It had been two years since that new years party. Chris and I had been together for that entire time- and, despite my worries, us living together actually worked out perfectly. Both of us were going to school, Chris for teaching (I know, ironic), and I was still undecided. I had no idea what I wanted to do. But that was fine, for now.

We both had jobs. I had stopped taking money from my dad over a year ago- I didn’t want to feel like I was indebted to him in anyway. And we were doing fine without it. Actually, Chris and I had just moved into a two bedroom apartment. We had a reason for it. We needed another bedroom.

No, not because I was pregnant. Please, I wasn’t going to let that happen. Actually, the real reason is a lot sadder than that, though not surprising.

My mother went ahead and had her baby. A son. His name is Braden. Two months ago, I had found my year and a half year old brother sitting outside in front of my door, crying. Mother had left a note with him, saying that I was right and she was a horrible mother. The note said that maybe I would be better at it.

I had tried to find her, her or Braden’s father. I couldn’t find them. Seems like my mother abandoned her child once again.

I wasn’t going to let what happened to me happen to my brother. Chris and I took him in, knowing that we were the best thing he had.

Eric could have taken him in, but he had his own children to worry about. You see, he and Melanie had got married last year, and now they had twin daughters. Beautiful daughters.

I still talked to Kaitlin and Trent. Although they were going to school across the country from each other, they were still going strong. Actually, we were going to get to see them next week, at Thanksgiving. They were coming home.

“Nat?” Chris whispered. We were in our apartment, me trying to finish my homework and Chris holding a sleeping Brendan in his arms. I glanced up, smiling. I loved those two so much.

“Yeah?”

He sighed, then stood and carried Brendan into his bedroom. I heard him settle him in his crib, then he came out a moment later. He shook his brown hair out of his eyes, then came in front of me. “I love you.” He told me, pressing his lips against mine.

I gave him a quizzical look, then smiled. “I love you too.”

He nodded, showing me he already knew that. I smirked. “Chris-”

He sighed, then abruptly knelt, one knee. I gasped, my eyes growing wide. “Natalia, I love you. I always have- even when I was an idiot. I want us to be together forever, I want to be with you, to be with you and Braden. Will you marry me?”

I blinked back the few tears I felt gathering in my eyes. “Yes.”

He let out a whoop, then stood, bringing me with him as he held me. “I knew you’d say yes.” He boasted, smiling down at me.

I rolled my eyes, swatting his arm playfully. “You’re ruining the moment.”

“Never.” He whispered huskily, then leaned down to press his lips against mine.

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Well, that’s it. For those of you who read The Way Things Were, this story just ended before Thanksgiving. I hope all of you enjoyed it!

For those of you who have stuck with this story from the beginning, thank all of you so much! I know it was a little slow going, but I appreciate all of you taking the time to review, or to just read!

I love you all!!!

Meghan