I own none of the characters of October Road

"Hey mom." Eddie said answering his cell phone while Janet nibbled on his ear. He had to bite his lip to keep from groaning into the phone.

"Hi sweetheart. What are you doing?" He gasped when Janet stuck her tongue in his ear.

"Hanging out." He whispered thickly.

"We arrived a little while ago so when you're ready come on up to our room. We're in 5406." Laura said.

"You weren't supposed to be here for another hour. You should have called." When Janet heard that she pulled away from Eddie's ear.

"We wanted to freshen up a little bit before we saw you."

"Give us a few minutes and we'll be down."

"Don't rush sweetheart."

"Bye mom." As soon as he hung up his phone he tackled Janet down on the bed. "That was so wrong."

"I have no idea what you're talking about." Janet said innocently.

"Payback's a bitch." Eddie grinned wickedly.

"I don't mind your version of payback baby."

"Oh you'll mind this version." Eddie slid his hands under her shirt seductively. Just as Janet let out a small moan Eddie turned the seduction off and began tickling her.

"Eddie…stop…please…can't…breathe…oh…god…" She was laughing so hard that she was crying and she could hardly talk. Janet was the most ticklish person he had ever met and he was taking total advantage of that fact.

"Say you're sorry." He demanded.

"I'm sorry." She gasped and Eddie ended his torture.

"Like I said payback's a bitch." He told her with a smug grin.

"I hate you." She muttered.

"I love you too." She stuck her tongue out at him and headed to the bathroom to freshen up laughing the entire time.

--

"Eddie" Katie Latekka screeched. She had been standing in doorway of her room waiting for her brother. As soon as she saw him she ran down the hall and threw herself into his arms.

"Hey kid."

"Not a kid." She mumbled into his neck. "I'm a grown woman."

"I know it." He gently pried her arms off of his neck. "Katie I would like for you to officially meet my fiancé Janet." Both women embraced.

"Are you kids going to stay out in the hall all day?" Jack quipped.

"Hey pop. We're on our way." Eddie slung his arms around both girls and they all walked into Jack and Laura's suite and hugs were exchanged.

"How are you feeling son?" Jack asked

"I'm good dad. More tired then normal but I'm good thanks to my girl." Eddie said shooting a smile at Janet.

"I don't think that I have ever seen you this happy."

"I haven't been." Eddie glanced at his mom who was staring wistfully at him. "She worries too much." He commented to his dad.

"She a mother and you have cancer. It's her job."

"Worrying won't change what's going to happen."

"She knows that but it doesn't mean she's going to stop."

"I hate that I'm doing this to her, to you, to Kate and Janet." Jack put his hands on his son's shoulders, fighting back his tears.

"You're not doing anything. It's the cancer. Seeing you happy makes all of us happy."

"Thanks dad." The two men smiled at each other and Laura walked over to them.

"Eddie I brought the rings. They are on in our room on the nightstand. Why don't you go get them? I think that Janet needs her engagement ring."

"Umm okay." He sent his mom a weird look as he went to retrieve the ring. When he opened the bedroom door he got the surprise of his life. There, standing in the room were his best friends, Hannah and Allison. The only one missing was Phil. "What the hell? How did you…? What are you doing here?"

"We're here for your wedding." Owen answered.

"I…I…" Eddie was speechless. He was so glad that his friends were here but he hated the financial strain that his wedding caused them.

"I can't believe that we had to find out that our best friend was getting married from his mother." Nick said.

"Sorry about that. I tired to call you guys this morning to tell you but now I understand why I couldn't get through to any of you guys except for Phil. He's a shut in. Why the hell didn't he answer the phone?"

"We told him not to." Ikey answered. "He wouldn't be able to keep the secret."

"That's true." Eddie said with a smile but his friends didn't smile back. He knew he owed them an explanation. "Look guys I really wanted you here for this but it was such a spur of a moment thing I knew how expensive it would be for all of you to fly out here for one day and I couldn't ask that of you."

"You should have let us make that decision." Nick said,

"I know that which is why I was calling you guys."

"Just so you know coming out here didn't cost us a thing." Owen told him

"How is that possible?"

"Ask your mom dude." Ikey said.

"I think I'll do that." Eddie began to turn away from his friends but he stopped and turned back around to look at them with tears in his eyes. "I'm really glad you guys are here." He whispered and then disappeared quickly before his tears fell with his friends following him.

Hannah and Janet both squealed when they saw each other. Both women embraced tightly. "I can't believe that you're getting married." Hannah gushed.

"I'm so glad that you're here." Janet told her tearfully. "But how did you know?"

"I was just about to find out." Eddie said. "Mom care to explain?"

"I may have mentioned that my son and Janet was getting married in Vegas people started donating their frequent flyer miles and cash so your friends could be here with you." Laura explained.

"Why would people do that?" Eddie asked in shock.

"Because sweetheart, people love you and Janet. You have gone out of your way so many times to help people when needed, shoveling sidewalks for the elderly in the winter, mowing lawns for those same people in the summer for free. You've been a town favorite since that football game when you were a senior."

"The championship game ma."

"The only championship game that Knights Ridge High ever won." Jack added.

"Anyways the people of The Ridge love you and Janet. She is everyone's favorite bartender. When I told Sully about the wedding he put a jar on the bar and it was filled to capacity within the hour by Janet's loyal customers." Eddie reached out and took Janet's hand. They both had tears rolling down their cheeks. "You both have touched a lot of lives and they want to repay your kindness and the only way they know how to do it is with money so you can have a wedding with your friends." Laura said softly.

"Excuse me." Eddie said. He released Janet's hand and went out onto the balcony. Laura started to follow him but Janet stopped her.

"Let me." Laura nodded and Janet joined Eddie on the balcony. She went and stood beside him, not saying anything. She knew he would talk when he was ready. After a few minutes he came up behind her, wrapped his arms around her waist and rested his head on top of hers.

"I didn't want people feeling sorry for me." He finally said. "That's why I didn't want a lot of people knowing that I was dying and now the whole damn town knows. Now everyone will look at me with pity in their eyes."

"Of course people are going to feel sorry for you." Janet decided not to coddle him. "And they should. You are dying in the prime of your life. If someone looks at you with pity ignore it. As long as you're happy that's all that matters." Janet turned around to face him and wrapped her arms around his neck. "You're a very prideful man, baby. Let it go. Accept the help and support that people want to give to you okay?" He nodded. "Now your best friends are here for our wedding so it's time to be happy and be thankful that the people in our hometown love us enough to make sure that they are here. Now lets get in there and enjoy their company." Eddie leaned down and kissed her softly.

"I am so glad you're here. You're my rock and I couldn't get through this without you."

"You don't have to."

"Wait here. I'll be right back." He broke their embrace and returned to the room. Janet watched through the glass door as Eddie talked to his mom. Laura walked over to her purse, removed a box and handed it to Eddie who quickly returned outside.

"I know that you were the one who proposed but it's the man in me who feels it's my job to propose." He dropped to one knee and took Janet's left hand. "Janet Meadows, I love you more than I ever thought possible. You have made me so happy and I want to make you as happy as you've made me. Janet will you marry me?"

"Of course I will." Janet answered with tears in her eyes. Grinning, Eddie rose to his feet and slipped his grandmother's engagement ring on her left finger and it fit perfectly. "I can't believe it fits." She whispered admiring the ring.

"I can. My grandfather's band fits me perfectly and this ring fits you so it means that we are meant to be together."

"I don't need a perfect fit ring to tell me that."

"Do you like the ring?" He asked nervously.

"I love it." It was a simple gold ring with a princess cut diamond. "I love you too." The happy couple shared a kiss until the guys started knocking on the glass patio door.

"I guess we have to get back to our guests." He said he pulled away from her.

"Yeah we should." They linked hands and returned inside.

"It's about time." Ikey said. "We're starving."

"We thought that we could go grab some lunch." Jack said.

"And then we'll hit the tables and plan your bachelor party." Owen said.

"I don't want a bachelor party." Eddie protested.

"Of course you do."

"And we'll plan Janet's bachelorette party." Hannah said.

"Guys really it's not necessary." Janet said.

"Yes it is. You're in Vegas, party central and you're getting married tomorrow so tonight we party." Ikey said but Janet and Eddie shook their heads.

"Okay how about we call it girls and boys night out." Hannah suggested.

"That will work for me. How about you sweetheart?" Eddie asked.

"I can do a girls night out." Katie clapped her hands.

"Before you start your girls night out Janet needs to go shopping for a wedding dress." Eddie told his sister. Janet thought that he had forgotten.

"I love shopping." Katie said. Eddie pulled his credit card out of his pocket and handed it to his sister. "I need a new dress too."

"Ask your father." Eddie quipped. "Now make sure she gets whatever dress she wants no matter what the cost is okay?" Katie nodded. "She'll fight you on it but I'm paying for it."

"She is right here." Janet said.

"I know it. I just need to make sure that she didn't forget." Janet stuck her tongue out and Eddie just laughed.

"Can we eat now?" Owen asked.

"Come on. Let's go." Eddie said and everyone filed out of the room. Katie linked arms with her brother and they fell behind everyone else.

"So how are you feeling?" She asked. This was the first time that they had been alone.

"For someone who is dying of cancer I'm pretty good. I always seem to have a headache but it's tolerable." Katie tightened her grip on Eddie's arm. "I'm glad you're here Kate."

"I glad too. Look I did some research on the Internet on your cancer and there are some surgery's that you could have."

"Surgery won't work."

"It could. Have you spoken with any surgeons?"

"I have. The tumors are growing fast and they are infiltrating my brain tissue. Even if they could be removed there would still be some tumor in the tissue and if they remove that I could end up a vegetable. I don't want to live like that. That's not living. What I'm doing know is living."

"You don't know what will happen unless you try. From what I've read the surgery can be very successful."

"Katie please just drop it. I've accepted what is going to happen and I just want to live out the rest of my life happy okay?"

"I don't want you to die." Katie whispered softly. Eddie stopped walking and pulled his sister to his chest in a tight hug.

"I don't want to die either but I don't have a choice. So instead of spending what time we have left together being sad let's enjoy each other okay?" She nodded and Eddie felt her tears hit his shirt. He lifted her face to his. "No tears Katie bug. This is the happiest time of my life. Tomorrow I'm marrying the woman I love more than anything. This is not the time for tears."

"I love you Eddie."

"I know. I love you too Katie."

--

After lunch the friends all split up. The guys and Jack went to the casino and the girls went shopping. The guys lost more money then they won but they had a blast doing it. Janet was able to find a dress that she loved for her wedding. It wasn't a real wedding dress or even a real fancy dress. It was a simple white sun satin sundress with spaghetti straps and roses embodied on the dress. It came to her mid-calf and flowed around her when she spun around. She thought that she looked great in the dress. She just hoped that Eddie thought so.

"Come on baby. Let me see the dress." Eddie begged, as they got ready for their respective night out.

"Tomorrow."

"Come on. I bought it so I should see it."

"Not part of the rules. You will see it tomorrow." He pouted but it didn't work. She ignored him and continued to put on her makeup so Eddie gave up.

"So what are you ladies doing tonight?" He asked.

"We got tickets to some magic show and then we're going to a bar. What about you guys?"

"We're going to see The Blue Man Group and then we're coming back to the guy's room for poker."

"You're not going to see strippers?" She asked

"No we're not. The guys want to but I don't and since tonight is about me I won."

"If you want to see strippers I'm okay with it." Eddie stared at Janet and he knew that she wasn't lying; that she was okay with him seeing strippers.

"The only boobs that I want to see are yours."

"You're a man and I know men like boobs. I won't be hurt if you want to see strippers."

"I am a man and I do love boobs. I love your boobs, I don't want to spend tonight looking at woman with fake ones when all I'll be thinking about are yours." He leaned forward and kissed her neck. "How about showing me yours before I leave?" She burst out laughing.

"You are such a pervert."

"I'm waiting."

"We don't have time."

"We always have time for a quick peek. It will only take a second." He tired the pouting lip again.

"Eddie."

"Please?" He stuck his lip out further,

"You're pathetic." He gave her the puppy dog eyes, "Fine." She quickly unbuttoned her blouse and opened it wide. Eddie ran his hands over the lace of her bra until he found the hook in the front. In one quick movement he unsnapped her bra and her breasts tumbled free. Groaning Eddie cupped the soft tissue and gently caressed them.

"Now this is what I'm talking about." He mumbled bringing his lips to her breasts.

"Hmmm." She moaned, running her fingers through his hair, pushing his face against her breasts. Suddenly there was a knock on the door of their suite. Eddie reluctantly pulled his lips away from her breasts.

"What?" He yelled

"Dude are you ready yet?" Ikey yelled

"No." He shouted back.

"We'll be ready in a minute." Janet yelled.

"Janet…" Eddie whined as Janet gently pushed him back.

"You said you just wanted a peek and you got more than a peek."

"It's not enough."

"It's going to have to be until after our wedding." Janet hooked her bra and began button her blouse again.

"After the wedding?" He spat.

"Rules must be followed. No more sex until after the wedding." She slipped on her shoes.

"You are evil. So very evil."

"Evil or not, you love me."

"Yes I do." He grabbed and pulled him towards her and kissed her until Ikey knocked on the door again. "I am so going to kick his ass." Eddie muttered pulling away from Janet.

"We better go."

"I guess you're right." They linked hands and walked to the door.

"It's about damn time." Ikey muttered.

"Watch it or I'll kick your ass." Eddie told him.

"I'd like to see you try."

"All right boys." Janet said stepping in between them, standing on her tiptoes and kissing Eddie. "Have fun." She whispered.

"You too." After another quick kiss Ikey drug Eddie down the hall to the elevator to start their boys night out.

--

Hours later Eddie was sitting on the balcony waiting for Janet to return to the room. He bailed on his friends about an hour ago with a headache. He did have a headache but it wasn't anything he couldn't tolerate. He was just tired and wanted to be with Janet who wasn't back yet. He jumped to his feet when he heard a knock at the door.

"Hi…honey…" Janet slurred when Eddie opened the door and he busted out laughing. She was toasted leaning against Hannah and Katie.

"Someone had fun I see." He reached out for his fiancé and she fell against his chest.

"She had a lot of fun." Katie said.

"I'm…drunk…" Janet told him.

"Yes you are." Eddie agreed.

"Do you need any help?" Hannah asked him.

"Nah. I got her. We'll see you for brunch tomorrow."

"Goodnight Eddie." Hannah and Kate said. Eddie smiled at them and shut the door.

"Come on sweetheart. Let's get you to bed."

"Not…tired…" She mumbled sleepily.

"Sure you're not." He assisted her to the bed where she collapsed in giggles. "I'm glad that you're enjoying yourself." She raised her arms in the air and motioned him to lean down. When he did she gave him a big, wet sloppy kiss.

"I love you Eddie." She slurred when they broke apart. "I'm going to love you forever and eve, even after you're gone."

"I hope you do." He said thickly. He left her alone and went to the bathroom for some aspirin and water, tears rolling down his cheeks. When he returned she looked asleep and he hated to wake her but he knew that if she didn't take the aspirin she would wake up with a hell of a hangover and be miserable on her wedding day. He gently shook her awake.

"Ummph."

"Janet baby, come on. Wake up honey and take the pills."

"No…need…them."

"Yes you do." He moved her to a sitting position. "Open your mouth." She did as he asked and placed to Aspirins in her mouth. "Now drink." He placed the water bottle to her lips and she drank it greedily. "That's my girl." He laid her back down and kissed her forehead. "I love you my sweet Janet." By the time he took her shoes off and covered her back up she was snoring softly. He took his pills and crawled in next to her and pulled her into his arms.

Sleep didn't come quickly for Eddie that night. Instead of sleeping he lay awake, staring at the woman in his arms who was snoring and drooling on his chest. He could close his eyes and picture her beautiful face anytime but tonight he was committing to memory everything about her; the way her curls sprayed across the pillow when she slept at night, or the way they looked piled on top of her head when she washed her face; the softness of her skin when he ran his rough calloused hands over her body; her smell; her natural scent and the perfume she used; the way her eyes sparkle when she smiles; the little wrinkles that develop at the corner of her eyes when she laughs.

He had no idea what was waiting for him on the other side. He didn't know if Heaven or Hell existed and the unknown terrified him. The only thing that helped ease his fear was the hope of taking and holding on to the memory of the amazing woman in his arms until they met again.

Thanks for reading. Please review with your thoughts.