[ Words of wisdom: "I'd rather be alone for all the right reason, than with a man for all the wrong ones." After my divorce from Walsh those were the exact words I would tell myself day in and day out. Especially once word got out that I was single again. There were countless men that called me and stopped by my home offering me a shoulder to cry on. Even though I really wasn't interested in any type of male company at that point. Actually the only people that I could even stand being around were Jalie,Seth and yes even Carson. At that point we were still very much friends and considered Carson to be a great comfort. Oh how things have a way of changing so quickly I thought to myself. The holidays definately wouldn't be the same without Carson. No matter how much I tried to fool myself I still missed him deep down, not even I can lie my way out of that feeling. Still I went on preparing for the Christmas day gathering at my home. I'm sure you're wondering why since it would appear that I'm all alone after tossing Rick out of the house for allowing Mike to say those vile things about me.

Fact is I gave the situation alot of thought, then came up with an idea of my own. You see, Rick and I were suppose to go to Ragely to spend Christmas with his mother. Yes it seems like a nice thing to do getting to know the whole family and such, but then all I could think about was Thersea. Don't get me wrong, I'm not fearfull that Rick would ever go back to her but it doesn't mean she wouldn't try. She's trying to give everyone the impression that she's over Rick and that she realizes he's moved on and now she must do the same. But I didn't want to get myself all angry when I saw her "stopping" by to give Rick's niece her christmas gifts, and Thersea's pathetic attempt to get Rick under the mistletoe. So I decided to take things into my own hands. After planning exactly what I was going to say I picked up the phone and called Rick's mother. At first it was very strange with many long pauses on both ends of the phone. Neither one of us really didn't know what to say to the other. I mean I'm the woman that Rick divorced Thersea for, had it not been for me they most likely would still be married.

This matter needed to be handled very gentely and after we spoke it was agreed upon. That Rick's mom would call him to tell him not to come to Ragely that everyone had fallen ill to the nasty flu going around and it would be best if we don't come. His family would fly in the morning of christmas eve and stay in my guest house the night then christmas morning surprise Rick. I really think Rick's mom thought it was sweet of me for wanting to surprise Rick this way. Not to mention that I was sparing no expense what so ever by sending a limo for them and flying them first class. The only end to tie up now was Rick staying at a hotel. I knew that Rick's mom called him already because immediately after she called his cell phone to break the "bad news" she phoned me right away. She told me how Rick was a bit upset but understood that the family was sick and all. It was a good thing that he didn't really say too much to his mom. I wasn't too sure if he would say that he didn't care about the family being sick and that he needed to come home. Especially since we weren't together at the moment. After putting my cheesecake in the oven to bake I picked up the phone and dialed Rick's suite. At first the phone rang about five times I figured Rick was out and just as I was about to hang up and began to take the phone away from my ear he answered.]

Rick Young:"Hello.....Hello....?"

[ I placed the phone to my ear and soft said.]

Brandi James:"Rick......"

Rick Young:"Hey Brandi....ummm what's going on?"

Brandi James:"Well, I just thought that I'd call you to say have a safe flight and if you wanted to stop by before you go to the airport to pick up the gifts for your family that I'm going to be home."

[ He said nothing at first and cleared his throat.]

Rick Young:"I'm not going to spend the holiday with my family."

Brandi James:"Oh....may I ask why?"

[ sighing he said.]

Rick Young:"My family is all sick with the flu, and thinks it's best if Mike, You and Myself didn't visit since our job really demands us to stay heathly."

Brandi James:"I see...."

Rick Young:"Yeah...so....that's, that."

Brandi James:"So where are you going then?"

Rick Young:"Probably just stay here, I'm thinking about going to get a small plastic tree and make myself feel like it's christmas. Maybe I'll have Mike stay here or something...I don't know."

[ The fustration in his voice echoed loud and clear over the phone. I pulled out one of the chairs that surround my island in the kitchen and sat on it twirling the phone cord around my fingers.]

Brandi James:"Rick, listen...I don't want you to spend christmas that way. And it is suppose to be our first christmas together. Will you think about coming home tonight?"

Rick Young:"Are you sure you want me there?"

Brandi James:"Well you are my boyfriend aren't you?"

Rick Young:"Gee, I don't know...Am I?"

[ He sarcastically asked me.]

Brandi James:"Yes...You are...And I'd like it very much if you came home already."

[ My last sentence was followed by a long pause before Rick said.]

Rick Young:"I love you baby...I'll be home in a few hours. I just need to do a few errands."

Brandi James:"Alright I'll see you then."

[ I hung up the phone and began to feel a sense of peace. Tonight I had to make sure was perfect for us. Just as I began setting up our bed room with candles, and I even had some roses delivered and planned on scattering the petals around the room making it very romantic my door bell rang. I was really hoping that it wouldn't be Rick this soon. Considering I was still dressed in a pair of light grey sweat pants and a tiny light blue tank top. Again the door bell rang as I was going down the stairs...Wow how impatient can a person be? Finally I reached the door and opened it up. Standing on the other side was a average built woman with dark hair and dark brown eyes. She gave me a once over then smiled and reached her hand out to me.]

Woman:"Brandi.....Hi, I'm so glad to meet you!"

[ She excitingly said. I raised my eyebrow and took a few steps back.]

Brandi James:"I'm sorry but there is no solicitating..So you should leave before I decide to be naughty and call the police.....Oh and I don't do autographs so don't waste your time asking."

[ God I felt better already! Nothing like getting ready to slam a door in a autograph hounds face to brighten the holiday mood. Just as I was about to shut the door she spoke.]

Woman:"Hunny, I don't want your autograph...I'm Rick's mother."

[ Oh Jesus, Mary and Joseph...sure they have nothing to do with this but it's better than thinking "I'm so fucked right now." I opened the door and set my eyes down to the floor. Then looked up at her as I stepped to the side and motioned for her to come in.]

Brandi James:"Mrs. Farkas...Please come in....It's just that Rick never has shown me a picture of you...So.."

[ Thankfully she began to laugh.]

Rick's Mom:"Rick did say that you were a spirited one."

Brandi James:"I guess...It's just that if you allow one person to invade your privacy then others think it's ok. My space is my own, I've never pretended to be fan friendly. They pay to see me do my job, and my job is to entertain them. I do what I'm suppose to do...that doesn't mean I have to bow to them or make them feel appreciated or needed."

Rick's Mom:"Yes..but the way Mike, Tiffany and even Rick felt. Without the fans you wouldn't have a job."

[ Wonderful, Great, Grand...Just the way I wanted to start off meeting Rick's mom. Why couldn't I just shut my mouth and ask her if she wanted coffee? Still, it's too late now..and wait...no...fight it Brandi...God damn it...It's too late....Yep here it comes.]

Brandi James:"What bullshit..the fans need to realize that no matter what they enjoy what we do and will pay to see it no matter what. Most of them aren't nearly as skilled and need to live their fantasy of being in the ring and able to do the things we do..they live through us..No matter what they will always pay..autograph or not."

[ Ah....I feel much better now. That's definately a point that not many can argue with me. How I love when a face tries to say without the fans I'm nothing. When the truth is without us they would have nothing to dream about being. Feeling satified with what I said I looked at Rick's mom. She turned a bit pale after I was through spilling my thoughts. I looked over her shoulder a moment.]

Brandi James:"So where's the rest of the family?"

Rick's Mom:"Waiting outside in the car. They're a bit tired. I just wanted to come get the key for the guest house and to let you know that we are here. Is Richard here?"

Brandi James:"He's out running errands...but will be back later."

Rick's Mom:"Good...I can't wait to see him."

[ I walked over to my china hutch and got the key out for my guest house. Then walked back and handed it to Rick's mom.]

Brandi James:"Here...Now there's plenty of everything. I had the maid clean it this morning and put all fresh linens on the beds. If you need anything please don't hestitate to call."

Rick's Mom:"Thank you Brandi...I know Richard will be really surprised."

Brandi James:"I'm sure he will.."

[ Now how do I say this without feeling awkward..hell...]

Brandi James:"I do have something to ask you as a favor."

Rick's Mom:"oh? What's that?"

Brandi James:"Well, It's just that if you can hold off on telling Rick that you're here I'd appreciated it. He won't see the guest lights on. Not unless he comes into the back of the house which he never does. And the limo once everyone is out is going to take off, so he won't see your car here. I really think it would be best if you just surprised him in the morning, on christmas day."

[ I could tell she really didn't want to.]

Rick's Mom:"Is there a reason why?"

Brandi James:"Yes Ma'am there is. But I'm afraid I can't tell you. I know you don't know me well yet, but I need you to trust me. I really need to be alone with Rick tonight. There's something we have to talk about and it's very private...atleast right now it is. I swear to you Ma'am, you'll know everything tomorrow."

[ twirling the keys around her finger she winked at me.]

Rick's Mom:"Alright than, I'll do this just once. But come christmas morning I'm going to make both of you a country breakfast...Deal?"

Brandi James:"Sure...."

Rick's Mom:"Good...Good...So let me head out before the troops get restless."

Brandi James:"Alright...see ya in the morning."

[ She nodded her head and I waved goodbye to her as I watched her get back into the limo and be taken to the guest house in the back. After about a minute I dashed back up stairs and finished getting ready. I lit the scented jasmine candles all around the room giving it a soft sexy glow. Put rose petals around the bed and well just about anywhere I thought looked nice. Made the bed with beautiful black satin sheets, and put some sparkling cider on ice along with having strawberries and whip cream chilled next to the bed. I got ready slipping into a very sexy red and white lace number specially for christmas. It wasn't too long before I heard the bottom door slam and heavy foot steps walking up the stairs. ]

Rick Young:"Brandi...baby...I'm home...Are you here?"

Brandi James:"I'm up here Rick..."

[ Ok rather vague but I knew that I didn't have to give much more detail than that. Proof being when I saw the door knob to the bedroom immediately turn once I finished speaking. He opened the door and I stood there just infront of the bed in soft glow of the candle lite and the smell of jasmine hanging in the air. I walked over to him and put my arms around his neck and passionately kissed. Then rubbed my nose against his and looked into his dark brown eyes.]

Rick Young:"Baby, I love you so much.."

[ Was all that he said, and for what ever reason it really made me tear up.]

Brandi James:"I know you do..."

[ Slowly I ran my hands down his broad shoulders and took his right hand and walked him over to the bed. We both sat down, and without hestiation he took the two glasses and poor up drinks. I was a bit scared he would notice it was sparkling cider not wine or champagne but he didn't notices. Instead he handed me a glass.]

Rick Young:"Sweetheart, I don't want to fight anymore. I'm sorry for allowing Mike to...."

Brandi James:"It's not important anymore. I'm willing to put it behind me, as along as it doesn't happen again."

Rick Young:"And it won't. I promise you that."

Brandi James:"Then to us?"

[ He smiled and softly kissed my cheek, and we each sipped our drink. Rick's face scrunched up from the sweetness of the cider. He looked oddly at it.]

Rick Young:"Why does this taste weird?"

Brandi James:"Because it's sparkling cider."

Rick Young:"Umm...why?"

[ I set my glass down and got up from the bed. I slowly walked over to my dresser and got a small shiny red box that I wrapped up, and then sat down on the bed. I handed it to Rick...]

Rick Young:"You want to open gifts now?"

Brandi James:"No, I just want you to open this one. The others I got for you, you can open tomorrow on christmas day."

[ Starring at the box I could tell he was curious. As he turned it on all angles.]

Rick Young:"I think I want to save this for tomorrow as well."

Brandi James:"Please open it now.....for me.."

[ Taking the shameless way out, I batted my long eyelashes at Rick. He smiled, and rubbed his hand on my upper thigh.]

Rick Young:"Alright, if it makes you happy."

Brandi James:"It will..."

[ With that said, Rick unwrapped the papper and opened the box. He flipped it up...looking at a key...It was a rather unique shape. Nearly regular size but shaped a bit differnt then a normal key, and it was a pure solid platinum. He put it in his hand then looked up at me.]

Rick Young:"A key?"

Brandi James:"Yes, but not just any key silly..."

Rick Young:"Sweetheart, I have everything a man could ask for. You didn't need to buy me anything like that."

Brandi James:"I didn't buy you anything."

Rick Young:"Ok, now I'm confused..."

[ I slid next to Rick on the bed and gently touched his face.]

Brandi James:"It's not to a car, motorcycle, my home...since you already have that key, and it's not to a yacht."

Rick Young:"Alright then..."

Brandi James:"Rick, I thought long and hard about what I could get you that you didn't already have. And I wanted to give you something special to show you how special you are to me. And it had to be something that I have never given to any man before....Rick, that's the key to my heart."

[ He looked at me then starred at the key. And then back at me, before pulling me tightly to him and passionately kissing me.]

Rick Young:"Nobody has ever given me anything like that before."

Brandi James:"Good, because that's what makes it so special."

[ Again he kissed.]

Rick Young:"I love you so much...Did I tell you how sexy you look by the way?"

Brandi James:"I love you too...And no you haven't..."

Rick Young:"I'm the luckiest man alive...You look so damn sexy Brandi."

[ I smiled and couldn't help thinking that he looked sexy as well. I did miss him very much. But I couldn't be side tracked...tonight was perfect the moment was more then right.]

Brandi James:"Rick...there's one more thing.."

Rick Young:"Are you serious?"

Brandi James:"Very...."

Rick Young:"Alright then..."

Brandi James:"There's something I've been wanting to say to you, but either the timing wasn't right or we were interrupted and I wanted this to be perfect, and well it is now...."

Rick Young:"Ok...so...just tell me....You know if you have to blurt it out...like when you rip a band-aid off."

Brandi James:"I thought long and hard about how I wanted to tell you...but there are no right words, other than this..."

[ Taking a deep breath, I held both of his hands and looked into his eyes.]

Brandi James:"Rick....I'm pregnant..."

[ What a fucking relief that was. Who knew that three little words like that would make me feel like a weight had just been lifted off of me. He sat there almost in shock, which scared me very much till he took his hand and placed it on my stomach, and lean in and kissed me.]

Rick Young:"You're not joking are you?"

Brandi James:"No...I'm not..."

Rick Young:"How far along are you?"

Brandi James:"Almost nine weeks now.."

[ He smiled and rubbed my belly..then carefully layed me down, and kissed my stomach, saying.]

Rick Young:"I love you..."

[ He rested his head on my stomach for a moment then got on me and began to undress and kiss me.]

Rick Young:"You do not have to get me anything more for christmas, Valentine's day, my birthday...or any other gift giving holiday...Brandi...You have just made me the happiest man alive. This is by far the best gift I have ever gotten. "

Brandi James:"Really?"

Rick Young:"Yes...really...I'm with the love of my life, and she just told me that she's going to have my baby. I didn't think it was possible for me to love you any more than I do...but I was wrong...they're going to need to create new words of love for the way I feel about you....I need you baby..."

Brandi James:"I need you too..."

[ Now before you get too involved with the romance of the night, this is where for you it ends. By now I'm sure you all know where this is going. Rick and I are going to make love and yes it's going to amazing as it always is. But I don't think you guys needed to see or hear that. Things from here on out are going to be a bit differnt. I'm having Rick's baby, and he not only is aware of it, but is super excited about it. All I have to say is if you plan on coming along I hope you just enjoy my tour through motherhood.]