"Good. I don't want you to be hurt. I love you, Angel Alex," Madison said as she threw her arms around her again.
Alex held her close as she fought off the tears that threatened to fall. "I love you too, Maddy." She looked up and saw that everyone was wiping tears from their eyes. She handed the little girl the last present and said, "Go give this to Mommy." Madison dutifully climbed down and carried it to Dani.
"What's this? You've already done too much, Alex."
"That one is not from me," she replied. "I'm just the messenger."
Dani looked at Nikki who shook her head, looking as confused as she was. She looked up at Rachel who smiled at her and nodded. She quickly removed the paper and squealed with excitement when she saw the book. "Oh my God. How did you get this?" She jumped up from the couch and pulled her into a hug. She sat back down and immediately opened the front cover. She gasped when she saw the inscription, and slowly read it out loud.
'Dani,
May you find many amazing adventures with Rachel at your side. Never forget, with love, all things are possible. – AMore'
"How did you do this?" she asked Rachel.
She licked her lips and swallowed hard as she replied. "It turns out that one of my patients knows this author personally." She gave Dani a look of complete adoration and said, "I knew how much you really wanted to have it, and so I did what I could to get it for you. I hope you like it."
"I love it, and I love you. Thank you so much."
Shortly after Rachel and Dani packed Madison into the car and headed home, Alex cuddled up next to Nikki on the couch. "Tell me, mia cara, do you truly like your birthday present?"
"I do. Thank you so much. I just wish you could join a team with me." She held her close and rested her cheek against the top of her head.
"I know, but I think it is good for you to do this whether I'm there or not. I will try to come to some of your games, but it will really depend on my schedule." Alex placed her hand on Nikki's thigh, and began to run her fingers over the rough denim. "I have a doctor's appointment on Friday. We'll see how much progress I've made. That will determine if I'm able to work this summer. If I am, I may not be here for many of your games. I'm sorry, mia cara."
Nikki pulled away slightly and searched her face as she asked, "What does that mean, what you call me?"
Alex slipped out from under her arm and turned to straddle her lap. Placing a hand on either cheek, she looked deep into her eyes and asked, "Are you sure you want to know? It could be bad."
Nikki smiled and whispered, "Yes."
"Mia cara means my dear." She watched as Nikki slowly leaned forward and captured her lips. Alex slid one hand around her neck, and buried it in her hair, pulling her close. Nikki groaned and ran her hands up her thighs to her hips, and around to her ass, pressing into her. Alex felt herself grow heavy and wet as the heat pooled between her legs. She broke the kiss, gasping for air as she trailed kisses down the side of Nikki's neck. She felt her groan rumble up her throat, and gently bit the pulse that beat furiously in her neck. She began to suck at the pulsing bit of flesh, and felt Nikki's hips rise under her.
Nikki grabbed a fist full of Alex's hair and pulled her from her neck. With a voice choked with desire she said, "Don't leave a mark unless you mean it." Alex struggled to clear her mind of the haze of desire. She placed one hand on each of Nikki's shoulders and took a deep breath. She slowly removed her hand from Alex's hair and waited for her to make a move.
As Alex pulled back and climbed down from her lap, she could see the disappointment in Nikki's eyes. There was no doubt in her mind that she loved her, and it was time to tell her. She held her hand out and said, "Io sono innamorata di te."
Nikki placed her hand in Alex's, and allowed her to pull her from the couch. "What did you just say? It sounded beautiful, but I want to hear it in English, please." She looked into her eyes and asked, "Do you trust me enough to tell me?"
Alex pulled her close, and rested one hand over her furiously beating heart. Looking up into her eyes she said, "I said I am in love with you."
Nikki placed her hands on Alex's hips to steady herself and asked, "What about earlier today?"
Alex swallowed as she felt her nerves kick in. This was not the reaction she'd hoped for. "Um…" She leaned her head against her chest and closed her eyes.
Nikki reached down and with one finger under her chin, gently lifted her face. "Please tell me, sweetheart."
Feeling her nerves calm slightly at the term of endearment, she looked up and said, "Nicole, my dear, I'll love you till the end of time." She watched as Nikki's eyes shimmered with unshed tears. "I'm still afraid, but I know that I can get through anything with you by my side." She felt her nerves pick up again when Nikki didn't respond. "If…if that's where you want to be," she stammered as she stepped back. She was surprised when Nikki followed her step for step.
"I love you, Alex." She smiled at Alex as she slowly looked up at her. "I want to grow old with you, my love." Alex clutched at her as she felt her knees begin to shake. "Are you okay?"
"Perfect." Alex pulled her down and ran her tongue over her bottom lip. As Nikki's lips parted, she slipped her tongue inside
