Chapter 109

The night of the party was the first night that AJ didn't take a pain pill when he went to bed. He figured it would be a good night to give it up, he was more exhausted from the party than he thought he'd be. He woke up around three in the morning confused at first as to what woke him. Then he heard Emily whimper and he looked over at her. She was curled up in a ball, drench in sweat and appeared to be crying. He wasn't able to decipher what she was saying so he rolled over and wrapped her up in his arms, gently kissing her cheek and quietly reassuring her that she was ok, it was just a dream. In the morning, Emily didn't seem to remember anything, or at least she didn't mention it to him. He figured it would be normal to have a nightmare every once in awhile after everything that she'd been through so he didn't say anything right away but after four nights in a row of the same thing happening, he knew he needed to ask her about it.

He approached the subject gently over breakfast. “How have you been sleeping?” he asked.

Emily shrugged. “Pretty good I think. I mean I'm still just really worn out feeling so I guess I'm still recovering.”

“You're not having any nightmares or anything?”

“A few. Nothing serious.”

“You mean more like every night?” he asked.

Emily set down her coffee. “Yeah.” she admitted. “How did you know?”

“You tend to talk and cry when you have them. I didn't notice until I stopped taking my medicine at night. But since then, it's been every night.”

“I'm sorry...I didn't know I was keeping you up.”

“Emily I don't care if you wake me up, I care about your nightmares!”

“They're just dreams.” she said, looking away.

“No, they're more than dreams. It's probably your sub conscience telling you that it's time to deal with all of this.”

Emily sighed. “To be perfectly honest, I'm too scared to deal with it.”

“Why?”

“The dreams are so real and vivid. They aren't always the same. Usually it's more of a 'what if?' kind of dream. What if you died? What if Tiny had been more cruel? What if Tiny had shot you? I'm afraid that if the dreams are that scary that actually dealing with it in real life will feel much worse.”

AJ reached across the table and grabbed her hand. “But in real life, none of those things happened. We're both ok. Tiny isn't coming back.”

Emily wiped away a tear and nodded. “I know. But I guess I can't stop thinking that if any little thing had gone differently, it wouldn't be this way.”

“I think that same thing every day. We were both very lucky. But keeping all those fears inside only makes them seem worse. You need to stop hiding from them so you can send them away.”

She nodded. “I know. But aren't you scared too? I mean you're the one who was almost killed in that car!”

He thought for a moment. “I think I'm scared in a different way. I spent weeks terrified that we'd never find the stalker before he got you and that I'd lose you forever. In a way, it's hard for me to be afraid of what could have happened because I'm just so incredibly relieved that it's over and you're safe. And also, the accident was scary but again, I'm so grateful that I'm ok that it's hard to spend much time dwelling over it.”

Emily cleared her throat. “Ok. Well maybe then tonight, if I have a nightmare, wake me up all the way and make me talk about what was happening. Do you think that would be helpful?”

“It might be, we can try it and see!” he agreed.

But that night, it wasn't Emily who woke AJ up, it was the other way around. Emily woke up to the sounds of AJ talking in his sleep.

“No...no don't shoot her!” he said as he sat straight up, waking himself up. He looked around for a few seconds a little disoriented. “What's going on, are you alright?” he asked.

Emily had to chuckle a little. “I'm fine...you woke yourself up having a nightmare I think.”

AJ lie back down. “Yeah, I guess I must have.”

Emily gave in to the irony of the situation and started laughing.

“What's so funny?” he asked.

“We're quite a pair right now, aren't we? Waking each other up every night with nightmares.”

AJ laughed and pulled her into his arms. “Yeah, I suppose we are.”

“I think we need a vacation! Some place warm and sunny and so beautifully perfect that nothing could ever haunt us!”

“You know...that sounds like a really good idea. I have some time still before the album release stuff, why not?”

“Because you need to recover!”

“The doctor said I'm fine, you were there! I don't need anything stronger than a Tylenol. We can just relax in a beach house somewhere, we don't have to do a whole lot.”

“Well...where do you want to go?” she asked.

“How about Aruba?” he suggested. “We've never been there before and I've heard you can rent these great houses right on the ocean with a very private beach.”

“That sounds wonderful! Let's make plans tomorrow.”

“Tomorrow...hell we're both wide awake, let's do it now!” he said, getting out of bed.

Emily grinned. “Ok!”

Two days later, Emily and AJ unlocked the door to the beach house that would be theirs for the next seven days and six nights. The property was well secluded with lots of shrubs and as soon as she stepped inside, Emily knew she was going to love it there. There was a small in ground pool just off the patio and just beyond the pool the property was lined with more tall shrubs and a gate to the stairs the led down to the beach. Their bedroom had a beautiful view of the sparkling blue ocean and the white sand before it. The curtains were blowing gently in the ocean breeze.

AJ took a deep breath of the fresh ocean air. “This is exactly what we needed!”

“I couldn't agree more.” Emily said, setting her bags down on the bed. “Want to go for a walk along the beach with me?”

“Sure!” he agreed. They changed into shorts and t-shirts and headed down the steps to the sand. He grabbed her hand as they walked along the surf. They only saw a handful of people as they walked along. Emily returned home with a pocket full of beautiful sea shells that she'd found along the way.

“Next time I think you're going to need to bring a bucket so you can hold more shells!” he teased.

“I know, it's just you can't find perfect, big shells like these at a public beach area! I'm going to take a quick shower before dinner. Care to join me?”

“Do you even need to ask?”

“I've heard it's polite to....” she smiled.

Emily and AJ hadn't been intimate since before the accident, not counting their failed attempt a few days after AJ's return home from the hospital. They had agreed that they didn't want their first time to be a quickie event so while the shower was very erotic and steamy, they abstained from anything too sexual. Instead, they used the time to get reacquainted with each other's bodies as they took their time washing each other. By the time they were done, they both knew they would definitely be more than ready to go to bed after dinner.

They went to a large, four-star resort to have dinner and there was so much sexual tension between them that Emily couldn't even really remember what her food tasted like because all she could think about was tasting AJ.....

While Emily and AJ were off enjoying their vacation, Brian decided it was time to step up the romance. He and Leighanne had been getting along great but they hadn't yet reconnected on a more physical and intimate level. Sure they'd shared a kiss in passing but nothing passionate.

Brian decided he was ready to venture back into that territory but he was nervous to bring it up. He guessed that Leighanne was apprehensive to initiate anything with him because she was probably afraid he wouldn't really be over what she'd done. Each night, they went to bed at the same time. They cuddled until they fell asleep and they stayed snuggled up until they woke the next morning. And each night Brian found it harder and harder to fall asleep as he was painfully aware of his wife's body pressed up against his.

He had briefly considered calling Emily and asking her advice but he didn't want to interrupt their vacation and more than that, he was too damn embarrassed to talk to Emily about sex. So instead, he thought to himself, “What would Emily do?”

Her last piece of advice had been to tell him to recreate their most romantic moments together. He thought back to the first time they made love and decided that keeping that trend would be perfect. They'd been dating for about four months when they made love for the first time. He'd taken her to a nice seafood restaurant down in Florida and then he'd taken her to a very fancy hotel where he'd gone earlier to drop off a bunch of red roses and to sprinkle the bed with rose petals. It was perfect then and it would be perfect now.

He picked up his phone and called the Four Seasons to see if they had any rooms available for that night. Lucky for him they did. He quickly made a reservation and then did some research online to find a nice seafood restaurant in Atlanta. He had to settle for the Atlanta Fish Market. They informed him that they don't make reservations but he somehow managed to talk them into saving him their best table. Then he called Amanda and begged her to take Baylee for the night.

“It's kind of last minute, Brian. Randy and I had plans to go out tonight.” she hesitated.

“I'm sorry...you know I wouldn't normally ask but this is really important.”

“Why, where are you going?”

“I'm just taking Leighanne away for the night.” he said, awkwardly.

“Ooooohhhhh I get it! Why didn't you just say so? You guys are still reuniting, I'm so stupid! Of course we'll take him.”

“Thanks Mandy, I owe you one!”

“Yeah, you do.” she said. “See you in a few hours.”

“Who were you talking to?” Leighanne asked as she walked into the kitchen carrying a laundry basket full of clean clothes.

“Your sister.” he said, as he took the basket from her and set it down.

“Why were you talking to Mandy?”

“Because Baylee is spending the night with her tonight so you and I can go out.”

“Really? Where are we going?”

“Well I figured we'd start with dinner and see where the night takes us.” he said.

“Alright. Well I guess I should go take a shower, huh?” she laughed as she looked down at her sweat pants and old t-shirt.

“Why don't you take a long bath and relax? I'll take care of the laundry.”

Leighanne had no idea what had gotten into Brian but she wasn't about to question it so she left him with the clothes and went upstairs to enjoy a hot bath.

AJ and Emily enjoyed a wonderful dinner together but didn't waste any time going back to the house. They giggled as they raced inside. AJ grabbed her by the waist just as she was inside. He pulled her up against him as his lips came crashing down on hers. Emily was so caught off guard that it took her a moment to respond as her body slowly relaxed into his embrace. He moaned softly as he tasted her lips, remembering how sweet and delicate she felt as he lightly ran his tongue across them. As she coiled her arms around his neck, she parted her mouth just enough for his tongue to sweep inside as he slowly slid his hands down her sides until they were rested at her hips. She was breathless and trembling when he pulled away.

“Wow....” she said.

The corner of his mouth turned up in a slight smile. “I have been waiting a long time for this.” he said. Emily loved the husky tone his voice always got when he was hot for her.

“Me too.” she agreed, still catching her breath.

He led her by the hand back to the bedroom. He opened the French doors that led out to their balcony to let in the gentle breeze and the sound of the ocean before walking back over to her. He gave her a gentle kiss as he slowly unzipped the back of her sun dress. His hands slid their way back up so he could gently slide the straps off her shoulders before letting the dress fall to the floor. In one swift movement, he scooped her up in his arms and carried her over to the bed.

“Be careful!” she said, on instinct, afraid he would hurt himself.

“I'm fine.” he whispered, kissing her lightly. “I promise. I want to take care of you tonight.”

“But I don't want you to...” she started.

He put a finger to her lips. “I know. I promise, I'm ok. Trust me?”

Emily stared into his eyes and nodded. He sat up and quickly removed his shirt. Suddenly their lips and hands got caught up in a frenzy as they sought each other out. They explored each others bodies, so relieved to finally be reacquainted with one another as they gasped and moaned in delight. AJ couldn't seem to get enough as he taunted her absolutely everywhere with his mouth. He devoured her breasts like he'd been starving. He made sure to hit all of her sensitive spots from the crook of her arm all the way down to her ankle making sure to tease over her most sensitive apex frequently. Her breathing was shallow and rapid as her own hunger grew.

AJ finally allowed himself to enjoy a little dessert when she grabbed his head and placed it between her legs, fed up from all the teasing he'd been doing. He smiled as he heard her gasp and arch into him. He built her up slowly and then slid in a finger to take it up a notch. Her hands were grabbing at the sheets as he took her higher and higher until she could hardly breathe and only then did he let her have her release. But he didn't stop there. He let her come down from her high and catch her breath while he gently continued to stimulate her until he heard her relaxed moans become desperate once again. He slowly slid back up her body until he was poised over her. She held her breath as she waited for him to take her completely. They stared into each others eyes as he slowly slid inside of her. As he felt her wet warmth surround him, he squeezed his eyes shut fighting to keep control.

“I want you to lose it.” she said.

“What?”

“I don't want you to hold back.” she breathed. “I want you to let yourself go wild.”

Hearing her say it took away what little control he'd managed to cling to and he did just as she requested. He pulled out and plunged back into her deeply and roughly as she spread her legs wider for him and moaned in encouragement. He let his body and his needs take control as he ground himself deep inside of her, trying to get deeper with every thrust. He went even more wild when he heard Emily's moans go silent and saw her mouth drop open, a cue that she was about there herself and he picked up the pace and took one of his hands and roughly squeezed her nipple until she came for him. As he felt her tighten around him he pinned her arms above her head with his hands and lost himself in his own pleasure.

“Wow!” he said as he collapsed beside her.

“Oh God...” was all Emily could manage to get out. They lie beside each other, covered in sweat, and caught their breath. Eventually they went out onto their balcony to catch what was left of the sunset before retreated back into the bedroom.

As soon as Leighanne saw where Brian had taken her to dinner, she knew what she was in store for that night. Brian never took her to seafood restaurants because it wasn't his favorite thing to eat, but he knew how much she loved it. And she remembered that's where they'd eaten the first night they'd made love. She found herself glad she shaved her legs and prayed that she still remembered how to do everything.

Brian certainly deserved a lot of points for having a good memory. He'd had the roses sent to their room and the petals scattered on the bed.

“It's ok if you aren't ready...” he said, awkwardly.

“No...believe me, I'm ready. I guess I'm just...”

“Nervous?” he finished for her.

“Yeah.”

“Me too.” he admitted.

“So, how exactly do we go about doing this?” she asked.

“Maybe like ripping off a band-aid. I think we just need to jump in and do it. Only unlike ripping off a band-aid, this will feel good.” he grinned.

When all was said and done, it was an incredible night for both of them. It was exactly what they needed to completely come back together. She felt so much closer to him as he held her that night, as if the missing piece of the puzzle had finally fallen into place.

Chapter 110

Emily and AJ had spent several amazing days together in their beach house. They usually only ventured out to take walks or to go eat and spent the rest of the time being together. As much as he didn't want to go back, AJ was excited to return because just a few days after, they'd be going out to LA for his album launch, a day he thought he'd never see.

“Hey do you want to go for a swim with me?” Emily called on their last night,

“Yeah, I'll be right out.”

He threw on his swim suit and found her floating in the water.

“I figured I should get in one last swim before we leave in the morning.” she said as he jumped in.

“Well you can go swimming some more when we're in LA.” he said, knowing what her reaction would be.

“It won't be fun because LA sucks.” she said, with a grin.

He swam up behind her raft and quickly tipped her over. “Are you saying you aren't excited for my big release party?” he pretended to look hurt.

She wiped the water from her face. “Of course I'm excited you big goof!” she said, as she swam over to him and wrapped her arms around his neck.

“Good.” he said, leaning his head down and giving her a kiss. He started to pull away but Emily pulled him back as she deepened the kiss and wrapped her legs around his waist. She could feel his immediate response through his swimming trunks as he wrapped his arms around her. Without missing a beat, he pulled her bikini top over her head and ran his hands over her slick, wet breasts. Removing her bottoms was a little trickier but nothing he couldn't handle as he tossed them over to the side of the pool.

Emily was not at all expecting what happened next as he suddenly picked her up and put her legs on his shoulders so that her swollen core was right against his mouth. She was caught between feeling like she might fall off and feeling total ecstasy as she felt his warm tongue against the cool wetness of her. He slowly backed up to the edge of the pool and slowly guided her down.

“Did you like that?” he asked, when she groaned in frustration that he'd stopped.

“More than I thought I would.” she said as she reached down his trunks and began stroking him. With her other hand, she slowly tugged his suit down and then wrapped her legs around his waist as she gave him a hot, searing kiss. He supported her as she adjusted herself and slowly sank on to him. It was a very interesting sensation to feel her hotness around him while the rest of him was surrounded in the cool water. He groaned as she sucked on his neck and he knew that he wasn't going to be able to keep this going for long so he slowly slid his hand down between them and rubbed her clit with his thumb in rhythm with their bodies. The second he felt her tighten around him he let himself go as she rocked her hips quicker against him, moaning into his ear.

“You know you're really getting good at this pool sex.” he teased.

“Well I did learn from the best.” she grinned.

Four days later, Emily and a very excited and energetic AJ arrived in LA. His record company had sent a limo to pick them up from the airport and took them to the hotel that was next to the upscale club the party would be held the next night.

“So what are the plans again?” she asked as she unpacked her things.

“I have some press things to do this afternoon and into the evening. Hopefully I'll be done at a decent hour so I can take you out for a nice dinner. Tomorrow morning I have more work to do and while I'm doing that, you're going to go out with Leighanne and Kristin and pick out something new to wear to the party and go to lunch. Tomorrow night we're all having dinner together.”

“Who's all of us?”

“Believe it or not, it's us, Brian and Leighanne, Kevin and Kristin, Howie and Leigh, and Nick and his latest girlfriend Natasha.”

“So...wow, just the five of you and your dates? How often does that happen?”

“Not very often, unfortunately. It should be fun. Kevin invited us all back to their house afterwards. The day after tomorrow, more press for me, a day at the spa for you and then it's party time!”

“So...by the way,” she asked. “When do I get my signed copy of your album.”

AJ grinned and pulled it out of his carry on. “Right now!”

Emily squealed as she grabbed it from him. “When did you get this?”

“It was delivered to our house yesterday. So how does it look?”

Emily smiled as she looked at the cover. “It looks like....you! It's perfect!”

“I signed the inside.” he said.

Emily flipped the case open and read: “To my loving wife Emily, my inspiration, my drive, and my support.”

“This is going to be amazing!” she said as she kissed his cheek. “I'm so proud of you.”

Leighanne and Kristin knew just where to take Emily shopping for her dress and it didn't take nearly as long to find something as she thought it would. She picked out a dark red spaghetti strap dress that was fairly tight fitting in all the right places. She got new heels to match and even allowed herself new jewelry and makeup to complete the ensemble. They had lunch at the beach and then parted ways to get ready for dinner. AJ was already back in their room and getting out of the shower when she came in.

“What did you find? Let me see it!” he said, reaching for her garment bag.

“Oh no you don't! It's going to be a surprise!”

AJ chuckled. “Fine. Did you have a good time?”

“Surprisingly, I did. Kristin's belly is starting to get so big, she only has three months left until the baby is due in June, can you believe it?”

“Time sure has flown, hasn't it?”

“Yep. Anyway I need to hurry up and take a shower so we aren't late. How did your day go?” she called as she put away her things, undressed and walked into the bathroom.

“Pretty much the same thing over and over. Lots of interviews but they always all seem to ask the same questions. Things like what are my plans with the Backstreet Boys, what's it like being married, when will we have kids, what can people expect from the album. I try not to answer the same in each interview but after awhile you start to run out of different things to say.”

“I don't doubt it!” she said as she climbed into the shower. Emily set a personal speed record and managed to shower, get dressed and be ready in less than thirty minutes. They walked to the restaurant where everyone was meeting and were led back to a private party room.

Emily knew everyone except for Nick's date, Natasha, but no one else had met her yet either. She'd only met Howie's wife twice but had always felt that Leigh was very warm and welcoming. She had a feeling she would not be saying the same thing about Natasha, who's dress was far too revealing for Emily's taste and apparently even AJ's as he leaned in and whispered, “I think Natasha forgot her dress tonight!”

The night was filled mostly with the guys reunited and sharing stories from their past and trying to embarrass each other in the process. Emily and Leighanne managed to fill Leigh in on the details of Kristin's baby shower that was taking place in LA in a month. Natasha mostly sat there looking bored and kept complaining about whatever she felt like at the moment. The party continued on at Kevin's house until Emily forced AJ to leave so that he managed to get enough rest for his big day. When they got back to the hotel, however, he was too excited to sleep so he managed to convince Emily to stay awake through deceptive and sexy means.

Despite only having a few hours of sleep, AJ was awake before his alarm went off in the morning. He smiled at Emily who was still sound asleep and naked in bed. He pulled the blanket over her and crept out of the bedroom to order some breakfast before he jumped into the shower. He didn't wake her up until the food had arrived, knowing a good breakfast was likely to entice her. Sure enough, the smell of fresh coffee and bacon pulled her from her sleep as she through on some clothes and went to sit down by the window over looking the city.

“I can't believe this day is really here.” he admitted.

“Me, either. So...more interviews today?”

AJ nodded as he swallowed the last of his pancake. “Only until two-ish. Then a meeting with management and then I have some time to spend with you before the par-tay!”

Emily laughed. “Well Kristin and Leighanne are going to meet me at the spa in an hour to get pampered. They also insisted that I go to the salon to have my hair and make-up done. I'm kind of nervous!”

“Why are you nervous?” he asked.

She shrugged. “I don't know....it's kind of a big, public event! I know the spotlight will be on you but I'm your wife so inevitably there will be a lot of glances going my way.”

“Well you've been to my concerts and BSB stuff before, this is really no different.”

“Do you honestly believe that?” she asked, raising an eyebrow at him.

He hid a grin. “Not really. This does feel completely different.”

“Because this time it really IS all about you! Your shows before you shared attention with Colby. With the BSB you shared the attention with four other guys. This is all you!”

“Just the way it should be!” he said, throwing his arm over her shoulders. “Don't worry. You'll be beautiful no matter what and everyone already loves you. Whether or not they'll love my album is an entirely different story!”

“You know you'll be a hit, stop worrying! Lets go over the guest list again. Who are the people I need to know to talk to?”

“Well there's Mark my manager and Brent my record label rep. Obviously my mom will be there with her husband. Some of the management and record producers that I've worked with through Backstreet. I also invited Mark my counselor from rehab. I figured it's in LA, maybe he'd like the chance to see one of his patients doing well. I'm sure there'll be a lot of other artists there, some you'll know and some you won't. You don't really have to know everyone, you just have to kind of circulate the room a few times and talk to a bunch of people and then spend the rest of the night with the people you want to hang out with.” he explained.

Emily nodded. “Alright. I think I have the release party rules down. Is there anything I can take care of for you while you're gone today?”

He kissed her cheek. “You just go relax and have a good time with the girls. You deserve it.” AJ might have been totally in his own world of excitement but he still hadn't forgotten everything that Emily had been through. As far as he knew, she was not waking from nightmares since their vacation but that didn't mean everything was totally fine. Emily had been living in a world of isolation for so long now that he wanted to make sure she was taking her opportunities to reconnect with her friends.

As for himself, he was starting to move on from the fear of having nearly lost it all. He didn't tell Emily that the reason he invited Mark his counselor in the first place was because he'd been talking to him every day. He didn't want Emily to think it was because he was tempted to drink again, he was just having trouble dealing with everything and he trusted Mark. Mark was blown away by everything and very impressed with how well AJ had managed to hold up. They'd had a conversation about his use of narcotics for pain and it was Mark's advice that AJ get off of them as soon as he could and to get whatever remained out of the house, explaining that an addictive personality could easily become addicted in situations like his.

After a day of pampering and beauty, Emily came back upstairs to her room to find AJ already dressed and pacing around the room. He looked amazing in his black Armani suit with the dark red shirt and silver tie.

“You look amazing!” she said, giving him a hug.

“Do you like it? The stylists picked it out. I thought it seemed too fancy but they insisted that I should be fancy since I'm the star of the party.”

“I totally agree!” Emily said.

“I like your hair! Did you get highlights?”

Emily nodded. “I did! I had a massage, a steam, a facial, a pedicure, a manicure, then my hair and makeup. All I need to do is get dressed!”

“Take your time. We don't have to leave for dinner for another half hour.”

Emily took her time getting ready and when she walked out of the bedroom, the sight of her took AJ's breath away. The salon had curled her hair perfectly in gorgeous blond ringlets. She had on a silver dress that went to the mid-thigh and revealed enough cleavage to be sexy without showing too much. She even decked herself out with silver pumps.

“What do you think?” she asked, turning around for him.

“Wow!” he said, kissing her. “You have no idea how aroused I am right now. I have no idea how you expect me to focus on my party when you look like that!”

“Oh...well should I change?” she teased.

“Hell no! I want everyone to see what a hot wife I have!” he said, running his hands over her rear. “I'll help you out of it later, after the party.”

“Deal.” she grinned. “Now lets go celebrate your success!”

After a fancy dinner with management and record label people, it was time for AJ to make his entrance to the party. Most of the guests had already arrived and the club was in full swing when their limo pulled up. The fans and the press swarmed the barricades as he stepped out first and helped Emily out of the car. They smiled and waved as the screams and flashbulbs erupted around them and walked into the club as the DJ was introducing the guest of honor. Applause broke out as he made his way towards the stage, shaking a lot of hands as he went. Emily spotted Brian and Leighanne and went over to stand with them towards the front of the stage. Leighanne handed her a glass of champagne.

“You look amazing!” she said.

“AJ thought so too.” Emily grinned.

He gave a brief speech of thanks and then insisted everyone get back to partying. He did a good job of easing Emily's discomfort as he led her around to the important people and introduced her. He did just as he said: circulated a few times and then spent the rest of the night enjoying himself. He was on such a high that not even the multiple drink or cigarette offers could bring him down. It was a great party and at midnight, there was an explosion of confetti as the album was officially released and his first single release was played. They decided to go with one of his more up-beat hip hop songs and everyone really seemed to get into it as the dance floor packed. Eventually the party began to wind down.

Kevin came up and gave him a big hug. “I am so proud of you, man.” he said.

“Thanks, Kev. That really means a lot coming from you.”

“Sorry we have to leave early...my feet are starting to get too swollen for these shoes!” Kristin laughed.

AJ patted her belly. “You look beautiful, Kris! Thanks for coming.”

Over the next hour a lot of people had left but there were still several people remaining. Emily was talking to Brent when AJ came over to her.

“Are you ready to go?” he asked.

“Now? It's not even two yet!”

“I'd rather make my exit while there are still people to notice me leaving.” he said, and then whispered in her ear, “And I still have some more things planned for us tonight.”

Emily smiled. “Yeah, I'm ready. It was good to talk to you again, Brent!” They made their round of goodbyes and walked out the front and over to the hotel.

“So what did you think of the party?” she asked when they were back up in their room.

“It was absolutely an amazing night!” he said, still glowing.

“You are amazing! I think a lot of people were surprised by your album. I don't mean it in a bad way but I think there were a lot of people who seemed to think it was better than they expected.”

“Hell it's better than even I expected!” AJ chuckled.

“And now, I think I'd like to end this amazing night with some amazing sex with my husband!” she said with a devilish look in her eyes.

“I think that sounds absolutely....amazing!”

Chapter 111

After spending a few more days in LA, AJ and Emily went home to Atlanta. The preliminary numbers of his album sales were better than they'd expected. Granted they weren't top ten but no one really expected that it would be. The reviews were mixed but the majority were positive. Of course there were several jabs at the Backstreet Boys in the process but AJ didn't let any of that stuff get to him; he never had and he wasn't about to start now.

He spent the next two weeks rehearsing and finalizing his tour that would begin in mid-April, just a few weeks away. Emily kept herself as busy as she could since she didn't have a job at the moment. She'd briefly considered searching for a new one but realized that with everything going on with AJ's schedule she didn't really want to. First was his own tour and then he would be going to LA to begin working on the next BSB album and not long after that was finished there would likely be a tour, most of which would probably be international where their sales were the highest. She knew AJ would support her if she decided to stay home and work but it just wasn't what she wanted anymore. She wanted to spend time with AJ and right now that meant being free to spend a lot of time out of town.

“Are you taking a nap again?” he asked when he came home one afternoon.

Emily grinned, guilty. “Yeah. I think I'm just still catching up from all the sleep I missed when everything was going on last winter.”

He bent down and kissed her. “I'm just teasing. In fact, I think I might join you!”

AJ took off his clothes and climbed into bed next to her, wrapping her up in his arms. Emily sighed and fell back asleep almost immediately.

It had been nearly one month since the release of his album and he wasn't set to leave on tour for another week.

“Hey cancel all your plans tonight, I'm taking you out for a romantic dinner!” she told him over breakfast.

“Oh yeah? What for?”

Emily shrugged. “Just to celebrate you. I know things are going to be crazy this week getting ready so I thought tonight would probably be my last opportunity to get some quality time with you for awhile.”

“Well then lucky for you I don't have plans tonight!” he said. “Not that I wouldn't have canceled them if I did.” he added, quickly.

“Good. Be ready to go at six, ok? I'm going to go run a few errands.”

“Where are we going? How should I dress?”

“We're going back to Paris! so dress nicely.”

AJ smiled. They each loved going to eat at Paris! but it was such a significant place for them that they reserved it for special occasions only.

Emily was gone most of the day and when she came back she gave him a quick hello before disappearing upstairs to get ready for dinner. She was dressed by the time he came up to change clothes. She had on a simple black dress and had pulled her hair up. AJ decided to wear black pants with a dark gray shirt and rolled up the cuffs just a little.

She smiled when she saw him. “How do you always manage to look so sexy?”

“I could ask you the same question you know.” he said.

“True, but it just seems to come more naturally to men. Women have to put a lot of time into their looks, what with hair and makeup and shaving and the right underwear and shoes....” she said as she put in her diamond stud earring.

“Baby that's where you women always go wrong!” he responded. “I happen to think you look sexy no matter what. You're much sexier being yourself.”

Emily smiled. “That's the line men give when they're trying to get some.”

AJ laughed. “Does it work?”

“Sometimes. Are you ready to go?” she asked, spraying on her perfume.

“Yes I am! And I'm starving too!”

AJ drove them downtown and handed the valet the keys. Their table was ready for them as they were seated in their usual spot tucked back in the corner. They didn't even bother to look at the menu because they always ended up ordering the same thing.

“So are you excited for the tour to start?” she asked as they nibbled on their bread.

“I'm excited but I'm strangely more nervous than I've ever been. This is totally different, you know? Before, if I fucked something up on stage the guys would always have my back. Now...it's just me!”

“But you've done solo before, this is no different!”

“Technically no, but it's just a bit of a higher scale show this time.”

“Well, I know it'll be great! And I'm excited to be there with you! I just have to figure out what to pack! I mean there are all these things to consider like when will we be able to have our laundry done and what the weather is like in each of the cities....”

AJ laughed. “You're making it too complicated! Just pack some warm things and some cool things and lots of socks and underwear and you'll be fine.”

“Yeah...this coming from the guy who always packs more than I do!” she muttered.

Their dinner was served shortly after that and it was delicious as always. He'd been gone a lot more so they had some gossip to catch each other up on while they ate. Once their plates were cleared away, AJ took his wife for a spin on the dance floor for a few songs before they decided to order dessert.

Emily cleared her throat. “So, I special ordered you something that you'll just love but it's going to take awhile to arrive. I've been so excited about it that I thought I'd go ahead and give you a hint.” she said.

“You don't have to give me a hint, won't it spoil the surprise?” he asked, although he was admittedly very curious.

“No, there'll still be plenty of surprise to be had.....” she said as she reached into her purse and pulled out a wrapped package. “Open it!” she said, handing it to him.

“Are you sure?” he asked, wondering what was up with his wife.

“Positive!”

AJ slowly unwrapped the box and pulled the lid off. A look of confusion crossed his face as he pulled out a terrycloth bib that said, “I Love Daddy” on it. As he took it out of the box and held it up, realization hit him and he looked up at her.

“Are you????” he asked, his face full of hope and excitement.

Emily beamed and nodded.

“You're pregnant?”

“Yes!”

“Really?” he asked, truly unable to believe it.

“Yes really!” she laughed. “I'm due around December 10!”

AJ immediately stood up and pulled his wife into his arms. “I can't believe it!” he kissed her. “I love you so much, you know that right?”

Emily nodded and wiped the tears away from her eyes. “So, I take it you're excited?”

AJ grabbed both of her hands in his. “I am beyond excited. I'm just shocked, I was not expecting this so soon, I mean we weren't even really trying! When did it happen?”

“While we were on vacation.”

“How long have you known?” he asked, sitting back down.

“Well I got suspicious a few days ago when I noticed I was a bit late. I managed to wait until today to take a test. When the first one was positive I took two more just to be sure.”

“So how far along are you then?”

“About seven weeks already!”

“Did you call the doctor?”

Emily nodded. “If we can work it in, they'd like me to have my first appointment around ten weeks. They'll do an ultrasound then too!”

AJ couldn't stop grinning. “A baby. I just can't believe it! Are you sure it's ok for you to do all this traveling?” he asked, a look of concern crossing his face.

“There is no reason why not as long as I get enough rest. If it gets to be too much, I promise I'll tell you and you can send me home!”

“Do you really promise or are you just saying that?”

“I really promise. Trust me, after everything I've been through I have no intention of putting this pregnancy in jeopardy!”

He squeezed her hand. “God, I love you! When do we get to tell everyone? I don't know how long I can keep this a secret!”

“I was kind of hoping to wait until we're about 13 weeks this time, out of the first trimester. I just don't want to jinx anything.”

“What about my mom? Can I at least tell her?”

Emily laughed. “We'll call her tomorrow.”

All through dessert, AJ could not stop beaming at his wife.

“They say it's supposed to be the pregnant mother that glows, not the father!” she teased as they waited for the valet to get their car.

“You are glowing!” he assured. “What you see is just your glow bouncing off of me.”

He was still grinning when they walked in the house. He sat down on the couch and had Emily lean back against him while he rubbed her shoulders.

“So, how do you feel?” he asked.

“I honestly have been through so many feelings today that I don't even know!”

“What do you mean?”

“Well, I mean even though I'm absolutely thrilled, I'm also terrified. I'm scared I'll lose this baby too or it'll be sick like Payton was. I'm also scared because of all the incredible changes being a mother will bring and I'm scared I'm not ready or I won't be able to handle it. But on the other hand, I'm ecstatic! I'm having a baby! There's a tiny, tiny life growing inside of me! I mean how miraculous is that? It's already got a heartbeat and everything!”

“Really? Its heart is already beating?”

Emily nodded. “It starts beating around weeks 5 and 6! Isn't that amazing?”

“Jesus! That's incredible! How are you feeling physically?”

“So far pretty well. A bit extra tired as you've noticed through all my extra naps lately.” she grinned. “I'm waiting for the morning sickness to kick in any day now.”

“I want you to let me know if I can do anything for you, ok? I mean, even if it's three in the morning and you have to get up to barf or something, wake me up!”

“Only if I need you! Trust me, you've got until December to do things for me! I'll save them for when I'm as big as a whale and can't get myself up off the couch anymore!”

“Well, I just want to know everything that you're going through.”

“Deal. I will keep you informed on every little gross detail.”

AJ slid his hands down and rested them on her stomach. “A little baby in there. I just can't believe it!”

She smiled as she relaxed into him. “To be honest, I was a little afraid how you'd react tonight.”

“Why?”

“I don't know.” She shrugged. “I guess I was worried you'd already have so much on your mind with the tour and everything that you wouldn't be excited.”

He kissed the top of her head. “I'd cancel my whole tour if I had to. You and our baby are by far my top priority.” He began to gently stroke her tummy. Emily sighed and closed her eyes as the gentle sensation relaxed her. Eventually, she fell asleep just like that. AJ smiled as he looked down at his sleeping wife and couldn't stop yet another wave of emotion as it continued to sink in that he was going to be a father. Emily was carrying his baby. His eyes got misty as he thought of what it would be like to hold the tiny infant in his arms for the first time. Would it be a boy or a girl? Would it look like him, or more like Emily?

He felt like a whole new man. He'd always been somewhat protective of his wife but what he was feeling now was entirely different. He wanted to make her comfortable and happy because it was the least he could do for her while she did all the hard work like growing a human being inside of her body! He started to think of little things he could do for her on the road that would make it easier on her. Eventually he began to doze off himself as he thought of baby names and how much fun being a father was going to be.