Written by: Amy.

It was the following Easter after they had gotten back together for the second time. Amy and Lexie were once again volunteering at the Easter Egg Hunt.

“It’s kind of cloudy,” Amy commented.

Lexie was skimming the park as more people came in. “Huh?”

“I said it’s kind of cloudy.”

“Yeah, me too,” Lexie replied, still skimming.

Amy chuckled and shook her head. Then, she tapped her sister on the shoulder. “He’s not here.”

“Who?” Lexie asked defensively.

“AJ. Sorry, sis, but he’s not here.”

Lexie shrugged. “I didn’t expect him to be,” she retorted.

Amy rolled her eyes and patted her sister on the back. “Yeah... Sure you didn’t,” she replied knowing her sister was so full of it.

Eventually, the Easter Egg Hunt introductions began and Mrs. Myers brought out the Easter bunny. He was warm and friendly and the kids seemed to really like him. Christian was doing a great job.

At one point the “Easter Bunny” was showing a group of kids some magic tricks. Lexie walked up to the small circle and watched Christian pull a nickel out of a little boys ear. Then, he walked up to Lexie.

“And what’s your name?” he asked, obviously disguising his voice.

Lexie smiled. “Alexandra Covington,” she answered, “But you can call me Lexie.”

“Okay, Lexie, it’s a pleasure to meet you,” he said holding out his hand.

Lexie giggled and shook “paw.” “It’s a pleasure to meet you too.”

“Hey, aren’t you the Easter bunny’s girlfriend?” a kid asked in a teasing tone.

Lexie’s cheeks turned bright red. “This is a different Easter bunny,” she stammered.

“Well that other Easter bunny must have been a very lucky rabbit,” Christian commented, “Because you’re very beautiful.”

Lexie’s cheeks managed to turn a deeper shade of red. She smiled. “Thank you.”

The Easter bunny pulled three gorgeous lilacs from behind his back and handed them to her. “Your welcome.”

“Lilacs are my favorite!” Lexie gushed.

The Easter bunny nodded. “I know.. They’re almost as beautiful as you,” he replied. They stared at each other for a couple of seconds, then the Easter bunny was forced to divert his attention back to the kids. Lexie looked at him skeptically as he continued his magic tricks. There was something about him...

Lexie had just finished helping a little boy tie his shoelaces when she spotted Nick Carter with Aaron, Angel, and Leslie. She walked over to him and tapped him on the shoulder. He quickly turned around.

“Lexie!” he exclaimed giving her a big hug, “How have you been?”

“I’ve been good,” she answered, “You?”

“I’m good,” he replied.

“What are you doing here?” she inquired, “You never came before.”

Nick chuckled. “Oh I wouldn’t miss this for the world.”

Lexie looked at Nick confused. “What are you talking about?”

“Oh! I just mean that Easter Egg Hunts are so much fun,” he lied, “And bringing Aaron, Leslie, and Angel here to share the fun just completes the joy.”

Lexie raised her eyebrow at him in disbelief. “That’s beautiful,” she commented sarcastically.

Nick gave her a bright smile. “It is, isn’t?”

The official finding of eggs had begun. Kids were running all over the park trying to find the most eggs and hundreds of eggs were hidden everywhere. The sky was getting gray and gloomy. Lexie felt a couple of drops fall on her, and then, all of sudden, it started to pour.

There was a big one-story building in the middle of the park. Lexie tried to gather as much kids as she could to take them to the building. Suddenly, she felt a “paw” grab her hand and she quickly turned around. It was the Easter Bunny. He took his head off. It was AJ.

"AJ!” Lexie exclaimed in shock.

Water was flowing down both their faces and AJ looked at her with sincere eyes. “Let me help you.”

AJ and Lexie stared at each other with solemn expressions. For moment it was like the whole world around them had stopped and it was just the two of them standing in the park in the pouring rain.

The moment passed with the sound of crying children. AJ helped Lexie round up as many children as they could find and they ran to building. Mrs. Myers quickly ushered them in.

Both Lexie and AJ were breathing hard and soaking wet. Mrs. Myers walked up to them before they had a chance to say anything to each other, not that they knew what to say.

“Lexie, AJ, I need a big favor from you two,” the sweet woman asked, “I need you two to go back outside and make sure there aren’t anymore lost children. A lot of kids were separated from their parents when it started raining and I want to make sure no one’s lost.”

Lexie and AJ nodded. “Sure,” Lexie replied, “Of course we will.”

“Let me just get out of this bunny suit really quickly,” AJ said. He took off the suit. Underneath he was wearing a white tank top and shorts. He quickly put on his shoes.

All Lexie’s clothes were drenched. From her white, cotton shirt with a row of bunny rabbits on top, to her blue jeans, to her Nike shoes.

“Alright. Let’s go,” AJ said, and they were off in the pouring rain.

At first AJ and Lexie were yelling things like, “Is anyone there?! Anyone lost?!,” but eventually they got tired and just walked in silence as the rain came gushing down.

“Happy Anniversary,” Lexie mumbled in the middle of the silence.

“What?” AJ asked.

Lexie cleared her throat. “I said, ‘Happy Anniversary,’” she repeated. “Today would have been one year."

“Are you sure you’d want to celebrate it?” AJ stated bitterly.

Lexie rolled her eyes. "As long as you didn't spring it on me... As long as it didn't come out of nowhere," she retorted.

"Who celebrates a four month anniversary?" AJ pointed out as the rain dripped down his face.

"I do," Lexie said as she squeezed some water out of her shirt as more rain came down.

"No you didn't," AJ disagreed.

"Neither did you," Lexie shot back.

AJ sighed. "We’re getting nowhere."

"That was always our problem,” Lexie replied.

"No that was always your problem..." AJ retorted.

Lexie shook her head and sighed. “I don’t want to fight with you,” she said softly.

AJ nodded. “I don’t want to fight with you either,” he agreed.

All of sudden Lexie stopped walking in the middle of the park, in the middle of the pouring rain. She turned around to face AJ. “Why did you come here!” she asked with a mix of emotions from confusion to frustration to helplessness, “What are you doing here?!"

"What are you talking about?”

"You came here and you knew I’d be here, dressed up as an Easter bunny,” she said as the rain came rushing down harder, “And don't tell me you didn't want me to know it was you because why else would you give me my favorite flower?”

AJ just stared at Lexie trying to think of something to say, watching the water trickle down her face. "I had fun last year, okay?” AJ finally admitted, “I had a lot of fun."

Lexie nodded. "So did I."

"I wanted to see you," AJ confessed.

Lexie’s eyes widen. "Why?" she asked confused

"To say I'm sorry," AJ blurted out.

Lexie at him surprised. "You're sorry?" she repeated.

AJ nodded. "Yeah.... I mean, I know it's been 6 months and you've probably moved on, but I had to try. I was wrong for pushing. I was an insensitive bastard--"

"Stop it," Lexie interrupted.

AJ was startled by her interruption. "Okay. Quick and painful.”

Lexie gave a light chuckle. "No...” she assured him, “That’s not I what I meant. You weren't wrong, I was. We're great together and I didn't want to see it. I pushed you away. I was too scared, but I'm not scared anymore.”

“I’m going to have to disagree with you on one thing. I was wrong. I didn’t try to understand where you were coming from when I’m sure I’ve been there before. I wanted what I wanted when I wanted it and that wasn’t fair to you.”

Lexie nodded. “We were both wrong.”

“I’m sorry for my part.”

“I’m sorry, too,” Lexie agreed.

“Do you think we could give it ‘us’ another chance?” AJ asked shyly, “I really think this could be something special.”

Lexie nodded and smile. “I’m ready for whatever you have to give me,” she said as a few tears rolled down her cheek.

AJ stepped closer to her and placed his hand softly on her cheek. “All I have is me,” he whispered wiping away one of her tears.

Lexie smile grew bigger and her eyes caught his. “I’ll take it,” she replied with a small laugh.

AJ bumped his forehead with hers smiling. “Good,” he said, then his voice got softer, “All I want it you.”

“I’ve missed you,” Lexie whispered.

“I’ve missed you, too.”

The two gazed into each others eyes, as the rain got a little lighter. Water was still flooding down their immersed faces.

“Well what are you waiting for?” Lexie finally said smiling, “Kiss me."

AJ laughed, but his face turned solemn as he leaned over and melted his with lips with hers. There was so much passion, so much emotion into this one kiss. To them, at that moment, they were the only two people in the world. This time, they would never let go. ____________________________________________________

“...And watching from the window was me and Amy and I remember telling her, ‘I knew this would be entertaining, but damn! It went beyond my expectations,’” Nick said finishing his story just as someone knocked at the door.

JQ headed for the door. “That must be AJ’s parents.”

“Well, AJ and Lexie you guys have sure been through a lot and I wish you the best of luck. I hope you two have a very long and happy future together. Forever’s a long time, but when you spend it with someone you love it goes by quickly. I hope you find that in each other, though you probably already have,” Nick finished.

Denise and Robert entered the living and everyone said hello and welcomed them in.

“I think this is a really great idea that you guys came up with for Lexie and AJ,” Denise told them.

JQ smiled. “Thank you.”

Howie cleared his throat. “Not to brag, but it was my brilliant idea.”

Nick rolled his eyes. “Sounds like bragging to me...”

“So how has it been going so far?” Robert McLean asked, “Are you guys almost done?”

JQ nodded. “It’s been going pretty good. We’re almost done interviewing, but then we have to edit. Hopefully that won’t take too long.”

“Yeah,” Nick agreed, “There’s only so much time a person can spend with these two.”

“Oh I didn’t know you two were dating,” Robert said, “How long?”

“I always knew you two would get together,” Denise added happily, “You guys are just so right for each other.”

JQ and Howie seemed self-conscious. “We’re not dating,” they said quickly.

By now Nick was laughing hysterically.

“We’re just friends,” JQ told them.

“Oh, I’m sorry,” Robert apologized, a little embarrassed, “I just assumed because of what Nick said...”

“Yeah and because of what Robert said I just assumed it was true...” Denise added.

“It’s okay,” Howie assured.

Nick snickered. “Yeah, people make that mistake all the time.”

Howie and JQ both shot Nick evil glares. “Shut up Nick,” they said in unison.

Denise clapped her hands. “Alright. What do you say we get this show on the road?”

“Sounds good to me,” JQ agreed, glad to change the subject, “Why don’t you guys just take a seat on the couch and we’ll get rolling.”

In a couple minutes everyone was ready and Nick yelled, “Action!”

“Hi baby,” Denise began, “Oh my God.. I can’t believe my baby boy is getting married! It’s just starting to sink in... In a couple days you’re going to be a husband, and you’re going to have a wife.”

“Congratulations on finding such a great girl, AJ. I know you’ll make her happy. I know I wasn’t there for you throughout your childhood, but I’m here for you now and it’s amazing to see the man you’ve become. You’ve become quite a man.”

“Lexie, AJ, marriage is the adjoining of two hearts and two souls. It is an institution where two people become one. I wish you two the best of luck. Just remember, marriage is about compromise and sharing. It’s about giving ‘till it hurts. It’s when you stop giving and start being selfish that things start to fall apart.”

“And even though you two can be some of the most stubborn people I know,” Robert teased, “You are also the most selfless. AJ, from a father to his son, I just want to say I’m proud of you and I wish you all the happiness in the world.”

JQ passed Denise a tissue, who was starting to cry. “Lexie, welcome to the family. I’m sure you’ll make a wonderful addition. I always knew you were the one for my son..”

“Well that’s a new one,” Nick joked.

“Mother always knows best,” Denise replied with a smile, “But keep in mind I didn’t meet Lex until after the last time they got back together, which was two years after they had first met. But, let me tell you, when I met her I knew she was going to be the one for my son. I remember the next day when AJ asked me what I thought of her. I said, ‘Let me tell you AJ, I know it, one day she’s going to be my daughter in law.’”

“And two years later, you were right,” Robert added, “I liked Lex from the start. I remember thinking, ‘This girl’s going to be good for my son,’ and I believe I was proven correctly.”

“Lexie, remember AJ’s my only son and I do want grandchildren.. Now I’m not trying to rush you two, but I would eventually like to have a couple grandchildren to spoil rotten. I’m not getting any younger and I don’t mind being called Grandma,” Denise said.

“That’s true,” Robert agreed, “And knowing your mom, AJ, she’ll be bugging you until she gets one.”

“I told them I’m not trying to rush them,” Denise assured, “I’m just saying... AJ’s my only son.”

“We should just be grateful he’s getting married,” Howie joked, “It took them awhile to get there.”

Denise nodded. “That’s true, but once they both realized what they wanted it was smooth sailing. I remember two years after I had finally met Lexie, AJ told me he was going to propose to her. I couldn’t have been happier....”

Robert smiled. “You knew it all along.”

Denise smiled at him. “Mother’s intuition’s never wrong...” ____________________________________________________

AJ was pacing in his mothers kitchen. His hands were shaking, his palms were sweating. He was a nervous wreck.

“AJ, calm down,” Denise said, “It’s going to be okay.”

“I know,” AJ replied as he continued to pace, “I’m just a little nervous, okay?”

“A little? You weren’t this nervous when we were going to sing with Shania Twain,” Kevin pointed out.

“That was different,” AJ said, “That was a concert. What was the worst that could happen? I make a fool out of myself in front of America, big deal.”

“Well what’s the worst that could happen tonight?” Howie asked.

“She says no and breaks my heart.”

“She won’t say no,” Denise assured him.

“How do you know?” he asked.

“Mother’s intuition. I just know.”

“AJ will you at least stop pacing the floor!” Nick exclaimed, “You’re making me sick.”

AJ stopped. “Sorry,” apologized, “I’m just so nervous.”

“Really? I hadn’t noticed,” Brian teased, “You hide it so well.”

AJ shot Brian an evil look. He wasn’t in the mood for jokes. “AJ, relax, you’re going to have a perfect night,” Howie said.

“I hope so,” AJ replied, “I’ve been planing this evening for a month. I rented a limo, made reservations at the finest restaurant in Tampa, got four bouquets of a mix of lilacs and violets, requested the violinist to serenade her our song, I’ve got the ring...”

“Damn!” Nick exclaimed, “You did all that?! Man, I’d marry you!”

“It’s called being romantic,” Denise explained to Nick, “You see when I guy wants to make the woman he loves feel special...”

Nick rolled his eyes. “I know.. I know... I can be romantic.”

“When?” Brian challenged.

“When I find the right girl.”

“I’d hate to be Mandy right about now,” Kevin teased.

“And the right time,” Nick added trying to save himself.

Suddenly, the phone rang. AJ jumped. “What’s that???”

“AJ, relax, it’s just the phone,” she said as she picked it up, “Hello?... Oh, hi, Lexie... You don’t sound so good... Oh dear... Sure he’s right here..”

AJ took the phone. “Hi, Lex... You don’t sound good... Sick?... Are you sure?...I’m so sorry... You can’t go?... I’m sure you can’t be that sick... Oh... Alright, feel better... I love you, too... Bye...”

The guys watched AJ’s face fall to the floor as he hung up the phone. “Something wrong, AJ?” Howie asked sympathetically.

“She can’t go,” AJ said, “She’s really sick with the flu. She’s got a fever, cough, she’s dizzy...”

“Oh man, I’m sorry,” Kevin replied.

AJ sat down. “Maybe it was a sign.. Maybe it was God’s way of telling me I shouldn’t ask her,” he said sadly.

“Oh please!” Denise exclaimed, “When was the last time you went to church? AJ, the only sign you should be following is the one in your heart. Life doesn’t always go as planned, but sometimes that makes for the best romances.”

AJ looked at his mom with puppy dog eyes. “Maybe you’re right, mom.”

“Are you kidding me? Mother always knows best,” she said.

AJ sighed. “I guess I’ll have to wait another day to ask her to marry me... I’ve waited this long, another day won’t kill me...”

“No,” Brian agreed, “But you waiting another day might just drive us to insanity.” ____________________________________________________

Lexie was in her room surrounded by tissues when there was a knock at the door.

“Oh God...” she moaned with a stuffed nose, “Who could that be?” She slowly got up, took up all the tissues and threw them in the garbage before heading to the door. Lexie basically felt like crap and it didn’t make her feel better that she had to cancel her romantic evening with AJ. “Make the room stop spinning,” she mumbled with a stuffed nose.

Lexie finally reached the door. She opened it only to see AJ holding four bouquets of a mix of lilacs and violets, her two favorite flowers. “Oh my God! They’re beautiful!” she exclaimed in a nazel voice, “But what are you doing here?”

AJ smiled at her. “Where else I would be?”

Lexie’s puffy eyes lit up. “That’s so sweet,” she said, “But I’m contagious.. I don’t want to get you sick.”

AJ handed her two of the bouquets and stroked her cheek. “I’m here to take care of you. I’ll risk it.”

“How can I resist?”

AJ smiled. “You can’t,” he said as he walked in, “I won’t let you.” AJ put the flowers down and placed his hand on her forehead. “You’re burning up! Come on.. I’m taking you to bed.”

“Well this is first.. You’re taking me a bed, and not joining me,” Lexie teased before she started having a coughing attack.

“Oh.. My poor baby...” AJ said rubbing her back as he guided her to her bedroom and helped her with her covers. AJ was sitting next to her on her bed when Lexie was all snuggled in. He gave her a kiss on her forehead and she smiled at him, and he smiled back. He gazed at her.

“You never looked so beautiful,” he said stroking her hair.

Lexie looked at him as if he was crazy. "Please! My nose is stuffed, my eyes are puffy, I'm sweating, my hair's a mess--"

"And you look beautiful," he interrupted, “You never looked so beautiful and I never loved you more.”

Lexie just smiled at him, touched. They stared into each other’s eyes. Being there, holding her hand and looking into her eyes, it never felt more right. Right then and there, AJ kneeled to the floor and got on one knee.

“What are you doing??” Lexie asked confused, sitting up.

AJ stared Lexie straight in the eye and took her hand. “Lexie, I love you more than anybody in the world. We’ve been through a lot together and I never want that to end. I want to spend the rest of my life with you. I want to wake up in the morning knowing every night you’ll be sleeping beside me for the rest of my life. You give me eternal happiness. You taught me how to love, we taught each other. I want to grow old with you,” he said speaking solely from his heart. Then, he took out a ring box and opened it for Lexie to see an exquisite diamond ring. “Will you please do me the honor of being my wife?.. Alexandra Covington, will you marry me?”

By now an endless flow of tears were streaming down Lexie’s face. “Oh my God..” she murmured, then she began to nod, “Yes... Yes.. Of course! I’ll marry you.”

I huge smile spread across AJ’s face as tears began to fall from his eyes. “Yes?” he repeated.

Lexie nodded and smiled. “Yes.”

“Oh my God! Yes!” AJ exclaimed overjoyed. Lexie laughed as the tears continued to come down. AJ gave her a tight, warm hug and a sweet, passionate kiss.

“Careful,” Lexie warned with a smile, “I’m contagious.”

AJ smiled. “You’re worth the risk,” he said, “You’re worth giving my life.”

This only made more tears roll down. “I love you,” she whispered.

“I love you too.” Then, he opened the ring box again and took out the ring. He took Lexie’s left hand and placed it on her ring finger. He bumped his forehead with hers, both their faces were streaming with tears. “I know you’ll make a beautiful bride.”

[ part 06 ]