“What’s up, kids?” AJ announced, waltzing into the Carter’s backyard. “How come most of us live in Orlando but yet we all have to haul our asses to Tampa every time we get together?”
“Because you love us, A.J.,” Katgelin smirked, leaning in for a hug. “And I don’t necessarily feel like sitting in a car for two hours.
“Yeah,” he laughed. “But I do?”
“Don’t’ go there,” she glanced at him, playfully swatting his butt.
“What’s going on over here?” Nick asked, walking over to them. “Why are you flirting with my wife, Jay?” Go and find your own.”
“Gone!” AJ threw his hands up in defense.
Nick stood behind Katelin, wrapping his arms around her waist. “I missed you, baby.”
Katelin snickered. “I’m sure you did. You’re of travelling the globe, while I’m here, as big as a house, chasing your children around all day and all night. What did you feed them for the last few years anyway?”
“Sugar, sugar, and more sugar, baby,” Nick grinned, kissing the top of her head. “And, by the way, you’re not as big as a house. You’re beautiful.”
She turned around and gave him a quick peck on the lips. “You’re too good to me.”
“Hey guys,” a voice interrupted. They turned around to see Brendan and on unfamiliar brunette on his arm. "This is my fiancee, Janelle.”
Katelin clapped, excitedly. “Ooh! It’s so great to finally meet you!”
Janelle sighed, almost relieved. Brendan had always talked about Katelin. She felt like she already knew her, but, yet, she was still nervous as hell to meet her. “You too. I’ve heard so much about you.”
While the girls talked, Nick took the opportunity to pull Brendan aside. “I never got the chance to thank you.”
“For what?” Brendan asked, confused.
“For taking care of her,” Nick clarified. “Through…through everything that happened. She might not even be here if it weren’t for you.”
Brendan nodded. “You’re welcome. She’s my best friend, Nick. I did what anyone else would do.”
“What’s up, guys?” Brian interrupted, shaking both of their hands. “Carter, dude, your wife looks like she’s about to explode. When is she due again?”
“Two weeks,” Nick beamed. “Couldn’t come fast enough.”
“What are you talking about?” Leighanne laughed. “I’m the one that’s had to deal wit her while you guys were running around the country. She makes me never want to have kids again!”
“What’s so funny?” Katelin questioned, walking over to them, as they were all laughing.
“Nothing, honey.” Nick kissed her nose. “Just talking about the tour.”
“Why don’t I believe you?” She playfully narrowed her eyes at him. “Anyway, AJ’s asking for you.”
“What are you thinking about?” Nick asked, later that evening as he saw Katelin sitting by herself, watching the party.
“Nothing,” she replied, tearing her eyes away from everyone and looking up at her husband. “Just how lucky I am. I almost lost everything once…all of this.”
He sat down behind her on the lounge chair, pulling her against him and resting his hands on her swollen belly. “You would’ve never lost me, baby. I love you so much.”
She craned her neck around to look at him. “I love you, too, baby.” Suddenly, she pulled away from him. “Uh-oh.”
Nick looked at her, questioningly. “What’s wrong?”
Katelin almost started laughing. “My water just broke.”
His eyes widened. “What? Are you serious?” He glanced down. “Oh yeah. You’re serious.”
“We’re having a baby!” He jumped up and yelled.
“We know, Carter!” AJ yelled in return.
“No. I mean, right now!” Nick replied. “We’re having one right now!”
“No shit!” AJ laughed.
“Language, AJ,” Amanda scolded, smacking him on the arm.
“Ow, ‘Manda,” he whined. “Damn, woman!”
Early the next morning, Nick watched his new baby daughter sleep soundly in the bassinet next to his wife’s hospital bed. Alexa Nicole Carter. Seven pounds, four ounces. Brightest blue eyes anyone had ever seen. But, then again, what else could anyone expect?
He turned his head and looked at his wife, sleeping with the most content smile on her face. She looked the happiest and most peaceful he had ever seen her. And he could honestly say that he felt exactly the same way. They had been through so much to get to this point. So many ups and downs. They had seen and lived the worst. But now, his family was complete and stronger than ever. And Katelin…he loved her. There was no one else in the world for him. A chance meeting on some rocks on the beach a million years ago. And he knew that she was his forever.