Like I'm Right Beside You (BEING EDITED SLOWLY)

Chapter 76

"Dad, please sit. Don't drink so much," I scolded him as he drank the whole glass of wine.

I didn't know my dad's drunk tolerance, so I didn't want him to get so wasted.

Brian got up and took the glass away from him. Instead he served soda into a different cup.

"When are the other guys coming?" Madeline sat in her seat.

Brian looked at his watch, "They should be here soon."

"Good because I'm starving!"

I rolled my eyes at Madeline who kept eyeballing the food.

Seconds later there was a knock at the door. "That's probably them," Brian went to open the door.

I listened as I heard Nick, but I also heard a girl's voice. I got up and went to see who else had come.

I spotted Mia closing the door behind her. All the guys greeted me and went into the kitchen. I stayed behind to accompany Mia.

"You came!"

"Of course ding dong. Why wouldn't I come?" She shook her coat as she took it off.

"A hi would have been nice," I said taking the gifts she had brought with her.

I put the gifts under the tree. As I put them I saw a gift that was from Brian to me. My heart pounded wondering what he got me.

I headed back to the kitchen where everyone was talking with each other. My dad hit the edge of the table and got everyone's attention.

"I just want to say I'm happy everyone Annie knows is here. Thank you Annie and Mia for accepting me back into your life. Now let's eat," he raised his soda in the air.

"Whoa, wait anyone else want to say something?" Nick asked.

"I do," Brian said looking at me.

"I want to say that I'm thankful Annie's dad is here with us. That we are all here, but I'm glad Annie is here too. And our new album is out!" Brian laughed.

The other guys started laughing and there was some scattered comments.

"Ok, enough lovely dovey. Let's eat!" Madeline stood up and sat back down.

We ate all the food we could eat. There was some good moments we were making. The guys were telling stories about being on tour, Madeline was enjoying the food and I was enjoying being next to Brian.

From time to time Brian would hold my hand under the table. He would also feed me some of his food. No one really noticed us being extra in love.

"I would kiss you, but your dad will beat me," Brian whispered into my ear.

I leaned and gave him a kiss on his cheek. "Later you can kiss me," I whispered back.

I scooted my chair closer to Brian so my leg could touch his. He noticed and I saw him blushing.

While we all ate at the table we also enjoyed each other's company. I looked around the table and saw everyone chatting away.

I smiled to myself knowing everyone I loved was here. I took a small glance at Brian who was talking to Kevin.

I don't know what they were saying, but Brian had a big smile on his face. I got up and went to the fridge to get more soda.

BRIAN'S POV

"Are you going to give it to her?" Kevin asked me as he watched Annie get up.

I motioned for him to lower his voice, "What do you think?"

"I think yes," he nudged me.

I smiled at him as he continued eating his meal.

Annie went to the fridge as Kevin decided to ask me about her gift. I guess he really wanted to know.

Everyone was laughing and having a good time. I was enjoying this time we were all having. It was more enjoyable with Annie next to me.

"Do you want some?" Annie asked me as she held the soda bottle.

I shook my head, "No, thank you. I'm alright."

After we were all stuffed from our meal  Madeline wanted dessert. "Who brought that?" she asked.

"I did. Anyone want some pie?" Howie asked us.

"When did you bring pie?" Annie made a confused expression.

"When we came.." Howie laughed.

"I didn't see you."

No one wanted pie except for Madeline. How could Madeline fit all the food inside of her? I don't think I even wanted to know...

After Madeline had her dessert we helped clean up. "How was my casserole?" Annie's dad asked me.

I got a plate and dried it, "It was good, not bad." Her dad gave me a thumbs up and went to clean the table.

As I dried the plates I watched Annie across from me. She was talking to the guys. I wonder what they were saying to her...

I hoped that they weren't telling her any embarrassing stories about me.

As the night got even darker, Madeline stayed with the guys in the kitchen. Annie's dad followed me and Annie to the living room.

"How are you honey?" Annie's dad asked her.

"Dad, right now I'm stuffed," she rubbed her stomach.

Something about her rubbing stomach gave me butterflies.

"That's a good sign. That means my food was delicious," her dad chuckled.

"It was and Brian helped too," she looked at me.

"Well I only helped. Your dad prepared it," I felt myself getting red.

"Thank you anyways Brian. Well I'm going to see what the commotion is in the kitchen," he said as he got up.

He had left me and Annie alone in the living room. I was glad because I wanted to be alone with her.

"Are you enjoying being here?" Annie asked me.

I smiled, "Of course I am. The Backstreet Boys are here, your family and us."

I took her hand and rubbed it, "Are you?"

"I am. You know, this is our first Christmas Eve together," she said softly."

"I know and I'm happy it's with you," my heart was beating so fast.

I wanted to ask her right then, but I wanted to give her the best present ever.

"Tomorrow will be even better," Annie said.

"It will be, you'll see," I said.

I knew it would be better tomorrow because I would ask Annie to marry me.

*I think just a few more chapters and this book will be finished :O *