On a scale of zero to one hundred, I would say my nerves are about a two hundred and fifty but when Nicole opens the door, I am floored with how beautiful she is. Make that a five hundred. Damn she's got me smiling so hard it hurts. Her hair is different...curly, and her outfit is so hot, showing off her sexy ass legs. She is stunning!!!

My emotions, along with my heart take charge as we get in the car. Dinner was to come first and hopefully having our discussion over dessert or something. But that's not at all how it goes. I feel the strong need to apologize before we do anything else. My emotions definitely get the best of me. I've missed her so damn much, and it just all hit me at once. I hope I didn't freak her out.

And then I touch her hand and I'm not letting go. It's like I'm almost afraid to. I am never letting her slip from my hands again.

We have a romantic table at the restaurant, and it works out that there is no one seated near us. It's perfect in allowing us complete privacy to talk.

I can't keep my eyes off of her. I can barely pay attention to the server when she comes to take our order. Hopefully, I was able to place an order without looking like a lovesick puppy.

The conversation throughout dinner is pleasant, but you can't help but sense a little tension. Once we finish eating, I order after-dinner drinks for us. Scotch for me, espresso martini for Nicole.

She gives me a shy smile. "I've missed you so much, Devin." Then her eyes get sad, and it breaks my heart, "I wasn't sure if I would ever see you again."

Shaking my head in response, I reach across the table for her hand, rubbing my thumb over her knuckles. "Baby, I would never do that to you. Ever."

I sigh and know it's time to explain myself. And I do. I tell her everything, including Lauren answering the door with no clothes on, trying to get me to have sex with her. I don't want any secrets or room for doubt that I am being honest. She sits there through it all and listens quietly. Her face goes into complete shock when I explain how I discovered that Ethan may not be mine. She then starts to rub my hand, encouraging me to go on. I explain the DNA test process and how soon I should have the results. And then I sigh and say, "The thought of Ethan not being my son completely shatters my heart."

Nicole's look of surprise quickly shifts to sadness, her eyes shining with tears. I want to pull her out of her seat and bury myself in all of the love I see radiating from her in this very moment.

Shaking her head, she finally speaks. "I had no idea, Devin. I'm so sorry that you've been through this...all of this, all alone." Nicole stares at me for a moment and almost whispers, "I so wish you had let me be there for you."

My heart aches so much. I can still see the pain I've caused her. "I didn't know what to do, Nicole. I've never had anyone be there for me. I'm always the one everyone leans on, and I have no idea what it's like to lean on someone else, to have someone be there for me, to support me. I just knew I had a cluster-fuck going on, and I didn't want to bring you down with my crap. I'm so sorry."

Nicole has so much emotion in her voice as she speaks next. "Devin, we are in a relationship, and that means we are there for one another, good or bad. I will always have your back and be there for you, no matter what. I don't ever want you to feel like you have to handle anything alone, and I hope you will let me be there for whatever you need."

Closing my eyes for a brief moment, I breathe deeply and look directly at her. "Are you still mine Nicole?"

She looks at me, shaking her head. Holding my breath, my heart stops beating. Shit. Shit. Shit.

And then she smiles, "Of course I am, Devin. I wouldn't have it any other way"

Oh my God. Where's the server?

"We'll take the check."

I walk over to her and pull her up tightly into my body. My face is buried in her neck, and I kiss my way to her cheek. Hell if I care where we are or who's watching! I have missed this woman more than I ever thought possible. I pull back and smile as my eyes lock onto hers. Nicole smiles back at me as fresh tears roll down her face.

"Let's go, Devin."