After All (A Jordan Knight/Joe McIntyre Fanfiction)

25

The next day, the hours before Duets at Dusk crawl by at a snail's pace. Amber's growing anxious, she's so ready to get this over with. She wants to see Joe. It's been so long since they've spoken. She's got so much to say to him.

Finally Jordan comes by to get her. He says it's all set up. Kelly knows her part. Jordan knows the cue for Amber's entrance. And Amber knows her part by heart. When they get to her hiding spot behind the stage Amber hears Joe already singing with one of the other girls. It's Kelly's turn next.

Joe calls Kelly to join him on stage. "Alright everyone, we've had some really amazing and talented duets this year. I'm loving all these talented ladies. But all good things must come to an end. Our last duet of the night is with this fabulous lady, Kelly. Come on up here Kelly. Tell us a little about you." Kelly gives a very short introduction of herself. "Thank you Kelly. So Kelly picked one of my favorite Eighties duets for us to sing for you all tonight. We'll be singing "After All" by Cher and Peter Cetera. You ready Kelly?"

"I'm ready Joseph." Joe looks at her, wondering where Joseph came from. Only his mother calls him that and sometimes Amber, but almost no one else. He blows it off as being anything. It is his name after all.

Joe begins the song, he never takes him eyes off of Kelly. He's always thought you have to make your audience believe your performance. "So here we are again. I guess it must be fate. We tried on our own, but deep inside we've known we'd be back to set things straight."

"I still remember when." Joe hears the words but can see Kelly isn't singing. The voice is coming from behind him. "Your kiss was so brand new." Joe turns around and his heart stops. He can't believe what he's seeing, hearing. "Every memory repeats. Every step I take retreats. Every journey always brings me back to you."

Ever the professional, Joe doesn't miss a beat. Jumping right into the chorus with Amber. "After all the stops and starts, we keep coming back to these two hearts. Two angels who've been rescued from the fall. After all that we've been through, it all comes down to me and you. I guess it's meant to be, forever you and me, after all."

Everyone in the crowd seems to disappear as they sing together. They stand so close to one another, staring into each other's eyes. As Joe sings the end of the song, he leans forward, until his lips touch hers. The crowd erupts just as he's about to really kiss her, bringing them both back to the here and now. Joe only slightly moves away from her, "Hi." Amber smiles shyly, she knows what that look he's giving her means. "Hi." She rubs her nose against his, then kisses him one more time. Amber steps back just as Jordan comes onto the stage.

"Wow, great job you two. I think Joe might have found his perfect duet partner. What do you all think?" The crowd applauds again. "So any of you that saw our last tour in the States might recognize this beautiful lady. For those who didn't see the U.S leg of the tour, this is the very beautiful, very talented Amber Carson. And if it's okay with her I'd like to make an announcement." Amber smiles and takes his outstretched hand, joining him at the front of the stage. "You'll all be the first to hear this great news. Amber's my...well she's my daughter. We found out during the tour and I couldn't be happier. It's a long story and I promise to explain it soon, but I just had to tell someone. And who better to share it with than three thousand of my closest friends. I think it's time for us all to get ready for tonight's Super Heroes party. See you all back here in a little while."

Joe takes Amber's hand, but she pulls away from him and runs back to Jordan. "Thank you Pops. I love you." It's the first time she's told him she loves him, and he thinks they are the sweetest words he's ever heard. "I love you too sweetheart. Now go talk to Joe, he is the reason you're here after all. I'll see you at the party tonight." He kisses her cheek and she leaves with Joe. But not before looking back at Jordan and mouthing "Thank you."

Joe practically runs through the ship, trying to get back to his room so they can be alone. He pulls her along with him. "Joe, slow down, you're going to pull my arm out of socket. And I need to catch my breath." Amber stops and bends forward with her hands on her knees. She looks around, taking in their surroundings. "Joe, where the hell are we? I think you've got us lost. I've never seen this part of the ship."

"We're over by the kitchen. We'll take the service elevator up, steer clear of all the fans. Hell everyone knows your Jordan's daughter now. That means they'll all want a piece of you. You just became the most fascinating woman on the ship, which I already knew of course. But the fans are going to want to know you." Joe pulls her to him and places a soft kiss on her lips.

When they finally reach the seventh deck, they try to make it to Joe's room. But Donnie, Danny and Jon have Jordan out in the hall, having a very animated conversation with him. "There she is. How could you not tell me you were here? I can keep a secret ya know. Come here beautiful and give me a fucking hug." Donnie grabs her in a tight hug and spins her around several times. He sits her back on her feet and holds her by her shoulders, "Damn girl, how is it possible you got more beautiful over the past year? And you still sound amazing. I've really missed you Amber. Don't you ever stay away so long again. Next time call, write, or something." Donnie hugs her again and kisses her cheek before Danny grabs her for a hug too. "We've missed you Amber. I understand why you had to leave so suddenly though. Im glad your Dad's doing better now. I'm also so happy you and Jordan finally connected. I know it means everything to him."

"Wow guys thanks for such a wonderful  welcome. I'm really happy to see all of you. I've missed you all so much. And I am really sorry about leaving like I did. I should have called and explained. I was just in a really bad place. Thank you for being so understanding." Amber gets tears in her eyes and has to stop talking to keep from crying. Jordan wraps his arms around her. "Stop making my little girl cry guys." Hearing him call her his little girl does her in, she begins to cry against his chest. Her emotions are all over the place. She's completely overwhelmed. Mostly she's overcome by happiness. "Oh honey, don't cry. Everything's okay. Life is back how it should be."

Amber squeezes him tight, "I know it is Pops. And I couldn't be happier." He kisses the top of her head. When he looks up he meets Joe's eyes. "Guys let's leave Amber and Joe alone, I'm sure they have a lot to talk about." He kisses her head again before letting her go. "I love you sweetheart. I'll see you at the party tonight. Don't forget to dress in your best Super Hero costume."