Disclaimer: Once again, I don't own anyone in this story. I don't profit from them either. I'm just a broke college student, tryin' to get by with her addiction to Snickers. If I did own or profit from the characters in this story, many people on TalkCSI would know what I'd do with Nicky. wink Just kiddin'… Hope you enjoy the addiction to Snickers as much as I do!
As they were driving to the park, Nick would steal glances at Sara, thinking about what was about to happen once they got there. He was a giddy as a teenager on their first date. Lordy, how am I going to pull this off? He thought. I bet she already knows I'm going to propose to her. I bet she found the ring already and will say no. Nick noticed he heard Sara's insistent voice.
"Oh, were you saying something, Sar?" Nick said, hoping she wouldn't notice he wasn't paying attention to her at all.
Sara sighed. "Never mind Nicky. I was just wondering something, but we're almost to the park. Don't worry about it."
Sara leaned over and cut on the radio, tuning it to a country station. Nick smiled at his accomplishment. I've turned her into a pseudo-Southern girl already, he thought.
Minutes later, they pulled into the parking lot of the park. They got out of the car, Nick carrying the basket of goodies. They found a shady spot under a beautiful elm tree. Nick and Sara settled down onto of the blanket that Sara had laid out.
"So Nicky, what did you plan for the day?" Sara questioned. She had no clue what was up with that impish grin he seemed to always have on his pretty little face.
"Just a picnic and such. Whatever you wanna do, I guess. I just wanted to spend time with you on our anniversary." Nick blushed.
"Aww, Baby, I really don't deserve this. I would have been content with snuggling up in bed or on the couch all day you know." Sara winked. Nick groaned. "Baby, don't tease. It's not fair."
"Fine, okay. What's for lunch?" Sara grinned, rubbing her hands together.
"Your favorite veggie sandwich from the deli down the street and some sweets. Cookies I picked up from the bakery and such." Nick said, pulling assorted things out of the basket.
They contently sat there, eating and making small talk. Nick was only half listening to Sara. He was trying to figure out when he could propose. This isn't going to work. She'll suspect something if I ask now. I wanted to ask over lunch, but it's too corny now. Nick sighed, not realizing he was pretty loud.
"Well, thanks Nicholas. Didn't realize I was that boring." Sara joked and smiled. She knew Nick was trying having a hard time concentrating. She wasn't even prepared for the reason that Nick was pre-occupied.
"Sorry Sar. I'm just mulling over the fact we've been together for half a year. You realize it took us almost 5 years to even date each other?" Nick chuckled his signature laugh. Dangit, I sure as heck can't do it now, Nick griped in his head.
They polished off their meal and folded up the blanket and threw all their stuff back into the bed of Nick's truck. Sara glanced and realized there were a football and a Frisbee in there. "Nicky, you know I can't throw either one of these, right?" Sara nervously laughed. She didn't want Nick to think she was inept, because she knew football was a big sport to him. She just couldn't throw worth crap.
"Baby, it's fine. Don't worry. We can go rent one of the canoes over there," Nick pointed over to the dock and shed. Sara sighed with relieve. "Thank you Nick."
They quietly walked over to the shed and dock, rented the canoe and carefully got themselves into the canoe. They had been floating around for a few minutes when Nick piped up. "You know I love you Sara, right?" Sara looked quizzically at Nick and said, "Yes Nicky, I do. You know I love you too. So much." Now what brought this on, Sara thought.
Nick smiled and realized this wasn't a great time to propose either. What if he dropped the ring in the water? What then? He sighed and then got an idea. Once again, that little impish grin crossed his face. Sara noticed that his expression had changed and realized that he was up to something. "Nicholas, no. You better not as heck tip this thing…" Sara said noticing he was slowly swaying the canoe. "Nicky NO!" Sara squealed.
Just as soon as the words left Sara's mouth, the canoe rocked one last time and tipped. Nick was the first to come up for air and realized what he had done. He quickly felt his pocket to make sure the ring was still in his left pocket. He sighed with relief, but just as he did, Sara dunked him. She started laughing and when Nick came back up for air, he screamed, "You little sneak! I didn't even notice you were behind me." They both chuckled and swam towards the canoe. Nick and Sara slowly swam the canoe back to shore.
Once they had walked back to the truck and dried off with the blanket, they sat down on a bench. Nick had his right arm lazily slung over Sara's shoulder. He looked over at her and said quietly, "Thank you for coming out here with me. And for not getting too mad at me for getting you soaked." Sara grinned.
"It's fine, Honey. It was fun." Sara replied smiled that priceless gap-toothed grin.
They quietly sat there beside each other. It was one of those comfortable silences that you could only have with a best friend or soul mate. Nick sighed. I guess it's now or nothing.
"Sara, I needa ask you something…" Nick trailed off, hoping she wouldn't catch on. "Yes Nick?" Sara questioned.
"Um, when we get back to the apartment, do you wanna just order in some Mexican or Chinese instead of going out to dinner?" Nick quickly said. Damn, what is wrong with me? Just ask her, man.
"Yeah, sure. Mexican okay? We had Chinese two nights ago." Sara said, slowly rubbing her thumb on the back of Nick's strong hand. What is up with him today? He's being extra weird.
Sara slowly leaned her head down on Nick's right shoulder and started to tenderly run her hand on his knee. Nick smiled, looking down at her wet curly hair. How did I end up so lucky, he thought. He leaned down and kissed the top of her head.
"Marry me, Sar." Nick quietly drawled in his thick Southern accent.
Once again, that button down there that says review…I'd greatly appreciate it. Hope y'all like. I've got some details runnin' around in my head about Chapter 3. Have a nice day!