Chapter 4

Always Be My Baby

I know that you'll be back girl

When your days and your nights get a little bit colder oooohhh

I know that, you'll be right back, babe

Ooooh! baby believe me it's only a matter of time

Dylan watched Brenda as she laughed and smiled dancing with her girlfriends. Memories came flooding back of when they were younger, falling in love, exploring as young people do, the fights, the make-ups, the feeling he had when he was always near her, the friendship that stayed strong even with time apart and distance. He smiled as Brenda swayed her hips with Valerie, the gang all dancing at Brandon and Kelly's party. Valerie and Brenda were dangerous together, he took a sip of his cocktail.

"See something you like son?" Jim snuck up behind him.

Dylan cleared his throat and laughed uncomfortably, "I guess you could say that. How are you sir?" he changed the subject.

Jim nodded his head, "Good…good."

Dylan nodded it being a little painfully quiet between them.

"Look Dylan…I think I owe you an apology." Jim turned towards him and Dylan did the same giving him his attention.

Jim took a deep breath, this was a little uncomfortable for him too, "I gave you a lot of grief over the years, with your demons you fought against, your father…Brenda." he looked over at his daughter. Having a blast still dancing. He looked back and met Dylan's eyes. "I'm sorry I wasn't fair to you."

Dylan smiled and looked down shyly before looking up to him again, "It's okay…you know your approval meant a lot to me, but I get why you always thought I wasn't good enough…obviously." he shrugged playfully, "It didn't stop me from falling in love with your daughter."

Jim chucked and nodded. He looked at him, long and hard but sincere. "I see you still are, maybe more now…in love with her that is. I know the look you guys have, it's been haunting my dreams for twelve years." Jim chuckled.

Dylan smiled at him, took a deep breath and nodded silently.

Jim brought his hand and placed it on Dylan's shoulder, "I'm sorry I got between you two. My relationship with Brenda has suffered over the years because of it and I regret it. I see how much my daughter loves you Dylan…and I think it's time I gave it a rest, don't you?"

Dylan looked seriously into Jim's eyes, a man he loved and respected but never thought he would accept him, "You don't know how long I've waited for you to say that sir."

Jim smiled and nodded, he pat his shoulder. He brought his drink to his lips as he looked at Brenda again, "One of the greatest gifts I've gotten was my daughter, Ive tried to protect her, keep her safe." He looks at Dylan again, "Now it's your turn."

Dylan was about to ask Jim for permission, his blessing but before the words left his mouth, Jim spoke up with a smile, "So son…when are you going to ask her?"

Dylan smiled and the breath he was holding escaped. Jim didn't wait around for an answer instead he patted Dylan's back as any proud father would and walked towards Cindy. Cindy smiled at him, a warm genuine smile and winked at him. Dylan looked at Brenda on the dance floor, her eyes meeting his. She smiled at him, swaying her hips flirty, she brought her index finger up, beckoning him to her, Come here. she mouthed. Dylan smirked and set down his drink as he joined her on the dance floor. Thats the way they remained the rest of the party. In each other arms, dancing the night away like they used to. When the night was over they snuck out and Brenda accompanied him back to the hotel.

Dylan played with the ends of her hair as she slept cuddled into his side. Her head on his chest, his warm arms around her. He was thinking about the night before. His talk with Jim, his night, having fun with her. Brenda had come back to the hotel with him, They had snuck out but he was positive they knew where she was. It was early morning but he was so comfortable in that moment he hadn't even glanced at the clock. He squeezed Brenda's naked body to him firmly.

He kissed her head, "Bren?" he whispered. He leaned further and kissed her forehead. His hand coming down her spine and setting her low on her back, he gently patted her bare ass, "Brenda?" he said a little louder this time.

"Hmm." Brenda said with her eyes still closed.

"Come baby…come somewhere with me?"

Brenda's eyes fluttered open, sleep still clear in her face. "Now?" she whispered. "What time is it?" She closed her eyes again.

Dylan'a head stretched up a little catching the clock next to her side of the bed, "Almost 6 am." he said quietly.

Brenda groaned a little, "I don't have to be back at the house until at least nine." she cuddled into his embrace more. Obviously trying to go back to sleep.

Dylan slid himself lower on the bed, moving to his side so their faces were lined up. Brenda's eyes opened, looking into his, he kissed her lips softly. "Please Bren…come with me?"

Dylan's eyes imploring hers. He wasn't saying why but by the look he was giving her she couldn't say no. She nodded bringing her lips to his again, they opened around his as her arms moved around his neck tenderly. They slowly got up and gotten dressed. Brenda only having her clothes from the night before, she put them on while Dylan disappeared to get himself ready for the day. Grabbing his tux on the way out, knowing that he would get ready with Brandon at Steve's where Brandon had slept last night. The girls were taking over the Walsh house. They rode in silence, the morning light getting lost in the moon. Dylan parked his car in an empty parking lot. He looked over at her, smiled and motioned with his head for her to come on.

She obeyed getting out of the car now clear where they were. She stopped before the pier and looked out, she placed her left hand on Dylan's shoulder as she reached down taking off her heels from the night before knowing they were going to walk. She held them with two fingers, dangling, as they made their way down the pier.

"You remember the last time we walked down this pier?" Dylan said looking straight ahead.

Brenda smiled, "I do. You wanted to get back together with me." She sighed remembering going fishing with him that day, it still was on the list as the best times she had had that year, "I said we were better as friends." she regretted that for a long time.

Dylan nodded and glanced at her, "Things sure changed over the years." he joked, thinking about how many times they had those close encounters over the time in college, coming back together a few times as well over the years to follow. Brenda and Dylan were good friends, the closest of friends, but it was always more.

Brenda laughed lightly she shrugged, " And…some things stay the same too." she looked at him, love burning into his.

"We've been through a lot you and me." Dylan stated truthfully.

Brenda took a deep breath, "That we have."

They had walked in silence, stealing glances from one another. They had come to the end of the pier, she dropped her heels to the wooden floor. She rested her hands on the railing looking into the ocean. The pier was vacant this early in the morning, peaceful. All you heard was the waves crashing onto the beach from a distance. Seagulls singing above as they looked below for breakfast.

"These past couple days have been amazing with you Bren." He leaned his elbows on the railing taking in the view as well. He looked over at her, staring at the beauty in her face. Flawless skin, free of makeup.

She looked at him, "Yeah…they have." she said simply. It was quiet between the two of them. A comfortable silence as they looked into each other's eyes. "So." she changed the tone, "Why did you bring me here…obviously it's not to go fishing." She smiled as she turned towards him.

He chuckled and shook his head as he stood straight up turning his body towards hers too, "No not to go fishing." he repeated. "I loved you more than I ever thought I could love anybody. I'm so tired of mistakes and misunderstandings, the wrong turns and lost second chances. I never stopped loving you Bren, not then and certainly not now." Brenda looked deep into his eyes, listening to the words coming from this man she had always loved as well. There were so many times she wished she hadn't, but the truth was, she didn't know how to live life without loving him. From the moment she met him, he had consumed every part of her heart.

"I never stopped loving you too Dylan." she said quietly.

"I know why you turned me down two years ago in London. I don't know why I figured I could just show up at your door after everything I had put you through and just expect you to take me back."

Brenda sighed, "Dylan." she looked up at him, "I know you didn't come to me on the rebound. I knew after the fact that wasn't the case at all but by the time I figured it out, it was too late." She looked down again.

Dylan took his finger bringing it to her chin as he gently made her look at him, "I should have told you then what I'm about to tell you now, god I should have told you from the beginning, I choose you. And I'll choose you over and over and over. Without a pause, without a doubt in a heartbeat. I'll keep choosing you Brenda because you are it for me, I'd cross the world just to hold your hand, you know that." Dylan dropped his hand from her chin and breathed out. Dylan reached into his hoodie pocket. He took a knee and opened the box towards her. Tears filled Brenda's eyes quickly as both hands covered her mouth seeing her ring again, the one she saw two years ago that haunted her dreams when she said no to him. "The day I met you, I found my missing piece. You complete me and make me a better person." Dylan quoted Robert Browning, "All my soul follows you, love encircles you, and I live in being yours." Brenda dropped her hands and looked into his soul, "Marry me Bren?"

Her head tilted to the side, tears falling from her eyes, "Dylan." she breathed.

He smiled at her, "I'm not going to take no for an answer this time."

She smiled through her tears, as she nodded, "Yes." she said clear as day.

Dylan took the 3 carat vintage paved princess cut ring out of the box and slide it on her left ring finger. He got up off off his knee. Brenda hands came to his face as their mouths collided, meeting in the middle. His fingers dug into Brenda's hair as he pulled her closer to him. She wrapped her arms around his neck, melting into him. Dylan's tongue strokes hers, tasting her as she brushes hers softly again his. This kiss feels different, it's an urgent, desperate need. They pull away from each other, as Dylan's nose rubs up against hers. No words were spoken, just two souls connecting as one, fire and love burning between them. They kiss again, and this time, it feels more familiar. They know exactly how they fit together, his arms around her waist, hers around his neck, the pressure of his lips on hers, their bodies firmly against each other. They had each other memorized by now. Brenda's hand, her ring shined bright moved to the back of Dylan's head pulling him closer like it was even possible. Their lips still attached as they hungrily devoured each other. They pulled away from each other slowly knowing they had been at it for a while. Brenda picked up her shoes, his arm wrapped around her tightly as they made their way back to the car down the pier, both knowing they had a wedding to get ready for.

Brenda knocked on Kelly and Brandon's bedroom door. Her hair in an up do that only a professional could accomplish and her face made up beautifully. She peaked her head in and smiled as she saw Kelly standing in front of a full length mirror admiring herself in her wedding dress. Donna was ruffling out her train at her feet. "Can I come in?" she announced herself.

Kelly turned to look at her with a breathtaking smile, "Of course…I was wondering where you disappeared too." Brenda came into the bedroom closing the door behind her.

"The limos here, your mom sent me up to let you know. Kelly you look beautiful." Brenda breathed looking at her friend and soon to be sister in law.

"Thanks." she looked down shyly, "You look gorgeous too."

Brenda smiled at her, "You ready?"

Kelly looked into her eyes, nothing but pure readiness showing back, she took a deep breath, "I'm so ready." she breathed.

"It's about damn time." Brenda answered, she embraced her softly not wanting to ruin her dress or any of the primping Kelly had been doing all morning.

"Oh my god Bren." Donna stared at Kelly's back where her hands came around her. As Kelly and Brenda came apart she moved grabbing her left hand.

"Oh…yeah…that happened." Brenda laughed as she held her hand out for the girls to see.

Kelly grabbed her hand, "Oh my god Brenda…when?" she looked into her eyes.

"This morning." Brenda said back shyly. "We didn't want to make a big deal yet. It's your wedding day."

Kelly smiled, "It is…but this is amazing." her voice squealed, "It is gorgeous…you weren't kidding." they all stared down at it.

Donna bit her fist, "Oh Bren…where…tell us all about it."

Brenda laughed, "I'll tell you later, you my friend are getting married in 35 minutes." her attention went back to Kelly.

Kelly nodded knowing she was right, as they made their way towards the bedroom door, Kelly grabbed Brenda's hand, "Congratulations…I'm so happy for you." she said sincerely.

Brenda nodded, "I know and thanks." all three girls held hands as they made their way out the door to head over to the church.

Brandon nervously fiddled with his tie and then he brushed down the front of his tux as he looked at himself in the mirror in the grooms room in the front of the church.

Dylan struggled to tie his tux tie, "Where is Bren? She is the only one that can tie this thing for me." Dylan said out loud getting the attention of all of the guys in the room, including Jim.

"Donna texted me a couple minutes ago, they just got here." David said with a smile.

"So…you and Bren huh?" Steve chimed in.

Dylan looked at him curiously, "What?" he questioned.

"You know…doing the nasty again?" he continued.

Dylan looked at Brandon quickly and then both boys looked at Jim. Jim's eyes got wide for a moment and pursed his lips together, he thought Steve was rather amusing.

"Ah I think what Steve means Dylan…is we all saw Brenda leave with you last night. So when I called Kelly this morning and Brenda wasn't in her room…we all figured she went to the hotel with you."

Dylan sighed, uncomfortable, so much for sneaking out. "Ummm…yeah, I brought her to your house this morning." His eyes flickered to Jim's again as he tried to tie his tie again. He fumbled with it nervously.

A knock broke the awkwardness, as Brenda peaked her head in with her eyes closed, "Everyone decent?"

Brandon smiled, "Yeah…come in Bren." she came in and closed the door behind her, as she turned to face the boys, all eyes were on her.

"What did I miss?" she laughed uncomfortably noticing Dylan nervously trying to tie is tie. She walked over to him and began helping him. Everyone watched them, wide smiles spreading across their faces.

"We were just talking about you and Dylan doing…" Steve began.

"Steve…no." Brandon shook his head.

"Thank god you're here." Dylan whispered as he stood up straight referring to the chatter, not the tie.

"You never were good at tying these things were you? What did you do all those years without me?" Brenda said as a joke

Dylan smiled down at her, hearing the hidden meaning in those words, "I have no idea."

She finished and brushed down his tux, "There…looks good."

"Thanks Bren."

"Brandon…you look so handsome." She made her way over and hugged him tightly. "I just wanted to peak in and tell you I love you, you ready for this?" She leaned out smiling at her brother.

"So ready." he said confidently.

"Hm…Kelly said the same thing. Good sign." she joked and laughed as she looked around the room. "What's with all of you?"

"What's with this huge ring on your finger?" Brandon grabbed her left hand looking down at it, he had noticed as soon as started with the tie.

Brenda looked at Dylan and shook her head. "You all are relentless you know this right, you're no better than the girls."

Steve got up, "Woah woah woah…you mean you aren't just doing the nasty again, like a wedding hookup?"

"Excuse me?" Brenda said surprised. She looked at her father who by now was chuckling.

"My God Steve." Dylan sighed. "Please shut up." He walked over to Brenda, wrapping his arm around her waist she cuddled into him, "I asked Brenda to marry me." Dylan said honestly, knowing that even though they discussed not making any kind of announcement on the way from the pier, the cat was out of the bag.

The room stared in shock, "Well…bout damn time." Brandon smiled going in and hugging his sister tenderly and then moved to Dylan. They patted each others backs before moving apart.

The rest of the room congratulated them, Dylan receiving a firm accepting handshake from Jim even. Brenda went to meet up with the girls.

The guys walked out of the grooms room and stood at the alter. The music began and one at a time the girls walked down the aisle. Brenda was last of the bridesmaids, her eyes only were on Dylan's. As Brandon and Kelly recited their vows to one another, he watched Brenda wipe a tear from her eye. He smiled a soft smile at her as her eyes met his.

"I now pronounce you husband and wife." the priest said breaking their stare. "You may kiss your bride." he said with a smile. Brenda and Dylan watched Brandon and Kelly meet in the middle as their lips tenderly sealed the deal. Kelly smiled as Brandon brought her tighter into him. His lips hitting her cheek.

"May I be the first to introduce, Mr. & Mrs. Brandon Walsh." the crowd erupted in cheers. Brandon kissed his wife again taking her hand as they began their way down the aisle. Brenda linked arms with Dylan as they followed behind along with the rest of the wedding party.

The reception was in full swing. Dylan and Brenda had given heart felt speeches much like the ones at the rehearsal dinner. The ballroom decorated with white linens, flowers and candles. it finally happened, Brandon and Kelly were married. Brenda, Dylan, Brandon, Kelly, Donna, David, Steve, Janet, Andrea, Jessie and Valerie stood in front of the main table as they watched their families and friends dance. A server came by with champagne as they each grabbed one.

Valerie leaned into Brenda, "I can't believe Eric came. He got so much hotter." Valerie said out loud referring to Brandon and Brenda's cousin from Minnesota. "Is he single?"

Dylan chuckled before Brenda answered, "Didn't you lose your virginity to him?" she asked amused.

Valerie laughed, "I did." she nodded her head proudly.

"Him and his wife separated last year." Brandon said proudly, "Just sayin." the group laughed.

"Well then…excuse me. What's a wedding without a wedding hookup?"

"That's what I was saying…see Val knows…she's like the female version of me." Steve said wholeheartedly.

"Well…that's a scary thought." Brenda said with humor in her voice as they watched Valerie leave the group to see if good ol Eric remembered her. His face lit up when he saw her.

Kelly spoke taking the attention back to them, "I just wanted to tell you all how much I love you. Brandon and I are so happy that you could all be here to celebrate our special day with us." She held her glass out. "To our friendship."

The gang all brought their glasses together, "To our friendship." everyone said in unison as they clinked there flutes together.

"Now that you and Dylan are getting married, are you guys gonna stick around here for awhile?" Donna asked interested.

Brenda smiled as Dylan wrapped his arms around her from behind. He kissed the back of her head.

"Actually, Dylan and I have decided to stick around…we are seeing a couple houses next week right here in Beverly Hills." Brenda answered truthfully. They had talked about what was next after leaving the pier, on their way back from Manhattan Beach. Dylan had made the call about potential houses after Brenda had met up with the girls at the Walsh house. He had filled her in before the reception.

"Yay." Donna moved towards her embracing her tightly, "I am so happy for you both." she leaned away looking at the group, "I feel like everyone is finally where they are suppose to be." the gang nodded all agreeing.

"Well Mrs. Walsh…may I have this dance?" Brandon set his champagne down grabbing her hand pulling her to join the dancing, he spun her before pulling her against him. The group split up and joined them.

Brenda smiled up at Dylan, "Soon…that will be us." he said with a smirk.

Brenda nodded, it still felt like a dream still, with all the wedding stuff, it hadn't quite set in. She was marrying Dylan. "I can't wait." Brenda whispered turning in his arms. She encircled him around the waist hugging him tightly. She looked up at him, his eyes meeting hers. He leaned down taking his lips gently into hers.

"What do you say we show them how this is done?" he said referring to the dancing grabbing her hand.

"Lead the way…baby." He smirked at her, liking the way it sounded. She hadn't said it to him since being back in Beverly Hills and it felt right. It felt like the before, it felt normal and natural. She allowed him to pull her onto the dance floor with everyone else.

A fast song was playing as the gang danced in a tight circle. Brenda looked around the group. Her brother even dancing, one arm around his bride, the other waving his arm to the music. Her eyes went to Steve, he was getting down holding Janet around the waist tightly. Donna and David were dancing fast as they held hands, they still had the moves, especially David. Andrea singing along with the music as Jesse tried to keep up with her, Valerie moving her ass against Eric which made Brenda laugh. The gang was all here, our families behind us celebrating.

"Celebration." sang Kool & the Gang. "Let's all celebrate and have a good time."

Brenda looked at Dylan, her smile wide, as he moved freely as he danced next to her. Her eyes then looked at Brandon. His eyes met hers, She didn't think she had ever seen Brandon this happy before. He winked at her and suddenly she flashed back to when they had first moved here. Talking in his room, wondering if they were going to make it here. She felt Dylan enclose his arms around her. He swayed his center against her rear grinding her, bringing his face in the crook of her neck as things slowed down, he sang to her in her ear. She smiled, hearing the song, the gang sang along some loudly, some mouthing the words as they danced together still in a circle, the song holding a deeper meaning for them all.

You'll always be a part of me

I'm part of you indefinitely

Boy don't you know you can't escape me

Ooh darling 'cause you'll always be my baby

And we'll linger on

Time can't erase a feeling this strong

No way you're never gonna shake me

Brenda turned quickly in Dylan's arms and wrapped her arms around his neck. His forehead rested against hers. "Ooo darling…cause you'll always be my baby." Brenda whispered against his lips. Dylan smiled moving his lips to enclose hers. Brenda moved her head to the side as she deepened the kiss. She felt Dylan lift her off her feet as he slowly spun her in a half circle, keeping his lips against hers. She threw her head back and laughed as the room spun. As her feet felt the ground again, she felt the circle of their friends enclose them in a group hug. Her and Brandon had made it here, and everything was exactly as it should be. Brandon and Kelly had finally gotten married, after three proposals. Her and Dylan would be married soon too. Maybe the future held kids for them, maybe it held trotting the globe, they didn't know. But what they did know was their sixteen year old hearts had fallen in love with each other and at 28, twelve years later, it was about damn time they got it right. No matter who came between them, no matter how many years had past apart, they were always with one another and now was the beginning of their real journey.

So the conclusion to Always be my Baby. I hope no one is upset the wedding was sort of summarized. Brenda and Dylan already did good speeches at the rehearsal and this wasn't a BK story so I didn't go into vows etc. Hope you liked it. I wanted it to be like the actual ending in season 10, but how it should have been. But I did love them all dancing together like that. All hugging in a group. It was a good part. Minus the obvious, clears throat KD. Brandon and Kelly should have ended that show off with a wedding like this. It felt rushed but I still hope you enjoyed it. Hit review! On to update my other stories now. Thanks everyone!