Things weren't okay by a long shot with Bonnie, but at least she heard and understood why I did what I did. It was 3 am when we arrived back at her house that night and the only reason we came back when we did is that she cut her foot on a piece of glass at the levy. Back home and I cleaned her cut for her, I thought it would need stitches but she swore it didn't.

We were both exhausted after the emotional and tear filled evening, but I had no intention of leaving her until I felt everything would be fine for the period of time ahead that I would be gone. I took away her safety net, her home, with nowhere to run and shut me off, she was forced to work things out with me. I layed on her bed with her hoping that getting back to some hearftfelt talking would ease the tense feelings, be it little, between us. She was sleepy and would drift off, I would awaken her with a soft kiss and we'd continue talking. I don't think that I had ever felt this close with her. I understood everything she was feeling, as well as I could without being her. My heart was beating so fast I thought it would sure pound right out of my chest. If there ever was a time that I wanted to betray my vow to myself and make love to her, it was then. I let her drift off to sleep finally and just lay watching her, stroking her hair until her breathing slowed to a rhythmic pace and I knew for sure she was asleep. I kissed her hair and slipped out of the house just as the purple-blue night was giving way to the orange sunrise.

I loved the drive out to Vegas. You travelled for hours and then you see the lights. More than an hour away still, but you can see them. Coming in at the airport was amazing, too. The lights at night from the air are beautful, but that landing is rough. It always is coming in to Vegas, especially during the summer. The heat rising off the desert causes so much turbulance and me with my weak stomach, not a good pair.

We had two days before the appearance with only one rehearsal to attend. This was slack time well needed. In LA we had done 16 appearances last week, 3 of those nearly full concerts to packed houses. I don't even know what movie this is I am watching, but it will fill the void. I hear Lacey out there with Kate, last I saw they had a bridal magazine and were going through it page by page. That's what prompted my unknown movie. The curtain pulled aside to reveal Lacey.

Snuggling in the bunk with me, her head resting on my chest, I know I have a smile on my face.
"You can see the lights.." her voice was muffled in my shoulder. " That means what... another hour?"
"bout that..." I could do this for another hour. I pulled the curtain all the way closed and locked it from my side. No disturbances.
"Um Zac....?" I laughed my little laugh that she knew what I was up to. "We can't ...not here..Ike and Kate are right out there." She whispered. I put my finger to her lips to quiet her protests.
"Like they don't do this and more in theirs..." I smiled and waggled one eyebrow. She gave in.

Like she said, Ike and Kate were right out there, so I tried to keep it quiet. But I was in one of those moods that struck rarely now at the ripe old age of 21. I made just enough noise, of the right kind, to get a rise out of Ike whom I knew was 5 feet away in the sitting area reading.
"Okay Zac, keep it legal in there....." he laughed. I think he knew I was trying to get a response from him.
"Jeez Zac, please, I don't have Bon here, be a little bit sensitive!" Oh there's Tay, I thought he might be asleep, but he just pounded on the curtain as he walked by. I guess that was a bit cruel, not only wasn't she here, but he hadn't been able to get ahold of her for three days. He was getting a bit edgy.

We rolled into town not too much later, and did the old dart through the service entrance thing. There were alot of *brand names* in town right now because of the show, so I wasn't sure that all the people out front were for us, but you never knew. Better to be safe than sorry. In and out of the hotel was really the only problem here in Vegas, once we were somewhat disguised we could wander around town without too much trouble. There were always a few fans here and there that would recognize you no matter what.

Even though we were both dog tired, it was still early evening and we decided to take a walk down the strip for a while. We'd come back for a group dinner, maybe a swim and then to bed. A sore point came up with Ike last week. He wanted me in a room by myself or with Tay. He was worried already about the fan response when news of my engagement hit. Plans were to make it known at the pre-show for the awards. He told me that people respected us for our image and if they found out I was in a room with Lacey, it would be quite the contradiction.. I agreed, but told him I was still going to do it, I'd just keep it low profile.

On the far end of the strip we decided to make a turn and head back to the hotel. We were tired and it was only an hour before we had made plans to meet the others for dinner. Before the block was up, I paused in front of a hotel window. A picture of Elvis in the window drew my attention.
"Hey, this is where Elvis got married..!" I laughed and looked at Lacey, she knew my inner obsession with him. "Come on...let's go see this.."

The casino was huge, but the Chapel sign was very easy to read above all the glittering machines. Making our way through the crowds, pulling her along behind, I pushed open the door.

Eighteen