June 15, 2002

I sat at the vanity getting my hair curled. I kept fidgeting and bouncing in the chair.

“Would you calm down? You’re like a hyperactive five year old.” Nia teased.

I couldn’t help it. Today was the most exciting day of my life. I was marrying the man of my dreams. We had been engaged since 1998. I was ready to become Mrs. Ashton Carter.

“I can’t help it. I’m so excited.” I giggled.

“I know you’ve been waiting for this day since forever.”

“It’s finally real. This is the moment I’ve been waiting for all my life. I hope my marriage is as awesome as yours.”

“It will be. Marriage has a lot of ups and downs. You have nothing to worry about. Nick loves you more than life itself. Your relationship has grown so much in the last few years. I’m so happy for you.” Nia let the last curl fall.

Kevin walked into the room. He smiled at me.

“You look absolutely stunning.” He looked at me in awe.

I stood up and straightened my white knee length sundress. I felt like a princess.

“Nick is going to be drooling over you. He’s been whining about missing you for the last two days.” Kevin chuckled.

“It’s hard to him to be away from me for a few hours let alone a week.” I giggled as I slipped on my white flip flops.

“I can’t believe you him you wouldn’t see him for a week.”

“I wanted him to be in awe when he saw me at the alter. Is Tim ready to get started?”

“Yes and so is Nick.”

“Let’s go then.” I didn’t move. “I just wanted to say thank you, Kevin. I know Nick and I drove you nuts in the beginning, but thank you for letting us grow and mature. It meant a lot to me.”

“You’re welcome. I’m proud of you.”

We walked outside. Nick was standing on the beach. He looked amazing. He was wearing loose khakis and a white button down shirt.

Our family and close friends were sitting there smiling at Nick. Slowly Kevin walked me down to where Nick was standing.

“Welcome family and friends to the blessed marriage of Nick and Ashton. Let us enjoy the union of two of God’s children. It is a very important moment in their lives. They have been together for many years. Their love and understanding of each other has grown and matured over time. It is now time for them to become husband and wife. ” Tim smiled at us and winked at me.

I looked at Nick as he looked at me. I had never seen him so happy. I wasn’t nervous anymore. I knew this was the most important day of my life.

“Who supports this woman in her marriage to this man?”

“I do.” My mom, Kevin, and Jerald replied.

“Who supports this man in his marriage to this woman?”

“We do.” Bob and Jane Carter announced.

“Marriage is one of the greatest and challenging adventures in a couple’s life. No ceremony can create a marriage, only Nick and Ashton can do that. Through love, a lot of patience, commitment, communication, support, faith, laughter, tears, forgiveness, and knowing what is important and what to let go will their marriage be one of joy. The ceremony symbolizes and affirms the choice you have made to stand together as lifetime partners.” Tim spoke eloquently.

Nick took my hand and held it in his. I squeezed his hand.

“Nick and Ashton have taken the time to write their own vows. Each would like to share in words the special bond they have created and will continue to affirm for the rest of their lives.”

Tim motioned for me to start. I took a breath of fresh air and composed my thoughts. I looked deep into nick’s darkened blue eyes. He took both of my hands and held them in his. Electricity coursed through my body.

“I, Ashton, promise to be your best friend, lover, and mother of your children. You are my partner and one true love. I will cherish our marriage and love you more each day. Our love has no end. We have been through so much since the day I met you in 1993. We’ve had our share of laughter, tears, joys, and pains.  I promise to trust and respect you. I give you my hand, my heart, and my love. From this day forward we will truly be one. I love you, Nickolas Gene Carter.” Tears fell down my face. Nick had tears falling from his eyes. He kissed my hand.

“Ashton Jeanette, I love you more than life itself. I remember the first kiss you ever gave me as a present for my birthday. At that point I would have never guessed we would become husband and wife. I look forward to growing together and falling in love a little more each day. I promise to love and cherish you through whatever life may bring us. We’ve been through a lot of ups and downs of life. There is no one else I would want learn about life with. You are the smartest, kindest, generous, most beautiful woman I know. I look forward to growing old with you. I plan to honor and cherish you for the rest of my life. I love you Ashton Jeannette.” He placed a kiss on my cheek.

I looked at my mom. She was wiping her eyes with a handkerchief. Kevin had his arms around Nia. Even hard nosed Jerald was wiping his eyes.

“Will those present here today, surround this couple in love, offering them the joys of your friendship? Will you support this couple in their relationship? At times of conflict will you offer them the strength of your wisest counsel and the comfort of your thoughtful concern? At times of joy, will you celebrate with them, nourishing their love for one another?”

“We will.” Everyone chorused.

“Now for the exchanging of the rings.  These rings will give Nick and Ashton a reminder of their love and the vows they make here today.” Tim held up the rings. “Nick repeat after me. I give you this ring as a token of my love. As a ring has no end, my enduring love for you will never end.”

Nick took my left hand and gently placed the ring on my finger. He held my hand for a few seconds before he placed a kiss on it. My eyes were misting with tears.

“I will forever wear this ring as a symbol of my commitment and love for you. When I look at it, I will be reminded of the vows we have made.” I choked out.

“Ashton, repeat after me. I give you this ring as a token of my love. As a ring has no end, my enduring love for you will never end.” I placed the ring on Nick’s finger. I kissed his hand.

“I will forever wear this ring as a symbol of my commitment and love for you. When I look at it, I will be reminded of the vows we have made.” Nick’s voice grew hoarse. He was overcome with emotion.

I forgot that anyone else was at the wedding. My thoughts and feelings were only of Nick. He was the only one that mattered at the moment. I knew he felt the same way about me.

“By the power vested in my by the State of Florida, I now pronounce husband and wife. You may kiss the bride.” Time smiled at us.

Nick moved closer to me. Our faces met. Slowly our lips met in a slow beautiful kiss.

“Go Nicky.” Aaron yelled. Everyone laughed as we broke apart

“I present to you the happy couple, Nickolas and Ashton Carter.”

I looked at the sky which was a mix of bright pinks, oranges, reds and a hint of purple. It was a beautiful sunset to complete the beautiful wedding. Nick and I walked down the aisle hand in hand. My face was hurting from smiling so much. I couldn’t stop myself from beaming. I was the happiest woman in the world.

Nick and I were easing our way into married life. It really didn’t seem much different than before we were married. I mean we lived together for two years before our marriage.

Nick was busy working on his solo CD. He spent a lot of time at the studio. Most new wives would be jealous, but I wasn’t. I have supported his career since the beginning. Music was his passion. It’s what made him happy.

I was working part time at a local preschool teaching four year olds. I loved my job. The children were adorable and kept me busy three days out of the week.

I was planning on touring with Nick when his CD was released. I enjoyed touring and traveling all over the world.

Today was my day off. I was busy cleaning up the house. This afternoon I was going to run some errands and meet Nick for a quick dinner. He was going to be recording late into the night.

My cell phone rang. I quickly answered it thinking it was Nick.

“Hello! Speaking. Okay. Really. Thank you.” I hung up and shut off my phone.

I quickly grabbed my bag and headed out for an afternoon of errands.

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I parked my car in the lot and quickly hurried into Wal-Mart. I head to the baby section. I took my time looking through the various baby items everything was so tiny. I placed a rattle, bib, bottle, and onesie into the buggy.

I continued walking around Wal-Mart making some purchases. My mind was full of a lot of thoughts.  I didn’t even notice someone standing next to me.

“Don’t say hi to me Ashton.” Sage said jokingly.

“Oh sorry. I was preoccupied. How are you?”

“I’m fine. How was the honeymoon?”

“It was great. I didn’t see much of Hawaii.” I smiled at the thought of my honeymoon.

“I can tell by the looks of your buggy.”

My eyes fell to my purchases. I have to admit our honeymoon was very productive.

“I just found out today. I wanted to surprise Nick with a gift.” I gushed.

“He’s going to be so happy. It always seemed like Nick wanted to be a daddy.”

“Yeah, with all the pregnancy scares we’ve had, I know he wants a houseful of kids.”

“You two are going to make the best parents. We need to get together. I have to get back to work. Call me.” Sage said in one breath.

“I’ll call you soon.” I gave her a hug, and she was on her way.

I made my way to the checkout. I couldn’t contain my excitement.

“Aren’t you Nick Carter’s wife?” The cashier asked.

“Umm…yes.” I answered quickly.

“Are you pregnant?” She inquired as she placed the baby items in a bag.

“No. My friend is pregnant. Her shower is this weekend. I needed a few more items for her gift.” I lied. I prayed that I sounded believable. I was not good at lying.

“Oh okay. You and Nick would have the cutest babies. It would be like a mix of Kevin and Nick.” A baby looking like my brother and Nick kind of grossed me out.  Yuck. I know she meant that Kevin and I looked a lot alike, but the way she said it. Oh, my goodness.

I quickly paid for my purchases and left the store. I had about twenty minutes before I had to meet Nick. When I got to my car, I quickly placed the baby items in a gift bag. I found the card and wrote a short but sweet note to Nicky. Finally I was ready to go meet my wonderful husband.

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I drove into the parking lot of the small family owned Italian restaurant. We have been eating there a lot since the honeymoon. I saw Nick standing by his car talking on his cell phone. I pulled my car in the spot next to him.

“Okay, J. That works for me.”

I grabbed the phone out of Nick’s hand. “Alex.”

“Hey Ash. How are you?’

“Good, but I would be better if he was done with this phone call.” I said in a half joking, half serious tone.

“I feel the love. I get it. Go enjoy your time with the hubby.”

“I will. Bye.” I snapped the phone shut and gave it back to Nick. He grinned at me.

“What’s in the bag?” He tried taking it from me. I moved it away from him.

“None of your business.”

“Is that any way to talk to your husband?” He took my free hand in his.

“Yes, when I don’t want you to see something.” I kissed his cheek.

We walked hand in hand into the restaurant. The owners were standing there.

“Aww there’s our favorite couple.” Irena smiled at us and gave us both a bug.

“Can we have a private table in the back?” I whispered in her ear.

“Anything for you. I can see the glow on your face. Is it what I think?” She spoke softly in my ear. I nodded my head. “Congrats!”

Nick looked at us strangely. Irena walked us to a small booth in the back of the restaurant. She handed us a menu.

“Take your time. I’ll be back in a few minutes to place your order.”

“What were you two whispering about?”

“Nothing. How’s recording going?”

“Good. Almost finished with another song. What are going to get? I’m starving.”

“I was thinking about chicken parmesan and a cup of wedding soup. What about you?”

“I was thinking a bowl of wedding soup, a toss salad, and spaghetti with meatballs.”

“Wow. You are hungry.” I smiled at him.

“Well this morning, I was queasy and didn’t eat any breakfast. By lunch I was starving. We ordered out, and I ate a lot.”

“Why didn’t you wake me up before you left this morning?” I grabbed a breadstick.

“You were exhausted last night. I didn’t have the heart to wake you up. You looked adorable sleeping this morning.” He chuckled.

Irena came and took our order. We sat silently for a few minutes. I figured it was time to give him his gift.

“Nick, today I went shopping after I ran some errands. I saw this and had to get it for you.” I handed him the gift bag.

“Baby girl, you don’t have to get me anything. Your love is all I need.” My heart melted.

I slowly watched him take the first item out. He eyes grew bigger as he placed the rattle on the table. He looked at me.

“Is that what I think it is?” He asked in surprise.

“What do you think it is?” I answered back.

“Oh, Ashton! We’re having a baby!”

He came over to my side of the booth. His hands went to my belly.

“Nick, you’re going to be a daddy.”

“I’m so excited. I’ve been waiting for this moment.” He placed his lips to mine. Nick slowly kissed me. His hands stayed on my stomach. I forgot that we were in a restaurant. My hands moved to his hair.

“Oh I see the momma told you the good news.” Irena smiled at us.

“We’re going to be parents!” He yelled cheerfully.

“I am so happy for the two of you. You deserve all the happiness a baby brings.”  She placed our soup and salad on the table. Then Irena gave Nick a big kiss on the cheek.

“Enjoy your meal. I’ll be back with the rest.”

“You’ve made me the happiest man in the world. I’m gonna be a daddy.”

“I’m glad you are excited. I wanted to tell you as soon as I found out this afternoon, but I wanted to do it in person.”

“I’m glad you waited. I’m glad you are going to be the mother of my child.  I wouldn’t want to have kids with anyone else.” He said sincerely bringing tears to my eyes.

“I can’t wait to tell your mom.” He got quiet for a moment. “I guess all that time alone on our honeymoon paid off.”

“It certainly did.” My face turned red.

“I love how you still get shy when we talk about making love. It’s so sweet. I can’t wait to make love to the mother of my child.”

“To bad you have to go back to the studio tonight.”

“When I get home in the morning, I’m going to ravish you.”

“I’ll be waiting.”