Chapter Two Hundred and Twenty Four
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"Well, that was qui-" IreLyn began as she turned around after hearing the door open and close behind her. Her words faded when she saw Brett standing there and not Kristin like she'd expected.
It took Brett a moment to snap himself out of the daze that he'd suddenly fallen into when his eyes touched on IreLyn. "I'll go." He said finally, knowing that she didn't want him there. That he'd been made well aware of the night before, and her lack of words now only further proved that. His shoulders slumped in defeat, Brett turned and immediately headed toward the door. He couldn't help but hope that IreLyn would stop him from leaving, but the continued silence from her crushed that dream.
"What the hell?" Brett muttered when he tried opening the door and it wouldn't budge.
"What's wrong?" IreLyn asked, having heard him.
"The door won't open. It seems to be locked or something." He told her, not looking in her direction as he kept trying to get the door open. He was startled and nearly jumped out of his boots when IreLyn suddenly appeared beside him.
"Let me try." She told him, although she knew full well that if he couldn't get it open, neither would she.
Brett moved aside, still not looking directly at IreLyn. He couldn't bear to see the panic that he knew would be in her eyes at the prospect of being locked in a room with him.
"Well, it won't open." IreLyn stated the obvious after trying unsuccessfully to get it open herself. She looked over at Brett and frowned when she saw that he was basically acting as though she wasn't even in the room with him. She knew that he was doing it for her, thinking that she didn't want anything to do with him. But in all honesty, she didn't want it that way. While she knew that things would never be as they for them before, she at least wanted them to be able to be civil to one another.
"So, uh...what are you doing here?" IreLyn asked, trying to get a conversation going...or maybe she was just trying to avoid what really needed to be talked about.
Brett looked up, finally meeting her eyes directly for the first time. He didn't see there any of the hate, anger, or panic that he was certain he would nor did he hear it in her voice. "Uh..." Brett stuttered for a moment, still caught off guard by all of this. Being locked in the same room with her was shocking enough. The fact that she was actually talking to him was nearly overwhelming.
�Uh, well, um.� He stuttered, trying to get himself under control. He shook his head then returned his attention to her, his breath catching in his throat.
�Uh, I was going to help Dakota with some wedding presents.� He finally replied, holding his breath, still waiting for the animosity and hatred he was sure that would be coming soon. Instead her eyes only widened in surprise, then narrowed as it dawned on her what was going on.
�Oh you were? Those two sneaks!� she mumbled to herself, although deep down she wanted to thank them, but she wouldn�t admit that�not yet.
�Huh?� Brett asked, thoroughly confused. IreLyn tipped her head as she looked up at him.
�Kristin and Dakota asked me to help them with the presents. Then conveniently had to leave, asking me to stay here. Then Dakota went to get you, but I�m willing to bet something suddenly came up where she had to leave, and then we miraculously get locked in.�
�Shit.� He mumbled when he fully realized what she was talking about. Here he�d just decided that he was going to stay away from IreLyn, because it was what she wanted, and then those two had to go and interfere. He knew they meant well, but it wasn�t helping when IreLyn wanted nothing to do with him. All he wanted was to stop hurting her.
Brett ran a hand wearily over his face, then dropped it to his side. �Lyn, I�m sorry about this. I had no idea�� he cut himself off when she held up her hand to stop him.
�This isn�t your fault. You didn�t know any more than I did.� She told him gently. �I don�t blame you.�
He smiled, grateful that she hadn�t found something else to hate him for. He looked around the room, frowning when he realized there was no other way out. �How long do you think we�ll be in here?� he asked hesitantly.
IreLyn shook her head. �Knowing those two, it�s hard to say.� She said, taking a deep breath to try and calm her own wayward emotions. Being this close to him was making it very difficult to keep her walls up. She looked over at the bar then looked back at Brett, trying to ignore the way her heart fluttered and her breath caught when their eyes met.
IreLyn looked up when she heard Brett's footsteps moving toward her. "You want a drink?" he asked as he stepped behind the bar and began looking for his favorite beverage.
***
�There you are!�
Dakota jumped guiltily when she heard her husband right behind her. She shot Kristin a panicked look, knowing they�d been caught. Kristin just gave her a look before smiling at Dale.
�We�ve been here all along.� Kristin answered smoothly. She knew they were going to be found out, but she was going to keep it going as long as she could. They didn�t go through all this for IreLyn and Brett to be disturbed so quickly. Dakota turned and nodded. �What�s up?� she asked lightly, proud that her voice didn�t tremble the way she was afraid it would.
Dale paused for a moment studying them both carefully. When he really couldn�t find anything, he shrugged that nagging feeling off. �Lissa was looking for you, wanted to say good-bye before she left.� He told them. �She�s looking for IreLyn too.�
�Oh well, we�ll go talk to her. I think IreLyn went up to her room though, she wasn�t feeling too well.� Kristin told him, telling herself that she could feel bad later for lying.
Dale grinned knowingly. �Probably still hung over.� He turned when he heard Marshall call his name.
�Oh look, there�s Lissa now. Come on Kody, let�s go talk to her.� Kristin grabbed her arm and drug her away before Marshall could get over to where they were standing. She might be able to lie to Dale, but with Marshall there as well, she doubted she would be able to pull it off. She felt Dakota take a deep breath beside her.
�That was close.� Dakota muttered, feeling horrible about lying the way they were. She knew it was for a good reason, but she detested lies all the same.
�I know, but everything will be okay. You�ll see. And besides once IreLyn and Brett are back together, Dale and Marshall won�t be able to be mad at us.� Kristin prayed she was right. Dakota sent her a doubtful look.
�I hope your right. For all our sakes.�
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Chapter Two Hundred and Twenty Five
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IreLyn hesitated as she glanced up the clock and saw that it was barely past noon. The thought of having anything to drink so soon after the night before made her stomach churn for just an instant and then the thought of having something sounded really good to her.
"Sure, whatever you're having." She said just as her stomach rumbled, reminding her that she hadn't eaten since very early the day before and that had been very little because of being busy with the wedding and being very nervous about seeing Brett again.
"I'm hungry. Are you?" IreLyn asked as she stepped into the back of the bar where the coolers, freezers and cooking equipment was located. Once there she had to stop and take a couple of deep breaths to calm herself down. Damned if Brett wasn't still capable of completely taking her breath away just with his mere presence.
When she heard his footsteps approaching, IreLyn quickly busied herself looking through the freezer. She grabbed the first thing she saw. "Pizza okay?" She asked him as she turned around, seeing him leaning against the doorway. Her breath caught when she saw the longing in his eyes for a brief second as he watched her before he realized it and looked away.
"Yeah." Brett replied after a moment. Stepping out of the room and back into the bar area, he picked up his drink and downed it in one swallow, then leaned against the wall for a moment as he tried to calm his pounding heart and hands, which were trembling. Just being near IreLyn and talking to her again was enough to nearly do him in. And as strange as it seemed, he seemed to be having much the same effect on her.
"Yeah right." Brett grumbled to himself after that last thought. He didn't dare get his hopes up. The effect that he seemed to be having on her was most likely all his imagination.
Brett busied himself making another drink when he heard IreLyn coming out of the back room. "Be about forty-five minutes." She said as she picked up her drink and walked around to the front of the bar and sat down on one of the stools. She brought the drink to her lips and drank it down nearly as quick as Brett had his.
"I'll take another one as long as you're at it." IreLyn handed him her glass. She smiled sheepishly as Brett looked at her, his eyebrow raised in surprise knowing how she was when it came to drinking. "I'm thirsty." She said feebly, knowing there was no way in hell that Brett would buy that excuse. The truth was that she was nervous as hell with him being so close and she knew that the alcohol would help her relax.
They made small talk while they waited for the pizza to cook and by time it was done, Brett was fixing them their third drink. "Dinner is served." IreLyn announced as she came out of the kitchen area carrying the pizza. "I'm sure it's not as good as what everyone else out there is eating, but it'll do."
"Right now a peanut butter sandwich would suffice. I'm starving!" Brett told her as he walked around and sat back down on the stool next to IreLyn. It was the first time in the last year that he'd truly been hungry. Hell, it was the first time in a year that he'd even felt alive.
They ate in silence until they were about half way finished and IreLyn suddenly began talking. Brett didn't stop her, knowing that what she had to say were things that she truly needed to say and things that he needed to hear. And... with as much as she'd had to drink in such a short time, he wouldn't be able to stop her from talking even if he'd wanted to.
"Brett, I know that everything that you said last night was heartfelt and sincere." She began, seeing the surprise cross Brett's features before he quickly covered it up.
�And I�m sorry that I didn�t acknowledge what you had said last night. I know that my silence gave you the impression that I didn�t have anything to say to you or that I didn�t want you around, but that isn�t the way it is at all.� IreLyn paused as she picked up Brett�s pack of cigarettes that was lying on the bar, took one out and lit it.
�My newest bad habit.� IreLyn said when Brett looked at her in surprise. �Started about a year ago.�
�Anyway,� IreLyn began again, knowing that if she didn�t get it out now, she might never.
�When you finished talking last night, I honestly didn�t know what to say to you in reply. I had so many emotions going through me, anything I would have said wouldn�t have possibly made much sense.�
�When this all started, I was completely devastated. Mostly because I believed that I had ruined your life and that was the last thing that I ever wanted to do to you. And not only had I affected you, but also your band mates and your fans. I hated myself, but your assurance that you didn�t blame me, kept me going. Then when you stopped assuring me and started blaming me, I knew that I couldn�t keep doing this to you and that�s when I left. It was the hardest thing that I ever had to decide to do, but I knew that I couldn�t stay where I wasn�t wanted�I couldn�t keep hurting you like I was.�
IreLyn stopped for a moment, letting out a shaky breath before she took a swallow of her drink and then continued. �When you showed up in Colorado that day, I was positive that you were there to make amends. Boy, was I ever wrong.� She laughed humorlessly as she ground out her cigarette in the ashtray.
�You nearly destroyed me that day. Your inability to trust me was enough, but the things that you said to me along with that almost broke me. Then I found out that you�d filed for an annulment and I overheard Dale telling Dakota that you had referred to me as a cheating slut�I all came crashing down on me and I couldn�t handle it. I felt so low and empty that I honestly didn�t believe that I was worthy of living anymore.�
�I don�t believe that anymore, but it has taken a lot of time and a lot of hard work to get to that point. I don�t hate you, Brett. I know that what you were going through was hard on you and now I can honestly say that I do believe that the things you said and did weren�t intentional. We were all pawns in Logan�s game.� IreLyn fell silent, having said all she needed.
�I�m so sorry, Lyn�For everything that you�ve had to go through.. I never, ever meant to hurt you the way I did.� Brett told her, his voice gruff with emotion. IreLyn met his eyes, seeing the unshed tears and the raw sincerity there.
�I know, Brett and I forgive you.� She said, instantly seeing the relief on his handsome features at hearing her words. She, herself felt like a huge weight had been lifted off her shoulders.
They sat in silence for a few minutes until IreLyn jumped up from where she was seated. �See if you can find the power switch for the jukebox.� She said to Brett as she pulled some money from her pocket and began walking across the room to where the jukebox was located. She smiled as it lit up just she reached it.
�Anything good on there?� Brett asked as he walked up behind her. IreLyn looked over her shoulder at him and gave him a smile that weakened his knees.
�There�s no Fuel on here.� She replied with a pout. She still loved their music. She always would. She shivered when Brett moved closer until he was standing directly behind her. He was so close that she could feel his body brushing hers and she could feel his breath on her exposed neck as he leaned forward to look at the song titles on the jukebox.
�There are a few good ones despite that.� IreLyn said as she began punching in numbers. Pretty soon she had used up all of the selections that she was allowed.
�Good choice.� Brett commented as the first song began playing. Another shiver raced through her body as she felt his lips grazing her skin as he spoke. Without giving it any thought she leaned back against him, closing her eyes as his arms went around her and they began swaying to the music. A few moments later she tipped her head back and looked up at Brett, their eyes meeting. The next thing she knew, he slowly lowered his head and his lips covered hers.
Suddenly realizing what he was doing, Brett pulled back, putting some distance between the two of them. �I�m sorry, I-� He cut himself off, his breath catching when IreLyn turned around and he saw the familiar fire back in her eyes.
�Don�t be.� IreLyn said as she stepped up to him. She ran her hands up his chest before she stood up on her toes, tangling her fingers through his hair and urged his head down until their lips connected again.
Brett hesitated, knowing that she�d been drinking and might not be thinking clearly and he didn�t want to take advantage of that. But it was only a moment before the resounding groan that escaped him signaled his resignation. He was only human and there was no way that he could resist her.
Brett backed her up until she was against the jukebox then he lifted her and set her down atop it. They broke this kiss only when it became absolutely necessary to breathe. Brett groaned loudly once more when IreLyn slid her hands underneath his T-shirt and ran her hands over his chest before she pulled his shirt off over his head and tossed it aside. An instant later, her shirt along with her bra was gone as well. She moaned passionately as Brett pulled her against him, their skin coming into full contact as he claimed her lips again in a rough, soul-stealing kiss.
Breaking the kiss after a moment, they each explored the others body with their mouth and hands. The past year that they�d spent apart seemed nonexistent, each of them easily remembering how and where the other liked to be touched. It wasn�t long before their remaining clothing was gone.
IreLyn�s head fell back as Brett�s lips left hers and traveled down her neck to the sensitive spot beneath her ear. He nuzzled it until she was writhing around beneath him; trying to get away and trying to get closer at the same time. He moved on, capturing the tender peak of her breast in his mouth. He teased it with his mouth and teeth, biting and sucking until it was hard and taut before moving over to the other and giving it the same treatment.
IreLyn arched her back, a thick moan escaping her when she felt his mouth on the most intimate part of her body. She instantly felt herself spiraling out of control. Her fingernails dug into his shoulders and she was unable to contain the screams of pleasure that escaped her as Brett pushed her over the edge once, twice, three times.
Not giving her a chance to catch her breath, Brett picked her up and turned, setting her back down on the table behind him and followed her down, capturing her lips once more as he made their bodies one, filling her completely with one precise thrust. He grasped her hips tightly when she tried to move. His self control snapped when he felt her inner muscles tighten around his buried length. His grip on her hips loosened, allowing her to move with him. In just moments, their cries of pleasure filled the room.
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Chapter Two Hundred and Twenty Six
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Dale leaned against the doorway watching his wife pack their suitcase, with his arms over his chest. She glanced over at him, her smile turning suspicious when she noticed the smirk on his face. She turned away ignoring it at first, but turned back around to him when she felt his eyes still on her.
�What?� she demanded. His smirk merely grew as he shook his head.
Shrugging she went back to packing. A few minutes later she spun around, scowling at her husband who was continuing with his smirk. �You know instead of just standing there annoying me, you could help with the packing.� She told him.
He moved to help her, but the grin stayed firmly in place. She was just getting to the point where she was going to throw the shirt at him when he spoke up.
�So how long are you going to keep Brett and IreLyn locked in the bar?� he asked nonchalantly. Dakota shrugged as she folded the shirt.
�Until they kiss and make up.� She replied without thinking. Then it hit her. She gasped as her head came up and she stared and Dale in shock. �Uh, I mean, what?� she stuttered.
He gave her a look that told her she wasn�t getting out of this one and to not even try. �How did you know?� she demanded, her eyes narrowed as she studied him. He laughed at her expression and the way her bottom lip came out in a pout.
�Did you honestly think I didn�t see the way you and Kristin were talking all secretive in the corner?� he asked.
�Well, I�d hoped you were too busy to notice.� She mumbled. �Okay, so you knew we were up to something, but how do you know what we did?�
His blue eyes gleamed with laughter. �I followed you. You and Kristin were so engrossed in your planning you didn�t even notice. It was rather humorous. So what happened to you promising me you wouldn�t scheme to get them together?� he asked, although he didn�t seem mad like she had thought he would be.
This time she grinned. �I kept my promise.� She told him, holding up her hand when he started to protest. �I promised you that I would not try anything during the wedding or the reception, and I didn�t.� she said smugly, knowing he couldn�t dispute with her.
He tried to think of a way around that, but knew she was right. Besides, he couldn�t blame her and Kristin for what they did. It was so damn obvious that Brett and IreLyn belonged together, but they were both just too damn stubborn to do it on their own. Hell he and Marshall had been talking about ways to get them together, although he�d never admit that to his wife.
He shook his head as he stepped towards her, reaching out and pulling her closer to him. �What am I going to do with you?� he asked lovingly.
�Love me forever?� she suggested, tipping her head back to look at him.
�Done.�
�Worship the ground I walk on?� she grinned. He gave her a look but then nodded.
�Done.� He replied again.
�Acknowledge the fact that I�m always right.� She teased. He snorted and shook his head.
�Ha, keep wishing.� Dale silenced her next words with a kiss that left her breathless. He pulled back and smiled down at her. �I love you.�
�I love you too.�
�So, you never really answered me, how long are you planning on keeping Brett and Lyn locked up?� he asked getting back to the original question. Dakota glanced at her watch, seeing how much time had passed.
�Well, we have about an hour before we have to leave for the airport, I say we let them out when we leave.� She suggested, grinning wickedly.
�You don�t think they�ll kill each other before then?� Dale asked, even though he knew better.
Dakota shook her head confidently. �Nope. I believe that after this is over, they are going to finally know what all of us has known all along. And that�s how much they love each other and that they need to stop fighting the inevitable and just get back together.�
Dale�s eyebrows rose. �If it�s so inevitable, then why did you push things along?�
�I was getting tired of waiting.� She replied with a smile. �Besides, you know I don�t do well in the patience department.�
He laughed as he leaned down to give her another kiss. �Come on, we�ve got to go meet Marshall and Kristin. We�ve got to take the real presents out to the car so Brett can take them back to Kevin and Lissa�s.�
She started towards the door but stopped. �Hey, does Marshall know?� she asked.
�Of course. You don�t think I kept that information to myself now do you?�
�And did he take it as well and you?� she asked, hoping Kristin didn�t catch the bad end of it.
�He�s fine. We both understand completely why you two decided to, uh, help Brett and Lyn along.� He assured her.
�Good. Now come on, I�m anxious to see how things are going!� she exclaimed as she grabbed his hand and drug him out of the room behind her.
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Chapter Two Hundred and Twenty Seven
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It was a few hours before Brett and IreLyn separated from each other and got dressed. IreLyn glanced up at the clock, realizing that she and Brett had been in there for about four hours and that Dakota and Dale, and Kristin and Marshall were gone on their way back home by now, their flights scheduled to leave a little over an hour ago. Her own flight left a little later that evening.
IreLyn turned her attention back to Brett and felt a wave of heat surge through her when she found his eyes on her. She blushed as she looked away again, everything that she and Brett had just done with each other playing vividly through her mind.
�I need a cigarette.� IreLyn said aloud.
And then to herself, �Or three�after that. Whew��
She was unable to stop the wicked grin that curved her lips as she turned and walked over to the bar where she took another one of Brett�s smokes and lit it, taking a long drag off of it. She nearly jumped out of her skin when Brett suddenly appeared beside her. She hadn't even heard him walking up behind her.
Brett remained silent, studying her as he lit a cigarette for himself. He was trying to read her, but she had so much emotion in her eyes that he was finding it difficult. �You okay?� He asked finally.
IreLyn thought about it for only a moment before she nodded as a smile slowly curved her lips. �Yeah�I am.� She told him, feeling one hundred percent confident of that statement.
Brett smiled, but said nothing. He really didn�t know what to say. He was still completely dazed by what had happened between them. He didn�t know what it meant, but he wasn�t going to push IreLyn into making any spur of the moment decisions based on what had happened. There was no denying that he wanted her back in his life, but he needed to know that that was what she truly wanted as well. And as long as it took her to make a decision, he would wait. Forever, he�d wait for her.
�Hey, I wonder if they unlocked the door yet.� IreLyn wondered out loud, realizing that if Dakota and Kristin hadn�t unlocked the door before leaving for the airport, then who was going to let them out?
Getting up from the bar stool that she�d been seated on, IreLyn walked over to the door and twisted the knob. She really wasn�t sure if she was more disappointed or relieved when the door opened easily. She was actually leaning more toward feeling relieved. As much as she didn�t regret for one instant what had just happened with Brett and herself, she needed to be alone. She needed to be able to clear her mind and sort through the jumbled thoughts racing through her. And with him being so close and her being hardly able to keep herself from throwing him down on the floor and repeating what had just taken place, there was no way she was able to think clearly. Plus with her flight being in about two hours, she needed to get going.
Tuning around, IreLyn walked back over to where Brett stood by the bar. She said nothing as she stepped up to him and gazed into his beautiful eyes for a moment before she stood up on her toes and placed a soft kiss on his lips. Then she turned again, leaving Brett staring after her as she walked away.
*****
"What's up for the weekend?" Dakota asked the instant IreLyn picked up the phone, not even giving her a chance to get a hello in.
IreLyn smiled as she sat down on the couch, happy to be hearing from Dakota. With racing season in full gear, they hadn't been able to see each other in the two months that had passed since Lissa and Kevin were married. And while they talked on the phone as often as they could, it didn't seem nearly enough.
"I have nothing planned." IreLyn replied. "Why? What's up?" She could tell by the tone of Dakota's voice that something was going on.
"Well, Kristin, Lissa, and I were thinking about flying in for the weekend. It's been way too long since we've all been back. And it's kind of a big thing...Lissa and I have news." Dakota told her, a grin a mile wide on her face.
"News?" IreLyn asked in confusion, then it suddenly hit her. "News!" She squealed excitedly. "Wow, tell me!"
Dakota laughed. "No...you have to wait to hear just like everyone else. I don't know what you're thinking, but it might not even be that."
"You're such a bitch." IreLyn muttered good-naturedly.
"I know, but you know you still love me." Dakota teased, both her and IreLyn laughing.
"So how have you been doing? You sound tired." Dakota asked. "They been slave driving you down at the station again?"
"I've been a little under the weather the last few weeks. Damn flu is going around here rampant lately. But I seem to be doing better today and I'm sure by the weekend, I'll be one hundred percent again." IreLyn told her, very much looking forward to seeing her sister and her friends again.
"Great! We haven't made flight arrangements or anything yet...wanted to make sure you didn't have anything planned first. But it looks like all of will be coming in Friday night. But I'll call you later in the week when we have all the details."
"Sounds great! I can't wait to see you guys again."
"I'm looking forward to it too! Now, go get some rest and get feeling better before we get there." Dakota said to her, getting ready to end the call.
"I will." IreLyn promised. "I'll talk to you later in the week then."
"Okay, bye Lyn." Dakota said before ending the call.
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Chapter Two Hundred and Twenty Eight
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�Hello,� IreLyn answered breathlessly, as she had rushed in the house to get the phone.
�Did I catch you at a bad time?� Dakota asked, hearing how her friend was out of breath.
�No, not at all. I was just getting home from work. I was in the garage when I heard the phone. What�s up? What time are you coming in on Friday?� she asked.
�Well, that�s what I wanted to talk to you about.� Dakota started, only to be cut off by IreLyn�s groan.
�Don�t tell me you�re not coming. I�ve been looking so forward to this weekend. I even cleared my schedule completely and took off work! You can�t cancel. You�re not allowed!� she pouted, feeling very real tears stinging her eyes at the prospect of not being able to see her best friend this weekend.
�Awww, you miss me!�
�You don�t even have to ask. Now, make my day and tell me I�m going to see you this weekend.� IreLyn whined.
Dakota laughed. �You�re going to see me this weekend.� She assured her. She heard IreLyn relieved sigh. �But�� again she was cut off.
�I hate �but�.� IreLyn grumbled.
�I know you do, but this is a good but. And the fact that you cleared your whole weekend makes this work out even better!� she exclaimed excitedly.
�What are you talking about?�
�Are you going to let me finish this time before interrupting me?� Dakota teased. When she didn�t hear anything, she knew it was safe to continue on.
�As I was saying, I have come up with a brilliant plan. This weekend the race is in California, and since you haven�t been to a race in awhile, I was wondering if maybe you wanted to fly out to meet us Friday?� She had to hold the phone away from her ear when she got an excited squeal.
�YES!� IreLyn nearly jumped up and down. NASCAR may not have been her thing before meeting Dale, but now, just like Dakota, she was hooked, and loved going to races.
�Oh wait. As much as I�m dying to get to another race, what about Lissa and Kristin? I was really looking forward to seeing them too.� Her joy was short lived. She honestly didn�t understand what her problem was lately. Her emotions were a constant roller coaster ride lately.
�Well, that�s the beauty of my plan!� Dakota boasted. �Kristin and Marshall are already out on California, he�s working on a new movie, so they are going to meet up with us. And Kevin and Lissa have already decided to go to the race, so they will be there as well.� Dakota purposely left out the fact that Fuel would be performing during the pre-race show and that Brett would be there all weekend as well.
�Well, then count me in!� IreLyn was back to being excited.
�Good, because I�ve already made your flight arrangements.� Dakota grinned.
IreLyn laughed. �Why am I not surprised.�
�So�have you talked to Brett lately?� Dakota not so discreetly changed the subject.
IreLyn shook her head, wondering when this question was going to be asked. �Yes.� She replied, a happy smile on her face. �We talk just about every night, even if it�s only for a few moments.�
�And?�
�And things are really good. We�re taking this slow, and not trying to rush anything. More than anything, we�re becoming friends�good friends. And that�s something we kind of skipped over before.� IreLyn explained.
�Sounds like things are very good for you, and I�m so glad!� Dakota said sincerely. �Speaking of which, how are you feeling?�
�Some days I think I�m great, other�s I don�t feel so well. I don�t know, I�m just not able to shake this bug like usual, but from what I understand it�s pretty normal this time of year.� IreLyn answered. �How are you feeling?�
Dakota laughed, knowing full well what her friend was hinting at. �Fine, actually, why do you ask?� she asked innocently.
�Um, no reason.� IreLyn grumbled, the �news� beginning to get to her curiosity.
�Uh huh, sure.� Dakota giggled. They talked a few more minutes about the flight arrangements and the upcoming weekend, then said their good byes, each equally excited for Friday to come.
Dakota couldn�t stop grinning as she hung up the phone. �You didn�t tell her did you?� she jumped and turned around, having not heard Lissa come in the room. They were all in California already, Dale having to test the car and qualifying, and the band practicing for their performance on Sunday.
�Nope, sure didn�t. This weekend is just going to be full of fun and surprises for her. I have a real strong feeling that after this weekend, IreLyn and Brett�s time apart will come to an end!�
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Chapter Two Hundred and Twenty Nine
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�Lyn!�
IreLyn turned around, a smile lighting her face when she heard her name being called from behind. Her smile widened when she saw not only Dakota, but also Lissa and Kristin coming toward her. She rushed forward, hugging all of them at once.
�It is so good to see you guys! I�ve missed you all!� IreLyn exclaimed after a moment. She�d known that she�d missed them all terribly but hadn�t realized the extent of it until then.
�Gee, I couldn�t tell at all.� Kristin laughed at how IreLyn had nearly knocked all of them over when she came at them for a hug.
�We�ve missed you too.� Lissa commented sincerely. �I think that this is really the longest time we�ve gone without seeing each other.� Although it had only been two months, it sometimes felt like an eternity.
�I know�it�s been hectic lately.� IreLyn said, and everyone nodded in agreement.
�How was your flight?� Dakota asked, hoping that everything had gone smoothly.
�It was great! You really didn�t have to book me in first class. I didn�t expect that but thanks!� IreLyn said, having been surprised when she�d gotten her tickets for first class rather than coach.
Dakota smiled. �Only the best for my friends.� She paused for a moment, seeing that people were beginning to recognize them and crowd around. �Well, let�s get your bags and get out of here. The limo is waiting to take us back out to the track. Or we can go back to the hotel if you want to rest or freshen up.� She said as they began walking quickly toward the baggage claim.
IreLyn thought about it for a moment and as much as the thought of a nap appealed to her, she wanted to see Dale, Marshall, and Kevin too. She�d missed them as well. �Nah, let�s get out to the track. I want to say hi to the guys too.� IreLyn replied, missing the secret look that her sister and her friends shared as she watched for her bag.
Once they were in the limo and headed on their way to the track, IreLyn looked pointedly at Dakota and Lissa and both of them knew the question that was coming.
�Now tell me about this news.� IreLyn demanded, the last few days that she had to wait to find out having been torture. She thought she had a pretty good idea, but she wasn�t sure.
�Yeah, I think it�s about time you two fess up!� Kristin added. Much like IreLyn, she�d been told that there was news, but she hadn�t been told what and she�d been dying to find out.
Lissa and Dakota grinned broadly, enjoying the sight of their two friends waiting very impatiently. �Well,� Lissa began and then cut herself off, letting the suspense grow even more.
�Come on!� Kristin exclaimed, unable to wait any longer.
�We�re both pregnant!� Dakota finally told them, unable to hold back telling them any longer. �We�re due within about a week of each other.� She said, watching as IreLyn and Kristin�s mouths both fell open in surprise.
�Wow!� IreLyn has suspected that this was what the news was, but it was still shocking to hear. She was very happy for them. �That is wonderful news! Congratulations!�
Kristin added her equally enthusiastic best wishes and then asked what Dale and Kevin thought about becoming fathers.
Both Dakota and Lissa laughed. �They�re both floating. I honestly don�t think it�s really hit them yet.� Dakota answered, smiling as she remembered Dale�s reaction when she told him.
�This is so exciting! You guys are going to be great parents and I know you�re going to have the most beautiful babies.� IreLyn added. She couldn�t wait to spoil her new nieces or nephews.
They rode in silence for a while before Dakota turned to IreLyn. �How have you been feeling?�
�The last couple of days have been good. Still pretty tired, but I think that�s pretty normal from being sick and I�ve been working a lot of extra hours.� IreLyn replied.
�Well, you look good and please don�t take this the wrong way because I sincerely mean it in a good way�you look like you�ve put on a few pounds.� Dakota was very happy to see that because before IreLyn had been way too thin. She was still underweight but she looked much better.
. IreLyn smiled, appreciating her friend�s honesty. �I don�t know�its weird. When I feel good, I have a very good appetite�some days I feel like I could eat everything in sight. I guess now that things are going so well again with Brett and everything, I�m getting a good appetite back again and everything.�
�Speaking of Brett, have you talked to him lately?� Kristin asked, although she knew full well that Brett had called her the night before. But IreLyn thought that he was calling from home in Tennessee and not from right there in California. Boy was she in for a surprise!
IreLyn smiled as she nodded. �Just last night actually.� His voice being the last thing she heard before falling asleep had given her a few pleasant dreams. �He said to tell you all that he wished her could be here this weekend, but he had a commitment that he just couldn�t get out of.�
Dakota, Lissa, and Kristin were barely able to keep in the laughter that was threatening. It wouldn�t be long now before IreLyn found out what that commitment was.
�Oh, here we are!� Dakota said, thankful for the distraction as the limo arrived at the track entrance and turned in.
�What is that?� IreLyn asked as she stepped out of the limo and the music playing immediately hit her ears.
�What?� Dakota asked, feigning innocence.
�That music.� IreLyn clarified as she looked around, trying to see where it was coming from.
�Fuel.� Lissa answered matter of factly. She was trying to keep her expression serious, but it was nearly impossible as she watched IreLyn.
�No shit, but where�� IreLyn�s words trailed off as she turned and looked behind her and she saw the stage on the other side of the field. Her eyes immediately searched out Brett and found him sauntering across the stage as the band practiced.
�You guys have been scheming again!� IreLyn accused once she found her voice again, her eyes shining with good-natured humor. She laughed when she saw the looks of surprise on Dakota and Kristin�s face. She�d never let her two friends in on the fact that she�d figured it out that they had set her and Brett up.
�Uh�what do you mean, again?� Dakota stammered, her face flaming. She had no idea that IreLyn knew about last time.
�You know full well what I mean.� IreLyn said, her eyes shining. �And you�ve done it again.� There was no way that she could ever be angry with her friends for what they were doing. In fact, she was very thankful to them.
They all turned their attention back to the stage when the music abruptly stopped. Dakota looked over at IreLyn and grinned. "I think Brett just realized that you were here.�
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Chapter Two Hundred and Thirty
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Kristin, Lissa and Dakota all stood back, grinning and nudging each other as they watched IreLyn and Brett make their way towards each other. It was like something you would see out of the perfect romance movie.
IreLyn couldn�t contain the smile that spread across her face as she and Brett closed the distance between them. Much like with her sister and best friends, although she knew she had missed Brett terribly, she truly didn�t realize exactly how much until this very moment.
When they reached each other, no words were spoken as they moved into each other's embrace, both feeling as if they were complete at last. IreLyn sighed contently as she closed her eyes and laid her head on his shoulder. Brett too closed his own eyes as he buried his face in her hair, breathing in deeply, never wanting to let her go ever again. And after the weekend ahead of them, he had no intentions of ever letting her walk away from him.
�I think I�m going to cry.� Lissa whispered as she watched the moment unfold before her. Kristin giggled softly when she heard Dakota sniffle and nod in agreement.
�I�ll admit that it�s very touching and heart warming, but you two!� she laughed at her two friends.
�What?� Dakota and Lissa asked in unison, each wiping tears off their faces.
Kristin simply laughed harder. �Geez, couldn't you two have gotten pregnant at different times? One of you all emotional would have been enough, but how we have you both!� she teased.
�Ha, you just wait. Your emotional time is coming very soon, my dear.� Dakota shot back. Lissa grinned at the look on Kristin�s face as she shook her head.
�I hate to break it to you too, but it will be a long time before Marshall and I have, or even start talking about, kids. Let me at least get through the wedding first.� She prayed. It wasn�t that she didn�t want kids, but she was just now getting used to being a part time mother as it was to Marshall�s seven year old daughter, Haleigh. She and the little girl got along beautiful and hit it off from the very beginning, and Haleigh was looking forward to starting the wedding plans as much as Kristin was. Being with the little girl made Kristin want a baby, but in the future. For now she was more than content with spending her time with Marshall and Haleigh.
�That�s what I�m talking about. Planning a wedding is very serious work. You remember how Lissa was a month before her wedding. One moment she was all smiles and happy go lucky, the next she was evil bride bitch!� Dakota moved quickly when Lissa playfully swung at her.
�Hey!� she protested. �I wasn�t that bad!�
Kristin�s only response was a snort of disbelief. She turned back towards her sister, her eyes widening when she saw that although Brett and IreLyn were still wrapped up in each other's arms, they were now locked in a more passionate embrace.
She whistled low when it appeared neither was going to come up for air any time soon. �Go sis!� she encouraged.
�Whew!� Dakota started fanning herself, then swallowed hard as she started looking around. �I need to find my husband!�
She grinned sheepishly when she caught a knowing look from both Lissa and Kristin. �What? Blame it on the hormones!� They all three laughed.
�I think we should leave them alone for a few minutes, don�t ya think?� Lissa asked, gesturing towards the couple still kissing a few feet away.
�Yeah, I think they might be awhile.� Dakota snickered.
�Besides, I want to find Dale and Kevin and congratulate them.� Kristin said excitedly, looking forward to playing aunt herself. She was already planning on going baby shopping before the weekend was out. Now she was anxious for her sister to hurry and have one. Glancing back over her shoulder at her sister, her grin turned wicked.
�And from the looks of it, I might not have to wait long.�
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Chapter Two Hundred and Thirty One
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Brett and IreLyn separated only when air became an absolute necessity. �Hi.� They said at they same time, both breathless as they pulled back just enough to be able to see each other.
Brett gazed into her eyes for a moment as he stroked a finger across her cheek. �I�ve missed you.� He said once he was able to get his voice to work for him again.
IreLyn smiled as she felt tears stinging her eyes. It wasn�t too long ago that she couldn�t imagine ever feeling this way again�so whole, so happy, and so complete. And with Brett no less. She would have never believed it possible, yet there she was, feeling exactly what she never thought she would again.
�I�ve missed you too.� IreLyn replied, her voice thick with emotion. She sighed contently as Brett leaned forward again and brushed his lips across hers. �Did you know all along?� She asked after the kiss ended.
�I�ve known for about a week.� Brett replied, his insides turning to mush when he saw the pout that formed on her face at hearing his words. �It was kind of a last minute thing. The band that was originally scheduled backed out so Junior volunteered us. We�ve been out here all week practicing because even though we�ve been working lately, we haven�t done anything live since..� He cut himself off when IreLyn nodded, knowing that Fuel hadn�t performed live since they�d cancelled the tour when all hell had broke loose about a year and a half ago. Just lately, in the last few months or so, they�d gotten back into the studio to record a track for a movie soundtrack and from there, everything was quickly moving forward for them.
�You couldn�t have told me last night when we talked?� IreLyn asked as she tipped her head back and smiled up at him.
Brett returned her smile. �And ruin the surprise? Not a chance! It was hard keeping it to myself, but seeing your reaction just now was well worth it.�
�Thanks.� IreLyn said softly as she blinked back the tears that were threatening yet again. �I better let you get back.� As much as she wanted to be greedy and have him all to herself, she also knew that they would have plenty of time later. Plus she was anxious to catch up on everything with Kristin, Dakota, and Lissa.
Brett nodded as he turned and looked back at the stage where Dakota, Lissa, and Kristin had joined the guys, including Dale. �Okay,� He agreed reluctantly. �But promise me I�ll see you later.�
IreLyn smiled as she gazed into his eyes. �I promise.� She whispered just before she stood up on her toes and captured his lips in a burning kiss.
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Chapter Two Hundred and Thirty Two
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�Wow, I�m exhausted!� IreLyn exclaimed as she, Dakota, Lissa and Kristin walked into one of the hotel suites. They had stayed at the track for an hour or so, giving time for IreLyn to say hi to all the guys and congratulate Dale and Kevin on the happy news.
Now they all came back to the hotel to spend some time together, and give themselves a break, at the insistence of Dale and Kevin, before meeting the guys later for dinner in a few hours.
IreLyn still thought it was amazing the way both men treated Dakota and Lissa as if they were fragile china dolls. She had never seen two men more attentive and completely captivated with their wives. She knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that they were both going to be extraordinary fathers.
�I�m starving!� Lissa rubbed her still flat stomach. Dakota paled at the thought of food as IreLyn sat down on the bed and yawned.
�I�m too tired to eat.� She mumbled.
�Well, I don�t know about you, but I�m ordering room service. I�m dying for a nice juicy cheeseburger!� The words were barely out of her mouth when Dakota groaned and with a hand over her mouth, raced out of the room and to the bathroom, slamming the door behind her.
IreLyn looked after her. �Is she okay?� she asked, ready to get up and go after her.
Kristin nodded as Lissa went to the phone to place her order. �Yeah, morning sickness.� She explained.
�But it�s after three in the afternoon!�
Kristin laughed. �That�s the funny thing about morning sickness. It doesn�t stop when the clock strikes noon. Poor Kody has had it round the clock.�
�Oh.� IreLyn looked towards the closed door. �Will she be okay?� she asked as she turned back to look at Kristin, who had sat down in the chair near by.
�Yup�well until the room service food arrives, then she�ll most likely be back in the bathroom. If there is any food around ,and she�s not craving it, she�s running to the nearest toilet.�
�Is it always like that?� IreLyn asked, her eyes wide. So far pregnancy didn�t sound so great.
�You�re asking the wrong person. I only have these two to go on. And as far as I can tell, their pregnancies are as different as night and day!� Kristin laughed.
�Poor Kody!� IreLyn said sympathetically and Kristin nodded in agreement. They both looked up as Dakota came out of the bathroom looking a little green.
�Food�s on its way!� Lissa declared happily as she hung up the phone. Dakota immediately glared at her.
�You don�t honestly think you�re eating that here do you?� Dakota asked, her hand over her still queasy stomach. �Please have mercy!� she begged.
�Don�t worry, I�ll take it out on the balcony and eat there, okay?� Lissa offered, feeling bad, but not bad enough to not get the food.
Dakota went over and sat down next to IreLyn, lying back, putting her arm over her eyes. �This sucks.� She grumbled. IreLyn bit back the smile.
�What does, sweetie?� she asked.
�I really wanna eat!� Dakota whined, smiling when she heard them all giggling.
�Hey, has Junior lost any more weight?� Kristin asked.
�Why on earth would Junior need to loose weight? He�s skinny enough as it is!� IreLyn exclaimed. Dakota moved her arm a little so she could look at IreLyn.
�Well, that�s kinda my fault. He�s not allowed to bring food around me, unless it�s something I�ve specifically asked for, otherwise I�m in the bathroom.� She grinned sheepishly. �And the cravings I�ve been having lately aren�t exactly anything Dale wants to eat, at least not willingly.�
�But to answer your question, Kris, no he hasn�t. He makes sure he eats lots when he�s not around me.�
IreLyn shook her head and looked over at Lissa who was standing guard by the door, just waiting for the knock from room service. �And you haven�t had any kind of morning sickness?� she asked.
�Nope, not one bit.� She smiled.
�Bitch.� Dakota grumbled jokingly. IreLyn laughed as she turned towards her and patted Dakota�s shoulder.
�Don�t worry, while you�re throwing up everything and staying thin, Little Miss Perfect Pregnancy will be packing on the pounds.� She teased.
�Hey! I heard that.� Lissa threw a pillow in their direction. Again they all dissolved into a fit of giggles, each reveling in being back with their closest friends. Once they calmed down, Kristin spoke up.
�You know, speaking of gaining weight, I can�t get over how much better you look since I saw you a few weeks ago.� Kristin exclaimed looking at her sister. Although IreLyn had been doing much better, it was until now that she was finally beginning to look like her old self again. And now she wasn�t bone rail thin. She truly did look stunning.
�Thank you. I don�t know what happened. It was like my appetite turned back on once Brett and I worked things out. I want to eat everything in sight now�well except for when I�m feeling sick, which was for awhile there, but it�s really tapered off. I think it�s because I was eating so much more, and my body wasn�t used to it. That or the flu. But I never really had any other symptoms of the flu, other than occasional light headedness and tiredness, but like I said, I�m feeling much better now, and although the other stuff is disappearing, the appetite is staying!�
Dakota�s mouth fell open as she listened to her best friend talk. She glanced over and met Lissa�s eyes, seeing the same realization there. �Uh, Lyn? Please don�t take this the wrong way or anything, but have you thought of any other, um, possibilities?� Dakota asked, seeing the questioning looks she was getting from the two sisters, and the way Lissa was covering her mouth with her hand.
�Other possibilities? What are you talking about? There are no other possibilities!� IreLyn was thoroughly confused.
�Are you sure about that?� Lissa spoke up.
Kristin surged to her feet when she realized what they were getting at. �Oh my god!� Tears immediately filled her eyes as she broke out into a radiant smile.
IreLyn looked at them all as if they had all lost their minds. �What is wrong with you three? I�m fine!�
�Yes, yes you are fine.� Dakota couldn�t stop grinning. This was just too perfect. She hoped and prayed that they were right on this one. �Honey, I don�t know how else to put this, but I, no wait, we,� she gestured to herself, Kristin and Lissa. �We think you may be pregnant!�
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Chapter Two Hundred and Thirty Three
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IreLyn�s mouth fell open as she stared at Dakota like she�d suddenly sprouted another head. Then she turned and looked at looked at Lissa and Kristin in the same manner. �I don�t think so�that isn�t even a possibility.� IreLyn told them as soon as she was able to get over the shock of Dakota�s statement and speak again.
�Well, did you and Brett take any precautions when you�uh�were together?� Kristin asked, knowing full well that IreLyn had stopped using the pill over a year ago because she had no need for it and didn�t want to spend the money on it or take it when there was no use for it.
�Um, no.� IreLyn answered, smiling sheepishly as she looked down at her hands. �I wasn�t exactly planning on that happening. But I really don�t think that the timing was right.� She said, but as she really thought back about it, she realized that she�d had her period two weeks before she�d been with Brett and she hadn�t had it since then. It suddenly hit her that the timing had been very right.
�Oh my God�� IreLyn whispered, her face paling. She hadn�t even stopped to consider the possibility that she might be pregnant. But the more she thought about it�the symptoms she�d been having and everything�it made perfect sense.
What would Brett think? Would he be happy? Angry? What if he wanted nothing to do with her now? She knew that she couldn�t handle being rejected by him again.
Kristin watched her sister. Seeing the distress on her face, she knew exactly what was going through IreLyn�s mind. She walked over and sat down beside her, putting an arm around her shoulder.
�You can just get those thoughts out of your head because you know as well as I do that Brett isn�t going to react negatively to this.� Kristin said, doing her best to assure her sister. �Besides, don�t you think that you should find out for sure before you jump to conclusions?� She suggested even though she just knew that IreLyn was pregnant.
IreLyn sniffed as she wiped away a tear that had escaped from her eye. She looked over at Kristin and nodded to agree with everything that her sister had just said. She knew that Brett would be shocked, probably just as much as she was, but she also knew that he wouldn�t desert her. And Kristin was absolutely right; she should find out for sure before anything else.
*****
Later that evening, IreLyn�s stomach was tied in knots, she was so nervous. Despite the reassuring smiles that she kept getting from Dakota, Kristin, and Lissa, she wasn�t too sure that she was going to make it through dinner.
�Everything okay?� Brett leaned over and asked her quietly after noticing that she�d been especially quiet and seemed preoccupied.
IreLyn bit her lip as she looked at him, knowing that they time to tell him had come. He needed to know and honestly if she waited any longer, she thought that she might go crazy. Her only problem was, she didn�t know if they should excuse themselves so she could tell him privately or if she should just announce it right there since everyone was there. She opted to tell him privately first.
IreLyn raised her eyes and met his directly as she rose from her seat and held her hand out to him. �Actually there is something that I need to tell you.�
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Chapter Two Hundred and Thirty Four
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Dakota sat back in her chair, her eyes closed as she kept telling herself that she could do this, and her stomach was fine. She heard IreLyn and Brett get up from the table, and as much as she wanted to smile and reassure her friend, she was too busy fighting the urge to run to the bathroom.
She scowled when she felt something poke her in her side, but chose to ignore it as she went back to concentrating on calming her nausea. Her eyes snapped open when she felt that poke again, only harder. She took in several things at once.
She noticed IreLyn and Brett walking towards the exit, obviously going to have their private talk, and she saw the way everyone was staring after them, confusion and worry written on their faces, except for Kristin and Lissa.
Kristin and Lissa shared that secret smile as Kristin moved to nudge Dakota in her side to get her attention. Dakota glared at her.
�You poke me in my side one more fucking time, Kris, and I swear to God!� she hissed warningly. Kristin turned and grinned at her, not taking her bad mood to heart, knowing full well she wasn�t feeling well and it had taken all her strength and will power to walk in the restaurant.
�Sorry,� she apologized, �But with your eyes closed you were missing the whole thing!�
Lissa couldn�t hold it back any longer as she smiled broadly, watching as the door closed behind Brett and IreLyn. �Ooooh! This is so exciting!� she exclaimed.
�Um, care to fill us in on what you three are talking about?� Kevin asked, his confused expression matching Dale and Marshall�s.
Kristin shook her head. �Sorry, but we can�t. We promised IreLyn we wouldn�t breathe a word to anyone until she talked to Brett.�
�But she�s out there talking to him now!� Dale argued. Kristin just grinned and shook her head.
�We really can�t,� Dakota explained. �It�s not our news to share. It�s Brett and IreLyn�s.�
After a few moments� silence, Lissa sat up straighter looking around the restaurant. �Where is the damn waitress? I�m starving!�
�Oh wait, now there�s a shocker.� Kristin teased her friend. Lissa simply stuck her tongue out at her.
�It�s not my fault you know. The baby�s hungry!� she grinned, rubbing her stomach.
Dakota�s hand immediately went to her own, but for other reasons. �Can you two please stop talking about food for a moment!� she begged, taking a couple deep breaths.
Dale immediately started rubbing her back soothingly, feeling horrible that there wasn�t a damn thing he could do to help. �Do you want to leave?� he asked softly, knowing this had to be hard.
Dakota shook her head, although she wanted nothing more than to go back to the coach and lie down. �No, I�m going to make it through at least one meal.� She said determinedly.
Kristin grimaced. �You know, Kody, you�re really making me not want children.� She said, wishing just like everyone else that there were something she could do to help her friend feel better.
�Oh come on Kris!� Lissa scolded. �Not all are like that. Look at me, not sick in the least.�
�Fuck you.� Dakota growled, throwing her napkin at Lissa. �And believe me, you should be thanking your lucky stars you�re not going through this.�
Lissa nodded. �Oh I am, don�t worry!�
�But aren�t normal pregnancies more like Kody�s?� Kristin asked.
�Hey! Are you saying mine isn�t normal?� Lissa protested. For the first time all evening, Dakota laughed.
�That�s not what I meant!� Kristin protested, glancing around for any kind of help, seeing she obviously wasn�t going to get any from the guys, who were more than willing to sit back and let her handle this one on her own. And Dakota, well she was enjoying the moment too much to really help out.
�Oh shut up!� Lissa threw the napkin back at a still laughing Dakota. Lissa fought back her own grin as she turned to look at Kristin. �You better do some serious explaining.�
�What I meant is, you�re not feeling sick and all, and most people do, when they are pregnant. It just all kind of goes hand in hand. I mean, look at Kody and IreLyn!� Kristin rushed to explain. Dakota�s laughter was abruptly cut off, and Lissa nearly choked on her water.
�WHAT?� Kevin, Marshall and Dale shouted together.
�Oh shit! That slipped.� Kristin groaned as she buried her face in her hands.
***
Once they were outside, IreLyn didn�t know where to go or what to say. She just began pacing as Brett watched her. He finally reached out and stopped her.
�Whatever it is, we can handle it, together. Now just please tell me what�s going on. You�re scaring me.� He pleaded. IreLyn nodded and took a deep breath.
�Remember when I wasn�t feeling well? I thought I had the flu.� She tried to explain. Brett nodded, growing more confused.
�I remember. I told you to go to the doctor, but you were starting to feel better and didn�t want too.�
�Yeah, well I probably should have listened to you and gone.� She said softly. �It turns out I didn�t have the flu after all. I can�t believe I missed all the signs, but I really didn�t think about it!� she rambled.
�Lyn! Just tell me what it is.� He begged, fighting against his own panic. He�d just gotten her back, and if there was something seriously wrong where he could lose her all over again, he didn�t think he�d survive it this time.
IreLyn took a deep breath then looked him in the eyes. �Brett, I�m pregnant.�
Brett�s mouth fell open, his eyes wide with shock. He tried to find voice, but it failed him. He blinked a couple times, trying to get his world to stop spinning, but it wasn�t working, and then he felt IreLyn�s hands around his arm and realized that he had stumbled back a couple steps.
IreLyn immediately pulled her hands back once she knew he was steady on his feet. Dread filling the pit of her stomach as she watched his face completely drain of color. She knew the baby wasn�t planned, but she had begun to think the entire situation was a gift from God, and she had been looking forward to the baby�even over the few hours she had known. She had felt sure Brett would feel the same way, but looking at him now, she wasn�t so sure.
�I�m sorry,� she began rambling, fighting past the lump in her throat. �I-I never meant for this to happen, I swear. It just�happened. I didn�t even realize it, and probably still wouldn�t know if Kody, Kris and Lissa hadn�t pointed it out to me. Then I took a test earlier this evening, needing to know for sure, and it proved that they were right.�
�I know that things aren't perfect between us, and it will probably take it a long time before things are ever back to the way they used to be, but I want this baby. I�m not trying to trap you or anything like that, but this baby is a blessing, I strongly believe that, and I will have and raise this child, with or without--�
Her words were abruptly cut off when Brett grabbed her and his lips silenced her when they came crashing down on hers, at first almost brutally, then instantly gentling, causing her to moan with passion and press closer to his body. When he pulled back, she was the one at a loss for words.
At the look in his eyes and the wondrous smile on his face, her heart took flight. Once again, tears burned her eyes, but this time they were tears of happiness and love as she knew in her heart that finally everything was going to be okay.
�Can I talk now?� Brett asked, his voice gruff with emotion. IreLyn smiled and nodded, as if she had any choice. She still wasn�t sure where her own voice had gone.
�First of all, you have absolutely nothing to apologize for. Neither of us meant for this to happen, but I can�t express how happy I am that is has. My God, IreLyn, we�re going to have a baby!�
Once again the look in his eyes nearly drove her to her knees. She bit her lip as she gazed up at the father of her unborn child, all the love she had held inside still afraid of being hurt, coming to the surface full force. In her mind, there was no holding back any longer. She had gotten answers to questions she hadn�t even realized she was asking.
Going up on tiptoes, she wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled his head down to hers, their lips meeting in a kiss that was filled with happiness, love, and promises for all the days to come.
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Chapter Two Hundred and Thirty Five
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Brett smiled as he met IreLyn�s eyes for a moment before he turned his attention to the sleeping baby lying between them on the bed. He was still amazed at how things had turned out. Everything was perfect. Not only for IreLyn and himself, but for everyone.
Shortly after the race weekend in California, Dale and Dakota received some very shocking news when a routine ultrasound was done. They were expecting twins! While they were shocked, and a little bit scared about having two babies at once, they were both ecstatic. The baby girls were born only one week early and were both absolutely perfect, inheriting the best features from both of their parents.
The first baby was named Hannah Leigh and the second little girl was named Jenna Leigh. Dale was very proud of his daughters and showed them off whenever he got the chance.
Lissa and Kevin were the next to become parents. Their son was born just five days after Dale and Dakota�s twins. He was named Gunner Kevin and he was a beautiful baby with a head full of dark hair and big blue eyes.
IreLyn and Brett were married three months after the weekend in California. It was a small and very private ceremony with only their immediate family and their closest friends being there. After a two week honeymoon in the Bahamas, they returned back home and began preparing for the arrival of their son, who made his entrance into the world three days after Lissa and Kevin�s son.
They named him Brett Allen Jr. and he was a gorgeous baby as well. He looked mostly like IreLyn, but had gotten his father�s amazing eyes.
Marshall and Kristin were being married in two months. Along with wanting to take the time to plan their wedding to perfection, they also wanted to wait until all of the babies had been born so that IreLyn, Lissa, and especially Dakota wouldn�t have to travel in the late stages of their pregnancies and they wanted to give them some time after the births to recuperate.
Brett smiled again as he raised his eyes and saw that IreLyn had laid her head back on the pillows and had fallen asleep. He closed his own eyes as he also laid back and reflected once again on how lucky he was and how perfect his life...how all of their lives had become.
It truly was a dream come true.
