It all comes down to this...

[Aiden]

Aiden raised an eyebrow and lowered his voice.  "For what?"  He asked, not understanding.

[potter_fan122]

Stacey giggled. "I forgot to mention that we have a huge Christmas party every year. And it`s tonight." She smiled mischeviously. "It`s a black-tie event."

[Aiden]

He leaned back, suprised.  "What?  How could you forget something like that?"  Aiden asked as he shook his head.  His lips pressed into a hard line.

[potter_fan122]

Stacey shrugged. "We do it every year, I guess I`m just used to having it. She stepped closer to him. "Don`t worry. There`s nothing that could go wrong." She tilted head, wondering what bothered Aiden the most right now.

[Aiden]

Aiden looked at Stacey.  "Oh.  Well, is it only going to be me and your dad?"  He asked.

[potter_fan122]

"Yea," Stacey said, "My mom and I are going to get dresses." Her eyes twinkled. "Don`t worry, my dad likes you a lot."

[Aiden]

Aiden nodded.  "Alright.  I hope so.  Do you know what kind of dress your going to get?"  He asked, wondering what kind of suit to buy.

[potter_fan122]

Stacey giggled again. "You`ll find out later." She said as Carrie and James stepped through the front door.

"Well," James said, "I guess you already know about our plans tonight, come on." He motioned for Aiden to follow him as he walked to a door that led to the garage.

Stacey smiled at Aiden and nodded.

[Aiden]

Aiden nodded at Stacey and waved before he left the room with her father.

[potter_fan122]

Stacey sighed softly as Aiden left, making her mother give her a look.

James cleared his throat as he got in the driver`s seat of the red Mercedes. He motioned for Aiden to get in the passenger`s side. "My daughter really likes you." He said softly but sternly.

[Aiden]

Aiden sat down and buckled his seat belt.  He layed his hands on his knees.  Aiden nodded.  "Yes sir.  I like her alot too."  He replied quietly.

[potter_fan122]

James smiled softly, exactly how Stacey smiled sometimes. "That`s good. Love is a wonderful thing." He murmured, more to himself than Aiden. He pulled out of the drive and started down the street.

[Aiden]

Aiden nodded again in agreement.  He looked out the window.  He couldn't really think of anything to say at the moment.

[potter_fan122]

They finished the ride in silence. About ten minutes later, James pulled into a tuxedo shop. He parked quickly. And unlocked the doors. "She`s been hurt berfore, you know." He said, turning to look at Aiden. "And I won`t let her be hurt again." His dark grey eyes were intense.

[Aiden]

Aiden looked up at James.  "Yes sir, I understand.  I want you to know that I really do care for her, and I would never do something like that to her."  He pointed out truthfully.