After Schmidt managed to cause drama in the security line, and whine about their flight delay, Nick and Jess were relieved to be seated a full five rows behind him once they boarded the plane.

Nick took his seat by the window and Jess collapsed next to him, grabbing his hand with a huge sigh of relief. "WHAT is with Schmidt today? Am I just on edge or is he being more ridiculous than usual?"

Nick put his right elbow on the armrest next to the window, resting his head on his hand to rub his eyes. "I don't know. He's still pissed he didn't get a plus one for the wedding."

"Really? It's such a small wedding, why wouldn't he understand?"

Nick clicked the armrest between them and lifted it. He wrapped his arm around Jess and pulled her close. "Honestly?," He kissed the top of her head and gave a little laugh. "I think he's mad that we get to be together."

Jess slapped his knee. "Shhh, don't laugh, he's just lonely." She wrapped her arms around his waist and looked up at him. "I'd be lying though, if I said I wasn't excited about this wedding. I've never been to a wedding with the Best Man before."

He smiled and bent down to kiss her lips. "I think you'll probably change your mind once you hear my speech."

"Aw, I'm sure you'll do fine."

Nick frowned. "Don't count on it."

"Do you know what you're going to say?"

Nick laughed nervously. "Not a clue."

"Hey, I can always distract everyone with another rendition of 'In The Ghetto'" They both started laughing until the stewardess stopped by their row, reminding them to buckle up for take-off. Their laughter subsided and they both sat up in their seats, still holding hands. Nick reached over and rubbed the hand clasping his tightly, with a seriousness in his voice.

"Hey, um, Jess?" Jess looked at him with a questioning stare as his voice cracked a little. "Thank you for coming on this trip with me. I know that it's the holidays, and..."

Jess twisted in her seat and leaned her head against the backrest, smiling at him. "Nick...stop. I WANT to be with you right now, ok. I can't imagine Christmas without you. And even if I miss my family, I would miss YOU more. You know I love you, right?"

Nick smiled and gave her another soft kiss. They gave each other one last glance before Jess rested her head on his shoulder and closed her eyes, waiting for take-off. No matter how much she may miss going home to Portland, she couldn't imagine not spending their first Christmas as a couple, together. She was anxious, but excited to be heading to Chicago for another wedding with Nick. Memories of Cece's wedding just a few months ago came flooding back to her. That night she had almost lost Nick, and they had come so far since that night when they had fallen asleep on the beach. She wanted to show him how important he was to her, and she was going to try her hardest to win Bonnie's approval on this trip. She had been so cold to her at the funeral, but Jess was hoping this time would be different. Even though she had warmed up to her a little as they were heading back to LA, she really wanted to make sure the Miller family saw how much she cared for Nick. Prove that she was good enough to, maybe, one day join their family. Jess smiled at the thought, and then realized how deep her feelings for Nick had become since they had been together. She felt a little overwhelmed, hoping that Nick would someday feel the same.