AJ gave another hug to Sophia.

"All these hugs!" she exclaimed. "I mean, I like you, too, but it's called breathing!"

AJ gave her another sly grin. "Well, if you pass out, I can give you mouth-to-mouth."

"You are very, very evil, man," she stated, childishly.

He kissed her and sat on the couch. "Tomorrow's Howie's wedding. You coming?"

"I don't know, he doesn't know me ---"

"So? I'll just have to introduce you two."

"I - I'll come."

AJ smiled and the kissed the top of her head. "Thank you, it means a lot to me."

Howie glanced over at Rena. She had fallen asleep next to him on the couch. Howie rubbed her hand and kissed it. "I love you so much, Rena."

She smiled in her sleep. Her fingers close delicately over his own.

The phone rang. Howie got up and paced over to answer it. "Hello?"

"Howie? This is Jane Carter," her voice called over the phone in its usual commanding voice.

"Jane, it's great to hear from you."

I'm so sorry about keeping you waiting. We're able to come, " she said.

"All of you?" he prodded, slightly.

"Nick said he'd try." Jane sighed. "It's really difficult for im to look back. You understand that, right?"

"Yes. It's hard for us all. Well, Jane, I'll see you tomorrow."

"Yes. Buh-bye."

Howie hung up and smiled. All of them were coming. Hopefully.

Today was the big day. The biggest day in Howie and Rena's lives. The most blissful time.

So why the hell did Brian not want to go and join the festivities?

Because he's gonna be there, he told himself.

Brian splashed the cool water on his face and looked in the mirror. Staring back at him wasn't the humorous, handsome boy that he was --- before. Instead, a tired, aging man. Wrinkles were apparent. They weren't from age, though. They were from worry.

"Brian, are you ready?" Chelsea stuck her head out from the door.

He nodded blankly, but didn't move.

Chelsea walked over to Brian and hugged him. "Baby, this is hard for you, I can tell." But you can't be defeated even before you start!"

Brian placed his chin on her shoulder and sighed. That was as best of a reply he could give.

"How 'bout this? If things don't go well, we'll split. Faster than you can say, 'antidisestablishmentarianism.'" She smiled. "Trust me, it's hard."

Brian kissed her lips appreciatively. That was one reason why he'd married her: she had a way of making everyone feel better.

"Let's go," she said, struggling to get out of his grasp. But he wouldn't let go. "Man, I can't drive with you attached to me like that. Though it is a lovely position. " She smirked, flirtatiously.

He kissed her again and murmured in her ear, "We still got some time before we have to leave."

She smirked and caressed his chin. She leaned closer, but stopped. "No. We have to go, ya pervert."

She squirmed out of his grip and left.