"Lanz I can't do anymore!" Bridgette groaned. "I'm already sore."

"Well nobody told you to have vigorous sex last night, plus you promised we'd hit the gym this morning. And you were the one that said let's go at 5am." I patronized her.

Apparently Niall came back to Bridgette's room quite tipsy and very horny. I'm not even sure if they had any sleep. I'm guessing from the fresh love bites on her chest and the slight bruising on her hips it was...eventful, to say the least.

"Oh come on, you know she's a beast." She smirked as she referred to her pelvic area. "Besides it's been a while since the last time I've seen him."

"Oh you want to talk dry spell?" I scoffed. "I'm in the running for first place." I dropped the free weights carelessly and picked up my water.

"Well I mean...Harry is here." She hinted.

"Bridgette...no." I sighed.

"Why not?!" She threw her hands in the air. I glared at her, she knew why. "Ok so you and Zayn kissed and he felt you up a little bit. He's back with Ms. Whatever the fuck her name is, as far as I'm concerned you're single, Harry is single. So get your fix already!" She scolded.

"It makes me look like a slut Bridge. Last time I checked, I'm not about that life." I said picking up the weights again.

"So, you can look me in the eyes and tell me you wouldn't love the feeling of him bending you over, smacking that ass and riding his..."

"Oh my God!" I yelled and Bridgette started laughing.

"You want it Lanz, deny it all you want just don't forget who you're talking to." She grinned. "There is only one person other than myself that is considered a sex crazed maniac...and she happens to be my best friend." The door swings open and Bridgette and I look. Thank god they didn't come in a few seconds sooner.

"Do you guys ever not come to the gym?" Bridgette playfully asked.

"Nope, gotta keep the guns right." Harley smiled and flexed his arm.

"Morning sis." Tui kissed my cheek.

"Morning." I smiled at my brothers.

"I'm surprised you guys are even here, Niall is passed out." I stifled a laugh knowing all to well why he's out cold and earned a glare from Bridgette. "What time did you guys finish up last night?" Bridgette asked getting on to the leg press.

"Like around 3." Tui shrugged.

"They've always been early risers." I recalled.

"Where's Jacob?" Bridgette asked.

"Oh, him and Louis were singing karaoke when we left. I think he slept in Louis room." Harley said picking up plates to put on the bar.

"I see you guys had fun, how'd you like the boys?" I asked them.

"They're funny." Harley huffed lifting the bar. "Especially Niall, that one is full of jokes." Bridgette beamed at the praise of her man and I set down the weights and walked over to Tui.

"What'd you think?" I asked him.

"I like them." He was short but he still grinned.

"Mhm" I stared at him.

"I had a talk with Harry." He said strapping on his gloves and my eyes widened.

"About?" Shit, what did he say.

"You" Still strapping his gloves.

"Ok? And?" He just looked at me and smiled.

"You like him don't you?" His eyes glued to mine waiting for an answer.

"Tui!" I groaned.

"Well? He likes you." He casually said.

"Ok not really the conversation I pictured having with you this morning." I rolled my eyes.

"I like him, he's cool in my book." His words shocked me. He didn't like anyone, well none of the guys I had interest in. He hated Dean from the moment he met him. "Don't worry I had to scare him a little bit. You know the whole 'I'll kill you if you hurt her' thing."

"Tui, it's complicated." I frowned.

"Look I'm not telling you who to date or whatever, but I am saying that the boys like him, hell I like him and kinda envy the fact that he got to whoop on that punks ass." He stood up. "It's not everyday that you bring around a guy that we all think is good for you."

If only he understood the complications, I can't tell him 'oh yeah something almost happened but then he was with some other girl then Zayn kind of happened but then he got back with his ex'. This is such a fucked up situation, I wish I could just start over. This is the first time in my life that the men in my life approve of someone. Yes that's not the main factor but it's important to me that my brothers like the guy I want to be with. But the real deciding factor would be papa, if he says yes then I know it's the right decision.

-----------------------

After breakfast, Bridgette all too willingly ditched me for another round with Niall. Poor guy, I hope he knows what he's gotten into. Sex crazed maniac girlfriend for sure. I went back to my room to shower and get ready for the day. As I undressed I glanced in the mirror for a split second, I saw my scar and deeply sighed. Nobody really knew it was there since my tattoo covered it, I had specifically told the artist to make it disappear. He couldn't have done a better job but the fact of the matter was that I knew it was there, and how it got there. I shook the negative memories away and jumped in the shower. No matter what the climate was outdoors, I always took hot showers.

I welcomed the sting that the water brought, it relaxed my muscles instantly making me drop my shoulders. I had so much going on this week, the wedding, Harry, Zayn...if I'm alone with either of them I honestly don't know what's going to happen. I have so much pent up sexual tension I could explode. I picked up the soap and poured some onto the sponge, the smell of orchids filled my nose. As I lathered and scrubbed my body, thoughts steamrolled into my head. Harrys touch, how it sets my skin on fire. My hands slowly worked over my body. The way his body felt against mine. My eyes closed and new thoughts bombarded my crowded mind. Zayn, the way his hands gripped onto my thighs. I leaned against the shower wall while my hands wondered around my body. The way he would thrust against me...down there. Every single thought of both Harry and Zayn intertwined and could make me combust at any moment. My hands finally reached their destination and my breathing hitched. Oh my...

KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK

I flinch at the intruder banging on the door. Fuck my life!!! I can't even do the job myself! I swear I'm going to decapitate whoever is at the door. I quickly rinsed off the suds and shut the water off. I grabbed my towel and wrapped myself not even bothering to dry my body. I stomped to the door and swung it open feeling strong enough to rip it off the hinges. His eyes widen at my anger.

"You have point two seconds." My eyes glared into his.

"To start explaining the reason for banging on the door...wheres the fire?!"

"Uh...I have to talk to you?"

"Right now? Like right now right now?" I huffed.

"Yeah, well I think you deserved an explanation." His lips pressed into a firm line. I dramatically sighed and stepped aside to let him in.

"Could you wait on the patio?" Not even waiting for his response I grabbed my clothes and went in the bathroom to dress. Of course he wants to talk at this very fucking moment, the ultimate torture. I slipped on my shorts but remembered we were going on the sea-doos in a little bit and took them right off. Luckily I had my board shorts and bikini top in the bathroom. When I came out to the patio, I sat directly across from him trying hard to not fall into the trance of his beauty. I lit my cigarette.

"So" I blew out the smoke. "What's going on Zayn?"

"I'm sorry." He licked his lips and his golden eyes held a bit of sympathy.

"No need for apologies. Shit happens." I shrugged. He took a sharp breath in like I had hurt him with my words.

"It's not like that Alana." He glared.

"Really Zayn...don't even sweat it. It is what it is and I hope you're happy." My tone was the complete opposite of happy.

"Alana that's not fair, you don't understand." He adjusted his chair so that he was now face to face with me.

"This is a merry go round" I mumbled under my breath.

"Spare me the details Zayn. You two have unfinished business, don't let me come between it." I took a hard drag from my cigarette, praying Liam or one of my brothers comes to my rescue. Zayn stood so quickly that the chair screeched against the floor. He moved so fast towards me that I flinched when he stood in front of me.

"I had no choice Alana!" His eyes burned into mine. What the hell? He gets to be mad? No, not today. I stood to match his stance.

"Life's all about choices Zayn. You made yours." My voice cold. "So deal with it." We stood there as if it was a stand off. Why is he so mad? He was the one who decided he was getting back with her. "Anything else?" His face dropped a little and a sigh left his mouth. What? He went from mad to...sad? Honestly it's like he's PMSing or something.

"She's pregnant." His voice barely audible.

"What?" My mouth dropped and my eyes widened. Pregnant?! How? When? "Wow" I looked away. Shes pregnant...just...wow.

"I had no choice, do you see that now?" Sadness swept over his voice.

"Zayn, I...I'm sorry." I regret all my bitchyness towards him. How could I be mad at a man who stepped up to take care of his child? Way to go Alana, another asshole of the year award for you.

"No, it's on me. I should have called and let you know." He shook his head.

"How about it's on both of us. We didn't reach out to clear the air." I cupped the side of his face. "I'm sorry for being so rude about this."

"How can you be so understanding about this?" He placed his hand on top of mine.

"You just gotta go with the cards that you're dealt." I sighed.

"If it were any other situation I swear..." He gripped on to my hand.

"Hey...the best part about us? We were friends before anything. Right?" I smiled.

"Yeah, I just don't...I don't want to lose you. You're very important to me." He sounds so conflicted.

"I'm here. Not going anywhere." The corners of his mouth turn up and I pull him into a hug and squeeze him tightly. "I'll support whatever decisions you make. Ok?" I feel him nod against me.

"Always my Sweets." He says into my ear. It tugs at my heart a bit but I'm proud that he has stepped up to be the best for his baby. Even if it means going back to her.

"Always." Nothing would change, I would be there for him whenever he needed me.

"Alana?" He whispers.

"Hmm?"

"Why were you so mad when you opened the door?" I froze.

"Uhm, yeah let's not talk about that." I squeezed him one last time and let go. He gave me a curious look.

"Tell me." He held on to my hands.

"Really Zayn, I'd rather not." I looked away feeling embarrassed. His eyes widened.

"Sweets...are you blushing?" Why why why does his voice have to sound this sexy. Damn you and your gorgeous fucking face.

"Nah, I just got some...I mean sun! I got a lot of sun." Fuck! Really Alana? 'I got some' you idiot!

"I see." He smirked. "Well don't let me keep you, I'm going to go check on Louis. He's pretty hungover."

"Yeah, see if Jacobs ok for me? I heard him and Louis hit up karaoke pretty hard." I giggled.

"I will...thank you for being so understanding Sweets. I don't deserve you." He dropped his head.

"Stop it. I'm just glad we're ok." I squeezed his hand. "Now go, I'm sure those two are swearing off of alcohol right now."

"Alright I'll see you later Sweets." He leaned in and kissed my cheek. Well...there goes anything happening with Zayn. Another one bites the dust.

---

HARRYS POV

"So you're telling me that you've never tried raw fish?" Tui asks me wide eyed like I had horns growing out of my head.

"Honestly, never have." I shake my head.

"Harry's too chicken shit to even try it!" Niall teased.

The rehearsal dinner has started and everyone's faces are tainted with a little sun. I've found myself always partnered up with Tui, not that I mind he's like another version of Liam, well if Liam took steroids that is. I think after the talk we had about Alana it got things into perspective. I told him what I felt for her, naturally he gave me the big brother speech and for a moment I felt like he was going to bash my head in. It didn't last too long, we bro hugged it out and he ended up telling me more about Alana. Things I didn't know, and things I thought I knew but really didn't. He said she was stubborn, believe me I know. She takes her frustration out by going to the shooting range or going to the gym. Who would have thought, my Alana with a gun. I loved the fact that I got on real great with her brothers.But what I really had to wait for was the approval of her grandfather.

Tui said that Alana's grandfathers opinion mattered more to her than anything else in the world. It surprised me because I thought it was her father I needed approval from and tonight I would be meeting him. I glanced over at the entrance of the restaurant and Alana was walking in, hand in hand with him. He was of average build but very tall, full salt and pepper beard and a grin Alana obviously inherited. She was beaming, that was a smile that I've never seen on her before. She looked beautiful, her hair was down and in it's natural curls, barely a hint of makeup, her dress was long and hit the ground but it wasn't until she turned that I saw how low the back was. 'Naughty girl Alana' I thought to myself. She kept glancing back at him and her smile would grow even more. She guided him to their seats where she dutifully sat next to him.

"Attention everyone!" Grant spoke on the microphone. "I just wanted to thank every single one of you for taking the time and money to celebrate our love." He glanced at his bride to be. "This means more to us than you could imagine. So thank you, we love you all and I hope you enjoy your night."

"Come on bro, let's go introduce you to the old man." Tui smirked.

"You sure?" I hesitantly asked. Not sure if Alana would want me to meet him just yet.

"Well I mean if you're too chicken shit..." He grinned and Niall roared in laughter.

"Let's all go, I really want to meet him." Liam piped up. We all nodded and followed Tui. As we walked towards their table Alana stood and walked towards the stage, I turned to look at Liam who just shrugged. Jacob now joined us on our way to meet her grandfather. He sat there nodding his head to the music and observing everyone looking completely content. He then made eye contact with Tui and smiled.

"What's going on pops?" Tui wrapped him in a bear hug.

"Tui my boy, good to see you son." His voice was deep and reminded me of Johnny Cash.

"Can't forget about your favorite!" Jacob nudged Tui to the side and took him in another bear hug.

"Jacob" he laughed. They released their hug and the old man patted Jacobs stomach. "Put on some weight did ya?" Jacob laughed.

"Yeah a little bit." He shrugged. "You lost some weight pops." He carefully eyes the old man. "Yeah a little bit." He mocked Jacob and grinned. Alana definitely got the grin from him.

"Pops, I wanted to introduce you to our friends." Tui and Jacob moved aside so he had a clear view of us. "This is grandpa Sonny and these are..."

"Let me guess." He smiled at us. "You must be Niall." He directed his eyes at him.

"Yes sir." Niall flashed his pearly white smile and reached out his hand.

"Oh no, we don't shake hands." Sonny frowned and Nialls face dropped. "We hug!" Sonny laughed and pulled Niall into a bear hug, relief washed over him.

"And you? You must be Louis." Sonny looked at him.

"The very same sir." He chuckled and hugged Sonny.

"Alright who do we have here." He looked over the rest of us. "You are without a doubt Zayn." He eyed him.

"I am." Zayn smiled. Something in Sonnys eyes changed, shit. He liked Zayn.

"And then there were two." Sonny looked over and Liam and I. Eyes moving back and forth trying to figure out who was who. "You...you must be Tui's replacement." He glances at me and my mouth widens to say something but Sonny quickly looks away. "Liam, I've heard a lot about you." He smiles at him.

"I hope it's all true." Liam chuckles and embraces Sonny.

"Nobody replaced me pops." Tui grinned. "He's just the long lost British brother." Sonny just nods his head and takes a look at me. I've never felt the as nervous as this in so long. I needed approval from this man before I could do anything that involved Alana. If he didn't approve...that means Alana wouldn't either.

"And last but not least. Harry." His eyes pierced through mine.

"Pleased to finally meet you Mr. Slate." I smiled at him.

"Mr. Slate is Alana's father, you can call me Sonny." The infamous Slate grin made it's presence again. He opened up his arms and wrapped them around me, oh and I welcomed it. "You and I must have a little chat soon." He whispered in my ear. I nod in agreement. A weight is lifted off of my shoulders, he seems to have taken a liking to me, and I to him.

"Could I have everyone's attention please?" We turned to see Alana with the microphone in hand on stage. Sonny told us to sit as his table to listen to her announcement. "As all of you know, we're here to celebrate Grant and Jen and I wanted to personally thank each and everyone of you for being here. Being the maid of honor I am obligated to embarrass the both of them." The crowd laughed. "Don't worry Jen, I won't." Jen smiled with relief. "But I just wanted to fill in everybody about love story that unfolded before my eyes. Jen has been my friend for so long, and Grant? Well I've been stuck with him since I was born." The crowd laughs again.

"I could always tell there was some type of connection between the two of them, even when we were younger. This love story had been written before they knew it themselves. It was a sight to see, a love that I knew was genuine, pure and most of all real. You two have really set the bar high for love. I wish you two a lifetime of happiness, you two were made for each other. And the up side of all of this? I won't hate my sister in law." That made us all laugh.

"I love you Lanz!" Jen yelled.

"I love you more." She said gazing at her brother and soon to be sister in law. "Alright so let's have a good time tonight and get ready for this wedding!" She lifted up her glass of champaign. "Please raise your glasses...to the bride and groom!" The room filled with cheers and whistles. Alana's eyes shifted to the back of the room and her face lit up.

"Ok before I get off the stage I have one more thing to announce. So in light of us being here for a wedding, it's only right to bring people together...Louis would you stand please?" All eyes shot to Louis who was just as surprised as the rest of us. "For those of you who don't know, this is my very good friend Louis Tomlinson. Recently I told him I had a surprise for him...are you ready Louis?" She grinned. Oh that grin.

"Bring it on Lanz!" He shouted. Lanz? When the fuck did he get on that level?

"Turn around." Alana pointed at the entrance. Louis turned as his jaw hit the floor and he looked like a child on Christmas. He ran to her, picked her up and twirled her around.

"I can't believe you're here!" It was one thing to trick Louis but to blow him away with a surprise like this...it was genius. He looked back at Alana. "You little devil!"

"Are you surprised?" Grace beamed.

They exchanged a few words and a brief kiss. The crowd clapped and cheered for them. And here was another example of happy couples. Grant and Jen, Niall and Bridgette and now Louis and Grace. Each of them had a common denominator...Alana. If it wasn't for Alana, none of these couples would be together. She's the average day Cupid, but who would be at her side? When I glanced back towards the stage she wasn't there. I searched the banquet room for her but still nothing. Where did she run off to?

"She'll do that from time to time." Sonny patted my back. "Don't worry she'll be back shortly."

"Where does she go?" I asked.

"It depends." He shrugged.

"On?"

"Her mood." He straightened in his chair. "C'mon grab your beer and let's take a walk."

---------------------------

"You know Harry, I believe the triplets are very fond of you and the rest of the guys." He raised his glass. We had walked outside to the deck and sat at the table facing the shoreline.

"The feeling is mutual, they're quite the characters." I said and took a swig of my beer.

"I would too after hearing what went on in Las Vegas." He kept a straight face. "I never liked him. Dean. Not one bit." He stared out to the ocean.

"That makes two of us." I scowled at the memory of that waste of life.

"I can tell you care for her. You and the rest of the boys." His eyes softened watching the sun set.

"We do, she's managed to captivate us all." I sighed. "She's unbelievably headstrong, extremely stubborn. It surprises us that she actually listens to Liam." Sonny chuckled.

"Yes, yes she is." He said. "I believe Liam reminds her of her brothers, specifically Tui. But you? You two seem as if you're fighting something." He tilted his head and looked into my eyes. "Why are you two trying so hard to not be...more?" I shifted in my chair. How does he know all this?

"I erm...I care for her, I do. I just want her to know for sure that...she knows what she wants." I sighed.

"I see. Well take some advice from this old man. As independent as she is, she still needs a little guidance. Especially in the relationship department." He took a swig from his glass. "She's tainted by the life she once lived. Heartbreak and anger was all she knew. Forgive me on her behalf, I'm not sure if you've seen her angry and I really hope you don't."

"Why is that?" I asked full of curiosity.

"Alana use to have a very short temper, but she's managed to keep it under control for the most part. My little girl...she is capable of hurting people." He frowned. "She cares for her family and close friends so she would never hurt them, she cherishes loyalty over anything. But if someone intentionally hurt her or the ones she loved..."

"Hurting people?" My brow raised.

"Physically." His tone dead serious. I recalled back to the day I first met her. She took on that guy and had no problem fighting him.

"The things that she use to do required a certain amount of abilities. That's why if she starts feeling those urges she calls me." His face softened. "I'm getting older, and not too many people can convince her to keep those feelings in check. The boys try but Tui has the best chance of her listening." That brought me back to that fight again. Grant had said something...'She's going to kill him'. Could she be capable of doing such a thing?

"So what are you saying?"

"I'm saying that I know Alana is quite fond of you and you of her. Do an old man a favor and just embrace it. There aren't too many people out in the world that I think can handle her." He put a hand on my shoulder. "Take care of my girl Harry. I know you'll be good for her, balance her life out. Challenge and care for her."

Was this my green light? Sonny more than approved, he wanted me with Alana. 'Shes capable of hurting people...physically'. What did they do to you Alana? An anger filled woman with the capability to inflict some serious damage on anyone that hurt her or the ones she loved. I've pissed her off and hurt her and yet she never acted out of control. This was my chance, my chance to bury her old life and show her something new, show her a life with me.

"There you are! I've been looking for you." We turned to see Alana walking towards us.

"Oh I've been out here having a little chat with Harry." He smiled up at her.

"Well, seems like you've charmed the men in my family Styles." She grinned.

"Darling I'm going to turn in for the night. This old man needs to rest." He stood and wrapped his arms around her. "Keep Harry company would you?"

"Of course. I love you."

"Love you too. Goodnight Harry." He waived.

"Night Sonny."

You could see how close they were, the admiration she had for him. She looked the most at ease around him. As he walked off Alana took a seat in his chair and kept her eyes on the ocean. Her hair swept to the side from the breeze and her sun kissed skin glowed with perfection. And yet something was troubling her.

"You alright?" I asked.

"Yeah I'm good. Long day I guess." She shrugged.

"I've been meaning to tell you how beautiful you look." I kept my eyes on her but she still only looked at the water.

"You too, the Bahamas agree with you." She smirked. "I see you've won the hearts of almost everyone here."

"Possibly...but not exactly the heart I was after." My eyes pleaded for her to look at me.

"Maybe you need to try a little harder." She licked her lips but still refused to look my way. I stood and walked over to her and sat in the chair so she only had no choice but to look at me.

"Maybe...the heart I'm after just needs a little guidance. A little reassurance that I'm only after one thing." I said finally being able to see the eyes that I adore so much. "You."

"Harry it's...complicated." She struggled with words.

"I don't care."

"Harry." she groaned.

"Alana, I don't care." I leaned into her and grabbed her hands.

"But Zayn and I-"

"What do I have to do to convince you that I don't care. I don't care what happened between you and Zayn. What I care about is you." I spoke truthfully. "I didn't fight for you before and I almost lost you. I'm not doing it again." Her eyes swelled up and she bit on her lip.

"I'm not good for you Harry." She whispered.

"Alana listen to me when I say I want you. I don't care about the past, let me show you what your future will be like...with me." I cupped her face and brought her close. "Be with me Alana. Let me make you happy."

Tears fell from her eyes and her lip quivered. Her hands slowly made their way over mine. She opened her mouth slightly and took a breath in. I was on the edge waiting for her to say something...anything. She looked away for a moment then found her way back to me. In that moment, I saw right through her...the pain, the anger, the happiness, the hope, the compassion...the love.

"Ok" she breathed.

"Ok?" I asked.

"Yes." She smiled.

I pulled her into me, I couldn't reach her lips quick enough. The lips that have always been out of reach, the lips that I've wanted to taste since the moment I saw her. Her lips opened slightly and our tongues danced together effortlessly. I stood not breaking contact and picked her up. Holding her felt like I was finally where I was suppose to be. Her tears still fell from her eyes, I broke away to look at her and gently wiped them away.

"I've wanted you since the day I met you Ms. Slate." I gazed into her beautiful eyes that captivated me that day.

"About damn time!" a voice shouted startling Alana. We both looked at the restaurant. There stood everybody, the lads, Alana's brothers and the girls. Alana hid her face in my chest and started laughing while I smiled and shook my head at our nosey friends and family.

"I'm sorry to break this up, but the maid of honor has some duties to fulfill tonight." Jen and Grant walked over to us.

"Yeah bro, you're with the guys tonight." He smiled.

"Alright." Alana said to Jen still a shade a pink. She looked back to me. "I'll see you tomorrow."

"Mhm" I pulled her closer to me and leaned down to kiss her. "Have fun tonight."

Jen pulled her away from me and the girls were off. I came to the wedding in hopes that Alana and I would be on better terms. I wasn't expecting for all of this to happen. This is the happiest I've been since I can remember. She's mine, actually mine...and no one is taking that away.

Notes

Hey hey hey!

wow, you guys are awesome. I don't know how many times I can express how much I love you for it. Nonstop love from you guys!

So how was the chapter guys? I know you'll be honest. :) I owed you guys a longer chapter. Now keep in mind, the next chapter will have MATURE content. So...you've been warned. ;)

I hope you guys are having a great week so far and if not hopefully this is a good pick me up :)

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