Nick sat on the edge of the bed the past coming back to him all at once. He loved her how could she have done this to him? He remembered the day they had all met years ago now. She had been young and beautiful older then her years and he had been young and naive a complete idiot, but none the less he had fallen in love with her almost from the first moment he has seen her. She was headed to LA to see her Grandfather her father’s father. She had never met either of the two men. Her father had passed before she had ever met him his father had looked for her for years and just now found her. Her mother who had just remarried for the fourth time was headed to Brittan to live with her British husband. It had been her first time on a plane she was excited to meet her grandfather grateful that she still had one having lost the man who had acted as her father for more the 15 yrs. Her smile was kind her eyes told a story of sadness that she had lived more then her nearly 16 yrs would have let on to. She was about 5’3 and not skinny but not obese either she had an air about her that made you want to meet her. She was sweet not a single mean bone in her body. She was even pleasant towards a rather grumpily hung over AJ. And what was more she had no clue who he or the other’s where her niece Alex her brother Alexander William Tibolt Sloan’s daughter sat and laughed at her aunt. He remembered it like it had been yesterday…
“Hey I’m nick Carter of the Backstreet Boys may I ask who you are” nick sat down next to the woman who had caught his eye as he had boarded the plane. Arielle had no clue who he was but she figured she might as well say hi her niece sat next to her with a smile on her face the little five year old seemed to know who he was. “ I’m Arielle Marie Tibolt Sloan. Pleasure to meet you I’m sure.” she answered curtly she had no clue who this stranger was or who he thought he was. “T that’s Nick he sings in the group mama liked.” the little girl had lost her mom and dad all at once she didn’t remember them because she had been a baby at the time but they were talked of often enough that they were as real to Alex as Elmo was. Alex was an only child she was born and shortly afterwards her mother passed away from her battle with cancer shortly after that Arielle’s brother Alex took his life out of grief. Arielle had been the one to find him hanging from the upstairs balcony that day since her brother Alex and Alexandria’s mother Rebecca had named Arielle as Alexandria’s Guardian the courts after much deliberation had named Arielle the sole guardian of the child. At the age of 12 Arielle had raised her niece since no one else in the family wanted the child. Nick smiled down at the little girl “ who are u sweet heart.” Alex smiled at her hero “ I’m Alexandria Arielle Tibolt Sloan I’m your biggest fan. Mommy used to play your song Darlin’ to me at night when I was a baby.” Alex looked so proud as she talked to the celebrity. “Alex sit down and hush up darlin’ I’m sure Mr. Carter doesn’t want to talk to you. I’m sure he has more important things to do.” Arielle didn’t know what to think of Nick he was definitely a bold soul coming right up to her and asking for her name. and talking to little Alex. Arielle didn’t care who he was or what he was a part of she didn’t like his brassiness.
AJ had noticed Arielle’s unease he didn’t know weather it was because she was nervous around some one famous or not. He still wondered why she was flying with them on the private jet. Or why he felt he needed to protect her. “hello sweetheart I’m AJ that’s Nick over there’s Howie” AJ started to introduce every on Brian walked up “I’m Brian and that’s my cousin Kevin over there and we’re the Backstreet Boys” the smile that had been ever growing on Alex’s little face now spread from ear to ear. ”T Look it’s AJ his name is Alex too just like mine and daddy’s was.” Arielle couldn’t help but smile at her nieces excitement. “ pleasure to meet you AJ Brian Howie and Kevin By the Way Nick made sure I knew who he was already.” everyone laughed at that including little Alex. “So if you don’t mind me asking you where are you headed sorry didn’t catch your name Darlin’” Howie got up from his perch and walked over to the small group gathering around Arielle “ “well Howie my name is Arielle Marie Tibolt Sloan. And I’m head to LA to meet my father’s father for the first time he runs a Recording studio there as well as a management firm.” the guys looked at her in shock their boss at the recording studio had told them his granddaughter was coming out to see him the granddaughter his son had refused to believe was his. It had only been one time it couldn’t have happened he had said. “ then your Mark Tibolt’s Granddaughter and this little one would be?” “Alexandria Arielle Tibolt Sloan or we call her Alex for short she was my big brother’s only child until he passed away five years ago.” Arielle did not want to talk about her brother with these strangers. “then she not yours” Kevin asked a little confused. At that moment Alice from the firm her grandfather owned boarded the plane “okay people time to go as soon as Arielle’s Bodyguard gets on.” Alice turned to Arielle “Darlin’ your grandfather ordered you protection since he is a big name he wants to make sure you and Alex are safe. And AJ your mom will be at the airport when we arrive she took an earlier flight.” Arielle sat stunned why would she need a bodyguard no one knew who she was or who she was related to but if this would put her grandfather’s mind at ease she would oblige him. “I’m on sorry got caught up in the metal detector again forgot about my keys in my pocket getting old is not handy at times but don’t you worry dear it doesn’t affect how good I am at what I do and that’s protecting you I’m the head of your grandfather’s security team. Welcome to the family.” Rupert was a pleasant man in his mid thirties early forties and he reminded Arielle of the body guard off of the princess diaries.

Nick remembered the flight it was short and he had worked his damn hardest to try and get her number or to find out where she was going to be staying. Alex worshiped her aunt and well them too. The little girl had sat with Howie and Kevin the whole flight babbling on about what ever came to her mind. Occasionally her aunt would reprimand her telling her to not pester the gentleman. Kevin or Howie would smile back at Arielle and tell her Alex was no bother. Nick had fallen in love with the two girls Arielle love for her niece was quite evident if Arielle hadn’t of told them that Alex was her niece he would have thought them mother and daughter. For what the two of them had been through they had come a long way. Alex’s laughter still rang in his ear. The joy of the child the pure innocents of her laughter still brought joy to his heart. The little girl had him wrapped around his finger from moment one. And her aunt had his heart doing flips. Yes nick was head over heels in love with this woman.

The plane touched down in LA a few hours later little Alex did not want to part with her new friends she had in less then a day grow so close to Howie Kevin and Brian the little girl loved them and was already calling AJ uncle and Arielle was sure that if the flight had been longer she would have taken to calling all five men her uncle. Arielle was met at the airport by her grandfather’s secretary who explained to her that Mark was at the studio awaiting her arrival as well as the guys well the backstreet boys “ Mr. Richardson will I see you again” little Alex tugged at the mans large hand with her small one. Kevin knelt down to be eye level with the little girl. “ of course you’ll see us again I’m uncle Kevin remember. And me and uncle Brian and Uncle Howie and grumpy old uncle AJ will see you again soon cause your Great Grandfather runs the firm we use and the studio we record in. that and” Kevin stood to look at Arielle. “ we’d love for you and Alex to stop by while we’re working on the new album and to come to our concerts here in LA we have 4 this week. I’ll be sure you get the tickets and the passes.” Kevin hugged Arielle following in his suite was Brian Howie AJ and even nick. “I understand where your coming from sweetheart if you ever need to talk to me or Brian just give us a call you have our numbers. We’ll see you around.” Kevin had talked with Arielle on the flight more or less to apologize for nick brazenness. And Arielle had found her self telling this man with such ease what had happened to her brother Alex’s father and well her whole life story. Kevin reminded Arielle of her big brother Alex. Sweet and kind fatherly supportive. Arielle knew that Kevin would be a good friend as well as Brian who shared Arielle’s same faith and determination. “thank you both so much and be assured I will call you if ever I need to talk” Arielle hugged Brian close to her. “ I’ll hold you to that child” Brian told her as they embraced ” You can’t take the world on your shoulders alone it will never work” nick sauntered up to Arielle aware that all eyes where on him now “ You ever need me or the guys we’ll be here” Alice laughed at the guys “ you do know she’s riding with you to the studio right? Your acting like you’ll never see her again this is just to priceless” AJ’s laughter could be heard ringing through the large space “ha-ha we’re fools all of us” he hoisted little Alex up onto his shoulders “ well little on you ready for your first of many limo rides?” the little beamed down at him “yes” she squealed happily. As they walked to the limo Alex played with AJ and Nick who walked next to her putting her hands over AJ’s eye and hitting hit on the head occasionally. As they came to the inside of LAX Arielle and the guys where met by a throng of fans “this is where I earn my paycheck” Rupert stepped in front of Arielle and the guys telling the fans to back off and let them pass. Arielle watched in wonder she didn’t think she’d ever be able to deal with this it was too much. Though she had dealt with harder things.
Arielle had gone through three step fathers two of which had been mentally verbally and physically abusive. Her first step father a guy by the name of Bill had been more verbal and mentally abusive then physically he had been pissed that she was her mother last child and that there was no way there’d be another child he hated that about her. Alex had tried his hardest to shield her from it all he was very protective of his little sister. A whole 12 yrs had spanned the two of them in age. But Alex didn’t care he was always there protecting her till his dieing day. He had been the one to rush into the house and remove Sky her second step father from off of her he had beaten her senseless and was getting ready to rape her. That was when Arielle and Alex had moved back in with her mother’s parents her grandmother and grandfather. And that was around the time Alex had met Rebecca the three of them had hit it off from the start. But tragedy would strike with in the second year of all this when Arielle’s grandfather passed away from cancer a tumor in his brain. “Arielle come on and hop in the limo Darlin’” Howie held the door open for her. Arielle was brought back to the present with a heart wrenching jolt. “thank you Howie” Arielle hopped in the open limo “alright little one in ya go” AJ placed Alex down into the limo “don’t forget to buckle up sweet pea” in less the 24 hrs Alex had take complete strangers and gotten 5 new uncles. “yes Uncle AJ. Jeez this is a big car” Nick and AJ laughed at each other “it’s not a car Alex it’s a LIMO” Nick told the little girl as he climbed in next to her. “ don’t forget to buckle up uncle Nick and you too Uncle AJ” the little girl made sure they did as they had told her. Everyone laughed at the little girl. And Arielle couldn’t help but chuckle to herself. They were all taken by this little girl or only 5 yrs old.
The limo ride to the studio was short but seemed to take forever Arielle was anxious to meet her grandfather her true father’s father she didn’t know what to expect the guys had told her he was kind and gentle never raised his voice at a soul and that he was so excited to meet his granddaughter and saddened at her lose in the past year first her grandfather then her sister in law and finally her big brother. At that moment the limo pulled up in front of the studio and standing there in the front was an older man not elderly but older he looked very kindly he had a smile on his face and look anxious himself to meet the people in the limo. “Arielle there he is your grandfather.” Alice pointed to him as a slue of staff came running to the limo. One opened the door “ Ms. Tibolt” he took her hand as she got out. “ Arielle your bags are being sent to the house do you need a change of clothes for you and Alex before we take them there” Alice asked as she was telling the limo driver where to go “yes please just take out the blue case it has the clothes I need”
Arielle turned around to great the older man he reminded her of Dick van Dike he looked just like Mark Sloan from Diagnosis Murder she could help but wonder if her father had resembled Steve Sloan. “Hello Ms. Arielle Tibolt Welcome to LA. There’s no easy way to tell you this So here I go. I’m your father’s father. So I guess that make me Grandpa.” Arielle stood and stared at the man before her, her grandpa and tears began to spill down her face She still had a grandpa and he stood right there in front of her she had a family still a link to her father and to her past. “ms. Tibolt Ms. Tibolt” the room spanned around and the next thing she know strong arm where holding her stopping her from hitting the cement.

“Do you remember when we went to camp that one day and went for a walk remember what I told you. That I loved you no matter what was in your past and that you were always welcome and that I would always be there for you.” the voice in Arielle’s head was soft and gentle faded on the edges like a well worn memory but she know it well. She most be dreaming to hear it again. She thought to herself she didn’t want to wake up. She didn’t want it to end she wanted to curl up in his lap and forget what had happened in that long year. But the voice reminded her “ Arielle it isn’t just you now you have Alex to think of you need to go back….” Arielle slow came to again “I think she’s awake” nick still held her he had been the closest to her when she had blacked out he had been there in a instant and had caught her before she hit the cement hard. “Nick I think you can put her down on the couch now” AJ stood there as well watching over her. “Great Grandpa is TT going to be okay she didn’t leave like grandpa earnest did she” the elderly gentle man took Alex in his arms and shook his head at her “ No sweet heart your aunt Arielle was just overwhelmed with everything she’ll be okay.” Kevin came into the room with a glass of cold water “she’s awake I see” everyone looked to Arielle who was watching everyone. “here you go darlin sip it slowly it’ll help. You feeling better now?” Kevin was concerned they all where. Arielle sat up now on the couch where nick finally laid her. “ yes I’m good I think I was just I don’t know all the traveling and the anxiety it just got to me I guess. I’m sorry to have worried you guys any I’ll be fine” Howie moved over to sit on the edge of the couch “ it was jet lag it gets to the most seasoned of travelers don’t worry yourself about a thing.” Mark stood forward handed the child over to Nick and walked over to his granddaughter “ you needn’t be anxious about anything. There’s a room down the hall with a couch that pulls out into a bed why don’t you go down there and get some sleep we can do dinner instead of lunch there’s no hurry we have all the time in the world” Mark saw his son in this child she had her fathers face his very look she had her mouth pursed to look at everyone about to say something and she didn’t know how much like her father she was. And she would never get to know. A pain hit his heart the two people he loved more then anything for he had come to love her before they had truly met just with the phone conversations would never get to meet each other.
“I’m fine Mr. Carter you can put me down and let me walk” Arielle was yelling at Nick he had picked her back up and was headed down the hall to the other room. She was scrambling to get on her feet and Nick was having a hard time holding her “She’s a live wire Nick you think you can handle her or do you need some help” AJ laughed after the two of them. Arielle looked back at AJ “Don’t you dare give him any ideas MR MCLEAN thank you very much and have a nice day. NOW PUT ME DOWN you lug” she was beating on nick’s back now pissed. “I think Aunt Arielle is going to be just fine. Uncle Kevin why won’t Nick listen to her he’s only making it worse she’ll put him in time out if he’s not careful.” as they all broke out laughing the sound of nick screaming could be heard “ you asshole that was my foot” oh yeah it was going to be bliss “well you deserved it I told you to but me down”
Between fits of laughter Kevin coked out “ well looks like love wins again. So my bet is she kills him in a week” AJ piped in his opinion “ No I give it two weeks then they’ll fall head over heels in love with each other blue birds singing in the background happily ever after” Howie smiled through his laughter “well I do see us attending a wedding at some point but she’s a fiery woman I don’t know if he’ll be able to handle her much let alone keep her still” Nick walked back into the bid office where they had all gathered. “she’s a crazy woman what was I thinking” he had a smile on his face as he said this hinting to the fact that he was amused by all that had happened “ she slammed the door in my face and I think she broke my nose.” everyone started laughing again a new. Brian who had sat back and watched the proceedings now chimed in “ well I think we need to keep an eye out for her. Well Mr. Carter I think she won’t forget you. And you don’t call a lady an asshole you nutwut.” nick held his nose feeling it to see if it was broken “ Well she’s no lady she’s all fucking woman” Mr. Tibolt who had been keeping quiet during everything no spoke up “ she gets it from her father we Irish can be a little on the fiery side particularly the females.” alex tugged at Marks suit “grandpa can I go be with aunt Arielle now?” she knelt down next to the little child “ of course you can sweet heart Ms. Alice will take you to her.” Alice came into the room and took the child down the hall. Nick slumped down on the couch “do you really think I got a chance with her. I mean she’s wonderful and I think I’m falling in love with her.” through his chuckling Howie managed to say “ perhaps time will tell but um you might want to be a bit nicer to her next time you lost major points earlier.” Kevin sat down next to Nick on the couch and placed his hand on his knee “Nick if it’s ment to be it will be if not then maybe you’ll have on hell of a friend.” “thanks that helps a lot Kevin…. NOT”
Mr. Tibolt clapped his hands together “okay guys time to get down to business this new Album isn’t going to record it’s self now is it.”

Down the hall way in the room Arielle had pulled out the bed and changed into sweat pants and a tank and had gotten Alex into a pair of Pjs before putting her into the pull out bed and then dozing off herself. She could help but admit it but she was falling in Love with Nick Carter and didn’t know when or where or even why It had happened. Before falling completely asleep Arielle thought to herself she’d wear the dress Rebecca had gotten her for dinner out. Her little black dress it was sleeveless and slumped down in the front and back just so It was simple yet elegant it would work. It would tease the hell out of Nick. Now she just had to hope she remembered to bring her black heeled sandals to wear with it. It would so make him jealous. Damn him call her an asshole and get away with it.

“you sure you don’t mind watching Alex for me” Arielle ask Denise AJ’s mom had volunteered to watch the little girl so that Arielle the guys and Mr. Tibolt could go to dinner at Mr. Tibolt’s own private winery up in the hills. He had opened a restaurant up there in recent month to share his love of the place with the rich and famous. Because lets face it an ordinary person would be able to afford eating there. “ No problem honey Alex is a sweet heart we’ll get along just fine.” Arielle and Alex now in the big Mansion owned by Mr. Tibolt where getting ready for the night a head. Alex was bouncing around with excitement Mrs. Mclean had promised they’d watch The Fox and The Hound one of the little girl’s favorite movies. She likened herself to Todd the fox. “you look so pretty tonight aunt Arielle Nick will be so jealous as your es estort” Arielle chuckled to herself “Escort Darlin’ yes well… Denise can you hand me the jewelry box over there Mr. Tibolt um I mean Grandpa had it sent up he said it was a gift. And Alice told me it belonged to my grandmother Tibolt.” Denise brought the old wooden box over it was an old fashioned box large and a bit bulky it was line with crush velvet. And when Arielle opened it a necklace bracelet and earring set with hair pins to match fit for the queen of England stared her in the face. “WOW I can’t except this it has to be worth millions” Arielle stared shocked at the gift her grandfather had given her “ It’s worth 2.6 million to be exact and it’s an airlom that ran in my family for years and it’s yours now. No giving it back it deserves to be warn not in some box tucked away in the closet.” Mark walked in “and it suits you nicely here let me help you but it on” the necklace was simple a vine type design with roses made of diamonds and rubies. Emeralds made the leaves. And it was set in an expensive yet exquisite Irish silver. It was breath taking and went well with the simple black dress making Arielle look all the more elegant. Like she might belong in this world of fineries. “ you look Gorgeous Arielle.”

Else where nick was preparing for the night’s festivities. He had gone and rented a Black suite with fine navy blue pin striped with a dark blue dress shirt. Looking himself over in the mirror he thought he looked nice that Arielle would take notice. “Yo Nick did you know Arielle means Lioness of God” AJ was on the computer googling odd things. “that explains a bit she is by all means fierce like a lion” Nick touched his still sore nose. She was all Lioness for sure fiery and wild and she definitely did not like people babying her or spoiling her. He looked at the box on his dresser he had after leaving the tux rental place walked by a jewelry store and saw a necklace in the window it was simple a Celtic cross design on a Irish silver braided chain. It was an antique that looked so beautiful. And why it had reminded him of her he had no clue but on impulse had had gone in and purchased it for her. He had also found a little gold butterfly pendant for Alex. He thought the child might like it. He had never wanted to lavish gifts on anyone like this before. But for as simple a person she claimed herself to be he thought she deserved the better things that she was elegant even in sweats and a tank top he had seen her in when he checked in on her before he had left the studio.
“well it’s now or never Nick lets go pick up Arielle and get this night over with… Hey Howie twenty bucks says she punches him for spending money on her.” AJ was up for some fun and if it was at Nick expense he didn’t care. “I don’t now AJ I think she might like the necklace it’s simple not blah and not expensive It’s perfect” Howie wasn’t into the whole Nick’s got a crush thing he was happy Nick thought he’d found some one but silently hoped that it would work out for the better but he had seen this happen before not every girl on this planet worshiped the Backstreet Boys.

As the Limo pulled up to the mansion Alice went to fetch Arielle from her room. “they’re here Ms. Tibolt time to go” Arielle grabbed her shall and kissed Alex warning her not to stay up late. Checked herself in the mirror and left her room. Nick stood at the bottom of the grand stair case in the front of the house. When he turned around he saw a vision in black. He now knew how jack dawson must have felt when seeing rose for the first time. “Mr. Carter please pick your mouth up off the floor they just cleaned it” Rupert laughed at the young man so taken by his charge. “WOW Arielle you look stunning” Arielle laughed she wasn’t used to the attention. She had pulled her hair up into a elegant bun on the top of her head with the pins in it just so the earrings hung from her ears and the necklace set it all off. She was a divine sight to behold. “thank you Grandpa Tibolt gave me my Grandmother Mira’s Jewelry box with these bobbles in it. Well that’s what he calls them I call the expensive and think they belong in a safe guarded. They are way to much.” Nick met her at the bottom of the stairs and took her gloved hand. “ I hope you don’t mind but I got you and Alex a little something” Nick pulled out the black box from a inner pocket in his jacket. And opened it “ I saw it in the window and thought of you and that you should have it. It’s a Celtic Cross” Arielle gasped it was beautiful breath taking even so simple yet elegant. “ Mr. Carter I would so prefer to wear this Celtic cross to these Diamonds and Rubies. Don’t get me wrong the beautiful but their just not me. Thank you so much” Arielle stepped up on her tiptoes and kissed Nick on his forehead. He was so endearing. “ well I lost that bet” AJ said coming in to find out what was taking so long “and I got this for Alex it’s a simple butterfly but I remember her saying they were her favorites.” Arielle took the small box holding Alex’s necklace and opened it “Aw Nick she’ll love it. You can give it to her tomorrow if you want she’s upstairs watching the Fox and the Hound with Mrs. Mclean” AJ laughed then yelled up the stairs “hey mom another person’s calling you Mrs. Mclean” then he said to Arielle “ it’s Denise darling she prefers to be called by her front name.” Arielle smiled sheepishly “I’m so used to calling my elders Mrs. or Mr. sorry.” Nick took Arielle’s hand “Let’s go your grandfather had a rather nice dinner planned tonight lets not keep him or let it get cold.” AJ held the door open for the two love birds “yes my lady your carriage waits…” Nick opened the limo door for Arielle and she climbed in “and by the way it won’t turn into a pumpkin at midnight either.” as they left the driveway laughter could be heard coming from the limo into the still night air.

They arrived at the vineyard on time still laughing like a bunch of old friends reunited after a long separation. Mark was glad his granddaughter had found and made friends here. She deserved to be happy after all she had been through she deserved a family again and he planned on giving that to her. Mark was determined to give Arielle all the things she had been denied as a child. He planned on making his son’s mistakes up to her. The last thing Daniel had told him before he passed was he wished he could have made things right and he had asked his father to do what he could not. It had taken mark nearly 6 years to find Arielle and he had hoped and prayed that she could would forgive him and come to understand her father. Arielle had assured him she harbored no hate or malice toward her father. But mark know she had a lot of pain in her heart from her father not wanting her. But Daniel had wanted her he just could take the responsibility of raising a child or of being a father. Mark had always thought he’d have been a great father. “well I see you guys have become fast friends” mark laughed as they all stumbled out of the limo. “yes she’s our unofficial 6th member official little sister” Brian stated as they began to walk to the restaurant Nick took Arielle by the hand “ can you hold back for a bit I want to talk to you.” Arielle was stunned and didn’t know what to say “yes I guess what is it nick” after everyone had gone in nick turned to Arielle “ I want to ask you if we could go out sometime without the guys maybe before a concert I hope you don’t perceive me to be hasty or anything else it’s just that from the moment I first saw you I felt something” Arielle put her hand up and went to cut him off “nick please don’t do this” but nick went on “ no please let me tell you this let me finish. From the moment I first saw you I was taken by you. I nearly fell up the steps to the plane watching you board. Then on the plane watching you with little Alex I was enamored by your love for that little girl and if I’m doing something that you don’t want or approve of let me know and I’ll stop. Damn woman I’d go to hell and back for you” nick leaned over and kissed Arielle as their lips met sparks flow. It was official they were both head over heels in love. Howie came to the door then “you guys coming in anytime soon to join us.” Arielle struggled to compose herself and answered him “ yes Howie we’ll be right in” after Howie went back in Arielle turned back to nick “ just don’t go to fast or expect to much I’ve never had much time for a relationship or a boyfriend before.”

Dinner went by well there was casual conversation followed by jesting about Nick and Arielle dating. From the laughter around the table you’d have thought they where all old friends that they had know each other for years. “waiter we need some wine to celebrate family and friends” Mark raised his glass “and new chances and new beginnings. And to my granddaughter my brave and bold and caring granddaughter who has over come so much.” Nick raised his glass and add “and to love may it find a way.” everyone raised their glasses in unison “here here to love” and the evening began to come to an end. “we’d better be getting you home Arielle it’s getting late and you have a big day tomorrow coming in and listening to us record our new song. And watch nick make a fool of himself” Brian took the napkin from his lap and placed it on his plate pushed back from the table and stood up and stretched “ yes it’s late and we’re all tired”

As they all got into back into the limo to leave Nick pulled Arielle aside and took her by her waste and hugged her to him “I love you and love will always know that and so will you. And I don’t plan on doing anything to hurt you and if that means I have to go slower the a tortuous then I will” he leaned down and placed a kiss on her forehead. Arielle smiled up at him “ by the way Nick I like white rose and never send me red ones” Arielle broke away from him and walked back to the limo “and why not any red ones fine then I’ll send you two dozen light pink ones” nick teased her “ you are a smart-aleck” nick laughed “he doesn’t have to try hard” AJ interjected he hadn’t said much all evening he was just there a fly on the wall. “Mr. Daniel would have been proud of you today Ms. Arielle you had dinner and wine and it was as if you had done it all your life.” Arielle cringed at the mention of her father’s name “ I only wish I could have met him when he was alive.” Arielle said Nick watched her he knew she was hurting damn AJ bring it up “ Darlin you would have loved him and he you. Before he died he told us and Mr. Tibolt he had wished he done things differently that he had been there for you. But you can’t change the past what happens, happens and you can’t change it you can only hope to make it better.” Arielle was happy the wine was taking affect on her that it was numbing the pain. Her father had wished to change the past he could have changed it the day she was born but he had walked out of her mother and her life and never looked back never called and never even checked in on her. She had decided years ago to leave the past in the past so that was what she was going to do now. Have fun and finish the night on a high note. Arielle leaned over and gave nick a kiss AJ and Howie whistled Kevin shook his head and Brian smiled from ear to ear. Arielle then laid her head on nicks chest and dozed off listening to his heartbeat.

“hurry up Alex you have school today darlin” it had been a week since Arielle and the little girl had arrived in LA. Arielle had enrolled Alex in a private Christian school in the valley and the car was waiting to take her there. “T I can’t find my necklace that Uncle Nicky gave me” Arielle picked the same trinket up off the table “come here and turn around darlin” Arielle place the chain around her neck and turned the little girl around to face her “there you go be good and behave uncle Howie said he was going to pick you up after school and take you to lunch okay. So I’ll see you after that.” the new uncles had been taking turns picking the little girl up they were just as enamored by her as she was them there was never a dual moment from watching Nick watch the Lion king with her to AJ trying to teach her to play pool against Arielle’s better judgment well at least he was trying to teach her to play cards or gamble. Alice walked into the room with Rupert “ Aaron’s here with his brother to pick you up miss Arielle they’re ready to take you shopping for that new wardrobe your grandfather was to get for you. And Mr. Mclean will meet you at Armani’s. and remember you’ll need a gown for the dinner and the launch of the album. Oh and don’t forget the awards ceremony.” Alice walked out of the room “ms. Arielle might I suggest that perhaps you ask ms. Leigh Anne or Ms Leslie or BJ to come with you another woman’s views might be better received then listening to the guys.” Arielle look herself over in the mirror she was embarking on a whole new adventure in less then a week she had gone from no job no real family other then her grandmother to having a executives position in the firm and the studio with her grandfather teaching her the rope to one day take the rains of both. To having the most loving man on the planet as her boyfriend. Nick had spared no expense to make her feel at home true to his word the day after the dinner a week ago he sent not 2 dozen but 4 dozen light pink and peach and pale yellow roses to great her in the morning when she woke and every day since. There was never a red rose in the bunch. He had taken her out before all four concerts and gone out with the guys and little Alex afterwards. He called every morning before Alex went to school to wish her luck and tell Arielle good morning and every night to tell his girls good night. Arielle looked at herself she was wearing an old pair of jeans and a backstreet boy’s T-shirt her grandfather had gotten for her and a pair of flip flops her favorite type of shoe. “hum is that what your wearing out to pick clothes for work ms executive? Well to each their own” Nick walked into her room put his arms around her hip and pulled her to him “I missed you darlin so much.” he leaned down and placed a kiss on her forehead then her check and then her lips locking them in a passionate kiss. His tongue parted her lips and went into her mouth. Arielle pulled away “no nick please that is just plain gross. I’ve told you that before.” she had told him that four other times to be exact. “well don’t blame a guy for trying.” Arielle shock her head no she couldn’t she knew he loved her a great deal and that made her smile to herself. “so shall we go nick or do you want to just send Aaron and AJ out and trust that they will not go crazy?” Nick laughed he knew she didn’t want to go “I don’t trust them so we’ll go” he placed one more kiss on her forehead then walked out of the room with her arm in arm. “so we’ll go to the out let first and get you some dress suites then we’ll head to Armani’s for the gowns for the upcoming events. Unless you just want to go to Armani’s and pester AJ first” Arielle and Nick reached the bottom of the stairs where Aaron stood talking on his cell “um Nick Les wants to know if she can come along and Angel’s on her way” Nick smiled down at Arielle “ Well okay but lets not scare Arielle off I plan on keeping this one forever. Or until she’s done with me.” Arielle laughed at nick and Aaron “ no scaring me off hum if that’s the case let me run off now with the pool boy. No your more normal a family then my own ever was other then when it was me my brother Alex and Rebecca. We where close even after the wedding and little Alex was on the way. We went through so much together we didn’t just walk away when the going got rough or tough we stuck it out and saw each other through it.” nick saw the pain of the memories play across Arielle’s face and in her eyes. He wanted to take that pain away from her forever he wanted to give her and Alex a life of love never ending. Of peace of mind he wanted to be there for them for always and forever. But he knew Arielle wasn’t ready to hand it all over she had to come to grips with it all first she had to try and understand it. She had to try and figure out why God had allowed it to happen. Or at least learn what it was she needed to learn from it all. “okay the cars out in the drive way and I’m sure your grandfather wants to get to work and we’re blocking him in.” mark walked out of his study down the hall way “ wait before you go Nick can you do me a favor I won’t have the time to anytime soon but Arielle is going to have to get around LA take her to look at cars today. As well if she finds one she likes and or wants here is her Bank card. It has plenty of money in the account it’s what your father had put aside for you as well as you inheritance.” Arielle gasped at the thought “he wanted to make sure you where well cared for he really did wish he had done things differently I guess facing death will do that for a person. And Arielle no minivans make sure it’s a nice sports car spoil yourself for once.” Nick and mark laughed at the look on Arielle’s face “ and how is getting a minivan not spoiling myself it’s more practical with a child then some convertible would be.” “time ticking Angel and Les are here lets go” Aaron was getting impatient to be going. Leslie walked in “so this is Arielle the woman who has kept our big bro’s attention well. Nick don’t screw this up she looks like a keeper. Let’s go darlin we got some shopping to do and times a wasting and did I hear we have a car to look into getting. I have the perfect solution for that dilemma it’s called a Cadillac it seats 7 to 8 and has great storage and looks mad hot we’ll get you a white one. Yep and then for work and going out we’ll get you a nice convertible four doors maybe it’ll seat four people I’m thinking black pure black nice yes. We’ll look into them. Let’s jet.” nick leaned down and whispered in Arielle’s ear “don’t be alarmed she always like that we’ll get you what you want. And if we can’t find anything then you’ll use one of my cars till we can find something you like.” Arielle laughed him off “Nick Leslie is like Rebecca she’s fine. And I like her suggestions only I want a BMW like yours only twilight blue.” as they piled into nicks car they all began to laugh “ see and you where Worried about us Nick well I think we’ll be just fine” so this was her new beginning ad her new chance at happiness Arielle had longed for for a while. Now Arielle wondered if her grandfather would be okay with her find a home of her own one not to far away but one she could call her own.

As they drove into town Aaron and Leslie pointed out all the hot spots. Nick pulled in to Armani’s parking lot with AJ standing there waiting. “well it’s about damn time you got here.” well some one was grumpy today “sorry it was grandfather’s fault he gave me my bank card and told me I had to get a car and soon.” AJ laughed “ yeah okay and I’ll go with you two or you’ll get a lemon for sure. This dude is about as good at picking cars as he is ties” Arielle thought about that “um AJ I’ve never seen Nick in a Tie” AJ laughed “exactly see my point” she didn’t but then she didn’t care she wanted to get this over with “ shall we go in then” with a deep sigh Arielle answered “yes please the sooner we get in the sooner we can leave.” Nick hugged her to him again and kissed her on her forehead “hmmm yes and then we can meet up with Howie and Alex and have lunch. Then go car shopping” Arielle looked up at nick then slapped him across the face not hard but hard enough “yes just what I want to do. Don’t remind me again we have to do that.” she started laughing at his reaction “I love you Nick” she said as she kissed him quickly on his lips then ran after AJ Aaron and Les. Nick stood there for a moment watching her go. Wow she was on hell of a lioness.

Chapter 7: Boys and their toys

“I like the midnight blue gown myself it sparkles” they had pick out Arielle’s work clothes and where now on the evening gowns for the different events and AJ again for the umpteenth time was putting his two bits in when he was told not to “um AJ your not going to be wearing it. But Arielle he is right it is so you simple elegant. And it does bring out your eyes. Now where’d Nick go his oppion is needed.” Leslie looked around for her brother who had stepped out on a call about 25 minutes ago and not come back yet damn work could have waited it was their day off after all. He was needed the Midnight blue gown was stunning on Arielle it went to the floor and fit to her like it was made for her Armani himself was stunned by how she looked in it. He had said it had been made for someone else it won’t look right on Arielle but she pulled it off perfectly. It needed to be hemmed a bit but that wasn’t a problem and Armani was raving about his new customer she was his angel and he was planning on doing a line just for her no charge to her. Simple outfits for work and going out. He would even do a line for Little Alex once he got her measurements. The dress was simple sleeveless floor length it wasn’t skin tight but it did hug her curves and showed off what the good lord had given her. It was modest enough sloping down in the front and in the back just so but not to show off her breast to much. Nick came walking back in then and stopped dead in his tracks nearly dropping the phone in his hand. “haha pick up your jaw from the floor Nick it’s not becoming. See Nick agrees with me THAT’S the dress.” AJ laughed at nick’s reaction. First she had slapped him now she was taking his breath away did she enjoying teasing him so much. “Darling there’s your dress. It’s so you dumpling pie. And AJ shut up no one wants to hear your two bits your not the one who’ll be wearing it or escorting the person wearing it” Nick was left speechless by this beauty before him. Damn her do this to him. “um then you like it Nick it’s not to um simple” Nick smiled at her “of course not it’s perfect and you are so beautiful in it no scratch that your so gorgeous in it you take my breath away” and turning to AJ nick added “and no comments from the peanut gallery. Understood” Arielle smiled at them all “finally we’re done let me go change. Then we can go to lunch and go pick out a car. Damn it my day is so full. Nick did Howie call yet he was supposed to call when he picked Alex up from school.” nick laughed “ yes he called right after the school did they wanted to find out who he was and if it was alright that he was picking up Alex. Seems they thought him a stalker or something. Got a laugh out of that one though Howie didn’t think it was that funny.” the small fitting room was suddenly filled with laughter. “poor Howie. But really Howie a Stalker come on in who’s dreams” Arielle couldn’t picture anyone mistaking Howie for anything but the sweet gentle and kind person he was.
Arielle was changed into a pair or kaki colored pants and a pale pink dress shirt the guys had picked out for her. It was a simple outfit the flattered her figure and again brought out her eyes. Something they all seemed to like to try and do. Ugh just what she wanted. She had her grandfather’s eyes a bright brilliant light blue/grey that could make anyone stop dead in their tracks. But she didn’t like to look at them every time she saw them she saw him staring back at her and that was still a painful thing. Arielle still missed him so much. “okay we’re here this is a great place to eat and I hope you’ll like it.” they where at a McDonalds what wasn’t there to like about that except the grease they used to cook the food in yuck. “ Aunt Arielle” Alex came running over to her aunt happy to see her again “you’ll never guess what they thought uncle Howie was. A stalker. Isn’t that funny uncle Howie could never be a stalker he’s too kind and gentle and caring to be a stalker. You need to call that school and tell them that. Those big meanies” laughter had started to once again be the order of her life It felt good to laugh and to hear little Alex’s laughter. Arielle just wondered how long it would last “ what do you guys want I’ll go order our lunch” Howie stood up Aaron wanted a big Mac AJ a number 5 Nick wanted a double quarter pounder with cheese and Angel and Leslie just wanted a salad. “just get me a Salad with French dressing and a double cheese burger hold the onions I guess. I’m not really all that hungry right now.” Arielle was dreading the next order of the day Car shopping with the boys. They ate lunch in a timely mannor Aaron and Nick scarfed down their food like it was going to be taken away from them “Nick Aaron stop eating like pigs no one wants to take it from you.” Arielle found herself repeating words her grandmother had said often enough to her and later Alex both of them her brother and her niece. “boys will be boys Arielle they don’t know how to eat slowly” Angel stated she wasn’t much of a talker.
After Lunch was done they all got into their prospective cars and headed the car dealership. Joy of all joys. Once their Nick Aaron AJ and Howie proceeded to show Arielle the vehicles each one trying to take her in different directions. “look baby this one only has 200 miles on it that’s not bad” Nick siad pointing out a dodge convertible since Arielle refused to drive a ford stating her grandfather’s acronym for it Found on the road dead. “yes and it make one wonder if it’s a LEMON Nick” AJ chimed in only happy to point out the flaws he saw just looking at it. Arielle walked away from the two fighting “brothers” and in a little area a little off from where they had just been in the Lease to own section she came across a nice Black convertible white interior. Seats five comfortably and only $25,000 with no miles on it brand new “Nick Howie Aaron Les Angel AJ over here” Arielle called to them all excitedly. And they all came running “what do you think it’s not a ford it’s black and white seats five and is brand spanking new.” AJ nodded his agreement Howie kicked the wheels to make sure it was sound. And Nick opened the door and sat in the drivers seat “look hun it has a CD player so you can listen to Cds too.” hmmm nice of nick to point that out. “AJ can you go get me a sales person I want to test drive it then buy it.” Nick laughed “um a little sure of yourself there aren’t you” well she liked it and she was getting it and she didn’t care what any of them said.
After test driving the convertible signing on the dotted line and leaving the dealership top down headed home with Alex and Nick with her. Arielle began to wonder if this was all there was to life. She was happy she had a great niece an wonderful sweet and loving boyfriend and best of all a family again. What else could go wrong. She should have never thought that because just then her cell phone rang. “hello ms Tibolt this is Salem County hospital your grandmother was just brought in. is there any way you can come here.” great more trouble. Arielle’s hands shock she couldn’t lose another person in her life “I’ll be on the next plane out”

Arielle pulled over to the side of the road her hands shaking her mind racing. “what is it dumpling. Who was on the phone. Arielle what’s wrong” Nick was concerned he watched Arielle her whole body shaking now “Babe why do you have to catch a plane as soon as possible what’s happened?” Arielle turned to face nick tears streaming down her face. “my grandmother was just admitted to the hospital in New Jersey she has congestive heart failure I need to go and make arrangements for her to go to a nursing home for good. I can’t do that to her. Nick I can’t put her away.” nick gathered Arielle to him “then don’t bring her out here to live with you here in LA.” what nick said made sense but would she come out west her family was all on the east coast save Arielle. “I’ll try but I doubt she’ll come. But nick I live with grandpa I need to get a house of my own Nick. I bought the Family house in New Jersey about a year ago. I can rent it to my uncle and his family for the time being but I need a place here. Do you think Leigh from the website would help me I know she’s really from NJ but she knows the ins and outs.” Nick watched Arielle go on he knew she had to do what she had to do to put her mind at ease. “I’ll call her and ask okay but for now babe you need to calm down before you wake Alex she’s still asleep in the back.” they both turned to watch the small child sleep. It seemed to calm Arielle down some. Howie pulled up behind them at that moment and got out of his car and began to walk around to Arielle. “is everything okay” as soon as he asked he knew it wasn’t “what happened Nick Arielle is everything okay” no it wasn’t and he knew it before asking “Arielle’s grandmother was admitted to the hospital so we’re going to go to NJ as soon as we can…” Arielle turned to nick “ I was kinda hoping you’d stay here with Alex and maybe you and the guys could look at some of the local houses for sale maybe a 4 or 5 bed room with a pool fenced in of course so Alex could get into it without me knowing a nice backyard for alex to play in and at least one bedroom on the main floor for Grandmom. And a office because I’ll be working from home for a while.” Howie walked over to Arielle next to the car leaning into the car to be sure he wasn’t hit by the passing cars on the highway. AJ pulled over in front of the convertible got out of his SUV and walked back to where everyone was gathering “hey what’s up?” for lack of not wanting to repeat herself Arielle simply smiled at him “nothing Nick and Howie Can’t clue you in on. Howie can you take Nick and Alex back to grandpa Tibolt’s for me the exit for LAX is up a head and I want to get to NJ as quick as possible” “of course I have no problem with that you do what you need to do Arielle.” Howie was reassuring after giving Arielle a kiss Nick got out and lifted the little girl out of the back seat and took her to Howie’s car. Arielle waved pulled out around AJ’s SUV and back into traffic and took the LAX exit to the airport and back home.

The plane ride seemed to take forever once on the ground again Arielle called Nick to tell him she was safely in NJ. Rented a car and headed over the Delaware Memorial Bridge and into Salem county. Through Pennsville and to Mannington township to the hospital. She walked in and up to the desk “Mrs. Jean Christison Sloan please” Arielle asked the woman at the counter “room 326 on the third floor she out of intensive care.” Arielle thanked the woman and headed up stairs. She found her grandmother laying asleep. Arielle wasn’t about to wake her so she sat down in the chair and dozed off.

“Ms. Tibolt excuse me Ms. Tibolt” Arielle was woken suddenly by the nurse “oh um yes” the nurse asked “have you given any thought to where you want to place your grandmother?” Arielle took a deep breath “if the doctor says she can handle the trip I want to take her back to LA with me. I’m not placing her anywhere she‘s my grandmother she practically raised me” Arielle had made her dission Nick had stated he’d found a few houses online and was going to see them the following day he’d let her know. And one of them was on he and the guys stayed in while at the MTV awards. He loved it and thought she would too. The pool wasn’t fenced in but that wouldn’t be hard to do. And Arielle thought if Nick raved about it then it most be a good choice she told him to put a bid in on it without asking anymore questions. It was all one floor for the most part which she was happy about. She just hoped her grandmother would come out to LA with her.

Mean while out in LA Nick was at the last house of the day the one he liked for Arielle it was perched up in the hills it was secluded and had a long drive way he thought it was would be perfect for the little family. And any guest they might have from the family in NJ. “so Mr. Carter how much is Ms. Tibolt willing to bid.” the agent asked him “um $100,000 over asking price if need be.” the owners stood off to the side “ Mr. Carter you can tell Ms. Tibolt she can have it At asking price. I was good friends with her father growing up and am happy to see it go to good people.” Nick couldn’t believe his luck “okay I will thank you Mr. Maxwell.” he had done it he’d gotten Arielle a house. A place she could call her own. It had taken some talking to her grandpa to convince him that it was for the best but in the end when he’d found out that one of the houses was just down the road a ways he was happy and he’d be even happier to know that that was the house that they’d gotten. Nick’s cell rang the ring tone he’d made for Arielle No one else comes close because he had never felt this way about any one else in his life before. “Arielle I got you the house. It’s yours at asking price so kiss me when you get back.” laughter was heard on the other end “well I’ll do that but guess what Grandmom is coming with me. I can’t believe it she said yes she’s Coming to LA” it had been the call he was waiting for she was coming home and she was bringing the one thing that would make her happy her family. He was beaming from ear to ear satisfied with himself. He had done everything she wanted him to do Alex was the best thing that had ever happened to him other then her aunt Arielle who was the greatest thing to happen to him. He started to plan a romantic Dinner for four when she got back. Nick thought to himself lets face it she’s not going to leave Alex or her grandmothers side so he’d cook a big dinner for the whole family.

I am no longer uploading my story here if you wish to continue reading please go to http://lwfawfanfic.webs.com thank you so much for reading the story as of thus far =) please go and join if you like. At this time I am getting ready to add another story to the site as well so go check it out and VOTE on your fav Pic for the homepage background =) as always thank you again I hope you have been enjoying it so far and enjoy what I have added to it Thanks again Littleangels04 =) PS…………………… I hate the fact it has to be 100 words to be able to post this lol =D