"Okay, honey," Nick gripped his cell phone tightly. "I can't wait to see your smiling face! Bye baby."
"Bye Nick."
They hung up the phone and both sighed. It had been weeks since they've seen each other. The Boys had just gotten finished with their tour and were heading home to Florida. Nick and Nichole talked on the phone every day for the past two months, but it just wasn't the same. They had thought that they would have gotten together between now and then, but their management decided to throw in some more tour dates. Kevin had been returned to them after his mother demanded that he got back on the road. Joanna continued to spend the remainder of the tour with Howie, spending her days planning their elaborate wedding. AJ apologized to Nick and Nichole for his actions and Brian had found a new girlfriend. All was going well...except that Nick and Nichole missed each other like crazy.
Nichole threw some clothes in her huge bag and yelled for her roommate and her friend to help her. Nick was flying her down to Orlando to be with him during his hiatus. Jenn, her roommate, and Chandra, one of her best friends, ran into her room and proceeded to help her pack for her trip tomorrow.
"I can't believe you're taking all of this stuff," exclaimed Chandra as she picked up a bright yellow shirt and stuffed it into the bag.
"I can," Jenn rolled her eyes. "I can't believe she's not taking more!"
"Yeah, well...both of you suck!" Nichole teased. "I'm gonna miss ya'll these next few weeks. I'll call ya'll as much as possible."
"I know. And we'll miss you too," Chandra engulfed Nic into her embrace. "I know that you're going to be extremely happy with Nick though."
"Come on, Nic," Jenn dragged her across the room. "You need your rest. Early flight that you're taking in the morning."
"You're right," Nic smiled. "What would I do without ya'll?"
"Not too much, I can tell you that right now," Chandra scoffed.
They all laughed and exited the room so Nichole could get some much needed rest.
"We'll miss you too," Jenn said. "Go on now. Get on board. They're gonna leave without you."
"Alright. I'll call ya'll sometime when I get down there."
"You'd better!" they waved to her as she walked backward into the walkway. "Be careful! Love you!!"
She waved, turned around and proceeded down the walkway. Boarding the plane, she sighed heavily and remembered the last time she flew. She was so upset that she could hardly buckle her safety belt. Many stewardesses leaned forward to console her the whole trip back to the United States. Tracy was very quiet and would hardly say a word to Nichole. Now they are barely friends anymore. Nichole didn't know what had happened to them exactly. She just knew that she missed her friend. Staring wistfully out the window, she remembered the devastated look on Nick's face when Brian pulled them apart. It broke her heart to think about it. But now she would see him in a few hours. The plane took off and Nichole lost herself in the memories of those days in England.
When she arrived in Florida, she strode out of the plane and craned her neck, hoping to see Nick among the masses of people. She spotted a man standing near the side, holding a sign with her name on it. Hiking her backpack onto her shoulder, she walked calmly to him.
"Are you Nichole?" the man in black asked.
"Yeah. I'm assuming that I'm to go with you?"
"That would be correct, madam," he turned away. "Follow me please."
She obediently followed his footsteps and walked up to a shiny silver limo. He opened the door for her and motioned her to get inside. She slid onto the black leather seats and looked around. The sunroof was open, the tv was turned on and a Mountain Dew was waiting for her in a tall frosty glass. She leaned back and let the leather interior hug her body. Yawning loudly, she allowed herself to close her eyes for a moment and found herself drifting off to sleep.
She smiled lazily, stretched and looked out the window. She gasped loudly. A large brick mansion loomed in front of her. It had at least 3 floors, as wide as a football field, and an enormous garden. She got out of the car, helped the man with her luggage and walked slowly to the door. The man reached out and opened the door for her, motioning for her to go in first. She went inside and gasped once again. The foyer was entirely made out of marble. Large cherubs graced the ceilings and an enormous winding staircase gaped down at her. She was trembling slightly as she followed the man into a sitting area. It had large white sofas, thick green carpet and huge mirrors. She felt like she was going to faint with all the beauty surrounding her.
"You may sit down and relax. Mr. Carter is taking care of some business. He will be in here shortly." he dropped her luggage on the floor and retreated quickly.
She waited about ten minutes before she heard a familiar voice say "She's here already? Great!" Her heart sped up and her breathing quickened. She was about to see the man she loved for the first time in two months. She wondered if his appearance had changed any and also wondered if he was wondering the same thing!
"Nichole? Are you here?" a blond head peered out from around the corner. "Nichole!! You've finally made it!"
"Nick! It's so good to see you again!" she flew off of the couch and ran into his embrace. "I've missed you so much!"
Nick breathed her scent in and sighed contentedly. She was finally here. With him. He had waited for this day forever and he didn't know what to do except to hold her. He raked her hair back from her forehead and kissed it soundly. Leaning down, he gazed deep into her eyes and smiled happily. She wound her arms around his neck and kissed him sweetly on the lips. It had been too long indeed.
"Come on," Nick pulled her hand. "I want to show you the rest of my house."
"Okay. It's rather impressive, Nick," she looked around her one more time. "But not as impressive as you are!"
He blushed a deep red and grabbed her tightly. "I've missed you so much Nikki! I'm so glad you're here."
"Me too. So, what has happened to the rest of the guys? Is Kevin here in Florida?"
"Yeah. He's been giving all of us hell because he was deported. I think he's about to get over it though. AJ is here and can't wait to see you. I think everything will be okay. Brian is...well, with his new girlfriend. Claire someone or other. And Howie and Joanna? They're getting married in a month!"
"That's so incredible. Are they all around here somewhere?"
"Yeah, they all live about 10 miles away. Not too far and not too close either," he laughed.
They walked up the winding staircase and viewed all 6 of Nick's bedrooms. They were all large and decorated in bold colors. He chose the blue one for Nichole to stay in. She was half hoping that he would make her stay with him. There would be plenty of time for that though. She plopped down on the massive waterbed and burst out laughing when Nick did a nosedive and landed beside her. The waves rolled them together and Nick stretched out by Nichole. Looking deep into each other's eyes, the moved at the same time and embraced one another tightly. Sighing ,they stole long sweet kisses and entertained the thought of getting intimate, but before they could decide, the phone rang.
"Hello?" Nick sighed deeply. "Howie? This had better be good."
"Uh huh. Yeah, I know. Okay, I'll tell her. Bye!"
Nick rolled back over and caressed Nichole's hair lovingly. "Howie said to tell you hello and that Joanna wanted you to be in her wedding as a bridesmaid. What do you think about that?"
"That's wonderful!! I'm so happy to be here Nick. I feel like I'm at home."
"I know how you feel."
"Are you excited about marrying Howie?" Nichole raised an eyebrow.
"Yes I am. I've loved him for so long. If soulmates were real, then he'd be mine."
"How do you know if soulmates are fact or fiction?"
"I don't know. I suppose they're real. There's a slim to none chance that you'll ever find yours though. I wouldn't dwell on it. If you had one, I'm pretty sure it'd be Nick. The both of you are so in love, it makes me sick!" she laughed. "Come on, I'm ready. I've been ready for years. Don't wait forever Nichole. I know you and Nick are both ready to get married. Don't waste time. The time is for you to be with the one you love. Don't forget that."
"I won't," she said with widened eyes. She loved Nick with an intensity that scared her. And she knew that he felt the same way.
They exited the room and walked down to the door. Signaling the pianist, Joanna inhaled deeply and smiled. Looking over at Nichole, she winked and pointed at Nick. He was standing beside Howie and the rest of the guys at the alter. He was fidgiting and looking very nervous like he was the one getting married! Joanna gave Nikki a little push. She broke her trance and walked down the aisle in front of Joanna. Nick looked at her like he wished it was them getting married. Nichole then knew that it wouldn't be long before he popped the question. She smiled happily and waited for the ceremony to get underway.
After Howie and Joanna were pronounced man and wife, the party went outside in the cool night air to congratulate the newlyweds. Bright lanterns were swinging from poles and waves crashed loudly in the background. Nick snuck up behind Nichole and grabbed her tenderly.
"Hey handsome! Where'd you run off to?" she smiled.
"I was trying to find you!" he laughed. "What did you think about tonight?"
"It was very beautiful. So serene and romantic," she sighed wistfully.
"Nichole, you know I love you, right?"
"Nick, what an awful thing to ask! You know I love you!"
"Good. Just making sure," he gazed intently at her and guided her over to the huge lighted water fountain. "Sit down sweetheart."
"Okay," she gingerly sat down on the cool concrete and looked questioningly at him.
His eyes roamed her face and body. Her hair was shining brightly as a result of the lights behind her. She looked like a spring goddess with her shimmering makeup and shiny hair. He drew in a deep breath and lowered himself to one knee.
Nichole's eyes widened at his action and she started to tremble visably. Unshed tears shimmered into her eyes as she looked down at her beloved on a bended knee.
"Nichole, I love you. I can't put the intensity into words. I just know that I'd die without you. I want to start a life with you. Just you," he gazed deeply into her soul and breathed the words. "Will you marry me?"
"Yes, I'd be honored to," tears streaked down her face as she smiled widely. "I love you Nick!"
He slid a sparkling emerald ring on her finger and then swept her up into his arms and kissed her sweetly. Running her fingers through his long blond hair, she returned his kiss with a fervor she didn't know she possessed. Laughing, he kissed her joyously and spun her around. They knew that they would have a long, lasting, loving marriage.
*2 months after Nick and Nichole parted ways in England*
"I love you too sweetheart. No, I promise I'll behave," Nichole laughed into the phone. "I'll see you tomorrow, okay?"*The Next Morning*
"I'm gonna miss ya'll," Nichole hugged them both. *An Hour Later*
"We have arrived Madam," the man in black awoke her loudly. "Mr. Carter is expecting you."A Few Weeks Later
Joanna and Nichole had spent many days shopping together for bridesmaid dresses. They finally settled on yellow with a full skirt and an empire waist. They were becoming fast friends again. In the meantime, Nick and Nichole were getting more serious. They had begun to speak of marriage and kids. Both were young, yet so in love with each other. AJ and Nichole had become fairly good friends as well, despite their blackened past. If Nichole needed advice, AJ was usually the one she turned to. She tried to steer clear of Kevin since she knew about his temper and Brian was hardly ever around since he let his girlfriend control him. Now it was a few hours before the wedding and Nichole and Joanna were getting dressed.
