*** *** *** The Reception *** *** ***
Nick and I were greeted by many of our friends as we made our way to the limo. After was seemed like an eternity, Nick and I finally had a few moments to ourselves as the limo pulled away from the crowd. The crowd waved to us from the sidewalk as we drove away with a “Just Married” sign with many trinkets pulling behind us.
“Oh baby, you look so beautiful. You have made me the happiest man in the whole world. I don’t know what could have made this day any more special.” Nick said as he looked deep into my eyes and kissed me passionately.
“Today is the happiest day of my life. I love you so much Nickolas. I hope that you will never forget that.” I whispered into his ear as he kissed my neck gently.
Nick couldn’t take his eyes off of me as the limo made it’s way to the reception. I was so thrilled that our new life together was finally beginning and I knew that there was nothing that could keep us apart. Nick just smiled sweetly at me and I cried happy tears.
“Mrs. Carter, I love you.”
“And I love you Mr. Carter.” I said in return.
The limo finally arrived at the Orlando Country Club. Our reception was kept a secret, so that the fans couldn’t ‘invite’ themselves. Although there was careful planning on the management’s part, it never seemed to fail, the fans always showed up. It was hysterical to pull up and see groups of people crowded around.
As Nick and I emerged from the limo, his fans cheered, clapped and cried. It was amazing. Many of them threw flowers and gifts. Nick and I stopped for a moment to greet a few before we went into the banquet hall. After a short wait for the rest of the guests and bridal party to arrive, the party finally got underway.
*** *** ***
We had arranged for a band to play for most of the reception. It was intended that the guys would be able to enjoy the party, rather than have to sing. However, I knew that the guys had come up with some sort of presentation for us.
“Ladies and gentleman, I would like to make a toast to the lovely bride and her adoring husband.” Howie said. “Today is a very special moment in the lives of Nickolas and Heather. They have come together through some sort of miracle. Nothing could have kept these two apart."
Brian then continued, "God created a lovely pair when he brought Nick to Heather’s rescue. If it weren’t for some divine intervention, than we wouldn’t be here today. Nickolas and Heather, may you have all the blessings in this new life together and may you have many wonderful years to share. We all love you!” He finished as he raised his glass and toasted.
I took a sip of sparkling apple cider. Everyone else was enjoying the champagne, except me. I was too afraid to drink anything with the baby. Nick and I then took our place at the wedding cake. He and I had a difficult time deciding what type of arrangement would go on top. I wanted something that reflected my hidden passions for Disney and fairytales, and Nick wanted something with the beauty of the ocean. I won out with the cake topper when I suggested that it be a Cinderella theme. The cake decorator had a figurine especially made to look like Nick and I, but with the Prince and Princess theme to it. Everyone loved it.
We stood there as everyone cheered us on. Nick and I had made the first cut into the cake together, symbolizing our joining. He then picked up a small piece, as did I, to feed to each other. Like most other receptions, the cake ended up smeared across me and Nick’s face, while everyone laughed. Nick then gently and seductively licked the cake off my cheek and lips and then I did the same.
After the cake and buffet were finished, it was time to dance. The band played all our favorite tunes, but the highlight of the evening was when Howie, Brian, AJ, and Kevin took center stage. Nick and I looked on curiously as they took their microphones.
“This one is for the lovely new couple. May they live life to the fullest. May they find happiness and joy in their lives always.” Brian said. “And, now, the song that means so much to them...”
AJ and Brian took the first verse, while Kevin and Howie took the second. A beautiful sound was heard, and Nick took my hand and escorted me to the center of the dance floor.
Once in a lifetime, you find that someone else,
Who knows you better than you even know yourself.
You’re that connection, that makes my heart complete
And keeps my soul in balance, you are my harmony.
I say the grace, you say Amen.
We are each other’s complement
This is a perfect love we share,
You’re the answer to my prayers.
You answer questions before I even ask
I know when to let you cry and when to make you laugh
Sometimes we say the most, when no words have been said,
You even sing the songs that I hear playing in my head.
I say the grace, you say Amen.
We are each other’s complement
This is a perfect love we share,
You’re the answer to my prayers.
All that I need is all that I have
You’re my lover, my other half.
I say the grace, you say Amen.
We are each other’s complement
This is a perfect love we share,
You’re the answer to my prayers.
~~Victoria Shaw
As the song ended, Nick kissed me passionately while we were under that spotlight. The next thing you know, the whole room was applauding. Then the floor was again filled with everyone dancing.
Nick and I wandered around the room greeting friends and catching up on all the latest news. Everyone was interested in the baby and how things were going. Nick looked so proud when anyone commented on him being a daddy. That sparkle in his eyes was all that I needed to see. He was happy, and that made me happy.
Dee and Kevin found themselves in each other’s arms for most of the party. Every so often, you could catch them wandering off to an adjoining room to be together. I knew that they were anxiously awaiting the end of the party, so that they could head back to Kevin’s house. Kevin was going to be gone at Christmas, so, Dee wanted to be able to spend as much time with him as possible.
I glanced over to see Howie talking with a very sweet looking young lady, probably a couple years younger than him. She was very pretty, with long flowing dark brown hair. Her eyes were fixated on Howie as he spoke softly to her. Brian was off with his girlfriend, Leighanne. I had met her several times, but she was away a lot, so I hardly got to see her. Brian promised that we would get to know each other better. He thought it would be good for her to be around Dee and I. AJ was off charming the ladies as usual.
Suddenly, there was the sound of childrens laughter behind Nick and I. We spun around to see Angel and Aaron holding a fishing pole with a piece of mistletoe tied to the top. They were following us around, hoping to catch up to us.
“Look, you’re under the mistletoe...You have to kiss her Nick!” Aaron blurted out. The whole room turned to look at us as Nick blushed brightly.
“Come on Heather, show him what you’re made of!” Angel exclaimed.
Nick grabbed me around the waist gently, tipped me back into a soft dip, and kissed me passionately. The kiss seemed to last forever, as we heard cat calls and whistles. Nick and I didn’t bother to end it that quickly. The kiss lasted for over three minutes, as everyone gazed at us, totally amazed.
“You can come up for air, you know!” Aaron yelled, trying not to laugh.
The whole room filled with laughter as Nick and I pulled back and glanced around the room. We were so overwhelmed by the kiss that we had forgotten where we were and what was going on.
“It looks like they can’t wait for the honeymoon to begin!” AJ remarked. Everyone around us started to giggle.
“Well, let’s just hope that Nick doesn’t take her right here and now!” Aaron blurted out.
At the comment, the whole room turned to look at the young man. Jane and Bob about passed out on the floor, Nick and I were in so much shock that we stood there with our mouths wide open, and everyone else was totally silent.
“Aaron, where on God’s green earth did you get that from?” Jane spoke up. She then walked over to him and told him firmly, “You go and apologize to your brother and your sister-in-law right this instant. I mean that. And the next time I hear something like that come out of your mouth, at least until you are 18, then I will personally wash your mouth out with soap. AND, I don’t care if your fans hear about it.”
Nick and I felt bad for Aaron. We knew he was only kidding around, but instead, he embarrassed himself and everyone else. He soon walked up to us and said,
“Nick, I am sorry, I didn’t mean to embarrass you and Heather. Will you please forgive me?” and then he ran off out of the room.
Nick tried to follow, but I held him back. “Nick, honey, let me go talk to him. Go and talk to your mom and let her know that it wasn’t a big deal. I think it embarrassed Aaron worse by having her say what she said.” I pleaded and then walked off in the direction of Aaron.
*** *** ***
Howie sat in amazement as he gazed into the eyes of the beautiful young lady sitting in front of him. Although he had only known her for the past few hours, it seemed as if they had been friends forever.
“So, where are you from?” he asked.
“El Paso. You see, Heather and I have been friends for quite a while. However, we kinda lost track of each other the last few years. Her mom was the one that tracked me down. When she told me that Heather was getting married...but not to that loser Scott, I had to be here. It was so sweet to see that her and Nick Carter...THE Nick Carter found love with each other.” The girl rambled on.
“Well, this must be interesting to be sitting here with me and the rest of the guys. I bet you find it the highlight of your life.” Howie said sarcastically, not really trying to be mean.
The young lady hung her head, feeling bad that she had been gushing about Nick and the guys. “Look, I am so sorry. I just never thought that I would get a chance to meet you. You are a huge inspiration, and well, I love your albums. But look, we can start all over again, and make it just friends and stuff.” She said.
“Good evening, miss.” Howie said, holding his hand out.
“Good evening sir, I am Katrina.” She said as she held her hand out to his. He reached down and gently kissed her hand. With that, she blushed a shade of red that most have never seen.
“Would you care to dance, my dear?” Howie asked. She responded with a simple nod and then they went out and danced the rest of the night together. They just gazed into each others eyes the whole night, amazed at the feelings that they both felt for each other.
*** *** ***
“Now Aaron sweetie, it’s okay. You didn’t offend us and Nick went to talk to your mom. I promise that everyone has forgotten about it already...so, why don’t you come back out there and dance with me?” I said softly.
“Nick won’t let me dance with you. He won’t let anyone dance with you.” Aaron said, a little annoyed.
“Oh please. Don’t give me the martyr act Aaron. The whole thing is blown over and you don’t need to worry. Now, if Nick doesn’t let me dance at least ONE dance with you...I will get a divorce from him.” I said, trying not to giggle.
“You would do that for ME??” he said, suddenly excited, with a dreamy look in his eyes.
“Aaron, probably not...and dude, I think I am a TAD too old for you!” teasing him as we walked back out to the dance floor.
*** *** ***
“Mom! Now listen, Aaron is growing up fast...and at his age, you don’t need to embarrass him like that. I think he did that for himself...you didn’t need to make it worse.” Nick protested.
“Nickolas, now you listen to me. You may be married and expecting a child of your own, but please let me raise Aaron my way. I mean, I do have more experience with this stuff.” Jane remarked.
“Yeah, but he is my little brother...and I hate to see him get in trouble.” Nick said, and then walked off towards the dance floor.
*** *** ***
As Nick approached the floor, he saw Aaron and I dancing the night away. We were doing the Funky Chicken and the Hokey Pokey, and finally the Bunny Hop. Nick couldn’t help but laugh as Aaron and I jumped all around the floor and giggled.
“May I cut in kind sir?” Nick asked Aaron.
Aaron just looked up at his big brother and smiled. Nick then wrapped his arms around my waist and slow danced with me. The song, “Amazed” by LoneStar was being sung by the band. Nick was soon singing the words to me softly. The lights were dimmed and everyone in the room moved to the outer edge of the dance floor while Nick and I had our spotlight dance. After a short dance, the rest of the crowd joined in.
Soon, the room was filled with the sounds of our favorite pop artists. We all danced around and had fun dancing...even to NSYNC. The guys had decided to do a routine to “Tearing up my heart”. They knew that I didn’t particularly like NSYNC but the song was cool.
Nick, AJ, Kevin, Brian, and Howie jumped up and started singing at the top of their lungs...
“You’re tearing up my heart, when I’m with you.
For when we are apart I feel it too,
And no matter what you do, I feel the pain
With of without you.”
Next thing you knew, AJ was strutting his stuff and flirting with Dee, as he sang the next part...
“Baby I don't understand
Just why we can't be lovers
Things are getting out of hand
Trying too much, but baby we can't win”
Then Kevin pushed him outta the way and sang the next part...
“Let it go
If you want me girl, let me know
I am down on my knees
I can't take it anymore”
The guys then finished off the song and laughed as I just stood there shaking my head. Dee was embarrassed by AJ and Kevin’s antics but laughed. After a long night, it was time for Nick and I to head off, so that way we could get ready for our drive to the Keys. However, before the night could end...the garter and the bouquet had to be tossed.
Nick walked me over to a chair and lifted the dress up to the top of my thigh. He then took the garter in his teeth and gently slid it down my leg. Once it reached my ankle, he took it off and turned to all the single guys in the room.
“Are you all ready for this? Come on guys...this is your lucky day!” Nick yelled as he turned around and tossed the lace garter over his shoulder.
The whole room turned into a mad dash as all the single guys leaped to reach for it. It looked like a football pig-pile, but once the dust cleared...there was little Aaron Carter proudly holding up the garter!
“Way to go Aaron!” Nick yelled to his little brother. The others in the room protested, saying it was a conspiracy and it wasn’t fair.
Then I took my bouquet and stood with my back to the single ladies in the room. As I tossed the flowers, I heard chaos behind me. All the girls were in a frenzy as they ran and tried to catch the flowers.
Dee finally emerged from the scene holding the flowers up. She glanced at me and I just smiled back at her.
“That means you are next to get married Dee!!! Ye-haa!!!” I yelled.
The reception finally came to end. Although the crowd had dispersed after giving best wishes and greetings to Nick and I, the other four guys and their dates decided to head off to the clubs for the evening. Nick and I were taken by limo back to our house to get ready for the honeymoon....
As we approached the door, Nick opened it, and then very carefully picked me up in his arms. He whispered...
“I love you Mrs. Carter...and welcome to our home...”
And with that...we made our way into our home to start our new life together.