A New Addition
Pairing: Nick and Sara
Now that Sara is already two months pregnant, she is looking more forward to meeting the person growing inside her. Nick takes her out to one of their favorite restaurants for dinner and show.
Disclaimer: I don't own Nick, Sara or any other CSI character. I do own Nick and Sara's families and any other non-CSI character.
Looking Ahead and a Lovely Dinner
"Is that my t-shirt you are wearing?" Nick asked Sara. "You know it is a little big on you!"
"Nick, I am putting on some baby weight," Sara calmly justified. "My clothes are getting tighter on me. I am not ready to wear maternity clothes. I don't look pregnant enough to wear them."
"I'll take you to the mall tomorrow so you buy some larger clothes," Nick said. "You would force me to wear the same thing at least twice. I definitely don't want to be reminded of Nigel Crane making my dry cleaning disappear."
"Nicky, I am sorry for bringing up that memory," Sara said.
"No, it's not your fault," Nick said. "I take comfort that when you borrow one of my t-shirts, you have the decency to return them."
"Thanks, but I am your wife," Sara said. "You know that if I borrow your clothing, you always get them back."
Nick just smiled and pulled her into an embrace. He kissed her on the cheek, lips and bent down to kiss her stomach for the baby. Sara couldn't help but chuckle as he gently released her from his embrace.
"Sara, what's so funny?" Nick asked.
"You bought a New England Patriots t-shirt?" Sara said looking at the shirt she was wearing. "I thought you were a diehard Dallas Cowboys fan!"
"I still am," Nick smiled. "But I learned to like the San Francisco 49-ers and the New England Patriots since you lived in those two places. Besides, the Dallas Cowboys didn't go to the Superbowl and got their asses kicked by the Patriots, it was the Philadelphia Eagles. I really didn't have much of a choice"
Sara never thought she would see the day that her Dallas born and bred husband would admit to liking any team that was outside of Texas. It made her laugh. She knew that his brother Tom married a woman from New York City and that caused tension in the household when the famous Giants-Cowboys rivalry occurs. However, Nick never had a problem rooting for Patriots and 49-ers as long as they didn't play against the Cowboys.
"Sara, I want our children to grow up liking the Dallas, New England and Northern California sports teams," Nick said. "I don't care if we have all girls, all boys or a variety of each. They will love our teams."
"Nick, we don't know if Tadpole will be a girl or a boy," Sara said. "Also, we aren't sure if she or he will be a sports fan."
"Fine, I'll wait," Nick frowned.
"Speaking of waiting," Sara said calmly. "I can't wait until I finally meet this person growing inside me that we made."
"I know," Nick said. "We have seven more months until we meet our daughter or son. I have always been excited about meeting a new niece or nephew whenever my sisters or Audrey became pregnant. However, when it is your own child, that excitement is more intense."
Sara smiled. She had been pregnant for two months and already she and Nick were anxious to meet the new member of their family. That new member is growing inside her womb.
"Sara, we have the night off and I wanted to do something special," Nick said. "I want to take you out to dinner and we can see a show."
"What's the occasion?" Sara said. "We have done the same thing for your 33rd and mine last year. Your 34th birthday isn't until August and mine's not until September. Our wedding anniversary is in May. I do remember that your parents' 50th anniversary is coming in July, but that will be in Dallas."
"No real reason," Nick smiled. "I just want to show my pregnant wife a good time and to spoil her rotten."
"Nick, you are really too much," Sara chuckled. "I appreciate it!"
"Hey, I still spoil you even if you weren't pregnant," Nick said with heavy sweetness.
"I know you do," Sara said with the same tone.
"I love you, Sara," Nick said. "Daddy loves you, Tadpole!"
"We love you, too, Nicky," Sara said.
"I made our dinner reservations for 7:30," Nick said. "I think we should get ready to go now."
"We have like about 3 hours to prepare for the evening," Sara said. "Can't we relax for another half-hour?"
"Before we go to dinner," Nick said. "We are going to watch the water show at the Bellagio."
"I thought we were going to a show after dinner," Sara said.
"We are," Nick said. "I just want to treat you to one of the most beautiful sites in Las Vegas."
"Oh, so I am being treated to dinner and two shows," Sara said.
"Exactly!" Nick said. "We are having a night of wonder and excitement!"
"First, we'll see natural beauty," Sara said. "Then, we eat and finally we will be amused."
"That's the point, Sara," Nick smiled. "We need to do more fun things while we are still a couple. Once that baby is born, we'll rarely have moments to do things as a couple. I don't mean this in a bad way, I am looking forward to becoming a father."
"Nick, I understand completely what you mean," Sara said with a soft grin. "I am looking forward to becoming a mother. We need these moments before our family grows."
After she said that, Nick pulled her into an embrace and they kissed. They held each other for a few minutes before they gently released each other. Since the restaurant required guests dress up, Nick put on a blue dress shirt and a navy blue suit. Sara found a nice dress that still fits her. They put on their shoes. A few moments later, they were out the door and into the Tahoe.
Nick found a parking spot that was near the Bellagio. He and Sara got out of the car and started walking to the fountains. Once they got a decent view of the fountains, they watched with awe. The water spouted out and dancing to the music that was being played. Nick and Sara were like kids in a candy store watching the beautiful water show. Sara was born and raised in the San Francisco area and Nick in Dallas have never been exposed to such wonder while growing up. They have each seen it at least once when they came to Vegas.
"Nick, I want our child to see this," Sara said. "It should be the one of the first things that she or he ought to see."
"She or he will see it," Nick smiled. "I would love to see the awe in our child's eyes when the water does its dance. Whenever we come here it is a more amazing thing to see."
"If we think that it's amazing," Sara said. "Imagine the impact for a child when he or she watches it."
Nick took out a small camera and took some photos of the splendor in the fountains. He took a few of Sara posing in front of the fountain. Sara took a few of Nick doing just about the same thing. They both wanted a photo of themselves posing together, but they couldn't find anyone who would take their picture. Next time, they would drag Warrick or Greg with them so the couple could have a photo together.
Nick looked at his watch and saw that it was time to start heading to the restaurant. He took Sara by the hand and they were on their way there. When they arrived at the restaurant, they were greeted by the maitre'd.
"We have reservations for 2 at 7:30," Nick said. "The name is Stokes."
"Monsieur and Madame, if you would follow me," the maitre'd said after he grabbed two menus.
They were seated and immediately a basket of warm bread and a dish of piped out butter was served. Their server gave poured water into their glasses and took their drink orders. They ordered a liter of San Pellegrino with lemon and lime wedges. Nick and Sara agreed to share an appetizer and a large baby green salad. She ordered crepes filled with roasted vegetables and mozzarella topped with a light cream sauce served with sautéed vegetables. Nick ordered a filet mignon served with sautéed vegetables and rice pilaf.
The appetizer of stuffed mushrooms with feta cheese, minced Portobello mushrooms, onions and breadcrumbs. There were four pieces on the plate, so Nick and Sara had two each. They were eating the appetizer and enjoying every bite. They have eaten at this restaurant a few times before, but always had the bruschetta with smoked mozzarella. Out of the blue, they decided to order something different. Maybe it was little Tadpole, growing inside of Sara, that indirectly influenced her or his parents' decision.
"Next time we come here," Sara said. "We definitely have order this as an appetizer. This is awesome!"
"I love this better than the bruschetta," Nick said. "I like our usual, but it gets old for a while. You know what I am thinking we should try the next time."
"What is it?" Sara asked with a smile.
"That pumpkin ravioli appetizer with sage butter sauce," Nick replied. "One waiter recommended it to us a few weeks ago and we didn't take advantage of it. Next month, we should order it."
"You read my mind," Sara said.
Nick could only smile and lightly chuckle. He extended his hand and placed it on hers. They were both unaware of their server taking away the plates they already set aside to be taken away. A few moments later, the salad arrived. Nick served himself less than half of it and Sara got the rest. They ate the salad in silence, giving them some time to reflect on various things. Their main course arrived a few minutes after they finished their salad. While they were eating the entrees, they were joking, laughing and talking about their holiday vacation in Dallas and Grissom's reaction to the photos of the insects at the Dallas Museum of Natural History. Tonight's dinner almost felt like their first date, it was dinner and a movie. When they finished with entrees, they ordered herbal tea instead of coffee. They were given two dessert menus and immediately scanned the choices.
"I know what I want," Nick smiled. "It is my favorite dessert in the world, tiramisu."
"I am debating whether to have chocolate mousse or the flourless chocolate hazelnut cake," Sara said. "I think that cake sounds more appealing."
Moments after the dessert order placed, Nick and Sara's desserts, along with the tea, were brought to the table. Before Sara could even take a bite of her cake, Nick took a small piece to try. She took a tiny bit of his tiramisu in fairness. There was more conversation between bites and sips. Nick asked for the check when they finished and paid it with his credit card. He left a generous tip in cash.
Fifteen minutes later, they were at the theater. Nick gave the handler the tickets who ripped them in half and gave Nick the stubs. An usher led the couple to the seats indicated on the tickets. Sara opened her mouth when she saw where she and Nick were sitting. The surprised look didn't go unnoticed by Nick.
"I managed to get front row seats," he said. "Sara, close your mouth before a fly gets in and Grissom wouldn't like that."
"Nick, can we not talk about Grissom for the rest of the night," Sara said. "Oh, thank you for the evening. The front row seating is an extra special touch."
"Sara, you are my wife," Nick beamed. "You are carrying our child. Besides, I told you that I love spoiling you pregnant or not. Let me make you feel special!"
Looking at him, Sara couldn't resist that smile he shows her.
They were seated and the show began. It was similar to Cirque du Soleil, but with more acrobatics and contortionists. The audience enjoyed every moment of the show, especially Nick and Sara. At one point during the show, one clown picked Nick and Sara to be part of one scene to act like they were filming a love scene with the clown posing as the director. The audience just ate it up. When that moment was over, the couple took a bow and returned to their seats. After the show ended, there was applause and standing ovations.
An hour later, Nick and Sara were sitting at their living room watching the Discovery Channel. Sara rested her head on Nick's shoulder. He had his arm snaked around her waist. He kissed her on the forehead.
"Did you have a great time?" Nick asked.
"It was one the best nights ever," Sara smiled. "Nicholas Anthony Stokes, were you behind that selection by that clown?"
"Sara, I swear that was unplanned," Nick said. "Everything else about this evening was planned."
"Nicky, I believe you," Sara said planting a kiss on his cheek. "It was a perfect evening."
"I am glad you think that way," Nick said. "I had a wonderful time, too! Hey, where are you going?"
"We have to check the voice mail for messages," Sara said.
"Go right ahead," Nick said.
Sara played the machine and there was only one message with a familiar voice.
"Sara, this is your mom," the recording said. "I wanted to apologize to you and Nick for my comments. I was out of line. Please call me back when you can. I love you both and my unborn grandchild."
"Let's deal with her tomorrow," Nick said with a wink.
Sara deleted the message and sighed heavily. She and Nick went back to the couch and resume their previous position. They embraced and kissed without paying attention to what was on the Discovery Channel.
TBC