Nick sighed as he looked down at himself and then at me. “You are such a tease. Are you going to do something about this,” Nick said pointing down at himself. I smiled walking towards the kitchen table, “That’s what keeps our marriage relationship exciting.” Nick came to the table and sat down. I couldn’t believe his appetite. He devoured three eggs, four pieces of thick sliced bacon, hashbrowns, four slices of toast, coffee and a glass of milk. I watched in amazement. I just couldn’t understand where all the food was going. But then again he was a big guy. I polished off the rest of my eggs and drank the rest of my coffee. “So, what do you want to do today,” I asked. Nick smiled, “Well, you can do something about your FRIEND down here or we can have a repeat of last night and early this morning.” “Nick! Come on! That’s not fair! That’s only one choice! Really, let’s go do something together. You’ll be going on tour again soon. I want to spend as much time with you as possible,” I said laughing. “Well, you’ll be with me the rest of the tour,” Nick said. “I know but we won’t be able to do anything with all the fans and the reporters following us around,” I replied, “LeighAnn and I will be locked up in the hotel rooms again.” “Okay, okay. Hmmm,” Nick thought, “Well, how about the beach?” “Where can we find a secluded beach? Every girl knows who you are. We will be bombarded,” I said smiling. “We’ll just drive until we find a deserted beach. How’s that,” Nick asked. I shrugged my shoulders, “Okay. Sounds good to me.” We both cleared and washed the dishes and then headed upstairs to take a shower. Nick begged to take a shower together. I didn’t want to at first because I knew what was going to happen. We would never make it out the front door. “As long as you promise that it’s just a shower,” I said giggling. Nick crossed his heart, “I promise.” “Okay, then I guess we can shower together,” I replied. Why did I believe him? It took a great deal of energy to keep peeling Nick off of me but it was fun. I ended up giving in.
We finally got dressed. It was already 2:45 p.m. Nick grabbed the Durango keys and we headed out the front door. We drove along the coast until we found a beach that was deserted and secluded. Nick parked the Durango up on a hill. We climbed down a small cliff to get to a part of the beach that was deserted. Nick took the blanket and spread it over the sand. I slipped off my sweats to reveal a simple black two piece bikini. Nick, of course, had his beach trunks on. I laughed as I looked over at him. “What,” Nick asked smiling through his sunglasses. “Nothing. You look cute,” I said giggling. He looked so yummy! I wanted to just grab him. I put some sunscreen on and then lay on the blanket. Next thing I know, I felt Nick’s hand move up my leg and up my stomach. He took my chin and turned me to face him. I looked deep into his baby blues, “What?” “Nothing. I just want to see how beautiful you are,” Nick said softly. He then gently kissed me as his arms slowly encircle me. I pulled away and ran my fingers through his beautiful blond hair, “Do you realized what you have been to my life?” “No, what,” Nick replied. “I am the most luckiest woman in the world to have someone like you. You are the most amazing MAN I have ever had the pleasure of marrying,” I said. “Oh. And do you know how much you have been to my life,” Nick asked in return. “No, how much,” I asked. “You have been the most loving, affectionate, the most beautiful FAN I have ever had the pleasure of knowing and marrying,” Nick replied. “And how did you decide that I was a FAN,” I asked wide-eyed and smiling. “Well, remember when we met the second time on the beach,” Nick asked. “Yeah,” I replied. “Well, you had a bunch of magazines in your hands and you were reading everything about ME and the guys,” Nick replied, “that’s considered being a fan.” “Well, you know what,” I asked Nick. “What,” Nick replied as he traced kisses on my cheek and neck. “I was a FAN the first moment I laid eyes on you,” I said softly, “and I realized that at that point I was in love with you.” “Wow, you know, I felt the same way the first time I saw you,” Nick replied, “I guess we were meant to be.” “Yeah, I guess so,” I said as I brushed his cheek with my hand. We held eachother’s gaze for a long moment. “Hey, come on,” I told Nick as I got up. “What,” Nick said looking puzzled. “I want to go play,” I replied as I started giggling and running for the surf. Nick chuckled as he got up and ran after me. The water was perfect. It was warm and very clear. “Hey! Wait up,” Nick yelled as he ran after me. I jumped right into a wave and then came back up. Nick popped up right next to me. I splashed him as the waves came in. “You! You are going to get it when I get my hands on you,” Nick laughed.
It was a wonderful day. I wish it would never end. We played in the surf for a while. I finally started my way back to the beach rinsing the sand from my body at the same time. I bent down to reach for the towel and Nick tackled me to the ground as I laughed. The moment became heated and before I knew it, my bikini top was slipping off. “Nick, are you sure? Here,” I asked giggling. “Sure, why not? No one is here,” Nick replied chuckling. “I don’t know. What if someone walks up or something,” I asked. “No one will see us. It’s a secluded beach. They would have to climb down that cliff if they wanted to come here,” Nick said as he kissed me. “Okay, what ever you say,” I said as I pressed my body against his and kissed him passionately. That day we made love on the beach.
The guys had finished their tour and we were all finally home for Christmas. Everything in Orlando was decorated for the holidays. Even Nick and I decided to decorate the house this year. We had the most beautiful Christmas tree. It was covered in lights with little keepsake Christmas ornaments. We had a beautiful angel to top our tree. With the fire blazing in the fireplace, it looked like a picture in a magazine.
Christmas Eve we were wrapping gifts and talking about the tour. Nick and I had our private times during the rest of the tour. For some reason, Steve had popped into my head. “Sweetie, I know it’s Christmas and all but I noticed that, well, Steve hasn’t been harassing us,” I said timidly. Nick crinkled his eyebrows, “You know, you’re right.” “Did you report his last contact with us to the police,” I asked. “Yeah, I told them. All I know is that they were going to bring him in for questioning but I haven’t heard anything since. I totally forgot about it when you went into the hospital,” Nick said. “Oh well, maybe they had enough to put him in jail. Although they never called us for questioning or anything,” I said. “Well, let’s just forget about it. Let’s just think about us,” Nick said smiling. I smiled back at him. There was something else that I had to tell him. It would be the most awesome Christmas gift to Nick. I had been late three weeks. I went in to see Dr. Edwards and sure enough, the test was positive. I was ecstatic when I found out. It was hard to keep the news from Nick but I wanted him to find out on Christmas Eve, tonight. Nick looked up and saw me smiling, “Hey, what are you smiling about? “Oh nothing. Just thinking about you,” I replied. We wrapped the last of the gifts and placed them under the tree. Nick crawled across the floor to cuddle up with me next to the fireplace. He wrapped his arms around me as we both watched the fire crackling and blazing. I leaned my had back against his chest, “I love you, Nick.” Nick turned me to face him as he gently kissed me. “And I love you,” he replied. “Make love to me, Nick,” I whispered. Nick kissed my forehead as our bodies began to melt into one.
Nick had fallen asleep with me wrapped in his arms. I lay my head against his chest to hear his heart beat. I then looked up at the angelic face I admired so many times after we made love. He stirred from his sleep and lazily opened his eyes. “Hey there sleepy,” I said smiling. “Mmmmm, hey there,” Nick replied as his embrace tightened. “What time is it,” he asked. “It’s about 11:30 p.m.,” I replied. “Half an hour till Christmas,” he said smiling with his eyes closed. He felt my gaze, “What’s wrong?” “Nothing. Just imagining what a wonderful father you would make to our children,” I replied slightly crying. Kenny G’s Christmas Album MIRACLES was playing softly. “Hey, hey. What is with the tears,” Nick asked as he wiped my cheeks. I shook my head, “Nothing is wrong. I am just so happy right now. I feel so warm inside.” Nick smiled as he hugged me. I finally pulled away and looked Nick in the eyes. “Nick, I want to give you your Christmas gift now,” I said as I wiped the rest of the tears from my face. Nick sat up, “Okay, but let me give you mines first.” Nick went to the Christmas tree and picked up a small box. “Here,” Nick said smiling. I looked at Nick as I ripped the wrapper off of the little black velvet box. My heart leaped as I opened the little velvet box. It was a ring with diamonds all the way around it. I took the ring out as my jaw dropped to the ground. “Do you like it,” Nick asked. “Oh my. I … I … Nick, it’s beautiful,” I said with tears in my eyes. Nick took my hand, removed the wedding ring he and me picked out and placed the diamond filled ring on my finger. He then put my other ring back on. I held my hand out in amazement. The ring sparkled all around. I gave Nick the most passionate kiss I could give him. I pulled away as I held his face in my hands, “Now it’s my turn to give you your gift.” I went over to the Christmas tree and picked up a small box. I gave it to Nick and proceeded to open it. Inside the box was a little yellow bonnet. Nick looked at me confused for a bit and then his eyes widened as his blue eyes sparkled. I gave Nick a tender look and nodded ‘yes.’ “You’re …. We’re …. I’m going to be a father,” Nick asked excitedly. “Yes, you are going to be a father,” I said. Nick hollered as loud as he could and it echoed all over the house. “Oh my god! I’m going to be a daddy,” Nick screamed. He picked me up and twirled me around the living room. He still had me in the air when he gently lowered me to kiss me. “How far along are you … we,” Nick asked giggling. “Well, I’m three weeks late so we’re early but he/she is there,” I said smiling. “Annie, this is the best Christmas gift I have ever gotten in my life,” Nick said. “And I am happy to be the one to carry that gift. I love you,” I replied. Nick’s eyes began to tear and so did I. We both realized at that point how much we loved eachother and how much we meant to eachother. We both knew that we would be spending the rest of our lives together for always.
I awoke Christmas morning with Nick looking down at me. “Morning babe. Merry Christmas,” Nick said as he kissed me. “Merry Christmas to you to Mr. Carter,” I said smiling. I proceeded to sit up when all of a sudden I got dizzy. Nick had to grab me before I hit my head against the headboard. “Whoa! Annie, are you okay,” Nick asked concerned. I felt a grueling ache at the pit of my stomach and I felt as if I was about to throw up. “No, I’m fine. I just feel so SICK right now,” I replied. I moaned as I lay my head back on the pillow. Nick cradled me in his arms and chuckled, “Morning sickness.” I turned to look at Nick, “Oh geez! That is all I need for Christmas is to feel like I’m about to hurl,” I moaned. “I’ll go get you some crackers and 7-up. A little bit of that should settle your stomach and then a shower will make you feel even better,” Nick said. He quickly jumped out of bed and ran downstairs to get the crackers and 7-up.
Nick came back with the goodies. I took a couple of crackers and ate them. I washed them down with the ice cold 7-up. Then I laid my head back down until the dizziness disappeared. I was finally able to sit up without getting nauseaus after ten minutes. I took a shower and dressed comfortably. Nick hopped into the shower after I got out. We both decided that we would spend Christmas at home. And I really wasn’t in any mood to go anywhere. I felt alright but I was still feeling a little light headed. Nick cooked a great breakfast. We had everything you can think of for breakfast … eggs, hashbrowns, pancakes, sausages, toast, orange juice, milk, coffee. I smiled as I watched my Nick at the stove. He felt my gaze again. It’s funny how he always knows when I’m staring. “What? You’ve never seen a guy cook before,” Nick said chuckling. I just shook my head and approached him from behind. I wrapped my arms around him and buried my face in his back. I took a deep smell and took in the scent of his cologne. I peeked around his shoulder as I watched him scramble the eggs.
“WOW, you cooked for an army,” I said giggling as we sat down to eat. “Well, I cooked for three,” Nick said his blue eyes sparkling. “So, what do you and baby Carter want to do today at home,” Nick asked. “Hmmmm, how about watch movies,” I replied. “Okay, that sounds relaxing,” Nick replied. We finished eating, washed and put away the dishes. “Babe, don’t you think we should call our parents and tell them the good news,” I suggested. “Yeah, gosh, I was so excited, I forgot about calling them,” Nick replied. Just then the phone rang. “I got it,” I said, “Hello.” “Honey, Merry Christmas,” my Mom said. “Mom! I was just going to call you,” I replied, “Merry Christmas!” “So, how’s the new house,” my Mom asked. “Oh it’s great! And Nick is wonderful. I can’t ask for anything better. How’s Dad,” I asked. “Oh, he’s doing okay. Trying to get used to the idea of being retired. You know your Dad. He can never keep still. He always has to be doing something,” Mom replied. I laughed, “Mom, get Dad on the other end. I have something to tell you both,” I said. They were both on the phone, “Well, not that we haven’t been trying but Nick and I are pregnant.” “What? Oh my god! Annie, we’re going to be grandparents,” my Dad yells. My Mom is crying on the other phone as she is listening. “Yeah, Dad. You are going to be a grandfather,” I replied. Tears began to form in my eyes. Nick saw me and hugged me. “Where is Nick,” Mom asked. “He’s right here,” I said handing the phone to Nick. “Hey Mom, Dad. Merry Christmas,” Nick said. “Merry Christmas sweetheart,” Mom says. “A Merry Christmas indeed! It’s about time,” Dad said happily. Nick chuckled. “Do you know when the baby is due,” Mom asked. “No, we only found out not too long ago. Annie’s first appointment isn’t for another couple of weeks,” Nick replied. “Well, congratulations you two,” Mom and Dad replied. Mom had asked for me so Nick handed the phone back to me. “Honey, I have another surprise for you,” Mom says. “Oh yeah? What,” I asked. “It’s about Steve,” Mom replied. My heart stopped when I heard his name. I was quiet. “Annie, are you still there,” Mom asked. “Yeah, yeah. I’m here. What about Steve,” I asked. Nick heard me and looked concerned. “Well, you won’t have to worry about him anymore,” Mom explained. “What,” I asked confused. “Well, apparently he was also stalking a girl out here. The girl pressed charges and the police were able to gather enough evidence to arrest him. He went to court and was charged for stalking and harassing. He’s in jail,” Mom went on to explain. “What? Steve is in jail,” I asked surprised but happy. “Well, no wonder he stopped harassing me,” I replied. Nick looked at me puzzled. “Well, thanks for the great news, Mom. You, Dad and everyone have a great Christmas,” I said. “Okay, you and Nick take care. We’ll see you soon. I love you, honey,” Mom said. Nick had invited them down to Orlando for the summer. “I love you, too, Mom,” I replied. I hung the phone up as I wiped the tears from my eyes. Nick embraced me again. I missed my parents so much and Nick knew that. “Hey, wipe those pretty brown eyes of yours. They’ll be here before you know it,” Nick said trying to comfort me. I looked up at Nick and smiled.
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