It had been 6 months since the April wedding and as mid October approached John and Kayleigh had almost everything sent for their new arrival.
The nursery was complete and John had been childproofing the house. They decided not to find out the sex of the baby as they wanted to be surprised, just as they had been by each other from their first car share.
"I can't believe we've been married 6 months" commented Kayleigh as they sat at the kitchen table eating some dinner late on a Saturday afternoon.
"I know...feels bloody longer" John mocked.
"Oi, cheeky."
"I can't believe your 8 months pregnant...talk about shotgun wedding" he smiled.
"Do you think that's why people think you married me?"
"Well considering we sent out the invites in November, I doubt it!" he smiled.
"Ooh" said Kayleigh as she touched her stomach.
"Is bump kicking?"
"Yeah...ooh...it's being aggressive today."
"Probably your cooking!" he laughed.
"I thought you would be nicer to me as I'm carrying your child."
"You can't keep using that as an excuse!"
"I can and I will" she smiled.
"Ere let me have a feel?" he said as he walked to Kayleigh's side of the table "Wow...it is going for it...you getting revenge on Mummy's cooking?"
"Don't listen to Daddy! Do you think it can hear us?"
"Maybe" John sat back down.
"We are going to have to stop calling it 'it' it sounds wrong" said Kayleigh.
"We've been calling it 'it' for months now, it'll be popping out next month no point changing it now!"
"Yeah...I think it's a boy."
"Do ya? How come?"
"Just feel that is it."
"Mmm."
"Anyway what time you out tonight?" asked Kayleigh.
"Oh...I don't know I might cancel" John said as he picked up the plates and walked over to the sink.
"Cancel? Why?"
"Because, I'm not one for trawling round bars...I don't know why Paul asked me...anyway I'd much rather be with you and it!"
"John you never go out and this will probably be your last time in a while once it arrives. Plus it is your Pauls birthday."
"I know but..."
"No buts! Look...its all arranged, Steve's going with ya and Mandy's coming here after dropping you two in town and the kids are going to Mums."
"I just don't know why Paul asked us, I mean he has his other mates. Plus I'm not going to drink so I can drive."
"Because your always driving, plus you would probably make excuses and leave early, so stop being a misery and go out."
"Fine...Only because you're carrying my child...I will do as you ask" he kissed her on the head "I better go and have a shower then."
John left Kayleigh in the kitchen feeling her bump...looking down "silly miserable Daddy!"
"I heard that!" said John from the stairs.
"Good!" Kayleigh smiled.
Kayleigh was watching TV in the lounge as John came down with black trousers, a light blue shirt and a dark grey suit jacket.
"Oooh you look nice? Who you trying to impress."
"No bugger that's who" replied John fed up "I can't think of any thing worse."
"Oh my god John will you please liven up!"
"What?! Most wives would be happy having their husband wanting to stay in with them and what if you go into labour."
"John, I love the fact you would rather be with me and if I go into labour Mandy will come and get you. But I'm not due for a few weeks yet."
"But..."
"Shhh...come here and give me a cuddle."
John sat down next to Kayleigh and gave her a hug and a kiss.
"I do love you Kayleigh."
"I love you too."
They shared a passionate kiss then the doorbell went.
"Looks like your Mandy's here...talk about timing..." John went to answer the door.
"Hi ya John...you look nice...that lip gloss suits ya" Mandy chuckled as she walked through followed by Steve.
"Thank you Mandy...hi ya Steve" John said as he wiped his mouth.
"Alright bud."
"Hi ya Kayleigh...I'll just put these nibbles in the kitchen and then I'll take these two on their big night out!"
"Cheers Mandy."
After dropping John and Steve off at a bar in town Mandy made her and Kayleigh a brew and they sat down for a catch up.
"How was John when you dropped them off" asked Kayleigh.
"Usual...just kept saying to call him should anything happen with you and baby."
"He is just looking for any excuse to come home early. He nearly pulled out."
"Why? Cos of the baby?"
"No, cos he hates going out in town and would rather be with me."
"Aw he is too adorable the way he is with you, bloody Steve couldn't wait to get out."
"Well you've been together a lot longer than me and John."
"Yeah give it 10 years and your John will be begging to go out...enjoy it whilst he is so attentive" Mandy laughed.
"I still don't know how I got so lucky in finding John."
"Well he's lucky too...you found each other at the right time...god knows you'd been waiting long enough to find someone."
"Yeah alright!" replied an offended Kayleigh.
"Well you had...so had John by sounds of it."
"Yeah...it all just came together...I hope he's going to relax tonight and not be moping all evening."
"He'll be fine, don't worry about John...just relax and lets put on our favourite film...'Dirty Dancing'."
"Yay!"
Meanwhile in town John was doing his best to not look miserable. They started off in a few pubs before heading to a bar with a DJ and dance floor, it wasn't too bad for John, except the music wasn't his cup of tea.
John and Paul were having a chat whilst Steve was talking to Paul's other two mates.
"When's Mum back from Brighton?" asked Paul.
"Tuesday, got to see Nana tomorrow."
"Yeah, I should pop round really."
"You should" John replied and looked at his watch.
"You bored John?"
"No, no not at all...why?"
"Because you keep looking at your watch?"
"I'm sorry...just worried about Kayleigh."
"Why?"
"Nowt, just anxious something will happen with the baby early and I can't get to her."
"Chill she's not due for weeks yet and her Mandy's with her."
"But if it happens quick I don't want to miss it."
"You're a soppy old git you are John Redmond."
"What?"
"Relax. It will all be ok."
"Mmmm."
"Can't believe ya finally gonna be a Dad."
"I know, its scaring the shit out of me."
"How come? You're a natural, my kids love ya."
"But I only do the fun stuff with them, then I hand them back. This will be me own kid and what if it hates me?"
"It wont hate ya...bloody hell John. Why can't you just enjoy life and look forward to things like normal people. You've got a cracking wife, a lovely home, a good job, a baby on the way, a family that loves ya, yet here ya are on a night out...moaning and putting yaself down."
"I can't help it Paul. I just feel I'm gonna bugger everything up."
"How? How you gonna bugger everything up?"
"Dunno..."
"John, I'm going to say this only once then we are going to get on with having fun right?"
Paul looked at John "right?"
"Right" came Johns forced reply.
"You are a great bloke, a great brother, uncle, son, grandson and husband. And you will be a great Dad. You have always been there for me when I've needed ya and I love you. So shut up and get me a beer."
"Judging by that speech you've had enough already" John laughed.
"No more of ya crap ok?"
"Yes...I better get you that drink."
John left the table and patted his brother on the back as he walked up to the bar.
There was an attractive woman sitting at the bar on her own trying to fend off the attentions of a man. She looked as though she was in her early to mid 30's and was struggling to get the man away from her. John was feeling uncomfortable witnessing what was becoming quite a forceful come on and felt he should step in.
"Excuse me mate, but I think you need to go and sit down somewhere else and leave this girl alone."
"What's it to you? You nosey dick!" responded the man.
"She obviously isn't interested so just leave her be eh and go and enjoy ya night?"
"Who the fuck are you? Her keeper?"
"No, but I don't like seeing someone in distress so go on do one."
Steve came over.
"You alright John?"
"Yeah fine bud."
The guy just looked at John and walked off.
"Who was that?" asked Steve.
"Not a clue...are you alright love" asked John to the woman.
"I am now...thanks to you."
"What were all that about?" John enquired.
"Just some twat that wouldn't take no for answer."
"You on ya own love?" asked Steve.
"Yeah, me mate stood me up so I thought I'd have a drink and then call a taxi...listen let me get you a drink to say thank you."
"No you're alright love, I've got to get a round in. I'll get you one" replied John.
"Are you sure?"
"Yeah, one more drink wont break the bank."
"Thank you...I'm Jess" she held out her hand to shake Johns.
John shook back "I'm John and this is Steve."
Steve and Jess shook hands. John ordered the drinks and Steve took them to the rest of the guys on the night out. John stayed chatting with Jess until she was ready to go as he didn't what that bloke causing her anymore problems.
"Whose that John's talking to?" asked Paul.
"Some lass called Jess, John saved her from some leach apparently."
"She's a bit of alright her...how does he do it eh?"
Steve and Paul chuckled.
John and Jess spoke for the next hour, he told her about his impending fatherhood and his wife Kayleigh. Showed her pictures he had in his wallet. Jess told him about her travels and her useless mate.
"So when did you get married John?"
"April this year. It was the greatest day."
"Lovely time of year too."
"It was...you not married?"
"No, never even close. Too busy moving place to place, seeing the world."
"Wish I'd done more travelling."
Paul came over to the bar for more drinks.
"Eh John don't forget you're a happily married man with a baby on the way."
"What ya on about you lunatic? Jess, this is me brother Paul."
"Hi ya Paul, don't worry Johns told me all about his lovely wife."
"Good good, don't want him being led astray."
"Well I better ring for my taxi its getting late" she got her phone from her bag and spoke to the taxi firm.
"What did ya say that for?" John turned to Paul.
"You were looking a bit cosy that's all. Plus its fun winding you up."
"Well my taxi is apparently going to be 5 minutes, so I'll go and wait outside."
"Ere I'll wait with ya...just incase that fella is still hanging about."
"Oh no you don't have to do that, you've done enough already, I've already ruined ya night."
"Trust me, I'd have rather have been speaking to you than watching those lot get leathered."
"Ok well as long as you're sure."
"Eh Steve, Paul, I'm just gonna wait with Jess for her taxi."
"Alright John, be good!" hollered Paul.
"God I hate my brother sometimes."
"I'll be out in a min John, Just called our Mandy from ya Pauls phone, she's on her way!" added Steve.
"Thank god for that" John muttered to himself.
As John and Jess waited outside for the taxi at the side of the bar they were still chatting as before.
"You're such a nice guy John. Your Kayleigh is really lucky."
"No, I'm the lucky one" John replied feeling awkward at the compliments coming his way.
"Does your brother normally have to tell you to be good with strange women?"
John laughed nervously "believe it or not...no."
Paul and Steve came out of the bar at the far entrance which was slightly further from the corner John and Jess were at. Paul was going to see Steve and John off and say hello to Mandy. Steve looked round to find John only to see him still standing close to Jess chatting.
"He's still chatting to her Paul. Look how close she's getting to him! Should we be concerned?"
"Concerned? Why?"
"Bit odd aint it? Hes been with her most of the night. Kayleigh's head would be exploding right now."
"There's nowt happening Steve. You know John, he's not like that. Hes just too nice for his own good sometimes."
"Its a shame you're married John?" said Jess putting her hand on his left shoulder.
"Really why?" John said feeling rather hot and anxious about what was happening.
"Cos I'd love to do this" suddenly she kissed him on the lips and moved her other hand to his other shoulder to complete her embrace. John was frozen to the spot, not backing away but not reciprocating either.
Steve and Paul stood opened mouthed watching this little scene.
"What's he playing at?" asked Steve.
"Fuck knows mate. He doesn't look like he's enjoying it though."
John suddenly came to his senses and pushed Jess off him.
"What the fuck you playing at?" John said whilst vigorously wiping his mouth with his jacket sleeve.
"God I'm so sorry, I don't know what came over me, you've been chatting to me all this time and I obviously misread the signs. I'm sorry."
"Too right you did and yeah you should be. Good job Kayleigh aint here she'd have ripped ya head off."
"I'm sorry."
The man from earlier approached them again.
"Oh yeah, so you told me to do one so you could have her? You fat bastard!"
"Look mate, you really need to go and sleep it off somewhere."
"Seriously love you prefer that?" he said to Jess.
"Just fuck off" replied Jess.
"Eh, I'm minding my own business love, but you don't seem that fussy who you go with, so maybe I am in with a chance" he approached Jess again.
"Get away from me! You creep!"
"Look pal just back off and go home" said John.
The man shoved John and John pushed back. Steve and Paul went over, the man felt cornered and as John gave a nod of thank you to Steve and Paul, the man pulled out a knife and in a fit of anger went for John and ran off. It all happened so quickly and before anyone knew it John was looking at his hand covered in blood from a wound near his chest.
"John, are you ok?" asked Paul as John then collapsed to the floor.
"Shit! John! John! Quick Steve call an ambulance" Paul shouted as he went to Johns side.
"I can't mate, I've no phone, gimme yours again."
Paul handed him his phone "fuck sake" he said as he continued to cradle John. Jess leant down the other side of John visibly upset.
"We need to stop his bleeding, give me your jacket?" she said to Paul.
"Eh?"
"We need to apply some pressure to the wound to stop the bleeding...give me ya jacket!"
Paul took his jacket off feeling rather emotional about what was happening before his eyes. He passed his jacket to Jess who placed it on the wound and pressed down.
"Shit that's me taxi shall we put him in that?"
"Ambulance will be here in a few minutes and the police. How's he doing?" asked Steve.
"You need to keep talking to him... Steve hold this Jacket. I'm just going to sort out my taxi driver and I'll be back."
Steve took over from Jess whilst Paul was still in a state of shock.
"Why you hanging around love just go in ya taxi, its your fault this" Steve said rather coolly.
"That's why I'm not leaving until I know he's ok" she left teary eyed to the taxi.
"John mate, can you hear me?"
"What's happening?" asked John groggily.
"Ambulance will be here soon mate."
"Nah, I'm alright" John said with eyes half closed.
"Well we need to make sure bud...aint that right Paul?"
Paul was just staring down at his brother.
"Paul!" prodded Steve "we need to make sure eh?"
"Yeah yeah. Just stay awake John."
Jess came rushing back.
"Is he talking?"
"Faintly" replied Steve.
"Good keep talking to him."
Mandy's car approached she could see Steve and Paul crouched on the floor.
"What's going on?" she asked herself as she pulled in. At the same time the ambulance and police arrived.
"Steve! What's happening?" Mandy shouted running over.
Jess took over from Steve applying pressure with Pauls jacket and he went over to Mandy. Paul snapped out of his shock and ran to ambulance.
"Please quickly, it's my brother...help him please!"
"What's happened Steve?"
"Its John love, he's been stabbed and he's in a bad way."
"No!" Mandy gasped with her hands to her mouth.
"Your covered in blood Steve. Are you ok?"
"Yeah, this is all John's" Steve tugged and looked at his beige shirt covered in Johns blood and broke down. Mandy hugged him.
The paramedics were now with John.
"John, stay with us John" said one paramedic.
"Where's Paul?" he asked.
"He's with the Police, paramedics are looking after you now" replied Jess looking on.
John looked at Jess "Tell Kayleigh I love her...and I love our bump...and that I'm sorry" with that John lost consciousness.