(Complete) Nick has suffered sorrow and loss. He has relied on his family to help him survive. Can Nick ever find happiness and a love?
Sara has spent the better part of her twenties caring for the sickest people of the world. Realizing that her dre...
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On Nick's weekend, they worked together all morning. Once they were alone, she'd joined him in his office. Their extra time ended when his phone rang; he had been called home. Sara planned on a run and a visit to Lily. It was March, and although sand covered the sides of roads, she could run outside again. The snow had melted, but it was still cold, so she would dress warmly.
Lily had been declining steadily, and visiting was emotionally hard. Sara was singing to her when she heard his voice. She felt him behind her and felt her cheeks warm up. When she finished her song, he quietly entered. Lily didn't light up for her guests anymore, but she smiled for Nick.
He smiled. "I was on my way to the supermarket and I stopped by." He brushed Sara as he approached Lily. He had done it purposely, and she smiled.
Lily asked, "Will you buy cookies for your little girl?"
"I might." His eyes sparkled as he smirked. It caused a tingling in Sara's breasts.
Their eyes met as he frowned. They both knew Lily was getting weaker and time was running out.
After Nick left, Lily fell asleep. Sara sat with Christine and studied the changes in her. Her skin had dulled, and she had dark circles under her eyes. They were talking quietly.
Christine said, "You have been so good with Lily. You should be a mother." Sara started to protest and Christine surprised her when she said, "You and Dr. B would make a good couple. Those children need a mother like you. You'd be better than the one they had."
Sara wasn't about to share with Christine that she had fantasized about just that. Instead she replied, "We work together. It wouldn't be right."
"I think you would be perfect together. I can wish, can't I? Besides I need a distraction from reality."
"Was the late Mrs. Burke really horrible?"
Christine was the only person she could ask. During all their phone calls, Nick had never talked about his wife other than that first night when she learned she had died.
"No. No, she was just serious about her career. Her kids didn't come first, which is not what we expect. She did loved them. It's hard for me to understand, because I would give up my life to save my child."
Sara reached out and squeezed her hand. Sara already loved Bridget and Jack, because they were part of Nick. She loved him, moodiness and all.
Nick had texted her multiple times while she was with Lily. He had tried to tell her he would stop by to see Lily. Later they could only text, because he wasn't home alone.
Nick wanted to come to her that night, but she refused to risk it. On Sunday, he left the office to spend the afternoon with his family. Sara visited with Joe and Mila.
She helped Mila review material for her examinations. Sara had just taken the exams less than a year before. Out of the corner of her eye, Joe was eyeing her suspiciously.
"What? Am I wrong about that?" She wondered if she answered incorrectly.
"No, you know your stuff. Somehow you look different. Younger? Happier?"
Sara didn't know if kissing could alter one's appearance - swollen lips, red cheeks from his soft scruff. She shrugged. "I had my hair trimmed."
"No. I think it's just because you're happy. I'm just not sure why."
Mila said, "She is happy, but she could be happier. We need to find Sara a husband, so she is as happy as me."
Joe said, "Not that landlord of yours. Too bad the doctor you work with is married."
Sara laughed. "I'll find my own, thank you." She didn't tell Joe that he was wrong and the doctor wasn't married.
At work Nick still acted gruff with her, but he was pretending. He desperately wanted them to spend more time together, so he came up with a new plan.
On Saturday afternoon, Sara went to the mall. She used the opportunity to shop. At the appointed time, she ran into a father pushing a stroller and shopping with his two children.
"Sara, Sara!" Bridget hugged her legs.
"Bridget, what are you doing here?"
"Shopping for new clothes. Daddy said, we can eat here! Will you come with us, please?" She drew out the 'please' for dramatic effect.
Sara didn't need to answer, because Bridget just pulled her along into the children's clothing store. Bridget monopolized her, leaving Nick to play third wheel. She helped Bridget choose some outfits while Nick looked on and agreed to everything. As the pile of clothes grew, she wondered if he cared how much money he spent. As Sara and Nick chose some clothes for Jack together. Nick told Sara about Jack undressing in his crib when they looked at warmer weather pajamas.
"I put his jammies on normal."
"I know. I forgot to tell you. Don't worry, a wet crib couldn't have ruined my good mood that day." He sounded sexy.
Backwards jammies and soaked sheets reminded her Nick had a whole life apart from work. Shopping together for little clothes helped her feel involved. At the food court, Nick bought her dinner, and it felt like they were a family on an outing more than a date. She enjoyed pretending, but she was constantly scanning to make sure she didn't see anyone she knew. She felt anxious the entire time, even with Bridget's constant talking to distract her.
When Bridget needed the bathroom, Sara took her. Nick said, "Thank you. Taking the both of them together is never easy."
When Nick excused himself, Sara stayed at the table as even Jack had warmed up to her and wanted to sit on her lap. Her emotions ran deep for his children who would never remember their mother. They were lucky to have Nick. He was a wonderful father.
Nick returned and smiled at Sara holding Jack. She laughed. "You may not want to smile. Someone needs a change."
Nick sighed and took Jack, a diaper and wipes. The sight of him holding his son and going off to change a stinky diaper was oddly sexy. She never knew fatherhood was such a turn on. When it was time for Sara to say goodbye, Bridget held her and told her she loved her. Sara picked her up to give her a proper hug. "I love you too."
Nick had a funny look on his face, and she was afraid she had overstepped. Nick kept parts of himself locked inside - his marriage and his relationship with her landlord. She wondered if he would ever open up to her.
