Chapter 35
As we approached the door, I could see a small crowd of people gathered around. Many of them held balloons and flowers for me. Nick and Mike quickly gathered the gifts from the fans and escorted me to the car. They helped me get in, (I was still very sore from the surgery and stuff), and we drove around the building. As we rounded the corner to the front of the hospital, I could see a large crowd gathered to wish me well. I asked Nick and Mike if they would mind stopping. I just wanted to tell everyone something.
"Do you really think that is a good thing hon?" Nick asked me.
"I just want to tell them thank you. They are your fans and I appreciate them being so generous and thoughtful. They ought to know how much I appreciate them for their support." I said softly.
Mike pulled the car over. He stepped out and got the attention of the crowd.
"Ladies and gentlemen, Ms. Truesdale would like to say a few words to you. Mr. Carter just asks that you keep back and let talk to you for a few moments. Please don't crowd her, she is still in a fragile state. Thank you."
Nick helped me out of the car for a moment. He stood right at my side for support as I addressed the crowd.
"I wanted to thank all of you for your generosity. Each of you have allowed Nick and I privacy through this tragedy. I want you all to know that I thank you for your prayers and concern. Without each of you, Nick and I would have been alone. Please know that you all will hold a very special place in my heart for being their for Nick and I. Thank you all and God Bless. We will keep you informed of my continued recovery. And, I will see you all out on the tour! I love you all! Thank you." I said.
The crowd waved goodbye and shouted out well wished to me. I waved and slowly got back in the car. Mike took Nick and I to our new house.
It was further away than the old house, but it had a beach that was secluded from everything. It was a beautiful place. One story, with a four bedrooms and two bathrooms. In the back was a small swimming pool and a jacuzzi. It was a beautiful place, and Nick was sure that we would all be safe.
As we drove up the long driveway to the house, I noticed a bunch of cars parked.
"Nick, where in the world did all these cars come from?" I asked inquisitively.
"You will see hon." was all he replied.
As he and Mike helped me out of the car, I took great care to look at the house. It was simply beautiful. Not only was the house beautiful, but the area it was in was breathtaking. The view of the beach was gorgeous. I immediately feel in love with the house. Nick walked me to the door, and then began to unlock it. I noticed that up above the door, there was a plaque that said 'Mr. and Mrs. Carter'. Tears filled my eyes. Nick had gone to a lot of trouble to make me happy, but I was grateful.
As we entered the house, I could smell a heavenly aroma coming from the kitchen. "Nick, did you leave something cooking while you and Mike came to get me?"
All he did was smile and wink at me. He showed me to the living room. To my pleasant surprise, all my wonderful friends and family were there to welcome me home. I was moved to tears as everyone got up and gave me hugs. Never in my whole life did I feel so wanted and loved by so many people.
"Welcome home Heather. I am so glad to see you back on your feet." Howie said. He gave me a gentle kiss on the cheek and then a very warm hug. Howie and I had become very good friends, actually more like a big brother to me.
"You are looking very good my dear. I am so glad that you are doing so well." AJ whispered to me and then gave me a hug.
Brian walked up and just gave me the biggest hug in the world. He couldn't express his feelings through words, so he just held me tight in a very warm hug. All he could whisper was, "I am so glad to see you home Heather. My prayers are with you always."
Kevin just walked over and gave me a gentle hug. "Welcome home. We are all so glad that you are well. We missed you a lot."
And of course, Dee. She was my best friend. She held me in a very gentle hug as we cried together. I was so glad to be home. It felt so good to finally be back on my feet. I was grateful to her for finding me.
"Dee, I don't know how to thank you for being there when I needed you most. If it weren't for you, I wouldn't have made it. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I love you and I am forever in your debt." I said to her, through tears.
"Dee, I don't know how to thank you for helping Heather. I would have lost her forever if it weren't for you. Thanks for being her angel." Nick said, as tears trickled down his cheeks.
As I looked around, I saw Mr. and Mrs. Carter, Lucy, and my mom standing there. I was overcome by my emotions. All I could do was smile and let the tears flow.
"Heather, I love you with all my heart. Please don't ever forget that. I am so glad that we are home and that we can start a life together, and a family. You truly are the answers to my prayers. I love you sweetie." Nick said softly to me.
"CONGRATULATIONS!!!!" everyone yelled.
"How does it feel to know that you and Nick will be parents?" Brian asked.
"Oh man, that would make us and Mrs. Truesdale grandparents!!" Jane yelled out.
I couldn't help but laugh. It was a funny to think that I was going to be a mommy, and that Nick was going to be a daddy.
"It is the most wonderful feeling in the world Brian. I just hope that you all don’t mind being uncles and an auntie." I said.
"There is nothing I want more than Heather and this baby in my life. My life is complete now." Nick spoke.
"Nick, all we have to do now is get married!" I laughed. "But, that won't be far away…only about six weeks! And Dee, you better help me!" I exclaimed.
The rest of the evening was filled with laughter, tears and LOTS of food! I think everyone thought that I needed to eat well, now that I didn't have to eat that nasty hospital food. If this was the was it was going to be, by the time I had this baby, I would be bigger than a whale. I just laughed to myself.
As everyone left for the evening, I said my thank you's and goodbye's
and then walked to the living room to spend the rest of the evening wrapped
in Nick's arms. I was home…and it felt so good.