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Epilogue:

 

AJ and Alissa got married six months later at a ceremony on the beach behind their home.  Their first dance was to “Safest Place To Hide”* and AJ sung every word to her. He had come to realize that he was home and safe with her and he wanted to make her feel that way for the rest of their lives.

 

Howie and Leigh gave them the best present of all that night. Leigh offered to be a surrogate so that AJ and Alissa could have their wish for more kids. Nine months later, they welcomed twins, Howard Nicholas and Emma Leigh.

 

Their family was finally complete and, looking at all the happiness around her, Alissa realized that the note she had written so long ago was the best decision of her life.

 

 

 

*Lyrics to “Safest Place To Hide” (Backstreet Boys):


It seems like yesterday when I said, "I do"

And after all this time my heart still burns for you

If you don't know by now that you're my only one

Then take a look inside me and watch my heart strings come undone


I know I promised you forever

Is there no stronger word I can use?

To reassure you when the storm is ragin' outside

You're my safest place to hide


Can you see me?

Here I am

I need you like I needed you then

When I feel like givin' up

I climb inside your heart and still find

You're my safest place to hide


You see colors no one else can see

In every breath you hear a symphony

You understand me like nobody can

I feel my soul unfoldin', like a flower bloomin'
When this whole world gets too crazy, yeah

And there's nowhere left to run

I know you give me sanctuary

You're the only truth I know, you're the road back home


Can you see me?

Here I am

Standin' here where I've always been

And when words are not enough

I climb inside your heart and still find

You're my safest place to hide, my safest place to hide


I know I promised you forever

There's no stronger word, I can use

To reassure you when the storm is ragin' outside

You're my safest place to hide
Oh, can you see me?

Here I am

Standin' here where I've always been

When I feel like givin' up

I climb inside your heart and still find

Yeah, yeah, you're my safest place to hide

Oh, yeah, you're my safest place to hide