Little did he know his mic was still on. Gina was paralyzed with shock. She looked up at him, her eyes wide as saucers. Nick's face fell as moments went by and the same expression was on her face.
"Aw baby, I'm sorry. I ... there's no rule that says you have to love me back you know." he said sadly as he hung his head in sadness. That statement brought her back to reality, and a tremendous smile engulfed her lovely face, heart-wrenching in it's sparkling happiness. She poked him in the shoulder. He looked up into her eyes, and saw her smile.
"Nickolas Gene Carter if you think for one minute that I don't love you, you're dead wrong. I love you so damned much that it hurt me physically to keep it bottled inside me like that...but I could never figure you out, so I was confused and debating on when and if to tell you. But if you have changed your mind, then I'll understand." she finished softly and began to walk off the stage. His firm grip on her wrist twisted her around so that she faced him. He had the hugest smile she'd ever seen on his face.
"Nuh-uh baby, you're not going anywhere! Now that I've finally found a girl who could look over all my faults and love me, I'm not letting her go. Obviously we need to improve our level of communication, but besides that our love is destined to last forever, I can feel it." he told her sternly with a smile before crushing her to him and kissing her wildly.
When they finally pulled away, she smiled serenely up at him, cheeks flushed, eyes bright. "And, Nickers, there is no place in the world I'd rather be than here in your arms, experiencing the joy of loving you and of being loved by you, forever." she told him softly as she traced the contours of his handsome face and embracing him tenderly.
Nick smiled sweetly down at her. "I couldn't have said it better myself." he said softly, holding her close.
Suddenly, the audience broke out into a wild applause, cheering and cat calling wildly. One fan close to them even yelled out "Long live the power of love!!" before the entire stadium was booming. Both Gina and Nick jumped and looked out over the audience with startled glances. Nick began to laugh as he held her tenderly. "It seems like our mics were on during the whole thing, baby. Listen to those people scream!" he said happily as he pulled her closer. Gina laughed along with him. They bowed and blushed again as fans in the front row called out encouraging words and then Nick whisked Gina into his arms and carried her off the stage with very determined strides.
Backstage they received even more well-wishes and congratulations. Nick received many pats on the back and whistles from the guys, while Gina received many hugs and knowing smiles from the girls. AJ and Jaime were now dating, and they were both very happy with each other. AJ swore that he'd never dated a sweeter girl than Jemma, as he affectionately called her.
three days later, Corpus Christi, Texas
Mia and Chris were simply watching MTV when suddenly Gina came on the screen. It was her brand new video, 'Because we want to' and she was with Nick Carter. They were having a party and Nick was Gina's love interest. Mia gasped when she heard Gina's voice. It sounded similar to Selena's...but there was something in her voice that differed from Sel's. It was more powerful, and there was definitely a rebellious tone to her voice, to better fit with the song's lyrics. Mia taped the video and smiled over at Chris.
"My God she has an amazing voice. I am seriously looking forward to meeting her, my step-daughter." she said happily. Then her pretty face fell for an instant. "I hope she likes me," she said worriedly.
Chris pulled her closer. "As a matter of fact, she already loves you, Mia. I saw her at the studio when she began recording because I wanted to see Sel's baby. She said that she was looking forward to meeting you and holding little Cala. Of course she said that after she shamed me for not telling her of our marriage and Cala's birth." he smiled sheepishly. Mia cuffed him.
"And you obviously deserved it you oaf!" she exclaimed sternly but with a smile. "Even men are supposed to know that they're supposed to tell their daughters when the remarry and when their half-sibling is born Chris!" she said as she laughed.
He laughed with her. But suddenly the door in the kitchen slammed loudly. Chris and Mia looked up startledly as Abraham came stalking into the living room. He wore a scowl on his face that he hadn't seen since he and Selena had eloped. He swallowed mightily. What had angered him this time?
Abraham slapped a newspaper in front of Chris. "Look at that!" he shouted loudly. "She's all of sixteen years old and she's already slopping mouths with a man! And not just any man, but a white man!" he roared viciously.
Chris peered apprehensively at the newspaper, and his heart swelled with pride. There on the front page was a picture of Nick and Gina kissing. The headline read 'Famous couple finally admit their undying love for each other'. Mia looked at the picture and gasped. Gina and Nick looked so happy. She had heard from Chris about how Abraham had forbidden Selena from even seeing him for a time and how she'd have to sneak out. By God she'd not stand by and let the same thing happen to an innocent sixteen year old who's only crime was being in love with a white man. And so Mia did something she'd never done before.
She stood up angrily. "You racist old fool!" she bellowed at him. "Can't you just stop thinking of your old-fashioned nationalistic pride and see how happy they are? My God Abraham, look! He makes her happy and that should be enough for everybody. Secondly, can't you look beyond the color of skin and see what lies beneath? He seems like an awesome guy and I would have dated him myself if I'd been single. Thirdly, and I know you'll bring this up, but age is just a number. Look at me and Chris. He's thirty and I'm Nick's age. So what? And fourthly, I thought you liked this guy anyway!" she screamed at him, shaking with her rage.
Abraham scowled. "I liked him when my granddaughter was only friends with him. But a relationship between them is impossible and you know it." he said quietly.
Mia glared at him. "Why? His religion you mean?" Abraham nodded. Mia laughed bitterly. "Sorry to disappoint you, but he is a catholic, as we are. There is no logical reason why they should not be dating and in love. And you know what? You did the same thing to Selena, and look what you did... you wasted months of her life on petty prejudice and she barely had time to even begin to enjoy her marriage before she was gunned down. What if the same happens to Gina? Will you realize your mistake then and twice too late?" she asked him softly.
Abraham shook his head. "I cannot think of a logical reason why they should date." he grumbled darkly.
Mia threw up her hands. "Well then, watch this video. See how happy he makes her." she said coldly as she pressed the play button. Immediately the image of Nick and Gina together dancing and acting as happy and carefree as people their ages ought to. Although Abraham was moved by the video and particularly by Gina's voice which sounded a little like Selena's, he still thought that a relationship between two professional singers was wrong. When he finally voiced that concern, Chris finally took a stand.
"Look, Abe. You were my father-in-law for long enough to know that I don't judge people lightly. When I meet people, that first impression stays with me forever. I've met Nick Carter...and he is a very talented and focused young man. But he is completely and utterly devoted to Gina. I've heard of worse relationships...take Brian, Nick's band mate. He's set to marry Leighanne, a model and actress. But somehow in three years they managed to fall in love and spend enough time with each other to know that they were who they wanted to marry and have children with. And might I add that Leighanne is a very sweet and courteous young woman." Chris told his ex-father-in-law in exasperation.
That turned Abraham's opinion for the better. "You are a good judge of character, Chris. I guess I shall have to wait and see what he's like in person." he said resignedly as he moved off toward the basement and his television. Mia and Chris sighed in relief. They had won the battle, but who would win the war?