Title: Never Thought That It Would Happen

Disclaimer: I don't own CSI Anthony Zuiker and CBS do.

Author's Note: The sixth chapter! Ok so far we know of Finn is that she is from Philadelphia but not much else is said about her family so I making up what Finn's family might be like.

Beta'd by: TotalCSIfan

Genre: Friendship/Romance

Rating: T

Chapter 6: Meeting Finn's Family and Sightseeing

Following an uneventful three hour flight from Dallas to Philadelphia they took the cab to their hotel to check in.

Since they had some time on their hands as they weren't due to meet Finn's family until five in the afternoon they grabbed a bite to eat went and did a selective walking tour of the Constitutional Walking Tour. Three particular places they went to first was the Betsy Ross House, seeing the Liberty Bell (and getting their picture taken there) and the last place was the most significant, the Franklin Institute. Here as they both did the self-guided tour at the Franklin Institute there was one thing Finn could not help but say—or whisper rather, "You know if it hadn't been for Mr. Benjamin Franklin's inventions and scientific inquires we probably wouldn't be working at a crime lab and we would be working elsewhere and I would not have such great co-workers and my life would be missing a handsome, strong and humble guy like you in my life."

Nick looked at his sweetheart and leaned in and gave her a short kiss and said, "That is one thing I will always be thankful for no matter what."

Towards the end of the tour Finn got a call from her father asking to come over. That was when Finn realized it was 4:00 pm so they stopped by a grocery store so Finn and Nick could pick up a few items and then they were on their way to Finn's dad's house. When the cab pulled up and Finn had paid the cab driver and they had exited Nick saw the house and could tell it gave off a homely feel; with food and gifts (two flower bouquets, and a few souvenirs from Dallas that he picked up a few days earlier) in hand they walked up the driveway. However, no sooner were they on the porch and Finn had rang the doorbell Nick was beginning to feel a little nervous and Finn sensed it. Wrapping her arm around Nick she whispered in a soothing voice, "Nick baby don't be so nervous, my family is going to love you."

Taking a deep breathe Nick replied, "I hope so I remember you said how they didn't like your first two husbands and how your dad gave you a hard time about the guys you had dated."

Smiling reassuringly Finn placed her free hand on his clean shaven face and said, "Ok they didn't like them because they acted either awkwardly or were too overconfident, you are the complete opposite and have been a complete gentleman."

Finn drew Nick in and kissed him which briefly becomes hot kisses and they lose themselves a little to a point she didn't hear the door open. Evan Finlay a man in his mid-sixties and an honorable DA in his own right had a cherry disposition despite the tough life smiled when he saw his daughter and the guy she was with. Despite being the loving father he is he thought it would be fun to interrupt. He clears his throat which caused Finn and Nick to stop kissing and jump apart. With sheepish looks on their faces like teens getting caught doing something they shouldn't Finn gave her dad a hug and her dad spoke, "Jules you are here."

Finn smiled—her father was the only one person who she allowed to call her by that particular nickname. Coming apart Finn motioned Nick over and made the introductions, "Dad I would like you to meet my boyfriend Nicholas Stokes. Nick this is my dad, Evan Finlay, parent extraordinaire"

Try as he may Evan found it hard to dislike her first-born daughter's beloved. Putting out his hand he said, "So you are the young man from Texas who has captured my daughter's heart."

Nerves quickly disappearing Nick saw the similarities between Finn and her father. Nick smiled his trademark smile, took Evan's hand and replied, "Yes sir, it's nice to meet you Mr. Finlay."

With a smile on his face, he said, "Please call me Evan. Come in."

The instant that Nick and Finn had stepped in the house and had given the bottle of wine he had bought, when they heard two kid's shout out, "Auntie Finn! Auntie Finn you're here!"

Nick saw the smile on Finn's face grow as he offered to take the gifts she had in his hand and she then knelt down and caught the two elementary aged kids who came running towards her. She caught both of them and hugged them tightly; Nick smiled when he saw Finn hug her niece and nephew. From what he remembered her telling him LaDonna Finlay was her sister Madison's daughter and Matthew Finlay Jr. was her brother, Matthew Sr.'s son.

"It has been a long time since I last saw you let me get a good at you—you two certainly have grown again."

She hugged them again and when the kids made eye contact with Nick Finn quickly jumped into introduction mode a second time. "LaDonna and Matty did you hear from Grandpa that I was going to be bringing a guest over?"

The two kids nodded, and Finn continued, "Well I would like to meet Nick he is going to be having dinner with us is that okay?"

Both eight year old LaDonna and nine year old Matthew Jr. nodded their heads enthusiastically after seeing a big gentle smile on Nick's face and both Finn and Evan could tell that the kids had taken an immediate liking to Nick. A short time later Nick was introduced to Finn's younger siblings Madison and Matthew and Matthew's wife Andrea.

During dinner Finn's family got to know Nick better, where he worked and where he was originally from and about his family; when they heard he was the youngest of seven kids and had twelve nieces and nephews they were a bit surprised but now they knew why LaDonna and Matthew Jr. liked Nick from the get-go. There were light questions like does he like to go dancing and who his favorite author is and what was the most adventurous thing he did which surprised Finn to learn something new about her guy especially when she heard it was paragliding for the thrill—true she was an athlete but she hadn't given a thought to doing what Nick did.

Once dinner concluded Nick and Mathew Sr. went to the living to talk more and to entertain the kids (which was really Matthew wanting to see how well Nick interacted with the kids) and Finn was chatting with Madison and Andrea and whilst washing the dishes and putting them away Andrea was the first to ask, "So Finn what are the two best things that Nick has given you?"

Not even thinking about Finn gave her answers, "On our first date he won me a stuffed dog at an arcade which I named after him. Then there is this that he gave me."

Wiping the water and soap off her hands she pushed her sleeve up and showed them the white gold tennis bracelet which led both Madison and Andrea's jaws to drop and Madison said, "No way! When did he give you the bracelet?"

With a knowing smirk on her face she told them. As the woman chatted a bit more whilst finishing the dishes Nick and Matthew Sr. were in the living room chatting and after Evan took over playing with the kids Matthew Sr. found out a little more about Nick's family and where they are when Matthew asked about a matter that is vital to all relationships. Looking her sister's boyfriend in the eye and inquired, "Nick I want you tell me what it is that drew you to my eldest sister."

With a strong air of sureness Nick gives his answer, "Well Matthew, her beauty both inside and out, her confidence, resourcefulness and drive to get answers to solve the cases we have to solve. Then there is her compassion for the victims who have been affected."

Matthew saw complete sincerity in Nick and felt the answer that he was given was genuine and unlike his sister's two ex-husbands Nick really did love Finn.

Giving Nick a gentle pat on the shoulder Matthew Sr. said, "I am going to give my unofficial approval and welcome you to the family Nick. Now you can call me Matt."

Nick smiled and said, "Thank you Matt your approval means a lot to me."

Soon the women had joined the men in the living room and as they watched Nick and Matthew Sr. play with Matthew Jr. and LaDonna, Madison Finlay leaned in and said, "Wow look at you sis, you are glowing and in love you did a great job this time you haven't said how you managed to snag a hot guy like him."

Finn smiled and proudly replied, "Well Maddie I did mention over the phone a few months ago that we work the same shift at the Vegas crime lab."

Maddie nodded and Finn continued, "He was there for me when my ex-boyfriend broke up with me. We became even closer and before we knew it we had become a couple."

Madison sighed; her sister had indeed gotten lucky and maybe if they got married the third would be the charm for her older sis. If only she was this lucky; she and her ex-fiancé Kyle McCoy (the guy who fathered LaDonna) were doing well that was until she had gotten pregnant and Kyle became cold and distant. Kyle made Madison chose between him or the unborn child, Madison chose the baby and like that their relationship was over and before long he had signed his parental rights away. Now she had found out that he was serving a life term for the attempted murder of a cop.

Shaking her head of the thought she, Finn and Andrea continued chatting until they saw Evan come by and asked to speak with Nick and Nick agreed and when Nick and Finn met gazes she offered a smiled and mouthed 'good luck'.

Soon they were in the basement that had been converted to a family room. No sooner had they sat down on the couch Evan didn't waste time and asked the tough questions, "Nick, what are your intentions for Jules and tell me how are you different from all the other men she has been with including her two ex-husbands?"

Nick smiled he knew this would be easy and answered, "Well sir I have nothing but good intentions for Julie for the time we have been together I have never pressured her into anything. As for the ex-husbands all I know is that her two ex's were animals and I am not because of the manners my parents instilled in me early on—I always treat a lady with respect, I am loyal, I am a man of my word, I never curse, or talk with my mouth full, and wait until the lady has been served before I eat."

Taking a deep breath he then asked, "Sir I love your daughter very much, more than I could of ever imagined and I would like to ask you for your permission and blessing to ask Julie to marry me."

Evan smiled; he knew from the moment his daughter had introduced Nick that she didn't need to search anymore. Evan put out his hand and said, "You are a real gentleman and there are very few left. You have not only my permission but the family's blessing, welcome to the family son."

His smile grew broader, he now had the official approval from the father. He shook hands with his soon-to-be father-in-law He put out his hand and said, "Thank you sir, I mean Evan."

Evan smiled, he loved his eldest daughter and hoped she wouldn't mess this one up.

Evan and Nick continued talking, this time about sports until Finn made her appearance. She placed her hand on Nick's shoulder and gave him a kiss on the cheek before asking, "I hope you didn't try to scare Nick dad."

Evan smiled and replied, "Don't worry Jules I didn't but I do need to talk to you."

Finn nodded and whispered, "Nick I think you might want to head to the living room, LaDonna and Matty are asking for Uncle Nicky."

Before Nick left Finn whispered, "I promise to spend time with you later."

Nick nodded before he left the family room. Soon it was father and daughter, Finn and Evan began talking, "What was it about him that caught your eye?"

Finn looked at her dad earnestly and with a big grin on her glowing face Finn replied, "That he is a solid and standup guy and stands up for what he believes in, he is always humble even when receiving compliments, courageous and most importantly he is not like most other guys who let his ego get the best of him."

Finn also added, "Daddy I am absolutely convinced this time I am done. I am certain Nick is the one for me."

Evan said, "I agree with you more Jules he complements who you are. I am so happy that you found the one for you, come here sweetie."

Evan pulled Finn into a hug, he was really proud of her after all that has happened he has raised her well.

-x-

Another hour of conversations and playing had passed before Finn and Nick bid the family good night and it took both Finn and Nick a little whilst longer to say goodbye to LaDonna and Matty. Matt then gave Finn and Nick a ride back to their hotel. After they got in their room and had gotten ready for bed, Nick pulled her onto the bed and began kissing her and it didn't take her long to respond by encircling her arms around his strong neck. When they came apart for air and she was lying on top of him Nick said in a low voice, "I have been waiting to kiss you all night."

Finn relished the sensation she was feeling being in the arms of the man she loved. Running her hands through his smooth hair she answered, "Well you have all night to kiss me cowboy."

Nick didn't need to be asked twice. He tiled his head and when their lips touched there was no stopping them. For the rest of the night they continued at a bruising pace enjoying their alone time.

-x-

Nick and Finn got up before the sun came up and after they got their hot breakfast they were off. Finn had booked a hot air balloon ride where they would watch the sun come up and see the city from above and the view they saw was absolutely incredible. Their next stop was to go rock climbing. After getting a good workout they headed back to the city and went to the Terminal Reading Market, Philadelphia's leading Farmer's Market where they visited the various stands, bought gifts and then ordered food, Finn treated Nick to the best Philly cheese steak Philadelphia had to offer (now Nick knew why she had them go rock climbing). As they were chatting and enjoying lunch feeding each other when Julie heard a familiar female voice call out, "La Signorina Julie?" Ms. Julie?

With a big smile on her face Finn whipped around and got up and went and hugged the elderly woman. Finn then responded in Italian (surprising Nick in the process), "Mamma Donatella così bello vederti di nuovo ed è stato troppo a lungo!" Mama Donatella it is so good to see you again and it has been too long!

Hugging the young woman she had come to see as her daughter Donatella replied, "E 'bello vedere che tesoro! Sì E 'stato davvero troppo lungo!" It's nice to see you sweetheart! Yes It was really too long!

Donatella Maria-Louisa Violetta De Palma was an elderly woman in her mid-seventies and had no children of her own but took to looking after Finn and her siblings after their mother had deserted the family. She helped make sure the kids didn't get too out of hand and had taught them how to cook, however Finn was the only person Donatella has given her secret lasagna recipe to. When the elderly woman had made eye contact with Nick Donatella asked, "Signorina Julie chi è questo bel giovanotto?" Ms. Juliewho is this handsome young man?

Turning back and leading Donatella by the hand to where Nick was sitting Finn said, "Mamma Donatella questo signore è bello il mio ragazzo Nicholas Parker Stokes." Mama Donatella this gentleman is my beautiful boyfriend Nicholas Parker Stokes.

For the most part Donatella did not like any of the guys Finn had dated or been in relationships with, nor did she like neither one of Julie's ex-husbands, but Donatella could tell that this young man was special and had qualities that a man should have.

Switching back to English Finn said, "Nick I would like you to meet someone who besides my dad was a stabilizing influence in my life, Donatella Maria-Louisa Violetta De Palma, she is the one who taught me to cook and taught me to make the lasagna I made for you a few months ago.

Aside from Spanish Nick knew a little conversational Italian that he had studied for a semester in college at Texas A&M. Nick thought now that it was a good time to surprise Finn by speaking the language.

Nick stood up and clearing his throat he said, "E 'un piacere conoscerla signora, ho sentito un sacco di grandi cose su di te e voglio ringraziarvi per aver cura di Julie quando lei stava crescendo." It's nice to meet you ma'am, I have heard a lot of great things about you and I want to thank you for taking good care of Julie when she was growing up.

Both Finn and Donatella were both thoroughly surprised when they heard Nick speak in nearly perfect Italian. Donatella turned to Finn and said, "Questo signore è un custode non mai lasciarlo andare." This gentleman is a keeper don't ever let him go.

Finn was so happy that she got approval from the one mother figure she had in her life. The three of them continued to chat for a while and promising to keep in touch they went their separate directions and Nick and Finn were on their way to the Valley Forge National Historical Park where they walked around learning about the beginning of the nation's history; they had learned about it when from elementary to high school and it made it more real when they experienced it in real life.

After a slow ninety minute walk Finn took Nick to the see the Philadelphia Phillies play at home. When the game ended there was still light out and Finn with her arms around her sweetheart asked, "So Nick are you tired or do you want to keep going?"

Nick was having way too much fun to stop now. After wrapping his arms around Finn and hugging her close to him he said, "I am not tired yet I was thinking maybe we could go bowling?"

One eye raised Finn said, "Ok if that is what you want I know the place to take you bowling and you already know I am good at softball and tennis so be forewarned I am also good at bowling so be prepared to lose."

Finn got out of Nick's hug and walked slightly out of his reach and a little bit ahead of him. Nick briefly saw that butt wiggle and with a smirk on his face he quickly ran up to her and wrapped his arms around her and picked up her and swung her around before putting her on solid ground. Before heading off Nick said to her, "I am pretty good myself and actually beat my team when we went bowling after our shift several years ago so be careful what you say."

From there they went off to the nearest bowling alley.

-x-

Several hours later they were back at their hotel a little buzzed and laughing hard; they had never had so much in their lives and although it was hard for Finn she had admitted that Nick was good at bowling. Once they were lying on the bed and resting for a little while, Finn turned to Nick, putting her hand on his youthful face she said in a low voice, "The last few days have been so much fun and spending it with you I couldn't have asked for anything better I love you so much Nick."

Nick closed in and gave her a gratifying kiss and when they parted lips Finn said, "You know I never thought you could speak Italian and I find that so sexy.

Absorbed in her light brown eyes Nick slipped into his Italian lover mode and said, "E 'cosi' il mio tesoro? " Is that so my darling?"

Finn felt her heart beat out of control when she heard him speaking in Italian and Nick continued, "Bene, allora si è assolutamente allettante, bello, di classe, abbagliante, magnifico." Well then you are absolutely alluring, beautiful, classy and dazzling.

Finn couldn't take it anymore and yanked him close to her and began nuzzling the left side of his neck and moved up to nibbling his ear and eventually laid a big wet kiss which became a satisfying make out session. When they parted they were trying to catch their breath and Finn said, "Since this is our last night here in Philadelphia why don't use the Jacuzzi hmm?"

Nick smiled and as Finn got up to go and get ready he thanked his lucky stars for giving him the blessing of being with her which was one of the best gifts he had ever received.

A/N 2: Thanks for reading the sixth chapter! Reviews are appreciated!