Dear Future Husband - A Kick Fanfiction

Birthday (Part 1)

I woke up by Nick's side. He was still asleep. He looked really cute in his sleep. It was really silent, except for mine and Nick's quiet breathing. 
I only left hospital yesterday. Nick had said he wanted me to be home for my birthday.
Which was today.
I'd told him it wasn't a big deal; I didn't really care about my birthday. I'd never made a big event of it before, even though my parents had always wanted to throw a party for me, but the thing that I'd always hated was attention.
Don't get me wrong, I liked attention now, but not on my birthday, when it was more embarrassing.
I hadn't argued with him about going home though. I was getting sick of that bloody place, doing nothing.

I silently got out of bed and cautiously stood up. I looked down at my leg, where there was a line of stitches where Rebecca had cut me. It didn't hurt anymore, but I felt sick every time I looked at it. I still couldn't believe I fell for her trick and went to that house. I nearly got myself killed and took myself away from Nick forever. I'd never forgive myself for that.

The day I woke up in hospital, I'd told the police about Rebecca being mentally ill and asked that instead of prison, she could go back to a mental health facility and commit herself to getting​ better until she was well enough to be released and then serve community service. I'd seen that Rebecca was ill. It would be another crime to send her to prison.

I quietly went downstairs to the kitchen and made myself a coffee.
As I was finishing up, Nick's arms slid around my waist, making me jump.
'Morning beautiful.'

'Nick! You made me jump!' I scolded.

'Sorry.' He chuckled, pressing a light kiss on my shoulder and I shivered. 'Happy birthday Mrs Clarke.'

'Thanks.' I extricated myself from his hold and turned around so I faced him. 'Would you like a coffee?'

'I'll make it.' He got his mug out the cupboard and put some coffee in it. 'You sit down chick, I'll make you breakfast-'

'Nick, I'm perfectly capable of making my own breakfast, and you know that.' I narrowed my eyes. I would have left hospital a week ago but Nick was being so damn overprotective.

'It's not that I don't think you're capable,' He smiled. 'But it's your birthday. I want to treat you like a queen today.'

I folded my arms.

'Go on, go sit down.' He said.

I rolled my eyes, but I did anyway.
'Did I tell you that you look sexy?' He added, as he carried on with what he was doing.
I looked down at my tank top and shorts. 'You've seen me in this loads of times.'

'Doesn't make you any less sexy.' He winked and I laughed. 'I still love you though.'

'Love you too.' I smiled. I was still getting used to saying that. I was so happy when I finally told Nick I loved him. And so was he.

Will entered the kitchen, yawning. 'Morning you two. And happy birthday Katherine.'

'Thanks Will.' I replied. 'And morning to you too.'

'Want some breakfast Will?' Nick asked.

'Sure, thanks.' Will walked out the kitchen. 'I'll be right back.'

'So, any plans for today?' Nick asked.

'Not really.' I shrugged. 'Why?'

'It's your birthday, you've got to have some sort of plan! Why don't you go shopping with Maddy?' He suggested.

'Yeah, I suppose that might be fun.' I nodded. 'Although I would have liked to spend the day with you.'

He smiled. 'Yeah, same. But I'm jam-packed with meetings today. I tried to get out of it, but there was no way. I'm sorry babe.' He placed a plate of pancakes in front of me and kissed me. 'Still, I'll see you tonight.. I was thinking we could have a movie night, with a bottle of wine and lots of chocolate. Just you and me. Sound okay?'

'Sounds great. Thanks Nick. You don't have to go to all this effort.'

'Hey, I want you to have fun today.' He sat down next to me.

'Well, thanks, I appreciate it.' I said.

'No worries.'

Will came back in with Eve.

'Good morning uncle Nick.' Eve said. 'And happy birthday Katherine.'

'Thanks.' I wondered how many more people would say that.

'Here.' Will handed me a wrapped parcel. 'From me and Eve.'

'Thanks guys, you didn't have to.' I responded.

'But we wanted to.' Eve said.

I opened it, so see that it was a beautiful black ornate picture frame containing a photograph of me, Nick, Will, Eve and KT. I recognised the picture from the wedding. It was then that I realised on the bottom of the picture frame, it had the word FAMILY on it.

I could feel my eyes filling with tears. 'Thanks guys. That means a lot.' And it did. I loved it. It held a lot of meaning; that I was part of the family, and after everything I'd gone through, I still had a family who loved me and accepted me despite everything.

'You're welcome. Despite everything, I'm proud to call you my step-mum.' Will said. 'You really don't realise what you caused when you left. We were all worried sick. Because you've come to mean a lot to me, Eve, and KT. And especially my dad. You hold a permanent place in our hearts, and we wouldn't want it any other way. Happy birthday Katherine.'

'Thanks Will.' I went over and gave him and Eve a hug. 'And Eve.'
'Yeah, thanks you two.' Nick said.

'I'm proud to call you my step-son too.' I replied. 'And my robot-niece-in-law, Eve.'

Nick chuckled. 'Actually Katherine, I've got a present for you.' He went to the kitchen doorway. 'Come on.'

I looked at him questioningly, but took his hand and he lead me out the room.

'Don't do anything I wouldn't!' Will called after us, laughing.

'Way to ruin the moment.' I chuckled, shaking my head.

Nick lead me upstairs to the bedroom and closed the door behind him.
'Really? Can't it wait till tonight?' I raised an eyebrow, but I was smiling slightly.

'Get your mind out of the gutter.' He chuckled, heading to the bedside table. 'God, I should have got you a trampoline instead, since you love jumping to conclusions.'

I laughed and sat on the bed as Nick picked up a small black box and sat next to me. I didn't know what to get you at first, but then I thought of this.'

He handed me the small box, and I opened it to reveal a silver charm bracelet. There were only two attached to it so far; a small silver book, and a silver arm.

I didn't miss the symbolisation.

'Oh Nick.'

He smiled slightly. 'Do you remember?'

Of course I remembered. Like it was only yesterday.

'The charms represent when we first met.' I said. 'At college.'

'Yep.' He nodded. He pointed to the tiny book. 'When I walked into you and made you drop all your books accidentally.. and when you gave me the mini robotic hydraulic arm when I helped you in that project.' He pointed to the arm.

I couldn't speak.

'If you don't like it, I can get it replaced if you want.' He said, suddenly anxious. 'I just wanted to get you something that would be meaningful-'

I cut him off by throwing myself into his arms. He responded by putting his arms around me.

'Thank you, thank you, thank you so much Nick! You couldn't give me anything I'd love more.'

He pulled back and kissed me. 'I'm glad. That's a relief.'

'You looked so thrilled when I gave you that robotic arm.' I smiled as Nick picked the bracelet up and put it on my wrist for me.

'What can I say, nerd through and through.' He grinned. 'There. It looks perfect on you.'

'You're perfect Nick.' I said. 'I love you.'

'I love you too, my angel.'