Back to me

chapter 1

'...thank you all so much for coming and being here with me and my family as we celebrate ANARIK'S opening night ' Nicklaus Bach said to the 200 people crowd. 

Today was the opening night of his very first New York restaurant, he already owned 9 other restaurant across the country all named BACH'S but this one was different it was in his home- New York city- where he lived, where he met caleb, where his family was. ANARIK was a fusion of both their children's german names (ANAla and alaRIK). It took almost two year to complete but it was finally done and Nick couldn't be happier. Nick's heart swelled as he looked down at his family sitting at the front row of the ballroom. His husband Caleb smiling at him with so much love and pride. Nick smiled back at him.

' Twenty years ago i woke up one morning an realized that i wanted to spend the rest of my life with the man laying next to me so i set out to propose to him. Now i will be the first to say i am the least romantic guy in the world.'

The crowd erupted in chuckles.

'I really am not romantic in the least but i was determined to make that big bold romantic gesture. So i planned that on our fourth year anniversary i'll fly us to Spain for the weekend, rent out a gallery and purpose next to caleb's favorite renaissance painting. The whole getting down on one knee declaring my undying love bit'

A few awws was heard round the room

'I know!' Nick exclaimed  'It was perfect but Caleb just had to ruin it'

Nick looked at Caleb and saw him feign affront

'Yes you ruined it. Apparently his test was more important than my great proposal. But fear not, nothing gets Nick Bach down. A week later, I rented out a restaurant and got Tanifa to serenade us at dinner but Caleb was in a horrible mood that night  and i was kinda scared he'll say no if i had asked him then, so of course i didn't. this went on for four weeks i could never seem to find a good time. I got so so frustrated. One afternoon we were at this grocery store and i remember caleb was picking out ingredients for an ice-cream cake. This girl that works there comes up to us apparently Caleb and her were friendly, so she went ' ohhh...you bake' when caleb said yes she replied 'you know there is this amazing little bakery on Broadstreet that make the best red velvet cakes' to which caleb replied 'red velvet. no way not even at my wedding will i have that tasteless abomination' i think thats what brought me over the edge cos next thing i know i shouted ' will you just fucking marry me already?'

The room erupted in laughter

'He eventually said yes but not before he made me give him a proper proposal. fast forward 18 years and i learn that that grocery store was up for sale and here we are'

Nick raised his glass of whiskey and looked right at Caleb

' This is for you babe. you are the best and the most important thing in my life.  I love and will always love you'

Caleb smiled back as daphne yelled ' Oh gee..thanks father'

The room laughed

'Oops sorry. One of the best and most important things to me. and that dress is too short Daph.'

'To ANARIK' daphne saluted changing the subject

' To ANARIK' the room replied

The music came on in the room and the sultry voice of the singer filled the room. Nick walked down to his family. 

' Why,  you handsome devil you. you most made my face light up like a furnace' caleb said with his best Southern ascent. Nick smiled as he bent to kiss him ( he really did have to bent. nick was 6ft 5inc while caleb stood at just 5ft 4inc).