Chapter Twenty-Five
** Three years later **
Miah closed her eyes and shrieked with delight as Nick pushed her on the swing, going higher each time, her long curls flying out behind her.
Nick smiled as he pushed the swing away again, these were the kind of days he lived for. Just spending time with Kerry and the kids, enjoying the things that were most important in his life. He still loved his job, his fans, but hated that it kept him away from home, even the shortest time away from them was too long. He didn't like missing out on things- having to congratulate Miah on her 'A's on spelling tests over the phone rather than being able to give her a hug. Or having to see Brennan's latest scribbly work of art via an e-mail attachment instead of seeing it hang on the refrigerator. And when he was gone, he missed Kerry so much it hurt... wanting to feel her touch him, hold him. He looked over at her, sitting on the swing next to the one Miah was on with Brennan on her lap. It seemed like he fell more in love with her every time he looked at her, still finding new things about her that amazed him.
Kerry swung back and forth gently, kissing the top of Brennan's head, then ruffling his light brown hair. She was glad, even though he'd gotten her color hair, that he had his daddy's eyes- the bright sparkling blue. She was also thankful that Miah was looking more like her all the time, and picking up many of Nick's personality traits, even his love of practical joking. She loved days like this- having Nick home for a while, being able to watch him with Bren and Miah, and having him to herself at night.
"Down, momma", Brennan said, trying to wiggle off of her lap.
She set him down, "Where are you wanting to go, Bren?"
"Swide."
Miah jumped off the swing while it was still in the air and crashed to the ground in a heap. She stood up giggling, much to Kerry's relief, and said, "I'll take him!" She grabbed his hand and led him to the little slide over by the merry-go-round.
Kerry watched him toddle off with Miah, calling, "Stay with your sister!! Miah, keep an eye on him!!"
Nick laughed and walked behind Kerry, putting his hands on her shoulders and massaged them lightly. "She loses him, I get to find him... I know what happens when you lose kids in the park."
Kerry giggled and leaned back against him, "As awful as it sounds, I'm glad I lost her. Probably the best thing that ever happened to us."
He leaned down to kiss her cheek, then stepped back, pulling the swing with him, and let her go to fly forward. After a few swings, he grabbed it, abruptly stopping her. He wrapped his arms around her waist, and put his chin on her shoulder, leaning his head against hers. "Have I told you lately how much I love you?"
"It's been a few minutes, I think I need to hear it again." Kerry replied, putting her hands over his.
"Seems like I just can't tell you enough...like I need to say it all the time, and it still wouldn't be enough for you to know..." he said, squeezing her a little tighter.
"You can tell me every second if you want, I never get tired of hearing it... undoubtedly my favorite sound."
"I love you, Kerry."
She turned her head to kiss him, "I love you more."
"Love is like breathing. You take it in and let it out."
("She's Come Undone", Wally Lamb)
"Have I told you lately, that I love you?
Have I told you, there's no one else above you?
Fill my heart with gladness,
take away all my sadness,
ease my troubles,
that's what you do.
You fill my life with laughter,
and somehow make it better."
("Have I Told You Lately?" Rod Stewart)