The next day, the Lacheys went to the park. Nick and Jessica played with the twins and Claire on the playground. Drew and Angie played catch with a ball. Cate stayed near the bridal shop to watch for Lea. 20 minutes later, she spotted Lea and Gerri walking into the bridal shop. Cate immediately walked towards Angie and Drew. Angie saw Cate giving her a wink as a signal.
"Um daddy, can we play tag?" Angie asked.
"Sure sweetie. You want me to tag you or you tag me?"
"You tag me."
"Ok then." Then angie immediately started running towards the exit of the park. She was running at a very fast pace.
"You're not gonna catch me daddy!"
"Honey, you're running too fast for me," Drew gasped. Angie ran out of the park towards the bridal shop.
"Sweetie! You're running out of the park!" Drew was almost out of breath. He kept on chasing Angie. Angie finally stopped at the bridal shop pretending to give up. Drew managed to catch up with her. "Caught you finally! Next time, we play tag, we stay within the park ranges," said Drew catching his breath. Angie wasn't really listening for she spotted Lea thorough the window trying on a wedding dress.
"Let' go in here daddy and look at the pretty dresses," Angie said dragging Drew in.
"Honey, those are wedding dresses! You're not getting married," Drew said as Angie dragged Drew into shop. "At least I hope not!" Lea turned around when they walked in and was surprised to see Drew. She was speechless. Drew immediately recognized Lea and he too was surprised. They both stared at each other in silence. Drew was mesmerized at Lea's beauty for he was used to seeing her in khaki jeans and a sweatshirt. Lea was amazed at how handsome Drew still was. angie watched her daddy and his best friend meet for the 1st time in many years. "Lea..." Drew said breaking the silence.
"Drew," Lea said.
"Um hi," Drew said.
"Hi," Lea said. Then Lea spotted Angie standing next to Drew. "Hi Angie."
"You know my daughter?" Drew questioned. Angie felt nervous. She was scared that Lea would tell Drew about Angie being at the hospital.
"Yes," Lea said. "We met at the..." Then Gerri came in.
"Lea, have you decided which dress you want," Gerri interuppted. She stopped and recognized Drew. "Is that you Drew Lachey?"
"Hi Gerri. It's good to see you."
"Good to see you too, my boy. Wow! You sure grown up to a fine young man and parent," Gerri said hugging Drew and looking at Angie. "Your daughter looks like you but I'm sure she's a lot like her mother. By the way, where is Deborah?"
"Oh Deborah died 8 years ago," Drew said.
"Oh I'm so sorry, Drew," Gerri said.
"Well I've been able to move on," Drew said. then Gerri looked at Lea and realized she still had the dress on. Then Gerri had an idea.
"So what do you think of Lea in this dress?" Gerri asked.
"Mom!" Lea protested feeling embarrassed. Drew looked back at Lea. Her Vera Wang gown was very long. It had a corset at the top with long puffy sleeves and a poofy long skirt. It also had sequins on the corset.
"Hmm...I think she looks different cause I'm used to seeing her wearing tomboy outfits. But I have to say she looks beautiful," Drew said smiling at Lea. Lea blushed.
"I think she looks pretty in it too," Angie added.
"Why not you try on the other dress and show Drew how you look," Gerri suggested.
"Are we keeping you from anything?" Lea asked looking at Drew.
"No not at all. We left my brother and his wife in the park with their kids. But I'm sure they are distracted with their kids to notice."
"Oh ok." Then Lea went back into the dressing room with her mother. Drew and Angie sat down on chairs.
"So Angie, how do you know Lea?" Drew asked.
"Oh I met her at the mall," Angie lied.
"Oh." Then Lea came out in a sleeveless decolletage neckline and the sihouette was a ball gown. Drew was amazed at how gorgeous she looked.
"Well Drew what do you think?"
"You look....beautiful...like the belle of the ball," he trailed off. Lea smiled sheepishly.
"Thank you," she said softly.
"You look prettier in this one," Angie put in as she watched Drew and Lea lock eyes with each other.
"I agree with the both of you," Gerri said.
"Well I guess it'll be this dress then," Lea said.
"Yup!" Gerri agreed.
"Well we better get going. We don't want Nick and Jess worried," said Drew. "It was nice seeing you again, Lea."
"Um Drew?" Lea said as he and Angie were about to head off.
"Yes Lea?"
"Would you like to go out for coffee tonight as friends to catch up?"
"Sure. I'll meet you at Starbucks at 8," Drew said.
"Ok." Then Drew and Angie left. Angie had a huge smile on her face. They returned to the park to find Nick chasing the twins and Jessica sitting on a bench with a sleeping Claire. Nick finally caught his 2 kids with his arms.
"Hey. Where were you two?" Nick asked once he caught sight of them.
"We were at the bridal shop," Drew said as-a-matter of fact.
"Oh?" Nick said staring at them wierdly.
"Angie dragged me in cause she wanted to look at the pretty dresses," Drew explained.
"Awe," Jessica said.
"And guess who we ran into?" Drew said.
"Who?" Nick asked.
"Lea Dellecave," Drew said.
"Lea?! Why we haven't heard from her for years! How is she? Is she still a tom-boy? What does she do for a living?" Nick had a lot of questions for Lea was like his little sister.
"Well her hair is much longer now. She's getting married and well Angie and I ended up being the final votes of her wedding dress."
"Awe. That's sweet," Jessica said.
"Yeah she looks so...beautiful now and so feminine," Drew trailed off. Both Jessica and Angie smiled at each other. One the drive back home, Drew and Nick talked the whole time about how wonderful Lea was. Some of which Jessica and Angie already knew. Later on that night, Drew was getting ready for his "date" with Lea when Angie walked in.
"Hi daddy," Angie said.
"Hi honey," Drew said. He was combing his hair.
"Gettig ready for your date?" Angie asked as she sat on the bed.
"It's not a date. We're just going out as friends for coffee. We're just gonna catch up with one another."
"Still sounds like a date to me."
"Angie! Lea and I just happened to be friends who haven't seen each other in awhile. We just want to have a nice chit-chat. Besides Lea is getting married remember?"
"I know."
"so where did you meet Lea in the mall?"
"Um...we met at a store," Angie said nervously.
"How do you know her?"
"She was a ...store clerk and she had a name tag and I told her, my middle name was Lea and my locket was open so I guess she knew who my parents were."
"I see." Drew finished getting ready and said goodbye to everybody and drove to Starbucks. He walked in and saw Lea sitting in their old favorite spot. This time, her hair was down and she wore a pair of jeans and beige turleneck with a brown leather jacket. They waved to each other and Drew went over to the counter and ordered a tazo chai tea. Then he walked over and sat down facing Lea.
"You are on time for once," Lea commented.
"Yeah well now since I am a single father, I have to be on time for everything; Angie's dance classes, voice lessons, and her recitals."
"Wow, she's well-rounded I see like her parents," Lea said who was impressed.
"Yup. People call me stage dad whenever I go to her recitals," Drew said. Lea laughed.
"Awe. Was it hard the first few years being a single father?"
"Yeah. I had a lot of help from Deborah's mom and Nick and his wife, Jessica."
"Oh. That's good. How did Deborah die?"
"Thorough childbirth," Drew said slowly and solemnly as he remembered the day Angie was born and Deborah had died.
"Oh Drew, I'm so sorry!"Lea said sympathetically. She touched his hand. All of a sudden, her old feelings came back. She managed to keep them. "Um so have you dated or had girlfriends after she died?" Drew sighed.
"Well not much. Between work and spending time with Angie, I don't have much time," Drew explained.
"I see."
"So you're getting married I see since you were trying on those wedding dresses."
"Yes I am in one month."
"That's great. Who is the lucky man?"
"His name is Ian Watkins. We met at college and been together ever since. He took over his father's business.
"Oh cool. Well I'm glad that you found someone to make you happy."
"Thank you. Your Angie is so much like you and Deborah. She is definitely a replica of the both of you."
"Thank you. So my daughter tells me that you met her at the mall."
"The mall?" Lea said looking at him wierdly.
"Yeah she said you work at a store part time." Lea laughed. Drew wondered why Lea was laughing.
"I don't work at the mall. I work at a children's hospital as a pediatrician. I met Angie there."
"You met Angie at the hospital?"
"Yes. Your sister-in-law made an appointment to see with the girls," Lea said.
"You didn't know about this?"
"No," Drew said feeling a bit angry because Angie had lied to him but he did not let his anger come over him. "So you are a pediatrician?"
"Yes," Lea said smiling. "And I love every minute of it. Plus it pays me pretty weel.
"That's good. " They began talking about what was going on in their lives as well as what happened to them after they saw each other for the last time. Then Drew asked Lea something he had wanted to ask her in 11 years.
"Lea, why didn't you follow Deborah and me to UCLA. They had the best medicine program." Lea sighed and looked down at the floor. "Lea?"
"Because...I wanted to be close to my parents. My father was very sick and I wanted to be able to be there for him," Lea partially lied. Drew obviously knew it wasn't the whole truth.
"I know it isn't the whole truth. Lea, you can tell me anything. I'm still your best friend even if we haven't seen each other for years." Lea sighed and stood up. She could not let Drew know for she was afraid of loosing his friendship.
"Um...well..."Lea stuttered. "It's getting late. I have to be at work early tomorrow." Lea threw her coffee away. "It was good to see you again, Drew." She was about to leave when Drew grabbed her wrist.
"Why can't you tell me?" Lea stared at him.
"I just can't." Drew sighed. He decided that he will find out himself.
"I see." He let go of her hand. "Do you think we could see each other again?"Lea thought for a moment.
"I'm pretty busy with the wedding and my job," Lea said.
"Oh," Drew said disappointedly.
"But I'm free on Saturday. Maybe we can go to King's Island. You can bring Angie and Nick and his family," Lea said. Drew's spirit lit up.
"Sure. That'd be great."
"Wonderful."
"Meet me at my mom's house at noon."
"Ok." They said goodbye to each other and went their seperate ways.
Chapter 8
Drew walked in the house to see his brother and sister-in-law cuddling on the couch watching a movie.
�Hey Drew, how was your date?� Jessica greeted.
�First of all, it�s not a date. Second of all, my da�coffee with Lea went pretty well. We got to catch up with each other,� Drew said.
�Sounds like a date to me,� Jessica said with a smile.
�It wasn�t a date. Besides how could you call it a date when Lea is getting married?� Drew pointed out.
�Maybe she wants to celebrate her last moments of being single,� Nick teased.
�Come on Nick. You know Lea and I are just friends,� Drew said.
�I know. I�m just kidding bro,� Nick said winking.
�So where�s Angie?� Drew asked sitting down on a chair.
�She was waiting up for you but was too tired so she went to bed,� Nick explained.
�I see.� Then Drew remembered what Lea told him. �Jessica, where did you go when Nick and I took Nicky to the game?� Jessica stared at Drew silently realizing Lea revealed to Drew about her visit to the hospital with the girls.
�The mall,� Jessica said slowly and nervously.
�Really?� Lea told me, you and the girls went to her doctor�s office. It appears that Lea is a pediatrician.� Nick then glanced at Jessica.
�Jessica, is this true?� Nick questioned his wife.
�Daddy, you�re home!� Angie cried running down the stairs in her pajamas. Her hair was in a mess. She ran into Drew�s arms and sat on his lap.
�Hello Angie,� Drew said still keeping firm.
�How was your night with Lea?� she asked eagerly.
�It was fine. You came just at the right time. Now will you and Auntie Jessie please explain to me and your Uncle Nick about your trip to Lea�s doctor office?� Drew said looking at his daughter. Angie soon felt a large thump in her stomach. She looked at Jessica who gave her a look telling her that Drew found out from Lea.
�Oh um well�� Angie stuttered.
�While we were at the mall, Sammi fell down and hurt her knee. I also saw a rash on Claibie�s neck so we immediately rushed to the hospital. Lea just happened to be one of the doctor�s there,� Jessica lied.
�Oh yeah and I think I must�ve confused her with one of the clerks at the store,� Angie added. �She looked a lot like them.� Both Angie and Jessica hoped Drew and Nick would believe them.
�Why didn�t you tell me, Jessica?� Nick asked.
�Well it was really minor. I mean what Sammi and Claire had was not life threatening,� Jessica said. Nick sighed.
�Ok. Well next time tell me everything that happened to our kids no matter how minor it is,� Nick said.
�Alright I will,� Jessica promised giving her husband a kiss.
�Except when they get their�um�you know when they reach that age��
�Yeah I know sweetie,� Jessica said with a smile. They all end up laughing.
�So Daddy, are you going to see Lea again?� Angie asked.
�As a matter of a fact, yes,� Drew grinned. �You even get to see her.�
�Really?� Angie asked excitedly.
�Yes. She wants us all to go to King�s Island with her.�
�Oh yeah!� Angie said happily jumping up and down.
�That�ll be great. I�m sure the kids will have a great time,� Nick said. So the next day, the Lacheys met up with Lea at noon and went off to King�s Island. They had a really awesome time. Lea felt like she was herself again, just wearing a sweatshirt and a pair of jeans and having her hair in a pony tail. She felt so comfortable and relaxed after all her stress from work and the wedding. They went on all the rides. Cate had to sit out with Sammi, Nicholas, and Claire for they couldn�t go on some of the rides.
�Daddy, can we go on the boat ride?� Angie asked.
�Oh honey. Daddy�s a bit tired. Can we rest?� Drew asked as they got off the rollercoaster.
�That�s ok, Drew. I�ll take her,� Lea said with a smile. �Daddy�s grown old so he has not much energy left in his body,� Lea told Angie.
�Hey! I�m as old as you!� Drew protested.
�Well it�s obvious you haven�t exercised much,� Lea said as she and Angie laughed and ran to the boat ride.
�Wait till I beat her at basketball,� Drew said. �Then we�ll see who�s been working out more!� Nick and Jessica laughed shaking their heads. They watched Lea and Angie on the boat ride. They looked so happy together. They were laughing and splashing water at each other.
�Angie looks so happy with Lea,� Cate said watching the two.
�Yeah. I don�t think I�ve ever seen Angie this happy with any woman besides me or you, mom,� Jessica commented.
�Lea would be a good mother one day,� Drew agreed.
� Maybe she is the solution,� Cate hinted to Drew.
�What do you mean?� he asked confused.
�She could fill up the gap in your family. She may not replace Deborah but she could be the perfect mother for Angie as well as a wife for you,� Cate said in a serious manner to Drew.
�Mom, it can�t happen,� Drew said shaking his head. �Lea and I are just friends.�
�Friends can be lovers,� Jessica pointed out.
�Well not me and Lea. We�re just good friends. Besides she�s getting married,� Drew said.
�If she wasn�t getting married, would you still ask her out on a date?� Nick questioned. Drew was silent for a moment. He wasn�t really sure.
�No,� he said finally but Cate saw hope and desire in her son�s eyes. Soon Angie and Lea came back from the boat ride.
�Hey princess. Did you have fun?� Drew asked.
�Yup. Lea and I splashed water on each other the whole time,� Angie said happily.
�I could see that,� Drew said looking at Angie�s soaked clothes.
�Daddy, can you please go win me a stuffed animal now?� Angie asked.
�Sure. I�ll show Lea that I have not lost any of my strength,� Drew said looking at Lea. She just smiled. They walked over to the slam dunk booth.
�Do you remember this, Drew?� Lea asked.
�Yes. I managed to score 3 slam dunks in a row the last time we came here,� Drew recalled.
�He also won your mommy, a big red teddy bear,� Lea said to Angie.
�I think I have that bear in my room,� Angie remembered.
�Yes honey, you do. Now I�m gonna try a hand at this. Who knows? I might still have that power in me,� Drew winked at Lea. He and Nick began throwing baskets. Unfortunately they both missed all 3 times.
�Let a lady try this,� Lea said walking up. Drew stuck his tongue out and stepped aside. Lea ended up making all 3 shots. The vendor handed Lea, a stuffed platypus. �Here Angie, you can have it,� Lea said handing Angie, the platypus.
�Wow. Thank you Lea!� Angie said giving Lea a hug.
�Your welcome,� She smiled. Drew immediately saw a sense of bonding between Angie and Lea.
�Is that a platymapus?� Jessica asked. Everyone started laughing.
�No Auntie, it�s a platypus,� Angie corrected Jessica.
�Oh. I always thought it was a platymapus,� Jessica said. Nick just shook his head knowing his wife was having one of her moments. Throughout the day, the Lacheys and Lea enjoyed their time at King�s Island. Drew and Lea soon rekindled their friendship. Angie hoped it would lead to love.
Chapter 9
Ever since that day, Drew and Lea spent a lot of time together. They were practically inseparable. Drew eventually became very much involved in Lea�s wedding plans. He kind of acted as the substitute groom. He made sure the plans were everything Lea had dreamed of. Lea found herself falling love with Drew all over again. Her old feelings seemed to come out of its shell after so many years though Lea tried her best not to show it. The only time Lea and Drew were apart was when Lea had to work at the hospital. But Drew made a lot of frequent visits. Angie was still dissatisfied with her father and his best friend�s progress in their relationship. They didn�t appear to be falling in love. She knew they had deep feelings for each other especially the way she saw her father looked at Lea. She had to do something. One night she was watching a basketball game with Drew and an idea hit her. One hot summer day, the Lacheys and Lea were having a barbeque picnic in the park. The girls were sitting on the grass while Nick and Drew played basketball.
�Lea, do you like to play basketball?� Angie asked.
�Yes. I played basketball while I was in high school. I was the captain of my team,� Lea said proudly. �I even beat your father.�
�Oh. Daddy says men are better than women in basketball,� Angie said with a grin.
�Oh he did?� Lea said.
�Uh huh. He even said that�s the reason why there are more men teams than women teams,� Angie added.
�Oh. Well we�ll see about that,� Lea said standing up. Angie smiled watching Lea walking towards Drew.
�Did your father really say that?� Jessica questioned Angie suspiciously. Angie just smiled nervously.
�No. I just want to stir controversy,� Angie said cheekily.
�Drew, do you think men are much better than women at basketball?� Lea asked with her hands on her hips.
�Well of course. That�s why we have more male players,� Drew said with a smile.
�Oh really? Well who has been beating you at basketball most of the time?� Lea asked.
�Well�um Nick,� Drew answered still grinning.
�Fine. Between me and you, who always wins at basketball?� Lea asked.
�Well�� Drew said pretending to ponder.
�Come on Drew! I always beat you at basketball. You just don�t want to admit it!� Lea pointed out. �You know why? Because you are a cheater, cheater, cheater!� She pointed her finger at him insultingly. Angie just smiled watching Lea and Drew arguing. � Why not we have a basketball match right now, you and me?� Drew laughed.
�Um are you serious? You�re wearing a sundress and high heeled sandals,� Drew said pointing at her outfit.
�Fine. I will play barefoot,� Lea said kicking off her shoes. She tied her hair on a high pony tail.
�Ok. Then you�re on!� Drew said. Soon Jessica and the kids sat on the benches watching intently of who will win the game.
�Are you sure, this will work?� Jessica asked Angie.
�Definitely,� Angie said confidently. Nick acted as the referee and threw the ball up and the game began. Drew and Lea both played competitively and intensely. Lea was having a hard time getting around the court with her dress. This was pretty much an advantage to Drew. But it was a close game. Clouds soon began to form in the sky showing signs of a storm and the air cooled down. But Lea and Drew did not notice for they were very into their game. It was very extreme almost as if it was a real NBA game. Both were focused and determined to win.
�This is a pretty aggressive game,� Jessica observed. �Are they always this competitive?�
�Yeah. Pretty much. They�ve been competing against each other since they were kids,� Nick said.
�Really?�
�Yup.�
� I wonder how this will bring them together,� Jessica looked at her niece.
�You�ll see,� Angie said.
�Are you tired?� Drew asked. He was breathing deeply.
�Not really,� Lea lied. Though she was tired, she did not want to give up.
�Oh cause I am,� Drew said.
�Ok. Then lets stop,� Lea sighed holding the ball. Drew immediately grabbed the ball and threw it in the basket.
�Then I win,� Drew said with a smile.
�You sneak! You tricked me!� Lea accused.
�Well it just to shows you who is better at basketball,� Drew grinned. All of a sudden, thunder had erupted and it began to rain heavily. Nick and Jessica had gathered the kids and rushed to the car. Drew immediately grabbed Lea�s hand and rushed to a nearby gazebo. Once in the gazebo, Drew and Lea dried themselves off. Lea leaned against the railing watching the rain fall. Drew stood next to her.
�What weird weather we had today,� Lea commented.
�Yeah,� Drew sighed. �At least we are dry and warm.� Lea shivered a bit.
�Well not all of us,� she said. Drew then took off his jacket and wrapped it around Lea. �Thanks,� she smiled.
�Your welcome.� Lea began looking around the gazebo and grinned realizing where they were. �What is it Lea?�
�Don�t you remember this place?� Lea questioned. Drew glanced around and his mind immediately refreshes.
�Yeah. We spent a lot of time here when we were kids. We would run around here and catch fire flies,� Drew recalled.
� This was our play place. We even camped out here once remember?� Lea reminded him.
�Yeah. That was a lot of fun. We practically stayed up all night telling ghost stories,� Drew said.
�Those were good times,� Lea replied.
�And this was the place I told Deborah, I loved her,� Drew said looking around the gazebo. Lea�s smile faded remembering that day.
~ Flashback ~
Lea was walking towards the gazebo full of excitement. Today, she was going to tell Drew that she loved him. She was going to tell him that she always loved him ever since the day they met on the monkey bars in first grade. Lea also hoped that Drew felt the same way. Once she reached the gazebo, she saw Deborah and Drew holding hands and smiling at each other. They were looking into each other�s eyes lovingly.
�There�s something I have to tell you, Deborah,� Drew said.
�What is it Drew?� Deborah asked with a smile. Lea decided it was something private and she shouldn�t barge in. But she decided to stand behind a bush and listen.
�I love you. Ever since you walked into my life, I couldn�t help but fall in love with you,� Drew said. �You are the light of my day, my earth and my heaven.� Lea�s heart soon shattered into a million pieces. She tried her best to hold her tears.
�Well Drew Lachey, I love you too. You make me happy and complete,� Deborah replied. They began to wrap their arms around each other.
�Oh Deborah, you are my everything,� Drew said. They kissed passionately. Lea�s tears began streaming down. She never felt so heartbroken and hurt in her life. Her world seemed to crash down on her. It disgusted her to see her friends all lovey-dovey. She couldn�t stand it anymore and ran off.
~ End of Flashback ~
A tear slipped down Lea�s face.
�Lea, are you okay?� Drew asked putting a hand on her shoulder.
�Yeah. I am fine,� Lea said. Drew stared at Lea for a while. There was something about that was so attractive about her. He was now beginning to see her natural beauty. Lea was letting her emotions run loose. She was being taken aback by the dashing chocolate brown eyes that she loved so much.
�Dance with me,� Drew said softly. The rain was still pouring hard.
�What?� Lea asked staring at him curiously.
�Dance with me,� Drew repeated.
�But there�s no music,� Lea protested.
�So we can pretend,� Drew said with a grin. Lea, then smiled.
�Ok.� Drew took her hand drew her body towards his. Lea leaned her head on his shoulder and they began to dance. Lea felt her heart racing and butterflies in her stomach. Something about being in his arms felt so right and warm. She felt safe and secured.
�You are so beautiful,� Drew whispered. Lea smiled. This was so surreal. It felt as if she was in a dream. Her heart pounded even more. She had once dreamed of him whispering sweet nothings in her ear. She never felt so loved. She then lifted her head from his shoulder and stared at him. He then leaned down and kissed her passionately. Lea responded and kissed him back. They continued on kissing until reality struck Lea and she immediately pulled away. She couldn�t believe what she was doing. She can�t kiss him let alone be with him. This would be cheating on Ian and turn out to be a love affair. She looked with fear at Drew. Drew stared back with confusion.
�This can�t happen. It�s not right,� Lea cried. �I�m sorry.� She pulled away from him and ran off.
�Lea, wait!� Drew called out but Lea didn�t turn back. She ran in the rain not knowing where she was going. Her entire body began to soak up but she didn�t care. All she could think about what happened back at the gazebo and how wrong it was. She felt tears streaming down her face as she ran. Her running was stop as she was caught in his arms.
�I love you. I love you. I�ve always loved you,� she cried to him.
�And I love you.�
Chapter 10
Lea immediately looked up to see Ian smiling down at her. Her heart was pounding quickly. She was shocked to see him but was happy to see him home.
�Come, let�s go in my car before we catch ammonia,� Ian said taking her hand and leading her to his BMW. Lea just obliged and they got into his car. Ian, then, drove off. There was silence in the car.
�So when did you come back?� Lea broke the silence.
�I actually arrived this morning,� Ian replied. �My conference finished early. Now I can spend more time with my fianc� and make up for lost time as a groom,� he said smiling at Lea. Lea smiled weakly.
�Well I�m happy you are home.�
�Me too.�
�How did you know where to find me?� Lea asked.
�Your mom told me. She said you were with some friends,� Ian said.
�Oh yeah. Can we stop at my friends� place? I need to tell them, I�m alright,� Lea said immediately remembering the Lacheys. Ian nodded. He, then, drove to Cate�s house. �Would you like to come with me? I want you to meet my friends.�
�Sure.� Ian, then, followed Lea to Cate�s front door. Lea pressed the doorbell. Ian and Lea heard the patter of little feet. The door opened and revealed Angie standing there.
�Lea!� Angie squealed with excitement. She wrapped her arms around Lea�s waist.
�Hello Angie,� Lea greeted warmly.
�We were all so worried about you especially Daddy,� Angie beamed. Ian eyed Lea suspiciously when Angie said �daddy�. Lea ignored his look. Angie immediately spotted Ian. Her heart started pounding. �Who is this?�
�This is Ian, my fianc�,� Lea said smiling.
�Hello there,� Ian said smiling down at Angie.
�Oh hi. I�m Angie,� Angie introduced herself. She disliked Ian right away. They then followed Angie to the living room where everyone was sitting. They stood up quickly with their glowing faces once Lea walked in.
�Hello everyone,� Lea greeted.
�Hi Lea. We were all so worried about you,� Jessica said hugging Lea. She and Jessica had become very good friends.
�Well my fianc� managed to find me,� Lea said as Ian walked in. Stun washed over everyone�s faces. There was silence in the room. Drew felt his heart thump.
�Um hello everyone,� Ian greeted breaking the silence. The Lacheys stared back at him not saying a word.
�Uh�it�s great to finally meet the person that makes Lea very happy,� Nick said finally stepping forward and shaking his hand. Angie felt all her plans were ruined as she watched Ian mingle with her family and be all lovey-dovey with Lea. She knew she couldn�t give up. She had to find some way to bring Drew and Lea together. However, as the weeks went on, she had been unsuccessful. The Lacheys didn�t see Lea for a long time. She was very busy with making last minute preparations for the wedding with Ian. Angie felt devastated for whenever she tried to get Drew and Lea together, Ian was in the way. Then one night, Lea made a surprise visit by herself.
�Lea! You�re here! We�ve missed you!� Angie cried hugging her.
�What are you doing here?� Drew asked coldly. He still felt hurt and betrayed by Lea running off with Ian. Lea felt his intensity. Everyone except Drew embraced her.
�Well I�ve been very busy with my wedding and I really would like you all to attend the ceremony and reception. It would mean a lot to me,� she handed everyone invitations.
�I�m sorry but we can�t attend,� Drew replied before anyone spoke.
�Why not?� Lea asked surprised. Everyone stared at Drew in shock.
�Yes, Drew, why not?� Cate repeated.
�Because we�re leaving that day for Los Angeles,� Drew said simply.
�Well that�s ok bro. We can postpone our flight,� Nick said.
�No. We are leaving on that day and that�s final. Besides we have to go to work and the kids have to go to school,� Drew pointed out.
�Well it won�t hurt for the kids to miss school especially the first few days,� Jessica said.
�Yeah and we can extend our holiday since we�re the CEOs,� Nick added.
�Yeah Daddy. Can we please go?� Angie begged.
�No and that�s final,� Drew declared and he stomped out of the room. Everyone just stood there surprised and barely said anything.
�What�s with him lately?� Jessica asked.
�I�ve never seen him so mad,� Cate said.
�I�ll talk to him,� Lea said walking in the direction where Drew went. She saw Drew sitting on the porch swing. �May I seat?� Drew shrugged. Lea sat down. There was an awkward stillness between them. �Look about that day��
�What about it?� Drew asked coldly. �I thought it wouldn�t matter to you after you ran off and left me in the dust.�
�Drew�� Lea put a hand on his shoulder. Drew moved away. �Drew, I�m sorry if I hurt you. It was just all in a blur. During that whole time, I was so taken away by that kiss. Then I realized it was all wrong cause I felt I was cheating on Ian and felt shocked and I couldn�t control it at all. And it made me run,� Lea explained.
�I see,� Drew said standing up and leaning against the porch balcony. Lea followed his move and stood next to him. There was silence for 5 minutes.
�Why did you kiss me?� she finally confronted. Drew turned and looked at her.
�I don�t know. I guess everything was in a blur for me too,� he admitted. �I think my emotions got the best of me too.� Lea searched his face and wondered if he had deep feelings too. But his facial expressions were nebulous.
�Can you forgive me?� she asked hopefully. Drew stared at her for a moment. He took her hand and gazed at her engagement ring. He, then, let it go.
�I forgive you,� he said quietly. Lea smiled in relief and hugged him. Drew soon felt his heart tingle and body crush.
�Will you please attend my wedding then? Please. It�ll mean a lot to me to see my best friend at my wedding,� Lea begged. Drew turned away and stared out into the night light.
�I can�t Lea. I just can�t.� Drew said.
�Is there a reason why?� Lea asked.
�Yes. But I can�t tell you. You wouldn�t understand,� Drew said turning away.
�What do you mean? You can tell me anything. You always have,� Lea protested. Drew sighed.
�Things change,� Drew said. �We�ve changed.� Lea, then, knew she wasn�t gonna get an answer from him. But she�ll find out somehow.
�Will you at least come to my birthday party then?� Lea asked. Drew stared at her for awhile and smiled.
�Sure.� Lea smiled back and kissed his cheek.
�Thank you and bring Angie along too,� she added.
�I will.�
�Thanks.� They said goodbye and as Drew watched Lea walk away, he sensed a tingling feeling in his heart. He didn�t know what it was. But he was sure he hadn�t felt that in 8 years. It felt so good. Something was definitely happening in his heart.
Chapter 11
Like before, Angie tried to get Drew and Lea together but it turned unsuccessful. But once she heard that they will be attending Lea�s party, her spirits went up. Lea�s birthday party was held at a popular night club in Cincinnati called Sapphire. When Drew and Nick and company came in, they found Lea busily chatting with a group of friends. Ian was having a few drinks with his friends. Angie immediately ran towards Lea.
�Hi Lea,� Angie greeted excitedly.
�Hello Angie,� Lea replied hugging the little girl. �Where�s your father?�
�I am right here,� Drew answered heading towards them. �Happy Birthday Lea.�
�Thank you,� Lea smiled. Lea soon began introducing Drew to all her friends. Ian soon spotted Lea laughing with Drew and instantly walked over to them.
�Hello there, Drew,� Ian greeted. �Surprise to see you here.�
�Lea invited us,� Drew answered. Like Angie, Drew found something about Ian he didn�t like.
�Oh. How come you didn�t tell me,� Ian said to Lea.
�I was going to,� Lea said. �But you were too busy.� Ian ignored her last comment.
�So Drew, will you be attending our wedding?� Ian asked.
�No. We have to leave for LA that day,� Drew answered.
�Oh what a shame,� Ian said. Angie saw him secretly smirking. Throughout the party, the Lacheys socialized with Lea�s friends and family. They tried their best to avoid Ian as much as possible. In the midst of the party, a song played. As the song played, Angie saw hidden smiles on both Drew and Lea�s faces. An idea began to formulate in her mind. Lea was chatting with friends when Angie walked over.
School days are gone but my love still lives on in this space and time.
I remember playing the games, funny nicknames, and all the sunny days,
that shine so brightly.
�Hi Angie, are you enjoying the party?� Lea asked smiling down at her.
�Uh huh,� Angie said sitting next to her. There was silence for a minute. �I like this song they are playing.�
�Yeah. It�s one of my favorites actually. This song was very famous when I was a teenager,� Lea said.
�Was it Daddy�s?� Angie asked.
�Yeah it was. This song always reminded me of us,� Lea said quietly.
�May be you should ask him to dance with you,� Angie suggested.
�Oh I don�t know,� Lea said feeling unsure.
�Well Ian�s busy with a few people anyways,� Angie pointed out.
�Angie!�
�I�m just kidding. I really think you should ask Daddy. Besides you guys can just dance as friends,� Angie begged. �Besides I�m sure it won�t hurt.� Lea looked over at Drew who was busy laughing with Nick and Lea�s male cousins. She smiled.
�I guess you are right.� She got up and walked over to Drew. �Would you like to dance with me?� Drew smiled.
�I�d love to.� Drew took her hand and they began dancing.
I keep remembering when we started together as friends.
I keep remembering when we were together forever.
�You remember this song?� Lea asked.
�Yeah I remember the first time we danced to this song. It was freshman year. We use to dance to this all the time it played until Deborah moved here.�
� Yea. Then you began dancing with her,� Lea said quietly.
�Yea. But somehow it did not felt right dancing with her to that song.� Lea looked up at Drew for his words shocked her.
�What do you mean?�
The promise we made still stays in my head like the melody.
I remember favorite songs we heard all night long in the candlelight
still shines so brightly.
I keep remembering when we started together as friends.
I keep remembering when we were together forever.
�I felt this song described only us and that we should be the ones dancing to it. This song definitely reminds me a lot about you,� Drew said gazing into her eyes. Lea�s heart skipped a few beats. Her stomach was full of butterflies. �Every time I hear it on the radio, I think about you and memories seem to fly back of our childhood and teenage days.� Lea felt her heart pounding even more. She was speechless. �What does this song mean to you, Lea?� Drew asked. Lea was silent for a moment then answered.
�Well whenever I hear it, the song definitely makes me think of you. It brings back a lot of memories. A lot of great memories,� Lea said trying not to be nervous.
I bet you didn't know how much I loved you.
I bet you didn't know just how much I care.
Little girl, whenever I'm around you, all in love is fair, girl.
Angie smiled as she watched her father and his best friend dance. She noticed how happy they were. Their faces were glowing and had huge smiles.
�Don�t they look beautiful together?� Angie asked Jessica who was standing beside her.
�Yes. They look perfect for each other,� Jessica said looking at Drew and Lea.
�Do you think they will fall in love again?� Angie asked.
� I think they already have.�
I keep remembering when we started together as friends.
I keep remembering when we were together forever.
Ian was staring at the two lovebirds from another corner in anger. He was disgusted by what was happening. His mind was filled with jealousy and rage. He wasn�t gonna let anyone steal his fianc�. Once the song was over, he immediately went over to them.
�Um Lea, I think it�s time to cut the cake,� he said trying to stay casual.
�Oh ok. Excuse me, Drew,� Lea said. Drew nodded. Lea then followed Ian to the cake. Then everyone sang �Happy Birthday� to Lea and ate cake. Then Lea began opening her presents. She got a pair of new stiletto heels from her sister. Her parents gave her a basket of bath supplies and a gift card to the spa. Most of her friends and other relatives got her clothes and accessories. Nick and Jessica gave her, some lotion and perfume and lip gloss courtesy of Jessica�s company, Dessert. �Well thank you everyone for the lovely gifts,� Lea said hugging everyone.
�Well you haven�t opened mine yet Lea,� Ian said handing her an envelope. �But I guess it�s good to save the best for last.� He smirked at Drew.
�What is it?� Lea asked curiously looking at the envelope.
�Open up and see.� Lea opened it and saw a photograph and profile of a house just on the outskirts of Cincinnati. It was very large and the estate was enormous. It had 10 bedrooms, each with its own bathroom. It also contained 2 offices and a large garden in the backyard with a pool that had a waterfall. The kitchen had marble floors and it was huge. The hallway, living room and dining room were draped with chandeliers and surrounded by gold. There was an entertainment room and spa room. Lea just could not believe her eyes.
�Oh my god! What a big house!� she exclaimed.
�It�s ours,� Ian smiled.
�What?� Lea asked surprised.
�Yup. It will be our house once we�re married and back from the honeymoon,� Ian added. �I bought it because I know you would love it.�
�Oh Ian�it�s so big. I mean I certainly wouldn�t mind a condo or a smaller house,� Lea said not wanting to hurt his feelings.
�Why not? It�s perfect for a young couple just starting out,� Ian said a bit disappointed.
�Too perfect if you are asking me,� Drew muttered.
�But Ian, it will feel so lonely and cold with just the two of us there,� Lea pointed out.
�Don�t worry. We�ll have butlers and servants to keep the house running,� Ian said. �And once we�re married, you don�t have to work anymore. You can just quit your job at the hospital. The moment I take over my father�s company, you won�t have to deal with those kids anymore.� Lea just stared at Ian in shock. Angie could tell she wasn�t happy with the idea. There was an awkward silence for a minute. Seizing the moment, Drew decided to give Lea, his gift.
�Um Lea, I almost forgot. Here�s your gift from me,� Drew said handing her a medium size box wrapped in blue paper with a yellow ribbon, Lea�s favorite colors. �Happy Birthday.� Her eyes soften.
�Thank you,� Lea said giving him a small smile. She opened it to find a music box with a little ballerina twirling around. Lea�s eyes soon began to shine like the streets of London during Christmas. She began tracing the legs of the ballerina. Drew smiled at her. She smiled back her eyes still glowing.
�Remember that time, I broke your music box when we were 7?� he asked.
�Yeah. I practically cried for a week. I was also devastated that my parents would not buy me another one,� Lea recalled.
�Yea well I bought you this one to make up for what I did,� Drew said.
�Awe Drew. It�s beautiful. You are very sweet,� Lea said giving him a kiss on the cheek. �But Drew, we were both kids back then. We both didn�t know what was right and wrong. It was just an accident anyways.�
�I know. I kinda felt guilty about it over the years. If I had the money back then, I would still buy it for you,� Drew said.
�Awe.� She kissed him again on the cheek and gave him a warm hug. Something silver then caught her eye that was in the music box. Lea turned around to get a better look. It was a sterling silver necklace with a firefly that had purple wings attached to it. �Wow!� she gasped as she picked it up and fingered it.
�Remember that one night, we ran around my backyard catching fireflies?� Drew asked.
�Yeah. I managed to catch 20 while you only caught one with a broken wing,� Lea remembered.
�Yeah well this is a little medal for you beating me.�
�Awe Drew. You never cease to charm me,� Lea smiled at Drew. �Can you put it on me?�
�Sure.� She gave the necklace to Drew and Drew placed it around her neck. �There it looks perfect on you.�
�Thanks Drew, for all your gifts. They were both very thoughtful,� Lea said giving Drew another hug.
�Well it goes to show that good things do come in small packages,� Drew said as if directing it to Ian. �By the way Ian, I agree with you. It�s always good to save the best for last.� Ian was boiled with fury. It was obvious that Lea loved Drew�s gifts better than his. He almost wanted to punch Drew in the face. His fists began to tighten when his cell phone rang. He answered it. It turned out to be one of his office staff in Chicago who gave him the best news ever. A smile crept his face. He hung up the phone and went over to Lea.
�Lea, I have some bad news.�
�What is it Ian?� Ian now had everyone�s full attention.
�I found out I have to be in Chicago on the 3rd week of August.�
�What? But that�s out honeymoon week in Fiji. I thought you took an extra vacation,� Lea protested.
�I know but this came up surprisingly. I tried everything to push it back,� Ian said trying to act upset.
�What are we supposed to do then?� Lea asked. Ian thought for a moment.
�I�ve got it! We�ll move the wedding to 2 weeks early so we can enjoy the honeymoon,� Ian said in a split second.
�But that�s next week,� Lea pointed out
�I know. But to me, all our preparations are finished. All we need is the wedding and rehearsal dinner and those parties,� Ian said.
�Don�t you agree?�
�Yeah I guess.�
�Then the wedding is next week.� Lea sighed.
�Ok.�
Song: I Remember When
Artist: New Kids On The Block "ea asked smiling down at her.
Chapter 12
Once Lea had made her decision, Drew then decided that the Lacheys would leave for Los Angeles that very day of the wedding. This soon made Angie realize that Drew did have deep feelings for Lea and that he was secretly in love with her. But it was too late. Angie soon felt helpless. Her world seemed to crush down on her. She was in complete melancholy. Angie tried everything to get Drew to at least talk to Lea. But it was no use. Angie felt like she was a big disappointment to not only her mother but to herself. She felt her mother was upset with what she had done and how she had become a failure. Angie also sensed that her mother thought she was too blind to see that her father really was in love with Lea. Her sadness was very noticeable to everyone. But no one knew the cause of her depression except for Cate and Jessica. Drew tried his best to comfort her and figure out what her problem was but it hurt Angie more to even look at her father. Both Cate and Jessica attempted to comfort her but failed also.
~ The Day of the Wedding ~
Lea was sitting in a chair as she was being gussied up for the wedding. Her hair was done up in a very high bun that had diamond clips. She was covered in expensive jewelry and wore crystal shoes. Her veil that was decorated with rhinestone dropped all the way to the ground and touched her shoulders.
�Well this is it,� Lea said quietly to herself. �It�s now or never.� Her stylists helped her from her chair. Then her mother walked in.
�Oh Lea, you look so beautiful!� Gerri cried in awe. Tears soon fell from her cheeks. �Ti seems as if it was just yesterday, I was holding you in the hospital.�
�Oh mommy!� Lea sighed hugging Gerri. �Save your tears for the ceremony.�
�I know sweetheart. So are you nervous?�
� A little,� Lea admitted.
�Don�t worry. Just breathe and walk slowly down that aisle.
******************************
�Is that everything?� John asked as he and Nick and Drew loaded the luggage on John�s van.
�Yup. That�s everything,� Nick said. John then closed the trunk door.
�Let�s get this show on the road then,� Drew said. They all said good bye to Cate. Angie was the last to say good bye.
�Good bye Grandma,� Angie said looking down at the floor. She was still very upset.
�Good bye my dear,� Cate said taking Angie�s face in her hands. She kissed Angie on the forehead. �I love you and I�m gonna miss you.� She hugged her eldest grand daughter.
�I�m gonna miss you too.�
�Remember to call me when you land.� Angie nodded. Cate cupped her chin. �Listen. No matter what you think, your mother is very proud of you. She would have been happy that you tried,� Cate assured her quietly.
�No. My mother now thinks I am a failure and she is ashamed of me as her daughter,� Angie sulked.
�She�ll still always love you and always be in here,� Cate said placing a finger on Angie�s chest. Angie smiled weakly.
�Thanks Grandma.� They embraced again and the Lacheys all got into the van and drove to the airport.
�Are you going to put this on?� Gerri asked showing Lea, the necklace Drew bought her. Lea sighed and shook her head.
�No. It does not match with everything I�m wearing,� Lea said. Her thoughts then began to drift back to that night. She remembered Drew�s face. In his eyes, she could see hurtfulness and heartache. It soon dawned on her that he might be in love with her. She almost wanted to run and leap into his arms but her stubbornness took over her feelings. Lea knew that Drew�s heart belonged to Deborah and only Deborah because that is who he truly loves. Her eyes began to become watery.
�Lea, are you ok?� Gerri asked noticing her daughter�s tears. Lea immediately wiped her tears. Fortunately, it did not smear her make-up.
�I�m fine mom. I just need time alone,� Lea said.
�Ok. But just to tell you, the wedding starts in less than half an hour,� Gerri informed. Lea nodded. Then Gerri left the room. Lea sat back down and tired to clear out all her thoughts of Drew. As she was trying to dissolve her mind, she saw a shadow walk in. She gasped as her heart started beating. Deborah began to let her presence be known. Lea stared at her with wide eyes. Deborah gave a gentle smile assuring no harm. She soon walked towards Lea and covered Lea�s eyes with her hand. Lea then saw images of her and Drew during their happy childhood and teenage days. She saw how close she and Drew were. She saw all the moments when Drew and she spent a lot of time together before Ian returned. She saw their beaming faces and all those times Drew teased her. She also realized how strong and unbreakable their friendship was that soon led to love in her eyes. She even witnessed the moment where she and Drew kissed in the gazebo. When Lea opened her eyes, Deborah had disappeared. She also noticed a piece of paper was in her hand. She took a closer look at the paper and it turned out to be Deborah�s letter to Angie for her 8th birthday. She read the letter and was touched when she finished. She let tears flow down her face and realized why Angie came to her in the first place, to get her daddy and Lea together. When she put down the letter, Lea immediately knew what she had to do. A minute later, her parents walked in with her sister, Amy who was the maid of honor. �Lea, are you ready?�
�No mom. I�m not. I just realized this whole wedding was a mistake,� Lea said.
�What?!� Amy cried. �But isn�t Ian the one?�
�Ian is not the one for me. If I want to marry someone, I want him to love me for me and that someone is now heading to the airport,� Lea declared. Her family�s eyes widened once they knew what they meant.
�Well it was about time,� her father said.
�Go after him Lea! Before it�s too late,� Gerri encouraged.
�That�s what I�m gonna do. Help me out of my veil,� Lea said. Gerri and Amy at once helped Lea take off her veil. Lea took some of the hair pins off but kept her bun still up with just a few hair strips falling. Her parents escorted her outside and hailed her a cab while Amy informed the guests and Ian. Lea immediately got into the cab and it drove off.
********
�Daddy?� Angie looked up at Drew.
�Yes, sweetheart?� Drew answered.
�Can we stop at mommy�s grave? I want to say goodbye,� Angie said.
�Umm� Drew looked at his watch. They were pretty early for the plane. �Sure, besides it�s on the way anyways.� Drew, then, told John to stop at the cemetery. About half an hour later, John parked his car outside the cemetery. �Do you remember where mommy�s grave is?� Drew asked.
�Yes,� Angie answered. He had taken Angie to see Deborah�s grave several times before.
�Do you want me to come with you?� Drew asked.
�No. It�s ok.� Angie got out and walked quickly towards Deborah�s grave.
While on the way to the airport, Lea had sensed something wrong. She felt as if she was going in the incorrect direction. Lea soon felt she needed to stop at the cemetery.
�Excuse me, can we stop at the cemetery,� Lea said to the cab driver.
�Certainly,� the cab driver answered. The cab driver then made a turn and drove to the cemetery.
Angie soon made her way to Deborah�s grave which stood near a pond with ducks floating in it. Deborah had always loved watching the ducks in the pond. Her grave was like a garden. It was practically covered with flowers and flower petals. The grass surrounding her grave was even well cut. There was even a large oak tree standing near it. Angie knelt down facing Deborah�s tombstone.
�Hi mommy,� Angie said, her voice cracking. She felt tears flowing down her cheeks. �I guess you�ve already seen what had happened. I have failed you and did not fulfill your wish. I know you must be very disappointed in me. I understand I was too stupid and blind to see that daddy and Lea were secretly in love and I should have done something better than my stupid plans.� Just then Lea�s cab arrived at the cemetery. Lea got out and paid the driver and ran into the graveyard. Previously after Drew had informed Lea of Deborah�s death, Lea had visited her grave many times to pay respects so she knew where Deborah�s grave was. When she arrived, she potted Angie in front of the grave. She managed to catch Angie�s last words. �The more I got them together, the more I pushed them away. I failed to make them realize that they belong together. I�m so sorry mommy for everything. It�s ok if you don�t forgive me for I�m a huge shame to you as your daughter,� Angie whimpered. She soon broke into tears. Lea�s heart skipped a few beats and wondered what would have happened if she did not come. She smiled softly at the little girl walked gently towards her and knelt down and put her arm around her. Angie looked up and was surprised to see Lea.
�She is not a failure nor a disappointment nor disgrace to you, Deborah. Whenever I see her, I see you inside. She has your sparkling personality that always seems to lighten up people�s day. Even though she has Drew�s physical features, she is a complete replica of you, someone who is caring and loving. You should be very proud and happy that you have a daughter like Angie for in my eyes, she is an angel sent from heaven and a beautiful gift to her Daddy. When I was in the dark searching for love in all the wrong places, Angie came like the guiding light that led me out of darkness. She made me see what was right under my nose. She also made me realize how much love and affection I had for Drew. Angie definitely made me see that Drew and I are true soul mates who should be together forever. I think she�s obviously granted your wish.� A smile soon appeared on Angie�s sad face and she immediately put her arms around Lea and hugged her tightly. Her heart was pounding hard as she still couldn�t believe Lea was sitting right next to her.
�You�re here,� Angie said softly.
�That�s because your mother and even you led me here and prohibited me from marrying Ian,� Lea said.
�I am so glad you chose daddy over Ian.�
�Me too. Otherwise I would have regretted it for the rest of my life.� A moment later, Drew walked in towards the two ladies. He stopped on his tracks and was shocked but happy to see Lea sitting there beside his daughter. Both ladies looked up and smiled from ear to ear. Drew was speechless.
�Lea,� he managed to choke out. Angie stood up and Lea followed. Angie led Lea by the hand towards Drew. She then connected Lea�s hand with Drew�s. �I thought you were going to get married.�
�Well� I left Ian standing by the altar because I realized that you were my one true love and not him.� She took his other hand in hers. �Oh Drew�I�ve been hiding this for so long now it�s time for me to tell you how I really feel. I love you ever since the day we met on the monkey bars. I�ve loved you ever since. Although I did not realize it at first, but the love was present between us. I was indeed jealous of you and Deborah because I was afraid I was losing you. I didn�t go to UCLA with you guys because it felt so complicating with my feelings for you and your love for Deborah. I knew if I loved you I would let you be happy so I stayed clear of the way. Then those feelings just seemed to bury themselves deep inside because I moved on. But then you came back and they were alive once again and after some reflection on how strong our friendship was and how it was clearly leading the way to love, I realized that we belonged together and should stay together forever. I love you Drew Lachey.� Both their eyes seem to well up with tears.
�Oh Lea! I love you too! I really love you! Even though I loved Deborah, I knew deep inside that I loved you more than life itself. Our love cannot compare to any other love for ours is strong with truth and friendship and passion. I too have been hiding my feelings for so long. I was completely devastated when I saw you with Ian. I thought I was going to lose you forever.�
�Well I�m here. I�m not going anywhere else.�
�I know and Lea, I don�t want to be your brother. I don�t want to be your best friend well not at a big brother level. I only want to be your lover and companion for life! You are the love of my life! You are my everything!� He pulled her towards him and hugged her tightly and kissed passionately. Lea then responded with the same passion. Then they pulled away both out of breath. �I love you Lea Dellecave with all my heart.� They kissed again.
�Well it�s about time you kids got back together,� Angie grinned putting her hands on her hips making her presence know. The lovebirds pulled away and smiled down at the little girl that brought them together.
�Come here princess!� Drew called. Angie immediately ran into Drew�s arms and he picked her up and swung her around. �Did I ever tell you, you are the most intelligent little girl, I�ve ever known?�
�Well everyday,� Angie smiled.
�Well thank you for leading me back to my true love,� he said and kissed her cheek. Lea pulled her hair back and kissed her other cheek. Drew put Angie down and the 3 of them walked out of the cemetery hand in hand with Angie in the middle. Angie then felt someone watching them and turned around to see her mother standing by the oak tree with a bright smile on her face and her eyes glowing. She gave Angie, the thumbs-up and Angie smiled and gave one back. Their mission was accomplished.