Thanks for the Memories

“Janie, sweetie, wash up for dinner,” I called to the house.

“’Kay mommy,” I heard the faint voice of my daughter come from the living room. I grabbed the final dinner plate off the counter and brought it to the kitchen table as my eldest child walked into the room.

“Mmm, something smells good. What’s for dinner mom?” he asked, leaning against the table.

“Your favorite,” I replied, smiling warmly at him and ruffling his hair. “Now can you go make sure your sister isn’t making a mess in the bathroom?”

“Sure thing mom.” As he dashed out of the room in search of his sister, I heard the front door open. I peeked out of the room down the long hallway and smiled warmly at the man standing in the doorway.

As he took off his shoes and set his keys down on the table in the foyer, I walked quietly up behind him and wrapped my arms as best I could around his waist. His movements stopped and a second later, he had twirled around and swooped my lips in a kiss that still made my knees go weak—even after all these years.

“Welcome home,” I said in a soft breath when he released my lips.

“Mmm, I love that you’re here waiting for me when I get home. It makes the end of my day so much better,” he whispered the last part in my ear, his warm breath blowing softly across my face.

“Glad to hear it,” I replied in a breathless manner.

He planted another sweet kiss on my lips and then pulled away. “Something smells delicious,” he said, grabbing hold of my hand and leading me down the hall to the kitchen.

Right as we entered the kitchen, Janie and Adam walked out of the half bathroom on the bottom floor. “Daddy!” Janie cried, launching into a full sprint towards Joe’s legs.

“Princess,” he cooed, swooping down and grabbing her into his outstretched arms and twirling her around. My heart swelled at the sight, the way it always did when Joe interacted with our kids. It just made me love him even more—and I didn’t think that was even possible.

“Hey dad,” Adam said, leaning in to hug his dad quickly.

“Hey buddy, how’s it going?” Joe asked, carrying Janie to the table as we followed behind.

“It’s going good,” Adam replied, taking a seat in his spot next to his dad.

“Glad to hear it, bud,” Joe said, smiling down at our son. After getting Janie to settle down, we all settled into the table and took hold of each other’s hands. Joe said a quick prayer before we all dug in to the meal I had prepared. “So, how was everyone’s day?” Joe asked, the way he usually started the dinner time conversation.

“It was gweat. Miss Lila gived me a gold star duwing weading time today. I no make noise, so she said evwyone need to follow my sample,” Janie chirped, smiling triumphantly.

“Wow! Another gold star! You’re on a roll baby girl,” Joe said, smiling tenderly at our youngest. “How many have you gotten this week?” he inquired before taking a bite of his lasagna.

“Five!” Janie replied holding up a tiny hand, her smile getting even wider. This, in turn, made me smile too. She was such a daddy’s girl and was pretty much glowing at Joe’s praise.

“That’s my girl,” Joe said before turning to Adam. “How about you Adam? How was school?”

“It was good. I won the class spelling bee,” he said, showing off the gap in his smile.

“Honey that’s great,” I said, smiling at him.

“Yea, now I get to go against the other kids in the third grade,” he said, his smile triumphant.

“See bud, I told you not to worry about anything. You’ve got your mom’s brains so there’s nothing you can’t do,” Joe said. I stared across the table at him and saw him smirking at me. He hadn’t even been looking at Adam as he said that, which made me blush. I always blushed at his compliments, even after being married for nine years. And he always got a chuckle out of it, and this time was no different. His laughter was the only thing that was heard as our kids stared at us with confused expressions.

Suddenly I felt a small pressure on my abdomen. I placed my hand on my swollen belly and frowned a bit. Joe’s laughter immediately died down and he stared at me with furrowed eyebrows. “What’s wrong Lex?” he asked.

I closed my eyes and shook my head to wave off his concern as a series of new kicks pushed at my stomach. “You okay mommy?” Janie asked from my right.

I opened my eyes and let out a soft breath. “Mommy’s fine baby girl. The baby just likes the sound of daddy’s voice,” I replied, giving her a reassuring smile. I turned my attention back to Joe and the look of concern he had been giving me before was still etched into the handsome features of his face. “I’m fine, really,” I assured him. He looked skeptical, but his look softened.

I hadn’t been paying attention to anything but Joe’s face, so I didn’t even realize that Janie had gotten out of her seat and was now standing next to me and scolding my swollen abdomen. “Baby, no hurt mommy. Daddy no like dat,” she said, wagging her finger at my stomach. Even though Janie—in her four year old mind—was being serious, this had the rest of us laughing. “You feel better mommy?” she asked, her hazel eyes (which she inherited from me) full of concern.

I brushed her light brown curls (which she inherited from her uncles) aside and nodded. “Yes, mommy feels much better,” I replied.

“Good. Baby knows it have to listen to its big sistew,” she said, twirling around and climbing back into her seat.

I giggled again and turned to look at Joe. His face held an amused expression that I can only imagine mirrored my own. “Doesn’t it remind you of—” I started.

“—Adam,” he finished with a chuckle, nodding his head as he remembered the same incident as me. Adam—who had forgotten the conversation that was taking place and was focused solely on the meal in front of him—turned to look at Joe expectantly when he heard his name. “You did the same thing when your mom was pregnant with Janie,” Joe clarified.

“I did?” Adam asked, tilting his head in a curious manner, just like his dad and uncles.

I giggled at the memory. “You did. We were watching movies at Uncle Ethan and Aunt Gracie’s house and Janie started kicking because she heard all of us laughing. You had been sleeping on my lap and felt the kicks and they hurt you, so you started scolding my stomach because you thought it was hurting me a lot more,” I told him.

“Oh,” he said with an impish grin, his cheeks blushing a light shade of pink. “I don’t remember that,” he mumbled, looking down at his plate.

“It’s okay, baby. Janie stopped right away. That’s when I knew she’d always listen to her big brother,” I assured, reaching over to pat his head in an assuring manner. His lips lifted in a lopsided smirk that resembled his fathers’.

“What ‘bout you, daddy? How was yow day?” Janie asked, keeping up the conversation. Joe launched himself into a tale about working with the latest artist under the label he and his brothers started years ago. Janie and Adam were just as enthralled by the tale as Joe was telling it. Since no one was paying attention to me, it left me free to admire my family. I truly was the luckiest woman alive. I have a loving, caring, faithful, amazing husband and two equally as amazing children, with another one on the way.

“Can we mommy?”

I realized I had been staring mindlessly at Joe all the while rubbing my six month old belly. I snapped to attention when I heard Janie addressing me. “What was that hun?” I asked, ignoring the smirk on Joe’s face. He knew why I wasn’t paying attention.

“I asked if we can have ice cweam while we watch a movie,” she repeated, hope glimmering in her hazel eyes. Both she and Adam had finished their homework early, knowing tonight was family night. I didn’t see why not.

“Absolutely princess,” I replied.

“Yes,” she and Adam said simultaneously, pumping their fists in the air. I smiled tenderly at them, getting up to bring the dishes to the sink.

“Adam, why don’t you and Janie go pick out a movie while me and mom clean the kitchen? Then you guys can come back and we’ll make sundaes,” Joe suggested, his eyes following me on my trek to the sink.

“Okay dad! Come on Janie,” he said, taking a hold of his sister’s hand when she climbed down from her chair.

Once they were gone, Joe got up from his seat and walked over to the sink, bringing a few plates with him. “Babe, why don’t you sit down and let me do this? You know you’re not supposed to be doing extraneous activities.”

I giggled softly and said, “Joey, I hardly think rinsing dishes and putting them in the dish washer constitutes as extraneous.”

I waited for his comeback but it never came. Instead he wrapped his arms around my protruding waist and pressed a line of kisses down my jaw line. “Please,” he whispered huskily in my ear. “It will ease my mind a bit if you take it easy for one night.”

His warm breath fanning across my ear and cheek sent a shiver down my spine the way it used to when we were teenagers. I turned around in his arms, my back pressed against the counter, and stared up at his handsome face. His brown eyes were smoldering and I knew there was no way I was going to win this one.

“Fine,” I mumbled in resignation. “But you’re gonna have to make this up to me,” I said in annoyance. I always hated when he babied me during pregnancies.

“I have no problem with that,” he said with a devilish grin. I didn’t even have time to think about the implication of that grin before his lips were descending on mine. It caught me off guard, but my body immediately reacted to his touch. My arms looped themselves around his neck, my mouth opened up underneath his and my back arched into his touch. His hands immediately fell on my swollen abdomen, as he had started doing since he found out about the pregnancy.

When we were both breathless he pulled away, leaving my mind still hazy. “I was thinking extra chocolate syrup in my sundae, but I like this so much better,” I teased, pulling his head down for another kiss. He chuckled against my lips but pulled back abruptly when he felt the flutter of kicks on his hands.

“Whoa,” he said. “My baby is getting strong in there,” he said, his attention now completely on my stomach.

I laughed at the awe in his voice. He was like that with Adam and with Janie too, always amazed that a part of him was in there. “Yea, she really likes you and your voice,” I said with a sly smile pulling at my lips.

His head snapped up at my words. “She?” he asked, his voice catching in his throat. “We’re having another girl?” I nodded my head, tears welling in my eyes. This was one part of pregnancy’s I didn’t like—they always made me so emotional. I saw Joe stand to his full height through my blurred vision. I barely had time to react before my face was cupped in his hands and his lips were pressed firmly to mine. “I love you, I love you, I love you,” he murmured against my lips. I couldn’t help but smile into the kiss.

“And I love you,” I replied, throwing my arms around his neck once more and deepening our kiss.

It seemed Joe couldn’t keep his mind in one place because he abruptly pulled away from me and bent down so that his face was in front of my stomach. He started stroking my abdomen as he spoke to it. “Hi baby girl. How are you doing in there? Mommy just told me that you’re gonna be a girl. You’re going to be my new little princess. Yes you are. Daddy loves you very much,” he cooed. His words caused another wave of fluttering kicks and I quickly yanked his hand to the area where the tiny feet were pounding.

“She’s going to be such a daddy’s girl,” I teased, wiping away at the tear of emotion that had formed on his dark lashes.

“Yes she is,” he replied, kissing my belly. “When did you find out it was going to be a girl?” he asked, standing up again.

“Today. Pretty much all the women in both our families went with me to my appointment,” I answered.

“But you weren’t scheduled for an appointment,” he said, his eyebrows scrunching together in confusion. “Or else I would have been there,” he added.

“I know,” I said with a shrug. “But I was experiencing some pain and my mom immediately scheduled an appointment for me.”

“Is everything okay?” he asked, his body instinctively moving closer to mine.

“Yea, everything is fine. Nothing to worry about. The baby and I are both healthy,” I emphasized, knowing that would be his biggest concern. “But when the doctor did the ultrasound, she asked if I wanted to know what the sex was. I wanted to wait until you were there but our moms both jumped at the opportunity to know what the sex of their next grandchild is going to be,” I explained, rolling my eyes at the memory of the two elderly women’s reactions.

“Oh, okay. As long as both my girls are okay,” he said with a soft smile, cupping my neck and giving me a soft kiss.

“Mommy, daddy, I want ice cweam,” Janie said, tromping into the kitchen with her arms folded across her chest and a pout on her lips, interrupting our moment.

Joe pulled away from me with a sigh. “Janie, what do we say?” he asked, his attention now on his first daughter.

“Pweaseeee,” she begged, unleashing the power of her big puppy dog eyes. I couldn’t help but giggle softly. That always let her get her way with her daddy.

Joe turned to me and said, “She gets that from you, ya know,” before turning back to her and saying, “Alright princess, let’s make you a sundae.”

She quickly jogged towards Joe, jumping up right when he opened his arms for her. He carried her over to the stainless steel refrigerator and allowed her to pull out the essentials for our dessert. I turned back to finish cleaning the dishes while Joe’s attention was elsewhere. Adam strolled into the room and assisted in the making of sundaes.

“Mommy, I have yow ice cweam,” Janie said, running over to me and handing me a bowl of ice cream drenched in chocolate syrup. Extra chocolate syrup… I looked up at Joe and saw him smirking at me as he licked sauce off his fingers. I rolled my eyes at him and turned back to my daughter.

“Thank you sweetie,” I said, setting the bowl down on the counter and grabbing a wet paper towel to wipe away at her sticky face and fingers. “Let’s go see what movie you guys picked out.”

Janie ran ahead of us with Adam right behind her. Joe took my hand and led me out of the kitchen and to the family room. The menu screen for Peter Pan was up and I noticed that both my children were already situated on the floor in front of the TV, shoveling ice cream into their mouths. Joe sat down and pulled me down so that my back was pressed to his chest and the rest of my body rested between his straddled legs on the couch. Once we were both comfortable, he hit play and started the movie.

Family nights at our house always consisted of watching movies, playing board games, or doing something creative with the kids. Personally, I love movie nights. It was the one time I was able to actually relax and not have to worry about cleaning up any mess afterwards or having to watch Janie so she didn’t get into any trouble (she was like her dad that way). And I was particularly grateful for it tonight because it had been a long day at the studio and I was exhausted. And being nestled next to Joe, his arms wrapped around me and his hands rubbing soothing circles around my abdomen had me slowly drifting off to sleep. Except right before falling under, Janie decided to get up and wiggle her way between us until she was sitting on top of Joe’s lap, essentially in the same position I had been in. I told Adam to come sit on the couch with us as well and he did, curling his head on my lap. I mindlessly patted his dark wavy hair as we continued to watch the movie in silence. By the time the end credits rolled Janie and Adam had both fallen asleep. I wasn’t that far off either.

“Time for bed,” Joe mumbled in the darkness.

“You get Janie, I’ll wake up Adam,” I said, wiping away at my tired eyes.

“Okay,” he said. Janie was already fast asleep in Joe’s arms, so all he had to do was stand up and carry her up to her room. As soon as he stood, her little arms wrapped around his neck and she buried her face deeper in his neck. “I’ll meet you upstairs,” he said, bending down to plant a kiss on my forehead.

“Alright,” I replied before he walked out of the room and towards the staircase. “Adam, honey, get up. It’s time for bed,” I coaxed, rubbing his head gently.

“Hmm,” he hummed.

“Come on baby, let’s get you to bed,” I tried again. He lifted his head from my lap and rubbed his sleepy eyes. He sat on the edge of the couch with his eyes closed for a few seconds. “You okay, honey?” I asked, rubbing his back soothingly.

“Did I miss the movie?” he croaked out, turning to look at me now.

“I’m afraid so,” I answered.

“Aww man,” he said in disappointment.

I couldn’t help but giggle at him. He was so disoriented. “Come on, let’s go upstairs and get ready for bed.” I stood up from the couch and took his hand in mine. I led the way upstairs, turning off all the lights in the process. Ten minutes later Adam was out cold underneath his baseball sheets—his dad and seven uncles made sure he grew up to be a Yankees fan.

I turned off his lights and walked into Janie’s room. She was already dressed in her Barbie pajamas and lay with her eyes closed underneath her sheets. I tiptoed into the room, knowing she’s a light sleeper, and bent down to press a kiss onto her forehead. “Good night princess,” I murmured into her hair line.

I was just at the door when she called out to me. “Momma, can you come lay wif me?” her tiny voice asked.

I waddled back over to her and sat on the edge of her bed. “I thought you were asleep baby girl,” I said, smoothing out her curly hair, hoping that would lull her to sleep.

She shook her head. “Can you tell me a stowy?” she asked, her hazel eyes now staring up at me.

I released a sigh. I knew she wouldn’t go to sleep until I had conceded. “Sure princess, which one do you want to hear?” I asked, situating myself so that I was sitting with my back against her head board.

“The day you and daddy got mawwied,” she answered, cuddling into my swollen side.

“Janie, you’ve heard that story a million times,” I stated.

“But it’s my favwit,” she said, her voice taking on a slight whine.

I smiled softly to myself. “Okay fine,” I said with a sigh. I made sure I was comfortable enough and launched myself into the bedtime story.

JB—JB—JB—JB—JB

It was a clear, pristine, June morning. The Texas summer was just starting, so the heat was just barely tolerable. There wasn’t a single cloud in the sky, the grass was a luscious green, the wind provided a gentle breeze, and the birds chirped amiably in the trees—everything was peaceful.

Until you stepped inside the Jonas house.

Today was the big day. After years of dating, Joe and I were finally tying the knot.

Without opening my eyes, I stretched out, my hands above my head.Today’s the day. With a smile pulling on my lips, I turned on my side to snuggle next to Joe, only to find the spot next to me empty and cold. I opened my eyes only to confirm that the spot where Joe had fallen asleep last night was empty. A frown etched itself onto my face, my mind already getting ahead of me. What did this mean? Had he changed his mind? Did he bolt in the middle of the night because he didn’t want to marry me anymore?

Worry seized me, making me sit straight up. Only then did I notice the giant bouquet of white roses sitting on Joe’s nightstand and the folded piece of paper resting on top of it. I took both in my hands and unfolded the paper, reading the message.

Hey JoJo,

Sorry I’m not lying next to you right now. You know I would be if it were up to me. But Anna, Dani, and Kim threatened that I wasn’t allowed to see you at all today until you were walking down the aisle towards me. Personally, I don’t get all that mumbo jumbo. Okay, I get not seeing you in your dress, but not being able to wake up next to you…that’s just unfair. I’m sure we’ll find a way to get around this though ;) So don’t freak out that I’m not in bed next to you. No, I didn’t change my mind and no I didn’t make a run for it in the middle of the night. (I can just imagine the blush on your cheeks right now because I know you were thinking it.) You are the love of my life and have been for years, nothing has ever changed that. And in just a few hours, nothing ever will. I love you more than you will ever know.

Love, your (soon to be) husband,

Joe

I smiled into the flowers that were pressed up to my face. The butterflies that had been present last night came back full force. I looked up when I heard the door creak and saw a pair of familiar hands carrying in a tray of breakfast. My face broke out in a full smile when Joe stepped completely into the room and closed the door behind him. His returning smile made the butterflies swarm faster.

“Morning beautiful,” he said, setting the tray on top of his dresser before turning to face me.

“Morning,” I answered, setting the folded piece of paper and flowers back on the night stand. “Thank you for my flowers,” I said.

Joe snapped out of whatever trance he was in and walked slowly towards the bed, climbing onto it and slowly crawling towards the spot where I still sat. “You’re welcome,” he said when he was finally lying next to me. I immediately snuggled into his side, wrapping my arms as best as I could around his waist. His arm dropped around my waist and he pulled me closer.

We lay in silence, each taking in the other’s facial expressions. Joe made the first movement, bringing his hand up to brush my bangs behind my ear. His head dipped down but instead of connecting our lips like I expected him to, he brought them close to my ear. The feel of his breath on my ear sent a shiver down my spine when he whispered, “You have no idea how impatient I am for tonight to get here already.” With those words, he started to press a line of kisses on my skin—starting at my ear, down my jaw line, on my chin. I finally couldn’t take it anymore, so I curled closer to him and brought my lips to his.

The kiss on my part was urgent and rushed, but Joe was taking his time, kissing me thoroughly to the point where I couldn’t think. He pulled away for a second to get some air, but I didn’t allow him to go too far. Almost immediately I turned my body so that I was hovering over him and connected our lips once more. His arms wrapped themselves around my waist at the same time his tongue traced the outline of my bottom lip. My mouth immediately opened, our kiss deepening to the point where nothing else in the world mattered. It was just him and me. And after tonight, it would be that way forever.

Except some people weren’t going to let that happen.

We both pulled away from each other when we heard the door knob being jiggled. “Joseph Adam Jonas, you better not be in this room right now,” came the sound of Anna’s threat. I couldn’t help but giggle at the guilty look on Joe’s face.

“I told you she threatened me,” he mumbled.

“How did you manage to get by her?” I whispered.

“I waited until she and Vince were busy with Kelly, then I dashed up here. There was no way I was going to go the whole day without seeing you,” he answered in a hushed whisper.

“Joe, Alexa, one of you better open this door right now,” Anna said again, jiggling the door knob to no avail.

“God, she’s going to kill me. But I don’t want to leave just yet,” he pouted, wrapping his arms tighter around my waist.

My lips lifted in a deviant smirk. “I’ll make it worth your while later tonight,” I whispered huskily in his ear, pressing my lips against the sensitive skin behind his ear. Joe let out a low moan before flipping us over so that he was now hovering over me. He attacked my lips with a fierce kiss this time—the patience that came with the last one erased.

“I’ll hold you to that,” he mumbled against my mouth.

Suddenly it was quiet outside. “She probably went to get someone that will break the door down. You better escape now while you still have the chance,” I teased. He stared at the closed door, at me, the door, and then back at me. I laughed at the torn look on his face before lightly pushing him off of me. “Just go,” I said.

“Fine,” he mumbled, pressing his lips to mine once again.

It started to get intense again so I mumbled, “Joe.”

“Okay, okay, I’m going,” he said when I pushed his shoulders again. “See you later beautiful,” he said before leaning in for one quick peck. He hopped off the bed and jogged to the door, he opened it a crack and made sure the coast was clear. Then he turned and gazed at me again, his eyes scanning every inch of my body—which is when I realized I was only in boy shorts and a tank top—before landing on my face again. “God, Ireally can’t wait until tonight.” With those words, he left the room. I flopped back down on the bed with a silly grin on my face…only to have the door bang open a minute later.

I sat up in surprise and found Kevin standing there with a key in his hand—an apologetic smile etched onto his face. Anna was standing next to him, her eyes scanning the room. “Where is he?” she asked when she saw that Joe wasn’t in here.

“Where’s who?” I asked innocently.

“Don’t try to fool me. I told him he couldn’t see you until the ceremony,” she said, walking towards the attached bathroom, then the closet.

“I haven’t seen him since last night,” I fibbed when she came back out. Her eyes narrowed in my direction. I know she didn’t believe me, but there was no evidence to prove otherwise.

“Fine,” she grumbled. Then her face lifted in a smile. “Lex, you’re getting married today!!” she exclaimed in glee. It had been almost four years since Joe gave me that promise ring at her wedding to my brother, and six months since he proposed on Christmas. Anna had been waiting for this for a long time. We all had.

I flopped back down on the bed, a smile etched permanently on my face. “Yes I am,” I answered. “Finally,” I added to myself.

JB—JB—JB

The entire day was a whirlwind from the moment I stepped out of Joe’s bedroom. First was breakfast with the immediate women in the family, meaning my mom, Denise, Anna, Danielle, Ian’s wife Kimberly, and Mia. From there, all of us, plus the rest of my bridesmaids, went to the salon to get our hair done. There were so many of us that the salon had to be closed to the public. That just gave the paparazzi more room to stalk us. The Jonas Brothers weren’t touring as much as they did a few years ago, but were more involved in producing other artists and doing their own thing. They put out an album every now and then, so they were still very much in the spotlight, putting the rest of us right there with them.

After we got our hair done (we were smart and decided to get our nails done the day before), all the women went to the hotel the reception would be held at. Several rooms had been booked for the day so that the women could get ready at the hotel while the men got ready at the house.

Everyone had taken so much care in ensuring that Joe and I didn’t see each other all day.

When we arrived, we all had lunch at the restaurant on the ground floor. By this time there were only three hours left until the ceremony. I was too nervous to eat or drink anything besides a few sips of water. So once the bill was paid, we all packed ourselves into two elevators and made our way up to our rooms.

The three hours that followed were the most nerve wracking one’s of my life. Several make-up artists were hired to do the bridal party’s make-up, but I had the artist that always did my make-up back in my modeling years. By the time it was time to get into my dress, I was a bundle of nerves.

“What if he doesn’t show up? What if he suddenly realizes that marrying me is a mistake?” I asked as my bridal party gathered in the room. Grace was smoothing out my dress and Anna was adjusting the train as the other girls grabbed their respective bouquets.

“Alexa, just relax. You and Joe have been together for years. Right now would be a pretty crappy time to decide he doesn’t want to be with you,” Anna said with a chuckle.

“My point exactly!” I shrieked, now starting to pace.

At that time my mom and Denise walked into the room. They had been helping me get ready, while Grace, who was my maid of honor, got ready. When she came into the room, she took over so that mom and Denise could go change. Now they were back and taking one look at the angst on my face let them in on the situation.

“Oh Alexa, you look gorgeous,” my mother said, tears welling in her eyes. I was the third one of her children to be getting married, true, but I was also her first daughter to get married.

“He’s not going to be there!” I blurted, my nerves getting the best of me.

“Oh honey, don’t be ridiculous. Joseph has been a wreck all day too. He thinks you won’t show up either,” Denise said, coming over and giving me a reassuring hug. “You look beautiful,” she added.

“Really?” I asked.

“Of course! You’ve always been such a beautiful girl,” she assured.

“No, I mean the part about Joe being a wreck. He really thinks I won’t show up?” I clarified.

Denise gave a soft laugh. “Oh yes. He’s called me at least half a dozen times in the past hour, making sure that you were really going through with this,” she stated.

I let out a breath. “If only we were allowed to have our phones! I wouldn’t be so nervous if I could just talk to him.”

JB—JB—JB—JB—JB

“I felt the same way.”

I looked up at the doorway and saw Joe standing there in his plaid pajama bottoms and a plain white tee on. His hair was damp, indicating he just got out of the shower, and he had his glasses on. He was leaning against the doorframe with his arms folded across his chest.

“Daddy, momma was telling me da stowy ‘bout when you got mawwied,” Janie chirped from my side. So far the story wasn’t lulling her to sleep. If anything, she was more alert now, wanting more of the story. At this rate she’d never get to sleep.

“So I hear,” Joe said, unfolding his arms and walking towards us. “Is there room for one more in there?” he questioned. There really wasn’t, but Janie instantly moved closer to me, making room for Joe on the other side of the bed. This way she was squished between us. “Now how ‘bout the rest of that story?” he asked, staring over at me with a smirk on his lips.

I narrowed my eyes at him. “Actually, why don’t you take over from here Joey?”

“But it’s just getting to the good part,” he said with a pout.

“Exactly,” I replied.

“Yea daddy. Finish da stowy,” Janie chirped.

Joe rolled his eyes and said, “Okay fine.”

JB—JB—JB—JB—JB

“Joe, get off of me,” Kevin said, struggling to keep Joe back.

“Just…give…me…my…phone,” Joe said, panting against his struggle.

“Dani said not to,” Kevin said. “Nick, help,” he cried out.

Within the next few seconds Nick was running into the room, his bowtie hanging around his neck, one shoe on and the other still in his hand. “What’s wrong?” he asked. Then he saw his two older brothers struggling with each other and shook his head. “Seriously, Joe?” he asked.

Joe stepped away from Kevin and stomped his foot on the ground. “I just want to talk to my fiancée and make sure she hasn’t made a run for it. Is that too much to ask?”

“First of all, you’re 23, almost 24 years old; you should not be stomping like a petulant child. Second of all, Alexa isn’t going anywhere. Demi told me she’s freaking out just as bad as you,” Nick said, now standing in front of Kevin’s mirror fixing his bowtie, having finished with his shoes as he spoke.

“And besides, you’ve talked to mom and she’s told you the same thing,” Kevin added as he threw on his tuxedo jacket. He had been getting ready when Joe barged in the room and nearly attacked him to get to his phone.

“I just need to hear her voice and have her assure me that she’s not going anywhere,” Joe said, sitting on the edge of Kevin’s bed.

Nick and Kevin exchanged glances between each other before taking a seat on either side of their brother. “Joe, stop psyching yourself out. Alexa has liked you since before you even realized you liked her. You were her first love and her one true love. That’s not going to change now, or ever,” Nick said.

“Yea dude, you’re freaking out about nothing. Trust me. You remember how I was when Dani and I were getting married,” Kevin added, clapping Joe on the back.

“Yea I guess,” Joe mumbled.

“Alright are you boys ready to go?” The three eldest Jonas’ looked up when they heard Papa Jio walk into the room. “Why aren’t you boys ready?” he asked, looking at the platinum watch on his wrist.

“Joe’s freaking out. We were just trying to get him to relax,” Nick answered.

David Jionzo looked down at the boy…man…that in just one hour would be his son-in-law. “Why don’t you boys let me handle this one and finish getting ready? I wouldn’t put it past those women coming over here and hauling us to that church if we’re not there on time,” he said with a chuckle. Kevin and Nick both smiled at the crack. Kevin was already done and Nick still had to go put on his jacket. They both exited the room and left Joe with his future father-in-law.

Once the door was closed, David took one look at Joe and let out a sigh. It was time for him to give Joe his speech—the speech every father seemed to give the man that was marrying their little girl.

Joe was already anticipating the speech. But that didn’t make him any less nervous. He had known Papa Jio for years, sure, but he knew how protective he was of his eldest daughter.

“Joseph, son, I don’t know how to go about saying this, so I’m just going to say it. My daughter has liked you for years. I watched as she pined after you as a little girl, in her teenage years and even now as a grown woman. She’s loved you her whole life and even though she dated other boys, she never seemed to quite let go of you. I can’t say I was ever happy watching her cry over you all those years ago. But I can’t tell you how glad I am you two kids worked out. I think it’s safe to say we all wanted you two together, but no one can be happier than I am. Because I know that today, my daughter is marrying a good man. A man who will support her, care for her, and love her unconditionally. I don’t have to worry about her when she’s with you. I know you’ll take care of our girl. And I’m just glad I can now officially call you my son.”

This whole speech was given without David even looking at Joe. But as Joe stared at the side of his future father-in-laws face, he could see a single tear roll down his face. He hastily wiped away at it before looking over at the man his daughter was spending the rest of her life with. “Alright son, let’s get out of here. We have a wedding to get to.”

Joe smiled at Alexa’s dad, getting up after him and giving him a manly hug. David hesitated for a millisecond before hugging Joe back. Now that their moment was over, they really had to get to that church.

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“You never told me my dad gave you that speech,” I whispered quietly. Janie was snuggled into Joe’s side and I didn’t want to risk waking her up if she had fallen asleep.

“Gwandpa is nice,” Janie’s tiny voice said.

Joe and I let out simultaneous sighs. Guess we have to keep telling the story. “Yes he is,” Joe said. “Wanna take it over from here, Lex?” he asked, looking at me expectantly.

I shook my head. “I want to hear it from your perspective. And besides, Janie’s already heard the story from my point of view. It’s your turn,” I answered.

“Yea daddy, keep going,” Janie said, snuggling closer into Joe’s side.

“Ok, fine,” he grumbled.

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“Joe, are you ready?”

Joe looked up at Nick standing in the doorway. They had been at the church for a half hour already and Joe had gotten even antsier. He still hadn’t been allowed to talk to Alexa and that had his nerves on end. He knew she was here already, but he also knew it would have been impossible to get to her. That girl had more protection around her than the president of the United States. And he personally wouldn’t ever want to go against Anna, Kim, or Danielle—those women were scary when they were serious.

So instead he had paced in the small room he had been confined in and practiced the vows he had written. “Give me just a minute,” he said.

Nick nodded and left the room. Joe looked into the mirror and straightened his tie, making sure he looked okay. Then he closed his eyes and took a deep breath to steady his racing heart. They fluttered open when he heard the door open and close behind him. “I’m coming,” he said, turning around, expecting to see Nick there. But Nick wasn’t the person standing in the doorway. “Oh, hey Demi,” he said, giving his friend a weak smile.

She smiled back at him as she walked up to his side and embraced him in a hug. “How ya holding up, handsome,” she asked.

“I’m doing good. I kinda wish I could talk to Lex, but no one has let either one of us near our phones,” he answered, with a weak shrug.

“Aww, I’m sorry Joe. It is kind of stupid the extremes they went through to keep you guys apart,” Demi said remorsefully. “But…I think I can help.” A deviant smirk pulled at her lips as she pulled her phone out from her bra. Joe raised his eyebrows at her. “Don’t even say anything,” she threatened. He kept his mouth shut, because if he knew Demi, he knew she was going to make it possible for him to talk to Alexa. She pressed a few buttons on her phone before bringing it up to her ear. “Hi, Denise...Yea, I just ran out to check on something, I’ll be there in a minute, but could you put Alexa on the phone for me?...I know she wanted to be alone for a while, but please, tell her it’s important.” Joe stared anxiously at Demi’s face as he waited for her next words. “Hey Lex!...Yea, everything’s great, hang on a second.” With that, she shoved her phone into Joe’s hands, grinned widely at him, and then left the room.

Joe stood there for a second, shaking his head at the closed door. He really loved Demi and he was so glad that Nick and her had finally gotten together, after much encouragement from them AND the fans and media.

“Hello, Demi, are you there?” Joe heard Alexa’s faint voice coming from the speaker. He quickly pressed the phone to his ear.

“JoJo?”

“Joe? What are you doing with Demi’s phone?” she asked, her voice laced with curiosity and excitement.

“She called you so that I can speak to you,” he replied.

“But, aren’t you supposed to be up at the altar right now? Everyone’s already getting ready.”

“Yea, I know, but I just had to talk to you, hear your voice. I’ve missed you all day, ya know.”

“I know. I’ve missed you too.”

“And even though I’m probably going to see you in approximately two minutes, I just wanted to tell you that I love you.”

“I love you too, Joey,” she whispered through the line.

“Joe, seriously, you have to get out there,” Nick said, barging into the room.

Joe looked up at him quickly before saying, “I have to go.” He quickly hung up the phone and walked towards the door where Nick stood giving him a quizzical look, Demi peeking in right behind him. “Here you go Dems, thanks,” Joe said, giving her a peck on the cheek. Nick looked between them and his eyes sparked in understanding. He shook his head, deciding not to say anything. He knew that it would be futile, so instead he just dragged Joe towards the side door that would lead them to the altar. Demi just smiled at Joe and walked in the opposite direction to where the bridal party was lining up in the back.

Joe took his position up by the priest, Nick—his best man—at his side. He glanced around the room. It was packed with people—their guests (both families and friends intermingled), the hired photographers, and select videographers that were capturing the event on film. Joe was brought to attention by the music that started to filter throughout the church. His eyes immediately focused on the doors in the back of the room. They were opened by the ushers and slowly, one by one, the bridal party proceeded down the aisle.

First came all the bridesmaids and groomsmen—Mia and Frankie, Selena and Brady, Kimberly and Marcus, Demi and Ethan, Danielle and Kevin, Anna and Vince. Then came the maid of honor—Grace. After that came the ring bearer—Joe’s five year old cousin—and the flower girl—Anna and Vince’s three year old daughter Kelly. After that everyone stood up as the melody was switched to the bridal march.

Joe didn’t focus on anything but those mahogany double doors. His heart was racing uncontrollably in his chest. And then he saw her. Her right arm was looped through her father’s left one, her bouquet in her left hand. She was truly a vision in white. Her dress fit her snuggly, accentuating the curves she always maintained. Her veil was blocking her face, but Joe could see she looked just as beautiful as she always did. Her hazel eyes were fixed on his as well, an impish grin pulling at the corners of her lips. The sight of her made Joe’s heart rate speed up even more as he fought back the tears that were threatening to spring to his eyes. They were walking too slowly for his liking—he wanted her at his side already. When they finally reached the altar, David Jionzo stopped in front of him. He gave him a small smile before turning to lift Alexa’s veil. He pressed his lips to her cheek before placing her hand in Joe’s outstretched one.

Joe pulled her to his side and smiled widely at her. They then turned to face the priest as he began the ceremony. Joe was only barely listening to what the priest was saying too caught up in the beautiful woman that had agreed to spend the rest of her life with him. He was forced to pay attention when they exchanged vows and when he slipped the diamond encrusted white gold band over her ring finger, situating it above the matching engagement ring.

“I present to you Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Adam Jonas. You may now kiss the bride,” the priest said.

“Finally,” Joe murmured to himself. He tugged on Alexa’s right hand, bringing his other hand to cup her face. He brought her face to his and smashed his lips against hers. The entire church was clapping and hollering in the background—but Joe didn’t care. He was finally married to the love of his life and all he could focus on was the feel of her lips beneath his and the smile that was etched onto her face.

JB—JB—JB

Joe couldn’t take his eyes off of his new bride. As the guests situated themselves in their seats in the massive ballroom rented at the most luxurious hotel, his eyes were glued to the woman sitting at his side. He had to take this moment in because he knew it wouldn’t last forever. Soon enough everyone will have settled from taking pictures of them entering, guests will be in their seats, speeches will be made, the dancing will start, and then they’ll have to go around greeting every single one of their guests. So this was the only chance he would get to soak in her radiance.

Alexa had been watching as everyone took pictures of them before proceeding to their seats. The smile that was on her face was wide and she didn’t believe there was anything that would get her to stop smiling. The ceremony had gone perfectly and now she wasfinally married to Joe. She glanced over at him, to see if he was just as excited as she was, only to find his eyes fixed on her. Her smile widened, which made him smile too. She reached out and intertwined her fingers in his, smiling even wider at him. His smile was laced with laughter as he brought their hands up and pressed a kiss to her knuckles.

But their moment was ruined as Grace, who was sitting dutifully next to Alexa, tapped her fork against her champagne glass. Everyone’s attention was drawn to the front table where the entire bridal party was situated, the bride and groom at the center of the long table.

Joe and Alexa turned their attention from each other and looked at Grace as she began her speech. “As many of you know, Alexa and I have been friends for years. I knew it the moment I met her that we would be great friends, and I am so honored to be here as her maid of honor. When I first met her, I knew that she and Joe had a special relationship—they were each others’ best friend and there was a deeper love and understanding between them than I could ever understand. Which is why I was so surprised when she started to date my brother.” Everyone that knew of the previous relationship let out a low chuckle, but Alexa’s cheeks turned red. It was funny now—both she and Kyle were happily married—but back when all that drama happened, it wasn’t all that funny. Grace winked at her before continuing her speech. “But I wasn’t at all surprised that when it came down to it, she picked Joe. Anyone who spent at least half an hour with them would know that they were meant for each other. And after many break ups and dilemmas, I’m so happy to see you guys pull through. You two deserve each other and I wish you the very best of luck in your future together.”

The guests all started clapping at the end of the speech, stopping only to chorus ‘To the bride and groom’ before all taking a sip of their drinks. Alexa’s vision was blurred by her tears—Grace’s speech had truly been touching. She got up and gave her best friend a tight hug.

“Thank you,” she whispered into her ear.

“You’re welcome,” Grace whispered back before they both took their seats.

After that several other people gave their speeches. Then it was time for Alexa to dance with her father. Alexa had allowed her father to choose the song that they would dance to and as he led her out to the center of the empty dance floor, she was curious to know what his pick had been. She didn’t recognize the melody but it was slow and sweet. She swayed back and forth in her father’s arms, staring up at his aging face and listening intently to the words.

Look at the two of you dancing that way
Lost in the moment and each other’s face
So much in love you’re alone in this place
Like there's nobody else in the world
I was enough for her not long ago
I was her number one
She told me so
And she still means the world to me
Just so you know
So be careful when you hold my girl
Time changes everything
Life must go on
And I'm not gonna stand in your way

But I loved her first and I held her first
And a place in my heart will always be hers
From the first breath she breathed
When she first smiled at me
I knew the love of a father runs deep
And I prayed that she'd find you someday
But it’s still hard to give her away
I loved her first

Her eyes stung with unshed tears as her father sang the lyrics low enough so that only she could hear him.

How could that beautiful woman with you
Be the same freckle face kid that I knew
The one that I read all those fairy tales to
And tucked into bed all those nights
And I knew the first time I saw you with her
It was only a matter of time

He rubbed away at the tears now rolling down her cheeks as he pressed a kiss to her temple.

I loved her first and I held her first
And a place in my heart will always be hers
From the first breath she breathed
When she first smiled at me
I knew the love of a father runs deep
And I prayed that she'd find you someday
But it’s still hard to give her away
I loved her first

He kept his face close to hers for the remainder of the song, whispering the last few lines into her ear.

From the first breath she breathed
When she first smiled at me
I knew the love of a father runs deep
Someday you might know what I'm going through
When a miracle smiles up at you
I loved her first

He pulled away and pressed a kiss to his daughter’s cheek. The crowd around them applauded as Joe walked towards the center of the floor. David smiled at Joe before handing his daughter over to her husband and walking to the outskirts of the circle. Alexa watched with tear filled eyes as her father stepped next to her mother and wrapped an arm around her waist, turning to watch as she and Joe shared their first dance as a married couple like everyone else.

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“I totally understand your dad now,” Joe whispered into my ear. I looked up at him. My eyes had grown hooded as Joe sang the song that my father and I had danced to at our wedding.

“Hmm,” I hummed in a half stupor.

“The lyrics to the song, the message your dad was sending by picking that song, I understand it now,” he repeated. He looked down at Janie who was now finally asleep. He brushed her curly light brown hair out of her face and pecked her small forehead tenderly. “Just looking at Janie, I understand now. The moment she was born she just had this magnetic pull that attracted me to her. And there was no turning back after that. The love of a father does run deep, and pretty soon I’ll have another little girl to watch grow up and who I’ll have to make sure marries the right man,” Joe whispered, all in order to not wake up Janie.

I smiled tenderly at him before reaching over and stroking his face. “She’s only four Joe. We still have a while before she’s even interested in boys,” I whispered back.

He sent me an amused smile before motioning for me to follow him back to our room. We both kissed our daughter’s head one more time before tip-toeing out of the room and closing her door. When we were out in the hallway Joe took my hand in his and lead me down the hall to our room.

“You know, daddy, we were just coming up to the best part of that night,” I said in a low, sultry voice as I made my way over to our adjoining bathroom door. I turned around to glance at Joe over my shoulder and saw that his eyebrows were raised.

“Is that so?” he questioned, following me towards the bathroom.

“Mmhmm,” I hummed, sending him a wink before closing the door in his face.

I heard him let out a groan in frustration through the door. I giggled to myself before going through my nightly routine.

JB—JB—JB—JB—JB

Joe had his forehead pressed to the door that his wife had just closed in his face. He heard the water running in the bathroom and knew Alexa wouldn’t be opening the door like he half expected her to. Releasing a sigh, he turned and walked over to their large, king size bed. He pulled the covers down and lay on his side of the bed. He had his hands folded underneath his head and his eyes closed. He thought about Alexa’s words—the best part of that night. She must have been talking about their honeymoon. After the majority of the guests had left, Joe and Alexa had gone up to a room in the hotel and (after Alexa managed to get him off of her) changed out of their wedding attire and into something a bit more comfortable. Then they had been driven to the airport where they boarded their flight to Hawaii. Joe had wanted to surprise Alexa with the best honeymoon ever, so he had booked the Vera Wang Bridal Suite at the Halekulani Hotel—the best spot for a honeymoon. With the time difference and the number of hours they spent on the plane, by the time they had arrived at the hotel, the sun had long ago descended below the horizon. And that’s when their fun began.

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“Joseph Adam Jonas, I swear to God you better not drop me,” Alexa was saying as her arms tightened around his neck. He had insisted on carrying his new bride into their hotel suite and there was nothing Alexa could do to stop him.

“Don’t worry Alexa Joanne Jonas. I won’t,” he replied, a teasing tone in his voice. But Alexa saw the smile that tugged at his lips and that in turn caused her to smile as well. She was finally married to the man of her dreams—she quite liked the way ‘Jonas’ sounded at the end of her name.

She leaned down and pressed her lips to Joe’s as he fumbled with the door of the suite. He succeeded in opening it without dropping her. When they were standing in the entranceway, Alexa pulled away from him and allowed her eyes to sweep across the space. “Joe, oh my goodness, is this where we’re staying?!” she gawked, wiggling in his arms so that he’d let her down.

Joe got the hint and lowered her to the ground, wrapping his arms around her waist as she stared, open mouthed at the space around them. They were standing in the living room area of the suite and to their right was the door to their bedroom that had the bathroom attached to it.

“Do you like it?” Joe asked, leaning close into her ear. He smiled in satisfaction when she shivered in his arms, still enamored by the room.

“I love it,” she mumbled, finally turning to look at him. “And I love you,” she added, cupping his face in her smaller hands and pressing her lips to his. Her entire body pressed against his and he felt his want for her grow. He brought one of his hands up to her neck and cupped it there as his other hand squeezed at her hips. He took a step forward, bringing him closer to her. Alexa took a step back and he continued walking her backwards until they reached the bedroom door. Joe opened it and pushed her into the room.

Alexa brought her lips away from his and turned to look at the room, another gasp escaping her lips at how equally gorgeous it was. “Joe,” she breathed out. At that moment she felt Joe’s lips press against the back of her neck. He pulled her long mocha hair aside as his lips left a trail of kisses along her elegant neck. “This room is honestly perfect. Thank you for bringing me here,” she whispered.

Joe turned her to face him one more time. “I love you Lex, and you deserve only the best of everything.” Alexa smiled up at him, the love she felt for him pressing heavily on her chest. An amused smirk tugged at Joe’s lips as he opened his mouth to speak again. “Now can you please stop gawking at the room and let me show you how much I love you?”

Alexa didn’t even have a chance to respond before his lips were already descending on hers as his arms wrapped themselves underneath her knees. She let out a squeal as he picked her up and carried her over to the massive bed. He rested his knee on the small couch in front of the bed before dropping her on it, his lips never detaching themselves from hers. His hands roamed her body as he got rid of her clothes and his. This wasn’t the first time they had ever done this—since they had been dating for almost four years and pretty much promised to each other, they had long ago given themselves to each other. But it was their wedding night, so either way, it was a special moment.

And just like their first encounter, Joe was gentle with her. He knew how to please his woman, and this time was no different. Alexa couldn’t even speak as Joe moved his body against hers, his name sighing through her mind as he made love to her well into the night.

JB—JB—JB—JB—JB

The sound of the bathroom door opening a while later brought Joe away from the memory. They had barely left their hotel room all throughout the honeymoon—and if it had been up to him they never would have. He had spent countless hours exploring every inch of his wife’s body, and the memories of their trip had stirred want within Joe—and it was fairly obvious.

“What were you thinking about?” Alexa asked, an amused smile on her face as she rubbed her hair dry with a towel, a smaller one barely covering up her expanded body.

Joe slowly got off their bed and walked over to her, his hands instantly falling to Alexa’s expanding waist as he leaned his face close to hers. “Just our wedding night…and how much fun we had,” he whispered into her ear. His breath shot across her ear and neck, making desire stir within her.

“Oh really?” Alexa stammered as his hands started roaming her body, everything she was turning to goo between her legs.

“Mmhmm,” Joe hummed, his lips catching her earlobe as he sucked on it. Alexa’s eyelids fluttered shut as she threw her head back and allowed Joe to work his magic. Joe’s lips trailed down her neck, sucking gently at the hollow where her neck met her shoulder.

“Joe,” Alexa breathed out, his slow, sensual movements driving her crazy. Her hormones were awry because of the pregnancy and his small gestures were turning her on faster than they normally would have. “Joe,” she breathed out again.

“What?” he breathed out against her neck, barely having lifted his lips at all.

“Don’t start something you don’t plan on going through with,” Alexa warned the want in her voice evident.

Joe merely smirked as he lifted his face completely from her collar bone. “It won’t hurt the baby, right?” he asked for clarification. After two other pregnancies Joe knew Alexa was far enough along that they could have sex without harming the baby.

“Right,” she whispered.

Joe’s grin only widened. “Then don’t worry babe, I plan on making love to you tonight. I love you, and I’m going to prove it to you…again.” With that his lips cascaded down on hers. Alexa stopped thinking after that, allowing Joe to take complete control.

She was wrapped up in his arms a while later, almost asleep on their comfortable bed. Joe was gently drawing random patterns on her skin as his lips pressed feather-like kisses on her shoulder. “Lex,” he whispered into her ear. Alexa barely stirred, too close to unconsciousness to acknowledge him. “Babe, are you still awake?” he tried again.

“No,” she murmured, her eyes still closed.

Joe chuckled gently. “Okay then. Well, I just wanted to tell you that I love you and that I’m so happy you decided to love me back and spend the rest of your life with me. We’ve had some great times together and I can’t wait for the one’s to come. So, thank you for the memories my love.”

Alexa let out a long breath. “I love you too Joey,” she murmured before her breathing evened out.

Joe leaned forward and pressed one more kiss to her lips before falling back and falling asleep himself, the love of his life and their future daughter tucked safely in his arms.