"I can't believe you guys have to go so soon," Kevin said sadly to Neenah, "although, we have to take off soon too. So, I guess I can't talk," he laughed lightly.

"I'm giving you my number, my voice mail and my pager! I expect to hear a little something." Nothing but determination filled her voice.

He grinned at her, his gaze wandering to his cousin. "Wonder what those two are talking about," he said quietly.

"If I know Katie, she's convincing him why it would be a smart move to marry her," Neenah laughed. Her eyes soon shifted. "I'm more interested in what those two are talking about," she smiled, looking and Nick and Miranda.

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"We're gonna keep in touch," Nick said confidently. He placed a hand on her cheek. "You're special to me."

Her eyes shut tight. "That sounds nice, but please don't say those things. It only makes it harder for me," she whispered. Once again, she didn't trust her voice.

Nick breathed in deeply, feeling a pain shoot through his body. "I just want you to know these things. It's important you know."

She looked at him, taken back by his reaction to this whole situation. "You never cease to amaze me. You're gonna make some girl very happy." She wore a smile, but said it sadly.

"Hey, if I've made you the slightest bit happy, I've succeeded." He saw the tears forming in her eyes and knew he'd better stop talking. "I'm gonna call you more, so just be on guard. I could give ya a ring anytime," he grinned.

"You'd better." She barely choked back her tears.

"Flight 143 is now boarding," called the voice over the speaker.

Miranda was able to find the strength to give Nick a hug, but he had to take it just one step further. As soon as they parted, he bent down for a deep kiss. "I just needed it one more time," he whispered, thankful he was wearing his sunglasses so he could hide the tears.

"I'm glad I got sick," she said sweetly and let go of his hand, trailing behind Neenah and Katie as they walked down the terminal.

"So am I," Nick whispered with a smile, turning on his heel to join the others.

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Nick kept his word, calling her as often as he could. He dated off and on, but never seemed fulfilled in the relationships he was involved in. He was happy and saddened to hear that Miranda had become involved with Rick, the guy that she could never get in high school. The time came when she was going to get married, but due to his schedule, couldn't be there for her special day. He did find the time though to come and see her and his soon-to-be Godchild, Nickole. Never once had they forgotten about each other or fallen out of touch. Once things with the group calmed down and Nick was in his twenties, he spent more time attending to his other interests like acting and art. Doing things like this left him more free time. He went to Nickole's school functions and birthday parties. He even joined Miranda for afternoon cups of coffee. And when the time came, he helped support and console both of them during and after Rick's cancer treatment and untimely death.

He walked slowly into Miranda's bedroom one afternoon. "I just fed Nickole," he informed quietly. "Are you holdin' up okay?"

She felt his arm wrap around her. "I am now." She looked up, smiling, as the tears glistened in her eyes.

"I'm here and I'm ready," he comforted, drawing her in for a hug. "God only knows you need your time, but I'm laying the offer on the table."

"In due time, Nick, I'll pick that offer up," she assured.

The End!