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Author's Chapter Notes:
Sorry I have been neglecting the updates lately. Have had problems with my internet connection. So, as an apology, here are the next five chapters. :-)
"Don't you think we should have stayed with the others for a while longer before telling them all to fuck off?" Alana inquired with a small squeal of surprise as Nick yanked on her hand to draw her closer. The long strides of his legs caused her to quicken her pace, even despite her own long legs. They had just arrived in the Bahamas and managed to settle all their bags in their appropriate rooms at the Atlantis Resort before Nick had demanded she put on a bikini with much haste. Everyone else had snuck into their bedrooms to ward off the jetlag, but Nick was raring to find adventure. And she had been lost as to his plans until she felt the warm sand of the private beach beneath her feet. "Nick!" Alana yelped in shock when he stopped suddenly, causing her to crash into his back and fall into the sand on her backside.

Turning, Nick grinned as he reached to pull her up. The excitement shining in her eyes made him want to laugh, knowing this would be a memorable moment for her. The first time she set foot on a beach. Wrapping his arms around her waist, he spun her around until she faced the ocean, resting his chin on her shoulder. "Welcome to the beach, Beautiful…"

"Nick…" Alana trailed softly, inhaling a sharp breath of air that turned to a soft gasp. Her teal eyes widened in overwhelming appreciation for Mother Nature's craft. The white sandy shoreline glistened underneath the high noon sun, causing a rippling effect of light to bounce from the rich rolling waves of blue-green salt water. The power of the waves crashing upon the shore sent a brilliant breeze against her. The soft spray of water misted her bronzed skin, exhilarating her as she turned slightly. Unable to contain herself, she threw her arms around his neck with a soft squeal. "It's beautiful, Nick…"

"It's not as beautiful as you are, Alana," Nick replied honestly, squeezing her gently as he kissed her cheek. He was surprised at the taste of tears on her skin, and leaned back slightly. "Tears, Beautiful? Why are you crying?"

"It's hard to explain," she admitted with a rueful smile, leaning back as well. Rubbing the backs of her hands across her face, she stifled an embarrassed sniffle. Dropping her hands to fuss with the hem of her baggy t-shirt, she turned back toward the rolling waves. "It's just really beautiful out here and… I'm just so thankful that you convinced me to come here… I needed this, Nick… You have no idea how much…"

Gently massaging her shoulders, Nick dropped a kiss to the top of her head before sliding one hand down to clasp hers. "Well, come on, we've got hours till dinnertime, and there's miles of shoreline just begging for us to walk down it."

"Okay," Alana agreed with a soft nod, curling her free hand around both of theirs intertwined. Pressing a soft kiss to his knuckles, she smiled appreciatively as she pulled him down to the shoreline. Already barefoot, she stepped tentatively into the shoreline. When the waves lapped at her feet, she squealed in surprise as the sand gave way beneath her.

"You have to keep your feet moving unless you want to be up to your knees in sand," Nick suggested, not bothering to hold back his pleasure at seeing her so excited. It occurred to him that, despite being a mature and responsible adult who climbed mountains and had a rebellious streak, in some ways she was innocent as a child. Experiencing for the first time the feel of sand beneath her feet, the rush of waves against the shore. Stopping, he caught the edge of a shell between his fingers before it was dragged into the surf. Shaking the water from the small peach-colored conch, he offered it to her with a smile.

"What's this for?" Alana questioned in confusion as she released his hands to hold the little shell between her palms. Shifting it to the center of her left palm, she gently traced the outside with her pinky finger. "Y'know… You get a couple more of these then we can make a bikini and see if it sounds like the ocean when you hold me on your shoulder…"

"Probably not… But I'm sure I'd be able to hear you scream," Nick teased, leaning close to kiss her forehead. "And it's for you. Your first souvenir from the beach--"

"Some women would think you're completely cheap, but I love it. Thank you," Alana graciously replied as she popped onto her tip-toes to kiss his cheek. "Keep it in your pocket for me?"

"Alright," he murmured, smirking when she dipped her hand into the pocket of his shorts. Linking their fingers again, he continued his stroll. For the first time in his life completely content. "Wait… I'm cheap?"

"As a redneck who uses secondhand whipped cream Tupperware," Alana teased, pressing close to his side as the waves continued to rush against her feet. She giggled softly at the cool tickling sensation, but blushed and turned her face into Nick's shoulder when she noticed him watching.

"You're adorable," Nick informed her, reaching up with his free hand to sweep the hair from her face.

"I am not," she contradicted with a harder blush. "…Why am I?"

"Because you are," Nick answered with a chuckle. "I can tell you're so excited about being on a beach for the first time, the way you squeal and giggle… And then you try to act like it's not that big a deal and start blushing… Just adorable."

"…Thanks…" Alana trailed slightly with a small smile, stopping their slow walk. Turning so she could step into his pathway, she brushed her hands up his bare arms. He had somehow wrestled himself into a light blue, sleeveless t-shirt to compliment his dark blue, board trunks. The colors, hues, and lighting of the beach definitely agreed with him. The golden sun setting a glowing background to his platinum locks, deepening the dark glimmering pools of brilliant sapphire irises the complimented the lazy grin forming with his soft lips. Unable to resist, she locked her arms around his neck to capture his lips against her own. Did he know how truly important he was in her life?

Smiling against her lips, Nick wrapped his arms tightly around her waist, holding her close to him. The ocean breeze whipped around them, and he reveled in the feel of her body fitting so perfectly against his, the way her hair danced across his cheeks. The smooth skin beneath his fingers, way her fingers ran through the hair at the back of his neck. If only he could prove to her how much he loved her. "God, Alana… I love you so--"

"Hey! There you are!" Aaron's voice bellowed from a ways up the beach.

"Damnit, didn't I lock him in the car?" Nick growled against Alana's lips, pulling away slightly to see his brother racing down the sand. The look of excitement crossed the youngest Carter's face as he waved excitedly toward the couple. His scrawny form tucked into a pair of long legged trunks, though the ripped affect of his muscular upper torso caused Nick to burn with a slight jealousy.

"He's so cute, Nick, I can't believe--" Alana's sentence abruptly ended as Aaron came swooping down without warning. Grabbing her by the waist, Aaron hefted her easily onto his shoulder as he raced into the waves. Diving beneath the largest wave, he sent both of them into the cold waters. Choking in surprise, Alana immediately wrenched herself to the surface to take a deep breath. Sputtering at the taste of salt, she noticed Aaron surface with every intent of tackling her again. "Wait a damn minute!" Alana growled as she grasped at her t-shirt, ripping it away from her body to reveal her bikini. Tossing the t-shirt toward the shoreline, Alana tackled Aaron beneath the waves.

"Goddamnit," Nick grumbled, scowling as the love of his life and his younger brother wrestled in the water. Glancing up when he heard the excited squeals of children, he saw Elizabeth and Baylee running down the beach, Natalie trailing behind them wearing what appeared to be only Brian's t-shirt. And, further behind, Howie and AJ, discussing something vehemently. "Double Goddamnit," Nick decided with a groan.

"Aaron! Aaron! Aaron! Damnit! That's not fair!" Alana yelped in shock, drawing Nick's attention away from the developing party just briefly to see Aaron dive at Alana's legs. There was no where for her to go but over his shoulder, inches from the rolling waves as he twirled her in a wild circle. "God, I hope I puke on you!"

"We're in the ocean! It'd wash right off!" Aaron hollered.

"Little Nicky! Put my 'Lana down!" Baylee insisted as he skidded to a stop beside Nick. Stomping one foot in the sand, he glared out at Aaron. "Now!"

Alana's eyes widened in realization as Aaron stopped his twirls, turning her backside toward the shore so he could look at the little boy. "Boogie! Don't say that! 'Cause he'll--" But it was too late as he pushed her from his shoulder, sending her crashing into the waves.

"Little Nicky!" Baylee admonished with a startled whine.

"And you brought him along to take care of the kids," Natalie sighed as she approached Nick and the children. Glancing out to watch Aaron quickly move away to avoid Alana, she shook her head. "He's really going to be a good influence--"

"Shouldn't you be off giving Bri a blowjob somewhere?" Nick interrupted, glaring at Aaron as he loped through the waves to the beach.

"What's your problem?" Natalie huffed with surprise, not really prepared for the hostility surfacing through Nick's tension. Usually his words were barbed against her in a teasing manner. But now they were laced with poison. Furrowing her light brown brows, she crossed her arms as she awaited an explanation, oblivious to Baylee hurrying for AJ, demanding he go in search of Alana, who had yet to surface.

"Problem? Why should I have any problem?" Nick questioned scornfully, peeling off his t-shirt as AJ assured Baylee that Alana would be alright. Shoving his t-shirt into Natalie's hands, he took two long strides into the surf before diving beneath a wave.

"Where's he swimming off to?" Howie questioned with confusion as he set Elizabeth on the sand, making sure she had her bucket and shovel for building sandcastles. He watched Aaron scramble back onto the shoreline, gulping air as he braced his hands on his knees, practically bowled over in exertion.

"He heard the ship left without him, apparently," Natalie shrugged, bending to adjust Elizabeth's cap. Smiling when the girl cooed her thanks, she looked up towards Howie. "He's PMS'ing today. Nearly bit my head off, talking about me giving Bumpkin blowjobs--"

"I really don't need that image in my head, thanks," Howie interrupted with a strained smile, ushering Baylee and Elizabeth to a perfect section to build sandcastles.

"Geez, all the men around here are snippy today," Natalie muttered under her breath, turning her attention to the ocean to see Alana and Nick surface. Smiling slightly at the way Nick's arms held Alana close, she turned to help Baylee and Elizabeth build their castles.

"Did you think I was drowning?" Alana inquired as she sucked in a deep breath of air, immediately dragging her hands through her locks to pull the long curls plastered to her face away. She smiled slightly when the curls were cleared away, finding Nick's dark ocean eyes watching her intently. Reaching, she then began to wipe the droplets of water away from is face before brushing away the locks plastered to his forehead.

"Well, he did just drop you in the ocean," Nick answered, dipping his head to lightly kiss her lips, allowing his tongue to flick away the beads of seawater from her lips. "Just wanted to--"

"You alright, Babe?!" AJ bellowed from the beach.

"--Get away from that jackass for five seconds," Nick grumbled, resting his forehead against Alana's.

"He's a nice guy," Alana chided as she held up a 'thumb's up' to signal to AJ that she was indeed fine. She couldn't force herself to pull away from Nick's embrace, especially as he protectively held her despite the threatening waves. He refused to let her slip away beneath the glassy surface once more and she adored that streak.

"He's an interfering fuck nut," Nick disagreed, turning his body so AJ would only see his back. Ignoring the older man's growl of disgust, he lifted Alana slightly, reaching to pull her legs around his waist. He didn't want to let her go. Ever. "Having fun?"

"Considering your little brother isn't drowning me anymore? Yeah, I'm having a lot of fun," Alana agreed as she helped to wrap her legs around the taper of his waist. Demurely crossing her ankles behind him, she then slid her arms over his shoulders and linked them behind his neck. Purring affectionately, she leaned in to give him a soft kiss. "Thanks for rescuing me."

"Anytime," he promised, moving them out further until just their heads and shoulders showed above the water. He had always felt complete when in the ocean, knowing that no matter what life was like he could count on the sea to calm his nerves. Now, having Alana with him, he realized just how lonely he had been. "What do you say I rent a boat while we're here, and we can spend the day out on the water? Just the two of us?"

"I'd like that a lot," Alana agreed with a wistful smile, knowing that Elizabeth would be in good hands for the day. Entertaining the very idea of having Nick to herself for the whole day caused several shivers to rip down her spine. Tightening her arms around his neck, she giggled slightly when he arched his brows in confusion at her reaction. "…We won't come back till way after nightfall, right?"

"We have to come back?"

Alana's lips curved into a brewing grin. "Spend the night out on the ocean?"

"And get a boat big enough we can sleep out on the deck," Nick suggested.

"In the moonlight and starlight…"

"With the water swaying the boat slightly… What do you say, Beautiful?"

"Please?" she whispered softly against his lips.

"I'll set everything up tomorrow," Nick promised.

"I'll owe you for this."

"Just promise me you won't bring any clothes but that bikini and we'll call it even…"

"You like this one?" Alana questioned hopefully, tilting back in his arms so he could get an adequate view of her new bikini. She had purchased it the day before they had left for the Bahamas, unbeknownst to the rest of the group. She had bought it just for Nick, hoping he would like it. It was a dark plum color with paint splatters of various shades of purple. The top was a halter style with slim strings tying around her neck and a plunging neckline to compliment the string ties of her low riding bikini bottom.

"I love it," Nick assured her with a grin, one hand sliding up to cup her breast as he pulled her back for a gentle kiss. "Just this. Nothing else. No towels or little skirts or baggy t-shirts or jeans--"

"I don't wear skirts," Alana reminded him, her body responding to his touch with a light shiver.

"Good. Now… What do you say we tell everyone to fuck off and go lock ourselves in our room for the rest of the day?"

"Our room… Do you think we can pull it off?" Alana questioned as she shifted to climb onto Nick's back. Threading her legs around his waist and her arms about his neck once more, she held on tightly as he started to walk toward shore.

Nick chuckled as he maneuvered through the surf to the shore. "I'm damn near certain we can. As long as we--" Cutting off when he saw AJ heading towards them, he gripped her thighs to his sides tightly. "Run!" he yelped, taking off towards the rooms.

*~*~*

"Lizzie and Bay-Bee have fallen asleep to The Lion King," Natalie announced softly as she stepped out onto the balcony. Pulling the thick terry cloth robe provided by the resort closer around her, she moved over to lightly kiss Brian's cheek. After spending the afternoon on the beach with the kids, she had returned to their suite to find Brian wide awake and full of energy from his long nap to ward off the jet lag. Baylee and Elizabeth had been exhausted by the time they returned from dinner and a long walk on the beach, though both had begged to watch their favorite movie. Pushing her damp hair away from her face, Natalie kissed Brian's cheek again before reaching to gently rub his shoulders. "I got them in the bed after my shower… Poor things are so tuckered out they'll probably sleep till noon…"

"Then that gives me plenty of time to spend with you," Brian decided as he gently looped his arms around Natalie's waist, pulling her into his lap. He fully expected her to protest at first, but with her soft sigh, he relaxed immensely. Keeping his arms around her waist, he helped her rest against his chest. His fingers diving softly into her damp locks, he inhaled the soft scent of her shampoo and soap. She always smelled so good to him.

"We haven't had five minutes alone since we got on the plane," Natalie murmured, snuggling close. Relaxing in his hold, she closed her eyes for a moment, listening to the waves crashing on the shore just beyond the dunes. "I love it here, Bumpkin…"

"All means of privacy escapes the clutches of parents, Nat," Brian reminded her gently as he rested his chin on the top of her head. He watched the waves rolling in from the miles of blue green waters which complimented the pastel streaks of color racing across the sunset sky. He had decided that this was perfection. His son safe and sound just a few rooms away, sleeping soundly and a beautiful woman curled on his lap that shared his love of life. A woman that shared his love. "And, figuring we took a private plane, I don't think anyone had much privacy… But, you're right, I love it here, too - with you."

"Don't forget that Thursday 'Lana and I are going to be in the spa all afternoon. Which means Nick'll be following you around like a sad little puppy looking for someone to play with," Natalie teased softly, shifting in his lap so her head rested on his shoulder. The fading sunlight delicately kissed his features, eyes that mirrored the blue of the sky glancing down at her with love. Reaching up, she slowly traced the contours of his face with her fingers, from the sweep of his forehead to the curve of his jaw. Trailing her thumb across his lips, she smiled with true happiness, part of her still unable to believe he was truly hers. "I--"

"Love you," Brian finished for her, kissing her thumb before leaning to find her mouth with his. Feeling the softness of her lips beneath his, he couldn't help but smile. Breathing in the very air that she released, mixing their essence, he felt Natalie's lips tremble with wanting. Delicately, he pressed his lips to hers as he whispered, "I'll love you till the end of time, Natalie."

"Bumpkin," Natalie breathed, her fingers curling in his hair. Tears already brimmed in her eyes at his words, threatening to fall without the slightest provocation. "You're going to make me--"

"Please tell me that you two are dressed completely and there are no exposed body parts that I have no interest in seeing," Howie's voice announced from the doorway. Immediately Natalie squeaked slightly, pulling away from Brian to see Howie had his eyes clenched shut.

"Howie, you know me a lot better than that. There is no way that I would strip Natalie of her innocence, much less her clothing, on a balcony where anyone could observe our doings. I'd rather have her in my bed, curled against me in a passionate--"

"What is it with Frick and Frack and their sudden blossoming of 100 point Scrabble wording?" Howie questioned with a small smile, seating himself beside Brian. Noticing the small cooler at the younger man's feet, he reached to pull a bottle of beer from the icy depths. He tipped the beer toward Brian as means of thanks before ripping the cap off, gesturing for Natalie to stay put on Brian's lap. He wasn't offended at the sweet romantics.

"I bought Bumpkin a word-a-day calendar," Natalie explained with a soft laugh, lightly ruffling Brian's hair before leaning to get a beer of her own. "What brings you by?"

"Natural curiosity, boredom, loneliness, perhaps even a business proposition?" Howie answered honestly, leaning back in his seat as he propped his bare feet upon the railing. "Aaron and AJ went down for a late night swim in the pool. The kids are sleeping. Nick has locked Alana away in their master bedroom. And I knew you two would just love my company."

"Always," Natalie promised, taking a sip of her beer. "…What kind of business proposition?"

"It has to do with-Brian, you glare at me like that again I'm going to superglue your face like that at night," Howie immediately threatened when he noted Brian's sour expression. "I'm not going to proposition Natalie for anything sexual. At least not while you're here. I'm not foolish."

"Not now, at least… Get a few more beers in you and you'll be offering me a few million to have her for a night," Brian grumbled, though he offered the older man a grin. "It has to do with what?"

"Propositioning Bumpkin for sex?" Natalie suggested.

"I'm not as desperate as AJ is for sex," Howie warned.

Natalie rolled her eyes. "…I could always hook you up with one of my friends in LA--"

"God, don't. The last thing Howie wants or needs is some giggling fool with more boobs than brains," Brian sighed. "Not that I don't love them all, of course," he quickly added when he saw Natalie's scowl. "They're all wonderful people, but trust me when I say they're not for D--"

"Keep digging, Brian," Howie chuckled.

"I'm not talking about those friends. I'm talking about the girls I met when I did--"

"What business proposition did you have in mind, Howie? Please, share. I'm on pins and needles over here," Brian pleaded.

"I don't think I can recall it…" Howie trailed with a wicked smile, loving to see Brian stew.

"Damnit, Howie--"

"You know, the girls I became friends with after you let Leighanne move you to Georgia and informed me I should stay in LA 'just in case'? Back when you were so enamored with her you still called me several times a day just to make sure I was doing alright? The girls--"

"Natalie, Sweetheart, please," Brian interrupted softly, his eyes full of pleading as he looked at her. "I understand. I'm sorry. I'm an ass."

Natalie looked as if she were about to continue on her tirade of smoldering animosity for Brian's failed marriage, but Howie cleared his throat. He glanced apologetically toward Brian for starting the entire incident, shifting uncomfortably as he took a long swallow of his beer. "My proposition is about Alana, your guys' new best friend."

"…You going to offer her a few million for sex?" Natalie guessed after a moment.

"As tempting as that sounds, taking a woman away from Nick for once… I'd rather have her on my record label. I mean, Brian, be honest with me, she has the talent to make it as a performer. Doesn't she? Her personality is infectious. She's got a beautiful smile. A gorgeous body. And her voice is just…"

"Amazing," Natalie finished for him softly.

"Yeah… Even when she's just singing to herself it's breathtaking," Brian agreed with a nod, remembering all the times he had been half-asleep and heard her singing softly as she checked on Baylee. "And what do we have to do with your record label?"

"Nothing," Howie stated honestly, causing Natalie to roll her eyes. "My problem is that she doesn't take my offer seriously. She keeps turning down the opportunity when I know she could do more than just succeed in the business. But after I called her Nick's flavor of the week, I think my credibility declined---"

"You called her a flavor?!" Natalie interrupted with a soft cry, jerking to sit upright in Brian's lap. "What is she, a scoop of ice cream or something?"

"I'm sorry, okay? I just know Nick's history with women and the type of women that he dates. None of them are there for the long-haul. Instead, they're like a scoop of ice cream, per say. The flavor of the week that really excites you but gives you one too many brain freezes so you have to move to the next--"

"Like you're one to talk about Nicky's history, Mr. One-Night Stand," Natalie snorted, draining the rest of her beer.

"What One-Night-Stand?" Brian immediately questioned with a scowl of cynicism, which he turned on Natalie. He had never been so accustomed with the emotion of jealousy before, but found it evoking his very soul whenever Natalie mentioned another relationship with a man. It made him feel inadequate, though he never dared to admit so. "Were you Ms. One-Night-Stand?"

"Would you calm down? Haven't I told you that nothing happened the one time he and I went out?" Natalie questioned with a soft sigh.

"Geez, Bri… She wouldn't even let me kiss her goodnight--"

"Damn straight," Natalie huffed.

"Which means he tried," Brian grumbled to himself, reaching for a beer. "Anyway, continue with the proposition. Before I find myself sleeping on the couch tonight…"

"It's not a proposition I suppose, but more of a plea… I need her on my label. She's the one that's going to make my label launch with this huge explosion of greatness. She just won't take my proposal seriously. She says she's a nurse. She even turned Aaron down and you know that boy is weaseling his way into her heart. I'm half tempted to slip it in Baylee and Elizabeth's coloring books for when Alana signs her name after coloring a page. It'd be in crayon, but iron-clad, damnit…"

"No it wouldn't," Natalie disagreed as she slid from Brian's lap to settle herself in the other chair. "It would be fraud, and she would get out of that quicker than Lizzie gets out of her Pull-Ups--"

"I need her to sign that paper," Howie grunted like a stubborn child. "And I really don't want to stoop to asking Nick…"

"Like he'll be so eager to help, considering you called the woman he loves a flavor," Natalie reminded him with a scowl. "But… What do you want us to do? Get her drunk and ask for her autograph?"

"You guys are her best friends, aren't you?" Howie groaned. "Right?"

Brian glanced towards Natalie. "I--"

"Who'd be her manager?" Natalie questioned. "Would she be able to choose her own material? Choose her band? Her style? And when did you get a record label? The last I heard you talk about it, it was just some pipedream you and AJ kept tossing around--"

Howie craned his neck to catch Brian's gaze. "Is she serious?"

"To quote Nick and Alana… A-fucking-parently," Brian chuckled, not knowing how else he could possibly define the situation as Natalie continued to make demands.