Chapter 3

“Dude, did you see Leighanne?  She looked so pretty.” AJ said aloud.

“Yeah, she sure did.  I haven’t seen such a beautiful wedding in a long time.  I sure can’t wait til ours.” Dee said.

“Well, you only have a few more weeks Dee.  But, I can’t imagine how nervous you are.” Kat said.

“All I know is that I hope that me and Kat’s are as beautiful as all of yours.” Howie said.

Everyone turned and looked at Howie. “Dude…you aren’t abandoning me, are you Howie?” AJ asked.  “I thought that you and I were a team!  What’s all this talk about a wedding?”

“Dude…I didn’t say I was getting married tomorrow.  But I know that Kat and I will have just as beautiful a wedding as all of them.  Right sweetheart?” Howie asked Kat.

Kat nodded her head and smiled.  She had never heard Howie really talk about marriage…maybe there really was hope for him.   In her heart, she knew that Howie was the one.  But she never knew, at least until this moment, that he thought the same about her.

“So, where was Brian and Leighanne going for their honeymoon.  They sure kept it really really quiet.” AJ said.

“Umm, well, between you all and the walls…they went to Australia.  But don’t let that leave the house.  They don’t want anyone to know.” Dee said.

Nick sat there listening to the conversation, while bouncing Katie Lynne on his knee.  The others found it odd that he was so quiet, considering he was the one that usually was the most hyper.

“Dude, are you okay?  You’re awfully quiet.” Kevin asked.

Nick just nodded his head and then got up.  “I will be back in a bit.  Start dinner without us if you need to.” he said and then quietly left Dee’s house.

The others just looked at him and then glanced at each other.  Kevin and AJ were about to say something, but Howie stopped them.

“Guys, this is really hard for him.  Can you imagine what it would be like if you lost your true love?  I mean, Kevin, if Dee died tomorrow…how would you feel?  AJ, if Brianna walked out of your life tonight, what would you do?  Nick is only trying to deal with this.  And to think he has to do it with a child.  I can’t imagine what kind of hurt and pain he must feel.” Howie said softly.

“Yeah, but D, Heather died 8 ½ months ago.   Don’t you think it is time for him to get out and move on?” AJ asked, not meaning to sound rude.

“AJ, how could you?  You know how much Heather meant to Nick.  I may not have had much time to get to know her, but I certainly know that he loved her with all his heart.  That was really insensitive of you.” Brianna said, obviously hurt.

“Aw, Bria, I didn’t mean it like that.  It’s just that all he does is go home, and play with Katie.  He needs to get out…and if I have to, I will drag him out of his house myself.” AJ replied.

Brianna had heard enough.  She got up and walked out of the kitchen.  She couldn’t believe that AJ was being so insensitive about how Nick felt.  Then again, he was a male, and he never could understand.  AJ tried to follow her, but she just pushed him away.

“Brianna, why are you being so bitchy?!  What the hell is your problem?  I just thought that Nick needed to spice up his life!” AJ yelled as he followed her out the door.

“No!  Your problem is that you DIDN’T think…that is it.  I am not going to sit here and listen to this.  When you find it in your heart to apologize…then we can talk.  Until then, I will be at home…eating dinner by myself.” Brianna said as she got in her car and drove away.

AJ walked back in the house and saw the others just staring at him.  “WHAT!  What did I say?!” he hollered at everyone.

The others just looked at him, and then turned back to their conversations.  Dinner was almost ready, and they all helped Dee and Kevin get the table set.

*** *** ***

Nick sat on the beach behind his house, watching Katie wobble around.  She was walking, and had been for over a month.  Although she had this new freedom, she hadn’t quite mastered it yet.  Nick laughed as he watched his daughter wobble in the sand, and then plop down all of the sudden.

“Katie Lynne…what am I going to do with you?” he said outloud.

All that Katie could reply with was some mumbles, but tonight, she would answer with something that would touch his heart forever.

“Dada…” she said loudly.

Nick looked at his little girl, and didn’t believe what he heard.  “Katie?”

Katie Lynne then put her arms in the air, wanting Nick to pick her up.  “Dada!!” she said loudly again.

Nick’s face lit up with excitement as he heard his daughter’s beautiful tiny voice.  “Oh sweetie!!” he said happily as he picked her up.  “I wish your mommy could have heard that…” he said as he hugged her tightly.

Katie was confused by Nick.  She didn’t understand why her father was so excited, but in her little mind, she was amused.  She started to laugh at Nick as he swung her around on the beach.

Nick then ran into the house and grabbed his video camera.  “Come here Katie…can you say it again?” he said as chased after her.

Katie took off running down the beach, with Nick following closely behind.  She kept mumbling over and over… “dada, dada, dada…”

*** *** ***

“Do you think Nick and Katie are okay?  They haven’t come back yet.” Brianna asked.

“He is probably just wanting to be alone.  But, I will go and find them.  They probably went back home.” Dee said.  “Y’all keep eating, there is plenty of food.  I will be back in a little while.  I promise.”

Everyone nodded and watched as Dee left the house.  She was on a mission…and vowed to keep her promises to Heather.  She promised to watch out for Nick and Katie, and she would do just that.

*** *** ***

There was a knock at the door.

“Who is it?” Nick asked through the closed door.

“It’s me Nick…open up.  Please.” Dee replied.

Nick slowly opened the door.  “What’s wrong Dee?  What can I do for you?” he asked sincerely.

“I was just coming to check on you and Katie.  You didn’t come back for dinner and everyone was getting worried.  Are you okay?” she asked.

“Yes, it’s just that I was feeling a little down.  I know that everyone thinks I am crazy.  I know that you all think that I need to get out.  But I will tell you what…I don’t.  I love Heather…and there is nothing that can change that.  I will go out when I am ready…and I am not right now.  I just wanted to spend time with my daughter.  Is that okay?” Nick asked, sarcastically.

Dee was amazed by Nick.  He had been paying far more attention to everyone than she thought.  “Nick, look.  I know that you loved Heather…” she said but was soon interrupted.

“Correction Dee…I LOVE Heather.” Nick said and then tried to walk away.

“Fine, you LOVE her.  But would she want you to sit around and mope for the rest of your life?  Would she want you to miss out on so much because you couldn’t move on?  I honestly don’t think that is what Heather had in mind when she left us.  You promised to her that you would be okay.  Now, if you want to sit here and starve yourself…so be it.  But there is a huge amount of my prized Fettuccine Alfredo back at the house…and there is a space at the table for you and Katie.” Dee said and then left.

Nick stood there, puzzled.  Why did everyone always have to push him?  Why did everyone have to butt into his life, where they weren’t wanted?  Nick thought to himself.

He closed the door behind Dee…and then went to check on Katie.  She was playing on the living room floor…mumbling…”Dada, Dada, Dada.”

“I suppose that is your new word, now isn’t it Katie?” he said with a smile.  “Well, your mommy would be proud.  So, what do you want for dinner?” he asked as he walked to the kitchen to make dinner for the two of them.
 

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