They drove along in Ivy’s car, the silence between then barely comfortable. What was she doing? Marrying Brad was going to be one of the biggest mistakes of her entire life and still she found no reason not to say “I Do” in two weeks…

Well ok, there was ONE reason not to. He was about six foot two with those beautiful green eyes and the best body…

Damn.

She was making a mistake!

“Can I ask you something?” Nikki turned to her mother. “Something private.”

Ivy was surprised and a thrown off by Nikki’s sudden need to share. After all, the Cranes never shared feelings and emotions. Conversations were the basics: money, the club and a game of tennis or two.

“Sure, Nicholette, ask me anything.”

“Do you regret marrying Julian instead of marrying Sam?”

“Is the Pope Catholic?” Ivy laughed. “Marrying your father was the stupidest thing I could possibly have done…besides trying to pass Ethan off as his. Why do you ask?”

“I’m in love with Noah Bennett,” Nikki admitted. “And he loves me too. I don’t want to marry Brad, Mother, I don’t love Brad.”

“You’ll learn to love him, Nikki. You two have a lot in common…”

“But the baby is Noah’s! I want to be with him!” Nikki sighed. “He makes me feel so alive…”

“Has he expressed his love to you?” Ivy asked. “Has he offered you a life together?”

“Sorta,” Nikki sighed again.

“Now that you’ll have to explain,” Ivy replied. “I’m not sure how someone ‘sort of’ offers to marry you.”

“Well, he said we could both go back to NYU together and raise our child together. He said we had something that was too good to give up on…”

“But no marriage?”

“No,” she grumbled.

“Nikki, I love you. I may never have expressed it to you before, not like I did Ethan, but you are still my daughter. As stupid and selfish as I have been in the last twenty years all I have really wanted is for you to be happy…”

“I’ve been happy so far,” Nikki lied.

“Right,” Ivy cast her a glance. “Nikki, you’ve been miserable. All this partying and acting up just proves that you are only trying to get our attention. Now Julian…”

“Is a worthless piece of shit that takes after his no good, dysfunctional father…”

“Ok, moving on,” Ivy laughed.

Nikki smiled.

“As I was saying,” Ivy grinned. “Julian may be worthless and he might never learn to show love to his children. Hell how many times has he screwed up your Aunt’s life?”

“Too many,” Nikki giggled. “But she won in the end…”

“That’s the point, Nikki. I will be happy whatever you do. In fact, I’m happy that Sheridan and Luis married. It’s about time someone in this family showed the Cranes that not everyone cowers in fear. Sheridan started the trend, Nicholette and I think you should continue it.”

“Which means?” Nikki asked.

“Go back to Noah!” Ivy looked at her daughter. “Go back to him before it’s too late and you end up like me.”

Nikki looked into Ivy’s eyes and smiled. Her mother had a point. “Thanks.”

“Just do me one favor, Nic.”

“Anything.”

“Let me be the one to tell your father,” she smirked.

Nikki laughed. “Ivy Crane, that honor is all yours…but give me some time to put my own plan in action to take care of old Grandpa.” Her eyes sparkling, Nicholette Crane felt better right now that she had in her entire life.

~*~Chapter Twenty-Eight: A Panel Of Fools ~*~

Looking at the five people settled around the kitchen table, Noah could only ask himself one question:

What the hell was he doing?

Ok, so the idea to get the better part of his family together, minus his pain in the ass sister Kay, and asking them for help wasn’t a bad idea…

But it wasn’t a good one either. In fact it was one of the worst ones he’d ever had.

“All right, Noah, why did you get us together this damn early in the morning?” Hank yawned, causing everyone to laugh. He glared at each one before his eyes started to close from exhaustion.

But morning? It was four in the afternoon! Damn did this man need to grow up and find out what responsibility was!

“Because I need some help,” he sank into a chair. “I need to get Nikki back,” he looked from face to face.

Grace smiled. Oh that was his mom all right. Excited before knowing the whole story. Wait until she heard WHY he needed to get her back! The whole pregnancy thing was going to completely blow her away. If he had only one thing to teach his mother, it would be that naivety is almost as bad as being an ignoramus.

Then he saw Sam. Ok, so he still wasn’t real fond of the man he called father and he still found Sam Bennett to be lacking severely in intelligence (can we say dumb as a rock?), but he could be helpful here. After all, situations were somewhat similar, were they not? Only a true Bennett could knock up some rich heiress.

Then there was his innocent, yet most intelligent, sister Jessica. She was the hopeless romantic, always trying to believe that love would conquer in the end. Of course that was before all hell broke loose (literally) and she found herself facing the chance of divorced parents. Now she was almost as bad as Kay believing that love only mattered if you could win it…and Lord the people she hung out with!

Of course life wouldn’t be complete if he didn’t get the astute (yea right) help of his older, and only, brother Ethan. The ever clueless bastard was sure to be a big help right now…especially since he was already married to a woman that could only be described as…well childish, whiney…stupid?? Yes, she had been his friend, best friend!, for as long as he could remember but she was still a few brain cells short of being able to call herself clueless (and that was giving her the benefit of the doubt!)

And of course no panel of assistants could be complete without the self-proclaimed player, his dear Uncle Hank. Hank was sure to be there for a few laughs and as little help as humanly possible; after all, we’re talking about a man that never stayed in one place for an extended period of time nor could have possible EVER given his heart to anyone…

Oh yes. This was sure to be helpful…

Maybe he should have asked Kay to stay at least she could have had SOME ideas…

She had attempted to win Miguel!

“Nikki, as in Nikki Crane? My half-sister??” Ethan asked, fully attentive now. How the hell did Noah fall in love with Nikki? Great, his half-siblings could marry one day…would that make him a brother-in-law to one or both? (Damn these family trees could be confusing!)

“The one and only,” Noah grinned. Thank God there was only one of her. The world wouldn’t be ready for more! “And I love her before you go knocking my head off. I love her with every fiber of my being.”

“How romantic,” Jessica sighed. “My big brother’s in love…” her eyes glazed over and Noah knew she was seeing kids already!

“With a Crane,” Hank pointed out, finally tuning in. Getting up he fetched himself a beer. If he had to remember Cranes, especially ones he would never have a chance with, he didn’t need to be sober.

“Yes, with a Crane,” Noah rolled his eyes. “Look, let me fill you in a little. She and I met at the airport where I fell in love with her instantly. We had a fight, but made up. We partied some and now we’re in love and she’s…”

“She’s what?” Jessica asked, sighing at the thought of love at first sight. This was just perfect!

Ok, here was the news he’d been reluctant to bring up. Only one person at this table knew about the baby and he was definitely in no position to start in. Great.

Taking a deep breath he decided to go for broke…

“She’s pregnant,” Noah grumbled. “And it’s mine.”

Grace swooned and clutched her chest, falling sideways into Sam, who chuckled at the scene. Hank grinned; was he the only Bennett that didn’t knock some rich broad up? (Then again was he the only one to get some under age chick pregnant too?) Jessica was shocked, but that didn’t surprise him. What bothered him was her ashen coloring and the fact that her chin was definitely on the linoleum. Now Ethan, he surprised Noah. Diving over the table he got right into Noah’s face, grabbing his collar and pulling his body from the chair. Damn! For a weak looking man, when he was pissed off he could sure beat the hell out of someone!

“You knocked up my kid sister!” he growled.

“I made love to her and she got pregnant!” he pushed Ethan off. “I LOVE HER! Now I need to win her away from Brad! *I* want to be the baby’s father…to be with her for life!”

“How?” Jessica asked. Nikki’s wedding was only three days away!

“That’s what I need your help with.” Noah rolled his eyes. God sure as hell didn’t bless this family with brains, did he? Perhaps he was adopted…or something! Hell, switched at birth would even be better than admitting that these…IGNORANT PEOPLE (yea that’s polite) were relatives!

“Well, what’s your idea?” Sam asked, finally finishing in his attempt to rouse Grace, who was now crying and moaning about her baby being a slime ball. Great, now his mother was going to start in on him!

“I’m glad you asked,” Noah grinned and leaned closer, laying out his plan and the help he would need from each person. He only prayed that they would be able to handle what he was asking of them…because Lord knows it wasn’t looking that way!

~*~Chapter Twenty-Nine: Wedding Day Surprise~*~

“Aunt Sher, I need your help with something,” Nikki called from the bridal room where she was dressing. Her mother had already been clued in on the plans for the day, but she was going to need a little extra help from her aunt. This had to go off without a hitch.

“What is it sweetie?” Sheridan entered the room with a weak smile. She knew that Nikki didn’t really want to marry Brad and felt terrible that she was. If only…

“Noah is going to be here in two hours and I need someone to help him inside…”

“Noah?” Sher was shocked.

“No, Noah,” Nikki laughed. “Just watch for him, would you?”

“Sure, Nick. Are you going to tell me why Noah Bennett is coming?”

Nikki smiled. “Because I love him and he loves me,” she rolled her eyes. “You’ll see, hun. It’s a surprise.”

Ivy laughed. “Trust me, Sheridan, the less you know the better.”

“Oh great,” Sheridan laughed. Something told her this was going to be one hell of a wedding…

Nikki knew this was for the best; marrying Brad would be the biggest mistake of her life. She had made plenty of mistakes before, but at least she could stop this one. She smirked. The best part was the revenge she would get on her father and grandfather.

Standing in back of the church with her father, she listened to the music as bride’s maid after bride’s maid started down the aisle. Thank God for the mandatory twelve person bridal party! Sighing, she fidgeted nervously and rolled her eyes. Where the hell was Noah?

“Stop acting like a child, Nicholette,” her father scolded, tightening his grip on her arm.

“Since when is there a law about fidgeting?” she asked.

“Don’t be snide…”

“Family trait!” she countered.

“Touché,” Julian groaned. Where was his brandy when he needed it?

Nikki rolled her eyes. All she wanted a Noah to get there…

But then the blasted music started and Julian began to lead her down the aisle.

“Oh God…Oh God…Oh God…” she chanted.

“Would you quit it, Nicholette,” Julian growled.

“I don’t want to get married…”

“It wouldn’t have been so rushed if you would have leaned to keep your legs shut!”

“Oh you’re one to talk,” she heatedly whispered. “You’ve had more sex than a prostitute on a busy night! I only pray you’re shooting more blanks than a movie pistol…”

“Watch your mouth child!”

“MAKE ME!” she growled, trying to remain hushed as they approached the altar.

“I won’t have to,” he pushed her forward into Brad’s waiting arms. “She’s your problem now.” He took his seat.

Brad smiled. “I don’t think you’re any trouble.”

Damn he loved her, which would make this harder to do….

VROOOOOOOOOM…

And there was her knight in shinning armor now.

The church doors were thrown open, Noah on one hell of a Harley driving up the center aisle to the bride and groom. “Someone told me there was a woman in white waiting for me…”

“What is this!?” Alistair growled, rising from his seat.

“This is the bride ditching,” Nikki laughing, hopping on the back of the Harley and taking hold of Noah. “Hasta la vista, moron!” she waved as he turned the bike and headed back out of the church.

“We’re in a shit load of trouble when we go back there, babe…”

“But we won’t be back until it’s too late…” She kissed his cheek. “So where are you taking me…”

“Let’s just say you’re dressed perfectly for what I have planned, baby. Just perfectly,” and he drove off for the airport.

“So that was the plan,” Sheridan laughed, shaking her head.

Ivy grinned. “Wasn’t it grand? And do you know the best part?”

“That,” Sheridan motioned to where her brother and father stood arguing.

“Exactly,” Ivy laughed wickedly. “I just hope they know what they’re doing.”

“Oh Ivy, I’m sure Nikki has a plan,” Luis defended his niece.

“That’s what we’re afraid of,” Sheridan grinned weakly. That was EXACTLY what they were afraid of!

~*~Chapter Thirty: Going to the Chapel of Love~*~

“Noah Gabriel Bennett, where the hell are we going?” Nikki asked, her arms wrapped tightly around his waist as they drove.

“This was my part of the plan and I’m not telling,” he teased, weaving the bike in and out of slow traffic. He only prayed that everyone did as they were asked because otherwise they were screwed.

“Noah, tell me.”

“Fine, fine. We’re off to Harmony’s local airport.”

“What? Why?”

“You’ll see” he grinned and she slugged his arm. Sometimes he was so very frustrating.

They arrived at the airport sometime later, three cops always stopping them for speeding but then letting them go. Nikki had wondered what Noah did to have them back off so she decided to ask.

“I have some questions for you, Noah.”

He took her hand and rushed her inside, pulling her through the small airport. “Ok, two questions, so make them worth it.”

“Where did you get the bike?” she asked.

“My uncle Hank knows a guy at the bar that owns three of those babies. He lent it to me for the day.”

“Ok, question two. Why the hell didn’t those cops stop us? We were way over the speed limit!”

He grinned. “My dad’s the chief of police, dear, even I have strings to pull…”

“You mean he…”

Noah nodded. So there were SOME benefits to be Sam Bennett’s kid.

She laughed. “Ok, damn I’m out of questions.”

“Yes you are,” he smiled and arrived where they had to be. Standing there were Jessica, Ethan, and Grace.

“Ok, now this needs some explaining,” Nikki took a firm hold of his hand. She was actually nervous.

“Well, did it work?” he asked, ignoring the poor girl.

Ethan nodded. “Crane jet is fueled and ready for take off, Noah. I can’t believe how stupid some people are…”

Nikki and Noah shared a look, chuckling slightly. Oh right, OTHER people were stupid.

“And?” he asked looking at his mom.

“Luggage has been put on board for both of you,” she smiled, a tear rolling down her cheek. “I know neither one of you will use it, but pretend for me?”

Noah chuckled and hugged his mom. “Would you really rather I lie?”

“No,” she sighed.

“Ok, Jess are you ready to fly with us kid?” Noah asked, putting an arm around his sister.

“I won’t be in the way?” she asked.

“Not at all,” Nikki smiled and slid her arm around Jessica. “Someone has to give me the dirt on your brother…especially since he won’t tell me where we are going…”

“Noah, you haven’t told her yet?” Grace’s eyes widened.

“It’s a surprise,” he grinned.

“Mr. Crane, we’re ready to fly your passengers…oh Ms. Crane. Is this flight for you?”

Nikki had to stifle a laugh. “Yes, Paul, let’s get going to shall we?”

“Yes miss,” he tipped his had and led the trio on board.

“Noah,” his mother called.

“Yea Ma?”

“I love you, kid. Hurry home.”

“We will,” he hugged Nikki. “We will.”

The plan ride was long and Noah refused to give her any information until they were over their landing area. That’s when Nikki identified the city…

“Vegas?” he eyes lit up. “Noah does this mean?”

He nodded. “Wanna marry me babe?”

“Oh hell yes!” She jumped into his arms. “So that’s why Jess came along. She’s a witness.”

“Exactly. This was easier than I thought,” Noah laughed. “Ethan called and said he needed the jet. Some moron never broke the news to the pilots that Ethan isn’t a Crane. My father called his men off should we be speeding, Mom packed us something to eat and some clothing and Hank got me the bike…”

“And Jess came along for entertainment,” she winked.

Jess laughed. “No, I came along to watch the big lout get married and take pictures.”

“This was great, Noah. Made me love you even more,” she whispered as the plane slowly landed. This was going to be awesome!

The immediately went over to the “Chapel of Love” wedding chapel and rushed inside, giggling. Paying for one of the wedding packages, the trio headed inside as another wedding finished.

“And I now pronounce you husband and wife, you may kiss the bride…”

They watched the couple kiss and then start up the aisle, shocked at who it was.

“Reese?” Jess and Noah asked at the same time.

Reese laughed, wishing he had his glasses to push up on his nose. “Yup. Meet Shann, my wife,” he slid an arm around the auburn haired beauty beside him.

“Wow, Congrats,” Noah shook Reese’s hand. “Hang around, man, I’m next.”

“Really? Hey I wouldn’t miss this for the world,” Reese and Shann took a seat, the same seat actually as she snuggled on his lap.

Noah led Nikki to the front of the chapel, Jess taking a seat in the front row. The man in front grinned, looking Nikki and Noah over.

“You two make a fine couple. I’m sure you’ll be married forever!” he chuckled. “Ready?”

“Yes,” they replied.

“Good,” he flipped open a book to read from.

“Now I’m guess you are Nicholette and Noah?” he asked.

“Call me Nikki,” she winked.

Noah laughed when the man blushed.

“Ok, we’re here to unite Nikki Crane and Noah Bennett in holy matrimony, wedded bliss or whatever you wish to call this…”

“Get on with it,” Nikki groaned.

“Sorry,” he chuckled. “So, do you Nikki, take Noah to be your lawfully wedded husband, to have and hold from this day forward, for better or worse, richer or poorer, in sickness and in health until death do you part?”

Nikki grinned, looking right into Noah’s eyes. “You bet I do…”

“Damn one bet I could have won,” the man teased. Noah laughed. Oh this guy was a real character.

“So, do you Noah, take this incredibly beautiful woman to be your lawfully wedded wife, to have and hold from this day forward, for better or worse, richer or poorer, in sickness and in health until death do you part?”

“Hell yea,” he winked at her.

“Is I do really that complicated??” the man kidded.

“Rings?”

Jessica brought them forward with a smile. “Here ya go.”

“Wow, Noah’s surrounded by pretty ladies…”

“And she’s my underage kid sister so lay off,” Noah glared at him.

“Sorry. Nikki, take the ring and place it on Noah’s left hand and say these words: with this ring, I thee wed.”

She was glowing as she slid the ring onto his finger, stating, “With this ring, I thee wed.”

“Noah, you know the drill.”

He smiled, taking Nikki’s hand and placing a kiss on her finger before sliding the ring on and saying, “With this ring, I thee wed.”

Her eyes teared and her smile because faulty as he looked into her sparkling blue eyes. They barely heard the chapel owner say, “By the power vested in me by the state of Nevada, I pronounce you husband and wife. Feel free to kiss your bride.”

Noah leaned in, bringing his lips to hers and giving her a deep passionate kiss that made their three witnesses whoop with joy. Noah laughed as he pulled away, whispering, “I love you, Nicholette Bennett.”

Nikki grinned. “I love you too, Noah Bennett. So very much.”

~*~Chapter Thirty-One: Love in the Glass Box~*~

They had only one thing planned for that night and it was obvious to anyone they passed on the way to the MGM Grand, his arm was around her waist as they headed for the front desk, her “Nicholette Masterson” credit card in her hand (and they said her grandfather knew EVERYTHING!)

“Can I help you?” the young woman working at the desk asked, looking Noah over. She obviously liked what she saw as a smile spread slowly across her lips.

Nikki gave her a look that said “Drop Dead.” Slamming her credit card on the counter, she said, “I want two suites. One honeymoon suite and one regular suite,” she looked at Jess. “Make them both deluxe.” She had offered to pay for Reese and Shann’s, but they already paid and couldn’t see any reason to change it.

Jess grinned, already liking her sister-in-law. She was so awesome. After the wedding, Nikki had taken her into a shop and allowed her to buy anything she wanted. Nikki knew she was going to lose her fortune, but all the credit card bills were listed to one account. Her grandfather would never knew who spent what. So, figuring this was the last bill she could run up, she was going for the full limit on her card.

The woman punched in Nikki’s request, continuously looking Noah over when she had the chance. Nikki was quickly losing patience. She didn’t appreciate this…WOMAN…looking over her new husband. She noticed that the woman shrugged, took her card and then rang them up. The others headed for the elevator while Nikki went to the bathroom. When she returned she was met by one hell of a sight.

Another female worker (What was with all the female workers??) was leaning up against Noah, her hand resting against his chest. She was somewhat younger, maybe just turning eighteen. She giggled, leaning close to Noah, almost ready to kiss him. This really ticked Nikki off and she stormed over.

“Do you have a problem?” Nikki asked, grabbing the woman’s hand and flinging it off of Noah’s chest. Her eyes met the other woman’s in a cold stare.

“No, ma’am,” she replied with a giggle, batting her eyes.

“Look,” Nikki read the name tag on the woman’s blouse, “Sarah, if you so much as think of my man again I’m gonna claw those pretty green eyes out of your head. Do you understand me?” she glared at her.

Sarah looked Noah over again and batted her eyes at him. “Can’t help it if he likes me back,” she purred.

Nikki leaned in closer, grabbing Sarah by the arm. “Say it again so I have a reason to kick your ass.”

“Nikki, baby,” Noah took hold of the back of her shirt. She had changed after their wedding. “Calm down, sweets.”

“I WILL NOT CALM DOWN,” she growled. “For the last hour or so I have watched every woman in this city eye you and now this bitch thinks she has a chance!”

Sarah looked at Noah with big puppy eyes. “Tell her cowboy. Tell her how you feel…that we’re going to meet later,” she pointed to the card in Noah’s hand with her number on it.

Nikki’s eyes widened and she slapped Sarah so hard her hand stung. “You whore.”

“NIKKI!” Noah grabbed her arm. “Calm down.”

“I WILL NOT!” she screamed again, pulling her arm away from him. “I need a drink,” she stormed away.

Jessica nodded. “Go after her before she does something stupid.”

Noah chased down his wife, catching her arm before she could enter the bar. “It’s not good for the baby.”

“Yea well they don’t have a place to buy a soda unless you go in here,” she stopped, hiding her face from him.

“Come on, Nick, you know I love you,” he turned her to face him.

“I’m sorry,” she sniffled. “She made me so angry…everyone looking at you and checking you out just really pissed me off.”

He laughed. “I hadn’t noticed, but you know, when a fine looking guy checks you out, I feel the same way. I hate the way you look in that outfit just because everyone else gets to see you…but I try to remember that they look, I touch.”

“Yea well bimbo over there was doing her fair share of touching,” Nikki huffed, crossing her arms. “And I didn’t see you…”

He pulled her into his arms and kissed her…HARD.

Pulling away, her voice a whisper. “You don’t think kissing me is going to…”

He went to kiss her again, but she slapped him.

“LIKE I was about to say. Kissing me won’t get me to shut up!”

He laughed, picking her up and carrying her to the elevators. “Jess, take the next one would ya…thanks,” he stepped in, leaving Jessica and the luggage behind. Hitting the button to their floor, he placed Nikki back on her feet. “Are you going to behave?”

She glared at him. “No.”

He leaned her up against the door of the elevator. “I love you.”

“Don’t use your love to trick me,” she grinned slightly. “This is a glass elevator so get rid whatever’s going on in that head there. We’re not…”

He kissed her, pulling her against him. She moaned. His lips left hers and made their way to her neck.

“Noah, come on…it’s glass, people can see,” she replied breathlessly.

“I want to make love to my wife…”

“Not,” she moaned again as his hands caressed her through her blouse. “God Noah this isn’t fair.”

He chuckled lightly in her ear. “We still have fifteen or so floors,” he nibbled on her ear. “And the emergency break.”

“Noah, what is someone sees…” her eyes were closed and she was breathing unevenly. He was still caressing her body, though he had lifted her shirt now.

“So?” he started to push her skirt up. “Damn I love easy access.”

“I’m supposed to be a role model…we’re parents now.”

He chuckled. “I have some seven months before I have to be a role model,” he toyed with her underwear.

“Oh damn,” she groaned. “Make love to me, Noah…now…here!”

“With pleasure,” he caught her mouth with his and made love to her just like he had that night in the office.

They had fixed their clothing hastily, forgetting that they were nearing their floor as they again lost themselves in each other. She couldn’t believe that they had made love in the elevator or that love could be so amazing…

But it really was.

She had only one thing she wanted to do now.

Make love again.

And Noah knew it.

Pulling her into his arms, he kissed her. “I love you Mrs. Bennett.”

“I love that…I love you!” She hugged him close. “Come on, let’s get into the room and celebrate…”

“Whatever my lady wishes,” he opened the door and then swept her into his arms, carrying her inside. Kicking the door closed with his foot, he brought her to the bed, gently placing her on it. “Before we make love again, which I know is what you want, we do have some reality to face…”

“We’ll face it later,” she pulled him in for a kiss. “Much later.”

~*~Chapter Thirty-Two: Later…Much Later~*~

True to her word, Nikki wouldn’t allow Noah to think of anything but pleasing her until much, much later. In fact, it was the very next morning that either one of them moved from the satin sheets in the honeymoon sweet.

He was the first to get out of bed, slipping into his boxers as he walked over to the door to meet the room service man. Nikki had ordered breakfast while she snuggled in his arms. Her exact words: “I’m starving and you need to keep up your energy.”

As he came back to the bed, his eyes met hers and he smiled. “Well aren’t you looking happy this morning?”

She stretched and sat up, ignoring the sheet that fell to her waist and revealed her chest to her husband. His groan was JUST the response she wanted.

“Nikki, you promised we’d actually leave the room today. We’re going home tomorrow morning…”

She pouted. “But baby, I wanted to…hit the sheets…”

“We’ve done that…a man can only handle so much.”

“Weakling,” she pouted, flopping back against the pillows.

“Don’t be a bitch, Nikki.”

“I can if I wanna,” she stuck her tongue out at him. He brought the food by the bed.

“Look, Nick, my poor sister has spent the evening watching stage shows with her geek…er hunk of a married fried? Well, whatever Reese became in the last forty-eight hours! She’s bound to be bored and the strip has some kicking places to see.”

“Like the M&M factory or Caesars?” she feigned a yawn. “Come on, we’ll give her and Reese and…what was that girl’s name? Sharon?”

“Shann…”

“Right, we’ll give them some cash and we’ll stay here and make up for lost time,” she grinned.

“Or we can give them cash and discuss going home…”

“Suddenly the strip looks pretty good,” she popped up, grabbing some bacon. “How about at least a shower?”

“With you?”

“Maybe,” she shrugged, climbing out of bed nude and grabbing a piece of sausage. “If you’re strong enough,” she walked into the other room.

He groaned. Damn! He was going to be punished for the rest of his life…

And love EVERY minute of it.

Finally dressed, the pair left the room his arm around her shoulders and hers around his waist. They fell into step together and ended up facing the same elevator that they had made love in the day before. Both turned crimson and chuckled.

“Ok, I’ll never think of an elevator the same again,” Noah teased his wife.

Her blushed brightened, if possible, and she buried her head in his chest uncharacteristically. “I’ve done some wild things, Noah Bennett, but the glass elevator takes the cake!”

He laughed again, hugging her close. “Come on, put up that Crane wall would ya? I don’t want my kid sister to know I couldn’t wait to get to the bedroom…”

“To do what?” Jessica’s voice asked from behind them.

Saying that Nikki was as red as a stop sign would have been the understatement of the year! She was so bright that Jessica knew IMMEDIATELY what they were talking about and started to laugh.

“I can’t believe you two christened an elevator!!” she doubled over from laughing.

Noah blush matched Nikki’s as the trio climbed into the elevator. Of course, Jessica wasn’t going to let this go easily. In fact, she was going to make them sweat. “So, was it against the windows?” she asked, looking for smudges. “Leave behind any clothing?”

Nikki laughed slightly. “Funny, Jess, Funny.”

“I thought so. What are the plans for today?” Jess asked, looking the couple over.

“Noah wants to gamble,” Nikki laughed. “So while he blows some cash, I thought you and I could see what else the nearby area has to offer. Then we’ll have a late lunch or early dinner, whatever and maybe a show or something…”

“Sounds good,” Jess beamed.

“I’m glad,” Nikki said as the doors to the elevator opened in the lobby. “Well baby, be good, we’re going to go have some fun, ok? We’ll come get you at about,” checking her watch she said, “One?”

He nodded and kissed her lips lightly. “Jess, keep my wife and baby out of trouble, would ya?”

Jess laughed. “Damn, no hot men then?”

Noah stuck his tongue out at her and then gave Nikki another kiss, this one much deeper than the last. “Be good you,” he whispered when he pulled away.

Nikki flashed him a smile. “I’m always good,” and with that, she and Jess disappeared.

The two girls spent the day shopping and using several disposable cameras to capture the memories of Nikki and Noah’s wedding in Vegas. The visited the home of the M&M’s, Jessica said she would die without seeing it, and then looked around the in the different hotels at the sights. Afterwards, they headed back to the hotel, tired and hungry and hoping to find Noah broke and quitting…

But that wasn’t what they found at all.

Instead they found Noah sitting at the slot machines, two tubs of quarters and another thousand dollars worth inside the machine’s tray. Nikki was shocked.

“Noah, when you said you wanted to gamble…”

“Hey, I haven’t lost since I left the poker tables,” he stuffed another dollar into the machine and pulled the handle, winning again.

Nikki shook her head. “How many quarters…”

“A lot,” he laughed, stuffing more in.

“Dare I ask how much of the cash I gave you is left?”

“Fifty,” he said, pulling the handle and losing this time.

“Not bad,” she watched him feet the machine a five. “NOAH!”

He chuckled but this time when he pulled the handle he won…

AND BIG!

The red light went off, an alarm sounded and the machine started dropping coins at an insane pace. Nikki realized just what had happened…

Her husband had hit the JACKPOT!!!!

Noah was in complete shock when the bells went off. Before he could react, Nikki threw herself in his arms.

“NOAH THE JACKPOT!!!”

Jessica started screaming and cheering, excited for her brother and his wife. Who wouldn’t be, the Jackpot was over a million bucks last time she heard. This would definitely help them out in the future.

Noah came to life and realized one thing:

HE WAS RICH!!!

That night she lay in his arms, her head on his chest. They had made love again…and again…and one more time for good measure. Jessica was living it up with some guy she had met at one of the shows they had gone to that afternoon and now it was just them…alone…after making love.

She laughed. “I never made love to a millionaire before…at least not one I was married to.”

He laughed and kissed her forehead. “Can you believe my luck today, Nick? We’ve got enough money to just go home and buy the biggest house in town and still have more money than God.”

She giggled. “I’m glad you’re so happy baby…but I’m not looking forward to tomorrow.”

“Me neither,” he sighed. “Going home never seemed so…terrifying before.”

“I know what you mean,” she sighed. “But we have to go home…”

“Yes we do,” he kissed her. “But we don’t have to think about it right now…right?”

“Right,” she smiled. “Like I said last night…later, much later.” She pulled him in for another kiss and well…everyone knows what happened then ;)

~*~Chapter Thirty-Three: Home Is Where…~*~

Going home was supposed to be joyful and exciting; after all, you were supposed to be going back to the people that loved you most in the world, the people that would be with you when times were rough and you needed a friend…

But that just wasn’t always the case, especially when Nikki and Noah were going home to face the Cranes.

“I’m so not looking forward to going home,” Nikki sighed, clinging to her husband’s hand and the plane soared over the ground. They had been in the air for over four hours, which mean that they would be landing in Harmony soon.

“Yea, I’m not looking forward to it either,” Noah admitted, taking his arm and sliding it around her shoulders. “But we’ve got my parents on our side and I think we’ll be able to handle it.”

“Yea. I was thinking, since you’re family knew what happened, we should invite them to the mansion for dinner…”

“And announce our nuptials with some support?” he laughed.

“It’s not a bad idea,” Jessica interrupted the pair. “I’d love to see the inside of the Crane mansion.”

Nikki laughed. “It’s not such a great place, but Noah, we do have to face my family and new found riches or not, they won’t like my being married to you.”

“Obviously, I’m not up to their standard,” he unbuckled his belt and got up.

“Noah, you know I don’t agree with their pompous ass attitudes. I love you and I’m carrying your baby and damn it I married you in a wedding chapel where ELVIS music played! I hate Elvis,” she groaned.

He chuckled, going into the tiny fridge and grabbing himself a bottled water. “I know, Nikki, and I love you too, but it’s going to be hard to see you go through that with them…”

“Well, wait until we tell Brad I’m calling off our engagement…”

“Calling off?” he laughed. “I would think it’s way over.”

“It was over before it even began,” she smiled at him. “I had already lost my heart to this stubborn, pain in the ass party animal that totally loathed me…”

“I never, ever, loathed you. I loved you and hated myself for it,” he returned to her.

“Passengers, please prepare for landing. We are nearing our descent in Harmony…”

“You know what they say,” Jessica tried to be cheery when she noticed the looks of panic on the faces of her brother and sister-in-law, “Home is where the heart is…”

“Or in this case the heart burn,” Nikki grumbled, watching as the ant sized cars grew closer and closer.

Deciding that their best option was to pool together all their supporters first and surprise Julian and Alistair at the mansion, Nikki and Noah headed from the airport to the Bennetts’ house. They were surprised to find the majority of their backers sitting in the living room.

Nikki laughed when she saw them all: her Aunt and Uncle (who were snuggling), Kay, his cousin Charity and her boyfriend Miguel (who was being watched by Kay), Grace and Sam (who were actually holding hands), Hank (who was staring at Sher), and Theresa and Ethan (who were also holding hands). The group all looked over at the door as they came in and smiled.

“Welcome home!” the entire group called to the trio, looking them over and noticing the gold wedding bands. Everyone smiled. They HAD gotten married!!

Grace stood, rushing over and embracing Nikki and then Noah. “How are you both?”

Nikki felt Noah’s arm slide around her waist and pull her closer. “We’re fine, Mrs. Bennett,” she replied.

“Please, I’d love it if you called me Mom…you’re family now!”

Nikki grinned. “Ok…Mom!”

Noah kissed the top of Nikki’s head. “We’re all great and we have some big news!”

Nikki’s hand rubbed the muscles of his abdomen, watching the giant smile appear on his face. He was so handsome…so hers!

“Tell us!” Sheridan insisted.

“Yea, don’t keep us in suspense,” Hank rolled his eyes. What could they possibly have to say to make this situation change any? A Crane married to a Bennett…hell officially froze over and pigs grew wings and readied for takeoff!!

“Well, besides getting married,” Nikki placed her head on Noah’s chest. “Noah had some…EXTREMELY good luck on the slots…”

“Noah gambled?” Grace gasped. “What kind of influence are you…”

“Mom, cut the crap, ok?” Jessica rolled her eyes, shocking the room into silence. The first to break it was Noah who was laughing. Nikki soon joined him, causing Grace to scowl.

“My little girl has been corrupted,” she whined.

“We found her this way, I swear,” Nikki laughed harder, the looks on everyone’s faces were priceless.

Jessica laughed too and grinned innocently. So, sometimes things change.

“Well,” Sam tried to focus the conversation back on their news, “Luck on the slots? How much luck?”

“About two million dollars or so worth…” Noah grinned. “Nikki and I have ourselves a nice little nest egg right now.”

“Wait! Noah’s a millionaire?” Kay jumped up. “I can’t even get a used car and my big brother married another Crane slut and hit it big in Vegas! What is this world coming to??”

Noah’s temper flared. “Take that back Kay!” he demanded.

“What?” she glared at him. “Don’t like labeling her what she is? Come on, everyone in town knows she’s pregnant and slept around. She’s all over the papers!”

Nikki just shook her head. “You’re just jealous I can get the man I want…”

Noah looked at Nikki. How the hell had she figured that one out? He never told her a thing about Kay liking Miguel…ok being OBSESSED with Miguel! She just pecked his lips.

“I love you brother, Kay, and my past was the biggest mistake of my life. I would change it all…but then I might never have met him! You can call me all the names you want, but it doesn’t change that I’m your sister-in-law and carrying your niece of nephew.”

“Anyway,” Noah interrupted the two before Kay could speak. “We want you all to come with us to the mansion. Nikki will need police protection when she breaks the news,” he smiled at his father and Luis. “Not to mention the moral support of family.”

Sheridan stood up. “Oh I am in!” she laughed. “I’ve wanted to see my father get what he deserved for so long,” turning back to Luis she smiled and thought. ‘And if Nikki’s news doesn’t kill him, mine will.’

Everyone else agreed. Seeing dear old Al getting his was going to be a moment not one of them wanted to miss. Grace scampered off quickly to the kitchen to grab a tomato soup cake for the in laws. For the first time ever, everyone was delighted she was bringing one. It would add to the suffering and therefore it was a great idea.

In no time, the crowd piled into cars and headed for the house on Raven Hill…the Crane Mansion!

They arrived at the mansion and Nikki debated over ringing the bell and alerting them to her presence or just going inside. Deciding that the news itself was a bombshell and surprising everyone would have a much nicer effect, she swung open the front door and pulled Noah inside.

Sheridan laughed. “She’s playing with fire…I hope someone brought a house.”

Luis chuckled. “She’s got spunk, that’s for sure. Isn’t she worried at all about what your father can do?”

“Nikki’s never been afraid to be a Crane,” she replied watching the others disappear inside. “She’s never been afraid of the power…Father knows that too.”

“Well,” Luis put his arm around his wife. “Let’s go watch the fireworks.”

“I like that idea,” she slid her arm around him and they headed inside to join the others. They found Nikki and the others in the parlor with Ivy, one of the maids going to fetch Alistair and Julian. Nikki was standing in front of Noah, his hands around her waist.

“Are you ready to face the devil and son?” Ivy asked, picking up a glass of water and taking a sip. She wanted to be sober for this, though the alcohol would help deal with them later.

“As ready as I’ll ever be,” Nikki replied, leaning back in Noah’s arms as everyone else made themselves comfortable. “Besides, I was raised as demon spawn, I know the tricks of the trade…”

“You do? Funny, I would have thought all of Julian’s children were fools like him,” Alistair’s voice interrupted them.

“Grandfather,” Nikki smiled. It was show time!

“Nicholette,” Alistair nodded slightly as he and Julian entered the room and took their usual seats. “Care to tell me what these…people are doing here?”

Nikki looked at her grandfather and very seriously said, “Can’t my family be in one place at the same time when I tell them the good news?”

“Your family?” Julian asked, pouring himself a brandy.

“Yes, my family…you know in-laws and all that jazz,” she patted Noah’s hands which rested on her stomach. “I mean, since the wedding and all…”

“What wedding?” Julian asked stupidly.

“My wedding to Noah,” she smirked.

“YOUR WHAT?” Alistair boomed. Julian spit out brandy, nearly bathing the nearby Grace with it but instead hitting the cake she had brought. He coughed.

“You ruined a perfectly good cake!” Grace pouted. “I brought it for you.”

“Thank goodness for small favors,” he grumbled looking over at his daughter and father.

“I’m married to the father of my baby,” Nikki grinned. “Noah and I eloped in Vegas and then we gambled and won some money…”

Alistair’s face was crimson as he stood from his chair. Nikki had married a nobody, a nobody that had hit it big by marrying a Crane and winning chump change at some hotel in Vegas. How had his men missed her take off? How had she gotten around all the people that should have been watching her??

“You’re bluffing,” he glared at her. “You’re engaged to Bradley Lauer.”

“No, I’m married to Noah Bennett and I’m having his baby,” Nikki replied calmly. “And don’t bother saying it, because it cannot be annulled and I don’t plan on divorcing him.”

Alistair looked at the people sitting around, now was hardly the time to explode. “Well then congratulations…”

Nikki looked shocked. No way was he letting go that easily…or was he? Looking him over, she saw the gleam in his cold eyes. Nope, not giving up, just waiting to strike.

“Nicholette, why don’t we discuss your…marriage in you’re father’s office?”

“Sure,” she nodded, watching as Alistair and her father immediately headed for the office. Grabbing Noah’s hand, she dragged him towards the office calling, “We won’t be but a minute, but have 911 on call anyway.”

Ivy laughed. “I all ready have it on speed dial.”

Nikki’s laughed could be heard as she walked into the office to face the devil himself.

“Have a seat,” Alistair motioned to the chairs in front of the desk. “We’ll make this brief.”

“Good,” Nikki replied. “I have some packing to do, unless Noah and I spend the night on the estate…there are some fun places for us to…”

“Spare me the details. Watching your father on the closed circuit alarms is sickening enough,” Alistair pulled out a cigar.

“Whatever. There isn’t much to discuss. I’m married to Noah and you’re just going to have to accept that. I love him.”

“But he’s…poor.”

“No, he’s a millionaire,” she smiled sweetly at her husband. “And that’s money you can’t take away.”

“You have NO idea what power I have,” Alistair glared at her. “What you have done must be rectified…you’ve soiled our lineage!”

“Oh, here I thought my mother’s bastard child would have soiled the lineage!!! I am married and staying that way,” she stood and met her grandfather’s eyes. “And you can take your Crane money and shove it up your…”

“NICHOLETTE!” Julian dropped his brandy glass. “Damn it!”

Noah grabbed her and pulled her back into her chair. “Would you not give them a reason to shoot us?”

“You’ll divorce!” Alistair demanded.

“Never!”

“I’ll cut you off without a cent…”

“And you’ll be the one at loss,” she stood again. “The press would LOVE to hear how you tossed your own granddaughter out on the streets because she wouldn’t forsake her love! Crane heiress disowned due to love…how would that make you look?”

He grumbled something, knowing that the world was already watching him after the Ethan fiasco. “Fine, fine, get out of my sight!” he growled.

Nikki smirked, “With pleasure.” Grabbing Noah’s hand again, she dragged him from the room.

He watched her leave, but if she was smart she’d stay away. He had his plans. After all, he was Alistair Crane!

They arrived back at the Bennett’s and settled around the kitchen table as Grace cooked. Nikki had dashed for the bathroom twice. Oh the joys of pregnancy! About an hour or so after they arrived, a nice meal was made and everyone was eating.

“Where will you stay?” Sheridan asked, looking across at Nikki and Noah.

“We haven’t discussed that yet,” Noah put his arm around Nikki. “I guess we’ll just have to find a hotel room.”

“There’s a room empty at the B and B,” Grace said, pouring herself a drink. “You two can stay there until you find a home…”

“Well, we won’t be living in Harmony for a while,” Noah replied, causing Nikki to cease her eating.

“What? Why not?” she looked at him.

“I have to finish at NYU, Nick.”

“You can transfer here!” she replied. “I don’t want to raise a baby in the middle of Manhattan!”

“I don’t want to give up going to college!” he argued.

“I’m not asking you too!” she got up. “I’m asking you to think about me and your baby!”

“Well if you hadn’t lied about being on the pill this wouldn’t be a problem!”

Her eyes widened and she slapped him. “You bastard!” she left the kitchen through the back door.

Noah looked around at everyone finding disapproving looks. Great! Now he was the one that was wrong. Sighing, he started to go after Nikki but Jess grabbed his arm. “Be nice this time.”

He laughed. “Planning on it, sis,” he replied, following Nikki out. He found her on the tree swing in the backyard. “Hey.”

She didn’t reply.

“I went for the low blow in there didn’t I?”

“You could say that,” she grumbled.

“I’m sorry, love. It was low. We never talked about my going back to New York.”

“I can always stay here with Aunt Sher and see you on breaks. You only have two years left…we can take turn visiting.”

“Nikki, I don’t want a marriage like that,” he neared her. “I don’t want to see you on weeks off.”

“I don’t want to raise my baby in Manhattan either,” she sighed. “I guess we rushed into marriage no?”

“Yea, I guess we did, but I don’t regret it for one minute.”

“Me neither,” she smiled. “Look, let’s worry about where we’ll live later. I was thinking we could do something to make your mom happy.”

“What’s that?” he asked, standing behind the swing and giving it a gentle push.

She giggled. “Get married again in church.”

“Not a bad idea,” he pushed her again. “Want to walk over to the church and see if it can be scheduled?”

“Sure,” she hopped from the swing. “Come on, let’s see about getting ourselves hitched again,” she teased.

He laughed. “I love you, Nikki,” he solemnly stated.

“I love you too, Noah,” she gave him a passionate kiss.

“YAY!!!!!”

“All right Noah!!!”

“Way to go son!!”

Everyone cheered from the window. Nikki and Noah parted long enough to laugh before continuing their kiss. Maybe things wouldn’t be so bad after all. They would have to work it all out…

After all, home was where the heart is…

~*~Chapter Thirty-Four: Kicking and Screaming~*~

Four days later and they were STILL sitting at the Bed and Breakfast doing almost nothing.

All the churches in Harmony, ok, the ONLY church in Harmony, had been booked until Christmas. So there wouldn’t be any renewal of vows for months. They couldn’t go house shopping because they couldn’t decide on a place to live. Noah still insisted on moving back to Manhattan and Nikki refused to raise their baby in a city, even if it was for only two years.

Now, they were sitting around in their room, Noah wanting to make love to his wife and Nikki too angry to deal with him. He had a one-track mind and it was terribly annoying to deal with.

“I want to go out,” she sighed, looking over at him. “I can’t sit here anymore…”

“People in hell want ice water,” he replied, catching the nasty look she sent his way. Deciding that he might want to try another approach, Noah grinned and asked. “Where do you want to go?” looking up from the sports section of the Harmony Herald.

“Anywhere! Let’s go to the country club! I have a membership there…”

“Yea, as a Crane!”

“Well, I’m still a Crane by birth, Noah, and we keep our memberships to the club. Besides,” she got up and went over to where he was sitting, “you need to meet some of my friends and I would love to show off my hot husband,” she leaned in and nibbled on his ear.

“I don’t want to go hang out with a bunch of rich snobs,” he replied, trying to ignore her lips and tongue on his ear.

She stopped. “You mean people like me?”

“You’re not a snob,” he pulled her into his lap. “You’re my gorgeous, sweet, kind, loving wife and I wouldn’t ever call you a snob…”

“How do you know there aren’t more like me?” she asked, giving him the sweetest pout she could.

“Baby, please, I don’t want to go hang out at the club. It’s not gonna be much fun for me.”

She straddled his legs and smiled, “I can certainly make it worth it later,” she leaned in and began to ply kisses on his neck and ears.

He groaned. “You’re cheating.”

“I know,” she whispered against his ear. “Come with me to the club or else I’ll seek our Brad and…”

“No way! You’re my wife!” he pushed her away gently. “You’ll be with no one else.”

“Damn, Noah, I was joking,” she got up and walked over to the window. “We’ve stayed inside for like the last four days and it sucks, ok? Look, I’m going to the club,” she went to her dresser and pulled out something to wear. “You can stay here.”

“Nikki, come on, don’t go there,” he begged.

She gave him a look and went into the bathroom the change. He sighed. Mood swings? Right, blame everything on the pregnancy! He knew it was more than that but he didn’t want to admit it. Nikki wanted a lot more than he thought possible. He never used to worry about doing things; he was happy watching sports all day. Noah was used to worrying about just himself, now he had Nikki too. She wasn’t much help either. Who knew one person could be so dependant on others to cook and clean?

Getting up, he started changing. He sure as hell wasn’t going to let her go to the club alone. He knew her too well to let her out around men…

Oh that sounded REAL trusting!

By time Nikki came out of the bathroom, he had his nicest outfit on that wasn’t a suit and a sweet smile to boot. “You know,” he said, looking her over, appreciating the view. “Sometimes I’m an ass. I have the Bennett dreaded foot in the mouth disease.”

She giggled. “Sometimes?”

“Most times.”

“Better,” she teased.

“I love you, Nikki, and I know that we’ve got a lot of changes to adapt to, but that doesn’t mean we can’t try to find the common ground. Who knows, maybe I’ll like hobnobbing with snobs,” he winked.

She laughed. “Noah Bennett, you are a pain in the ass sometimes, but I love you.”

He crossed to her, hugging her tight. “Come on, let’s go make some people jealous and find that ex-fiancé of yours and tell him that you’re happily married…”

“I wouldn’t say happily,” she teased.

“Oh, oh that’s so low,” he laughed, giving her a passionate kiss on the lips. “Come on, you wanted to go to the club and I want to go show off…”

“Show off what?” she asked as he led her from the room.

“I don’t know. My wife’s beautiful sports car?” he teased. “I’ll find something I have that they don’t.”

“You have me…”

“There we go,” he laughed as they headed for the car. He only hoped Brad was there because they had some talking to do…

As luck would have it, Brad was at the club when they arrived. He was sitting at a table on the patio sipping a cup of coffee and reading the paper. Nikki had a feeling he was looking for her; otherwise she couldn’t find a single reason why Brad would visit the club. He had been so disinterested in it before.

The second Noah spotted Brad, he started to head towards the table, wanting this done now. He looked at Nikki, noticing that she was reluctant to follow and paused. “What’s wrong?”

“I just…promise you won’t cause a scene? I don’t want to be bailing my husband out of jail tonight.”

He smirked. “I promise,” he slid his arm around her waist and started walking over to Brad’s table. Brad didn’t see them coming until Noah spoke.

“Hey man. I don’t think we had a chance to meet…”

Brad’s eyes left the paper and looked up at the two people standing so lovingly embraced before him. “Hey, Nikki.”

Noah ignored the lack of greeting. “Mind if we join you?”

Looking Nikki up and down, he smiled, “Not at all.”

It took all Noah’s control, and Nikki’s comforting touch, to keep Noah from knocking Brad’s head off. The pair slid into two chairs across from Brad and linked their hands on top of the table. He watched them, wondering what they could possibly want.

“I’m guessing you two didn’t come over to my table to watch me read the paper and,” looking at Nikki, “seeing how you left me at the altar, I’m sure there’s a better reason for your visit that trying to make amends.”

“You got that right,” Noah grumbled, earning a light slap on the arm from Nikki.

“I came to talk to you,” Nikki smiled, giving Noah’s hand a gentle, reassuring squeeze.

“What about?” Brad looked them over again, his eyes focusing more on Nikki and her brazen outfit, which revealed some of his favorite spots.

Noah could barely control himself when he noticed Brad looking at Nikki’s chest. He was already uncomfortable enough with the whispers from other club members; he didn’t need another reason to explode from this moron.

Nikki took a deep breath. “I have to call off our engagement, Brad.”

“Why?” his eyes met hers in an angry glare. “Why can’t you marry me?”

“Because she married me already,” Noah butted in. “She and I eloped and we’re going to be a family. So you’ll need to find yourself someone else.”

“You married a Bennett? The man that broke your heart because of your last name? Are you an ass? Do you remember what he did to you??” Brad asked, his anger flaring.

Nikki nodded. “But that doesn’t matter. I married him and I love him and damn it I’m carrying his child. I never loved you, Brad, and I was an idiot for agreeing to that marriage.”

“You’re a slut!” he stood up. “A dirty rotten whore. Ethan must be a Crane! It must be a trait to call off engagements and marry the help!”

That was the last straw for Noah who dove across the table and tackled Brad to the floor, his fist connecting with Brad’s jaw. The two rolled around, throwing blind punches in their anger. Nikki knew she should stop it, but didn’t. She let them battle like children until security came.

“Who started this?” the one officer asked, puling Noah away from Brad. “Mr. Lauer?”

Brad smirked, his busted lip already swelling and his eye becoming purple. “He did.”

“You started it you son of a bitch…talking about me and my wife the way you did,” Noah struggled in the officer’s hold.

“How did you get in here? We don’t let the likes of you in,” the guard reached for his cuffs.

Nikki decided it was time to step in. “Let him go,” Nikki looked at the man. “I’ll have your ass fired so fast…”

“Ms. Crane,” the officer released Noah.

“Mrs. Bennett…Mrs. Noah Bennett and that means my husband is here with me.”

“Sorry, Mrs. Bennett. I didn’t know…”

“Save it and get out of my sight,” Nikki dismissed him, going over to her husband. She cupped his cheek. “Are you ok, Rocky? You caught a few nasty hooks there. Didn’t anyone ever teach you to BLOCK punches?”

He gave her a look.

“See this is why women cat fight, we get to use our perfectly manicured nails for something and we don’t have black eyes and split lips when it’s over,” she smirked. “But not you macho men. You guys have to get all ‘I have the biggest muscles and I’m going to beat your ass’,” she shook her head. “It has to be the testosterone!”

He chuckled. “Let’s get the hell out of her.”

“Sure,” she turned to Brad and gave him a sweet smile. “I have one thing to say to you.”

“What’s that?” she smiled.

She kneed him in the crotch and gave him a right hook that connected with his nose. “Never ever call me a whore…and don’t even THINK about fighting my husband again!” She turned on her heels and led Noah out, hearing her husband chuckling the entire way to the car.

When they got there she looked at him. “Learn now, lover boy, that NO ONE messes with me, even if he is my husband. I was personal friends with Lorena Bobbit and I’m not afraid to put the kitchenware to use!”

He blanched and climbed into the car thinking one thing: ‘Memo to me, don’t screw with my wife.’

Hours later, Noah watched Nikki sleep. After a particularly cruel bout with mid-day morning sickness, Nikki fell into an exhausted heap on their bed. Noah took that time to make a few decisions. He loved his wife and he didn’t want to leave her behind while he finished school, but she was adamant on staying in Harmony. Sighing, he made a phone call that would change his fate: to Harmony University.

As they did every night, Nikki and Noah went over to the Bennetts’ for dinner and listened to the ramblings of the day. Jessica was doing much better now that her big brother was around and her parents were together. She had fallen in love with a guy she had met at the beach one day. He was a lifeguard that would be starting his senior year at the High School in the fall. Kay was still ever on her quest to win Miguel from Charity, who was still having those premonitions of the downfall of Harmony. Miguel still followed her around like a lost puppy and spent more time at the Bennetts’ house than at his own.

Sam and Grace were finally on good terms and actually spent a lot of time together. Of course, that hadn’t meant that Nikki’s mother played it cool. Oh hell no. In fact, she spent more time with “the new in-laws” than Nikki and Noah did. Every chance she had, Ivy was over trying to see Sam and win him back…

And that was just sick!

Tonight’s topic was the upcoming return to school and Nikki felt uncomfortable. She had gone behind Noah’s back and registered at Harmony University. She had no plans to go with him to New York and she wanted to have someone to help her when she had the baby…

She hadn’t been paying attention and that was obvious.

“Nikki?” Grace tried again for what was the tenth time.

“She’s in outer space, just like my big brother that married the Crane,” Kay rolled her eyes.

Grace shot a glare at her daughter and returned her attention to her daughter-in-law. “Something wrong?”

“I…well I was just thinking about school. Noah returns to NYU soon and I…I’ve decided to stay in Harmony. I need the support of more than my husband during the next seven months or so.”

“You mean you won’t be going with Noah?” Sam asked.

Ok, what part of staying in Harmony hadn’t he understood? Sighing, she replied, “No, I won’t be going with Noah.”

“Which is funny,” Noah smiled. “Since I just transferred all my credits to Harmony U. today. I said I was married to Nikki Crane and they were more than willing to help keep our family together.”

“Are you serious?” Nikki asked excitedly.

Noah nodded and she jumped into his arms. “Oh my Go…goodness!! You’re staying home!”

He hugged her back. “Yea, I couldn’t be that far from my gorgeous wife for that long.”

“Oh gag me,” Kay rolled her eyes.

“Shut up, Kay! Do you realize that you sound like a complete ass?” Jessica asked.

Everyone gasped.

“What? I do have opinions you know?” she grinned.

“Bout time you shared them,” Nikki winked at her sister-in-law.

Grace nodded. “It is nice to hear something from my daughter. Though the words she chooses might need some tweaking.”

Jessica blushed. “Ok, I’ll work on my vocab.”

Nikki laughed. “Well this is great news anyway! Noah’s going to be staying him and the baby is due around March or April! Now all we need is a house…”

“Done already. I bought that little place you said you had your eye on.”

Nikki laughed. “We’re going to be a real family now. Aren’t we?”

“We definitely are,” he kissed her.

The rest of dinner was focusing on moving Nikki and Noah into the new house and getting them ready for the fast approaching school year. For once in her life Nikki felt like everything was going to be ok. She really and truly felt loved. This was one summer she was never going to forget…

The summer she married the man of her dreams.

~*~Epilogue: A Family Affair~*~

Nikki rubbed her distended belly, staring at the newly decorated Christmas tree. Just over five months along, Nikki had unofficially decided that this would be an only child. Who knew that being pregnant, something that was supposed to be such a joyous occasion, was actually the most uncomfortable nine months of her life?

“Baby, I’m home,” Noah called, dusting some snow from his coat as he entered the room. Thankfully, school was out for Christmas break and they were only awaiting their grades. Noah walked over to the couch where she rested and knelt down, kissing her stomach. “Hello you,” and then her cheek “and you. How are my two favorite people today?”

“Well, the little person is enjoying using Mommy’s internal organs as soccer balls,” Nikki rubbed the swell of her stomach. “But otherwise I can say we are both officially fine. How was work?”

He sighed. “Not so great, but what can I expect? It’s work and not supposed to be fun.”

She giggled. “Have I mentioned yet that I hate the snow? Wait, hate isn’t strong enough…I loathe it. Besides the swollen ankles and the fact that I waddle, the snow is hindering any and all mobility I should have.”

He chuckled, “So you’ve been saying for the last month.”

She glared at him. “Don’t pick on the hormonal pregnant woman, it could be hazardous to your life.”

He grinned. “Sorry, baby. Forgive me?”

“Yea maybe,” she twisted in her seat. “You’re mother is in the kitchen cooking. She decided to come to us tonight…aren’t we lucky?” Nikki rolled her eyes. “Jessica and Kay are decorating the nursery…can I trust them in there?”

“Together? Probably not,” he kissed her cheek. “My dad?”

“At the station keeping Uncle Luis away from the hospital where he would kill my grandfather. Aunt Sher’s news that she’s having his baby put dear old Grampy Al in ICU. Now he has twice the tainted blood!”

Noah shook his head. “How is Al, anyway?”

“Too far alive for my liking. I wish he would get it over with, I could use my inheritance…”

“Nikki, that’s cold…”

“Hey, I’m a Crane, remember,” she winked. “Baby, do me a favor?”

“Anything, my love.”

She laughed. “You should be more careful with your willingness to accept my whims.”

“I’ll learn the hard way. What can I get you this time? Bananas and ketchup or pizza with pickles?”

“I want to watch the sonogram video,” she grumbled, upset that he assume she wanted food. “I’m not ALWAYS hungry!”

“Just most times,” he mumbled his reply as he popped in the sonogram tape. He rewound it, remembering their having watched it the night before. He smiled. The day of their first sonogram would be forever in his mind…

“Mr. and Mrs. Bennett?” the doctor smiled as she entered the room.

“Hi,” Nikki smile. Noah just nodded. He didn’t think it was possible to be this nervous.

“Let’s get started,” she walked over to Nikki, gently helping her lay back against the table. “How have you been feeling?”

“Fine,” Nikki rubbed the small bump of her stomach. “We’re excited about finally seeing the baby.”

The doctor smiled and quickly placed some of the cool jelly on Nikki’s stomach. She jumped and the doctor smiled sympathetically. “Sorry, I always forget to warn ladies that this could be a bit…”

“Cold?” Nikki glared at her. “Thanks for the delayed warning.”

The doctor shrugged, starting the machine and placing the eye against Nikki’s stomach. A heartbeat filled the room and then a little black and white blur came up on the screen, the doctor flicked a switch and started filming.

Nikki’s eyes filled with tears and Noah kissed her forehead. Sure, they knew they were going to be parents but finally seeing their baby was something that solidified their bond with him or her. “I love you,” Nikki sniffled.

“Love you too,” he again kissed her forehead.

“The baby looks very healthy. Have you been doing the prenatal care?” the doctor broke their tender moment. Nikki nodded. “My husband is very strict about my following the regimens prescribed for me.”

“Good, make sure she doesn’t veer off too far. We want to make sure you two have the healthiest baby possible,” she grinned. “Would you like to know the sex?”

“You can tell?” Noah asked, shocked.

“Yes. Would you like to know?”

Their eyes met and they nodded. “Yes we would.”

“You’re having a daughter.”

“YES!” Nikki laughed. “Eat dust Bennett. I told you it would be a girl.”

He sighed. There went little league.

The doctor laughed. “Ok, like I said everything is coming along fine. You’re right on target for your expected due date and I’m sure everything will be easy sailing from hence forth. Up front will be a video and some pictures of the baby. Just collect them when you schedule your next appointment.”

The doctor tossed Noah a towel. “Since you lost, you can clean up Mom’s stomach.”

“Oh joy,” Noah feigned excitement. When the doctor was out of an earshot he turned to his wife, “What the hell did I do to deserve a baby you?”

She grinned. “Whatever it was, it sucked and you’re getting hell for it.”

He groaned. God hated him…it was official.

“No offense Noah, but you’re father wasn’t a glassblower and I can’t see through you,” Nikki interrupted his memories.

“What are you watching?” Grace asked from the kitchen doorway as she wiped her hands on a dishrag. So much for some snuggling as they watched the tape of their baby.

“We’re looking at your granddaughter,” Noah smiled at his mom.

Grace smiled. She liked the sound of that. “Where are Kay and Jess?”

“KAY!! SHE SAID PURPLE!!!” screamed one.

“NO PINK!!” screamed the other.

And in the midst of the fighting came a crash and out walked two girls, one covered in purple paint, the other in pink. Thank God the carpeting hadn’t put in yet. And good old Noah got right up to clean the paint off the floor as Nikki laughed. Oh yea, watching the tape and relaxing was a thing of the past, but the two paint covered girls made up for it…

And then the abominable snow people entered the house. Well, sure they were Sheridan, Luis and Sam, but close enough. Nikki was crying she laughed so hard, which of course upset her baby, who started kicking up a storm again. Life was getting good.

“So how is Alistair?” Grace asked sweetly. Ok, so she wasn’t the brains of the family, but Nikki knew that long ago.

“Not dead,” Luis grumbled as he pulled off his gloves.

Nikki heard it and grinned. Someone else agreed with her.

Sheridan rubbed her stomach. “But I did stop in to see him,” she rolled her eyes. “I think he’s faking it.”

“Where’s Noah?” Sam changed the topic.

Motioning to the girls, Nikki asked. “Cleaning up our now destroyed nursery. They’re making me glad that I didn’t have furniture in there yet.”

Sam chuckled. “What happened?”

“She did it!” both girls replied, pointing.

“Yea, that worked,” he shook his head.

And again…still not the brains of the family.

Nikki sighed and looked around, caressing her stomach. It was scenes like this she would cherish forever though. Girls covered in paint after arguing, the brainless romantically involved adults in her life and her husband, who appeared in the hall and blew her a kiss. Yes, her husband. He was perfect and carrying his child meant the world to her.

So, maybe Julian and Ivy were still squabbling at the mansion and trying to ruin family get togethers because Ivy was hitting on Sam at the dinner table and Julian was drunk. Or maybe Sam and Grace were completely clueless when it came to their children…

And maybe their children needed some major help…

But still, Nikki loved them. She smirked. No one could have told her seven months ago that she would be married and have a child within the year and that she’d APPRECIATE her family…

But then again, she never paid much attention to family affairs.

And she only had one thing to say…

THANK GOD FOR GOODLOOKING MEN IN AIRPORTS!!

THE END

Sequel: And Baby Makes Three

Disclaimer:
This story in is in no way meant to infringe upon the rights belonging to , NBC, or any entity thereof. All rights to Passions and any related content, including characters used, belong to "Outpost Farms Production Inc", James E. Reilly, and NBC.
This story is the property of the author. Copyright 2001. Nothing may be reprinted in whole or in part without the written permission of the author.
Like Parent Like Child- Copyright © 2001 - All Rights Reserved.