All characters that are from the TWILIGHT saga by Stephanie Meyer belong to Stephanie Meyer. All others belong to me. I do not receive profit for these stories except for the joyous enjoyment of reviews.

This story follows right after When I'm Gone: Third Installment to GONE Saga, so if you haven't read that one or the two before, please do.

The timeline of the story will coincide with Gabriel Michael Laskaris' growing up years, starting at Seth and Rosa's wedding day, April 12th and will progress from there.

AN: The song from Poco here was not written by Julie's dad, I just claim it as such. In case you want to look it up, it's "Keep on Tryin'" by Poco. Other than that, enjoy! Sorry it took me two weeks but for some strange reason, I was having a hard time putting my image of Lyn and Collin's wedding in words but I did my best. Let me know if you agree!

Gaby -can't wait to get your review, whenever you're able too!

Ses -I miss you.

Giannaa, Chelsea, Moani, Lette, and all other wonderful guest reviewers -please continue to review...it's my muse's bread and butter.

Chapter Twenty
May 28th
New York City

The early morning air was brisk which was just fine with Julie. After the morning breakfast meeting with Marley –greedy bastard –she really needed to cool down.

Turning the corner to head up Broadway, she looked down at her wristwatch, glad to see she hadn't wasted too much time dealing with her manager's whining and bitching.

She could do some shopping in SoHo, see what it had to offer wedding dress wise –her sister and mother were coming up next weekend to buy the dress which, according to Lyn, was the last thing needed before the wedding set on the second weekend of June.

Passing a newsstand, something caught her attention, eyes growing wide as she moved towards the tabloid section.

Her mouth went dry with embarrassment and anger as she pulled one of the tabloids claiming an expose on Lian Young's latest conquest across the front page.

With shaking hands, she opened the newsprint, her breathing shallow as eyes jumped from one picture to the next –she and Lian singing together at the Red Box –there she was sitting on his lap…and another one of them sharing lunch at some out of way sushi place in Tokyo.

Biting her lip as she began to read, she could feel her face flushing with every word.

It seems Lian Young has found himself a new girl –none other than his 'nemesis' July Star!

The question many of us are asking –is this just another passing fancy like so many others or is it actually the real thing?

We all remember the things Young said about Star when she first came onto the music scene almost four years ago but if the public displays of affection at a karaoke bar in Hong Kong mean anything, then it seems Star herself has forgiven and forgotten Young's harsh and at times rather crude comments about her.

Either that or she finally succumbed to the well known charm of the country music playboy –never say never, right?

Guess only time will tell –will July Star join the long line of girlfriends trailing behind Lian Young since he himself broke into the music world seven years ago?

Or is she to be the last conquest he will ever make?

The newspaper wrinkled under her tense fingers as she let go of her bottom lip, the faint taste of blood in her mouth evidence to the growing anger inside her.

How dare they! How dare they take her life and display it as entertainment fodder for others!

It took every ounce of self-restraint not to rip the paper apart, shoving it back into the rack she had taken it from before walking away, shoulders back and head held high as she flagged down a cab, ignoring the stares as people recognized her.

Any desire to shop had completely evaporated, her jaw tightening as she climbed into the cab, pushing her sunglasses to the top of her head, "Aubrey Park, please."

"Yes ma'am."

Leaning back into the seat, she tried to relax, taking in a deep breath and holding it for a few seconds before letting it out.

A couple of minutes into her meditation attempts, a cell phone ring interrupted her, eyes snapping open as the cabbie turned into a street, the condominium she lived in still several minutes away.

Pulling the phone out of her purse, she tried to relax her jaw as the name flashed across the LCD screen, knowing it wouldn't be fair to take her anger out on him –it wasn't like he wrote the article after all.

"Hey Lian."

"You okay?"

It always amazed her how he could pick up on her emotions from the tone of her voice, "I'll be fine."

A slight pause before he asked, "You read today's tabloids, didn't you?"

She didn't answer, the silence at the end of her line saying everything she was feeling, his voice comforting, "Don't let them get to you, July, or they'll control your life."

There were so many things she wanted to say, questions that begged to be asked, but she knew with the way she felt right now, saying anything concerning that damn article would lead to something she didn't want to deal with at the moment, "So what's up?"

"Right," Lian let out a quiet sigh loud enough for her to hear his frustration at her avoidance of anything personal, "I need your help with something."

"Alright."

"I've got a couple of songs I wrote some months back. I'm having a hard time finding the right sound for one of them…would you be willing to help me out with that?"

Looking out the window as the scenery flashed by, she let her forehead rest against the glass, "You and the band?"

"No. Just you and me…and our guitars."

Julie chuckled as she rubbed a hand over her jean-clad thigh, pulling at the top of her calf-length black boots, "Do you need to do this today?"

"I've got studio 'E' for the next two days if you don't have time to do it now."

"I have time," she leaned forward to tap the cabbie's shoulder as he pulled up to the front of her condominium building, asking him to wait for her before climbing out of the cab, "Any guitar in particular you'd like me to bring?"

"The twelve string."

"Be there in thirty."


Lian looked up from his guitar when the studio door opened, his eyes moving over her as she walked in before looking into her purple eyes, "Thanks for helping."

"I'm never too busy to make music," she answered with a smile, setting the case on the floor before crouching down to snap it open and pull out the twelve string instrument.

Softly strumming the steel strings of the acoustic guitar his mother had given him for his fourteenth birthday, he watched her lift the black and silver strap over her head, digging into the pocket of her tight jeans to pull out a pick made of glass, the edges smooth from constant use.

"Want to warm up," he asked as she sat on the high stool he had placed a couple of feet from his, keeping one booted foot on the floor, the heel of her left foot hooked over the second rung to support the body of the guitar against her thigh.

Nodding as she picked on one string after another to tune the instrument by ear, she gave him a smile, "What would you like to start with?"

Lian frowned thoughtfully as he pulled the capo clamp from the back pocket of his worn out jeans, "Do you know Poco?"

Julie chuckled as she ran her pick down the steel strings, her long fingers moving over the frets in a quick succession of notes, "Do I know Poco? My father wrote several of their songs."

"Really," Lian arched an eyebrow as he flipped the rosewood pick he favored between his fingers, "Start us off on your favorite, then."

Giving him a nod, she played the beginning notes, Lian's smile growing: their voices blended well as they launched into the lyrics.

I've been thinkin' 'bout
All the times you told me
You're so full of doubt
You just can't let it be
But I know

If you keep comin' back for more
Then I'll keep on tryin'
I'll keep on tryin'

And I've been drinkin' now
Just a little too much
And I don't know how
I can get in touch with you

Now there's only one thing
For me to do, that's to
Keep on tryin'
To get home to you

The emotion in Julie's voice throbbed as she moved her long fingers down the neck of her guitar, Lian able to bend his voice to reflect the intensity of hers.

They continued to sing, neither one overpowering the other yet each standing out as they moved from one chord to the next, the vocal range fluctuating as it rose and fell, the song coming to life with new meaning as they reached the last verses.

Keep on tryin' I'm
Through with lyin'
Just like the sun above
I'll come shining through
Yes I will

Oh yes I'll
Keep on tryin' I'm
Tired of cryin'
I got to find a way
To get on home to you

Seconds passed by as the strum of their guitars faded, the sound proof room soaking up the last of the emotions. Staring at each other, neither felt brave enough to speak out, both wishing they could.

Dropping her eyes first, she cleared her throat before taking a deep breath, her thumb rubbing a smooth spot against the curve of the guitar as her heart hammered painfully against her chest.

Keeping his eyes on her profile, the tension between them build until he finally broke it, "I'd like to work on this one. I've got it in my head but every time I play it on the guitar, it doesn't sound right."

She took the offered journal, her thumb holding the worn book open as she read over the words, the notes above the lyrics playing in her head as the fingers of her left hand ghosted over the neck of her guitar.

Halfway through, she looked up at Lian, "Have you tried playing it on the piano?"

Lian shook his head, moving his guitar to the side as she placed hers on a nearby stand, moving to the back of the room where a shiny black baby grand sat, "I'm not a strong piano player."

Julie nodded, her long hair sliding over her shoulders as she lifted the lid, placing the opened journal against the built-in stand, "It's a good straightforward tune but I'm thinking perhaps having the piano as the prevalent instrument with the others backing it up might give it a better sound."

"Let's give it a try."

Time ticked by unnoticed as they worked together, repeating several parts, Lian reaching over her shoulder to annotate changes to the lyrics or music.

Reaching the end of the song, Julie reached back to twist her hair into a bun at the base of her neck, tilting her head back to look up at him, "Grab your guitar and let's add it in."

Doing as she said, he sat on the piano bench beside her, his back to the large instrument as she began to play from the beginning.

Another hour or so was spent melding the two instruments together, their shoulders occasionally bumping and rubbing as the music stopped and started just to stop again.

Letting the last vibrating notes fade into the silence, he arched his back as he let out a tired but pleased sigh, "That sounds really good."

Julie nodded, reaching to rub the back of her neck as she rolled her shoulders, "A little bass and some soft drums should add a bit more depth to it."

Lian set his guitar between his knees, eyes searching hers as he asked in a soft voice, "What about the lyrics? Any changes needed?"

Biting her bottom lip as she looked into his eyes, her heart practically beating out of her chest –she knew why he'd written the song, knew what he was trying to say through the music but the fear inside her choked her up, overwhelming her as he waited for her response.

Swallowing with some difficulty, she looked away, reaching up to move her fingers over the white keys of the piano, soft lilting notes coming out as she fisted her other hand against her thigh, "The lyrics are good…no changes needed."

Lian reached out, tilting her chin up so he could look into her violet hued eyes, his thumb brushing over her chin as he dipped his head.

Her voice trembled with the aching need she held inside her as she whispered his name, "Julian…"

His smile brushed her lips before it deepened into a kiss, a long fingered hand reaching up to grip his shirt as she gave herself permission to melt into him.

She wanted to know what it was like –to kiss and be kissed without anger or alcohol involved.

Delving deep into her mouth, he buried his fingers into her hair, the silky tendrils wrapping around his fingers and wrist as it tumbled down her back.

Tilting her head to the side, she let a hum escape as the kiss slowly went from sweet and slow to hot and eager.

Rubbing small circles against the soft skin behind her ear with his thumb, he felt her shiver as she leaned closer to him.

The taste and feel of her had him teetering at the edge of that fearsome cliff and just as he was about to let himself fall, trusting she wouldn't let him hit bottom, his guitar tumbled onto the floor, the discordant crash having them spring apart.

Julie's face flushed as she scrambled off the piano bench, trembling hands reaching up to straighten her hair, purple eyes wide and frightened as she stared at him.

"July –"

"No," she shook her head, walking backwards until her back hit the wall, needing space between herself and him, "This –this can't happen again –it can't –"

"Why not?"

She watched him pick his guitar off the floor before standing up and placing it on the bench, slowly moving towards her, his eyes on hers as she slid along the wall until he had her cornered, blocking any chance of escape.

"Why can't we give this a try," he placed a hand against the wall above her head, leaning in closer to look into her eyes, his breath a soft caress against her flushed face, "Why can't we see where it'll take us?"

Julie was struggling to breathe as she fought back tears, a loose curl tumbling down her forehead as she vigorously shook her head, "We can't –we can't…if it doesn't work, if it goes wrong, I won't…I can't…"

She stopped, her throat clogging with tears at the pain she saw in his dark brown eyes, wanting to reach out and give him a chance –give them a chance.

But she couldn't because if it went wrong, this time around she wouldn't be able to survive the pain.

"I'm sorry," she whispered as a tear slid down her cheek, her eyes closing when he reached to wipe it away, "I can't…"

"What if it doesn't go wrong," Lian placed his forehead against hers, the tip of his nose brushing hers as he stroked the back of his fingers down the side of her face, "What if this is it for you and me?"

Opening her eyes, she sucked in a breath, reaching up to touch his face, "A mermaid has…only so much time to find true love. Every…failed attempt pulls her closer to the ocean…where she will live infinitely, her heart turned to ice, never to experience pain, agony, disappointment…love, joy or compassion."

Taking a deep breath, she dropped her hand, letting her head fall back with a soft thud against the wood paneling, "A broken heart…will drive her straight into the water…she'll never come out again."

Lian studied her face, having learned from the past few months that Julie's 'facts' on mermaids was a way for her to express what she was truly feeling without being personal –she was afraid of giving him another chance and risking a broken heart.

However, he refused to let fear, whether his or hers, dictate his feelings or choices and he let her know as much.

"Good thing you're not a mermaid, then."

Julie's eyelids fluttered close as a surprised gasp escaped her at the intense pain gripping her heart…it wasn't supposed to feel this way.

Biting the inside of her cheek, she struggled to collect herself, forcing the chaotic thoughts into the back of her mind before opening her eyes to look up into his, her voice soft as she whispered, "I don't want to be your next conquest."

It felt like a punch in the gut and it took everything not to double over in pain, his dark eyes going blank, hiding his feelings from her as he moved back, his words cynical as he turned away from her, "Or my last, apparently."

Taking his guitar from the piano bench, he moved across the room, his movements methodical as he placed the instrument into its case, snapping the latches closed.

He was wrestling with the anger inside him, wanting to yell at her, to rant on how selfish she was being by not giving him a chance –he wanted to hurt her in the way he knew best but he couldn't…not when she was already hurting as much as he was.

He knew she cared…possibly as much as he did but her fear kept her from letting go and he couldn't fight against that –he couldn't force these feelings to bloom open against her will.

Grabbing the handle of the case, he took the journal from the piano stand, giving her one last look before turning to head towards the studio door, shoulders and back straight –he may be an idiot when it came to her but he still had his pride.

Watching him reach for the door knob, she knew she couldn't let him go like that –she couldn't let him go thinking she didn't care at all.

"I'm sorry," the words came out in a sob as tears she had been holding back broke free, "Julian, please –"

"Don't," he held out his hand to stop her apology, not wanting to hear it as he worked on controlling his own emotions, the ticking muscle along his jaw giving his struggle away.

Breathing was a bit of a difficulty but he managed it as he pointed a shaking finger at her, giving his head a brief shake, "Don't."

The space between them yawned wider as they stared into each others' eyes, so much left unsaid as Lian turned away, opening the door and walking out without another word.

Covering her mouth to keep from calling out to him, she slid down the wall, a sob breaking free as she buried her face into her drawn-up knees, her tears soaking into the denim fabric of her jeans.

She couldn't let go of the fear of getting it wrong again, especially with her aunt's warning words haunting her every thought.

True love will come but once. When it is offered, make sure fear is not involved. Pain is a part of love and if your fear isn't conquered, you won't be strong enough to fight when it's called upon you to do so.

As much as she ached for true love, she didn't think herself strong enough to embrace it whole heartedly.

She didn't trust herself to have the courage it took to really love –a courage she had barely tapped into when she was with Seth.

If having Seth tear apart what she thought had been whole hearted love then Julian would completely obliterate her.

She couldn't love him –she wouldn't let herself love him, not when she was too terrified of the pain that came with completely trusting someone else.

If she didn't get pass that fear then falling in love would be the last thing she would ever do…


Friday, June 8th, 6:30PM
First Beach, La Push

She couldn't believe her baby girl was married.

Earlier today, they had gathered at Port Angeles City Hall, just the bride, groom and their immediate families, where Collin and Lyn had been married by a justice of the peace.

Now here they were at First Beach, getting ready for the ceremony –a declaration of their vows before friends and family as well as a blessing given to them by one of the Quileute elders and Lyn's grandmother.

The deep bass sound of the ocean crashing onto the surf served as all the music needed, especially when it was accompanied by the soft sound of the breeze moving through the treetops.

The sun was slowly sinking into the horizon, splashing hot reds and brilliant yellows across the blue sky, creating such a beautiful background to what was to be a truly beautiful ceremony.

Letting out a soft sigh, Jiao approached her youngest daughter, reaching up to gently slip three pearl blossom pins into her hair, thick ash blond curls gathered at her left shoulder, pearl earrings dangling from her small earlobes, "You look so beautiful Madelyn. I'm so happy for you."

She smiled at her mother, her purple eyes highlighted by expertly applied liner and eye shadow, the soft peach sheen to her lips bringing out the beauty of her face, "I'm so nervous, mama…"

"You're already married to the boy, Madelyn," she cupped her cheek, giving her a reassuring smile as her mother –Lyn's grandmother –moved to stand beside her, "Now all you have to do is tell him what's in your heart."

"While everyone and their mother watches," Lyn joked, a giggle escaping at the stern look she received before she turned to her grandmother.

Jiao stepped back, watching as her mother held out a parasol made of bamboo and red silk , blinking back the tears as the older woman gave her granddaughter a shy smile, "This is a good thing. To find true love is to find freedom of self…it is not easy to come by. This is yours –my mother gave this to me on my wedding day…it was a gift from my father on their wedding day."

Lyn inclined her head as she took the parasol from her grandmother, her eyes dancing as she opened it, the sunlight filtering through it giving her face a warm rosy hue, "Thank you grandmother…I'm happy you and grandfather were able to come."

Jiao took her mother's hand as soon as she moved back, both of them watching as Julie moved forward, holding a bouquet of hot pink and white lotus flowers, looking beautiful in the plum colored dress she wore, the deep v-neck bodice displaying her shoulders while the tight waistline highlighted the subtle curves of her body, the silk skirt falling down to the pebbled ground.

Placing the bouquet on Lyn's right arm, she placed her hands on her little sister's shoulders, leaning down to whisper something into her ear before giving her cheek a soft kiss followed by an equally soft hug.

Pulling back, Julie took the folded red silk their grandfather was holding before looking at Lyn again, "Are you ready?"

Lyn took a deep breath as she cradled the opened parasol on her left arm, the red silk stretched over the bamboo frame hiding her from view of anyone standing before her, voice soft yet steady, "I'm ready."

Julie turned around, her back to her sister as people began to sit on the rows of chairs several feet back from the surf, Jiao taking her father's arm in her other hand to lead them towards one of the front rows, the other one taken by Collin's family.

Jiao smiled across the seashore at the sight of Collin and Embry, both of them looking handsome in button down white shirts and slacks –and no shoes –as they stood at least twelve feet opposite of where Julie and Lyn were.

As soon as everyone was in their seats, a soft lilting sound accompanied the crashing waves and singing trees, Julie and Embry movied forward as one, the sky bleeding gorgeous colors of red, pink, orange and gold, the sun more than halfway under the ocean.

Once they reached the center, Julie held out her arms, Embry taking the top end of the red silk –twelve feet long and three feet wide –before they both turned to go back towards the bride and groom.

Reaching Lyn, Julie moved around her –right to left –while Embry, who had reached Collin at the same time, circled him left to right.

Moving back to the center, this time with Collin and Lyn following behind, Embry gave his end to Julie, taking hers before they worked together to tie the fabric into a simple true love knot, Collin and Lyn only a foot apart once they were done.

Stepping back, Julie watched as Collin reached to take the parasol from Lyn's arm, closing it before he handed it to Embry, Lyn keeping her eyes on Collin as she handed her bouquet back to Julie before slipping her small hands into Collin's larger ones.

Jiao couldn't hold back the tears, taking the handkerchief her father offered to dry her cheeks as Collin and Lyn stared deep into each others' eyes, the lilting music –a harpist several feet behind the guests –coming to a soft stop.

Lyn swallowed back the need to cry, her smile growing at the joy she saw in his dark eyes, her voice carrying to the people in the back row as she revealed her heart to him, "In a universe that is constantly turning, there's no surprise when worlds collide. I hate thinking had I not decided to change the course of my life we would have never met –"

"I disagree," Collin interrupted her, his smile growing at the way her mouth fell open in surprise, pulling her closer as he laced his fingers with hers, "I would have found you…sooner or later, you and I would have crashed into each other because we're meant to be."

"You're not supposed to interrupt," Lyn frowned up at him, her eyes dancing as she got up on her tiptoes to get closer to his face, her chin tilting up in teasing defiance, "And you shouldn't disagree with my vows."

"Just with that one part," Collin leaned down to give her pouting mouth a soft kiss, "But now that I've clarified that, you can continue."

Chuckles from the guests reminded them they weren't alone, Lyn's cheeks slightly blushing as she dropped back, giving her mother and grandparents a smile before looking up at Collin, "I forgot where I was."

"You were going to tell me how much you love me and how I'm everything to you," Collin winked at her, grinning at the giggle that escaped her as she pulled his hands until his arms were around her waist, letting go to link her arms around his neck, "Right…your conceit always amuses me."

Collin chuckled, resting his forehead against hers as she cupped a small hand over his squared jaw, her teasing smile going soft as she stared deep into his brown eyes, "It was the best decision I ever made…you've become my best friend, always giving me the space I need to grow…it didn't take long for me to see that you were the one I would love one day…the one I would love every day of my life."

Collin tipped his head to the side to kiss her but Lyn pulled back, giving him a big grin, "Oh, no, no. None of that until I hear what you have to say."

This time the chuckles escalated into laughter, Collin pulling her in tighter, the vibrations of his laughter causing a shiver to run down her back, "Oh, I've got lots to say to you."

"Get to it, then."

Collin kissed the tip of her nose, smiling into her eyes as he reached up with one hand to stroke her cheek, his thumb tracing the arch of her eyebrow, "The very first time I saw you…I was upset because I knew my life wasn't going to go as planned. It didn't take long to come to the realization that my life is better with you in it –because I didn't start living until I met you. You're my purpose, my reason, my gravity –you're my very soul. I give thanks every day our worlds collided when they did –sooner than later…because it gives me even more time with you."

Lyn blinked furiously but without success, a rainbow hued tear slipping free from the corner of her eye to roll down her smooth cheek and onto Collin's thumb, "Now you've gone and done it. You've made me cry."

"I was told that's what vows are supposed to do," Collin tried to look offended but he didn't succeed, a smile briefly spreading across his face before she pulled his head down to press her mouth against his.

Cheers and whistles erupted but neither paid attention –they had gotten lost in a world of their own making, one where only Lyn and Collin existed and did so for each other.


The party was still going strong, colorful Chinese lanterns strung from poles giving enough light necessary for guests to move about freely, the music throbbing as some danced, others eating and talking, everyone enjoying themselves.

Except for one person…

It wasn't that she didn't enjoy the festivities –she was so happy for her sister and this new phase of her life but it still didn't take away the sharp biting pain riding her.

Letting out a soft breath as she walked further away from the party, Julie looked up into the dark sky, the half moon still making its way up towards the highest point.

Reaching the seashore, she kept walking until the cold water covered her feet, the hem of her dress soaking up the salty water in seconds.

Staring out at the crashing waves, she could feel time ticking away, the breeze tugging at the long curls hanging down her back as the stars twinkled at their reflection off the surface of the dark water stretched out below.

As she stared at the half moon, she could feel the need to go into the ocean growing stronger inside her, the fear and pain she was fighting not making it easy to ignore the seducing promises of blissful numbness.

"Julie!"

Blinking at the sound of her name, she was surprised to find herself knee deep into the ocean, able to feel her body preparing itself for the coming change as waves crashed against her legs.

Turning, she watched as her sister ran towards her, holding on to the long skirt of white silk in her hands to keep from tripping.

She looked so beautiful with her ash blond hair gathered over her left shoulder, the pearl blossom pins translucent under the moon's light, her lightly tanned skin almost shimmering against the white of her dress.

They had found it in New York: a Vera Wang dress with a halter top bodice displaying intricate embroidery, the simple cut creating a beautiful mermaid silhouette.

Drawing closer, Lyn thought nothing of walking into the ocean until she stood before her sister, the cold water tugging at the skirts of their dresses, the moonbeams reaching down to bathe them both in its pearlescent light.

"You're coming back, aren't you," Lyn asked without preamble, dropping the skirt of her dress to take both of Julie's hands in hers as she gave her an imploring look.

Julie looked out towards the ocean, the undulating waves so beautiful and inviting as the moon's reflection turned the water phosphorescent.

"Julie," Lyn gave her hands a shake to get her attention, able to understand the look on her sister's face, fear welling up inside her at what it meant, "Please, Julie…don't give up."

"I'm scared, Lyn," she whispered, looking away from the moving water to look at her younger sister.

Lyn blinked back tears, her words slightly choked, "Of never finding true love?"

"No," Julie shook her head, letting out a soft breath as she looked down at their joined hands, completely missing her sister's look of surprise at her next words, "Of not being strong enough o fight for it."

"You're the strongest person I've ever known, Julie," Lyn squeezed her sister's hands as she continued, never looking away from her face, "You give everything to those you love –how could you not do that and so much more when you find him?"

Julie shook her head, a rainbow hued tear rolling down her cheek, "I'm terrified…of getting hurt again…of feeling pain worst than what I've already felt…I have so little time to walk this earth, sometimes I wonder if it would be better to just give it up now…so I won't have to know what a real broken heart feels like."

"Don't do that," Lyn let go of Julie's hands, wrapping her arms around her waist, "Please don't do that. I'm not ready to lose my sister."

Julie wrapped her arms around her little sister, placing a kiss at the top of her head before pulling back to look into purple eyes brimming with unshed tears, "You won't lose me…I'll come back in the morning."

Lyn didn't say anything, the silence communicating the doubt she had in her heart over Julie's words.

"In fact," Julie pulled her into a tight hug, her arms wrapped around Lyn's petite shoulders as she whispered into her hair, "I'll take you and Collin out for breakfast tomorrow morning, okay?"

Lyn nodded, sniffing back a sob as she reached up to wipe away at the tears, giving her a tremulous smile, "Stuffed French toast at Joshua's?"

Julie chuckled, recalling the many breakfasts they'd shared at Joshua's before she had left for New York City, "Where else?"


Watching her coming towards him had practically jammed his heart up into his throat, his hands perspiring with anticipation as she moved to stand with him at the edge of the cliff, her smile sweet as she slipped a small hand into his.

"How do you like our honeymoon location?"

He looked over his shoulder at the blazing campfire, a two person tent snuggled in between several pine trees with a sleeping bag spread out right between the fire and tent, "When you asked if you could take care of the honeymoon details, I thought we'd be at some posh hotel in Seattle with a king size bed and an expensive bottle of champagne in a silver bucket."

Lyn giggled as she moved away from the cliff edge, pulling him with her towards the tent, "I'm not a high maintenance girl. You know that."

"True," Collin dropped her hand as soon as she stopped a couple of feet from the tent opening, wrapping his arms around her to pull her closer, his chest instantly warming her bare back, "But you never complain when I spoil you."

Lyn smiled as she tilted her head to the side, Collin's lips moving down the side of her neck causing a shiver to run up her back, "Oh, don't you worry. You'll be doing plenty of spoiling tonight."

Collin's laughter vibrated through her, his big hands spreading open against her flat stomach, fingertips tracing the embroidery that stopped several inches above the waistline of the dress, "You look beautiful in this dress…an angel sent down just for me."

Lyn let out a soft sigh as he pressed a kiss on her bare shoulder, curling her fingers around his forearms as she turned her head to press a kiss against his cheek, her whispered words brushing his ear in an erotic caress, "Make love to me Collin. Right here, between your world and mine…with the stars as witnesses."

Collin chuckled as he gently turned her around to face him, reaching up to cup her face, his thumbs brushing her high cheekbones as he stared deep into her eyes, "You're mine, Madelyn Rou. Completely, irrevocably mine."

Lyn had a brief moment to take a breath before his mouth closed over hers, the taste and feel of the kiss so different from the ones before yet so wonderfully the same.

Moving into him, she wrapped her arms around his waist, his body hard against her softer one as he moved his hands into her hair, pins tumbling onto the ground as he tilted her head to the side, the angle changing the dynamics of the kiss in such a way she couldn't hold back a moan.

"I've always been yours," Lyn whispered as he moved his lips over her face, tracing her arched eyebrows before moving them down the bridge of her nose then kissing her lips again, his words soft against her swollen mouth, "But this time, no one can take you away from me."

Lyn shivered as the top of her dress fell away, Collin's hands moving down her back from her neck, tugging the dress down over her hips, his breath escaping him in a hiss as he slid his fingers over silky skin and nothing else, "Fuck."

Lyn smiled against his throat, her hands moving under his shirt, his muscles rippling against her fingertips.

"Madelyn," her name whispered against the heated skin stretched over her collarbones as he moved his hands over her hips, his fingers brushing lightly across the swell of her bottom before moving his hands up the side of her body, his thumbs rubbing up against her ribs then cupping her breasts, the heat of her skin burning into his very nerve endings, "You're so beautiful…so beautiful…and soft…and mine."

Lyn bit her lip as she undid the buttons of his shirt, Collin pulling her into him when she finished, her nipples hard against his bare chest.

"Collin," she whispered his name against the hard muscle of his shoulder, pulling the shirt down his arms and letting it fall to the ground, a gasp of surprise slipping past her lips when he swept her up into his arms.

She held on to his neck as he walked the few steps to the sleeping bag, gracefully getting down on his knees before lowering her onto the soft fabric.

His breathing was coming fast and shallow as he pulled back, his eyes moving over the curves and lines of her body, his hand trembling as it moved over her skin, watching the line of goosebumps that followed.

Lyn could feel herself blushing but not out of embarrassment at being so vulnerably displayed to him but in growing desire, her own hand shaking as she reached up to touch the hard muscles of his stomach.

He placed his hands on other side of her head, leaning down to kiss her mouth, nibbling on her bottom lip, her hands reaching up to touch his chest, sliding them down and around his back and pulling him onto her.

Collin shivered at the feel of her soft body molding to his, her arms holding him tight against her, the soft fabric of his slacks rubbing against her bare legs.

They slowly explored each other, their hands moving with a freedom they hadn't had before.

It wasn't long before both of them had more than enough foreplay, Lyn's small hands just as anxious at removing Collin's pants as his were, their bodies slick with sweat as Collin moved his mouth up her throat, sucking at the pulse point for a second before lifting his head to cover her mouth with his.

"I want you," Lyn whispered into his mouth as she wrapped her legs around his waist, her hands fisted in his hair as she slid her tongue into his mouth, the taste of him causing her head to spin as her body moved closer to the point of no return.

Collin let out a groan, reaching down to grip her hip and stop her from moving, his forehead furrowed with effort at keeping control of himself as he slowly pushed into her, the tight muscles rippling around him with every inch gained, pushing his efforts further and further out the window.

Letting out a harsh breath as he stopped halfway, he pressed his forehead against hers as she cupped his jaw, her voice husky as her whispered words brushed across his face, "Please don't stop."

"I don't want to hurt you," his whisper was ragged, body tense and trembling with the effort to hold still.

"It's okay," Lyn said softly, reaching up to stroke his cheek, her fingertips tracing the hard edge of his jaw, "Please, Collin…I want you…please baby."

Staring deep into her purple eyes, he framed her face between his hands, his thumbs softly moving over her cheeks, turning his head to cover her mouth with his, the kiss tightly sealed as he thrust his hips forward, swallowing the small cry of pain that escaped her, his back arching as she dug her nails into his sides.

Seconds passed, their bodies merged into one as they fought to breathe, Collin keeping still with his eyes screwed shut as he waited for Lyn's tight muscles to relax.

Taking in a shaky breath, she relaxed her fingers, sliding her hands down his slick back, lifting her hips off the ground, Collin's groan letting her know he was still with her.

"Love you, baby," Collin whispered against her sweat slick skin, burying his fingers into her hair as he moved his lips down her throat, rocking into her, their rhythm slow as they moved together, "I love you so much."

Wrapping her arms around him, she moved her opened mouth down his throat, her teeth scraping against his skin as they picked up the rhythm, Collin so close to coming he needed to push Lyn over the edge before he went over without her.

Sliding his hand down between their bodies, he touched a finger against the small sensitive nub, rubbing it gently as he thrust faster into her, no longer able to hold back.

Her back bowing, a small scream escaped her as she felt her soul shatter into millions of pieces, the swirling colors taking her breath away as she let herself sink into the silky wetness of her release.

Forcing her eyes open, she felt Collin's body shaking over hers; he had his face buried into the side of her neck, "Baby…Collin…"

"Yeah," his muffled words tickled the side of her neck, his body heavy on hers –he was completely spent from the mind blowing orgasm that had followed seconds after Lyn's.

"Are you okay," Lyn ran her fingers through his hair, pressing kisses along his hairline, "Baby, please…talk to me."

Collin lifted his head to look into her eyes, giving her a soft smile as he pushed several strands of hair off her forehead and cheek, "Baby, I'm fine –tell me I didn't hurt you too much…please tell me it was worth waiting for."

Her lips spread into a grin as she gripped the back of his head, "Of course it was worth waiting for…you're worth waiting for Collin."

Collin let out a relieved chuckle as he dropped his forehead onto her shoulder, their sweat covered bodies cooling as the night breeze moved over them.

"Baby," Lyn whispered into his ear as she moved her small hands down the tight muscles of his back, uncrossing her ankles and sliding her feet down his calves.

"Yeah?"

"You're getting heavy."