True Love Endures

By: Stephanie Woodworth

© 2000 Chaotic Bliss Fan Fiction

Katerazina’s life was usually pretty normal, until recently that is. She had a good job, great friends, a family that loved her and was finally going to graduate from college. It was the end of August and Kate was beginning her final class needed for graduation. It was an upper level math class and she hoped it would be quite easy to complete.

The night before classes began, Joey, Kate’s fiancée, informed her that he had to leave on a tour with his group, NSYNC, and wouldn’t be home for weeks at a time, if that. They fought for hours and before it was over she found herself calling the wedding off.

Kate slept very little that night and when she awoke she was already running late for class. She went running into the classroom just as the professor was handing out the syllabus. She quickly took the last seat in the front of the classroom and from that point on her normal life ended.

She made it through the first day with no real problems. As she was getting ready to leave she knocked her notebook on the floor. A man bent to pick it up for her. "I think you dropped this," the man stated.

Without looking up, Katerizina replied, "Thanks see you tomorrow."

"Katerizina, is that you?" he asked.

Katerizina looked up to see her old teacher, Mr. Joseph, standing in front of her. "Hello, Mr. Gates, what are you doing here?" She asked.

“I’m sitting in on this class for a new program at the school,” he explained.

Remembering that she was still running late, Kate said, “I’ve gotta get going. I’ll see you tomorrow.” Kate rushed out of the room hoping that she didn’t make too big of a fool of herself.

As she dressed the next morning she noticed that she was taking extra measures in picking her clothes and applying her make-up. She said to herself, "Katie darling, remember he's older than you and probably happily married." She looked over to the picture of Joey on the dresser next to her. None of these things stopped her from remembering how infatuated with Mr. Gates she was in high school.

Math class that day flew by and Katerizina had trouble concentrating on her work. All she could think about was Mr. Gates sitting behind her. If she thought hard enough she could feel his breath on the back of her neck.

After class Katerizina asked, "So what have you been up to since I had you for Geometry in high school?"

Mr. Gates replied, "Oh, that makes me feel really old."

"Sorry, Mr. Gates, I didn't mean for it to sound that bad."

"Please, you are not my student anymore. Call me, Brad."

Katerizina stated, "Only if you call me Kate. My parents are the only ones that call me Katerizina and that’s only when I’m in trouble."

“Fine Kate, I’ll see you tomorrow.

Months went by and this daily banter kept up. Kate hadn’t seen Joey for a month. One day after getting a mid term back that Katerizina didn't do to great on, she turned to Brad and said, "I can't believe I did so awful on this test. I studied forever and I was sure I knew the material backwards and forwards."

"Don't worry you'll do better on the next one." Brad said trying to comfort her.

"I can't afford to do bad on one more test. Maybe I should put an ad in the school paper for a tutor."

"Don't do that, I'll tutor you if you'd like," Brad told her.

Surprised Kate said, “That would be great!"

"I'll see you tomorrow and maybe we can study some in the library after class tomorrow,” Brad suggested.

"Okay, you’re on. Tomorrow after class you and me in the library, sounds great."

That night Katerizina had an extremely erotic dream about Brad. Her only hope upon waking was that somehow she could make it a reality.

After class that afternoon they walked to the library together. Brad teased Kate the whole way, joking as if they had been friends their whole lives. The difference in their age didn’t affect them either. They studied real hard even though it was tough for Kate to keep her mind on the math problems. She couldn’t stand having Brad so close to her.

“You make everything seem so easy,” Kate gushed.

“Not easy,” Brad replied, “just easier to understand.” Brad tapped Kate’s head and added, “You know what you’re doing, but you just mess the order up every now and again.”

The feel of Brad’s fingers on her forehead sent shock waves through her body. It was killing her just sitting there with him and knowing they’d be going their separate ways soon. So Kate asked, “Do you want to go get something to eat?”

“I’d love to, but I’m having trouble keeping my hands off of you.” He waited a minute watching the expression on her face turn to disappointment, then shock, then surprise ass he added, “I can’t imagine spending time in a restaurant with out wanting to touch you or kiss you.”

“Brad, I . . . . “ Brad interrupted her before she could voice her thoughts.

“Before you say anything I have to tell you that I know this isn't right. I realize I'm married. Just understand that if things were all right at home I would still want you. Right now though my wife and I are having the worst fights in the world. I don't know if this is going somewhere, but I'd like to explore our options.”

Realizing that she should have insisted that he leave his wife before starting anything with her, Kate instantly thought about Joey. She really still loved him, but wanted Brad more than anything. “Brad, I’d love to see where this can go, just one thing though, I really don’t want a relationship with strings. I’m not looking for a serious relationship. I just broke off my engagement with my long time boyfriend. I really don’t want a one-night stand either.”

“Well Kate, it sounds like we are heading down the same path. Why don’t we take this as far as we can and when it’s done we walk away?”

“Sounds like a plan to me. Um . . . .would you like to go to my place. I could make something for dinner.” Kate suggested.

“That’s fine, but I need to be home before long.”

“Why don’t you follow me. If we get separated I live above the ice cream shop downtown.”

As they drove back to town both of their thoughts were wandering to events in the past couple of hours and thinking about what was to come in the next few.

Kat and Brad’s relationship continued the entire time they were in class together. Since Brad was spending so much time studying with Kate, she ended up passing the class with a ‘B’. Her graduation was upon her and she began to wonder if it would affect her relationship with Brad.

The night before graduation Brad and Kate were alone in her apartment. Kate turned to Brad and asked, “What will happen now that we aren’t in class anymore?”

"I'm not sure, but I don't think things are going to change all that much." Brad replied.

"What do you mean things aren't going to change all that much!" Katerizina yelled. "I'm not going to see you every night anymore."

Brad grabbed her tightly. “Don’t worry! Nothing is going to change how I feel about you.” He kissed her passionately, to remind her exactly how much he loved her.

Finally Kate settled down enough to look at things more rationally. She knew deep down in her heart that brad loved her as much as she love him. She returned his kisses and much more. “I have the perfect thank you.” She whispered in his ear. She slowly unbuttoned his shirt lightly kissing as she did so. They were soon intertwined in each other’s arms. Had Kate known that across the country Joey was heading home to see her with every intention of asking Kate to reconsider and become his wife.

Joey ran to catch his connection plane to Orlando. He’d be lucky to catch it at the rate his day was going. He was excited to be heading home, not only because he was tired and wanted to rest, but because he wanted to see Kate and convince her to take him back.

He practiced the speech he was going to say to her. Even Justin told him she’d be nuts not to accept everything Joey was going to offer her.

Kate kissed Brad goodnight and watched as he walked to his car. For the first time since their affair began she really hated to see him go. She had a gut feeling that something was terribly wrong. She waited until he pulled away before shutting the door and going back to her room.

She was sound asleep as soon as her head hit the pillow. She was suddenly awoken by a pounding noise. Her eyes flew open and she tried to calm her beating heart. She sat up in bed and listened again for the noise, but she heard nothing. She decided that maybe she was hearing things until she heard the front door open and close. She reached under the edge of the bed grabbing the baseball bat that she kept there. She reached for the phone finding the base empty. She remembered that she’d left it in the kitchen and wanted to kick herself for being so careless.

She stood and quietly tiptoed to the door. As she reached for the doorknob it turned in her hand. She instantly screamed.

“Kate . . . Kate!”

Kate stopped screaming when Joey flipped the lights on. “Joseph Anthony you scare the living daylights out of me!”

Joey smiled, “What does that mean? You know, what are the living day lights?”

Kate sung at him and he laughed. “It’s not funny!”

“I used my key,” he held up the key that was in his hand. “I wanted to surprise you.”

“Well, you sure in hell surprised me.” She reached for the key that he was dangling in front of her. “I should have taken this away from you when we broke up.” She grabbed hold of the key, but Joey wouldn’t let it go.

He pulled her arm behind her back and pulled her close to him. He leaned really close to her and could feel her heart still beating fast and her ragged breath on his cheek. He leaned forward to kiss her, “Katie, I’ve missed you.” Joey let go of her arm and wound his fingers into her long hair. He pulled back slightly looking at her. She was standing there almost in shock, her eyes were closed and her mouth parted slightly. She was almost frozen in place. Joey kissed her again and this time when he pulled back he was staring into her eyes. “Oh Katie, I’ve rally missed you.” His voice was deeper and just above a whisper. He picked her up and carried her back to her bed. They never spoke as they made love. Joey’s pre-rehearsed speech would have to wait.

They slept until late the next afternoon. When Kate finally woke up Joey was resting on an elbow watching her sleep. He was absently twisting her hair. “Morning beautiful,” he whispered then kissed her.

Guilt set in. “Joey we shouldn’t have done this . .”

Before she could finish Joey placed a finger over her mouth. “Wait. I need to tell you something first.” Joey took a deep breath then began his speech. “Kate, I’ve loved you since the first time I saw you. I’ve been miserable without you the last couple of months. I’m not sure how it’ll work out while I’m on the road, but I can’t go on without you. You can travel with us, I’ll get you a job if you want, anything, anything to be with you.” He reached for his pants that were lying on the floor. He pulled the ring box from the pocket. “Katie, will you please do me the greatest honor in the world and marry me?”

It wasn’t the first time that Joey had proposed to her, but she was in awe. The ring was huge, four carets at least. He insisted that she keep the first ring that he gave her. Kate was speechless. She began to cry. “Yes . . .yes . . . yes!” She kissed him in between each yes.

They spent the day wrapped in each other’s arms. When nightfall finally came Joey suggested, “Why don’t we fly off to Vegas and get married tonight.”

“What?” Kate asked Joey massaged her shoulders.

“We’ve already planned a wedding once that didn’t happen let’s be spontaneous and get married in Vegas.”

“Tonight?” she rolled over to face him. He was serious. “What about our parents, families and friends?”

“We can do a big wedding later if you want. We can wait until Christmas time. You always said that you wanted a candlelight wedding when the church is decorated for Christmas.” Joey kissed her forehead. “Come on Katie, it’ll be fun and very romantic.”

“What’s romantic about Vegas?” she asked skeptically.

“Not Vegas per se, but the thought of eloping.” Joey got a pleading puppy dog look on his face. “Please Katie.”

She couldn’t resist. “I’d love to marry you tonight.” She kissed him. “You promise that you’ll let me have my fantasy wedding at Christmastime?”

“I promise.”

As Joey ran to his house and packed Kate took a few moments away from her packing to try to reach Brad. The phone rang over and over at his house and his answering machine didn’t pick up. She knew that she was taking a risk calling his house. If his wife answered she had no idea what she’d do. She finally decided to leave him an e-mail.

Joey returned half an hour later with his bag and plane tickets in hand. They jetted off to Vegas and were married before the nights end. Kate was lying in bed after they’d made love for the first time as husband and wife and wondered if this is what her life was going to be like from now on. She wasn’t having second thoughts really, just wondering.

They stayed in Vegas for the next two days and when they returned to home Kate’s answering machine was blinking out of control.

“Honey, you’ve got lots of messages.” Joey walked past the machine and into her tiny bedroom. “How long do you think it will take you to pack this place up?” he asked.

“Not too long.” Kate was flipping through her mail as she glanced around the room. “What am I going to do with all this stuff?”

“We’ll figure that out later. Grab the stuff you need and let’s get out of here.”

“I need to check my messages.” The messages varied from Brad, who had left half of the messages on the machine, to Kate’s parents, classmates and work associates all worried as to where Kate had disappeared to.

“Who’s Brad?” Joey asked returning from the kitchen.

“He’s a guy that I know.”

“Where’d you met him?” Joey could tell that Kate was uncomfortable talking about Brad.

“Um, at school. He used to be my teacher in high school.” Kate picked up the phone with every intention of calling her parents. She needed to tell them that she married Joey. She began to dial when Joey grabbed the phone from her.

“So where you seeing this guy or something?”

“Well, you could say that.” Kate paced anxiously around the room. “He’s married, we were having an affair.” Kate wanted to crawl into a hole and die. She wanted to tell Joey right away and over the course of the last couple days meant to time and time again, but never did.

“Was this going on while we were engaged?”

“No, oh no. I met him in class. After you had already left.”

“Well, you know you’re not going to have to worry about moving your stuff cause I don’t ever want to see you again.”

“That’s not fair! Are you saying that you never went out with anyone, never took a groupie back to your room the whole time you were gone?” She stood with her hands on her hips. “Don’t lie Joey, I’ve seen the pictures. Did you think how that would have made me feel when you were screwing someone you didn’t even know?” Joey didn’t say anything he just turned and left. Kate collapsed on the ground and cried.

The next thing she remembered was waking up in her bed. She sat up quickly and glanced around. She couldn’t remember going to bed. She noticed that someone had slept in the bed next to her and thought that Joey must have returned.

Kate grabbed her robe and ran out to the other room. She stopped suddenly realizing that it wasn’t Joey, it was Brad!

“Good morning sleepyhead,” Brad continued frying the eggs.

“What are you doing here?”

“I’ve been looking for you for days. Didn’t you get my messages?”

“Um . . . I was out of town and I heard them last night when I got back.” She looked over to the machine and noticed that there weren’t any messages from Joey.

Brad walked over to Kate and kissed her on the forehead. “I was worried about you.”

“Brad things have changed. I’m married.” She flashed the ring on her left hand.

She didn’t even feel the slap that knocked her to the floor. It shocked her, but the look in Brad’s eyes as her glared down at her made her shake with fear. “What’d do that for?” Kate asked from her spot on the kitchen floor.

“You’re a slut!” he spat at her.

Kate pulled herself up and retied the belt on her robe. “Thank you for that, as if my life wasn’t bad enough,” Kate was furious. “My husband of a week walked out on me because I forgot to mention that I was having an affair with a married man almost old enough to be my father. Then as if a cruel joke, you, the asshole that if I remember right agreed to not make this affair too serious, just smacked me in my own home which I might add that you broke into!”

Brad went back to the pan where the eggs were now burning. He pulled it off the stove tossing the whole thing into the sink. As he turned to leave he stopped and got right in Kate’s face. “For your information your door was unlocked and you were lying in the middle of the living room floor. I thought that you were hurt. And I’m sorry if you thought my love for you wasn’t serious. I left my wife.” He backed away from her not trusting himself. “I killed my marriage for you, broke my wife’s and kid’s hearts and look what I got. Nothing! I hope that I’ll never have to see you again. Now if you’ll move out of my way I’m going to go and try to kiss up to Pamela in hopes that she’ll take my lying, cheating ass back.” Kate moved to the side and Brad silently left her standing there.

Months went by and Kate spent most of her time alone in her tiny apartment. She’d lost a considerable amount of weight and barely ate anything anymore. She hadn’t heard from either Joey or Brad since the night she got back from Vegas. She was still looking for a job and nothing seemed right for her.

One sunny afternoon she was sitting all alone in her apartment when her sister, Gina, came to pay her a visit. “Kate, you look like hell.” Gina was never one to beat around the bush. “How long has it been since you showered?” She began to open all the drapes that Kate had pulled tightly shut.

“Don’t do that, I like it dark!” Kate yelled.

“Kate, you may be my older sister, but I can still beat you up. If you don’t get your ass up of that couch, take a shower and rejoin the land of the living I’m going to kick your ass!”

“I can’t Gee, nobody loves me anymore. I don’t even live with my husband and I haven’t seen him in months. And to make life even more ironic, I’m pregnant.” The tears began to stream down her face.

“Oh, Kate, I’m so sorry that all this is happening to you. Did you call Joey?” Kate shook her head. “Why not?”

“It may not be his.” Kate’s crying became louder.

“What do you mean it may not be his? He’s your husband!”

Kate motioned for Gina to sit down and she began to tell her the whole tale of Brad, the affair, Joey’s return and their marriage.

“Boy and I thought my life was a mess, but this my dear takes the prize.” Kate had to laugh; there was nothing else that she could do. “What do you say to taking a shower and you and me going out tonight?”

“Sure, but I can’t promise that I’ll be too much fun. And I can’t even get drunk.”

“Are you gonna call Joey?”

“Yes,” she whispered.

“Before the baby is born?”

“Yes, before the baby is born.” Kate got up and showered. Gina helped her find an outfit to wear and did her hair. They had planned on going and seeing a movie, but ended up at a club.

The club was hopping and Gina was dragging Kate out to the dance floor when they ran into Joey and some girl. Gina being her ever-tactful self decided to just let Joey have it. “You’re an asshole, Joey, a plan and simple asshole!”

The girl that was with Joey gave Gina a weird look. “Joey, who are these women.”

Before Joey could even open his mouth Gina shouted, “This is his wife who is unfortunately pregnant with his child.” Kate about died. She wanted to turn and run and if it weren’t for Gina holing on tightly to her arm she would have.

“Your what?” The petite little brunette asked.

“His wife,” Gina said again.

This time there was no way Kate was staying there. She yanked her arm away from Gina and ran from the club. She needed fresh air. When she got outside she hailed the first cab that she saw.

“Where to?” the driver asked.

“Anywhere, just get me away from here.” Kate began to cry. She saw the look on Joey’s face when he found out she was pregnant. It wasn’t what she’d hoped for. It was more of discuss than the happiness she wanted him to feel. Kate rattled off her address and sat in the back seat crying as the cab took her home.

She unlocked her apartment door and flipped on the lights. She wanted so desperately for Joey to be there, but the apartment was empty. The message light was blinking on the machine and instead of listening to the messages she went right into her room and collapsed on the bed. She cried herself to sleep and when she woke the next morning she tried to go on with her life as nothing had happened. She erased all the messages without listening to them and curled up on the couch with a book and a blanket.

She began a new life that day. She was not going to sit around and feel sorry for herself. She took a job at the local hospital and started substitute teaching at one of the grade schools. She kept herself busy and watched as her stomach grew larger and larger.

She was about six months pregnant when she ran into Joey again. She was leaving the hospital and he was entering it. She wasn’t even paying attention to what was going on around her. “Excuse me,” she mumbled after bumping into someone.

“Katie.”

She was startled when she heard his voice. What was she going to say to him? “Hello, Joey. How have you been?”

“Miserable. How about you?”

“Uncomfortable. The hot weather is awful when you’re pregnant.”

“How are you feeling?” Kate watched as his eyes glanced down to her stomach.

“Fine. What are you doing here Joey, is someone sick?”

“I’m looking for you. Gina said that you worked here.”

“I’ll have to thank her for that. What do you want?”

“My wife back.”

“Joey, it’s been six months. Why now?”

“I don’t know. I don’t have a good answer. I’ve been a real jerk. Come on Katie I still love you.”

Tears started streaming down Kate’s face. “The baby might not be yours.” She looked down at the ground not able to make eye contact with him.

“I know. Gina told me that too. I don’t care. I just want to be back in your life. I’ll raise the baby as if was mine. I’ll love it because it’s a part of you.” He lifted her face so that he could see her eyes. “We don’t even have to find out if it’s not mine. Please Katie, please.”

Tears were streaming down Joey’s face too and Kate reached up and wiped them away. “Okay.” He picked her up and swung her around. “Joey, the baby, be careful.” Katie laughed for the first time in six months and it felt wonderful.

Kate moved into Joey house and they turned one of the guest rooms into a nursery for the baby. Kate continued to work against Joey’s wishes and as the due date neared was absolutely miserable.

“Tell me again why Florida has to be so hot.” She was sitting on the couch with her feet propped up on Joey’s lap.

“Honey, it’s almost over. You can make it a little bit longer. You can stay right here in the air-conditioned house and relax.

“I don’t want to be house bound. I’d miss seeing all the kids at school.” She’d finally gotten a full time teaching job at a grade school nearby their home. “I’d miss having contact with humans.” Joey was leaving in two weeks for their next concert. If Kate delivered in time she’d meet up with them a month into the schedule.

“I’ll call you daily.” He began to rub her very swollen feet. “I’ll fill you in on all the stuff that’s going on with the tour. All the gossip, anything you want to hear and probably stuff you won’t and you’ll tell me all about the baby and what’s going on with it.”

“Thanks Joey.” Kate began to cry. Joey looked at her wondering what he’d said wrong. “These damn hormones.” She smiled through her tears.

“I love you Katie.”

“We love you too,” she rubbed her massive stomach.

~*~*Three Weeks Later*~*~

“This kid is definitely yours Joey. I can’t believe that I haven’t had it yet.” Kate was past her due date and her doctor told her it was common for first time pregnancies. He said she could go another week before they were going to have a cesarean section.

“I’m sorry that you are so miserable. And I’m sorry that I can’t be there with you.” Joey was on the road and wanted more than anything to be by his wife’s side. “How are you doing with Gina? You are killing each other are you?”

“No, were fine. Your mom stops by to make sure we are doing okay. I miss you though.” Kate was tearing up again.

“I miss you too Katie.” Kate could hear people in the background. “Listen Kate, I have to go it’s time to get rigged up for the show. Tell the baby that I love it and you take care. I’ll call tomorrow.”

“Have a good show. I love you.” Kate hung up the phone and tried to stand up. Everything was extremely difficult lately. “Gina . . . Gina . . . come help you beached whale of a sister off the couch.”

Gina walked into the family room and stared laughing. “How big is this kid going to be?”

“Don’t start with me, I seem to remember when you were pregnant with the twins and were absolutely huge. And you were quite big with Kaleb too.” Kate laughed.

“Well with twins it’s expected and Kaleb was 9lbs 5oz, he was a heifer.” Gina continued to laugh while she pulled Kate up off the couch. “You know that I still love you even if you do need a crane to move you.”

Kate turn more serious, “Thanks Gee for all that you are doing to help. Now let’s get my huge self off to bed.”

Kate hadn’t been sleeping well for the past couple of weeks. She was not used to sleeping on her back and that was the only position she could handle now. She also had a tough time sleeping with Gina. They’d shared a queen-size bed when the were younger, but now was different. Gina hogged the covers and had a tendency to kick in the middle of the night. She also missed Joey sleeping next to her. She glanced at the clock again and realized that it was only 2 am. It was going to be a long night. She’d been awoken about an hour before with slight pains in her back. She knew what it meant, but also realized that she wasn’t even close to being ready.

She thought of Joey and what he’d be doing right now. They were in California and would most likely just winding down from the concert. She turned the lamp on next to the bed and picked up the calendar there. Their next stop was Los Angeles and Kate knew that they’d probably stay in the town they were in for the night. She needed to get a hold of Joey so he could plan to come back home.

She picked up the phone and dialed his cell number. It rang and rang and rang, but no one answered. Kate wondered if something was wrong. Joey always made sure that his cell was nearby or that someone had it in case she called. She looked through the drawer for the phone book and dialed Lance’s cell number next. No answer. What the hell, where are they? She wondered. She continued to call the cell numbers. Justin’s was the last.

“Whazzup?”

“Justin, this is Kate. Is Joey nearby?”

“Hello Katiebug, yep, let me get him for you.” Kate heard Justin yell for Joey. “Hey Joe, your woman’s on my phone!”

“Katie, is something wrong? Why didn’t you call my phone? What’s wrong?”

Kate giggled, “Calm down. I tried your phone and didn’t get an answer. As a matter of fact I tried everyone’s and only Justin answered. I thought maybe someone abducted the guys from NSYNC, or y’all fell into a black hole somewhere.” Kate laughed again. She could tell that Joey was frightened and wondered how he’d ever make it to Florida in a plane. “Joey, you need to get reservation to come home. I’m in labor. Don’t hurry or anything, you’ve got plenty of time.”

“Oh Katie, are you okay? Does it hurt? Is Gina there?”

“I’m fine right now, it’s still early. Gina is sleeping next to me. I’m going to be fine. I’m going to wake her and have her take me to the hospital. I just want you to make it here before the baby is born.”

“I’m going right now. I love you baby.”

“Be safe Joey, and tell that little creep Timberlake that I’m no one’s woman!” Kate laughed and hung up the phone.

She tapped Gina on the shoulder trying to get her awake. “Gee, yo Gina, it’s time to get up.”

“No, not yet 10 more minutes please, just ten more minutes.”

“Okay, I guess I’ll just drive myself to the hospital.” That got her attention.

“It’s time?” she asked as she shot out of the bed.

“Yep.” She helped Kate out of the bed and grabbed the bag that she’d packed weeks ago. She got her in the car and headed towards the hospital.

Kate’s labor lasted forever it seemed. The doctor’s were beginning to get worried that they’d have to take the baby cesarean. Kate was in the middle of a labor pain when Joey finally showed up at the hospital.

“Katie, how are you,” he asked while kissing her sweaty forehead.

“I don’t think this is the time for you to be all lovey dovey. Right now I never want to see you again.”

“You must be her husband,” the nurse standing next to the bed said.

“Yeah, is she okay?” He glanced at Kate again. She looked exhausted. The nurse nodded. “Oh Katie, I’m so sorry.”

“What are you sorry about?” Kate smiled at her husband. She was very happy to see him.

“Making you go thru this.” He walked up and kissed her damp forehead. “I love you.”

“It’s okay Joe, I’m fine.” Kate grabbed hold of the bed rails and began breathing like she’d been taught in Lamaze class. When the pain subsided she said, “It’ll be over soon.”

The monitor hooked up to her started sounding just as the doctor and nurses cam rushing in. “Kate, we have to hurry. The baby’s heartbeat is dropping. It’s in distress. We’re going to prep you for a c-section.” The doctor and nurses flew around the room as Kate laid there watching.

“Sir, you’re going to have to leave,” the nurse told Joey.

“No way!”

“You can go get changed into scrubs and go into the operation with us.” The nurse grabbed his arm. “Follow me.”

“I love you Katie,” Joey said before following the nurse.

“I love you too.”

They wheeled Kate to surgery and began their fight to save the baby. Joey stood to the back of the room watching. No more that fifteen minutes after they began the doctor was placing a pink, screaming bundle into the nurse’s arms.

The nurse’s quickly cleaned the baby up and Joey watched in astonishment. “Do you want to hold her?”

“Her . . . it’s a girl?”

“Yes,” the nurse smiled.

Joey took the small bundle that was wrapped in blankets from the nurse. “Hello baby, I’m your daddy.” He was crying as he looked down at his daughter.

They moved Kate to recovery and showed Joey back to Kate’s room. An hour later the nurses wheeled Kate back into her room.

Joey jumped up and walked over to her. He watched as they moved her over to her bed. He smiled down at his wife who was still drowsy after the anesthesia. “Oh Katie, you did it. She’s perfect. Our daughter is perfect.” He leaned down and kissed her.

“Can I see her?”

“Sure sweetie, Let me go get her,” the nurse left.

“What are we going to name her?” They hadn’t decided beforehand.

“We both liked Kortney,” Kate said, “How about Kortney Elizabeth?”

“Sounds perfect, Kortney Elizabeth Fatone.”

The nurse returned with Kortney and left the new family alone for bonding time. “She’s perfect.” And that she was. Joey stayed with Kate that night and all the next day. Kate wanted to go home but the doctor insisted that she stay a couple more nights because she’d just had major surgery. They’d gone on with the shows and Joey would meet up with them in a few days. Joey finally had to return to the road and Gina came in to relieve him.

Three days later Kate was dismissed and took Kortney home. When they opened the door they were in awe at the site. The house was covered in pink roses. Dozens and dozens of them. A big balloon hung in the middle of the room and had a card attached to it. The card read: Welcome home Kortney. Daddy wishes he could be there with you. I love you. The roses are for you, but you might want to share with your Mommy. I’ll be home soon and can’t wait to kiss you from head to toe. Love Daddy.

Kate put Kortney down in her crib and noticed even more flowers in the nursery. She picked up the card and read it: Welcome to the world Kortney Elizabeth. We can’t wait to meet you. Your “Uncles”, Lance, Chris, JC and Justin.

She headed to her room next and was surprised to she two dozen white roses there. She read the card attached. Katie, I love you more than words can convey. I miss you like crazy and can’t wait to hold you in my arms. I’ll be home soon. All my love, Joey. P.S. give Kortney a big kiss from her Daddy.

“Did they buy out the florist?” Gina asked joining Kate in her bed.

“You know they probably did,” Kate smiled.

The weeks flew by and before Kate knew it Joey was home for two days. He came in loaded down with gift bags.

“Joey, what’s all this?” Kate asked in shock.

“Gift from fans. And there’s more, I couldn’t bring them all with me.”

“Oh my, we can’t keep them all. What are we going to do?”

“Well it’ll give you something to do. You can write thank you notes. We’ll give whatever you can’t use to a charity or children’s hospital. Now if you’ll excuse me I have to go see my favorite girl.” He kissed her once more and ran up the stairs two at a time.

“Wait a minute, I thought I was your favorite girl?” Kate laughed and began sorting through the bags that he’d dropped on the living room floor.

A half-hour later Joey returned to the living room to find Kate buried in gift bags and baby things. She had a notepad and was listing everything she opened. Joey sat on the floor behind her and wrapped his legs and arms around her.

“Having fun?”

“I can’t believe some of this stuff. There are homemade blankets and quilts.” She held up a stuffed elephant. “This is from Sarah, she’s nine and lives in Texas. . . . and this is from Kara, she’s 16 and lives in New York.” She pointed to a pink dress with ruffles. “Joey can you believe all this?”

“It’s really amazing.” He snuggled closer to Kate and began to nuzzle her neck. “I’ve missed you.”

“Mmm . . me too,” Kate moaned.

“Let’s go upstairs,” Joey whispered into her ear. She nodded and Joey stood and easily lifted her into his arms. They spent the day reacquainting themselves and the night playing with Kortney.

“Look, you make that face,” Joey laughed at the cute grin on his daughter’s face.

“She has your eyes,” Kate observed.

“And your smile,” Joey leaned over and kissed Kate. “I want to have a whole house full of your kids.”

Kate laughed, “That’s really easy for you to say. How about we enjoy the one we have.”

~*~*~*

The two days were over before they could believe it and they found themselves flying to New York to meet up with the rest of the guys. Joey had arranged for room in one of the buses for Kate and Kortney. They were going to travel with them until the end of the US tour, then return home while the guys flew off to Europe.

The tour was humming along just fine and they were in Cincinnati for two nights. Kate had planned to rent a car and drive to Indiana to see her parents, but Kortney had developed a fever and Kate decided not to go. She stayed in the hotel during the show and when Joey finally returned just after midnight she was frantic with worry.

“Joey, Kortney’s burning up. I’ve given her all the Tylenol allowed. I’m not sure what to do.” Tears were threatening to fall and Kate was sure she’d never felt so helpless in her whole life.

“Did you soak in a bath?”

“Yes, Joey I think that we should take her to the ER.”

Joey watched as the tears began to fall down his wife’s face. She was never one to exaggerate and knew that they should take Kortney to the ER. He picked up the phone and arranged for a taxi to take then to a local hospital. Little did they know that after that night their lives would change forever.

Kate would never remember the doctor coming in and telling them that Kortney had a rare blood disease, that it was impossible for Joey to be her father and finally that she had a extremely rare blood type and unless a sibling or parent had the type it was going to be near impossible to find the blood Kortney needed.

Hours later they’d moved Kortney into a small room on the pediatric unit. As Joey sat with her Kate stayed traumatized in the lounge around the corner.

As Kate finally went into Kortney’s room she was once again brought to tears. The moonlight streamed in through the slated blinds in the window and illuminated her husband’s face. She could tell that he’d been crying. She glanced over at the cold steel crib sitting against the wall. She wanted to go and hold Kortney but the tubes supplying her daughter with oxygen and fluids deterred her. She sniffled startling Joey. “I’m sorry that I woke you.”

He stretched in the rocking chair. “No, that’s okay. How are you feeling?”

That’s all it took to make her go into a hysterical fit. She started crying harder. “Why Joey? Why did this happen? Why to Kortney? Why us?” With each question she got louder and louder. Joey quickly jumped up and tried to calm her. She pushed him away, pounding on his chest. “Why Joey?” He grabbed a hold of her wrists. “It’s all my fault! I know it is! God’s punishing me for sleeping with a married man.” She collapsed to the floor rocking back and forth. “Why?” she continued to sob. Joey sat down and wrapped his arms around Kate holding her while she cried. It seemed like hours before she stopped.

When her breathing was a bit more regular and her sobs were only whimpers, Joey pulled back and kissed her on the forehead. “Don’t worry Katie we’ll get through this.” He hugged her tight.

They stayed wrapped in each other’s arms until Joey knew that Kate was sleeping. He picked her up and placed her on the fold out bed in the room. He stepped out of the room and cried. He needed to find an answer. He walked into the lounge and picked up the phone quickly dialing the number for information.

“Information what city and state please?”

“Orlando, Florida, Bradley Gates.”

“One moment please.”

The phone clicked over. “Hello,” a sleepy voice answered.

“I’m sorry to wake you. This is Joey Fatone. I’m calling for a Brad Gates.”

“This is. What do you want?” he barked.

“My,” he stopped and rethought what he was going to say. “Your daughter is sick. She needs blood.”

“Fist Mr. Fatone, I don’t have a daughter. Second even if I did she wouldn’t get a drop of my blood and third I feel really bad for her causes she’s got a slut for a mother.”

The phone went dead in Joey’s hand. “And an asshole for a father,” he said while hanging up the phone.

Joey returned to Kortney’s room and stood over her bed watching her sleep. He finally decided to get some sleep too and sat down in the rocking chair.

When Kate woke hours later Joey was sound asleep in the hard wooden chair. She covered him up before checking on Kortney.

A nurse walked in just as Kate was bending over to kiss Kortney. “Morning,” she whispered.

“Good morning, Mrs. Fatone.” The nurse whispered while she began to get Kortney’s vitals. “She’s looking a bit better this morning,” she smiled. “And for that matter, so do you.”

“Thanks,” Kate said trying to smile. “How much longer can we wait until we find a donor?”

“It depends. I’d say we need one in a day or two at the most. Still no luck with the father?”

“No, but I’m going to try and change that.” Kate scribbled a quick note and handed it to the nurse. “Could you make sure that my husband gets this when he wakes up?”

“Sure.”

Kate leaned over and kissed Kortney. “Mama loves you, I hope this works. If it does you will feel better real soon.” Kate grabbed her purse and left the hospital. When she finally hailed a cab and told the driver her destination she opened her cell and dialed the airport to schedule a flight to Orlando.

~*~*~*

Joey woke shortly after Kate had left. He was frightened when he realized that Kate was missing. He quickly ran into the hall.

“Hello, Mr. Fatone. How’s Kortney?” a nurse asked him.

“She’s asleep.” Joey looked at the nurse’s nametag, “Amy, do you know where my wife is?”

“Oh yeah,” she grabbed Kate’s note out of her pocket. “She gave me this to give to you.”

“Thanks.” He opened the letter as he walked back to Kortney’s room.

Joey-

I’m taking control of my life again. Brad’s not getting away with letting our (yours and mine) daughter die. I’m so sorry that all this is happening and I’m sorry I’m causing you all this heartache. I love you but wouldn’t blame you if you left me. I’ll call you when I find something out.

All my love,

Kate

Oh Katie, I hope you know what your doing. Joey thought closing the letter and returning to Kortney’s bedside.

~*~*~*

Her plane landed and Kate ran up the ramp. She’d arranged for a rental car and drove directly to Brad’s house. She wasn’t sure if he’d gotten back together with his wife or not but didn’t want to talk to him anyway. She was there to appeal to Pamela’s motherly instincts.

She pulled in front of the simple tri-level house. There was a minivan in the driveway and Kate hoped that Pamela was home. She sighed, got out of the car and walked up to the front door ringing the bell.

A tall brunette answered the door, “Hello.”

“Hello, I’m …”

“I know who you are,” she interrupted.

“Oh.” Kate felt suddenly less sure of her task.

“What are you here for?”

“I need your help, may I come in?”

The woman moved aside allowing Kate to enter the house. There were toys all over the living room and Pamela started picking then up. “Excuse the mess, I just put the boys down for a nap.”

“No problem, just leave them.” Kate walked around the room looking at the pictures. She was scared that Pamela might tell her no. She saw a picture of two older boys and a baby, from the look of it she’d guess it was recent. Did Pamela have another child? The baby looked about Kortney’s age. “Are these all your children?”

“Yes, that was taken last month,” she pointed at each child, “Triston is 6, Timothy is 4 and Trent is 5 months.”

“I didn’t know that you were pregnant.” Kate sat down in a chair. She placed her head in her hands and sighed, guilt rushing over her. Not only was she having an affair with a married man, but also his wife was pregnant. She looked up and tried to keep the tears from falling, but with all that had happened in the last few days the tears were unavoidable. “I’m so sorry,” she said wiping away the tears.

Pamela wanted more than anything to be mad at the young girl that sat across from her. She’d stayed up late at night thinking of things to say to her, names she’d call her. She wanted to yell at her because she’d spent most of her pregnancy alone and caring for two children, but she saw the hurt in her eyes and knew that Brad had used and hurt her too. “No need to apologize. What are you doing here?”

“Like I said, I need your help. Actually my daughter needs your help.” Kate told the whole story. “That’s why I’m here. I’m hoping that one of your children will be a match. This seems to be my only hope.”

Pamela didn’t know what to say. She tried to put herself in Kate’s place but was having serious difficulty. “Did you call Brad?”

“No, we didn’t end on good terms.”

“How about your husband’s money, can’t that help you?”

“Money can’t buy everything. The doctor’s told me that siblings have a good chance at being a close enough match. Please I’m begging you, please allow the boys to be tested.”

Pamela stood and opened the front door. “I’m going to have to think about it. I’ll let you know either way.”

Kate opened her purse and grabbed a picture of Kortney scribbling her home and cell numbers on the back of it. “I’m staying gin town tonight, then flying back tomorrow. Please call me as soon as you decide.” She handed her the picture. “Thank you and I really am sorry.”

~*~*~*

Kate waited until she got in her car before she started crying again. She picked up he cell phone and dialed the hospital phone number.

“Hello.”

“Joe, it’s me,” Kate sniffled.

“Katie, I was so worried. Did Brad hurt you? Are you okay?”

“I never saw Brad. I talked to Pamela, his wife. I’m fine,” she said. “I’m on my way to the house.”

“Did she say no?”

“She’s thinking about it. She’ll let me know,” she turned into her driveway and turned off the car. “Joey what if she says no?”

“She won’t. Just think positive.”

“I’m trying it’s just getting harder.” She rested her head on the steering wheel. “How’s Kortney?”

“About the same. I’ll give her a kiss from her Mommy.”

“Joey, I love you.”

“I love you too Katie. You’ll see, everything is going o work out for the best.”

Kate hung up the phone and went into the house. It was too quiet. She was going stir crazy. She thought about calling Gina and seeing if she’d come over, but wasn’t sure she wanted company. She found herself in Kortney’s room and ended up sitting in the rocking chair holding a stuffed bear that Joey had bought Kortney. That’s where she was when Pamela finally called her. “Hello,” she answered sleepily.

“Kate?” Pamela paused not really wanting an answer, but making sure she was able to go on. “I’ll allow the boys to be tested.” Kate began to sob on her end of the phone. She couldn’t believe that this was happening. She was almost sure that she’d say no. “What do I have to do now?”

Kate stood and ran into her office. She picked up the other line and dialed the hospital’s number. “Just a minute Pamela. I’ll find out what’s needed.” She held a phone on each ear and after going through the switchboard she finally got Kortney’s nurse. “Hello, this is Mrs. Fatone. I need Dr. Barone to call the hospital here in Orlando and tell them what’s needed to test Kortney’s half brothers.”

Kate and Pamela found out that only a simple blood test would be needed and they planned to meet at the hospital the next day.

Kate was unable to sleep. She cleaned the house even though it was already clean. She tried to watch television, but soon realized that time seemed to move even slower when she did that. She thought about calling her sister but didn’t want to wake her kids. She finally decided to take a shower then head to the hospital.

Pamela was early too and met Kate in the hospital lobby. “Good morning. I guess you couldn’t sleep either.”

“No, I couldn’t. Thank you so much for doing this.” Kate looked down at the adorable little boys standing slightly behind their mother’s legs. “Hello Triston and Timothy, my name’s Kate.”

They didn’t say anything just hid behind Pamela’s legs. “They’re shy around people they don’t know.”

A nurse approached them. “Hello, are you Mrs. Gates?”

“Yes.” Pamela smiled switching Trent to her other arm so she could shake the nurse’s hand.

“We’re going back to the lab, follow me.” The blood was drawn and sent off to be analyzed and the women were sent to the cafeteria to wait.

“Let me by you some coffee and juice for the kids,” Kate suggested.

They got their beverages and found a table. They sat in almost complete silence except for a conversation that was going on between Triston and Timothy.

“Thank you for doing this,” Kate finally said.

“I know that if the situation was reversed that you’d have done it for me,” she looked down at the table then back up at Kate. “Are you still in contact with Brad?”

“No,” she laughed remembering the last morning that she saw him. “I never even called to tell him that he has a daughter.”

“He knows. Your husband called two nights ago asking for his help.” Kate looked at her surprised. “Brad called soon after and told me not to help you in anyway.”

“You’ve got to be kidding. He’s such an …” she stopped remembering that she was in presence of his children. “Thank you for not listening to him.”

“Pamela Gates please report to the laboratory. Pamela Gates please report to the laboratory.”

Kate began to shake inside. This was it. Kortney’s life depended on the new they’d receive upstairs. Pamela stood gathering up Trent and started picking up Triston and Timothy’s things. “Let me help.” Kate too Trent from Pamela and picked up his diaper bag. Until that moment she never realized how much she missed Kortney. Tears began to creep down her cheeks.

Pamela hugged the younger woman, “It’s going to be okay. You’ll see.” Triston and Timothy threw away the trash from the table and followed the women to the elevator.

They entered the lab and Kate silently prayed that the news would be good.

“I’m Mrs. Gates,” Pamela told the young man behind the counter.

“Just one moment, I’ll get Dr. Johnson.”

“That has to be good news,” Kate said trying to convince herself.

A tall man in a white lab jacket walked up to them. He held his hand out and shook Pamela’s hand. “Hello, I’m Dr. Johnson. I’m a pathologist with the hospital. I’ve been in contact with Kortney’s doctor in Cincinnati and he’s making all the arrangements …”

“What arrangements?” Kate asked interrupting him.

“I’m sorry, I thought you already knew. We have a match.” Kate collapsed to the floor in tears.

~*~*~*~*~

Hours later Kate found herself sitting next to Pamela and Trent on a plane bound for Cincinnati. She was thanking God every second she could. The doctor’s were almost sure that the blood would pull Kortney out of her downward spiral.

A limo picked them up at the airport and quickly drove them off toward the hospital. Kate turned and looked at Pamela. There was a scared look in her eyes the whole way there on the plane, but now there seemed to be a look of wonderment. She reached over and patted her knee. “First time in a limo?” Pamela nodded. “Don’t worry, you never really get used to it,” she said with a smile.

They were greeted at the hospital by throngs of reporters. “How’d they know we were going to be here?” Pamela asked as the reports charged the limo the second it pulled up.

“I’m not sure, they just always know.” She grabbed Trent’s diaper bag and Pamela’s suitcase. “Just follow me, look down, don’t stop and don’t answer any questions.” The driver opened the door and the flashes began to pop. He helped first Kate and then Pamela from the car and the women quickly walked towards the entrance.

“Mrs. Gate … Mrs. Gates,” a young man yelled shoving a microphone in her face. “Do you know what you’re ex-husband is calling Mrs. Fatone?”

Another yelled, “What does he think of you letting Trent give blood to his sister?”

“Kate, now that Joey’s not Kortney’s father, are you going to stay together?” A young girl screamed.

“What about Kortney’s real father? Why isn’t he here? Why won’t he help?” The questions continued.

The hospital doors opened and Kate sighed in relief. “How can you spend your whole life with that?” Pamela asked.

“I don’t know you just do it. And it never gets easier.”

Joey came running up to Kate from the lobby. He grabbed her in a huge hug. When they broke apart he said, “I’ve missed you.”

She leaned in and kissed him. “I’ve missed you too.” She grabbed Pamela’s hand. “Joey, this is Pamela. Pamela, this is my husband, Joey.”

“Nice to meet you,” Pamela smiled.

“You too. And this must be Trent.” He patted Trent’s head. “You’ll never know how much this means to us. Thank you just doesn’t cover it.”

The four of them grabbed the next elevator. “How’s out little girl?” Kate asked.

“About the same.” Joey was making silly faces at Trent and laughed when Trent began to giggle.

They checked Trent into the room next to Kortney’s for comfort and began the transfusion process.

Kate and Joey sat patiently in Kortney’s room while everything was being finalized. Kate turned to Joey and said, “Remember on the night we got married you promised that I’d get the wedding of my dream. What do you say we do it as soon as this whole ordeal is over?”

Joey smiled and kissed Kate, happy to see that his wife had finally returned to him.

~*~*~*~*

The music began and Gina walked down the isle. She smiled at Joey as she took her place at the alter. The small crowd turned and watched as Kortney and Trent toddled down the isle. They were holding each other’s hands and Trent was trying to pull Kortney along faster.

They finally made it and sat in the second pew with Pamela. The music tempo changed and Kate appeared at the back of the church on her father’s arm.

Joey moved to take his place at the end of the isle and watched as the woman he loved most in the world began to walk down the isle toward him. He began to tear up ate the sight of her. She was breathtakingly beautiful. Her gorgeous off white gown was fitted through the bodice and has an A-line waist that perfectly camouflaged her ever-expanding waistline.

Over the past few months Kortney’s health returned to normal. They returned to Orlando and Pamela’s boys became part of the family. Joey almost instantly got the huge family that he wanted. It was soon after their return that Kate found out she was pregnant and everyone seemed overjoyed, even Kortney.

Timothy and Triston had a hard time understanding how everyone was related, but Trent and Kortney had an unusual bond. He was a typical older brother even though they weren’t that much apart in age.

The wedding ceremony went off with out a hitch and as the bride and groom kissed each other in the back of church Kate whispered in Joey’s ear, “I had big hopes when I was a little girl … to get married … to be a mom … and to be a successful career woman. Thanks to you all of my dreams have come true.”

The End

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