Dreaming in Color

Chapter 3: A Night For New Beginnings

Waking bright and early Roxie stood yawning in the kitchen finishing breakfast. She knew that Nick would be home very soon from work. This had become her morning routine. She'd wake-up and make breakfast and wait for Nick to come home. They would eat breakfast together and talk before Nick went to shower and sleep. Roxie would then clean up and enjoy a cup of coffee until Sophia would wake-up. It was nice to have a family routine and Roxie like it, but inside she knew she missed working. She missed being out in the field and solving cases. She missed being around more adults on a daily basis.

Roxie heard the front door open. She knew it was Nick. She walked from the kitchen to see him putting his backpack down by the front door. He turned and gave her a smile as he did every morning. He came to her and put his arms around her and gave her a long kiss.

"Good morning." Roxie said sweetly to her strong husband who held her close.

"Morning. Breakfast smell great." He said. Roxie was a little disappointed that he hadn't mentioned anything about her birthday. She let out a sigh and wiggled out of his arms and walked into the kitchen to get their breakfast. She heard him sit at the kitchen table. She opened the refrigerator and stood there for a moment. She took a deep breath in order to keep the tears in her eyes from falling. One tear escaped and she quickly wiped it away before taking another deep breath and grabbing the coffee creamer from the refrigerator.

"So was tonight busy?" Roxie asked trying to sound as cheerful as possible as she walked into the dining room. She took a seat and looked to Nick.

"No it was pretty quiet. Glad for that so I could work on some other cases I had open." Nick said before taking a bite of his breakfast. He then looked at Roxie who was starting to eat. He could tell she was upset and he knew why. He hadn't mentioned her birthday, but that was apart of his plan. He knew that she wouldn't be upset once he revealed his surprise to her. "What are your plans for today?" he then asked her.

"Sophia and I have our Mommy and Me music class and then lunch with Barbara." Roxie said before taking a sip of coffee. Nick already knew her plans and had recruited Barbara into helping with the surprise.

"Hope you guys have a good time." Nick said giving Roxie a smile. Roxie just wanted him to acknowledge what today was. She didn't care about getting any gifts, she just wanted him to say two words and that was it.

After breakfast Nick went to do what he always did and took a shower before going to bed. Roxie sipped her coffee while waiting for Sophia who woke up around her normal time. After Mommy & Me Music Class Roxie and Sophia headed to the home of the Russell family for lunch with Barbara. As soon as Barbara opened the door she gave Roxie a huge hug.

"Happy Birthday!" Barbara said happy.

"Thank you. At least you acknowledged it." Roxie said as she walked into the house holding Sophia who was wiggling around in her arms.

"Let me take her." Barbara said as she took Sophia from Roxie's arms. Sophia has a big smile on her face. "Has Nick not said anything about it?"

"No. We had breakfast together and not one word about my birthday. I don't know. I feel like we take two steps forward and then take a step back. Some days I'm so happy and I am so happy we are continuing to fight and then other days I'm just done. I know it's only my birthday and I shouldn't be this upset over him not telling me Happy Birthday, but it hurts and I hate that he doesn't see it hurts." Roxie explained as she sat on the couch.

"Aww Roxie. I'm sorry you guys are going through so much. It can be hard and I know it, but I think you guys have a chance. Just keep fighting for it." Barbara said giving Roxie a weak smile.

"It's just so…hard." Roxie choked out as she started to cry.

"Oh Roxie it's going to be just fine. I know it." Barbara said as she bounced Sophia on her lap and rubbed Roxie's back. Roxie wiped her tears away.

"I'm sorry to come over here and be all emotional." Roxie said before taking a breath.

"It's ok. You are always welcome over to talk about what's bothering you." Barbara said with a smile. Roxie was incredibly grateful to have her adopted family who treated her like she was one of their own children. She didn't quite know what she would do without Barbara and D.B. in her lives. It was hard to go through this without her mom in the picture, but having this family gave her a family.

After lunch Roxie was feeling much better about her day. She'd already thought about what she was going to cook for dinner. Today was just going to be a normal day. She was going to live it like everyday even though it was a special day to her. Roxie sat finishing her cup of tea with Barbara when there was a knock on the door. Barbara went to answer the door and came back with a box. She sat it down in front of Roxie.

"What's this?" Roxie asked.

"It's for you." Barbara simply said.

"Umm ok." Roxie said as she took the lid off the box. Inside there was a bunch of tissue paper. She pulled out the paper and there was simply a card.

Happy Birthday Rainbow!

I know you must feel like I didn't remember, but believe me I remembered. Barbara has already agreed to keep Sophia for the night and a bag of Sophia's things is already there. There is a 3 o'clock appointment set for you at your favorite salon. When you leave go home and another gift waits for you there.

Always,

Nick

Roxie instantly had the biggest smile on her face. She hasn't expected this at all. She now felt stupid over her crying earlier in the day. She was so happy that her husband had actually remembered and had seemed to have a plan in motion. Her heart was swelling with so much happiness and love for her husband.

"You knew all along!" Roxie said to Barbara with a look of surprise.

"Yes I knew. I felt bad to not saying anything while you were crying, but I knew he had something planned." Barbara said. "So you should get going to your appointment. I've got Sophia and everything she needs."

"Thank you so much!" Roxie said happily.

Roxie hadn't had time to get her hair done in awhile. Nick had already given the salon his credit card information and she could have whatever she wanted done. She knew that he liked her hair with red ends so she decided to have it dyed red at the end. She looked in the mirror when her hair was finished and it was like she was a new person. One surprise she didn't know about at the salon was that Nick even paid to have her make-up done. Leaving the salon she felt beautiful. She couldn't remember feeling this beautiful besides on her wedding day. Getting home as promised another gift box was waiting on the bed. She opened the box and this time the card was sitting on top of the tissue paper.

I bet you look beautiful my Rainbow. Inside this box I have something for you to wear. Put it on and at 7 a limo will be arriving to bring you to me. I cannot wait to see you.

Love,

Nick

Roxie put her hands over her mouth. She couldn't believe he'd gone through all of this trouble. This was turning from the worst to the best birthday. Her heart was pounding with excitement and nervousness about what else awaited. She pulled up the tissue paper and under it was a dress. She pulled the dress from the box. It was perfect. It was a black lace overlaid fit and flare dress with lace red roses all over the dress. She loved it. Also in the box was what looked to be an expensive bra and panty set that was all made of black lace. Roxie quickly went into the bathroom to freshen up and get dressed. She paired the dress with a pair of red heels that she hadn't worn it what felt like ages. She hadn't dressed up in anyway in ages and it felt good to do so. At 7 exactly there was a knock at the door. Roxie looked outside to see a white stretch limo. She grabbed her purse and opened the door to the limo driver.

"Hello ma'am are you ready?" the driver asked.

"Yes I am." Roxie said. She closed the front door behind her and followed the driver to the limo.

The backdoor was opened for her and she slid inside of car that she expected to be empty, but instead there was a dozen roses waiting for her. She smiled as she picked them up and smelled them. She looked out of the window as she rode. It was such a beautiful night already. Turning onto the strip she was now intrigued to where she was going. The limo then pulled up to The Bellagio and her mind instantly went back to her first date with Nick. Her heart was pounding with reverence and excitement. As the limo pulled up she saw Nick waiting. He looked handsome in a black suit and black shirt with a red tie. Roxie wanted to jump out as soon as the car stopped. She wanted to jump into his arms, but she waited patiently. Nick opened the back door and Roxie smiled up at him.

"Happy Birthday." He said simply as he gave her his hand. Roxie took his hand and allowed him to help her from the car. He pulled her to him tightly.

"I can't believe you've done all this." Roxie said at once throwing her arms around him. "Thank you so much." She said trying to keep tears from falling and ruining her make-up.

"There's more." He whispered in her ear.

Walking hand in hand Roxie realized that they were heading to the restaurant they ate at during their first date. Her heart just continued to swell as they walked together. They'd promised one another to get back to who they used to be and with a dinner here they were going right back to the beginning of the two of them. Right back to where it all started. Roxie felt his hand squeeze hers.

"Thank you for this." She said simply.

Eating dinner Roxie glanced out of the window at the fountains. She smiled as she thought about her mom and thought about how she knew her mom was looking down on her. She felt Nick's hand tough hers and she looked at him as a single tear fell from her eye. She quickly wiped it away.

"Don't cry." He said to her.

"I'm fine. They are happy tears." Roxie said with a smile. "I really can't believe you did this. I was crying to Barbara about how you forgot my birthday and you did all of this."

"I could tell you were upset with me this morning. It was so hard to keep it a secret and not ruin it. I wanted you to be surprised." He said as he continued to hold her hand and run his thumb over the top of her hand.

"I am surprised. It is not to go out without Sophia and to actually talk to you. My husband." Roxie said sweetly.

"If you are ready to go there is more." Nick then said giving Roxie a smile.

"More?" Roxie asked. She couldn't believe that there could be more. Everything had already been so amazing.

Nick stood and offered Roxie his hand. She took it and he pulled her to her feet. The two of them walked hand in hand out of the restaurant. Nick led her to the hotel tower and the elevators. While waiting for the elevator he pulled Roxie in close and placed his hands on her hips. He then placed a kiss on her lips. Roxie could feel the eagerness in that single kiss. She parted her lips allowing his tongue in her mouth. Just then the elevator opened. Nick pulled her inside with him. They were totally alone as the doors closed. He pressed her back against the back wall of the elevator as he kissed her intensely. Roxie moaned in his mouth as she felt his hand under her dress and sliding up her leg. As he reached her lace panties the doors of the elevator opened. He quickly grabbed her by the hand and pulled her with him down a hall until they reached the door of a room. He produced a card key and unlocked the door allowing Roxie to walk in after him.

Roxie could already see the lights of the strip lighting up the room. She looked outside to the perfect view of the strip from the room. She turned to him. He'd already removed his suit jacket and had pulled his shirt from being tucked in his pants. He was working at loosening his tie when he approached Roxie. She bit her lip in anticipation and grabbed at his tie pulling him closer to her. He instantly pulled her close and slipped his hands behind her unzipping her dress. He moved her arms around of the dress and allowed it to fall to the ground. She stood there in her heels and the black lacy underwear set he'd bought for her.

"You look amazing." He said to her as she stepped out of the dress.

"I'm alright I guess. Still a little bit to lose after having Sophia." Roxie said as she grabbed at the loose skin that hung around her middle.

"Shh you look perfect." Nick said to her before he pulled her in for another intense kiss. Roxie worked her fingers down the buttons of his shirt until they were all done and then she worked to loosen his belt. "Not just yet."

Nick then pulled away from her. He slid his hands down her body to the elastic band of her lace panties. His fingers slipped under the elastic and he slowly started to pull them down. Roxie inhaled at the air hitting her most private parts. When her panties reached the floor she stepped out of them. At once Nick turned her around and walked her forward. His plated kisses along her neckline.

"I've missed this so much." He whispered in her ear with his lips just brushing against her ear. He then quickly unhooked her bra and slid it from her arms and tossed it to the floor. She stood there completely naked except her red high heels. She could feel his hands moving from her back around to her bare breasts. As soon as his touched them her head flew back. Just having him touch her body was simply too much for her after so long without this type of physical contact.

He slipped his fingers across her nipples. He then turned her back around to face him. Roxie gave him a grin before his lips took hers. Roxie took a step backwards and suddenly her back was against the cold window. She let out a gasp. Nick smiled against her lips before he started to plant kisses down from her lips to her neck and her chest. Roxie leaned against the window for support as his hands slipped between her thighs spreading her legs apart. Roxie then let out a moan as she felt his kisses land at the bottom of her torso. She then felt a finger slip inside of her. Roxie shut her eyes as she let all of the feelings take her body. His tongue then flickered over her most sensitive area. Roxie felt her legs instantly go weak.

"Oh God!" she groaned out feeling his tongue. Roxie felt like she was going to explode in the moment. She gripped at the windowsill for support. Her eyes then opened as she felt his finger and tongue leave where they were. She saw him stand back and just look at her as she stood there still panting. He gave her a grin before coming to her and taking her by the hand and leading her to the bed.

"Lie down." He whispered to her. Roxie nodded with a smile. She lied down on the bed as she watched him remove his tie and his pants. He joined her on the bed and straddled his body above hers. He ran a hand up her inner thigh.

"Please… I want it." Roxie begged as she arched her hips up towards him.

"Whatever you want. It's your birthday." He said giving her a grin. Roxie smiled as she spread her legs. He entered her slowly. Roxie let out a gasp and pulled him close as he began to move in a rhythmic motion. Roxie did what she could to match his movements. She loved the feeling of being connected with him. She'd missed feeling connected to him in this way. It's been so long. She could count on one hand how many times they'd had sex since Sophia was born. She knew she wanted to do this more often. In the moment everything about the moment outweighed the challenges.

"Yes." Roxie moaned out as she started to feel her body getting near that special moment. That moment of unfiltered passion. She used her legs to grip him tighter to her. She was panting out his name over and over until she'd finally felt her body convulse into the moment. "Nick, Nick, Nick!" she screamed out over and over again. Nick then pulled her into a kiss. He'd missed hearing her say his name in that way. There was something about that moment that brought him back to where they used to be. He knew in that moment they were going in the right direction in finding their way back to the people they used to be.

Roxie lied under the luxurious hotel blankets. She felt Nick's hand slowly gliding up and down her bareback. Roxie then looked up at him. He was looking at her and he simply gave her a smile.

"Thank you for everything. I love you so much." Roxie said happily.

"I love you too and you're always welcome. I've missed that." Nick said truthfully.

"Me too." Roxie said. They then lied there silent for another few moments. "I've been thinking…" Roxie then started. "I want to go back to work. Maybe not full time, but I want to work again. I miss it and I think it will be a way for us to spend time together again. I miss being with you more and I want to do it again."

Nick turned to her. He was truthfully happy. One thing he missed was Roxie being around the lab and working with her. Roxie wasn't just a great wife and mother, but she was a fantastic CSI and he knew she was missed by everyone in the lab. "Sounds great. I think it's a great idea."

"I was hoping you'd say so." Roxie said happily before bringing her lips to his. Nick pulled her close. Roxie moved so that she was straddled above him. She gave him an excided grin as she slipped her hands down his chest. She couldn't think of a birthday that had been as amazing as this one. Life seemed to be getting back on track and she couldn't be happier with that.

A/N: I wanted to add a HAPPY THANKSGIVING to everyone. Even though I live in Belgium I am American and my little family celebrates the day. Hope everyone has a great day. I'm thankful for my supportive readers. Remember to leave Reviews for me. I love getting reviews from you guys.