Angel from the Past

Chapter 17:

�

Kelly stood outside Lance's room as she watched the doctor's check him over.� As soon as the doctor walked out of his room, she walked back in it.� She walked over to him with a smile on her face.� "Can I get you anything?"� She asked him as she sat down on the bed.

�

Lance just shook his head.� He reached his hand out to her and she slowly placed her hand in his.� "Did you --"� Lance paused.� "Did you mean what you said?"

�

"Uh, I said a lot of things.� If you mean, did I mean that I would never leave you?� That if you woke up, I'd be with you forever?"� Lance shook his head.� "Yes.� I sure did," Kelly whispered to him.� "I was so afraid that I lost you."

�

"That'll never ha-pp-en," Lance said horsely.� "I love you."

�

Kelly held both his hands in hers and just smiled down at him.� "I love you, too."� The two of them just sat there, gazing into each other's eyes.�� After a few moments they heard the door open, and they both looked at who it was.�

�

"I don't mean to interrupt.� But Leah's here and we need to leave for a bit.� But I promise I'll be back soon,"� JC told Lance and Kelly.

�

Kelly stood up, but didn't let go of Lance's hand.� "I'll let you two talk."

�

Lance looked up at Kelly.� "Will you be back?"� He whispered.

�

"Yes."� Kelly nodded.� "I'm�not leaving you.� I need to make a phone call.� But I'll be right back."� Kelly reached down and placed a kiss on his forehead.� "I won't be long."

�

Kelly walked out of the room and JC pulled a chair up close to Lance's hospital bed.� "You gave us a scare.� No more walking around without a bodygaurd, all right?"

�

Lance nodded at his friend with a smile.� "Thanks for calling Kelly."

�

"I know you asked for her and I knew you'd want her with you.� So I told Justin to call her.� And she got here as fast as she could.� She was so afraid,"� JC told him.� "We all were afraid for you."

�

~*~Out in the Hall~*~

�

Kelly saw Leah standing in the hallway by herself.� She walked over to her and touched her lightly on the shoulder.� "Hey."

�

Leah turned around quickly when she heard a familiar voice.� She shook her head when she saw Kelly.� "Hi.� How are you doing?"�

�

"I'm holding in.� I am just so relieved that he is going to be all right.� I knew he was in trouble.� I woke up early in the morning and I just felt sick to my stomach.� I knew something was wrong and I knew it had to do with Lance.� And then Justin called--"� Kelly started to say but got teary-eyed.

�

Leah's heart went out to her.� She knew she couldn't imagine something like that happing to JC.� Leah reached out and, her and Kelly shared a embrace.� "Everything will be all right."

�

Kelly pulled away from their embrace.� "I need to go make a phone call.� I'll be right back.� I'll just be right over there."� She pointed.� "So�if anything happens come and get me."� Kelly smiled and Leah nodded.

�

Kelly walked down the hall to where the phone was.� She noticed someone was using it, so she glanced back at Leah.� Kelly saw Justin, Chris, and Joey talking with her.� Kelly walked closer to the phone, but stopped when she heard the voice.� 'I told you Kelly doesn't know I set Lance up.� You were supposed to make sure he died, not injured.'� Kelly heard him say.� Kelly's eyes opened wide when she realized that it was Brian on the phone.� "Oh, my God," she muttered very softly.

�

'I want you to try again, and this time - don't miss,' the voice said in anger.� He slammed the phone down and turned around.� He came face to face with a shocked and angry Kelly.� "Kelly--- I --"

�

Kelly didn't even know what to say at first.� She couldn't believe him.� "How could you?"� She said in almost a whisper.� "How could you do this to me?"� She repeated.� Kelly took a few steps closer to him.� "I trusted you.� I cared about you," she said as anger began to build up inside her.� "You KNEW� how important he was to me.� He is in that hospital bed with a gun shot wound!"� Kelly said to him as she began to pace.� "Oh, my God!� This is all my fault," Kelly muttered, more to herself than to him.� "I TRUSTED YOU!"� She began to scream.� "I TRUSTED YOU!"� Kelly's face turned bright red and the tears began to fall� steadily down her cheeks.� "HOW COULD YOU?!"� She yelled as she began to beat on his chest.

�

"Kel--"� Brian tried to remove her from him.� "I had to do it.� I had to."

�

"I--"� Before she could say another word, she felt Justin's arms around her, pulling her away from Brian.� "She's out of control."� Brian told them.

�

"Just leave--"� Joey told him as he stood in front of Kelly to protect her.� He folded his arms in front of his chest as he stood his ground.

�

Brian looked at Kelly, who was being held back by Justin and Chris.� "I'm sorry, Kel.� But I had to do it.� I knew we couldn't be together if I didn't."

�

"LEAVE!"� Kelly screamed as she tried to break free of Justin's tight grip.�� As soon as Brian was gone, Justin removed his arms from her.��"Oh, my God!"� She continued to cry.

�

Chris walked over to her and placed his arm on her shoulder.� "Kel, what is it?� What's going on?"

�

"Brian did this.� This is all my fault,"� Kelly muttered as she wiped away her tears.

�

Joey looked at her, unsure of what she was talking about.� "Did what?� What's your fault?"� Joey asked her, while all the other guys were looking at Kelly closely.

�

"He hired someone to shoot Lance so I could be with him.� If I didn't still love Lance then this wouldn't have happened."� All the guys walked over to her and each of them took turns hugging her.� "I did this to him."� She began to sob.� Kelly fell into Justin's arms and held onto� him tightly.� "I did this--"� She repeated as the tears fell even faster down her cheeks.

�

Chapter 18:

�

Justin, Chris, Joey, and JC weent to call the police and to check on Lance, while Leah sat with Kelly.� After 10 minutes of silence, Kelly looked up at Leah.� "It really is my fault, you know."

�

Leah reached out and held onto Kelly's hand.� "Why do you say that?"�

�

"If I hadn't made myself pull away from Lance, I wouldn't have gotten involved with Brain.� And if I hadn't gotten involved with Brian, Lance would NOT be in that hospital bed,"� Kelly told her as she fought back her� tears.

�

Leah just shook her head quickly.� "No.� This isn't your fault.� How were you to know Brian was that type of guy?� He didn't show you that side of himself, Kel.� He showed you the good side of him.� He showed you the side he wanted you to see.� The side he was sure you'd love."

�

"How can there possibly be a good side of him?� Look at what he's done.� Don't I know what I a good person is anymore?"� Kelly took a deep breath.� "I can't face Lance right now.� Will you tell him I love him?"

�

"I think he'd rather hear it from you--"� Leah said to her.

�

Kelly nodded a few times.� "I know he would.� But I just can't-- I need some time to sort things through.� Please, Leah--"� Kelly pleaded with her.� Leah nodded and Kelly gave her a hug.� "Thank-you."� Kelly stood up from the bench.� "You're a great friend,"� she whispered.� "Leah?"

�

"Yeah?"� Leah asked,� looking up at Kelly.

�

"Do you think he'll still love me when he finds out what I've done?"� Kelly asked her.

�

"First of all, you didn't do anything.�� And second of all, I know he still loves you, and this accident doesn't change a thing.� At least not where he's concerned,"� Leah tried to explain to her.� Kelly nodded with a smile, and then left the hospital.

�

After Kelly disappeared, Leah stood up and let out a big sigh.� She had prayed for Kelly and Lance to work things out ever since things went bad.� She�knew the love that they shared, and do still share, is one of a kind.� Kind of like the love she has with JC.� Leah walked towards Lance's room and knocked as she opened up the door.� She found the rest of the guys sitting with Lance.

�

"Where's Kelly?"� JC asked her as he walked over to her.

�

"Uh--"� She looked at Lance.� "Do you guys mind if I have a minute alone with Lance?"� Leah asked them.

�

JC looked down at Leah.� "Of course not--"� JC replied.� He leaned over and kissed her on the forehead.� "We'll be right out the door," he told her.� "Come on, guys."� The rest of the guys told Lance they'd be back, and then the followed JC out of the room.

�

Leah smiled at� Lance as she made her way over to his bed.� She brought a chair closer to his bed and sat down.

�

"What's going on?"� Lance quickly asked her as he winced in pain sitting up.

�

"Kelly had to leave, but she wanted me to make sure that I told you that she loves you you--"� Leah said to him.

�

Lance just looked at her for a few moments.� He didn't understand why Leah was telling him that and not Kelly.� "Why'd she leave?� She told me that she'd be back."

�

Leah understood his confusion.� "I know," she said as she reached over and touched his hand.� "She just had some things to work out first."

�

"You mean the shooting?"� Lance asked her.

�

Leah's eyes opened a little wider.� "Did they guys tell you?"

�

"Yeah."� Lance nodded.� "But that doesn't mean things have changed when it comes to the way I feel about her."

�

Leah smiled at him and nodded in agreement.� "That's what I told her--" Leah said.

�

"And what did she say?"� Lance asked her in wonder.

�

"Honestly, I think she's afraid that you'll blame her.� She feels that she is the one that let Brian into her life, and� if she hadn't done that, then you wouldn't be here,"� Leah said.

�

"And I wouldn't have found out she loved me still, either--"� Lance replied to her as he pulled away his covers and moved a little.

�

Leah looked at him as she reached for his leg.� "What are you doing?� Lance, you can't get out of this bed."

�

"I need to go find her--"� Lance said as he breathed heavily.� He stopped for a moment to try to gather some more energy.

�

"NO!"� Leah said as she threw the covers back on him.� "You can't.� This isn't good for you.� And it certainly won't get you well quicker to get to Kelly."

�

"Listen to� me.� I need to see her, and I'm going to do it without your help or not.� Now are you going to help me get out of this bed?"� Lance asked her with a tone of seriousness.

�

Leah hopped off the chair.� "Don't move--" she ran over to the door and when she came back in, so did the rest of the guys.� "What are you doing, man?"� JC asked him.

�

"Like I told your girlfriend, I need to see Kelly.� I'll leave this hospital with your help or without it.� What's it going to be?"� Lance asked as he looked at everyone dead in the face.

�

Chapter 19:

�

"Lance, come on, man.� You know you can 't go after Kelly.� You know that's just stupid, man--"� Justin commmented, who is usually n ot the one who would stand in his way.

�

Lance knew Justin was right.� He took a deep breath and sat back down on the bed.� "Maybe you're right.� I probably wouldn't have gotten very far anyway."

Joey stepped in front of JC and Justin.� "You probably couldn't have gotten past those cute nurses."� Joey winked.

�

Justin couldn't help but laugh.� "Oh, Joey--"

�

"What?!"� Joey� asked with a slight chuckle.� He knew why Justin and the� rest of the guys were laughing at him.� "I only winked."

�

Leah reached from behind Joey and touched his shoulder.� "It's ok, Joey.� We all know you can't help it."

�

JC put his around around Leah and burst out laughing.� Joey quickly turned around.� "You don't seem to mind when I wink at you,"� Joey said, which caused all the guys to crack up, including Lance.

�

~*~Kelly's Apartment~*~

�

Kelly walked into her apartment and turned on the lights near the entrway closet.� "Jess, you home?"�

�

"No--"� A voice called out.� Kelly knew whose voice she had just heard.� She dropped her purse and walked into the living room, and she found Sarah sitting on the couch.� "Sar!"� She exclaimed as she made her way over to her long-time best friend.

�

Sarah stood up and they embraced in a long hug.� "I called you and Jessica told me what happened.� I just had to come."�� Sarah hugged Kelly a little tighter.� "How is he?"� She asked as they both pulled back.

�

The two girls sat down on the couch.� "He's doing all right, I guess.� It was touch and go for a little while, though.� But he's going to make it,"� Kelly told her.� She glanced down for a moment.

�

Sarah noticed Kelly's change in facial expression.� She knew Kelly better than almost anyone, and she knew Kelly was holding back.� "What is it?� Something else happened--"� Sarah said, pushing her to tell her more.

�

Kelly looked back up at Sarah.� "Brian is responsible, Sar."

�

Sarah's eyebrows rose in confusion as she shook her head.� "What do you mean, 'responsible'?"

�

"He arranged for Lance to get shot,"� Kelly said.� "And Lance almost didn't pull through.� If he hadn't--"� A tear escaped from Kelly's left eye as she took a breath.� "If he hadn't pulled through, then it would have been all my fault."

�

"Where would you come up with an idea like that?"� Sarah asked her.� Kelly didn't respond, she just looked at Sarah.� "First of all, if anyone is responsible it's Brian.� He did this, not you.��What did Lance say?"� Sarah asked as she held onto Kelly's hand.� Sarah noticed Kelly wasn't responding once again.� "Kel, please tell me you talked to him about it."

�

Kelly shook her head.� "Sarah, I-- I just couldn't.� I'm not sure if you'd understand this one,"� Kelly began to say.�

�

"Try me--"� Sarah said to her.

�

~*~Lance's Hospital Room~*~

�

All the guys left the room except for Joey.� "Ok, it's just me-- how are you really doing, man?"

�

Lance rested his head against his pillows.� "I honestly don't know.� I feel all right.� But Kelly-- man, it's all up in the air again.� Just when I thought we were going to get one more shot--"

�

Joey didn't give Lance a chance to finish his sentence.� "You will."

�

"I don't know, man,"� Lance said to him in a soft whisper.

�

"I do.� She loves you.� Kelly told us all that herself,"� Joey said to him, in hopes of giving him some type of hope to hold onto.� "Just trust me on this."

�

~*~Kelly's Apartment~*~

�

"Don't you get it?� I don't think I could take it if he blamed me, too--" Kelly tried to explain to Sarah.

�

"Honey, he won't.� That guy loves you more than anything.� He won't let a little shooting come between the two of you."� They both laughed.� "Now go back to that hospital and see him."

�

Chapter 20:

�

~1 hour later~

�

Leah and JC sat outside the� hospital on a nearby bench.� "I'm so glad Lance is going to be all right--"� Leah said to him, trying to make conversation.

�

JC placed his arm around her back and she scooted a little closer to him.� "I missed you so much."

�

Leah smiled up at him.� "I really did, too.� It felt like you were never coming home."� She rested her head on his shoulder.

�

JC placed a small kiss on her head.� "I felt the same way.� You know, when you see a friend almost die--"

�

"It makes you put things into perspective,"� Leah finished his sentence.

�

"Yeah,"� JC nodded.

�

"I know,"� Leah said with a smile as she sat up.� She locked eyes with his and touched his face.� "I'm so lucky to have you in my life."

�

"I know we never really discussed seeing other people.� That's what I wanted to talk to you about.� I don't want to-- I don't know what you want--"� JC began to say, but paused for a few seconds.� "What I mean to say is that I love you.� Only you."

�

Leah couldn't help but smiile.� Eventhough all this stuff was going on, he still made time for the two of them.� "I love you, too--"� she whispered as she leaned towards him.� Leah brought both of her hands up to his face and kissed him softly.

�

~*~Lance's Hospital Room~*~

�

"So--Justin told me more about this Trish girl that you've been seeing.� Everything ok there?� She seemed really nice when I met her� the other night,"� Lance said, trying to get off the Kelly subject.

�

"She's really great.� She's just not one that likes the whole public eye thing.� Trish wants me to keep her out of it,"� Joey explained.� "That's why I didn't introduce her to you guys right away."

�

"That's cool,"� Lance replied.� "Kelly hates the whole fame stuff, too."

�

"Yeah--"� Joey replied, not sure what else to say.� There was a knock at the door and both guys turned to see who it was.�

�

Lance sat up when he saw Kelly enter the room.� "Kel--"� Lance said with a smile.

�

"I'm back--"� Kelly whispered as she walked further into the room after closing the door.� "Hey, Joey."

�

Joey stood up from his chair.� "Hey, Kel.� Glad you came back,"� Joey looked down at Lance.� "Well, I'll give you guys some time."� Joey walked by Kelly and left the room.

�

Kelly walked over to Lance's bed and sat on the side of it.� "I'm sorry."

�

"For what?� You have nothing to be sorry for,"� Lance told her.�

�

"Lance, it's my fault.� If I hadn't had gotten involved with him, then none of this would have happened,"� Kelly told him as she looked off to the side.� She wasn't sure if she could look him in the eyes.

�

"Kel, look at me."� Kelly slowly turned turned to look at him.� "You can't predict or even blame yourself for things like this.� Someone else could have done it, too.� I'm the public eye now.� This sort of thing happens on a daily basis, Kel--"� Lance explained to her.

�

"I'm just scared,"� Kelly whispered as she reached out and touched his hand.� "I don't want to lose you again."

�

Lance reached out and brought her hand up to his heart.� "Do you hear it beating?"� Kelly shook her head.� "Good.� It beats that way only when you're with me."

�

"Lance, come on--"� Kelly chuckled as she looked away from him for a brief moment.� "It always beats."

�

"Not as fast,"� Lance whispered.

�

Kelly interlaced her fingerse with his.� "Mine's the same way,"� she whispered to him.� "Do you have any idea� how much I love you?"

�

"Yeah, I do.� I do-- because I feel it.� I felt it half way around the world, and that's why I had to find you when I came back,"� Lance told her.

�

Kelly glanced down at their hands.� "And then I pulled away once again.� I was just scared.� I was scared of getting hurt again.� But then you got hurt, and I thought about what it would be like knowing you weren't in my life in any way.� And you know what?� I couldn't handle that.� You getting shot made me see the light.� It made me realize just how important you are to me,"� Kelly told him.

�

"Can you hand me my jacket from the chair?"� Lance asked her as he pointed to the chair behind her.

�

Kelly reached over and handed him in jacket.� "What's in there?"� Lance reached inside the pocket and pulled out the black velvet box that he had shown her before.� "You still have it?"� Kelly asked through a few tears.

�

Lance held it out to her.� "I was hoping I'd get another chance.� I was hoping we would.� Kelly--"

�

"Oh, my God,"� Kelly whispered as she held her hands up to her face, and the tears began to flow down her face.

�

"Being on tour gave me a lot of time to think.� And the only thing that I could think about was you-- and us.� It killed me to know that I hurt you, and I swore to myself that I would never do that again.� And I knew from the minute you walked out on me that I wanted another chance.� You're the� one for me and I was hoping I could be the one for you.� So...would you do me the honors of staying in my life forever?� Kelly Johnson would you marry me?"� Lance asked her as he opened up the box, showing her the ring.

�

Chapter 21:

�

Tears welled up in Kelly's eyes as Lance slid the ring on her finger.� "Yes, I'll marry you,"� she whispered.� Kelly leaned her head closer to his and the two of them shared a sweet and tender kiss.� Lance scooted over and Kelly laid down in his bed right next to him.� She rested her head next to his.� "It's so beautiful, Lance."� Kelly held the ring up to get a better look.� "I never thought we'd ever get this chance.� I never thought we'd get to this very moment."

�

Lance wrapped his arms around her and held her close.� "It helps to dream, I guess.� I dreamt that we would be here some day."

�

Kelly placed her arms on his hands and caressed them.� "I dreamt that you would never give up on me."

�

"Never--"� Lance whispered into her ear.

�

Kelly turned her head towards him and her eyes met his.� "I love you-- so much that words can't even say."� She placed her hand on his face and leaned in for another kiss.

�

~*~Waiting Room~*~

�

JC and Leah walked towards Lance's room and spotted the rest of the guys in the waiting room.� They walked over to them.� "What's going on?� Is something wrong with Lance?"

�

Joey shook his head.� "No, he's fine.� Kelly came back."

�

Leah looked over at JC and smiled.� "I'm glad.� They really had a lot to talk about."

�

"Yeah--"� Joey nodded.� Joey glanced over and saw someone walking towards them.� "Guys, that's Trish.� I want you on your best behavior."

�

"Us?"� Chris laughed.� "We'll just tell her--"

�

Joey cut him off.� "I mean it!"� Joey said as he stood up.� "Hey, honey,"� Joey muttered as he gave Trish a kiss on the cheek.� "Thanks for coming."

�

"I couldn't get out of the studio any earlier.� How is everything?"� She asked him as the two of them sat down with the other guys.� "I don't know Lance very well, but from what I've seen and heard-- well, he didn't deserve something like this.� Does anyone know who did it?"

�

Justin turned towards her.� "It turns out that this guy that Kelly was involved with set Lance up.� I guess it was supposed to show her how much he loved her.� I don't know.� Kelly just about lost it when she found out, though."

�

"Isn't Kelly the girl that Lance loves?"� Trish asked Justin.� Justin nodded a few times.� "She must feel terrible, even a little responsible."

�

"Yeah, she does.� But Kelly is in there with him now and they're working it out,"� Joey told her.� Joey looked at the other guys.� "Maybe you should go check on them,"� he hinted towars them.

�

Leah started to push JC forward.� "Yeah, we'll go check on them.� It was nice to meet you, Trish."� Leah laughed as JC pulled her from behind.� "Guys, come on."� Justin and Chris got up and followed JC and Leah, who were pushing and pulling each other.

�

Trish turned towards Joey after they were all gone.� She wrapped her arms around him tightly.� "Thank god he's going to be all right,"� she said.� Trish placed her hand on his cheek.� "How about you?� Are you doing all right?"

�

Joey smiled at her as he placed her hand in his.� "Lance is doing fine, and you're here.� I'm better than all right."� Joey wrapped his arms around Trish and they shared another long embrace.

�

~*~Lance's Room~*~

�

As JC and Justin pushed his door open, Lance and Kelly pulled out of a kiss.� Kelly reached over to Lance's mouth and wiped her lipstick marks from his face.� "There--" she whispered.

�

"God, you two,"� Justin joked as he entered the room.� "Can't you leave that for another time?"� All the guys laughed with him.

�

"No, we can't--"� Kelly quickly pipped up.� "It was what you can sealing the deal, sort of speak."

�

"Huh?"� JC asked, totally confused with Kelly's statement.� But Leah was definately following along.�

�

"Kel!� Oh, my God!"� Leah squealed as she walked over to Kelly, who had sat up in Lance's bed by now.� "Let me see!"

�

"What's going on, man?� What's Leah talking--" Justin stopped mid-sentence when he saw Kelly hold out her hand for Leah.� "I can't believe� it!� You two are getting married?"

�

"Married?"� JC chimed in after him.

�

"That's right.� Take a breath and smile JC.� This guy is getting marred,"� Lance said as he looked over at Kelly.� "And I couldn't be happier."

�

"That's great, man--"� Chris said to him.� "You and Kelly are great together.� And believe me, we're all relieved you worked things out,"� Chris joked.

�

"Yeah, but you do realize you either have to have a late wedding or a very early one,"� JC told them.

�

"Why?"� Kelly asked as she looked away from Leah.

�

Lance and JC looked at each other.� "The Eurpean tour--" they both said in unison.� Lance then looked over at Kelly.� "What do you think?� Want a mid August wedding?"

�

"August?� Sweetie, that's in 1 week,"� Kelly said in shock.

�

"Well, if you want to wait we could--"� Lance was interrupted by Kelly, who placed her hand over his mouth.

�

"1 week it is!� I'd marry you tomorrow if I could--"� she laughed and kissed him one last time with everyone watching.

�

Chapter 22:�

�

Kelly brought Lance home from the hospital, while Justin and JC picked up his parents at the airport.� Kelly helped Lance onto the couch.� "Are you sure that's all right?"� She asked standing in front of him.� "Do you want a pillow?"

�

Lance shook his head as he reached out and grabbed her hand.� "What I need is for you to sit down with me.� Stop worrying about what's happened to me--"

�

"How can I stop worrying?� If I had lost you--"� Kelly stopped in midsentence because she couldn't bare to even think about it.

�

"But you didn't, Kel.� You didn't lose me then and you won't.� Please, sit with me,"� Lance pleaded with her.

�

Kelly nodded as she sat next to Lance.� She turned sideways so that her eyes met his.�

�

"I just want to make sure you're all right with everything that is going on,"� Lance said to her.

�

"It's a little late to be asking me that, Lance--"� Kelly chuckled, while her face lit up.

�

"I'm serious--"� Lance said in a serious tone.

�

Kelly took a deep sigh as she reached over and interlaced her fingers with his.�� She looked up into his deep, green eyes.� Eyes that she could look into all day, eyes that she could get lost in.� "So am I."� Kelly took a pause.� "I cna't tell you what it means to me that we've made it to this point.� Marrying you is my dream come true."

�

"You are my dream come true--"� Lance whispered as he looked at her.� "I really was afraid that I blew my chance at true happiness."

�

"I'm glad our chance wasn't blown.� I'm glad we found our way back,"� Kelly muttered to him.� A small tear escaped from her eyes and she laughed as he wiped them away.

�

"Kelly, don't cry--"� He said to her as he reached over and wiped away her soft tears.� "It's happier times ahead, remember?"

�

Kelly nodded her head.� "Yes.� The happiest are yet to come for the two of us."� Kelly leaned forward and placed a soft, passionate kiss on Lance's lips.� After a few moments of intensity, Kelly pulled back.� She placed her right hand on his right cheek.� "I love you."

�

"Oh God, I love you--"� Lance started to say something else but was interrupted by the knocking on the door.

�

"Oh, that has to be your parents.� Stacy can't come until Friday, but your parents wanted to come early.� I had JC and Justin pick them up, so I could come and get you."� Kelly slowly got up.� "I'll get it,"� she said to him.� Kelly slowly walked over to the door.� "Lance, don't you dare move,"� she yelled back at him.

�

"I wasn't--"� Lance replied back to her as he laid back on the couch.

�

Kelly went over to the door and let his parents inside.� "Hi!"� Kelly smiled at both of them.� She was so happy that they were there.

�

"Oh, hi sweetie--"� Diane said to Kelly as she wrapped her arms around her.� "I am so glad you are here with my son,"� she whispered to her.

�

Lance's Dad, Jim, gave Kelly a hug.� And then after that he went into the living room and over to his son.� Diane looked over at Kelly.� "Honey, let's go in his room and talk, ok?"� Kelly nodded and they walked in the back of the apartment.

�

~*~Living Room~*~

�

Lance tried to sit up as his Dad sat next to him.� "Did you guys have a good flight?"� Lance asked him.

�

Jim shook his head and then leaned over and hugged his son.� "Your Mom and I were so worried about you."

�

Lance pulled back from his Dad.� "I'm all right.� Kelly's made sure of that."

�

"We're so thankful for her.� The kind of love the two of you share is one of a kind.� It's like what I feel for your Mother.� So I think you finally understand that kind of 'I'll do anything for you' love."

�

"That I certainly do--"� Lance nodded as he looked over towards the hall.�

�

~*~Down the Hall~*~

�

Kelly sat down on Lance's bed next to Diane.� "You know, most people who have a rushed wedding are stressed out to the extreme.� But you know what?� This is going to be a walk in the park compared to the week I've had.� Going through the stress of almost losing Lance and knowing--"� Kelly stopped just incase she hadn't been filled in on the rest.� Kelly looked over at a picture of her and Lance that sat near his bed.

�

Diane reached out and touched Kelly's hand.� "Honey, it's all right.� Justin told me about it and so did Lance.� It wasn't your fault.� You couldn't have known what was going to happen."

�

"I know, but--"� Kelly began to say.

�

Diane interrupted her.� "There is no 'buts' about it, ok?�� I hate that this happened.� But it brought the two of you back together.� You make my son so�happy, Kelly.� And that is the biggest blessing.� You've always been like a daughter to me and now--- it will be official."

�

Kelly smiled at her.� "I feel the same about you and Jim.� I may make Lance happy, but I got to tell you-- he means the world to me.� He shows me what true happiness really is.� He shows me true love."

�

Chapter 23:

�

~The following day~

�

Lance, his Dad, and the guys sat around the kitchen table.� "Come on, guys--I mean, this is my wedding.� I want to help.� What can I do?"

�

"We got it all under control, man.� Me, JC, Justin, and Chris split everything up.� All we want you to do is get well enough so you can walk down the aisle to marry the girl you've waited for--"� Joey told him.�

�

"Thanks, guys--"� Lance said giving up.� These guys were the best friends he could ask for.� "I just want it to be perfect for Kelly.� She deserves it."

�

"It will be,"� Justin promised him.� He turned towards Lance's Dad.� "Make sure he doesn't leave this apartment."

�

"You got it,"� Jim answered.�

�

Justin nodded and then the guys left Lance's apartment.� They knew they had to get right on things if they were going to get everything done in 2 days.� 2 days to make this an unforgetable wedding for Lance and Kelly.

�

~*~Across Town~*~

�

Kelly, Sarah, Leah, Trish, Carrie, Kristy, and Lance's Mom all made their way into a bridal boutique.� "How am I supposed to find a wedding dress and 4 bridesmaides dresses in 1 day?"� Kelly asked Diane.

�

"You never know--"� Diane said as all the girls began to go through a nearby rack.�

�

"What color, Kel?"� Leah asked her.

�

Kelly walked over to Leah, who was JC's girlfriend, and who had become a good friend to Kelly.� "Well....for you guys I'd like a soft blue."

�

"We didn't mean for you--"� Sarah laughed as she bumped hips with her best friend.

�

"Ha, ha,"� Kelly replied as she smiled at her friend.� "God, I can't believe I am getting married in 2 days.� It just seems so unreal."

�

Diane walked over to Kelly and placed an arm around her shoulder.� "If you don't find a dress we're going to have to send you down that aisle in jeans and a t-shirt."� Everyone laughed.� "Let's go look over here." Diane pointed to another rack.

�

~*~Justin's House~*~

�

All the guys sat down in�Justin's living room and took out their�cell�phones.� They all had their list of what needed to be done in front of them.� Not only did they have to get things set for the wedding, they wanted to put together a small bachlor party for Lance.� They knew they couldn't go all out because he had just gotten out of the hospital, but they�felt they had to do something-- even if it was small.

�

"Is Father Ryser in?"� Justin asked the�church secretary on the other end.� "Father?� It's Justin Timberlake.�� I'm good.�� I was wondering if you�could do me a favor?� Yeah.� Lance is getting married this Friday and we need a church.� Right,"� Justin laughed.� "What time?� 7 o'clock would be fine.� Yeah, ok.� Thanks, Father.� Bye."� Justin hung up the phone.� "1 down..."� he muttered to himself.

�

"Yeah, hi.� I need�to order a tux.� The wedding is this�Friday.� Ok.� Ok.��Yeah, I can stop in that day.� The best one you've got.� Thanks,"��Joey�said and then hung up his phone.

�

"Yeah, I'd like to order a stripper---"� Chris said on his phone.� All the�guys hung up their phone and stared at�Chris.� "Joke!"� He laughed hysterically.� "You should see your guys' faces."� He continused to laugh.

�

~*~Bridal Boutique~*~��

�

**2 hours later**

�

Kelly continued to flip through bridal dress after bridal dress.� The girls had lucked out and found their bridesmaides dresses within the first hour.� After she had looked at about 50 or so, she felt like they were all beginning to look similar.� "I'll never--" she started to say but stopped.� "This is it,"� Kelly squealed with excitement as she took the dress off the rack.� "Diane!"� She called out.� "I found it!� I found my dress.� I just know it!"� Kelly smiled.

�

"Well, let's have you try it on,"� Diane said to her.� "That lady can show you where to try it on."

�

"Will you come with me?� I mean, I wish my Mom was here to do it with me-- but I'd love for you to,"� Kelly said to her as she held the dress in her arms.

�

Diane smiled at her and nodded.� "I'd love to."�

�

Diane walked into this big, open room with Kelly.� It had a mirror on the whole back wall, and then a smaller, full length mirror off to the site.� There was a step in front of the mirror for the bride to stand.� "Do you need some help?"� Diane asked her.

�

"Yeah,"� Kelly said as she slid into the dress.� "I can't reach the buttons in the back."� Diane walked over to Kelly and�buttoned each�button.�

�

The dress was came all the way down to her feet.� It was form fitting her waiste up, which showed off her excellent figure.� There were bead in the middle of her ab area, and it was short sleaved.�

�

Kelly walked up to the step and stood in front of the mirror.� She pressed her hands up against the dress.� "What do you think?"� She said after a deep sigh.

�

Diane couldn't help but get all tearyeyed.� "Honey, you look absolutely gorgeous.� Lance is one lucky guy.� Who wouldn't be with a knockout like you?"� She smiled.�

�

"This is the one.� This is the dress I want to get married in--"� Kelly whispered in a matter-of-fact tone.

�

"Lance will be in complete awe of you,"� Diane told her.�

�

Kelly heard a knock on the door.� "Yeah?"

�

"Kel, it's Sarah.� Can we see it?� Does it fit?"� Sarah asked her through the door.

�

"Yeah, it does.� Bring all the girls in,"� Kelly told Sarah and then smiled over at Diane.

�

Sarah opened the and the rest of the girls followed her inside the room.� "Oh, Kel--"� Sarah started to say.� "That dress was made for you."

�

Kelly glanced down at the dress.� "You think?"

�

"Kel, it's beautiful--"� Leah told her.�

�

Kelly cringed with excitement.� "I can't believe I'm getting married!!"�� Kelly stepped down and walked over to the girls and gathered them all in a group hug.�

�

Sarah pulled back.� "Before you get married, we have a suprise for you.� A bachlorette kind of surprise!"� Sarah and the other girls laughed.� "Oh, yeah."� She nodded.

�

Chapter 24:

�

~The following night~

�

Lance's parents sat on the couch with his sister, Stacy, in his apartment.� "Ford couldn't make it, huh?"� Jim asked her.

�

"No-- he wanted to.� But he just couldn't get out of this meeting.� It was a last minute sort of thing, you know?"� Stacy said to her parents.

�

"That's too bad,"� Diane said to her.� "I'm sure Lance will understand, though."

�

"Speaking of Lance, where is he?"� Stacy asked them glancing around his apartment.

�

"Oh..."� Diane smiled.� "The guys took him away for a slight bachlor party.� They promised not to make it too big since he's still healing."

�

"I thought he could barely move from the couch,"� Stacy said.

�

"Well, that was yesterday.� He was on strict orders from Kelly not to hardly move,"� Diane laughed.� "But this morning he was a lot better."

�

Before either of them could say another word there was a knock at the door.� Diane got up and went to the door.� "Hi!"� Diane smiled as she welcomed Kelly's parents.� "Kelly said you weren't coming until tomorrow morning, otherwise we could have picked you guys up."

�

"We hadn't planned on coming tonight, but they offered us a earlier flight sort of thing.� So we took it.� Where are Kelly and Lance?"� Kelly's Mom, Linda asked.

�

"Uh...they are both at their little parties.�� They will be back real late.� We could get you a room at the hotel we're staying at if you'd like,"� Diane said to them.

�

"That'd be great,"� Linda answered.� "So, tell me-- how did my little girl look in her wedding dress?"

�

"She looked absolutely gorgeous,"� Diane said with a smile.

�

~*~Lance's Apartment late that night~*~

�

1 am approached the next morning as Kelly quietly made her way into Lance's apartment.� She wasn't sure if his parents were staying there or not, so she tried to be as quiet as possible.� Kelly walked inside and turned on the hall light.�

�

"Hey--" Kelly heard a voice call out.

�

Kelly turned towards the living room and saw Lance sitting on the couch.� "What are you doing?"

�

"Waiting for you.� I wanted to see you before I we walked down the aisle,"� Lance whispered.

�

Kelly smiled walking over to him.� "So what did the guys do for you tonight?"

�

Lance shrugged his shoulders.� "Uh, not too much.� They hired a stripper and--"

�

Kelly playfully tapped him on the shoulder.� "Very funny.� I take my question back, I don't want to know.� If Joey was there, then I don't want to know."� She smirked.

�

"What about you?"� Lance asked.

�

"Wouldn't you like to know.� But I can't tell you-- it's top secret,"� Kelly laughed.

�

"You're right, I don't want to know.� Are you ready for tomorrow, Kel?� Tomorrow we're going to be married and it will be the start of a new life together,"� Lance said.

�

Kelly leaned closer to him and kissed him.� "A new life."

�

Chapter 25:

�

~7 p.m. the following night~

�

Kelly stood in the bridal room after she had just placed her dress on.� Her maide of honor and her braidesmaides stood around her.� Sarah was putting the final touches on her hair.� "There.� It looks beautiful.� You look so beautiful."

�

Kelly placed her hands on both sides of her head.� "Thanks, Sar."� There was a knock on the door and then it opened slightly.

�

"How is my little girl with--"� Kelly's Mom, Linda, slowly walked inside and closed the door behind her.� "Oh, Kelly."

�

"We'll be down the hall,"� Sarah told Kelly.� She gave her best friend a hug, then her and the rest of the girls walked out of the room.

�

Linda walked over to Kelly and stood behind her.� "Diane was right.� You look perfect.� I can't believe my little girl is getting married."

�

"Mom, I'm not so little anymore,"� Kelly whispered as she looked at her Mom through the mirror.

�

Linda placed her hands on Kelly's shoulders.� "I know.� It's just that I'm so proud of you, honey.� Your Dad and I both are--" she told her.� Kelly turned around and hugged her Mom.

�

"Don't make me cry.� I don't want to ruin my makeup,"� Kelly chuckled through a few tears.

�

"I love you, sweetheart--"� Linda told her daugher.�

�

~*~Lance's Grooms Room~*~

�

Diane walked inside and found Lance pacing the floor.� "Honey, is something wrong?"

�

"Did you just come from seeing Kelly?"� Lance asked her.

�

"Yes."� Diane smiled.� "And sweetheart, she looks breathtaking."

�

"I'm not surprised.� She always looks breathtaking to me,"� Lance told her.� "Can you believe it, Mom?� Can you believe I am getting married?"

�

"No, I can't.� But I am glad it's with Kelly.� You two bring out the best in each other, and this marriage will just make you two grow together."� Diane hugged her son.

�

~*~Bridal Room~*~

�

Kelly's Mom exited the room as her Dad entered.� "I guess this is your big day--"� He said as he walked over to her.

�

"And I am so ready for it.� Lance is the one, Daddy."� Kelly turned around and smiled at him.� "I guess deep down I always knew he was the one."

�

"I can't believe my baby is getting married,"� Her Dad said horsely.

�

"I'm all grown up now--"� Kelly said to him.

�

Her Dad shook his head.� "But you'll always be my baby girl.� Always.� I love you--"� He gave her a kiss on� the cheek and then held out his arm.� "Are you ready?"

�

Kelly locked her arm with his.� "I've never been more ready."� She smiled up at him and rested her head on his shoulder.� A few seconds later they walked out of the bridal room and down the hall.

�

**10 minutes later**

�

Kelly stood behind all the bridesmaides as they began to walk down the aisle.� And then the moment she had been waiting for finally came.� The music began and the people stood up.� They couldn't invite all their relatives since it was so last minute, but a good majority came.�� As all the guests looked her way, she took a deep breath.� Kelly looked up at her Dad and a few tears appeared.

�

Her Dad looked over and wiped them off.� "He's right down that aisle waiting to take care of you forever."

�

"I know--"� Kelly whispered.� She nodded and they slowly made their way down the aisle, while everyone watched her.� As she neared the front of the church she saw her Mom smiling up at her.�

�

'I love you' Linda whispered to her daugher.� Kelly whispered the same back to her.

�

Kelly approched the front.� "Who gives this woman to this man in hand of marriage?"� Father Ryser asked.

�

"Her Mother and I do,"� Kelly's Dad said.� Kelly placed a kiss on his cheek and then he released her into Lance's hands.

�

Kelly and Lance smiled at one another as the ceremony began.� Kelly looked to her girls off to the left and Lance did the same with his guys off to the right.

�

**30 minutes later**

�

"By the power vested in me, I pronounce you husband and wife.� You may kiss the bride," Father Ryser announced.�

�

Lance smiled at Kelly and lifted up her vail.� He leaned and kissed her as tears ran down her cheeks.� Kelly pulled back a little.� "I'm so happy.� You make me so happy."

�

"You do the same for me.�You're my angel.� From the past and for the future. I love you, Kelly."� And then once again they embraced and shared another kiss.� As a sign of the committment of a life together.

�

**THE END**

�