Luke and Joel drop me and the kids off on their way home. After thanking them, I lead Stephen and Ariel to their new home. I show them their bedrooms, and leave them to get settled in for a bit.

About twenty minutes later, I grab two cans on root bear, and knock on Stephen's door. "Come on in," he says. I walk in, closing the door behind me, and hand him the soda. He nods in appreciation, and I pat the bed next to me.

"Stephen, you don't have to answer this question if you're not comfortable. I was just wondering how you got into so much trouble, you're a good kid," I say. He sighs, "Ariel. People at our schools always picked on her. Sometimes the other kids at home would pick on her because she refused to leave my side. I just couldn't stand seeing anybody pick on my sis, I love her to pieces."

"You're a star, Stephen, you really are. You won't have to worry about any of that here, I promise," I say, placing my hand reassuringly on his knee. He nods, "I can already feel the love in this family." I smile, "I know you and Ariel will be happy here." He nods again, "I know we will be."

"Stephen, I'll let you get settled in," I tell him. He grabs my arm, "No, how about we get Ariel and watch a movie?" I nod, "Okay. What kind of movies do you guys like? I've got tons of Disney ones."

He smiles, "Of course Ariel's always liked The Little Mermaid." I nod, "Of course, I kinda thought she would. Have you guys seen Aladdin?" He shrugs, "I don't think so. Do you have it?" I nod, "Of course! Lets go get. Ariel and watch it."

He walks to his sisters room, while I pop the popcorn and get the candy. I grab another can of root beer, and settle in on the couch.

Ariel sits on one side, and tells Stephen it's okay to sit on my other one. I hand Ariel her soda, and give them each some snacks. I press play, and we all snuggle together as the movie starts.

Before I know it, the credits are rolling. Ariel's head is on my shoulder, and she nods sleepily. Stephen munches on the last pieces of popcorn.

"Did you guys like it?" I ask. "I loved it! The carpet is my favorite," Ariel says, coming to life. "Yeah, pretty good movie," Stephen adds.

"Have you guys ever played XBox?" I ask curiously. They shake their heads. "We were never allowed to play video games," Stephen says. I nod, understanding.

"Well, I can teach you. We'll start out with something easy. Maybe first we'll do Wii, and play MarioKart," I say, cleaning up from our movie escapade.

Stephen pushes his glasses up, and grins, "You're going down Ariel!" She looks shocked for a moment, then shakes her head, "No Stevie, I'm going to win."

I take the dishes into the kitchen, and set the Wii up. The kids smile, as we play a couple rounds. By the time we're done, I think they've finally got the hang of it.

I look at the clock, it's getting late, and I have an engagement shoot tomorrow. "Kids," I say. They turn to me. "Yes momma?" Ariel asks. I crouch to her level, and smile, "Tomorrow, Owen and I have an engagement photo shoot, so you'll be spending the day with Alan and Brycie. I totally forgot about it and it's too late to cancel," I point out.

"No, we'll be fine, right sis?" Stephen says. She nods, "Yeah." I help Ariel climb into her bed, and pull the covers up to her chin. "Sleep well, my little mermaid," I whisper. "Love you Stevie," she tells her brother, who's standing next to me. "Love you too, sis," he says, kissing her forehead.

"Have a good first night, Stephen. See ya in the morning, homie," I tell him. "Mom?" He asks. "Yes, what is it?" I reply. "Thank you. I know I have a label. But thanks for wanting us anyways, and thanks for giving me a chance," he says. I smile, "No problem Stephen. I'm so glad you're here right now." He nods, "Me too, night mom." He hugs me. I hug him back, "Night buddy."

~*~

The next morning, I get up early, before the kids. I start a pot of coffee, and read my Bible. I also gather up the outfits Kelsey told me to bring to the shoot.

I walk into the kid's rooms to get them up, so they'll be ready. I do Stephen first.

"Stephen, hey buddy, did you sleep well?" I ask, seeing him awake. He nods, "Yeah. I like it here." I smile, "I'm glad. We have to get ready to go. I'll make you guys some breakfast after I get Ariel up."

I walk into Ariel's room, and brush some stray hairs off of her face. Her eyes flutter open, and she gives me a weak smile. "Hey beautiful," I whisper, "You sleep okay?" She nods, "Yep! Thanks mom." I grin, "No problem babe, now lets get some breakfast."

We walk into the kitchen, and Stephen's sitting at the table waiting. "Stevie!" Ariel exclaims, running up, and sitting on his lap. "Hey sis, you ready for today?" He asks. She nods vigorously, and chatters as I whip up a quick batch of grits.

While they eat, I call Alan to make sure he's ready for all the kids. "Hey kiddo," he answers. I grin, "Hey Big Al. You ready to be busy?" He chuckles, "Yeah, they'll be fine." I nod, "Oh, I know they will be."

"Make sure to let me see your pics. I know you're going to look gorgeous, babe," he says. I nod, "Will do. See ya soon. Love you." He lets out a laugh, "Love you too. See ya then, silly girl."

I hang up the phone, and wait while Stephen and Ariel finish getting ready.

"You guys are going to have a blast at Alan and Brycie's house," I say, as I pull into their driveway. Ariel seems kinda uneasy, but Stephen is relatively calm.

Alan greets us at the door with a smile, "Hey kiddos, welcome back to my house." The kids walk inside, and immediately AveryJade, Presley, and Rowie lead them off to begin playing.

"I wish I could be there with you, but I know all your pictures are going to be absolutely beautiful," Alan says, wrapping his arms around me. I smile, "Thanks Alan. I'm not sure when we'll get done, but I'll be back as soon as I can."

He nods, "Calm down, my dear, the kids will be fine. Just have fun." I smile, "Okay. Thanks for watching them. You're the best." He smirks, "Yes I am!" I kiss his cheek, "Love you, ya big goof." He kisses my hair, "Love you too, silly girl."

I tell Ariel and Stephen goodbye before leaving for the park where the shoot is scheduled. I see Kelsey and Owen's cars. I grab all the stuff from my car, and rush over to we're you are.

"Sorry I'm late guys, I had to drop the kids off at Alan and Brycie's place," I say. "Oh no, dear, you're fine," Kelsey says. "Now come with me, Mia. I'll do your hair and makeup, you put on the first outfit," Fallon says.

We take many different pictures from many different angles. "You two look absolutely perfect!" Kelsey gushes, showing me all the different shots they got.

I smile, as the light catches my ring. Merida is my all-time favorite disney princess, and this ring is Merida themed. Kelsey flicks through her pictures, and I smile. "They're perfect, Kels! Thank you so much," I say, throwing my arms around her. "No problem, hon. I'll get these printed up for you guys, then we can design your wedding invitation," she smiles. I nod, and promise to text her later.

"Thanks for making me look so pretty, Fal," I say, helping her carry stuff to the car. "It was my pleasure, Mia. I had a lot of fun," she says whilst hugging me. "Me too," I admit.

I tell my darling Owen goodbye, and then get in my car. I pull out my phone, and send Alan a text.

M-Just finished up. Be there soon. Xx.
A-Why don't you just stay for lunch.
M-You sure?
A-Mhm. I always love having you over.
M-Okay. I'm on my way. Love you.
A-You too kiddo. Be careful.

I make the short drive to Alan's house, and let myself in. The girls are playing a princess video game, but I don't see Stephen.

"Hey girlies, where's Stephen?" I ask, setting my phone on the counter. "He's with dad," AJ says, not looking away from her game. I nod, and walk upstairs, peering into my old bedroom. It's AJ's room now, her and Presley used to share, but now everybody has their own room.

I knock on the door to Alan's office, because that's where he has to be. "Come on in, Mia," Alan says knowingly. I open the door, and smile. Stephen's sitting with Alan's old guitar on his lap.

"Oh hey mom, Alan was just showing how to play a few chords, wanna hear?" He asks excitedly. I nod, "Of course buddy." He begins playing the all too familiar chords to Can't Get Over You.

I smile, and lean on Alan, "Somehow I somewhat expected this." He grins, "Well, he couldn't play with the girls, there's only four controllers, what was he going to do?"

Stephen plays the chords over and over until Brycie calls us down for lunch. Alan escorts me down the stairs, and we walk into the kitchen.

"Where's the girls?" I ask. "Still playing their video game," Brycie says, blowing some hair out of her face. "I'm on it!" Alan says. He comes back with the girls on his heels.

"Avery, Presley, can you guys quickly set the table for me?" Brycie asks. They nod, and start pulling plates out of the cupboards. I grab Alan, and motion for him to follow me into the living room.

"Alan, there's a couple things I wanted to ask you," I say softly. He page the seat next to him on the couch, and I sit down.

"Okay the first one is, I was talking to Josh last night. I'm putting my wedding party together, and he suggested that both of you walk me down the aisle. You down for that?" I ask, talking kinda fast. He places a hand on my knee, "I'd be absolutely honored, and you know that. Now what's the other thing?"

"I don't want Stephen and Ariel in public school. He told me that's what causes his trouble. I know you guys all homeschool, so maybe you could help me out," I say. He nods, "I'll talk to the guys. Maybe we can take turns teaching, and it'll be like a group school for all the kiddos." I grin, "I like that idea."

We walk back into the kitchen, and sit at the table. Now I just have to think of a more creative way to ask everybody else to be in my wedding.

A/N
The picture above is a couple of photos I imagined Mia&Owen would take, and a picture of Mia's ring. I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter.
~E