Chapter 38

After two days and four flights thru different cities, Nick was finally on his way to Gwen's parent's just outside of Dallas. Up until the time he stepped on the flight that took him from Germany to Boston - he hadn't had time to think about what had happened to Gwen.  He was upset, but mainly because he was having trouble getting to her and he was frustrated that he couldn't.  By the time he sat down in his seat on his next flight from Boston to New York he had registered what happened.  From New York to Chicago he cried, not only because Gwen was in pain but also for himself and the life of their child.  As the limo pulled up to the gates of Latham Landing, her family's estate, he had composed himself enough to handle things.  Gwen had been discharged from the ER 3 hours after she was brought in.  Her OB/GYN had scheduled her for the D and C tomorrow, Nick was happy he would at least make it for that.  Adding to the pressure of the situation, Nick had never been to Gwen's family home or met her father, Harrison Latham.

After being greeted by what Nick assumed was a butler, he was shown into "Mr. Latham's Office" or so the man had said.  The room was huge, with shelves full of books and collectibles, including pictures of Gwen, her brother Max, and Cree throughout.  Mrs. Latham was seen here and there, as was Hana - but it was obvious who his favorites were, his girls, Gwen and Cree.  Nick picked up a picture of Cree at about 5 in a cheerleading outfit and smiled. 

"My Gwenny was a beauty even as a little girl,"  said a deep voice with an obvious Southern accent.

Nick turned to face the large man, who had white hair and was at least 6'5" and said, "I thought that was Cree."

"That is a common mistake, Gwenny and Creebug are very similar looking, and they act the same too, not a bad thing, you should know that better than anyone shouldn't you NIck?"

"I can't argue with that," Nick replied, nerves apparent in his tone.

There was a silence that went on for over a minute before Mr. Latham spoke up, "I guess I should introduce myself, even though you obviously know who I am," he said as he extended his hand, "I am Harrison Latham, Gwenny's Daddy."

"Nick Carter sir," he said as he took Mr. Latham's hand and shook it, "I have been looking forward to meeting you."

"I had been too," the disgust was apparent in Mr. Latham's voice, "but no under these circumstances."

"I had hoped it would have been different too."

"Have a seat son," he said as he pointed to a brown leather sofa, he took a seat in the chair, "As you can imagine, I am not pleased with the situation."

"I know sir, I am sorry, I got here as soon as I could."

"Its not just that, its the matter of you getting my baby girl pregnant," Nick looked down as he heard those words, Harrison Latham continued, "I know your intentions towards my Gwenny are honorable, which helps a bit, but not enough to conceal the fact that you are not married to her and you were going to have a child together."

"I want to marry her."

"I know, and I believe that, but I can't help but be concerned.  If it were up to me, you could walk out that door and never come back, but it isn't that easy.  I love my daughter more than just about anything and I know she loves you.  It worries me that it took two days for you to make it here."

"I tried my best, I know that isn't much but it is the truth.  If it was up to me, I wouldn't have been in Europe.  I don't know if Gwen told you about my situation -"

Cutting him off, Mr. Latham said, "I know, Gwenny told me when she came back from San Fran." Mr. Latham paused for a moment and said, "Nick, are you ready to marry my daughter?"

"Yes - I love your daughter more than anything, she is my world.  She won't marry me until this is all over."

"What if I told you that I could put an end to all of this so you wouldn't have that in your way?"

"We tried, there is no way out."

"I am a powerful man Nick, and I have found a way for my Gwenny."

Shocked, Nick looked up at Mr. Latham and simply said, "How?"

"Well ya see Nick, I have been buying shares from the shareholders of your record company.  I have been working on this since we found on Gwenny was pregnant with your child.  As of last week, I was up to about 20% ownership.  According to my broker, I should be up to 40% by tomorrow, which will be the highest percent owned by anyone on the board.  Once I hit that number, I will be the decision making force because I will own more shares than any other backer.  Therefore, I can go in, fire the current staff that has chosen to exersise the option in your contract and bring in new execs."

"You did that for me?"

"Not for you Nick, I told you I love my daughter.  She mentioned a concern for the other fellas in your band - I am prepared to offer them to open executive positions.  I will give the company to you as a wedding gift."

"I can't believe this, thank you Mr. Latham!" Nick said as he jumped off of the sofa and hugged the older man.

"Whoa son - lets not get carried away - you still have to make sure Gwenny wants this, I haven't told her yet."

"Where is she?"

"In her living quarters, follow the left side of the staircase all the way up, then, take the second floor hallway all the way to the end."

Nick ran out of the room and bounded up the stairs, ready to face Gwen.

Chapter 39
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