1:21PM

"Okay, now I want you both to shake hands."

Jason and Tommy had barely spoken a word to each other the entire walk to the hotel. Jason was still upset with Tommy but he couldn't stay mad forever. Trini was trying to use her best tricks to mediate their feud.

Tommy rolled his eyes at Trini's request to shake Jason's hand but obliged. He put his hand out and waited patiently for Jason to accept it.

"Jason, shake Tommy's hand!"

Jason grunted under his breath

"Jason Lee Scott! This man is a groomsman in your parents wedding and you will shake his hand this instant."

Jason sighed and took Tommy's hand. He didn't even want to look at Tommy, but he knew they had to get over this little feud before his parents wedding.

"Still bros?" Tommy asked.

"Yeah... We're still bros." he said as he patted Tommy on the back.

"Alright, now that that's over with, let's hit the waves!" Zack screamed as he took a body board to the water.

"Whooo!" Everyone yelled as they came running behind him.

They had stopped at a little surf rental shop by the resort, and rented a mixture of body and surf boards.

They splashed around in the water as they let the ocean wash all their stress away. Since they all grew up near the beach, any type of water sport always came naturally to them. They spent a few hours in the water burning calories and Kimberly was near exhaustion. A near 6 mile hike, a few hours of body surfing, and hardly any sleep last night left her very tired. She slowly walked back to the shore and sat down.

Tommy noticed Kimberly was now sitting on the beach and left his session to go see what she was up to. He walked over to her in a slow pace.

Kimberly was sitting with her legs to her chest as she let the ocean barely graze her. Her hair was flowing in the wind and Tommy couldn't get enough. No other woman has ever compared to her in his eyes.

"Are you okay?" He said as he took a seat next to her. He mimicked her position as he sat down. He picked up a stick on the ground and began breaking off small pieces and throwing the bits on the ground.

"Yeah, I'm good. I'm just so tired," she rubbed her eyes with her hands in hope that it would somehow wake her up. She looked at him with a grin. "I didn't really get any sleep last night," she said as she lightly shoved him

"I'm sorry, I know I can be a little demanding," he laughed. "I promise to let you sleep tonight," he said as he brought his lips right by her ear, "if you want me to."

"Are you flirting with me, Tommy Oliver?" She licked her lips as she waited for him to make a move. She looked at his lips as she took her bottom lip between her teeth.

Tommy was staring at her lips. He couldn't think of anything more satisfying than to kiss her on the beach in front of everyone. To taste her sweet lips one more time, but alas, he didn't want to cause a scene. He also didn't want to die.

"Nope," he said as he used all his self control to look away from Kimberly. He finished throwing the last bit of wood on the ground. "Can't flirt with you or Jason will probably try to drown me. He makes the rules," he said as he nodded over to Jason in the water

"That's too bad," Tommy and Kimberly couldn't help their attraction to each other. She crawled to him like an animal and hovered her lips just over his ear, "you know I'm actually CPR certified."

He turned to face her. Their lips now mere inches apart. "Don't tempt me," he said seductively.

He watched her from the corner of his eye as she stared out into the distance. Her face quickly faded from a bright smile to one that suggested she was in a deep thought.

"Are you sure there's nothing wrong with you? You seem... Distracted"

"I'm just thinking." She said as she continued to look ahead

"Oh, yeah? About what?"

"Just..." She shook her head lightly as she tried to find the words, "Things. I don't know. I'm kind of thinking a lot of things right now."

"Good or bad?"

"Good... Bad... I think a little of both" she sighed as she looked at her hands. She began to pick at her chipping nail polish, "I'm just thinking about work and what I'm going to do about that, how I'm so heartbroken about your father, and then there's... You." She dropped her hands and looked at him with a faint smile.

"Me?" He said in a near whisper. He cleared his voice, "am I one of the good things or bad?"

"Wouldn't you like to know," she teased

"I would love to know what goes on inside your head, Kim," he replied with a chuckle

"Don't worry, you'll find out soon enough," she said as she gently placed her hand over his and gave him a reassuring smile before looking back down.

Tommy sensed how stressed she was about everything and wanted to suggest something they both liked to do when they were younger. Hoping to relieve her stress and remind her of how fun and carefree they used to be. "Want to build a sand castle with me?"

"I'd love to," she said with a giggle.

For the last 20 minutes they had been gathering as much sand and water as possible. They began building a replica of the command center. They used only their memories as it had been destroyed years ago.

Tommy and Kimberly took a step back as the command center came into view. They were impressed with themselves because it actually did look like it. They had gotten everything almost exactly right.

"Oh my God, it looks just like it!" Kimberly beamed

"I'm actually pretty proud of us. We make a great team," he said as he high fived Kimberly

"We do! Will you let me put the flag on top?" She pleaded

"Flag? I don't remember a flag being there."

"There wasn't, but it's customary to place a flag on top of your finished work," she said as she grabbed a stick and random palm tree leaf to make a makeshift flag, "can I please put it on top?"

"I'll say yes to you on top of anything," he teased

"What's on top?" Jason said as he approached them

"Ugh... Um... A flag. We made a little sandcastle replica of the command center and Kimberly wanted to put a flag up."

"Uh-huh, that's what I thought you said. Come on, you love birds. It's nearly 4, and we have to meet my parents and Holli up at the north lawn at 5," Jason said as he looked out to the water. "Yo, Zack! Help me take these boards back to the rental shop!"

"Alright, just give me a second!" Zack replied.

"I'll help you out too, man," Tommy told Jason as he began to get up.

Tommy held out his hand to help Kimberly come to her feet.

"I'm gonna go help Jason out real quick. I'll meet you back in the room, okay?" he said as he brought her hand up to his lips and gave it a kiss before catching up to Jason.

"That is so sweet! Damn, I envy you Kimberly," Katherine said with a giggle as she walked over to Kimberly

"Envy me? I don't think there's much to envy, Kat. I'm a huge mess."

"I don't know if you realized this, but Tommy is so smitten by you. Having someone as great as Tommy is definitely something to envy, don't you agree?"

"Yeah, I think so," she said with a small smile

"I know so, don't forget that I dated him too once upon a time. Although my relationship wasn't as long as yours, I still like to think that we had something special. Maybe not as special as yours," she chuckled, "but definitely something memorable. You're lucky, Kim, don't let him go."

"Katherine, I know we don't really talk that much, but are you still into Tommy or something? You speak so highly of him."

"Oh no, no, no. Don't make me laugh," she said as she tried to hide a smile behind her hand, "no, I just know when something is special. That's why I'm telling you to not let him go... Again. I remember talking to you after the tournament all those years ago. I still remember you telling me how much you regretted sending him that letter."

"I never thought I would open up to you that much. Especially since you two were together by then. Thank you for listening to his whiny ex girlfriend," she chuckled.


Spring of 1997

8:38 PM

To say that today had been a crazy day would be a huge understatement. After being sacrificed to a stupid lava monster and nearly killing all her friends.

Everyone gathered at the youth center to enjoy the celebration for winning the tournament. Ernie had out done himself this time. He had hired a DJ and offered free food and refreshments. Kimberly was usually the first one on the dance floor and the last one off but she was not feeling it today. She watched Tommy and Katherine slow dancing with one another and having a good time. She couldn't stand to watch the man that she loved be with another woman. She sat at the park that used to be their place. The place where they would go on dates, the place where they shared their first kiss, and where they would first tell each other those 3 simple words, I love you. After the tournament, Kimberly went up to Tommy to finally apologize for the letter. She confessed her regret and her true feelings for him. He barely even looked at her and told her he needed time to think. She had never felt so distant from him. She sat on top of a picnic table with her feet on the seat. Her forearm was resting on her thigh as she ran her left hand through her short hair.

"I pushed him into the arms of someone else. There's no one to blame but me," she said quietly as she gently wiped a tear, "God, you're so stupid, Hart, why did you let him go-"

"-Kim?" A soft voice came from behind

Kimberly quickly sat up straight and wiped her face as fast as she could. She turned around to find her Australian friend, "Katherine, what are you doing here? You should be back at the Youth Center enjoying the party."

"I could say the same about you," she said as she walked up to Kimberly, "I was on my way home. My parents said I had to be home by 8:30 or I would be grounded. So here I am at 8:40 trying to enjoy my last bits of freedom," She sat down next to Kimberly on the table. She noticed Kimberly's puffy eyes. "Are you alright?"

"Yeah, I'm fine. Just allergies, you know," she dabbed the corner of her eyes with her sleeve, "I hate spring."

"Kim... You don't have to lie to me," she said as she gently placed a hand on her shoulder, "I know what has you upset... You miss him, don't you?"

Kimberly sniffled into her sleeve, "I'm sorry, Katherine, I know that you two are together, but I just can't help what I feel."

"Have you talked to him?"

"Yeah, I have, it just didn't go like I planned."

Katherine pressed her lips together, "what did you say?"

"I told him the truth. That I made a stupid mistake and that I regretted my decision. That what I had with Brady was nothing and it paled in comparison with what we had. That I missed him..." She said as she let out a deep breath, "that I still loved him." She dropped her head.

Katherine closed her eyes at Kimberly's confession. Katherine and Tommy had been dating for the last year and they were finally in a good place. They had a rocky relationship at first because of Tommy's inability to open up, but they had now moved past that. Katherine's only obstacle was that she was unsure of how deep Tommy's feelings for Kimberly were. She was afraid of asking Kimberly this next question, but she had to know.

"What did he say?" Her breath was shaky

"That he had moved on," she said as she lifted up her head to look at Katherine, "he didn't really want to talk to me. He said he needed some space and time to think, but that he was finally happy again... With you."

Katherine turned her face from Kimberly to try and hide a smile. She couldn't believe that Tommy would really say that.

"I'm sorry, Katherine, I should have told him I loved him. I crossed a line."

"Kim, you have nothing to be sorry for, you love him, and I get that. It's hard not to love him, right."

"He hates me." Kimberly said as she looked back down.

"No, he doesn't. Look," she sighed, "a few months ago Tommy was brainwashed by the Machine Empire, he was gone for a while. He didn't know who any of us were. We came face to face with him and I did something that was extremely dangerous... I demorphed during battle."

Kimberly gasped as she brought her hand over her mouth

"I thought that by Tommy seeing me he would be able to break out of whatever spell he was under," Katherine continued

"Did it work?" She said as she looked at Katherine

"Yes, it did," she smiled, "I think he tried to do the same to you when you were under Maligores spell when he took off his helmet..." she said as she stood up."I think he was really disappointed that it didn't work on you. Kim, I've never seen him look at me like that. You should have seen his face when he saw you and Jason had been captured. He was so scared. He cares about you; I know that, he's just really hurt by your letter."

"I had no idea."

"I know you're an important person in Tommy's life. I don't want you to stop being friends with him because that wouldn't be fair to either one of you, but I do want you to respect that we are now in a relationship. Talk, hang out, go out to dinner, I don't care, but please keep your feelings for him to yourself."

"Katherine, I'm so sorry."

"I know you didn't do it on purpose or with malicious intent, Kim," she said as she gave Kimberly a reassuring smile, "give Tommy some time. He'll talk to you when he's ready. Your friendship is one that can last a lifetime. Don't give up, okay?"

"Katherine, I really want to hate you right now. Can't you just be a huge bitch like everyone else is with their boyfriends ex," she said as she smiled, "why are you such a good person?"

"I don't know," she chuckled, "it's a curse. You're a good person, Kim, you just made a huge mistake. Just take this as a lesson learned and don't make it again."

"Thank you. I won't do it again."

"Good. Now, I really have to get going. My parents are going to kill me for sure," she chuckled, "remember what I said, Kim. Go inside and enjoy the party," She gave Kimberly a warm embrace and went on her way.


"I had so much to thank you for, the least I could do was listen to what you had to say. You welcomed me with open arms and introduced me to lifelong friends. I could never repay you for your gratitude."

"It's no problem, Katherine. You were a great asset to the team and an even better friend to me. You saved my life remember?"

"Yeah, I remember," she said as she smiled. "Kim, I don't want to get too personal, but I saw you sitting out here by yourself. You looked really distracted and like you were confused. Is everything alright?"

"I was just thinking. I didn't realize I was being so obvious."

"Oh, you were." she chuckled, "thinking about Tommy?"

Kimberly simply looked down. No matter how many years passed, it was still an awkward situation to be in. Katherine was the only other woman Tommy ever opened up to.

"Kim, I'm going to offer you some unsolicited advice from a guidance counselor. Don't close yourself up to love. If you feel something, then tell him. It does no good to keep it bottled up inside. Your mouth can lie, but your heart can't. Let it speak to you, it knows what it wants."

"Katherine, I don't think my heart knows what it wants."

"Yes it does, Kim, you're just too stubborn to listen to it." She said as she gently placed her arm on Kimberly's upper arm and began walking back to the hotel.

"Hmm," Kimberly said to herself. She let Katherine's words sink in a moment before blowing her fringe from her fence. She crossed her arms as she began to walk back to the hotel.

"Katherine give you some advice?" Trini said as she wrapped her arm around Kimberly's shoulder. She pressed her head to Kimberly's as they walked together.

"Yeah she did," she said as she nodded

"Any idea of what you're gonna do now?"

"Tommy's special... I know that. I think I just have to take some time and really listen to what I want."

"I think you're right, Kim. What are you going to do about that new job? Still thinking about turning it down?"

"I am," she sighed, "I've been up and down with that for a few days, but I know I don't want to leave New York. Even if nothing develops between Tommy and me, I want to be there with him. He's going to need a lot of support soon with everything going on with his dad, and I have to be there for that. I can't just leave."

"Wow, I honestly didn't think you would turn it down. Kim, this is a once in a life time opportunity. You have been working so hard for this promotion."

"I know, Trini, but I can't leave him. Not after everything that has happened between us this week. That's just not going to happen."

"Could he possibly transfer with you?"

"I wish, but he just transferred 2 years ago. He can't leave just yet."

"It's more money than you'll ever see."

"I know, but money doesn't buy you happiness... Or so I've heard."

"What? Of course it does, trust me I am the happiest I've ever been. Who fed you that line of bullshit? Want to know who says money doesn't buy you happiness? Poor people," Trini chuckled

Kimberly laughed at her comment, "Trini! Of course you're happy, you have Jason."

"Yeah, well, I would still be happy if I was rich and single."

"Trini!"

"Okay, I'm joking, but it still wouldn't hurt. Just think about it before you turn it down. This opportunity is not likely to happen again."

"I've thought about it long and hard. I know what I want. I can't leave New York... Not without Tommy."


With Tommy

Tommy and Jason walked in silence to the surf shack just a little ways away. Tommy kicked the sand under his feet while he tried to walk on the soft sand.

"Are you still mad at me?" Tommy asked

"Hell yeah I am," Jason stopped mid step, "dude, were supposed to be bros. You should have told me before it happened."

"What? I didn't even know it was gonna happen."

"Bullshit. If you had feelings for Kim, you should have just told me the truth. This whole time you were just playing games saying that you only saw her as a friend. If you want to date her then go ahead, just please don't tell me the dirty details."

"I thought you would be pissed if I told you I still had feelings for her."

"Yeah, I would, but I would get over it. I got over it once before, and I know I could get over it again. Just don't lie to me, man, that's one thing I can't stand."

"I'm sorry, Jase, I really am," Tommy said as he put his fist out

Jason rolled his eyes as he bumped his fist, "I said we were cool, but don't lie to me. Oh, and the rule still applies about you hurting Kim. I don't care if it's a month, 1 year, 20years from now, I will beat your ass."

"I get it Jason, I think you've threatened me enough times. I won't hurt Kimberly, I can't hurt her... I can't stand to see her upset."

"Good, then I guess I don't have to worry about you," he said as he began walking again, "You have my blessing, Tommy, whatever happens between the two of you, I hope you're happy."

"Thanks man," he said as he hugged Jason

"Oh, how romantic! My two handsome men kissing and making up. Oh, how I love you," Zack said as he planted a kiss on Jason and Tommy's cheek

"Yuck, dude!" Tommy and Jason exclaimed as they wiped their face

"Whatever, y'all love me," Zack said as he carried the remainder of the boards.

"Zack, come here real quick," Jason said as he motioned him to come closer, "I've passed on my wisdom to Tommy over here, and now I want to pass it down to you. But first, I want to ask you one thing. What the hell is going on between you and Katherine? I know I can't be the only one seeing this. Dude, aren't you dating Angela?"

Zack chuckled, "what are you talking about? There ain't nothin going on between me and Kat."

"Ain't nothin?" Jason said with a raised brow, "so there is."

"Yo, don't make fun of my accent."

"Seriously, it seems like something is going on between you two. What's up?" Jason said

"Zack, you can open up, I don't care. Katherine and I are long over," Tommy said calmly

"It's nothing, man, were just friends. And I don't mean friends like Tommy and Kim, I mean friends like strictly platonic."

"Alright, well you guys don't look like just friends. What's going on with Angela?"

"We're on a little break right now. It's nothing serious, but she said she needed space to think. Whatever the hell that means," Zack said as he kicked the sand

"Sorry, man, we didn't know. You guys have been together a while now. I'm surprised she needed some space," Tommy said

"Ehh, it's always something with her. We've been together so long now that I think we're just comfortable. There isn't really a thrill anymore, ya know? We're just together cause what else are we supposed to do. I don't know, this is like the 3rd time she's wanted a break to think," he said as he put up air quotes, "I'm kinda over it at this point. I'm not into Kat, but I gotta keep the flirting fresh. She's single, so it's whatever. No harm done."

"Yeah, I guess it's harmless. Just make sure Kat knows that. The last thing you want is another damn romance novel like Tommy and Kim," Jason said with a laugh

"Yo, I wouldn't care, at least they actually look happy together. Angela is just driving me crazy."

"Maybe it's time to take a permanent break," Jason suggested

"Yeah, I've been thinking so too. I don't do these stupid games."

They reached the shop soon after and returned the equipment. They paid their low fee and walked back to the hotel to get ready for their rehearsal. All 3 of them stood by the elevators waiting for it to open when Holli Beckett came out.

"Ay," he cringed. Tommy was really surprised to see her. He wished he was anywhere else but there at that moment

"Tommy, can I talk to you?" She said. She looked over to Zack and Jason, "in private?"

He sighed in frustration. He didn't want to talk to her, but by how things ended, she deserved to at least be heard. "That's fine," he turned to Jason and Zack, "you guys go ahead."

They moved to the conference room just down the elevator for more privacy

"What is it?"

She walked over to him with only a few inches separating them, "how could you do that to me? How could you hurt me like that?"

Tommy bowed his head, "I'm sorry, but it was nothing personal. You're a great person, but you're not who I want to be with."

"I'm right for you," she said firmly, "I won't break your heart. I'll be there for you," she moved to cup his cheek

He took her hand and quickly pulled it off of him, "don't."

Her nostrils flared, "we should be together. You just don't see it yet because you're too wrapped up in that stupid-"

"-hey! Watch what you're saying. Don't bring Kimberly into this."

"She's going to break your heart all over again, and by that time, I won't be there. Don't fight what's meant to be. Just tell me the three words that I want to hear!"

"You want three words? You are crazy! Those words good enough?"

"I'm not crazy. I just fight for what I want. We should be together.. I should have that ring!"

"Oh my god, you're delusional."

"We're right for each other," she said before throwing herself onto him, taking hold of his face, and kissing him with all her strength.

He quickly pulled her off and grabbed her wrists and held them to her side. He grunted in anger, "Don't do that again. I want nothing to do with you. Now please just leave me alone."

He moved around her and went out the door. He practically sprinted to the elevator and pressed the up button several times. He pushed inside at the sound of the ding and finally let out a shaky breath. He couldn't believe that he had just put himself in that situation. Holli had crossed a major line back there. He knew he had to tell Kimberly, but he just had to find the right time.


Room 820

4:24 PM

Tommy quietly opened the door to his shared room with Kimberly. He was hoping to catch her mid shower and to jump in there with her. He found something equally as satisfying when he caught her on the phone with a bath towel wrapped around her. She was still dripping wet, it looked like she jumped out of the shower in a hurry.

"Thank you, again. Mm-hm, bye," she said as she hung up.

He watched her place her phone back down on the night stand. A small look of disappointment in her eyes.

"You alright?"

"Yeah, nothing to worry about," she said with a smile

Tommy wanted to ask more, but decided against it. She would open up to him in her own time.

"Everything go okay?"

"Yeah, everything went well. Jason is a scary guy," he wanted to tell Kimberly about what had happened with Holli but right now was not the time. He had a special surprise for tonight and he would tell her then.

"He is when he wants to be, but he's also one of the best guys out there."

"He really is. You took a shower without me?" He said with a smile. He was trying not to stare at the water running down her legs.

"Sorry, I was going to wait for you, but you were taking a while. I can always jump back in. One can never be too clean."

Tommy thought about it for a moment but decided against it. He was still a little shaky about what had just happened downstairs. He caught the time on the alarm clock sitting on the night stand, "there is nothing more that I would love than to have you in there with me, but I think we're already running a little bit late. How about you get ready and I jump in real quick."

She turned her head to steal a glance at the clock as well, "yeah, you're right, let's try to hurry up. We have plenty of time to take showers later," she winked.

He moved to the shower and turned on the water. He waited for the cold water to warm up before jumping in. Kimberly quickly switched into a robe and followed soon after. She began putting a light coat of makeup to freshen up her features in front of the mirror. She stole quick glances from the mirror as she watched Tommy undress and jump in.

"You know, Kim, I think your ninja skills need some work too."

A faint blush was planted on her face when Tommy caught her looking at him. All she could do was smile and continue what she was doing.

After ten minutes or so in the restroom, both Tommy and Kimberly were finished. Tommy grabbed a towel from a nearby rack and tied it around his waist before going back into the bedroom in search of his bags. Kimberly grabbed her hairbrush from the dresser and sat on the bed in a criss cross position. She began running the brush through her hair as she pondered on what to wear.

"Hey Tommy, can you look through my bag and see if you could find a peach dress?"

"Peach? Kim, I'm a guy, I don't speak girl. Is that pink?" He said as he finished putting on his gray slacks.

"It's kind of like a pink, orange-yellowish color.

"So it's pink."

"No, it's peach, you won't be able to miss it."

"Alright, if you say so," he said as he moved to the bag that was placed in a corner of the room. He crouched down and started going through the bag. He pulled out a couple of dresses and began holding them up.

"Is it this one?" He said as he held up a dress

"Nope, that's Salmon."

"Okay, what about this one?" He lifted up the next dress

"Wrong again, that's coral."

"Okay, this one?"

"That's mauve."

"Oh my god! These are all pink, Kim."

"Keep looking it must be buried in there. Just move some stuff from the top. You'll find it."

He sighed and began looking through her bag. He began to take some of her clothes out of her luggage and placing them neatly on the ground. He came across a black bag and placed it on the side of the luggage. He searched deeper and wondered if maybe she had left it at home because he didn't see it.

"I think you're out of luck, Kim, it's not in here."

He began to place all of the items he took out back in the luggage and he accidentally knocked over the back bag. All of the contents spilled out and Tommy sat there with eyes wide open. In front of him there was a black lace bralette, matching black panties, a garter belt, and what appeared to be thigh high stockings with lace trimming. His lips started to slowly build a smile when he processed what he just saw. Before his smile was able to reach his eyes, he remembered that this whole relationship he was having with Kimberly was unplanned. She had most likely purchased this lingerie for Spencer and she was going to use it this weekend. He gulped as a tiny bit of jealousy started to course through his veins.

"Oops, I just remembered I took it out of the closet so it wouldn't get wrinkled," she said as she got off the bed

Tommy quickly shoved the items back into the little black bag and threw it in the luggage.

"Here you are," she said as she pulled the dress out from the closet, "I'm just going to change really quick and I'll be good to go."

"Yeah, me too," he said as he stood up, "I'm just gonna put on my shirt"

She slipped out of her robe and into her peach colored sundress. She began fidgeting with the dress until it became comfortable.

Tommy's mind was now being bombarded with mental images of Kimberly and Spencer. He pictures Kimberly looking incredibly sexy in her lingerie and Spencer having his hands all over her. Making love to her like he had just done earlier.

"Snap out of it," he mumbled to himself as he finished tucking in his light blue button up, "He's out of the picture already."

"Well don't you just look handsome," she said as she took him all in

"And you look as beautiful as ever, Ms. Hart," he said as she twirled for him

"Are you ready to go?"

"I am," he said as he walked over to the door and opened it. She walked through it and linked her arm with his as he escorted her to the North Lawn.


North Lawn

5:56PM

"Okay, I want to go over it really quickly again. First the groomsman, that would be Zack, Rocky, and Tommy. Then, best man, that would be you, Jason, and finally, our groom, Eli. Next, we have the bridesmaids, Katherine, Aisha, and Kimberly. Maid of honor, Trini, and lastly our lovely bride, Elise. Does everyone understand the order they are to walk up the aisle in?" She said as everyone nodded

Holli may have been extremely upset with Tommy at the moment, but she was still a professional. She had been planning weddings the last few years and soon became one of the most sought after wedding planners in the Angel Grove area. She was not about to ruin her reputation as a wedding planner over some man, but once the wedding is over, all bets are off.

She looked down at her clipboard, "Good. Now to walk down the aisle we will have everyone walk in pairs. First, the bride and groom, then, best man and maid of honor, and lastly our bridesmaids and groomsmen. Any questions?" She asked while everyone stared at her.

"Perfect. You all have done an amazing job. Wedding starts at 4:30PM tomorrow, but I'm going to need you all here by at least 3 for photos. It's going to be about a 30 minute ceremony, and afterwards we will be having cocktail hour. Dinner begins at 6 and the first dance will start at 7:30. After, you all can enjoy the rest of your evening. Any questions on that?" She asked one more time. She began checking off boxes in her clipboard

"I got one," Zack said. He stood behind the gathered crowd and raised his hand.

She sighed and closed her eyes. She just wanted to get things over with and Zack was making things infuriating. He had been saying little comments all throughout the rehearsal and she was about ready to push him off the cliff.

"What's your question?" Holli said mildly annoyed

"Who has a wedding on a Sunday?"

She covered her face with the clipboard and did a silent scream. She lowered it back down and faked the biggest smile she had ever had to do. She calmly said, "Mr. Taylor, thank you for your question. Sunday weddings are more common than you think," she sighed, "any other questions?" The crowd remained silent.

"Alright, good. You are all welcome to go to the venue and you will be served a sample dinner that you will be having tomorrow," she said as she motioned the venue with her left hand, "Um, Kimberly, can I speak with you? It's in regards to your upcoming wedding."

"Yeah, I'll be right there," she said as she excused herself from the crowd.

Tommy didn't want to leave them alone but he knew that Kimberly knew how to defend herself if she needed to.

Kimberly met Holli behind a pillar. She had nothing left to say to this woman, "what do you want?"

"I want you to leave Tommy alone."

Kimberly scoffed, "wow, I think I can say the same, but unlike you, Tommy actually wants me around."

"You're just going to break his heart all over again."

"I wouldn't," Kimberly replied

"You have before."

"And I've learned from my mistakes. Get over it, Holli, Tommy and I have moved way past that."

"Just know that when you're with him, I was there first. We spent a magical afternoon together. We left each other dripping with sweat and wanting more."

Kimberly couldn't think of anything else to do but laugh. This woman was so desperate that it was hilarious. She moved her lips close to Holli's ear. She whispered, "Been there, done that. Except it was all night and all morning. I think we'll continue the session tonight. Thanks for the motivation."

Holli eyes narrowed. She couldn't stand the thought of them together. Kimberly began to walk away when Holli took hold of her arm. "Let go of me," she was doing everything in her power to not slap the woman.

"Did he tell you about our kiss earlier?"

Kimberly rolled her eyes. This woman would make anything up now, "what are you talking about?" She was annoyed by Holli at this point

"The kiss we shared in the conference room when he came back from the beach."

How could Holli know about that, "you're lying."

"I'm not. Ask him yourself."

Kimberly roughly pulled her arm away From Holli's grasp. She walked in quick steps to the venue and patted her dress down and adjusted the hair that had fallen on her face. Had she been telling the truth? Tommy would lie to her. Maybe he was afraid that Kimberly would be upset. She would be slightly jealous but they hadn't even discussed what was happening with them. She knew there was no reason to be mad if he did kiss her. She was just going to simply ask him if what Holli said was true.


Rehearsal Dinner

7:09PM

Dinner came and went. The food was delicious. Kimberly ate her meal mostly in silence as she tried not to let Hollis last words get to her. She knew that she only said it to make her upset and she was not going to let her win. She watched Tommy talking to his dad and began to remember her own relationship with her father. When her father passed away several years ago, Tommy was there for her the entire time. Tommy's father had also played a huge part in her life. He always welcomed her with open arms when she needed a father figure. She was so devastated about his prognosis. She looked around the room and saw her mother smiling and talking to Trini's parents. Kimberly had been spending so much time with her friends that she almost forgot that her mother was still here. Christine was given a special invitation along with Tommy's and Trini's parents to join the rest of the wedding party for the dinner reception. Eli and Elise had wanted to have a more intimate rehearsal dinner and a more elaborate wedding celebration.

"Hi, honey," Kimberly's mother, Christine, said as she walked over to her

"Hi, mom, are you enjoying your week?"

"I am. What about you?" She said as she crossed her arms

"I am too. I'm sorry we haven't been spending time together. It's been a few months since we last saw each other."

"Yeah it has, but I know you have other commitments, Hun, you're not hurting my feelings."

"Thanks, mom, I don't know what I would do without you."

"Well, don't worry because I'm not going anywhere." She said as she brought Kimberly in for a hug and planted a kiss on the top of her head. "I do want to ask you something, though."

"Okay, what is it?"

"You know, I've been your mother now for about..," she said as she pretended to count her fingers, "about 28 years now. I know when my daughter is up to something. So, I'm only going to ask you once because I refuse to believe that my daughter would lie to me. Are you and Tommy the real thing?"

"Mom, why would ask me that?" She said as she broke from her mother's embrace. She turned around to not look at her.

"Kimberly?" Christine had been suspicious of her daughter's relationship with Tommy since the very beginning. There was no way that Kimberly would date Tommy and not tell her. They were too close for it to go unmentioned. It also didn't help that she saw Kimberly walking along the beach with another man yesterday.

"Mom, Tommy and I are the real thing," she said as she turned to face her. Kimberly had only lied to her mother a handful of times. Most of the time it was ranger related business that she could not tell. "I don't know why you would ask me such a thing."

"I'm sorry, Kim, it just... It isn't like you to not mention him at all. I know now that it was because you wanted your privacy. I love you, okay?"

"I love you too, mom. I'm sorry I didn't tell you about it sooner, but we just.. We didn't know where our relationship would take us."

"Okay, I get it, Hun," she looked at her watch and caught the time, "I'm gonna go upstairs and try to get some rest early. I think you should do the same. You all have a big day tomorrow."

"I will, thank you. Goodnight," she hugged her mother goodnight and parted with a kiss on the cheek.

She sighed at the disappointment in herself for having lied to her mother. That was one thing that had always been difficult for her to do. Her mother was the only parent she had left. Well, technically her and Tommy were moving in the right direction. Who know, maybe by this time tomorrow they will have already talked things out and decided on what they wanted to do.

"Kim?" Tommy's soft voice broke her from her thoughts. She slowly turned and looked at him into his chocolate brown eyes. The way he spoke her name made her heart flutter. This man was slowly claiming all of her.

"Hey, are you all finished up?" Kimberly said as she looked down at her feet.

Tommy had excused himself from the conversation he was having with his dad when he saw that Kimberly was no longer talking to her mom. She looked so lost. Something was bothering her and he wanted to help her figure it out.

"Yeah, I am. My parents are going to try and call it a night early," he said as he motioned to his parent's direction with his head, "um, they said we should also do the same, but I kind of want to show you something. Would you be up for a little adventure?"

She smiled at the dapper man in front of her. "I would.. As long as it doesn't require any hiking," she teased

"Don't worry. There will be no hiking involved," he said as he offered his hand, "Let's go."

She interlocked her fingers with his. She blew Holli an air kiss over her shoulder. She saw Holli shooting daggers at the couple as they walked out hand in hand.

Tommy guided her out of the hotel from entrance and Kimberly became very confused.

"Ugh, Tommy, where are we going? You're walking towards the parking lot."

"I know," he smirk.

She smiled in confusion, "where are you taking me?" She said as they approached his 95' Jeep Wrangler

"All questions will be answered in due time, Ms. Hart," he chuckled. He moved around the red jeep and opened the passenger side car door. He helped her into her seat and closed the door.

He jogged over to his side and did the same. His engine roared when he turned the ignition.

"Are you going to kidnap me?"

"Would it still be considered 'kidnapping' if you're 28?" he raised an eyebrow. He put his arm behind her seat and began to back up.

"Hands at 10 and 2."

"No backseat driving."

"I'm in the front so technically..."

"Are you going to be this infuriating the entire ride," he laughed

"You wouldn't want me any other way."


7:47PM

Kimberly looked out to Windows and saw nothing. All she could make out from the lights on Tommy's keep were rocks.. Lots and lots of rocks. She began to wonder where he was taking her when he took a right into a dirt road. They had been driving through the road for the last ten minutes and she was starting to lose her patience. There were no street lights, no houses, and no signs of civilization. She trusted Tommy with her life, so she wasn't worried about him taking her somewhere to murder her or anything, but she was genuinely curious where they were headed.

"Okay, you have to answer some questions now. We're in the middle of nowhere."

"We're almost there, Kim. You're gonna love it, I promise," he put his hand on her knee to reassure her and was about to put it back on the wheel. Instead she reached out to grab his hand and pulled it in close. If she could see his face in the darkness she would find that he had a big smile plastered on his face. If he could see in the darkness then he would see that she did the same.

"Oh My God! Tommy!" She said with excitement as they reached their destination. She now knew why he wanted to keep it all a secret.

Tommy's jeep came to a slow stop as he parked his car. He turned off his engine and lights and allowed the moon and stars to illuminate them. He got out of his car and went around to open up Kimberly's door. She took his hand as he guided her in front of his car. The stood there staring at the skyline of angel grove: they were high up in the Mountains, away from the rest of the world. It was simply beautiful.

"How on earth?" She said as she tried to find the words

"I love it out here. It's close enough to where we can still see all of Angel Grove, but it's far away enough where we can see this," he said as he pointed up.

Her eyes lit up at the beauty of the night sky. All around there were millions and millions of stars. More than she had ever seen in her life. Some big, some small, some bright, some sparkling. Kimberly moved from city to city and was never able to see the night in all its capacity. She brought her hands up to her mouth in complete awe.

"Oh my God, it's so beautiful out here. How did you find this place?"

"I got lost once," he chuckled, "I was trying to get back into town, but somehow I ended up here."

"Wow, what a great surprise! It's so peaceful here."

"It is. I used to love coming out here when I needed time to think or wanted to be alone," he walked over to the side of his jeep, "come on, help me take the top down. We'll be able to enjoy in better in the back seat."

She moved to the other side and they worked together to remove the soft top. He helped her into the back seat and they tried to find a comfortable spot as they laid down. Both of their legs hanging out of the side of the jeep. Kimberly cuddled onto Tommy's chest. They were mesmerized as they looked above them. Nothing has ever been so beautiful.

"Lots of memories in this back seat," Kimberly said as she smiled into his chest

"Oh yeah, me and Katherine," he teased

She smacked him in the chest as she chuckled

"I'm kidding, it was always you in the backseat," he reassured her. "The front seat on the other hand.." He chuckled

She smacked him again. It was very much deserved. She continued to laugh.

"I always wanted to bring you here."

"Why didn't you?" She asked softly. She played with his free hand with hers. She traced the outline of it and brought his hand closer to her chest. She loved the softness of his skin.

He let out a sigh, "I was going to, but by the time I saw you again we were no longer together. I discovered this place while you were in Florida."

Kimberly's heart sank. She still could never forget the pain she had caused him. She tried to push through the knot that was currently starting to build in her throat.

"Kim?"

She didn't answer. He could start to feel the dampness on his chest and knew she was shedding tears.

"Kim, look at me," he said as he cupped her face, "don't cry, please. I don't want you to be sad. We're way past all of that now." He used his free hand to gently wipe away her tears.

"I'm so sorry, Tommy. I never should have broken up with you." She sniffled

"No, Kim, we had to. We had to learn to be without each other. I don't regret it happening because it played a huge part in the people we are today," he reassured her. "Maybe you should have done it a different way," he teased getting a smile out of her

"I'm sorry.."

"Don't be, we're here now." He pulled her closer to his chest and placed a gentle kiss on the top of her head. He knew that Kimberly had regretted her decision to break up with him, but not until that moment had he realized that she was still upset about it.

"Did Katherine like it up here?"

"Um, I never brought her up here. I always pictured it being us two. I came up here by myself a few times and I always envisioned this place being for us," he took in a deep breath, "I wouldn't have been able to bring Kat up here and not thought of you."

"Tommy, can I ask you something?" She said with her breath shaky.

"Anything."

"Did.. Did something happen between you and Holli today?" She hoped it didn't come out sounding accusatory. She tried her best to ask it as calmly as possible.

"I..I'm gonna answer you honestly, but can I first ask you why you're asking me this?"

"Holli said you two kissed today and I was just wondering if she was telling me the truth. I..I don't mind if you did, I was just curious." She was trying to say it as casually as possible.

"Honestly, Kim, we did," he noticed Kimberly letting out a light breath and he knew he had to explain. He didn't want her to think badly of him, "but it's not what you think. She pulled me aside to talk when I was coming back to our room. She was acting so crazy and she just threw herself on me. She kissed me, but I pulled her off. I... I was planning on telling you tonight, but you beat me to it. I'm sorry if it sounded like I was trying to hide it from you, that wasn't my intent."

"I knew she was full of shit. I seriously hate her, Tommy, I don't know what you ever saw in her." She said as she buried her face onto his shirt

He didn't really know what he ever saw in her either. Holli was never this insane when he knew her back in college, "I think I was just lonely," he chuckled, "she wasn't that bad back then, I have no idea what happened to her. I guess she didn't like me rejecting her. I don't know. The craziest part is that when I saw her again for the first time a few days ago, one of the first things she said to me was that she respected all commitments. She is so backwards."

"I get it, it's hard not to want you," she waited patiently for him to react to her admission. All these years later and she still wanted Tommy like she did when she was a teenager. She heard his heart rate speeding up as she rested on his chest. She tilted her head up slightly to meet him in a soft kiss.

"Well, since we're being honest here, I have a confession to make."

"Oh my God, you're gay."

Tommy laughed. He loved Kimberly's sense of humor, "yeah, I've been wanting to tell you that Jason and I were planning on running off into the sunset. I hope Trini doesn't get too upset." Kimberly laughed at his reply. They could always be so comfortable around each other. Life with Tommy was always so easy.

"But in all seriousness, Um, I didn't mean to, but when I was looking through your bag to find your dress, I accidentally knocked over a black bag and some stuff came out," he cleared his voice

"Oh my god!" Kimberly covered her face with her hands in embarrassment, "you weren't supposed to see that."

"I'm sorry, Kim, I know you probably purchased that for Spencer before you two broke up, but I couldn't help but feel a little bit jealous."

Kimberly chuckled at Tommy's admission, "Tommy, that wasn't for Spencer... It was for you." She removed her hands from her face and bit hard on her lip.

"For me? When did you have time to buy that?" He was almost thankful that it was pitch black outside and Kimberly couldn't see the stupid face he was making. He had never smiled this bright before.

"I didn't.. Aisha did. It was before she knew the truth about us. She thought she was being helpful. I just want to die of embarrassment now."

"Kim.. I.. Don't be embarrassed. It was.. Nice... I think you would look really beautiful in it," he gulped

"You think so?" She whispered

"Yeah..." He whispered back

"M..Maybe I can try it on later and you can tell me what you think."

"I would honestly LOVE that," he said as he pulled her in closer and accidentally tickling her side causing her to let out a loud Yelp.

"You know, you left me a hickey."

"I know," he ran his fingers through her luscious locks, "I saw that this morning. I'm sorry, I just wanted everyone to know that you were mine.." His voice trailed off when he said the last part. He didn't mean to make it sound like she was his property. After all, they weren't anything official

"Kim, I'm sorry... Th-that came out wrong.. I don't think you'r-," he tried to backtrack

Kimberly smiled at his admission. She got a slight thrill in him being so possessive. She bit her lip slightly. Her eyes softened and in a near whisper she said, "I'm yours."

His heart soared at her words. Kimberly has always been the only woman that could leave Tommy feeling like a teenager. The next thing Kimberly knew was that she was being kissed. Tommy was able to use his strength to flip them over so that he was now on top. He cupped her cheek as he dove straight in. Their lips met in a titillating passionate kiss. The hilltop was quiet and the only sound that could be heard was the soft, gratifying moans from Kimberly's mouth when Tommy nuzzled her neck. They were drunk with lust.

She tugged at his tucked shirt in a rapid pace trying to untuck it from his trousers. Kimberly moved quickly to unbutton as much of Tommy's shirt as she could, she had only her hands to guide her through the darkness. She was in paradise when she felt the warm skin on Tommy's chiseled abs. They were utterly lost in each other. Last night Tommy and Kimberly crossed a line they could never go back from and today they continued. Cupping, kneading, groping as their hands moved to all areas of their bodies. Their heartbeats beating a mile a minute. Tommy didn't know how he had let 10 years go by without having Kimberly in this way. He didn't want to ever let her go.

Kimberly pushed herself up into a sitting position and began giving Tommy's neck as much attention as he had given her. She ran her fingers through his perfectly spiked hair. Kimberly moved her attention back to Tommy's soft lips as he pulled her to him. She straddled him while he moved his hands up and down her toned thighs. Feeling the softness of her skin beneath his hands. Her fingers dug into the headrest behind Tommy. He didn't know if Kimberly wanted to go any further but he knew he had to test the limits. She seems just as eager in their current situation so he didn't see any reason to stop. He slowly pulled the straps from her dress letting them fall off her shoulders. He waited for a sign of protest from Kimberly but found none. He pulled the top of her dress down slowly revealing his prize. He trailed kisses from her neck all the way down to her chest. She cried out in ecstasy when his mouth nursed her breast. She wrapped her arms around his neck pulling him closer to her. His hands grasped onto her backside as they began grinding on one another. He had never heard anything more beautiful than Kimberly gasping his name in between sharp breaths. She sucked his bottom lip as Her hands moved to his belt buckle, trying to unbuckle the belt at the speed of light, pulling down his zipper soon after. She pulled the length of him out of his trousers while he lifted as much of her dress up and out of the way.

They both gasped in euphoria at the feeling of them being connected. Together as one, again. They threw their heads back in pure bliss. Kimberly's name fled from his lips as they moved in perfect sync over and over again. Tommy couldn't help but think how right this felt again. He craved her body like no one else's. There was a special desire about her that he couldn't put his finger on. They fit together like two puzzle pieces, almost like they were individually molded for one another. They kissed passionately as they mated over and over again. Kimberly's left arm wrapped tightly around Tommy's head as he thrusted deep inside her. Her right hand cupping his cheek as she bounced up and down with her head thrown back. His hands on her trembling thighs as he held her where he wanted her to, and guiding her to him the way he wanted. Sweat dripping down their bodies at the vigorous exercise. They quickened their pace as they finally cried out in ecstasy. They rode the ripples as they arrived at their mutual release. Kimberly collapsing in his arms. Clinging onto each other as they quivered and gasped for air.

They kissed softly under the night sky while they waited for their hearts to return to a normal rhythm again. They paused for a moment, parting slightly with their faces only a breath away. They smiled in the dark at the craziness of all of this. Kimberly brushed Tommy's hair back with her right hand. How can two people that had been nothing but friends the last ten years make love in such a way? Kimberly moved to his neck and let out a light chuckle.

"What's so funny, Ms. Hart?"

"Just.. All of this," she continued to place gentle kisses all over his neck, "this is so crazy."

"I know," he wanted to tell Kimberly what he was feeling. It just didn't feel right to have her so intimately and not tell her that he loved her. He always thought that they wouldn't be able to say anything other than that when they first made love. He wanted nothing more than to scream it from the edge of the cliff, but He feared her rejection.

"Do you know why I brought you here, Kim?"

"To murder me?" She smirked

"Ha-ha, no. I brought you here because there's no calmer place in all of Angel Grove. You can clear your mind here. I know something has been bothering you lately. I'm not going to ask you questions because I think you're already asking yourself enough. This is my place of relaxation and I want to share it with you."

"That is so sweet of you," she said as she caressed his cheek, "thank you for being so patient with me. I couldn't ask for a better person to have in my life. The truth is," she sighed, "I turned down the job in LA. I was talking to Mr. Matthews on the phone when you came in earlier. I thought about it long and hard before I made my decision."

"Kim, you've worked so hard for his promotion. Why on earth would you give it up?"

She paused for a moment. "I didn't want to leave you," she answered honestly

"Kim.." He was touched that she cared about him enough to turn down the job for him, but he still didn't want her to give up a huge opportunity for him. "Me? No, that's... This is your dream." He cupped her cheek.

She shook her head, "I have new dreams. I'm not leaving you in New York by yourself. That's just not going to happen." Turning her face to the warmth caused by his hand and kissing his palm.

"Who cares if I'm still in New York. This is for you, not for me."

"I can't be away from you, Tommy." She said before she kissed him tenderly

He managed to pull away from her for a moment. He panted slightly, "Kim, what are we?"

"I don't know," she said as she pressed her forehead to his, "but I want to find out.. That's why I can't leave."

He brought her down to another scorching hot kiss that left them both breathless. Kimberly melted in his arms.

They chatted for a few more moments before deciding to head back to the hotel. It was a good 30 minute drive and they were both getting exhausted, Kimberly more than him. She fell asleep for a bit of the ride back and Tommy watched her from the corner of his eye. He smiled as he gently took her hand and began to run it with his thumb. His finger grazed over her engagement ring ever so lightly. He loved this woman so much. He wouldn't change a hair on her head, she was that perfect to him. Just the thought that she trusted him with her life, made his heart skip a beat. He trusted Kimberly the same, and then some. She was the only woman where he could be completely himself and didn't have to worry about making a good impression.


Hotel Él Ángel

10:54PM

Tommy pulled his car into the nearest empty parking spot and shut off his engine. He looked at Kimberly who was still sleeping beside him. He tucked a stray hair that had fallen on her face behind her ear. How can one woman own so much of his heart? He knew in his heart that he wanted her.. All of her. He just hoped that she felt the same way. Tomorrow would be the wedding and he was finally going to tell her how he felt. That he wanted to be with her and that nothing was going to get in the way.

"Kim?" He said softly. He had moved to the passenger side door and opened it, "it's time to wake up."

"Mm..." She mumbled quietly, stirring in her sleep.

He slowly bent down and picked her up. She wrapped her arms around his neck as her put her in a bridal carry. He kicked the door closed with his shoe and made his was up to the hotel. Thankfully Kimberly was as light as a feather or else his would have been slightly difficult.

Once entering their shared bedroom, he gently placed her on the bed. He took off his excess clothes leaving himself in only his boxer briefs. He slips into bed and Kimberly begins fidgeting with her dress. She tugs and pulls at the hem to slip it off. Tommy took notice and helped her remove what was left. He opened his arms to her and she cuddled into his chest. She basked in the warmth of his embrace. Today had been the longest day in history.


author note: Hey there! I hope everyone enjoyed this chapter. I have more chapters coming soon. I'm so excited for you all to see how this story continues to develop. Lots of twist coming your way. Stay tuned. As always, please review.