Thanks for the reviews, as always they're much appreciated! Since you don't want the baby's name to start with a K, then give me some suggestions on other names I could use, lol! As usual, R&R! Enjoy! :-)

Chapter 24

Kyle's POV

Karen and I decided to have Kevin and his family over for dinner. After dinner, Karen put Kristen down for the night, Kam decided to go watch TV in the living room while the other kids are in Kyla's room playing. The adults are sitting at the table talking and catching up.

"So," I begin, "when are you two going to reach out to your brother?" I ask Karen and Kevin.

Karen rolls her eyes. "NEVER!"

"I do miss him." Kevin states. "But he needs this time away from us to get his shit together."

"It's been a few months now, don't you think you guys should let this go and move on?" I ask.

"I don't have shit to say to him!" Karen says as she folds her arms.

"You could start with I'm sorry. You were unbelievably cruel to him!"

"He needed to hear that!"

"You didn't need to tell him that being gay is the reason he doesn't need a baby. His sexuality doesn't have a damn thing to do with it!"

"Kyle's right Karen, you were completely out of line!" Kevin adds in.

"I'm not apologizing to him! He should be apologizing to us for refusing to act like an adult! He's almost 34 and he acts like a four year old!" Karen states.

"I'm glad you mentioned that. His birthday is coming up, you mean to tell me you guys aren't even going to call him and wish him a Happy Birthday?"

"I had no intention of doing so!"

I look at Kevin and he shrugs. "I thought about it, but he's being such a dick that I really don't want to. Besides, if I call him, then it looks like I'm the one giving in and then he still doesn't learn shit!"

I shake my head. "You guys are angry because you think Kenny is immature, but if you ask me, you're being just as immature as he is by refusing to talk to him!"

"We're not being immature!" Karen snorts. "We're just tired of his shit!"

"He's still your brother and he misses you guys. Plus I would be hurt if I didn't hear from my brother on my birthday."

"If he misses us so much, why can't he reach out to us?"

"Because you hurt him Karen! He doesn't know how to approach you guys anymore."

"Tell me how that is our problem?"

I sigh. "If there's anything I learned from Stan, it's to not hold a grudge. He tired to apologize to me and I shut him out. Now he's dead and I'll never get the chance to tell him I forgive him."

"You're really comparing the situations?"

I nod. "Yes, but it's a little different for you guys because Kenny is your brother. If something were to happen to him, wouldn't you feel guilty that you never had a chance to make peace?"

"No..."

"Karen!" Kevin steps in. "You're right Kyle, we probably should. I will reach out to Kenny when I'm ready."

I raise my hands in defeat. "I respect that." I still think he's being a little stubborn, but at least he's willing to reach out to him. He's the older brother, so he should be the bigger person. Now all I need to do is convince my wife to do the same...

Kenny's POV

It's my first day back since I was hospitalized for pneumonia. I was in the hospital for a month. I nearly died twice while I was in there. I really didn't understand how I got so sick. I've been taking my medications every day and I've kept up with my vaccinations. But I guess without a spleen and torn intestines, I'm going to get sick no matter what I do to prevent it.

I'm heading to a meeting with Jim and Kyle. I was supposed to have this meeting awhile ago, but since I was in the hospital, it was postponed to my first day back in the office.

I go to the conference room and to my surprise both Jim and Kyle are there! I thought Kyle would be there via teleconference. Oh my, I have those feelings of butterflies in my stomach again. I'm going to try my best to avoid eye contact with him.

"Have a seat Kenny." Jim tells me coldy.

"Yes sir." I nod just before I sit down.

"I called this meeting because not only do I have concerns about your extended absences, I'm also concerned about your work performance."

I swallow. "What about it sir?"

"You were always a great employee I wouldn't have promoted you twice here or promoted you to work out in our Atlanta office when it opened. You then stepped down from your position and I was more than generous in keeping your salary. You decided to move back here and Kyle convinced me to let you keep your position and just work here and still managed the same salary."

I nod. "I'm very grateful to you sir."

"I'm not finished..." He narrows his eyes at me.

"Sorry..."

"You've missed a total of 92 days within the last 6 months. That includes your last absence. I've had Kyle put you on probation and you still missed a month of work! We even gave you a lighter work load to make your transition back to work easier for you. Still keeping your same salary mind you!"

I nod. "I'm very grateful for everything you've done sir."

He looks at Kyle. "Do you want to continue?"

He nods and looks at me. "What we decided to do Ken, is bump you down from the lead position. I need my lead to be more reliable and to be able to take on the tasks as needed. You will now just be a Server Technician."

I nod again. "Thank you."

"You're also getting a $35k pay decrease. It's only fair."

My eyes widen. "A 35k decrease? But, I have a baby on the way..."

"It doesn't have to end at a decrease you know…" Jim informs me.

I nod and bite my bottom lip. "Yes sir…"

Kyle hands me a document. "This is a copy of your position and salary decrease. Please read and sign it. This is effective immediately."

I look over the document and sure enough, everything we just discussed is in it. I go ahead and sign it and give it back to Kyle.

"Thank you. I'll make a copy and bring it to your cubicle."

"Thanks…" I say quietly.

"Kenny," I look at Jim, "consider this your final warning."

"Yes sir." I walk back to my cubicle. Of all times for this to happen, why now? My daughter will be here in four months. A tear drops from my eyes and I quickly wipe it away. The last thing I want to do is cry at work.

"Hey Ken." I turn and see Kyle at my cubicle.

"Hey…" I turn my head away as I feel the butterflies again.

"Here's your copy as promised." He hands me the document.

"Thanks."

"I'm sorry I had to do that. I know you have that baby girl on the way and you need your salary. Honestly, Jim wanted me to fire you so this was the only way I could convince him to keep you."

"I appreciate it."

"No problem. Hey, I'm in town for another day. Do you maybe want to go out and get a few drinks after work?"

I want to say yes, but there's no way I can spend time with Kyle outside of work without it becoming awkward. "Thanks, but no thanks. I don't drink."

"That's ok, you don't have to drink."

"I'd rather not."

"You're mad at me, aren't you?"

I shake my head. "Not at all, you were just doing your job."

"Good, I'm glad there are no hard feelings. Maybe next time." He walks away.

I'm glad I dodged that bullet. The last thing I need to be out spending unnecessary money especially since they just cut my pay. Any extra money I have no will go to the baby. I don't have time or the money for anything else.

Preview:

Bebe surprises Kenny.

Abby asks Karen and Missy to help plan a baby shower for Kenny.