Chapter 13

Nick.

"Has Miley spoken to Demi?"

I looked at Joe who was cutting a piece of ribbon while Kevin was frowning frustrated at a bunch of pink roses,

"No? Maybe?" I responded completely unsure, "Probably? Wait does she know about the-"

"No," Joe stated looking at me tilting his head, "I haven't told her, have you?"

"No. Demi probably hasn't and wants to say it to her in person-"

"So Miley doesn't know about-"

"About what?"

Miley walked back into the room looking at me confused as she put down another bucket of roses. She stood back up pushing a strand of hair out her face as she looked at me expecting an answer. After a week I still couldn't get used to this, being so close to her again, working together. Problem was that was all that happened, we worked and then we went our separate ways. When she told Luce we were back together, I'd expected more than this to say the least. Yet I knew I couldn't push her at the moment because she was as fragile as the flowers we were trying to arrange, one wrong movement and a petal would fall, a few shoves and pushes that's all it took to fall apart.

"About what Nick?" Miley asked putting her hands on her hips.

I opened my mouth trying to think of something plausible only for Joe to steal it from me,

"Nick's surprise dinner for you."

"Surprise dinner?" Me and Miley both announced looking at Joe who shrugged.

"You know the dinner...that you planned-"

I shook my head completely confused as Miley turned back to me, "You were going to ask me out to dinner?"

The small eager smile on her face said it all, Joe's quick comment had been a step in the right direction. A romantic dinner that I now needed to plan.

"Well, yes, but-"

"Yeah and me and Demi are coming too."

Miley's face dropped a little as the romantic part of it slipped away in an instant. I looked at Joe, well more glared at his new proclamation. "Because Demi and me have a surprise and Nick wanted to take you out, so I told Demi stupidly, she started nagging about wanting to see you, you know how women get..." Joe quickly shook his head, "Not that I mean you nag Miley, but...anyway we were planning a surprise dinner."

"Really?" Miley asked looking back to me.

I nodded through gritted teeth, "Yes-"

"So why isn't Kevin and Dani invited? This sounds like a big deal-"

"Oh big and growing every day." Joe murmured smirking as he looked down.

"That's a good question, Joe why aren't Dani and Kevin invited?"

I turned to my brother as Kevin nodded in agreement, "Yeah, why wasn't I invited Joe?"

"Because..."

He frowned then rolled his eyes, "It's a double date, people don't triple date that's weird."

"I'd like to see them though," Miley announced.

"Triple date it is!" I stated quickly.

Miley smirked and moved towards me, "So where is this surprise dinner?"

"That would ruin the surprise"

"But I wanna know Nick, I need to work out what to wear."

I smiled at Miles stepping towards her noting the strand of hair had fallen back across her face, as I gently tucked it behind her ear.

"You will look beautiful in what ever you wear."

I smiled when I saw the red tinge spread across her cheeks, it had been so long since I saw that, we'd fallen into a routine where the compliments to one another meant less and less seeing we'd been dating for so long. With the break up though, it was like we were starting again, taking it slow and doing the things we'd done before yet this time I wasn't going to screw up.

"When is it?" She whispered,

"Well-"

"Tonight."

I spun to Joe who was grinning, "Tonight." He repeated.

"Tonight seriously?" I hissed.

"I'm busy to-" Kevin started,

"No you're not." I said staring down Kevin who gave a awkward laugh,

"That's right it got cancelled, I'm completely free-"

I looked back to Miley whose face was looking overwhelmed, "Tonight?"

"Yeah sorry to-"

"I don't have anything to wear." She hissed at me like it was the worst thing to happen to this world,

"Well I'm sure your sisters could give you the afternoon off to shop, they'll literally do anything to make it up to you at the moment."

I was right in saying that, because I saw Miley's reaction when her sisters finally turned up the other morning. I thought she'd been mad at me for not telling her about the whole cancer charity thing, but I was wrong, she lost it at them to the point where Noah was in tears. I couldn't say I blamed her though, however her sister's were very eager to be back in her good books and would be willing to do anything at the moment just for Miley to acknowledge them.

"That's not an issue," Miley murmured looking uneasy,

"Then what's the problem, you can go shopping and-"

"Shopping without money is kind of hard." She muttered looking away.

"You have money, you-"

Miley looked at me and shook her head, "I finally paid all my sister's off, I own the florist now at the expense of me living off bread and milk for a few weeks-"

"Are you kidding me?"

"No,"

"Why didn't you tell me?"

Miley looked at me rolling her eyes, "Because I knew you'd want to pay and I-"

I pressed my finger against Miley's lips as I heard an awkward cough, "Joe and me are just going to confirm the details of the surprise, and make sure our significant others still remember about it." Kevin spat directing his clear anger towards Joe who gave a laugh and slowly they both exited the room leaving Miley and me alone.

I could see she was preparing herself for the lecture, it wasn't the first and I knew it wouldn't be the last.

"I could have loaned you some money." I whispered,

I moved my hand to her cheek as she nodded, "I know that, I know you'd just give it to me if I wanted it."

"You're right, I would Miley."

"This was something I needed to do alone." She stated looking into my eyes, "It gives me a sense of direction, a future-"

"And what I'm not in that future?"

The comment came out harsher than I intended but Miley just rolled her eyes, "Of course you are Nick, you are my future." She stated like Miley was making a promise between us, "But you need to understand that there are some things I'm just going to need to do alone, like buying the florist. I like being independent and lately I feel that all I've been doing is hanging onto other people, and yes before you ask I mean Liam."

"Okay then, how would you like me to help you?"

Her eyes looked into mine hopeful, a sly smile coming to her face which I'd already learnt.

"Oh so it's not okay to buy the florist for you," I announced pulling out my wallet, "But it's okay for you to spend my money on a-"

The credit card disappeared instantly as Miley smiled ecstatically, "I promise I won't spend more than tw-"

"Twenty bucks?"

"I was going to say two hundred." Miley murmured.

I grinned, "You can have two thousand, as long as your happy."

"I'd be lying if I said I was, but I'm getting there."

"That's all I need to hear,"

"I like the sounds this surprise tonight." She whispered.

"Me too," I murmured moving closer to her, "Maybe you could come over earlier?"

I asked the question hesitantly as Miley looked at me and nodded, "And maybe I could stay over too?"

"I think that could be arranged," I responded smiling, "Have to kick those other girls out but-"

"Oh shut up!" Miley slapped me, "So I can?"

"Of course you can beautiful"

I leaned forward as I saw her instantly blush again, I didn't stop though until my lips were on hers. I pulled Miley around the hips as she laughed continuing to kiss me her body warm against mine as I let one hand up moving it gently through her hair. I pulled away after a moment and pressed my head against her forehead taking both her hands in mine entwining out fingers,

"I love you so much,"

"I love you just as-"

"Okay can you speed this up because I have a question."

Miley and me both groaned turning to see Joe who although was attempting to look serious was holding back a smile,

"Why does this say..." He walked over pointing at our time sheets for community service "That we've done fifty hours when we've only done like twenty something-"

"What do you mean?" Miley asked taking the sheet as Joe pointed,

"It says I've done-"

"You have." Miley announced deadly serious.

"No we haven't-"

"Yes you have-"

"No we haven't-"

I saw the stand off before me as I looked at Miley, "Lying to the courts, I think that's a criminal offense miss."

Miley turned and smiled at me, "Shut up, the more hours you have the quicker we can go to France. It's a win, win,"

"I like the sound of that,"

"Exactly," She murmured grabbing my shirt pulling me towards her, "Us, alone, with Luce and no siblings, it'll be perfect."

"It will be,"

I leaned in for another kiss as Miley pecked the side of my lips smiling ducking under my arm, "Back to work Nicholas, and my other slaves"

Miley.

I didn't even have to knock before the door opened to Nick's house,

His eyes instantly brightened as I walked towards him kind of nervous but excited. This was the first Gray dinner in a while that I'd been too and honestly I was a little worried about how Demi and Danielle would treat me now. I'd spoken to Demi through texts but I felt so disconnected since everything happened, my mind had been lost elsewhere and I knew this was a good way to get back into sync with the life I'd learned to love.

"You look gorgeous, my money was well spent I see."

I moved up as Nick pulled me into his arms and I rested my head in the nape his neck, kissing his jawbone.

"Thank you," I whispered in his ear, "I also might have bought some-"

"Here we go, okay tell me what this cost me."

I laughed looking at him, "I got some food as well, no more rations for me!"

Nick nodded moving his hand to my cheek bringing my lips to his giving me a sweet delicate kiss,

"How about you come inside?" He murmured,

"Okay," I whispered entranced,

Nick took my hand and pulled me into the house we'd once shared, pulling me to the sofa as he offered me a glass.

I looked at him about to shake my head as he winked, "It's just juice, I promise," He picked up his glass winking, "Mine isn't though."

I sat down and we instantly fell into a normal conversation, before long my heels had been abandoned and my legs were tucked under my body which was leaning on Nick while my hand rested on his leg. It was completely normal, something I'd missed so terribly. I curled up against him as we shared a few kisses but discussion seemed to more of the focus. Nick's face looked happy, relieved even, and maybe I felt that way too because I didn't realize how much I liked just being with him like this, I'd forgotten how much I truly did love him.

"Do you miss work?" I asked after a discussion about his dad's upcoming court case,

Nick shrugged and started shaking his head, "Don't lie Nick, do you miss it?"

His lip twitched and he looked at me, "I missed you more and I needed to have my priorities straight which is you first."

"That wasn't the question."

Nick sighed stroking my waist, "Yeah I miss it Miley, but work isn't important not when I have you back."

"Are you happy?"

"Of course I am, I have you." He murmured into my hair, kissing my forehead. "We should go, don't want to ruin the big surprise."

I nodded in agreement as we arranged our clothes, making ourselves more presentable before leaving the house. I wasn't surprised when I saw the limo honestly, I just stared at Nick who had laughed motioning towards it. "What can I say, I need to make a good impression on you right?" I'd just rolled my eyes and followed his lead. By the time we got there Nick seemed nervous and I couldn't help but ask,

"Is this surprise bad?"

"No," He murmured shrugging, "No it's not,"

"Then why are you all nervous?"

"I'm not."

I glared at him and Nick just shook his head, "Don't get freaked out okay? Please?"

"Freaked out?"

"When they tell you."

"Tell me what?"

The limo halted as the door opened, "Okay come on let's do this!" Nick stated encouragingly,

I followed his lead out of the limo really confused as I looked up to see a restaurant, one of my favorites. I couldn't help but smile as Nick grinned at me entwining our fingers as we walked inside. I couldn't help but be surprised by the lack of people though, that's when it dawned on me that clearly it would only be the six of us dining tonight. I looked at Nick amazed and he just gave a small chuckle,

"Is it okay? Too much?"

I smiled looking at the table which had flowers right along it, "Your sisters, specifically Noah gave them to us for free. I think they're trying to make it up to you." I looked at Nick who shrugged, "You might wanna forgive them? Actually they asked me to ask you that? So..." I frowned at his new messenger position for my sisters but I nodded,

"I suppose I could let them off this one time."

"Good." Nick kissed my cheek smiling as I noted two figures standing near the door.

"Great you're here! We thought something had happened!" Kevin's voice proclaimed,

I'd only managed to turn around before arms were around me, "God Miley don't ever do that to us again, we almost had a heart attack!" Danielle proclaimed as I felt myself choke a little by the tightness, wow I hadn't exactly expected this but at least she wasn't mad. "I swear the family is not letting you out of our sight again, if Nick's not around I will be keeping my eyes on you okay?"

"Okay that's enough, thank you Dani."

Nick pulled her off me glaring, "I said be careful with her not over the top emotional." I heard him murmur as Kevin smiled at me,

"Hey, long time no see!"

Kevin pulled me into a hug as I smiled, "Yeah like ten hours,"

"I'll have to thank you, Kevin's become the big romantic recently bringing me home all the left over flowers."

"You're not the only one!" Demi's voice proclaimed,

I turned seeing Joe who was grinning apologetic. "Sorry we're late, may or may not have got a little lost-"

"I suggested we use the GPS but no Joe said he remembered where the restaurant was..."

Demi stepped out as I couldn't help but let my mouth drop. Oh my god. My mind instantly realized what I was doing as I quickly snapped my lips closed terrified of how I'd reacted, wait was that a...or had she just gained a few pounds? It was only then I actually looked up at her face to see Demi was just staring at me with an intrigued look on her face. I turned to Nick realizing how notably silent it had got as I gave him a look trying to get a hint but failing,

"What? What's wrong?" He asked out loud,

"Nothing." I snapped quickly,

I turned back to Demi keeping my eyes on her face, "Hey Dem, you look great, that dress really-"

"Suites my new fat pregnant curves?" She announced staring at me,

I just stood there feeling completely embarrassed by my reaction as I replayed the words realizing my first assumption was correct,

"Oh my god..." My lips whispered, "A baby?"

Demi and Joe both nodded at the same time as I just giggled stupidly. I don't really know what happened, one second I was laughing in relief that I hadn't insulted her next thing I knew I was trying to stop tears falling. I rushed over pulling a proudly grinning Demi into a hug as I tried to empty a broken slur of congratulations only to start crying in happiness, my arms tightening their grip on her.

"Oh my god don't cry," Demi hissed hugging me just as tightly,

"I can't believe this, this is fantastic, this is great, I can't..." I chocked on the happy tears, "I'm so excited!"

"See this is how I wanted you guys to react, instead I got nothing! Joe wasn't even this excited" Demi announced as I heard a laugh,

"And we haven't even told you the best part Miley," Joe announced.

Demi let go of me as Nick was instantly there looking at me bewildered, "Why didn't you tell me?" I snapped, "Why...oh my god, I can't believe this,"

"Whoa calm down, our little boy isn't even born yet-"

"Girl,"

"We want our child," Demi stated glaring at Joe as I turned back looking at her, "To have good godparents, we've managed to recruit Nick, Kevin, Danielle and Selena but we thought we might as well add an extra name, so what do you say Miley? How would you like to be officially this little kickers godmother?"

That was the completely cracking part as I broke into tears overwhelmed, "Oh my god Yes! Yes! Yes I'd love to be!"

"That was a better reaction than when I asked you to marry me!" Nick spat,

I threw my arms around Joe and Demi as they both hugged me. I didn't know what to say though, because this gesture was big for them, but to me it was massive. It was family, they were going to be my family, this was permanent and I liked it. I loved the idea, I loved everything about it and for the first time in what seemed like ages I felt truly unbelievable happy about this. I couldn't wait to be a godmother.

"Okay let's eat, I'm starving," Demi proclaimed,

I stood there trying to wipe the tears away as Demi smiled at me, "I think some how you're going to be the favorite Aunt already." She murmured winking,

I looked at Nick who smiled at me kissing my head, "That was unexpected," He murmured, "I thought you'd be shocked but not-"

"I'm so happy Nick," I whispered looking at him, "Like actually happy,"

He looked at me and smiled, "Good, now you need to calm down because there is a lot more to tell you."

"Like what?"

"Well you've heard only the good part of the story" Joe murmured, "You probably should hear about the bad too."

It wasn't until after our first course that Demi and Joe broke the news to me, more tears fell as the guilt seeped into me like posion. Nick held my hand the entire time, and seeing Joe and Demi still so positive helped reduce the impact but still I felt sick with grief for them losing the twin. The night was only up from that point, the chatter, the laughs and the constant discussion that I'd missed so much. By the time Nick and me had finished our shared dessert I was drained,

"So shopping tomorrow?" Danielle asked grinning at me,

"Sounds great!"

"Yeah for you two skinny bitches, not for me." Demi pouted,

I laughed, "Hey don't say that! You look amazing, you're glowing." I announced.

Demi pulled me into a hug holding me tightly, "Love you girly, and I hope you're glowing one day too, you're going to be an amazing godmother and mom one day I'm sure." She announced as I laughed.

The farewells were quick as Nick practically scooped me off my feet pulling me into the limo. The whole way home all I did was talk, about what color the baby room needed to be, what color flowers I should order for the baby shower, what I could buy them as a gift. In the end Nick placed his lips on mine ending the discussion all together,

"You know tonight..." Nick stated as we headed inside the house, "I saw your honesty, I missed seeing that, you're reaction was-"

"Embarrassing, oh my god I was a mess and it's not even my baby! I'm so excited though,"

"I know and I love that," Nick stated wrapping his arms around my waist,

"Do you think we'll be like Joe and Demi one day?"

Nick smiled and pressed his lips against mine, "I don't think Miley," He murmured, "I know we will be when the time is right,"

I brushed my lips against his, "I think we need to get married first,"

"Me too," He murmured kissing my top lip, "So are we still taking it slowly?"

I stopped unsure as I shrugged, "I don't know, I guess we'll see what happens in France?"

Nick nodded and leaned down grabbing underneath my knees picking me up as I giggled,

"For now let's have the fun!" He announced,

I looked at him and nodded, "Sounds like a good plan to me."

A/N: Sorry for the delay to make up for it I made the chapter super long so hopefully that helps! :) I spent like an hour looking through the chapter because I couldn't remember if Miley knew Demi was pregnant- clear sign that these chapters are being too slowly updated on my part sorry! Thanks for the reviews!