“REGGIE!” Jocelynn’s voice rang though out the Dorough home, as the front door open and slammed shut.

          Sitting at the kitchen table, Howie looked up from his newspaper at his flinching fiancée.

          “Reggie?” He said with a raised eyebrow, as he folded the newspaper, setting on the table. Standing up, he grabbed his mug of coffee, “I think I don’t want to be here for this. I will go and check on the boys.” He said as he headed in the opposite direction from where Jocelynn was coming.

          “Coward,” Gina muttered to his back, bracing herself for what ever set Jocelynn off this early in the morning. Catching a glance at her watch she noticed it was only 6:24am.

          Joce stormed into the kitchen wearing her pale green jogging suit, her face stern and fierce as she slammed a rolled up magazine onto the table, upside down.

          “I think I might have to kill someone this time.” Joce said firmly before she moved away from the table, heading for the fridge to take out a cartoon of orange juice and set it on the breakfast bar so she could search through the cabinets.

          Taking a sip of her coffee, Gina watched her younger sister closely, “Lookin’ for something?” She asked cautiously as Joce hopped up onto the counter to reach the higher cabinets.

          “Found it.” Joce replied as climbed down from the counter after taking a bottle of liquor from the top cabinet. Turning around, Joce grabbed one of the clean tall glasses set out on the counter and proceeded to pour herself a drink.

          “A little early to be drinking, isn’t it?” Gina asked with an amused expression. “A screw driver? Seriously Joce, whatever the they wrote this time, can’t possibly be that bad.”

          Joce didn’t bother answering the comment, “It’s a fuzzy navel, big difference.” She corrected her older sister before she downed half of the mixture of peach schnapps and orange juice. Then said, “Look at the headline and tell me that this doesn’t warrant drinking.”

          Gina was taken back by her sisters coldness and shifted in her chair so she could reach across the table for the magazine and read the headline out loud.

          “Backstreet Switch, Joce moves on to break up another home.” Gina paused and looked back up at Jocelynn who was in the process of making herself another drink. “What is this?” She asked, “Howie said there was no mention this week.”

          “Ah, well we all thought so but Kara called me to let me know while I was on my run so I ran up to the grocery store to see. And sure enough THIS was the only tab we were mentioned in. I knew it was too good to be true.” Joce lifted up her full glass, “Don’t worry it gets better. Page 31. Salute.” Then downed half of the drink in one gulp.

          Gina hesitantly opened up to the article where there was a large photo of Joce and Kevin torn in half with Joce’s side of the picture molded with a picture of Nick. Quietly Gina started read the magazine to herself.

          …22 year old recording artist, Jocelynn, after breaking up the marriage of Backstreet Boy, Kevin Richardson, has seemingly moved on to her latest victim, Nick Carter, yet another Backstreet member. This time breaking up the new 6 month relationship between Carter and his Wyoming Bartender girlfriend, who upon finding the two together packed up her son and left on the last night of the tour in Las Vegas, NV on Oct. 28th.

            Reportedly the new scandal couple were heading into a private room together before the show that night only hours after Nick’s girlfriend left. The two also made no qualms about showing their relationship during the Backstreet Boys set where after Nick did a stage dive he got on his knees and begged at Joce’s feet.

            Friends and family of the group are outraged at Joce’s latest move. It leaves people wondering which Backstreet member is next on her list. Most likely it will be happily married and father of one, Brian Littrell, or engaged, Howard Dorough, since the new pop star has seemed to have set her sights on committed men and is unlikely to go after reformed alcoholic, and perpetually single Alex McLean…

          Groaning loudly Gina bent her head down to the table  and hit it against the oak top only to quickly sit back up and rub the very sore area.

          “You know, I did the say damn thing but against the brick wall outside of the store.” Joce offered and she poured yet another drink, “Gotta nice egg on the back of my head.”

          Still rubbing her forehead, Gina muttered, “Yeah, but I’m not as thick-skulled as you.”

          “Oh shut it, Reggie.”

          “Speaking of insults, could you please not call me that.”

          “Nope. At least not till I am buzzed enough.”

          Gina grumbled then looked back at the front of the magazine, “Hey isn’t this the one that claimed you were pregnant the other week?”

          “One and the fuckin’ same. Oh and don’t worry they still fit that into the story. It seems that Kevin on finding out about the baby, ran back to Kris and drove me into a ‘self destructive path’ which lead to me and Nick getting together.”

          “Well, at least their consistent.”

          “Shit, two days, Chi left Nick two days ago and already I get blamed for it.”

          “Joce, why don’t you and Alex just let out a press release?”

          “I don’t know. I guess I am still waiting for the other shoe to fall. Oh, wait it gets better. I received a phone call from Joe’s mother this morning, it would seem that my ex confessed to her the whole story about Drogyn and why he pushed for the paternity test.”

          “And what reason did that snake give?”

          “The trollish bastard has a new fiancée who would not marry him unless he terminated his rights to my son. Which he couldn’t do because he would lose his own family since they love Drogyn. Instead he pulled the test so in the eyes of his family he would come out smelling like a rose.” Contempt dripped from each word she spoke as Jocelynn drank another glass.

          “What the fuck-“

          “No, here is the best part,” She found herself pouring another drink, this time with more alcohol then orange juice. “He admits this to his mom while he’s drunk, in front of the WHOLE family at his grandparent’s anniversary party. Even to knowing from the beginning that Drogyn was never his.”

          “HA! Serves the fucker right.”

          “Yep, however that means one thing.”

          “And what’s that.”

          Joce took the half empty glass from her mouth and paused for a moment.

“It’s only a matter of time before it’s in the media.”

          Silence hung in the room as Gina hesitated asking her next question. Slowly she turned her head to her sister, “Does Saint know?”

          Joce stilled, her body froze as those three words echoed in her ears sending her blood to ice causing her heart to still. Her back tensed as the hand that held the glass up to her mouth started to tremble. She refused to meet her sister’s gaze. Closing her eyes, she set the glass back down.

          “I really don’t want to discuss this-“ she started off.

          But Gina wasn’t hearing it, “Tough, we’re discussing.” She said firmly as she turned in her chair to look at Joce.

          “-the day before your wedding.” Joce finished with a sigh.

          Gina stood up and walked over to her sister, “Well that’s for me to decide. Joce, if this gets in the media you and Saint need to figure out what you are going to do, and you also need to tell Alex.”

          “How long have you know?” Was all Joce asked, inside she was asking how much did Gina know.

          “About Saint? Since I followed you to Chicago that one day. I saw the two of you together.” Gina admitted, then seeing her sisters horrified face she added, “I won’t tell anyone, I haven’t thus far. But Joce, you really need to let Alex know some of it.”

          “I know, but not right now. After the wedding, the last thing we need is a full on fight.”

          Gina nodded, agreeing to the compromise, wrapping her arms around her younger sister in a tight reassuring hug. Instantly her mind reached for Howie’s.

          So you do know who Saint is. His voice soothed into her head, giving her the perfect image of him standing in front of her with his arms crossed and eyebrow raised.

          I’m sorry, mi Amado. But she is my sister, I must protect her and my nephew.

          His voice sighed. I understand the need to protect her, Bella. I see her as my sister as well and I want to keep her safe also.

          Gina paused for a moment, once more debating whether or not to tell Howie the truth.

          You don’t need to tell me, Gina. He answered.

          No, you need to know. Just incase something happens…

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

          Nick slumped on the couch across the room from Brian in Kevin’s office.

          “What the hell do I feel like I’m being called to the carpet?” The youngest Backstreet boy asked out loud.

          A golden eye brow raised back at him, “Called to the carpet?”

          Kevin, who was sitting behind his dark mahogany desk leaned back in his chair, “You’ve been talkin’ to Jocelynn haven’t you?” He asked, crossing his arms across his chest. His face held a faint amusement.

          “What? Am I missing something?” Brian asked, leaning forward from the plush recliner that he was seated in. “What in the name of love are the two of you talking about?”

          Nick shrugged off the question as he crossed his arms across his chest and turned his head to look at the fireplace off to his left.

          Rolling his eyes at the younger man’s sour attitude, Kevin answered for Nick. “Being called to the carpet was Gina and Joce’s grandfather’s saying for getting yelled at.”

          “Really?” Brian was surprised, trying to envision a younger Joce and Gina being scolded.

          “Literally. Their grandfather had an office in his house and if any of the many grandchildren he had were disrespectful or got into some trouble he would have them summoned for a lecture. The grandfather actually had a long runner carpet from the door of his office to the front of his desk” Kevin went on to explain. “From what I can imagine it was very intimidating.”

          “Man, I should try that with Bailey when he gets older.” Brian said thoughtfully.

          “Yeah, good luck with that.” Nick muttered as he sat up and leaned forward, resting his arms on his knees. “So again, why am I being called to the carpet?” He asked, directing the question to Kevin.

          “Dear lord,” Kevin muttered to himself as he shuffled the paper work in front of him. He spent the better part of the past 2 days back in L.A. taking care of bills and looking into some real-estate investments.

          “Nick,” He started off, “Did you see the magazines today?”

          “Yeah, there were none about you and Joce for once. Big fuckin’ whoop!”

          “Watch the attitude, Nick.” Kevin warned annoyingly, “There was one. But not about Jocelynn and I. About Joce and… you.”

          “For the love of God,” Brian groaned loudly as he feel back in the chair in frustration.

          Nick’s jaw tightened, “And let me guess, they are blaming her for mine and China's break up?”

          “Do you think she knows?” Brian asked hesitantly.

          “Oh yeah. Joce knows, Kara called her then called me. And from what Gina told Howard, she could care less right now. It would seem that she is having more issues with Joe now.”

          “Ah, the paternity test.” Nick said knowingly.

          “You know about that?” Kevin asked surprised.

          Shrugging, Nick answered, “I overheard China talking about it with Gina a few times.”

          Sitting up with interest, Brian looked back and forth between Nick and Kevin, “Wait, you mean to tell me that Jocelynn’s ex husband is not the father of Drogyn?”

          “I don’t know.” Answered Nick, who stood up to stand by the fireplace. “But from what I have over heard it is a large possibility.”

          “Well then, who do you think is the father? Does Alex know? Of course not, he would have mentioned something to us.” Brian rattled off. “Do you think it is Kolas? No, no. Joce wouldn’t do something like that.”

          “Brian, put a cork in it. Nick, did you over hear anything else from the conversations?”

          “Eh, nothin’ really. Other then the guy who might be the father’s name is Saint.”

          “Saint?!” Brian let out a laugh. “You’ve got to be kidding me.”

          “Is that all?” Kevin asked.

          “Yeah, why?”

          “Just wondering. We might need to be prepared for anything that might come out in the papers or anything that Joe might throw at Joce. She’s one of us now, so is her son. We all need to guard them.”

          The three of them turned to a sudden knock at the door followed by Kara walking into the office.

          “What’s going on, mates?” She asked as she headed across the room and sat herself on the couch.

          “Nothing. We were just talking about the newest Tabloid escapade Joce is in.” Kevin muttered as he looked back down at the photo on the cover.

          “Oh, I know what you mean. I couldn’t believe that they said that shit. But at least it is so bogus that no one would believe it. Especially since China is staying at Jocelynn’s old apartment in Rock Springs.” Kara’s Australian voice chuckled as she spoke. “I mean seriously, if any of it was even the least bit true, she sure as hell wouldn’t be staying there of all places. What? What did I say?”

          Kara looked at the three men. Both Brian and Kevin were staring at Nick who was drilling darts at Kara with his glare.

          “She’s in Rock Springs?” He said slowly.

          Nodding slightly, Kara answered wearily, “Yes. At Joce’s apartment. At least till this morning. She is coming back for the wedding. It took Joce and I 3 hours last night to talk her into even coming back out here. No offense, Nickers, but you are way to intimidating by half.”

          “I don’t see either you or Joce scared of me.” He commented pointedly.

          “Ah, well that is because, Nicky, Joce and I have each been through worse then your little temper tantrums. Not to mention Joce taught me her left hook. It’s not as strong as hers but it gets any points across.”

          Without realizing, Nick rubbed his stomach, “You should have her show you the power behind her right.”

          “Hell no. Do you think I have a death wish? Joce’s right arm is 3 times as strong as her left. There is no way I could ever do what she can.”

          Laughing out loud amusingly, Brian couldn’t help but tease, “You mean to tell me you both are scared of that little red-haired girl.”

          “Scared? No, terrified when she is pissed of is more accurate.” Kara answered seriously.

          “I agree. Joce has a temper on her that is worse the Nicks. She just knows how to channel it better.” Kevin added.

          “Bite me,” Nick growled back.

          Standing up, Kara held her hands up between the two, “Now, now boys. Knock it off. No blood shed today. We all still need to head over to the church for the rehearsal and then go out for lunch. You two can duke it out after the wedding reception tomorrow. Now come on. Kolas is at Gina’s with Jocelynn.”

          “Why?”

          “Because he is still her body guard, Nick.” Kara answered with a tone that said he should have known that.

          “Does Alex know that?” Brian asked as they headed out the door.

          “What should it matter to him? Joce and Kolas have been best friends for damn over 17 years.” Answered Kara as she slipped on her white knitted jacket  that went with her autumn skirt and top.

          “Hey, Kara. Do you know when China is coming back?” Nick asked as he slipped on his coat.

          “Yeah. Tara should be on her way back from the airport now with her and Brennen.”

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

          “Do you, Howard Dwayne Dorough, take Regina to be your lawfully wedded wife? Do you promise to love her, honor her and cherish her? For richer or poorer, in sickness and in health until death parts you?”

          “I do.”

          “Then by the powers vested in me by the state of California and the Catholic Church, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride… tomorrow.”

          The entire wedding party busted out laughing as Father Gene placed his bible between the faces of the bride and groom right before their lips met.

          “It’s bad luck.” The father answered the questioning looks of the bride and groom after they realized their mouths were touching the leather bible.

          “Speaking of bad luck. We need to be heading for to your home for the rehearsal luncheon. It’s 11am and the two of you only have 3 hours before you are separated until tomorrow.” Dianna, Gina and Jocelynn’s mother, said as she pointed to her watch.

          “Are we all satisfied that we got this wedding thing down right?” Alex asked the church. “I mean seriously how hard can it be?”

          Dianna cast an annoying glance at Alex who was standing up as one of the groomsmen with Howie, alongside Kevin, Brian, Nick and Howie’s older brother, who was the best man.

          “I am sorry young man, but this is most likely the only chance I will have to see one of my daughters married in a catholic church since I was denied a full wedding for Jocelynn.”

          Joce let out a soft groan, “I know, Madre.”

          Gina turned around to their mother and put the faux wedding bouquet on her hip, “Madre, not here.”

          “What?” Dianna asked innocently, “Jocelynn will never be able to marry in a catholic church. I was just stating the truth.”

          Looking across the group, Alex caught Joce’s expression before she bowed her head in shame.

          ‘Jocie-doll. What is she talking about?’

          ‘Unless I have my first marriage annulled, I cannot marry in a Catholic church if I chose to remarry. But if I do that my son becomes a bastard in the eyes of the church. Not to mention, I left the church when I was 12. She still has not forgiven my for that.’

          ‘You mean you are not catholic?’

          ‘No. My son was baptized Methodist because of Joe. But I’m more of a spiritualist.’

          ‘So am I. So what is your mom’s problem?’

          ‘It’s a pride thing with her. I was pregnant when married, which is taboo, not to mention I married in a civil ceremony, which denied her the big wedding she has always wanted for me and Gigi.’

          ‘Ah I see. Well don’t feel bad, my love.’

          ‘I can’t help it, she could make me feel like crap for breathing.’

          “Earth to Alex and Joce!” Gina called as she waved her hand in front of Joce’s face as Howie did the same to Alex. The rest of the bridal party had stepped down to the pews, leaving the two standing alone. It was an interesting picture, Jocelynn was standing with her head bowed looking down at the single yellow rose in her hand, her hair hanging down in soft curls while Alex stood across from her in his groomsman’s spot watching her intently.

          Joce brought her head up, “Oh, sorry. I zoned out for a moment.”

          Standing in the aisle of the church, Dianna snorted, “What else is new.”

          “Madre!” The warning in Gina’s voice was subtle, “Enough.”

          Throwing up her hands, Dianna moved to the side and sat in the pew.

          Turning to back to her younger sister, Gina laid a hand on Joce’s shoulder, “Don’t let her get to you, Jocelynn.” She said quietly.

          “I know.” Her voice barely made it past her lips.

          Taking direction from Gina, Howie turned to the large group of people and raised his hands to gain their attention, “Okay people, it is time to head out to our home for our reception luncheon.”

          Taking Jocelynn’s hand into the hook of his arm, Alex ushered her down to the pews to sit with China who was watching Drogyn with her son.

          China looked up for the first time in almost a half hour from the boys, “Hey Joce. Are you feeling okay?”

          Nodding, Jocelynn sat down next to her friend, “Yeah. I’m just a little tired. I was up at 4 to got on a run this morning.” She paused as she looked around the church and saw Nick quickly looking away from their direction. “You two are going to have to talk eventually, Chi.” She said softly.

          Looking from Alex to Joce, China nodded, afraid to say anything in front of Nick’s friend.

          Taking the clue from China’s demeanor, Alex held up his hands in truce, “I am unbiased here. I maybe a Nick’s friend, but I know better then most what an ass he can be. All that I will say is that he misses you China and he doesn’t know what he did wrong. You at least owe it to him to explain why you suddenly left and how you feel. You never know, it might help you both.”

          A soft wary smile hinted on China’s lips as she looked back down to the boys who laid next to each other on the pews, napping, “Thank you, but I think it is for the best that I just stay out of his way as much as possible.” Standing up she picked up Brennen in her arms, “I will see you both later, I am going to see if Tara or Kara can take me back to Kara’s so Brennen can nap. I don’t think I will go out with you all for the bachelorette party tonight. Sorry.” Then turning she headed for the back of the church where the girls were chatting with LeighAnn and Brian.

          Alex shrugged, taking a set next to Jocelynn, “So what do you think is going to happen between those two?”

          “I have no idea.” Joce answered honestly, “Alex what are you doing on Wednesday?”

          “The day after the wedding? Huh, nothing that I am aware of. Why?”

          “Kevin has a few houses lined up for me to look at for Drogyn and I around the area. I was wondering if you wouldn’t mind coming with, plus there is something that I need to talk to you about.”

          Alex reached for her hand and brought it to his lips, “Of course, honey. Now come on, let’s head over for the rehearsal party.”