Part 49
Stormy had anticipated the press and fans waiting to see AJ when he was released and had called Marcus who was now waiting for them in the lobby with Billy and several other of the guys’ security. Seeing AJ and Stormy getting off the elevator, the men moved into place to get the couple out to the waiting car.
AJ gave the fans what they wanted. As soon as he was outside, he stood up and started waving to the cheering crowd.
Softly, Stormy asked, "Are you sure you want to do this?"
Wrapping his arm around her shoulders, he gave her a kiss as cameras flashed all around. "I’ll be fine as long as I have you by my side."
"AJ, what happened? How did you get shot?" called one of the reporters.
AJ and the police along with Ricky and the group’s management had already discussed this. Everyone involved wanted to protect the couple and didn’t want to start a media frenzy by telling them it was Mafia related. With that in mind, AJ simply said, "Just protecting my lady."
"Who was it?"
"Burglars. We surprised them by coming home early."
Turning their attention to Stormy, the reporters asked, "How do you feel about AJ risking his life to protect you?"
"How am I suppose to feel? I love Alex a great deal and would never want him to get hurt. I’m extremely grateful that he’s okay now."
"How long have you two been together?"
"Over a month," answered AJ as they approached the car. Turning to the reporters, he said, "I appreciate you coming out today but I’m still not completely recovered and my lady is anxious to get me home so she can pamper me some more."
With that, AJ allowed one more picture and nodded to security they were done. The door was opened first and AJ gently pushed Stormy to get in first. He didn’t want a lot of pictures taken of her. The fear of someone else coming after Stormy was very real for him.
In the car, AJ leaned his head back and closed his eyes. That short trip from the hospital door to the car with the reporters and fans had taken more than he realized.
Looking at him, Stormy saw that he was pale. "Are you okay, Alex?’
"Not really. I didn’t realize how tired I really am."
Stormy took his hand in hers and said teasingly, "Ya know, I’ve thought about it and I wanna go dancing tonight after all."
AJ grinned, "Okay!! You were right. All I REALLY want to do is hold you."
"I can handle that," assured Stormy as he put his head in her lap. Running her fingers through his hair, she said softly, "I can definitely handle having you hold me."
Marcus looked over his shoulder from the front seat to watch the young couple. He could see that Stormy was worried and he couldn’t help but wonder if this party was a good idea.
Stormy caught the big guy watching and she knew what he was thinking. Softly, she promised, "I’ll make sure he takes it easy."
Arriving at the house, Stormy had to wake AJ. “Baby, we’re home.”
Groggily, AJ sat up and looked around to see all the cars. “What’s going on, ‘Stormy’?”
“It’s a ‘Welcome Home’ party for you. The guys, band, dancers and a few other friends that your mom called for me are here.”
“What you were working on this morning?” asked AJ as he tried to shake the sleep out of his head.
“Yeah, but if you’re too tired, I’ll get them to clear out.”
“Nah, I’ll be okay….just don’t go too far,” he whispered squeezing her hand.
Opening the door for the couple, Marcus asked, “Do you need any help?”
“I’ve got him,” said Stormy getting out first.
With her arm around his waist, Stormy walked with AJ to the front door. She knew he was tired because with each step, he leaned more on her and she was a little worried that this was going to be too much for him.
Denise met them at the door and gave each of them a hug.
The rest of the small group gathered in the living room greeted him with hugs and kisses as he made his way slowly to the couch. As soon as he was settled with Stormy next to him, the gifts started being handed to him. Most of them were stuffed animals, cute things, or things for Stormy and AJ now that they were a couple. Everyone there had heard the story and now, watching the couple, they knew that AJ was deeply in love with Stormy.
Finally, there were two gifts left and as Howie handed the largest one to AJ, Kevin spoke up, “Alex, these last two are from Howie, Brian, Nick and me. Since you have decided to embark on a new career as a super hero, we want to make sure you are well protected. It’s obvious that you’re NOT the Man of Steel so we got you this.”
AJ opened the box and pulled out a bullet-proof vest. Laughing as he held it up, he said, “I could have used this BEFORE now. One question, what if they aim for my head next time?”
“No problem there. You’re too hard-headed for anything to hurt your head,” cracked Nick.
Everyone laughed and then Brian handed AJ the last box. Inside was a badge with the number ‘0069’ engraved on it.
“You are now officially Agent Double O69,” announced Kevin as Stormy pinned the badge on him. Getting serious, Kevin went on. “Alex, you scared the hell out of all of us and we’re extremely grateful to the doctors, nurses, and Stormy for taking such good care of you. I thought once we’d lost you to the drugs and alcohol and it nearly killed me then. I don’t know what I would have done if things hadn’t turned out the way they did this time. You’ve gotten another chance at life and you have a damn good lady by your side.”
Squeezing Stormy’s hand, AJ had to wipe the tears. “Thanks, Kevin and thank you to everyone for everything you’ve done for me and for Stormy. It means the world to me knowing we have so much support.”
“Hey, ‘Stormy’. What did you get Alex?” asked Brian.
AJ looked at her and said, “She gave me her love. That’s enough.”
“Thanks but....I did get you something,” blushed Stormy as Nick handed her a small box. She turned so that she could face AJ and everyone faded into the background for her. At that moment, she and AJ were the only two in that room. “Alex, you found me in the park and you took me in without hesitation even though you didn’t know me and I wouldn’t talk. You never pushed me for more than I was willing to give and you gave me your heart…completely. All you’ve ever asked for in return was a sign…any sign, even the smallest one, that I loved you and wanted a relationship with you.”
Opening the box herself, Stormy took out a ring and then took AJ’s hand in hers. Sliding the ring onto his finger, she said, “I never thought I’d find a man quite like you. I mean….I’d always dreamed of a man like you but, well, you know my past. Alex…I hope this is a big enough sign for you…I love you.” Taking a deep breath, she asked, “Will you marry me?”
The entire room of people held their breath. They knew the answer. AJ had risked his life to protect Stormy. She had stayed by his side, never leaving, not eating, for over a week. They had watched the way the two had looked at each other for the past hour, touched each other. There was no doubt in any of their minds that these two loved each other nor was there any doubt as to what AJ would say to this question.
“No.”
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