Nick’s parents, though suspicious of the sudden relationship seemed happy about the announcement. They were going to catch the first plane out but he made them promise to wake till at least the week before the wedding. I held his hand in silence as he explained to them the situation with my health.
The next morning we had all the guys over again and announced it to them as well.
“We’re getting married,” I blurted as Brian poured himself some coffee.
“What?” they chorused.
“Riley and I are getting married,” Nick repeated.
“Wow,” Brian said.
“When did this happen?” A.J. asked.
“When’s the date?” Howie questioned.
“How about just an old fashion congratulations,” Kevin said, standing and hugging me.
“Of course. Congratulations you two,” Brian said, smacking Nick on the back and grinning.
We hugged and laughed and rejoiced. Then the guys insisted on taking us out to lunch to celebrate. They asked when it happened and when we were going to do it. Nick asked Brian if he would stand up for him and Brian said of course causing another round of hugs.
Then quietly I pulled A.J. to the side while the others continued to talk.
“I need to ask you something,” I whispered.
“What’s up, beautiful?” he asked, slipping his sunglasses off to look at me with his beautiful brown eyes. He might not have liked them but I could see his soul in them.
“My parents didn’t take the news of my getting married well. They wouldn’t even let me talk to my sister. Basically I have no one to stand up for me at my wedding. I know that traditionally I’m suppose to ask a female to stand by my side, but right now A.J. you’re my best friend. I would be honored if you stood next to me when I married Nick,” I said, softly
“Riley, woman I would be proud and honored to be the one to stand by your side when you marry Nicky boy,” he answered, pulling me into his arms and hugging me. “No pink taffeta though,” he teased.
I laughed around the tears in my through and answered, “No pink taffeta. I promise.”
“You know my mom is great at planning things so if you need any help give her a call. She’s crazy about you. Came home wanting to know why I didn’t have you and Nick did,” he said, smiling at me.
“She is so cute, A.J. It’s obvious where you get your charm and looks from. I told her I had a sister for you but she’s a little young,” I teased.
“How young?”
“Sixteen,” I answered, grinning.
“Way too young. Come on, beautiful. Let’s get back to your man before he starts thinking we are having an affair.”
I laughed as we walked back to the table and then sat down in Nick’s lap.
“Have I told you thank you lately?” I asked him.
“For what?” he countered, looking up at me.
“For loving me and for giving me a life filled with so many great people,” I said before kissing him.
“I think I should be thanking you for letting me love such a miracle,” he answered, pulling me tighter to him.
“I think the miracle is the love between us.”
“I’m going to be sick if you two don’t stop soon,” Brian teased, grinning his infectious grin
“But we love you too, Brian,” I said, jumping into his lap and covering his face with kisses like a child.
“Oh yuck! Girl cooties, get her off,” he cried, laughing.
Kevin scooped me up in his arms and smiled. “I think this is yours,” he said, dropping me back down into Nick’s lap.
“I feel so loved,” I said, smiling at the five men who had become my greatest gift and miracle. They were my blessing.
Links to other sites on the Web
Chapter 19
Back to Fan Fiction Index
Get your own Free Home Page