Arielle was helping Rebecca set up the cookout and placed the bowl of potato salad along with plates and silverware on the poolside table. She squealed in delight when she felt Ethan's arms wrap around her and his lips on her neck.

"Ethan Bryan, leave that girl alone," Becca scolded him as she walked from the house laden with glasses.

Ethan gave a small pout that Ari kissed into a smile. "But Aunt Becca, she's my beautiful bride," he said quietly, swinging Ari up into his arms. "May I assist you over the threshold, my darling?"

The doorbell chimed just at that moment. Ethan let out a whoop and promptly dropped Ari to her feet and rushed to the door only to be beaten by Richie. "Damn it!" Ethan cursed.

"Snooze, ya lose, kid," Richie chuckled and swung the door open.

Nikki and Courtney Sixx smiled at Richie, the latter holding a red and black casserole dish. "Hey what's up, brother?" Nikki asked, holding a white dessert container and giving Richie a hug.

"Hey man, good to see you," Richie returned the hug before turning to Courtney and enveloped her in a bear hug, "Hey beautiful, how are you darlin'?"

"I'm wonderful, Richie," Courtney replied. "Brought a homemade mac and cheese I thought the kids might like." She gestured to the dish she held. "And some cupcakes for dessert," and nodded over to the container Nikki held.

"Here, let me take that from you. C'mon on in," Richie said, taking the dish from Courtney and ushering them inside the door. "Becca's just setting up outside. She'll be happy to see you both."

Ethan stood a little inside the foyer, grinning wide and holding Nikki's book 'The Heroin Diaries' in his hands along with a black marker. He was bouncing excitedly and had to bite his tongue to keep a squeak from escaping. "Holy shit," he stuttered when he saw Nikki and Courtney.

"Is this the kid with his balls in Jon's hands?" Nikki chuckled spying Ethan standing to one side. "C'mere kid. I'm Nikki, but I guess you know that already." He indicated to the book in Ethan's hand.

Ethan nodded energetically and took a few steps towards Nikki. "Nikki fucking Sixx, it's...fuck man...just to be standing here with you. I've followed your entire career, man." He stuck out his hand to Nikki.

"I'm flattered, man," Nikki handed the box of treats to Ethan after they shook hands and grabbed the book and pen, scribbling a quick message in the cover and handed the book back, "Don't read that until after tomorrow..."

Ethan and Nikki exchanged a quick hug. "This means a lot to me, man. Thanks!" Nikki clapped Ethan on the shoulder and went into the kitchen to put the cupcakes in the fridge.

"Richie! Don't leave everyone in the foyer, honey," Becca came through from the kitchen, "Courtney, so good to see you." The women exchanged kisses and hugs before Becca motioned for everyone to go through to the main part of the house.

"Babe, I couldn't go anywhere until Ethan had finished fangirling over Nikki," Richie groused back with a roll of his eyes, inciting a loud groan from Ethan.

"I was not fangirling, Uncle M," he protested, holding his prized book close to his chest and eyeing Nikki's gorgeous wife. "So Courtney, think you could sign my book too?" His voice was hopeful and he attempted his best relaxed and charming smile.

"Of course, I'd be honoured to. Where's your fiance?" Courtney asked, "Shouldn't we meet her too?"

"Found her!!" Nikki called out and carried in a giggling Ari from the backyard. "She's a cutie and a bit like Storm, doncha think, baby?"

Ari looked around at everyone, her hair hanging like a blonde waterfall and her cheeks pink from laughing. "Nikki, baby, put the poor girl down," Courtney said, "I'm sorry Arielle. I'm Courtney and so happy to meet you, honey."

Richie stood behind Becca with his arms around her waist and laughed at the goings-on.

"It's so nice to meet you too, Courtney," Ari replied, walking over and hugging Ethan. "Did you meet your Dark Prince Charming, sweetie? He's pretty hot."

Ethan growled and hauled her into him. "I can be your dark prince charming too."

"Okay, okay...I hate to break these shenanigans up," Richie interjected, "Can I get anyone a drink? Bec's made her famous Raspberry Mojito Ice Tea if you're interested."

"Yes please!" Ari called out, giving Ethan a quick kiss. "I can help, Aunt Becca. Shaggy, why don't you, Courtney and Nikki go outback? I'll bring out the drinks. Uncle Mookie, you can go with them. Aunt Becca and I got this."

After the initial chit-chat about life in general and Ari and Ethan getting to know the others, Richie fired up the grill and started cooking the steaks. Night fell as the simple but nourishing meal was eaten; lots of laughter and bad jokes and even worse stories from the road accompanied the meal perfectly. Richie disappearing at one stage, bringing out two guitars as the men started throwing ideas back and forth over dessert.

Arielle stood from the table first and untied her cover-up, dropping it to reveal a royal blue bikini. Ethan watched as she tied her hair up in a ponytail and dived into the pool. He soon tore off his t-shirt and joined her, chasing his love around the pool and pulling her into the corner every now and then for a kiss.

At one point, Ethan was turned back to the adults to block their view and their lips and tongues locked in a furious battle. Rebecca's voice quickly forced them apart with a sharp, "Knock it off you two or I'll put you in separate rooms!"

"So tell me," Nikki said, with a nod of his head in the pool's direction, "What's going on here?"

Richie sighed and drank deeply from his glass. "From what David told me, those two started sexting shortly after their youngest daughter, Janelle, had her Bar Mitzvah. Things were taken to the next level during a trip to Seaside..."

"Jon, apparently, lost his mind over it," Becca said, "You know how protective he's been over the girls all these years."

"Then the two snuck out of the houses. Ethan took David's car without him knowing and picked up Ari, drove her to the beach and..." Richie's voice trailed off and he glanced over at the two teens, splashing and racing each other in the water.

"They're so young," Courtney said.

Richie nodded in agreement. "Granted they've been best friends since birth. Know each other better than most couples do. I guess Jon just didn't consider Ari ever growing into a woman. David said she's had a crush on Ethan for a couple years."

"So how is Jon taking the engagement news?" Nikki asked.

Richie averted his eyes and twisted his lips. "Well..."

"No...he doesn't know, does he?" Nikki's eyes danced a little, "Fuck, man...."

"Not quite. David and Leesha were on board after talking to Ethan and he helped by driving Ethan and Ari to the airport," Richie admitted. "You know how DB's always been."

"Act first, think later?" Nikki supplied.

Richie nodded and poured himself another drink. "I told Ari that she should call Julie, at least," he said, Becca's hand rubbing soothingly down Richie's back and nodded, "but I'm not sure if she will. I really don't want to fuck anything up again with Jonny."

"Do you want me to have some girl talk with her?" Courtney offered, "I still need to discuss some details about the ceremony with her?"

"That's a good idea, baby," Nikki agreed before addressing the other couple, "What do you think...I mean, you're family, kinda?"

"Would you mind, honey," Becca asked, "I've said my piece also, but I don't know how much she took in."

Richie was about to answer when the doorbell rang once more. He excused himself to answer it and returned a couple minutes later holding a large sealed envelope. "It's from the court," he said, tearing it open and removing the contents.

He handed Courtney the signed and certified marriage license along with a consent form signed by David and Leesha, notarized by the judge.

"Holy shit...David must have some debts owing if he managed to pull that off this quickly," Nikki said as he read the documents over his wife's shoulder.

"Or people who owed him," Becca added on. "What's this?" She picked up a blank check from the Bryan's joint account, signed by them both and 'E&A Ceremony' written in the memo line.

Richie whistled in surprise. "Anyone up for a little vacation on David's tab?" he said with a wicked chuckle. He handed it to Courtney with a, "Since you're the one doing the planning."

Courtney smiled and promptly ripped up the check. "Nikki and I discussed it earlier," Courtney handed back the pieces, "You guys are friends and they're so young, it doesn't feel right to accept anything as payment."

"Yeah it's gonna be bad enough when Jon finds out I'm involved," Nikki sat back in the chair and stretched, "I don't want to antagonize him any further." He jumped as Ari ran up from behind and threw her arms around Richie, soaking through his shirt and hair dripping cold water down his shoulders and chest.

"Have I told you, Uncle Mookie, how much I love you today?" Ari laughed.

"You're a brat, Arielle Caroline," Richie grumbled affectionately and ruffled her wet hair all over Becca. "You're also an accomplished sweet talker, just like your daddy, Princess."

Courtney finished her iced tea and picked up her wedding binder. "Ari, Becca, how about we go inside and go over some ceremony details? I'd love to see the dress to build ideas around too."

"Oh Courtney, you'll love it," Ari bounced on her toes and grabbed a towel, "Follow me." She grabbed Courtney's hand and tugged her from her seat. Becca chuckled and gave Richie a kiss before following Ari and Courtney, leaving the men alone with Ethan.

Ari excitedly skipped ahead of her aunt and new friend and headed for Ava's old room. The garment bag was hanging from the outside of the wardrobe and she took it down carefully, laying it on the bed.

"Don't open it until I get back," Ari said to the two women, "I just want to get changed so I don't drip all over it."

Rebecca looked over at Courtney once Ari was out of the room and whispered, "Jon's gonna hate Richie and David for this."

"Let's try and fix as much as we can then, huh?" Courtney said quickly and gave Rebecca a quick hug. "She needs to call Julie. As a mom, you know she's hurting right now."

Ari was back in a flash and grinned at the two women. "So I'm totally wanting to go for a boho-chic vibe on the beach. Ethan's Jewish so we need a chuppah to satisfy that and then there's photography...."

"Honeybee, take a breath," Rebecca calmed. "There's something that needs to happen before we start planning."

"Oh? What have I forgotten?" Ari looked at her aunt in confusion.

"Your mom and dad," Courtney sighed.

"No!" Ari protested, "They don't care about me. They don't..."

Rebecca and Courtney exchanged a look. "I can promise you...your mom is out of her mind not knowing where you are," Rebecca said.

"All mama worries about is the business and Sammy," Ari shook her head, "Dad?? I'm even further down his list."

"I know it feels that way, but they've sacrificed so much to raise you in a loving protective home," Courtney explained, "The way you're talking right now is like a typical teenager, not a woman ready to jump into marriage. A woman would swallow her pride, pick up the phone and take responsibility."

"I...I can't now. I said a lot of things to them. They won't want to hear from me anymore," Ari said, but she could start to feel the sadness and doubt at her words.

Rebecca slid over next to Ari and wrapped an arm around her. "Anything you said isn't even an issue. Right now, they probably think you're hurt or worse. On the streets or dead. That alone is the worse feeling for a parent."

"Ari, honey," Courtney sat the other side of the young woman, "I'll make you a deal. You call your mama now and I'll take you out tomorrow for a girl's spa day on Rodeo Drive? Becca, you'll come too, of course."

"I...I can't," Ari whispered, "I'm...I'm scared."

"We'll be right here, sweetie," Rebecca assured Ari, holding her phone out to the girl.

Ari took the phone and scrolled through her numbers, taking a deep breath and glancing at Courtney. The woman nodded and Ari hit the call button. Her call was picked up after only one ring. "Arielle?!"

"Mama..." she said quietly, tears already pooling in her eyes.

"Ari?!" Julie gasped. "Honey, are you okay? Daddy and I have been worried sick. Are the Bryan's taking care of you? Are you on vacation with them?" Julie rattled off questions.

"Yeah I'm okay...but I'm not with Uncle Lema or Sheeshee..."

"Where are you, baby? I'll send daddy to come get you," Julie said. "Oh god, Ari, we're so worried about you..."

Ari closed her eyes and sighed. "With Ethan." She felt Courtney's hand rubbing the tension from her neck.

"Oh honey, we kinda gathered that much," Julie choked out tearfully, "Are you both okay? Do you need help?"

"Mama, we're more than okay. He's keeping me safe and happy," Ari gushed as tears stained her cheeks, leaning into Courtney's arms. "Where's Daddy?"

"He's out looking for you, honey," Julie sobbed, "He's barely been home since... since we found out from Sammy you left in Uncle Lema's car."

Ari played with the hem of her dress, twisting a loose thread around her finger. "Please don't be mad at them."

"Arielle, baby, we're not mad," Julie cried, "We just want to know where you are and that you're safe. Please, baby?"

The young woman looked up at her Aunt Becca then over at Courtney. "California. Uncle Lema let us use his private jet."

"California?!" Julie gasped, "Wha- what are you doing out there? Who are you with?"

"Ethan...and Uncle Mookie," Ari confessed. "We met Nikki and Courtney too. She's right here with me along with Aunt Becca."

"Oh thank god," Julie replied, "Okay, so I'll get daddy to organise Jovi air to get you both home? Tomorrow, oka-"

"No!" Ari cut off her mother with a shout. "We'll be back in about a week. You can fly us back at that point under...under Mr. and Mrs. Ethan Bryan."

"Ari..." the shocked whisper came through the phone loud and clear, "What have you done?"

Ari straightened up a little and steadied her voice. "Ethan and I are getting married. We love each other and want to be together," she told her mother. "I know you and Daddy hate him, but I love him."

"Baby, we don't hate Ethan. Far from it," Julie said, "You're both just kids...making a silly mistake, that's all."

"You can either agree and accept our union or lose us for good." Then Ari added on, "We already have the paperwork and marriage license. I'm not asking for your permission. I'm asking for your blessing."

"Oh honey...," Julie fell quiet, coughing a little to clear the tears from her voice, "I'll...I'll...I'll talk to your father. I'm just sorry you felt you had to do it this way. I'd always hoped to see you have your own day as a Princess. I...I love you, both of you." Julie hung up on her daughter.

*~*~*

After spending time with Courtney and going over wedding plans and coordination, Nikki and Courtney left for the night. Hugs and kisses were exchanged before Ari and Ethan retired to their room. Richie collapsed on the sofa with a heavy groan.

"Fuck, I hope I'm doing the right thing," he said.

"Well Courtney and I managed to get Ari to speak with Jules at least," Becca said curling up into Richie's side.

"You're amazing, woman," Richie whispered, leaning in to kiss his wife. "How'd that go?"

"Thank you, baby," Becca smiled against his lips, "Hmm, about as good as expected. Ari told Jules about the wedding and then gave her an ultimatum. Accept it or lose them forever. I'm guessing they've got a plan to disappear after this week."

"And no doubt David would make it happen. He's never wanted to come off as the bad one. Fuck, Ari's more like Jon that she knows, huh?" Richie chortled, "I think he gave his parents the same deal when he and Dorothea eloped." Becca smiled and straddled Richie's legs, "Can I help you with something, Mrs. Sambora?"

Becca dropped her lips onto Richie's, her arms wrapped around his neck. "Let's just see what happens to pop up, shall we?" she grinned before claiming his lips with hers for some long well overdue kisses until they were rudely interrupted. "Mmm unless you have a vibrator hidden in your pants, baby, I think your phone is ringing." She climbed off his lap and flopped down on the couch beside him.

Richie groaned and shoved his hand into his pocket. Without looking at the caller ID, he hit answer and said, "You better have a life or death issue for interrupting my love life."

There was silence on the end of the line for a long while before Jon's broken voice carried through, "Rich? Tell me you have her?"

"Oh shit, Jon. I'm sorry, man," Richie shifted on the sofa. "Yeah...yeah, they're here. Just went upstairs to get some sleep."

"Tell me she's okay, man," Jon sobbed. "Why are you doing this?"

"Emotional but she's okay," Richie replied. "I'm sorry, Jonny, but you would have lost them for good otherwise. They're not doing anything you didn't do when we were their age."

"What do you mean, not doing anything I didn't do?" Jon's puzzled reply came back at him, "What's happening?"

Richie shot a look at his wife whose eyes widened. "Did...did Julie not talk to you? Ari called her earlier with Courtney and Becca."

"I, ah... I hung up on her when she said you had them," Jon explained, "I didn't hear anything else. I'll ask you again. What's going on?"

"Ah fuck, Jonny," Richie sighed, "Hold on for a minute." Without waiting for an answer, he put Jon on hold and called David on the second line.

"Yo," David greeted. "My son causing problems for you already?"

Richie raised an eyebrow at the phone and put it on speaker. "Something like that. Jon's on the other line. This needs to be sorted tonight! I don't want to be cast as the villain anymore. Ari called Jules earlier and told her about everything. Julie started telling Jon but he hung up and called me. He has no idea what's happening."

"Give us a second to get somewhere quiet," David said. Richie could hear him talk to Leesha and the music slowly died down. "I got you on speaker. Can you bring him in here?"

"Yeah, man, hold on," Richie said then pressed the hold button again, "Jonny? You there? Lema's on the line and in full disclosure, you're on speaker here. Becca's gonna mediate if things get ugly. Jon, I said to D that this shit gets sorted tonight! I've just about had enough of all the shit you two put me through."

"Hi, Jon...David," Becca piped up, "I wish this was under happier circumstances, but here we are."

"Would someone just tell me if my daughter is okay??" Jon asked exasperatedly. "What the hell is going on? How'd she get out to California?"

"They're both fine," Becca calmed him, "They've retired for the night. It's been a long day."

"Both? The fuck you mean, both?" Jon demanded. "Is that little manwhore with her too?"

"Hey! That's my son you're talking about, asshole!" David exclaimed.

"Jon just shut the fuck up for a minute and listen instead of hurling insults," Richie spoke up angrily, "Lema, I think you need to explain your side of things first."

They could hear David breathing and Leesha calming him in the background. "After we got home from the family fiasco, Ethan opened up about how much he loves Ari and um...that he had asked her to marry him...and that she accepted..."

"He did what?" Jon asked.

"Jon, please, if you'd just listen," Becca said, "we'll get this all out in the open and then we can deal with the rest."

David continued almost dejected, "I asked him what he wanted to do and told him to go pack a bag and call Ari. I drove him to Red Bank, picked her up and put them on a private jet to California after talking to Richie."

"Jon, I figured that if we had them here," Richie explained, "that they'd at least be safe. We'd keep an eye on them for the week."

"I should have kept beating the shit outta you, David," Jon threatened. "And broken your fingers in the process."

"And what would that have accomplished?" Becca asked calmly, "You're a grown man, beating someone to a bloody pulp is the stuff of tabloids...and we all know how that panned out, don't we?"

"So what? My little girl is marrying into a dysfunctional family of freaky openly sexual perverts and alcoholics and I don't even get a say in it?" Jon asked incredulously, ignoring David's low growl on the line.

"Firstly, your little girl is a grown woman now, whether you like it or not," Richie offered, "Secondly, after spending just one day with them, we can see just how much they care for each other."

"Also, Jon," Becca spoke up, "I was there when Ari called Julie. It's an accept it or lose them for good situation. That's the ultimatum your little girl gave to her mother. Does that sound like someone we all know? Now... I think you owe David an apology for behaving like a schoolyard bully insulting his family and start to reconcile things amongst your family; both your immediate family and your brothers here. Go home. Talk to Julie. Lord knows you both need to be on the same page, otherwise, your whole world is going to implode."

Jon and David were both quiet for a couple of minutes. "Fine. David, I'm sorry. I'm still angry that you went behind my back when you're supposed to be my brother, but I shouldn't have insulted your family."

"Thanks..." David let out a small 'ow!' when Leesha smacked him. "Fuck, woman. I'm sorry too, Jon. I guess that means Plan B is off the table..."

"What's plan B?" Richie asked, "I don't remember you mentioning that."

"Flying them over here to St. Tropez to get married and have a honeymoon," David answered quietly.

"Fuck no!" Jon yelled.

"Okay...can I make a suggestion?" Leesha asked, the muffled sound of David's phone shuffling hands filled the air then quieted. "No, asshole, you've said enough. Our kids don't deserve to have parents that aren't by their side. What if we fly out there for their ceremony and show them our support?"

"That's a great idea, Leesh," Becca agreed, "Finally someone with some common sense."

They talked through a plan for over an hour and, with a sigh, Jon relented with a quiet, "Keep me posted and I'll go home and talk to Julie. Just Keep em safe, Mookie." He end of the line went dead. David and Leesha said their goodnights and hung up as well.