| Chapter 57 "Man, I can't wait to see Nick's house," A.J. said, looking out the window. "Yeah, from what he says, it's a doozey," Howie said. "I'm just glad that they have their own place now," Kristin commented. "Yeah, they deserve it, that's for sure," Brian added. "I just hope this meeting doesn't take to long," Kevin said. "Me to," Lyn said, smiling at Brian. "OK, what gives with you two?" A.J. asked. They both looked at him, "What?" "The whole flight and the car ride you two have been grinning at each other like you just ate the canary or something. What gives?" he asked. "We're just happy A.J.," Lyn said. "Well there is such a thing as being to happy ya know," he said, laughing. Lyn and Brian looked at one another, "Naw, I don't think so," Brian said. "Is this the building?" Ted asked, pointing out the window. "Yeah, that's it," Kevin said, "Place never changes." "Ain't that the truth," Howie said, squeezing Kira's hand. The limo pulled into the parking lot and stopped. Everyone piled out, seeing Nick and Tara coming across the lot. "Hey guys, you have a good trip?" Tara asked, hugging them all. "Yeah, it was pretty good," Kira said, "At least I didn't get sick." Everyone laughed. "Well, girls and Ted, you're coming with me while the guys have their meeting," Tara said, climbing back into the limo. Everyone said their good-byes to their significant others and parted ways. The guys headed into the building as the limo left the parking lot. "So, how long till we get to your house?" Kristin asked. Tara smiled, "Well, if we drive it's a couple hours, but we're not driving." They all looked at her confused. Tara knocked on the glass separating the back from the driver. The glass retracted revealing Micah as their driver. "Let's go home the quick way," Tara said. Micah nodded, as the limo vanished from the road. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "So," Kevin said, as they all stepped onto the elevator, "Did Gary and Leighanne make it in yet?" "Yeah, they got here early this morning," Nick answered. "So what are we doing after the meeting?" Howie asked. Nick grinned, "Thought we'd do the cook out thing, ya know, just relax, hang out." "Sounds good to me," A.J. said. Nick and Brian glanced at one another and grinned. A.J. looked at them, his eyebrows raised, "I swear something's up with you guys." Nick and Brian laughed, as the doors opened and they walked out. A.J. nudged Howie, "I'm not the only one seeing this am I?" Howie shrugged, "Seeing what?" A.J. rolled his eyes, "Never mind." The guys made their way down the hall and to their managements offices. They walked into the waiting room. "Hey Janice," Kevin said. Janice looked up, then looked at the clock with a shocked expression on her face. "What?" Nick asked. "Nothing, it's just that you guys are on time," she laughed. All five looked at the clock then laughed. "Well I'll be damned, we are," A.J. said, amazed. "Yeah, but let's not make it a habit. It'll ruin our reputation," Brian laughed. Janice buzzed Jason to let him know the guys where there. Jason came out into the waiting room, "Morning guys, I was just finishing up with a new client." "Is this the one I heard on the phone a couple weeks ago?" Brian asked. Jason smiled, "Yes it is, come on back I'll introduce you." The guys followed Jason back to his office. "She's a new Christian artist, and let me tell you .... her stuff is amazing. She writes all her own music and even plays the guitar in her band," Jason beamed. "Cool," Nick said. Jason opened the door to his office, walking in, "Guys, this is ....." "Evi!" Brian and Nick said at the same time. Evi stood up, smiling at them, "Hey guys." "Oh, I see you guys already know her," Jason said. Nick looked over at him, "We have a history, yeah." Evi walked up to Brian and hugged him, "I'm glad to see you're doing well." Brian smiled at her, "I am thanks." Evi looked down to see the wrist bands he was wearing. She ran a finger over one of them, "These are nice." He nodded, "Thanks." The two stared at each other for a moment, no one understanding the looks, but them. They both owed the other so much. Nick walked over, placing a hand on Evi's shoulder, "So your doing Christian music now huh?" Evi nodded, "I finally found where I belong." Nick smiled at her, "I knew you had it in ya." Evi smiled, "Well I'll let you guys get on with business," she said, making her way to the door. Brian followed her, "Hey, maybe we could work together in the future. I've got another solo cd left on my contract to do at some point." Evi grinned, "I'd like that Brian. Let Jason know when you want to get together." "I will," Brian said, watching her walk down the hall. She waved before turning the corner out of sight. "Well," Jason said, "If everyone will have a seat we can get started." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ After several hours, the guys finally emerged from the building. Nick led the way to his Durango. "I can't believe we let them talk us into that," Howie laughed. "Hey, if you didn't want to, you could've voted no," Kevin said. "I know that, I'm just not sure what Kira's gonna say bout it," he said. "Well think of it this way D, we go back into rehearsals in two weeks, we're on tour in four and we finish a good three weeks before the baby's due. Then we're off for the next nine months before we even have to think about going back into the studio again," Brian said. "Yeah, and since I've got a full studio in my house, we can record there. It won't even be like work. Everyone can come and stay, it'll be great," Nick added, unlocking the truck. "I guess so," Howie said, climbing in the back seat with A.J. and Brian. "It'll be good man, you'll see," A.J. said. Nick started the truck, putting his seatbelt on, "Everyone buckled in?" The four looked at him like he was nuts. Nick laughed, "We aren't moving until I see seatbelts on everyone." Kevin laughed, "Yes daddy Nick." "Yeah man, since when did you start taking care of us?" A.J. asked, teasing. "Since I found out who I am, and saved the world, now buckle up," Nick laughed. "Oh man, the boy finds out he's the chosen leader of God's army, and now he thinks he's superman or something," Brian laughed. "Yeah, yeah," Nick smiled. He took one look around to make sure everyone was buckled in, then put the truck in drive, "Hang on," he said as the truck disappeared from the parking lot. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "Dude, that was one wild ass ride!" A.J. said as the truck appeared on a private road. Nick laughed, "Well, otherwise we would've been driving for a couple hours." All the guys looked out the windows as the truck slowly wound down to the waiting ferry. "Man this is really cool," Howie said, as the ferry started its way to the island. Nick grinned, "Yeah, I still can't believe I live here." "Man, how big is that island?" Brian asked. "It's pretty big, bout nine acres I think," Nick answered. The ferry docked and Nick slowly drove up the drive. Kevin looked out the window, "Wow the plant life is beautiful." Nick heard a gasp from the back seat as the house came into full view. "Holy shit," A.J. said, his mouth gaping open. Nick laughed, "Welcome to my house," he said as he parked the truck in the drive and they all piled out. The guys just stood in front of the house, staring at it. Nick walked up the steps to the front door, "You guys coming, or should I bring your food out here to ya?" "Coming," the four muttered, slowly joining Nick on the porch. Nick opened the doors and walked in, followed by the guys. Tara and the girls where in the kitchen already working on lunch, while Gary and Ted where out on the deck messing with the grill. "Hey sweetie," Tara said, hugging Nick as he came up to her, stealing a cucumber slice and popping it in his mouth. Nick kissed her, then stole another piece before acting as tour guide for the guys. Nick took the guys into each room, showing them around. He had to keep himself from laughing at their faces. They looked like little kids in a glass shop, amazed at all the sights and afraid to touch anything. They ended up in his bedroom. "OK, I've heard about this bed. Let's see it," A.J. said, sprawling out on the enormous bed. Nick laughed, pressing the button and watching A.J. ride the thing out to the deck. When the bed stopped he looked back at Nick, "I gotta have this." "Get your own, this one is taken," Nick laughed. A.J. pressed the button and rode the bed back into the house, "Aw come on man, Sarah would love this." Nick shook his head, "Nope. Have someone build you one." Kevin walked over and laid his head on Nick's shoulder, looking up at him, "Nick, will you adopt me?" Nick pushed the older man off, "God, you guys are awful." The four followed him back downstairs, still laughing. Everyone made their way out to the deck, enjoying the food and each others company. They relaxed, watching Tara Gail play in the yard. After they had eaten and the food was put away, Nick and Tara stood up. "Oh Brian, we almost forgot," Nick said, "We have a surprise for you." Brian looked at them confused, "For me?" "Yeah," Tara said, then whistled at the top of her lungs. "Dang girl, warn us next time before you do that," A.J. said, holding his ears. Tara laughed, "Sorry." Just then Angel appeared at the edge of the deck. "Angel!" Brian said, dropping down to his knees as the wolf bounded up to him, licking his face. "Man, I missed you. How are you?" Brian asked. Angel barked for a few minutes, Nick and Tara translating for her. Then Angel looked back into the forest and barked. Brian looked over to see the rest of her family emerge. "Oh Angel, they're beautiful," Brian said, seeing her puppies, "And he's not bad either," Brian teased. Nick and Tara couldn't help but laugh. The male wolf walked closer as Angel barked at him, until he was sitting in front of Brian, eyeing him. Brian looked up at Nick, "Why do I get the feeling I'm being sized up?" "Because you are," Nick grinned. "Brian, meet Angels mate, Brian," Tara said. Brian stared at the wolf, "Your name is Brian?" The wolf barked, then pawed at Brian's leg. Tara snickered, "He said it's good to finally meet you. Angel's talked about you since the day he met her." Brian smiled, "Oh, well .... um ... It's nice to meet you too," he said, shaking the wolf's paw. Everyone laughed at the two. Then Tara Gail took their attention. She was playing with the puppies, chasing them around the yard as fast as her little toddler feet would take her. Gary already had the video camera out, taping the event. The doorbell rang and Nick got up to answer it. He came back a moment later with Bob. "Hey guys," Bob said, sitting down. "Hey there," Brian said, walking over and shaking the man's hand. Bob stared at Brian's wrist bands for a moment, giving him an awkward smile. Brian bent down whispering in his ear, "Nick told you?" Bob nodded. "It's OK if you stare. It's taken us all a little while to get used to it too," Brian reassured him. Bob nodded, taking Brian in a quick hug before releasing him, "So, who's up for some pool?" "I am," A.J. said. "Me too," Kevin said. "OK, I'll set em up," Bob said, going back into the house, the guys following him. The rest of the afternoon was spent playing games, visiting with each other, and telling funny stories. The girls had begun the makings of supper as the guys finished their last game of pool. Nick looked out the window, seeing the sun begin to set. He looked over at Brian, "Are you ready?" Brian nodded, putting his pool stick up and heading into the kitchen. "What did you say to him?" Howie asked. Nick smiled, "You'll see, come on." The guys followed Nick out onto the deck. Brian came out with the girls, holding Lyn's hand. "Before we eat, there's one more thing we'd like to show you," Nick said, "So if everyone would follow me." He took Tara's hand and lead the way down the path that lead to the beach. Everyone emerged from the forest to see the beach lined with torches. Chairs had been set up for them, facing the ocean. "What's all this?" Kevin asked. Tara smiled at him, "Have a seat." They all sat down, realizing that there where no chairs for Nick, Tara, Lyn and Brian. As everyone got settled, the four kicked their shoes off and rolled up their pants legs, wading out into the ocean, until the water lapped around their ankles. Brian faced them, "We all talked about it, and we decided that instead of having some big to do weddings, that we just wanted something simple. Just to share with our family and friends, and our extended family." Just as Brian said that, angels appeared all around them. Gideon, Micah, Jade and Tracy where standing with them in the water, as other angels gathered on the beach. "So," Nick said, "Welcome to our somewhat unorthodox wedding." The four looked at their friends to see huge grins plastered on their faces. Gideon stood in front of Brian and Lyn, with Tracy next to them, as Micah stood in front of Nick and Tara, with Jade on their side. Gideon smiled at them, "These two couples before you have been through a lot together. So it is only fitting that they share their special day with each other too." "In the entire realm of Earth, there has never been two friends that have sacrificed more for each other than these two have," Micah said, "And through that sacrifice they have both found their soul mates." "It wasn't easy to get to this point, but all of heaven and earth are glad you finally made it," Gideon said. Micah looked at both couples, "Now each couple would like to recite their own vowels, Brian?" Brian cleared his throat and looked up into Lyn's eyes, "I think I could search for years for the right words to say, and never find them. There are no words to describe how much you mean to me. From the moment we became friends, I knew there was something about you, something that made me want to know you more, and I'm glad I did. I love you Lyn, you are my heart and soul. You fill me with happiness and love. You make me complete. I promise to love you for the rest of my life and on into eternity. I love you." Lyn had tears in her eyes and found it hard to find her voice. She looked down at her and Brian's hands, squeezing his tight before looking back up at him, "You always did know how to take my breath away." Brian smiled at her as she took a shaky breath. "Baby, I was never good at words, but you know how I feel. I'm the luckiest girl in the world because you love me. You are truly my best friend, my heart, and my soul. I promise to love you, laugh with you, and cry with you until the end of time. I love you," Lyn said, squeezing his hands again. Gideon looked over, "Nick?" Nick grinned looking over at Tara and seeing her smiling back at him. Suddenly he felt weak in the knees, and closed his eyes for a moment, biting his lower lip. Gideon and Micah glanced at one another and smiled. Micah put his hand on Nick's arm, "You OK?" he whispered. Nick looked up at him and nodded, "Yeah, just a little overwhelmed." Micah chuckled as Nick looked back at Tara. "Tara, I've loved you since the day I met you. It seems like ages ago, but it also feels like yesterday too. I feel like I've known you all my life, and in some ways I have. We where made for each other, I know that now. I'm not complete without you. It's funny, those three little words mean so much .... I love you. I promise to love, honor and cherish you until time no longer exists, and even after that we'll be together. I love you," Nick said, blinking away his tears. Tara smiled at him, her green eyes shining, "I have to admit, when I came here to help you guys I never thought it would end up like this, but I'm glad it did. God saw what we each needed in our lives, and now we have it. It wasn't easy by any means, but it was all worth it, the good and the bad. Nick, I love you with everything I am. You complete me and make me feel love like I've never known. I will be by your side for the rest of eternity, I love you." "Now, if you will take the rings and place them on each others fingers," Gideon said. Jade handed Nick and Tara their rings, while Tracy handed Brian and Lyn theirs. Lyn and Brian slid each others wedding bands on, waiting for Nick and Tara to do the same. Tara placed Nick's band on his finger, looking at hers as he slid two rings into place. One was her wedding band, the other an engagement ring. "Oh Nick, it's perfect!" Tara said, looking into the blue stone. It was a solitaire, princess cut stone. The color was unique, with the main color being blue, which matched Nick's eyes perfectly, and flecks of green in it, the shade of Tara's eyes. Nick smiled at her, "It reminded me of us, always together, perfectly matched." "I love it," Tara said, reaching up and kissing him gently. Micah cleared his throat, getting their attention, "We aren't to that part yet," he said as everyone laughed. Tara and Nick blushed, "Sorry." Gideon laughed, "OK, will you all repeat after me. With this ring I give my love, I promise my life to you, and no matter what comes, we will conquer it together." All four repeated the phrase in perfect unison. When they finished they looked at Micah and Gideon. "Now, by the authority given to us by God, in earth and in heaven, we now pronounce you man and wife," they both said together. Micah leaned over to Nick, "You can kiss her now." Everyone laughed and cheered as the couples kissed. Just at that moment the sun dipped into the water, filling the sky with a unique display of colors. The air had the scent of roses, and the voices of thousands of angels could be heard singing. A gentle breeze swept around the couples, warming their souls and filling their hearts with peace and love. Doves came out of nowhere to fly around them for a moment, then left as quickly as they had appeared. "Look," Howie said, pointing out into the water. Everyone turned, seeing dolphins jumping and playing just off shore. Tara Gail giggled at their antics. The couples walked back to the beach, to be greeted by their friends and family. Gideon and Micah stood watching. When everyone seemed to settle down, Gideon got their attention. "This is a day for celebration, not only here, but in heaven's realm as well," he said. "What you guys have done for both realms is incredible," Jade said. "And worthy to be celebrated," Tracy added. "So, we propose a toast," Micah said. Everyone gasped as glasses of champagne appeared in each of their hands. "To the unions represented here, and the group of friends it entails. May you all find peace, love and happiness for the rest of your days. And may your love for each other and your fellow man remain true," Micah said. "Here, here," they all agreed, taking a drink. "Now if everyone will head back up to the house," Tara said, "Food awaits." Everyone headed back up the trail, leaving the two couples and the angels behind. The couples hugged each other, then turned to go up the trail. "What a journey it's been huh?" Brian said. "Yeah, one I wouldn't trade for the world," Nick said. The four behind them laughed, causing them to look back, "What?" they both asked. Gideon shook his head, "The real journey has just begun." Brian and Nick looked at them for a moment, then took Tara and Lyn's hands heading up the trial. "Bring it on," Nick said, grinning. Brian nodded his agreement, "Yup, bring it on." 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