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A week later Nick and Kayleigh got Alex to baby-sit and went out to spend the day together. Aaron had gotten an opportunity to headline a tour with Hilary, and they had both left a couple days earlier, which meant it was just Nick and Gavin in the house again. He was growing up a lot quicker than Nick liked. He wanted Gavin to stay a baby.

Kayleigh had the idea to drive up to the beach and spend the day in the sun and sand. She loved the beach almost as much as Nick did, and appreciated a day of fun and relaxation. Nick had made dinner reservations at a beachside restaurant for dinner and they planned on just spending the day together and getting to know each other more.

"It's so hot out, I think I'm smothering" Kayleigh said taking her jacket off.

It was heating up quickly as the seasons were changing. It was almost spring and you could tell by the way the temperature rose drastically from day to day.

"I know, I'm hot too. I hope Gavin's ok." Nick said taking the cooler out of the truck.

Kayleigh laughed and handed him her cell phone.

"Here, call him real quick and I'll unload the truck." She said smiling.

Nick took the phone and walked towards the shoreline to find them a place to sit. Kayleigh shook her head and continued to unload the things that they had brought. She couldn't imagine having a father that checked up on her as much as Nick did Gavin. She thought it was cute the way he worked himself up worrying about what could happen.

She dragged the cooler and a couple of Wal-mart sacks down through the sand. She watched Nick as he talked animatively into the phone as if Gavin could really see him. It was just too cute for words. Nick ended the call and stretched out on the towel that Kayleigh had set up. Both adults lay in the sand and stared at the sky. Nick reached down and took her hand in his. He brought it up to his lips and kissed it softly before turning to look at her. She smiled and then focused her attention on the water.

"I really like you Kayleigh." Nick started. "I've been really afraid of liking anyone or letting anybody get close to me after Amanda, but you are different. I can't explain it. I feel like everything is right in the world when I'm with you. Like nothing can touch me. It's like you're an angel who came to rescue me from the loneliness I was in. You changed how I felt. I always swore that I wouldn't fall for anyone again after I lost her, but you proved me wrong, because I'm falling for you Kayleigh." Nick said looking in her eyes.

She wiped the tears that were rolling down her cheeks and sat up. It was the sweetest thing anyone had ever said to her, and ironically that was exactly what she was feeling. She felt like he was the one to lift her from the darkness that had been surrounding her for so long. Nick sat up and pulled her close to him. She sat against him and he wrapped his arms around her.

"I feel the same way Nicky. I was letting all the torture with my dad eat away at me and I was not doing anything about it. I was letting it bother, and consume me. I didn't care about anything but how badly it was hurting me. I needed someone to come and show me that I didn't have to let all of that bother me. You and Gavin, you changed the way I though about things. I never knew I could grow attached to two people as quickly as I did you and your son. I cherish the time we get to spend together, because it means a lot to me. I've never had the healthy family relationship. I'm falling for you too, a little more everyday. I try to think of ways to make sure that you feel the same way, but just hearing you tell me is enough for me." She said squeezing his hand.

She laid her head on his shoulder and closed her eyes. He held her tighter, happy by her confession. He leaned down and kissed her softly. Before lying his head on top of hers. He loved how comfortable it was to just be with her. He truly believed that she was his angel.

How you changed my world
You'll never know
I'm different now
You've helped me grow

You came into my life
Straight from above
When I lost all hope
You showed me love
I'm checkin' for you girl
You're right on time
Angel of Mine