Chapter 14

The next day, Lance was released shortly before noon. Neither of them had heard from JC, Justin, or Chris since the night before. They had left their phones turned off and weren't excepting phone calls in their rooms.

As Lance was wheeled out of the hospital, he was given strict instuctions to sit whenever he could and not be standing for any prolonged amount of time, as the doctor didn't want him putting stress on his spine.

As they stand outside and look around, Joey didn't see anyone waiting for them, it was obvious that the other three didn't check their voicemail. Picking up his cell phone, Joey smiled down at Lance and proceeded to call James.

"James here, you need a ride?" he teased, knowing full well it was Joey. Thank God for caller ID on cell phones.

"Uh yeah, Lance was released, but no one's here. I left messages on the guys voicemails, but they didn't pick up."

"Okay, hang tight and I'll be there in a few. Oh, your little friend has been meowing for you. Do you want me to bring Jet with me?" he asked, misprouncing the kittens' nickname.

Joey got irritated with the mispronouncation. "It's 'JEZ' and yes, please bring her too."

"Sorry, Jez. Okay, now to find her...she's around here somewhere. Or I think she was in Chris' room playing with his dogs," James teased, his voice laced ever so slightly with a laugh.

"Playing with Chris' dogs," James repeated, pronouncing each syllobal slowly for him.

"That's not funny man, go get her out now." Turning to Lance, Joey informed, "He...he's letting the dogs mutilate her."

Smiling his gorgous smile, Lance hollered loud enough for James to hear, "It's about time someone fed those dogs some fresh meat."

Starting to loose his patence, Joey glared at Lance. "Wh...wh...what? No!"

"Fresh meat, fresh meat," Lance teased, winking up at Joey from where he sat in the wheelchair.

"For how long Mr. Soon-To-Be-Bass?" Lance asked, lowering his voice now.

Raising his eyebrow, Joey teased, "I might not say 'I do'." His eyes, however, showed he was 100% teasing.

"Oh really," Lance replied, "Then I'll just call and cancel the honeymoon suite at the Radison. Complete with the heart shaped hottub."

"Say 'I do' to who Joey?" James asked, curiousty getting the better of him. "Come here Jez..."

Giving Lance a look to make sure it was okay before he continued, he waited for Lances' answer. The blond only shrugged his shoulders. "Make sure he won't tell anyone first."

"Who's to care if he tells anyone. We're doing it anyway," was Joeys' reply.

"I just don't want the press to find out about this, and I certainly don't want Johnny to find out either."

"I was thinking we'd tell after Nsync broke up," Lance mumbled. "It's up to you if you want to tell Joey."

"Well, I don't see any problem in telling," Joey answered. "I mean, what's the harm?"

"Well, if the press finds out, they'll print it for sure. The fans will read it, our fan base will deminish, and we'll be has-beens." Thinking for a moment, Lance looked up at Joey, smiled, and took his hand in his. "Who cares who knows. I want the world to know I'm in love and I'm going to be married to him soon."

"From my point of view, if they find out and throw us over their shoulders like some old group. If they do that, then they're really not our fans. True fans would be happy for us." Squeezing Lances' hand, he added, "Now, can I tell James?"

"This James says sure, tell that James," the blond replied, leaning over and resting his head on Joeys' side, not caring if anyone saw his actions. He was in love, and no one could make him feel less then what he was just because he was in love a guy.

Turning his attention back to the phone, Joey informed, "I'm getting married today. Do you want to come to the wedding?"

"Lance? As in James Lance Bass? Bass singer for Nsync? Blond hair, green eyes, owns a ferrett named Dirk. Used to date Tapenga from Boy Meets World. Kissed Lucy Camdon on 7th Heaven. That Lance?"

"Um...and does the management staff know about your little love affair with your own male band mate?"

"Well," James started, picking up the frisky kitten. "Um...I guess...if you and the blushing bride don't have a limo service for your wedding, I guess I can do it...and for a heck of a lot cheaper then what some other services charge."

"That would be great," Joey replied, a smile playing his lips. "Yeah, we could use you if you don't mind. Thank you so much James."

"Not a problem. As soon as I get this lovely kitten stuffed and mounted," James started to tease. "I mean, put in her carrier, I'll be right up to pick you and Lance up."

"She better be aline when you get here," Joey answered. "Lance and I will be waiting. Thanks James."

"Any time Joey," replied the driver, hanging up the cell phone and making his way with Jez down to one of the black limos to go and pick up the 2 grooms.

"He'll be here in a few minutes Lance," the older one informed. "Wanna go back in and wait, or stay here?"

Shrugging his shoulders, Lance replied, "Makes no difference to me baby. As long as I'm with you, I'll be happy."

"Sounds find to me." Leaning his head back and looking at his left hand, Lance couldn't help but smile. "Mr. James Lance Bass and Mr. Joseph Anthony Bass...or Mr. Joseph Anthony Fatone and Mr. James Lance Fatone." A smile tugged at his lips, which of course, he didn't fight. "I can't believe we're doing this. It all seems like a dream."

"Yeah," Joey echoed. "Wait a minute. Who's takin who's name?? I never thought of that. And if I take yours, am I gonna lose my Jr.?" A little too excitedly, he added, "Then I'd be an original. For the first time in my life." Looking deep into the immense green pools that made Lances' eyes, he ended with, "God I love you so much."

Smiling, Lance remined him, "We were going have it hyphinated, but...I don't know, that seems so...old fashion. I told the secretary that I was the groom, cause I did the proposing. So...I guess you take my name. I don't know."

"Fine with me. Just as long as we're joined in marriae for a lifetime."

"Always," Lance whispered, pulling Joey down for a quick kiss as there was no one around at the moment.

Leaning over and deepening the kiss as much as Lance would allow for the possible public view, Joey finally broke away. "I hope the others decide to come."

Licking his lips and sighing, the blond whispered, "I hope so too. But we can't force them to attend the wedding. Even though we will need at least one witness. But I guess the secretary can do that."

"I just pray they decide to show up," replied the older one. "Not to be our witnesses but to show that they at least support our decision. I thought for sure Justin would, especially since he seemed supportive of our engagement."

"Yeah, I know," Lance whispered. "But we can't force them. You told them the details, so now it's up to them weather they want to show for it or not. But even if they don't, they won't stop us from doing what we want to."

Looking around, Joey asked out loud, "Shouldn't James be here by now?" Looking down at his watch, he added, "We still gotta go get the rings and then get to the wherever the hell it is." Jumping up and down on his toes, he was obviously impatient, or anxious. "I wanna get married. Whoa! I gotta call my mom and let her know."

"Already done..." Lance whispered, a smile playing his lips as he looked down at his shoes.

Staring to play 20 questions, Joey blurted out question after quiestion, not giving Lance a chance to answer them. "You called my mom? What did she say? Was she happy for us?"

Laughing and reaching up, clasping Joeys' mouth with his hand, Lance instructed, "Hush." When he stopped, Lance went on. "Yes, I called your mom, she said congrats, and she and your father were extremely happy for us. They wanted to come down, but there wasn't enough time, so they gave us their blessings. My parents did to. They're both happy for us."

"They're happy? They weren't upset at all? They didn't care? I mean that we're gay? Just happy because we're happy?"

"Yes Joey, they're happy because we love each other. They don't care if we're gay or not. They just want us to be happy. You know, happy happy joy joy?"

Laughing loudly, Joey replied, "Good. I'm glad they don't care. They always wanted me to do the right thing and raised me to follow my heart. I'm doing just that." Leaning down, he snuck another quick kiss just before the limo pulled up in front of them.

"Okay you two," James laughed, getting out from the drivers' side. "Save it for later."

Joey stood up quickly, snapping to full attention; saluting their chauffeur. "Yes sir."

"Enough with the sarcasim Fatone," James teased. "I believe there's a young lady waiting for you in the back of the limo..."

"Why would I want a lady??? I got Lance. He's better and he doesn't change his mind every five minutes about what should I wear or what do I want to do today or does this look good or not tonight, I have a headache."

"Joey, shut up and get in the car. I think you'll want to see this young lady."

"Lance can't go first. This lady is expecting you to go in first. I'm sure Lance won't mind will you?" James asked, looking over at Lance with a wink.

"Um," Lance replied, seeing the wink. "No I won't mind. Go ahead Joey."

"Well, then, if you don't love this lady," the driver started. "I think Lance still has that number to the pet shop..."

Joey gave Lance a sheepish grin. "Oh um yeah I think I do love her." Slipping into the limo quietly, he called, "Jez? Where are you pretty kitty?"

A quiet meow came from one of the seats that was in the shadows. Then two baby blue eyes shown from the darkness. "Meow..."

"Jez, daddy's here honey." Reaching over and picking up the kitten gently, Joey called back, "Lance do you need help in?"

Scooting onto the seat just inside the limo, the blond replied, "Nope, got it myself. Let you spend some time with you're 'daughter'," he teased.

Shaking his head, Lance smiled as James closed the door and popped the trunk for the wheelchair that had been donated for Lances' use. "It's okay. I got Lexi and Dirk at home. That's enough 'kids' for me."

"But when we're joined in matrimony they'll all be both of ours, right?"

"Right," Lance answered as the trunk closed, shaking the limo slightly.

"Great," Joey answered, waiting for James to get in the car. "We need to stop at a jewelry store for a minute if that's possible."

"Sure Joey," James voice came from the front intercomm. "There's one on the way to the courthouse we can stop at."

"Um...I can't. The others need me to take them somewhere at 4:00. I'm sorry guys."

joey didn't know weather to be upset or angry at this new bit of information. "But you said you could drive us there and back. The wedding's at 3:30 so we should be done by then." A few tears started to slide down his cheeks from pure heartache.

"I'm really sorry man, but I promised Justin and the others' that I'd be back at the hotel at 3:25 incase they were ready to go early. Another driver will pick you and Lance up though. I'm really sorry."

"But you only promised me about 15 minutes ago. When did you promise them?"

"Last night. It totally slipped my mind when I told you I would. I can still drop you and Lance off at the court house, but then I've got to haul ass back to the hotel and pick up Justin, JC, and Chris."

"Why can't they jsut be happy for us and actually show up?" Joey asked. "They knew it was today, they knew. I told them everything. Time and all!"

"Joey, we can't force them to come. If they want to go somewhere else, then we can't stop them. It'll be fine. We'll still get married, if they don't show up, oh well, that's their loss," Lance cooed, soothing Joey as best he could. "They won't stop us from doing what we want to do."

"Yeah, I guess that's true. I just thought friends were supportive of each other."

"I know sweetheart," Lance whispered. "Just don't think about it. This is our wedding day, friends or not. Okay. By tonight, we'll be married, and in the honeymood suite at the Radison."

"Yeah, that's it," Joey said. "Hot tub with the hottest and sweetest man alive."

"JC's going to be in the tub with us?" Lance teased, laughing quietly.

"Oh, that was my next guess," Lance teased. "Acutally, Justin was my next guess, then Ryan Philippe, then maybe Chris...then me..."

"James, can you please stop by a tattoo parlor? Joey want's to get another tattoo," Lance laughed, holding his hands up just incase Joey tried to do something, like tickle him or attack him playfully. The abusive Joey was out of mind at this moment.

"Yes perfectly thank you," Lance said, as James pulled the limo up in front of the jewlery store.

"But of course," Lance said, waiting for James to get the wheelchair out of the trunk.

Leaning over and taking a quick kiss from Joey, Lance smiled and petted Jez. "She can come too. She might be one of those ring picking out kitty things...that made no since," he said, trying to be cute.

"Cool, come on Jez," Joey said, wating for James to help Lance out first.

As Lance made his way into the wheelchair, a few people passed by and recognized him and Joey. Smiling politely, Lance didn't make any motion towards the wheelchair that he was sitting in.

"I can get it," Lance smiled, placing his hands ont he metal rims of the wheels and pulling forward, moving in the direction of the store.

"Thank you sweetheart," Lance lipped as he wheeled into the jewlery store and right over to the engagement rings. Luckily, the store wasn't as crowded as they thought it would be. Only 2 other people in there not coutning the the clerk and them.

Following Lance over, still carrying the kitten, Joey gazed down into the glass case that held all sorts of rings. Gold ones with diamonds, silver ones with engraving. White gold, silver and gold together. All mixed together. "I don't know which one you like."

"Look at that one, in the back," Lance pointed to a set in the back row. Gold rings with two diamonds right next to each other and smaller ones going around half the band.

"Excuse me," Lance asked the clerk walking by. "How much is the set in the back with the two diamonds?"

Not recongnizing the pair, the clerk answered, "It's quiet expensive."

"Whatever you want is fine with me," Joey answered, squeezing Lances' shoulder.

The clerk smiled and nodded, pulling the rings from the case. "Very well. Do you know your sizes?"

"Um, I'm a 10 1/2 and he's an 11," Lance answered, taking hold of Joeys' hand and smiling up at him. "Almost time baby."

Squeezing back, Joey watched as the clerk took the rings out. "I'll just take these back to see if we have them in your sizes. Meet me at the cash-register please."

"Thank you sir," Lance replied, using one hand to wheel over to the cash-registar, the other hand remaining safely in Joeys' hand. "This is the last hurdle baby. Then it's all down hill from here."

"You sure, you don't need help with that?" Joey asked, eyeing the wheelchair. "I'd be more then happy to push you around, no pun intended." Then with a big cheesy grin on his face, he added, "Yeah, I can't wait. Not about the pushing you around."

"Uh hu, sure," Lance teased, leaning his head agianst Joeys' side again, sighing heavenly, closing his eyes, gripping his hand tighter. "I can't wait either. Finally, I'll be with the one person in the world who's my soul mate. Out of all people in the world, I found you...my Joey."

"Aw, that's so sweet," Joey cooed trying to hold back his femininity side with the tears.

"Well, I...I don't know what to say," Joey whispered, as the clerk walked up from the back room

"How about 'I do' in less then 1 hour?" Lance answered, lifting his head and smiling at the clerk. "Well?" His voice was overly anxious. Even in his seat, he was bouncing slightly.

Ringing up the set of rings, he gave Lance the total of $12960.00. "And how will you be paying for this?"

"The american way of course," Lance answered, shifting to get at his wallet in the back of his jeans. "Do you except American Express?"

"Yes we do," the clerk answered, taking the card and doing whatever he did to charge the rings. Smiling, Lance waited patiently for the clerk to finish the transaction and for the slip to sign.

When all was said and signed, the two smiled and walked, and wheeled, out of the store and back to the limo. "Okay James, could you please take us to the courthouse? We have to be there in 45 minutes, and you have to pick the guys up in 20 minutes."

Smiling and giving Lance swift kiss, he leaned over so that he could whisper, "I love you," in his ear.

Closing his eyes as he felt Joeys' breath on his ear, he sighed again, resting his head on the leather seat. "I love you too."


	Inner Reflection \| home back to When Love Hurts Chapter 14 The next day, Lance was released shortly before noon. Neither of them had heard from JC, Justin, or Chris since the night before. They had left their phones turned off and weren't excepting phone calls in their rooms. As Lance was wheeled out of the hospital, he was given strict instuctions to sit whenever he could and not be standing for any prolonged amount of time, as the doctor didn't want him putting stress on his spine. "Okay, sir. I understand. Thank you so much." As they stand outside and look around, Joey didn't see anyone waiting for them, it was obvious that the other three didn't check their voicemail. Picking up his cell phone, Joey smiled down at Lance and proceeded to call James. "James here, you need a ride?" he teased, knowing full well it was Joey. Thank God for caller ID on cell phones. "Uh yeah, Lance was released, but no one's here. I left messages on the guys voicemails, but they didn't pick up." "Okay, hang tight and I'll be there in a few. Oh, your little friend has been meowing for you. Do you want me to bring Jet with me?" he asked, misprouncing the kittens' nickname. Joey got irritated with the mispronouncation. "It's 'JEZ' and yes, please bring her too." "Sorry, Jez. Okay, now to find her...she's around here somewhere. Or I think she was in Chris' room playing with his dogs," James teased, his voice laced ever so slightly with a laugh. Taking it seriously, Joey raised an eyebrow. "She what?" "Playing with Chris' dogs," James repeated, pronouncing each syllobal slowly for him. "That's not funny man, go get her out now." Turning to Lance, Joey informed, "He...he's letting the dogs mutilate her." Smiling his gorgous smile, Lance hollered loud enough for James to hear, "It's about time someone fed those dogs some fresh meat." Starting to loose his patence, Joey glared at Lance. "Wh...wh...what? No!" "Fresh meat, fresh meat," Lance teased, winking up at Joey from where he sat in the wheelchair. "Just you wait..." "For how long Mr. Soon-To-Be-Bass?" Lance asked, lowering his voice now. Raising his eyebrow, Joey teased, "I might not say 'I do'." His eyes, however, showed he was 100% teasing. "Oh really," Lance replied, "Then I'll just call and cancel the honeymoon suite at the Radison. Complete with the heart shaped hottub." "On second thought, I think I'll say 'I do." "Say 'I do' to who Joey?" James asked, curiousty getting the better of him. "Come here Jez..." Giving Lance a look to make sure it was okay before he continued, he waited for Lances' answer. The blond only shrugged his shoulders. "Make sure he won't tell anyone first." "Who's to care if he tells anyone. We're doing it anyway," was Joeys' reply. "I just don't want the press to find out about this, and I certainly don't want Johnny to find out either." "Then, when are we going to tell? After we do it?" "I was thinking we'd tell after Nsync broke up," Lance mumbled. "It's up to you if you want to tell Joey." "Well, I don't see any problem in telling," Joey answered. "I mean, what's the harm?" "Well, if the press finds out, they'll print it for sure. The fans will read it, our fan base will deminish, and we'll be has-beens." Thinking for a moment, Lance looked up at Joey, smiled, and took his hand in his. "Who cares who knows. I want the world to know I'm in love and I'm going to be married to him soon." "From my point of view, if they find out and throw us over their shoulders like some old group. If they do that, then they're really not our fans. True fans would be happy for us." Squeezing Lances' hand, he added, "Now, can I tell James?" "This James says sure, tell that James," the blond replied, leaning over and resting his head on Joeys' side, not caring if anyone saw his actions. He was in love, and no one could make him feel less then what he was just because he was in love a guy. Turning his attention back to the phone, Joey informed, "I'm getting married today. Do you want to come to the wedding?" "Getting married? To who? You lucky dog." Switching his voice to a gush, Joey answered, "I'm marrying Lance." "Lance? As in James Lance Bass? Bass singer for Nsync? Blond hair, green eyes, owns a ferrett named Dirk. Used to date Tapenga from Boy Meets World. Kissed Lucy Camdon on 7th Heaven. That Lance?" "Yeah, that would be him?" the singer answered, still gushing. "Um...and does the management staff know about your little love affair with your own male band mate?" "It's not an affair," he protested. "We're getting married." "Well," James started, picking up the frisky kitten. "Um...I guess...if you and the blushing bride don't have a limo service for your wedding, I guess I can do it...and for a heck of a lot cheaper then what some other services charge." "That would be great," Joey replied, a smile playing his lips. "Yeah, we could use you if you don't mind. Thank you so much James." "Not a problem. As soon as I get this lovely kitten stuffed and mounted," James started to tease. "I mean, put in her carrier, I'll be right up to pick you and Lance up." "She better be aline when you get here," Joey answered. "Lance and I will be waiting. Thanks James." "Any time Joey," replied the driver, hanging up the cell phone and making his way with Jez down to one of the black limos to go and pick up the 2 grooms. "He'll be here in a few minutes Lance," the older one informed. "Wanna go back in and wait, or stay here?" Shrugging his shoulders, Lance replied, "Makes no difference to me baby. As long as I'm with you, I'll be happy." "Lets stay outside and wait then. It's a nice day." "Sounds find to me." Leaning his head back and looking at his left hand, Lance couldn't help but smile. "Mr. James Lance Bass and Mr. Joseph Anthony Bass...or Mr. Joseph Anthony Fatone and Mr. James Lance Fatone." A smile tugged at his lips, which of course, he didn't fight. "I can't believe we're doing this. It all seems like a dream." "Yeah," Joey echoed. "Wait a minute. Who's takin who's name?? I never thought of that. And if I take yours, am I gonna lose my Jr.?" A little too excitedly, he added, "Then I'd be an original. For the first time in my life." Looking deep into the immense green pools that made Lances' eyes, he ended with, "God I love you so much." Smiling, Lance remined him, "We were going have it hyphinated, but...I don't know, that seems so...old fashion. I told the secretary that I was the groom, cause I did the proposing. So...I guess you take my name. I don't know." "Fine with me. Just as long as we're joined in marriae for a lifetime." "Always," Lance whispered, pulling Joey down for a quick kiss as there was no one around at the moment. Leaning over and deepening the kiss as much as Lance would allow for the possible public view, Joey finally broke away. "I hope the others decide to come." Licking his lips and sighing, the blond whispered, "I hope so too. But we can't force them to attend the wedding. Even though we will need at least one witness. But I guess the secretary can do that." "I just pray they decide to show up," replied the older one. "Not to be our witnesses but to show that they at least support our decision. I thought for sure Justin would, especially since he seemed supportive of our engagement." "Yeah, I know," Lance whispered. "But we can't force them. You told them the details, so now it's up to them weather they want to show for it or not. But even if they don't, they won't stop us from doing what we want to." Looking around, Joey asked out loud, "Shouldn't James be here by now?" Looking down at his watch, he added, "We still gotta go get the rings and then get to the wherever the hell it is." Jumping up and down on his toes, he was obviously impatient, or anxious. "I wanna get married. Whoa! I gotta call my mom and let her know." "Already done..." Lance whispered, a smile playing his lips as he looked down at his shoes. Staring to play 20 questions, Joey blurted out question after quiestion, not giving Lance a chance to answer them. "You called my mom? What did she say? Was she happy for us?" Laughing and reaching up, clasping Joeys' mouth with his hand, Lance instructed, "Hush." When he stopped, Lance went on. "Yes, I called your mom, she said congrats, and she and your father were extremely happy for us. They wanted to come down, but there wasn't enough time, so they gave us their blessings. My parents did to. They're both happy for us." "They're happy? They weren't upset at all? They didn't care? I mean that we're gay? Just happy because we're happy?" "Yes Joey, they're happy because we love each other. They don't care if we're gay or not. They just want us to be happy. You know, happy happy joy joy?" Laughing loudly, Joey replied, "Good. I'm glad they don't care. They always wanted me to do the right thing and raised me to follow my heart. I'm doing just that." Leaning down, he snuck another quick kiss just before the limo pulled up in front of them. "Okay you two," James laughed, getting out from the drivers' side. "Save it for later." Joey stood up quickly, snapping to full attention; saluting their chauffeur. "Yes sir." "Enough with the sarcasim Fatone," James teased. "I believe there's a young lady waiting for you in the back of the limo..." "Why would I want a lady??? I got Lance. He's better and he doesn't change his mind every five minutes about what should I wear or what do I want to do today or does this look good or not tonight, I have a headache." "Joey, shut up and get in the car. I think you'll want to see this young lady." "Gotta get Lance in first. And the chair comes too." "Lance can't go first. This lady is expecting you to go in first. I'm sure Lance won't mind will you?" James asked, looking over at Lance with a wink. "Um," Lance replied, seeing the wink. "No I won't mind. Go ahead Joey." "But I love you. Not some lady." "Well, then, if you don't love this lady," the driver started. "I think Lance still has that number to the pet shop..." Joey gave Lance a sheepish grin. "Oh um yeah I think I do love her." Slipping into the limo quietly, he called, "Jez? Where are you pretty kitty?" A quiet meow came from one of the seats that was in the shadows. Then two baby blue eyes shown from the darkness. "Meow..." "Jez, daddy's here honey." Reaching over and picking up the kitten gently, Joey called back, "Lance do you need help in?" Scooting onto the seat just inside the limo, the blond replied, "Nope, got it myself. Let you spend some time with you're 'daughter'," he teased. "Hey! She's yours too..." Shaking his head, Lance smiled as James closed the door and popped the trunk for the wheelchair that had been donated for Lances' use. "It's okay. I got Lexi and Dirk at home. That's enough 'kids' for me." "But when we're joined in matrimony they'll all be both of ours, right?" "Right," Lance answered as the trunk closed, shaking the limo slightly. "Great," Joey answered, waiting for James to get in the car. "We need to stop at a jewelry store for a minute if that's possible." "Sure Joey," James voice came from the front intercomm. "There's one on the way to the courthouse we can stop at." "Great," Joey chimed in. "And would you mind being our witness?" "Um...I can't. The others need me to take them somewhere at 4:00. I'm sorry guys." joey didn't know weather to be upset or angry at this new bit of information. "But you said you could drive us there and back. The wedding's at 3:30 so we should be done by then." A few tears started to slide down his cheeks from pure heartache. "I'm really sorry man, but I promised Justin and the others' that I'd be back at the hotel at 3:25 incase they were ready to go early. Another driver will pick you and Lance up though. I'm really sorry." "But you only promised me about 15 minutes ago. When did you promise them?" "Last night. It totally slipped my mind when I told you I would. I can still drop you and Lance off at the court house, but then I've got to haul ass back to the hotel and pick up Justin, JC, and Chris." "Why can't they jsut be happy for us and actually show up?" Joey asked. "They knew it was today, they knew. I told them everything. Time and all!" "Joey, we can't force them to come. If they want to go somewhere else, then we can't stop them. It'll be fine. We'll still get married, if they don't show up, oh well, that's their loss," Lance cooed, soothing Joey as best he could. "They won't stop us from doing what we want to do." "Yeah, I guess that's true. I just thought friends were supportive of each other." "I know sweetheart," Lance whispered. "Just don't think about it. This is our wedding day, friends or not. Okay. By tonight, we'll be married, and in the honeymood suite at the Radison." "With the heart shaped what was it again?" "Hottub..." "Yeah, that's it," Joey said. "Hot tub with the hottest and sweetest man alive." "JC's going to be in the tub with us?" Lance teased, laughing quietly. "No...you," answered the older one, stealing a quick kiss. "Oh, that was my next guess," Lance teased. "Acutally, Justin was my next guess, then Ryan Philippe, then maybe Chris...then me..." Grabbing another kiss, Joey repeated, "No silly. You." Laughing, Lance echoed, "Me?" "Yes you..." "Me?" "Yes you. What do I have to do? Tattoo it on my forehead?" "James, can you please stop by a tattoo parlor? Joey want's to get another tattoo," Lance laughed, holding his hands up just incase Joey tried to do something, like tickle him or attack him playfully. The abusive Joey was out of mind at this moment. "No I don't, Lance needs one thought." "I have all that I want right now thank you..." "Sure about that?" "Yes perfectly thank you," Lance said, as James pulled the limo up in front of the jewlery store. "Okay. You coming in too?" "But of course," Lance said, waiting for James to get the wheelchair out of the trunk. "Good, cause I'm not picking out a ring for me..." "But of course," Lance said, waiting for James to get the wheelchair out of the trunk. "Okay okay I'll help." Leaning over and taking a quick kiss from Joey, Lance smiled and petted Jez. "She can come too. She might be one of those ring picking out kitty things...that made no since," he said, trying to be cute. "Cool, come on Jez," Joey said, wating for James to help Lance out first. As Lance made his way into the wheelchair, a few people passed by and recognized him and Joey. Smiling politely, Lance didn't make any motion towards the wheelchair that he was sitting in. "Want me to push or can you handle it?" "I can get it," Lance smiled, placing his hands ont he metal rims of the wheels and pulling forward, moving in the direction of the store. Joey ran ahead, getting the door for Lance. "Okay." "Thank you sweetheart," Lance lipped as he wheeled into the jewlery store and right over to the engagement rings. Luckily, the store wasn't as crowded as they thought it would be. Only 2 other people in there not coutning the the clerk and them. Following Lance over, still carrying the kitten, Joey gazed down into the glass case that held all sorts of rings. Gold ones with diamonds, silver ones with engraving. White gold, silver and gold together. All mixed together. "I don't know which one you like." "Look at that one, in the back," Lance pointed to a set in the back row. Gold rings with two diamonds right next to each other and smaller ones going around half the band. "That's gorgeous..." Joey said, his jaw dropping. "Excuse me," Lance asked the clerk walking by. "How much is the set in the back with the two diamonds?" Not recongnizing the pair, the clerk answered, "It's quiet expensive." "How expensive?" "12 grand sir." "And that's for the set correct?" "Yes it is." Looking up at Joey, Lance smiled. "Is that the set you want?" "Whatever you want is fine with me," Joey answered, squeezing Lances' shoulder. Smiling, Lance replied, "Okay, we'd like that set please." The clerk smiled and nodded, pulling the rings from the case. "Very well. Do you know your sizes?" "Um, I'm a 10 1/2 and he's an 11," Lance answered, taking hold of Joeys' hand and smiling up at him. "Almost time baby." Squeezing back, Joey watched as the clerk took the rings out. "I'll just take these back to see if we have them in your sizes. Meet me at the cash-register please." "Thank you sir," Lance replied, using one hand to wheel over to the cash-registar, the other hand remaining safely in Joeys' hand. "This is the last hurdle baby. Then it's all down hill from here." "You sure, you don't need help with that?" Joey asked, eyeing the wheelchair. "I'd be more then happy to push you around, no pun intended." Then with a big cheesy grin on his face, he added, "Yeah, I can't wait. Not about the pushing you around." "Uh hu, sure," Lance teased, leaning his head agianst Joeys' side again, sighing heavenly, closing his eyes, gripping his hand tighter. "I can't wait either. Finally, I'll be with the one person in the world who's my soul mate. Out of all people in the world, I found you...my Joey." "Aw, that's so sweet," Joey cooed trying to hold back his femininity side with the tears. "It's the absolute truth." "Well, I...I don't know what to say," Joey whispered, as the clerk walked up from the back room "How about 'I do' in less then 1 hour?" Lance answered, lifting his head and smiling at the clerk. "Well?" His voice was overly anxious. Even in his seat, he was bouncing slightly. Ringing up the set of rings, he gave Lance the total of $12960.00. "And how will you be paying for this?" "The american way of course," Lance answered, shifting to get at his wallet in the back of his jeans. "Do you except American Express?" "Yes we do," the clerk answered, taking the card and doing whatever he did to charge the rings. Smiling, Lance waited patiently for the clerk to finish the transaction and for the slip to sign. When all was said and signed, the two smiled and walked, and wheeled, out of the store and back to the limo. "Okay James, could you please take us to the courthouse? We have to be there in 45 minutes, and you have to pick the guys up in 20 minutes." Smiling and giving Lance swift kiss, he leaned over so that he could whisper, "I love you," in his ear. Closing his eyes as he felt Joeys' breath on his ear, he sighed again, resting his head on the leather seat. "I love you too."