It was 4th of July and the whole gang gathered at the Carter’s for their annual barbecue. Well, the whole gang minus Nick. I sat on the deck thinking back to the year before, particularly, the picture that had been taken of me and Nick. Everything was so different now. I was now almost three months pregnant with his child and he had no idea. Even if I did want him to know, I had no idea where to find him. I was so content just staring out at the ocean that I didn’t hear Brian come up next to me. He cleared his throat and spoke softly:
“Hey Katie.” I faced him:
“Hey Bri. What’s going on?” He sighed:
“Nothing much…Things are so much different now, aren’t they?” I sighed:
“I was just thinking the same thing. I just wish everything was back to normal. Like this time last year. I wish everything was different, you know?” He looked out at the ocean:
“Yeah. I know. I wish things were different too. Aaron was here. Nick was here and you two were in love with a baby on the way….” He trailed off. I smiled:
“Enough sad talk. Come on, Bri. There’s a party going on.” I linked arms with him and we walked back to where everyone else was.
I sat down on a deck chair and looked around. I kept thinking that any moment, Nick would come bounding through the doors and cannonball into the pool. But of course, that was only wishful thinking. Things had changed so much and Nick wasn’t even here. Hell, who knows where he was.
Later on in the evening, Brian had an announcement to make. He made sure he got everyone’s attention and then he dropped down on one knee in front of Leighanne:
“Leighanne Wallace, would make me the happiest man alive and become my wife?” He opened a little box to reveal a sparkling diamond ring. She gasped as tears sprung to her eyes:
“Yes, Brian! Of course I’ll be your wife!” He placed the ring on her finger and then stood up and spun her around in the air as everyone else broke out into applause. All the BSB’s surrounded them in a huge hug. I went up and hugged Leighanne and then I turned to Brian:
“Congratulations.” He smiled as he pulled me into his arms:
“Thanks, girl.” I giggled as Brian squeezed me tighter:
“Brian, you’re hurting me.” He pulled a way and lightly rubbed my tummy:
“Don’t wanna hurt this little guy.” I laughed:
“Don’t worry, Bri. Nothings going to happen to your future godchild.” He looked up at me in surprise:
“Godchild?” I smiled:
“Well of course. Who else would I ask? That is, if you want the job.” He hugged me again:
“It would be an honor, Katie.” Leighanne walked over to us:
“What’s going on guys?” I turned to her:
“Nothing much. Listen guys, I wanted to talk to you about something.” Brian looked at me skeptically:
“What is it?” I drew in my breath and let it out slowly:
“I think that I’m gonna find a place of my own. You guys don’t need me around bugging you all the time.” Leighanne shook her head:
“No, Katelin. You’re not a bother. We love having you around. Right honey?” She nudged Brian:
“Of course. You can’t leave now. You’re pregnant.” I laughed lightly:
“I know Brian. Thanks for reminding me. But, seriously, guys. I need to. You guys are going to be married and I have a baby on the way. We’re going to need our own place. You understand, don’t you?” Leighanne put her arm around me:
“Of course we understand, sweetie. We’ll help you start looking.” Krystal, Howie’s girlfriend, walked over to us:
“Hey! I couldn’t help overhearing, Katelin, that you’re apartment hunting. My roommate’s moving out in a couple of weeks and I would love to have you move in with me.” I looked up at her in shock:
“Are you sure? I mean, I come as a package. Two for the price of one.” She giggled:
“I know and it’s no problem. Plus, I live in Tampa and you’ll be closer to the Carter’s than if you lived in Orlando. Come on. It’ll be fun. You, me, and the baby.” I stood up and hugged her:
“I’d love to! Thank you so much!”
Well, it was settled. In three weeks, I’d be moving in with Krystal who had a three bedroom townhouse in the Tampa Bay area. That way, we would have a nursery for the baby. It felt like my life was slowly getting back on track, even though Nick was no longer a part of it.