| Kelci painted the nursery and unpacked the last of her stuff then found a king sized bedroom set that she liked in Lexington. It was delivered on Monday and both girls put final touches on their bedrooms before they secured the Piglet border. Monday evening Kelci treated them to Rachel's favorite meal then they watched a movie before settling into their beds. Rachel cooked them a late breakfast the next morning then they drove to the airport and flew to Orlando. "There's my beautiful girl," Lance beamed and nearly suffocated Rachel in a bear hug. "Hiya, baby," JC grinned and Kelci jumped into his arms, legs and arms encircling him. "God, I've missed you." "So have I." "We need to go," Dre stated. "How much luggage do you have?" "We didn't check any," Rachel stated as Lance took her pull behind and she carried her duffle bag while JC carried Kelci's. "Smart girls," Randy winked and the group headed out to the awaiting van with Lonnie behind the wheel, but they didn't leave. "Who we waitin' on?" Kelci asked as she pulled JC back against her and he kissed her hands. "Brit, J, Todd and Mo," Lonnie stated as the group appeared trailed quickly by 15 teenage girls. Mo slid in beside JC and Kelci pulled him closer. He smiled and turned so he could wrap his arms around her. He immediately nuzzled her neck and licked just below her ear. She shivered and he chuckled. "Another spot, huh?" "Guess so. I feel like a kid in high school whose parents have just announced vacation plans and who can't wait to be naked with the boy she's crushin' on," Kelci whispered and kissed him. "You're crushin' on me?" "More than that, but yeah." "Good to hear." "Is everything set for the shower?" she continued to whisper then leaned in to nip his Adam's Apple. "Yeah...Heather and Janine have finished decorating, the Bass women are here alone with Mrs. Albert, and Kelly was just arriving when we left. The game room has been baby-fied." "Are you boys stayin'?" "I believe so, but I have a feeling that some of us will be leaving early," JC stated and nodded his head to J and Brit. "I need to touch your skin." "Can you handle yourself if you do?" "Probably." With a quick check of everyone, Kelci eased her t-shirt up just enough for him to sneak his hand in. His fingers went straight to her bra and he grinned as he unhooked the front clasp. He cupped one then the other as he kissed her. She arched into his caress and hated when they had to pull away. Quickly she rehooked her bra then followed JC into their condo where they stored Rachel's luggage, too. "Rach, baby, Johnny has a late lunch waiting in your honor," Lance informed then led her out with Kelci and JC close behind. They chatted as they walked over and Rachel was blown away at the room full of smiling people and presents. She was in near tears as she hugged everyone. "Let's eat," Joey suggested with Brianna perched on his shoulders. Everyone chowed down on finger sandwiches, pasta salad, chips and garden salad as they chatted. Rachel was introduced to the people she didn't know and marveled at their excitement over the baby. Kelly had found a bakery who made a cake in the shape of Piglet and Brianna snidely swiped a finger full of frosting before Lance caught her going in for another taste. He tickled her then distracted her from the cake as she helped him pass the presents to Rachel. Kelci pulled the Pooh and friends baby book she'd found at a Hallmark store out of it's box and neatly filled in the baby shower gift page as Rachel opened them. JC lost his seat next to her when Heather took it as he tossed his Pooh plate in the trash. He shot a playful glare at Heather then filled Kelci's seat as she leaned across the table to grab a mint. "Hey!" "What?" JC asked and pulled her down onto his knee. "Oh, OK," Kelci smiled and turned her attention back to Rachel opening the first gift. "Wow!" Rachel grinned as she held up the crib sized Pooh and Piglet comforter. "Thank you, Janine. It matches the border. Look C." "It's a perfect match." "Did you finish the nursery?" JC asked as he rubbed up and down Kelci's back under her shirt. "Yeah, but it only has a huge pile of stuffed animals and a basket of tiny clothes." "Cool. Lance is planning to go to Kentucky during our break." "Good. Rach, who's that from?" "Karen and Roy," Rachel responded as she held up the large assortment of sleepers, socks, outfits, and bibs. "These are so adorable. Thank you." "Our pleasure dear," Karen smiled. "Especially since we don't have any grand babies." "Don't be lookin' over here, Mother dear, unless it's to Josh and Kelci," Heather stated. "We've already had that conversation," JC informed. "And we aren't there yet so I guess it's up to Ty for now." "I'll relay the message when I see him this weekend," Kelci teased as Rachel unwrapped the top of the line, safest car seat. "Chris! Wow! Thank you," she beamed. "It's supposed to be the best," he blushed and played it off, but everyone could tell that he'd spent a lot of time and money on it. "This one's mine," Brianna announced proudly as she handed over the package wrapped in Pooh paper. "Thanks. You are such a pretty lil' girl," Rachel smiled and unwrapped two adorable outfits from Oh Kosh. "Awe! Did you pick them out?" "Mommy helped." "They are simply adorable. Thank you," Rachel smiled as she hugged the toddler. The presents continued on with Diane and Stacy providing the high chair and play pen, Bev gave a diaper genie, hamper, pacifiers, and night light, Heather gave the assortment of bottles, burp rags, rattles, and crib sheets, Wade gave a large assortment of Disney videos and books, and the older Fatones bought a carrier seat and diaper bag. "I wasn't sure what to get for now, so....I got this," JC stated with a shrug as he handed over the small box. "A lullaby CD....a swing set gift certificate....and .....JC, this is too much," Rachel was in near tears as she held the check, gift certificate and CD. "Who knows how expensive college will be when she/he is ready to go." "But...." "Please," he insisted. Rachel sighed as she passed the check to Kelci to record the amount. $10,000 would make a good start on tuition Kelci figured and rubbed JC's leg in thanks. It seemed the other NSYNCers and Brit couldn't think of a present either because they matched JC's check and Rachel was in tears. Johnny's check was a half as big and he provided one of those driveable, kid-sized Jeeps. Brianna happily demonstrated how it worked while Rachel opened the educational toys from Lynn and Paul. Rachel's mom's gift was a small horse saddle and gates for the stairs. Kelci finished writing as Lance balled up the paper. "Lastly," Kelci spoke and handed over the baby book. "C! I almost bought this the other day." "I know. I went back and got it while you were in the bathroom. There is plenty of money in the house account for the furniture or whatever you need." "Thank you." "Yes, thank you, C, but it's not the last gift. Come outside, baby," Lance smiled and led Rachel out back where a new 4-Runner sat with a huge bow on it. "I figured you would need something extra dependable for when I'm not there." "Lance....thank you," Rachel sobbed and he held her tight. "Let's give them some alone time," Johnny suggested and everyone headed back inside. Rachel and Lance rejoined them a few minutes later and they ate cake. The female dancers joined them a little later and quietly presented Rachel and some adorable baby clothes as they explained that they didn't want to intrude on the party since they didn't know Rachel. Rachel welcomed them and assured them that they were not intruding. The mothers took care of the clean up as Brianna and Lance played with the stuffed animals and the Jeep. "He'll be a good Dad," Kelci whispered as she sat next to Rachel at the table. "I think so. Thank you for this." "Actually, it was mostly Karen's idea. I just supplied some details. She's the one who rallied the troops and ironed out everything. I think your Mom fits right in with Lynn and Diane." "Must be a Southern thing. What am I going to do with those checks?" Rachel asked, still amazed at the $35,000 in her hands. "You could put it in a 15 year CD then roll it over to a trust," Kelci suggested then thought better. "That's actually a question to discuss with your baby's father. Just protect yourself." "Don't be so pessimistic." "Don't be so dreamy." "I'll be fine," Rachel reassured and looked back over the checks. "This really IS too much." "They have a point about college tuition though." "What are we doing tonight, ladies?" Lance asked with Brianna in his arms. "Any plans?" "I go with C." "Bri, you'd better clear that with Uncle JC and your parents first," Kelci smiled and retied the falling pig-tail. "They say OK," Brianna's big brown eyes were almost irresistible. "Go ask Uncle JC then." The three adults watched Brianna toddle over to JC who was talking with Johnny and she tugged on his jeans. He smiled down at her as he finished his conversation then bent down to her level. She talked quietly and expertly batted her eyes, wrapping him around her little finger. As she set him up for the question, she twirled one of her pig tails and looked up with a slight pout. She smoothly delivered her question and he smiled then looked at Kelci before nodding his head. "Yay! I love you, Uncle JC," Brianna grinned as he carried her over. "You're such a softy," Lance teased. "Oh well." "I think Bri needs to ask her Mommy again just to make sure," Kelci reasoned and sent the girl on her way. |