“Are you sure this is okay?” BJ grabbed her carryon bag, holding it protectively in front of her belly.
Meredith smiled. “It’s fine. Lance said they would be delighted to have some company.”
“This is just weird.”
“Why’s that?”
“My brother’s a Backstreet Boy, and I’m going to live with two members of ‘N Sync.”
Meredith laughed loudly. “Just a bit. It’ll all work out.”
They exited the plane, heading down the ramp to baggage claim to pick up their suitcases. She wasn’t surprised to see the young man lurking near the doors. Justin stepped forward when he saw Meredith, grabbing the suitcases sitting at her feet and hurrying out to the car. Smiling, the two women followed him to the Mercedes parked in the visitor’s parking lot.
Justin and Meredith chatted on the drive to the house, with Justin casting curious glances over his shoulder at the young woman sitting quietly in the back seat. Pulling into the garage, he unloaded the suitcases and ushered them into the house.
Lance turned around and smiled as he set the baked chicken on the stove. “Hey, Merry.”
Meredith hugged him, sniffing the air appreciatively. “Smells good. You’ve become quite the chef.”
“If I relied on Justin, we’d eat pizza every night.” He grinned at both of his friends before turning his attention to the fourth person in the room.
“Hi. I don’t think we’ve been formally introduced. Lance Bass.” He held out his hand to BJ, who shook it and smiled.
“BJ Carter. Nice to meet you, and thank you for letting me share the house.”
“No problem. You’re much prettier than Curly here.”
Justin piped up with an indignant “hey!” but never moved from his forage through the refrigerator.
“Let’s get you settled, then we’ll come back and help with dinner.” Meredith nudged BJ toward the hall, pulling their suitcases behind them. Turning right, she headed towards her bedroom. Opening the door, she ushered BJ inside and settled her suitcases next to the door.
“This is a beautiful room. That bed looks so comfortable.” The young woman wandered around, inspecting everything.
“Trust me, it is. You’ll enjoy sleeping on it.”
BJ turned in surprise. “This is your room?”
Meredith nodded.
“But aren’t you going to sleep here?”
The older woman shook her head. “Naw. I want you to stay in here. I think it’s the best room in the house, and you need to comfortable.”
BJ moved forward and wrapped her arms around Meredith in a very familiar embrace. “Thanks, Mom.”
“You’re welcome, mia caro.”
They unpacked what clothes the young woman brought, then walked back towards the kitchen after Meredith grabbed her suitcase from outside her door. She headed for the guest rooms, finding the middle one empty. BJ waited in the foyer, a little shy about being alone with the two men. She rubbed her belly, a little unsure as to what the guys would say when they found out she was pregnant.
The two women walked into the kitchen to find Justin setting the table while Lance was putting food in serving dishes. They laid everything out on the kitchen table while Meredith took drink orders.
“Lance? Justin?”
“Tea.”
She poured three glasses of tea and a glass of milk, placing them on the table. Meredith said grace, and the four of them began to fill their plates. BJ took a bite of chicken, her eyes widening.
“This is really good.”
Lance smiled a little bashfully. “Thanks. I’ve been looking through Meredith’s cookbooks and testing things out. If there’s anything particular you’d like to have, just let me know.”
“So, you’ve divvied up kitchen duty?” Meredith looked between both young men.
Justin shrugged. “He cooks, I clean. That way, neither of us gets food poisoning.”
“You’re not that bad, Curly.”
“You’re just a better cook, Scoop, face it.”
Meredith looked over at BJ and winked. The young woman winked back.
***Backstreet Boys***Backstreet Boys****Backstreet Boys***Backstreet Boys****
After the movie finished, BJ stood and moved towards the door. “I’m tired, guys. I’ll see everyone in the morning.”
“Night, caro.” Meredith smiled at her young friend as the two men called out goodnights.
When she was gone, Lance looked over at her. “When is she due?”
Justin’s eyes grew large. “She’s pregnant?”
The other man rolled his eyes before turning back to Meredith. She smiled at the two men.
“October. I, we, wanted her some place safe and quiet. I didn’t think the two of you would mind.”
“Naw, that’s cool.” Justin nodded from his perch on the end of the sofa.
“Well, I’m going to bed, too. I’ll see y’all in the morning.” She hugged them both and wandered down the hall to the bedroom she was going to use for her stay.
The two men finished cleaning up their drinks and snacks then headed for bed.
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The next morning, Lance wandered into the kitchen to find BJ lifting a tray of blueberry muffins from the oven. He hurried over just as she set it down on the stovetop.
“Should you be lifting anything? I don’t want you to hurt yourself.”
This far into her pregnancy, BJ was used to these comments from her brother and the other Backstreet Boys, so she just laughed.
“I’m fine, but thank you. Muffin?” She pulled a couple of them out of the pan, and he nodded.
“I’ll get the milk and butter.”
She pulled a couple more out then walked over to the table with the plates. They sat down and began to eat. He looked over at her and smiled.
“These are really good.”
BJ chuckled. “It’s one of Irene’s recipes.”
He nodded in understanding. Justin and Meredith joined them eventually, enjoying the muffins as much as Lance had. That afternoon, Meredith drove BJ over to Theresa’s OB and introduced her to the doctor. When they returned later that afternoon, they found both men out in the pool playing volleyball.
Still a little self conscious, BJ sat in a lounge chair and watched as the three people swam and played in the pool. Deciding that she wanted to fix dinner, she disappeared inside to start preparations. Meredith eventually followed her into the house, watching from the doorway as the young woman moved around the kitchen following one of Irene’s recipes.
The pattern continued for the next couple of days before Meredith packed up her duffel and prepared to leave. Before walking out the door with Justin, she hugged BJ and Lance and smiled at them.
“Remember, Nick will be here in a couple of weeks.”
BJ rolled her eyes before she smiled. “Yes, Mom.”
“Ciao, caro.”
With another wave, Meredith was gone.
Lance turned to BJ and grinned. “Wanna shortsheet Justin’s bed?”
Laughing, the young woman shook her head. “I don’t think there’s going to be a dull moment around the two of you.”
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Justin maneuvered through traffic, occasionally glancing towards Meredith.
“What’s on your mind, Justin?”
He smiled, not really surprised she had noticed his inquisitive looks. “Just wondering if you’re planning on adopting all the Carter kids.”
She shrugged and smiled. “It certainly looks like it, doesn’t it? After all, I’ve already started on the boy bands.”
He laughed as he pulled up in front of the departure gate. She held up her hand, motioning for him to stay in the car. Leaning over, she hugged him close.
“Be good. Take care of BJ for me.”
“I will. Bye, Merry.”
“Bye, Justin.”
He watched until she disappeared from view then pulled out into traffic to return home.
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Three days later, BJ was walking through the house looking for her purse. Not watching where she was going, she bumped right into Lance.
“Whoa.” He reached out to steady her, and she chuckled.
“Thanks.”
“No prob. Anything wrong?”
“Just looking for my purse. Oh, is one of the cars free?” She picked up her bag and rifled through it.
“Justin’s got some plans, and I was going to the grocery store. Do you need something?” He tucked his hands into his pockets.
“I’ve got a doctor’s appointment in thirty minutes. Can you drop me off?” She looked at him, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.
“Sure. I can wait for you if you don’t mind a trip to the grocery store, too.”
“Actually, that’d be great. I wanted to pick up some green peppers for that new recipe Irene sent.”
“You ready now?” Lance extended his hand towards the garage door in invitation.
“Sure. Thanks.”
The two of them walked into the garage and climbed into the Lexus. Lance started the car and backed out of the garage, pulling into the street. “Where are we going?”
“Fourth and Main.”
They chatted quietly as he drove to the doctor’s office. Finding a close parking space, he parked and followed her into the building.
“Are you sure you don’t mind waiting?” BJ looked over at him as she signed in.
“Naw. I’m sure I can find a magazine to read.”
She waited for about twenty minutes before she was called back into the room for the exam. Dr. Jones did a thorough examination and followed it up with several questions in her office.
“I’d like to do an sonogram, but I’m afraid we’re all booked up today. When you get to the reception desk, please make an appointment and we’ll get a good look at the little one, okay?”
BJ nodded. “Thanks, Dr. Jones. I’ll do that.”
She walked down to check out, setting up another appointment for her sonogram. When she finished, she walked out and found Lance engrossed in an issue of Parents.
“You ready?”
He looked up and smiled. “Yep. Everything okay?”
“Yeah. I’ve got to come back in a couple of days for a sonogram, but that’s it.”
“Will you need someone to drive you for that?” Lance held open the door so BJ could leave.
“You can come if you want. Some company might be nice.”
They headed for the grocery store and picked up the items they needed for the week.
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Three days later, BJ and Lance were back at the doctor’s office waiting for her turn with the sonogram machine. He sat there and watched as she twisted her hands together. Reaching over, he gently laid one of his on top of hers.
“You okay?”
She sighed. “Yeah. It’s just that this is really going to bring home the fact I’m going to be a mom.”
“Yeah, it will.” He patted her hands then went back to looking at his magazine.
“BJ Carter?” The technician stood at the doorway, looking into the waiting room.
BJ stood up and took a step towards the woman then looked back at Lance. “Will you come with me?”
He looked up in surprise and saw the hint of fear in her eyes. Dropping his magazine to the side, he smiled and nodded. “Sure.”
They headed for the room, and Lance helped BJ up onto the table. The technician smiled and looked at Lance. “Would you like to spread the gel?”
Startled, Lance looked over at BJ, who bit her lip and nodded. Releasing a deep breath, he took the roller and smoothed it across BJ’s belly as the woman directed him. When he finished, she took the wand and moved it across the swell. The picture appeared on the screen, and both BJ and Lance just stared in astonishment as the technician pointed out the head and hands of the baby. They could see the tiny heart beating
A couple of tears trickled down BJ’s cheeks. Lance smiled at her, grabbing a tissue and wiping them away. The young woman smiled at him, holding his hand before he could pull it away. With a quick flip of a switch, a rhythmic thumping filled the room.
“And that’s the heartbeat.”
Both BJ and Lance were just in awe, and it clearly showed up on their faces. The woman printed out a couple of pictures and popped out the video and audio cassettes she had been recording. Wiping the gel of BJ’s belly, she turned off the machines.
“Well, there you go. Dr. Jones will be reviewing this later, but you’re free to go. You two enjoy yourselves.”
“Oh, but we’re…” BJ started to speak, but the woman just patted her hand and walked out of the room.
Looking up in embarrassment, BJ kind of shrugged. “Sorry, Lance.”
He chuckled. “That’s okay. They probably figured since I’ve brought you both times I’m the father.”
At the mention of the baby’s father, BJ grimaced and sat up. Lance helped her off the table, and they walked down the hall.
“BJ.”
She looked over at him.
“If you ever want to talk, I’ll listen.”
She smiled in thanks before heading to the reception desk and gathering her tapes. When they got home, she put one of the pictures up on the refrigerator before heading to her room. As she came back towards the kitchen, she heard Lance explaining all the different parts of the sonogram to Justin.
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BJ settled into the house, getting used to living with the two men. Despite the fact she had two brothers, they weren’t home very much, and she and Sam had not really lived together. Before she knew it, a couple of weeks had passed and she was picking Nick up at the airport.
Standing in front of the gate, she could see his head above the other passengers as people started to exit. He pulled her into his arms, hugging her gently before pushing her back to look at her.
“You look great.” He wrapped an arm around her shoulder as they walked toward baggage claim.
“Thank you. I feel great.” She led him towards the Lexus, clicking the remote to unlock the doors and the trunk.
“And they’re treating you okay?” Nick climbed into the front passenger seat after tossing his bag in the trunk.
BJ laughed. “They treat me like spun glass. Every time I try to do something, Lance is asking if it’s too much, and Justin won’t even let me pick up a plate from the dinner table.”
He chuckled as they returned to the house and pulled into the garage. Lance was grabbing bags out of the back of the Expedition.
“Hey, Nick.” He smiled at the tall blond before smiling at BJ.
“Lance. Need some help?”
“Thanks.”
The two men carried the groceries inside while BJ followed behind. They put the groceries away, and Lance handed a bottle of vitamins to BJ.
“Thank you for picking up my prescription.” She tilted her head and smiled at him.
“My pleasure.” He returned the smile before heading towards his room.
Nick looked between the two of them, his mind turning. Looking at his sister, he grinned. “So, which room is available?”
“Both guest rooms on the ends are taken. I’ve got Mom’s.”
“Gotcha.” He grabbed his bag and headed for a bedroom.
Wandering back towards the living room, he heard the voices from the patio and wandered outside to see BJ swimming while Lance was sitting on the diving board.
“Bring your suit?” The shorter man smiled at their guest.
“Always.” The other man grinned.
“Well, what are you waiting for?” BJ splashed his feet, and he danced out of the way to avoid her.
“Fine. Fine. I’m going.” Nick disappeared back into the house to change.
As he was heading back outside, he ran into Justin, who was coming out of his room.
“Justin.” “Nick.”
The two men shook hands before walking towards the pool. Stopping just inside the door, Nick watched as Lance held out his hand for BJ to escort her up the steps. He wrapped a towel around her before heading towards the diving board. Justin watched Nick’s face as the older man took in the view.
“She’s in good hands.”
Nick looked over at the other man. Pursing his lips for a moment, he nodded. They walked out onto the patio and joined the other two for some later afternoon pool time before dinner.
After dinner, Nick was putting food into the refrigerator and saw the sonogram picture. BJ moved to stand next to him as he touched the paper, taking it down to study it.
“That’s the head.” She pointed to part of the image. “And that’s a leg.”
“Wow.” He just looked at the picture before looking down at his sister. Although he knew she was pregnant, seeing the picture really brought it home.
Putting the picture back, he laid his hand on the gently rounded swell of her belly. “You’re gonna be a mom.”
She chuckled, laying her hand over his. “Yeah, I am.”
Hugging her close, he smiled against her hair. “You’re gonna be a good mom.”
“If I’m anything like Meredith, I’m gonna be the best.” She held him as they stood in the kitchen.
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Three days later, BJ was waving goodbye as Lance drove Nick to the airport. The two men were quiet as they rode down the street. When Lance pulled up in front of the door to the flight counters, Nick hesitated as he opened the door.
“If you hurt my sister, I will hurt you.”
Green eyes met blue eyes, and Lance nodded slowly. Nick gave him a quick nod and got out of the car. The other man watched as the tall man disappeared through the automatic doors.
Releasing a whoosh of breath, Lance put the car into gear and headed back to the house, wondering how Nick knew that he was really beginning to like BJ.
Table of Contents
Chapter Forty