Back To My Arms (sequel to The New Guy)

13..."Don't Thank Me Yet"

---June 10th, 2009---

~Jada's POV~

"Happy Birthday dear, Hope and Christian. Happy birthday to you!" We all sing as Michael sets a cake down in front of Christian and Hope.

Christian blows out the candles before Hope can and Michael chuckles to himself.

"Happy 18th, my beautiful babies." I say and kiss their foreheads.

Ashley walks over with our almost 1 year old grandson (yes they had their baby) and sets him on Christian's knee.

"Hey, Stephen! I wish I could give you some cake but you can't have any yet, can you?" Christian coos to his son in a baby voice.

Baby Stephen giggles and squirms in his father's arms and I can't help but smile.

"Our children are such great parents." I sigh as I hug Michael.

"I know. It makes my heart melt, just watching them." He says, hugging me back.

"Happy Birthday, babe." Nick says to Hope, kissing her softly.

"Thanks, Nick." She smiles as they pull back.

"Don't thank me yet." He smiles, as she frowns, confused.

He gets down on one knee as everyone gasps. I cover my forehead with my right hand as my eyes tear up at the sight.

Hope covers her mouth with both her hands as she gasps, surprised.

Sure enough, Nick pulls out a small box and opens it, revealing a diamond ring.

"Hope, we've know each other for what? 2 years? Yeah, it's been 2 years, but girl, it feels like I've known you my entire life. As soon as we met, we just clicked. Starting a relationship with you was the best choice I've ever made. So, I'm hoping that you'll accept my offer in making this last forever. Hope Haley Jackson, will you marry me?" Nick asks and Hope bursts into tears as she nods.

"You will?" Nick gasps, smiling.

"I will!" Hope squeals, bawling her eyes out as he slips the ring onto her finger.

They wrap their arms around each other, hugging each other tightly and then kiss happily as Hope continues to cry.

"Oh, I'm so happy for you guys!" Ashley squeals, running over to them and hugging them.

"Congrats! But you better not hurt my sister or you'll have to deal with me!" Christian says to Nick and Nick nods, laughing.

"I promise I won't hurt her, Christian."

Michael and I walk over to Hope and Nick and we hug them tightly.

"Congratulations, sweetheart." I whisper to Hope as I hug her tightly and I can't help but cry.

"Thanks, Mom." She smiles.

We pull back and she giggles.

"Mom, don't cry." She says, wiping my tears.

"I'm sorry, it's just that you're growing up too fast!" I say through my tears with a chuckle following.

"That's right." Michael says.

"Dad?" Hope says.

"Yes, sweetie?" Michael asks.

"Since I'll be getting married, will you give me away at my wedding?" She asks him and he smiles and instantly starts crying.

"Yes, of course I will, Hope." He says and hugs her.

Everyone claps as Hope pulls away from Michael and latches onto Nick.