberries. I promise," he said. She turned to the side slightly, leaned away from his mouth and took a bite. She smiled at him, and then finished it off, chocolate dripping onto her lips. He put a hand behind her head and gently pulled her into him. He started by gently sucking on her bottom lip, then her top, removing all of the chocolate. She ran her tongue along his bottom lip, begging for entrance, but his tongue met hers there. They struggled for dominance, and for a minute, it looked like Beth might win. But then he ran his hands up and down her back, kneading the flesh, and she was distracted. In her second of hesitation, he pushed forward and he smiled at his victory. She didn't care any more. His tongue was roaming every inch of her mouth, her lips, and she was loving it. He continued his hands' work and she reached up to run her hands through his hair. He pulled his tongue back and bit down softly on her lip, causing her to moan and pull at his roots. He smiled again and pulled back, needing air. She was red in the face and her deep green eyes with the blue flecks (disregard any previous color if I have said it) looked glassy. He reached behind them and picked up the two glasses. He handed one to her, but she frowned.
"Tyler, you know I can't drink alcohol. Pregnant, hello."
"I know that. Do you really think I'm that irresponsible? Drink some." She looked down at it and tentatively brought it to her lips. She didn't think he'd do anything to hurt the baby, so she took a sip. She smiled at him. It was cream soda. She drank some more. He set his glass down and leaned in to kiss her neck. 'This boy is too perfect, so is this night,' she thought. She tilted her neck to the side, allowing him more access. "Beth."
"Yeah," she said breathlessly.
"I want to know your first name. I've seen your initials and know Elizabeth is your middle. I know that it starts with an L, but I don't know what it is." He leaned back, pulling her with him. His left arm was on top of hers sitting on the side of the tub, their fingers laced. His right was tracing patterns on her skin lightly.
"There's a reason for that. My parents wanted me to have an older sounding name. I think it sounds funny. It's Liliyan. It's spelled kinda weird too. L-i-l-i-y-a-n."
"I think it's pretty."
She snorted. "Yeah, right. What's yours," she inquired.
"Tyler Gabriel. You know, like the angel."
"Check your bible Baby Boy. Gabriel was an archangel. As in, by definition, a high ranking angel. But still, I like it. It's got a nice ring to it."
"So I'm Tyler Gabriel Simms and you're Elizabeth Liliyan Shaufner. If I was you, I'd change it."
"Ouch, that's mean Angel boy. I didn't make fun of yours," she said laughing.
"I wasn't making fun of you."
"Then what did you mean by 'you should change your name?' I don't like it either, but I'll keep it."
He sighed. "Silly, silly girl. I like the name Liliyan Elizabeth. I just think that Shaufner kinda ruins it." He leaned in close and whispered to her. "I like Simms better." It took a second for her to get it and then she spun around. "What? Did you just, I mean, are you, do you wanna, what are you asking? Exactly," She sputtered. She had to wait a minute to make sure he was serious.
"Exactly?"
"Yes, what question do you want me to answer?"
He took a deep breath and looked deep in her eyes. "I'm asking, exactly and want you to answer the question, Liliyan Elizabeth Shaufner, will you marry me?" She stared for a minute. She was in shock. Her brain was screaming yes at the top of her lungs. She couldn't get it past her lips though. This beautiful man had just proposed to her. He wanted to marry her. She couldn't believe that he wanted her to be his. She was in shock. However, Tyler took her hesitation as bad and quickly said "You don't have to. I mean, we can wait to see what happens. I just thought that maybe… I thought you. I'm sorry."
"Yes!" She was finally able to say it and now she didn't seem to be able to stop. "Yes, yes, and yes. I do want this."
"Really, you're sure. I don't want you to think you have to. It's entirely your decision, regardless of a baby. Don't feel forced." She turned around so she was facing him. She took him in. She wanted to remember. The way the bubbles swirled as she ran her hands over his chest. The way the hot water made his chest glisten with a light sheen of sweat, running over his muscles and glistening in the candle light. The soft jazz tune playing in the background. And the way his face, his amazing eyes and soft lips, looked right now. He seemed like he was waiting for the sun after the storm. The storm being asking her. He had risked a hard rejection by asking. The sun was her answer. She sat up on her knees so she was eye level with him. She wrapped her arms around his neck and leaned in close. "Tyler Gabriel Simms, I would love to marry you," she said. She his angels smile before he closed the distance. She felt all his anger, passion, fear, and his love in that kiss. She broke the kiss and whispered "I can't believe it. We're going to get married."
"I can't believe you'll have me," he replied. She rolled over in his arms, their hands entwined again, his right hand holding her close as he sat up and leaned his head down on her shoulder. He moved his left hand under hers and turned it so it was palm up. She looked at him, but he just shook his head and nodded to look at her hand. She stared, and suddenly, there was a little black box there. She almost dropped it in surprise, but Tyler, anticipating this, closed her hand.
"Is this what I think it is," she asked.
"It might be. There's only one way to find out." She reached over with her right hand and slowly opened it. Inside it rested her ring. It was silver and the band was lined with diamonds. There was silver holding three diamonds on each side of the center. That diamond was raised slightly above the others, oval and caught the light from all sides. "Oh my God. It's amazing," she said as a sigh.
"I spent a while picking it out. I thought you might not like it. It seemed to flashy, but then I decided it had personality. It says 'no matter which way you turn me, I am still amazing' and it has the raised up diamonds, I just liked those," he said grinning sheepishly.
"I love it. I wouldn't want any other," she said. "Hey, you didn't like, summon this all the way from your house did you."
"No, I brought it with me. It was in my jean pocket."
"I really wish you would stop using so much."
"It was just tonight. This is the most I've used in a while," he said.
"And it was all romantic and perfect for me with the candles, and the fruit, and the music, and the hot bath and the." She stopped as she noticed that even though they had been there for close to an hour, yet the water was still as hot as when they had got in. The bubbles were still covering the surface of the water. She slowly turned her head to look at him. "You're keeping it hot, aren't you," she asked.
"Your not too bad yourself."
"You know that is not what I meant."
"Well yeah, but didn't you notice. I've been focusing on you the whole time. It's barely any effort for me. It's nothing. I promise," he added at her skeptical look. "Look, let's not mess this perfect moment up," he said as he pulled her hand up and kissed her fingertips. "Can I put it on you," he asked. He sounded excited.
"Of course," she said, and she held the box out to him. He took the small ring in his right hand, shaking slightly. She held her hand up, and he slowly slid it on. Just like out of a story book, he kissed her on the hand gently. She sighed, but smiled and leaned back on to his chest, holding her ring finger up to catch the light.
"I like it," he said.
"Me too," she replied as he wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her closer to him, never close enough for either of them. She turned and faced him. "I may not like the methods you used," she said. "But this is truly amazing. I will never forget this."
"Thanks. I didn't think long about it. I just thought about things I knew you like, and it just kinda happened."
"Well thank you. I don't think you'll ever know how much this means to me."
"You are definitely worth the effort. I love you," he said.
" I love you too." She leaned her head back and he ran his hands to her hair. He started running his hands through it, soothing her, and she couldn't help it. She felt her eyelids start to droop against her own will. She didn't want the night to end. In the end though, sleep won out. She rolled on her side and Tyler glimpsed her eyes loosely closed. He gently stood up, bringing her with him. As soon as he stepped out, they were wrapped in fluffy blue towels and Beth wrapped her arms around him. Holding her in the middle of the room, his eyes flashed black and the tub vanished and reappeared just as before in her bathroom. They candles extinguished themselves, and the radio returned to it's place in his bedroom. The food and drinks vanished, the door shutting. He walked to her bed, the covers folding back on themselves. He laid her down on the side of it. He went back out and grabbed his clothes, phone, and wallet. He looked at the screen. Six unread text messages. There was one each from the guys, Steph, Kate, and Sarah. All of them except Reid's said they were going to bed. If they upset Beth they'd kick his ass. Have a nice night. Reid's however was the little song he had made up (way to go, you man hoe) with a little smiley face. He laughed quietly. He set his phone down on her night stand and then shut the door. He turned the light off and headed back to the sleeping girl waiting for him. He lay down beside her, and wrapped her in his arms. She sighed and snuggled closer in her sleep. He smiled. He knew that the feeling of her beside him would never get old. He felt for her hand in the dark. He found the diamond on her finger and smiled. She was agreeing to marry him. They belonged together, her to him and him to her. "I love you," he whispered into the dark. He looked down at her and, although it might have been his imagination, he thought he saw her smile when he said it.
