AN: You guys make me feel so warm and fuzzy inside. You love me, you really love me! LOL Anyway, this is the epilogue *exhales deeply* Yep, it has come to an end. But instead of babbling here, I’ll babble at the end and just let you guys read this. Thanks so much for all the people who read this story and thanks a lot for letting me know you liked it. It means so much. Here it goes, last chapter:

~~

“Come on AJ, look alive.” Kevin turned in his swivel chair to face the numb looking AJ.
“Must I?” He grumbled, cringing at the make up artist applying layers of make up to his face.
“A few questions and you can go home.” Kevin tried to cheer up his friend.
“It’s not a few questions, Kev. It’s an hour worth of questions and I’m just not in the mood. I want to go home.” AJ moaned and with a swift movement of his hands stopped the make-up artist from messing with his hair.
“So you can do what? Mope? Come on, AJ. You’ve been doing that for too long. It’s time you got back on your two feet.” Kevin hopped off the chair and signaled for the third person to leave them alone.
“I can mope as long as I want to. What do you want me to do? Apologize for not being happy over the end of my relationship?” AJ looked at himself in the mirror. For once, he had color in his face. The wonders of makeup and what it can add to a persons appearance.
“No man, you don’t need to apologize for that.” Kevin sighed and walked off, catching up to some producers.
“Apologize...” AJ repeated to himself. A light went off in his head. That’s what she wanted of him, she wanted him to apologize for what he did. He grinned widely at his discovery. This could make everything better. In new and better spirits he hopped off the chair. AJ walked toward the rest of the guys, quietly rehearsing the speech he had planned for Destiny.

~~

“Five minutes!” A man sporting headphones shouted as he passed by them. They all nodded.
AJ noticed Brian was in the middle of a phone conversation, sneaking into an empty room, searching for silence. AJ followed him, wanting to use his cell phone when he was through with his conversation.
“I know sweetie, I’ll be home as soon as the conference is over, Corz.” AJ heard Brian’s voice drawl.
“It’s Coral?” AJ jumped into the room, making his presence known.
“Jesus Christ, AJ! You scared me.” Brian jumped back a few steps.
“Don’t use the Lord’s name in vein.” AJ grinned widely and snapped the phone from the unsuspecting man standing before him.
“Hey Coral.” AJ said loudly, smiling as he heard Coral’s laughter on the other side.
“What’s going on that you had to make my husband sin?” Coral joked as she twirled the phone’s wires in her fingers.
“Could you get Destiny to watch the conference?” AJ asked, pacing across the room.
“Destiny? That’ll be kinda difficult...” She hesitated, not wanting to get his hopes up.
“Just tell her that it has some important information about the tour. Something about choreographing...” AJ jumped to his sides, trying to his best to avoid Brian, who was desperately trying to get his phone back.
“Yeah, but didn’t she quit that job?” Coral furrowed her eyebrows.
“I don’t know, Coral. Think of something. Just do this for me and before Brian kills me, I’ll let you return to your conversation.” AJ handed the phone back to Brian who gave him one last evil glare and returned to talking in a sensual voice.
“Come on you two. Don’t hold us up. I want to finish this so I can get back to Tash.” Nick grabbed AJ and Brian, who unwillingly ended his conversation and followed the youngest member of their group to the long table. Five chairs were positioned beside it. The table had name tags and five bottles of mineral water. Each sat by their name tag and turned their heads from left to right, assisting the photographers in taking a good pictures. They were used to all the flashlights and sighed in relief when they stopped. All five of them blinked a few times to regain their normal sight and waited for the questions to start.

~~

“Coral what are you doing?” Destiny whined as Coral dragged her to the livingroom.
“Well we were going to hang out later anyway and I was on the road, close to your house so I thought why not just drive over here and watch this really cool movie TV guide recommended. I think it’s on channel 56.” Coral mentioned the channel right above VH1. She flipped through the channels and landed on VH1.
“Oops, I think the remote is broken, Des.” Coral said, pretending to press channels.
“Really? Let me try.” Destiny leaned over to take the remote but Coral pulled it away from her.
“If I can’t work it, neither can you. Lets just watch whatever this is.”
“I’m not watching the BSB conference, Cor.” Destiny shook her head in disapproval.
“Aw come on, I want to watch Brian and you need to keep me company.” When Destiny wasn’t looking, Coral removed the batteries from the remote and closed the cover. She handed the remote to Destiny.
“You can try to work it.” Coral grinned and turned her attention to the conference.

~~

“Jessica from Teen People. How are you reacting to the enormous success your latest album is having?” The short, stylish woman introduced herself, asked her question and sat back down. Preparing her pen to note their answer.
“It’s been pretty amazing. Our fans are the best in the world and they’ve managed to surprise us with every single album release. We’re blessed and we appreciate every minute. You never know when it’ll be gone so you have to do everything you’re able to when you’re in the spotlight. Also, this is extra special for us because we spent so much time on this album, trying to perfect it so we feel great.” Kevin explained to the press.
“Yeah, it’s like our baby.” Nick added.
“We wrote all the songs on it, played some of the instruments and of course sang the vocals. It’s close to our heart.” Brian nodded, finishing their reply.
“Kassie from YM. Speaking of babies, how is your baby girl, Nick?” A brunette asked from the corner.
“She’s great. The best baby you could ever have. Quiet at nights and hyper during the day. I’ve never been so attached to a person my entire life. I’d also like to thank the media for being so supportive of me throughout this. Honestly, I didn’t think I was ready to be a father but she’s here now and I love her with all my heart. I never want to let her go. Every minute away from her is hell, so come on finish up the questions.” A laughter was heard from various reporters across the room. Nick smiled and felt the beeper attached to his pants. Carrie forced him to take it in case there was any sudden emergency.
“Amanda from J-14. AJ, your girlfriend, Destiny Thompson. Are all the rumors true? Did you get her the part in that movie?” A woman leaning against the back wall asked.
“Destiny Thompson is not my girlfriend. I’m very proud to say that she was but we had our share of differences and we broke up. We were not together when she filmed the movie. And we we’re not together at the present time. That’s not exactly the way I would like it to be but that’s the way it is. I didn’t even know about the movie until she told me and that was after she finished shooting it. I support her all the way but I didn’t even know she liked acting so no, I didn’t get her the part. Derek Love was the one who found her talent and used it. It was a smart move on his part because as no one can deny, she was good. And it has nothing to do with me. It’s all her and she deserves all the compliments in the world. And Des, if you’re watching this...I’m sorry.” AJ tried to find the camera and look into it. The crowd was in awe until they were interrupted by the drilling sound of Nick’s beeper.
“Shit, I gotta go. This conference is over.” Nick stood up and ran towards the exit, followed by his bodyguard and the other guys.

~~

Seven cars were parked in front of Nick’s house instead of the usual two. All of the guys followed Nick back to his house, ready to face the emergency that occurred. After Destiny got over the shock of AJ’s speech, she and Coral joined them by driving to scene. The group exchanged knowing glances as they realized who the woman sitting in the living room beside Carrie was. Jezebel. They all turned to look at Nick, the color was slowly leaving his face. He gulped down some spit that was building up in his mouth.
“What are you doing here?” He asked when his voice returned to him.
“I’ve come to fetch my baby.” The young woman answered with a thick French accent.
“You can’t have her. She’s mine. You said you didn’t want anything to do with her anymore!” Nick was moments away from shedding tears.
“Nick, I changed my mind. I have a family now.” She purposely lifted her left hand, showing him her wedding band.
“She’s half mine. I have some rights. I know I do.” Nick panicked at the thought of her taking the main joy in his life away from him.
“Nick, she’s not yours.” She tucked the strands of hair that escaped the neat bun behind her ear.
“How can you say that?” Nick bit down on his lip.
“Easily. She’s not. She never was. You’re not her father. My husband is.” Jezebel confessed.
“What?” He fell back into a chair.
“He made it pretty clear that he didn’t want her when I was pregnant so I gave her to you because I knew you could financially take care of her when I couldn’t. Now, I want her back.” Jezebel looked over at the sleeping baby in the crib. She emphasized her point by walking toward the infant and holding her in her arms.
“That’s not ethical.” Carrie shook her head and took the baby from her.
“This is between me and Nick. I would appreciate it if you didn’t get involved.” Jezebel furiously returned to the couch.
“She won’t but the court will. I’m fighting this all the way. You’re not taking her away so easily. ” Nick threatened. He removed the cell phone from his pocket and began to make a few phone calls.

~~

Nick fought, he fought for months all to reach this one day, the hearing. AJ, Destiny and Howie entered the court room followed by Coral, Brian and Ashley. Kevin signaled for them to come sit next to him, Kristin and Carrie. They sat in two rows and prepared for the fateful hearing. Destiny looked over at AJ and smiled weakly. Nick sat at the table before the judge’s seat. He was accompanied by his lawyer. He kept glaring evilly at Jezebel, who was sitting on the other side beside her own lawyer. Before he could gather his thoughts, the judge entered. The crowd stood and sat as they were ordered. The trial was beginning and at the end of it, Nick would be given the answer he needed. He knew the minute he existed the court house he would be forced to answer reporter’s questions. He didn’t mind as long as he won the case. If he lost, he didn’t know how he would react or how he could live. He had gotten so used to having Natasha by his side. Nick blinked, trying to erase the crude thoughts from his mind. He kept reassuring his subconscious that it was going to be okay. It had to be.
“Precede. ” The judge encouraged.
Nick returned his attention to the hearing, realizing that Jezebel’s lawyer was in the middle of explaining why she deserved to have the child back under her wing. “Mr. Carter doesn’t know Jezebel. They had a one night stand, your honor. He doesn’t know her or her family’s history. What will he do when one day this girl grows up and asks him about her mother? He won’t have an answer. He won’t have a clue of what to say to the poor child. Needless to add, this man is always on the road. He won’t have the time to take care of a child. He is an irresponsible child.”
“I OBJECT!” Brian called out from where he was sitting only to be pulled back down by his cousin.
“You can’t object, dumbass. It’s not a trial nor are you involved.” Kevin shut him up, sending an apologetic look to the judge.

~~

“Are you done, Mr. Smith?” The judge asked as the lawyer nodded and sat down.
“Mr. Carter, Would you tell us why you think you’re obligated to receive full custody of Natasha Kassidy Carter?”
Nick exchanged whispers with his lawyer, who nodded, rose to his feet and began talking.
“Your honor I would like to speak in Nick’s place. When I am done, he’ll add what found necessary. Jezebel LaSalle is in no way capable of raising a baby for various reasons. First of, she doesn’t have the financial ability, even with her husband, they’ll barely make it through. There are many necessities involved in raising a baby, this family will not have all of them. They’ll be lucky if they are able to buy half of the requirement. Secondly, this woman left her month old baby on Mr. Carter’s doorstep. A responsible adult would never do such a thing. If she had any want of keeping that baby, she would have gotten a job. She would have asked her friends for help. Using her last savings to catch a plane to a foreign country just in order to leave her infant on a practical stranger’s doorstep. Clearly your answer, that wasn’t the answer. Natasha could have gotten kidnaped or worse. Third, even though Natasha isn’t biologically related to Mr. Carter, his name is written on the birth certificate. At the present time, Mrs. LaSalle declared him the father. The man who is biologically related to this baby left her stranded. He didn’t want her then and I doubt he would treat an ‘unwanted pest’ kindly. Mr. Carter took in this baby, raised her and quite obviously got attached to her. Now, if my client wants to add anything...Nick, go right ahead.” As the lawyer sat down, he gave Nick a pat on the back. Nick nodded and muttered a ‘thanks’. He stood up and faced the judge, the woman who would make the decision that could and would altar his life.
“Your honor, I know I might not have the same blood or DNA that this baby has but I am so much closer to her than her mother or her father will ever be. I raised her. I experienced every laugh, every sleepless night, every feeding. Thankfully, Natasha won’t remember her mother abandoning her but if you let me, she’ll remember so many amazing things with me. The minute I put her in my arms, I had her entire life planned. Please don’t take her away from me. Without her, there’s no life. I love her more than they ever could.” Nick’s body shuddered in turmoil. He sat down and began crying. There wasn’t a dry eye in the house.

~~

“Nick, sit down.” Destiny asked, noticing his nervous posture.
“I can’t. She’s deciding my fate in there, Des!” Nick walked over to the cooler and splashed icy water on his face.
“Nick, they’re calling us back in.” His lawyer called for the group and entered the courtroom.
Nick sighed, straightened hi s suit and entered the courtroom, followed by nine of his closest friends.
Two of them were a little further behind the others. AJ and Destiny were walking closely next to eachother. Their bodies inches from touching. Destiny looked out of the window. It was late, around 6 am and the sun was starting to set. AJ built up the courage to hold her hand and he did. She didn’t push him off and that enough to satisfy him. The cop nodded as the last two people joined the rest. He closed the door behind them.
“After looking over the facts and the stories I heard today, I’m glad to announce that my decision was easy to make. It was the obvious choice. Fortunately, Mr. Carter received full custody of Natasha Kassidy.” The judge smiled. Nick’s eyes widened at the news. He jumped and hugged his lawyer, then jumped over the wooden gate that separated him from his friends. Nick’s smile never left his face as he gave each one of them a hug. He looked over at Jezebel who didn’t seem to upset. He shrugged off the pity and guilt he felt. She wasn’t going to be in his life ever again. And better yet, Natasha was his.

~~

“Des!” AJ called out as he saw his ex about to enter the backseat of Brian’s car.
“Hmm?” Destiny leaned against the door.
“Come with me? You’ll have more room.” He grinned pulling her towards him.
“Sure, having Brian tell me to put my seatbelt on twenty times and then have to watch them exchange cheesy love quotes to eachother is not very appealing.” Destiny laughed as she closed the door.
“Put your seatbelt on, Destiny. Even If I’m not there to remind you, young lady!” Brian warned as the two quickly backed away.
“Your carriage awaits, ma’am.” AJ bowed as he opened the door for her.
“Thank you, milord.” She played a long as she slipped into the seat.
A smile appeared on her face as she realized they were actually getting along. The apology really influenced her and she informed him of that. Through Nick’s struggle, her and AJ got closer. She could even call them friends again.
“Where are you taking me? This isn’t the way home...” Destiny looked around, baffled by the unfamiliar surroundings.
“Sh, you’ll find out soon enough.” AJ rested his right hand on her knee, leaving his left one on the wheel.
Destiny nodded trying to hold the curiosity within her. She looked to her right, she was faced with colorful lights. An amusement park? Why did he drive her down to an amusement park? The parking lot wasn’t too full and AJ managed to park right in the front. He led her towards the ticket booth. The guy nodded as he saw them approach, he signaled for them to go right through.
“What are we doing here?” Destiny asked, raising her eyebrows.
“Des, just come on. Be spontaneous.” He held her hand as they sat down on a bench.
“Sure, why not?” Destiny laughed as she hugged herself through the jacket she was wearing. “Wanna ride the roller coaster?” Destiny looked at the four loop roller coaster in front of them and nodded
“Sounds like fun.” Just as she was about to stand up, his arms circled her waist and she fell down on his lap.
“Not that roller coaster, ours.” He removed her from his lap and sat he beside him. His brown eyes never leaving her green ones.
“The thing I hate the most about roller coasters are the drops. They scare me, Alex.” She stated.
“Don’t be afraid of the heights, Des. Enjoy them. They’ll be so much higher. The drops won’t come as often.” He licked his lips, keeping the seriousness on his face.
“So would that really be considered a roller coaster?” A smile appeared on Destiny’s face.
“Screw guidelines.” He rolled his eyes and caressed her cheek with the back of his hand.
Destiny chuckled and gasped slightly as he got down on one knee. “On the risk of sounding redundant, marry me?” He removed a black box from his back pocket and opened it, showing her the shiny diamond ring.
“Yes.” The answer escaped her lips immediately as tears built up in her eyes.
“And I did it right this time, even got the ring.” He smiled widely as he slipped the ring on her shaky hand.
“I see that.” She sniffed.
AJ jumped up and scooped her up in his arms, enjoying her scent and her touch. Hungrily, he kissed her, treasuring every magical moment. When he lowered her to the ground, they looked in eachother’s eyes. They were lost in a world together. Neither said a thing. They didn’t have to. Each knew how the other felt and that was enough. They didn’t have to dream anymore. They had eachother.
“Come on.” He squeezed her hand and led her towards the roller coaster ride they were both going to enjoy.

~~

AN: Yeah! I finished the sequel, baby! LOL I’m excited *does happy dance* I hope you enjoyed reading mah story.