Maya’s POV

I was glad Matt and I could be spending so much time together, and with so much time I meant of course the little time the day left us after him working to finish up the studio album and me my store. It was really taking a lot nerve of all of us, and I had no idea what would happen when Matt and the guys were going back on the road.

I was so used to have him with me, sleep next to him and be able to call and contact him whenever I wanted or he wanted that I would probably have serious withdrawal signs and mood swings when that wasn’t possible anymore.

But I couldn’t be thinking about this now, we had some more work ahead of us and we had another important thing to plan.
Brian’s proposal, I had never in my life thought that I would be so much into this shit. But fuck this was fun! Planning and helping out, finally being involved and making plans and decisions was a hell of a lot fun.

So basically beside doing my normal work and spending time with my man, I was doing some secret things as well. Which would also be the dress for Ave’s proposal party, a party she of course didn’t know about yet, but would hopefully if all the signs were right take place tomorrow. I just hoped Brian managed to get the location, a very known one, and be ready to prepare everything for it. It was a short notice but we couldn’t keep Ave longer in the dark.

She was already pretty suspicious and she was really down because Brian was avoiding her and never home. I wish I could tell her, help her, but I knew I couldn’t, she had to wait another day and then everything would be falling back into place, then she would know and every little worry she had was for nothing and she could live the happily ever after!

Because I knew Ave would say yes, she couldn’t say no! She loved brown eyes like I had never seen her before love anyone. He was the man for her and he better treat her as the little princess she was, or he had to answer to me, and the big guy. Matt was being real protective when it came to Ave, he acted like she was a sister to him and I liked that about my man.

“Sure we can meet you at Johnny’s, what’s up? Oh, shit really? Yeah, let me pay the bill and we’ll be on our way,” Matt interrupted my thoughts with his phone call and I looked at him with wide eyes. What was happening, was something wrong?

“What? What’s going on?” I asked, hopefully he got the location, please let this call be a good sign. We needed something like this to happen now, something positive!

“What are you waiting for? Let’s go!” I gushed out, we had to go, he heard the man Johnny’s what was he waiting for?! I stood up when my phone started to ring. “Shit, it’s Ave!”

“Answer it,” Matt chuckled, while he took my hand and we headed out to the car.

“Hey Little Gnome, what’s up?” I asked and winced when I heard Ave’s sad sobbing voice. Oh this wasn’t good not good at all. “Relax love, he’s not cheating on you,” I tried to soothe her but it was not really working. “Maya, he just left… again! We wanted to watch a movie spend the evening together, but he suddenly had to leave! Without a real explanation, and didn’t come back yet! What else should I think!? He is seeing another woman! I know it! I fucking know it!” Ave sobbed again and I tried to think of a way to proof her thoughts wrong. I looked at Matt and an idea sprang to life. “Matt just left to go back to the studio. Apparently Jimmy had some crazy break through with the last song. You can even call Matt in a few minutes and he’ll hand it over to Brian. I promise he is still doing his job, love. Nothing to worry about…”
Ave sniffed and breathed deeply in and out “Really?” She asked again and I nodded, just when Matt stopped at Johnny’s. I motioned him to go ahead and waited in the car a few more minutes.

“Really Ave, if you think there is something. Call Matt, he will be there. He will be with Brian and there is nothing to worry about, beside Matt and Brian having maybe a relationship we don’t know about, but beside that, no other women are involved” Ave chuckled at my lame joke.

“Should I really?” She asked and I smiled “If it will ease you mind. Do it, no problem. Matt would be glad to let you know everything is alright? Okay?!” I asked and heard Ave sigh “Thank you, M.”
With that she hung up and I hurried to get into Johnny’s.

When I arrived I saw Brian and Matt talking in the bar area and just in time Matt’s phone rang.
“It’s Ave.” I said quietly before Matt picked up and held it to his ear.
I saw Brian nervously chew on his lip, he seemed a little stressed out, had some dark circles underneath his eyes.

“Are you okay, brown eyes?” I asked him and patted his arm, he gave me a small smile and nodded “I’m just happy when am allowed to slip that ring on her finger and she didn’t run away from me, when all this is done. This is killing me, believe me.”Brian sighed and I gave him a small smile and hugged him.

“Hey Ave, what’s up? Something happened?” Matt asked and turned to us motioning to be silent.
“Yeah, Jimmy got this idea… I just arrived at the studio. Brian is outside smoking. You wanna talk to him?” Matt asked and I saw Brian move from one leg to the other, he was really nervous about all this, kinda cute to see him like this.

“No? Well… Here talk to him anyway.” Matt just threw his phone in Brian’s direction and grinned at his move. I had to try to stifle the laugh behind my hand at Brian’s shocked look at Matt’s phone.
“Love? What’s wrong?” Brian asked and turned away from us.

“Why didn’t you call my phone? Or is the battery low again?” Brian was good at acting, well… sort of at least.
“Yeah, I don’t think we will take too long, but I can’t say how long now either, just talking some things through… the others will be here in a bit. So… yeah I’m sorry about that. I will make it up to you, okay? I promise… How about…” Brian thought looking at me for help and I tried to sign for dinner, eating, so he could have a reason to get her out of the house for the proposal, idiot… He couldn’t think about anything himself. I chuckled again when Brian nodded.

“I’ll take you out to dinner tomorrow. A fancy restaurant, we can both dress up and all that? What you think?! I’m gonna make some time just for us! Really! Yes! Babe, I swear. Tomorrow evening is for us!” Brian whispered a little lower and I chuckled, okay that was apparently not meant for our ears.

I looked up at Matt and he was staring down on me “You are amazing, you know that, right?” He asked and I chuckled “You are not so bad yourself, Mr. Sanders” I said and kissed his lips, the kiss intensifying until we were interrupted “Here your phone and thanks for the help.. again. I swear I’m going nuts, I just hope I thought about everything.” Brian looked around like everything he needed would be right before him and I frowned.

“Why were we here again?” I asked and that’s when I saw the door opening and our other friends coming in, the band members, girlfriends, roadies and I smiled, just one person was missing, Ave.
But she would join us, not long and she would be here, and she would be so happy!

“What are we doing here now? I could be-” Johnny started but Brian held up his hand.
“Stop the complaining right away, some of you know and some of you might not… But I invited you all here to announce something, and to ask for your help” Brian started and I grabbed Matt’s hand squeezing a little and then his arms closed around me pulling me in front of his body, his lips at my ear “I love when you are so excited, you glow…” He whispered and I chuckled, loving him, no matter what.

“I just rented Johnny’s Bar for tomorrow, for a special occasion, where I need all of you to be present. No matter what appointment, date or some other shit you got planned, it’s cancelled. I need you here.” Brian continued and I wanted to jump up and down, he is going to say it now, he is going to say it!

“But I don’t-”
“We have-”

“Didn’t you fucking hear him, he got something important to say assholes, shut the fuck up and listen” Matt bellowed and god I loved his bossy nature! I quickly pecked his lips and he gave me a knowing smile, patting my butt with his hand.
Some grumbling could be heard and I saw Johnny’s the owner of the bar setting a tablet full of shots on the counter and Brian nodded thankful at him.

Brian took a shot and handed the tablet around for everyone to take one.
“I’m going to ask Avery if she wants to marry me tomorrow, here in Johnny’s bar.” Brian finally said and it was dead silent until cheers broke out and we all threw the alcohol down our throats in celebration, everyone asked questions, cheered and yelled, everyone wanted to know what he planned but Brian brushed them off.

“So why you are here… I need some help, everything is set up except for this place. I mean, no offense Johnny, but this needs some pimping up for a proposal Haner style.” Brian said and Johnny waved him off “Do as you want kiddo, just bring it back in order afterwards, this place is yours for one day and night, just as I wrote you earlier.”

Brian nodded his thanks at Johnny, who vanished from the bar and handed the keys to Brian “You have the full responsibility, you are in the lead, do as you want, but I want my baby back the day after tomorrow, just as I am leaving you with it for now.” With that Johnny took his hat and left, letting us and Brian stare after him, well that was some big ass move, haven’t seen that before.

“Well, you heard the man. What I need from you guys is, Jason, you and Johnny, take over the food and drinks, look what we need and order something you guys know we like… and especially Ave likes, this ice-cream she loves and devours… all that, I want everything! Those girly drinks, Maya help them out with information, will you?” He asked and I nodded turning to Jason Berry and Johnny right away, giving them a list full of things I know Ave loves.

“Jimmy, music… You and Jess, gotta make sure we got the music running, some of Ave’s favorite songs, Jess you know what she likes, right? Maybe some decorations, which you could organize together with Maya? I wrote something down I thought fitting, maybe you find some of these?”

It went on and on like that, the stage that had to be built for Brian’s proposal idea, his guitar set up, he discussed that with Matt Berry.

After everything was discussed and running I saw Brian turning to Zack “I still have nothing to do, man?! I feel… I don’t know, kinda left out.” Zack said a little sad and I moved up to him, while I saw Matt and the other guys already bringing furniture out and making place to begin the working here tomorrow right away.

“I think you will have a special task” I kissed Zack’s cheek and he smiled at me then turned to Brian looking at him hopeful.
“Is she right? Do I get something to do finally?” Zack asked and Brian nodded.
“I told Ave that I would take her to dinner tomorrow, but… I won’t. I mean, I gotta set everything up the right way and I need you, to pick Ave up, and bring her here, without knowing what will happen here, can you do that for me?” Brian asked and Zack’s grin was face wide.

“I can definitely do that!” Zack hugged Brian and I saw a little moment between those two “I’m glad you are taking that step man, don’t worry. She will love it!”
Brian nodded and then pulled away quickly “Alright, get to work everyone, we got a shitload to do, before the party can start!”

Brian’s POV
I lied to Avery again last night, I told her that it wouldn’t take too long, but I was home way after midnight. I just had so much to do today, and when I was with her and looked into her blue eyes I knew I couldn’t lie to her face, at least not any more than I already did.
The guilt of it was weighing me down, even though I knew it would all be worth it and come to a good end, right now I felt like the biggest asshole on the planet for treating her the way I did lately.
But I had so many things to organize, so many things to do, that there was just not enough hours of the day, not enough strength from me, even though I worked non fucking stop.
When I went home I found Ave asleep on the couch, her phone clutched in her hand with a picture of her and me. Had she cried? Her cheeks looked like tears had run down, and my heart ached to see her like this, knowing I was the reason for the trouble.

I just hoped after this evening, she would understand everything, why I was absent, why I tried to be secretive, why I behaved the way I did, and then I hoped she wasn’t too mad at me, so she would decide to say no.

I don’t know what I would do if she said no, if she didn’t want to become my wife. I would probably break down, but I couldn’t think about that now.
Now, I had to man up and do the thing! I know I could convince her, I had my speech prepared, I got the song in my head, the notes were flowing.

I just hoped the others had done every little task I gave them as well, but Maya seemed to be a great coordinator, so I wasn’t too nervous about that. She really did everything, she seemed so excited. I think Matt was wrong and he didn’t have to wait too long to pop the question, the way Maya behaved now seemed like she was very much into the idea of marrying, or was that just for Ave and me?!

Well, we should find that out sooner or later right?!

I kissed Ave’s cheek before getting my clothes and heading out early in the morning. I would stay away from her the whole day, still lots of preparing for me to do, and I had Maya and Zack being responsible Ave wouldn’t break up with me before I popped the question tonight. I promised her to go have dinner and some ‘us time’, she would probably freak out, when I was a no show and Zack was there, but hey… in the end, everything would fall into it’s place. I was sure of that, my friends just had to convince her off that and be at her side so she didn’t do anything stupid.

I closed the door behind me and headed to my car, I had no idea what I would do if Ave would have woken up and asked where I was going, because this time I didn’t have Maya to cover, or Matt to take the phone.

So I drove off into the direction of the studio first. I would grab my guitar, the song-text just to be sure not to fuck up and then head over to Johnny’s bar. I was relieved no getting caught yet, it meant to just dodging Ave’s calls mostly and not running into her.

I sighed heavily after meeting up with Jimmy in the studio he was talking none stop on how he would ask the little gnome, but I tried to shove that away, I had a speech in my head, and if needed also in my pocket, had written it during one of the last nights where I wasn’t able to sleep, afraid of having forgotten something.

“Alright, I have more things to do, Jimbo. We see us tonight, and be ready and make sure everyone is in time. I make you the one to check that. I need all of my friends in the back room, if I am going to be the happiest man in the world tonight I want all my friends around me and if-” I swallowed thickly but Jimmy came up to me hugging me in one of his bone crashing hugs.

“Don’t worry, Gatesy-poo. She won’t be able to say no… She won’t disappear on you, at least not beside some secret adventures with me, but don’t worry, not tonight…” He looked up as if an idea stuck him but I shook my head “Jimmy, no adventures! Not today or tonight! I swear I’m gonna kill you if-” Jimmy began to laugh loudly and then drop on the floor holding his belly from laughing.

I left without another word, this was really enough for me, he was not funny! Not at all!
I walked to my car checking my messages seeing one from Matt and Maya.

Brown eyes, Ave and I are working, she is still suspicious, glad tonight is worth the trouble – M

Location ready and set, you just have to add your final touch - ShadsI sighed one more thing done on my list to do and I was glad for that. I had all my friends behind me, the woman I loved taken care of, now I needed Avery’s dad, to be there as well. I knew Larry was busy and I had no idea if he was even home at the moment, but I would give it a try nonetheless.

I chose his number and dialed while driving to Johnny’s Bar. I would get redressed there, was freshly showered and hoped that would last till tonight.

“Brian, how can I help you?” Larry’s voice sounded and I smiled.
“With your presence tonight at Johnny’s around seven you could.” I said without missing a beat.
“Why would you want me there?” Larry asked a hint of a smile in his voice.
“Well, because I’m proposing your only daughter, and I thought you might like to see how she makes me the happiest man on the world or crushes my heart beneath her feet, what you say? Are you around?” I asked and Larry chuckled.

“The way you put it I can’t say no to that, right? I’m cancelling my flight to New York and will be there.” Larry said and I sighed, I didn’t know if I was happy or not about it but for Ave it would be the right thing, knowing she had the blessing of her dad, if she wanted to.

“Jimmy and Matt know details if you have any questions. Will see you tonight, Larry” I ended the call and let my head fall back against the headrest. So this was it, everything arranged I just had to go through now.

I breathed deeply in and out and got out of the car, the more steps I made towards Johnny’s the more sweaty hands I got, my heart began beating faster and faster, but I had no idea why, nothing was happening yet, how would I behave when it was time for Ave to arrive?!

I found Johnny’s abandoned from everyone but perfectly set up. Matt and the others had done an amazing job, all the stuff was in the back room, they built up a small stage with one chair for Ave and another stool for me and I placed my guitar on it. I put up the text and sat down adjusting my chair in height and my guitar for the right tune.

I put the finishing touch to everything, put a champagne cooler next to Ave’s place and two glasses up, just waiting for filling with the cooled liquid.
I looked at the backroom and saw the drinks were equipped and the snacks were only waiting to be brought, a note on the table from Johnny said they would be delivered an hour before the meeting.

I walked behind the bar and breathed deeply in and out, I pulled the ring from my pocket and opened the box to have a closer look, Maya said she would love it, I just hoped she was right.
I put it back away and after I checked my clothes and everything else for the third time a message arrived.

Ave is home alone now, the new dress for her resting on her bed, with the small message you wrote her. She is getting ready for your dinner with her, she thinks you gonna pick her up soon, almost time for calling and letting her know u won’t make it, but gently, she is on edge. Oh, and are you nervous? Don’t be, brown eyes. It’s gonna be fine! - M

Shit, it was that late already?! I checked the time and realized it was really just an hour. I had lost track of time and soon everyone came storming in here! Shit shit shit!
I quickly redressed in a black button down shirt and dress pants, I styled my hair perfectly and added the final touch with my sunglasses on the rim of my shirt.

I was satisfied with myself and hoped Ave was too, I know she loved me all dressed up, so I hoped she would be able to appreciate the effort I put in myself.
When I was completely done, Johnny and Jason arrived with the food, as did Maya and Jess for the final girl check on all the drinks and likes and dislikes of Ave.

Jimmy was next together with Matt, and they were all driving me insane walking around me and I quickly walked out, grabbing my phone. I had to tell Ave I wouldn’t make it, that I had Zack to take her out. I needed her distraction to the perfection!

“Brian? Are you on your way? I’m all ready for you and our evening together” Ave’s excited voice sounded and I cringed.
“No love… Listen, I-” I stuttered a little, my heart in my throat, final blow Haner, do it! You will make it all up for her later.

“Brian, what is going on?! I got the dress you let Maya make for me, it’s beautiful, breathtaking even, you will love it!” Ave gushed out and I closed my eyes. NOW!
“Avery, I’m not going to make it. But I got Zack to pick you up and have a nice evening with. I’m sorry, gotta redo a track with the solo and all, I had no idea… that’s why I left so early. I will make up for it, I promise, babe” I said all way too quickly, but I heard only silence.

“Ave did you hear me? I’m sorry… Zack must be there any second” I said again and heard a small sob or was it just her hitched breathing?! I didn’t know but I couldn’t let it affect me.
“I’m sorry. I gotta go, love you, Ave.” And just before I hung up I heard the doorbell announcing Zack’s arriving, I sighed, she wouldn’t be alone and I knew Zack could cheer her up and would bring her here in no time.

I walked back inside and announced that Zack arrived at Avery’s and that they would be here soon. Everyone scattered around the room and they all disappeared into the back room, no sign of party or celebration.

The door opened and Larry came in last, beside Ave and Zack everybody was here now. I greeted him and he disappeared with the rest of everyone in the back room. I heard Matt loudly chuckle and Maya giggle and rolled my eyes at those two.

Will be there in a couple of minutes - V

My heart sped up, now it was time, I would make it. She would say yes, make me the happiest man. I knew it, she couldn’t say no. I would not know what I would do if she wouldn’t reply or would dismiss me right away. I breathed deeply in and out, tried to dry my hands on my pants, but that wasn’t working.

“Keep calm, brown eyes. It’s gonna be fine” I heard Maya’s sweet voice and she indeed calmed me down with that.
“Thanks, M” I whispered back and then I heard a voice outside.

“Why? Why did you have to take me to Johnny’s, when I tell you the entire time, I just wanna stay in bed. I don’t want to go out, and not in this! I mean, I thought… Zack, something is wrong” Ave’s voice sounded and she sounded like she was about to cry every second.

“Just five minutes, and if you then want to go, I will bring you home. I promise, sweetie” Zack’s voice sounded and then the door opened and my heart stopped.

I saw how Ave looked around and saw me standing on the small built up stage, her eyes wandered around and she gapped.
“What in-” She whispered and I saw Zack wink at her before he vanished. I walked down the small step and over to her.

“Hey love…” I said softly and took her hand in mine. I guided her towards the stage and she followed me without complaining.
“I’m sorry I had to let you go through all this trouble, but I have got something that I need to show you” I said and she just stared at me and I took in here beautiful appearance.

I think I never saw her looking this stunningly before. She was the woman of my dreams, she was all I ever wanted, more than I would have asked for and now I just had to put that in words and convince her.

“You-you want to show me something?” Ave whispered looking still around and I nodded.
“Yes, come here. Have a seat.” I poured some of the champagne in the two glasses and gave her a motion to take it.

“What is it, Brian?” She asked uncertain and I thought I would start with the song, before I lost completely my nerves, this was harder than I ever thought but also the best moment of my life this far.

“Okay, this song I wrote for you, love. I realized too late what I had and had let go, so this is for you, with all my love.” I said and Ave’s eyes began to tear up.

I sat down on my stool and took my guitar in my hands and began to play the song I practiced so often, that I could play without looking at the text or the notes, it felt like second nature so the entire time I looked at Ave, and wanted her to see all the emotions that were playing on my features and that she could hear in my voice.

“A lonely road, crossed another cold state line
Miles away from those I love, purpose hard to find
While I recall all the words you spoke to me
Can't help but wish that I was there
Back where I'd love to be, oh yeah

Dear God the only thing I ask of you
Is to hold her when I'm not around
When I'm much too far away
We all need that person
Who can be true to you
But I left her when I found her
And now I wish I'd stayed
'Cause I'm lonely and I'm tired
I'm missing you again oh no
Once again

There's nothing here for me
On this barren road
There's no one here
While the city sleeps
And all the shops are closed
Can't help but think of
The times I've had with you
Pictures and some memories
Will have to help me through
Oh yeah

Dear God the only thing I ask of you
Is to hold her when I'm not around
When I'm much too far away
We all need that person
Who can be true to you
I left her when I found her
And now I wish I'd stayed
'Cause I'm lonely and I'm tired
I'm missing you again oh no
Once again

Some search, never finding a way
Before long, they waste away
I found you, something told me to stay
I gave in, to selfish ways
And how I miss someone to hold
When hope begins to fade.”

“Oh my god Brian… That was beautiful” Ave whispered a tear ran down her cheek and I was glad she liked it.
“No, you are beautiful. Ave, there is something more that I need to tell you.” I said and Ave’s eyes grew wider and then I saw more uncertainty but I had to get it out now, afraid I would back out if I waited any longer.

“Ave, I love you. You are the woman of my dreams… When we first met, you were different than any others women I met before. You were meant to be my biggest challenge. You were a challenge for me right from the start and you always will be my biggest challenge, because I want to make you happy forever. I want to be by your side forever and I want to be the best man that you can possibly have.” I breathed deeply in and out, Ave was still gapping at me the glass in her hand looked a little too loose, so I carefully took it away and put it on the tray.

“I was an idiot, I was wrong and I didn’t always behave like I should have. I think we both know what I am talking about but I’m not getting in any details, because I’m afraid someone will hear it who shouldn’t” I tried to keep the chuckle low, knowing Larry was hiding and listening in. Ave didn’t seem to mind my words so I continued. “With you I discovered sides on me I didn’t knew they even existed and you made me to the man I am. In the song I mentioned ‘some search never finding a way’, with you I found my way. ‘I found you, something told me to stay.’ I want to always stay beside you, Avery. I want to be the only man for you and you will always be the only woman for me. I want to have eternity with you. That is why I am asking you today, Ave-” I stopped and crouched down before her on one knee. I pulled the box with the ring from my pants pocket and held it open and out for her to see and then met her eyes “I am asking you, if you want to marry me, love?”

I held my breath, my heart was beating so loud I thought it might burst right out of my chest, my blood rushed in my ear and I had to concentrate real hard to hear her answer, even though everyone was sure she would say yes, now it was Avery’s turn to decide.

Forever together?

Notes

Soooo you waited a little longer for this one....
Tell us if you think it was worth it?!

How did you like Brian's surprise for Ave?!
And even more important what do u think Ave will say and how will she react?!

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Give us some big comments... JUST ONE MORE CHAPTER TO GO!!

Part Three of this Story? Yes, No?!
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