I'll do whatever it takes
To turn this around
I know what's at stake
I know that I've let you down
And if you give me a chance
I'll keep us together whatever it takes        

I look to my left, and fight the urge to throw something, as yet another flash goes off in my face. I know...I should be used to it, and in a way, I guess I am, but it's pretty frustrating when you're trying to do something, but don't have a whole lot of time to do it, and these assholes want to interfere.     

"You just want to keep walking?" Trace asks as we get closer to our destination.    

"Yeah." I sigh angrily and roll my eyes.    

Normally, I could care less if they follow me, or what they assume about what I'm doing, but today, they could put a major dent in my plans, and I'm not having it. I'm determined for this to work exactly the way I want, and nothing is going to stand in the way of that.    

It's weird how quickly it came to me. I mean really, it's been right there in front of me, all along. I just didn't see it until last night. This is the one thing, that could solve all the issues between Ally and I.     

I'm going to ask her to be my wife.    

Granted, I know it won't completely eliminate the Charlie problems, and it's not going to have any affect on the fact that I'll be back on the road in a couple months, but I really want to do this. I love her, and as far as I'm concerned, this is the next logical step.    

I know we haven't been together very long, but I've known Ally all my life. I don't see any signs that this isn't the right thing to do. When I told Trace, he was damn near jumping up and down, so I know I'm ok. If he'd have thought it was a bad idea, he would have told me.     

And honestly, I know this isn't some quick fix for everything, but it can only help. Besides, it's not like we have to get married tomorrow. She can take all the time she wants to plan, and do whatever girly shit she'll have to do to prepare. I've got all the time in the world to wait for her.     

"Justin...rumor has it, that you and your girlfriend have gotten pretty serious, care to comment?"     

I keep my head down, as they continue to shout questions at me from a million different directions. I never really did understand why they do that, do they think screaming at me is going to make me more prone to answer their stupid asses?     

Really, these guys couldn't be any dumber if they tried. They'd have much better luck getting their pictures, or interviews, or whatever the hell it is they want, if they were nice about it, and gave me some space.     

If one of them approached me on the street, and said he wanted to ask a few questions, and take some pictures, I'd probably be more likely to cooperate. Instead, they want to hunt me down like a God damn dog, and chase me down the street. There should be some type of law against this shit.     

"Dude...fuck off. Why don't you guys get real jobs?" Trace barks at them, and I have to hold back a laugh.    

He's never been shy when it comes to dealing with the paparazzi. He has no problem letting them know exactly how he feels about them, and I can only stand back and watch. I mean, I've flown off the handle at them numerous times, but I've got to keep my cool. The slightest wrong move I make, will be front page news the next day and Johnny would shit if I start raking in bad press before the tour.     

"Let's just go in." I sigh as we finally stop in front of Tiffany's.    

"You sure?"    

I nod, and follow him into the building. They all clamor around the door, hoping to catch a glimpse of what we're doing inside, but unfortunately for them...I called ahead.     

I'm usually not a big fan of throwing my name around, but when I have to, I use it to my advantage, and this was one of those rare occasions. They've set up several tables, full of rings, in their backroom, and all I have to do is choose.     

We're met at the front door, by an older man, named Henry, who immediately leads us through the store, and into the backroom. Even I'm a little surprised at the spread they have set up for me.     

"Mr. Timberlake, we hope everything is to your liking. If you need anything, let us know."  Henry smiles, then steps out of the backroom, leaving Trace and I completely alone.     

"Ya know...you're making me feel really shitty for ordering Lauren's ring online." He chuckles as he studies one of the tables carefully. "I wanted to go all Sweet Home Alabama and let her pick her own, but there's no way I could afford to shut this place down."    

"Dude, I can't even afford that." I chuckle as I follow him around the room.     

We browse several of the tables, and nothing seems to really jump out at me, which I'm praying isn't some kind of sign. This has to work.     

When I got off the phone with her last night, it just hit me. I can't even explain it. It was like, I started thinking about everything. Her. Charlie. Lauren and Trace. The tour.     

Everything around us is changing, and I think we both need some stability, and I honestly believe, the only place we're going to find it, is in each other. I probably should have done all of this years ago. I wish that I would have seen her, five years ago, the way I see her now.     

I finally reach the last table, and right there in front of me....is the ring. It's simple, and elegant and so completely Ally.     

It's a three stone ring, a round cut diamond in the center, with two round cut sapphire's on either side, and silver band.     

It's....it's perfect.    

"Trace...look at this." I hold the ring up, and his eyes widen a bit, before he smiles.    

"Dude...that's....wow."    

"I know." I grin, and stare at it for a few minutes. Ally is going to flip when she's sees this. "Get that guy in here. This is the one."    

Trace steps out of the room, and returns a minute later, with Henry on his heels.     

"Have we made our selection, Mr. Timberlake?"    

"Yeah..we have." I smile as I hand the ring off to him. He looks it over quickly, then glances back up at me.     

"We carry a matching wedding band for this, would you like to go ahead and purchase that today as well?"        

I ask to see the band, and he quickly ducks behind the counter, then produces a perfectly matching wedding band. It has the same round cut diamonds and sapphires all the way around. I place the two of them together and look over at Trace.     

"What'd ya think?"    

"I think I'm gonna have to kick your ass for having better taste than me." He laughs and rolls his eyes.     

"You, kick my ass? Right." I roll my eyes and turn back to Henry. "I'll take it."

********************************************************    

I have roughly two weeks to plan the perfect proposal, and right now...I have absolutely no idea what to do. I thought Trace would have some advice on the matter, but he put no planning into his, what so ever. He and Lauren had decided long before he actually asked, that they were going to get married. All he had to do was get the ring, and get down on one knee.     

I'm pretty much springing this on Ally, so it has to be perfect. It has to be the right moment, at the right place, and I have to come up with the right words. I mean...I don't want to go in with some over rehearsed speech or anything, but I'd like to have a vague idea of what I want to say. Telling her that I love her, is a given, but for now...that's all I got.    

'I love you, will you marry me?', isn't much of a proposal.    

"I really don't know why you're stressing yourself out about it." Trace says suddenly. "You know she'll say yes, so just wait till the time comes, and say whatever's on your mind."    

I roll my eyes and stare down at the blank piece of paper in front of me. "It's not that easy. I'm gonna be too damn nervous to think straight."    

He shrugs and begins to bounce a tennis ball against the wall in my hotel room. "You can write songs...but you can't write a proposal. There's something seriously wrong with that picture."    

"One doesn't have anything to do with the other, dip shit."    

Unless of course, I wrote her a song, but even I'm not that corny.     

I guess I was expecting this to be easy, like all the perfect words would just come to me, but I'm quickly realizing, it just doesn't work that way. This is going to take some meticulous planning and all I can do is hope that I come up with something before I go back home. If I go back with no clue about what the hell I'm doing, I might lose my nerve. And there's really no telling when I'd have the courage to try it again.     

My phone rings loudly and I reach for it before Trace can even move. Lately, he's gotten into playing this game of keep away with my phone and it pisses me off beyond belief. I mean...I know he's bored and totally miserable without Lauren around, but I don't see how annoying the shit out of me makes up for it.     

"Afternoon, Justin." Johnny Wright's voice booms in my ear, and I wince a little. This can't be good.    

Maybe I should have let Trace get my phone this time, after all.    

"Hey Johnny...what's up?"     

He lets out a long sigh, and I know I'm in for a lecture, like I'm a little kid or something. I can't explain it, but Johnny is so easy to read. I can always tell when he's about to go off on me, or when he has good news. And right now...he's definitely pissed.         

"PR just got an interesting phone call." He says simply and I roll my eyes.    

It doesn't take a rocket scientist to know what this is about. I was kind of waiting for this call, and that is exactly why I already know what to say. I don't usually like to lie, but in order to keep the element of surprise in my plans for Ally, I had to figure something out.     

All I can say, is thank God for Trace and that evil brain of his.     

"Just tell them it was for Trace. They'll buy it."    

"Oh it's not that easy Justin...see, they want a comment on your engagement, not Trace's. Which was kind of funny to me...seeing as how you aren't engaged."    

"Not yet." I mutter, but Johnny hears it, clear as day.    

"Justin, have you lost your damn mind?"
    

"Man, Johnny...come on..."
    

"Look, as a friend, I'm happy for you. Ally's a great girl and she keeps your stupid ass in line. But, as your manager...I don't think this is such a good idea. Do you really want the press digging into Ally's life? We've gotten really lucky so far, and they've left her alone, but once this gets out...trust me, it won't last long."    

"It's not going to happen. Just tell them Trace needed to pick something up, and it's just a misunderstanding."    

"Justin...you can't run around doing whatever the hell you want. The album's out...the tour's starting soon, and you're not 15 anymore, with four other people to back up your bullshit. And you know I don't like having this nonsense fall in my lap. Before you actually ask her, I want to know about it." He slams the phone down, and it's all I can do to not laugh.    

He really is over reacting, but I can kind of understand that he doesn't want to hear about this kind of stuff from the tabloids. I probably should have called him to begin with, but sometimes...I get tired of living my life according to what everyone else wants.     

If I want to propose to my girlfriend, then I'll do it, and nobody's going to stop me.

***********************************************************   

Trace steps off of the plane, and I'm practically pushing him down the walkway. The guy is never in a rush to get anywhere or do anything, but today...I'm in no mood to wait on him.  You'd think he'd be chomping at the bit to see Lauren, but his stroll is so slow and relaxed, it's like he couldn't care less about when he gets out into the airport.    

We finally reach the end of the walkway, and my smile falls when I look around, and see no sign of my girlfriend, anywhere.    

Lauren grins at us, then pounces on Trace. Those two really can be disgusting sometimes.  I clear my throat, and they both turn to glare at me.     

"Where the hell is Ally?"    

"Working...but, she got your message about dinner. She said she'll meet you there at seven. She's stuck on a shoot." Lauren shrugs. "She said she's really sorry."    

"It's all good." I force the best smile I can, and sit down to wait for security.     

"Alright...who are you, and what have you done with the paranoid, jealous Justin we all know and love?" Lauren sits down, and eyes me suspiciously.     

"And exactly what is that supposed to mean?"    

"Oh come on...normally, any mention of Al and work, and you turn into the incredible hulk and start freaking out about Charlie." She rolls her eyes and laughs before turning to Trace. "You're being awfully quiet."    

He shrugs and looks away quickly. I should have known there'd be no way to keep something from her. She's so damn nosy, and has this sixth sense when it comes to secrecy. She always knows, and it's fucking creepy.    

I rifle through my backpack and with a quick look around to make sure no one's watching us, I produce a small, distinct blue box. Lauren's eyes widen as I open it, showing off the diamond and sapphire engagement ring I bought, a little over two weeks ago. She smiles bigger than I think I've ever seen, and her hand flies to her mouth.    

"Aww...J...I'm flattered, really...but I'm already taken." She wiggles her ring in my face with a laugh.    

"Funny." I roll my eyes, then snap the box shut and quickly stuff it back in my bag.     

Hopefully nobody saw that. Having pictures of the ring splashed across the Internet, a few hours before I actually propose, would be about the worst thing that could happen.     

It took awhile, but I finally figured out exactly how I'm going to do this. It's nothing over the top or anything, but I know Ally will love it, and that's all that matters.  It's all for her, and as long as it makes her happy, that's all I need.    

"So, I guess that's what the big dinner tonight, is for?" Lauren asks, the same huge smile still in place.     

"Yep."    

"Aww! Justin!" She squeals and throws her arms around my neck. "This is so perfect! I knew this would happen!"    

"Oh, you did not." Trace rolls his eyes and looks at me. "She still can't believe you guys are together."    

Lauren scoffs at him, then returns her attention to me. "Justin...seriously, this is amazing. I'm so happy for you." She hugs me again and I swear, it seems like she'll never stop smiling.     

I can't even begin to describe what a relief it is, to know that they're on board with this. I was more than a little worried about how they'd react, but so far, it's been nothing but good.     

Johnny, of course, is the exception. I know he's just looking out for my career, but I think it'll be fine. Celebrities get married or engaged all the time, and it has no affect on their careers.     

Although, I'm not too thrilled about the impact this could have on Ally. We haven't gone out of our way to hide our relationship or anything, but we aren't flaunting it either. The public knows we're together, and as far as I'm concerned, they don't need to know anything more than that, but I know an engagement will bring up more interest in us, as  a couple.    

The media will dig into every aspect of Ally's life, talk to anyone who's ever known her, find pictures of her as a child. They'll research her family, and anything she's ever done. Then, of course, they'll discover that she's working for the biggest music video producer in the world, and there's no telling what can of worms that could open.     

But, I know we'll get through it. We're going to make it through everything that's going on around us, and this engagement is just going to bring us closer together.     

Once I slip that ring on her finger, I know that everything is going to finally change for the better.

*******************************************    

I take my seat in the back of the restaurant and after a quick look around, realize is the place is damn near packed to the rafters. I tried to find the nicest, most out of the way place I could, but it doesn't look like I did so well on the out of the way part.     

Atleast, it's nice. Which, I'm sure will show when the check arrives.     

Ally called while I was on my way here to say she'd be running a few minutes late. Leaving the shoot she was on, took longer than expected, but it's alright. Tonight, I'm not going to worry about anything. I'm taking the woman I love, out for a kick ass dinner, and by the end of the night, we'll be engaged. Nothing can go wrong.     

Unless, she gets here and wants to hash out all of our little problems that seem to be snowballing into one giant mess. But, I know our engagement can fix it. Going through with this will turn it all around.    

A ring on her finger will completely deter Charlie. I seriously doubt, even he's sleazy enough to go after a chick who's engaged, so there's one problem eliminated.  He'll back off, and I won't have to worry.     

I know it won't change the fact that I'm on the road, but we'll be making wedding plans, and that's fairly time consuming. Pretty much all of my spare time will be spent on the phone with Ally, or flying home to help her. So that would take care of the distance, and the small communication problem we're developing.     

It also bridges some of the gap between the two of us, and Lauren and Trace. I was starting to think that with them getting married, it wouldn't be long before the four of us drift apart, but if Ally and I are headed in the same direction, it's just one more thing we'd have in common.     

I'm sure it sounds like I'm doing this to avoid change, or because I think it will mend everything, but that's just a bonus. My real reason for proposing is about as simple as it gets.     

I love Ally, and I want to spend the rest of my life with her. I don't have any other intentions, or ulterior motives. I just love her.    

I look up and see her following the hostess to our table, and I smile. She looks amazing. Her hair is pulled back, exposing every inch of that beautiful face. Her make up isn't as detailed as it normally is, when we go out, and I know that's my fault.    

She had to get ready at her office, and I'm sure that was no easy feat since the bathrooms in that joint are the size of a small closet.     

"Hey...sorry I'm late." She kisses my cheek before sliding into the chair across from me.     

"It's cool." I shrug. "How was work?"    

She rolls her eyes and shakes her head. "A lighting fixture fell on a crew member...it wasn't pretty. But anyway..." She grins, then takes a sip of her water and grabs the menu. "I'm so glad you're back."    

"Yeah, me too. Laur said she found her wedding dress."    

Ally nods slowly, the bright smile never leaving her face. "Yeah. Now, it's just a matter of time. I wasn't at first...but I'm actually really excited about the wedding."    

We talk the entire way through our meal, about the wedding, different things she's doing at work, the tour, and some of the treatments Charlie's already received for my second video.    

Of all the things I love about our relationship, I think this is my favorite.  We can talk about damn near anything. Some of the most random conversations I've ever had, have been with Ally.     

It sounds stupid, but it's really cool for me to have someone to talk to about normal, everyday stuff. I could say anything to her, and I know she'd never think I sounded like an idiot, or didn't know what I was talking about. She'd see it as my opinion, and she'd respect it. I don't think I've ever known anyone who's done that for me.    

"So..." She trails off, and looks me dead in the eyes. "We've got a lot to talk about."    

"Yeah, we do." I smile and stick my hand in my pocket. "But there's something I need to do, before we get into all that."    

She rolls her eyes at me, and giggles. "Justin...if you have to piss, just go. Don't be so dramatic about it."    

"Cute. Anyway..." I slide my chair back from the table and give myself enough room to stand up. "So umm...I've been thinking a lot the past few weeks. About you, and me, and everything that's been happening. I know it hasn't all been great, but I think the good outweighs the bad, ya know?"    

She nods slowly, watching me curiously, and waits for me to continue.    

"And, when you think about it...we've had a lot of good, Al." I slide out of my chair and crouch down in front of her, on one knee. Her eyes widen to about ten times their normal size, and her smile disappears.    

"I know everything's changing, but the one thing I don't think ever will, is the fact that I love you. A part of me thinks I always have."    

"Justin...what are you doing?" There's a slight panic in her voice, and her eyes dart around the restaurant. She never saw this coming, so obviously, I did a damn good job of keeping it quiet.     

"I know we haven't been together very long, but honestly...that doesn't matter to me, Al." I pull the small box out of my pocket, and place it on her knee. "You're my best friend, and I can't begin to tell you what you mean to me."    

"Justin.." She whispers harshly.    

"So...Alexandra Lynn Lawson, I'm asking you to marry me." I smile and open the box slowly.  Her eyes settle on the ring and she stares at it, for what feels like hours.     

"Come on Al...don't leave me hanging here." I manage to get out a nervous chuckle, and her eyes finally rise to meet mine. All traces of her smile are gone, and I haven't got a clue what it means.    

"No."

"Whatever It Takes"-Lifehouse