Back with another chapter. Loads of drama! Two weddings, one birth and one death! ;o Is anybody even reading this story any more? x

Caitlyn's POV

"Now welcome, for the first time..., Mr & Mrs Richard Hildebrandt!"

Everyone applauded as my mother and new step-father entered the reception hall, taking their seats at the high table.

They had decided to have the speeches first so I stood up, along with my siblings, and smoothed down my gold evening dress, making my way to the high table, my siblings following behind.

I saw my step-siblings also make their ways to the table.

My mother stood, her microphone sitting proudly in the hand which bore her new wedding ring and engagement ring. "I want to thank my family for making this day possible. Especially my children and new children.. Now, I'm going to shut up and make sure they say the right things." Everyone chuckled and I winked at the audience, taking the microphone off my mother.

"Uh, well... I actually wasn't planning on doing a speech but it seems every wedding I go to, I am forced to magically have something to say." I started off, earning laughs. "Thanks a lot, Mitchie." I whispered, again earning laughs as Mitchie winked at me. "Cornie, Jesse and I haven't seen our mother happy in years and it was nice to meet the guy who was about to change her life. And we haven't really had a good father figure in our lives except from Uncle Bryan, God bless his soul..."

"So when Richard came around, I guess we were really happy for Mom." Jesse finished. "She deserves happiness and we're glad she's got it."

"Wow, we're repeating each other, aren't we?" Cornelia joked. "We just want to thank you for giving our mother something to hope for."

I passed the microphone to Raini who hugged Mom. "I'm glad to call you 'Mom', Rebecca." she whispered, passing the microphone to Jerry who blushed a little, scratching his neck.

"Uh... Raini and I are glad to see our father happy. He wasn't really happy when we were little so... Good on you, dad. You got your dream woman." Jerry smiled softly, patting his father on the back.

Mom and Ricky both did their speeches and so did Aunt Reneé, talking about how Uncle Bryan would have loved to see this happen.

I tried not to cry in happiness so my hold on Mason tightened as he gurgled and chatted away in my arms.

Matthew's POV

It was two months after Grace told me she was pregnant. I was really excited and all but she was dead set against it, claiming that she didn't want our child. I felt my heart shatter as she said those words and I begged her to at least give it a try and if she still didn't want our child, we could either abort it or give it up for adoption but I prayed to God she wouldn't leave us with that option.

She was now four months pregnant and she was starting to show. I happily announced it at a Hot Tunes talk show and when I got home after that, I had my ear off with Grace complaining that I didn't consult her about it. The next day, she was put on the 'Sexy Mamas' segment.

We had told the remaining of our families a month later after I had forgiven Grace for telling Kris. She said that we were so close that she could keep a secret and I agreed. K and I were closer than myself and Scar.

I sat on the sofa of our newly purchased home. We had decided to ditch the idea of moving to Australia as Grace claimed that she would be too homesick. I, being the gentleman I am, agreed with her.

She sat on the floor, complaining about the different cravings she had. "I swear if I crave pickles and chocolate again, this child is out of me!"

"Gracie..." I mumbled, rubbing my head. Seriously, I don't know how my parents did it but balancing a career and a pregnant wife was stressful.

"What? Am I pissing you off? Because you're the one who wanted me to keep this thing!"

I stood up and left the room, going to our bedroom, making sure to slam the door behind me.

I laid down on our bed and covered my face with her pillow, inhaling her sweetness. When did she turn out to be such a bitch?

I heard the door open and felt the chair dip. "Matt?" Grace whispered, placing her hand on my raised knee.

"Go away, Grace." I mumbled.

"I'm sorry, okay? It's not your fault or this baby's... I'm scared." she cried. I placed the pillow down and sat up, wrapping my arms around my knees.

"Why?" I asked.

"My mother... when she gave birth to me and my siblings... she loved us. But something changed when we were four. She started abusing us, screaming at us..." Tears rolled down her cheeks and I prevented myself from wiping them away. "Dad said she was ill. She died when we were five. Committed suicide."

"Grace... I didn't know." I whispered, my heart breaking more.

She sniffed and shrugged. "I'm scared that I'll treat our child the same way. I don't want to turn on him or her so that's why I'm not letting myself become too attached because if I do, I'll get ill and try to kill-" she burst out crying and I held her in my arms. Probably there was more to this story than what she was telling me.

"Gracie... Did your mother ever try to kill you?" I gently asked. I felt her nod against my chest.

"I was four and I saw her cheating on my father. She saw me and tried to strangle me. The guy pushed her off and she kicked him out before trying to make me overdose. My dad was out with my sister and brother and when they got home, they found me nearly dead on the kitchen floor... blood everywhere and I woke up in hospital, scared shitless."

"You're not your mother, Grace. I swear to you." I said, cupping her cheeks.

"But, I am my mother's daughter. I have her temper."

"That's just that. You're not getting sick on me, alright? You'll never lay a hand on our child. You would die before you hurt them."

"Really?" she cried.

"Really." I confirmed.

"I'm sorry for being a bitch. I promise I'll be more happier."

And she was. True to her word, she was much more happier with the birth than I was. Every possible chance we had, she dragged me baby shopping and cooed over names with my sisters.

She even planned her own baby shower and gave Scarlett the plan to make others think that she wasn't the one who actually planned it. Scarlett was in the midst of planning her own wedding and with the baby shower on top, guess who wasn't a happy bride?

The day which actually scared us was Scarlett's wedding day itself because Grace was eight nearly nine months pregnant and her waters broke.

Scarlett's POV

I kissed my dad's cheek as he placed my hand into PJ's and went to sit down.

I faced my wonderful future husband, blushing as he bit his lip, slightly nervous.

The ceremony went through without a hitch and our vows were long and sweet. PJ's mom made sure to write his. And finally when the pastor said that he could now 'kiss the bride', PJ dipped me before placing a sweet kiss upon my giggling lips.

After all the speeches were done and Dad finally begrudgingly accepted PJ into the family, he said that he had a sort of gift for me.

I had begged my dad to perform for my wedding but he always said no. He wanted it to be all about me and my new husband.

Then I tried blackmailing him by asking my uncles who accepted but after Dad found out, he made sure to force them to say no as well.

But maybe he changed his mind because he was standing on stage, clearing his throat.

"I would like to introduce Mr & Mrs Duncan to centre floor." he announced.

Everyone cheered as PJ stood up and offered his hand to me. I took it gladly and stood up. We made our way to the open space as we held each other for our first dance.

"This song goes out to my beautiful daughter and her husband." Dad said, smiling at me.

When your looks don't work like they used to before

And I can't sweep you off of your feet

Will your mouth still remember the taste of my love

Will your eyes still smile from your cheeks

And darling I will be loving you 'til we're 70

And baby my heart could still fall as hard at 23

And I'm thinking 'bout how people fall in love in mysterious ways

Maybe just the touch of a hand

Oh me I fall in love with you every single day

And I just wanna tell you I am

So honey now

Take me into your loving arms

Kiss me under the light of a thousand stars

Place your head on my beating heart

I'm thinking out loud

Maybe we found love right where we are

When my hair's all but gone and my memory fades

And the crowds don't remember my name

When my hands don't play the strings the same way, mm

I know you will still love me the same

'Cause honey your soul can never grow old, it's evergreen

Baby your smile's forever in my mind and memory

I'm thinking 'bout how people fall in love in mysterious ways

Maybe it's all part of a plan

I'll just keep on making the same mistakes

Hoping that you'll understand

But baby now

Take me into your loving arms

Kiss me under the light of a thousand stars

Place your head on my beating heart

I'm thinking out loud

That maybe we found love right where we are, oh

(Ah la la, la la la, la la la, la la la la)

So baby now

Take me into your loving arms

Kiss me under the light of a thousand stars

Oh darling, place your head on my beating heart

I'm thinking out loud

That maybe we found love right where we are

Oh maybe we found love right where we are

And we found love right where we are

I rushed onto the stage and wrapped my arms tightly around my dad. "Thank you Daddy."

"I love you." he mumbled, stroking my hair.

"Love you too, Daddy." I grinned, kissing his cheek.

He let go of me so I could go back to PJ.

Mom also sang, wishing her congratulations.

Oh no, did I get too close?

Oh, did I almost see what's really on the inside?

All your insecurities

All the dirty laundry

Never made me blink one time

Unconditional, unconditionally

I will love you unconditionally

There is no fear now

Let go and just be free

I will love you unconditionally

Come just as you are to me

Don't need apologies

Know that you are worthy

I'll take your bad days with your good

Walk through the storm I would

I do it all because I love you, I love you

Unconditional, unconditionally

I will love you unconditionally

There is no fear now

Let go and just be free

I will love you unconditionally

So open up your heart and just let it begin

Open up your heart and just let it begin

Open up your heart and just let it begin

Open up your heart

Acceptance is the key to be

To be truly free

Will you do the same for me?

Unconditional, unconditionally

I will love you unconditionally

And there is no fear now

Let go and just be free

'Cause I will love you unconditionally (oh yeah)

I will love you (unconditionally)

I will love you

I will love you unconditionally

...

Matthew's POV

I smiled, watching my father and sister hug. They were really close. I was more closer to Mom than Dad really.

I felt Grace grip me and I turned to her, concerned.

"Let's go home. I've been getting these cramps and they're killing me." she said.

"Okay, let me just congratulate Scarlett and PJ once more and say goodbye to my family."

"I'll come with you." she said, holding her arms out. I helped her up and we walked over to the newlyweds.

"Just think about it; Kristyn is going to be in this position one day." I said as we all turned to face Kris who was giggling with Rusty and Sigourney.

"We're all growing up." Scarlett smiled.

"We're going now. Congrats guys, I'm really happy for you." Grace gushed.

"Thanks G." Scarlett said, hugging her. "Look after my niece or nephew!"

We had decided to hold off on the baby's sex. Made the game more fun.

"Thanks for everything." PJ said giving me a man hug and hugging Grace.

"Yeah no problem, man. It was fun competing with your little brother for best man." I joked.

"Kid still hates you." PJ's sister said, walking by.

"We're family now!" I yelled after her.

"Gotta say bye to the rest, then." Grace said, tightening her grip on my arm.

"Bye, thanks again." Scarlett smiled, patting our backs.

After we said bye to everyone we were on our way home.

"Go to the hospital." Grace said, calmly.

"Are-are you okay?" I asked, taking a detour.

"There's something wrong, Matt..." she whispered. "I can feel it."

That's when I sped up a bit.

When we got to the hospital, Grace was rushed to a private room in the maternity ward.

Everything was rushed and I could barely hear the doctor saying that she needed an emergency C-section. I felt my stomach dropping each minute. I don't know how I managed to alert our families with the worry over-taking me.

When we were in the operating room, I gripped Grace's hand tightly as she cried, begging to know what was happening.

"Here we go..." The doctor said, bringing our child out. "It's a boy." he whispered sadly.

"A boy?" Grace asked, happily. "Why isn't he crying?" her smile faded.

"Mr & Mrs Gray... I'm so sorry..." The doctor started saying. "It's stillbirth."

I felt the warmth of Grace's hand leave mine as I exited the room, the atmosphere impossible to breath in.

I took off the scrubs and threw them in the bin before collecting my suit jacket off a nurse and making my way to the waiting room to see Scarlett, still in her wedding dress and our parents and sisters.

Bailey stood up, smiling widely. "Well?"

"It was a boy." I whispered.

"A boy!" Kristyn grinned.

"Wait, was?" Mom asked. I nodded and gulped.

"He was stillborn." I admitted as my mother rushed to hold me tightly in her arms as I sobbed.

...

I entered Grace's room to see her curled up in a foetal position, watching the stars from the window.

I heard her mumbling but as I got closer, I heard her singing.

Hush, little baby, don't say a word,

Mama's gonna buy you a mockingbird.

If that mockingbird don't sing,

Mama's gonna buy you a diamond ring

If that diamond turns to brass,

Mama's gonna buy you a looking glass.

If that looking glass gets broke,

Mama's gonna buy you a billy goat,

If that billy goat don't pull,

Mama's gonna buy you a cart and a bull.

If that cart and bull tip over,

Mama's gonna buy you a dog named Rover.

If that dog named Rover don't bark,

Mama's gonna buy you a horse and a cart.

If that horse and cart fall down,

you'll still be the sweetest little baby in town.

"My mama used to sing that to me." I whispered.

She just laid there, silent before replying, "Mine too."

"Talk to me, Gracie. We just lost a child."

"Chad."

"What?"

"That's his name. Chad." Grace said. "He was so beautiful. When you left, I saw him. He looked so much like you. Your blue eyes and blonde hair. My nose and mouth."

"Gracie...?"

"I love him. He's okay. He's alright..."

"No! You don't get to do this." I said, walking up to her. "This is your fault that he's dead Gracie! He's not breathing, he's dead! And it's your fault. You wished him dead, you wanted to abort him six months ago!"

"Matthew!" I heard from behind me. I turned around and saw Scarlett shocked. I turned back to Grace who was staring up at me, her lips wavering.

"You're right." she cried before sobbing. "I wished my own baby dead! Oh my God!"

"Matthew, I think you need to take a walk, clear your head."

I sighed and left, not once turning back.

When I got home, I packed a bag and drove to my parents. Grace wouldn't want me back after I said those things. I just literally blamed her for the death of our son. Who even does that?

I let myself in and walked upstairs to my old room, ignoring my aunt's calls.

Scarlett's POV

It was a week after the death of my nephew. Grace didn't want to go home as she was frightened of Matthew and seeing the baby stuff which littered the house. So PJ and I decided to postpone our honeymoon and let Grace stay. After having the reality call from Matt, she mentally broke down. She didn't eat, talk or do anything.

Mom and Dad tried getting Matthew to open up to them but they failed as well. Matthew normally stayed, lock in his room as he cried all day and all night. Once he let Dad in and they had a heart to heart. Dad never told us what they talked about. Said it was 'strictly private'.

But after that, Matthew went home and tried burning all the baby stuff. Dad had to hold him again as he raged and tried to destroy their home, smashing their photos and memories.

I remember being sixteen and Matt and I were at a free study period at school. We both loved our parents and wanted to be like them so we said that we would have loads of kids and be the best parents ever just like ours. Matthew so desperately wanted to be a father, he even babysat for Kris and Mom.

So when the death of Chad, as we now know his name, came around it hit Matt so bad he wanted to die.

PJ's father fell sick so he had to leave the house for a week to travel to the town his parents recently moved to. His sister and brother lived together as his sister being their brother's sole guardian and PJ's little siblings went with their parents.

"Promise to give them my love." I said, kissing him.

"Of course, babe. See you in a week."

I had to go shopping and check on Matthew so I promised Grace that I would be two hours top.

Biggest mistake of my life.

When I got home, I found Grace passed out by her bed, a bottle of pills beside her. I screamed and checked her pulse, relieved when I felt a faint one. I quickly dialled 911 and tapped her face, trying to keep her awake. I remember doing something like this. One of my friends had a drug overdose at a party and I had to be the responsible one.

I just wondered how Matthew was going to take this... First his child, now probably his wife?

Please, I swear to God, Grace... Don't give up on Matt.

Sorry for the heaviness ;(