Chapter 16
I walked along the beach for hours. I finally arrived at Nick's house late in the evening. He was sitting in his porch swing asleep. Dried tears could be seen on his cheeks. His eyes were so swollen and even in his sleep, he looked so sad. I could feel my heart sink and I just wanted to run to him and wrap him in my arms. But what if he didn't want me anymore? I ran out on him, and I knew that I was wrong.
I threw away all my pride and it took all the courage I had to walk up to him. He must have heard me walk up, because just as I reached for him, he woke.
"Heather…Oh God, Heather. I have been so worried about you. Where have you been? Why wouldn't you talk to me? Please, whatever it is…we can work through it." he pleaded with me.
"I, I am so sorry Nickolas. I was wrong. I had no right to turn away from you. I had no right to hurt you like that. Can you ever forgive me? I know that you must really hate me. I don't understand how you can love someone like me. I am a failure, and a well, you know…what Kevin said I was." I spoke as salty tears streamed down my face.
Nick jumped up and wrapped his arms around me. He began to sob uncontrollably. All I could do was hold him even tighter. I had never seen him like this. I never really understood how much he loved me, at least not until that moment. I pulled back gently and looked at him. Both of our faces were soaked with tears and our eyes were swollen beyond recognition. He tried to speak, his voice very shaken and weak,
"Heather, you are nothing like what Kevin said. When I told you that there was nothing in this world to make me stop loving you, I meant that. I truly love you…with all my heart, mind, body and soul. You have to believe that. I don't ever want you to feel like I think anything less of you than perfect. You are not a failure, and you certainly are not a terrible person. You made a mistake, and I think you have suffered long enough. I want to be with you, I want to love you, I want to take care of you, and I want you to be here with me forever. Do you understand that?" he finished.
I could only nod my head slowly. No words could express how I felt at that moment. There was nothing in the world that I could say that would express my true feelings. I only wanted to hold him tight and never let go.
After several minutes, Nick finally spoke. "Now, my love, we are going back over to Brian's. The guys are waiting for us. They want you to come back over and show them you are alright. Kevin won't be there, only AJ, Howie, and Brian. Please."
"But, I am exhausted, and I want to rest. Plus, as if you didn't notice, I am not looking to hot here." I said, trying to smile.
"No need to worry. There is something in my room for you. I got it while we were on tour, and I wanted to give it to you this morning, but with all the rushing around, I forgot. Sorry." he said with those puppy dog eyes again.
I was totally confused. I didn't realize that he had spent time looking for stuff for me while on tour, when he didn't even know if he would see me again. He took me by the hand and led me to his room. Laying out on the bed was a beautiful dress. It was something I had always wanted. It was a long silk dress, with a lace back on it. It was so simple, yet very elegant. My eyes lit up when I saw it.
"How did you know that I have always wanted a dress like that?" I asked, confused.
"Well, I didn't. I just saw it and when me, AJ, and Howie had taken some of the dancers out shopping, they all agreed that this would look very nice on you. Howie was the one that spoke up and practically begged me to get it for you. I hope you like it."
"Like, it? I love it!" I said. "But, don't you think it is a little too nice for me just to wear over to Brian's?"
"Nope, because I was hoping you would want to go for a nice dinner, to celebrate our engagement? Does the La Chateau sound appealing?" he offered.
I was totally dumbstruck. La Chateau was only the finest restaurant this side of France and I had never had the opportunity to go there. I looked at him quizzically, and then uttered…"Yes."
"Now, when I said I wanted to take care of you, I meant it, Heather. You deserve to be dined in a fine restaurant and you deserve to have it all. I know that you haven't had a bite to eat all day, so I expect you to enjoy your dinner. Okay? Now, let’s get ready." he commanded.
"Now, now, you are supposed to say Please, Nickolas Gene." I reminded him.
Just as the last time, he got down on his hands and knees and begged me and pleaded with me…all the while repeating, "Please…please…please…." I just smiled at him and giggled, running off to take a quick shower.
After about an hour of me fussing over my hair and my make-up, I finally was ready to go. Nick walked me out the front door, and sitting in the driveway was a black limo waiting for us. He walked me to the door and helped me in. I felt like I was a princess and Nick was my knight in shining armor. My stomach felt like there were millions of butterflies in it as I felt Nick softly kiss my hand.
*****
We arrived at Brian's house and the guys were waiting for us. They stood at the front entrance as Nick paraded me in. The look on AJ's face was the funniest. I could just tell that he was disappointed that he hadn't been the one to pull me out of the water.
"Awww, AJ, are you feeling a little jealous? I am sorry you didn't find her first, but she is mine. Sorry!" Nick laughed as he walked past AJ.
Howie and Brian laughed as AJ shot back at Nick, "Well, you are going to let me at least give the bride-to-be a kiss before you marry her you, aren't you, you little twerp???"
"I wouldn't let you touch her with a ten foot pole, AJ. I might never get her back!" he exclaimed.
"Now, now boys, there is no need to fight over little 'ole me, now, is there?" I said in the cutest southern bell accent I could muster up.
AJ and Nick just stopped dead in their tracks at that and almost fainted. Brian and Howie were about to pass out from how hard they were laughing. I, naturally, just strolled into the house leaving the four of them standing.
*****
"Now, we don't have much time, but I wanted to bring her here so she could hear what y'all had to say. Then we are off to a romantic dinner and whatever else comes up." Nick said.
Brian was the first to speak up. "Heather, I wanted to sincerely apologize for my cousin. Kevin normally isn't like that. He is usually very supportive and very kind. I talked to him today, and he said that he wants to talk to you and Nick alone, tomorrow if possible. Just know that I am here for you both and I will do anything to help make your special day as nice as it can be. I am so happy for you both. Heather, you are a beautiful woman, and Nick is so lucky to have you in his life." He finished by giving me a very warm hug.
"Nick and Heather, I can't think of anything more wonderful than you two together. I want you to know that whatever you need and whatever you want, I am here for you both. Congratulations. Nick, you hang on to her, she is good for ya, and you better not hurt her…cause I will personally beat your ass if you do!" AJ said, trying to sound sincere. However, as I soon learned, AJ had a way with words.
Howie finished by briefly saying, "Heather, you remember what I told you. Nick is very very lucky, and I know that you two are meant to be. You take care of each other. You are lovely, and charming, and well, everything Nick deserves in life."
They all tried to hold back the tears, although I could have sworn I saw a tear trickle down AJ's cheek.
"Thank you guys. You are all such wonderful friends, and I am so proud and honored to be a part of your family." I spoke softly.
Nick just held me close and smiled at his friend, then said, "Well, as much as I wish we could stay, we need to get going to meet my reservations. Thank you guys for everything. I owe you for all the things I have in my life. Thanks."
I gave a hug to each of the guys, and then we were on our way. As we walked down the driveway, I heard Howie yell, "And Heather, that dress looked simply gorgeous on you! I told you Nick!!"
I blew him a kiss and then climbed into the limo. We were now
on our way to La Chateau, the two of us, for a romantic evening that I
would never forget.