Thank you to everyone who read the first chapter all 72 of you. I'm still not sure if this is any good or even near as good as the first story, but we'll see how many of you read this chapter.

Back at apartment 2J, Kylie and Brooke found Mrs. Knight and James on the orange couch. Both smiled when they saw her. Kylie gave them a weak smile. After the moms hugged their respective kids, they sat at the kitchen counter and Kylie sat down beside James.

"What's wrong?" James asked gently as he took her hand.

"Nothing exactly," Kylie answered. Looking at James would be too hard and she wasn't sure she could explain it if she saw his gentle look.

"You know you can tell me anything, right? I would never judge you for any thought you have or an action you had to take," James told her.

"You're so good to me, even after all these years," Kylie said, softly.

"Of course. I love you."

Kylie looked down at their joined hands still weighing whether or not she could tell him.

"Tell him, Kylie. It's not as bad as you think it is," Brooke called.

James looked at his mom then back at Kylie. He laid his other hand on top of their combined hands and waited for her to say something. "I can't do this," Kylie whispered as she shook her head.

"Please, talk to me. Whatever it is. I promise I'll listen. Please," James nearly begged.

"I love you," she said, her voice breaking as she did her best to hold back tears.

"I love you, too," James answered gently.

"I'm scared," she said.

"Scared of what?" he asked when she didn't go on. She still wouldn't look at him nor did she speak again. James used his foot to push the coffee table out of the way and then shifted around to kneel on the floor in front of her, not letting go of their hands. He lifted them and pressed a kiss to her hand. "I'm right here and I won't go anywhere. I promise. Take all the time you need. I'm not going anywhere."

Now Kylie didn't know where to look. She couldn't look down as she'd see James and if she looked up, she'd see her mother and the woman who had been like a mother to her, pretending to have a conversation while actually listening in on the conversation of their children. She turned slightly and looked at the swirly slide. "50% of marriages end in divorce," she said so softly James nearly had to strain to hear it.

"That's a dumb statistic that bitter people made up to scare happy people from getting married," James said.

"But it's par for the course for you four," Kylie said.

James looked over his shoulder at his mother then back at Kylie. "You know how much I love my mother. I really do. She is such a strong woman, but because of that," James reached up and turned Kylie's head back towards him, "because of that, she is, at times, very hard to live with. My dad, bless his heart, is a strong man but handling all that is my mother was too much for him. As far as your dad goes, he was a jerk and didn't deserve the family he had. Your mom was really smart to leave him. As far as statistics go, you know I don't put much stock in statistics. If I did, I wouldn't have believed so hard in this dream. 75% of boy bands don't make it past auditioning and for every solo act that makes it, there's 100 more that are still singing in their mother's garage."

"Guess it's a good thing your mom doesn't have a garage," Kylie sniffled. She glanced at her mom to see the woman had taken Brooke's hand as it rested on the counter. She could tell her mom was sad, but wasn't sure if it was because Kylie was fearing her marriage would end the same way as her mother's or if it was because she was rehashing old details. Brooke on the other hand sat stone-faced, a mug of tea in hand, but the woman's eyes were narrowed at the wall behind Jen's head.

"Yeah, probably. Kylie, I believe in us. I believe that love does overcome almost everything and I've loved you almost as long as I have known you. I am willing to do everything I can to make sure we end up like 25% of our parents have. Mostly because I know that that 25% is the percentage of our parents you have always looked to when it comes to matters of love," James told her. He rubbed his thumb across the back of her hand.

"But that's just it. They knew each other for four months before they got married and they were …" Kylie swallowed. She didn't want to admit this to him, not because he wouldn't understand, but because she feared he'd adamantly protest and beg the opposite.

"Mr. G may have been in his late 20's but Mami was only 22 when they got married. They were as much in love then as they are now and as we are now," James told her.

"But she was still—" she stopped and looked away again.

"Still what?" James pressed.

"An adult," Kylie admitted softly.

"Ky," James sighed and shook his head. "Ky, you're 23. You've modeled for several different companies, have multiple multi-platinum albums, and are VP and next in line for CEO of one of the biggest cosmetics companies in the U.S., and on top of all of that, you are the sweetest, most talented woman I know. The only one of our parents who was older than you are now when they got married is Mr. G. All the rest of our parents were younger than 24. I know this feels like it changes things but it really doesn't. You'll still get to talk to your mom, still see her every day, maybe we won't be living with her, but she's still going to be your mom. Sometimes ... and I don't want to say this or have you take this the wrong way," James sighed again.

"Say what?"

James cringed having used the same words when he had talked to her about being overprotective of Carlos. He just hoped it didn't come off quite as harsh as it did then. "There comes a time when baby birdie has to spread her wings. You don't know what you're capable of if you don't try." He waited for her to pull away or get angry. Her reaction wasn't what he thought it would be.

"Pretty sure it's you only fail if you stop trying," Kylie sniffed.

"Einstein. That is also true. Is there something else bothering you?"

"Are you really ok with this?" She blinked at him. She was grateful that the other boys weren't there. She really didn't want to look weak or upset in front of them. She knew they wouldn't tease her or make her feel uncomfortable because of her thoughts or feelings but it would make them all a little uncomfortable.

"Getting married? I wouldn't have asked you if I didn't think either of us—both of us were ready. If you're not ready, there's nothing saying we have to get married now. I can wait."

"You'd do that?" she asked in disbelief.

"Of course I would," he assured her.

"Kylie," Mrs. Knight said. She got up and moved to sit next to daughter. Kylie swallowed and looked at her mom. "I love you and I can see every time you're with James just how in love the two of you are. I know you're afraid of turning out like your dad and me but the fact that you're worried, makes you ten times better than that man. My mom told me something after I got engaged, something I hope you take to heart like I did. She told me that true love can conquer just about anything but if that man ever lays a hand on you or any kids you two may have, get out. No man is ever worth putting yourself in danger for. Rather, he should never be the cause of the danger. My mom was right and I'm glad I left him when I did. I probably stayed too long. There are signs when the person you're with isn't good for you."

"But how do you know?" Kylie emphasized.

"In your case, if you don't put up with it from your brother, don't put up with it from the man you love," Jen answered. "Usually, a woman knows when he's too toxic to stay with even if she makes excuses to stay with him. Honey, I want you to know that I've watched you and James together for the past eight years and I know that he wouldn't hurt you. Especially not the same way your father did."

"How can you be so sure?"

"Like I said, I've known this boy, now man for years. I've seen the way he looks at you. It's the same way Pappy Knight looked at Grammy."

James spoke up again. "Kylie, I know how hard it is for you to trust men after everything your father put you through, I really get that but, it's because I get that that I'm willing to take as long as it takes for you to trust me. You deserve the world and I would be more than honored to give it to you. If for any reason I can't make you trust me or you think I've put you in danger, I would walk away. One word is all it would take. And if you can't say that word to me, I would take it from any one of the guys too."

"And know that if you and James decide to move out and live on your own, you can call any second of any day," Jen told her. Kylie nodded but all her fear wasn't erased by that conversation. Maybe it was just suppressed.

After dinner, Kylie found her way to the roof and checked the time before video calling Mrs. Garcia. "Hey, girly. What's wrong?"

"Why does something have to be wrong?" Kylie asked.

"It's nearly ten at night and if I'm correct, you're calling from the roof of the Palm Woods. You only do that when you don't want to be overheard. So, I repeat my question. Tell Mami what's wrong."

"I feel so stupid. I'm 22 years old and I knew this was coming but I look in the mirror and I still see that 16-year-old girl who couldn't admit that emotional abuse was still going on." Her father had gotten custody of her about six months after her mom had moved with the boys out to California. He had spent the next few months telling her that the boys didn't love her, need her, or want her around. If they had, they would have been in contact more frequently. It had taken some strength, a lot of hope, and some bravery but she had gotten out of that situation. She moved in with her mom and the boys, gone to therapy and with the boys' crazy life and their constant support, she had gotten a lot better.

"Knew what was coming, sweetheart? The engagement?" Sylvia asked, drawing her attention back to the conversation.

"Yeah. Kendall's been hinting at it, asking if I think the relationship was headed that way, but as excited as I was when he asked, I feel like I'm not ready."

"I felt the same way when Berto asked me but being with him felt like there was nothing wrong in the world and like there was nothing we couldn't overcome as long as we did it together. We've been together for over 25 years and it's still the best feeling in the world."

"So, you don't feel like a kid anymore?"

"Of course I do, especially when a major life-changing event pops up but the thing that gets me through it is knowing I have him and he has my back."

"Do you honestly think me and James are ready?"

"From the outside looking in, yes, but only you can answer that question truly and if you aren't, he'll wait." That made a whole lot more sense. She thanked Mrs. Garcia and made a bit more small talk before going to bed.

Soon, Kylie's concert rolled around in Minnesota. While nervous about her first tour in over a year, Gustavo and Kelly were running it as smooth as they ever had. She had done a mix of her older songs and the newer ones and was almost at the end of the show when she heard a chanting in the crowd. She paused and listened. "You want me to do 'You're The Reason'?" she asked. Though it was one of her more popular songs, there was only so much room on the setlist. "Ok, Lefty. You got it?" She glanced at him and he signed to her. "What do you mean you can't?" He signed again. "You just can't? Do you not remember the notes? I can play it on bass but I'm sure it'd sound weird." Before Lefty could play or sign anything the first few notes of her song played and the crowd cheered. She looked at Lefty but he pointed behind her. She spun around and saw a grand piano on stage. She, however, couldn't see who was playing it with the way the lid was propped up. Instead of attempting to find out who it was, she launched into her song as the crowd sang along.

As the song came to a close, Kylie looked at the piano to see it was turning towards her to reveal Lefty at the keys. "But how ... You were…" Kylie trailed off as she motioned to the other side of the stage where his keyboard sat. She turned to look and sure enough he wasn't there but someone else was right behind her with a microphone in his hands.

"Do you know how long it took me to learn to play that song on piano? Months. Months. But I'd do it all over again for you, Ky," James said.

"James Diamond everyone." The crowd cheered. "And I love you for that."

"And that song brings me to the reason I'm standing on this stage here tonight," he said.

"Oh, it does?" she asked curiously. She was pretty sure she knew what the reason was and though she had explained to James when she wanted him to propose on stage, she hadn't really been in on the how. That she had left to him and Gustavo.

"Some people have said that I'm crazy for trying to make a relationship with you work. That you're too busy and too pretty for me, and that you'd never have time for me. I never believed them though." The crowd went quiet almost as if by magic. "For most of our lives you've never believed that I was crazy or that I couldn't do whatever I set my mind to. You've always been the one that has made me believe I could fly. I want to spend the rest of my life trying to do that for you because come rockabye or rocking chairs, I never want to spend a day without you. Kylie Knight," James went down on one knee and held out that open velvet box again, "will you marry me?" he asked.

She had known this was coming. So that was how he had planned it. Then she remembered he was waiting for a reaction. She caught his eye and nodded. "Yes," she told him. "Yes, absolutely."

James slipped the ring from the box and put it back on her finger where he hoped it would stay. The crowd burst into cheers. James lifted Kylie's hand and kissed it before he nodded to Cowboy.

When Kylie heard the tune coming out of the guitar, one of the songs James had quoted in his speech, she grinned and started singing. "I'll do everything I can to make you proud to be my man," she sang.

"And I'll fulfill all your fantasies," James answered with the second line of Rockin' Years by Ricky Van Shelton and Dolly Parton.

They continued to sing, facing each other, performing more for each other than for the cheering crowd. When the song finished, he pulled her close and kissed her. The crowd cheered even louder but none were louder than Kendall's call. "I'm proud of you, Sissy," Kendall called.

He was matched by Carlos. "So proud, hermana."

Kylie looked through the crowd and spotted Kendall and Carlos but not Logan. "Are they all here?" she asked James.

"Yep. Up there." James pointed to the balcony seats and she spotted Logan.

"Hey, guys. I know you came out tonight to hear me sing but since all four of them are here, does anyone want to hear me sing an old school duet with Big Time Rush?" The crowd cheered. "I don't know, that didn't sound convincing enough. James, what do you think?"

"I'm not that moved. I think they can do better," James answered. The crowd cheered again a little louder this time.

Kendall raced down the center aisle and jumped up on the stage. "I appreciate that but I think Logan and Carlos are going to need more encouragement," Kendall said into the mic he had just stolen from his sister.

Kylie stole her mic back. "Car-los, Car-los, Car-los," she chanted, causing the rest of the crowd to join her. Sure enough, Carlos followed Kendall's example and raced up onto the stage. "And now, as they say, save the best for last, Logan!" she cheered. "Do you trust me?" she asked, locking eyes with him. He swallowed but nodded. She rubbed the tips of her fingers against her thumb and he ran down to the edge of the balcony. He jumped up on the railing and hoping he hadn't mistaken what she was thinking, he jumped off, tucking himself into a front flip. For her part, Kylie rolled her finger on the shape of a circle following his flip and slowly lowered it. Sometimes she really loved that her "monster version" was a fairy complete with fairy magic in these cases. Logan landed flat on his feet gently before he followed Kendall's and Carlos's path up to the stage. The crowd went wild and started chanting for Big Time Rush. After each one collected a mic from backstage, they returned to the stage and huddled to decide on a song.

When the song ended, they all said their goodnights and headed backstage. "Congratulations!" Kelly squealed.

"Thank you," Kylie answered.

"Your parents will be so excited. Can I be there when you tell your mom?" Kelly asked.

"She already knows," James and Kylie said together.

"What do you mean she already knows?"

"Just what we said. Our mom's have known for two weeks. Remember the ski trip we took? He actually proposed then but we wanted to do something for the fans. I'm sorry we didn't warn you ahead of time," Kylie said.

"I can understand why you didn't. Your relationship has always been done your way and while it does make it a little hard to release a controlled statement I can understand why. You should say goodbye. We have to hit the road soon," Kelly warned.

"Thanks, Kelly." Kylie went back to the 4 boys. "My boys," she said.

"Ky. Come give Logan a hug," the boy said of himself. She did. "Nothing changes. I'm still one button away."

"More like seven but I get your meaning."

"And one word and I can be there in person."

"I will keep that in mind."

"Hermana," Carlos said as Logan passed her over.

"Hermano," she answered but neither spoke another word. They didn't need to. Being friends for so long meant they spoke from the heart without words. Finally, he kissed her forehead and sent her to Kendall.

"I don't know what to say," he told her. For once he was the speechless one.

"Say you'll always pick up," she answered simply.

"100% of the time," he told her. "I promise."

"Then that's all I need."

"Be careful."

"Will do." Kendall let her go and she stepped back. "We'll be out front when you're ready,'' Kendall told the younger boy.

The brunet nodded and stepped over to his girl. Kylie smiled. "I can be wherever you are in less than five hours, " he said.

"I know. I'll be ok and I'll call when I can," Kylie answered.

"Have fun." They kissed good night and reluctantly headed in separate directions.

Her band looked rather unhappy when she stepped on the bus. "So ... What'd I do wrong?" Kylie asked.

"Wrong? Nothing particularly wrong but it is concerning that you didn't think to mention to us that you and James were engaged," Cowboy said.

"Not that we have to know everything in your life but perhaps a little notification would be nice," Lefty added.

"Come on guys, it's not like that," Kylie protested. "I've been engaged for two weeks. It's not that I don't trust you because you know I do, I just wanted to enjoy it without getting a million phone calls asking about my plans. As it stands, I don't have any plans because it's only been a few weeks."

"Ignore these idiots, they're teasing you. We're really happy for you and if there is anything you need at all, you let us know," Sticks told her.

"Yeah," Cajun agreed with the drummer.

"Really? You're not mad?" Kylie asked.

"Not in the slightest. Unless, of course, you don't invite us to the wedding," Lefty admitted. Kylie rolled her eyes and got comfy on the tour bus couch. Once everything was loaded and everyone was on the bus, they rolled out to their next tour stop.

Would like to know what you all think.