Part 22
The time in the hospital had been a wonderful start to their relationship but AJ and Chelsea were looking forward to going home. They wanted ‘couple’ time, to be able to snuggle without being interrupted and to talk about things other than what the doctors had said. AJ wanted to spoil her, do all the little things to show her exactly how he felt, and the ride home and roses were just the start. There was no way they could know they’d be brought even closer together.
The parking lot was full as the limo pulled in. Chelsea looked around and spotted three familiar vehicles, tightening her hold on AJ’s hand.
“What’s wrong?” asked AJ.
“Nothing really…just don’t leave me.”
“I hadn’t planned to leave your side.”
“We’ll all be there with you, Chelsea,” promised Howie as he touched her knee.
“Thanks, Howie.” Looking up at AJ, she asked, “You ready to meet my brothers?”
“Are they here?”
“Along with my parents.”
“Oh joy!” sneered Kevin. “Are you sure you want to do this, Chels?”
“Monique was my best friend, Kevin…from the time we were old enough to play together. I’m not going to avoid paying my respects because my father is a jerk. Besides, Uncle Mark said today they told Daddy he was wrong to kick me out. I have his support.”
“And ours,” added AJ. “Do you want the wheelchair?”
“No, I’m going to do this with the crutches.”
“Chels, you’re pushing yourself,” said Kevin. “You need to be taking it easy.”
“I’ll be okay, Kevin.”
Kevin eyed her skeptically. “It’s up to you but we are NOT letting you out of our sight.”
“I really didn’t expect you too,” teased Chelsea. As the car came to a stop, Chelsea turned her attention to Annie. “Sweetheart, you don’t’ have to go in if you don’t want to. Daddy or Marcus will stay out here with you.”
“No ma’am. I want to go with you….to show my respect for Aunt Moni too.”
“I’m proud of you, baby,” smiled Chelsea as she fingered her daughter’s hair.
The door opened and Kevin stepped out first followed by Howie, Brian, and Nick. Annie stopped long enough to give Chelsea and AJ each a kiss before bounding out into Kevin’s arms.
Inside the car, AJ brushed Chelsea’s hair back as he said, “We don’t have to go in either, baby. Mark and Betty will understand. I can go in and pay your respects for you.”
“No, I’m not going to let my father keep me away from the people I love. Besides, I want to see my brothers.”
“Promise me you’ll tell me when you get tired.”
“I promise.” Chelsea put her hand on the side of his face. “Thank you, Alex…for everything.”
Turning his head slightly, he placed a kiss in the palm of her hand. “Chelsea, I’ve fallen in love with you and I will be by your side for everything.”
“I like the sounds of that but what happens when everything starts getting crazy with the CD promotion and the tour?”
“I hope you’ll be by my side.”
“For as long as you’ll have me.”
“Are you ready to do this?”
“With you by my side…I could face the devil.”
AJ gave her a quick kiss then handed her crutches to Marcus who was still standing at the door. He got out first, then reached in to help Chelsea. When she was out and upright, he stood before her and put his hands on the sides of her face. “My beautiful lady, how do you feel?”
“I’m upright. We’ll see how I do from here,” smiled Chelsea.
With AJ on one side and Marcus on the other, Chelsea led the way inside where they were met by a multitude of Monique’s family.
