Isaac held Kathleen gently in his arms as they danced. The ballroom was packed with people dancing. And somehow, amidst all the noise and chaos in the room, the couple didn't seem to notice. Or atleast Kathleen didn't.

Isaac's head had been off somewhere else all evening. The twenty-year old had already spilled punch on himself once. He'd been in silent contemplation for the past three hours, his mind focused on something else.

Sure, he loved Kathleen, and he wanted to marry her. Sort of. But the more time he spent with her, the less he liked her, and the less he loved her. She had so many annoying habits. And while she was hands-down the most beautiful woman in the room, she didn't seem that beautiful to him anymore now that he knew her.

He'd pined after her for quite sometime, and was only able to capture her heart almost a year ago. And here they were at their engagement party, and he was starting to have doubts. Well, that's an understatement. He was beyond having doubts. He was ready to back out completely.

"Sweetheart?" Kathleen whispered into his ear. "What's wrong? You've been out of it all evening."

"Nothing, Kat. I'm fine," he said. He looked into her crystal clear blue eyes and tried to smile.

"Alright. If you say so," she said, sighing. She laid her head on his shoulder again. Isaac stared off across the room, at the entrance. His brother Taylor had yet to arrive, and Taylor was his best man. Isaac wondered what was taking him so long. Taylor had mentioned the day before that he had to pick a friend up at the airport before he was coming to the party, and that he would be bringing the friend with him. Isaac had no idea who the person was, but Taylor had a secretive gleam in his eyes when he'd mentioned it.

Taylor had been against Isaac marrying Kathleen from the start. Taylor had known Kathleen for quite sometime, and didn't think she was the right girl for Isaac at all. Taylor thought that Kathleen was just after Isaac because he was a celebrity, and that she really didn't love him. Sometimes Isaac thought that maybe Taylor was right.

The song they were dancing to ended, and the DJ announced he was taking a fifteen minute break. Isaac told Kathleen that he needed some fresh air, and that he would be back in a moment. She was too busy talking to her mother to notice.

Isaac stepped out onto the balcony and shut the door behind himself. He closed his eyes and breathed in the fresh night air. There was a light breeze, and the moon was full in the sky. Isaac breathed in deeply again, a familiar scent wafting into his nostrils. Apple blossoms.

"Hello, Isaac," a female voice behind him said. He spun around to face the person. There stood a girl in a flowing pink silk dress, her brown hair pulled up into a loose bun, with pearl drop earrings and a pearl necklace on.

"Analora . . . hi," he said, startled to see his ex-girlfriend standing there in front of him. She'd moved away almost two years ago, and they had barely spoken since. She'd taken a job in New York at MTV studios as a VJ, leaving him behind. They had decided to break things off when she left. "Wow . . . you look spectacular. Not at all like a VJ."

"Well, I thought since this was a more formal occasion, it wouldn't be smart to wear something flashy like I wear to the awards shows. Elegant and simple works best," she said. "But thank you anyway."

"What are you doing here? When did you get here?" he asked.

"About two hours ago. Taylor picked me up at the airport," she replied.

"So, you were the friend Taylor had to pick up. I should have known he would do something like this. He hates Kathleen," Isaac said, smiling irritatedly.

"No, he doesn't hate Kathleen. He just knows you well enough to be able to tell when you're miserable," Analora responded. "And trust me, it is quite obvious that you are miserable. I watched you dancing with her. It was like you were off in another time or place or something. And the way you held her . . . she was like 4 feet from you, as though you couldn't bear to have her close to you."

"I don't care what you or Taylor say, I'm marrying her. I love her," Isaac lied.

"Liar," she said, calling his bluff. "I could tell by the look on your face that you were actually considering running. And something makes me think you still are." Isaac looked down at his feet.

"Can I ask you something, Analora?" he asked.

"Sure," she replied.

"Did you . . . do you . . . ever miss me at all?" he asked.

"Honestly?" she asked. He nodded. "Everyday. I miss you every day."

"I miss you, too," he said quietly. He reached up and touched her cheek. "Analora - " Suddenly the door to the balcony opened, and Kathleen stepped outside.

"Sweetheart? Are you okay?" Kathleen asked, with a look of concern on her face.

"Uh . . . yeah, Kat," Isaac responded, looking at Analora still. "Kathleen, I'd like you to meet my friend, Analora James. Analora, this is my fiancee' Kathleen."

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Analora," Kathleen said, shaking her hand. "I believe Isaac's spoken of you before. You're a VJ on MTV, right?"

"Yeppers, that's me. It's nice to meet you. You're a very lucky girl to have a guy like Isaac," Analora said.

"Thank you. You are coming to the wedding next month, aren't you?" Kathleen asked. She linked her arm through Isaac's, laying her head on his shoulder, a movement that almost seemed more possessive than affectionate, atleast to Analora, anyway.

"Sure, I'll be there. I'm Taylor's date to the wedding, actually. Besides, I wouldn't miss my oldest friend's wedding for the world," Analora replied. She gave Isaac an amused look. Obviously, this girl had no idea who she was dealing with, or the fact that her fiancé was having doubts.

"Well, sweetie, I'm going to go back inside. I just wanted to check on you," Kathleen said, kissing Isaac on the cheek.

"Alright. We'll be back inside in a few minutes," Isaac said.

"It was nice to meet you," Analora said. Kathleen waved as she walked away. Analora looked at Isaac as the door shut. He opened his mouth to speak, but she stopped him, putting her index finger over his lips. "Don't say it. Please." She turned to go inside, but he stepped in front of her, blocking the door.

"I have to say this. If I don't . . . I'll regret it for the rest of my life," Isaac said. "Analora, I love you. I always have. I knew you were the girl for me even when you left for New York, but I was too stubborn to say it. I didn't want you to give up the job at MTV. And now that you're here again . . . I don't want to lose you. I can't marry Kathleen, feeling this way about you."

"You can't back out of your engagement," she said. "I won't let you. This isn't like high school. We're not teenagers anymore. We can't just run away together because we want to be together and can't. Our actions have repercussions. I mean . . . what about the band? Your brothers? And Kathleen? She obviously cares a great deal for you. I wouldn't want to see her heart get broken. Besides, all the plans have already been made for the wedding. It's a little late to back out, don't you think?"

"I have to! I don't love her!" Isaac exclaimed. "I wouldn't be fair to lead her on like that!"

"You've just got cold feet, Isaac. You're not thinking rationally," Analora said calmly. "I knew I shouldn't have come. I just made things worse for you."

"What? First, you tell me I look miserable and act like you want to get back together, and now you're trying to talk me into staying with Kathleen, a girl who can't possibly compare to you, and who I don't love! What the hell is wrong with you?" Isaac yelled.

"It's just that Kathleen seems really nice, and I think she really loves you. I don't want her to get hurt," she responded.

"That is a load of bullshit, and you know it!" he yelled angrily, getting up in her face. Tears stung in her eyes, but she said nothing. "Whatever Analora! When you decide to make up your mind, do me a favor? Don't call me!" He walked back into the ballroom and kept on walking, right past Kathleen. Kathleen hurriedly followed him out to his car.

"What's wrong?" Kathleen asked. Isaac started pacing, his brow furrowed intently. "Are you not feeling well?"

"You know . . . I've been racking my brain for weeks, trying to find a way to say this nicely . . . but there's just no nice way to say it, Kat," he said. He continued to pace.

"To say what?" Kathleen asked, confused. Isaac stopped pacing and stood in front of her, facing her.

"I can't marry you, Kat!" he exclaimed. Kathleen stared at him in disbelief. "I don't want to marry you!"

"Oh, come on, Isaac. You just have cold feet," Kathleen responded nervously, smiling. "That's okay. I forgive you." She tried to ruffle his hair with her hand, but he jerked his head away. "You can't be serious . . . Isaac?" She looked at him, frightened.

"I've never been more serious in my life. I can't marry you. I don't love you," Isaac said. Her eyes filled with tears. "I'm sorry, Kathleen." He kissed her on the cheek. Then he got into his car and drove away.

As Isaac woke up the next morning, all the events of the night before came rushing back to him. The people, the music, the fragrance of apple blossoms, the tears in Kathleen's eyes as he'd said those things to her, and most of all, how beautiful Analora had been. It was a flood of painful memories. But no matter what, he knew he'd made the right decision in breaking things off with Kathleen. He felt as though a weight had been lifted off his chest.

He grabbed a bowl and a box of Wheaties out of the cabinet and placed them on the kitchen counter. The doorbell rang. He went to answer it, yawning. He slowly unlocked the door and opened it. Analora stood there, holding a McDonald's bag. He groaned loudly.

"Hey," she said, smiling. "Nice morning, isn't it?"

"Whatever, Analora," he said grouchily, rolling his eyes. "Why are you here?"

"I brought you breakfast," she responded cheerily. "Your favorite. Hotcakes and Sausage McMuffins." He wasn't in the mood to hear what she had to say, but the smell of the food she had was overwhelming, and his stomach won out.

"Come on in," he said, walking off. Analora stepped inside the small apartment, shutting the door. Then she walked into the kitchen. Isaac sat at the counter, head in his hands.

"Where are the plates?" she asked.

"Second cabinet to the left," he mumbled. She opened the cabinet and pulled out two plates.

"Silverware?" she asked. He reached around and opened a drawer, then turned his back to her again. Analora finally sat down, pulling the food out of the bag, She handed Isaac a Styrofoam container of pancakes and sausage. "So, did you sleep well?" She dug into her pancakes, while Isaac just picked at his with a fork.

"No, I didn't, thanks to you and Taylor," he grumbled. "But obviously you did." He threw his fork aside, sighing angrily. "Why are you really here, Analora?" She wouldn't look up at him, but she could feel his eyes on her, like they were burning a hole in her flesh. His rage flashed vividly through his eyes.

"I don't know . . . ," she said quietly, putting her fork down. "I just needed to see you again, I guess. We didn't exactly part on the best terms last night. But then again, neither did you and Kathleen, from what I heard."

"And you thought it might be fun to come over here and gloat about it? Or are you just here to confuse me some more?" Isaac asked, an indignant tone in his voice. Analora's eyes widened and her mouth dropped open. She had never seen him be so openly hostile before. "But wait - I'll save you the trouble. You being here is misery enough. Leave." He got up and stomped off into the bedroom. Analora's eyes filled with tears as she began to cut her pancakes again. She began to cry quietly. Then her face grew red with anger. She grabbed her plate and threw it as hard as she could. It hit the wall and shattered, making a sticky, broken mess. Isaac heard the noise from his bedroom and flinched. He looked through the doorway to see her picking up her purse and walking to the door.

"Stay," he said, walking into the room. "Please, stay." He walked over to her and put his arms around her. She sobbed into his chest. "Shhh . . . it's okay. I didn't mean what I said." He held her shivering body against his and kissed the top of her head. "Shhh . . . it's gonna be alright now. I promise." She looked up at him. Tears were falling from his dark brown eyes. She reached up and brushed one away. He touched her hand softly, drawing it down to his lips, and then kissing her palm.

"I'm sorry about Kathleen," she said.

"I'm sorry for yelling at you," he said. "Besides . . . the thing with Kathleen just wasn't meant to be. It wouldn't have been right. I could've never loved her the way I love you." His fingers traced the outline of her eyes, nose, and mouth. She closed her eyes as he leaned forward and kissed her softly. BEEP-BEEP! BEEP-BEEP! They pulled apart.

"That's my beeper. Hold on just a second," she said. She reached into her purse and pulled out a pink beeper. She read the message.

"What is it?" Isaac asked.

"I need to go back to the hotel. Come with me? There's someone I want you to meet," she replied.

"Alright. Let me get dressed," he responded. He ran into his bedroom and threw on a pair of jeans, a polo shirt, and his Adidas. Then he ran back into the living room. "Let's go." They headed out to the parking lot and sped off in Analora's car.

"Shhh . . . ," Analora said as she opened the door to her hotel suite. "Be quiet."

"What for?" he asked.

"He might be asleep, and I don't want to wake him up yet," Analora replied.

"He who?" They walked into the living room area. A teenage girl sat on the couch watching TV. She looked up when they came into the room.

"Isaac, you remember my little sister Violet, don't you?" Analora asked, pointing to the girl. She stood up and walked over to them. She was slightly taller, but otherwise looked as Isaac remembered. Long brown hair, and eyes like Analora's.

"Of course!" he responded. "My, you've grown up, Vi." He gave the girl a hug.

"I'm almost 16," she said. "And you haven't changed a bit, except your hair is shorter."

"Yeah . . . I finally cut it all off," Isaac said.

"Ana told me about what happened with Kathleen. I'm really sorry," Violet said.

"Thanks, but it's okay. It just wasn't meant to be," he responded casually.

"So, where's Micah?" Analora asked her sister.

"Taylor's in the other room with him," Violet replied. "He wouldn't take a nap. I suspect it's because you weren't here, and he's in a strange place. He's also not used to Taylor and me."

"Alright. Well, I'll go get them, and be back in a second," Analora said, smiling. She walked off, leaving Isaac confused.

"Who's Micah?" Isaac asked Violet.

"I think I'd better let Ana explain," Violet answered. She went and sat down on the couch again.

"Isaac?" He turned around to see Analora and Taylor walking out of the room. Taylor waved and quickly walked over to the couch, sitting beside Violet. Isaac walked over to Analora. She was holding the hand of a little boy as he waddled into the room with her. "I'd like you to meet Micah." Isaac stared at the little boy in disbelief. The toddler had curly blond hair and brown eyes.

"Is - is he yours?" Isaac asked, still in shock.

"Yeah," she replied. "Do you want to hold him?"

"Sure," Isaac said. He knelt down and picked the child up. "Hey, little guy! How are you?" The little boy pulled at Isaac's ear, smiling. Isaac looked at Analora. "He's precious. How old is he?"

"A year and a half," she replied.

"A year and a half?" Isaac repeated. It was then that it clicked in his head. There was a reason she'd taken the time to introduce him to the little boy. "He's not mine, is he?"

"Yes, he is, and a spitting image, I might add," Analora said, smiling weakly. Isaac looked closely at Micah. It was then he noticed the little boy had his eyes and nose and Analora's mouth. Isaac looked at Analora again, questioningly. "He's yours, Ike. I was never with anyone else other than you." Isaac held the little boy to him, kissing him on the forehead. "I didn't find out I was pregnant until I had been in New York for about three months."

"Why didn't you tell me sooner?" Isaac asked, his eyes filling with tears.

"Well, I must've started a million letters to you about it over the past two years, but something about it just didn't seem right. I knew I had to tell you in person, but I was so scared. So I kept putting it off. And trust me, all those times you were at the MTV Studios, it was hard to cover my tracks, since he goes to the daycare there, but I managed to do it. Everyone there knew to keep their mouths shut, and besides, half of them didn't even know about Micah or who his father was. I waited and bided my time, searching for the right words to say to you. Until two weeks ago, when Taylor called and told me about the wedding. I knew I had to say something soon, or we'd lose you forever," she explained. "I figured, even if you didn't want me, you'd want to see Micah, and I needed to give you and Kathleen time to get used to the idea."

"The idea of what?" Isaac asked.

"The idea of me moving back here with Micah, so he'd be closer to you. The reality that you actually have a son. I didn't want to just spring it on you and Kathleen suddenly," she replied. "I never planned or dreamed of breaking you and Kathleen up. That just sort of happened on it's own."

"Was that the only reason you came back into my life again? To tell me I had a son? Or was falling for me again part of it too?" Isaac said, shifting Micah in his arms.

"It wasn't a matter of falling for you again. The feelings were already there," she said. "Micah was the initial reason I came here. I figured since you were engaged, I didn't have a snowball's chance in hell of getting you back. And when I saw you again . . . I realized Micah wasn't the only one who needed you. I need you, too."

"Okay. And what about Taylor? How long has he known about this?" Isaac asked.

"Taylor's known for about three months. He found out when he was in New York, looking at N.Y.U. He looked me up and gave me a surprise visit at my apartment one day. Getting me to finally come here was his idea. But Micah wasn't his only purpose. I mean . . . come on, Isaac, he's not stupid. He knew we both still loved each other, and he wanted what was best for both of us, as well as Micah," she replied. "Like I said, I didn't plan on breaking you and Kathleen up. Taylor might have, but I didn't. Is that so hard to believe?"

"Not really. I just wish you'd told me sooner. Like when you first found out you were pregnant. I would have been in New York in a nanosecond. You know that," he said. He looked down at his son. Micah had drifted off to sleep in his arms. Isaac smiled. "I think he's down for the count."

"Yeah. Come on, we'll put him in his bed," Analora responded, smiling. They walked into the bedroom and laid Micah down in his playpen. "He knows who you are, you know. I'm always showing him pictures and stuff, telling him you're his daddy. You should've seen him a couple of weeks ago, when you and your brothers were on Regis. He nearly threw a fit when he saw you on TV. He couldn't wait to meet you."

"Well, I'm glad to have finally met him, even though I didn't even know he existed until a few minutes ago. He's wonderful," Isaac said. He watched his son sleeping peacefully. Then he looked over at Analora. She was crying. "What's wrong?"

"I just never thought this day would come. That you and our son would actually meet. And you're just being so wonderful and understanding about it all," she said. "I just feel like I don't deserve it."