"Brian, back there, that meant a lot to me. You know, for defending me and all. The only lame excuse I could come up with, was to lie and say I have a boyfriend. But you...you knew what to do. So, thanks." she said. "Your welcome. I'll stand up for you any day." he said kindly.
She smiled, and they got into the car to head home.
Two days later, Leigh got a call from Anna. She said that for Leigh's birthday, which was the next day, they were taking her out to dinner, and they'd be there at 7:30 PM.
The next day, Leigh had her family party around 4 PM, then showered and changed into a new outfit she had got as a gift. At 7:20 PM, her doorbell rang and Nick was standing there with roses.
"Aww, that's so sweet." she gushed as he handed them to her.
She kissed him lovingly on the lips.
"Happy Birthday." he said.
As Leigh went to put the flowers in a vase, she noticed how handsome he looked.
"Want to meet my Mom quickly?" Leigh said coming out of the kitchen.
He nodded, and Leigh led him into the kitchen.
"Mom this is Nick." Leigh said.
Leigh's mother, Helen, came over and shook his hand.
"It is so nice to finally meet you! I work too much, so that's why it hasn't been sooner." she said.
"It's very nice to meet you too." Nick said politely.
"Mom, sorry to rush, but we have to get going." Leigh said kissing her Mom good-bye.
As they were leaving the kitchen, Helen yelled, "Have a good time kids!"
Leigh and Nick waved good-bye, and stepped outside.
Brian and Anna were in the back-seat, and they both shouted "Happy Birthday!" as Leigh got in the car.
"Thanks..." she said laughing.
They got to the restaurant and it was a very fancy one. They had reservations, so they were seated quickly. After they ate, the waitress brought a fancy little cake over to the table and said Happy Birthday. Leigh thanked her. Nick light a candle in it and Anna, Brian and Nick quietly sang Happy Birthday. She blew out the candles as Anna and Brian handed her their cards.
Anna had given Leigh a gift certificate to their favorite Bath and Body Works type store. Brian gave her money.
"Sorry it's so impersonal, I just figured with that you could buy whatever you want." he said.
"Aw, thanks B." she said smiling at him.
Nick handed Leigh a long thin box, wrapped neatly.
Leigh opened the box and inside was a little gold heart, on a thin gold chain, with a little diamond in it. It was absolutely beautiful.
"Oh Nick..." Leigh said speechless.
"Do you like it?" he asked.
"I love it. It is so beautiful." she said biting her lip so she wouldn't cry.
She wrapped her arms around him tightly.
"Thank you so much." she said with tears in her eyes.
Nick kissed her on the forehead, "I am glad you love it."
Leigh brought his face down to hers and kissed him softly.
Nick smiled and then he handed her a card.
She opened the card, when something fell out into her lap...
