Chapter 42
I first went to AJ’s room.
“Hiya, Heather, come on in.” AJ said gently. “Is there anything I can get for you? How are you doing?”
“I’ll just take a glass of water AJ, thank you. I am okay, just stressed out and a bit tired. My back is sore from the plane ride.” I said.
“Oh, umm, well, I would give you a backrub, but I think Nick would get a bit upset, hehe.” AJ offered.
“Well, I appreciate it, but I think you are right.” I laughed.
“Umm, what can I do for you?” he asked.
“Well, I wanted to talk to you. You see, the wedding is in about three weeks, and well, I wanted to tell you that I thank you always for your support. I was hoping that you would be a part of the ceremony. I know that Nick wants you to be one of the groomsmen, but I also have something I want you to do. I have a something special that I want to do for him in the middle of the ceremony, something that all of you guys will know about, except Nick. Will you help me?”
“Sure thing, Heather. What do I need to do?” AJ questioned.
“I just need you to be there about 45 minutes earlier than he is, so I can give you something I need you to hold on to. At that time, I will explain it all to you.” I replied.
“Okay, no problem.” AJ answered.
“And AJ, I want you to know that I love you very much. You are a very sweet and handsome man, thank you for your love and support.” I told him as I hugged him and gave him a kiss on his cheek.
“Aww, thanks Heather, and look, Nick better let me give you a good luck kiss after the wedding, or I will have to kick his ass.” He said with a wink.
I smiled and then left the room. My next destination was Kevin’s room. I knocked on the door and then walked in.
Kevin gave me a hug and then escorted me to the couch. I sat and told him about the plan that I had, and he agreed to help. Although he wasn’t exactly sure what it was all about, he thought it sounded like fun. I then told him,
“Kevin, I know that we have had some rough times, but I hope you know that I hold you deep in my heart. You are a wonderful man and I thank you always for being such a great friend to me. I love you from the bottom of my heart.”
Kevin just leaned in and gave me a very gentle hug and then said, “Thank you Heather. That means the world to me. Hey, just remember all this when you have your baby, cuz I want to be an honorary uncle, okay?”, with a smile.
I hugged him and gave him a kiss on the cheek and left to go to Brian’s room.
I went through the same routine with him as I had for AJ and Kevin. However, since Brian was the Best Man, there was a little extra I was going to need him to do. He agreed and just let out a big smile.
“You know Heather, Nick is a very lucky man. Not only did he find the most beautiful woman on this planet, but he also found the one with the biggest and kindest heart. I love ya Heather.” Brian said as he kissed me lightly on the cheek. “Don’t ever forget that I am always here for you and Nick. Heck, you are just like my sister, and I hope that you know that you always will be.”
With tears forming in my eyes, I silently left the room and walked to Howie’s room.
“Hi Heather. Are you okay? You look like you have been crying.” Howie questioned as he motioned me into his room.
“I am fine, it’s these damn hormones that are killing me. I have always been so sentimental, but I think my emotions get the better of me lately.” I said, trying to smile.
“Hey, look, you need to remember that you are carrying something very special. You have no idea how happy Nick is. He does nothing but parade around here bragging about how he has the most beautiful fiancee in the world and how he is going to be a daddy, and all that stuff. It is hysterical to see him at times. But, I think the most precious moment is on stage when we bring the mothers and daughters up. He gets that sparkle in his eyes and I can see him daydreaming about the day that he will have his own child. It is very heartwarming.” Howie said.
“Oh Howie, thank you for sharing that. I know that Nick will make the best father in the world. I am so excited about this whole thing. Nick has been nothing but supportive. Can you believe he was actually telling me today about how the baby develops? I mean, is that not crazy or what!?” I told Howie.
Howie just laughed and proceeded to tell me how all the guys had to stand in the baby section of the bookstore as Nick scoured the shelves to find just the right book. They were all embarrassed, but heck, it was worth it to see the smile on Nick’s face.
“Now, Heather. I know you didn’t come here to reminisce about stuff. What can I do for you?” Howie asked.
“Umm, I have a very special favor to ask of you.”
First I told him of my plan. He thought it sounded like a great idea and offered to help in any way that he could.
Then I sat him down to ask him the most important question.
“Howie, as you know, my dad passed on several years ago, and well, the only male in my family is my grandfather. He is too ill to help with this. So, I immediately thought of you.” I rambled.
“Umm, okay, for what?” he looked at me puzzled.
“I was hoping that you would do me the honor of walking me down the aisle and giving me away at the ceremony?” I asked sweetly.
Howie just sat there, completely shocked at my request. After a brief moment, I saw tears well up in his eyes.
“Oh Heather, I would be honored to escort you and be there to give you away. That is the nicest thing that anyone has ever asked of me. But first, why me?” He said softly.
“Howie, you have always been there for me. You never thought bad of me no matter what happened. You were always on my side with the guys. You never have given me anything but love and friendship. You are like my big brother, and I think that it is appropriate that you be the one to do the honor of walking me down the aisle. Please tell me you will say yes. It would mean the world to me. Think of it as being my Guardian Angel.” I said, with tears streaming down my face.
He just held me in a gentle embrace and then kissed me on the forehead. “Yup, Nick was right when he said that he found an angel. And, I envy him. You are a truly beautiful and wonderful person. He sure is a lucky man.” He said as he held me.
“Thank you. I will always remember what you have said. You are a wonderful person and a friend and I feel truly honored that you could be there for me. I love you Howie.” I said, trying to hold back the tears.
Howie then offered to walk me back to my room. He was afraid that Nick would panic if he saw me crying and didn’t want Nick to get the wrong impression.
When we arrived at the door, Howie gave me a hug as I let myself in. Howie walked into tell Nick goodnight. As we approached the bedroom, we both saw Nick laying there, sleeping peacefully.
“I don’t want you to wake him up Heather. Just tell him I said goodnight and that we will all see him in the morning.” Howie said with a smile and then left.
I strolled over to the bed, and then laid down next to Nick. I leaned over to give him a gentle kiss. He stirred, opened his eyes, and then smiled. He then noticed that I had dried tears on my cheek and asked me if I was okay.
“I am fine sweetie. I was just crying happy tears. I asked Howie if he would escort me down the aisle at our wedding, and he said he would be honored. He then told me how happy he was for the two of us and how lucky a man you were. But honestly Nick, I think I am a luckier woman. I found my knight in shining armor. I love you.” I told him as we laid there.
After a short while, we both fell asleep, holding each other tightly, wanting nothing more than to feel our bodies so close together.