The following morning Nick woke up at around 8am. Zara and Gil were still sleeping. He returned to his bedroom and video called Amanda. She answered on the 2nd ring. Hey baby she said. Everything ok? He smiled and said, even better now that I've seen you. She smiled, Nick we only talked last night, I know but I missed you last night he said, and I missed my peach for breakfast, she blushed, and said well my breakfast was missing it's cream this morning. He moved his phone to his trousers, yeah we're missing you too mi cariño. That's quite a tent she said raising her eyebrows. Well it's been a long time he said quietly. Not long now baby she said. Hmm I can't wait. What's the plans for today then? He took a deep breath in, well I've to speak to them about us and the house, and then I think I'll take them out to the mall for a treat. If they take the news well, I might see about wallpaper today. She smiled, Ok, well if you need me for anything you know where I am. He smiled, speak to you later mi amor. She blew him a kiss and said, talk to you soon mi rei. Good luck. He smiled, Thanks. They hung up and Amanda headed to work. Nick went out to make breakfast. Gil appeared not long after him. Hey Buenos días hijo he said. Morning dad he said sleepily. You're up early hijo are you OK? Yeah he said, I thought I heard you talking to someone he said. Sorry did I wake you up Nick asked. No he said I just heard voices. Nick smiled, yeah I was on the phone to someone from work just son. Aw dad, have you to go to work today? Gil asked. No mate, I'm not going into work he said, just us 3 amigos this weekend. Zara appeared at Nick's side hugging his leg. Morning papi she said rubbing her eyes. Buenos días princesa he said. He dished out their pancakes he'd made from scratch and sat at the table with them. They talked about school, their friends and what they would like to do this weekend. As they finished breakfast Nick put the dishes into the sink and sat back down at the table with them.
Listen you two I have something I need to tell you he said. OK dad Gil replied, I'm scared said Zara, hey, there's nothing to be scared of princesa, she walked around to his side and he picked her up and sat her on his lap. Look these past few weeks I've been doing a lot of thinking. I've decided that I'm going to move house. Gil shrugged his shoulders and Nick looked at Zara. Are you moving to LA with us? she asked excitedly. No, No he said, I'm staying here in New York, I've already told you hija, daddy won't be moving to LA anytime soon, I like my job here and my friends here. Do we have to move house? she asked. Well I do yes he said, I don't want to live here anymore, but the good news is, I have a new house already and it's a lot bigger than this one. So, it means you both will have your own room. Gil smiled and said, hey I don't mind dad. He turned to Zara and said what do you think princesa? Well she said, I really don't want to move house again, but I want a big room too. He laughed. Well that's good news then as I've got you both a big room he smiled. Yay she said. Can I get a dolls house for my room? He kissed her forehead and said we'll see. He then took a deep breath and said and there's something else I need to tell you both. He squeezed Zara tighter and said daddy's got a girlfriend. Gil looked and said that's why you've been happier for a while he smiled. Nick laughed, well yeah, but I'm always happy when I'm with you guys. Gil said, yeah but at Christmas you were a different kind of happy. Nick smiled, he was glad Gil was that bit older, he understood a lot more. Zara looked at Nick. He could tell by her face she was processing a lot at the moment. Hey hija, you OK? But I want you to live with mummy again she said tearfully. Hey, he said, and hugged her, remember when we told you that me and mummy don't love each other the same way we used to, and it was making us both sad wasn't it? Yeah, she cried, well mummy loves Nathan, now doesn't she? And she's happy with Nathan, but I don't love him she said, and Nick smiled. Hey, you don't have to love him he replied stroking her cheek, but you have to be nice to him and polite isn't that right? Just like I don't expect you to love my girlfriend, but I expect you to be nice to her and be polite OK? But me and mummy need to be happy too and we can't be happy together anymore. Ok she sniffed. So, you will try harder with Nathan yes? Uh-huh she sniffed again. What's your girlfriend's name dad asked Gil. When can we meet her? Well, Nick smiled, you both already know her he said nervously, and have met her a few times before so I already know you both like her. Zara looked, who is it daddy? My new girlfriend is Amanda he smiled. Gil smiled and said yesss, I like Amanda, she's cool, and mum likes her too. They meet up when mum comes to visit. Nick looked, do they really he laughed, he wasn't aware of this. Yeah, he said excitedly, Amanda's cool Zara. Zara was quiet, Amanda is daddy's girlfriend? Yes, Nick said softly kissing her forehead, Zara smiled, I like Amanda she said. I talked to her on the phone last week, Amanda's friendly she said. Nick felt the relief wash over him. That's right he said, you did indeed mi hija. Zara giggled and hugged Nick. I like Amanda she said, I'm glad she's your girlfriend. Gil said me too and Nick laughed. Me three he said. Zara then asked, but daddy, do you love Amanda? Nick smiled, I do princesa, and she loves me he said grinning. Good she said. I like happy daddy and hugged him again. Nick was almost crying, as he squeezed her tightly, Gil appeared at his other side and he pulled him in for a hug too. Ok he said, how's about we have a think about what you two want for your new bedrooms? Yeah said Gil, can I have a Xbox in my room, Nick looked, oh I don't know about that Gil, maybe we should keep that for the game room in the basement. Gil's Face lit up. Are you being serious dad! Nick laughed, yeah I am. We can turn the room downstairs into a game room if you'd like. Cool he said, this is the best weekend ever and it's only started. Nick smiled as his heart melted. What about you princesa what would you like for your room? A dolls house she said. He sighed, well I suppose if Gil is getting an Xbox I can get you a dolls house he smiled. Yay she said. Right the two of you go and get dressed, Zara your clothes are waiting for you in my room. We need to go out to do some shopping. Just as he said that his phone rang. Uh-oh said Gil.
****Back at the station***
Amanda had just arrived to work and met Fin on the way in. Morning she said, morning he replied. Nick's kids here OK? Yeah she sighed. You're gonna miss him these next few days he said, and he's gonna miss you big time. Amanda smiled, yeah, but the kids come 1st so we have to get used to it she smiled. They walked into the squad room and Carisi came up to them, hey guys, is the Lieutenant with you? No Amanda said, why what's wrong? oh the chief phoned and said he was coming in to speak to her at 9.30 he said make sure she knows. Well that doesn't sound good she said, Fin took out his phone. I'll phone her and let her know. Amanda walked over to her desk and Carisi shouted Fin it's ok, she's here. Amanda turned to find Olivia walking in carrying a crying Noah. Hey guys sorry someone take him please, Amanda walked over to him and put her arms out to take him, hey little guy, ¿qué pasa? Noah went to her and started to settle, Fin and Olivia looked at her. What? I told you, I'm learning some Spanish for next time Barba and Amaro corner me again. Fin looked at her strangely, Hey, I'll never be fluent, but I know some. OK he said. Olivia laughed. Fin said so what's up Liv, aww Fin, Lucy called this morning to say she can't have Noah today as her mum was taken into hospital last night. And I can't get anyone else at this short notice. So, now's not the time to tell you that the Chief wants to talk to you in half an hour Fin said. WHAT! Oh crap, OK said Amanda, don't panic, I'll call Nick and see if he can take him, if he can I'll take Noah over to his house, No, Nick's got Gil and Zara she said, well he can have Noah too Amanda said, and anyway, they love Noah so he'll be ok. Liv stood thinking, Ok thanks Amanda, Fin said, if he can't take him I'll call my son and ask him to look after him for a bit. And if all else fails, no-one has seen me here yet, so I'll call in sick she smiled. She carried Noah to the staff area and phoned Nick. Hey mi amor he said everything OK? Actually, not really Nick she said, as Carisi walked into the staff area. What's wrong? Nick said panicked, well is there any chance you can take an extra kid today? Huh he said, and Amanda explained what happened. If you can't do it Fin said he'll ask Ken if he can mind him, if all else fails, I'm phoning in sick to look after him. That's a problem considering you're already in work he laughed, well she said, minor detail but you know, he laughed again and said, no I'll take him, what's one more and she laughed. OK so I'm gonna go get his stuff and I'll drive over now. OK mi amor, see you soon. Yep will do. She hung up and Carisi said Nick ok to take him? Yeah, she said. Ok little guy, let's go see Uncle Nick she said to Noah. Ick said Noah, yeah that's right little one, and he pointed to her and said amma. She laughed and said, clever boy and kissed his forehead. Carisi stood watching, hey you suit that Rollins. Suit what she asked absently, kids he replied…. woah, I wouldn't go that far Sonny. Plus, I'm missing the key ingredient for that, he looked at her and she laughed saying, well you need a man to help with the making of kids don't you? He blushed and put his hand up, fair enough.
***back at Nick's house***
Nick hung up the phone and looked at Gil. You have to go to work he said sadly, no he smiled, it's just there's not going to be the 3 of us today after all he said. Zara squealed, is Amanda coming? Nick smiled, no no princesa, unfortunately she has to work this weekend, but she is calling by soon to drop Noah off for the day. Yay she shouted. Gil smiled at Nick You ok with that hijo? Yeah, he said. I love Noah I'm just glad you're not going into work. Nick walked over to him, me too son he said and hugged him. Me too. Ok you two go get ready. I need to put the travel cot up again for Noah coming. Where are you going to put it asked Gil, do you need me to move our bags? No, it's ok hijo he said, I can put it in my room he smiled. I just need to phone Amanda to see if she has Noah's pram, or if I need to stop at Auntie Liv's to pick it up.
He phoned Amanda, hey baby she said, hi mi amor, everything OK? Yeah, she said, Noah has conveniently fallen asleep, after screaming Liv into insanity the whole way into the station. Everything OK there? she asked nervously. He sat down on the couch and talked quietly, yeah, actually; everything is great he said. She smiled. Both kids are delighted to hear you are my girlfriend and we love each other he smiled, and she got butterflies in her stomach, you're not just saying that are you? No, honestly, Zara was a bit wary but as soon as I told her who my girlfriend is, she was over the moon he laughed. What about the house she asked? Well Gil was fine, and he's already got an Xbox out of me he laughed, Zara wasn't keen at 1st, but she's came around to it now, that's after I told her it was happening either way. She smiled. And she's wangled a dolls house for her room from me. Amanda laughed. OK we can deal with that. Anyway, I did phone you for something else he said, have you got Noah's pram with you? Yes, she said, Liv came prepared for every eventuality. I'll see you in about 10 minutes baby she said. Can't wait he grinned. She smiled, love you. Love you too he replied.
10 minutes later she pulled up at the house and turned the engine off. She got out and went round to lift a sleeping Noah out of the car seat. Nick met her at the door with a huge smile. Hello baby, I like this sight in front of me he teased, she blushed and said, easy you, I've already had this conversation with Sonny this morning. He looked at her and she said never mind, I'll tell you later. She reached up to meet his kiss. Missed you last night she said quietly so as not to wake Noah, oh me too he replied. They walked in and he said put him in our room, she looked at him and he shrugged and smiled. Where's the kids? she asked, Zara's in the bathroom, Gil… just as he said that Gil walked out to the living room. Hey buddy she smiled. Hi Amanda, he said, is Noah sleeping? He is I'm just going to put him down in your dad's room. Nick said you do that I need to go get his blanket from the cupboard. Amanda walked into the bedroom and put Noah in the travel cot. He stayed sleeping, as she stood up, she let out a sigh. Nick appeared beside her and put his arm around her. Hey, he whispered and kissed her. She put her arms around his waist, hey you she said and kissed him back. He pulled her into a hug and held her tightly. I've missed you this week he said, but last night almost killed me Amanda not having you with me. She listened to his heartbeat hugging him tightly and whispered, I know baby, I missed you so much. She leant back and pulled him down for another kiss. As much as I'd love to stay, I have to get back she said. He ran his hands up and down her back and settled them on her bum cheeks. I wish you could stay. I know she said, but you've now got 3 kids to look after so have fun, and she smacked his bum. He grinned this will be interesting. He turned and walked out, and she put the blanket over Noah before returning to the living room. She stood talking to Gil. So, Gil how's things with you? she asked as she sat on the edge of the table. Good thank you he said. Dad told us you're his girlfriend. Nick stood behind him smiling at Amanda, he said that huh? She cleared her throat, well yeah that's right she said. You OK with that? He smiled, yeah, I think it's great. I like it when Dad's happy he said, and he came round to Amanda, and I really like you too, and my mum likes you he said smiling. He walked over and hugged her. Nick's heart was bursting with love and pride, he took a quick photo of the picture in front of him with his son and the love of his life. Awww she said smiling at Nick with tears in her eyes, thanks mate she said. At that moment Zara came out of the bathroom, AMANDA! She shouted and run to her. Nick quickly said sshhhh princessa, Noah's sleeping. But Zara was having none of it. Amanda! she said loudly again, daddy says he loves you and you love him. Amanda looked at Nick lost for words smiling. She knelt down to meet the little girl's eyes. Well yeah that's right honey we do, very much. Zara smiled and hugged her Nick took another photo… are you ok with me and your daddy loving each other? Uh-huh she said, and I love you too she said happily. Amanda could feel the tears coming and a lump in her throat, aww and I love you and Gil too she said. Nick came over and gave both his girls a hug, Gil said hey, don't forget about me, aww I could never forget about my hijo said Nick and pulled him in. Nick was emotional, my family he said, right here. Hey, we need to take a photo of us together for the 1st time he said. He sat the timer and they posed, Nick with his arm around Amanda, Gil beside Amanda and Zara hugging her dad's leg.
When it was taken Gil went over to the phone. Nick looked down with the biggest grin on his face and kissed Amanda, without knowing, Gil took a photo of them both. Nick broke the kiss and whispered Mi nuevo familia. She smiled at him and said, Mi familia and kissed him again. Ok guys as much as I'd love to stay here with you two, I have to get back to work. Aww said Zara, and Amanda's heart melted, sorry honey, but you're here to spend time with your dad, so I'll see you again. Zara ran up and hugged her again, will we see you tonight? Um she looked at Nick and Gil, well I'll probably be calling back to pick up Noah she said, Gil then said, are you not staying here after work and he looked at Nick. Nick and Amanda looked at each other and Nick shrugged and smiled, do you want Amanda to come here after work tonight? Zara jumped up and down singing yes please, and Gil said, yeah Amanda's cool. Amanda shrugged and said, right OK then I'll see you after work then guys. Have fun today she said as she walked towards the door. Nick followed her out. And when the door closed, he pulled her back, hey he said, you ok with coming over tonight? She smiled, yeah, as long as you're ok? He kissed her and said oh I'm more than OK with it he grinned. She smiled and kissed him again. Ok see you later then baby, another quick peck and she left him grinning.