Chapter 14
"Where are we going?" I asked growing more impatient with
each passing minute. Nick had hijacked the driver's seat of the car and we were
headed towards downtown Lexington.
"You know, that's the 20th time you've asked that question since
we left the house. I would have thought you'd have caught on by now that I
ain't tellin!"
I leaned over and punched him in the shoulder and he laughed,
"Hey! What was that for."
"That was for being an ass. Now tell me where we're going before I
kick you out of my car!" I looked over at him and he shook his head. I
knew this was a losing battle but I didn't want to give up yet.
"Nick I told you I didn't want a big party. Please, if you planned
something big spill the beans now and turn around and take me home."
"Or else?" He said looking at me winking. I shot him a look
that told him he'd better not tempt me and he quickly backed down.
"I promise babe, it's nothing big. Just dinner with a few people
you know and love."
"You swear?"
"I swear."
I leaned back and sighed trying to relax. I was ready for this day to
be over. I'd had a great time just staying home and spending time with Nick and
our new puppy but he'd told me they'd had this planned for weeks and I had to
come so I'd hesitantly agreed.
He pulled the car into an empty parking space on a familiar street and
leaned back in his seat reaching over and taking my hand in his. "Baby,
this is going to be fun... just give it a chance."
I pasted on my best smile and gave him a kiss, "I'll try my
best."
"So, have you figured out where we're going yet?" He asked
gesturing to the street ahead of us.
"Well, " I said leaning forward and peering out the window,
"If my memory serves me right my favorite steakhouse is right down the
block."
"Does that make you happy?" He looked over at me with those
beautiful blue eyes and I could have sworn my heart melted into a puddle on the
floor of the car.
"Nick, sweetie... I'm from Kentucky. Steak ALWAYS makes me
happy!"
He rolled his eyes at me and climbed out of the car. He walked around
to my side and opened the door. He was always such a perfect gentleman. I took
his hand and we walked down the street to Columbia's Steakhouse together.
We walked in the door and the hostess greeted us and asked for our
name.
"Carter party," He said wincing when I elbowed him in the
ribs at the word 'party.' He looked over at me and I shrugged.
We followed her to the back of the restuarant and through a small door.
"Surprise!" They all cheered as I came into the room. I was
shocked to see them all sitting there. Nick had been truthful, it wasn't a huge
party but everyone I knew and loved was gathered together in that room.
"Auntie Grace!" I heard Baylee yell as he came leaping
towards me and into my arms, "I missed you!"
"I missed you too Taterhead." I said bending down and setting
him on the ground. I gave him the biggest hug in the world and planted at least
a thousand kisses on his tiny face.
As I stood up Brian took me in his arms. I hugged him back for a long
time. If there was anyone I'd miss as much as I'd missed Nick it was Brian. He
pulled me back and looked at me before giving me a gentle kiss on the cheek and
saying, "You look so beautiful sis, Happy Birthday."
"Thank you Bri. I've missed you." I gave him another hug and
he nodded wiping the tears from his eyes. I then turned to hug Leighanne. Her
cheeks were moist with tears and I could barely contain my own as I told her
I'd missed her too.
Howie, Leigh and AJ were next. I had never expected them all to be
there and it was definitely a pleasant surprise. AJ took me in his arms and
kissed my cheek. "Heya sexy birthday girl." He said as he wrapped his
arms around me. I laughed, he was still the same AJ I knew and loved.
I could tell Howie was trying hard not to cry when I got to him. I
wiped a tear from his cheek and dabbed my own with a clean napkin. "We're
a mess," I said as I smiled and hugged him tightly.
When I was done greeting all of the guys I hugged the others who had
joined the party. Kevin and Kristin were there with baby Mason, my mom and dad
and my brother Harold. Kevin's mother was there and his brother Jerald and of
course Kelly and Joey. We all sat down at the table and spent the rest of the
evening catching up on life.
I had to admit the night was wonderful. I ate a huge meal and even felt
good enough for dessert. I enjoyed seeing all of my family and friends and
after dreading it all day long, now I didn't want it to end. When everyone had
finished eating and it was time to leave I hugged them each goodbye and thanked
them for coming. AJ, Howie and Leigh would be leaving the next day to head back
to LA so I spent a few extra minutes with each of them making sure they knew
how thankful I was and how much I loved them. Brian and Leighanne would be
staying with Kevin for a few more days so we made plans to get together before
they all headed out to put the little ones to bed.
Nick and I walked back out to the car together. It was freezing outside
and he took his coat off and wrapped it around my shoulders.
"Did you have fun?" he asked as he leaned down and kissed me
on the top of my head.
"You know what? I really did." I answered him as he opened my
car door and I climbed inside. "Thank you Nick."
I knew that there was a good possibility that this would be the last
birthday I would ever get to celebrate. I sat in the car and watched the
scenery go by as we headed home and thought about the day's events. I honestly
could not have thought of a better way to spend it.
***
