(A Few Years Later)

"Happy Anniversary!" Whitney and Kevin grinned as they blew out the candles out on their cake. They were surrounded by their family and close friends as everyone cheered them on in celebration. Kevin put his arms around his wife and gave her a tender deep kiss. It had been 10 years since they had tied the knot in secret and it was ten of the most unforgettable moments in his life. He had married his soul mate, the true love of his life, his queen, his everything. And somehow, through everything that they had endured as a couple…. somehow through all of the madness and trials and tribulations, they still stood stronger than ever. They loved each other more than they ever had, and that seemed pretty impossible since they were head over heels in love to begin with

So much had happened in the past few years; mostly all for the better. Whitney successfully completed her full stint in rehab. She and Kevin actually decided to have her extend her stay for a few more months because there was so much that needed to be addressed and purged. They invited Whitney's brothers and Robyn for treatment, in addition to having Cissy come as well so they could have a family-style therapy. It was a frustrating, yet reliving experience for Whitney and her brothers to get their grievances about why they all ended up turning to drugs. Whitney loved her family deeply and wanted them all to get well. She made a vow to her husband, parents to stay clean and challenged Robyn and her brothers to do the same. They all made a pact to get better for one another and Gary, Michael and Robyn successfully finished up their rehab. Meanwhile Whitney made sure that she kept close ties with Dr. Camille when she was released which helped keep more accountability by reporting and meeting with her twice a year about her progress. She was grateful that Dr. Camille understood what she was going through, as had been a recovering addict herself ; she gave her sound advice on how to live clean and was a big influence.

Besides Dr. Camille, Whitney credited God, Kevin, her family and friends and her wonderful life coach for helping her stay clean for the past five years. It was something that she was extremely proud of.

But it was not all without drama and grief. While Whitney spent her time in rehab, she and Kevin were not able to successfully block out all of the photos that Leolah possessed. She sold a couple of pictures to the tabloids, who had a field day with the exploitation and allegedly paid her over $500,000 for them. Fans, audiences and even fellow stars in the show business around the world were in shocked to find out that "America's Sweetheart" was indeed using drugs and the rumors were true. Some questioned if Kevin would leave the 'Damsel in Distress'. Kevin however, stepped up immediately to squelch any speculations, setting up a mini- press conference on behalf of his wife (He encouraged Whitney to continue her treatment and to let him take care of the public). He proclaimed his unwavering love and support for his wife and that divorce was not an option. He explained that those candid photos taken were done from "disgusting, rabid" intentions from ex-in laws who were only looking to "exploit and capitalize off of his wife's struggles". He highlighted that Whitney was getting better and asked for everyone's prayers and respect for their privacy. The breaking news helped to extinguish a lot of curiosity from the public; although the jokes and parodies were done, eventually most of the public supported Whitney and Kevin and rooted for her to getting through her demons.

As for Bobby, Kevin handled that privately as well…. Kevin got ahold of Bobby's contact info and told him that if he ever saw him , he would light into him like Independence Day. He let him know that he knew everything that he had done to Whitney; from the abusive brief marriage to the leaked photos that he allowed Leolah to release. Bobby tried to act non-chalant but was secretly frightened that Kevin would indeed do bodily harm to him. He decided to start keeping a security guard around him at all times. The very rare times that he actually saw Krissy (who was now a teenager) he sent for her avoiding contact with them at all cost. Krissy really did not have an interest in seeing her "deadbeat dad" much anyhow, and considered Kevin to be the father figure in her life.

And tragically as well, John Houston, Whitney's beloved father, passed away from Diabetic complications. Whitney was crushed as she was a 'daddy's girl' and loved her father dearly. Unfortunately there was an outside improper influence who tried to convince the incapitated and sickly Mr. Houston to try to sue his own daughter for backpay. Whitney was initially devastated, but was convinced by Kevin and her mother to talk it out with him and she realized that he had been taken advantage of. Fortunately, she was able to make peace with her dad and made sure he was cared for until the very end. She was glad to have Kevin and her family there to help her get through the hard time. When she had slight urges to use because she felt the stress trigger a desire, she remembered the love she had from her family and how she didn't want to mess up her progress nor hurt anyone to use again.

Through it all, Kevin and Whitney found themselves to be in 10 years of marriage. They had gained step-children and two kids of their own whom they loved more than anything and they loved them through everything. They couldn't have asked for more wonderful children. Whitney had in a way left her highly elevated singing and acting career to become semi-retired. She wasn't sure if she ever wanted to return to all of the madness and felt exhausted from what she gave and received. She had told Kevin her decision to put her career to the side to support his movie, businesses, and songwriting career and raise their children. Kevin agreed that she needed a break and suggested that she channeled her energy into something else, like a business. Whitney took what he said to heart and crafted a small juice and smoothie bar. She always imagined early in her career to quit and escape on an island and sell fresh fruit drinks on the beach. Working on this business plan and getting solid consulting and staffing going, Whitney officially opened up her shop (and fantasy) and called it "Swirl-World" on the boardwalk of Long Beach. She helped create most of the delicious, and nutritious frozen treats and the shop quickly became popular, doing very well in its first year due word-of-mouth. Whitney was proud to have such a unique and fun business do so well and once again credited Kevin for giving her the confidence and expertise that she needed to stay busy and creative in a different way.

Now, on the night of their anniversary, they celebrated with family and friends their blissful love.

Kevin and Whitney raised their glasses of Pinot Grigio and Kevin put on arm around his wife. "I'd like to make a toast. First of all, thank you all for coming out to celebrate our anniversary. It means so much to have everyone that we love and who loves us back to commence something so beautiful and meaningful." He turned to Whitney and smiled. "Babe, it's been an amazing 10 years being married to you. We have had our ups and downs, but we never wavered." Whitney immediately began to tear up, her heart swelling with affection as if she had just fell in love with him for the very first time again. "I love you so much …." Kevin felt himself getting a bit chocked up and had to clear his throat before continuing. "And you'll never know how proud of you I am that you were able to be brave enough to face and get through everything that you had been through. You are such a strong, beautiful woman. And they say the next ten years only get better. I can't wait to share it with you. I love everything about you babe.

"Awwwwwww" the crowd cooed and clapped as Whitney screamed "I love you too" as Kevin wiped her eyes and they kissed, barely able to contain their smiles.

After a wonderful night of partying and celebrating, Kevin surprised Whitney with a trip to Italy. They could not wait to tour the ancient city, full of beautiful history and to bum around on its beautiful beaches. Once their plane landed in Rome, the two lovebirds tried to do some private sight-seeing before boarding a train that would be taking them to Capri for a few days.

The train rushed along past villages and farms and the other beautiful European scenery. Fortunately they found a rather empty car to sit in, so they were not bombarded by people who would recognize who they were. Whitney sat across from Kevin, with a drapery across her lap. She sits with her legs crossed as she taps her foot to the music as she admired the scenery. She had toured the world many times, but it never ceased to amaze her how beautiful and diverse God altered it to be. Kevin knew how much she loved to travel and was glad that he was able to share in the experience and memories with her. Kevin briefly reads some of the Italian magazines, before he sets them aside and leans his head back against the comfortable seats, enjoying the lull and serenity of the train.

Whitney looks over at Kevin and smiles. He was slightly older, but aged like fine wine. He sported a neat buzz cut (from a recent film role) along with a goatee, his blond and grays glistening in the light. His athletic body was broad and in good shape. She could easily see why he was still talked about on the celebrity "hot list" and was glad that he was all hers.

Suddenly, Kevin's phone vibrates. He opens his eyes and checks his phone and it's a message from a woman. And that woman is sitting across from him.

HEY HANDSOME

He glances up, and meets Whitney's seductive almond-shaped, bedroom eyes and they smirk at one another. He responds.

HEY GORGEOUS… WHAT'S ON YOUR MIND?

Feeling naughty, Whitney continues to type but doesn't look up this time. She replies, as her foot taps at the Alicia Keys songs she is listening to.

YOU

Kevin looks up at Whitney and still was in awe with how beautiful she was. Her golden brown skin was smooth and glistened. Her model-esque body was still lean and fit and her long legs still drove him wild. She looked extra exotic with her romantic wavy tresses and amazing smile. He knew that any man would love to have her as their woman. Too bad she was his and only his.

He raised his eyebrows to her, as if to say, "Go on" Whitney drops her head and continues.

JUST THINKING ABOUT HOW I WANT YOU TO MAKE LOVE TO ME

Kevin grins and responds.

REALLY? DO TELL.

Kevin looks up and notices Whitney licking her lips as she texted, which she did when she was nervous…or horny. He found it to be incredibly sexy.

I'M SO WET BABY

He gives out a small chuckle, never ceased to be amazed by what he wife will say. He looks at her and cocks his head to the side. "Right now?" he whispered excitedly. Whitney nodded. "Wanna find out?" she mouthed back to him. Kevin leans back and smiles. "Damn" he whispers as his fingers somehow find their way back to his phone.

I'M GETTIN' HARD OVER HERE

They both look up and lock into each other's eyes once again. They both instantly become hungry for one another, finding it hard to behave themselves.

Whitney looks around, before getting up, moving the magazines next to Kevin and plopping a seat next to him. She re-drapes that blanket to be over both of them. She cuddles next to Kevin, placing her hand over his upper thigh, rubbing it slowly. Her pouty lips get dangerously close to his ear as she whispers to him in her husky, sensual voice "Are you gonna fuck me good later?"

Kevin's breathing becomes labored as he does a quick glance around, glad the few passengers were into their own business so he could focus back on the attention at hand. "Yes babe, you know that I'm gonna make you feel amazing." Whitney smiled as she moved her hand further north in his lap. "And will you go down on me?"

"Yes babe. I can't get enough of tasting you."

Whitney goes for the kill, as she traces the outline of his manhood with her fingers, before unzipping Kevin's jeans and starts to massage his dick through the fabric of his boxers. She is rewarded with the fullness of him as he instantly becomes fully hard. Whitney gently squeezes and slowly strokes him with her hand. She places a few quick kisses on his neck and lightly nibbles on his earlobe, tugging on it playfully.

"I looovee that you are so big, Kev."

Kevin tries to moan as quietly as possible, which he finds to be a fun challenge. "You always make it become that way, Whit. You drive me nuts…pun intended." He gets out seductively. Whitney continues to discreetly give him a nifty handjob. "I want you in me sssooooo badly baby. You always satisfy me. Always make me come" She confessed. Kevin smirked. "I wanna be in you too. Does this train have a mile-high club?" Whitney quietly laughed. "I wish." She once again looks around, before covering up her head and giving his manhood some quick smooches and a few quick sucks. She sits up and places his dick back in his pants and zips him up and gives her a deep kiss. Kevin is in awe and complete bliss at how crafty and smooth Whitney was in the process.

"I've always wanted to do that." She looks back at him and winks at him.

Yeah, marriage truly does gets only better with time. Kevin thought as he winks back at her, happily acknowledging their dirty little secret.