Dreams: Joe 02

Disclaimer: This is a work of fiction, and it was created solely by me as the author. Any similarities to characters, businesses, places, or things are all happenstance, though my appreciation to those who have

inspired

my works is immense.

Author's Note:

This is the second part in the second series about the Nickels family. I believe many of you have come to love Joe, Ame, Bekah, Dave, Nancy, Bob, and Nana. (Who doesn't love Nana?!) Most of you know the drill... my stories are STORIES, so many details make for fun, exciting, and interesting plot lines. And there's a lot of overlap from Bekah's story, but from Joe's POV. "Oh,

that's

why..." is what I'm going for. Questions and comments are welcome. Please take the time to rate this story also. I hope everyone will be kind.

Recap:

A phone alarm went off on the counter near Mom. "Oh, that's it!" Mom announced. "My 7:55AM alarm! Boys, you're out of here!" Mom ushered the guys to collect their things and moved them quietly down the hall to leave.

Dreams: Joe 02

Joe grabbed his bag and followed Dad and Dave out to the car to head to Nana's. "Did you take a shower?" Joe asked them as they headed over.

"Yep, just have to get dressed," Dad told him and watched as Dad looked back at Dave and rolled his eyes.

"Yep, upstairs," Dave told him and smiled.

"We knew you wouldn't leave enough time to take a shower. That's why I'll be making breakfast while you catch up with us," Dad announced.

"In my defense, my shower was being used," Joe spoke up and smiled at anyone who might see it.

"Joe, let me see your phone," Dave asked, and when he had it, he pressed the timer app. "Yep, one alarm," Dave confirmed. "You didn't have time to take a shower in that time anyway, big brother. Nice try, though," Dave offered as he tapped his shoulder and gave back his phone. "So, how's it going with Ame?"

"Good. Really good," Joe responded and sat back with that same grin on his face.

"Can't get enough?" Dave asked him.

"Understatement," Joe claimed and nodded when Dave looked back.

"Still a virgin, right?" Dad asked.

"Dad!" Joe exclaimed. "Give me some credit."

"Sorry, had to ask. Your mom is rubbing off on me, I guess," Dad justified.

"Is she going to Mass with us?" Dave asked Joe. "I know Bekah hopes so, but she doesn't want to push her into anything. You know Ame's Catholic but fallen away, right?"

"Yeah, like she knows all the stuff, but she's angry with God. Her grandpa died, and she thinks God took him away from her. I told her I'd love for her to go to Mass with us but offered that she could stay at our house while we're gone too. I'm hoping she might see how cool Fr. K is and maybe speak with him sometime about how she feels."

"That's a good idea, Joe," Dad commended. "Here we are, boys. Let's get in there and get ready. Joe, don't mess around. Breakfast won't take long. We need to be at the church by 11AM. Nicole will be there to take our pictures."

Joe walked inside Nana's house and headed for the bathroom. He got the shower started and thought about Ame. When didn't he think about Ame? He got in and thought about the ring. He washed his hair and thought about the things he hoped to do in San Diego. He rinsed his hair and thought about their flight that night. He washed his body and thought about telling Ame that he loves her. He

loves

her.

Dad had stuck Joe's suit in the bedroom where Joe was going to get ready. He put on his pants and t-shirt and walked into the kitchen just in time for breakfast to be served up. Dad tried baiting Dave for any last-minute concerns about the wedding night, but Dave wasn't having it.

"Come on, Dad," Dave argued. "I'm ready. I'm only worrying about it because you keep bringing it up. It's Bekah, Dad. We'll be fine."

"Yeah, you will," Joe confirmed with a big smile.

"Well, what about you, Joe?" Dad asked. "Big trip tonight to San Diego with a girl you've known for, how long?"

"Same amount of time as Dave and Bekah, actually," Joe responded, "but with a four-year gap. But Dad, I can't explain it. She's just..."

"The one," Dave finished for him and looked at Joe. "She's the one, Joe. I know it. Bekah knows it. It seems fast, Dad, but she's the one. When you know, you know."

"Dave, it took you over five years," Dad argued.

"Dad, we were in high school. Joe's 22. Watch them today," Dave suggested. "Just watch. You'll see. She can't keep her eyes off him, and he's obviously in love with her."

"Alright, alright," Dad resigned and collected their finished plates. "I can't argue. I knew it was your mother on our second date."

"How'd you know?" Joe asked him and watched him wash the dishes as he answered.

"It's not something you can put into words, Joe. I mean, I suddenly only wanted to make her happy. I thought about her constantly. I cherished her, like she was a gift I didn't expect but wanted to treasure. I wanted to be with her, not just physically next to her but around her and to become one with her. I'm relieved that she was the only one I gave myself to, but I wish I had waited to make our wedding night the special event it should have been. I always wished I would have been able to give her that."

"Dad, tonight is your second wedding night," Dave offered. "Your son is getting married, but you'll have an empty house for over a week. The excitement from the wedding will last until the ball drops tonight. Mom's been asking for time alone with you. Give her that special night you wanted to give her thirty years ago. Don't talk about it. Just give it to her."

"Whoa," Joe breathed. "Where'd that come from?"

"Bekah," Dave admitted. "She's really excited about this week for them. And for you, Joe. She really believes, like with her whole heart, that Ame's the one for you. And I was hesitant at first to believe it, but when I saw the two of you catching up at dinner, it was so obvious."

"Alright, boys," Dad said to them as he finished doing the dishes, "that's enough talk. Let's go get ready."

Once they were ready and had finally gotten their boutonnieres on, Dad huddled them up, gave a pep talk about making this day the best ever, and had them cheering by the end of it. They all hugged and then grabbed their coats so Dad could drive them to the church. They entered the church when Fr. K opened the door for them. He shook their hands and went over the details of the ceremony. Nicole got there and set them up to take the pictures. Joe watched Dave and his utter happiness. He knew once Bekah was there, the real smile, the smile which was genuine, would come out.

When the girls got there, Joe, Dad, and Dave were ushered to the sacristy to stay out of sight so Bekah could have her church pictures. Ame came back to say hello and hugged Joe when she saw him.

"Well, hello," Joe greeted her when he saw her. "What do you think?" he asked as he did a little spin for her.

"I love it," Ame told him and touched his suitcoat. "Do I look alright?"

Joe looked at her as she spun around. He admired the front of the dress, but when he saw the back, he stopped her from spinning and touched the outline of the back of the dress. "Whoa," Joe breathed and kissed her shoulder. "That's hot," he whispered and brought her to step back to him.

"Joe!" she whispered. "Stop!" She pulled out of his grasp.

"Hey, Fr. K?" Joe called. "This is Ame Nicholson, my girlfriend. Ame, this is the coolest priest I know, Fr. K."

"Well, hello, Ame," Fr. K greeted her and extended his hand. "It's very nice to meet you. I'm glad you're here for this special celebration."

"It's nice to meet you too, Father. I'm honored to be here," she told him and took Joe's hand.

"Anytime you'd like to talk, Ame, I'd be happy to get to know a little more about you," Fr. K offered. "Maybe you and Joe could come talk to me about yourselves."

"Oh, um, yeah, sure," Ame responded hesitantly and looked at Joe. Joe shrugged and squeezed her hand. Fr. K was called to go out to pose for a couple of photos with Bekah. Ame turned to Joe. "Did you say something to him?"

"No," Joe answered honestly. "I don't know where that came from," Joe added. "I swear, I didn't talk to him. Maybe he hadn't seen you with us at Mass and just wants to meet you?" Ame looked at him skeptically. "I swear, Ame," he repeated and took her other hand. "I want you to trust me. I promise, Ame, to always tell you the truth. I don't want to lose what we have, to lose this, to lose you."

Ame looked at him seriously and then smiled. "OK, I believe you."

"Alright, guys," Dad announced and waved them on. "It's time."

Joe waited for Dad and Dave to head out to the altar and then turned to Ame. "I'll talk to you after the ceremony," he told her and then cupped her face with one hand. "Kiss me," he whispered and leaned in to put his lips on hers. She gave him a gentle kiss and squeezed his other hand.

"See you out there," she told him and winked. She walked out of the sacristy, and he let her walk ahead of him so he could admire the dress again.

Joe took his place behind Dave and patted his shoulder as the music began to play. He watched Nana walking up proudly and smiled at her as she took her place in her special spot. When Bekah walked in holding her bouquet, Joe smiled broadly at his new little sister. She looked beautiful, of course, but there was something more. When she looked up at Dave, the whole smile she'd been wearing changed. It was genuine, just like Dave's was when he looked at her. She handed Nana her bouquet, and Joe laughed quietly when Nana looked like she'd already caught the bouquet at the reception.

"David Michael, do you take Rebekah Madison as your wife, to have and to hold, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, for as long as you both shall live?"

Joe thought about this as he watched Dave and Bekah pledge their love and promise to live their lives together as one. To have and to hold. For richer or poorer. In sickness and in health. Forever? Everything about those things made sense to him. Prior to Ame, he'd never thought about it. People got married. They lasted, or they didn't. He'd never really thought about who he'd marry or what it would mean to say those words to someone else.

Joe looked at Ame in her seat. She was watching Dave and Bekah and smiling as Fr. K asked for the rings. Joe took them out of his pocket and placed them in the tray he was holding. Joe looked back at Ame and enjoyed her smile as she watched them exchange rings. He laughed when Father asked if anyone had reason that the two should not be married.

Joe joined in the cheers and applause when they were pronounced husband and wife. It was official! Bekah was now his sister. Joe took his place down by Ame again and then posed for a few pictures with Dave and Bekah, and the family. Ame was encouraged to stand in for a few pictures also. She was hesitant until Bekah nodded reassuringly and asked to please come up there.

Dave and Bekah left the church, and Dad filled the van with the rest of them shortly thereafter to take everyone else back to the house. Dad worked in the kitchen getting lunch ready, and Mom welcomed Fr. K when he showed up.

After a short while, Joe received a text message from Dave.

"They're on their way!" Joe announced and walked over to stand by the back door. When Dave helped Bekah inside the house, Joe made his announcement. "Mr. and Mrs. Dave Nickels, ladies and gentlemen!" He walked over to hug Dave and then Bekah as they stood in front of everyone by the living room. Joe walked over to stand by Ame who'd put her arm out to welcome him back to her side.

While they ate, Nana complained that there were no regular forks or glasses so she could clink on them to make Dave and Bekah kiss. Joe laughed as he told Ame that Mom had made it a huge point to keep everything disposable, not only for easier clean-up, but because Nana would hate that. Mom loved Nana, but the two played off each other like cat and mouse sometimes.

Fr. K came over and told Joe he'd see him at Mass that night. "Might we see you there as well?" he asked Ame. Joe was worried that his question was just enough to put Ame over the edge with her uncomfortable interactions with Father, but to his delight, Ame responded positively.

"Actually, yes. They've invited me to go to Mass at 5PM, and I'll be there. I'm looking forward to it."

"Wonderful!" Father replied and walked over to talk to Nana.

Joe and Ame watched as Dave and Bekah cut the cake. It had a picture of their first kiss on it. Joe explained the picture on the cake. "One year, Mom had Dave and Bekah stand directly under the mistletoe for a picture. Neither had realized it. She then made a whole ordeal about how you can't stand under the mistletoe without giving a kiss or it's bad luck. Neither Dave nor Bekah knew that Mom had planned it so that I would take the picture. They knew

she

wasn't taking a picture, so they didn't know about that one until Mom had it framed and put in her room."

"That's sweet, though," Ame told Joe as she admired the picture. "They have such a sweet history. People would question their ages, but I have no doubt Dave and Bekah will last forever. They're just meant to be together."

"I agree," he shared and slid his finger along her spine. She smiled at him and put her head to his chest as they watched Dave and Bekah have their first dance. Mom and Dave danced, and then Dad surprised Bekah with a dance. Their first daddy-daughter dance.

When Nicole walked over to say her good-byes, she promised she'd have the pictures done by the 10

th

. Joe laughed and told Ame, "They'll be too busy until then anyway."

"You can laugh, but I know you'll be too busy until then as well due to the dates of our trip. You can tease, Joe, but you'll be just as distracted." She leaned in and whispered, "And I promise, Joe, I'll enjoy keeping you all kinds of distracted." She put her hand on his chest and winked before walking over to speak with Mom.

Joe watched Ame laughing about something and then hugging Mom before walking toward Joe to take his hand. "Follow me?" she requested. Joe followed her as she sidestepped Dave who'd snuck into Bekah's room and shut the door. Ame led him down the stairs and pulled him into his room.

"We have two options," she advised him and sat on the bed. "We could take a nap because we have a really, really late night tonight," she stated slowly and patted the place on the bed next to her. "I'd hate to get to the hotel and pass out rather than getting to see all the fun stuff we'll have while we're there. Or," she sighed, "we could play a video game and see if you've gotten any better at it?" She looked at her fingernails as if she were waiting for him to make the choice.

Joe inhaled deeply and stood up to stand by his door. "How about option number three," he offered and shut the door quietly. He walked over to stand in front of her. "I say we make the most of this quiet time," he began and leaned down over her as he put his knee on one side of her, "and utilize the adrenaline we were given for days like today." She slid back on the bed as he climbed onto it and hovered over her hot body.

"Oh, I like this option even better," she sighed and reached up to take off his jacket. "Let's take this off, but everything else stays on." She laid his jacket on the side of the bed and ran her hands up his shirt and grabbed his tie to bring his face down to hers.

Joe found her dominance very motivating. He let her touch him along his shirt over his chest and around his neck. He slid his hands down below her shoulders and held the pillow that held her head. She released his kiss and looked into his eyes. "Tell me something?"

"Anything," he answered and laid down on his side next to her to continue looking at her.

"Did you enjoy the wedding?" she asked and turned on her side.

"I did," he responded and wondered what she was really asking.

"Truth?"

"That is the truth," he further added. "I told you..."

"...that you would only tell me the truth," she finished for him. "But I want to know more."

"What do you want to know then? I'll tell you anything."

"Did you think about us up there?"

"I'm always thinking about us," he admitted and put up his hand when she looked like she was still searching for another answer. "I think about us, like, all the time. I think about ways to make you happy. I think about the possibility of our future, and yes, today, Ame, I thought about the hope that you and I would be up there pledging our love before God too."

"Do you know," she began asking him as she reached over to play with the back of his hair, "that I've never imagined myself up there doing that? Saying those words to someone else? I mean, I've been to weddings and watched people do that and say those things, but I've never felt that I would be the one standing there in front of everyone."

"Never?" he asked her and closed his eyes as she continued to rub his neck with her fingers. It was incredibly soothing.

"Not until today," she admitted. Joe opened his eyes and looked into hers. "I don't know what happened or why it crossed my mind. Suddenly, I started thinking about the words. In sickness and in health. I mean, I'd help a lot of people by bringing them a meal or helping with a ride to school if Mom was sick. In good times and bad? How do you commit to someone and expect all good times? Of course, I'd stick by you if we were in bad times. Who hears that and says, 'wait, that wasn't part of the deal'?"

"We?" he finally asked and watched her face.

"What?"

"You said 'we.' You said, 'if we were in bad times...'"

"Well, yes, I was thinking about you, Joe," she confessed and looked down at his tie. "Another unknown," she sighed. "I just..." she began and put her forehead to his mouth.

He kissed it and lifted her chin. "Talk to me, Ame. I know this is all new, but I want you to be happy, and I want you to feel free to talk to me, and I need you to be OK with this."

"I love you," she told him and watched his reaction. "I know it's crazy, but I do, and I don't know how, and I realize it seems like I'm crazy, but..."

"Ame, I love you, too," Joe found himself telling her and kissed her on the forehead again.

"What?" she asked in exasperation.

"I love you, too," he said slowly and smiled lovingly. "I don't care how long we've known each other or how crazy it seems. I have been falling for you since dinner that first night."

"I'm not crazy?" she asked him and put her forehead to his mouth again.

"Oh, I didn't say

that

," he replied kiddingly after he kissed her yet again on her forehead before lifting her head again. He put his head down on the pillow and put his finger in front of her and motioned for her to put her mouth on his. She kissed him quickly and then thought better of just leaving it at that. She pulled on him and turned to lie on her back so that he would lie on her. He kissed her deeply and slid his hands down her dress.

"Have you thought about the hotel?" she asked him and let her hands roam over his back.

"Yes, a little," he shared and ran his fingers along her arms. "But honestly, I'm not sure what to expect. I'm pretty good about going with the flow once I see the lay of the land, if that makes sense. I haven't seen the room. Even if I had seen the website, which I haven't, it's never what it really is until you're seeing it in person. I think the first day is going to be a bust to do anything outside the hotel."

"I'm OK with that," she claimed mindlessly. Joe smiled down at her. She smiled back. "What? I enjoy what we do when we're together," she confessed with a shrug. "Sue me."

"I won't sue you, but I'll be damned sure to

make

sure that's the case," he assured her. "So, you love me, huh?" he asked and laughed when she reached down to kiddingly punch him in the stomach. "What?

Ah!

I was just asking!" He stilled her hands in his and then leaned down to put his lips near hers. "Because I am so in love with you, Amelea," he breathed and ran his tongue along her lower lip. "

So

in love," he sighed and put his mouth on hers. She moaned and wrapped her arms around his neck as he deepened their kiss. He put his hand down on her hip and pulled her closer to him.