Jessica sat in her living room in her house she shared with her two best friends, Ashley and Melanie.
“Guys, I don't feel up to going out tonight, I'm tired from work,” Jessica said.
“Come on, you hardly go anymore,” Ashley said.
“Because I'm always tired and I don't like drunk guys trying to have their way with me,” Jessica said.
“I totally don't like that either but Kyle will be there to keep them away,” Melanie said.
“Yeah you are the only one of us who has a boyfriend,” Jessica said.
“I can't help that I'm totally in love,” Melanie said.
“I hate that I haven't found the right guy yet, Brian at work asked me out on a date, I keep telling him that I will think about it,” Jessica said.
“You should totally go for it,” Ashley said.
“I don't know, I haven't dated since college, I'm a little freaked out,” Jessica said.
“You will be fine, tell Brian you would love to go out with him,” Ashley said.
“But then there is Nick who I met at the coffee ship while waiting in line, he paid for my coffee and asked me for a chat where he asked met out too,” Jessica said.
“Oh my gosh,” Ashley said.
“Wow,” Melanie said.
“I don't know what to do,” Jessica said.
“Why not go out with both and see who you connect with better,” Ashley said.
“Yeah or have a meeting with both of them and tell them what is going on and lay some ground rules and the first one to break it, gets the boot,” Melanie said.
“But what if he's the one,” Jessica said.
“Just follow your heart, Jess,” Melanie said.
“All right I'll go, let me get ready,” Jessica said. They all went to get ready to go. They met up in the living room.
“We look hot!” Ashley said.
“Yep,” Melanie said.
“Yep,” Jessica said.
“Let's get going,” Ashley said.
“Let me text Kyle and tell him we are on the way,” Melanie said. They got into Jessica's car and went to the club. They got in and went to the bar and got drinks.
“Hello ladies,” Kyle said.
“Baby!” Melanie said.
“Hey gorgeous,” Kyle said. Melanie jumped into his arms and they kissed and he let her down.
“Hey Kyle,” Jessica said.
“Hi Kyle,” Ashley said.
“So who drove tonight?” Kyle asked.
“Me,” Jessica said.
“So that means my girl will probably get drunk tonight,” Kyle said.
“Probably,” Jessica said.
“I won't drink that much babe,” Melanie said.
“I hope not because I have plans for us tonight,” Kyle said.
“Jess, I'll be DD tonight,” Melanie said.
“I don't mind driving, Mel,” Jessica said.
“You sure?” Melanie asked.
“Yeah,” Jessica said. She saw movement and saw three guys walk in and she turned away.
“What's up?” Ashley asked.
“Brian and Nick know each other, they just walked in with a guy,” Jessica said.
“Oh boy,” Ashley said.
“That's not good for your decision is it,” Melanie said.
“Nope,” Jessica said.
“What's up?” Kyle asked.
“There are two guys here that both asked Jess out, she works with one and met the other at the coffee shop,” Melanie said.
“Did she say yes to either date?” Kyle asked.
“Not yet, I said I had to think about it,” Jessica said.
“Jessica?” Nick asked.
“How are you?” Brian asked.
“Hi guys,” Jessica said.
“Brian and I would like to talk with you,” Nick said.
“Oh okay,” Jessica said.
“Hi there, I'm Ashley,” Ashley said.
“I'm Alex, you look beautiful,” Alex said.
“Thank you, you single?” Ashley asked.
“Yep you?” Alex asked.
“If you play your cards right, we might change that status for the both of us,” Ashley said.
“Well let's get to work,” Alex said. They walked off to the dance floor. Jessica looked at Brian and Nick.
“How do you two know each other?” Jessica asked.
“We grew up together and are roommates,” Brian said.
“This is Melanie, one of my best friends and roommates and her boyfriend, Kyle,” Jessica said. They all shook hands and Melanie and Kyle went to the dance floor. Jessica led the guys to a booth and sat down.
“Okay talk,” Jessica said.
“We both know about the other asking you on a date and that you told us both you had to think about it,” Nick said.
“We know you need time and we will wait but after going on a date with the both of us, you will need to choose between us,” Brian said.
“I know and I have some rules for you guys in the case you two knew each other,” Jessica said.
“Okay what's the rules,” Nick said.
“Rule Number One: the choice I make is mine and mine alone, so the one I don't pick will have to support my choice and be my friend and remain friends with the one,” Jessica said.
“Okay,” Nick said.
“Okay,” Brian said.
“Rule Number Two: no bashing or sabotaging the other, it all has to be fair, got it,” Jessica said.
“Yes,” Nick said.
“Yes,” Brian said.
“Rule Number Three: sit down together and plan out the dates and no changing things, go strictly to the plan,” Jessica said.
“Okay,” Brian said.
“Okay,” Nick said.
“Addition to rule three, the dates will be exactly the same, no deviating from the plan, no changes mid date,” Jessica said.
“Got it,” Nick said.
“Got it,” Brian said.
“And Rule Number Four: First dates will end with a simple kiss and nothing more, if I feel anything, I will evaluate everything and we will have another meeting,” Jessica said.
“Okay,” Nick said.
“Okay,” Brian said.
“Okay then, Friday night, Nick you asked me first so you get to take me out first and Brian, you get Saturday night,” Jessica said.
“Okay,” Nick said.
“Okay,” Brian said.
“Okay both times are at seven and you both have my number so plan the dates and text me the dress code whether it's casual or formal,” Jessica said.
“Casual for our date,” Nick said.
“Mine too,” Nick said.
“Okay simple enough, I'm getting tired so I'm going to head out,” Jessica said.
“Okay see you Friday,” Nick said.
“See you Monday at work,” Brian said.
“Okay and remember we are not going to talk about the date at work and no sneaking around behind each other's backs, if you deviate from the plan, both dates are off,” Jessica said.
“We promise,” Nick said.
“We promise,” Brian said. She said bye and told Melanie and Ashley she was going home. Kyle told her he would get Melanie home and Alex said he would bring Ashley home. Jessica went home and took a shower and went to bed.

Chapter 2

It was Monday morning and Jessica walked into work and went to her office and saw two vases of flowers on her desk. She looked at one card and it was from Nick. She looked and saw the other was from Brian.
“Morning,” Brian said.
“Morning, what's this?” Jessica asked.
“Well, you want us to play fair so we both got you flowers as a way of saying thank you for agreeing to go on the dates with us,” Brian said.
“I thought I said it was to be professional here and no mention of the dates,” Jessica said.
“Sorry if you read the card, there isn't, the real reason behind those could be anything,” Brian said.
“Well thank you both for the flowers,” Jessica said.
“You're welcome, have a good day,” Brian said. She put the vases in certain spots of the office and sat down and got to work. Her boss came in and told her she would be working on a project for two weeks and she saw him at the doorway smiling as they listened to their boss. She nodded and the boss left her office.
“It was not my idea, I swear,” Brian said.
“I know,” Jessica said.
“I know you don't want to talk about this at work but I have to say that if we don't work out, we can still be friends and co-workers, I know this must be hard for you to choose between me and Nick but I just wanted you to know that we can be friends always,” Brian said.
“I hope so,” Jessica said.
“Let's get started on this project and no more talk of the dates this weekend, let's be professional about this,” Brian said.
“That's what we need to do,” Jessica said. They went to work on the project.
“Wow, it's past time to go home,” Jessica said.
“Yeah it is, we worked hard today,” Brian said.
“Hey guys,” Nick said.
“Hey man, I'll get my stuff from my office,” Brian said.
“Hi Nick, what brings you by?” Jessica asked.
“Brian's car is in the shop so I'm his ride until it's fixed,” Nick said.
“Could you guys give me a lift home, would save me cab fare,” Jessica said.
“No problem, that way we can know where to pick you up this weekend,” Nick said.
“Okay let me get my stuff,” Jessica said. She got her stuff from her office and came back. Brian came out of his office.
“Hey man, we are giving her a lift to save her getting a cab,” Nick said.
“Okay,” Brian said.
“Thanks again for the flowers, they were pretty,” Jessica said.
“You're welcome,” Nick said.
“Yep,” Brian said. They went down to Nick's car and she got in the back and the guys got in and she told them the address and they headed to her place. Nick pulled up in front and Jessica got out.
“Thanks guys,” Jessica said.
“No problem,” Nick said.
“Do you need a ride in the morning?” Brian asked.
“No, Ashley or Melanie usually take me and they don't work as long as I do and they both are taking college classes to get their master's so they are at school now,” Jessica said.
“So you here alone?” Nick asked.
“I can take care of myself, Kyle just pulled up so I'm not alone,” Jessica said.
“Hey guys, Jess,” Kyle said.
“Hey man,” Brian said.
“Hey,” Nick said.
“How long before Mel gets home?” Jessica asked.
“She texted me as she was leaving so anytime now,” Kyle said.
“Okay see I'm fine, see you tomorrow Brian, see you Friday Nick,” Jessica said.
“Okay see ya,” Nick said.
“See you tomorrow,” Brian said. They drove off. Jessica walked with Kyle inside.
“You okay Jess?” Kyle asked.
“Things just got more difficult,” Jessica said.
“What do you mean?” Kyle asked.
“I have a date with Nick on Friday and one with Brian on Saturday and on top of that, my boss put me and Brian on a project together,” Jessica said.
“Oh boy and that means you will be working closely with Brian and if you don't chose him, it will be awkward,” Kyle said.
“Yep,” Jessica said. Ashley and Melanie came in. Melanie gave Kyle a kiss.
“What's going on?” Melanie asked.
“My boss put me and Brian on a project together,” Jessica said.
“Oh boy,” Ashley said.
“That will not be good after Saturday if you don't pick him,” Melanie said.
“I told them both my rules and one of them was friendship,” Jessica said.
“Let's hope they honor it, sorry to cut out but I have a date with Alex,” Ashley said.
“Could he be the one?” Jessica asked.
“I believe so, we really connected last night, we have loads in common,” Ashley said. She went to get ready. Jessica sat down on a stool and let out a frustrated groan.
“I hate this, why did I agree to two dates with two guys who are best friends and if I pick one, I break the other's heart and probably hurt their friendship,” Jessica said.
“But didn't you tell them that one rule was about friendship, that whoever you picked is to be happy for the other and remain friends?” Melanie asked.
“Yeah but who knows if they will honor it,” Jessica said.
“They have to, it's a rule,” Melanie said.
“I could become friends with them and keep them from ending the friendship,” Kyle said.
“Do it baby,” Melanie said. Jessica gave him their numbers and he went to call them. Melanie hugged Jessica.

Chapter 3

The next day, Jessica went to work and sat down in her office and got settled in. There was a knock at the door and she looked up and saw Brian there.
“Morning,” Brian said.
“Morning,” Jessica said.
“How are you this morning?” Brian asked.
“Good how about you?” Jessica asked.
“Good, shall we get to work on the project?” Brian asked.
“Yeah but first there is something we need to talk about,” Jessica said.
“What's up?” Brian asked.
“Call Nick and put him on speaker so I can talk to both of you,” Jessica said. He came in and sat down and called Nick. He put it on speaker.
“What's up, B, forget something?” Nick asked.
“I'm here in Jessica's office with her, she wanted to talk to us about something,” Brian said.
“Hey Jessica,” Nick said.
“Hey this is the only time I'll speak about the dates this weekend so listen carefully, if you guys haven't plan the dates, don't' make them the same, have the dates be whatever you want them to be, just the typical first date, dinner, move or a walk, end with a simple kiss, nothing further than a simple kiss,” Jessica said.
“Got it,” Nick said.
“Got it,” Brian said.
“Okay then, have a good day, Nick,” Jessica said.
“You too,” Nick said.
“See ya later bud,” Brian said. He hung up the phone and they went to work on the project. They both were interior designers for the top design company in the city of Atlanta. They worked all day. They called it a day around five o'clock and left the office. Nick arrived to pick up Brian and once again they took her home. She thanked them and went into the house and took a shower and ate some dinner and sat down in the recliner in her room and was reading a book when Melanie came in.
“Hey Jess, I'm going out with Kyle and probably staying the night so I won't be home to take you to work,” Melanie said.
“Okay I'll figure something out,” Jessica said.
“Okay Ashley said she's going with Alex so you have the house to yourself,” Melanie said.
“Be careful and have fun,” Jessica said. Melanie hugged her and left. Jessica got out her phone and called Brian.
“Jess what's up?” Brian asked.
“Hey um would it be possible if you guys could take me to work tomorrow, Melanie will be with her boyfriend and Ashley will be with Alex so I won't have a way to work in the morning,” Jessica said.
“Yep, I'll text you when we are there,” Brian said.
“Thank you see you then,” Jessica said.
“Bye Jess,” Brian said. She hung up and went back to reading. She read for an hour before locking up the house and went to bed. A few days later, it was Friday and she was getting ready for her date with Nick. She looked in the mirror and smiled. Melanie came in with Ashley.
“Perfect,” Melanie said.
“Yep perfect,” Ashley said.
“They said casual,” Jessica said. There was a knock at the door. Jessica opened the door and Nick stood there.
“You look beautiful,” Nick said.
“Thanks you look great,” Jessica said.
“Thanks ready?” Nick asked.
“Yep,” Jessica said. They left and went to eat at a restaurant and both ordered steak dishes.
“Jess, I want to say thank you for going out with me tonight, I know this might be a hard choice for you,” Nick said.
“Yes it will,” Nick said.
“But we both promise to support your choice,” Nick said.
“Good,” Jessica said.

Chapter 4

Their food came and they ate and talked about their lives and families. After they were done and Nick paid the bill. They went to the movies and then for a walk to talk more. Nick took her home and walked her up to the door.
“I had a good time tonight,” Jessica said.
“Me too,” Nick said. He took her hands in his and leaned in and their lips met. They kissed softly. They pulled back and smiled.
“Goodnight,” Jessica said.
“Goodnight,” Nick said. She went into the house and closed the door and leaned against it and touched her lips and smiled. She saw Ashley and Melanie standing there.
“Well?” Ashley asked.
“It was amazing,” Jessica said. She told them everything about the date.
“Now you have to go with Brian and then decide who you want to continue dating,” Melanie said.
“I know, I think it's going to be hard,” Jessica said. They hugged her and they locked up and went to their rooms and went to bed. The next evening she got ready for her date with Brian. She came downstairs. Ashley, Alex, Melanie, and Kyle were in the living room.
“You look great, Jess!” Ashley said.
“Yep!” Alex said.
“You really do,” Melanie said.
“Yep!” Kyle said.
“Thanks,” Jessica said. There was a knock at the door. Jessica opened and saw Brian standing there smiling.
“You look amazing,” Brian said.
“Thanks, so do you,” Jessica said.
“Thank you, shall we?” Brian said. They got into the car and went to a restaurant and sat down and ordered and talked about life and their families. Brian told her stories about his childhood and she did the same. Their food came and they ate and then they had dessert and he paid the bill and they headed out and they went for a walk through Atlanta Botanical Garden. Then they went to a show at Fox Theatre. After the show was over, Brian took her home.
“I had an great night,” Jessica said.
“Me, too,” Brian said. He leaned in and they kissed softly. He pulled back and smiled. She smiled.
“I'll see you Monday,” Jessica said.
“See you Monday, goodnight, Jess,” Brian said.
“Goodnight,” Jessica said. She squeezed his hands and went in and closed the door and leaned against it. She saw Ashley, Alex, Melanie, and Kyle standing there.
“Well?” Melanie asked.
“Amazing as well,” Jessica said.
“Uh-oh,” Ashley said.
“Yep,” Alex said.
“Tough decision,” Melanie said.
“Sounds like it,” Kyle said.
“Goodnight guys,” Jessica said. She went upstairs and took a shower and laid in bed and stared at the ceiling. How was she going to make the choice between them. They were both amazing and she felt sparks in both kisses. She could see herself with both of them. She closed her eyes and went to sleep. The next day, she sat in her room reading and thinking. She looked over at her bookcase and saw the item she cherished most and remembered why she received it. No one but Ashley and Melanie knew the truth. She finally got past the heartbreak and ready to move on with her life. She decided to do something and sat down and wrote a song to sing. She was always told that she could become a professional singer but she decided to pursue a career in interior design. She finished it and left the house and met up with a music producer she knew and told him about her song and showed it to him and he helped her come up with the music for the song and how it should be sung and they hugged and she found out the coffee shop where she met Nick had open mike nights for anyone who wanted to sing on Friday nights and she added her name to the list. The list was long so she wasn't the only one singing that night. She went back home and told Ashley, Alex, Melanie, and Kyle about open mike night.
“When are you going to tell the guys your choice?” Alex asked.
“When I decide, it's going to take me awhile, but do tell them they are welcome to come hear me sing,” Jessica said.
“I will, I'll head home now and talk to them, see you baby,” Alex said kissing Ashley and headed out the door. Kyle kissed Melanie and headed out. Jessica sat down.

Chapter 5

Monday morning, Jessica went to work and walked into her office and sat down and went through her papers on her desk. She heard a knock at the door and she looked up and saw Brian standing there smiling.
“Morning,” Brian said.
“Morning,” Jessica said.
“How are you?” Brian asked.
“I'm fine and you?” Jessica asked.
“I'm good, Alex told us about Friday night, we'll be there, and we will wait patiently for your choice,” Brian said.
“Thank you,” Jessica said.
“Shall we work on the project?” Brian asked.
“Yeah, probably should, can you keep it professional?” Jessica asked.
“Yes, of course, Jess, I don't want to pressure you on making a choice and I know you want it to be fair so that's what it's going to be, I'm not going behind Nick's back and he won't go behind mine, we talked about it yesterday, we are going to follow your rules,” Brian said. Jessica smiled.
“Thank you for that,” Jessica said. They went to work on the project and it became five o'clock.
“Do you need a ride home?” Brian asked.
“No, I got my car back from Melanie since she got hers back from the shop so I'm good, thanks though,” Jessica said. He walked her to her car and waited until she pulled out before going to his car. She headed home and went in and saw Melanie and Kyle watching TV in the living room.
“Hey guys,” Jessica said.
“Hey, how was work?” Melanie asked.
“It was fine,” Jessica said.
“Was it weird being around Brian after the date?” Melanie asked.
“It was fine, they are following my rules,” Jessica said. The house phone rang. Jessica picked it up.
“Hello?” Jessica asked.
“Hello, this is Nurse Gina from Atlanta Regional Hospital, we have a patient here by the name of Ashley Harris, this number was listed as her emergency contact, are you her sister?” the nurse asked.
“Um, no, I'm one of her best friends, she lives here with me and our other best friend, is she okay?” Jessica asked.
“She was in a car accident, does she have any family to be called?” the nurse asked.
“Her parents passed away a few years ago, she has an older brother, I'll let him know,” Jessica said.
“Thank you,” the nurse said.
“Was she alone?” Jessica asked.
“Yes she was,” the nurse said.
“Okay, we'll be right there,” Jessica said. She hung up.
“Jess?” Melanie asked.
“Ashley was in a car accident, call Brent, I need to call Alex,” Jessica said. She got out her phone and called Brian.
“Hey Jess what's up?” Brian asked.
“Is Alex with you guys?” Jessica asked.
“Yeah, he's here why?” Brian asked.
“Ashley was in a car accident and is at Atlanta Regional Hospital,” Jessica said.
“Oh no, Alex!” Brian said.
“What's up,” Alex said.
“Ashley's in the hospital, Atlanta Regional,” Brian said.
“Oh no!” Alex said. She heard the door slam.
“He's heading there now, I'll get Nick and we'll meet you guys there,” Brian said.
“Okay, thanks,” Jessica said. She hung up.
“I'll drive you guys,” Kyle said. They locked up and went to the hospital.
“Brent's on his way,” Melanie said. They arrived at the hospital and ran in and found the floor she was on and they saw Alex talking with a nurse at the desk with Brian and Nick with him.
“I'm sorry I can't tell you, immediate family only,” the nurse said.
“So boyfriend doesn't count?” Alex asked.
“I'm sorry sir, any guy can come in saying he's her boyfriend,” the nurse said.
“Hello, nurse, I'm Jessica Parker, I'm Ashley's best friend, Nurse Gina called me and told me she was here and he is her boyfriend,” Jessica said.
“We can all vouch for that, I'm Melanie Thomas, the other best friend as well, we all are Ashley's friends, her brother is on his way and he's the only immediate family she has but we are her family as well,” Melanie said.
“Nurse, she's right, they are family,” Brent said coming up to them. Melanie hugged Brent. Kyle shook his hand. Jessica hugged Brent. He looked at the nurse.
“How is my sister?” Brent asked.
“She's in a coma, swelling in her brain, a broken arm and a leg,” the nurse said.
“Can we go see her?” Brent asked.
“Two at a time,” the nurse said.
“I'm Alex, her boyfriend,” Alex said. Brent shook his hand.
“Let's go,” Brent said. They went to her room. Jessica sat down. Melanie and Kyle sat down together. Brian and Nick sat down with Jessica.
“Hey, she'll be okay,” Nick said.
“I know, I'm just mad about the hospital policy, wouldn't tell Alex anything, she would only say something when Ashley's brother came in,” Jessica said.
“They are just trying to cover their butts if something goes wrong or if something bad happened to her or someone was after her and they let them in to finish the job or something, even though it was just a car accident, they have to be safe,” Brian said.
“I know, you're right, I'm just worried,” Jessica said.
“We are here for you, Jess, for all of you,” Nick said. Jessica nodded and leaned forward and rested her forehead on her hands and her elbows on her knees. Brian and Nick rubbed her back in support. They looked up and saw Brent and Alex coming out.
“Hey,” Brent said.
“She's awake and she wants to talk with Brian and Nick,” Alex said. Brian and Nick looked at each other and stood up and went to her room. Twenty minutes later, they came out and sat down. Jessica and Melanie went to her room.
“Hey guys,” Ashley said.
“What did you talk with them about?” Jessica asked.
“Just wanted to make sure they would follow your rules and give you space so you can make your choice, I mean, make sure they don't pressure you,” Ashley said.
“Brian said they wouldn't pressure me and they would follow the rules,” Jessica said.
“That I didn't know, sorry,” Ashley said.
“It's okay, you are a great friend,” Jessica said.
“We are glad you're okay,” Melanie said.
“Yeah, just a broken leg and arm,” Ashley said.
“Yeah, and you have a strong guy to help you recover,” Melanie said. Ashley smiled.
“Yeah, he might be moving in for awhile,” Ashley said.
“It's fine,” Jessica said.
“Yeah, I might stay at Kyle's more,” Melanie said.
“Gee thanks, leave me alone with them,” Jessica said.
“Brian and Nick might be over a lot since Alex is their best friend,” Melanie said.
“ Oh geez, that will make my choice harder,” Jessica said.
“Oh Jess,” Melanie said.
“I wish I could just pick them both, I wish I didn't have to choose,” Jessica said. They didn't know that Brian and Nick heard what she said. They looked at each other and went back to the waiting room.

Chapter 6

Ashley was released from the hospital two days later and she was home in bed with Alex watching over her. Jessica got home from work and checked in on them and they were asleep in Ashley's room. She went onto her room and closed the door and sat in her recliner and started thinking of her choice she had to make between Nick and Brian. She got out her phone and called Brian.
“Hey Jess, what's up?” Brian said.
“Hey Brian, is Nick with you?” Jessica asked.
“Yeah, we are sitting here watching TV,” Brian said.
“Put me on speaker, please,” Jessica said.
“Okay, you are on speaker,” Brian said.
“Hey Jess,” Nick said.
“Hey, okay I know you guys are waiting for me to make a choice, it's going to take me longer to decide, you guys are both great, and I had a good time on both dates and there wasn't anything that stood out on either day so this is a tough choice so I will need more time,” Jessica said.
“We understand, Jess,” Nick said.
“Take as much time as you need, we won't stop being your friend,” Brian said.
“Yeah, Jess, we can all be just friends until you make your choice,” Nick said.
“Thanks guys, you guys are coming to the coffee shop tomorrow night?” Jessica asked.
“We'll be there, Jess,” Nick said.
“Yeah, we will be there,” Brian said.
“Okay, bye guys,” Jessica said.
“Bye Jess,” Brian said.
“Bye Jess,” Nick said. Jessica hung up and sat back.
The next night, Alex helped Ashley into the coffee shop and got her settled in a comfy chair. Kyle and Melanie cuddled together. Brian and Nick came in and sat with them. They saw Jessica sitting with the other singers.
“Hey guys,” Melanie said.
“Hey Melanie,” Brian said.
“Hey Melanie, hey guys,” Nick said.
“Just a warning, the song she's singing, she wrote it herself, and it really happened, the song isn't made up, it's from her heart and it's the truth,” Ashley said.
“So the words of the song?” Brian asked.
“Is what really happened, all fact, not made up,” Melanie said. They looked at each other and sat back. They watched and listened to all the other singers. Then it was Jessica's turn.
“This song I'm going to sing, it's dedicated to a special someone who is no longer with us, only two people in this shop know who it's about,” Jessica said. She looked at Ashley and Melanie who nodded. Ashley held Alex's hand as Melanie held Kyle's hand. The song began and they listened to the song and Jessica singing.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
It was two weeks after the day she turned eighteen
All dressed in white
Going to the church that night
She had his box of letters in the passenger seat
Sixpence in a shoe, something borrowed, something blue
And when the church doors opened up wide
She put her veil down
Trying to hide the tears
Oh she just couldn't believe it
She heard the trumpets from the military band
And the flowers fell out of her hand

Baby why'd you leave me
Why'd you have to go?
I was counting on forever, now I'll never know
I can't even breathe
It's like I'm looking from a distance
Standing in the background
Everybody's saying, "He's not coming home now."
This can't be happening to me
This is just a dream

The preacher man said, "Let us bow our heads and pray
Lord please lift his soul, and heal this hurt."
Then the congregation all stood up and sang the saddest song that she ever heard
Then they handed her a folded up flag
And she held on to all she had left of him
Oh, and what could have been
And then the guns rang one last shot
And it felt like a bullet in her heart

Baby, why'd you leave me
Why'd you have to go?
I was counting on forever, now I'll never know
I can't even breathe
It's like I'm looking from a distance
Standing in the background
Everybody's saying, "He's not coming home now."
This can't be happening to me
This is just a dream

Oh,
Baby, why'd you leave me
Why'd you have to go?
I was counting on forever, now I'll never know
Oh, I'll never know
It's like I'm looking from a distance
Standing in the background
Everybody's saying, "He's not coming home now."
This can't be happening to me
This is just a dream
Oh, this is just a dream
Just a dream
Yeah, yeah

(Song: Just a Dream by Carrie Underwood)
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
They all sat there watching Jessica as she sang and tears running down her cheeks. After she was done, she broke down crying. Melanie ran up to her and hugged her. The whole place stood up and clapped and cheered for her and a few people had tears in their eyes. Brian and Nick sat there with tears in their eyes as well. Alex was holding Ashley as she cried. Kyle was wiping his eyes. Melanie brought Jessica over to their table. Brian and Nick stood up and they both hugged Jessica.


Chapter 7

They all went back to the girls' house. Jessica went to her room and came back with the flag and set it on the coffee table. She sat down and put her hands in her lap.
“His name was Jacob, we were high school sweethearts, we were each other's first time, first everything, he enlisted as soon as we graduated high school, we got married before he left, we kept in contact through phone and email, he was gone off and on for three years, three weeks before he was set to come home for good, he and his unit were killed by a roadside bomb, they sent two military officers to tell me he died,” Jessica said.
“We were with her that day, she broke down crying and from that day, she never left the house or her bed, she cried all day and night, she barely ate, she only left the house for the funeral, but afterwards, she would come back and get back into bed and not move for weeks, little by little she started coming back, she finally got back to being herself again a year later, but she hasn't been on a date until you guys,” Melanie said.
“When you both asked her out, it was after she decided it was time to move on with her life and start dating again, you both came along at the right time,” Ashley said.
“Now she has to choose between you both, and she has told us that it's hard to choose because she had a good time with you both and she felt sparks with both of you when you both kissed her at the end of the dates,” Melanie said.
“We have come up with a solution,” Nick said.
“And you don't have to agree to it but we would be happy if you did,” Brian said.
“We don't want you to make a choice, you can have us both,” Nick said.
“We will share, both of us will be your guy,” Brian said.
“What?” Jessica said.
“We can tell how hard this choice is, we both decided it was unfair to make you choose between us, so we talked a lot last night and today and hearing you sing tonight and the story of your past, it made the choice for us, we both want to be your boyfriend, together, all three of us, together,” Nick said.
“So Jessica, will you be my girlfriend?” Brian asked.
“And mine?” Nick asked. She sat there looking at them. She looked at Ashley and Melanie who were smiling as were Kyle and Alex. She looked at them.
“So let me get this straight, you don't want me to choose between you, you both want to be with me, like share me, me as your girlfriend and you two as my boyfriends?” Jessica asked.
“Yes,” Nick said.
“Yes,” Brian said.
“Oh my god, I totally was not expecting that,” Jessica said.
“We know, Jess,” Nick said.
“We both knew it would be difficult to choose so we want to make it easier for you by you having us both, we can share you as our girl, take turns going on dates and if we are ready for the next step if things become official, take turns there as well,” Brian said.
“You guys are totally serious about this?” Jessica asked.
“Yes, we are, Jess, we both want you to be ours, we don't want to fight over you, only solution is we both have you as our girlfriend,” Nick said.
“This is so unreal,” Jessica said.
“Jess, this makes things easier, you don't have to stress out choosing between them,” Ashley said.
“You get to have them both,” Melanie said.
“This is so unheard of,” Jessica said.
“What other option is there?” Ashley asked.
“I be alone,” Jessica said.
“Do you want to be alone?” Melanie asked.
“No,” Jessica said.
“We can give you time to think about this,” Brian said.
“That's what caused this in the first place, I can't choose, it's too hard!” Jessica said.
“Jess, you know what you want, go for it,” Ashley said. Jessica looked at her and nodded. She looked at Nick and then at Brian. She took their hands in hers.
“Okay, let's do this, I'll be your girl, both of you,” Jessica said. They smiled and they both hugged her.

Chapter 8

They sat there talking and planning things out. Nick and Brian both held her hands.
“Okay so tomorrow you and I will spend the day together and then tomorrow night, you and Brian will spend the evening together,” Nick said.
“Okay, that sounds good,” Jessica said.
“We can make this work, Jess, we can do this,” Nick said.
“We knew it would be impossible to make a choice between us and we didn't want you to have to do that,” Brian said.
“Thank you, guys, for making this easier for me,” Jessica said.
“Anything for you, Jess,” Nick said kissing her hand. Brian kissed the hand he was holding. They got up and she walked them to the door and they hugged her and left. Jessica leaned against the door and smiled. She said goodnight to the others and went upstairs and showered and got ready for bed. She laid down and got her phone and saw text message from them both.
“Goodnight beautiful, see you tomorrow,” Nick texted.
“Goodnight Jess, see you tomorrow night,” Brian texted.
“Goodnight guys,” Jessica texted. She put her phone on her nightstand and went to bed. The next morning, she got up and sat down at her desk and wrote a song to sing at the next open mic night. She smiled as she read through it and felt tears run down her cheeks as she thought of who she wrote about. Her late husband wasn't the only person she had lost in her life. She got ready to meet Nick for their day together. She came downstairs and saw Ashley on the couch with Alex.
“Hey guys,” Jessica said.
“Hey Jess, ready for your dates today?” Ashley asked.
“Yeah, I am,” Jessica said. The doorbell rang. She opened the door and saw Nick standing there with a bouquet of lilies.
“Wow, you look amazing, for you, beautiful,” Nick said.
“Wow, they are beautiful, thank you,” Jessica said. Nick smiled and kissed her cheek. She put them in some water and got her purse and phone while Nick talked with Alex.
“Ready?” Jessica asked.
“Yep,” Nick said. They left and spent the day at the Georgia Aquarium. They went for a walk afterwards and he turned and faced her. She smiled at him. He cupped her face in his hands and kissed her softly. The kiss deepened and their tongues explored each other's mouths. He held her close.
“Mmm,” Jessica moaned. He pulled back biting her bottom lip softly and resting his forehead against hers.
“Wow,” Nick said.
“Yeah, wow,” Jessica said. He took her back to his house where Brian was waiting. She and Brian went out to dinner and went to a movie where they started kissing and it turned into a makeout session. They left the theater and he took her home and walked her up to the door. He kissed her softly.
“See you Monday,” Brian said.
“See you then,” Jessica said. He kissed her forehead and she went inside and went to her room and took a shower and laid in bed and smiled thinking of her day with the guys.

Chapter 9

The next day, she spent most of the day with her music producer friend going over the music and the lyrics for the song and how it should be sung. She hugged him and went home. Soon it was Friday night, Alex got Ashley settled on a couch and sat with her. Melanie and Kyle sat together. Brian and Nick sat in chairs beside each other as they watched Jessica prepare to sing her song.
“Is this another song she wrote?” Brian asked.
“Yes, what the song is about, really happened as well,” Melanie said. Ashley nodded.
“I wish she would have told us about the songs,” Nick said.
“Maybe she rather tell you through the songs rather than tell you,” Ashley said. Brian and Nick sat back. Jessica got onstage.
“Thank you, I hope you like this song, I wrote this song for a special someone in my heart who is no longer with us,” Jessica said.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Well she seemed all right by dawns early light
Though she looked a little worried and weak
She tried to pretend he wasn't drinkin' again
But daddy left the proof on her cheek
And I was only eight years old that summer
And I always seemed to be in the way
So I took myself down to the fair in town
On Independence Day

Well word gets around in a small, small town
They said he was a dangerous man
But mama was proud and she stood her ground
She knew she was on the losin' end
Some folks whispered and some folks talked
But everybody looked the other way
And when time ran out there was no one about
On Independence Day

Let freedom ring, let the white dove sing
Let the whole world know that today is a day of reckoning
Let the weak be strong, let the right be wrong
Roll the stone away, let the guilty pay it's Independence Day

Well she lit up the sky that fourth of July
By the time that the firemen come
They just put out the flames, and took down some names
And sent me to the county home
Now I ain't sayin' it's right or it's wrong
But maybe it's the only way
Talk about your revolution
It's Independence Day

Let freedom ring, let the white dove sing
Let the whole world know that today is a day of reckoning
Let the weak be strong, let the right be wrong
Roll the stone away, let the guilty pay it's Independence Day
Roll the stone away
It's Independence day

Song: Independence Day by Martina McBride
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Jessica stepped off the stage as everyone stood and applauded. Brian and Nick got up and hugged her. They all left and went home to the girls' house.
“That song was about your parents?” Brian asked.
“Yes,” Jessica said.
“It was for your mom?” Nick asked.
“Yeah, I miss her, I don't miss my father,” Jessica said.
“Jess, did he ever hurt you?” Nick asked.
“No, my mom took it for me, she wouldn't let him touch me,” Jessica said.
“She spent most of the time at mine or Melanie's houses, sometimes stayed a week at times, when they sent her to the home, my parents got guardianship of her a week later,” Ashley said.
“Then a couple months later, my parents adopted her,” Melanie said.
“So you guys are sisters,” Alex said.
“We pretty much were before then anyways, my parents couldn't have any more kids after me, so I was an only child, when they adopted Jess, I was excited and happy about having a sister who was my best friend,” Melanie said. Jessica smiled and hugged her.

Chapter 10

Three weeks later, they have settled into a routine with taking turns going on dates and spending time together. Jessica was at work with Brian working on their project. There was a knock at the door. They looked up and Brian saw someone he was not expecting the see standing at the door.
“Rachel?” Brian asked.
“Hi Brian,” Rachel said.
“What are you doing here?” Brian asked.
“I was hoping we could talk?” Rachel asked.
“What is there to talk about?” Brian asked.
“Well, it's important,” Rachel said.
“I'll let you two talk,” Jessica said. She got up and went out the door and went to her office and closed the door. She locked it and sat down and got out her phone and called Nick.
“Hey baby what's up,” Nick said.
“Who is Rachel?” Jessica asked.
“What?” Nick asked.
“Rachel, who is she to Brian?” Jessica asked.
“His ex, why?” Nick asked.
“She's here, talking with Brian,” Jessica said.
“Jess, where are you now?” Nick asked.
“My office,” Jessica said.
“I'm on the way,” Nick said. She hung up and sat back in her chair and turned and faced the window overlooking the city. She sat there looking out when she heard someone knock at the door. She didn't move thinking it was Brian. Her phone beeped. She looked and saw it was Nick and he was at her door. She got up and went and opened the door and saw him and pulled him in and closed it and went into his arms. He held her close.
“I'm here, baby,” Nick said.
“How close were they?” Jessica asked.
“He came close to asking her to marry him, but before he could go buy the ring, he found her in bed with someone else,” Nick said.
“I left him alone with a cheater?!” Jessica said.
“She didn't really cheat, the guy she was found in bed with, he drugged her drink, it wasn't consensual, Jess, they talked a few days later, they got back together for a couple months but then they broke up because they drifted apart,” Nick said.
“Oh god,” Jessica said. There was a knock and Brian came in and saw them.
“Hey,” Brian said.
“Jess called and told me Rachel was here,” Nick said.
“What did she want?” Jessica asked.
“She came to tell me that she's pregnant with my child,” Brian said.
“Oh god,” Jessica said.
“Is she sure it's yours?” Nick asked.
“The doctor gave her the date she conceived and it was three days before the night she was drugged, while we were still together,” Brian said.
“Is she lying?” Nick asked.
“She had the paperwork from the doctor and I called him to confirm,” Brian said.
“Oh god,” Jessica said.
“Jess, I'm sorry,” Brian said.
“What are you going to do, man?” Nick asked.
“I want to be there for my child,” Brian said.
“Are you getting back with her?” Jessica asked.
“I don't know,” Brian said.
“You probably should,” Jessica said.
“Jess,” Brian said.
“I'm sorry, Brian, I don't want to be responsible for keeping you from your child, you need to be there for Rachel and your child, we have to end this between us, I'm sorry, all we can be is co-workers,” Jessica said. She got her stuff and went out the door. Brian leaned against the wall. Nick hugged him.
“I can't believe this is happening,” Brian said.
“We'll be there for you, man,” Nick said.
“She's right, I have to be there for her and my child, take care of her, bro,” Brian said.
“You know I will,” Nick said. He went out the door and found Jessica crying against her car in the parking garage.
“Jess, baby,” Nick said. She turned and threw herself in his arms. He held her close.
“Oh god Nick!” Jessica said.
“I know, baby, I know,” Nick said.
“I still want to be with you,” Jessica said.
“I was hoping you would,” Nick said.
“Unless you have someone out there who will show up wanting you back or pregnant with your child,” Jessica said.
“Nope, I haven't been with anyone in over a year, the last girl I was with, is married and is five months pregnant, she got married six months ago,” Nick said.
“Was she your only one?” Jessica asked.
“Yes, she was my high school girlfriend, we got together our senior year, were together all through college, five years after college, we broke up mutually as friends, I even attended her wedding, baby, there is nothing to worry about, I'm all yours,” Nick said. She smiled and hugged him.
“And now I'm all yours so it's just you and me,” Jessica said.
“Yes, so what do you want to do?” Nick asked.
“Do you need to go back to work?” Jessica asked.
“Crap, yeah I better, will you be okay?” Nick asked.
“Yeah, I'll head home, see you later,” Jessica said.
“I'll come back after work,” Nick said. He kissed her and left. She got into her car and went home.

Chapter 11

Jessica walked into the house and saw Ashley sitting on the couch with Alex.
“Hey you're home early,” Ashley said.
“Yeah,” Jessica said.
“What happened?” Ashley asked.
“I ended things with Brian, his ex showed back up pregnant with his child and I didn't want to be responsible of him not being there for his child and her,” Jessica said.
“Oh Jess,” Ashley said.
“I still have Nick though,” Jessica said.
“So you and Nick are official,” Alex said.
“Yeah, Alex, unless I shouldn't be?” Jessica asked.
“Jess, of course you should, Nick cares about you a lot, he wants to be with you, he's a great guy,” Alex said.
“Okay, good, I don't know if I can handle losing him too,” Jessica said.
“You won't, Jess, he is your guy, when he's with a girl he wants, it's only her for him, that's you,” Alex said. Jessica smiled and went upstairs and laid on the bed and got out her phone and saw a text from Brian.
“I'm so sorry for everything, please say we can be friends, I want you in my life, Jess, I know we can't be more than friends so can we be friends?” Brian texted. She laid there. She sent a text to Nick.
“Hey, Brian texted me and asked me if he and I could be friends, what should I do?” Jessica texted.
“If you want to be friends with him, it's fine with me, I don't want you two avoiding each other because you're my girl, he's still my best friend, you do work with him still, you will need to face him every day at work,” Nick texted.
“I know, it's just going to be weird but I should just be friends, I just wanted your opinion since you are my guy,” Jessica texted.
“You will be fine, baby, I'll come by after work, okay,” Nick texted.
“Okay,” Jessica texted. She sent a text back to Brian.
“Yes, we can be friends, that's all we can be,” Jessica texted.
“Friends and co-workers, we need to get working on the project tomorrow, you'll be in tomorrow, right?” Brian texted.
“Yes, I'm sorry for leaving work today, I just needed some space,” Jessica texted.
“It's understandable, Jess, get some rest, we'll be okay as friends and co-workers, I know Nick will take care of you,” Brian texted.
Jessica put her phone down and closed her eyes and went to sleep. She woke up to someone stroking her cheek. She opened her eyes and saw Nick sitting on the bed beside her smiling.
“Hey sleeping beauty,” Nick said.
“Hey, what time is it?” Jessica asked.
“It's after five, I guess you got a good nap,” Nick said.
“Yeah, I guess,” Jessica said.
“So what did you decide about Brian?” Nick asked.
“Friends and co-workers,” Jessica said.
“Okay, want some dinner, I can order takeout,” Nick asked.
“Burgers and fries?” Jessica asked.
“You got it, baby,” Nick said. He called for takeout. He ordered some for Ashley, Alex, Kyle, and Melanie. They heard yelling downstairs. They went downstairs and saw Melanie standing there glaring at Kyle.
“I don't understand it, Kyle, you are being so secretive, are you cheating?” Melanie asked.
“God no, I would never do that to you, Mel, I love you with everything in me, I couldn't go on without you,” Kyle said.
“Kyle, I think you better do it now,” Alex said.
“Yeah, man,” Nick said.
“You guys know something?” Jessica asked.
“What is it,” Ashley said. Kyle got up and took a deep breath and sat Melanie down in the chair and got on one knee and got out a ring box from his pocket and opened it. She saw the ring and gasped and covered her mouth with her hands. She had tears in her eyes.
“Melanie, will you marry me?” Kyle asked.
“Yes!” Melanie said. He slid the ring on her finger and kissed her and picked her up and spun her around. Jessica wrapped her arms around Nick as he held her close.
“Oh my gosh!” Ashley said.
“This is why you've been secretive?!” Melanie said.
“Yes, I was nervous and trying to plan it perfect, I wanted to take you out to dinner and go for a walk and propose at our favorite spot,” Kyle said.
“Well, we can go out to dinner as an engaged couple, I'm sorry baby, I ruined your plans,” Melanie said.
“It's okay, baby, I love you,” Kyle said. They went out the door. Jessica looked up at Nick.
“You guys knew,” Jessica said.
“We helped him pick the ring last week,” Nick said.
“You guys are great friends to him,” Ashley said.
“He is a great guy, and it would be good to triple date sometime,” Alex said.
“We should get that set up,” Nick said.

Chapter 12

Three weeks later, Jessica and Nick grew closer as a couple. She and Brian were getting along well as friends and she met Rachel and she and the girls put an effort in getting along with her by inviting her to lunch sometimes and she has become a friend to them as well so now they can quadruple date when possible. Jessica wrote a new song and smiled and took it to her music producer friend who helped her with the music and the tone of the song. Soon it was Friday night, Ashley, Alex, Kyle, and Melanie were sitting there in the coffee shop while Jessica sat with the other singers. Nick came in with Brian and Rachel.
“So Jessica sings?” Rachel asked.
“Yeah, she's sung two times already, the shop has open mic nights every Friday, we have videos of her singing, we'll play them later,” Brian said. They watched the other singers. Then it was Jessica's turn and she smiled and looked at Nick.
“This song is dedicated to a special guy in my life,” Jessica said. Nick smiled. Jessica sang the song.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
It's amazing how you can speak right to my heart
Without saying a word you can light up the dark
Try as I may I could never explain
What I hear when you don't say a thing

The smile on your face lets me know that you need me
There's a truth in your eyes sayin' you'll never leave me
The touch of your hand says you'll catch me if ever I fall
You say it best when you say nothing at all

All day long I can hear people talking out loud
But when you hold me near, you drown out the crowd
Old Mr. Webster could never define
What's being said between your heart and mine

The smile on your face lets me know that you need me
There's a truth in your eyes sayin' you'll never leave me
The touch of your hand says you'll catch me if ever I fall
You say it best when you say nothing at all

The smile on your face lets me know that you need me
There's a truth in your eyes sayin' you'll never leave me
The touch of your hand says you'll catch me if ever I fall
You say it best when you say nothing at all

Song: When You Say Nothing At All by Alison Krauss
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Jessica smiled and everyone stood up and clapped. She came down offstage and went into Nick's arms.
“That was amazing,” Nick said.
“That song was for you,” Jessica said. The owner of the coffee shop came up to Jessica and whispered something to her and she looked at him and nodded.
“Baby?” Nick asked.
“One of the singers got sick and they need the slot filled, looks like I'm singing another song,” Jessica said.
“Go for it, baby,” Nick said.
“This song is for you as well,” Jessica said kissing him before going back up onstage and sang another song.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
I can feel the magic floating in the air
Being with you gets me that way
I watch the sunlight dance across your face and I've
Never been this swept away

All my thoughts just seem to settle on the breeze
When I'm lying wrapped up in your arms
The whole world just fades away
The only thing I hear
Is the beating of your heart

'Cause I can feel you breathe
It's washing over me
Suddenly I'm melting into you
There's nothing left to prove
Baby all we need is just to be
Caught up in the touch
The slow and steady rush
Baby, isn't that the way that love's supposed to be
I can feel you breathe
Just breathe

In a way I know my heart is waking up
As all the walls come tumbling down
I'm closer than I've ever felt before
And I know
And you know
There's no need for words right now

'Cause I can feel you breathe
It's washing over me
Suddenly I'm melting into you
There's nothing left to prove
Baby all we need is just to be
Caught up in the touch
The slow and steady rush
Baby, isn't that the way that love's supposed to be
I can feel you breathe
Just breathe

Caught up in the touch
The slow and steady rush
Baby, isn't that the way that love's supposed to be
I can feel you breathe
Just breathe

I can feel the magic floating in the air
Being with you gets me that way

Song: Breathe by Faith Hill
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Everyone once again stood up and clapped and cheered. She got offstage and walked over to her friends and Nick kissed her and hugged her.
“Jessica, Kyle and I have started planning the wedding, for our first dance, we want you to sing the song, we have it picked already,” Melanie said.
“What song?” Jessica asked.
“From This Moment On by Shania Twain,” Melanie said.
“I love that song,” Jessica said.
“I know, we do too, we want it as our first dance and we want you singing it,” Melanie said.
“You got it!” Jessica said hugging them. They all left and went home. Nick walked her to the door.
“Goodnight baby,” Nick said kissing her softly.
“Goodnight,” Jessica said. She hugged him and kissed him and went inside and closed the door. She went upstairs and showered and went to bed.
Chapter 13

Three weeks went by. Kyle and Melanie were planning their wedding. Nick went to the girls' house and rang the doorbell. Melanie opened it and saw Nick.
“Nick, hi, um, Jess isn't home, she had to go out of town, she said she would call you once she got to where she was going, she will be back in a week, she said she was working on a surprise for all of us and will show us when she gets back,” Melanie said. His phone rang and saw it was her.
“Baby where are you?” Nick asked.
“I'm in Tennessee, I'm working on something and I got the week off from work, I'm sorry I didn't tell you my plans, this was something I had to do,” Jessica said.
“I really wish you didn't go alone,” Nick said.
“I'm not, one of my friends is with me,” Jessica said.
“Jess, Melanie and Ashley are home,” Nick said.
“My friend who is a music producer, he helps me with the music for the songs that I sung at open mic night, and before you get all jealous and huffy about me being with another guy, he's just a friend, he's also gay and married to a great guy, okay, nothing to worry about, Melanie knows him too, we all grew up together,” Jessica said.
“Okay, just be careful anyways, okay, and call me later,” Nick said.
“Okay, talk to you later, babe,” Jessica said.
“Bye baby,” Nick said. He hung up and looked at Melanie.
“His name is Randy, he was our neighbor when we were growing up, he's a music producer here in Atlanta, he has connections all over the country, he came out when we were in high school, he met his husband at the coffee shop,” Melanie said.
“Okay, at least she's not alone,” Nick said.
“She's safe with Randy, he won't let anything happen to her,” Melanie said. Nick nodded.
A week later, Jessica called Nick and told him she was on the way home and to get Brian and the crew over to the house to see her surprise. Brian, Rachel, Nick, and Alex showed up at the house and waited for Jessica. She came in an hour later and Nick took her in his arms and buried his face in her neck.
“I missed you baby,” Nick said.
“I missed you too,” Jessica said.
“Jess, tell us what the surprise is,” Ashley said. She got out a DVD disc and put it in and pushed play. They saw it was a music video.
“Jess?” Ashley said.
“You'll see,” Jessica said. Then they heard the music and all of them looked at her.
“Jess, you gave the song to Carrie Underwood and she filmed the video, is that what you were doing in Tennessee?” Melanie said.
“Yeah, but I didn't give it, I sold it, she's going to put it on her album and I'll get paid for profits made from the song,” Jessica said.
“This is the first song you sang?” Rachel asked.
“Yes,” Jessica said. Brian told the truth about the song.
“That was amazing and beautiful,” Rachel said.
“Thank you,” Jessica said. An hour later everyone left except Kyle and Alex who were staying the night with Ashley and Melanie. Nick sat with Jessica.
“Stay the night?” Jessica asked.
“Yeah, I will, I want to hold you in my arms,” Nick said. She smiled and they went up to her room and closed the door. She changed into her pajamas and he stripped to his boxers and they got into bed and he pulled her into his arms. She rested her head on his chest. He kissed her head.
“I like this,” Jessica said.
“What, baby?” Nick asked.
“Being in your arms,” Jessica said.
“I like having you in my arms,” Nick said. She smiled and he kissed her softly and the kiss deepened and it became a makeout session. Their tongues explored each other's mouths.
“Jess,” Nick said.
“Hmm,” Jessica said stroking his cheek and looking in his eyes.
“I love you,” Nick said. She smiled.
“I love you too,” Jessica said. He grinned and they kissed again and soon fell asleep in each other's arms.
The next morning, they woke up to Nick's phone beeping. He reached over and looked at it.
“Hello? Brian? What, what happened? Do you need me to come alone or should I bring everyone? Okay, be right there,” Nick said. He hung up and looked at Jessica.
“What is it?” Jessica asked.
“Rachel was in a car accident, she's in the hospital on life support,” Nick said.
“Let's go,” Jessica said. They got Ashley and Alex and called Melanie who stayed at Kyle's and they went to the hospital. They found Brian sitting in the waiting room holding his head in his hands. Nick went and sat down beside him.
“Bro?” Nick asked.
“They're gone, Rachel and the baby are gone, they said there was no brain activity, her parents turned off the life support, there was nothing they could do, she's gone, my baby's gone,” Brian said crying. Nick hugged him. Brian cried on his shoulder. Ashley leaned against Alex. Jessica told Melanie and Kyle who just came in and Kyle took Melanie in his arms. Jessica sat down with Brian and and Nick and rubbed Brian's back. He grabbed her hand and held it.
Three days later, they were at her funeral. Nick held Jessica's hand as he stood by Brian. After it was over, they all left and went home. Nick kissed Jessica and told her he was going to take Brian home and he'll call her later.
“Take care of him,” Jessica said hugging Nick.
“I will baby, talk to you later,” Nick said. He kissed her and left with Brian. Ashley and Alex took Jessica home. She went upstairs and showered and laid down in bed and curled up and took a nap. She woke up to her phone beeping. She looked and saw text messages from Nick.
“Hey baby, you okay?” Nick texted.
“Baby where are you?” Nick texted.
“Jess?” Nick texted. She sent him a message back.
“Hey I took a nap, sorry, I'm here,” Jessica texted.
“Alone?” Nick texted.
“Yeah, why?” Jessica texted.
“Brian took off, I didn't know if he came over there to see you,” Nick texted.
“No, I'm here alone in my room, I can send you a pic if you want me to,” Jessica texted.
“Can you check and see if he's at the house, maybe he's talking to Alex and Ash?” Nick texted. She got up and went downstairs and saw Alex and Ashley on the couch watching TV.
“Hey guys, Brian didn't come over did he?” Jessica asked.
“No, why?” Ashley asked.
“Nick said Brian took off,” Jessica said.
“I'll go look for him,” Alex said. He kissed Ashley and went out the door. Jessica got on her phone.
“Hey, Alex and Ashley said he never came here, Alex went to look for him,” Jessica texted.
“Okay, I'm on my way over to see you, baby,” Nick texted.
“Okay, I miss being in your arms,” Jessica texted.
“I miss having you in them,” Nick texted.
“Be careful, don't text and drive,” Jessica texted.
“I won't baby, see you in a few,” Nick texted. She sat down on the couch.

Chapter 14

Nick came into the house and saw them sitting on the couch and came over and pulled Jessica up and hugged her.
“Hey, what's wrong?” Jessica asked.
“Alex called, he found Brian, he was talking like he had no will to live,” Nick said.
“What,” Ashley said.
“Brian wanted to kill himself?” Jessica asked.
“He told Alex that he had no reason to live anymore, Alex told him he did, he had all his friends, Jess, he told Alex he hates me because I took you away from him,” Nick said.
“What, that's crazy, I ended things because of Rachel, she was having his baby and I didn't want to be in the way,” Jessica said.
“I know, and he knows that, he broke down crying and realized that he needed help, Alex took him to see someone about grief counseling,” Nick said.
“Okay, good, how long did he stay home when you got him there?” Jessica asked.
“Maybe an hour,” Nick said.
“He needs all of us,” Ashley said.
“Yeah, he does,” Nick said.
Three weeks later, Jessica was in her office working when there was a knock at the door. She looked up and saw Brian.
“Hey Brian, how are you?” Jessica asked.
“I'm doing a little better, I still am going to grief counseling and I'm in a group with other people grieving, I'm hanging in there,” Brian said.
“Good,” Jessica said.
“I'm sorry about what I said to Nick, about hating him for taking you away from me, I had no right to say that, he didn't steal you away, you ended things because of Rachel and the baby and you didn't want to be in the way of that,” Brian said.
“Yeah, I'm glad you realized that,” Jessica said.
“Jess, I still like you, I wish we could go back,” Brian said.
“I know you do, Brian, but I care about you as a friend, Nick and I have said I love yous to each other,” Jessica said.
“Oh, I see, I'm too late,” Brian said.
“I'm sorry, Brian, we can only be friends,” Jessica said.
“I wish things were different, maybe if Rachel hadn't come back into my life, we would still be a happy threesome,” Brian said.
“Probably, who knows, but it happened and we have to move on,” Jessica said.
“Yeah, I better get to work,” Brian said. He went to his office. Jessica went back to work. Soon it was lunch time and she saw a text from Nick saying he was waiting for her out front. She headed out and got into the car.
“Hey handsome,” Jessica said.
“Hey baby,” Nick said kissing her cheek. They went to a small cafe and sat down and ate lunch. Nick paid and took her back to work. She kissed him.
“See you later?” Jessica asked.
“You bet, see you later, love you,” Nick said.
“Love you too,” Jessica said. She went to her office and sat down and went back to work. After work she went home. Melanie and Kyle were sitting at the table planning their wedding.
“Three weeks!” Melanie said smiling.
“Yep, almost done?” Jessica said.
“Almost, just finished the seating chart and got to get the flowers delivered and write our vows,” Melanie said.
“I got mine done,” Kyle said.
“Can I see them?” Jessica asked. Kyle handed them to her and she read them and smiled.
“Perfect,” Jessica said.
“What did it say?” Melanie asked.
“You will have to wait until the wedding, don't worry, you will love them, don't bother getting them out of me, I've already forgot what they said,” Jessica said.
“And if you try to get a look, I will have to redo them and that will take awhile to come up with something new,” Kyle said.
“Just wait until you are standing up at the altar,” Jessica said.
“Okay, you're right, I can wait,” Melanie said. The front door opened and closed.
“Jessica!” Nick called. She came out of the kitchen.
“Hey, what's up,” Jessica said.
“You tell me, Brian told me you guys are getting back together,” Nick said.
“What, I didn't say that, he's wrong, I told him I'm with you and I moved on, that I love you,” Jessica said.
“He's saying something a whole lot different,” Nick said.
“He told me he still liked me and wished we could go back, I told him I cared about him as a friend but that's how it's going to be, that we can't go back, that I'm with you and only you,” Jessica said.
“Do you still like him?” Nick asked.
“What does it matter, Nick, I'm with you, I love you, that's where I want to be,” Jessica said.
“Answer the question, Jess,” Nick said.
“I like him as a friend, Nick, that's all,” Jessica said.
“Jess, are you sure about that?” Nick asked.
“Why are you doubting me, I have never lied to you, or anyone, I have been completely honest!” Jessica said.
“I don't know, I think we should take a break from all this, have some space, some time apart,” Nick said.
“Nick,” Jessica said.
“I got to go, Jess, I'm sorry,” Nick said. He went out the door. Melanie got up and hugged Jessica. Kyle stood with them.
“I'm going to bed,” Jessica said. She went upstairs and showered and laid down in bed and got out her phone and turned it off and closed her eyes.

Chapter 15

Jessica woke up the next morning and turned on her phone and saw no messages and she got up and got dressed and went to work. She closed the door to her office and locked it and sat down and went to work. She heard someone knock at her door. She looked up and saw Brian standing there. She shook her head and went back to work. She skipped lunch and continued working. Brian tried again by knocking at her door. She ignored him. She finished up and walked out the door.
“Jess!” Brian called.
“Fuck off Brian!” Jessica said.
“Jess please!” Brian said.
“No, don't bother, I never want to speak to you again, you and I are no longer friends, you are nothing to me, just stay away from me, you asshole!” Jessica said before going out the door and she drove home. She went inside and saw Ashley and Alex.
“Hey Jess, how was work?” Ashley said.
“Just dandy,” Jessica said.
“Brian?” Alex asked.
“I locked myself in my office and he tried to talk to me but I refused to open the door and when I left, I told him to fuck off, that I never wanted to speak to him again and that he was nothing to me, I told him we were no longer friends, called him an asshole and left,” Jessica said.
“Wow,” Ashley said.
“Yeah, he brought it on himself, he deserved that,” Alex said.
“How are you friends with him?” Jessica asked.
“I don't know anymore, Nick's been staying at his parents, he can't be in the same house as him right now, I've been staying here so Brian has the house to himself,” Alex said.
“Good, he deserves to be lonely after what he did,” Jessica said.
“How are you holding up?” Ashley said.
“Just barely, just pushing myself to make it through the day, I'm going to get a bite to eat and go to bed,” Jessica said. She went into the kitchen and ate something and went up to bed.
Meanwhile....
Ashley and Alex left the house and went to Nick's workplace and found Nick in his office.
“Hey man,” Alex said.
“Hey,” Nick said.
“How are you doing?” Ashley asked.
“I'm okay, I guess, just trying to make it through the day,” Nick said. Ashley sat down.
“That makes two of you,” Ashley said.
“What,” Nick said.
“Jess said the same thing,” Ashley said.
“Ash,” Nick said.
“She's not doing good, Nick, after you left yesterday she went to bed and didn't come out until this morning to leave for work, she came home and ate something and went straight to bed, she is barely hanging in there, she's pushing herself through the day, she told us she went to work, locked herself in her office, dumbass knocked and she didn't bother opening the door, he tried again and she ignored him,” Ashley said.
“He tried to talk to her when she left her office, she told him to fuck off, that she never wanted to speak to him again, that he was nothing to her, that they were no longer friends, to stay away from her and she called him an asshole,” Alex said.
“Really?” Nick asked.
“Nick, she loves you, Brian had his chance and he blew it when Rachel came back into the picture, she wants to be with you,” Ashley said.
“I don't know how I can face her after leaving like that yesterday, believing his lies,” Nick said.
“She will forgive you, I know it,” Ashley said.
“I need to think,” Nick said.
“Okay, just don't take too long, she needs you,” Ashley said. She and Alex left and went home. She checked on Jessica and found her asleep in her room. The doorbell rang. Alex opened it and saw Brian standing there.
“You need to leave, man,” Alex said.
“Please I just need to talk to her,” Brian said.
“Why, man, why did you tell Nick that you and Jess were getting back together when that didn't happen, she never said that and you know it,” Alex said.
“I was wrong and I wanted to apologize for everything,” Brian said.
“It's too late, man, you did your damage, Nick pulled away from her, said he needed space and time,” Alex said.
“How is she?” Brian asked.
“Pissed at you, upset and barely holding it together, you need to back off and leave her alone,” Alex said. Brian hung his head.
“I screwed up,” Brian said.
“Big time, you lost two friends because of it, maybe more if you don't pull your head out of your ass,” Alex said.
“I get it,” Brian said. He left. Alex closed the door.

Chapter 16

Two weeks later, it was Melanie and Kyle's wedding day. Jessica arrived at the church with Melanie and Ashley and they got ready in the bride's room. Jessica sat there staring at the floor.
“Jess,” Ashley said.
“Huh, what,” Jessica said.
“Oh Jess, he hasn't called you or anything, has he,” Ashley said.
“Nope,” Jessica said.
“He told us he needed to think,” Ashley said.
“I guess he thought it wasn't meant to be,” Jessica said.
“You will be okay, you have us,” Melanie said.
“But you are getting married and you have Alex, I'm all alone,” Jessica said.
“You will find that someone, Jess, Nick will realize what he gave up,” Ashley said. Jessica closed her eyes and sighed. She looked at Ashley and Melanie.
“How can I move on if my heart is broken,” Jessica said. There was a knock at the door. Jessica faced away from the door. Ashley opened the door and saw Nick standing there. He came in and walked over to Jessica.
“Hey,” Nick said. She looked up at him. He knelt down beside her and wiped her tears away.
“Hey,” Jessica said.
“I'm sorry, that it took me this long to come talk to you, I was just mad at myself for walking off like that, for pushing you away,” Nick said. She threw herself in his arms and buried her face in his neck. He held her close.
“Please don't do that again, I would never lie to you,” Jessica said.
“I know, I was an idiot, Brian took a leave of absence from work and he went to stay with his parents for awhile and get some counseling, he said he'll come back once he got the help he needs,” Nick said.
“I love you Nick,” Jessica said. Nick crushed his mouth to hers in a deep kiss.
“I love you too, baby,” Nick said resting his forehead against hers. She smiled and rested her head against him.
“So happy for you guys!” Ashley said.
“Yes, now let's get this wedding going,” Melanie said.
“Okay, I'll see you out there, ladies,” Nick said. He kissed Jessica's forehead and went out the door. They finished getting ready and went out and Ashley walked down the aisle. Alex gazed at her as he stood behind Nick who was best man to Kyle. Jessica walked down the aisle. Nick gazed at her. She smiled at him. The music started and Melanie walked down the aisle with her father. Kyle smiled and gazed at her. He took her hands in his and they faced each other. The ceremony began. They exchanged vows and rings and shared their first kiss and walked out as husband and wife. Nick held out his arm and Jessica hooked his arm with hers and they walked out followed by Ashley and Alex. They went to the reception. They got something to eat and sat down and ate and talked. Soon it was time for the first dance. Jessica smiled and looked at Nick.
“What baby?” Nick asked.
“This song may be for their first dance, I'm singing it to you, babe,” Jessica said. Nick smiled and kissed her as she got up and went onstage.
“Hey all, it's time for the first dance between Melanie and Kyle,” Jessica said. The song started and she performed the song as Melanie and Kyle danced. Jessica gazed at Nick as he gazed back at her.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
From this moment life has begun
From this moment you are the one
Right beside you is where I belong
From this moment on

From this moment I have been blessed
I live only for your happiness
And for your love I'd give my last breath
From this moment on

I give my hand to you with all my heart
I can't wait to live my life with you
I can't wait to start
You and I will never be apart
My dreams came true because of you

From this moment as long as I live
I will love you, I promise you this
There is nothing I wouldn't give
From this moment on

You're the reason I believe in love
And you're the answer to my prayers from up above
All we need is just the two of us
My dreams came true because of you

From this moment as long as I live
I will love you, I promise you this
There is nothing I wouldn't give
From this moment
I will love you as long as I live
From this moment on

Song: From This Moment On by Shania Twain
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
After she was done, everyone clapped. She smiled and waved and got offstage and the band took over. Nick pulled her onto the dance floor and they danced to a slow song. He held her close and she rested her head on his shoulder.
“I love you, Jess, so much,” Nick said.
“I love you, too,” Jessica said.
Two hours later, after Melanie and Kyle left, Nick and Jessica headed home to his place since he was alone and Alex was staying with Ashley at the girl's place.
“So Melanie is going to be moving out so that leaves just you and Ashley at the house alone, are you guys going to be okay with the bills without Melanie there helping?” Nick asked.
“I haven't thought that far ahead yet,” Jessica said.
“Brian moved out of here so it's pretty much just me and Alex, maybe we could do some switching,” Nick said.
“You want to live together?” Jessica asked.
“It would make the most sense, Alex is always over there, you would give them space by being over here, why not just have them live there and we live here,” Nick said.
“Nick,” Jessica said.
“Jess, I want to go to bed with you in my arms and wake up with you in my arms every morning, that first night we slept in the same bed, was the best night's sleep ever,” Nick said.
“Mine too,” Jessica said.
“What do you say, shall we go talk with them about it?” Nick asked. Jessica looked at him and nodded. He grinned and kissed her deeply. He held her close. She rested against him. The kiss turned into a full makeout session to where they were lying on the couch. He began kissing her neck. She smiled as she enjoyed his lips on her neck. He moved up and crashed his mouth to hers in a deep kiss. She felt him against her leg. He pulled back and buried his face in her neck. She held him close.
“Let's get to bed, baby, too much fun today, wore me out,” Nick said. Jessica smiled and they got up and went upstairs after he locked up the house. He gave her a shirt and a pair of boxers to change into and he stripped down to his boxers and got into bed. She came out of the bathroom after changing and got into bed and he wrapped his arms around her and pulled her close. She rested her head on his chest and they went to sleep.

Chapter 17

The next morning, Jessica woke up and saw Nick asleep. She laid there watching him and snuggled up against him. He pulled her closer against him.
“Morning baby,” Nick said.
“Morning, sorry if I woke you,” Jessica said.
“It's okay, baby,” Nick said kissing her forehead.
“I had an idea,” Jessica said.
“And what is your idea, baby,” Nick said.
“Going away this weekend,” Jessica said.
“And where would we go?” Nick asked.
“Miami?” Jessica said.
“And what would we be doing?” Nick asked.
“Being alone with no one to come bother us, being together,” Jessica said.
“We can have that here,” Nick said.
“So you don't want to go away with me?” Jessica asked.
“I didn't say that, baby, it would be nice to get away,” Nick said.
“Then let's do it,” Jessica said.
“Okay, I'll make arrangements,” Nick said. She smiled and kissed him.
“There was another reason why I wanted to go away, I was thinking about the next step,” Jessica said.
“You mean making love?” Nick asked.
“I thought it would be special taking that step someplace different,” Jessica said.
“Oh baby I'm all for it, I'll make some calls right now,” Nick said. He got up and went to the bathroom and got his phone and went to make calls. She sent a text to Ashley telling her the plans for the weekend.
“You have the outfit?” Ashley texted.
“Yeah, do you think he'll like it?” Jessica texted.
“Oh yeah, he won't be able to keep his hands off you,” Ashley texted. Jessica smiled.
“That's what I have planned,” Jessica texted.
“You are on the pill right?” Ashley texted.
“Of course,” Jessica texted.
On Friday morning, she got all packed up and ready to go. Nick got his bag packed up.
“Ready baby?” Nick asked.
“Yep,” Jessica said. She put her bag in his car and they headed to Miami.
“I love you,” Nick said as he held her hand.
“I love you, too,” Jessica said. Her phone beeped and she looked at it and saw it was text from Brian.
“What is it?” Nick asked.
“A text from Brian,” Jessica said.
“What does it say, baby?” Nick asked. She read it.
“Hey Jess, I know you don't want to talk to me and I understand, I am sorry for everything, I finally got the help I needed and I am in a better place now,” Brian texted. She read it to Nick as she was reading it.
“I will be coming back to work on Monday, and I will give you space and won't speak to you unless you talk first, I hope you and Nick worked things out and I'm sorry for causing problems, from now on I will be the supportive friend to you both if we can work our way back to being just that, I have a lot to make up for,” Brian texted.
“Wow,” Nick said.
“Yeah, I'm not going to reply back,” Jessica texted.
“You can if you want to, I'm not going to let you go again, we are solid, baby, talk with him,” Nick said.
“Hey Brian, thanks for what you said and I'm glad you got the help you needed, yes Nick and I are back to normal and we are solid, I hope you respect my relationship with him and I hope one day you two can work things out, we can talk at work, as co-workers but being friends is going to take some time, it will be a long road back, take care,” Jessica texted. She told Nick what she wrote.
“I will, Jess, and thank you, I will respect the relationship, I just want you to be happy and Nick will make you happy, take care as well,” Brian texted.
“It's going to be a long road for me and him as well,” Nick said.
“Let's just focus on us and this weekend,” Jessica said.
“Oh yeah baby,” Nick said. They made a couple of stops for bathroom breaks before they finally made it to Miami. They checked into the hotel and went to their suite. She looked around and smiled.
“Wow,” Jessica said.
“I know right,” Nick said.
“You sure you could afford this babe?” Jessica asked.
“I'm sure, baby,” Nick said pulling her close and kissing her neck. She smiled and wrapped her arms around him.
“I love you,” Jessica said.
“I love you,” Nick said kissing her deeply.
“What's the plan, babe?” Jessica asked.
“I thought we could go to dinner tonight and then come back here and see what happens,” Nick said.
“So you want it to happen tonight?” Jessica asked.
“We will see how we are after dinner, we did have a long drive down here, so we will see what happens,” Nick said. They went and got ready for dinner.

Chapter 18

They went to a restaurant and had a nice dinner and talked about anything and shared the dessert and soon they paid for the meal and headed back to the hotel. They went to their suite and walked in and closed the door. He pressed her against the door kissing her neck.
“Mmm, baby, I want you,” Nick said.
“I want you,” Jessica said. He smiled and ran his hands down her body and lifted her up and she wrapped her legs around his waist as he carried her into the bedroom. He moved to the bed but she stopped him.
“I want to change, so strip down and I'll be right back,” Jessica said. She got a small bag out of her suitcase and went into the bathroom. He stripped down to his boxers and sat on the bed. He looked up and she stood there in the doorway of the bathroom in lingerie that made his mouth drop open and he watched her walk towards him. He was so turned on at the sight of her in the outfit.
“You like it?” Jessica asked as she stood in front of him.
“Oh yeah baby, so much that I want to tear it off of you,” Nick said. Jessica stroked his cheek.
“Please don't, it's one of my favorites,” Jessica said. He pulled her down on the bed and moved on top of her and kissed her deeply. His hands ran up and down her body. He slid on of the straps off her shoulder and kissed her shoulder and placed kisses on her collarbone and slowly removed her lingerie and gazed at her body.
“Oh god baby, you are so beautiful,” Nick said. He began kissing her all over her body. He moved to her breasts and took a nipple in his mouth and sucked on it while rolling the nipple on her other breast with his fingers. She ran her fingers through his hair. He slid his hand down and stroked her between her legs. He slipped two fingers inside her and moved them in and out.
“Oh god Nick,” Jessica said. He moved down and replaced his fingers with his tongue. She grabbed his head and held it to her as he made love to her with his mouth. She cried out as she came. He looked at her and wiped his mouth with the back of his hand and grinned.
“You taste good baby,” Nick said. She smiled and pushed him on his back and pulled off his boxers and saw how hard he was for her and she smiled as she wrapped her fingers around him. She saw him gazing at her. She smiled and wrapped her mouth around him and started sucking him. She bobbed her head and she heard him moaned. He ran his hand through her hair and helped her with the speed he wanted. He came in her mouth and she swallowed every drop. He pulled her up to him and held her against him.
“Wow,” Jessica said.
“That was amazing, baby,” Nick said. He crushed his mouth to hers in a deep kiss as he rolled them over to where he was on top of her and laid between her legs.
“Nick, make love to me,” Jessica said.
“Do I need a condom?” Nick asked.
“I'm on the pill and I'm clean,” Jessica said.
“I'm clean as well, I don't want anything between us,” Nick said. He slowly pushed inside her body. She wrapped herself around him as they moved together. He went slow and gentle. He held her leg up allowing him to go deeper into her body. He kissed her neck and her mouth.
“Oh god Nick,” Jessica said.
“Baby, you feel so good,” Nick said. He began going faster and deeper. She cried out his name as she came around him and the feeling of her squeezing him caused him to come deep into her body and she felt his warm release deep in her body. He laid on top of her and buried his face in her neck.
“Oh god Nick, that was amazing,” Jessica said.
“Yeah it was,” Nick said. He kissed her deeply.
“Let's shower,” Jessica said. He grinned and got up and picked her up and carried her into the bathroom and they got into the shower where he made love to her against the wall. They washed off and got out and dried off and he took her again on the counter. They moved to the bed where they made love once more before falling asleep in each other's arms. The next morning, she woke up to the feeling of someone between her legs. She looked under the covers and found Nick with his mouth on her, making love to her with his tongue. She came into his mouth and he licked her clean. He moved up and kissed her deeply, letting her taste herself on his lips and tongue. He pulled back and smiled.
“Good morning my love,” Nick said.
“Good morning, what a wake up call,” Jessica said.
“I needed my early breakfast,” Nick said.
“Hmm, is that what you call it,” Jessica said.
“Oh yes, baby, you taste so good, I couldn't resist,” Nick said.
“I love you,” Jessica said.
“I love you, too, baby, so much,” Nick said. He kissed her and they made love off and on throughout the day only stopping to eat food from room service. They collapsed on the bed after making love for like the fifth time.
“You are wearing me out,” Jessica said.
“I can't help it, I want you all the time,” Nick said.
“Let's go out for dinner,” Jessica said.
“I don't want to move from this bed, baby,” Nick said.
“Nick,” Jessica said.
“Jess, I want to hold you in my arms and never let go, I love the feel of you in my arms,” Nick said. She smiled and snuggled against him and they fell asleep in each other's arms.

Chapter 19

They woke up a few hours later and ordered dinner from room service and they ate when it came and went back to bed and made love again.
“I don't think I will get enough of you, baby, I want you 24/7,” Nick said.
“You are addicted,” Jessica said.
“Only to you, baby,” Nick said. They got up and showered and went back to bed and made love one more time before going to sleep. They woke up the next day and got up and got dressed and went to the beach and Jessica laid on a blanket and watched Nick swim in the ocean. She saw a couple of girls watching him as well. She noticed a couple guys watching her. She pretended not to notice as she had dark sunglasses on and no one could see her eyes or what she was looking at. She watched Nick walk out of the ocean and she saw the girls start to get up and go towards him. He saw them coming to him and he shook his head and came to her and sat down on the blanket after drying off and kissed her softly.
“You have a fan club,” Jessica said. Nick smiled.
“I only have eyes for you, baby, you have your own fan club,” Nick said.
“I was too busy watching you,” Jessica said.
“Oh you were, huh, let's go back to our room,” Nick said. They got up and grabbed their things and went back to the hotel and went to their suite and they removed each other's clothing and got into the shower and he made love to her. They washed off and got out and dried off and he picked her up and carried her to the bed and laid her on the it and got on top of her and they made love again. They fell asleep in each other's arms. The next day, they packed up everything and headed home. He held her hand the whole way back to Atlanta. He pulled up in the driveway and they saw Brian's car parked there. They looked at each other.
“He still has a key?” Jessica asked.
“Yeah,” Nick said. They got out and got their bags.
“Does he know I moved in?” Jessica asked.
“No,” Nick said. They walked in and found Brian sitting on the couch. He looked and saw them with their bags.
“Hey,” Brian said.
“Hey, what brings you by?” Nick asked.
“I wanted to talk to you both,” Brian said.
“I'll take these upstairs,” Jessica said. She took her bags up along with his.
“Where were you guys?” Brian asked.
“We took a trip to Miami for the weekend,” Nick said.
“Oh, is she staying here with you?” Brian asked.
“No, she's living here now, she and Alex switched houses, he moved there to be with Ashley and Jess moved in with me here, it only seemed fitting since Alex was always there and Jess was always here,” Nick said.
“I moved out of my parents and found me an apartment near work,” Brian said.
“How are you holding up?” Nick asked.
“I'm getting better every day, I wanted to talk to you about Jess and the things I said, I'm sorry for all that, man, I need to move on, I know you two belong together, we shouldn't have agreed to share her, she should have been allowed to pick one of us instead of us making the choice for her,” Brian said.
“But we don't know who she would have picked to begin with, the choice was hard for her,” Nick said.
“We should have gave her more time to decide, maybe the choice would have been easy if we gave her enough time to the point where Rachel came back and the choice would have been clear, she would have picked you if we let her have the time to decide,” Brian said. Nick sat down.
“So what do you want, man?” Nick asked.
“My friends back, all of you, I will do anything to get my friends back, I promise you that I will not be a threat to you and Jess, she's yours, and I know she loves you and you love her and I will not do anything to come between you two again, I have a date tonight, with a girl I met at grief counseling, she lost her boyfriend in a car accident three years ago and she's ready to move on and we got to talking and became friends and I asked her out,” Brian said.
“That's great man, and about being friends, I forgive you, we are brothers, man,” Nick said. Brian nodded and they hugged.
“Awww,” Jessica said. They saw her smiling at them.
“Jess,” Brian said.
“I forgive you, too, Brian, just don't cross the boundary of friendship,” Jessica said.
“I won't, I promise,” Brian said. An hour later, he left and Nick locked up the house and saw Jessica gone and he went upstairs and found her sitting on the bed in lingerie. He growled and stripped off his clothes and came to her and removed the lingerie and crawled up on top of her and they made love off and on throughout the night.
The next morning, she woke up and saw him still asleep. She got up and went to the bathroom and showered and got ready for work. She came out and saw Nick sitting up in bed.
“Morning baby,” Nick said.
“Morning, you better get ready for work,” Jessica said.
“I know, baby, can I get a kiss?” Nick asked. She smiled and leaned down and kissed him softly.
“I gotta go, see you later!” Jessica said. She went out the door and went to work. She walked into her office and sat down and went through the paperwork on her desk. There was a knock at the door and she looked up and saw Brian.
“Hey Jess,” Brian said.
“Hey welcome back,” Jessica said.
“Thanks,” Brian said.
“Nothing has changed around here, so I hope it feels like you never left,” Jessica said.
“It really doesn't feel that way, we never finished that project we were working on,” Brian said.
“I finished it while you were gone, boss has it now,” Jessica said.
“Oh okay, what did he think?” Brian asked.
“Haven't heard anything yet, I turned it in Thursday before I left for the weekend,” Jessica said.
“Okay, and he was okay with you finishing it on your own?” Brian asked.
“Yeah, he understood,” Jessica said. Their boss came to the door and smiled.
“Good work you two, the project was a hit, I might have you two working on more projects together soon,” Charles said.
“Thank you,” Jessica said.
“Thank you, I'm sorry I didn't finish it with her,” Brian said.
“It's okay, Brian, I understood what you were going through, you needed the time off and you look like you are doing better,” Charles said.
“I am better, thank you,” Brian said.
“I will have a project for you guys soon,” Charles said.
“Okay,” Jessica said. He left the office.
“Do you think we could do a project together without any issues?” Brian asked.
“Do you think there would be issues?” Jessica asked.
“I was thinking of Nick and if he would have a problem with it,” Brian said.
“I'll talk to him later about it,” Jessica said.
“All right, I better get back to work,” Brian said.
“Okay,” Jessica said. He left her office and went back to his. Her phone beeped and she looked and saw it was from Nick.
“Lunch baby?” Nick texted.
“Are we eating real food?” Jessica texted.
“Yes, baby, I can't be away for long, we got a guy out sick so we are shorthanded,” Nick texted.
“Okay, pick me up?” Jessica texted.
“See you soon, I love you?” Nick texted.
“I love you too,” Jessica texted. She smiled and put her phone down and thought about the weekend they had in Miami and the times they spent in bed. She could still feel his lips on her skin. She thought about how many times they made love and how much he wanted her. She hoped he never stopped wanting her.

Chapter 20

Jessica looked at the time and saw it was lunch time and her phone beeped and it was Nick saying he was waiting for her. She got her purse and went out and got into the car.
“Hey babe,” Jessica said. He smiled and leaned over and kissed her softly.
“Hey baby,” Nick said. They went to a small cafe and sat down and ordered food. They ate. He noticed her staring at her plate.
“Baby you okay?” Nick asked.
“There is something we need to talk about,” Jessica said.
“Okay, talk,” Nick said.
“Brian came to talk to me at the office, and our boss came in and said that the project that Brian and I had worked on was a hit and he said he might have more projects for me and Brian to work on,” Jessica said.
“Okay, and?” Nick asked.
“I wanted to talk to you about it to see if you had any issues about me working that close with Brian on projects,” Jessica said.
“Jess, if it is for work, I shouldn't have any issues, Brian knows not to cross the line and if you feel uncomfortable then pull back from it, I trust you, baby, I know you love your job,” Nick said.
“I love you,” Jessica said.
“I love you too,” Nick said. They paid and he took her back to work and he pulled up and she smiled at him.
“See you at home,” Jessica said.
“Okay, baby, see you then,” Nick said. He kissed her and she got out and went into the building and went back to her office and sat down and went back to work. She was sitting there working when her phone beeped and she saw a message from Nick.
“Hey baby, I forgot to tell you that my parents want to meet you, would tonight be okay?” Nick texted.
“Yeah, that's fine,” Jessica texted.
“Okay, see you after work baby,” Nick texted.
“Love you,” Jessica texted.
“Love you more,” Nick texted. Jessica put her phone down and rubbed her temples.
“Jess?” Brian asked.
“Hey Brian,” Jessica said.
“What's wrong?” Brian asked.
“Nick said his parents want to meet me tonight,” Jessica said.
“Oh, well, you will be fine, they will love you,” Brian said.
"Are they nice?” Jessica asked.
“They treat me like a son, and that was three weeks after me and Nick became best friends, even with my issues that I had, they had my back along with my parents, they are like parents to me, they will love you, okay, don't worry or stress,” Brian said.
“I hope you're right,” Jessica said.
“Jess, I wouldn't lie to you, it will be okay, Nick loves you, his parents will love you, too, they want Nick to be happy and he is and that's all they want for him, for someone to make him happy and he is the happiest they have ever seen him, I know this because when I came home from my parents, I stopped to visit with them, we talked about everything, I told them everything, how me and Nick both asked you out, that you couldn't choose, so we both decided to share you, Rachel coming back pregnant, you ending things, losing her and the baby, the lie I told Nick, how he pushed you away, but got you back, that you two love each other, they know it all and they want to meet you, they will love you,” Brian said.
“If you are wrong, I'm kicking your ass,” Jessica said.
“And I will not stop you, I deserve it after all I've done,” Brian said. Jessica nodded. They went back to work. After work, Jessica walked out and went home and changed for the dinner with Nick's parents. He came in and saw her and smiled. He pulled her close.
“You look amazing,” Nick said kissing her neck.
“Thank you, handsome, you should get ready,” Jessica said. He smiled and kissed her and changed and they headed out to his parents house. She got nervous. Nick took her hand in his.
“Baby, they will love you, they know everything,” Nick said.
“Brian told me that he told them everything,” Jessica said.
“They want to meet you because you are my girl and you make me happy and they want to get to know you, relax baby, nothing will keep me from leaving you, nothing and no one, you are stuck with me,” Nick said. Jessica took a deep breath as they pulled up to his parents house. They got out of the car and walked hand in hand up to the door and Nick knocked and they went in.
“We're here!” Nick called. His parents came out of the kitchen.
“Hi honey,” his mother said hugging him.
“Hello son,” his father said as they hugged.
“Mom, Dad, this is my girlfriend, Jessica, baby, my mom and dad, James and Bonnie,” Nick said.
“Nice to meet you both,” Jessica said holding out her hand. Bonnie shook her head and pulled her into a hug.
“Jessica, honey, it's so nice to meet you,” Bonnie said.
“You are right son, she's beautiful,” James said.
“I know she is, and she's mine,” Nick said.
“I know son, I have my own beautiful woman right here,” James said kissing Bonnie's cheek.
“You have a lovely home,” Jessica said.
“Thank you dear, you are certainly welcome to come by anytime, with and without my son,” Bonnie said.
“Ma!” Nick said.
“What, honey, you don't think I want to get to know the woman who has my son's heart, and could possibly be my future daughter-in-law and mother of my grandkids,” Bonnie said.
“Yeah, what she said,” Jessica said as she joined his mother on the couch and they began talking and getting to know each other. Nick stood there in shock.
“Son?” James asked.
“Mom is talking marriage and kids already,” Nick said.
“She is looking into the future, son, you did good here, you have a keeper, don't let this one go,” James said.
“I don't plan on it, I am so in love with her, Dad,” Nick said.
“When the time comes, I have your grandmother's ring to give to you for her, your grandmother wanted you to have it to give to the girl you intend to marry,” James said.
“Can I have it now?” Nick asked.
“Nick, are you ready for it already?” James asked.
“Possibly, I love her, Dad, more than anything, I never want to let her go,” Nick said. James smiled and went to his study and came back with the box and Nick put it in his pocket. They go in and eat dinner and they went back and talked some more. They stay for another hour before they get ready to head home.
“Hey Mom, Dad, Friday night at the coffee shop, it's open mic night, Jess sings there, come check it out,” Nick said.
“We will, honey,” Bonnie said hugging him. James hugged his son. They hugged Jessica before Nick takes her hand and leads her out the door. They went home and locked up the house and changed and went to bed.

Chapter 21

It was Friday night and everyone was at the coffee shop to hear Jessica sing. Nick brought his parents to the shop and found them seats with Brian. Alex, Ashley, Melanie, and Kyle came in.
“Mom, Dad, these two ladies are Jessica's best friends, Ashley and Melanie, you know Alex, he and Ashley are together, and this is Kyle, Melanie's husband, guys this is my mom, Bonnie, and my father, James,” Nick said.
“Nice to meet you,” Ashley said shaking their hands. Melanie and Kyle shook their hands.
“Nick said that Jessica is quite the singer,” Bonnie said.
“And songwriter too, Carrie Underwood has one of Jessica's songs,” Ashley said.
“Really, which song?” Bonnie asked.
“The song is called Just a Dream,” Melanie said.
“That's Jessica's song, I love that song, it makes me tear up,” Bonnie said.
“Mom, Jessica wrote that song from her heart, because what happened in the song, happened to Jessica,” Nick said.
“What,” Bonnie said.
“She can tell you later on, it would be better coming from her,” Nick said. Bonnie nodded. They listened to the other singers before it was Jessica's turn. She smiled at them and blew a kiss at Nick.
“I have been asked to sing a couple of songs tonight, I hope you like them,” Jessica said.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Lying here with you
Listening to the rain
Smiling just to see the smile upon your face
These are the moments I thank God that I'm alive
These are the moments I'll remember all my life
I've found all I've waited for
And I could not ask for more

Looking in your eyes
Seeing all I need
Everything you are is everything in me
These are the moments
I know heaven must exist
These are the moments
I know all I need is this
I've found all I've waited for, yeah
And I could not ask for more

I could not ask for more than this time together
I could not ask for more than this time with you
And every prayer has been answered
Every dream I've had's come true
Yeah, right here in this moment
Is right where I'm meant to be
Here with you here with me
Yeah

These are the moments I thank God that I'm alive
These are the moments I'll remember all my life
I've found all I've waited for
And I could not ask for more

I could not ask for more than this time together
I could not ask for more than this time with you
And every prayer has been answered
Every dream I've had's come true
Yeah, right here in this moment
Is right where I'm meant to be
Oh, here with you here with me
No, I could not ask for more
Than this love you gave me
Cause it's all I've waited for
And I could not ask for more
No, yeah
No, I could not ask for more

(Song: I Could Not Ask For More by Sara Evans)
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Everyone stood up and cheered and clapped. Nick grinned and looked at his mom and dad. They were smiling and cheered and clapping. Jessica took a drink and got ready for her next song.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Just the thought of you around,
gets my head spinning... in circles.
Just the way you say my name,
gets my heart turning... in circles.

You got me spinning like a wheel,
oh how you make me feel.
It's more than gold on my finger,
it's six feet down and forever.
'Cause where I am,
is where you begin.
You picked up the pieces,
and put me together.
You're the only part of me unbroken,
and I'm going... in circles.

Every crooked little lie,
bended, connected... circles.
Every star up in the sky,
every hello and goodbye,
every moment by your side,
is the meaning of my life

You got me spinning like a wheel,
oh how you make me feel.
It's more than gold on my finger,
it's six feet down and forever.
'Cause where I am,
is where you begin.
You picked up the pieces,
and put me together.
You're the only part of me unbroken,
and I'm going... in circles.
In circles

Just the thought of you around,
gets my head spinning... in circles.
Just the way you say my name,
gets my heart turning, turning, turning
around and 'round again.

You got me spinning like a wheel,
oh how you make me feel.
It's more than gold on my finger,
it's six feet down and forever.
'Cause where I am,
is where you begin.
You picked up the pieces,
and put me together.
You're the only part of me unbroken,
and I'm going... in circles.
In circles.

Just the thought of you around,
gets my head spinning... in circles

(Song: Circles by Jana Kramer)
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Once again everyone stood up and clapped and cheered. She waved to everyone and got offstage and came over to them. Nick took her in his arms and hugged her tight.
“You were amazing, baby,” Nick said.
“Thank you, babe,” Jessica said. Bonnie came up to them and she hugged Jessica after Nick moved back.
“You are an amazing singer, Jessica,” Bonnie said.
“Thank you, Bonnie,” Jessica said.
“Now, Ashley and Nick told me that Carrie Underwood has one of your songs that you wrote, Just a Dream, he told me you would tell me the story behind that song,” Bonnie said. She nodded and they sat down. Nick sat beside her knowing she would get upset.
“The song is based on me and my late husband, his name was Jacob, he enlisted after high school, we got married before he shipped out, he was my high school sweetheart, we were each other's first time, first everything, we kept in contact through email and phone, for three years, he was gone off and on, three weeks before he was set to come home for good, he was killed by a roadside bomb, they sent two military officers to tell me he was killed, I was so devastated that I could barely function after that, I spent most of time in bed, barely ate, only time I left the house was the funeral, a year later, I slowly came out of my shell and found a job and began living again,” Jessica said. Bonnie hugged her.
“I'm so sorry you had to go through that, I know it hadn't to have been easy after you lost him,” Bonnie said.
“No it wasn't, he will always be in my heart, but I have to move on sometime, now Nick has my heart,” Jessica said. He grabbed her hand and kissed it.
“And I won't break it,” Nick said.
That night, they all went home. Nick and Jessica locked up the house and went upstairs and showered together and got into bed and after making love, they went to sleep.

Chapter 22

Three days later, Jessica was at work. Her boss gave her a project to work with Brian so they were sitting in her office working on it when Nick came in.
“Hey guys,” Nick said sitting down.
“Hey man,” Brian said.
“Hey babe, what brings you by?” Jessica asked.
“My mother,” Nick said.
“What,” Jessica said.
“What about your mom?” Brian asked.
“We wanted to meet with you, Jessica,” Bonnie said coming in with James behind her.
“Okay, what's going on?” Jessica asked.
“Should I step out?” Brian asked.
“No, Brian, you are family, you can stay,” Bonnie said.
“So what's going on?” Jessica asked.
“Jessica, I was in the military, and I retired but I still have plenty of connections, I checked something out and we need to know you are telling us the truth,” James said.
“I have never lied about anything,” Jessica said.
“Even about your husband being alive?” James said.
“What?” Jessica said.
“What are you talking about, we saw the folded up flag at her house, she showed it to us, you only get that if you have someone killed in action or is a veteran,” Brian said.
“And Jacob was the only person I knew in my family that was military, I got it from his funeral, there was a casket, two officers told me he was killed by a roadside bomb,” Jessica said.
“There is no record of Jacob Parker being killed in action,” James said.
“But they told me he was!” Jessica said.
“Could he have somehow faked his death, had two guys dress up in uniform and put on a fake funeral with a flag,” Brian said.
“Seriously, Mom, Dad, what is this really about?” Nick said.
“Honey, we just wanted to find out the truth and see if she was lying to you,” Bonnie said.
“It was all an act, wasn't it, you both really don't like me, you want me out of Nick's life, I can't believe this,” Jessica said.
“Jessica, he is our son, we don't want him to get hurt,” Bonnie said. Jessica got her stuff together.
“This is my life, Mom, not yours, I should have known it was too good to be true, that you both could like the woman I love, Jess, come out, let's get out of here,” Nick said getting up.
“Nick,” James said.
“No, Dad, I don't want to hear it, unless you can come up with some concrete proof to your little theory, stay out of my life,” Nick said as he took Jessica's hand and they went out the door. They went to the house.
“I'm sorry about that, baby, I had no clue what they were up to, they asked me to meet them at your office,” Nick said.
“I can't believe they thought I was lying, I wasn't,” Jessica said.
“I know, baby,” Nick said hugging her to him.
“Nick,” Jessica said.
“What baby,” Nick said.
“Are you really going to turn your back on your parents?” Jessica asked.
“If they can't accept you in my life, then yes, because you are everything to me, I love you so much, I can't be without you, I can't let you go,” Nick said.
“I love you, Nick, so much, I just don't want you hating me,” Jessica said.
“Jess, no, this is not your fault, it's theirs, they brought this on themselves, I know you wouldn't lie to me,” Nick said.
“What if they are right, what if he's not dead, what if it all was faked, what if he faked his death because he fell for someone else, Ashley and Melanie told me that he was acting funny before he left the last time he was home, what if he was planning it all along, to leave me for someone else without the hassle of getting a divorce or something,” Jessica said.
“So you are saying that you think my parents are right about him being still alive?” Nick said.
“I don't know, they got me thinking, maybe it could be true, I don't know, he did have a lot of friends in the service who would do anything he asked, like dressing up as officers to come tell his wife that he was killed, setting up the funeral, and all that, who knows, I might see about digging up the grave,” Jessica said.
“I will support any decision your make, baby, I'm here for you and with you all the way,” Nick said.
“And if he's alive?” Jessica asked.
“We will cross that bridge when we come to it,” Nick said.
“Nick, what would you do if he was alive but was by mistake believed to be dead and he came back to the US alive but had amnesia and was living under a different name and remembered everything and came home?” Jessica asked.
“Jessica?” Nick asked.
“It's just a guess, I have been nothing but truthful with you, babe, I promise you that,” Jessica said.
“If what you said is true and he recovered his memory and came back to you, I would step aside and let you two resume your married life, unless you don't feel any love for him as before, then I would fight for you,” Nick said.
“There would be no choice, if he had come back, I would ask for a divorce to be with you, you have my heart now, Nick, I can't let you go,” Jessica said. He took her in his arms and kissed her deeply.

Chapter 23

Three weeks later, Nick hasn't spoken to his parents and they have tried to contact him but he refuses to speak to them until they accept Jessica as his girl. Nick sat in his office at work going over applications to hire people to work there. They were short staffed and he advertised for jobs and got some applicants and the first interview was soon. There was a knock at the door. He looked up and saw a guy there.
“Hello,” he said.
“Jake Richards?” Nick asked.
“Yes, you the boss?” Jake said.
“One of them, have a seat,” Nick said.
“Thanks,” Jake said sitting down.
“I'm Nick, I've gone over your application here and it says you don't have any previous jobs,” Nick said.
“Well, the truth is I can't remember them, I was in an accident and I woke up after not knowing who I was, and I can't remember anything from my past so I don't know about any jobs, they couldn't find any family for me and no one has come forward so I'm kind of on my own, I'm trying to start my life over,” Jake said.
“Okay, you are hired, we will get you trained, and this will be your fresh start,” Nick said.
“Thanks man, I appreciate it,” Jake said as they shook hands. They went over everything that needed to be done and he left. Nick got out his phone and sent a text to Jessica.
“Hey baby, I miss you,” Nick texted.
“I miss you too, babe, you okay?” Jessica texted. Nick looked up and saw his parents standing in the doorway of his office.
“I was until now, my parents are here,” Nick texted.
“Do you need me to come there?” Jessica texted.
“No, baby, I'll be okay, I love you,” Nick texted.
“I love you too, see you at home,” Jessica texted.
“See you at home, and I want to see another sexy outfit,” Nick texted.
“Of course you do,” Jessica texted. Nick put his phone down and looked at his parents.
“What are you two doing here,” Nick said.
“Son, we really need to talk to you,” James said.
“If you can't accept Jessica as a part of my life, we have nothing to talk about, I am not breaking up with her, I love her,” Nick said.
“We aren't asking you to,” Bonnie said.
“You think she's lying to me, she doesn't know anything more than what she was told, she has been honest with me, we have come up with some theories of our own, maybe he's not dead, maybe he's out there somewhere and there was a case of mistaken identity and he's got amnesia and living a life somewhere else, who knows, all she knows is that two officers came and told her that he died in a roadside bomb and she mourned him, there was a funeral and all that, that's all she knows, okay,” Nick said.
“We realize that now, you are our son, we didn't want you to get hurt, we talked more about it and we realized that she doesn't know anymore than she's been told,” Bonnie said.
“I did more checking, they did send two officers to her house to inform her about Jacob and there was a funeral and there is a grave with his name on it, but there is no record of him being killed in a roadside bomb, unless it was someone else and it is a case of mistaken identity, they are going to dig up his grave and run some tests on the body in the casket to see who the soldier really is,” James said. Nick looked at his father and then at his mother.
“Can they do that without her permission?” Nick asked. Jessica came running in crying. She saw his parents and she ran to Nick and threw her arms around him.
“Baby, what happened?” Nick asked.
“I got a call from the commander of the unit that Jacob was in, they are digging up his grave, to see if it's him in there,” Jessica said.
“My dad just got done telling me,” Nick said.
“Jessica, we are sorry for what happened in your office, we know you don't know more than what you were told,” James said.
“We accept you as a part of our son's life and ours, we know you love our son,” Bonnie said.
“I do love him,” Jessica said as Nick sat down and pulled her in his lap. James's phone rang. He left to answer it.
“Baby, what is it,” Nick said.
“They said they did it yesterday and put a rush on the results,” Jessica said. Nick kissed her forehead and held her to him. James came back in and looked at them.
“Jessica, it's not him in the casket, it is someone who was in his unit, they are contacting his family now, they had labeled him MIA, now they will have closure,” James said.
“Oh god!” Jessica said.
“That means either Jacob is alive or he's the one MIA,” Nick said. Jessica held onto him as she cried.
“Jessica, I hope one day you will accept our apology, we only wanted the best for our son and he's got it with you, you are part of the family now, you have been since you walked into our home with him,” Bonnie said.
“I do, I know you love your son, but I couldn't hurt him, it would break me,” Jessica said.
“Mom, Dad, Jessica lost her parents in a house fire when she was eight, she was adopted by Melanie's parents,” Nick said.
“Jessica, call us Mom and Dad, okay, you are one of ours now,” Bonnie said.
“Okay, Mom, Dad,” Jessica said.
“Friday night is open mic night again?” Nick asked.
“Yeah, they decided to do it every Friday now,” Jessica said.
“You singing?” James asked.
“Of course,” Jessica said.
“I hired a new guy, he starts tomorrow, I might invite him to come listen,” Nick said.
“What's his name?” Jessica asked.
“Jake Richards, he's trying to start his life over again, he can't remember his previous jobs because he was in an accident and lost his memory,” Nick said.
“What does he look like?” Jessica asked.
“Do you have a pic of Jacob?” Nick asked. Jessica got out her phone and showed it to him and Nick shook his head.
“Nope, not him,” Nick said.
“I will get in contact with my sources and see about what happened to your husband, so we can know the truth once and for all,” James said.
“Thanks Dad,” Jessica said. James and Bonnie left. Jessica snuggled against Nick as he held her close.
“I love you,” Jessica said.
“I love you too baby,” Nick said. There was a knock at the door. Nick looked up and saw Jake.
“Hi Jake, come in, this is my girlfriend, Jessica, baby this is Jake,” Nick said. Jessica looked at him and smiled.
“Hi, nice to meet you, thanks for applying to help him out, I know he's been swamped here,” Jessica said.
“Thanks, nice to meet you too, I'm glad to have gotten the job, it's not easy having to start over,” Jake said.
“I'm sure you will be fine, you got a great guy here to train you, he's the best, I better get back to work, Brian's holding down the fort so I better go before Charles has a fit,” Jessica said.
“See you at home, baby,” Nick said. Jessica kissed him and went out the door. Jake looked at Nick.
“Lucky guy, she's nice,” Jake said.
“I know I'm lucky, and yes she is, she's been through a lot, lost her parents when she was eight and lost her husband three years ago,” Nick said.
“Oh man, that bites, how did her husband die?” Jake asked.
“Well, that is another story, they told her he died in a roadside bomb while he was deployed in the military, but someone else is buried in his casket so we don't know if he's still alive or just MIA,” Nick said.
“Is there anything fun to do in the city?” Jake asked.
“There are plenty of things to do, if you aren't busy Friday night, there is a coffee shop down the street that has open mic night, Jessica sings there, she writes songs and sings them there, one of her songs is sung by Carrie Underwood, the country singer,” Nick said.
“Friday night, I'll come listen,” Jake said.
“Okay, man, see you tomorrow bright and early,” Nick said.
“Bye and thanks again for hiring me,” Jake said.
“Just come in ready to work,” Nick said.
An hour later, Nick went home and found Jessica sitting on the couch in one of her lingeries. He locked up the house and came over and picked her up and carried her upstairs where he removed it and his clothes and he made love to her off and on throughout the night. They fell asleep in each other's arms.

Chapter 24

On Friday night, Jessica sat with the other singers. Nick came in with his parents and sat down. Ashley, Alex, Melanie, and Kyle came in and sat with Nick. Brian came in with his date and sat down. He introduced everyone to her. Her name was Tracy. Jake came in and Nick introduced him to everyone and he sat down. They listened to everyone and soon it was Jessica's turn. She got up and smiled and winked at Nick. He smiled and she sang the song and he knew it was about him.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Don't need no copy of Vogue magazine
Don't need to dress like no beauty queen
High heels or sneakers he don't give a damn
My baby loves me just the way that I am
My baby loves me just the way that I am

He never tells me I'm not good enough
Just give me unconditional love
He loves me tender and he loves me mad
He loves me silly and he loves me sad

He thinks I'm pretty, he thinks I'm smart
He likes my nerve and he loves my heart
He's always sayin' he's my biggest fan
My baby loves me just the way that I am
My baby loves me just the way that I am

When there's dark clouds in my eyes
He just sits back and lets 'em roll on by
I come in like a lion and go out like a lamb
My baby loves me just the way that I am
My baby loves me just the way that I am

He thinks I'm pretty, he thinks I'm smart
He likes my nerve and he loves my heart
He's always sayin' he's my biggest fan
My baby loves me just the way that I am
He thinks I'm pretty, he thinks I'm smart
He likes my nerve and he loves my heart
Don't see no reason to change my plan
My baby loves me just the way that I am
My baby loves me just the way that I am


(Song: My Baby Loves Me by Martina McBride)
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Everyone stood up and cheered and clapped. Jessica waved to everyone and got offstage and went to Nick and hugged him. He buried his face in her neck.
“I love you,” Nick said.
“I love you,” Jessica said. He kissed her and held her to him as James and Bonnie came and hugged them.
“Jess, I have a surprise for you, baby,” Nick said.
“What is it?” Jessica asked.
“I signed up to sing a song to you,” Nick said.
“Really?” Jessica said.
“Yeah, but Brian's a better singer so he's singing it for me,” Nick said. She saw Brian onstage.
“Hello everyone, this song is dedicated to Jessica Parker from her boyfriend, Nick Lewis, I'm singing it but the words are from him, it's all him, Jess,” Brian said. He started singing.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Forever can never be long enough for me
To feel like I've had long enough with you
Forget the world now, we won't let them see
But there's one thing left to do

Now that the weight has lifted
Love has surely shifted my way

Marry me
Today and every day
Marry me
If I ever get the nerve to say "Hello" in this cafe
Say you will
Mm-hmm
Say you will
Mm-hmm

Together can never be close enough for me
To feel like I am close enough to you
You wear white and I'll wear out the words "I love you"
And you're beautiful

Now that the wait is over
And love has finally shown her my way

Marry me
Today and every day
Marry me
If I ever get the nerve to say "Hello" in this cafe
Say you will
Mm-hmm
Say you will
Mm-hmm

Promise me
You'll always be
Happy by my side
I promise to
Sing to you
When all the music dies

And marry me
Today and everyday
Marry me
If I ever get the nerve to say "Hello" in this cafe
Say you will
Mm-hmm
Say you will
Mm-hmm

Marry me
Mm-hmm

(Song: Marry Me by Train)
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
She covered her mouth as she listened to the song with tears in her eyes and after Brian was done, she looked and saw Nick in front of her down on one knee holding up a small ring box with a ring inside it smiling at her.
“Jessica, I love you with everything in me and I want to spend the rest of my life with you, I know we haven't been together that long but it feels like forever to me, I can't imagine my life without you, will you marry me?” Nick asked.

Chapter 25

She started crying and nodded and held out her hand.
“Yes!” Jessica said. Nick grinned and slid the ring on her finger and stood up and cupped her face in his hands and kissed her deeply and held her close as everyone cheered and clapped. James held Bonnie to him as they smiled happily. Ashley and Melanie were crying as they cheered. Brian and Alex grinned as they cheered. Jake clapped with everyone else.
“Congratulations you two!” Brian said coming over to them.
“Best man!” Nick said.
“You know it!” Brian said as they hugged.
“Who is going to be maid of honor?” Ashley asked.
“Melanie, and you are bridesmaid, Ash,” Jessica said.
“I figured but it's cool, I still want to help plan!” Ashley said.
“Of course!” Jessica said. Melanie and Ashley hugged her.
They all went home and Nick and Jessica walked into their house and closed the door and locked up and they were in each other's arms removing their clothes and collapsing on the couch and he made love to her. They got up and headed upstairs before he took her on the stairs. They head for the bedroom and collapsed on the bed and made love off and on throughout the night. They woke up the next morning and made love again.
“I can't get enough of you,” Nick said burying his face in her neck. She smiled and held him to her.
“I'm not complaining,” Jessica said.
“I can't wait to marry you, I can't wait to call you my wife,” Nick said. She smiled and kissed him deeply.
“Me too, but we have one thing to do first, find out what happened to Jacob and if he is really dead,” Jessica said.
“My dad is working on it, we won't get married until we know for sure what happened,” Nick said.
“Okay until then what is our plans for this weekend?” Jessica asked.
“Let's see, we get up and eat, make love, eat lunch, make love, eat dinner, make love, I have my dessert and then we make love all night and repeat tomorrow,” Nick said.
“You are going to wear me out and I'm not going to be able to walk Monday,” Jessica said.
“Can't help it, you give me a constant hard on, it never goes away when you are near me,” Nick said. She shook her head and kissed him and they made love again before they got up and put some clothes on and went downstairs and ate breakfast before he was removing their clothes and making love to her on the kitchen counter. Then they moved to the dining room table and he made love to her there. They made their way back up to the bedroom and got on the bed and made love again. They were in the middle of making love for the fourth time when they heard the doorbell ring. He groaned. Nick got up and got dressed and went downstairs and opened the door and saw Jake standing there.
“Jake, hi, what are you doing here?” Nick asked.
“I'm sorry, Nick, but I came for Jessica,” Jake said.
“What do you mean by that?” Nick asked.
“I remembered my past, everything, it all came back to me last night, after I got home from the coffee shop, I went to bed with a massive headache and I woke up and everything came flooding back, my real name is Jacob Parker, Jessica is my wife,” Jake said.
“What?” Jessica said coming to the door.
“Jessica,” Jake said.
“You can't be Jacob, you don't look like him at all, you're wrong,” Jessica said.
“June 24th, 2013, we got married before I got deployed, we were high school sweethearts, we were each other's first time,” Jake said. Jessica collapsed against Nick. He held her to him.
“Oh god no,” Jessica said. He helped her to the couch and they sat down as Jake came in and closed the door and sat down.
“I'm sorry it took me this long to come home, but I had a little memory trouble,” Jake said.
“How long have you known who you were?” Jessica asked.
“This morning, I went to the house and Ashley said you moved in with Nick,” Jake said.
“Yeah, we got engaged last night,” Jessica said.
“I know, I remember everything that has happened,” Jake said.
“Oh god,” Jessica said covering her face with her hands.
“Jess,” Nick said.
“How come you look so different?” Jessica asked.
“I guess the bomb messed up my face so they had to do reconstructive surgery,” Jake said.
“Oh probably so,” Jessica said.
“Jess, I know you have moved on and given your heart to Nick, I will give you a divorce, if you want it, we can move on with our lives, you can stay with Nick, I saw the love between you two, I don't want to get in the way of that,” Jake said.
“You would do that, you just got your memory back and came home, you would let me be with Nick,” Jessica said.
“Yeah, Jess, you thought I was dead, you moved on with your life, there is no going back to the way things were before, I know me being overseas put a strain on our relationship, I noticed it when I was home last, things weren't the same, I thought I would have the chance to work things out with you when I came home for good, but you can see how that turned out, I will step aside and give you a divorce so you can be with Nick,” Jake said.
“Jess?” Nick asked.
“Thank you, Jacob, I will call a lawyer first thing Monday morning,” Jessica said.
“Okay, Nick, do I still have the job?” Jake asked.
“Yeah,” Nick said.
“Okay, you know where to find me with the papers to sign,” Jake said. He got up and left the house. Jessica sat there. Nick took her hand in his.
“Baby?” Nick asked. She threw herself in his arms.
“I love you and I never want to be without you,” Jessica said.
“I love you too, baby, you really choose me,” Nick said.
“Yes, I do,” Jessica said.
“I was scared you would want to go back to him,” Nick said. Jessica stroked his face.
“I want you, Nick, I want to be with you, you have my heart, you have completely taken my heart,” Jessica said. He got up and locked the door and picked her up and carried her upstairs and removed their clothes and they laid on the bed and he slowly made love to her. He came inside her and they went to sleep in each other's arms. The next day, they went over to Ashley's house and walked in and sat down on the couch with Ashley and Alex.
“Did Jake find you guys?” Ashley asked.
“Yeah, he did,” Nick said.
“He's Jacob,” Jessica said.
“Wait, Jacob, as in your husband, Jacob?” Ashley said.
“Yeah, he regained his memory this morning and came looking for me,” Jessica said.
“Oh my god, so what's going to happen now?” Ashley asked.
“I'm calling a lawyer first thing in the morning to file for a divorce, he said he remembers everything about his life, even the months he had no memory, so he could tell that I love Nick and how deep in love with Nick I am, so he said he would give me a divorce and we can move on with our lives,” Jessica said.
“Wow,” Alex said.
“Nick?” Ashley asked.
“What,” Nick said.
“What's up,” Ashley said.
“Nothing, just letting her talk, and thinking about everything,” Nick said.
“So does he still have a job with you?” Alex asked.
“Yeah,” Nick said.
“Are you sure that's a good idea?” Alex asked.
“What, my fiancee's husband working for me, I have no other option right now, we are in need of help, I can't afford to let people go right now, we need all the help we can get,” Nick said.
“It'll be fine, guys,” Jessica said.

Chapter 26

Three weeks later, Jessica and Jake signed the divorce papers and filed them and they said it would take six months for the divorce to be final. Nick was at work. Jake came in.
“Hey man,” Jake said.
“Hey, what's up?” Nick asked.
“I just now listened to the song that Jessica wrote, the one that Carrie Underwood sings now, I have to say that song is amazing, Jess wrote that?” Jake said.
“Yes she did, most of the songs she sang were written by her,” Nick said. His phone beeped.
“Hello,” Nick said.
“Nick get to the hospital now, it's Jessica, she was hit by a car!” Ashley said.
“Oh god no, I'm on the way,” Nick said. He hung up.
“What is it?” Jake asked.
“It's Jess, she was hit by a car,” Nick said
“I'll drive,” Jake said. They went out the door and went to the hospital and found Ashley, Alex, Melanie, Kyle, and Brian there.
“What happened?” Nick asked.
“She was coming back from lunch, crossing the street, the car hit her, the driver was having a seizure,” Brian said.
“How bad?” Nick asked.
“They are working on her right now,” Alex said. Nick walked up to the nurses station.
“May I help you sir?” the nurse asked.
“I need info on a patient?” Nick said.
“Name?” the nurse asked.
“Jessica Parker,” Nick said.
“Are you family?” the nurse asked.
“I'm her fiance,” Nick said.
“Are you her only family?” the nurse asked.
“No, the group over there, we are all family, one is her soon to be ex husband, one of the girls is her adopted sister, can you tell me anything about her condition?” Nick asked.
“They are working on her now, finding out what is all wrong and the doctor will be out soon,” the nurse said. Nick sighed and nodded and came back over.
“Well?” Ashley asked.
“They are working on her, trying to find all that is wrong and the doctor will be out shortly,” Nick said.
“That's all they would tell you?” Melanie asked.
“They asked if I was family, I said yes, I'm her fiance, you guys are family, one is her soon-to-be ex-husband, I told her you were her adopted sister, Melanie,” Nick said.
“That is the truth,” Melanie said.
“Jessica Parker family?” a doctor said. Nick walked up to the doctor with everyone behind him.
“Yes,” Nick said.
“Are you her husband?” the doctor asked.
“I'm her fiance,” Nick said. Jake stood beside him.
“I'm her husband, well soon to be ex husband, but he is going to be her husband after the divorce is final, you tell him anything,” Jake said.
“Very well, your fiancee suffered serious injuries from getting hit by the car, both of her legs are broken and her left arm, she is in a coma, there is significant swelling in her brain, she might have injuries to her spinal cord, there is swelling there as well, we won't know the extent of that until she wakes up which we have no way of knowing when or if she'll wake up,” the doctor said.
“Doc, are you saying she could be in the coma indefinitely?” Nick asked.
“I'm saying that is a possibility, yes, but we won't know for sure until the swelling goes down in her brain, and I am assuming you have been intimate with her?” the doctor asked.
“Yes, we are engaged,” Nick said.
“I just assumed with her husband here,” the doctor said.
“Look, Doc, here is the story, I was in the military, there was a roadside bomb, it went off, I got thrown and knocked out and lost my memory for three years, they told her I was dead, I only came back into her life three and a half weeks ago, I got my memory back, by that time she was already engaged to him, she had moved on with her life so we agreed to divorce so they can be together, okay, I'm her past, he is her present and future,” Jake said.
“Doc?” Nick asked.
“Okay then, I'm sorry to say that she was pregnant, she was four weeks along, the baby didn't make it,” the doctor said. Nick sank down onto a chair. Brian and Alex moved to him and sat with him.
“Can he go be with her?” Jake asked.
“We are getting her settled into one of the ICU rooms, we will have a nurse come for him when they are done,” the doctor said.
“Thank you,” Jake said. Nick held his head in his hands as tears ran down his cheeks.
“Oh god!” Nick said as he broke down crying. Brian and Alex hugged him. Kyle hugged Melanie and Ashley as they sobbed.
“Nick, I'll call your parents,” Brian said. Nick nodded.
“You can go be with her now, sir,” a nurse said. Nick wiped his face and went back with her and walked into the room and her lying there. He went to her bedside and pulled a chair up and sat down and took her right hand in his hands.
“I'm here, baby, I'm not going anywhere, come back to me, fight baby,” Nick said.
“Sir, we took this off, it didn't get damaged from the looks of it, I thought you would want to keep it safe,” the nurse said handing him her engagement ring. He smiled.
“Thanks, it was my grandmother's,” Nick said. The nurse left the room. Nick put the ring on her right hand for the time being. He kissed her hand.
“Baby you have to wake up, fight your way back to me, I need you, I can't live without you,” Nick said. He sat there watching her. He swore he wasn't leaving until she was released from the hospital.

Chapter 27

Three months later, Jessica was still in a coma. Nick hasn't left her side. Jake has been covering for him at work. Brian and Alex have been bringing him clothes and food. He refuses to leave her. His parents have come by to visit along with everyone else. Her legs and arm have healed and the swelling in her brain has gone down. He sat there watching her. He had put her ring back on her left hand. She started stirring. He pushed the button for the nurse who came in and saw her and called for the doctor who came in and checked her. Nick stood back.
“She's waking up, Jessica, can you open your eyes?” the doctor asked. Jessica's eyes opened and she looked and saw the doctor.
“Where am I?” Jessica asked.
“You are in the hospital, you were hit by a car and you've been in a coma,” the doctor said.
“Hit by a car, where I was going?” Jessica asked.
“You were at lunch and you were crossing the street heading back to work,” the doctor said.
“Work, I don't have a job, my husband is in the military, he said I didn't need to work, have you called him, is he still deployed?” Jessica asked. Nick's heart sank and he slipped out of the room just as Brian, Alex, and Ashley came down the hall.
“Nick?” Ashley said. He looked up at them with tears in his eyes. Brian hugged him.
“What happened?” Brian asked.
“She's awake, she woke up, but she's looking for Jacob, she has amnesia,” Nick said crying. He broke down in Brian's arms. Ashley covered her mouth and Alex hugged her.
“Oh god Nick, man,” Brian said.
“The doctor told her what happened, she said she didn't have a job, that her husband was in the military and she didn't have to work, she was asking if he was still deployed, I knew she wouldn't remember me, I slipped out of the room,” Nick said.
“She'll know me,” Ashley said. She went in. Nick leaned against the wall.
“Oh god, this can't be happening, the woman I love is gone, she won't know me,” Nick said.
“It will come back to her, man, sometimes when something like this happens, the memories come flooding back,” Brian said.
“Don't give up hope, man, don't give up on the woman you love,” Alex said. Nick sighed.
“I don't want to, but she won't know who I am, I can't go in there because all I want to do is take her in my arms and never let go, I don't know if I can do that, I don't want to confuse her or anything, I need to go,” Nick said.
“Nick, don't, just come in and I'll introduce you as a friend, and you can leave, you should see her,” Alex said. He nodded and they went in. Jessica looked at them.
“Hello, who are you guys?” Jessica said. Nick felt his heart break but he did his best not to show it.
“Hi there, I'm Alex, I just started dating Ashley, and this is my best friends, Nick and Brian, we were with Ashley when they called to tell her you were here, we came with her to be here for her, to show our support and we wanted to meet you,” Alex said.
“Nice to meet you guys, thanks for being here for Ashley, and I hope you are treating her good, Alex,” Jessica said.
“I am, I'm falling for her more and more every day,” Alex said.
The door opened and Jake came in. Jessica saw him and got confused.
“Is this another friend?” Jessica asked.
“This is Jake,” Nick said.
“Hi Jessica,” Jake said.
“I know that voice,” Jessica said.
“I know he looks different but Jake is Jacob,” Nick said.
“Oh god, Jacob!” Jessica said reaching for him. Jake looked at Nick who nodded. Jake went to her bedside and sat down and she hugged him.
“I can't believe it's you, what happened, why do you look different?” Jessica asked.
“It's a long story, Jess, but it's me,” Jake said. Nick slowly walked out the door and leaned against the wall and slid down against it. Brian came out and sat with him.
“I know you are hurting right now, man,” Brian said.
“More like my heart is breaking,” Nick said.
“Her memory will come back, I know it,” Brian said.
“Who knows when that will happen,” Nick said.
“Sometimes not long,” Brian said. Nick got up and Brian stood up with him.
“I can't go back in so can you see if Ash or Alex can get my stuff, I need to get out of here,” Nick said.
“Nick,” Brian said.
“I can't stay any longer, I can't go back in there,” Nick said. The door opened and Alex came out.
“What's going on?” Alex asked.
“He's leaving, he can't go back in there,” Brian said.
“Jake told her everything,” Alex said.
“What?” Brian said.
“He told her everything that she was missing from her memory, that they are divorcing and she's engaged to Nick, she knew she was missing something so he told her all she was missing, she wants to see you, Nick,” Alex said. Nick nodded and went back in and walked to her bedside and she grabbed his hand.
“Jacob told me you are my fiance,” Jessica said.
“Yeah, you are wearing my grandmother's ring,” Nick said. She looked at her hand and saw it.
“It's beautiful,” Jessica said.
“Just like you are,” Nick said.
“So how did we meet?” Jessica asked.
“We met at a coffee shop, while we were waiting in line for coffee, I saw you and I had to talk to you, I asked you out on a date right there,” Nick said.
“How long have we been together?” Jessica asked.
“Four and a half months when we got engaged, seven and a half months total, you were in a coma for three months,” Nick said.
“And we are engaged already?” Jessica said.
“I know it seems a little early, but I knew in my heart that I wanted forever with you, I know you aren't feeling that way right now, but hopefully you will sometime, I don't want to force your feelings or anything,” Nick said.
“I want to work on this, I have this feeling that we have a strong connection, that we are meant to be, I want to try it,” Jessica said.
“I will be patient, okay, we will go at your pace,” Nick said.
“Jacob, are you sticking around?” Jessica asked.
“I actually work for Nick, so I'll be in town,” Jake said.
“All right, let me know when the divorce is final,” Jessica said.
“I believe next month,” Jake said.
“Okay, let me know for sure,” Jessica said.
“What's the hurry?” Nick asked.
“We have a wedding to plan,” Jessica said.
“Jess, we don't have to be in a hurry to get married, you need to recover and work on your memory,” Nick said.
“I know, but something inside me is telling me that we should get married soon,” Jessica said.
“I'm not going to stop you from marrying him, Jess, if that's what you are worried about, no one here is lying to you, everyone is being honest, you have time to plan your wedding to Nick how you would want it, even though you can't remember, you will plan the wedding you want and it will be better than ours was,” Jake said.
“Okay, Nick, let's plan for three months from now, that should give me time to recover from what happened to me, hopefully I will have my memory back, I could easily just fall for you all over again,” Jessica said. They all smiled and Nick sat down and took her hand in his.
“I will be there with you every step of the way,” Nick said.
“I hope you will be,” Jessica said. Everyone left the room leaving them alone. Jessica held his hand.

Chapter 28

The next day, Jessica was sitting up in the bed. The doctor was there running some tests on her legs to see if she could feel them.
“I can feel my legs, doc, so I just need to get up to start walking around to get my mobility back so I can walk down the aisle to this handsome man sitting here with me when the big day comes,” Jessica said. Nick smiled as he sat on the bed beside her. She leaned against him.
“Well, since both legs were broken and healed, we will have to take it slow, a little physical therapy might do it,” the doctor said.
“Whatever it takes,” Jessica said.
“Let's get to work on getting you back on your feet,” the doctor said. The doctor got her unhooked from the machines and she sat on the side of the bed. Nick got her a robe and helped her stand up on her feet. She felt weak but Nick kept her steady.
“My legs feel like jelly,” Jessica said.
“They will, they healed up nice and you have been off of them since before you got hit by the car,” the doctor said.
“Let's do this,” Jessica said. They slowly went for a walk after she put the robe on and they walked around the floor.
“How are you feeling?” Nick asked.
“I'm feeling okay, glad to be walking, I'm started to get the feeling back,” Jessica said.
“You look like you are walking normal,” Nick said.
“I don't feel any pain,” Jessica said.
“Let's get back to the room and talk with the doc,” Nick said. They went back to the room where the doctor was waiting.
“So, Jessica, how do you feel?” the doctor asked.
“I feel like I'm ready to go home,” Jessica said.
“No mishaps while walking?” the doctor asked.
“Nope, she did good, like normal,” Nick said.
“Okay, then I will get the discharge papers ready,” the doctor said. He left the room and Karly got on the bed. Nick sat down.
“I can't wait to go home,” Karly said.
“Which home?” Nick asked.
“Oh, we live together don't we?” Jessica asked.
“Yes,” Nick said.
“Okay, we go home and I will want to take a shower,” Jessica said. Nick smiled as the doctor came in and she signed the papers and he went over what she needs to do.
“Thanks doc,” Nick said.
“Thank you, doc,” Jessica said.
“Take care and get lots of rest,” the doctor said. He left the room. She slowly changed clothes and they wheeled her out to the car and Nick helped her in and he drove them home.
“Nick?” Jessica asked.
“Yes?” Nick asked.
“How far have we gone?” Jessica asked.
“What do you mean?” Nick asked.
“Have we gone all the way?” Jessica asked.
“You mean have we made love, yes we have,” Nick said.
“So you have seen me naked,” Jessica said.
“Yes I have, we are engaged,” Nick said.
“I just didn't know if we were waiting until marriage to take that step,” Jessica said.
“No we weren't,” Nick said.
“So when we get home, I guess you will have to shower with me so I won't fall,” Jessica said.
“Or you could take a bath and soak in the water,” Nick said.
“As long as you are there with me,” Jessica said.
“I wouldn't be anywhere else,” Nick said. They arrived at the house and Nick helped her in. He locked up and helped her up the stairs to the bedroom.
“I'll get the bath ready,” Nick said.
“Okay,” Jessica said. Nick walked into the bathroom and started the bath and he came out and helped her out of her clothes and he smiled at her and kissed her forehead.
“Join me?” Jessica asked. He removed his clothes and she looked at him and he led her into the bathroom and he checked the tub and got in and sat down. He helped her in and helped her sit down and she moved back and laid against him and he wrapped his arms around her.
“This feels nice,” Jessica said.
“Feels good,” Nick said.
“I feel so content in your arms,” Jessica said.
“I like having you in my arms,” Nick said.
“I hope my memories come back soon, even if they don't, I'm starting to fall for you, I feel safe and loved in your arms,” Jessica said.
“I would never let anything happen to you,” Nick said. He got her washed and they sat there relaxed in each other's arms.
“Let's get out of here and get you comfortable in bed,” Nick said. He helped her stand up and he got up and got out and lifted her out and he grabbed towels and dried her off and wrapped it around her and he dried off and wrapped it around him and they went out and he helped her get dressed and he put a pair of boxers on and they got settled into bed and he held her close as she went to sleep. He sent a quick text to everyone telling them that Jessica was home and to let her rest before coming to see her.
Chapter 29

Three weeks later, Nick was at work in his office when his phone rang. He picked it up.
“Hello?” Nick said.
“Nick, man, get over here, Jess needs you!” Brian said.
“What happened?” Nick asked.
“I don't know, she grabbed her head and held it and started crying and wanted you,” Brian said.
“I'm on my way!” Nick said. He ran out the door and got into his car and went to where they worked and ran in and ran to Jessica's office and saw her sitting at her desk. Brian was kneeling in front of her. He moved and Nick knelt in front of her.
“Jess?” Nick asked. She moved her hands and saw him and dove into his arms and buried her face in his neck.
“I remember everything!” Jessica said. Nick held her tighter and looked at Brian who was smiling. He left the office and Nick pulled back and cupped her face in his hands.
“You remember everything?” Nick asked.
“Yes, I was coming back from lunch and felt something hit me and everything went black and then everything was fuzzy after that, thank you for not giving up on me,” Jessica said.
“I never would give up on you, baby,” Nick said.
“Oh god, Nick, I found out that I was pregnant, I lost it didn't I,” Jessica said.
“Yes, baby,” Nick said. She hugged him and he held her close.
“I'm so sorry!” Jessica said crying.
“It's okay, baby, the doc said you could have more children, it's not the end of the world, you are back to normal, we can plan our wedding,” Nick said. She smiled and kissed him softly. The kiss deepened as he held her close. He rested his forehead against hers.
“I love you,” Jessica said.
“I love you too, baby,” Nick said
“I should let you get back to work, you brought me to work, right?” Jessica asked.
“Yes, baby, I'll pick you up at five,” Nick said. She smiled and kissed him and he left and went back to work. He sat down and did some paperwork.
“Hey man,” Jake said coming in.
“Hey,” Nick said.
“How's Jess?” Jake asked.
“She's fine, she's back to normal, I just came from there, she was having headaches, but it was her memory coming back,” Nick said.
“That's great,” Jake said.
“Yeah, she knew about her pregnancy, I guess she found out before she got hit by the car,” Nick said.
“So everything is back to normal,” Jake said.
“Yep,” Nick said.
“I got a call from the lawyer, the divorce is final, she's free to marry you,” Jake said.
“Thanks man, I'll tell her,” Nick said.
“Okay, I better get back to work,” Jake said.
“Thanks again for covering for me while I was gone,” Nick said. Jake nodded and left the office. Nick worked until close to five and he and everyone left the building and he locked up and he went to pick up Jessica. She got in and kissed him and they went home. They got home and went in and he closed the door and locked it and turned and she threw herself in his arms and kissed him deeply. He held her close.
“Mmm, baby,” Nick said.
“I need you,” Jessica said. He lifted her up and carried her upstairs to their bedroom and removed their clothes and laid on the bed with her and they kissed deeply. They made love off and on throughout the night. They laid there after the fifth time.
“Um, am I on the pill?” Jessica asked.
“You were, I don't know if you still are, where would you keep them?” Nick asked.
“In the bathroom in the medicine cabinet,” Jessica said. Nick got up and went into the bathroom and checked and he came out.
“Baby, I don't see any,” Nick said.
“And we didn't use condoms either,” Jessica said.
“You were on the pill before and got pregnant,” Nick said.
“Oh well, whatever happens, happens, we are getting married, I want a family with you, I want everything with you,” Jessica said.
“I want that too, baby, I love you so much,” Nick said. They kissed and made love again before finally falling asleep in each other's arms. They woke up the next morning and got up and got ready for work and they left and he pulled up in front of her building and she kissed him.
“Lunch?” Jessica asked.
“I'll bring Chinese and we can eat in your office,” Nick said.
“Sounds good, love you,” Jessica said.
“Love you baby,” Nick said. He kissed her and she got out and went in and he drove off to work. She went to her office and sat down and got to work on some paperwork. Brian came in and sat down and smiled.
“Jess,” Brian said.
“Hey what's up,” Jessica said.
“I had an idea, well me and Melanie had an idea, a joint bachelor/bachelorette party, at the coffee shop, tonight, we have it all set up, open mic night, the girls said they will sing a couple songs with you, me and Alex will sing with Nick, I just got off the phone with Nick, he's for it and I told him I would talk to you,” Brian said.
“Okay that's fine,” Jessica said.
“Okay then, I'll be back with the next project that Charles wants us to work on,” Brian said.
“I'm sorry you had to finish the last one by yourself,” Jessica said.
“It's okay, I owed you for the one you had to finish by yourself,” Brian said.
“Oh how are things with Tracy?” Jessica asked.
“Going great, we are official, I think I'm falling in love with her, she'll be there tonight, if that's okay,” Brian said.
“Of course, I want to get to know her,” Jessica said.
“Okay, be right back,” Brian said. He left the office and came back and they sat down and went to work on the project.

Chapter 30

Brian and Jessica were working on the project when Nick came in with a bag of food.
“Hey you two, break time,” Nick said.
“Good, I'm hungry,” Jessica said.
“I'll let you two have lunch,” Brian said.
“Stay man, I got enough for three people, I figured you would be here working on another project,” Nick said. He got out the food and they sat and ate and talked about the party. They cleaned up and Nick kissed Jessica and went back to work as did she and Brian. That night, they got ready and went to the coffee shop. She sat with Ashley and Melanie and they decided on three songs together. Nick sat with Brian and Alex and they decided on one song together and Nick sings one with Brian and one with Alex. The girls were up first.
“Okay, we are singing three songs by the Dixie Chicks, they aren't dedicated to anyone, we are just singing them for fun,” Ashley said.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
I said I wanna touch the earth
I wanna break it in my hands
I wanna grow something wild and unruly

I wanna sleep on the hard ground
In the comfort of your arms
On a pillow of bluebonnets
In a blanket made of stars

Oh it sounds good to me I said

Cowboy take me away
Fly this girl as high as you can
Into the wild blue
Set me free oh I pray
Closer to heaven above and
Closer to you closer to you

I wanna walk and not run
I wanna skip and not fall
I wanna look at the horizon
And not see a building standing tall

I wanna be the only one
For miles and miles
Except for maybe you
And your simple smile

Oh it sounds good to me
Yes it sounds so good to me

Cowboy take me away
Fly this girl as high as you can
Into the wild blue
Set me free oh I pray
Closer to heaven above and
Closer to you closer to you

I said I wanna touch the earth
I wanna break it in my hands
I wanna grow something wild and unruly
Oh it sounds so good to me

Cowboy take me away
Fly this girl as high as you can
Into the wild blue
Set me free oh I pray
Closer to heaven above and
Closer to you closer to you
Closer to you
Cowboy take me away.
Closer to you

(Song: Cowboy Take Me Away by Dixie Chicks)
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Everyone stood up and clapped and cheered. The girls smiled and took a drink before the next song started.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
When the train rolls by
I'm gonna be ready this time
When the boy gets that look in his eye
I'm gonna be ready this time
When my momma says I look good in white
I'm gonna be ready this time

Oh yeah
Ready, ready, ready, ready...ready to run
All I'm ready to do is have some fun
What's all this talk about love

I feel the wind blow through my hair
I'm gonna be ready this time
I'll buy a ticket to anywhere
I'm gonna be ready this time
You see it feels like I'm starting to care
And I'm going to be ready this time

Oh yeah
Ready, ready, ready, ready...ready to run
All I'm ready to do is have some fun
What's all this talk about love

I'm ready to run...I'm ready to run

Oh
Ready, ready, ready, ready...ready to run
All I'm ready to do is have some fun
What's all this talk about love
I'm ready to run
I'm ready to run
I'm ready to run
I'm ready to run...ready to run...
ready to run...yeah I'm ready to run. I'm ready
Whoa I'm ready to run...I'm ready...I'm ready to run...
I'm ready to run...I'm ready
Oh I'm ready to run..I'm ready.

(Song: Ready To Run by Dixie Chicks)
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Everyone stood up and clapped and cheered. The girls smiled.
“I just want to point out that I will not be running anywhere on my wedding day, unless it's into Nick's arms, I'm ready to run, all right, straight into his arms!” Jessica said. Nick smiled and winked at her. She blew him a kiss.
“Last one before the guys take over!” Melanie said.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Mary Anne and Wanda were the best of friends
All through their high school days
Both members of the 4H Club
Both active in the FFA

After graduation Mary Anne went out
lookin' for a bright new world
Wanda looked all around this town
and all she found was Earl

Well, it wasn't two weeks
after she got married that
Wanda started gettin' abused
She put on dark glasses
and long sleeved blouses
And make-up to cover her bruise

Well, she finally got the nerve to file for divorce
She let the law take it from there
But Earl walked right through that restraining order
And put her in intensive care

Right away Mary Anne flew in from Atlanta
On a red eye midnight flight
She held Wanda's hand and they worked out a plan
And it didn't take them long to decide
That Earl had to die

Goodbye, Earl
Those black-eyed peas?
They tasted all right to me, Earl
You're feeling weak?
Why don't you lay down and sleep, Earl
Ain't it dark?
Wrapped up in that tarp, Earl

The cops came by to bring Earl in
They searched the house high and low
Then they tipped their hats
and said "Thank You, ladies, if you hear from him let us know"

Well, the weeks went by and spring turned to summer
And summer faded into fall
And it turns out he was a missing person
who nobody missed at all

So the girls bought some land
and a roadside stand
Out on Highway 109
They sell Tennessee ham
and strawberry jam,
And they don't lose any sleep at night
'Cause Earl had to die

Goodbye Earl
We need a break
Let's go out to the lake, Earl
We'll pack a lunch
And stuff you in the trunk, Earl
Well, is that all right?
Good! Let's go for a ride, Earl.
Hey

Well, hey hey hey
Ah, hey hey hey
Well, hey hey hey

(Song: Goodbye Earl by Dixie Chicks)
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Everyone stood up and clapped and cheered. The girls bowed and came offstage and Nick hugged and kissed Jessica. Kyle hugged and kissed Melanie. Alex hugged and kissed Ashley. Brian brought Tracy over and the girls sat down with her and got to know her better.

Chapter 31

The guys got onstage. They let Brian sing lead since he was the better singer.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
I hope the days come easy and the moments pass slow
And each road leads you where you want to go
And if you’re faced with the choice and you have to choose
I hope you choose the one that means the most to you
And if one door opens to another door closed
I hope you keep on walkin’ ‘til you find the window
If it’s cold outside, show the world the warmth of your smile
But more than anything, more than anything

[Chorus:]
My wish for you
Is that this life becomes all that you want it to
Your dreams stay big, your worries stay small
You never need to carry more than you can hold
And while you’re out there gettin’ where you’re gettin’ to
I hope you know somebody loves you
And wants the same things too
Yeah, this is my wish

I hope you never look back but you never forget
All the ones who love you
And the place you left
I hope you always forgive and you never regret
And you help somebody every chance you get
Oh, you find God’s grace in every mistake
And always give more than you take
But more than anything, yeah more than anything

[Chorus x2]

This is my wish
I hope you know somebody loves you
May all your dreams stay big

(Song: My Wish by Rascal Flatts)
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Everyone stood up and clapped and the guys smiled and took a drink and Brian sat down and let Alex and Nick sing the second song.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
When the sun had left and the winter came
And the sky thawed to only bring the rain
I sat in darkness
All broken-hearted
I couldn't find a day I didn't feel alone
I never meant to cry, started losing hope
But somehow baby
You broke through and saved me

You're an angel. Tell me you're never leaving
'Cause you're the first thing I know I can believe in

You're holy, holy, holy, holy
I'm high on loving you, high on loving you
You're holy, holy, holy, holy
I'm high on loving you, high on loving you

You made the brightest days from the darkest nights
You're the river bank where I was baptized
Cleansed from the demons
That were killing my freedom
Let me lay you down, give me to ya
Get you singing, babe, hallelujah
We'll be touching
We'll be touching heaven

You're an angel. Tell me you're never leaving
'Cause you're the first thing I know I can believe in

You're holy, holy, holy, holy
I'm high on loving you, high on loving you
You're holy, holy, holy, holy
I'm high on loving you, high on loving you

I don't need these stars 'cause you shine for me
Like fire in my veins, you're my ecstasy
You're my ecstasy

You're holy, holy, holy, holy
I'm high on loving you, high on loving you
You're holy, holy, holy, holy
I'm high on loving you, high on loving you

You're the healing hands where it used to hurt
You're my saving grace, you're my kind of church
You're holy

(Song: H.O.L.Y by Florida Georgia Line)
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Everyone stood up and clapped and the guys smiled and motioned Brian back on stage and talked with him.
“The next song is going to be the three of us again,” Nick said.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
I woke up this morning
With this feeling inside me that I can't explain
Like a weight that I've carried
Been carried away, away
But I know something is coming
I don't know what it is
But I know it's amazing, you save me
My time is coming
And I'll find my way out of this longest drought

[Chorus:]
It feels like today
I know it feels like today I'm sure
It's the one thing that's missin'
The one thing I'm wishin'
The last sacred blessin'
It feels like today
Feels like today

You treat life like a picture
But its not a moment frozen in time
It's not gonna wait
Til you make up your mind, at all

So while this storm is breaking
While there's light at the end of the tunnel
Keep running towards it
Releasing the pressure, that's my heartache
Soon this dam will break

[Chorus x2]

Feels like, feels like your life changes
Feels like feels like your life changes

It's the one thing that's missin'
The one thing you're wishin'
The last sacred blessin'
Feels like today

Feels like
Feels like your life changes
Feels like
Feels like your life changes

(Feels Like Today by Rascal Flatts)
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Everyone stood up and clapped and cheered. The guys bowed and they got offstage and Jessica hugged Nick and kissed him. Tracy hugged and kissed Brian. Ashley hugged and kissed Alex.
“You guys were amazing,” Jessica said.
“Thank you baby, you were pretty amazing up there yourself,” Nick said.
“I have the perfect song for our wedding,” Jessica said.
“And what is that,” Nick said.
“You will have to wait and see, baby,” Jessica said.
“Okay, you ready to go home?” Nick asked.
“Yes, I am ready for you, baby,” Jessica said. They said bye to everyone and they left and went home where once they got there, their clothes were removed and they were making love all over the house, finally ending up in their bed making love one more time before going to sleep in each other's arms.

Chapter 32

Three weeks later, it was the day of the wedding. Jessica was in the brides room with Melanie and Ashley. They helped her get ready. Jessica looked in the mirror and smiled.
“I'm ready, I can't wait to marry Nick, I'll be Mrs. Jessica Lewis,” Jessica said.
“You are so beautiful, Jess, we are so happy for you guys,” Melanie said as she and Ashley hugged her.
“No crying, ladies,” Jessica said.
“I'm glad my dad is walking you down the aisle,” Melanie said.
“Our dad, they adopted me remember,” Jessica said.
“I know that, okay our dad is walking you down the aisle, sis, he's so proud,” Melanie said. There was a knock at the door. Melanie opened it and saw him standing there.
“Hi Dad,” Melanie said hugging him.
“Hi honey, is she ready?” Seth asked.
“Yes she is, Jess it's time,” Melanie said. He came in and saw her and smiled.
“Hi Dad,” Jessica said.
“You look beautiful, sweetie,” Seth said.
“Thank you, you look handsome, father of the bride,” Jessica said. He smiled and they hugged. They went out and Ashley walked down the aisle with Alex and Melanie walked down the aisle with Brian. The music started and Jessica and Seth walked down the aisle. She saw Nick standing there looking handsome and smiling. She smiled and they reached him and Seth shook hands with Nick and kissed her cheek and took her hands and put them in Nick's hands. The ceremony began. They exchanged vows and rings and they were pronounced husband and wife. Nick cupped her face in his hands and kissed her tenderly. They walked up the aisle and everyone headed to the reception. They ate dinner and talked with everyone.
“Hello everyone, I'm Brian, the best man, how is everyone doing, it's not time for the best man speech, I'm here to announce that it's time for the first dance of the newlyweds, we have a special guest duo performing the first song, they will be singing the other songs to dance to as well, but Jessica wanted a special song for the first dance with her new husband, and she called in some favors with some friends in the music business, so here to sing their first dance song, Dan + Shay!” Brian said. The guys came onstage and smiled and waved as everyone cheered. Nick looked at Jessica and smiled and they got on the dance floor as Dan + Shay performed the song, From the Ground Up.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Grandma and grandpa painted a picture
Of 65 years in one little house
More than a memory, more than saying "I do"
Kiss you goodnights and "I love you's"

Me and you, baby, walk in the footsteps
Build our own family
One day at a time
Ten little toes, a painted pink room
Our beautiful baby looks just like you

And we'll build this love from the ground up
Now 'til forever it's all of me, all of you
Just take my hand
And I'll be the man your dad hoped that I'd be

And we'll build this love from the ground up
For worse or for better
And I will be all you need
Beside you I'll stand through the good and the bad
We'll give all that we have
And we'll build this love from the ground up

This life will go by
In the blink of an eye
But I wouldn't wanna spend it without you by my side
The clouds are gonna roll
The earth's gonna shake
But I'll be your shelter through the wind and the rain

And we'll build this love from the ground up
Now 'til forever it's all of me, all of you
Just take my hand
And I'll be the man your dad hoped that I'd be

And we'll build this love from the ground up
For worse or for better
And I will be all you need
Beside you I'll stand through the good and the bad
We'll give all that we have
And we'll build this love from the ground up

Someday we'll wake up with thousands of pictures
Of 65 years in this little house
I won't trade for nothing the life that we built
I'll kiss you goodnight and say, "I love you still"

And we'll build this love from the ground up
For worse or for better
And I will be all you need
Beside you I'll stand through the good and the bad
We'll give all that we have
And we'll build this love from the ground up
From the ground up
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Everyone clapped and cheered and Nick hugged Jessica and kissed her deeply. They continued dancing as Dan + Shay sang more songs. Jessica danced with Seth while Nick danced with Sally who was Seth's wife and Melanie's mother and Jessica's adoptive mother. They danced with the girls and the guys too. It was time for cake. Jessica and Nick cut the cake and fed each other. Then it was time for the bouquet. Ashley was front and center along with the other single ladies. Jessica threw it and Ashley caught it and smiled. Jessica winked at Alex who nodded and walked over to Ashley and got on one knee and she covered her mouth with her free hand as he opened a ring box.
“Ashley, will you marry me?” Alex asked.
“Yes!” Ashley said. He slid the ring on her finger and kissed it and stood up and kissed her deeply and they hugged everyone. Ashley and Jessica hugged.
“You knew!” Ashley said.
“He came over the other day and asked if he could propose to you if you caught the bouquet, even if you didn't, he would have proposed to you later on,” Jessica said.
“Be my maid of honor?” Ashley said.
“Of course!” Jessica said. They hugged again. Nick came over and hugged them and pulled Jessica away.
“Let's get going, my wife,” Nick said.
“Okay my husband,” Jessica said. They ran through the sea of bird seed being thrown and got into the waiting car and headed out to the airport and got on the plane to Paris for their honeymoon.

Chapter 33

Jessica and Nick arrived in Paris and went to the hotel and checked in and went to the honeymoon suite. Nick carried her into the room and brought their bags in and closed the door. He turned and saw Jessica gone and he went looking for her and found the bathroom door closed.
“Baby?” Nick asked.
“Be out in a minute, babe, get ready,” Jessica said. Nick stripped to his boxers and sat on the bed. The door opened and he looked up and his mouth dropped opened.
“Oh god baby,” Nick said. He got up and walked over to her and took her in his arms and crushed his mouth to hers in a deep kiss. He lifted her up and laid her on the bed and got on top of her. He removed the lingerie and removed his boxers and they made love for the first time as husband and wife. They laid there afterwards holding each other. She rested her head on his chest.
“I love you so much,” Jessica said.
“I love you, too, baby, more than anything in the world,” Nick said. She looked up at him and smiled. They went to sleep holding each other. The next morning, they got up and went into the shower and they made love in the shower and they washed off afterwards and got out and dried off and they got dressed and went out and did some sightseeing all over Paris. They returned back to the hotel where they had dinner and went to bed exhausted after the day of walking around the city. They spent the rest of the week in bed making love, only getting up to eat and shower. They packed up when the week was over and went back home.
Three months later, they found out they were expecting their first child together. They were excited to become parents which came true six months later when Jessica gave birth to a baby boy they named Andrew James Lewis. Nick's dad was so happy to have his grandson have his name. James and Bonnie were doting grandparents.

Melanie and Kyle were expecting right along with Jessica and Nick and gave birth the day after Jessica to a baby girl they named Jasmine.

Alex and Ashley got married three months before the babies were born and Ashley was two months along with their first child.

Jacob found a woman to spend the rest of his life with. Her name was Lily and she became friends with the girls. They got married three months after the babies were born and were very happy together.

Brian and Tracy got married two months before the babies were born and were enjoying married life.

They all hang out together with the kids and remained best friends and became one big happy family. Jessica was torn between two guys and she found her forever guy in Nick.

THE END!