Page 142 of Nick and Noel's Christmas Playlist

“Yep.” Noel looped her arms around his neck and grinned. “Maybe in a couple years we can revisit the subject?”

“I’d like that,” Nick said, afraid to ask too many questions and freak her out. “So, how many more duties do you have before we can get out of here?”

“What’s the rush?”

“I have a surprise for the birthday girl.”

“Really? What is it?”

“I’m sorry, do you not know what a surprise is?” he asked.

“I was just asking! See if I give you sweetness later.”

“Oh, I’m getting all your sweetness. Just you wait!”

“Mmmm, so confident.”

“I like my odds.”

“Well, I have to stick around at least through the bouquet toss and cake cutting, so, an hour, maybe? Think you can handle it?”

Nick gave her sweet, fleeting kiss. “I guess I’ll have to.”

“Good.” Noel snuggled into Nick and sighed. “To be honest, I can’t wait until we can go home. Gabby threw up on my tennis shoes this morning and I haven’t had a chance to wash them yet.”

“Why did Gabby throw up? Nerves?”

“No, she’s pregnant. They haven’t officially announced it yet, so not a word.”

“I won’t, but that’s awesome. They must be excited.”

“They are, very much.”

“Is that the sudden interest in kids? Because of Gabby?”

“In a way, Gabby has been a big help with me coming to terms with my insecurities and fears. She helped me talk out a lot of them, but no. It’s not just because Gabby is pregnant that I started thinking about kids. It’s the pictures on the Christmas tree the night of the concert. My dad and mom as kids, learning music from their parents, and me learning about music from mine. My parents had dreams for me. I had dreams for me before I lost them. I’ve been so consumed with them not being here, I forgot that I’d wanted to get married and have kids one day. After they passed, I told myself I didn’t want those things because they wouldn’t be there to celebrate with me, but that isn’t fair to them, me, and most importantly, it isn’t fair to the man I love.”

Nick kissed her forehead, wanting to shout with joy to the rooftops.

“Just so you know, I have no plans to pressure you about marriage or kids. We’ll take our time and when you feel that you’re ready for one, the other, or both, I’ll be on board.”

“Thank you.”

“Hey, Noel,” Amber said, coming up alongside them. “Sorry, but they’re getting ready to do the bouquet toss.”

“Thanks, I’ll be right there.”

“Sure. Hey, Nick.”

“Hi.” When Amber walked away, Nick shook his head. “I feel like she’s becoming a completely different person.”

“She’s trying. It’s all any of us can do. Just try to be better every day.” Noel gave him a firm, hot kiss. “I’ll see you in a little bit.”

Nick’s phone vibrated in his pocket and he moved out into the hallway to take it.

“Yeah?”

“Everything is set up and ready for your arrival,” Anthony said.

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