CHAPTER THREE

When Nick woke up, Adalind was gone. For a brief moment, the pain of losing her came rushing back, stronger than ever. Had last night and this morning been nothing but a dream? Had he really lost everything? His heart started pounding in his chest, and it hurt like hell.

"Adalind! ADALIND!" he shouted in panic.

"She went to the store with Kelly" he heard Diana say from the other room.

Relieved, Nick quickly got dressed and joined her. Diana was sitting on the floor, playing with her dolls, like a normal child. Normal; something he was aching for.

"Has she been out long?" he asked her.

"A few hours. She should be back soon. You don't have to worry Nick, she will come back."

Nick stared at her. For such a young girl, she sure had a gift for picking up on people's fears and emotions.

"Are you hungry? I can make us something to eat. Do you like pancakes?"

"You love her, don't you" she said, ignoring his questions.

Nick was taken aback and didn't know what to say... how did this child know so much?

"I..."

"You don't have to say anything" she interrupted. "I know you do. I know I wasn't so nice to you in the beginning. I wanted my mommy and daddy to be together. But... you're not so bad after all."

Nick couldn't help but smile.

"Thanks" he said. "It means a lot to hear you say that".

"My mommy loves you... so I guess I love you too."

Nick kneeled down next to her. He put his hands on her shoulders and smiled at her.

"I love you too sweetie."

She smiled back at him and, to his huge surprise, she threw herself in his arms, hugging him tight. As they were still in an embrace, Nick heard the door slide open.

"Well, isn't this a nice surprise!" he heard Adalind say.

He let go of Diana and rushed over to grab the car seat Adalind was holding. Kelly looked up at his daddy and smiled. Nick set the seat on the kitchen table, unclipped the belt to set his son free, and took him in his arms.

"Hey! How's my little man? Daddy missed you."

"He missed you too... he kept saying 'dada' all the way back from the store. I must say I'm jealous, he's nowhere near saying 'mama' yet."

"Don't worry, I'm sure it's the next word on his list."

"Mommy, can I play with Kelly for a bit?" asked Diana, tickling her little brother's feet.

"Sure honey. Just be careful, ok? And no floating objects please."

"Ok mommy" Diana said with a tone of disappointment.

Nick put Kelly down so he and Diana could play on the floor. He then turned back to Adalind and took her in his arms.

"Kelly's not the only one I missed, you know" he whispered.

"Really?" she teased. "Here I thought you needed rest after the night we just had."

Nick smiled at her and leaned in to kiss her. Again, his chest felt like it was about to burst.

"How about we leave Kelly and Diana with Monroe and Rosalee for the night?" Nick asked. "I'm sure they would love the experience given the fact they'll soon have three children of their own. I really need some alone time with you."

"Are you sure? I mean, I'd love that too... but are you ok to leave Diana with them?" she whispered so her daughter wouldn't hear her.

"I'm sure it'll be fine. It's not the first time they'd be watching her."

"I guess you're right. I'll call Rosalee."

"Great" Nick said. "You won't regret it."

"Ooh, now I'm intrigued... what exactly do you have planned for us?"

"It's a surprise" he said, smiling at her. "It'll be a night you'll never forget."