“I was wondering where you had disappeared to,” Nick said as he stepped out on the deck at his parents house where his wife was standing, staring at the stars. The Carter’s were having a Christmas Eve party at their house. Everyone was there. All of the guys, their wives, and their children. Family and friends.
“Just came out to get some fresh air,” Katelin told him, turning around and smiling. She leaned in and gave him a soft kiss on the lips. “Merry Christmas, Nicky.”
“Merry Christmas, babe.” Nick smiled before pulling her into his arms and kissing her again, this time more passionately. “What were you thinking about?” Katelin shrugged. “Nothing much. Just about how much I’m going to miss you when you’re recording.”
Nick grinned to himself. He had told her that the guys had to go to Sweden, which she was less than thrilled about hearing. But he hadn’t said anything about her going with them. That would come later tonight when he gave her an early Christmas present. “I’m going to miss you too,” he lied. “And the little rugrats.”
“Speaking of which,” Katelin began. “Where are the little rugrats?”
“Brian and Kayleigh are asleep in my old room,” Nick replied. “And Aaron was terrorizing AJ last time I checked.”
No sooner had the words left his mouth when AJ burst through the door with Aaron thrown over his shoulder, Amanda laughing as she followed them.
“Uncle AJ!” Aaron shrieked. “Uncle AJ! Sorry!”
“Put the poor kid down,” Amanda laughed. “You’re scaring him.”
“What’d I tell you Aaron?” AJ threatened as he held Aaron over the pool. “One more time and you were going in the pool.”
“No!” Aaron yelled, giggling. “I’m sorry! Aunt Manda, help!”
“You’re on your own, munchkin,” Amanda snickered. “If I help, I’ll go right in with you.”
Katelin cleared her throat loudly. “Um, excuse me? What are you doing to my son?”
AJ spun around, surprised. “Kate. Nick. I didn’t see you guys.”
Nick walked over and grabbed Aaron from AJ, pulling him away from the pool. “I’ll take my son before he drowns in the pool. You tired little buddy?”
“Nope!” Aaron cried. “I want to play more.”
“Alright,” Nick conceded. “For a little more. But then we need to go home. You need to go to bed so Santa can come.”
“Santa’s coming!” Aaron exclaimed as Nick carried him inside the house. The crowd inside started laughing at the adorable blond-haired child who had managed to charm everyone in attendance tonight.
Later that night, when ‘the children were all nestled, snug in their beds,’ and after all of the presents had been carefully placed under the tree, Nick and Katelin sat wrapped in each other’s arms on the couch, while candles burned and Christmas Carols played softly in the background.
“I have an early Christmas present for you,” Nick told her.
“Really?” Katelin asked, her face lighting up like a little kid. She clapped her hands excitedly. “Ooh. What is it?”
Nick walked over to the tree and picked up a long, thin box. It looked like a braclet or something. “Here. It’s actually for both of us but….Just open it.”
Katelin grabbed it from him and ripped the paper off. She opened the lid and stared at the plane ticket in her hand. “It’s an airline ticket.”
Nick rolled his eyes. “Read it.”
“Flight 123 from Orlando, Florida to Stockholm.” Katelin glanced up at Nick, surprised. “You want me to come with you?” Nick nodded, a smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. “Nick, I don’t know what to say.”
“Don’t say anything,” he told her. “Just tell me you’ll come.”
“Of course I’m coming!” Katelin threw her arms around his neck. “But what about…”
“My parents are watching them,” he cut her off. “It’s just the two of us. And the guys, of course. But when we’re not recording, it’s just you and me. No interruptions. No anything.”
“I love you,” she whispered, tears pricking her eyes. She didn’t know why she was so emotional. It was just that, for a while there, it felt like things were falling apart around her. Now, she felt like everything was going back to the way it should be.
“I love you so much, babygirl,” Nick said, before kissing her more passionately than he thought imaginable.
***** ***** ***** ***** ***** *****
Two days later, Katelin and Nick were at Nick parents’ house, dropping off their three children to stay their for the week and a half that Katelin would be gone. She would be with Nick in Stockholm until January 2nd and then she would return to the States with Amanda and Kristin, who were also going. Nick and the rest of the guys would be there for another two weeks after that to finish up recording. By that time, all of the recording for the album would be done and the guys would be free until it was time to promote the album. Then life would pick up again, with promotional tours, awards shows, and the world tour. All of which, Katelin was not looking forward to.
“One more kiss, honey,” Katelin said, tearfully, to her oldest son.
Aaron grinned and leaned forward, wrapping his arms around his mother’s neck and gave her a peck on the lips. “I love you, mommy.”
“I love you too, sweetheart,” Katelin replied.
“Come on,” Nick said, impatiently, tapping his foot. “We’re going to miss the flight.”
“I’m coming.” Katelin stood up and said goodbye to everyone one more time, before following Nick to the limo that was waiting in the driveway.
Once they were settled in, the driver began the two hour drive to Orlando International Airport. Nick wrapped his arms around his wife and pulled her close to his body. “I’m so happy you’re coming with me. Just us, babe.”
“Not exactly,” Katelin turned around to look him in the eye. “I only get you after five.”
“Kate,” Nick sighed. “I thought we weren’t going to fight anymore. That’s not what this was about.”
“Calm down, Nicky,” Katelin giggled. “I was only kidding. This trip is going to be perfect. I don’t mind that you have to work during the day.”
“Well, at least Amanda and Kristin will be there,” Nick pointed out. “That way you girls can hang out together during the day. What do you think you guys will do?”
“Well, you said this place had a spa and everything,” Katelin mentioned. Nick nodded. “Well, then it looks like my days are going to be pretty full.”
Nick laughed and pulled her face towards his. “I love you, babe.”