Chapter 40
Nick did just as Brian told him. He first changed into sweats and a t-shirt, and then made his way over to bed. The next thing I knew, I could feel his arms around me, holding me tight. It felt so nice to be in his arms. I missed him so much. I couldn't control the tears, and soon the pillow was soaked.
"Heather, I know that you need time, and I know that what you are going through is more than any of us can imagine, but I am here for you. Just open up to me and tell me what is wrong. Please baby. I love you." Nick whispered in my ear.
At that, I rolled over and looked deep into his eyes. I could see the pain in his eyes. He was confused and felt lost. I knew that he loved me, but why? I mean, of all the terrible things about me, how could he?
"Nickolas, listen. I just don't understand how you can love someone who has had such a terrible life. Now look at me. My deranged ex-fiancee tried to…tried to….kill…me." I choked up on the words. "He…he tried to kill me for doing something terrible. I know have the scars to show it. Every time I look in the mirror, it reminds me of how terrible a person I really am." I said, sobbing.
"Honey, listen. You are beautiful, both on the inside and the outside. You have a warm personality, you love life, you are friendly and compassionate. Just because you have a few scars on the outside doesn't make you ugly. AND, as for being fat, you are not. I love every bit of you and the child you are carrying. It was a very special moment in my life when I found out I would be a daddy. If it weren't for you, that would not be happening. I love you." Nick said, pouring his heart out to me.
"But, how can you look at my face?" I asked, sniffling.
"It's easy, you have a pretty face. All I see are two very gorgeous blue/gray eyes, your soft cheeks, your pouty little lips, which may I add that I love to kiss them, and a warm smile. I don't see the marks left behind from moments past. I don't notice that you have a beauty mark on the lower right side of your chin. I don't care about that stuff. I think you are simply beautiful. It isn't just the looks that draw me in, it's your heart." Nick said honestly.
That was all I needed to hear. He had told me from the deepest regions of his heart why he loved me. It didn't matter to him if I was model perfect, it didn't matter if I had made mistakes. All he wanted was me, the me that was laying in his arms. I could feel his soft breathing on my neck as we snuggled.
"Heather? May I?" Nick looked longingly at me.
"May you what?" I looked puzzled.
"May I touch your tummy? I haven't done that. I just wanted to touch you and see what it feels like to have a baby in you." Nick said, trying not to sound stupid.
"Yeah…you can." I said with a smile.
He gently pulled the sheets down exposing my tummy to him. He was intrigued by it. He just ran his soft fingers over my tummy. Then he leaned down and started singing. "I don't care who you are, where you're from, what you did, as long as you love me."
I couldn't help but laugh. "Nick, I don't think that he or she can hear you yet. The baby is too little."
"Nope, nope. I was reading in this book that the baby can start hearing you, kicking, and moving around at four months. And, I just want my son or daughter to get a head start. I think that he or she will be just as beautiful as it's mommy." Nick said softly.
I was astonished. Nick had taken the time out to actually read up on the baby? That made me feel bad. I hadn't even started that yet. All I knew was what the doctor told me, and nothing more.
"Nick, honey, where did you learn that?" I asked inquisitively.
"I got this book one day at the bookstore. I figured that I needed to do a little homework to understand all this. The book says that I should be gentle with you, and supportive. Am I doing that right?" he asked nervously.
"Yes, you are doing just fine sweetie. Thank you so much for support.”
“Just think, we will have a whole month off for Christmas. It is so wonderful. We will get married, then go off and have a two week honeymoon, and then we can come home and relax at home for a few more weeks. This is going to be the best Christmas I will have ever had." he said with excitement.
I had never seen him so excited and happy. I just watched him with enthusiasm as he laid there, rubbing my belly. "I am not Buddha, Nick!!" I screeched as he tickled me.
"Aww, come one…just grant me my three wishes. Pretty please." he begged.
"Well, it depends on what the wishes are." I said sarcastically.
"Umm, okay." Nick said as he started to think. "One, I wish that you will be my wife. Two, I wish that my baby will be healthy and strong. And three, I wish for you to be happy and put all things behind you." Nick said softly.
"Nick, one is already granted. We only have a few weeks until the wedding. Two, the baby is doing very well, and there doesn't seem to be any reason to worry. And three, I will need time, but I believe in my heart that this too will pass. I will put things behind me, but it will take time." I responded.
"As long as you are happy, then I am happy. I will do anything for you, no matter what it takes. Now, I got a dumb question, who is going to be your maid of honor?" Nick asked, with a silly grin.
"Well silly, of course Dee will. And I have to invite Lucy to be one of the bridesmaids. She is the whole reason I went to the beach that day. I owe her at least that honor. However, I have a small problem." I said.
"What is that dear?" he asked.
"I have been thinking about something that is very important. Who is going to give me away? After my father died, I didn't have a male figure in the family. My grandfather can't do it, so, I need to…wait! I got it!" I said, thinking out loud.
Nick just looked at me, raising one eyebrow. "And, what is it that you got?" he asked.
"I know who will walk me down the aisle to give me away. As long as my mom goes with it." I said.
"Well, who???!!" Nick asked impatiently.
"Howie." I said gently. "He has always been there for me. He has been a good friend to me and I think it would be a great honor for him to do it. It is my way of saying thank you for believing in me and never giving up." I finished.
"I think it will really touch his heart to have that honor Heather. Heck, it even brings tears to my eyes." Nick whispered.
"Then I will talk to him. Have you decided on your best man?" I questioned.
"Yup, it is Brian of course." Nick answered.
"Well then, at least we have the wedding celebrants picked out, now we just need to decide on the color." I said.
"Baby, why don't we just get some rest for a while. We have the next three days to do that. I have a show tonight, but then we have a day off tomorrow. Let's just get some rest and relaxation and then work on it some more later." he said with a yawn.
I had to agree. It was a very trying day for me. Not only
was I physically drained, but emotionally too. We laid down and took
a long nap, until it was time to get ready for the show.