Written by: Amy.

“Can we please finish this thing up already?” Nick pleaded.

“Relax Nick.. We only have one more interview, then Howie and I make our closing statements,” JQ replied.

“You make it sound like were in a court of law,” Howie teased, attempting to make a joke.

JQ rolled her eyes and smiled at the corny joke. “Nice try, Howie...” she said, “So, in two more days AJ and Lexie will be married.”

Nick nodded. “We knew that.”

“I’m just saying... You know I don’t know what everyone’s big obsession with getting married is anyway. My mom’s always bugging me about finding a husband. All it is a piece of paper.”

“I know!” Howie agreed, “All it means is that you’re going to have to see the same face day after day for the rest of your life. That doesn’t seem like much of a treat.”

“It is if you love that person,” Nick pointed out, “The piece of paper means something when you’ve proven it’s worth 50 years later.”

“Oh shut up Nick!” Howie and JQ exclaimed bitterly.

“Let me guess, you guys are single,” Nick retorted, “Maybe if you didn’t make it so obvious every second of your lives I would forget for one second out of the day. Maybe if you guys stopped worrying about being single for one second of your lives you’d find someone... You’d see what’s been right in front of your face the whole time.”

For the first time in the last two days Howie and Jacquie were speechless. They looked at Nick, then at each other and just stared. Suddenly, the door bell rang bringing them out of their trance.

“I’ll get it!” JQ said quickly as she headed to the door. Nick and Howie stared at each other.

“You’re so off...” Howie stammered.

Nick rolled his eyes. “No, you are. You both are.”

“And the lovebirds are here,” JQ announced as AJ and Lexie walked in hand in hand.

Everyone greeted everyone. “So are you guys ready for the wedding?” Nick asked.

“It’s only two days away and I still have so much to do! I’m so stressed out!” Lexie exclaimed, then she nudged AJ, “And him, here, is just taking it in strides. He doesn’t get stressed about anything.”

AJ began massaging Lexie’s shoulders. “That’s because you do enough of that for the both of us.”

Lexie turned her head to him. “This is true,” she agreed with a smile before he leaned over and melted his lips with hers.

Howie and JQ rolled their eyes, while Nick started making gagging noised. “Alright! Save it for the honeymoon!” he exclaimed pushing them apart.

Everyone laughed as Lex and AJ sat themselves on the couch. “This is really sweet of you guys to do this for us,” Lexie said.

“That’s what maid of honors and best men are for,” JQ replied with a smile.

AJ gazed at Lexie. “Well I can’t wait to look at 20 years from now with you,” he said.

Lexie gushed. “With our children,” she added as she gave him a peck on the lips.

“Though I’m afraid to hear some of things people have said about us,” AJ said looking at Howie, JQ, and Nick who couldn’t help but laugh at the comment.

“You’re scaring me,” Lexie stated.

Nick gave a devilish smile. “Ready? Action!”

AJ waved to the camera. “Hi to whoever’s watching this...”

Lexie brightly smiled at the camera. “I just want to thank all our wonderful friends and family for all their help and support... Especially, Howie and JQ, who I know we’ve been driving crazy for the last eight months.”

“No argument there!” Howie agreed.

AJ chuckled. “At least you guys got breaks! She was driving me insane full time,” he teased.

Lexie playfully nudged him. “You’re lucky I love you,” she said, “Anyway... I want to say thank you to my parents for setting such a wonderful example of what marriage and love is about. Thank you to my sister for always being there for me and for teaching me how to put up with some of the most annoying habits I’ll ever come across. After living with you I know I can live with anyone. Thank you to Mel for always knowing how to make me laugh no matter how down I was. Thank you to Faye for being a great shoulder to cry on and giving that reasonable, impartial advice no one ever wants to hear, but needs to be said. Thank you Nikki for being like a second mom to me. You started out as my dorm director and ended up being one of my closest friends. And finally, my best friend, JQ. You know me better than anyone. You can read me like a book. When we first met we just clicked and now I can honestly say, you’ve become part of my family.”

“Oh Lex!” JQ exclaimed as they ran and hug each other.

“Well I guess it’s my turn,” AJ said as Lexie sat back down, “Mom thank you for raising me. You’re the one person who knows me best in the world. You always know what I’m up to and you always know what’s best. I love you... Dad, you may not have been there for me my whole life, but you’re here now. Having you back in my life means the world to me, even if I don’t always show it. My boys... My brothers.. We’ve become family. Kevin, whenever I needed to hear the truth about something, nice or not, you were there to tell me straight out. I hate it, but I thank you for it. You’ve help me to grow up. Brian, you’re always there when I need a good laugh or a sincere heart. You’ve got both, and they work well together. Nick, we definitely had our moments when we wanted to kill each other, but an hour later everything would be all right. I don’t care how tall you’ve gotten, I still love picking on ya’, and married or not, that’ll never change..”

“You’re to good to me, man,” Nick replied overdramatically.

AJ chuckled. “And of course, Howie.. My best friend, the one I could always count on for anything. We rarely fought, how are you going to fight with this guy? He’s too nice. I’ve known you longer than any of the other guys. We were competitors before we were friends... Though, there are times we do get back that competitive spirit. You’ve always been fair and reliable. A great confidant and an extraordinary friend...”

Howie nodded, touched. “Thanks, man...” he said.

AJ nodded. “Anytime... I just want to say that no matter what, you guys will always be a part of my life. You’re my best friends and the people I know will always be there.. I guess, what I’m trying to say is thanks.”

Everyone was quiet, in awe, staring at AJ. “Gee, I don’t really know what else to say...” he said turning to Lexie.

Lexie shrugged. “I don’t really know either.. I guess just speak from your heart.”

“Umm... okay,” AJ replied looking into Lexie’s eyes, “I love you and I can’t wait to spend forever with you. You mean the world to me and I want to thank you for always being there for me when I needed you. I’ve never met someone so perfect for me, and I know I never will again. I never want to let you go.”

Tears started trickling down Lexie’s cheek and AJ wiped them away. She smiled. “I love you too, AJ,” she whispered, then she spoke louder, “We’ve been through a lot together. We’ve grown together. There was a time when I’m sure no one thought we’d make it--”

“You don’t even know the half of it!” Nick interrupted.

AJ and Lexie shot Nick a look, then Lexie continued. “But we did make it through those hard times. When we first met I was confused, scared, and drunk... And now, almost five years later, you’ve helped me, along with some others,” she added looking at JQ, “become strong, confident, and happy. I thank you for that. Being with you has been the best experience of my life and in two days I’ll be relieved to know that the experience will never end. I’m looking forward to growing old with you. I’m looking forward to forever.”

By now everyone in the room was teary-eyed, even Nick. JQ buried her head in Howie’s chest. “I need someone,” she mumbled.

Howie nodded, hugging her. “Me too.”

Nick looked at them and just rolled his eyes. “Why don’t they just get together already?” he murmured under his breath.

AJ stroked Lexie’s cheek and bumped his forehead with hers, staring in her eyes. “You are truly my better half.” ____________________________________________________

“We’re done!” Nick exclaimed happily as Lexie and AJ left. He began to do a ridiculous dance.

“Nick, what the hell are you doing???” JQ asked.

Nick smiled and kept dancing. “My happy dance,” he replied, “We’re done! We’re done! We’re done!”

“No were not,” Howie said raining on Nick’s parade.

Nick suddenly stopped dancing. “Whatch’ you talking about?”

“JQ and I still have to give closing statements,” Howie explained.

“Why?” Nick whined.

JQ rolled her eyes. “Shut up, Nick and turn on the camera... You whine too much.”

“That’s not true...” Nick said whining as everyone took their places.

JQ smiled at Howie. “This is it... After this we’re done taping.”

“One step closer to the wedding,” Howie replied.

“And one step closer to getting away from you guys!” Nick added, “Ready?...Action!”

“Well, I guess this is it,” Howie said, “AJ, I’ve known you for a good portion of my life and through it all, I’ve watched you grow, but you’ve always had that spontaneous, thrill for life attitude. Don’t ever lose that.”

“Lexie, marriage is a union of two souls, a conjunction of two hearts, a jointing of two worlds, and Lex, with the way you shop, thank-goodness, two bank accounts,” JQ teased, “But in all seriousness... Lex, you’ve been my best friend for almost five years. You’ve been there for me whenever I’ve needed a shoulder to cry on, an ear to listen, a good laugh, someone to complain to... You’ve been an awesome friend and even though you’re getting married, I don’t want to lose that. In a couple of years, hopefully, I will need a maid of honor and you better be there--”

“A couple of years?” Nick repeated with a laugh, “Why don’t you just make it an even decade.”

JQ shot Nick an evil look, then she looked at the camera. “Elizabeth, if you’re watching this, get out while you can,” she said coldly, which made Nick stop laughing.

“That’s wasn’t funny...”

Now Howie was laughing. “I thought it was... But, anyway,” he continued, “Watching you guys has been pretty... interesting... You learned so much from each other. You taught each other how to grow, how to love.”

JQ looked at Howie in awe, but she quickly got out of her trance. “I’ve never met two people more perfect for each other than you two. I’m sure the next 50 years will fly by. You’re lucky to have found each other, and even luckier to have realized it instead of letting it slip away, which is a mistake many people often make. You’re soulmates.”

Howie couldn’t tear his eyes off JQ as she spoke, smiling at her. When she finished he cleared his throat as he took out a little piece of paper. “I, uh, wrote this little poem for you two.. It’s nothing fancy just to warn you. It’s actually really simple and short..

. A part of your lives in ending,
As a new one is beginning,
New secrets to unfold,
A stronger love to behold,
A new life to go through together,
As one,
Forever.”

JQ and Nick were both touched by the poem. They stared at Howie in awe. “That was beautiful,” JQ commented.

Howie looked at her and smiled. “Thank you... It just sort of came to me last night... I know it’s simple...”

“It was wonderful,” she assured him.

“Well I guess that’s a wrap!” Nick exclaimed turning off the camera.

JQ stood up and smiled. “We’re finally done.”

Howie got up as well. “Finally!”

“Thank God!” Nick exclaimed, then he started doing his happy dance. ____________________________________________________

It was the wedding day. Everyone was scrambling to get a million things done. Lexie was in the bridal room jittery as ever as everyone kept walking in and out.

“Why hasn’t the priest come yet???” she asked for the 15th time.

“Lex, relax,” JQ said, “He’ll be here. Everything’s going to be fine... Let me zip you up.”

“I’m just so nervous that something’s going to go wrong,” Lexie explained as JQ zipped up her dress.

Nikki chuckled. “I was the same way at my wedding,” she replied, “I was driving everyone crazy...”

“We know,” JQ, Lex, and Mel agreed.

“Just wait ‘til your weddings...” Nikki retorted.

Amy and Laura came rushing in. “Can someone please give the priest directions. He’s on the phone and a little lost,” Amy explained.

Lexie’s eyes widen. Mel placed her hand on Lexie’s shoulder. “It’s okay, Lex. I got it...” she replied leaving the room with Amy and Laura.

A couple minutes after they left Faye came in. “Can one of you help us with the flowers?”

Lexie’s eyes almost bulged out of her head. “Don’t worry, Lex, it’s going to be okay... I’ll do it.. Just relax. You’re going to have the perfect wedding,” JQ assured her as she left the room.

“I’m going crazy,” Lexie murmured.

“Well, you look beautiful,” Nikki stated guiding Lexie to the full length mirror. Lexie stared at herself in the mirror. She had chosen the perfect wedding dress. It was off the shoulders and she was wearing a beautiful pearl necklace that her mom had worn on her wedding day to cover the bear area. The bodice of the dress was very simple, just white, flaring out at the waist, getting kind of puffy at the end. There was a long train at the end of the dress. She was wearing a tiara in her hair and her veil was attached to it. Her long brown hair was in a French twist, with some little curls coming out on the side. She had on a pair of white gloves that ended at the wrist. It was simple, classic, and beautiful.

“I’m so scared,” Lexie whispered, “This feels so right, yet I’m so scared. Butterflies are going crazy in my stomach.”

“Prewedding jitters,” Nikki replied, “I’d be worried if you weren’t scared. This is something that’s going to change your life forever, everyone’s scared. But I think you’re ready for it.”

Lexie took a deep breath and nodded. “Me too.”

“You are a beautiful bride,” Nikki said.

Lexie smiled. “Thank you..”

The two stared at themselves in the mirror smiling. “Umm.. Lex.. Since it’s your special day, I want you to be the first person I tell this too,” Nikki said with a tint of nervousness in her voice.

Lexie looked over at Nikki. “Tell what?” she asked confused.

A wide smile spread across Nikki’s face and she placed her hands on her stomach. “I’m pregnant,” she said, almost whispering.

“Oh my God!” Lexie exclaimed as she gave her friend a big hug, “That’s wonderful!”

Tears were rolling down both their cheeks. “I know.. And you’re the first person I’ve told.. I still have to tell Scott,” Nikki said.

Lexie gave her friend another hug. “He’s going to be thrilled. You guys are going to be wonderful parents... Wait a minute, you already are wonderful parents!”

Nikki laughed and they gave each other another hug. Then, Nikki turned Lexie to the mirror again. “God, Lex, you have so much to look forward to.”

Lexie stared at herself in the mirror and smiled. “I know.” ____________________________________________________

“So how is our bride doing?” Howie asked JQ.

“Going out of her mind,” she answered nonchalantly.

“Oh okay... It’s nice to know you’re not being deprived,” he replied with a smile.

JQ chuckled. “I can’t believe this day is finally year.”

Howie nodded. “I know.. After eight months of stressing, planing, organizing...”

“Hanging out with you,” JQ added softly.

Howie nodded. “Yeah, that too,” he agreed.

“I’m going to miss that,” she admitted.

Howie shrugged modestly. “You say that now, but we both know you’re relieved you won’t have to hear anymore of my corny jokes.”

JQ smiled. “I like you’re corny jokes.”

“That’s because you appreciate the true art of humor,” Howie joked.

JQ chuckled. “No you’re pretty corny, but I like them anyway...”

Howie slightly blushed. “Please, let’s be real.. You know in a week you’re going to glad I’m not in your hair.”

JQ shook her head. “That’s not true.”

“It’s not?” Howie asked, a little surprised.

JQ shook her head again. “I’ll just miss you more.”

The look in her eyes, the sincerity in her voice left Howie speechless. They stared at each other in an intense gaze, until they rudely interrupted by the sounds of Kevin and Nick.

“Nick!” Kevin exclaimed, “How could you be so dumb??? You have one job! That’s it! Just one! And you can’t even do it right! It’s not even a hard job! You’re an usher! What’s so hard to understand?? The bride’s family sits on the right! The groom’s family on the left! Why is that so hard for you to grasp???!” ____________________________________________________

AJ was a nervous wreck, driving everyone in sight crazy. “What hasn’t the priest come???” he asked for the 15th time.

Brian put his hand on AJ’s shoulder. “Relax... Mel is giving him direction as we speak.”

“Are you sure she knows how to give direction?” AJ inquired.

“I’m sure.. I hope,” he teased as AJ shot him an evil look, “I’m kidding...Everything’s going to be perfect.”

“This is such an important day to Lexie... It’s important to me.. I just don’t want anything to go wrong.”

“It won’t,” Brian assured him, “It’s just prewedding worries. Remember me at my wedding? Or worse, Kevin?”

AJ chuckled. “Oh, man! Kevin was just entertaining... For a second I really thought he was going to pass out...”

Brian nodded. “And look how well everything turned out. All that worrying for nothing.”

Just then, Howie came in. “Hey, how’s our groom doing?” he asked.

“A nervous wreck,” Brian answered.

Howie smiled. “AJ, why don’t you at least sit down?”

“Sit down?!” AJ repeated, “I’m about to do something that’s going to change my life forever and you want me to sit down???”

“Alright... Bad idea...” Howie said, “I can’t believe this is the same guy, who for the last eight months, Lex was complaining that he wasn’t stressed enough.”

“It’s hitting home. We’re so close. I’m ready for this, I know am, but I’m scared,” AJ said.

“Everyone’s scared,” Brian assured him, “Personally, I think there’s something wrong if you weren’t.”

Howie nodded. “You’re about to do something life altering... But you know what, AJ? After you leave that alter, despite what you might think, you’re still going to be the same fun-loving guy you always were.”

“I love her more than anything in the world,” AJ said, “and I just want her to be happy.”

“She will be once she sees you there at the end of that alter,” Howie replied.

“But that’s not going to happen if you don’t finish getting dressed. You still have to tie your tie,” Brian said, pointing to the untied tie around AJ’s neck.

“Lex always ties my ties... I don’t even know how.”

Brian chuckled. “Women.. They spoil us.”

“I want to see her,” AJ stated, “I want to tell her I love her, that everything’s going to be fine because I know she’s going just as insane as I am... I need her to tie my tie.”

Howie smiled at his love sick friend. “Not before the wedding. It’s bad luck,” he replied as he got up and began tying AJ’s tie, “You’re going to have to settle for me as your tie tier for now.”

"Oh that’s right! Howie doesn’t have a girlfriend... He has to tie his own tie,” Brian teased.

Howie shot Brian an evil look as he finished with AJ’s tie. “Perfect!”

“I feel like I’m going through a million emotions at once that only a look at Lexie’s face can make right.”

“Well, you won’t have to wait much longer,” Nick said, popping his head in, “The priest is here.”

[ part 07 ]