A couple days later....

"Have any of you guys seen my blue silk shirt?" Brian asked. He started digging around his suitcase again. "I can't find it."

"That's because it's hanging up in your closest, Brian," Howie told him.

Brian looked over. "Oh." He walked over to it. "I forgot I put it there. Are you ready to go?"

"Yeah." Howie looked at Brian closely. "Are you sure you wanna do this?"

"Howie, it's the only way I can think of to get over Valerie once and for all. Going to her wedding is the perfect solution."

"Or it could be the worst one."

Brian buttoned his shirt, tucked it in, and looked at himself in the mirror. "She called and asked if we would go. I couldn't tell her no. Now come on. We have to get going if we want to make it on time."

Brian and Howie walked out the door. They met the others in the lobby and walked to the waiting limo. Once they arrived at the church, they saw a bunch of reporters and TV crews there, getting the arriving guest on film. There were a few celebrities there. The TV cameras swung the Boys way when they got out of the limo and walked into the church, showing the invitation as they passed. They could hear the reporters saying into their microphones that the Backstreet Boys had just arrived at the church and walked in without a statement.

The Boys were seated towards the middle of the bride's section and waited for the ceremony to begin. They didn't have to wait long. Darren Dreifort walked in escorting his parents to the front pew, then taking his place at the front of the church. The bridesmaids soon followed as they were escorted down the aisle but a groomsman. Nick, Kevin, Howie, and AJ watched Anissa, Tricia, Ariana, and Tamera walked by in beautiful dresses, looking at them in complete awe. The girls noticed them, but made no indication of it. The church doors closed again. A few minutes later, the bride stood there next to her father.

Everyone in the church stood up. Brian saw Valerie, dressed in her white wedding gown, and felt his heart shattering into a million pieces. He felt Kevin squeeze his shoulder in comfort. When Valerie saw Brian staring at her, tears came to her eyes. It's not supposed to be this way, she thought. Am I doing the right thing by marrying Darren? Valerie had never had any doubts until she saw Brian just then.

Valerie and her father reached the front of the church and he gave her away. As the ceremony began, the Boys watched and looked on as Scripture was read, some prayers were said, the Eucharist was done. Then came the part where the bride and groom say their vows.

"If there is anyone with a reason these two should not be wed," said the priest. "Speak now or forever hold your peace." No one said a word. "Darren and Valerie, turn and face each other."

They turned toward each other and held hands. Brian looked on with tears in his eyes. What are you crying for? he told himself. You had your chance and you blew it. He blinked them away and continued to watch.

"Do you, Darren, take Valerie to be your lawfully wedded wife? To have and to hold, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health? Do you promise to be faithful to her and love her for as long as you both shall live? Please say 'I do'."

"I do," said Darren.

The priest turned to Valerie. "Do you, Valerie, take Darren to be lawfully wedded husband? To have and to hold, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health? Do you promise to be faithful to him and love him for as long as you shall live? Please say 'I do'."

Valerie opened her mouth to say "I do", but nothing came out. She tried again, but still nothing came out.

Darren looked at her. "Say it, honey."

Valerie looked at the people in the church and sought out one face. Everyone was holding their breath, waiting for her answer. Anissa, Tricia, Ariana, and Tamera saw Valerie looking out into the church. They saw the very moment she made eye contact with Brian that it was over. Brian climbed over the others to get to the aisle. Nick and Kevin left the church. Valerie looked at Darren.

"I'm sorry, Darren," she said loud enough for everyone to hear. "But I can't do this. I don't love you."

The crowd gasped. Valerie grabbed the front of her dress and ran down the aisle towards Brian. She threw her arms around him.

"Uh, if you guys don't wanna get attacked," AJ said. "I think now would be a good time to get out of here."

Brian grabbed Valerie's hand and ran to the church entrance with AJ and Howie following. They could hear Darren and the others in the wedding party running after them. The reporters and TV crews scrambled to catch a glimpse of the bride running off with someone else. The limo pulled up just as the four of them reached the street.

Nick threw open the door. "Hurry up and get in."

Valerie threw herself in. Brian quickly gathered up the rest of her wedding dress and brought it in with him. AJ and Howie jumped, then slammed to door shut just as the other reached them. The driver stepped on the gas and took off. Brian and Valerie was in a tight hug for a long time. When the two separated, if you can all it that, they spoke in low tones.

"When did you realize it?" Brian asked her.

"Truthfully?" Valerie looked at him. He nodded. "I think I always have, but I just didn't want to admit it to myself. Seeing you again just put everything in perspective for me. Please tell me I didn't just ruin my wedding for nothing, Brian."

"You didn't do it for nothing, Valerie," said Brian. "I can make you happy, give you anything you want. I'd do anything for you. I love you."

Valerie looked at him for a few minutes. "I love you, too."

Brian pulled her face to his for a long kiss.

"I hate to interrupt you guys, but where are we supposed to go?" Kevin asked.

"Go to Tricia's and Ariana's apartment," Valerie told them. "I stayed with them last night. My stuff is there."

Valerie gave the driver directions and they headed over there. Everyone was pretty quiet during the drive there, except for Brian and Valerie having their own little private conversation. When they got to their destination, Valerie lead them the apartment. As soon as they got to the door, it opened and there stood the other four girls.

"All your things are packed," Tricia said. She looked at Brian. "I hope your happy."

Valerie didn't say anything. She just grabbed her stuff and headed out with the Boys to their hotel.