Kevin flew out to Oregon to see Kristy the following weekend and stayed through Monday to spend her birthday with her. That weekend was also the weekend of her annual Christmas party, so Kevin got to meet many of Kristy’s friends in one fell swoop. Her house was decorated festively, and food and beverages were well supplied. He should’ve been surprised by how many people were there... but knowing Kristy, he wasn’t. Kristy was happy that her friends got to meet Kevin and many of them pulled her aside to gush about how charming, attractive and affectionate to her he was.
He also met her brother and sister at the party, and her parents at her birthday dinner the following evening. Kevin felt welcomed and totally accepted into the family and their dynamics. They were all so much like Kristy had described, he felt like he already knew them. They felt the same way about him, since in the week since Kristy had been back, she hadn’t been able to think or talk about much besides Kevin. Her family was impressed with Kevin’s values, motivation, dedication, talent, looks and charm. But most of all, they saw how Kristy and Kevin interacted with each other... treating each other with affection, respect and love... and knew he was the one for her.
Each spent Christmas with their respective families, but the next day Kristy flew out to Kentucky to meet Kevin’s family. She too felt warmly welcomed and was accepted without reservation. Between Kevin and Brian’s glowing reports, the families teased that they were expecting an angel, to which Ann, Kevin’s mom, replied "That’s exactly what we got!" She and Kevin’s brothers were thrilled to see him so happy and in love. The fact that his love was kind, intelligent, successful, beautiful, and spiritual made it all that much better.
They spent New Year’s Eve together in Florida, bypassing the big blowouts, and instead hanging out with the guys... and special imports Heather and Jessica... at Kevin’s. The five guys of one of the biggest music groups in the world sat around Kevin’s big screen TV and watched the ball drop in Time’s Square, bringing in the millennium with their best friends and their girls... and they couldn’t have been happier.
****************************************************************************
Kristy joined Kevin and the guys for a couple of stops during the rest of their world tour. Kevin premiered "Once Upon a Time" at the first concert Kristy attended. She stood off stage where he could see her, and he sang to her with all the love he felt for her. After that show everyone was buzzing about how great the song was, and they decided it would go on the next album. "I’ve already got some great ideas for the video," Kevin added as he pulled Kristy onto his lap and kissed her deeply.
****************************************************************************
After the tour was finished, Kristy took a couple of days vacation time and went to visit Kevin in Orlando for an extended weekend. The first full day of their reunion, Kevin sent her to a spa for a day of pampering. Kristy returned late in the afternoon, relaxed and spoiled from her massage, facial, manicure and pedicure. As she walked into Kevin’s house, she called out for him.
"Up here..." he yelled.
She followed the sound of his voice and found him in his bathroom, drawing a steamy bubble bath in his large marble tub. Candles surrounded the edge of the tub and a bottle of chilling white wine sat in the corner. "What is this?"
Kevin lifted a handful of bubbles from the bath. "Bubbles!" he joked. He poured Kristy a glass of wine and started to leave her to her bath.
"Wanna join me?" she asked, quirking her eyebrow and smiling enticingly.
He kissed her softly, "Tempting. VERY tempting. But no. This is for you."
"You’re spoiling me again," she giggled.
"I’ve missed spoiling you," he replied as he kissed her again. "I’ve missed you."
Kevin left the room and Kristy stripped and sank down into the hot water... she was perfectly content.
Kevin knocked softly on the door and peeked his head in to check on Kristy after 15 minutes. He smiled at how relaxed she looked, her skin slightly pink from the steam, her hair curling softly around her face. "When you get done in there, there’s something for you on the bed."
"You?" she asked with another seductive look.
Kevin groaned and closed the door, hearing her giggles on the other side. Time for him to jump in the shower... and it looked like it was going to be another cold one!
****************************************************************************
Kristy emerged from the bathroom, having fixed her hair and applied her makeup. Kevin had said something about a late dinner, so she took her time in getting ready. She’d curled her hair and pinned it up with rhinestone clips, letting a few spiral curls frame her face. She walked out into Kevin’s room and saw a big white box with a blue bow lying on the bed with a long-stemmed red rose beside it.
Kristy inhaled the sweet scent of the rose while untying the bow and slowly opening the box. She removed several layers of tissue paper and gasped softly as she pulled a silver cocktail dress out of the box. It was gorgeous, with a short, flowing skirt and a simple fitted bodice with rhinestone encrusted spaghetti-straps. Also included in the box was a strapless white lacy bra and panty set, iridescent silver stockings and garters, and silver, strappy heels. Kristy smiled as she started to dress, trying to picture Kevin picking out the lingerie. She slipped the dress over her head and fastened the straps on the shoes. She was reaching around to zip up the dress when Kevin knocked on the door.
"Perfect timing. Could you help me with this?" Kristy asked, standing with her back to the door. Kevin walked into the room and slowly zipped her up, letting his fingers caress her soft skin as they made their way up her back. He kissed her neck as he finished. She turned around to kiss him back, but stopped short as she saw the stunning vision in front of her. Kevin wore a tailored tuxedo, perfectly fitting his muscular physique. The black of the pants and jacket complimented his dark hair and the brilliant white of the shirt matched his smile. The studs in his shirt, his cummerbund and bow-tie were the same silver as her dress, and she thought he looked absolutely magnificent.
Kevin was mesmerized by Kristy as she turned towards him. The dress fit her slim, curvy frame as if it had been created with her in mind. The soft silvery material made her skin look luminescent, and her incredible hazel eyes looked especially vivid. The shiny nylons drew his eyes to her great legs, which were accented by the fairly short skirt of the dress. "Breathtaking," Kevin whispered as he bent his head down to kiss her deeply.
****************************************************************************
Kevin led Kristy towards the entrance of the Magic Kingdom, even though the park was about to close. There was an employee at the gate waiting for them. "Mr. Richardson. Miss Butler. Welcome to the Magic Kingdom, the happiest place on earth."
Kevin and Kristy strolled up Main Street, holding hands and smiling back at the many people who pointed and smiled at the stunning couple. He guided her to the castle, and they were greeted by the same hostess that had seated them at their first date. "Please follow me," she said as she led them to the upstairs dining room. This time, they were the only couple there and a waiter brought them a specially prepared dinner, while the DJ played music exclusively for them. After dinner, they danced to "From This Moment On," "Someone To Watch Over Me," and several Disney songs, including "A Dream Is a Wish Your Heart Makes," and "Someday My Prince Will Come."
The DJ announced the "last dance," "We have a special request and dedication from Kevin to ‘his Princess’ Kristy." Kristy giggled, as they were the only ones left in the park, let alone on the dance floor.
"I love you," Kevin said as the familiar notes started to play and his deep, rich voice sang "Once Upon a Time."
Kristy kissed him and then rested her head on his shoulder, letting their words envelope them.
****************************************************************************
"One more stop," Kevin smiled down at Kristy as he led her down the path from the castle towards the wishing well. He reached into the pocket of his pants and fished something out. "For you," he said holding out a bright copper penny.
Kristy smiled at the familiar gesture and stepped up to the wishing well. She closed her eyes, still smiling and stood there for several long moments. She released the penny and opened her eyes as she heard the faint splash. She turned her head to look up at Kevin, but he wasn’t there. She looked down and her eyes widened as she saw him down on one knee with a small velvet box in his hand.
He took her hand in his. "I used to dream of finding someone to share my life with," he started, his eyes shining with unshed tears. "But I never dreamt that I’d meet someone who would be my best friend, inspiration, partner and love of my life, all in one." Kristy smiled warmly at him and brushed away the tears that were falling down her own cheeks. "I believe everyone has a soul-mate, but not everyone finds theirs. I know without a doubt that we belong together and I realize how blessed we are to have found each other. I thank God every day for bringing you into my life. Of all the gifts He’s given me in this life, you are the most important to me. I can’t image my life without, and honestly, don’t want to. Kristy, my Princess, my Angel, my Love... will you marry me?"
She barely waited for him to finish the sentence before she answered him. "YES! Yes! Yes!" she told him between kisses. He slipped the exquisite ring on her finger and, once again, her eyes widened at the large, flawless round solitaire with a row of smaller round diamonds on either side. He stood and, cupping her face with his strong hands, kissed her with all the love he felt for her. She returned his kiss and love, as they stood in the same spot as their first kiss.
And, of course, they lived happily ever after.
The End
