A/N: THIS IS MY 200TH STORY! AHHHH! How cool is that? Do you guys know that I've been writing fanfiction for one fandom or another since 1999? I have. I had an account on here before this one called "EllieMae". This was back when had a music section. Anybody remember that? Just me? I guess I'm that old. Haha. Anyway, it's been a long (nearly) twelve years, but a great twelve years. I have met so many awesome people thanks to fanfiction. I look forward to many more stories, and meeting lots more cool people.
Now, here's the deal with this story...
This is a continuation of a one shot I wrote called "Hunger". You don't need to have read it before you read this, but there will be jokes and references that allude to that story so it might be a good idea. Also this story is a bit sexier than some of my other ones because at this point Nate and Ella are young adults who are engaged and practically living together. So beware of a few sexier scenes. Nothing major just a bit more than you guys are used to for me. Also, I haven't finished this one yet. I'm on chapter eleven right now. So this one will be updated once a week probably. But...if you guys give me lots of awesome reviews it might inspire me to write faster, and the faster I finish this the quicker the updates will be.
Also I want to thank Element Siren for suggesting this idea. She sent me a PM asking if I'd ever thought about writing a wedding story for Nate and Ella, and basically encouraged me to write an idea that had been lingering in my mind for a long time.
So here we go. Thanks for a great twelve years of fanfiction! You guys rock!
Happy Reading!
angellwings
Count On Me
by angellwings
Chapter One: The Proposal
Two years. It had taken him two years to get to this moment, and yet there was still a few things that Nate assumed would have been done before now. For instance, he'd yet to meet Ella's family. Okay, so he'd met her brother once in passing when he came by Ella's apartment to drop something off, but that's all the contact with her family he'd had. Ella had been honest about why from the very beginning, and he believed her and even understood (to a certain extent) but if he was going to take this next step then he would have to meet her family soon.
She'd met his family. She'd known Shane and Jason for years, and she'd met his parents. His entire family loved her. His mother had wanted him to propose to her before he'd really even started dating her. His mother would be ecstatic that two of her sons were finally settling down. Jason was only a few weeks from marrying Caitlyn, and now Nate was soon to be engaged.
Provided she said yes, that is. She would say yes, right? There was no reason for her to say no, but he couldn't stop his nerves from causing a few doubts. He was picking Ella up at her place and they were meeting his brothers, Mitchie, and Caitlyn for dinner. His plan was to pick a quiet moment at dinner and propose then. He wasn't going to stand up and make an announcement or make a big production of it. That wasn't his style and he wasn't sure Ella would like it either.
Two ring boxes weighed down his coat pocket as he stepped out of the car, and walked the short distances to the door to her building. The door man nodded and smiled at him as he passed.
"Good evening, Mr. Gray."
"Tom," Nate said with an acknowledging nod. "How are you?"
"Bored. Very bored," Tom answered with a chuckle. "Very slow day."
Nate smirked at him. "I know what you mean."
"Slow day for you too? That's hard to imagine for someone in your shoes."
"Trust me," Nate said with dramatic nod. "This was the slowest day of my life. You know, when you're anticipating something everything leading up to it just seems to take forever."
Tom quirked a brow at him. "You're anticipating something?"
Nate fiddled with the boxes in his pocket. "Yes, very much so."
"Something major, I take it. You look nervous," Tom grinned.
"Do I?" He asked worriedly. He would have to fix that before he got to Ella's door.
Tom chuckled. "It's almost like you're about to ask someone a big question…"
Nate looked up at him sharply. "I—I—how did you know?"
"Been there, my friend," Tom admitted in amusement. "Scariest night of my life."
"Did she say yes?" Nate asked hesitantly.
Tom nodded. "Married thirteen years now. Never regretted it a day in my life."
Nate smiled and gave him an impressed look. "Congratulations."
"Thank you, sir," Tom said with a nod. "I'm sure you and Ms. Pador will be just as happy."
He smiled again. "I certainly hope so. I can't imagine being happy without her."
"Good luck," Tom told him. Nate thanked him and continued on his way to the elevator, and headed up to Ella's apartment. He reached her door and knocked. The door opened almost immediately and he was greeted with a bright smile and a tight hug.
"Hey," Ella said as she pulled him inside. "I'm practically ready I just have to grab my sweater and my purse. Be right back."
She left the hallway and quickly disappeared into her leaving room. When she came back she had on a cream colored cropped sweater and brown leather cross body satchel.
"Good to go?" He asked. She nodded.
"Good to go, and I'm starving," She said. Her eyes widened as she said the last word, and he smiled at her in amusement.
"Good thing we're going to Olivia's then. We both know you have a weakness for their burgers," He said with a smirk.
She closed her door and locked it as they stood in the hallway. "Oh God, you have no idea how delicious a burger sounds right now. Especially after my day."
She put her keys away in her bag and then slipped her hand in his. His brow furrowed. "Was your day really that bad?"
"Not bad, really. Just stressful. Lots of deadline's and events coming up. There's the Golden Globes, The SAG Awards, The Grammys, The Oscars…I'm being flooded with calls from both clients and designers. It's insane," Ella said with a sigh. "A night out with good company and good food is just what I need right now."
He squeezed her hand. "You'll be fine. You always are. You're very good at your job."
She smiled and leaned into him slightly as they walked. "It doesn't matter how many times you tell me that it always makes me feel better. How was your day?"
He pressed the elevator button and gave her a lop-sided smile. "Slow, very slow. We were in the studio all day which normally goes fast for me, but today…it was torture. I feel like we were in there for days not several hours."
She chuckled. "Well, did you get a lot done, at least?"
He nodded. "We got a ton done today, actually. I was surprised."
"Shane didn't get stir crazy after about the fourth or fifth hour?" She asked with wide impressed eyes.
The elevator doors opened and Nate held them for her (even though he didn't need to) as she stepped inside. He followed in after her, and grinned. "No, he didn't. I think Mitchie's actually improving him."
She laughed. "Finally, after all these years. Some growth."
Nate shook his head and grinned. "I think he's finally given up fighting her. He just goes with the flow now."
"Have you talked to Dana?" Ella asked. "Are they coming tonight?"
"Tess launches her tour tomorrow. Andy's taking Dana out to dinner before he leaves. She said they needed alone time. I really don't want to know what that means," Nate told her as he continued to shake his head.
Ella giggled at the expression on his face. "That's sweet, though. I don't blame her one bit. I wish we could have done that the last time you left for a tour."
He gave her an apologetic look and leaned down to place a quick kiss on her lips. "I wish we could have done that too."
Ella winced at the puppy dog look he threw at her. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have brought it up. Really. I understand."
"I know you do, and I love you even more for that," Nate told her. "But we should have been able to work out some time together before I left, and it was my schedule that kept that from happening. It's okay if that bothers you, Ella. I'll understand."
"It bothers me a little," She told him honestly. "But not enough to be a problem, Nate. I'm perfectly fine with sharing you as long as you let me be selfish every now and then."
"I wouldn't have it any other way," He said with a smile as he kissed her again. The elevator doors opened as they pulled apart and they waved goodbye to Tom as they passed him. The reached his car and Nate held up the door for her and waited until she was completely inside before he shut the door and moved around to get in the driver's side.
He pulled away from the building and once they were on the road he reached over and grabbed her hand. She smiled and entwined her fingers with his.
"Can you believe that two years ago today we were at Andy and Dana's wedding rehearsal?" Ella asked. "Two years, Nate. Time flies, huh?"
He brought her hand up to his lips and kissed the back of it. "It's been a great two years though, right?"
She beamed at him. "The best."
He smiled brightly at her in return. "For me too, El."
The rest of the ride was spent in comfortable silence. As the restaurant came into view and he parked the car he could feel his nerves returning. He would be asking her soon. He put the car in park and didn't move for several minutes. Ella grinned at him in amusement.
"Nate? Are we going to go inside or are we waiting for curbside service?" She asked in a teasing tone.
He quirked an eyebrow at her and grinned. "I would watch that mouth of yours, Ms. Pador. You keep teasing me and I might have to find something else for it to do."
"Doesn't sound so bad to me," She said with a grin and a shrug. "You might want to think up a better punishment than that."
He laughed and leaned over to capture her lips with his. She wrapped her hands around his neck and kissed him back enthusiastically. He deepened the kiss and for a while the sound of their kissing was all that could be heard. There was a sudden knock on the window and Nate and Ella jumped apart. Nate growled and turned to glare at the intruder.
He found Shane grinning evilly at him. Shane spoke up through the rolled up window. "You two gonna come inside or are you gonna fog up the windows all night long?"
Ella blushed prettily and bit her bottom lip. "Wow, Shane, thanks for ruining that moment."
Nate rolled his eyes at Shane and turned to Ella. "That's our cue to go in, I think."
Nate opened his door and stepped out but before he could reach Ella's door Shane ripped it open. He scooped Ella up and gave her a hug before placing her down on her feet. "I'm so glad you're here! He's not so mean when you're around."
"Um, thanks, Shane," Ella said with a laugh. "It's good to see you too."
"Yeah, I know. It's always good to see me," He said with a grin. "But please, Ella, try and keep your feelings at bay. I know you're in love with me and all, but I could never steal my little brother's girl."
Ella's eyes widened before she rolled them and smacked his arm. She spoke up dryly. "Yes, Shane, you caught me. I'm totally and completely in love with you."
He gasped. "I knew it!"
"Nate," Ella said in a bored tone as she and Shane came around to his side of the car. "Smack your brother."
Nate grinned. "My pleasure." He reached over and smacked Shane across the back of the head.
"Ow! Hey! It's not my fault she's in love with me! I can't help that I'm irresistible!"
Ella laughed. "I'm so telling Mitchie you said that."
His eyes widened in fear. "You wouldn't?"
"If she doesn't, I will," Nate said with a smirk.
"No wonder you two are so perfect for each other. You're both evil," Shane muttered as they stepped inside the restaurant. "Mitchie!" He called as they approached the table. "Nate and Ella smacked me!"
Mitchie gave him a knowing look. "I'm sure you deserved it."
"Hey! You're my girlfriend! Aren't you supposed to defend me or something," Shane said with a playful pout. She chuckled at him and patted his cheek.
"Only when you deserve to be defended, sweetie."
Shane smiled at her then and chuckled. "Fair enough."
"Jason and Cait here yet?" Ella asked as they sat down at their usual table.
"They're on their way. Caity, had a slight panic attack when—"
Ella interrupted Mitchie. "Let me guess, she lost her ring again?"
Mitchie chuckled. "Yep, Jason told her if she lost it one more time he was going to put it back in the ring box and store it somewhere safe."
"You'd think with a rock as big as that one she'd be able to keep track of it," Ella said as she shook her head and laughed softly.
"Tell me about it," Mitchie agreed. "I'm surprised she can even lift her hand when it's on her finger."
Mitchie narrowed her eyes on Ella for a moment before she spoke up again. "Are those earrings new?"
Ella brought a hand up to the Tiffany's Signature earrings she was wearing and blushed. "Um, yes. Early anniversary present from Nate. A far too expensive early anniversary present."
He rolled his eyes and placed his arm around her chair. "It's not like I don't have the money to spend on them, Ella." He lightly squeezed her shoulder. "Besides, it's not like they won't be put to good use. You haven't taken them off since I gave them to you last weekend."
Mitchie smiled at Ella. "Lucky, all Shane got me for our anniversary was a poorly constructed rap song."
"Hey! I also gave you chocolate covered strawberries, and that fondue thing you said you would use, but only ever used once," Shane said with a teasing smile.
Mitchie sighed. "True. I thought fondue would be easy! You know I can't cook. I wasn't aware that it was possible to burn chocolate."
Ella's eyes widened. "You can burn chocolate?"
"Not just burn," Shane said as he patted Mitchie's knee affectionately. "Catch on fire."
Nate's eyebrows rose as he looked at Mitchie. "How did you manage that?"
She sighed. "I genuinely have no idea. I'm no longer allowed to cook though. I can help prepare the food to be cooked, but Shane has forbidden me from actually cooking."
"The less we have to use the fire extinguisher, the better," Shane stated with a chuckle.
"Hey, guys!" Jason said brightly as he and Caitlyn walked through the door.
"So, did you find it?" Mitchie asked immediately as the two began to sit down.
Caitlyn blushed. "Yes."
"It was in the pocket of her jeans in her hamper," Jason said as he gave Caitlyn a stern glare.
"I swear I did not take it off and stick it in my pocket! I don't know how it got there, I promise!" She said in a miserable apologetic tone. Jason laughed and pulled her to him to place a kiss on her forehead.
"I know, Caity, I know," He said with a chuckle.
She buried her head in her hands and leaned her elbows on the table. "Why can't I keep this thing on my finger? I'm seriously considering wrapping tape around it to keep it in place."
Ella smirked at her. "You might be able to make that look work for you."
She rolled her eyes. "Yes, I'm sure. It will be the height of fashion."
The waitress walked over then and took their drink orders. They went ahead and ordered food as well. They all knew what they wanted. They got the same thing every time they came to Olivia's.
"That food better come fast, I'm starving," Ella told them.
"I bet you're grateful there's no cold spinach bisque," Caitlyn said with a laugh.
Ella grimaced. "Or mushrooms in garlic butter. Seriously, what were Andy's parents thinking? Gross."
Nate laughed softly at her. "Everyone else seemed to enjoy it."
"Then I guess I was the only sane person there that night," Ella said with a teasing glare.
"That's possible," Nate agreed with a wink.
"Caity, please tell me your wedding involves normal food?" Ella asked.
Caitlyn grinned. "International buffet. There's gonna be food from as many different countries as I could find."
Ella's eyes widened. "Now that I can work with."
"And I'm pretty sure Mrs. Gray is not a 'fancy food' person, so you should be safe for the rehearsal dinner too," Caitlyn said with a laugh. "No worries, Ella. You'll be able to eat. It's not like Nate won't run out and get you something if you can't find anything you like at the wedding."
"I would try and object to that," Nate said with a small smile. "But it's true. Ella's help-me-I'm-suffering-and-pathetic face gets me every time."
Ella laughed and nudged his leg with hers. "Good to know I have you trained."
And, then, just like that, the table was lost in wedding talk. Caitlyn and Jason were down to two weeks before their wedding. It was what most of the talk in their circle of friends was centered around lately. Nate decided that this was the time. While the other four were distracted by wedding details. He pulled out the cube shaped box from his pocket and slid it across the table to Ella. She gave him a startled look, and glanced between him and the box for several minutes.
"Nate," She said quietly. "You bought me another present? Really, it's too much."
He brought the hand that wasn't on the back of her chair up to tuck a strand of hair behind her ear. "Just open it. You'll see."
She sighed and gave him a stern glare as she opened the box. "Fine, but no more presents, okay? Not for this year anyway, you've spent too much money on me already."
She stared down at the gold curvy ring curiously. Her brow furrowed as she pulled it out of the box and twisted it around. He held his breath as he watched her. His eyes stayed on her, and he knew the moment she spotted the first letter. He could see when she finally began to understand that the curves were cursive letters. Cursive letters that spelled "Marry Me." He watched as she read them each one by one. It was probably weird to most people, to use a ring to give a girl another ring, but he'd seen it at the jewelers and couldn't resist. It had struck him as something Ella would love, and he just knew he had to make it part of his proposal.
Her eyes widened and she gasped before turning to look at him with watery eyes. "Nate, what…what is this?"
He smiled warmly and brought his lips to her ear so he could whisper. "What does it look like, Ella?"
"A—are you…proposing?" She asked softly as she pulled back to look at him.
His smile stayed put and he nodded. "Marry me, Ella. Let's start a life together just me and you." He placed a kiss to her temple before adding softly, "Please?"
"I—I…yes," She said as she reached up and gently cupped his cheek with her hand. "Yes, nothing would make me happier."
He let out the breath he'd been holding and reached back into his pocket. "Good," he said as he turned his head so he could kiss the palm of her hand. "Now you get the real ring."
"There's another ring?"
He laughed. "You didn't honestly think I'd give you an engagement ring that didn't have a diamond on it, did you?"
She chuckled. "Never had anyone propose to me before, Nate. I'm not sure what to think."
He pulled out the second ring box and opened it. He slipped the ring onto the ring finger on her left hand. "That's the real ring."
She stared at it for a long moment. The band was half yellow gold and half white gold, there was a large square diamond in the middle and little rectangular diamonds on either side of it. It was beautiful. Perfect. She turned back to Nate with a bright smile on her face and grazed her thumb across his cheek lightly. She placed a long soft kiss on his lips and then brought her left hand up to his other cheek.
"I love you, Nate. The ring is beautiful. Thank you."
"I love you too," He said as he leaned down and kissed her quickly once again. "And the ring is beautiful because it reminded me of you."
At that moment, Ella really wanted to kiss him senseless, but they were in a public place with friends. Not quite appropriate for that sort of thing, but she did kiss him deeply once more and she could feel through that kiss that she wasn't the only one who wanted to keep kissing. She pulled away and reached for the other ring he'd given her. She slipped it on in front of the diamond ring, and then kissed the corner of his mouth.
"I'm going to wear them both. They're both amazing rings," She told him with yet another bright smile. He kissed her cheek before he spoke.
"I'm glad you like them."
"Um," Caitlyn said suddenly in a teasing tone. "Should we leave? Let you two have your privacy?"
Jason chuckled. "Yeah, what are you two doing over there? If you keep kissing like that I think that mother sitting across from us is going to cover her son's eyes."
Ella gave Nate a look that clearly asked if they should tell them and Nate nodded. They would see the ring at some point before they left so they might as well tell them now. But instead of telling them Ella rested her left elbow on the table and then placed her chin in her hand. She pointed the front of her fingers toward their friends and smirked at them.
Mitchie and Caitlyn gasped, but didn't say anything.
Ella giggled before she spoke. "Oh, you know, no biggie. Nate just proposed, that's all."