Part 10
Nick and Becca sat for hours on the deck, just watching the boats and listening to the sounds of the night. A light rain began to fall and the sounds of the raindrops falling into the palm trees just added to the simplistic beauty of the place.
Becca sighed, snuggling closer to Nick in the double-wide hammock where they'd moved as the rain began.
Nick held her closer, wanting somehow to crawl inside her skin and become one entity. He was so blessed to have her back safely, and to find that she was carrying his child… he tried to be angry about all the things he'd missed, but he simply couldn't grasp it. There were so many firsts to look forward to, and he couldn't wait to experience them all.
"Baby, we need to get you in bed. It's gonna be a big day tomorrow."
"You don’t have another performance, do you?" she twisted around to see his face.
"Nope, we have a wedding to attend." He smirked at her.
"You've lost me, Nick."
"Howie and Sarah –"
"WHAT?" she shrieked, nearly tipping them out of the hammock. "Sarah didn't tell me –"
"Sarah doesn't know," he answered smugly.
"Carter, we said no more secrets."
"Ok, ok, this is the last one. Here's what Howie has planned…"
*****
Nick turned off the lights and set the alarm system before climbing the stairs to the loft. It had been an incredible day and he was suddenly exhausted. As he cleared the top step, he saw Becca standing by the window brushing her hair. She seemed lost in thought and he stood still, just watching her. She had changed into a cream colored, floor length gown and it hung softly around her curves, hugging her abdomen. He still couldn't believe she was home, back by his side.
Not knowing Nick was watching, Becca ran the brush though her hair one last time before setting it down on the small table by the window. Gently she ran her hands over her abdomen, letting them rest over where the baby lay. Slowly she stroked in a circular motion, soothing the restless movement within and talking in gently hushed tones. Sighing, she spotted Nick's shirt tossed on the foot of the bed. Reaching slowly for the fabric, she held it to her breast, burying her nose in the softness. God, she was home.
Nick couldn't wait another second to have her in his arms. Crossing the room silently he gathered her close, pressing his lips to her hair. "Do you know what it does to me to have you here?" he asked hoarsely.
"I missed you, Nick. I missed you so much and I can't believe I'm here, either. Hold me, please?" She turned in his arms, pressing her face to his chest.
"I love you, Bec. Don't ever leave me again," he whispered tearfully.
"I’m sorry, Nick, so sorry."
"No more apologies, baby. Let's start over from tonight. What do you say?"
"I say yes. Again," she laughed.
"Come to bed?"
"Nick-"
"I just wanta hold you, Bec. I just need to feel you in my arms when I wake up tomorrow."
Taking his hand, she led him to the bed. She pulled the covers aside as he turned off the lights and lay down. Becca followed him, scooting against his side and laying her head on his shoulder as he wrapped his arms around her. "G'night, Nick," she whispered.
"G'night, Bec," he answered. Tilting her face toward his, he kissed her softly, his mouth moving against hers, his hands tangling in her hair. Turning her on her side he spooned up behind her, his face buried in her hair, his hand resting protectively over her tummy.