"I can’t believe we’re finally married," Dawn said, hugging D tightly.
"Like Nicky said, it’s about time!" D laughed.
"I thought I was going to lose it when Alex recited our vows."
Tears came to Dawn's eyes as she remembered the words he said to her and the look in his eyes as he did so. AJ wrapped his arms around her from behind and kissed her cheek.
"It was a beautiful ceremony," Denise commented.
"Yes it was," Dawn gushed. "We’d better get going. I’m sure other people want to get married."
They all signed their marriage license and made their way outside to their cars.
"So what are we doing now?" Dawn asked everyone. "Are we celebrating?"
"I thought you, J and Ari could have a nice family lunch and Nick and I would just go home and spend some quality time together," D winked.
Dawn and AJ looked at each other and smiled.
"A family lunch sounds so nice," Dawn smiled.
"Okay then. Thank you guys, for everything," AJ told his friends, hugging each of them.
He gave his Mom a kiss on the cheek.
"And thank you for being here, Mom. I love you."
"I love you too, sweetheart."
Dawn hugged Denise, said goodbye to D and Nick and she, AJ and Arianna were off to their first lunch as a real family.
Two hours later, they were on their way home when AJ’s cell phone rang.
"Hello?"
"Hey Bone, It’s Howie."
"Hey man, what’s up?"
"Could you come by Tabu? There’s something I need to discuss with you."
"It sounds important. Is everything okay?" AJ asked, concerned.
"Just come by as soon as you can okay?"
"Okay man. We’re on our way back from lunch. Is it okay if I bring the girls?"
"Sure. It’s no problem."
"Alright then. I’ll be there as soon as I can," he said, hanging up.
"What was that about?" Dawn questioned.
"I don’t know. Howie wants us to stop by. He’s got something to talk to me about."
"What do you think it is?"
AJ shook his head, his eyebrows furrowed.
"I don’t know. I guess we’ll find out."
A little while later, they pulled up in front of the club and went inside. The door was unlocked but there were no lights on.
"Howie? Man, are you here?" AJ called.
"Something doesn’t seem right," Dawn whispered, grabbing his arm.
AJ picked up Arianna and put an arm around Dawn for comfort.
"It’ll be fine. I’m sure he’s here somewhere."
They walked further into the club and were suddenly blinded when the lights flicked on.
"SURPRISE!!!" everyone shouted.
Dawn and AJ were shocked to find all of their friends standing in front of them with huge grins on their faces.
"Oh my God! You scared the crap out of us!" AJ laughed, setting Arianna down.
"What is all this?" Dawn asked, looking around.
There were decorations all around and an enormous ‘Congratulations AJ and Dawn’ banner hanging from the ceiling.
"It’s your reception!" D shouted happily.
"Since we couldn’t be at the ceremony, we decided to throw you guys this little party," Kevin explained. "Congratulations."
Dawn and AJ stood there shocked as their friends hugged and congratulated them.
"How did you guys know?" AJ asked curiously.
"D and Nick told us," Brian said matter-of-factly.
"Are you mad?" D asked carefully.
"No, of course not," Dawn reassured her as she turned back to Kevin, Brian, and Howie . "Alex and I felt horrible that we didn’t tell you guys but we didn’t want anything to leak out and ruin it."
"We understand. It’s okay," Kevin grinned.
"So that’s why you suggested the family lunch," she realized, turning to D.
"We needed some time to decorate. And I think we did a damn good job if I do say so myself," D commented, gesturing to the decorations.
"It looks great! You guys did a wonderful job," Dawn praised.
"So there’s nothing we need to talk about?" AJ asked Howie.
"Nope, I just needed to get you here," he answered, slapping him on the back.
"Now that all that is straightened out, lets party!!" Nick yelled, heading to the bar for a beer.
"As best man, I’d like to propose a toast," Nick announced a couple hours, and many beers later.
He stepped up on the stage in the front of the club and everyone gathered around, waiting for him to continue.
"To my boy Aje, who’s one of my bestest buds," Nick started, swaying a bit from the affects of all the alcohol he consumed.
"You and Dawn have been through a lot, especially in the last few months, and today you put all of that behind you and became husband and wife. It’s been a long time coming and I’m honored to have shared this day with the both of you. To AJ and Dawn!" He raised his glass and took a long sip.
"To AJ and Dawn!" Everyone repeated, sipping their drinks.
AJ took Dawn’s hand as they smiled lovingly at each other.
"I’d like to say something," Kevin declared, taking Nick’s place on the stage.
Everyone laughed as Nick almost fell down the steps. D ran to help him, trying to stifle her own laughter. Kevin stood there for a second trying to gather his thoughts together.
"I’ve known AJ for almost nine years now. I’ve watched him grow from an obnoxious, pain in the ass kid to a fine young man. Of course, he’s still a pain in the ass…..hell, he’s still obnoxious, too, but….I’m very proud of the man he’s become."
AJ chuckled at Kevin’s words, but he was also touched by it. He and Kevin didn’t always get along because of the large gap in their ages as well as the differences in their personalities. However, as they got older, especially the last few years, they had gotten much closer. Neither of them were the type to really talk about it, though, so Kevin’s words held special meaning to him. He felt the tears threatening to spill over and blinked them back.
"I’m also proud of the woman
that he’s chosen to spend the rest of his life with. Dawn, I’ve always thought
you were the best thing that ever happened to AJ. You’ve given him the family
he’s always wanted. You keep him in check and we all thank
you for that," he chuckled and everyone laughed.
"To AJ and Dawn. May all your dreams come true, and may your life be full of
love and happiness for years to come."
"Here here!" Everyone cheered as AJ leaned over and kissed Dawn tenderly on the lips.
"Thank you, Kevin. That was very sweet," Dawn choked out.
She was genuinely touched by his kind words. Kevin had been there for her since the very beginning of her relationship with AJ. He had helped out a lot when she and AJ had broken up when she was pregnant with Arianna. She appreciated all he had done for her. She still felt guilty that he wasn’t there for the ceremony.
"I’m not done yet. I have a very special announcement to make. Brian, Howie and myself got a call this morning from our label. This is for Nick as well since he was with the both of you today."
Nick perked up at the mention of his name. He and AJ looked at each other puzzled.
"They told us that we have been nominated for a Grammy for album and song of the year."
Everyone screamed and yelled, congratulating the guys.
"Wait! It gets even better," Kevin smiled. "The new Mrs. Mclean has also been nominated for Best New Artist."
"What?" Dawn gasped.
She looked at AJ in amazement.
"But I haven’t even toured in the states yet."
"But your album was number one for twelve weeks and your single was number one for eighteen. Baby, you’re a success. You didn’t have to tour here. People love your album."
"I can’t believe this," she said, still in shock.
"I’m so proud of you, Mrs. Mclean," AJ told her, giving her a hug.
"I’m so happy for you!" D gave her a huge hug, followed by the rest of the group.
"Wow, this has been such an amazing day. I want to thank all of you for this party, especially D and Nick for standing up for us. And Mom for being there with us too," Dawn said.
"What about me Mommy? Me give wings," Arianna chimed in, tugging on her dress.
"Thank you too sweetie. You did a wonderful job."
Dawn gave her a kiss on the top of her head.
Kevin made his way off the stage and Dawn approached him and tightly embraced him.
"Thank you so much for the things that you said. It meant more to me than you could possibly know."
"No need to thank me. Everything I’ve done has been out of love for you and AJ. And of course for my Goddaughter," he smiled, looking over at Arianna.
"I should be getting Nick home. He’s a little tipsy," D informed them.
They looked over at Nick who was fascinated by the disco ball on the ceiling. They all laughed at the goofy look on his face.
"Tipsy??!" AJ laughed harder, "That boy is bombed out of his mind!!"
"Thanks again for everything," Dawn turned to D, giving her a big hug.
"No need to thank me. It was my pleasure."
"Do you need any help getting the lush home?" Kevin offered with a chuckle.
"Just out to the car, thanks."
Kevin proceeded to help her to take Nick to the car while Dawn and AJ gathered Arianna to head home. Denise gave a final hug to her son and daughter-in-law.
"This has been a wonderful day," she gushed. "I’m so happy for you two".
"Thank you for sharing it with us," Dawn said as she gave Denise another hug.
"There was no where I’d rather have been. And I have a present for you both".
"What is it?" AJ asked anxiously, hopping up and down like a little kid.
"I’m taking Arianna tonight so you two can have a quiet evening alone," she smirked, picking up Arianna.
AJ looked at Dawn with his eyebrows raised, awaiting her reaction. She smiled and winked at him.
"Mom, you are a goddess." AJ gave her a kiss on the cheek. "Be good for Gramma ok?" He said quickly to Arianna.
"I will Daddy. I pwomise."
"Give Daddy a kiss."
He puckered up and Arianna gave him quick peck.
"Give Mommy a kiss."
She did the same to Dawn and waved as she left with Denise.
"Are you ready to go home Mrs. Mclean?" AJ asked her with a grin as he nuzzled his nose against her neck.
"I sure am Mr. Mclean. I can’t wait to show you what D gave me that was blue," she wiggled her eyebrows at him.
AJ’s eyes got wide, then he scooped her up in his arms and ran out of the club.
AJ and Dawn pulled in their driveway and he turned the car off. They both turned and looked at each other then broke out into huge grins.
"What’s so funny, Mrs. McLean?" AJ asked.
She couldn’t stop smiling, especially when he called her Mrs. McLean.
"I don’t know…." She looked down at her hands and fiddled with her wedding ring.
AJ watched her closely. He thought it was so cute how she seemed so nervous for some reason.
"Ready to go in?" He asked.
She looked over at him and smiled. "Yeah."
He leaned over and placed a soft kiss on her lips.
"Don’t move," he said when he pulled away from her.
He got out of the car and walked around to her side and opened the door. She started to get out of the car.
"Ah! What did I say?"
"What??" Dawn looked up at him, puzzled.
"We have to do this right. I’m gonna carry you over the thresh hold," he said bending over to pick her up.
She chuckled as he scooped her up in his arms then closed the car door with his hip. They got to the front door and AJ stopped.
"Uh oh," he said.
"What?"
"I should have thought about how we’re gonna get into the house when the keys are in my pocket," he chuckled, slightly embarrassed.
"Let me," Dawn said, reaching into his pants pocket and pulling out his keys.
"Wala!" She smiled as she held them up in front of his face.
"Hey, why don’t you do that again," he said, wiggling his eyebrows.
"What?" Dawn asked.
"Feel around in my pocket…it felt good," he smiled.
"You’re so bad," Dawn laughed as he took the keys from her and opened the door.
Once inside, he set her down on her feet then she started to walk away. He pulled her into his arms.
"Hey, where do you think you’re going?" He asked, nuzzling his nose in the crook of her neck.
"Well, I was going to go turn some lights on and go take a nice, long bubble bath. Care to join me?"
"Mmmm,I don’t know. Remember what happened the last time we attempted to bathe together…"
"Whatever do you mean?" Dawn asked with an innocent smile.
"Please….the halo is crooked, sweetheart…as a matter of fact, I think yours has been taken away…for good!"
"I don’t remember hearing any complaints from you, mister. I do believe you were the one that slithered into the shower with me as a matter of fact!"
"Best shower I’ve ever taken," he kissed her lips.
"But let me just tell you," he gently bit down on her lower lip.
"If you EVER tease me like that again, you will be so sorry".
"Oohh, what are you going to do? Spank me?" She whispered in his ear.
"You’d like that," AJ smiled, following her up the steps to their bathroom.
He watched Dawn in silence as she turned on the faucet in their jacuzzi bathtub. He was enjoying the view of her rear-end as she bent over the tub as she reached for the bubble bath, pouring a generous amount into the steaming water. She sat down on the edge of the tub and looked up at him. They stared at each other in silence. Each of them thinking the same thoughts.
AJ moved over to her and ran his hand over her cheek, smoothing a strand of hair behind her ear. He smiled at her as he unbuttoned his shirt slowly, his gaze never leaving hers. She swallowed hard, imagining his soft flesh underneath.
When he removed his wifebeater, Dawn’s eyes traveled to his tattooed bellybutton. She licked her lips and pulled him closer, tracing the sixty-nine tattoo with her tongue. He let out a soft moan as she smiled. She unbuttoned his pants and let them fall to the floor. She wasn’t surprised when she found nothing underneath. She smiled to herself as she slowly took him into her mouth.
"God, baby," he hissed, slightly bucking his hips at her sudden movement.
She moved up and down his length a couple of times before pulling away. She chuckled as he whimpered.
"The tub is going to overflow," Dawn pointed out, as she turned off the faucet.
"Besides," she continued, standing up. "You had yours this morning. You owe me, we had a deal".
"You’re a tease," AJ joked, giving her a soft kiss. "Looks like I’ll be taking matters into my own hands tonight".
"Mmm, can I watch?"
He turned her around so he could unzip her dress.
"Only if you’re good," he whispered in Dawn’s ear as she closed her eyes and let the visuals flow freely through her mind.
AJ pushed her dress off her shoulders and watched it fall to the floor. His breath caught in his throat when he saw the blue panties and bra she wore underneath.
"Wow," he whispered, running his hands down her arms.
She turned around and smiled at him.
"You like?"
"Oh, I like," he nodded, wrapping his arms around her and giving her a passionate kiss.
She could feel him hardening against her.
"Down boy," she chuckled, glancing down at his manhood. "I told you that you had yours earlier. Now it’s my turn to have some pleasure."
"Whatever you want, baby" he told her with a smile.
Dawn removed her bra, panties and garter and stepped into the tub.
"Are you going to just stand there or are you going to join me?" She asked her husband when he didn’t get in after her.
"One second," he told her as he ran out of the bathroom.
Dawn smiled as she heard the stereo in their bedroom click on. Brian McKnight’s soulful voice flowed through the speakers.
AJ came back into the room with an arm full of scented candles. He set a few on the edge of the tub, a couple on the sink and one on the vanity.
Dawn watched in awe as he lit each candle one by one. She loved to watch him when he was naked. His body was perfect, like it was carved from stone. He glanced at her as he blew out the match, running it under the water before throwing it into the trash.
"Much better," he said, climbing in and sitting behind her.
She leaned back against him and he wrapped his arms around her. They both sighed contentedly as the bubbles surrounded them.
"This is so nice," Dawn commented, wiggling a bit against him.
"Yes it is and don’t do that."
"Do what?" She asked innocently, wiggling against him again.
He let out a loud groan as he shifted.
"I thought you said it was your turn," he rasped into her ear, making her shudder.
He kissed her neck as he snaked his hand down her body, finding her sweet spot. She leaned her head back and moaned loudly at his touch.
He sucked on her neck as he inserted two fingers inside her, torturing her clit with his thumb. His other hand played with her breast, rolling her nipple between his fingers and tugging gently.
"God Alex, don’t stop."
He picked up the pace and soon she was screaming his name as her orgasm swept over her.
"Wow," Dawn sighed, as she tried to regain her composure.
"I love making you cum. I’ve missed it," AJ said, removing his fingers and pulling her close.
He put his hands on her belly and gently rubbed it.
"I have too."
"We probably shouldn't stay in here too long, Dominic’s going to come out looking like a prune!" AJ laughed.
"Probably," Dawn agreed, getting up out of the tub. "Whoa," she gasped, grabbing the wall.
"What’s wrong?" AJ asked worriedly as he grabbed her before she fell.
"I just got dizzy all of a sudden. I must have gotten up too fast," she said, grabbing her head and taking a deep breath.
"You sat in here too long. It must be all that heat."
AJ got out and grabbed a towel. He helped her out of the tub and dried her off.
"You should lie down. You look pale."
"I’m fine, Alex. Like you said, the heat got to me."
AJ picked her up and carried her to their bed, laying her down gently. He climbed in next to her and covered them with the blankets. Dawn snuggled close to him as he wrapped his arms around her.
"I love you," Dawn sighed, totally relaxed and contented.
"I love you too, Angel."
He kissed her forehead and leaned his cheek against it.
"I still can’t believe I’m gonna wake up tomorrow as your wife," she grinned.
"Me either. It’s so amazing. I’ve been waiting for you my whole life. I’ve wanted this for so long and now it’s finally happening. We’re married…..husband and wife. It’s unreal."
Dawn lifted her head and looked at him, her eyes filled with tears.
"You are the most amazing man I’ve ever met. I love you with everything that I have and I've waited for you my entire life."
She wrapped her arms around his neck as she tenderly kissed him on the lips. The kiss deepened as AJ began to place tiny kisses down her neck. She moaned softly as she ran her nails down his back. He shuddered at her touch. He began to open her towel and kiss her chest. Dawn moaned softly, then suddenly pushed AJ away.
"Angel, what’s wrong?" He searched her face for an answer.
"Alex, we can’t do this," Dawn said, closing her towel and getting up from the bed.
AJ just watched her with a puzzled look on his face. She walked over to the window overlooking the pool and stared outside.
"I’m sorry, Alex. I’m sorry we can’t make love on our wedding night. I’m sorry I’m already failing you as a wife…" Tears started to spill down her cheeks, she tried to hold them back, but she couldn’t.
AJ jumped from the bed, tightening his towel around him as he ran over to her.
"Angel, how can you say that?" he asked as he tried to pry her hands away from her face.
He finally did and pulled her into his arms.
"Baby, I don’t care if we can’t make love. I mean..I want to, but it’s not that important. What’s important is that we’re together, and we’re happy. Sex is sex, I’d rather just hold you….kiss you…feel your body beside me…."
"Liar," Dawn chuckled. AJ laughed slightly, too.
"It’s true," he ran his fingers across her cheek. "I mean, I love making love to you, but we don’t have to do that in order to enjoy each other. Remember, we were best friends long before we slept together. You’re still my best friend….now and forever".
Dawn looked up at him, tears slowly falling down her face.
"How did I get so lucky?" She caressed his cheek and he kissed the palm of her hand.
"I’m the lucky one," he smiled as he pulled her closer to him.
She laid her head on his chest and closed her eyes, listening to his heartbeat.
"I love you so much, Angel," he brought her face to his and placed a gentle kiss on her lips.
She wrapped her arms around his neck as they continued to kiss. A slow, tender meshing of lips. Nothing erotic, nothing sexual, but the passion and love flowing between them was something neither of them had felt before.
"Hey, I have an idea," AJ stated as he pulled away from her.
"What’s that?"
"You’ll see," he winked as he walked over to the stereo and put in a CD.
He walked back over to Dawn and held out his hand.
"Dance with me".
"Alex, we’re in towels," she giggled.
"Who cares, this is our house, we can do whatever we want. Dance with me, Mrs. McLean".
She smiled and took his hand. He pulled her closer to him, her head leaning against his cheek as they began to sway to the music.
"I finally found someone, who
knocks me off my feet;
I finally found the one who makes me feel complete...
It started over coffee, we started out as friends;
It's funny how from simple things; the best things begin...
This time is different;
It's all because of you.
It's better than it's ever been
Cuz we can talk it through;
My favorite line was "Can I call you sometime?"
It's all you had to say,
To take my breath away...
This is it,
Oh, I finally found someone; Someone to share my life,
I finally found the one - to be with every night.
Cause whatever I do
It's just got to be you.
My life has just begun, I finally found someone..."
Dawn looked up at AJ and smiled.
"After everything that’s happened, everything we’ve been through…I can’t believe we’re here, we got through it.." she said softly.
"We can get through anything," he whispered.
"I know," she traced his lips with her finger. "But it’s all over now, no more secrets, no more lies, nothing will ever come between us again".
She laid her head on his chest as a feeling of uneasiness settled in his bones. He wished he could tell her everything that had happened while she had been on tour. He had kept so much from her. He was trying to protect her. He did what he thought was right at the time. He wanted to tell her everything, he wanted to explain why he had kept so many secrets from her. He just didn’t know if she would understand.
"Angel…" he began as she looked up at him.
He knew he had to tell her. He would make her understand. They couldn’t begin their married life together with this hanging over their heads. He looked down at her face and saw how happy she was. Her body was so relaxed in his arms, she was so content, he couldn’t take that away from her. Her security, her trust in him…he valued it too much. As much as he wanted to, as much as he tried to make himself say it, he couldn’t bring himself to do it. Not now, not on their wedding night.
"I love you," he smiled as he tucked her hair behind her ear.
"I love you, too, baby," she smiled and laid her head back on his chest.
He gently stroked her hair as he kissed her head.
He would tell her.
He would tell her everything.
Another day.