I glanced at the clock by my desk and smiled as I saw that it was time to clock out. Finally, the day had ended! It had been a long week, but it would all be worth it when I got home. Not only was it Friday, but it was also the night of mine and Nick’s two year anniversary. I was very excited to see what he had planned for the evening. I put all my files in my briefcase and smiled as I remembered the magical night that Nick and I spent on our one year anniversary. He had taken me on a trip to Australia where he romantically proposed to me under the stars. I glanced down at my engagement ring and couldn’t help but rush out to my car. I was almost halfway to my car when I was stopped by Leslie, one my co-workers and also my best friend.

“Hey, girl, what’s the rush?” she said as she caught up with me.

“Sorry, I’m in a hurry to get home. It’s mine and Nick’s two year anniversary.”

“Aw, so sweet,” she cooed. “So, what does Mr. Carter have planned for you two?”

“I have no idea,” I said with a grin. “The last time he talked about it was last week and he didn‘t say much.”

“Typical Nick,” Leslie said with a laugh. “Well, I won’t keep you. Call me tomorrow and fill me in.”

“Will do,” I said as I unlocked my car.

On my way home, I decided to give Nick a call on his cell phone. I stopped at a stop light and drummed my fingers on the steering wheel as I got no answer. It was highly unusual for him to not answer his phone. My first thought that he was preparing for tonight’s surprise, which lead me to excitedly grin as I accelerated through the green light. Nick was definitely the most creative man I’ve ever been with. I knew I wouldn’t be disappointed in what he had planned.

When I arrived home, I did my usual ritual of taking off my heels and setting my briefcase down on the chair in the corner of the living room. The house was completely quiet except for the barking our two pugs, Molly and Toby. I bent down to pet them both as they came up to me.

“Oh, you two look so nice after your bath,” I said as I admired them, it was apparent that Nick had taken them to be groomed earlier that day.

I smiled as I patted Toby on the back and stood back up. I placed my hands on my hips and curiously looked around the house for Nick. There was no sign of him anywhere. I made my way upstairs and checked his studio at the end of the hall. I expected to see him sitting at his desk, staring intently at the computer screen, but the room was empty when I opened the door. I was a little puzzled as to where he would be, but I made my way into the bedroom. The door softly creaked as I slowly opened it. I stepped into the room and saw the bathroom door closed. I smiled as I sat on the bed and waited for him to come out. As I smoothed out my skirt, I heard the sound of the door opening. I looked up and Nick emerged from out of the bathroom, clutching his stomach as he made his way over to the bed. My eyes followed him as he laid down next to me.

“Hi,” he said softly.

“Oh, no, you’re sick, aren‘t you?” I said, trying my hardest to hide the disappointment in my voice.

Nick closed his eyes and nodded. “I’ve been puking all day.”

“Aw, baby,” I said sympathetically. “Do you need anything?”

“I don’t know,” he whined.

“I can bet you ten to one that you got this from Howie. Leigh told me how he was sick earlier this week,” I said while rubbing his stomach.

“Yeah, well, it sucks.”

I gently kissed his forehead and backed away as I felt the heat on my lips. “Oh, my god, baby you’re burning up.”

“I know.”

“Okay, you’re staying in this bed,” I ordered.

“I don’t think I could move even if I wanted to,” he mumbled.

“Just relax and I’ll be back in a few minutes.”

“Okay,” he said as he covered his eyes with his arm.

I left the bedroom and went down to the kitchen to get Nick a can of Sprite. I had just opened the can when I heard my cell phone ringing in my purse. I put the can down on the counter and swiftly made my way to the living room. The familiar ringtone let me know that is was Leigh calling. I sighed as I reached into my purse and opened the phone. I knew she was calling to go over more wedding details.

“Yes?” I said as I cradled the phone between my head and shoulder.

“Hey, I just wanted to call and find out if you’re still coming to brunch tomorrow,” she said cheerfully. “We have the colors picked out for the bridesmaids.”

“I think so,” I replied as I walked into the kitchen and let the dogs outside.

“Please tell me you didn’t make plans. I really need you to be there.”

“No, I made sure I had the day off.”

“Good.”

“But, Nick’s not feeling well. So, I don’t know.”

“When is he ever feeling well?” Leigh joked.

“Hey, I’m blaming Howie for this one,” I said as I grabbed the can of Sprite and walked upstairs.


“Oh, no, not the dreadful stomach bug,” she said in obvious disgust.

“I’m afraid so.”

“You are in for a long night,” Leigh said with a laugh. “Howie was stuck in the bathroom for hours.”

“Lovely,” I muttered as I walked into the bedroom.

“My thoughts exactly.”

“Well, I’ll just have to call you either later tonight or in the morning,” I said as I watched Nick walk into the bathroom and slam the door behind him.

“Wasn’t today your anniversary?” she asked.

“It was supposed to be,” I replied with a sigh.

“Aw, I’m sorry, hon.”

“It’s okay,” I said while fluffing Nick‘s pillow. “I’ll call you later to let you know what’s going on.”

“Okay, that sounds like a plan.”

I set the can of Sprite down on the night stand and the sound of Nick loudly vomiting was heard from behind the bathroom door. I crinkled my nose at the sound and went back to my conversation with Leigh.

“On second thought, do you think it’s possible you could come by and fill me in on everything. I have a feeling that I’m not going to make it tomorrow.”

“Sure, I’ll stop by on my way back from dinner with Howie.”

“Sounds good.”

“Do you want me to call first?”

I glanced at the bathroom door as Nick came out of the bathroom. He stopped dead in his tracks and whirled back around, leaving the door open as he went back into the bathroom.

“No, just stop by. I’ll be here.”

“Baby, could you come here, please?” Nick begged.

“One second, hon,” I said with a soft chuckle and drew my attention back to Leigh. “I gotta go. I’ll see you when you get here. The door’s unlocked, just come on in.”

“Got it, I’ll see you later.”

“Bye,” I said then hung up the phone.

I walked over to the bathroom and Nick was pitifully hovered over the toilet. I couldn’t help but feel sorry for him as I walked into the bathroom.

“I think I’m going to die,” he groaned then flushed the toilet.

“You’ll be okay,” I said as I rubbed his back. “Is there anything I can do for you?”

“Shooting me might be a start,” he muttered.

“Oh, don‘t be such a baby. Come on, you’re going back to bed,” I said as he I helped him stand up. “I want you to lay down and rest,” I continued as I slowly walked with him to the bedroom.

“Fine by me,” he said as he laid down.

I handed him the can of Sprite and pulled down the blinds. I roamed around the room and made sure he had everything he needed.

“Okay, you’ve got your Sprite, your remote, your favorite pillow, and a trash can just in case. Anything you need?”

“You,” Nick said as he grabbed my hand.

“Nick,” I said as I looked at him.

“Just lay with me,” he said with his eyes closed.

I couldn’t help but chuckle at him. Nick was always the biggest baby when he was sick. I turned off the lamp and laid down next to him. He rolled over on his stomach and laid his head on my chest. I turned on the TV and ran my fingers through his hair as he fell asleep.

Almost two hours had passed and Nick was falling in and out of sleep. I looked down at him as he softly whimpered and scrunched his nose.

“My head hurts,” he whined.

I placed my hand on his forehead and pressed my lips together. “Let me up so I can get you some Tylenol.”

“I don’t want to move,” he said in a whiny voice.

“If you don’t move, I can’t help you get rid of your headache.”

“Fine,” he said as he rolled over.

I held back my annoyance as I went into the bathroom to find the bottle of Tylenol. I had just opened the medicine cabinet when I heard Nick speak to me.

“Baby, it’s really hot in here.”

“It’s just your fever, Nick.”

“Make it go away.”

I bit my lip to keep from laughing. “I will as soon as I get the Tylenol,” I said as I pulled out the bottle from the medicine cabinet. “Just sit tight.”

“I think I’m going to be sick again,” he continued to whine.

“Then lean over the trash can,” I said as shook two Tylenol tablets out of the bottle.

I heard him softly groaning and I stepped back to check on him. As I predicted, he was leaning over the trash can, releasing what very little he had left in his stomach. I turned off the bathroom light and went back over to him. He sat up and I handed him the Tylenol.

“Just take these and try to go back to sleep,” I said as I rubbed his back.

“I don’t like this.”

“I know you don’t,” I said then kissed his cheek before I stood up.

“Where are you going?”

“Downstairs for some dinner.”

“Aw,” he whined.

“Nick, please stop acting like your three,” I said in annoyance. “It’s not cute.”

“I’m dying here.”

“You’re not dying,” I said while laughing. “I’m just going to be downstairs. Just lay down and rest. I’ll come back up after I’ve ate.”

“Okay,” he said softly.

I kissed his forehead and pulled the blankets over him. I was relieved when he didn’t argue with me as I left the room. I shut the door behind me, leaving it open a crack. As I walked down the stairs, Leigh walked into through the front door.

“Hey,” I said as I walked over to her.

“I won’t stay long. I just wanted to drop off the list of details on the wedding. I just need to take your measurements for the dress,” she said as she pulled out a measuring tape from her purse.

“Measure away,” I said as I lifted my arms.

“So, how’s Nick?” Leigh asked as she measured my waist.

“He’s being a baby, but that’s to be expected,” I said with a laugh.

Leigh grinned as she wrote down my waist size. “Well, I’m sure he’ll be better by tomorrow night,” she said as she continued to measure around my bust.

“I hope so. This really sucks.”

“He’ll make it up to you. You know how Nick is,” she said as she wrote down the rest of the measurements. “I think I have all I need.”

“Baby, I’m thirsty,” Nick called from upstairs.

I glanced over and Leigh and rolled my eyes. “I’m gonna kill him.”

Leigh laughed and shook her head. “You know you love him.”

“Yeah, well, he’s lucky I do,” I said as I went into the kitchen.

“Baby!” he shouted louder.

“In a second, Nick!” I said with a sigh. “Jesus, he’s such a toddler sometimes.”

“Don’t be too hard on him,” Leigh said with a grin.

“Oh, funny,” I said as I got out another can of Sprite.

“Well, I’ll call you tomorrow and fill you in on everything if you can’t make it.”

“Works for me,” I said as I followed back to the front door.

“Honey!” Nick continued to whine.

“I said I’m coming!” I shouted back and rolled my eyes. “I better get up there.”

Leigh laughed and hugged me. “Later,” she said then walked out the door.

I walked upstairs and Nick had stripped down to his boxer briefs. I couldn’t help but admire him for a moment. He looked sexy all sprawled out on his stomach. I smirked as I put the can of Sprite down on the nightstand and threw away the empty can. I sat on the edge of the bed and rubbed his back. His skin was warm and clammy against my hand. He lifted his head and looked at me. I smiled and ran my fingers through his hair.

“You doing okay?” I asked sweetly.

“No,” he said as he rolled over on his back. “I think I can tell you my entire nutritional history for the past year.”

“That’s disgusting, Nick,” I said while laughing.

He softly chuckled and took my hand. “I’m sorry I messed up our anniversary.”

“Aw, baby, it’s okay. You didn’t mean to get sick. I understand.”

“Do me a favor and go into my studio. There’s a CD on the desk, right next to the computer.”

“And what am I doing with this CD?” I said while smiling.

He looked at me and gave me his infamous half smile. “Don’t ask questions, just do it.”

“Okay, then,” I said as I stood up.

I walked into his studio and found the CD in the exact spot he told me. On my way to the door, something shiny caught my eye. I looked back on his desk and there was a small, silver gift bag. I couldn’t help but grin as I eyed the present. I grabbed the bag and walked back to the bedroom. Nick had stepped out of the bathroom with his toothbrush in his mouth. He laughed and smiled when he saw me holding the bag.

“I thought I told you to get a CD, not that.”

“Is this for me?” I asked while smiling.

He chuckled and nodded. “Yes,” he said as he went back into the bathroom and turned off the light.

“Can I open it?”

“No, you have to wait until next year,” he replied as he sat on the bed.

“Niiiick!” I whined as I walked over to the bed.

He laughed and grabbed both of my legs, pulling me down onto the bed. “Go ahead and open it, you big baby.”

I playfully stuck my tongue out as I threw the tissue paper at him. “I kind of feel bad because yours hasn’t come in yet,” I said as I kept pulling out paper. “What the fuck did you do? There’s enough paper to fill a whole room.”

“Careful when you get to the bottom,” he said while laughing.

I got down to the bottom of the bag and saw that more paper had been wrapped around an oddly shaped object. I carefully pulled it out of the bag and sat it on my lap. I unwrapped the object and my eyes grew wide as I uncovered the paper. It was a ceramic jewelry box in the shape of a dolphin. I looked at him and smiled.

“Nick, it’s beautiful, thank you,” I said while smiling.

“Look inside.”

“Is there candy in there?” I joked.

He laughed and playfully grabbed my thigh. “Just open it.”

I opened the jewelry box and smiled as I saw a necklace. I held it up and realized the charm on the necklace looked like a small glass tube. Inside the tube was a small dolphin floating inside water. At the bottom of the tube were two very small pieces of rice with carefully written letters.

“Nick, Rachel,” I said as I read the words out loud. “Nick, this is so cute!” I squealed.

“You don’t think it’s too high schoolish?” he questioned.

I laughed as I admired the necklace. “Well, maybe a little, but it’s perfect,” I said as I looked at him. “It fits you and your childish personality. It’s why I love you.”

He smiled and kissed my cheek. “Happy anniversary.”

“Happy anniversary,” I echoed then kissed him on the lips.

"So, what was on this disc?" I asked as I waved the CD in front of his face.

"Not a damn thing," he said with a wicked grin. "It's blank."

"Oh, you ass," I said as I threw a pillow at him.

"Well, how else was I supposed to get you in there?"

"You could've just told me to go get the present."

"That would've taken all the fun out of it."

"What would you have done had I not noticed it?"

"Called your doctor and set an appointment to have your eyes checked," he said while laughing.

I playefully glared at him then shoved him back down on the bed. "You are such a pain," I said.

"But you love me."

"Sometimes I wonder," I replied then kissed him.

“Woman, you’re crazy. I’m going to get you sick.”

“Hmm, well worth it,” I said then kissed him again.

“You’re right, it is,” he said as he wrapped his arms around my waist and pulled me down to lie next to him. “I love you.”

“I love you too,” I said with a smile. “So, what now?”

“Mmmm…movies?” he said as he picked up the DVD remote.

“Perfect,” I replied.

Nick turned on the DVD player and we watched the disc that was already inside. I laid my head on his chest and couldn’t help but smile. Nick was a pain in the butt sometimes, but he was perfect in every way. I couldn’t have asked for a better man to marry and I definitely couldn't wait for more anniversaries to come.