Scars [An Exclamation Point Fan Fiction]

PART 37

After Paul flies back to Texas, we spend a couple more days together before he has to fly back to LA to finish recording the album. Over the next couple of months wedding plans are made, Maggie has her baby shower, and goes into labor in the middle of it. I meet her beauitful baby girl. Maggie and Justin named her Abigail. I continue dancing for the school.

*PAUL'S POV: A WEEK BEFORE THE WEDDING*

I have never been so nervous in my life. I shouldn't be nervous, he's just Nikki's dad. I knock on the door.

"Oh Paul hello." Nikki's mom says.

"Hi Mrs. Garner." I say.

"What are you doing here? I though you were in California." She says.

"I was, but Danny and I came back a couple days early."

"Oh well Nikki isn't here, she's at her dance classes."

"I know. I was actually wondering if I could talk to you, and Mr. Garner."

She steps back letting me inside. "Of course come on in." I walk in and she closes the door. "Honey." She calls. "Paul's here, he needs to talk to us."

Mr. Garner walks from around the corner. "Hello Paul. What can we do for you?" He and Mrs. Garner sit down on the couch. I sit on the chair opposite of them.

I take a deep breath. "I have an important question." I say. "I need your help, along with your permission...."

*NIKKI'S POV*

Finally it's Christmas Day. Brady has been so excited about the wedding. Meghan looks gorgeous. Since she doesn't have any sisters she wanted me to be her Maid of Honor. Everything at the wedding goes smoothly. Finally we're at the reception. Brady and Meghan have their first dance as a couple, and soon other people join in. Paul walks over to me and takes my hand.

"Dance with me." He says.

I smile and and let him lead me to the dance floor.

"You look so beautiful." He says twirling me.

"Thank you." I say. "You look pretty beautiful yourself too."

Paul laughs and flips his hair. "I try."

I laugh and lay my head on his chest. The song ends, and Paul leads me back to our table. Meghan comes over and whispers to Paul. He nods and stands up.

"I'll be right back." He says kissing my head, before following Meghan.

Before I can even wonder what he's doing Paul's voice fills the reception room. "Hello ladies and gentleman. My name's Paul." He points to Danny. "This is my best friend Danny. We're going to sing something for you all. This goes out to Brady and Meghan. Congratulations again." A slow piano starts playing. Danny begins singing, I recognize the song. It's their song Dare You.

"Wait stop." Paul says. He sighs. "I actually need Nikki to come up here." He looks at me and winks. I blush and make my way to the stage. Paul extends a hand, and helps me up. "Nikki do you know this song?" He asks. I nod. "Good I need your help singing it."

We begin singing. Paul backs away, and leaves me singing alone. I hear a bunch of cheers, and awes. I don't know what they're looking at. I turn and see Paul down on one knee. I stop singing and cover my mouth with one hand. Paul takes the microphone from my hand.

"Nicole." He says smiling at me. "I love you so much. You're one of the best things that has ever happened to me. Your laugh echos in my ears all day, your voice saying my name still puts butterflies in my stomach." By now I'm starting to cry. "I can't imagine where I'd be if your car hadn't broken down that day." I laugh through the tears. "I can't imagine my life without you. I tried for four months and it was hell. I have known you for almost two years, but it feels like a lifetime. And I want to spend the rest of my life with you." One hands reaches into his jacket pocket, pulling out a ring. "Nicole Rose Garner, will you marry me?" Paul asks.

I look into the eyes of the boy that saved my life. Tears are spilling down my cheeks. I can't even speak I'm so happy. I nod my head, smiling. "Yes." I whisper.

Everryone around us cheers as Paul puts the ring on my finger, and wraps his arms around me. I bury my face against his neck, before Paul gently pulls my chin and kisses me.