Unexpected

Chapter 44 - No funny business

"You had me second guessing when Jack spilled the water. Nick, I was ready to rap you on the side of your head. You were so mean to Sara."

Sara laughed. "It was an accident, but it gave us a moment alone. Nick had no idea I was coming over that day."

"It surprised me and I should have been glad, but having to pretend was hard. I am done pretending," Nick added.

Julie didn't stay long, but agreed to babysit so they could celebrate with Sara's friends. When she left, Sara said, "I like her."

"She likes you. I can tell. You are so easy to like."

Suddenly their private relationship was changing. Poppy wanted to meet Nick. His parents wanted Sara to come over. Everyone was happy for them, but he wanted Sara to himself. He also wanted her to spend every night in his bed, but he was a father first.

When Sara helped him with bedtime, it was surreal. Bedtime was what he had to finish so he could call her. She was with him, so there would be no phone call. Bedtime was also a time he felt like a single parent. Night after night his children only had his kisses and hugs. Suddenly Sara was there hugging and kissing them too.

Bridget pointed to the picture of Mel by her bed. "That's my heaven mommy. I don't have a mommy. I want Sara for my mommy."

Nick didn't know what to say, but Sara did. She said, "I'm your special friend and I love you."

Leaving her room, Nick said, "Sorry. She's always talking about not having a mother."

"Nick, she doesn't understand. She just knows a mother is someone who loves and takes care of her. I love her so that's enough for her."

His daughter wanted a mother, but Nick wondered how he would know for sure. He just needed to give it time to see if what they each felt was real. He thought of his mother and father again, because once they admitted their love for one another, they didn't waste time before they were engaged and married. Timothy needed a mother and times were different, his mother wasn't a modern girl. The only way she would share a bed was through marriage.

Nick and Sara were meeting her friends at Les Bistros Français, a popular restaurant in Old Port. Nick had heard of it and Joe explained they were lucky to get a reservation. "A nurse knows the chef and pulled some strings."

Sara said, "Poppy loves this restaurant. They came here for a charity event and she has raved about it ever since."

They toasted Mila on her new job and then Joe toasted Sara and Nick.

"You're a lucky man to catch our Sara," Joe said.

"Believe me, I know." Nick assured him.

He liked her friends. They were fun, and the conversation flowed. The food was wonderful. They were waiting on the check and Nick had his arm draped around Sara, when Dr. Albert approached their table.

"Mila!" he said.

"Dr. Albert. We're celebrating my job. Meet my husband, Dr. Lundgren."

"Joe." Joe stood and shook the older man's hand, "And..."

"Burke! Isn't she the physician assistant you hired?"

Joe said, "We worked with Sara overseas."

"And she's your date, Burke?"

"Yes, she definitely is." Nick squeezed Sara's shoulder.

Jim Albert humphed away and Joe said, "He doesn't like you very much."

Nick said, "I noticed that in Sara's interview. I think it's my brother, he has a problem with not me."

Sara said nervously, "He acted like we were wrong to be together."

"He may be mistaken like we were. Don't worry, the worst case is he complains to your uncle." Nick assured her.

When they stood to leave Joe said, "Caitlyn the nurse that arranged for our reservation is at the bar, I'd like to thank her."

"You go ahead, but I have a babysitter to relieve." Looking at Sara, he said, "We should head home."

It didn't surprise Nick to see his brother with Julie. Nick said, "We ran into Jim Albert. He still doesn't like me and now he seems concerned that Sara and I were out together." He turned towards Sara who nodded. "All I know is I never did anything for him to dislike me."

Julie laughed. "Actually Nicky, you did. Do you remember the day we met?"

"I fell in love." Nick winked at Julie.

Tim said, "Get used to these two Sara, I had to."

Sara smiled. Tim amused her.

Julie said, "Remember, I was waiting on a friend who was late?" Nick nodded. "It was really a date with Jim Albert. He was held up at the hospital. He never forgave Tim for stealing me."

"But he's married. He was with his wife," Sara said.

"He never liked me and my sense of humor. I'd like to be a fly on David Yates' wall if he complains about you two." Tim laughed.

Nick and Sara both laughed too.

A/N if you've read Cold Outside then you are familiar with Les Bistros Français, Chef Oliver, the gala Poppy attended, and Caitlyn at the bar.

Find out more about Tim and Jim Albert in Out of The Blue.