Wide Open Spaces

Devotion

The Phoenix home had been under a lot of construction, walls being brought down or pushed back, the configuration changing to accommodate another member of the Nicks-Buckingham family. Lindsey would often get updates via email or text from the contractor, making sure things were going as planned. The house was turned upside down looking for the cameras and so many were recovered, sickening both Stevie and Lindsey. The stress got so much, he refused to update Stevie any further. The weeks that followed were quiet. It was nice to relax and enjoy their family these last couple of months before they became a family of five.

"I think we should get married" Stevie said one night in bed, not looking up from her sketch book. Dragging her pencil across the page, glasses perched on her nose, she smiled to herself.

"Excuse me?" Lindsey sputters, nearly spitting out his tea.

"Are you okay?" she asks, putting down her book and patting his back.

"I'm sorry, I think I heard you wrong" Lindsey said, catching his breath. She's smiling up at him with a certain look in her eye he doesn't quite believe. "Surely that's not right"

"What did you think I said?"

"It's stupid"

"Try me"

"I'm hearing things"

"I don't think you are" she pressed.

"Stevie, did you say you think we should get married?"

"I did"

"No, you didn't" he said, his eyes sparkling like the sunlight on the sea.

"Yes I did"

"Stevie Nicks" he says in astonishment. He can't believe it.

"Lindsey Buckingham" she mimics.

"You want to get married?"

"Yes"

"You've been resistant for as long as I've known you. We were married for less than 18 months when things went bad all those years ago. Are you sure?"

"We are different now. Aren't you different than you were 13 years ago?"

"Yes"

"And aren't I different?"

"Oh yeah"

"Can we try again? I want to be a Buckingham"

"Oh, Steph..."

"What are you thinking?"

"I think this is crazier than you telling me you're pregnant again." Stevie giggles. "This is amazing."

"You want to marry me again?"

"I never wanted our divorce all these years ago. We moved into that house and went through with this very unconventional life together for the kids. To make sure both parents were there equal amounts of time. We wanted them to see us together, working as a unit. We have done a fabulous job for 13 years, Steph. I was blessed to spend all of my time with you and our kids. That's exactly the life I wanted and this was enough for me, to just be here. The only thing that could make this better would be to have you be my wife again." A tear falls down his cheek and he looks down, wiping it away. "I'm sorry, I'm a little overwhelmed"

"Seeing you be emotional like this is beautiful. Don't hide away from me" She lifts his chin and plants a soft kiss on his lips. "I love you so much"

"I love you too" He leans in to kiss her again. "So you really want to be a Buckingham?"

"More than anything"

"I've waited all my life to hear you say that"

"Wait no more"

"Say it again. I want to commit it to memory"

"I want to be a Buckingham. I want to be your wife"

"God, that sounds so good"

"It's only right. Calliope and Dylan are Buckinghams and Baby Buck...she's a Buckingham too"

He nods mindlessly for a moment then stops "Wait, did you say she?"

"Yes I did"

"We're having a little girl?" When he says the words, Stevie has to suppress a sob. She can't speak so she nods. "Oh my god, I cannot wait to meet her" He holds her for several long moments, letting her calm down slowly and gradually.

"Dylan is going to be upset. He was hoping for a little brother." Stevie says with a chuckle, wiping her tears.

"Oh well, he will love her regardless. He's going to be a great big brother"

"Yes he will."

"You have made my night. You want to be my wife and we're having a little girl. My god..."

"You don't know how long I've been waiting to tell you. I was so upset you couldn't make my appointment but your work commitments are important too. The nurse slipped and...I was so happy. I would have been happy with either. I just wanted them to be healthy but oh, a sweet little girl."

"I was kind of hoping for a girl" Lindsey admits.

"You were? Aww, baby."

"To have a little you running around again is a dream"

"I'm so excited"

"We need to plan her room."

"I get to go shopping!" Stevie squeals.

He laughs. "Yes you do. And we finally get to stop calling her Baby Buck"

"No we don't, she doesn't have a name"

"I have a few ideas but I'd like to see her first"

"So special, Linds"

"I will know when I see her if it fits."

"I can't wait to hear it"

"In time, my love" he kisses her, stroking her hair from her face. "This is so surreal."

"It is, but I have been thinking about it and it occupies my mind. It won't leave me alone"

"Eek! That doesn't sound good"

"Oh, but it is. I usually dismiss it but..."

"What makes this time different?" He asks, in a way he wants to hear her passion for this as he is usually the only one.

"I don't know, baby. It just feels good. Something about it just seems...right. Pure."

"Organic" he says and she smirks.

"Definitely. No force, just two people finally wanting the same thing at the same time."

"Let's think on it some more" he says, trying to be realistic and not get caught up as he always did. He knew she was prone to change her mind. He had never heard her say this before but he wanted to be cautious anyway. It would kill him this time.

"What is there to think about?" She asks, slightly hurt.

He takes her hands in his and kisses her forehead ever so softly, pulling her into a seated embrace. "Baby, I don't want you to feel rushed. We have the rest of our lives. We don't have to jump into this. We're still here after 20 years, what's 20 more?" He pulls away from her and she looks into his eyes, seeing his sincerity. It isn't that he doubts her decision but with a baby coming and all of the changes, he really does want to make her feel secure. The urgency of the situation wasn't there.

"I love you." she says, simply.

"I love you too" he says.