Unexpected

Chapter 27 - Consoling

Thanks for reading Nick and Sara's story. There is a special character in this story who helped bring them together. I dedicate this chapter to the adorable Lily Rose.

When Nick heard Sara tell Bridget that she loved her, he felt a jolt to his heart. Bridget opened up to Sara the very first time she met her. Sara wasn't even trying, she was just herself.

Their meeting at the mall didn't satisfy his need to be with her. He wanted her to follow him home, but would settle for talking on the phone.

A few days later, Nick received a call from the hospice nurse. Lily had declined significantly. Sara was a wreck after she had visited. Nick stopped in during his lunch and it didn't surprise when he received another call one evening. He called Julie, so he could be there for Christine and Gordon.

When he arrived she had already passed on. A young life snubbed out much too soon. There was nothing his years of medical training could do. As their friend, he could attempt to console those left behind, but he knew firsthand it was impossible.

Christine was numb. Selfishly Nick thought of Sara and her grief. He ignored the inner voice telling him to go home. He stopped at the service station mart and bought a six-pack.

He parked down the street. As he walked towards her house, he texted her. Let me in.

She was standing by her door, and he quickly followed her up the stairs.

"When?" She knew without being told.

"About an hour ago, I didn't stay long. Their family was arriving." He offered her a beer.

She nodded as tears streaked her cheeks. He took one long pull of his own bottle and gathered her in his arms. He held her while she sobbed. He felt tears falling too. Their embrace was reminiscent of the first one when they were both distraught that they would eventually lose Lily. Like before, he felt helpless, although now he kissed her head and rubbed her back until her tears subsided.

She took a sip of her beer and led him to her sofa. He looked around at her home. Her apartment was cozy. Once seated, he took a drink before putting his beer down. He poured his emotions into their kiss. Sara did the same. It was raw and full of passion. It was like no other kiss they had shared. Every nerve ending in his body was stimulated, and his jeans felt tight.

He fought to control his body as Sara pressed herself further into him. He pulled away and emptied the rest of his beer.

He groaned. "You're killing me."

Her blush unhinged him. He captured her mouth again, claiming it as if their connection was the only thing keeping them alive. He could no longer keep his hands still. They needed to move. He needed to know just how perfect her breasts and her cute little gluteus maximus were. Running had amazing benefits. If he didn't stop, he would go too far. Not tonight, not when he came to console her.

Abruptly pulling away, he took her beer and drank from it. Her cheeks were flushed, and her hair was messy. She looked beautiful. He had given her the look that had bothered him before he knew she ran.

Taking her hand, he said, "I came here to talk, not seduce you."

She blushed again. "I think I was encouraging you."

Smiling, he said, "Darling, I don't need very much encouragement with you."

She smiled, and it took all he had not to pull her back into his arms. As he looked at her, he watched her smile fade and a cloud of sadness wash over her.

"I can't believe she's really gone. The world will never be the same without her. She brought joy to so many."

"She made a difference in her short time. No life is too small. Take Jack, he is a gift to me every day, and he's still practically a baby. Bridget, too."

"You're so lucky to have your children. Who's with them?"

"Julie. Although I probably shouldn't stay too long. Will you be alright? I wish I could stay with you, but..."

"I know you need to go home." She smiled and surprised him. "The dad in you is very sexy!"

"Don't start. It's taking every ounce I have not to carry you to your bed. Maybe it's a good thing, we never have more than a few minutes alone at a time."

He held her once more. It was like their very first embrace. He smelled her hair, a scent that was now as familiar to him as his own shampoo. Reluctantly he let go and quietly walked down the stairs and out the door. As the night air hit him it cooled him off and brought him to his senses.

It was not yet ten when he reached his house. Julie was waiting for him and pulled him into an embrace. When she released him, she asked, "Are you alright? How's Christine?"

"I'm fine. I won't lie. It was hard, really hard. My God, she isn't that much older than Bridget."

"Nick, Bridget is fine. Both of your little ones are perfectly safe."

"Christine was strong, but I'm sure it's just a matter of time. I can offer her something, but I don't see her as the type to use a crutch like that. If I find out she isn't sleeping, I'll intervene."

"Nicky, life goes on and tomorrow will be a new day whether you're ready for it. Try to get some sleep." Julie hugged him one last time. She let herself out and walked through the backyard into her own. He watched her as she entered her house safely. In the winter the distance between the two houses felt farther, because they had to walk out to the street. Now that the snow had melted it reminded him of just how close his family was, especially when he needed them.

Sleep was elusive, and he wasn't sure what kept him from drifting off, Lily or Sara. He let things go too far with her. One more opportunity alone with her like tonight and there would be no stopping him. He wanted her more than he could ever remember wanting anyone. With Mel, they met, and she invited him home the same night. He was not a male slut, but if a girl was offering, he wouldn't turn her down. In college, he had more than a few opportunities and always tried to be a decent guy afterward. Some women had no interest in seeing him again, others he'd see until they went their separate ways. It was no different with Mel, but anytime they broke up they always came back to each other. Sara was the first woman he had a relationship with before taking her to bed.