EPILOGUE





"Do you, Nickolas Gene Carter, take this woman to be your lawfully wedded wife? Do you promise to love, honor and cherish her in sickness and in health, for richer or poorer, til death do you part?"

"I do," Nick said, smiling from ear to ear.

"And do you, Samantha Marie Micheals, take this man to be your lawfully wedded husband? Do you promise to love, honor and cherish him in sickness and in health, for richer or poorer, til death do you part?"

"I do," Sam whispered, tears glistening in her eyes.

"I now pronounce you husband and wife......you may kiss your beautiful bride Mr. Carter."

Nick carefully lifted Sam's veil, smiled and gently kissed her. Pulling away, he saw that Sam had indeed began crying. He carefully wiped her cheeks, smiling. The two of them turned toward the large crowd behind them.

"Ladies and Gentleman......I give to you for the first time, Mr. and Mrs. Nickolas Gene Carter..."

As they made their way down the stairs of the platform, everyone rose and began cheering. Nick grinned as he saw Aaron jumping up and down and saw his parents standing proudly before him. Everyone was there. All their family and friends as well some select media. It was the event of the year. Even with all those people, Nick didn't notice anyone but Sam....


"Dad?"

Nick jerked out of his revere, "Yea son?"

"It's time to go...." his son said softly.

Nick nodded, "I'll be right down."

Nick watched as his son left the room and then glanced down at the book in his hand. Sam's journal.....the one he had given her....as well as more recent ones. Not long after they were 'reunited', Nick proposed to her. They had been married a year after they got engaged....on Halloween. That was a little over 20 years ago. The fans had taken the news amazingly well.....and the Backstreet Boys had been successful for another 5 years before finally going their separate ways. Kevin had released a solo pianist album and had gotten married himself. He was now living in Orlando with his wife and daughter, Zoey. Howie had turned to producing and was still at it. He had never gotten married. AJ had released a solo album that climbed the charts. Now he was writing and producing for other artists. Him and Jordan had been together for a little over a year when they decided they couldn't work things out. Jordan disappeared for a few years but when she came back, her and Brian began dating and are now married with 3 daughters and a son: Sammie, Hollie, Alexandra, and Tommy. Brian and Nick has started their own label after the boys had split up, Frick-N-Frack Entertainment® which had taken off almost immediately. Now they had about 10 of the hottest and most talented acts in the business on their label. Brian had released a solo album that did quite well. He still continued to do guest spots on other artists albums once in awhile. As for Nick, he had spent a few years acting after the split and also illustrated a few childrens fantasy books. After a few years out of the music business he decided to try his hand at a solo album. While the sales did great, it didn't really interest Nick all that much anymore. Him and Sam had 3 kids.....a set of identical twin girls and a son. Nickolas Brian Carter Jr. was born two years after they were married, making him 17. He's a spitting image of Nick and has become quite interested in taking over Frick-N-Frack Ent.® in the future. The girls were born about 11 months after Nicky.....slightly premature, but healthy as can be. Skylar Angel Carter and Shayla Stephanie Carter look just like their mother....with her long dark hair and bright blue eyes, they all could have passed for sisters. Sky and Shay are the entertainers of the family. They had formed their own singing duo, 'SSC' when they were 14 and were working hard to get a record deal. All of them (Nick, Sky and Shay) had agreed it would be a bad idea to sign on under Frick-N-Frack Ent.® if they wanted to be taken seriously. Along with singing, they had both been child models. They were daddy's little angels......at least Nick liked to think so. Ten years into their marriage, Sam had gotten sick. She was diagnosed with Melanoma. The cancer was too far spread to do much, but they had tried every type of medication and prevention treatment they could think of. Sam didn't get real bad until the last 2 years. During those two years she became bedridden and dependant on everyone else. She had finally passed away in her sleep three years ago. It had been the hardest time of Nick's life. His one love had left him again......only this time for good.

Sighing, Nick stood up. He glanced around the room once more. It was Sam's room......her sanctuary. Whenever she had wanted to be alone or wanted to work, she had come here. Nick hadn't changed it at all since her death. Whenever he felt the need to be near her, he came here. Now as he stood up, he felt a peace overcome him. He wouldn't be near this room for at least 3 months. It was summertime and JIVE had announced the release of 'The Backstreet Boys - Greatest Hits' album. JIVE had also asked them to do a promo tour for it........and after weeks of discussion they had agreed. They all knew it was going to be cheesy and lame.....seeing as how the youngest member was past 40 already. But they had decided this would be a fun way to spend the summer. Everyone was bringing their families with them. The opening acts were going to be their kids.....each doing a small selection of whatever they want. While the guys are performing their old stuff, they're also going to mix in a bit of their solo stuff. And instead of doing all the dancing themselves, they had hired professionals to dance along with them.

Nick headed outside and looked at everyone standing around on his lawn waiting for him. There was Kevin, Maria and Zoey. Brian, Jordan, Sammie, Hollie, Alexandra and Tommy. Howie and AJ. Nicky, Sky and Shay. And numerous other tour people. Even at the age of 44, Nick was in awe of everything that went along with a tour.

"You okay daddy?" Sky asked from his side.

"Sure am sweetie.....it still amazes me though......."

"Tell me about it dad. I can't believe you used to do this all the time! It's weird!"

"Gee Shay, you know how to make an old guy feel young again," Nick said sarcastically.

"Dad!! You know what I mean.......I man, come on, seeing all those old videos of you guys strutting your stuff.....which by the way, was very disgusting looking sometimes.....it's just weird. You aren't some star.....you're.....dad."

"Thanks Shay........I think," he said kissing her cheek, "OKAY!! WHAT ARE WE WAITING FOR?? LETS TOUR!!"

At that shout, everyone outside began yelling and getting excited. Over the next hour, they loaded the busses and were finally on their way. Nick sat up front staring out the window.

"I love you Sam.......this one's for you......" he whispered to no one as the sun set on the horizon.


THE END!