"Whenever You Call" Chapters 51 - 55

(~) Part 51 (~)

Amy, Lance, JJ, and Gracie (they already had occasional nicknames to discern them from their elders) were discharged from the hospital three days later - on June 2nd. Amy had actually healed quite quickly because Justin had emerged rather easily with only two pushes and they had made only a small incision to remove the tiny Kylie. They drove home in Lance’s 4-Runner, the two youngin’s sleeping in pint-sized car seats in the back with Amy in the middle. When they arrived back at the Bass/Buckta - soon to be simply Bass - residence, Amy grabbed little Justin and Lance took Kylie so that they could carry them across the threshold (yes, they’re corndogs!). Lance cradled his little princess in the crook of his arm (he already took to her like Amy never thought - he protected her and catered to her with every ounce of energy he had in him) while he put his other arm around Amy’s shoulder.

The four made their way to the door and Amy pushed it open slowly. She turned back to look at Lance’s expression - and Gracie had let out a little squawk. When she turned back, she was greeted with a hearty “SURPRISE!” and a good seventy-five or so people in their foyer. The whole house was decked out in ‘It’s a Girl’ and ‘It’s a Boy’ signs, storks, and pink and blue crepe paper and balloons (there had to be at least a hundred of them).

“Lance!” She said after her heart rate returned to normal. “Wh-how?!?”

“Don’t look at me...your girlfriends planned it! With all this hurried commotion, you didn’t get a baby shower, Ames. This is more of a ‘Welcome Home, Justin and Kylie’ party rather than a shower...but it serves the same purpose...lots of free baby supplies!” He said with a chuckle. The group erupted into laughs and chatter as the family finally made it into their own living room. Within seconds, nearly every female in the room had migrated over to the parents to get a chance to hold the little ones.

After Amy handed Justin over to Jim and Lance reluctantly gave Kylie to an anxious Diane (the had just arrived in NJ that afternoon - it was their first time seeing their first grandchildren), they scooted past some caterers serving hors d’oeuvres (‘WOW, they went all out!’) to take a breather on the couch. Little JJ and Gracie had already kept them up most of the past three nights with feedings. Amy was attempting to breastfeed - quite a task in itself.

The rest of the day was wonderful. Amy and Lance actually almost never saw Justin and Kylie...they were shuffled from one pair of hesitant arms to another eager set all afternoon and into the early evening. They couldn’t believe the generosity of their family and friends either - the received thousands of dollars worth of supplies, clothes, and toys.

As the two sets of parents finally left around 8:00, with statements such as “Don’t hesitate to call!”, “You know the number if you need anything.”, and “If you have any questions...” filling their ears, Amy and Lance flopped down on the couch, both exhausted - and they hadn’t even had the children for thirty seconds on their own. Actually, they hadn’t HAD the children yet, even. Both were asleep upstairs in the master bedroom.

“Angel...listen to that...” Amy put her hand over Lance’s mouth and pricked up her ears.

Lance looked around, confused. “What? I don’t hear anything...”

“Exactly...silence. Learn to cherish it...‘cause we won’t be gettin’ much!” She joked.

The two took turns gettin’ ready for bed - they figured they wouldn’t be getting much sleep, so they thought it best to start early! Afterwards, around 9:00 now, they crept as quietly as they could into their bedroom where Justin and Kylie lay. They crawled into bed and let out huge sighs as they leaned back against the pillows.

Just then, little JJ let out a ear-piercing howl as the hunger pains set in. Of course, his howl set off a little squeak from Kylie...they had both been on the same feeding schedule - they worked like clockwork!

With a disbelieving laugh, both crawled back OUT of bed. Lance took up Justin, the less patient of the two, while Amy had a seat in the rocker. She pulled up her shirt to reveal an ‘oh-so-feminine’, big ol’ honkin’ nursing bra. Justin was placed in her arms and began feeding hungrily. After Lance scooped up Kylie, he took a seat on the bed and started rocking her in his spot. After about fifteen minutes of silence, he spoke softly.

“Ames...I, I love these guys so much. But...I’m scared. I am SO scared.”

“Baby, NO! Why are you scared?” Amy was surprised - she thought he had been handling it so well.

He just shook his head. “It’s just ‘cause I DO love them so much, and I don’t want to screw up - I want their lives to be perfect, and I want them to have all they could ever want in a father - I wanna be there for them so much. I’m terrified that I’m gonna fail at the job. What if I do the wrong thing?”

“Lance...listen to me: billions of people have done it before us, and their children have turned out perfect! These two little ones have one of the most wonderful, caring, patient, gentle, and loving men on the planet as their father. If you show them half the attention you give to me, they’ll be spoiled rotten. We’re in this together, and we’re gonna do great. You’ll be the best father the world has ever known...you’ll be just fine, I promise.”

“Thanks...I know we’ll be OK. It’s just a scary prospect, yanno?”

“Yeah, it is...but we just take it one day - one HOUR - at a time! SWITCH...”

Lance got up, put Kylie down in Amy’s arms, took up Justin and kissed Amy on the forehead. “I know, I know. I’m turning in to try to get a head start. Come to bed as soon as you’re done.”

She looked at him and smiled with a nod. ‘This is gonna be a LONG night...’ She thought to herself. ‘But somehow, I can’t imagine my life any different. This is truly a blessing.’ She touched Gracey’s warm head and held onto her tiny hand with her finger as she put her head back and sighed contentedly.

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Something that sounded like a cross between a lamb taking its first steps and a 40 year-old man being kicked in the nuts stirred Amy out of her light rest. It wasn’t enough to completely wake her, though, so she dismissed it. That wail had been the fourth already that evening, and it was only 4:38 a.m.

Lance had looked over at the clock and seen that it was a good hour before they were due to eat - they probably were just being cranky. He yawned sleepily and flipped back the covers on his side. Wearing only his drawers, he padded across the room to the twins’ bassinet and looked over the side. Both were completely uncovered inside and shivering like mad.

“Hey, guys...oh, is that all? You’re just cold?” Lance whispered with a groggy chuckle. He bundled them both back up and scooped one into each arm.

Amy had heard his speaking and looked over to where he sat with his back to her. She smiled at the sight of the man she loved so much holding her children - THEIR children. She figured she’d see how he handled their fussing - she gotten up the past few times, so she thought she’d let him give it a try.

Lance began rocking in the chair and slowly, Justin and Kylie’s fussing slowed. “You guys have to give your poor Momma a break!” He continued whispering, but Amy could hear everything clearly. “She’s working so hard, and I know that ya’ll love her a lot...so why don’t you let her get some rest, huh? She deserves it, doncha think?” He laughed a little. After their crying subsided, Lance got up to place them back in their beds...to be greeted with a fresh batch of tears.

“Oh, NO! Shh-shh, shhhhh!! No, don’t wake your Mommy - she’s sleepin’...like you two should be! Uh...what to do, what to do?” He asked himself quietly as he jounced them around. Finally, an idea hit him. He gently cuddled the two bundles up near his throat, right after clearing it quietly. He started off softly, but his rich, beautiful voice rang through with a modern lullaby from the latest Disney movie.

Lance stood once more and placed the two finally sleeping babies back down. Amy had been watching, silently crying happy tears - the sheer beauty of watching a man melt so easily and so gently into the role of a father was incredibly overwhelming. Right before she pretended to be sleeping as he returned back to bed, one more thought crossed her mind - concerning what she had said to him earlier. It was actually more of a repeat of what she had used as a reassurance:

‘These two little ones really do have THE most wonderful, caring, patient, gentle, and loving man on the planet as their father. You’ll be just fine, Lance Bass...you’re gonna be perfect.’

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(~) Part 52 (~)

The months passed quickly as Lance and Amy watched the twins grow before their eyes. Before they knew it, each little one was taking on his or her own personality. At four months, JJ was already the more dominant of the two. While he was easy going when he his tummy was full, his diaper was clean, and his little body was rested, when that WASN’T the case, he let either one of his parents know! He was the happier of the two, though - he always had a smile or a giggle on his adorable mouth whenever someone played with him. Lance seemed to have the knack - even if the little guy was fussing, Lance could produce a grin with a simple ‘goo-goo-GOO!’ or a tickle. He loved his daddy! His peach fuzz was emerging as white-blond at this point in his life, and he had the most incredible eyes already, too. Shaped just like his daddy’s with that deep, piercing stare, but the clearest, most crystalline shade of sky blue (thanks to Lance’s grandma) - at four months, he was already absolutely captivating to look at.

While little Kylie was in no way an UNHAPPY baby, she was definitely the more serious one. She never cried - just swung her tiny arms around or called out with the ‘Gracie WHOOP!’ (as Chris had nicknamed it one day) when she wanted something. Always the curious one, she just looked around with a satisfied look, contentedly taking in her surroundings. Lance had to practically stand on his head to get Gracie smiling - but on the few occasions that she did, it was the cutest thing known to mankind. Her smile would light up her face, and put a sparkle in her light hazel eyes. Unlike Justin’s, Lance’s yellow-green made it into her eyes...they were the most peculiar shade of green, yellow, blue, and brown - quite beautiful, actually. Her little bit of hair was coming in blondish-brown - a good deal darker than Justin’s white blond. But, regardless of these differences in coloring, the twins looked exactly alike. No one could pinpoint exactly who (Amy or Lance) they looked more like, but they definitely looked like each other!

Amy and Lance thanked God every day for the blessing of their beautiful children. He had to leave during the morning and afternoons for shooting of the movie (when Kylie or one of the other girls would help out), but other than that, he was by their side at all times. He loved rough-housing with Justin already, and NO one could come between him and his ‘Little Princess’. Kylie Grace was the apple of his eye...Amy would happily watch on as he just stared at her for endless hours, him kissing her forehead every so often and her holding tightly onto his pinkie with all five of her little fingers.

Things couldn’t get any more perfect for the brand new family - and they were about to get even more perfect...the following weekend was the joining of James Lance Bass and Amy Lea Buckta in Holy Matrimony.

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(~) Part 53 (~)

The big day was here. It was time for the wedding, and neither one of the young people could have been any more nervous. Amy stood in front of a long mirror as her mother, Lori, put the dress over her head. She had picked out the dress soon after Lance had proposed, that Valentine’s Day, but she just got it altered (to fit her slimm-ING figure - not QUITE yet back to its original form!) so that it fit what she had perfectly. The color was a true snow white - it had a low sweetheart neckline with a simple sheer lace covering the satin bodice; just the lace alone covered her arms. The princess waist had a rosette cording along it and the rest of the dress was a long simple satin. Along the bottom, in the front, there were a few scattered satin roses and rosebuds; the long train was a sea of simple roses at the end, and then they lessened to a scatter until they reached the floor level with the rest of the dress. There were also three rosettes across small of her back to hold up the train for the festivities of the reception to follow. Amy’s hair was upswept into a half twist - the rest of her hair was long and wavy. Sitting on top of her head was a ring of live baby’s breath and tiny little rosebuds - the ends of the half twist were curled and a few cascaded over the top of the crown. A long veil was attached to the ring of flowers and fell down her back in billows of the purest white.

Amy looked at herself in the mirror as the gorgeous dress was smoothed around her. Lori looked at her daughter with tears in her eyes. “You look absolutely beautiful, Amy Lea.”

“Thanks, Mom...” Amy reached over and hugged her best friend in the whole world, other than Lance - her mother.

The bridesmaids came into the room, as they were done changing as well. Amy had chosen a burgundy dress for her maid of honor and bridesmaid’s outfits. The dress was sleeveless - the rich material lead up to a mock-turtleneck top in the front and had an open back. There was an empire waist with the same rosette cording along it, and the same lace that Amy had, had been dyed to match and covered the top half. Below the waist was long flowy satin in the same color as the top. All the girls had their hair upswept into masses of curly ringlets with tendrils coming down - it accentuated their shoulders and showed off the subtle sexiness of the open backs.

Amy was smiling nervously and hugging each one of her bridesmaids, when a knock came on the door. Amy’s father, John, popped his head in. “Ready? Aww, Honey, you look incredible...”

“Thanks, Daddy...that means a lot. And, WHEW, I think I’m good to go. Is Lance and the guys?” She asked after giving him a hug and a kiss.

“Yep, we’re good to go. Let’s line up and move out!”

The TRAIN of people moved out into the long hallway of the beautiful church and each of the couples paired themselves up. All the guys had matching black tuxes on with the bow-tie and the cummerbund matching the color of the bridesmaids dresses. Lance himself was wearing a slightly different, but still similar, tux and he had only a colored cummerbund - his bow-tie was black to show the difference between them. Amy had chosen to have a HUGE procession in front of her - she wasn’t about to choose between ALL the people who meant so much to her!

In the front, Amy’s littlest cousin, Katie, was flowergirl #1 with Taylor Kirkpatrick close behind as flowergirl #2. Katie’s little ‘date’ was her older brother, Nicholas and Taylor’s was Lance’s little cousin, Robbie.

Next came the SIX sets of bridesmaids/ushers. Chris and Megan were first, then JC and Kristin, Joey and Caroline, Ford and Stacy, Jen and Steve Fatone, and...wait...

“WHERE’S MICHELLE?!?” Amy started panicking.

Suddenly, the door to the church flung open and Michelle and her partner, her boyfriend, came flying into the hallway. “I’m SORRY! I’m here! WE’RE here!” She slipped into her spot with a smile. “Wait, none of you guys know my boyfriend! Well, JC SURE does, now don’t you?!?” Michelle looked over to him. The group had a good laugh as JC shook his head in disbelief, but happiness none the less, at Michelle’s date - it was none other than JC’s own brother, Tyler Chasez. He had come up to New Jersey for school - the two had met when Michelle had gone to a party at Rutgers College (where he was attending.)

“You seem to like the Chasez’s, huh, Shell?!?” Amy asked with a giggle. The rest of the group joined in as Michelle and Tyler took their spots. Last but not least, the two biggest people in Amy and Lance’s life came next - the best man and the maid of honor - Justin and Kylie. They beamed with satisfaction as they took THEIR spot. Amy took her father’s arm as the doors opened. The entire church was FILLED with people and it was decorated with hundreds of fresh red (and many white) roses. Amy was carrying a bouquet of huge red roses and cascading greenery and baby’s breath, while all the girls had bouquets of white roses. All the men, had boutonnieres of a single white rose, except for Lance, who had a red one to match Amy. Everything was perfect - the processional music started and the congregations stood with “Oooo’s” and “Ahhh’s” galore as the train made its way down the aisle. One by one, each member of the wedding party took their place on the alter, with only one person left - Amy. She was a great deal behind Kylie and Justin, bring up the rear. As soon as she entered the room, though, from across the long aisle of the church, and even through her veil, Lance caught her eye. He had never seen anything look more beautiful and angelic in his entire life. The whole way up to the alter, the two stared at each other, Lance looking just as handsome as ever, all done up in his tux. Lost in each other’s gaze, Amy smiled as her father lifted back her veil and kissed her cheek - she broke her gaze just long enough just to hug him and tell him that she loved him. Immediately, her stare went back to Lance - he had never looked happier - save for the first time his children were placed in his arms. He smiled finally, and a tear rolled down his rosy cheek. Amy reached up and wiped it away before taking his hand and turning to the front to face the minister.

“Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today...” He began in the usual way.

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Amy was glad that the ceremony was being taped, because the next day, it was a complete blur. She had felt like she was floating the entire time - the most content and blissful feeling covered her entire body. She remained composed for the whole ceremony, except for some happy sobbing during the exchange of vows. Lance, himself, was weepier than Amy! Finally, the moment that Amy and Lance had been waiting for their entire life came:

“James Lance and Amy Lea; by the power invested in me...I now pronounce you...” The minister was suddenly interrupted by a contented squeal from little JJ and Gracie in the front row.

“Looks like they’ve given their approval!” He said with a chuckle as the people laughed a little and murmured some phrases such as “Oh, how cute...” and “Aww, what timing!”

Finally, after they hushed again, the minister continued. “Let’s try this again! I NOW pronounce you Mr. And Mrs. James Lance Bass - husband and wife. You may kiss the bride.” The congregation ERUPTED into cheers and applause as Lance leaned over and gave Amy a kiss so sweet it brought happy tears to her eyes, but yet powerful enough to make her skin prickle.

As they pulled apart, smiles beamed on both their faces and they waited their turn as the train moved out ahead of them. Right before heading out, though, Amy reached down and scooped up little Justin from Lori as Lance got Kylie from Diane. The happy family THEN made their way down the aisle. God smiled down on them that day - he gave them His blessing for a full and happy family life together as they made their way down the aisle. After some pictures inside the church with the minister and wedding party, the newlyweds walked out of the front door to showers of rose petals and the release of FOUR (had to represent the twins!) doves. With smiles plastered on their young faces, they hurried into the awaiting limo, bound for the fun part of the day - the reception.

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(~) Part 54 (~)

“Now, for the first time as man and wife, I’d like to present to you THE Mr. and Mrs. James Lance Bass!!” The DJ announced as the couple entered the reception hall. There were cheers and applause as they walked in and began mingling with the crowd. There were close to three hundred people in attendance - many of them music executives and celebrities. Amy had to do a double take as Gloria Estefan gave her a kiss and her blessings. ‘Wow, I guess this is what it’s like to marry a star, huh?!?’ She thought to herself with a laugh.

She still felt like she was walking on water as she was introduced to Johnny and Donna Wright, Lou Pearlman, about three million big-shots from Transcon, all of Lance’s extended family, and then some. She brought him over to her side to show him off a little and then the couple took a seat at the head of the wedding party’s LONG table. There was soft music playing in the background - both from a DJ and a live band. They had wanted the best of both worlds - this way, they’d be able to have original versions of songs, AND covers done by a really talented band. Also, Lance was planning to sing a song dedicated to Amy...but he had refused to tell what song he had chosen.

Dinner went smoothly, with QUITE a few interruptions for kissing requests - Chris thought it was hysterical to bang his wine glass with his fork EVERY FIVE minutes. Other than an emotional toast from Amy’s father, the dinner was rather quiet - but now, it was time for the dancing. Amy had taken off her veil and pinned up her train - she was ready to go.

The dancing was started off by a rousing version of ‘Celebration’ done by none other than ‘NSync themselves. Even Amy’s grandmother and Lance’s 90 year-old Great Uncle Chester were up dancing for that one! They had a bubble machine going while the band was playing, and Joey, who had the leads, even took it upon himself to flirt with Amy’s OUTGOING second cousin the entire time. It was way too much fun. Then, the guys joined the rest of the dancers as the DJ took over. He did a wonderful job, always keeping the large crowd in motion with some kind of good dance music.

At one point, Amy found herself suddenly fast dancing with Jordan Knight. “Congratulations!” He said with a smile.

“Jordan K! Omigod! This is like a dream come true...I was NKOTB’s biggest fan!” She laughed. “I even had the pillowcase and the SHOELACES!”

He cracked up as he gave her a Latin twirl to the song ‘Bailamos’ by Enrique Iglesias. Five minutes later, she was handed over to Joey McIntyre. “Another NEW KID! How lucky could I get?” She laughed. She knew that they were invited, but just seeing them in person was so much fun.

He smiled as they danced to ‘Gettin’ Jiggy Wit It’ for a little while. Finally, it was time for Lance’s dedication. He got up to the mic and blushed a little as the party grew silent.

He cleared his throat nervously and then finally began speaking. “Hey, everyone. I, uh, just wanted to take this opportunity to thank the woman who has made my life complete. Amy, you fulfill everything that I could ever want and you’ve given me the greatest gift I have ever received - the gift of your love. Now that we have a family, too, I look forward to spreading all that love to not only you, but our precious children, Justin James and Kylie Grace. This song is just words - and there are no words to truly express what you mean to me - but it does a pretty good job, so...here goes nothing.” The intro to a song that Amy immediately recognized as one of her current favorites began. Lance started singing softly, but his gorgeous, rich voice still rang clear through his nervousness.

He winked at her as he finished the song and walked down to where she had been standing. Placing a kiss on the back of her hand, a tear rolled down Amy’s cheek. “Lance, thank you...” She didn’t seem finished.

“You deserve it.” He said with a big hug.

“...but it’s my turn now...” She continued with a grin.

His face crinkled into confusion. “Your turn for wh...?” He started to ask her...but she was no longer in front of him - she was already up on the stage in front of the mic. He looked on with a smile across his rosy lips.

“It’s my turn now, to kinda show my love through a song. This man in front of me - Lance Bass - is a blessing to me. I call him ‘My Angel’ because I can’t imagine what else he could be. He’s too wonderful to be human - too perfect to describe. I love you, Baby - this is, I think, an appropriate song because of my nickname for you. I don’t have the greatest of voices, so just bear with me, OK?” She asked with a laugh. A few murmurs of laughs and encouragements put her a little more at ease as she began quietly and timidly.

There was thunderous applause as she finished with a spray of blushing over her already flushed cheeks and stepped back away from the stage. She giggled as Lance picked her up and swung her around. “That was beautiful, Rosebud. You did wonderfully!”

She nodded her head in thanks. “There’s one more surprise for you, though...”

He shook his head with a smile. “What now, Ames?!?”

“It’s time for our song...And there’s someone special here to present it to you!”

Lance’s face lit up as he saw what she had been talking about emerge on the stage.

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(~) Part 55 (~)

Shania Twain, Lance’s biggest celebrity crush, stood in front of the awe-struck crowd and took the mic. “Well, hello! It’s such an honor to be here at the reception for these two young newlyweds, Lance and Amy Bass. If you’re wondering, Lance, how I got here, it’s all thanks to your new wife. Amy got in touch with me and asked me to do this for you...she said that you were somewhat of a...fan...”

Lance’s face blushed as she made the last statement. Amy grabbed his hand and smiled.

Shania continued. “Aww, don’t be embarrassed...I’ve always thought YOU were pretty darn cute, too!” She winked at him as the crowd laughed and Lance grew a few shaded REDDER. “But seriously, this is a real important song for you two, and I am so flattered that you chose one of my songs as ‘your’ song. So, could everyone please clear the dance floor for Amy and Lance’s first slow dance as a married couple?” Everyone took some steps back, but still remained gathered around the floor to watch. Shania started off, the beautiful song filling the ears of everyone there. Lance took Amy in his arms and the two swayed to the song, looking in each other’s eyes the entire time.

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“Well, Lance and I would like to thank you for coming to share this day with us - you all have really made it special for us.” Amy and Lance stood in front of the mic together as the night was coming to a close. “BUT, we have one more dance that we’d like to have with a kinda ‘select’ group of people. With one exception - I love you Meggers! - this is the group that started this all. We met back last May and, well, we’ve been through a lot together - and I mean a LOT! This is the song that I think sums up our friendship and our love for each other. Sometimes in your life, you find a group of friends that means the world to you, you feel you can share anything with, and you simply can’t imagine your life without. Chris and Megan, Justin and Jen, JC and Kristin, and Joey and Caroline, this song is dedicated to you...but I really think it’s for and from ALL of us. I hope we can stay such wonderful friends forever. I love you all.” There were group hugs all around before the song started - some were teary, but all were happy. What Amy said was so true - they were the best of friends and that truly is a gift from God. They knew that their lives would never be the same, and now that they were together - they’d make it for good this time. Even if they weren’t ‘in LOVE’ forever, their friendship was something they knew would endure for the rest of their lives.

As the song began playing, the ten people began a giant group dance (or more like a swaying) with their arms around the person next to them - memories of the parking lot last May came flooding back to them with a rush of emotion. Smiles once again shone on all of their faces. Last time, there was no sadness, only joy - they had convinced themselves that they’d always have the past memories. This time, there was no sadness, only joy - not only did they have the past, though, they had the present and, especially, they had the future filled with possibilities in front of them.

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