Chapter 3: Movie Night

Nick would do little things to show Mattie he was thinking about her. Every week he would send a rose to her in the form of a card, text, email, or a rose in person. Sometimes it was delivered. It was always when she least expected it. The message was usually the same. 'Thinking of you, my Irish Rose' When she received it, she would always text back a heart.

One night in the bathroom before bed, Lee was brushing his teeth and Amanda suggested to him that Nick should be invited to their family movie night.

"That's a good idea. We can get to know him better. By the way, is it Nick who is sending the single roses to Mattie?"

Amanda answered as she was removing her makeup. "Lee, who do you think? Mattie is only seeing Nick."

"He sure has it bad for her…Just like I have it bad for her mother." Lee bent down and traced his finger over Amanda's lips.

"Hmm", She kissed his finger. "I'm not surprised. And I think it's the same with her. She told me he kissed her a few weeks ago when they went to Karaoke and said it felt like a current of electricity going through her body." Amanda began to ramble. "Usually, she doesn't tell me about any of her boyfriends unless it's serious. She usually confides in JJ." Amanda returned to her original thought. "It sounds like when we first kissed in the window. Remember when you went undercover as a football player Sandy Newcomb?" Amanda brushed her fingers leisurely through Lee's hair.

Lee got a silly grin on his face when Amanda mentioned that kiss.

"You sure did like it."

"And you didn't, Stetson? It was like a bolt of lightning between us."

"Yeah, something like this?" Lee pulled Amanda up from sitting at her vanity and placed one hand behind Amanda's head and the other on the side of her cheek and passionately kissed her.

When the kiss ended Amanda admitted, "Almost like that…but I think you can do better." she urged flirtatiously.

"Oh, you think so?"

In her most sultry voice, she answered, "I know so."

Lee readily accepted her challenge. He pressed his body against her so her back was against the bathroom wall and attacked her mouth. When they parted for air, Amanda said breathlessly, "That's what I'm talking about! And mark my words - I bet you there will be a wedding next year!"

"That's too soon!" Lee protested, as his lips concentrated on one of Amanda's earlobes while his hands caressed her sensuously.

Amanda thumped his chest. "Says the man who took three years to make a move on me! Ohhh, that feels so good Lee…more right there!" Amanda arched her neck to give Lee better access.

Lee murmured, "My pleasure", as he continued to lavish her body with kisses.

The next movie night, Amanda told Mattie to invite Nick and ask him to bring the movie. As they settled in the TV room they were curious and asked what Nick brought to watch.

Nick replied, "I brought a science fiction movie."

Everyone groaned, and Nick looked startled. "You don't like Sci-Fi?"

They all shook their heads no.

"Oh well, I was raised on it. My dad is a big Trekkie, Babylon 5, and Star Wars fan."

"Never heard of Babylon 5," Lee commented.

"My brothers and sister are named after characters from the three series. It just so happens our last name is the same as the character John Sheridan in Babylon 5."

"Really?" JJ asked.

The rest of the family stared at Nick curiously.

"The family dogs are named Sulu from Star Trek and Londo from Babylon 5. And I have always wanted to name my children Ivanova after the Babylon 5 character and Vorlon after the alien race. That is a deal-breaker for whomever I marry." Nick stated matter of factly.

Mattie and Scott, JJ's husband rolled their eyes as Amanda said, "I think you may have a hard time finding a woman to agree to that."

"I promised my dad," Nick insisted.

The whole family was silent not knowing how to respond to his bizarre revelation. After a long, awkward silence, Nick laughed "I'm only teasing!" He pointed to the whole family. "I got you all!"

Mattie playfully swatted Nick across his chest. "You are terrible. He tells that to everyone!" The rest of the family laughed in relief.

"The real story is my dad, David, who just so happens to have the same first name as John Sheridan's father in Babylon 5, wanted to name my brothers and sister after the characters in Babylon 5, but my mom wouldn't let him. However, she did let him name the dogs after them. It also just so happens my mom's name is Ann, and in the series, John Sheridan's dead wife was named Anna."

"A lot of weird coincidences," commented Lee.

"So what are your brothers' and sisters' names?" asked Amanda.

"I'm the oldest and then there is Adam, Greg, and Patty. All normal names." Smiled Nick.

"Okay, so now we have all recovered from the shock, what is the movie you brought?" Lee inquired.

"It's called In The Beginning. It's a Babylon 5 movie that gives an overview and background of the series. It helps you understand it better. I'm hoping you all will want to watch the TV series on DVD."

JJ reached for the DVD to read the jacket. "Oh, Papa, remember the western movie, The Gambler, and the guy who is Billy Montana? The actor who plays Sheridan, is the same guy, Bruce Boxlitter… No, Box-leit-ner. I always have trouble with saying his name." JJ complained.

When the movie was finished, the only ones still awake were Mattie and Nick.

Mattie apologized. "Sorry, Honey, I don't think my family is going to become Sci-Fi fans. But I liked it." Mattie reached over and gave Nick a peck on the cheek and caressed his cowlick.

TBC