February 14, 1976

Johnny POV

I stepped out of our car in Sodapop and Jennifer's driveway. As I opened the door for Angelina, her new sweater got caught up in the seat belt. She handed me the tray and stepped out.

"You doing ok?" I asked as she adjusted her clothes.

"Perfect." She smiled as we walked to the door.

"I almost can't believe that Jennifer is having a Valentine's day party." I heard Emma say as we entered the house. Sodapop greeted us and we put our coats on two chairs next to each other.

"Well it's to be expected. We've known Jennifer how long now?" Rachel asked handing Ponyboy a glass of red punch.

"Oh my gosh those are adorable Angelina!" Jennifer called as she walked into the kitchen. Angelina unwrapped the homemade, heart shaped, sugar cookies we baked last night and let Mary help set them up on a red plate.

"Hey y'all!" Allie called, coming in the door. She carried a large platter of food and Darry helped her take it to the kitchen. "Thanks Darry darling." She went on her toes and kissed him on the cheek and then helped Jennifer.

I sat down on the couch and was jumped by Patrick, nearly knocking me over. He's gotten so big now. Darry pried him off of me and pretended to fly him around the room as everyone took a seat. Well other than Steve, who decided to stand as usual.

"Where's Dally?" I asked and everyone looked at the one empty spot.

"I told him to be here." Sodapop said looking out the window. "It's not every month we get a chance to be together all at once." Suddenly a loud banging came on the door.

"Hey! What's the point of being invited to the party if you can't get in?" Dally shouted as Jennifer got up to open the door.

"You made it." Angelina said smiling.

"Yeah, yeah. Now what's this announcement Johnny?" Dally asked putting his hands in his pockets.

"Announcement?" Everyone asked at once looking at me and Angelina. She sighed and looked at Dally annoyed.

"We were planning on telling later." I said taking Angelina's hand.

"Now now!" Mary yelled, bouncing on Sodapop's lap.

"Yeah, I agree with the kid. Why keep us waiting?" Keith said leaning forward in his chair.

"Well it's Angelina's call." I said looking over at her.

"All right." She sighed looking at everyone else and stood up. "We would like to announce that we're going to have a baby." I squeezed her hand and she squeezed back. We looked across the room at the gang. Everyone was quiet, especially Jennifer. Angelina hadn't even told her yet so this must have been a shock.

"You're pregnant?" Dally asked. He looked from me to Angelina and back again. Angelina smoothed her free hand over her stomach to reveal the hidden, small, four month baby bump that had begun to form.

"You're pregnant!" Jennifer squealed holding Shayne. I stood up with Angelina as everyone began to crowd around.

"Congratulations Angelina." Rachel said hugging her. "And you too Johnny."

"Who would have guessed our Johnnycake would some day be a dad." Steve said slapping me on the shoulder.

"I'm so happy for you hon!" Allie called next to Darry.

After everyone quieted down, I felt a tap on my shoulder. Angelina and I turned around to Dally. "Congrats you two." Dally said quietly, almost so no one else would hear him. We nodded in acknowledgement and watched as he walked out of Jennifer's party.

Sodapop raised his glass. "To Johnny and Angelina and their new addition!" Angelina blushed as everyone cheered again but smiled softly.

"To Johnny, for the promising father he will be. And Angelina as the loving mother she will be." Allie added.

"To Sodapop and Jennifer and their ever growing family." I said as the kids played at their feet.

"To Rachel and Ponyboy and their newly published book." Darry said.

"To Emma and a Keith, that they survive the next few months until their first anniversary." Steve said, causing everyone to laugh.

"To everyone." Angelina said simply. "And to life and to love."

"To everyone!" We all repeated, drinking our punch. As the house quieted down and the party continued, Angelina pulled me aside to the kitchen.

"I felt the baby kick." She whispered, her hands on her stomach. I felt my jaw drop and she giggled. Lost for words, I wrapped my arms around her, feeling the small bump enveloped between us.