The rest of the Boys were set to be groomsmen, but Howie couldn’t shut Sam and Josh from being in the wedding party. With two extra groomsmen, Howie decided to make things easier on Mary. “Since your father can’t be here to walk you down the aisle, how about they do it?”
Amanda was also at the club that night, but found Nick on her own. After being introduced, the girls hung out together, figuring they would all be spending a lot of time together in the future with the Boys. Finally, they walked in. “Sorry we’re late,” Sarah explained.
“My car broke down, damn piece of shit,” Amanda finished.
“It’s all right, they haven’t done anything for us yet,” Jade said for Mary who was too nervous to speak. Luckily, she had planned how she had wanted her hair, makeup, and nails done, so all she had to do was sit back and relax.
Mary sat back and roughly rubbed her temples. “My head’s gunna explode...” she murmured. “Gunna explode...”
“Calm down, Mare, you’re just thinking too much,” Jade reassured. “Everything will go fine.”
...
Howie paced behind the rows of chairs, waiting for the ceremony to start. The location for the wedding was at the park he took her to on their first date, it just seemed so different now. He wore a tuxedo that fit him perfectly, with his hair pulled back, gelled slightly. He glanced at his watch from time to time. “D, come here,” AJ said, walking towards Howie. He took the watch from his wrist and placed it on his own. “You’re too nervous, she has twenty minutes,” he finished and slid his sunglasses up the bridge of his
nose. Howie shrugged AJ off and continued to pace.
“Howard, calm down,” Sam finally said. “I’m giving my sister away to you and I’m not nervous.”
Josh wanted to say something, but nothing came from his mouth. He was honored that he would be able to give Mary away, but he was terrified that marriage would change her... again. ‘She didn’t change too much the first time, this shouldn’t be different...
Howard acts like he likes me... I don’t think he minds me anyway... Thom hated me...’ He sighed deeply. ‘I just don’t want to lose her again.’
Guests arrived and they were seated. Lance showed up and approached Howie. “Congrats, man. She’s a great gal.”
“Thanks,” he smiled, shaking Lance’s hand.
“So, when’s the beauty getting here?”
“Hopefully soon, I’m going out of my mind waiting...”
“And torturing us!” Sam called.
“Sam! Good to see you again!”
“Hey Lance,” he smiled and shook his hand.
“And Josh, how’s life?”
“Same ol’, same ol’,” Josh smiled. ‘And hopefully better, soon...’
...
Howie stood at the alter that was set up and waited, nervously. He quickly took the sunglasses from his face and put them in his pocket. 'Deep breath, deep breath...'
The limo carrying the bride and the bridesmaids arrived, and two by two, the wedding party walked down the aisle. AJ, being Howie’s best friend was best man and escorted Melissa. Then, Kevin with Sarah, Brian with Jade, and Nick with Amanda. The pianist began to play the wedding march. The crowd stood and watched Mary walking down the aisle with her brother to one side, and her best friend to the other. At the alter, she whispered “I love you” to each and kissed them. Howie watched her with only love in his eyes, his fear banished. He took her hand in his and clasped it gently and smiled at her. “You are too cute,” she whispered.
“Dearly beloved, we are gathered together here to join together this Man and this Woman in holy Matrimony which is an honorable estate. If anyone should show just cause, why they may not virtually be joined together in holy virtual Matrimony, speak now, or forever hold your peace.”
Josh fought a war inside himself to keep his mouth shut. ‘I will not ruin this for her... but I should be with her, she was mine...’ Just then, he saw her turn the Howie and smile at him. Seeing the love in his eyes, he resolved to get over her. She had moved on
and was happy, and he never wanted to ruin that.
“Howard Dwaine Dorough, do you take Mary Frances Goode to be your lawfully wedded wife? Will you love her, comfort her, honor, and keep her in sickness and in health until death do you part?”
Howie sucked in a sharp breath. ‘No turning back now...’ he thought. “I do.”
“And Mary Frances Goode, do you take Howard Dwaine Dorough to be your
lawfully wedded husband? Will you love him, comfort him, honor, and keep him in sickness and in health until death do you part?”
She turned to look at Howie. 'No regrets...' “I do.” Finally, Howie let out a sigh of relief and smiled at her.
...
“I, Howard Dwaine Dorough take you, Mary Frances Goode, for my wife, to have to hold, from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do us part.”
...
“I, Mary Frances Goode take you, Howard Dwaine Dorough, for my husband, to have to hold, from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do us part.”
“And now the rings.” AJ passed a simple gold band to Howie.
...
“With this ring, I thee wed.”
...
Melissa did the same as AJ, handing the gold band to Mary.
...
“With this ring, I thee wed.”
...
“By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may now kiss the bride.”
Howie smiled and gave Mary a look of relief. He lifted the vail from her face and took her hands. “I love you,” he whispered.
“Love you,” she smiled. He pulled her close and kissed her softy.
With joined hands, they walked back down the aisle together. “You didn’t have to worry about looking beautiful for me, Mary,” he whispered.
“I wanted to.”
“You’re always beautiful to me, Mary. Today... today you’re stunning.” He kissed her cheek. Turning to wave to the crowd, they climbed into the waiting limo to take them to the reception.
AJ stood next. “D, man... I don’t know what I can say about ya... You finally did it, got married. First one of us to,” he smiled at the rest of the Boys. “But, Mary, you’re great. Don’t you dare ever change. D, I couldn’t have picked someone better for you. Hell, if I got hit with that bottle that night, I’d marry her!”
After a few more toasts and well wishes, dinner was served. Chicken manicotti, his mother’s recipe. “I knew she was giving the caterers a recipe, so I told her to make it pretty bland,” he whispered.
“Tell her that I thank her very much.”
...
“It’s time for Howie and Mary to have their first dance as a married couple,” the DJ’s voice boomed over the speakers. “It’s ‘Time After Time’ by Cyndi Lauper and more recently by Mary’s band Tainted Love, a much better version!”
...
"Lying in my bed I hear the clock tick, and think of you
Caught up in circles, confusion is nothing new
Flashback - warm nights - almost left behind
Suitcase of memories,
Time after,
Sometimes you picture me -
I'm walking too far ahead
You're calling to me, I can't hear what you've said -
Then you say - go slow - I fall behind -
The second hand unwinds
(Chorus)
If your lost you can look - and you will find me
Time after time
If you fall I will catch you - I'll be waiting
Time after time
If your lost you can look - and you will find me
Time after time
If you fall I will catch you - I'll be waiting (I will be waiting)
Time after time
After my picture fades and darkness has turned to gray
Watching through windows - you're wondering if I'm O.K.
Secrets stolen from deep inside
The drum beats out of time
(Chorus)
If your lost you can look - and you will find me
Time after time
If you fall I will catch you - I'll be waiting
Time after time
You said go slow - I fall behind
The second hand unwinds -
(Chorus)
If your lost you can look - and you will find me
Time after time
If you fall I will catch you - I'll be waiting
Time after time
If your lost you can look - and you will find me
Time after time
If you fall I will catch you - I'll be waiting (I will be waiting)
Time after time
Time after time
Time after time
Time after time
Time after time
Time after time
Time after time
Time after..."
...
The song slowly ended and Mary and Howie took their seats once again. Mary noticed Nick looking very confused, as always. “What’s up, Blondie?” He shook his head, thinking. “Come on, it’ll get rid of the look you have on your face...”
He contorted his lips and thought harder. “Did you guys tell me where you’re going on your honeymoon?”
“Not yet, Blondie. I think he was going to tell you guys tonight,” she shrugged. She just got married to this man, and she still didn’t know where they were honeymooning. Suddenly, she felt a tap on her shoulder. When she turned to look who it was, she smiled and stood. “Thanks for making it, Lance.”
“No problem. Would it be all right with your husband if I asked for this dance?” Howie nodded and Lance ushered Mary to the floor. “You’re beautiful today, Mary.”
“Thank you, Lance. It was a lot of work, but I think today turned out just right.”
“The ceremony was beautiful, the food was great...”
“Howard’s mother gave the recipe, something that would taste good to the general party but be bland enough for my stomach to handle.”
“There’s something wrong with your stomach?”
“Yeah, it started right before Christmas...” She told Lance what had happened and watched the look of shock on his face.
“Oh my God, Mary, I’m so sorry...”
“Don’t be, I’m 100% again,” she smiled.
The song came to an end. He hugged her and kissed her cheek. “Thanks for inviting me, Mary. I had a great time.”
“Thanks for coming, I missed you. And don’t hesitate to come on over, you know where we live.” She turned to talk back to the table when someone grabbed her hand.
“May I have this dance?” he asked as the music started.
Mary smiled. “Of course, Sam.”
He held her tight. “Remember when we first danced to this song?”
“When I was eight, you were nine,” Mary smiled. “Mom and Dad’s anniversary... And remember the last time?”
“Your college graduation party. I missed you, Mary.”
...
I was standing
All alone against the world outside
You were searching
For a place to hide
Lost and lonely
Now you've given me the will to survive
When we're hungry...love will keep us alive
Don't you worry
Sometimes you've just gotta let it ride
The world is changing
Right before your eyes
Now I've found you
There's no more emptiness inside
When we're hungry...love will keep us alive
I would die for you
Climb the highest mountain
Baby, there's nothing I wouldn't do
I was standing
All alone against the world outside
You were searching
For a place to hide
Lost and lonely
Now you've given me the will to survive
When we're hungry...love will keep us alive
When we're hungry...love will keep us alive
When we're hungry...love will keep us alive *
...
* from Holly’s Eagles Page
Warning!
More sexin.... Rated... uhm... hell it’s mild enough, it’s ‘R’ I
guess...
“I’d like to thank you all for coming to help us celebrate this special day,” Howie announced at the end of the night. “Have a safe trip home.”
Just as everyone was leaving, AJ put his arms around Howie’s and Mary’s shoulders. “Now where to, kids?”
Howie shrugged. “I don’t know... You want to do anything, Mary?”
“I’m up for anything.”
“Great,” AJ smiled. “Come with us...” They followed him and the rest of the Boys to a limo waiting outside. Once they climbed in, he announced, “That was a great party, but we’re going to have fun tonight.”
After a few minutes, the limo pulled up outside a club in downtown Orlando. The Boys had rented it for the night and invited only some friends over. Jade, Melissa, Amanda, and Sarah were already waiting inside, along with Sam, Josh, Lance, the rest of the Spitvalves, and a few other friends. The DJ was playing some music in the background and everyone partied the night away. “Damn, boy, you know how to dance,” Mary whispered to Howie.
“You’re not too bad yourself, darlin,” he responded and pulled her closer, his hands on her behind. He kissed her deeply, passionately. Their tongues intertwined as they danced, he in his tux, and she in her gown. Once they realized that no one else was
dancing they pulled apart and grinned at the group. Most giggled, some shook their heads and laughed.
“And that’s just one of the perks of being married to me,” she smiled once the rest of the people stopped staring, “I have the ability to have all eyes on me.”
“You have no idea how happy you’ve made me, Mary, being my wife.”
...
The couple danced with their friends and one another until around 3 AM. The DJ packed his things up and was on his way out, so everyone else departed also. Back in the limo, Nick asked the question that was making his head hurt all day. “D, where are you two goin on your honeymoon?”
Howie just grinned. “It’s a surprise, and Mary will be the first to find out.”
“Then when will we find out?” he whined.
Howie just shook his head. Suddenly, the limo stopped. “Hey, where are we going?”
“Giving you two some privacy tonight,” AJ smiled. Mary giggled and leaned over, whispering something into his ear. “Yeah, I packed that.”
“You knew about this?” Howie turned, looking at Mary.
“Uh huh,” she smiled. “That’s why Sam left before we did.”
They hopped out of the limo and headed upstairs. Mary unlocked the door with the key AJ gave her and opened the door. “Nuh, uh, you, just hold on,” Howie whispere to his new bride. “I gotta carry my wife over the threshold,” he smiled.
“You are too cute,” she giggled. Once inside, Howie could smell the scent of roses and the humidity of hot water. “Josh must have just left.”
"Oh no, what did you plan?” he asked, setting her down.
“Oh, nothing, darling, nothing. Now, you just wait here,” she said, pushing him to sit on the bed, “and I’ll be right back.” She kissed his nose and walked into the large bathroom. Moments later, she emerged in just the nightie Howie had given her months prior, the nightie he hadn’t seen on her since that first night.
“Oh damn, you’re beautiful,” he murmured.
She held her hand out for him. “Come.” He stood and walked to her. She carefully pulled him into the bathroom where there was a large tub, filled with rose scented water.
“I thought I smelled roses when we walked in here,” he smiled.
“That’s what brothers are good for,” she responded.
“What’s that innocent look there for?”
“Nothin...” Mary leaned in and kissed her new husband, wrapping her arms around his neck. “You know how much I love you, right?”
“Of course I do darlin.”
She kissed him again but with more urgency. Slowly, he slipped his jacket from his shoulders and undid his tie. She kissed along his jawline as she unbuttoned his shirt and kissed down his chest, so slowly. He sighed in ecstasy as she kissed back up his chest and pulled his shirt from his pants, tossing that with the jacket and tie. Playfully, she ran one finger along his chest and stomach, tracing his muscles. She kissed his neck ever so lightly and whispered, “You, Mr. Dorough, have no idea how incredibly sexy you are,” and continued to leave a trail of kisses on his neck. He moaned softly at the feel of her warm breath on his cheek and pulled her closer. Quickly, he stepped out of his shoes and pulled his socks off. Mary giggled at his squirming. “Trouble, Mr. Dorough?”
“Trying to get these socks off...” she smiled, halfway embarrassed. “It’s tough taking a sock off your foot by using the other one.”
She giggled. “Want a little help?” she asked, pulling her hands down to his belt. He swallowed hard and nodded his head. She smiled, unbuckled his belt and undid his pants. Sliding them down his legs, he stepped out of them and his socks. “Now we’re even,” she smiled.
“Not for long.” He placed his hands on her behind once again and slid them down to the bottom of the nightie. He stooped and carefully pulled it over her head, leaving a trail of kisses up her torso and chest. He kneeled before her and traced a line along the
scar on her stomach. “It’s healed nicely,” he commented and kissed up it. Finding the other scar, he did the same.
Mary sighed. “You are such a tease, Howard...”
He stood and pulled her into his strong arms. He smiled at the feeling of her bare skin on his. “But it’s so much more fun...”
“But the water... It’ll get cold...”
“Who said we wouldn’t be in the tub?” he grinned and kissed her deeply. She rested her hands on the elastic of his boxers and slowly slid them down. Holding her hands, he stepped into the hot water and sat down. Following him, she stepped into the tub and straddled his lap, facing him. “You are so beautiful, Mrs. Dorough.” She smiled
and kissed him, holding him tight as he positioned her over himself. Slowly, he entered her, staring into her eyes. “I loved you before I met you.”
Mary sighed and laid back into Howie’s arms. He held her tight and kissed her neck. “Come on, I’ll wash you up,” he suggested. She nodded and leaned forward. He carefully washed her back. “Hey, Mare?”
“Yeah?”
“What’s this scar right here?” he asked, touching the base of her spine. “It’s bigger than the others, and lighter.”
“Oh, that’s where my tattoo used to be.”
“Your tattoo?”
“Yeah... When me and Josh were together, we each got one, a ribbon with either of our names in it and ‘Forever’ beside it.”
“And you got it removed?”
“Yeah... After he disappeared, I figured that he wasn’t ‘forever’ so I got it removed and hoped to find someone new.”
“When did you get it?”
“I think when I was... maybe 21, why?”
“Could that have been why Thom made you marry him?”
“Probably was a reason in it...” she sighed, saddened.
“You know I’ll never be him, Mary.”
“I know, Howard... I have to learn to live with my past and move on.”
...
“So, what about a honeymoon? You promised you’d tell me...” Mary bounced impatiently, sitting up in bed.
“What, don’t like surprises?”
“Come on, I want to know...”
“Ok, ok... how do you feel about California?”
“We’re going to California?” she squealed. “Howard I love you!”
He laughed. “It’s a nice place, I think you’ll like it.”
“I’ll like it because you’ll be there.”
“You are so sweet,” he whispered, leaning up to kiss her. “And I love that.” His lips met hers and he brought her down onto him.
She sighed and laid her head on his shoulder. “I love this feeling, Howard. I feel so safe.”
“This is where you’ll always be.”
“When do we leave?”
“Two days from now. When we wake up, we should go home and pack.”
“Sounds good to me,” she yawned and was soon asleep. Howie gently covered himself and her, holding her tight. He kissed the top of her head and was soon asleep.
...
“He’s taking me to California,” Mary smiled over the phone at Howie’s house... the Boy’s house... their house. “I can’t wait!”
“Just remember to be careful,” Sam warned.
“I will, I will. I’m so excited, we didn’t get to stay there when we toured... either time.”
“Do you know what part you’ll be going to?”
“He said Los Angeles for a few days, then we’re driving up the coast, staying a night in Monterey, and then going to San Francisco.”
“You just be sure to call your big brother every now and then, all right?”
“Sam, we’ll only be gone two weeks...”
“Mary...”
“All right, I’ll call, I promise. I love you, Sam.”
“Love you, Mary.”
...
The couple left early the next morning. “Hopefully we won’t be too bothered,” Howie sighed on the plane.
“It should be all right, just keep a low profile.”
“But if it gets too crazy, we’ll try to get out of there. You are so understanding,” he kissed her gently. Soon, both relaxed into their First Class seats and slept most of the way to Los Angeles.
In California, Howie made sure to have reservations at only the nicest hotels, but made sure that Mary would be comfortable at them. In Los Angeles and San Francisco, he rented suites at Double Tree hotels, and in Monterey, they stayed at a small bed and breakfast.
Mary’s jaw dropped when she entered the room in Los Angeles. “Howard, I could live in here...” She slowly looked around. There was everything they could possibly, a lot of privacy, refrigerators, microwaves, stoves, even a Jacuzzi. It was 4 PM. “What should we do the rest of the evening?” she asked, collapsing on the king sized bed.
“How about we go down to the Walk of Fame?” He knew Mary would smile at this idea. “We can go to Mann’s Chinese Theater and see the hand prints.” He dropped a few bags and sat next to her. “We can even look for James Dean’s star,” he poked her in the stomach, knowing she loved the actor.
Mary smiled. “I want to look for Marilyn Monroe’s too, she was great.”
“And we could have dinner in Beverly Hills...”
“And wander around Rodeo Drive...”
“You are so cute when you’re excited,” he smiled again.
“I’ve never had this kind of treatment before, I feel like a star... Staying in Los Angeles, exploring the city with my husband,” she smiled. “I’ve never lived this good.”
“I’m happy I can provide you with all of this.” He bent down and kissed her softly. “But let’s get going so we can explore some shops before they close.”
“Sounds good to me, Howard.” He pulled her up from the bed. “How should I dress?”
“Casual, but a little dressy for dinner.”
“Sounds good. I’m going to take a quick shower. I smell like an airplane.” She stood before him and kissed his nose. He put his arms around her stomach.
“Mind if I join you?”
“Not unless you want to get out of here tonight,” she winked and wiggled out of his arms.
...
“Ready for dinner?” Howie asked around 6 PM. They had walked most of the Walk of Fame and took pictures by some of the stars on the sidewalk.
“Sure, where?”
“Oh, a surprise...”
“Howard Dorough, if you use that excuse any more...”
“Trust me, you’ll love this one,” he smiled and hailed a cab to take them to the restaurant.
...
“Reservation for Dorough, please.”
“Yes, Sir. The other member of your party has already arrived. Right this way,” the hostess told him.
“Other member of our party? Howard who did you invite?” Mary asked as Howie led her through the restaurant. At their table they stopped to see an older man stand. Mary’s jaw dropped as she looked at the man and then to Howie. “I’m having dinner with Meatloaf?”
...
“Your husband’s quite a guy,” Meatloaf said over their dinner salads. “He sent a recording of your singing to my management. I had to call to see what this voice was all about. He asked if I’d have dinner with you on your vacation out here, so of course I
accepted. By the way, how long have you been married? I didn’t see anything about a Backstreet Boy marriage yet.”
“Since Saturday,” Mary smiled. “And thank you so much for meeting us.”
“Well congratulations,” he smiled. “And, Howard, she’s just as beautiful as you told me.”
“That she is, Sir,” Howie smiled.
“Now, Mary, as I said, I heard your singing. And let me say, I’ve heard a lot of people sing my sings but by far, you were the best.”
Mary nearly choked on crouton. “Really?”
“If you’d like, I could put you in touch with my writer and management. You could go far.”
“Wow... I’d be honored...” she looked at Howie and back to Meatloaf. “But I couldn’t. Music is just a hobby... If i did it for a living, I’d despise it, that’s why I don’t exactly love being a doctor.”
“That’s understandable. But if you ever reconsider, here’s my card.” He pulled a card from his wallet and gave it to Mary.
“Thank you, so very much.”
...
They ate dinner with some random conversation. “So, Howard, I hope you didn’t drag with pretty lady all the way out here just to meet me.”
“No, Sir. This is our honeymoon,” he winked at Mary.
“Really? How long are you staying out here?”
“Until Sunday, then we’re driving up to Monterey and staying a night, and then spending a week in San Francisco.”
“Good choices,” he nodded. “Be sure to drop by the aquarium in Monterey, it’s great.”
...
Around 8 PM, they departed the restaurant. “Thank you so much for meeting me... It’s such an honor,” Mary blabbered, shaking Meatloaf’s hand. “Could... could...”
“Yes, dear?”
“Could I give you a hug?” He smiled at her and hugged her tightly. After a few pictures like tourists, and a few more words they went their own ways.
“Don’t forget what I said, Mary, don’t forget my offer.”
“I won’t, thank you.”
“Thank you Sir,” Howie said, shaking his hand.
“It was my pleasure.”
The week in Los Angeles was spent exploring the city and visiting amusement parks. On the couple’s last night in Los Angeles, Howie took Mary’s hand and they went to the beach. “It’s so beautiful here, Howard...” she murmured, watching the sunset. Finally, she turned to look at him. “You have something with sunsets?”
“They’re the only thing I know that could come near to your beauty, my darling,” he whispered, closing the distance between them. He kissed her softly, gently, and then pulled her to stand. They walked, hand in hand, down the beach for a good mile before
turning around.
“When’s out check-out time tomorrow?”
“We have to be out by 1 PM,” he sighed.
“What time do we plan on leaving?”
“Maybe noon, go out to lunch, then begin our drive.”
As promised, the couple packed up their rental car and pulled out of the hotel parking lot. They drove through vast countrylands, heat overwhelming them in the air conditioned car. Through the sweating and radio station changes, the couple talked like they never did before. They had really in depth conversations, learning things about one another that they didn’t know possible.
“Your sister talked about you a lot while I took care of her. She was really proud of her famous little brother.”
At the aquarium, the couple munched on sandwiches outside while watching the seals. Crumbs fell to the floor beneath their feet and scurrying was soon felt. Mary shook her head and took another bite as a sea gull flew to the banister she was leaning on and tried to take her sandwich. Howie laughed and got out the camera. “Evil bird...” Mary muttered, inching away from the gull. Howie hit RECORD just in time; the sea gull lunged at Mary and took a bite of her sandwich, nipping her finger. “Evil bird,” she muttered again and stuck her tongue out at it.
“You know, the guys at home are going to love this,” he laughed. Mary just looked at him and laughed with him.
“Evil bird tried to bite me...” Howie shook his head and put the camera away. Fearing the birds, they ducked back inside to check out the other exhibits.
After leaving the aquarium, the couple walked along the street towards the Monterey Canning Company and poked around inside some shops. They took pictures outside the Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. Store. So far, no one really recognized the couple or they didn’t want to bother them. They ate a quick lunch before heading back to the bed
and breakfast. “Ready to see San Francisco, my dear?”
The night was chilly as they walked along the pier, looking at the lights from the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island. “If we weren’t already married,” Howie whispered, “I would propose right here.”
She smiled. “You are too cute,” she whispered and kissed him. He kissed back softly, gently. She pulled away and almost glared at him. “Listen, Dorough. We just got married and we haven’t had sex since that last night in Los Angeles in the Jacuzzi. Kiss me like you mean it.” Mary didn’t have to say another word before she felt Howie’s arms drawing her close to his body and holding her tight. His lips claimed hers, his tongue parting her lips and probing her mouth. Slowly, they slowed down and pulled away. “Now that’s what I call a kiss,” she smirked.
“That, and we’re drawing a crowd,” he smiled and took her hand, leading her back to the hotel room. Mary just smiled, thinking of the night ahead of her.
