Chapter One Hundred and Twenty Nine
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�Oh my God! We�re really here!� IreLyn exclaimed excitedly as she stepped out of the limo and looked around at the resort which they were staying.
Dakota laughed as she followed her friend out of the car. �Gee, Lyn, what was your first clue? Maybe the captain on the plane saying, �Welcome to Jamaica�?� She teased.
IreLyn shot her friend a look before tossing her hair over her shoulder. �Bite me, Kody.�
Brett and Dale laughed at their joking, having noticed the change in them ever since leaving the states. What tension and stress they�d had left over from their ordeal, seam to lift off them the same time the plane left the ground. It had for all of them.
Dakota looked at IreLyn wide eyed. �I would think that�s Brett�s department! But hey, if he�s not getting the job done�� she broke up and ducked, running to hide behind Dale when IreLyn took a playful swing at her.
Dakota peeked at IreLyn and Brett her were glaring at her and couldn�t help the giggle that escaped. �Sorry,� she apologized, looking at Brett. �Couldn�t help myself.�
�Un huh.� He grinned. �Come on, let�s get checked in. I�m ready to hit the beach!�
�I�m ready to hit the bar at the beach!� Dale laughed. IreLyn and Dakota both nodded in agreement.
***
�Is everything all set?� Brett asked in a hushed voice as he and Dale stood out in the hallway, waiting for Dakota and IreLyn, to head down to the beach.
Dale nodded, looking over his shoulder to make sure neither woman were in sight before answering. �Everything is ready. I�ve confirmed everything, so basically all we need to do is make sure they don�t find anything out until tomorrow night.�
�Everyone�s staying out of sight until tomorrow, just so we make sure Kody and Lyn suspect anything.� Dale added, Brett nodding his approval.
�This has all come together beautifully. Honestly, I had my doubts that we could pull it off, but we�ve really done it. I can�t wait to see their faces when they realize we�re�� Brett immediately stopped talking when the door opened and both Dakota and IreLyn stepped out into the hall. They paused when they saw the looks on Brett and Dale�s faces, although they tried to cover it up.
�Do you get the feeling they are up to something?� IreLyn asked, although she never took her eyes off Brett.
Dakota nodded. �I�m picking up on that. And all I have to say is if you are planning on throwing us in the ocean or something, you better get over it real quick.� She looked at Dale who grinned, suddenly liking that idea.
�Oh yeah? And if we do?� Dale challenged, crossing his arms over his chest.
Dakota simply rolled her eyes as she started towards the elevator, IreLyn at her side. �You don�t even want to go there, Earnhardt.� She threw over her shoulder.
When IreLyn saw that gleam enter Brett�s she stopped walking and turned to face him. �That goes for you too.� She warned, fighting to hold the grin back.
This trip was what they all needed, beyond a shadow of a doubt. She couldn�t imagine anything making this trip any more perfect.
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Chapter One Hundred and Thirty
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Dakota glanced over her shoulder she ran down the length of the private beach that was deserted apart from Brett and IreLyn. She giggled happily and picked up the pace when she noticed Dale gaining on her; he was only a few steps behind her. She squealed with delight a moment later when Dale caught her; wrapping his arms around her waist and gently tackling her to the soft white sand.
Dale rolled Dakota over onto her back, covering her body with his. He stared into her eyes for a few moments as they both caught their breath a little bit.
�Thanks for bringing me here.� Dakota whispered, her eyes glittering with love.
Dale remained silent for a second and still stared into Dakota�s eyes. �I love you.� He said finally as he slowly lowered his head to catch her lips in a heart-stopping kiss.
�Hey! GET A ROOM!�
Dale and Dakota jumped apart in surprise at the sound of Brett�s voice. They�d both forgotten completely that he and IreLyn were there as well.
Dakota looked up to see IreLyn looking at her with a wicked gleam in her eye. �don�t you think you should wait?� IreLyn asked Dakota.
Dakota looked at IreLyn in confusion, thinking that maybe her friend had gotten too much sun. She wasn�t making any sense at all. �Wait for what?�
�Until you�re married.� IreLyn clarified as she fought to keep her expression serious. She nearly burst out laughing at the look that Dakota gave her.
Dale shot a look at Brett, who was looking at him with the same expression. Had IreLyn, or both Dakota and IreLyn figure out what they�d been up to?
�Then you better be getting yourself a chastity belt too, Lyn.� Dakota paused and smirked when she saw the horrified expression cross IreLyn�s features. �Unless you plan on wearing a hooker-red dress on your wedding day. You and Brett are ten times as bad!� Dakota added.
�Hooker-red?� IreLyn exclaimed as she glared playfully at her friend. �Is that another one of your invented colors?�
�Yep, just for you, Lyn.�
�Bite me, Kody!�
�Like I said before, that is more Brett�s jo-� Dakota cut herself off when IreLyn lunged for her. She jumped to her feet and took off running toward the ocean with IreLyn hot on her heels.
Brett and Dale watched IreLyn and Dakota as they splashed each other in the water. They again made note of what a good idea it was for them to come to Jamaica. The change in the girls� attitude since they�d gotten there earlier that morning was extraordinary. They hadn�t been this carefree in four months.
�I thought for a second there that Lyn had figured us out� Brett stated, his eyes never leaving the woman that he loved more than anything.
Dale laughed as he nodded his head in agreement. �Me too, but I don�t think she knows. I think she was just playing with Kody.�
�It�s nice to see them like this again.� Brett commented, smiling as he watched Dakota dunk IreLyn under the water.
�Come on, let's go join them." Before he even had the words out of his mouth, he and Brett were heading towards the water and the loves of their lives.
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Chapter One Hundred and Thirty One
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IreLyn grumbled under her breath as she threw the robe on over her dripping wet body and hurried from the bathroom to the hotel door. She pulled it open, her irritated expression turning to one of confusion when she saw a few strangers at the door.
�Um, can I help you?� she asked. There were three women standing there, smiling at her, all three looking very elegant, with not a hair out of place.
�Actually no, my dear, we�re here to help you.� One woman spoke up.
Before IreLyn could figure out what she meant, they all three pushed their way into the room and looked around. �And where is your friend, Dakota?� another woman asked.
IreLyn was still utterly confused and just pointed to the adjoining door. �She�s getting ready, she and I both need to meet our boyfriends for dinner.�
The women all smiled and gave each other a knowing look before turning back to IreLyn. �Well, honey, that�s why we�re here. We�re to help you get ready for �dinner�. I�m Taylor I�ll be doing your hair, this is Anita, she�ll be doing your make up, and then there is Bridgette, who has a number of dresses for you and Dakota to select from.�
�Huh?�
�Don�t you worry about a thing. Brett and Dale hired us to pamper you and get you ready for the night of your dreams. Sit back, relax and let us work our magic.� Taylor stepped forward and knocked on the adjoining door and waited for Dakota to answer.
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Chapter One Hundred and Thirty Two
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"What the hell is going on?" Dakota quietly asked IreLyn as they rode down to the lobby with the three women after they�d finished getting ready.
IreLyn looked at her friend, feeling just as confused as she was. "I have no idea!" She said with a shrug. "I guess Brett and Dale must have quite a dinner planned."
"I guess so." Dakota agreed as she looked down at the lavender green dress that she�d chosen. It flowed perfectly over her body�almost as it had been made just for her. The same could be said for the dress that IreLyn was wearing. They had even been given custom pieces of jewelry to chose from; from diamonds to emeralds and everything in between.
After they stepped off the elevator, IreLyn and Dakota were handed a bouquet of roses; Dakota�s peach colored and IreLyn�s yellow. Then they were led out of the hotel and ushered into a limo. The three women followed behind them in a separate car.
"Okay, this is getting really strange." IreLyn said to Dakota as they rode to wherever they were being taken. She suddenly began to panic as all kinds of negative thoughts flooded her mind.
"Kody, what if Log-" Dakota cut her off before she could finish the though.
"Don�t even go there, Lyn. I�m sure that this is all Dale and Brett�s doing." Dakota assured her uncertain friend.
"But why didn�t they tell us about all of this." IreLyn asked, referring to the three women, the dresses, the limo and everything else.
"Not if they wanted us to be surprised." Dakota told her with a smile "Now relax and enjoy all of this...it probably won't ever happen again." Dakota finished with a laugh.
IreLyn relaxed visibly and sat back in the seat. "I'm positive you're right. No wonder Brett and Dale have been acting so strange lately. This must have took an extraordinary amount of planning with out us finding out."
Both girls fell into a comfortable silence each thinking how deeply they loved their man and how lucky they were to have them.
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Chapter One Hundred and Thirty Three
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Dale and Brett both paced nervously around the restaurant they had reserved. It was now empty, aside from the handful of people they had asked to be there. At the moment they were all watching amused as Brett and Dale stalked from one end of the restaurant to the other, glancing out the front doors and checking their watches every few seconds.
Kristin and Lissa grinned at each other as they watched the two men. �You know, I�m almost jealous.� Lissa sighed. Kristin gave her a confused look.
�Come on, Kris, just look at them. Look at what all they�ve gone through for Kody and Lyn. And just look at them now. They are so in love, even a blind man could see it.� She sighed dreamily. Kristin had to nod in agreement.
�They are very lucky.� Kristin replied softly.
�Lyn and Kody have all the luck.� Lissa grumbled good naturedly. Kristin laughed at her friend.
�I was talking about Brett and Dale.� Kristin�s eyes sparkled with happiness for her sister and friend. In all honesty she couldn�t think of two people who deserved the true love and happiness more than Dakota and IreLyn.
�Think we�ll ever have that?� Lissa asked, gesturing towards Brett and Dale who were still wearing out the carpet.
Kristin giggled and shook her head. �Nah, I doubt Lyn or Kody will be willing to give them up.�
Lissa rolled her eyes and playfully punched her friend in the arm. �That�s not what I meant and you know it.�
�I know. I certainly hope that we find love like that in the future, but when we have Dale and Brett to compare guys too, I�m afraid most if not all will come up short.� Kristin shook her head.
Lissa opened her mouth to comment when she caught sight of someone over Kristin�s shoulder. �Well, I don�t know about that! I mean�there are some really hot guys here. Guys that I�m sure could more than hold their own.� She grinned wickedly. Kristin tilted her head as she studied her friend.
�Why do I get the feeling you�re up to something?� she asked.
Lissa laughed. �I�m not! I�m just�admiring the scenery.� Kristin turned and looked behind her seeing exactly who Lissa was referring too and couldn�t help but agree. There in all their glory, looking very nice dressed up, was Marshall and Brett�s band member and good friend Kevin.
�Wow.� Kristin whispered.
�That was only part of what I was thinking.� Lissa giggled. At that precise moment, both Marshall and Kevin looked up and saw the two women looking at them. Kevin nodded in their direction the same time Marshall lifted his glass in greeting.
Both Kristin and Lissa smiled in return, then turned away, embarrassed at being caught. �Well, that was great.� Lissa muttered. Kristin couldn�t help but laugh.
�I feel like I�m in high school or something!� Kristin glanced over her shoulder again, breaking into a wide grin when she saw that Kevin was making his way over, his eyes glued to Lissa.
�Um, I�m just gonna go talk to Brett and Junior for a minute�be right back.� She announced with a wide grin as she started to walk away.
Lissa looked up to see Kevin moving towards her, her face immediately flamed red, but she took a deep breath, trying to calm the butterflies that had just taken flight in her stomach.
***
�Would you two calm down, geez, they will be here soon!� Kristin exclaimed laughing at both Brett and Dale. �You two act like your nervous or something.�
�They are.� A deep voice said close to her ear, causing her to jump. She spun around her own breath catching as her eyes met Marshall�s blue one�s.
Quickly regaining her composure she grinned then looked back at the two men who looked extremely frazzled.
�What do you two have to be so nervous about? I mean you know they had to expect this sometime!� she said.
Brett stopped in his pacing. �What do you mean?� he asked.
�I mean like when you asked them and they said yes�from then it was only a matter of time until the events of tonight took place.� She paused when she saw the stricken looks on both their faces.
Marshall broke out into laughter. �Oh my god! You forgot to ask!� he laughed harder when he thought about it, and seconds later, Kristin was joining in.
�Shit!� Dale exclaimed. Oh yeah they had really planned everything perfectly alright.
�Guys, hate to break it to ya, but the limo just pulled up.� Marshall chuckled as Dale and Brett looked even more frantic. They looked at each other and took deep breaths, each knowing what they had to do, as they headed out to meet the limo.
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Chapter One Hundred and Thirty Four
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�Hi, I�m Kevin.� He said as he held his hand out in greeting.
Lissa swallowed hard, her eyes growing wide as she watched her hand disappear in his. �Hi, I�m�uh�� She trailed off as she suddenly forgot even her own name. She looked at Kevin, seeing the expectant look in his eye. But all she could concentrate on was the sparks that were shooting up her arm from her hand, which was still engulfed in his.
�Get a grip on yourself!� She silently chastised herself. Damn, but he had her all flustered. And all he was doing was standing there! That, and looking so sexy it really should have been illegal. He was wearing a pair of well fitting jeans, and a black button down shirt that only had the last two or three buttons done, which allowed a nice portion of his chest to be seen. He also had on a black leather dress coat. His hair was pulled back off his face, allowing his sharp features to be even more prominent.
Quickly glancing around the room, Lissa spotted Kristin talking to Marshall. She felt a little bit better seeing that she wasn�t the only one who was completely nervous around a good-looking man.
Lissa took in a deep breath and slowly let it out before she turned her attention back to Kevin. She smiled at she slightly tightened her grip on his hand. �I�m Lissa.�
�It�s a pleasure to meet you, Lissa.� Kevin stated, his eyes touching hers as he lifted her hand and gently brushed his lips across the back of it before releasing his hold on her.
Lissa�s breath caught, her knees threatening to give out at the touch of his lips against her skin and the sound of him speaking her name. His voice was like velvet; rough, but smooth�it had her well on her way to being totally flustered once again.
Forcing herself to stay calm under his intense gaze, Lissa spoke again. �It�s nice to meet you too.� She said and was thankfully when her voice came out relatively composed. She was so worried about keeping herself calm that she didn�t even notice that he was having almost as hard of a time keeping it together as she was.
�So are you friends with Dakota and IreLyn?� Kevin asked, trying to get conversation started after finding that he wanted to know her better.
Lissa smiled, feeling herself beginning to relax. "Yes. Well actually I was friends with IreLyn's sister, Kristin first." Lissa began to explain, gesturing to Kristin so that Kevin would know whom she was talking about if he didn't already.
"Then when IreLyn moved in next door to me, I met Dakota as well. And since then we've all been pretty much inseparable. Well, until Kristin moved away anyway." Lissa glanced at her friend again fully realizing how much she'd missed her and how good it was to see her again.
"I'm really happy for Lyn and Kody. I've never seen them so..." Lissa trailed off as she searched her mind for the right word.
"Happy, ecstatic, content, completely satisfied, totally committed...madly in love." Kevin suggested with a smile. That was exactly how Brett and Dale had been since IreLyn and Dakota had came into their lives. He hated thinking that Brett had almost lost IreLyn for good way back in the beginning because of his own insecurities and inability to trust women. Thankfully for Brett and everyone's sake, it had all worked out in the end...thanks to Junior and his party. It was hard to believe that was a year ago already. It seemed like just yesterday.
"Yeah, I think that sums it up fairly efficiently." Lissa agreed with a smile.
"Would you like something to drink?" Kevin asked, noticing that she didn't have anything.
"Sure." Lissa answered after only a split second of hesitation. She felt very comfortable around him and knew that she wanted to spend more time with him. She nearly fainted at the sight of the smile that lit his entire face and eyes at hearing her answer. She slipped his hand into his when he reached for it and as he led her across the room to the open bar, she honestly didn't know how the night could get any better than it was already.
*****
After watching Brett and Dale climb into the limo with IreLyn and Dakota and close the doors behind them, Marshall and Kristin turned their attention back to the other.
"I can't believe that they forgot to ask them!" Marshall exclaimed, shaking his head in disbelief.
"I know! But this wedding planning without Lyn and Kody finding out has completely consumed them. It doesn't surprise me really." Kristin was more than willing to guess that if she'd been in their shoes, she would have forgotten too.
Kristin felt herself nearly melt when Marshall smiled at her. When he'd been in Colorado, they'd talked quite a bit and got to know each other. She always wondered if they'd had more than a few days together what would have happened. She felt like there was something there, but she wasn't sure if it was real, or if it was all her imagination.
"It's good to see you. How have you been?" Marshall asked. He thought of her often since he'd last seen her and wished that they could have spent more time together. But with that being a very busy time in his life and career, he was lucky to have gotten the few free days that he had.
Kristin bit her lip as she tried to gather the courage to make the first move. She knew she had feeling for Marshall that were deeper than friendship...and there was only one way to find out if he felt the same. She took a deep breath, knowing that it was then or never.
"I think it's safe to say that it'll probably be a little bit before they all emerge from that limo. Why don't we get something to drink and grab a table so we can talk." She said in a rush before she lost the nerve. She immediatly let out the breath that she really hadn't been aware of holding when she saw the genuine agreement in Marshall's eyes.
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Chapter One Hundred and Thirty Five
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As soon as the door closed behind them, Brett and Dale both froze as they found themselves gazing at the two most beautiful women God had ever created. IreLyn giggled as Dakota blushed from the looks of pure astonishment and awe on the men�s faces.
�So I guess you approve?� IreLyn teased them both. Dakota joined in with the next giggle as the men both nodded, their mouths still open, eyes wide.
�Wow.� Dale breathed softly.
�You look absolutely amazing.� Brett said softly. Dale nodded.
�I�m just sticking with wow!�
�Well, I�d have to say wow at the lengths you two have gone too tonight!� Dakota smiled, drinking in the sight of Dale in a tux�as she knew IreLyn was doing the same with Brett.
�We haven�t even had dinner yet, and I can still tell that this is going to be the best night of our lives.� IreLyn smiled. Brett and Dale exchanged a look, communicating with each other without using words.
�How about a walk?� Dale offered, holding his hand out to Dakota. This time Dakota and IreLyn shared a look, knowing that something was up, but not sure what. Without hesitation, she nodded and slipped her hand into Dale�s as he opened the door and stepped out.
After the door had closed behind them, Brett moved over next to IreLyn and without saying anything, captured her lips with his in a heart-stopping kiss. She couldn�t help the little groan of disappointment when he pulled back.
She reached out and touched his cheek gently, smiling into his eyes. �Thank you.� She whispered. �For tonight, and every night.�
Brett turned his head and kissed the palm of her hand. �Thank you.� He said gruffly. He then took a deep breath and prepared himself for the speech he had practiced many, many times, starting around right after they had first met.
�IreLyn, ever since I met you, my life has finally had meaning. Before it was all about my career, but now I realize just how empty I was without you. You are everything to me, and I love you more than life itself.�
Listening to his words, IreLyn�s eyes filled with tears and got bigger as it suddenly hit her where he was headed with this. He took both her trembling hands, and kissed them before raising his head and looking into her eyes again.
�Will you marry me, IreLyn?� he asked, his voice gruff with emotion.
IreLyn opened her mouth, but no words came out, and all she could hear was the pounding of her heart. She paid no attention to the lone tear that slid down her cheek as she broke out into a radiant smile. Still unable to get her voice to cooperate, she nodded vigorously, her eyes shining brightly with all the love she felt for this man.
�Yes.� She whispered, finally finding the words. �Yes I�ll marry you!� she threw her arms around his neck and holding him close. All her hopes and dreams had just come true, and she was never gonna let him go.
She pulled back and looked around. �Oh god, I�ve got to tell Kody!� she giggled, then suddenly stopped. �Wait a second. Did Dale know you were going to ask me, is that why he and Dakota left?� At Brett�s nod it all started to piece itself together.
�Is Dale gonna�� she let out an excited squeal when Brett started grinning broadly, seeing the answer she was looking for. �Oh my god that�s perfect!� she exclaimed. �And just think how much fun we�ll have planning our weddings together!�
Brett bit his lip, wondering whether or not to tell her now. He grinned as he decided to keep it to himself a little while longer, knowing that was most likely was Dale was planning on doing as well. They would be finding out soon enough...and personally, he couldn�t wait to make IreLyn his wife.
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Chapter One Hundred and Thirty Six
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�Thanks for everything you�ve done tonight. No one has ever done anything like this for me before.� Dakota told Dale after they�d stopped in a small garden by the restaurant and sat down on a bench by the fountain.
Dale stared into Dakota�s eyes, his own becoming misty as he thought about the impact that she�d had on his life and how much she meant to him.
�What?� Dakota asked after several minutes and Dale hadn�t said anything. He just continued to look at her. She was caught off guard when Dale suddenly pulled her against him and captured her lips in a soul shattering kiss.
It took both of them a moment to catch their breath once the kiss ended, but when he did, Dale finally spoke.
�Kody, I love you more than anything,� He began as he took hold of her hand. He took a deep breath and slowly let it out before continuing. �You have had a huge impact on my life and the time that I�ve spent with you has only confirmed what I�ve know all along.�
�What�s that?� Dakota asked, her voice barely a whisper. Her grip on his hand tightened as she began to fully realize what he was saying to her.
Dale gave her a smile that would have surely brought her to her knees had she not been sitting. �I�ve known all along that I�ve wanted to spend the rest of my life with you. I can�t imagine being with anyone else�I can�t imagine my life without you.:
Dakota gasped out loud when Dale stood up and then gracefully kneeled before her. �Please will you marry me?�
Dakota smiled broadly as tears filled her eyes. She nodded her head and whispered �yes� as she threw herself into his arms and held him tight. �This is what you have been up to all along isn�t it?� Dakota questioned Dale when they pulled apart shortly afterward.
Before Dale could answer, Dakota�s eyes grew huge as another realization hit her. �Oh my God!� She exclaimed in a rush. �Is Brett�?� Her voice trailed off when Dale nodded his head in reply.
�Yes!� Dakota squealed with happiness for IreLyn and Brett. �This is going to be so fun planning our weddings!�
Dale had to look away to cover up the huge smile on his face. If Dakota had seen it, she would have known definitely that there was more. After a moment he turned his attention back to her and pulled her to her feet.
�Come on, let�s go get Brett and Lyn. I think this all calls for a celebration.� Dale said as he still held her hand and led her back to the limo.
When they got back to the limo, IreLyn and Brett were waiting anxiously for them. Once all the congratulations had been said, Dale and Brett suggested that they go inside the restaurant for dinner.
�Um�this place is empty.� IreLyn commented once they got inside. And it was literally empty. There was no Maitre D' at the door, there were no waiters or waitress, or customers. The place was completely deserted.
Dale glanced at Brett, So far, so good. Everything was going as planned. �Well, I heard that there is another great restaurant behind here outside.� Dale suggested, although that he knew full well there wasn�t. All that was out there was the beach and the ocean�and the spot where, in just a few minutes, he would have the honor of Dakota becoming his wife.
�Don�t you find it the least bit odd that there is absolutely no one in here?� Dakota questioned.
�Maybe they all had to leave.� Brett said, not knowing what else to say. He and Dale had never stopped to think that this would work although the planner had assured them that it would.
�Let�s go!� Brett said. Grabbing IreLyn�s hand before she would respond, he led her out the back of the restaurant. Dale did the same with Dakota.
Both IreLyn and Dakota stopped dead in their tracks when they saw all of the people seated by the beach. An aisle up the center divided the rows of chairs. The white aisle runner was covered in petals from exotic flowers. There was an arch at the front of the aisle with a minister standing beneath it waiting. The picture perfect sunset bathed the entire scene before them, making everything seem breathtakingly surreal.
�Oh my�� Dakota breathed as she took everything in. Someone was getting married here. No wonder the restaurant was empty.
�This is exactly how I want my wedding to be.� IreLyn said to Dakota, who nodded in agreement. Neither one of them still completely understood what was going on.
�Where are you going?� Dakota and IreLyn asked in unison when Dale and Brett began walking toward the wedding that was taking place. They were further bewildered when neither Brett nor Dale said anything. They just kept walking until they were up the aisle. There they stopped, Dale standing on one side, Brett on they other. They turned around, looking at IreLyn and Dakota.
�What are they do-� IreLyn began, but cut herself off when the wedding music suddenly began playing and the people who were sitting in the chairs turned around also. It was all people that they knew...their parents, Kristin, Lissa, Marshall, the guys from the band. She heard Dakota gasp and her own knees began to feel weak as she and Dakota finally began to understand what was happening.
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Chapter One Hundred and Thirty Seven
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�So, were you surprised, Mrs. Scallions?� Kristin asked as she finally made her way over to her sister. IreLyn broke out into a radiant smile when she heard the name on her sister�s lips. She was still having a hard time believing that she was married to Brett.
�I�m still in shock!� IreLyn laughed as she hugged her sister, then pulled back and studied Kristin closely. �You knew all about this didn�t you?�
Kristin laughed as she nodded. �Of course! You don�t honestly think two men could have planned this all by themselves do you?�
�Hey!� Dale argued as he stepped into the conversation. �We did a damn good job on our own. You just came in and hit the finer details we missed.�
IreLyn giggled as she turned and hugged Dale too. She was so completely happy she felt sure that is was sin. Nothing and no one could spoil this day.
Dale immediately straightened, his eyes softening, when he saw his wife walking towards them, still looking a little shell shocked herself. She eagerly returned the hug Kristin gave her.
�You okay? You look a little out of it.� Kristin teased. Dakota shook her head with a smile.
�Just a little dazed.� She answered happily. For her and IreLyn, the ceremony was a complete blur. Once they finally were able to comprehend everything thoroughly, they were married!
She moved next to Dale, sighing contently when he pulled her into his arms, holding her close. She tipped her head back to look at her new husband, just the thought sending shivers of joy down her spine. �Wanna dance?� she asked softly. After brushing his lips lightly across hers, he nodded and led her out to the dance floor.
�Looks they�ve got the right idea.� A deep voice said in IreLyn�s ear. She smiled and leaned back against Brett, her own little happy smile escaping. She turned and took his hand, the two of them finding their own little spot on the floor, allowing the rest of the world to slip away until it was only them left.
�You are absolutely amazing.� IreLyn smiled up at him. �I can�t believe you two did this! But thank you. I couldn�t have imagined, or planned, a more perfect wedding.�
Brett grinned proudly. The wedding had gone off perfectly, and aside from his and Dale�s little blunder, everything had gone smoothly. He leaned down and kissed her softly, pulling back when the kiss starting to get a little heated.
�Anything for you, IreLyn, you know that.�
***
�Hey, you two got a second?� Dale asked as he walked up to Kristin and Lissa a couple hours later.
�Sure, what�s up? Another secret wedding to plan?� Kristin grinned. Dale laughed and shook his head.
�Nope, that was a once in a life time deal. But, we do have one more surprise for Lyn and Kody. We�re leaving tomorrow morning for our honeymoon.� Both Lissa and Kristin�s eyes lit up with excitement.
�Oooh! Where are you going?� Lissa asked.
Dale shook his head. �Nope, no one finds out before Kody and Lyn, and they don�t find out until we get there!�
�But you�re in Jamaica!� Kristin pointed out. �Why go elsewhere?�
Dale sighed. �I�m betting that it�s already leaked to the press that Brett and I are now married. On top of that, everyone already knows we�re here. I�m done with my commitments to NASCAR, so the rest of the week that I have booked here was just to vacation. So, we�re simply gonna honeymoon in a nice quiet place, where there are no reporters!�
The two women nodded in understanding. �But,� Dale continued. �That brings me to my favor I need. See, Brett and I still have the two suites at the hotel for the rest of the week. We decided not to change that so hopefully it would keep the press off our trail for a few days. But we don�t want the rooms to go to waist either. Therefore, Brett and I wanted to know if you two would be able to stay here for a few extra days.�
Lissa and Kristin exchanged a look before they both threw their arms around Dale. �Of course!� they exclaimed in unison.
�Ahem, could you please stop pawing at my husband?� Dakota tried to keep a stern look on her face, but gave up as the last word left her lips.
�But he�s just so yummy!� Kristin whined, causing Dale to turn several different shades of red.
�Don�t I know it!� Dakota grinned. �But hands off! Go find your own delicious men.�
�You�re no fun, Dakota. Didn�t they teach you to share in Kindergarten?� Lissa joined in, giggling at the color of Dale�s face.
�I failed that subject.� Dakota joked.
�Come on, let�s leave the two love birds alone.� Lissa tugged on Kristin�s arm, sending both Dakota and Dale warm smiles. �Congratulations�again.�
Dakota watched them as they walked away, and then started to turn back towards Dale when something caught her eye. �Oh my�� she said softly, mostly to herself. �Would you look at that.� She watched with interest as Marshall and Kevin�s conversation with their group of friends came to a complete halt when Kristin and Lissa walked by.
She grinned as she looked up at Dale. �Have you noticed Marshall and Kevin acting, uh, strange around Kris and Lissa?� she asked.
Personally, at that moment, that was the last thing on Dale�s mind. Not that he didn�t want them all to be happy, he did, but he was more focused on the woman in front of him.
�Honey, I haven�t noticed anyone but you all night.� He said truthfully. A slight blush crept into Dakota�s cheeks as she wrapped her arms around his neck.
�You certainly know the right things to say Mr. Earnhardt.� She smiled up at him. He grinned wickedly as he leaned down to nuzzle that spot just below her ear, which he knew drove her insane.
�Then you�ll just love what I have to say now, Mrs. Earnhardt.� They both smiled lovingly at the name. �What do you say we get the hell out of here, and start our wedding night?� he wiggled his eyebrows suggestively at her, causing her to giggle and blush.
�I�d say, what are we waiting for?�
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Chapter One Hundred and Thirty Eight
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Hi." Lissa shivered when she heard a deep voice say close to her ear. She turned around to see Kevin standing behind her.
"Hi yourself." Lissa replied with a smile, glad to see him again. She'd been trying to work up the courage to approach him again, but had failed so far. "What's up?"
"Well, with Kristin over there talking with her parents, I saw you sitting here by the bar all alone and I thought that it would be the perfect time to make my move." Kevin said jokingly, although it basically was the truth. Although he'd been unable to talk to here again since the wedding and reception began a few hours ago, he'd been acutely aware of her presence and had been trying to talk to her, but every time he'd made a move in that direction, someone grabbed him to talk or to do something or other.
"Ahhh, a man of opportunity." She smiled as the bartender set her drink down in front of her before turning her attention back to Kevin.
"Would you like to dance?" Kevin asked when the band began playing a slow tune.
"Yes." Lissa answered without any hesitation. She was again given a smile that weakened her knees. She slid her hand into Kevin's when he held it out to her. Her breath caught when she again felt the sparks shooting up her arm. She looked at Kevin, able to see that she was having the same effect on him as he was her.
Kevin led her out onto the dance floor and when they began dancing, they were quite a bit of distance away from each other, but as they continued swaying to the music, they gradually moved closer to each other until their bodies were touching. When Lissa realized this, she blushed and tried to move away, but Kevin kept a firm hold on her. Lissa immediately relaxed, not minding one bit where she was at.
When the song ended, Kevin led her to a table in a secluded corner. They talked the rest of the night until the reception ended.
"Well, I suppose I better get going." Lissa said once everyone began leaving and she had to find Kristin so that they could get back to their hotel.
"Where are you staying?" Kevin asked as he walked with her toward the door.
Lissa stopped when she heard his question. "I honestly don't know. I forgot to ask Dale when he offered his and Brett's suites to Kristin and I. She has the keys and I haven't seen her for awhile now."
Kevin smiled as something hit him. "You know, now that you mention it, I haven't seen Marshall in a couple of hours either." Kevin commented knowing that Marshall had a thing for Kristin. She was all he talked about during the dinner after the wedding and the beginning of the reception." The same could be said for him about Lissa though.
"Of course." Lissa said softly to herself. She felt very happy for her friend after having heard her talk about Marshall the last four months. She knew Kristin liked Marshall and hoped that Marshall felt the same.
"But if you're staying where Dale and Brett were at, it's the Hyatt Downtown. It is also where I'm staying along with the other guys and Marshall. So I can get you there if you don't find Kristin." Kevin told her, secretly hoping that they might not find Kristin.
"Thanks." Lissa said, hoping deep down for the same thing.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Chapter One Hundred and Thirty Nine
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
�Thank you so much for bringing me to the hotel.� Lissa smiled, somewhat shyly at the man before her. The looks and smiles he�d been giving her all evening were enough to let her know that what she was feeling was not one sided.
�It was my pleasure.� Kevin said sincerely, squeezing her hand, which he had been holding since they got out of the car.
Both she and Kevin looked up as a group of people walked through the door. They both smiled when they saw Marshall amongst them. �Hey!� Kevin called out. �Where the hell did you disappear to?� he asked.
Lissa couldn�t help but look around, hoping that maybe Kristin was with him. She frowned when she didn�t see her.
�When we saw the reception was winding down, a bunch of us went to the bar across the street. I was gonna get you, but I saw that you were, uh, otherwise occupied.� Marshall grinned, smiling down at Lissa, glad to see she was with Kevin.
�Where�s Kristin?� Lissa asked, still a little confused.
�I haven�t seen her since the reception. I looked for her to see if she wanted to come with us as well, but she wasn�t anywhere around. Figured she�d left.� Marshall could still feel the disappointment he�d felt earlier when he hadn�t been able to find her.
Lissa bit her lip as she tried to figure out what to do next. As much as she wanted to spend more time with Kevin, she knew she wouldn�t be comfortable until she knew where Kristin was. Of course there was always a possibility that she was upstairs already asleep.
�Can I use one of your cell phones? I know she�s probably fine, I just want to make sure.� She grinned sheepishly at the two men. They both nodded in understanding as Marshall pulled out his cell and handed it to her.
�Thanks.� She replied as she started dialing the numbers. Kevin grinned as he looked over and met Marshall�s eyes. He knew Marshall well enough to know that he had willing given his cell phone not only to make sure Kristin was okay, but this was also a sure way for him to get her cell number.
�Where the hell are you?� Lissa demanded as soon as she heard Kristin answer.
�At the hotel.� Kristin replied with a yawn. She hadn�t been asleep, but she�d been close to it.
�And you didn�t see fit to tell me where you were going?� Kevin and Marshall shared an amused look, each seeing that although she wasn�t pissed, Lissa certainly would be a hand full when she was.
�I did tell you. You were just too busy to listen to me. I should have known you weren�t listening!� Kristin laughed. Lissa frowned.
�And just when did you tell me? I don�t remember that!�
�I guess you don�t. You were too busy trying not to drool over Kevin. I don�t even think you spared me a glance when I told you I had to take my parents to the airport and I�d see you back at the hotel.� Kristin teased.
Lissa�s eyes suddenly lit up as she started to remember. �Oh yeah! I vaguely remember you saying something about that now!�
�Gee, thanks, nice to know how I rank!� Kristin said, then paused for a moment. �So, who you with now?� Lissa could almost see the wicked grin on her friend�s face.
�I think you already know the answer to that one!� Lissa turned away as her face began to flame.
�Oooooh! Someone�s gonna have a good night, I�m not talking about the four newlyweds!� Kristin exclaimed happily for her friend.
�I am not!� Lissa laughed, the butterflies once again taking flight. �Listen, why don�t we all come up to the room and hang out for a little while? What room number is it?�
�Huh?�
�What room number are we staying in?� IreLyn repeated.
�Same one we stayed in last night. How much have you had to drink?� Kristin asked.
�I think you�re the one who�s drunk!� Lissa laughed. �Dale and Brett gave us their suites remember?�
Kristin suddenly burst out into laughter, it taking a couple moments for her to calm herself down again before she could talk. �Not until tomorrow, silly! You can go up there if you want, but I guarantee who ever answers the door won�t be very happy for the, uh, interruption!�
Lissa�s eyes widened as she realized Kristin was right! Where had her mind gone? �Oh god!�
�Do you want me to come get you?� Kristin asked in between giggles.
�Uh, no don�t worry about it. I�ll figure something out.� Lissa responded.
�I�m sure you will.� Before Lissa could comment on that one, Kristin continued. �Listen, why don�t you just stay with Kevin tonight? I�m sure he won�t mind. I�ll just meet you in the lobby in the morning. Don�t worry, I�ll bring all the bags and stuff.�
�I can�t!� Lissa exclaimed, peeking at Kevin out of the corner of her eye only to find him watching her with interest.
�Sure ya can! Be brave and daring!� Kristin urged her on. �Have fun, and I�ll see ya tomorrow! Night!�
�No, Kris, wait!� Lissa groaned when the connection was ended. �Oooh�pay backs are gonna be a bitch my friend.� She swore. She jumped when she felt a hand on her shoulder.
�Is there something wrong?� Kevin asked, concern on his handsome face.
�Uh, kind of. Do you think you could take me to a different hotel?� she asked meekly.
�What�s going on?� Marshall asked as he stepped forward to accept the phone she held out to him.
�Well, I kinda got a little confused.� Lissa blushed. �See, I thought we were supposed to be staying here tonight, but it�s not until tomorrow. Kristin�s back at the other hotel, and although she didn�t say so, I can tell she�s already in bed, and I�d hate for her to have to get up, get dressed and come get me.�
�I have a better idea. Why don�t you just stay with me?� Kevin offered. He shot Marshall a look of warning when Marshall started coughing to cover up his laugh.
�Uh, what? No, I couldn�t. I wouldn�t want to impose.� Lissa managed to get out. But the entire time, Kristin�s words kept ringing in her head.
�Yes, you could, and believe me, you would not be imposing. I have more than enough room. It�s late, we all need some rest, I have an extra bed, and so you�re more than welcome to it.� Kevin said, holding his breath waiting for her answer.
�Well�� She hesitated slightly, then mentally kicked her self. If Kristin found out she�d had this opportunity and didn�t take it, she�d kick her ass. Hell, she�d probably kick her own ass if she didn�t take him up on his offer. �Okay.� She smiled.
�Well, see ya tomorrow, M.� Kevin glared at his friend, seeing the smirk on his face.
�Uh, yeah. You two have a great night!� he called after them, chuckling when Kevin flipped him off. He stopped laughing as he glanced down at his cell, hitting the right buttons to bring up the last number dialed.
He hesitated, then mentally smacked himself. �Oh hell, never got anywhere in life being a pussy!� After taking a deep breath, he hit send and brought the phone to his ear.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Chapter One Hundred and Forty
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
�Damn it, Lissa! Would stop calling me, I�m trying to sleep. Stay with Kevin tonight. You can deny that you want to until you�re blue in the face, but you know that you want to stay the night with him.� Kristin said into the phone, not allowing the person on the other end to get a word in.
�Now I�m going to sleep and I don�t want to hear from you again until I call you in the morning!� Kristin moved to end the call, but stopped when she heard a voice on the other end�and it wasn�t Lissa.
�Whoa, whoa, don�t hang up!� Marshall exclaimed, hoping that she�d hear him.
�Marshall?� Kristin asked feebly, feeling incredibly bad for the tirade that she�d just been on. �Oh my goodness! I�m so sorry, I thought that you were Lissa.�
�You treat all your friends like that?� Marshall couldn�t resist teasing. H knew full well that Kristin was the complete opposite. �And for the record, Lissa is staying with Kevin tonight.
Ooo, I knew she would!� Despite the fact that she and Lissa had only met Kevin earlier that day, she genuinely liked him�and obviously Lissa did too.
�So what�s up?� Kristin asked as she lay back against the pillows.
�Well, I just wanted to�uh�� Marshall desperately searched his mind for a feasible excuse, but found none so he decided to go with the truth. �I just wanted to talk to you since we haven�t gotten much of a chance today. And I didn�t know how long you were staying.� Marshall paused for a moment before continuing.
�I�ve missed you over the last few months.� Marshall confessed.
Kristin felt her body grow warm all over as her heart began to race at hearing his words. �I�ve missed you too.� Kristin managed to get out. Oh, he had no idea just how true that statement was.
�You wanna grab some coffee or something?� Marshall asked, completely forgetting that it was well after midnight and that she was in bed and that he�d probably get mobbed if he went too much out in public.
�Why don�t you come to the hotel. I have a coffee pot in my room.� Kristin suggested. She didn�t feel like sitting in a crowded and loud diner. She wanted some quality one on one time with Marshall.
Marshall hesitated for a moment. As much as he wanted to see Kristin, he wasn�t real sure about going to her hotel room. It could only complicate things that he wasn�t sure he was ready for. But then, he wasn�t sure that he could stay away either. Besides what harm could it do? Just because he was going there, didn�t mean that anything would happen.
�That sounds good.� Marshall agreed finally. �Where are you at?�
�The Hilton by the airport. Come around the back entrance. I�ll be waiting there to let you in.� Kristin told her, her heart pounding with the anticipation of seeing him again.
�Alright, I�ll see you in a few.� Marshall told her before ending the call.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Chapter One Hundred and Forty One
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
�Alright, tell me all about your night.� Kristin demanded the second the door closed behind Kevin and Marshall who had helped them bring their bags up to their new rooms.
Dakota�s head came up in interest, an eyebrow raised when she saw how red Lissa was. �Did I miss something?�
Kristin grinned slyly over at her friend. �Not much. Just our little Lissa spending the night with a certain hunky guy who just happens to be in the same band as IreLyn�s husband.�
�What about my husband?� IreLyn asked as she walked in from the adjoining room. All the guys were gone down to take their bags so they could leave and get to the airport on time for�destinations still unknown. The curiosity was beginning to get to both Dakota and IreLyn, so any kind of distraction was welcome�and besides, this one was beginning to sound interesting.
Dakota grinned. �Lissa was a bad, bad girl!�
�I was not!� Lissa protested, her face still flaming as her eyes darted from one friend to another. She sighed and rolled her eyes when she saw the anxious looks on all their faces. �Oh all right! I got mixed up and came back here last night, forgetting that you all weren�t leaving until today, and instead of making Kristin come get me after midnight, I just stayed in Kevin�s room.�
�Oooh! Good choice!� Dakota applauded her friend. She shrugged when she got shocked looks from both Kristin and IreLyn. �What? Oh lord, please! The man is sexy as all hell, you two can�t tell me you haven�t noticed!�
Unable to deny it, the two sisters returned their attention to their flustered friend. �So, what happened?� IreLyn demanded.
�Absolutely nothing! He was a complete gentleman. We stayed up and watched an old movie on TV, then went to bed�in separate beds!�
�What was the movie?� Kristin asked, her arms crossed over her chest as she studied Lissa.
�Huh?�
�The movie you two stayed up and watched? What was it?� She grinned knowingly at Dakota and IreLyn, who were trying unsuccessfully to not snicker.
�Uh, I can�t remember.� Lissa confessed, once again blushing. It wasn�t because anything was going on between them, but from the moment she had met him, all her attention seemed to be focused clearly on him and not on anything else around her. The movie was no exception.
�You�re hiding something.� Dakota declared. Lissa sighed, giving up.
�Oh okay fine! There was one kiss! ONE!� she threw her hands up in the air in defeat, but the happiness in her eyes betrayed her true feelings.
�And?� they all three asked in unison.
Lissa paused, then sighed dreamily as she sank slowly down on the bed. �It was amazing! Like the world stopped turning. Earth shattering, angels singing.�
IreLyn and Dakota both smiled softly, each knowing all to well what Lissa was talking about. Kristin, on the other hand simply rolled her eyes. She laughed when Lissa threw a pillow at her.
�Okay, Ms. I�m Gonna Embarrass My Best Friend First Thing In The Morning, your turn!� Lissa grinned. She held up her hand when she saw Kristin was about to protest. �Don�t even try telling me you don�t know what I�m talking about. I find it a little bit more than coincidental that you and Marshall arrived here at the same exact time this morning. And besides, Kevin and I were down in the lobby and saw you two walk in together.�
�Ha! I knew it! Pay up, Lyn. I told you your sister was into those �bad� boy types.� Dakota exclaimed triumphantly. IreLyn simply waved her off as she grinned at her sister.
�Did you spend the night with Eminem?� she questioned.
�No.� Kristin replied. �I stayed the night with Marshall.� She emphasized his name, �And, might I add before you three start firing questions at me, nothing happened.�
�Damn.� IreLyn muttered under her breath. It was her turn to laugh when she was on the receiving end of a pillow being thrown at her.
�We talked the entire night, it was wonderful. He�s are really great guy! Absolutely nothing like he seems to be, at least not what you see on TV.� Kristin smiled at the memory of the night they had shared.
�So, what�s going on? Is love in the air for everyone?� Dakota asked, laughing at the shocked looks she got from both Kristin and Lissa.
�I think it�s a little too soon to tell.� Lissa answered after a moment's silence. They all then turned to look at Kristin expectantly. She shook her head, no one missing the look of disappointment that crossed her face.
�I don�t think so. I think Marshall just sees me as a friend. At least that�s the vibes I was getting, for the most part.� Kristin sighed.
They all four looked up when the door opened. Dakota and IreLyn immediately brightened, going over to their husbands when they walked in. �It�s time to go.� Dale announced after kissing Dakota soundly.
�Behave you two!� Brett teased, having the feeling he and Dale walked in on something. Neither he nor Dale had missed whom they arrived with, and he would be having a talk with Kevin and Marshall in the very near future.
�Don�t listen to him! Have fun. You have a little less than a week to work on�things.� IreLyn told them, grinning slyly. �Kody and I expect good news when we talk to you two again. Got it?�
�Ma�am, yes ma�am!� Kristin and Lissa saluted her, then dissolved into giggles.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Chapter One Hundred and Forty Two
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�So what�s on the agenda for today?� Kristin asked Lissa after Dakota and Dale and IreLyn and Brett had left and they were alone in the rooms.
�First and foremost, I need food. I am starving!� Lissa exclaimed. She launched a pillow in Kristin�s direction when she heard her friend snicker.
�Are you sure nothing happened last night. Only one thing I know works up an appetite like that.� Kristin teased and was on the receiving end of another flying pillow.
�Very funny. I told you all that went on last night. There was nothing more.� Lissa told Kristin. �I am hungry because it�s been nearly twenty four hours since I�ve last eaten anything substantial.�
�Let�s order room service.� Kristin suggested, suddenly feeling hungry herself after going nearly as long as Lissa without food.
�Um, actually I�m meeting Kevin in about a half hour.� Lissa said and immediately saw the disappointment on Kristin�s face. �Hey, why don�t you come with? We�re going to do some sight seeing afterward.�
�Nah, I�ll just stay here and hang out by the pool. I need to work on my tan anyway.� Kristin said and gave Lissa her best smile. She would have loved to gone and done some sight seeing, but she didn�t want to impose on the plans that Kevin and Lissa had. And she had to admit, only to herself, that she was disappointed that she and Marshall hadn�t made any kind of plans to see each other again.
�Oh come on!� Lissa whined, giving Kristin her best pout. �At least come for breakfast.� She knew why Kristin was turning her down and she had a pretty good idea of how to remedy it.
I�m gonna take a shower. You think about it.� Lissa said after a few moments and Kristin hadn�t said anything further. She turned and walked to the bathroom, grabbing her cell phone on the way.
Once she had the door closed and locked behind her, Lissa punched in the number for Kevin�s room. She crossed her fingers hoping that he was still there and would answer. She got lucky on the forth ring.
�Hey,� Lissa said softly after he�d answered.
�Hey yourself.� Kevin replied in a rough tone that sent shiver shooting straight up Lissa�s spine. �You missed me that much already?� He teased.
Lissa smiled to herself. Yes, she missed him already. Hell, she�d missed him since a second after the last time she�d seen him. �Yes, actually. But that�s not why I�m calling.�
�What�s up?� Kevin asked
�Well, I was wondering if you could get Marshall to come along with you this morning.�
"Shouldn't be a problem. Why, what's up?" He questioned curiously.
"I'll have to talk to you about it later." Lissa replied, remembering that Kristin was in the other room.
"Okay, I'll see you soon." Kevin told her and after they said their good-byes, they ended the call.
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Chapter One Hundred and Forty Three
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�So, what did you decide?� Lissa asked as she stepped out of the bathroom a little while later, freshly showered.
Kristin glanced up from the suitcase she was digging around in. �I guess I�ll go to breakfast. I�m starving anyway.� She grinned. �Besides, maybe Kevin will pick up the check, and who am I to turn down a free breakfast.� She giggled, seeing the look on Lissa�s face.
�You�re terrible!� Lissa scolded.
�Yeah, but you love me anyway!�
�I�d love you more if you�d put my shorts back in my suitcase. You have your own clothes in the other room, remember.� Lissa crossed her arms over her chest.
Kristin eyed her friend. �Why? You�re already dressed, so it�s not like you need these.� She held up the shorts. �So, I�d hate for them to just sit here, when they need to be worn.�
�But they are my favorites!�
�Mine too.� Kristin grinned. Lissa sighed as she rolled her eyes then laughed.
�Fine, you can wear them. But I get your lavender top!�
�What? No way! That�s what I was planning on wearing with them!� Kristin protested.
�No top, no shorts.� Lissa told her. Kristin pouted for a moment before finally giving in.
�Alright! You win. You can wear the top.� Kristin moved towards the door that led to her room. �I�m gonna take a quick shower and change.�
�Hurry up! We�re supposed to meet Kevin in about 15 minutes!� Lissa called after her.
***
Twenty minutes later the two girls were walking through the lobby towards the restaurant. Lissa was practically dragging Kristin along behind her.
�I told you to hurry! Now we�re late!� Lissa hissed, not really mad, just anxious to be with Kevin.
�Geez, Lissa, I�ve never seen you get this worked up over a guy! We�re only five minutes late!� Kristin countered.
�But what if he thinks I�m not coming and left?� Lissa nearly panicked.
�I don�t think that�s a problem,� Kristin grinned seeing Kevin waiting for them just outside the restaurant. She also didn�t miss the way his eyes roamed over Lissa, or the way his eyes darkened as they touched on her.
�Hey.� He greeted as he stepped forward. Kristin sighed inwardly, silently cursing herself for accepting to come. She could have been standing there naked, and neither Kevin nor Lissa would have paid any attention the instant their eyes met. It wasn�t that she wasn�t happy for them, because she was ecstatic for her friend, and wished her all the best. It just made her feel�lonely.
�Alright, you two have fun.� Kristin grinned at them both, making her mind up to go with her original plan. �I�m gonna go out by the pool.�
�But I thought you were gonna have breakfast with us!� Lissa glanced at Kevin, wondering if he�d been able to get a hold of Marshall.
Kristin shook her head. �Nah, I�m not as hungry as I thought, so I�m gonna just go. I�ll see you guys later tonight, I guess.� She smiled as she turned to walk away.
�Ah!� she managed to get out as she nearly plowed into someone behind her. Regaining her balance and composure she looked up and found herself looking in Marshall�s blue eyes.
�Hi.� He greeted warmly, suddenly realizing how glad he was to see her, and how much he�d missed her since earlier that morning.
�Hi.� She returned, a slight blush touching her cheeks. She glanced at Lissa and saw her knowing grin, the same one that matched Kevin�s and could easily guess who got Marshall to join them.
�Where are you off too?� Marshall asked.
�Uh, I�m gonna go out by the pool. Nice day to work on the tan.� She said. She wanted nothing more than to join them all for breakfast now, yet at the same time didn�t feel right about it. Marshall hadn�t asked her to breakfast and had been �set up� the same way she was, and she didn�t want to make him feel uncomfortable.
She had no doubts that they were friends, and could possibly be good friends, but she did have doubts as to whether or not she could just be a friend with the man before her. He brought to life feelings inside her that she never knew existed. And to just be his friend would be pure torture.
They�d had a wonderful night together, but she hadn�t been lying when she said she got the friends only vibe from him. Yet at the same time, she could sense something more from him, but before acting upon it or saying anything, he would close up again and switch back to being buddy-buddy with her.
It was disappointing, but she understood. He�d told her all about his ex-wife and their marriage. To say it had been hell would be an understatement, and she could more than realize why he�d be apprehensive to let any woman close again.
Marshall felt her hesitation and confusion, and couldn�t blame her. He knew he�d been sending out mixed signals, he just honestly didn�t know what to do. He hadn�t felt this way about anyone in a very long time, and the last time had ended in a way that tore him apart inside. As much as he liked Kristin and wanted to spend time with her to get to know her better, he wasn�t sure he could trust her�or himself.
He snapped out of his thoughts when he realized she�s said good bye to them all and was walking away. He caught Kevin�s glare and the silent message he was sending him. He spun around and started after Kristin, throwing caution to the wind. They were friends, and they could hang out as friends, while they were there in Jamaica, and when the time came and they both went back to the real world, they would part as friends. At least that what he kept telling himself.
�Kris, wait.� He called after her. She stopped and turned to face him. �Why don�t you join us?�
Kristin paused and he could see she was about to refuse. He leaned forward and whispered close to her ear.
�Please, you can�t leave me alone with those two! I�ll be the third wheel!� he stuck his bottom lip out in a cute pout that she just couldn�t refuse. She glanced over his shoulder at Lissa and Kevin, seeing they had turned their attention back to each other.
She giggled as she relented. �Okay, fine. But you�re gonna owe me for this one.� She teased, not letting him know that she wasn�t accepting because of that. She was accepting because as much as she tried to deny it, the thought of just being in his presence was just too much to resist. Especially when he was smiling at her the way he was at that moment.
***
Later that afternoon they were all walking down the streets, where all the little shops were. So far, for all of them, the day had been absolutely perfect. They all enjoyed spending time together, and when they could tell they needed it, Kristin and Marshall would wander off to give Kevin and Lissa some alone time.
�Oh!� Kristin exclaimed and grabbed Lissa�s arm and started towards one particular shop. �We�ve got to go in here!�
�Really, I couldn�t tell by the way your yanking my arm out of socket!� Lissa laughed. �Why are we going in a jewelry store?�
�Because I want to get something for IreLyn�s birthday which is in a week.� Kristin answered as she started scanning the cases in front of her.
�She really didn�t strike me as the type to wear a lot of jewelry.� Kevin commented as he and Marshall stood back while the girls looked at all the rings, necklaces and bracelets.
�She really doesn�t, but she�s always wanted a black pearl ring, and since the prices are so right here, I can�t resist.� Kristin said, never looking up from the counter. She did however when Lissa snickered.
�Yeah right! You forget I was there when you two were growing up. The only one I ever remember mentioning anything about a black pearl ring was you, Kristin.� Lissa grinned knowingly.
Kristin shrugged, a wicked gleam in her eye. �Well, then when she doesn�t want the ring, then it won�t be a problem when I take it.�
Lissa threw her hands up as Kevin and Marshall started laughing. �I should have known.� Lissa muttered, shaking her head at Kristin. �You�ll never change.� She smiled.
Kristin shook her head. �Nope, and if I did, you�d be very upset, admit it.�
�Oooh, I like that one!� she pointed to a particular ring, asking the person behind the counter to get it for her. She slipped the ring on her finger and admired it. �Perfect!�
�Uh, yeah it�s nice, but is that the right size for Lyn?� Lissa asked.
�Who cares! It fits me perfectly!� Kristin laughed. When she caught Lissa�s look she pouted and took the ring off. �Oh alright! I won�t get her a ring. I�ll get her something else.�
�What a sister you are!�
�The best!� Kristin threw back at her then started checking out the bracelets.
�Are you two always like this?� Marshall asked once he�d finally caught his breath.
�Like what?� Kristin and Lissa asked together, both giving him innocent looks.
�Never mind.�
***
�Lord, I�m exhausted.� Lissa yawned as she leaned her head back against the seat of the little trolley they were on. She smiled when Kevin pulled her against him, so she could lay her head on his shoulder.
�Not me, I�m wired!� Kristin bounced excitedly on her seat.
�I�m not surprised.� Lissa commented as she trying to stifle a yawn. Shivers went up and down her body as Kevin started running his hand up and down her arm in a soothing motion.
Marshall sat back and watched Kristin, grinning at her energy. �You remind me of my daughter.� He commented. Kristin turned towards him, her head tilted.
�How�s that?� she asked, smiling at him.
�A bundle of ever lasting energy!� he laughed.
�I have a great idea.� Kevin spoke up. �Why don�t you two go out clubbing, since you both are still pretty much ready to go, and Lissa and I will go back to the hotel and relax.�
Marshall and Kristin exchanged a look. �Relax my ass! Admit it, you just want us away from you guys for a little while.� Marshall teased, seeing Lissa turning red and getting glare from Kevin that could almost rival Dale�s.
�Yeah, I bet that they actually have more energy than they are willing to admit, and are gonna go back to the hotel to try and�uh, work it off.� Kristin giggled, ducking when Lissa threw one of her bags at her.
�What?� she asked innocently.
�Don�t give me that!� Lissa got ready to throw another bag at her, fighting back the grin.
�Hey, you�re the one whose mind is going to the gutter. I could have been talking about going back to the hotel and going swimming�or maybe a nice jog around the hotel�to work off the energy.�
�Sure ya did.� Lissa shook her head. Suddenly she didn�t feel embarrassed anymore. She couldn�t�she was too comfortable with Kevin. She knew this had serious potential, and she was more than ready to see where things would lead for them. She may not have known him long, but she knew deep down that she would be ready to promise him forever�in the very near future.
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Chapter One Hundred and Forty Four
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�Are you hungry?� Kevin asked as he and Lissa walked into the back entrance of the hotel. They hadn�t eaten since breakfast earlier that morning.
Lissa smiled up at him. �Yes, but can we wait until we get upstairs to order? I honestly don�t think that I have the energy to sit in the restaurant right now.�
�Of course.� Kevin agreed, liking the idea very much. �Hey, why don�t you grab your bathing suit. We can use the jacuzzi after dinner.� Kevin suggested as the elevator stopped on the floor that they were on.
�Good idea. That sounds like the perfect way to relax.� One of the perks of having a suite was that each room had it�s own hot tub. Very convenient if you didn�t feel like using the one downstairs and being around people.
�But I think I�m going to be tempted to skip dinner and hit the Jacuzzi right away.� Lissa commented, her body aching from being on her feet pretty much all day sight-seeing.
�That would work.� Kevin said, having been thinking the exact same thing just a moment before Lissa had voiced it.
�Okay, let me grab my suit.� Lissa said as they stopped in front of the door that led to her suite. She pulled the key card from the pocket of her shorts and unlocked the door. She stepped inside. Kevin followed behind her and closed the door.
Reaching for the light switch in the dark room, Lissa was surprised when she felt a hand grab hers. She gasped softly, but instantly relaxed, knowing that it was Kevin. She gasped again, but with delight when he pulled her against him. She felt his hands come up to frame her face just before his lips touched gently against hers.
Lissa moved closer against him, wrapping her arms around his waist as she tipped her head back, allowing the kiss to deepen further. They moved apart only when they were both completely breathless.
�Wow.� Lissa whispered as her heart pounded wildly in her chest. She unconsciously touched her fingers to her lips, which were literally tingling.
�I�ll say.� Kevin agreed as he reached over and switched the light on. His mouth fell open when his eyes touched on her. Her glittering blue eyes, her flushed cheeks, and her kiss-swollen lips had effectively rendered him completely breathless.
Seeing the way that he was looking at her, Lissa looked down at the floor, her cheeks flaming hotly. �Uh�I�ll�uh�grab my bathing suit and we can get going.� She said when she was finally able to speak. She turned and busied herself with her bag, but she could still feel Kevin�s eyes burning hungrily into her back. She took in a deep breath and slowly let it out in an effort to calm her shaking hands and the butterflies that were fluttering madly in her stomach.
�Okay, I�m ready.� Lissa said a few minutes later. Turning around, she smiled at Kevin and immediately felt herself melt all over again when he returned her smile. She stepped forward and slipped her hand into his when he held it out to her.
***
�Ahh,� Lissa breathed as she lowered her body into the warm water. �Now this is the way to relax.� She laid her head back against Kevin�s arm, which he had put around her shoulders.
�I wonder if they made it to wherever they were going for their honeymoon.� Lissa said, speaking of IreLyn, Brett, Dale, and Dakota. �They were supposed to call with phone numbers when they got settled.�
�Well, have you checked your cell phone for messages?�
Lissa smiled sheepishly. �No, I haven�t even though about them until now�I�ve been a little occupied.� She replied as she tipped her head back and looked at Kevin. �I�m sure they�re fine. I�ll check later.� She said, not ready at all to get out of the hot tub or away from Kevin.
�Where do you think Marshall and Kristin ended up at?� Kevin wondered out loud. He smiled to himself, thinking how well Kristin and Marshall seemed together�it just wasn�t as obvious as it was with him and Lissa�yet.
"Hmm?" Lissa questioned, not having heard what he'd said. She'd heard his voice, but since his fingers had began gently massaging her shoulder, she'd been pretty much oblivious to everything else.
"Wasn't important." Kevin told her and then paused for a moment before speaking again. "Come here." He said as he saw how much she was enjoying what he was doing. Slipping an arm around her waist, he pulled her onto his lap and situated her between his legs before he ran his hands up her back and began massaging her shoulders again.
Lissa moaned softly and closed her eyes as she leaned back against him, completely lost in his touch. Kevin gazed down at her, amazed at how completely beautiful she was and how lucky he was to have met her when he did. Unable to resist any longer, he dropped his head and captured her lips with his own.
