Leaving New York, leaving Chloe and Gabby to go on tour had been hard the first time, but it was even harder this time.  Justin had needed to get to the airport and Chloe needed to get Gabby to school so their “goodbye” was brief.  Now, his flight had just taken off and he was already wishing he was back in New York.  12 days.  Twelve days from now he would be back in New York for Gabby’s birthday party. 

Gabby.  He adored Gabby.  From the moment he’d met her he had adored her.  She was a great kid.  Intelligent, just like her mother.  Compassionate, again, like her mother.  Independent. Funny.  Curious.  Wise beyond her years.  Truly, he’d never met another child who was as well spoken and mature as Gabby.  Then again, Chloe was her mother so it wasn’t a complete surprise. 

She wanted a Trolls themed birthday party and he was going to do everything in his power to make sure Gabby had the best Trolls birthday ever.  Just thinking about it made him smile.  However, thinking about Gabby naturally led to thinking about Chloe.  Truthfully, he couldn’t stop thinking about Chloe.  He was in love with her, but he wasn’t just in love with her he was head over feet in love with her.  He’d never felt quite this deeply about any woman and it was beginning to make him think about things he’d never really thought about before.  The thoughts running through his mind terrified him yet excited him at the same time. 

By the time his flight landed in New Orleans his thoughts were running wild.  A chauffeured car was already waiting when his plane landed.  As soon as he was in the car Justin flipped his phone out of Airplane mode and quickly shot off a text to his “brothers.”

Justin: I need help

Joey:  that’s nothing new

Justin smirked at Joey’s response.  Joey was always the jokester, the one with the sarcasm but he wouldn’t change Joey for anything in the world.

Justin: I’m being serious

JC: what’s up?

Justin sucked in a breath.  He trusted his “brothers” with his life but for some reason, putting his heart out there still scared the shit out of him.

Justin:  Lance? Chris? How did you know?

Lance: How did I know what?

Justin chewed on his bottom lip nervously.  If he did this, if he said what was on his mind and in his heart, there was no turning back.  He didn’t want to go back.  He wanted to keep moving forward but putting the words out there made it real. 

Justin: With Michael? How did you know?

Lance:  I don’t know.  It just happened.  Not all at once but over time.  A little bit more everyday until it was the only thing I could think about.

Chris: Same

JC: What’s going on J?

Justin: I’m in love with Chloe

Joey: Yeah, we knew that

Justin: No, you don’t get it…

Lance: I do!  I get it!  Let me guess…you can’t stop thinking about her but that’s perfectly fine because you don’t want to stop thinking about her.  When you’re around her you don’t want to ever leave her and when you’re gone you feel like a piece of you is missing.  Does that sound about right?

Justin: YES!!! 

Lance: not a terrible problem to have

Justin: No, it’s not, but I don’t know what to do.  It’s only been a little less than three months

Chris: SO?  Why does that matter? 

Justin: I mean…it doesn’t…not to me anyway, but I think it does to her

Joey: Did you ask her?

Justin sighed.  The answer to that question was simple, but at the same time it wasn’t.  There was so much going on, for both of them, that although the topic had come up a few times neither had the courage to really talk about it.

Justin: Not exactly.  We’ve sort of talked about it…but with the tour and the trial…

JC: talk to her

Justin: Yeah, ok, when? Our schedules don’t really mesh well at the moment if you know what I mean.  Just getting her on the phone is hard enough

JC: Don’t do it over the phone, trust me on this

Justin: Obviously

Lance: When is the next time you see her?

Justin: The 27th for Gabby’s birthday party…which by the way you are all invited to…Gabby insisted, but I am literally flying in for the party that morning and flying to Denver the next morning

Chris: Ok, you’re right, probably not the best timing and yeah, you should probably wait until after the trial, but I agree, you need to talk to her

Justin nodded at the phone.  He knew his friends couldn’t see him but just having them there to listen was helpful.  True, nothing had been solved and his brain was still operating on overdrive but at least he had a little clarity.  Expressing his thoughts and his emotions in a safe space amongst people he trusted had been just what he needed.

Justin: Thanks guys

JC: Absolutely!

Lance: Always

Joey: what they said

Chris: Anytime

After closing the text Justin lay his head back against the seat and closed his eyes.  He needed to focus, to get his head back in the game but his mind kept taking his thoughts elsewhere.  His heart told him he was ready, ready to take a leap of faith, but his head kept telling him otherwise.

Following the show in New Orleans Justin did shows in North Little Rock, San Antonio, Houston, Dallas and Oklahoma City.  As soon as he stepped off the stage in Oklahoma City Justin jumped into a chauffeured car, headed for the airport.  He was flying back to NYC for Gabby’s birthday. 

Justin grinned at the thought of Gabby.  With the help of the people at DreamWorks as well as some guidance from Chloe, Justin had been able to put together quite the party for Gabby. 

It was Trolls everywhere!  Chloe and Adam’s brownstone had a small backyard that was just big enough to serve as a party space without feeling cramped.  However, it didn’t look much like a backyard at the moment.  It had been completely transformed.  In fact, it looked like a scene straight from the movie.  Even Justin was impressed.

As promised, Chloe had invited a few classmates from Gabby’s class, Gabby’s grandparents, all of *NSYNC and Gabby’s father.  Unfortunately, not all of *NSYNC could make it.  Joey, Lance and JC had other commitments but Chris, along with Karly and Nash were able to make the trip.  However, all of the guys had sent gifts.  

“I have to say…I think you outdid yourself.” Chris chuckled.

He and Justin were standing in the backyard next to the food as guests began to file into the space.  Justin smiled as he watched the few classmates that Gabby had invited walk around in awe. 

“It wasn’t all me…I had help.” Justin replied.

“Of course, I know you hired someone to execute everything, and Chloe and Adam helped but you’ve set the bar kind of high, don’t you think? I mean…Nash wants a Toy Story party but I don’t have this kind of sway with Disney…”

Justin grinned more.  “You do realize that two of your best friends are practically Disney royalty?!  We’ve got you covered man…don’t sweat it.”

“I’m going to hold you to that.”

“Go right ahead.   You know I love Nash.”

“It’s true, you do, but I get the feeling that he’s not the only kid that has you wrapped around their little finger…”

Justin immediately blushed.  He knew exactly whom Chris was referring to but he wasn’t about to deny it. 

“Well…I love Briahna and Khloe too.”

Chris just smirked and shook his head.  “Not whom I was talking about, and you know it.”

“Yeah, I know, and you’re right.  She’s just…”

Chris looked over at his friend and couldn’t help but smile.  That look in Justin’s eyes, he understood it completely.  It was the same look he got every time he looked at Nash.  In other words, Chloe wasn’t the only one Justin was in love with.

“Hey…no judgement here.  I get it.  Trust me.  That’s a different kind of love right there.  The kind that takes you completely by surprise.”

Justin nodded and chewed at his lip.  Chris had it exactly right.  “It did.  At first, I thought, this is going to be weird, dating a girl with a kid…but now…now I can’t imagine it any other way.”

“They’re good for you…both of them.”

Justin grinned.  “They are.”

It was then that Eddy entered the yard.  Justin stiffened a bit and Chris immediately noticed.  His gaze followed his friend to where the other man was standing and Chris’s eyes went wide.  He was tall, about as tall as Justin.  He had sandy brown hair, blue eyes and it was obvious from his frame that he used to be lean and muscular.  Now he just looked thin.  His clothes hung on him and there were dark circles under his eyes.  He was dressed in a pair of acid wash jeans and a dark blue long-sleeved shirt with a black wool coat over the top.  Truthfully, he looked kind of creepy. 

“Is that…” Chris trailed off.

Justin nodded.  “Yup.”

Chris had been with Nash and Karly, keeping Gabby occupied the night of the Art show so he hadn’t seen Eddy like Lance and JC had.  Now he could see what they meant when they said he looked like a “ghost.” The fact that he was a shell of himself was apparent, if not in his eyes, then definitely in his expression. 

He had a gift, perfectly wrapped in pale pink paper and a dark pink bow on top under one arm and in the other hand he was carrying a large manila envelope. 

Gabby still hadn’t made her entrance.  She and Chloe were still inside the house as were Adam and Gabby’s grandparents.  Meaning Justin was the first adult Eddy noticed.

“SHIT!” Justin hissed under his breath.

“Umm…he’s coming this way…” Chris whispered to his friend.

Justin shot Chris a pointed look then grumbled his reply.  “Yeah, I see that. “

Eddy was indeed headed in their direction.  He looked sad, but also determined and as much as Justin didn’t like it, he knew that it needed to happen this way.  Eddy needed to be allowed to say “goodbye” just as Gabby needed to be able to hear it.  He was just praying that Eddy didn’t make it harder than it needed to be, particularly on Gabby.

“Where is Gabby? “Eddy asked as he approached.

Justin nodded to the back door.  “Inside.  They should be out any minute.”

“Did she know I was coming?”

Justin nodded.  “Chloe told her.”

“I won’t stay long.”

Justin sighed quietly.  He understood why Eddy seemed hesitant but today was about Gabby.  No one was going to chase him off or call the cops on him.  Gabby deserved to have happy memories of her birthday and her father and Justin was determined to see that she got those memories, regardless of his feelings towards or about Eddy.

“Don’t rush off on my account.  Today isn’t about me…or Chloe.  Today is all about Gabby.  Gabby is the one that wants you here, to see you and spend time with you.  Stick around for her.  You may not get another chance for a long time.”

“Thank you.” Eddy replied solemnly.

“I’m not the one you need to thank.”

Eddy smirked.  “Oh, no?! So, then THIS was all Chloe’s doing?”

Justin blushed and cracked the tiniest of smiles.  Yes, it was awkward but Eddy did make a valid point.

“I may have helped a little.”

Eddy just smiled and shook his head.  He didn’t comment further.  There was something unspoken between them.  An understanding.  Words weren’t needed. 

It was then that Gabby and Chloe stepped out into the yard.  Chloe was dressed casually in jeans and a deep green sweater and a pair of boots.  It was a simple outfit but never the less, Justin thought she looked stunning.  The way her dark hair fell across her shoulders and down her back and the brisk air colored her cheeks.  It made his heart skip a beat.

Gabby, on the other hand looked like she was ready to party.  She was dressed in brown, knee high, lace up hiking boots, black, shiny leggings, a black, long sleeved turtle neck sweater and a bright pink, puffy vest.  Her hair fell in soft curls down her back and the cool air gave her cheeks just the right amount of color.  She looked like quite the little fashionista and absolutely adorable.

As soon as Gabby spotted her father she sprinted across the yard, headed straight for him. 

“Daddy!” Gabby squealed.

“Hey Bug!” he replied, kneeling to her level and pulling her into a tight hug.

“You came!”

“Of course, I wouldn’t miss your birthday!”

Eddy’s eyes were wistful and full of emotion as he looked up at Chloe.  Meanwhile, Chloe was trying to put on a brave face, to appear unaffected but this whole scenario was getting to her in the worst way. 

“Is that for me?” Gabby asked nodding to the package still in his hand.

Eddy pulled back a bit and smiled into her wide, hazel eyes.  Looking at her, so happy, so full of life, it was heartbreaking.  It was also a reality check.  This was it, the moment he’d been dreading since his arrest.  He held his breath as he looked at her, trying to memorize her face while keeping his emotions in check.  He wanted to remember this moment; the smile on her face, the joy in her eyes.  This was how he wanted to remember his little girl.

“Absolutely!” Eddy replied.

Chloe cracked a tiny smile and looked from her daughter to Gabby’s father.  The moment was not lost on her but she also wanted Gabby to enjoy her party. 

“Why don’t you go put your gift on the table with the others?  Then we can start games in a few minutes.”

“Ok.” Gabby replied before taking the package and bouncing off towards the gift table.

It wasn’t until she was out of hearing range that Chloe spoke again.

“Thank you for coming.”

Eddy nodded.  “Thanks for inviting me.”

“I did it for Gabby.”

Eddy sighed and nodded.  “I know.”

A brief pause followed.  There were so many things Eddy wanted to say but right then his words failed him.  That was until he remembered the envelope he was still holding.  Taking a deep breath, Eddy pulled the envelope from underneath his arm.  He then offered it to Chloe, the expression on his face sad but serene.  It was as if he was at peace. 

“This is for you.”

Chloe took the envelope cautiously.  She didn’t know what was inside and frankly, she was nervous to find out but something about the look in Eddy’s eyes told her to trust him, at least this time.

He answered her question before she could even utter the words.

“In a way, it’s my birthday present to you.  All that I ask is that you open it after the party, when Gabby isn’t around.”

Chloe nodded then opened her mouth to speak but Eddy quieted her quickly.

“Everything is explained.  I promise, it will all make sense, just please wait until after the party.”

Chloe nodded solemnly.  “I will.”

The party was a huge success.  After playing several games the kids moved to the cake table.  Justin had gone all out for the cake.  In fact, he’d gone so far as to have Joey call in a favor with Buddy Valastro to create a very realistic, but also delicious looking “Poppy and Branch” cake.  It looked ALMOST too good to eat.  ALMOST. 

After cake it was time for presents.  Gabby opened her presents from her grandparents and uncle first.  Her grandparents had given her some stylish new clothes as had her uncle and she was already planning which outfit she was going to wear and when.  Her father had gotten her and her mother tickets to see Frozen on Broadway as well as some new Frozen gear.  JC had given her a matching beanie to his signature pink beanie as well as a floral jacket so they could be “TWINS.”

“OH LORD! Of course, he did!” Justin chuckled.

Immediately, Gabby stripped off her pink vest and replaced it with the floral jacket and beanie.

“Not fair.” Adam teased, pretending to pout.

“Don’t encourage her.  I’m never going to get it off her as it is.”

“It looks better on her.  Just don’t tell JC I said that.” Chris added.

Chloe laughed.  “No worries, Chris! My lips are sealed…also …I agree with you.”

Chris grinned.  “I knew I liked you.”

Chloe giggled and shook her head.  “Don’t get me wrong, you’ve all made questionable wardrobe choices over the years JC’s just happen to be more recent and therefore fresh in my mind.”

“Hey?!” Justin protested.

Chloe giggled more.  “Three words Justin…sparkly…blue…jumpsuit.”

“Well played!” Chris chuckled.

Lance and Michael sent an original Michael Turchin Glitter painting of the characters from Trolls and Joey, Khloe and Briahna sent a gift as well but it was the gift from Justin that sent Gabby over the moon. 

“What is it?” Gabby asked, eyeing the box carefully.

“Open it and find out.” Justin urged.

Slowly, and very timidly Gabby began to pull the paper from the package.  She was being super careful so as to not rip the paper.  Justin couldn’t help but grin and shake his head.  Watching her take such great care with his gift just made it more heartwarming to watch.

“Get in there, girl!” Adam teased.

“I don’t want to mess it up.” Gabby insisted.

Justin grinned more.  “You won’t mess it up, I promise.”

The paper was shiny Trolls themed paper with pictures of the characters in crazy poses all over. 

“Can we save the paper?” Gabby asked looking to her mother.

Justin couldn’t help but chuckle a bit.  “Girl! I’ve got at least a dozen rolls of that paper…if you want more, I’ve got you…but trust me… the paper isn’t the best part.”

“So, I should just rip it?”

“Go for it!” Justin insisted.

Taking that as her cue Gabby ripped into the paper and pulled it free from the package.  Inside the paper was a flat, rectangular box.  Gingerly, Gabby lifted the lid from the box, then gasped as soon as what she was seeing registered in her brain.

Lying neatly in the box was a laminated lanyard with a picture of Justin and the words “Man of the Woods Tour” on the bottom were the words “All Access VIP”

Gabby stared down at the gift for several moments trying to read the words.  She was one of the top readers in her class but she was still struggling with some of the words.

“Are we going to the show?” Gabby asked nervously.

Justin beamed.  “You are! You, your mom and your uncle Adam.  Front row.”

Gabby’s jaw dropped.  “Front row?!”

“You bet!”

Immediately Gabby threw her arms around Justin in a tight hug then squealed into his shirt. 

“Thank you! Thank you, Justin!”

Justin’s grin spread across his entire face.  Knowing he’d made Gabby happy was one of the best feelings in the world.

“Of course, I can’t think of a better way to spend our birthday!”

Gabby pulled away; her eyes wide as she looked up at Justin.  She was trying to wrap her head around what she’d just heard.

“Our birthday?!”

He hadn’t thought it possible, but somehow, Justin grinned more.

“Your actual birthday is January 31st, right?”

Gabby nodded.

Justin bit his lip and tried not to chuckle.  “Mine is too.”

Gabby’s eyes went wide as saucers and her jaw dropped. 

“Wait?!  Wait?!  Your birthday and my birthday are on the same day?”

Justin nodded.

“And on OUR birthday, I get to go to your concert?!”

Chloe giggled.  “That’s the plan.”

“What about school?”

Chloe laughed at this.  Her daughter loved school and hated being absent, so her question made perfect sense.

“I’ll pick you up a little early and we will head to Madison Square Garden but since it will be a LATE night you will probably miss the day after.”

“Just one day?”

Chloe smiled and nodded.  “Just one day.”

Gabby grinned. “Ok. I’m good with that.”

It was a great birthday party.  Gabby enjoyed herself as did everyone else.  After the majority of the guests left only Justin, Adam, Chloe, Gabby and Eddy remained.  The time had come for Eddy to say “goodbye.”

Taking a very deep, quiet breath Eddy kneeled down in front of his daughter and took her hands in his.

“Hey Bug, listen, Daddy has to go now, ok?”

“Right now?”

Eddy swallowed hard and nodded.  There were so many things he wanted to say but he held his tongue.  He wanted his daughter to have happy memories of him, and today was for her, he wasn’t going to spoil the day for her by telling her that this was the last time he was going to see her for a very long time. 

“Yeah, right now, but listen to me, I want you and your mom and your uncle to have so much fun at the concert and at Frozen.  Will you promise me that? Will you promise me that you’ll have fun?!”

Gabby nodded.

Eddy forced a smile.  “Good, now come give me a big hug and be good for your mom and your uncle, ok?”

Again, Gabby nodded then wrapped her father in a tight hug.  Eddy held on for a long time but no one said a word.

When Gabby finally pulled away Eddy was forcing back tears as was Chloe.

“I love you sweet girl.”

“I love you too Daddy!” Gabby replied before wrapping her arms her around her dad one more time.

“I’ll walk you out.” Chloe said quietly.

Eddy nodded then pulled away from Gabby, gave her a quick peck on the cheek then stood to leave.

As promised Chloe walked Eddy to the gate.

“A trial date hasn’t been set. You still have some time.” Chloe said, stopping at the gate.

Eddy cracked a sad smile.  “No…I don’t…this is it…but I promise what’s in that envelope will explain everything.”

Chloe looked at Eddy skeptically.  Something was up, she knew it.  However, there was something different about the look in his eyes.  She couldn’t quite put her finger on it but he definitely wasn’t acting like she’d expected.  It worried her.

“What’s going on Eddy? What did you do?”

Eddy smirked and shook his head.  “Just look in the envelope…tonight…after Gabby goes to bed.”

Not wanting to start an argument Chloe simply nodded.  Then, Eddy left.

That night after Gabby was in bed Chloe found herself alone with the envelope.  Adam had gone out for the evening and Justin was on his way to Denver for his next show. 

The envelope was lying on the kitchen counter untouched.  Truthfully, she was a bit afraid to touch it, to see what was inside but she also knew that not knowing, ignoring it, was only delaying the inevitable.

After sitting at the counter, just staring at the envelope for what seemed like an eternity Chloe stood up, went to the cupboard and retrieved a wine glass.  Wine glass in hand she then turned to the wine fridge and pulled out a bottle of “Josh” brand Rose wine.  She smiled at the name then wondered if JC knew there was wine that shared his name.  She would have to ask him sometime. 

Again, she smiled and shook her head.  Her life had changed so much in such a short amount of time.  It was all a bit unbelievable, but it was her life now.  Slowly, Chloe poured herself a glass of wine then took a small sip before setting the glass on the counter next to the envelope.

Gingerly, Chloe broke the seal on the envelope and carefully slid the contents from inside.  It was a stack of paper at least a ½ inch thick.  On the top of the stack, a short note addressed to her. 

Dear Chloe,

First, and foremost I want to say that I am truly sorry for all the pain I’ve caused you and Gabby.  You were the best partner and mother to our daughter that I could have asked for and I took that for granted.  I know there is nothing that I can say or do that can ever truly make up for the things I did but I hope this helps make it a little easier to pick up the pieces and move forward.

As you will see from the enclosed documents there isn’t going to be a trial.  I’m guilty.  I ran from the scene and I failed to render aide. Not to mention that I violated the terms of our custody agreement and the restraining order.   A trial would just postpone the inevitable and cause you and Gabby additional stress and pain. I don’t want that.   I’ve taken a deal.  12 years in prison with the possibility of parole after 10.  I will be turning myself in tomorrow morning (Monday) and thus begin my sentence. 

I plan to send Gabby a card each year on her birthday, but I will let you decide if and when she receives any correspondence from me.  You will also see from the enclosed documents that I have liquidated all my assets and placed them in a Trust Fund for Gabby.  I have named you sole executor of that Trust however my mother will be making contributions to the Trust on my behalf.  I know you don’t have the best relationship with my mother, truthfully, I don’t either but we’ve agreed to cooperate for Gabby’s sake. 

I am so sorry that things turned out the way they did.  If I could take it all back, do it over and fix my mistakes I would but I take solace in knowing you and Gabby are taken care of.  Justin is a good guy, even I can admit that, and I am glad that you and Gabby have him to fix what I broke.  I wish you and Gabby all the best in life.

Love always,

Eddy

The documents were just as Eddy described.  There were copies of the legal paperwork outlining his deal with the District Attorney as well as all of the Trust fund paperwork.  Some of which still needed her signatures but it was all there. 

Tears were welling in her eyes.  It was as if a huge wave of relief had washed over her.  No trial.  No testimony.  No courtroom.  No jury. No media.  It was all over.  Finally, she could move on with her life without this cloud of uncertainty and sadness looming over her.

But, what now? What came next? For almost a year and half she’d been living in survival mode.  Even with Justin her guard had been up.  She was waiting for the fallout of the accident, waiting for the verdict, waiting to see what Eddy would do or say next.  Now the waiting was over.  The guessing was over.  Yes, she and Eddy were legally divorced and yes, she had changed her name but now, in this moment she finally felt FREE!

For the first time in what seemed like forever Chloe was excited for what came next.