Sitting on a lounge chair, Meredith read her book and slowly rubbed her belly. Looking up suddenly, her eyes searched for AJ.
“Mine.”
Hearing her call, he walked over to her and sat down on the chair next to her, leaning in to kiss her. She smiled at him and grabbed his hand, holding it to the underside of her belly. Waiting a few seconds, they both felt the kick.
Eyes wide with wonder, he looked up at her then back down to her abdomen. He pulled the t-shirt up, exposing her skin, and leaned over to press kisses against the swell.
“Hey, baby love, this is daddy. Are you having a good time in there?”
He felt another couple of kicks, and delighted laughter rang out across the patio.
“I see that you are. Well, try not to have all your fun in there, okay? Save some for when you get here, ‘cause I’ve got a lot planned for the three of us.”
Meredith rested one hand over AJ’s and one on the back of AJ’s head. “You hear that, baby love? Daddy’s got big plans, and Daddy’s big plans are *always* fun.”
He looked up her then sat back up to kiss her properly. “You are so beautiful.”
He moved to kiss her jaw, down her neck, and around to the front. Sliding his hands under her t-shirt, he cupped her breasts and stroked the firm flesh. She moaned, arching into his hands a little as he continued to touch her.
“Anyone here?” The voice drifted out to them, and he leaned his head down to rest against her chest.
“I’m changing the locks *and* the security code.”
Meredith chuckled and wrapped her arms around him. “We’ll continue this later.”
Sitting up, AJ smoothed the t-shirt back down. “You’d better believe it. You just be ready to come…a lot.”
Smirking, she arched an eyebrow. “You just be prepared for the same, mine.”
Shivering at the promise in her eyes, he nodded slowly.
“Hey, how’s my favorite mother-to-be?” Howie walked out onto the patio.
“How many mothers-to-be do you know, D?” Meredith smiled up at him as she reached for her tea glass.
“You’re the only one, but I still want to know how you’re feeling.” He sat down near them and looked the couple over.
“I am fabulous, thank you very much. You should try it some time. Does wonders for your libido.”
“My libido is just fine, thank you.” He blushed slightly as she laughed.
AJ looked over at his friend. “Where’s Lu?”
“Looking at wedding dresses with my mother. Mom insists that Lumien have a fairytale wedding to make up for her last one. She’s going all out.” He sighed as he thought of the woman who was going to be his wife.
“What Mama D wants, Mama D gets.” All three of them chuckled at AJ’s statement.
“Oh, D, by the way, you busy next Friday?”
“No, whatcha need?” The older man looked over at his friend, slightly wary of the large smile.
“A best man.”
Howie sat straight up in his chair as he looked at his friends. “You serious?”
“Yeah. Michael and Cecilia will be here on Wednesday. Of course, Irene and you guys will be here, a few others. We just wanted family there.”
“I’d be honored to stand up with you, AJ.”
AJ grinned as he was wrapped in a hug. Meredith chuckled as Howie hugged her, too.
“Oh, and don’t tell anyone that it’s a wedding. We’re going very casual, and we’re just calling people to say we’re having a party. The Albertis will be here since it’s spring break. And I think Giuseppe is coming with them.”
The group relaxed and chatted for a while until they heard the front door open and close.
“Where is everyone?” Lumien’s voice drifted through the house as she slowly made her way through it.
“There you are.” Coming out onto the patio, she sat down on Howie’s lap and wrapped her arms around his neck, dropping a kiss on his lips.
“Hey, sweetheart. Everything go okay?”
Lumien rolled her eyes then laughed. “Your mother knows how to shop. I think we hit every bridal shop on this side of Orlando.”
“But did you find a dress?” He rubbed her back with his hands.
“Found a couple that are possibilities. We’re hitting the rest of the shops tomorrow.” She swung her head around to observe the couple lying on the chair.
AJ had moved around to settle behind Meredith, draping an arm across her body. As was his custom these days, he was rubbing her belly with his thumb. Lumien just smiled at the sight.
“So, what’s for dinner? I’m starving.”
“Me, too.” Meredith chuckled.
The foursome prepared a light dinner and sat out on the patio, enjoying the breeze and the sunset.
“Lu, we’re having a party next Friday night. You available?” Meredith picked up her glass to take a drink.
Lumien looked over at Howie, who nodded. “Sure, need any help setting it up?”
“No, we’ve got it taken care of. I’ll send out an e-mail with the directions early next week.”
“Cool.” The young woman grinned before taking a sip of her beer.
**~~**
While everyone else was getting ready for the party, AJ and Meredith finalized all of their wedding plans. The trip to the license bureau was accomplished with little fanfare, and the couple was surprised they didn’t have a line of fans waiting at the door for them when they came out. AJ just winked at Meredith as he helped her into the Mercedes.
Michael and Cecilia arrived Wednesday afternoon, and Irene picked them up from the airport. There was a quiet family dinner that evening, although Kevin did spend a fair amount of time looking back and forth between his in-laws and Meredith and AJ. Meredith thought he figured it out, but he didn’t say anything, and they didn’t volunteer any information.
There was no rehearsal dinner to give away their plans, since there was no formality planned. Meredith and AJ wanted a simple, comfortable ceremony to publicly declare the commitment they had already made in their hearts.
When Friday evening rolled around, AJ and Meredith stood in the gardens at Cyprus Grove Park and welcomed people to their party. The only dress code given had been summery and comfortable, so the guests dressed accordingly. AJ wore a pair of slightly baggy white cotton pants and long-sleeved soft yellow shirt over a white wife beater. Meredith wore a pale green dress with an empire waist and cap sleeves, the chiffon overlay fluttering around her.
Tony and Therese Alberti, with Arianna and Tony, Jr. arrived, Giuseppe trailing a little behind them. Kevin and Irene were followed by Lance, BJ, and Brennan. Howie and Lu showed up with Nick and Allyson. Brian and Serenity strolled into the gardens, with JC and Justin following them. Chris and Joey eventually showed up, bringing new girlfriends. Michael and Cecilia brought Denise and Adolph with them.
AJ looked around at his friends, seeing the happy faces and enjoying the relaxed atmosphere. He couldn’t have planned it more perfectly if he tried. Denise and Adolph walked up and wrapped their arms around him.
“We’re so happy for you, Alex.” Denise kissed his cheek.
He hugged them tightly, glad they were still there to celebrate with him. Meredith hugged her parents and then ushered them towards the gazebo. As if on cue, an older gentleman mounted the steps of the gazebo and turned to face the group.
“May I have your attention, please?”
Every eye turned towards him, and he nodded. “Would Meredith and Alex please come up here?”
The couple kicked off their shoes and moved forward onto the lush grass. Howie smiled at Lu before stepping forward to stand at AJ’s side. Irene kissed her husband before moving to stand beside Meredith. The older man nodded.
“Family and friends, we are gathered here this evening to bear witness to the formal dedication of Alex and Meredith to each other with marriage vows. When they first told me that they wanted to get married, but weren’t planning on rehearsing, I was a little worried. They both assured me they were capable of ‘winging’ it.”
That drew laughter from the crowd that had gathered closer to the couple. “They have prepared their own vows. Alex?”
AJ cleared his throat and suddenly wished for his sunglasses as he quickly looked around him. When he looked at Meredith, her smile calmed him.
“When I was growing up, I used to look at married people and wonder how they did it or even why. My grandparents had a great marriage, but then I saw how my mom struggled, and I wasn’t sure if I wanted that. Everything changed the day I realized that I was in love with you. Suddenly, I could see making a home with you, raising our children, growing old. Everything was possible, and I wanted it. I wanted it with you.”
He reached out and brushed away the tear on her cheek. “I will always want it with you, and I promise to love you and stand by you and support you in what you do because that’s what you do for me. I love you, Meredith Anne Davenport.”
Meredith sniffed and grinned before squeezing AJ’s hands. “I wasn’t looking for love again. I had been blessed once, and I didn’t think it would happen twice. But you surprised me. Where most people would expect flash and style, you were quiet and gentle and loving. And you showed me that nothing is impossible, and love is the greatest miracle of all. I do love you, Alexander James McLean, and I will love you and watch out for you and stand by you in everything you do.”
The minister held out his hand, the platinum bands shining in the fading light. “Alex, please take Meredith’s ring and place it on her finger, repeating after me.”
“I give you this ring as a token of my undying love and affection.” AJ slid the ring onto Meredith’s finger.
She smiled and took the ring, sliding it on as she spoke. “I give you this ring as a token of my undying love and affection.”
Taking both their ringed hands and pressing them together, the minister smiled. “We have witnessed the vows of these two people who have committed themselves together before God. Marriage is ever changing, just as people, and we send Alex and Meredith off on a journey that is filled with love and wonder and peace. Even though tears may fall, may their laughter be even more abundant.”
The guests smiled at the words.
“With the blessings of God and powers invested in me by the State of Florida, I now pronounce you husband and wife.” Reverend Drake winked at AJ. “You may kiss your bride.”
AJ winked back and then looked at Meredith. For him, every part of his life was now connected and complete. He stepped forward, wrapping his arms around her waist and leaned forward to kiss her. They didn’t hear the applause or the laughter, they only felt each other and the rightness of the moment.
When they broke apart, they were surrounded as people hugged them. Amidst the congratulations, staff from the garden directed guests towards the dining room and the sit-down dinner that had been prepared for the reception.
The small group enabled the guests to talk between tables as they dined. Meredith looked around and was thankful that everything had gone so well. When she and AJ had discussed getting married after the Grammy award show, they both decided they wanted something low-key and family-oriented. After searching on the Internet, they visited several places around the Orlando area and finally decided on Cyprus Grove because it felt calm and looked beautiful with all of the trees and plants and flowers that decorated the grounds. Consulting with the staff provided them with a cake, a reception menu, and a DJ. Further talks provided a list of ministers, and the couple began the task of finding someone they felt would be the appropriate person to conduct the more formalized aspects of their wedding. Once the details had been decided, they called their parents and let them know their plans, swearing them to secrecy.
Now, she looked down at the ring gracing her left hand, and she rubbed it with her thumb. AJ’s hand slipped into her vision and watched as he laid it over hers.
“You okay?” He whispered in her ear.
“Wonderful.” Turning her head, she kissed him quickly, much to the amusement of Nick, who was sitting with them.
“That’s how y’all got in trouble in the first place.”
Allyson kicked him under the table, and the bride and groom separated with a laugh. They stood up and cut the cake, feeding each other a piece so they could have a photograph of it for their parents. When they finished, AJ urged everyone outside the large, tent-covered dance floor. He motioned to the DJ, who nodded and started a song.
AJ stepped up to Meredith and held out his hand. “May I have this dance?”
Grinning, she accepted the offer and pressed up against him as Breathe began to play. He wrapped his arms around her, closing his eyes as they swayed to the music. He grinned when the baby kicked him, and he stepped back far enough to lay his hand on her belly before pulling her close again. When the song ended, AJ danced with his mother while Meredith danced with her father. After the traditional dedications, people were urged onto the dance floor to have some fun.
Meredith sat down on a chair and held Brennan while Lance and BJ danced. She couldn’t help laughing at all of the boyband members out there trying to outdo each other in outrageous dance moves.
“Are we sure they’re adults?” Irene sat down after getting a drink, watching her husband.
“That’s debatable at this point.” Meredith spared a quick glance at her sister before turning back to watch the festivities.
“You feeling okay?”
“Oh, I’m fabulous, but I’m not really interested in popping and locking while pregnant.” Shifting Brennan on her lap, the redhead reached for her iced tea and took a long sip.
Kevin danced over and pulled Irene onto the dance floor with a quick kiss to Meredith’s cheek before they left. A slower song began to play, and Lance walked over to take Brennan, returning to dance with BJ as a family. AJ pulled Meredith out of her chair and wrapped his arms around her for another dance.
She ended up dancing with all members of both groups before it was over. Each one offered her congratulations and good wishes and hugs. Meredith accepted them all with a smile and continued to dance.
**~~**
Sway looked at the camera and smiled. “And another Backstreet Boy is off the market. MTV has learned that AJ McLean and Meredith Davenport have tied the knot in a private outdoor ceremony in Orlando. The couple is expecting their first child in August. More details as they become available.”
Once again, chat groups around the world began to spread the word.
Table of Contents
Chapter Three