A/N

Hey Guys! Thank you for reviewing the last chapter. I'm glad you liked it. I was asked if I would start another story. I sadly would not because I cannot see myself writing for this show anymore. Sorry but I think we all are starting, if not already have, to outgrow this. Well, he's this chapter. Enjoy!


CHAD POV

Landing was a bitch. The amount of turbulence we experience felt like the worlds worst roller coaster. With my suitcase in one hand and my carry on over my shoulder, I lifted them into the trunk of our car. Although my wrist screamed in protest of me lifting heavy things, I did it anyway. I don't like being temporarily handicapped. Houston was already in the drivers seat, checking everything to make sure it was safe. Even though all the bullshit in my life is over, I'm still going to be cautious for a while. I closed the trunk, walked to the passenger side and got in. Only an hour until I can see Sonny. I leaned back in the seat and put my seatbelt on. Only an hour. I was so excited but also so nervous. I know she's going to be upset. That's all I keep thinking about. Houston pulled off carefully. He was doing the speed limit until we were on the main highway. Is she holding a grudge against me? Is she used to being alone? What if she wants nothing to do with me? These thoughts were irrational. I know without a doubt that she loves me but I can't help but thinking that she could be so upset that she won't want to be near me for a while. The static from the radio was somewhat soothing. The white noise slowed down my thinking process. It's only an hour. Maybe I should text her and just tell her that everything's okay but at this point, me being in contact with her is useless because I'm so close. She also might not get my message since I've changed my number so many times. It could be blocked. Or even ignored. I won't text her. I'll just wait.

"I want to stop and pick up flowers when we get closer." I announced.

"Okay."

"A bottle of wine as well." If she doesn't hate me, we'll eat dinner and talk over vino.


SONNY POV

"I'm so tired." I whispered, sitting at the breakfast bar while Louis was pouring two glasses of orange juice. "Who knew that pregnant women get this tired and out of breath?" I joked, thanking him quietly for my glass.

"Did you take your vitamin today?"

"No, not yet. I will soon but not right now. I just sat down." I winced when little bug started to dance in my belly. He always reacts to cold liquids.

"You okay?"

"He's very active right now. I think he might've kicked my rib." I rubbed my belly and sighed. "If this kid breaks my ribs, I'm going to be pissed."

Louis chuckled. "You're worried about your ribs? You should be worrying about whether you want an epidural or not."

"I don't want one. I want to do it natural."

"No offense but your pain tolerance is very low."

"True." I agreed with a smile. "But this is birth. This is what I'm made to do. I can do this."

"Okay." He said skeptically.

"Are you doubting me?" I asked loudly, getting out of my seat and walking around the counter. "I'm strong."

"Yes, you are."

"Stronger than you!" I pushed his chest playfully and walked around him to the cabinet that had my medicine in it.

"Sure. You are the strongest."

"Damn right. I've also taken a bullet."

"I've taken several." He pointed out. I scoffed and folded my arms.

"This isn't a competition! Besides, my vagina is going to push out a child. That's pretty badass and strong."

"Touché." He shrugged with a light laugh. "I think you'll be fine. You'll be knocked out with drugs and they'll tell you when to push and then it'll be over."

"It's kind of scary."

"Well, you have a few more weeks." Louis' hands reached out and rubbed my belly. "Unless he gets impatient and decides to make his grand entrance tonight."

"Right." I snickered. Fuck now I'm nervous. I don't want to do this alone.
He put his hand down and looked at me. He was trying to read me again.

"What now?"

"Nothing?" I grumbled, opening up pill bottle and shaking one of the tan capsules into my hand. I closed the rest and put it back. I wanted to ask him but I didn't know what his answer was going to be. "Are you going to be in the room when I do go into the labor?"

"Uh..." He seemed at a loss for words. I shouldn't have asked. "I-"

"Only because all my other doctors visits you've stood outside so I'm wondering if you're going to be inside. You don't have to. And I'm not sure if you want to be... Or if I want you to be. I just... I don't want to do this alone. I-I know women do it all the time but I don't think I can do it." I started rambling like an idiot. I liked Louis. I did. He made me fluster all my words and question my motives. He just watched and would let me ramble all day if he could. I think it's just the lack of... male attention that's making me incompetent. But damnit he's flirted back with me before so we're both attracted to each other.

"Sonny."

"Yes?" I fiddled with the pill in my hand.

"If you need me to be in the room when the time comes, I'll be there but until that moment comes, we don't have to talk about it." That made sense. I nodded and quickly walked around him to hide my flushed face. I don't think there's anything to be... So nervous about. Even if it is... standing outside the room."

"Thanks." I started. "I'm just... so nervous." What if Chad really isn't here for this? For his son and one day I have to answer questions about why daddy isn't here. I shuddered, I don't want to but I'm probably going to have to.

"Stop overthinking it." Louis smiled and hugged me. "It's going to be fine. You're going to do great. With... or without Chad." He said. "You'll be fine. I promise."

"Please... no more promises." I whispered very low. I didn't want him to let go. The hug felt nice and needed. Not in a sexual way. He pulled back and rubbed my shoulders.

"I'm going to go shower. If you need anything, just yell. Try not to breakdown while I'm unprepared, yeah?"

"Always." I held back a smile. He walked away and jogged up the steps.

Everything will be fine. Don't over think. It'll be fine. I walked back around the counter and picked up my glass of juice. Maybe I'll name him Honor. I think that's a pretty strong name. It's very unique and I don't know anyone with that name. Honor Dylan Cooper.

As I swallowed my prenatal vitamins in the kitchen, Louis had came running down the stairs like there was a fire. Immediately, my heart started racing. Something's wrong. I put my glass down and I called out to him but I heard the alarm sound on the front door. Waiting, I expected to her yelling or sound of guns firing. But it was silent for a couple of minutes. I crept out of the kitchen and into the foyer; Louis had the biggest smile on his face like he had seen something amazing. Barefooted, I stepped into the doorway and immediately started crying. It was just Houston. He was by himself and his bags. It felt like the man I love had died at war and I was getting the news. The small sobs erupted throughout my chest. I was losing control over them. Chad didn't come, once again. I placed my hand over my mouth to cover a sob. I thought it wouldn't come to this or maybe have been pushing it out of my head. But I didn't think it would hurt this bad anymore but it does. I turned around and walked farther back into the house, leaning on the round foyer table to brace myself. I was out of breath, shaken up. It's going to be fine. I'm trying to calm myself. Just breathe. It's not healthy for the baby to stress yourself out. Breathe, Sonny. God, where is he?

"I... thought you'd be happy to see me..." A very familiar voice stated with worry. Shit, I'm hearing things now. I'm definitely going crazy.

I turned around to barely see the blond hair and blue eyes that I haven't seen in a long time. The tears in my eyes were blinding. He's really... here? I'm not dreaming this right now, right? The tears slowly subsided and a roaring wave of emotions rushed through me. Undying happiness, anger, disbelief, confusion, worrying, rage. I didn't know which one to permanently feel like. His lips turned into a soft smile and he opened his arms to embrace me but I couldn't move. He's here. I thought I'd never see him again. There was a moment that I felt faint. I could've sworn that was the last time I was going to see him that day at that house. He looked different. He looked tired, a little bit hurt with an ace bandage on his wrist and a purple-ish bruise on the bridge of his nose, but he still look handsome and healthy to say the least. Did I want to embrace him? Of course I did. I just couldn't bring myself to do it because anger had set in. He never called me. When he did, he hung up within ten seconds. He never spoke to me. I thought it was dead and now he's standing here in front of me wanting to hug me like everything is okay and it's not.

What do I do? How- how do I even... what do I even say? My chest heaved, his eyes grazed my body staring at my pregnant belly. It's going to be a surprise to him and it's even a surprise to me to even see him. Son of a bitch has not even tried to contact me and I can't believe he standing in front of me. Why is he here all of a sudden? Is everything okay? Is everything with Scott finished? Am I safe to go home? Should I slap him? Yes. And that's what I did. I walked closer to him and slapped him right across the face. The loud sound of my hand meeting his face and the stinging brought everything back to reality. Damn, that felt good. He huffed for moment before dropping his arms. Oh goodness, that felt great.

"I deserve that." He sighed.

"You never called." I said sternly. The tears in my eyes were gone. "I called you dozens of times and you never called and exchanged conversation!" I exclaimed. "You sent me over here like I was in errant step child and you never called."

He rubbed his bright red cheek. "Baby… I-"

"No. I'm not "baby" right now. You're such a fucking ass."

"I know."

"Oh, do you? Do you know how many nights I stayed awake thinking you were dead, Chad? Do you know that I started to give up and started thinking that I could be happy over here without you? And now you're here."

"Everything over in the Hamptons' is finished. Scott's dead, I had to leave I couldn't stay there anymore." But Selena said he was rebuilding. "There's nothing over there for me anymore. I'm no longer doing business and I'm no longer selling drugs. I know I haven't been the best boyfriend..."

"No fucking shit." I grumbled.

"I'm sorry. I just was so caught up in getting things done and I needed to finish this because I need it to be safe for you, for your parents, your sister and me. Sending you over here was the only way I was going to get things done. If I was to speak to you, I know I would've made the decision to leave early and not get anything done because all I wanted to do was be here with you but I had to cut off all contact. It was really hard for me too... and I'm so sorry." He explained.

"Hard for you? I couldn't even reach you when I wanted to. I've been... worried out of my mind every day, making myself sick..." Like I am now. "My family hasn't had any contact with me. I'm in the dark about everything! All the fucking time. And not talking to me was hard for you? You were breaking my heart everyday." I snarled through my teeth. "I swear, Chad. You were the shittiest person ever for doing that. I never want to go through this again." I pushed his chest, making him step back a few feet.

"You won't!" He assured me. "I'm not making money in any legal ways anymore. I deal with stocks and bonds only and I know that it's not going to be the same amount of income that I used to bring in but it's still going to be enough to have a stable, enjoyable life with you and I just want you to be happy with me because I missed you so much." His voice cracked. "I just.. I needed you to be safe. I had to be positive that nothing was going to happen to you. I had to make sure that... you were set to live a good life... one that you deserve, even if it was without me." Despite how emotional he was getting, he managed to keep it together. I'm so happy to see him but also taken back. It's been a while since I've slept in the bed with someone or spent... my time being intimate with someone.

"Chad, I never cared about the money. This was never about money for me. I just wanted to be happy with you. We could've been dirt-poor living in a shack and I still would've been happy. We could be living paycheck to paycheck and I'd still be happy but the shit that you have put me through and the shit that you have stressed me out with, I can't take it and I swear if you do it again..." I wanted to touch him again. I wanted to hold him and smell that familiar sent I was so used to. I bounced on my heels and walked straight into his chest, relishing the feeling of his warm skin on mine. It was comforting and felt like home.

He took a deep breath and hugged me tighter than anyone ever has. His lips kissed my forehead, my cheeks, and finally my lips. Chad's hands cupped the sides of my face, his thumbs wiping away any remnants of tears. It made butterflies form into my stomach. Or maybe that was just little bug kicking around. I wonder if he felt it. The way his breath shook told me he was definitely crying. I've only seen him cry once and it was heartbreaking. "I'm so, so sorry... I love you... I love you so much."

"I love you too... you're just so stupid sometimes." Finally, the air was somewhat lightened.

He took a step back and placed a hand on my protruding stomach. "You're pregnant." He said ecstatically. A smile grew on his face as he dropped down to his knees. He kissed my stomach multiple times, enjoying my skin and using both his hands to rub circles around his child. "How far along?"

"I'll be 33 weeks on Tuesday."

"Hi baby..." He murmured to my stomach. He wasn't awake right now but I know he heard him. "I'm your father. I love you so much... I can't wait to see you." His lips left a lingering kiss on my belly once more. "You and mommy are absolutely safe now." He whispered. "I promise. Everything is fine. And I'm here now. Nothing is ever going to hurt you..."

I grinned at the sight of his childish smile when he stood up. He pressed his lips to mine. "Do you want to know the sex?" I managed to get out. He wasn't even listening to me; he just kept kissing me, holding my head in both his calloused hands. "It's a boy, Chad."

He pulled back sharply. "A boy?"

I nodded. "A boy."

An overly large smile graced his face, making me smile. He's giddy with glee. "A boy?!" He said loudly, picking me up underneath my butt and spinning me around. "You're giving me a son? I'm going to have a son?" The tears filled his waterline but being the manly man that he is, he held them back.

"Yes." I giggled, holding onto his shoulders. "Our son."

He placed me on my feet and kept smiling. "I love you... So much. I love you... I love you." He said in between kisses. "I love you."


CHAD POV

I'm so happy to see the one person in my life that brings me an immense amount of joy. Granted, she slapped me but if I were in her shoes, I'd probably slap me too. She looked so beautiful and so... vibrant that every stress I had before coming here seemed so small. I'm so happy to see her. Sonny makes me feel like starting over will be a good thing. Starting over might... be for the very, very best. I promised myself that I'd never put her through any of this again. Ever. We can go home and live normal lives and own property that isn't at risk of being destroyed off of what I've done. Seeing her is... The best feeling in the world. She doesn't seem like she hates me. It just looks like she's very happy. Her warm, tanned skin made the hairs on the back of my neck stand up. Kind of like the first night she slept over my house when she was drunk. She had looked so... peaceful and beautiful that night. So beautiful that it made my heart hurt. I smiled inwardly. And man... My girl, my love, my baby... is having a baby. My baby. My son. Our son. A creation that'll have both of our genes in it. I wish I actually would've spoken to her. She probably wanted to tell me so many times but I was too much of a quick conversationalist to listen. Thirty three weeks. I haven't seen her in thirty three weeks. I haven't felt her hands our her skin in thirty three weeks.

I felt slightly out of place here. She had started this... new life here that I was just stepping into. I wasn't used to the rooms or the... water pressure. I placed my bag down in the room she stayed in and looked out the window. Tuscany is beautiful. Very beautiful. I sat down on the edge of the bed, kind of tired from my flight and exhaled. I'm with her. That's all that matters.

"So, what happened with Scott?" Damn, I should've known that was going to be one of her first questions.

"Don-"

"No, you don't get to tell me not to worry about it. I deserve to know everything." She cut me off before I could finish.

"I had you added to the contract but he jumped and tried to start something at the signing... so I killed him."

I looked up and saw her leaning on the bedpost. "And the Bigs?"

"How do you know about the Bigs?" I asked deeply. She gave me that 'Don't try it look' "I negotiated. I'm also officially out of that life and no longer affiliated with anyone that deals with it."

"What about Karen?" I wanted to roll my eyes but that'd be rude at this moment.

"What about her?" I snubbed. "She's fine. I will provide for Mariah until she's of age and that's that."

"And your house? You were in the news. They said there was a fire and you were rebuilding."

"We had to make it look like a fire since... the sounds of commotion were unnatural for the neighborhood but yes. We're rebuilding. It'll be safer, cleaner... more... child friendly." I tried to break she flow of questions but she wasn't having it.

"So, I can go back now?"

"We can go back. Yes." I nodded. "Your parents are safe. Your sister is safe. You are completely safe." I stood up and put my hands on her waist. "I swear. I know I promised you a lot of things but this one... I'm certain of." Sonny's brown eyes looked into mine. I can sense the uncertainty. I didn't want her to worry anymore. There was nothing to worry about. "Tell me about Italy... did you like it here?"

"I love it here. It's so beautiful and... peaceful. This part of it anyway. I like living in the countryside."

"Oh, you do?"

"Yes, very much. I want to live here. It's quiet but as of right now, I'd like to go home."

I smiled. "We'll leave in a couple of days?"

"No. I'm high risk." She moved my hands to the curve if her stomach and grinned. "I'm not allowed to fly. He's going to have… dual citizenship."

"Oh..." I sat on the bed again and pulled her towards me. I rested my forehead on her stomach and exhaled. She smelled so good. "I should've actually spoken to you. I didn't know. Louis didn't even tell me."

"I tried to tell you. You just hung up so fast every time."

"I'm sorry." I could've listened for two seconds. She went through most of this alone and that bothers me. I should've been there. But what's done is done. "You shouldn't have had to... go through this... alone."

"Well, Louis was with me the entire way. I wasn't... all alone."

"Was he?"

"Mhm. He was good about it. He did a good job. He made sure I got to doctors appointments and that I didn't get sick… and that I ate healthy… most of the time."

"That's good." That made me slightly uncomfortable. They've probably gotten close over the last couple of months. I didn't want to think about her and Louis... I know nothing happened. I kissed her stomach quickly and looked up at her. "Have you thought of names? I'm fine with whatever name you choose."

"Honor. Honor Dylan Cooper." It definitely was different. It wasn't something that I would've picked but it could grow on me. Honor Dylan Cooper. HDC. I wasn't common, that's for sure. But when is anything common with this relationship. "You don't like it? We can change it."

"No, no. I was just thinking. I like it. It's different."

She smiled happily. "I know. I thought it was pretty strong."

"It is." I agreed. "I like it. I like you. I like being here. I like it."

"Good."

"Good."


"So, what's for dinner?" Sonny patted Louis on the back while he sat next to Houston on the couch. "I'm thinking salad. A lot of tomatoes, you know? Maybe some pesto?"

"Salad sounds fine." He answered. "Do you want to walk to the market or drive? It's decent enough to walk."

"I don't know how I feel about walking." She whined, dropping her head back. "It seems so far."

He just looked at her and laughed quietly. "You should. You haven't been outside today."

I poured myself a glass of white wine and leaned on the kitchen counter. "Can we drive? It'll be faster."

"You're getting lazy, Sonny." He stood up and held his hands out.

Obviously he helps her up a lot because she took his hands and used him as leverage to get up. Louis' hand went to her lower back as she walked in front of him. He grabbed his phone and placed it in his pocket. I know I haven't been here. I know that they're friends. Friends, just friends. I sipped the cold drink and swirled it around the glass. He knows not to do anything with her. He's not stupid. Louis came in my line of view, opening up the fridge door.

"Do you have any preferences for dinner, Boss?" He looked over his shoulder at me. I shrugged.

"Nah, whatever you guys pick up is fine."

"Okay, what the woman wants is what she gets." He grumbled, looking around the fridge to see what's in there. My jaw clenched.

"You two make dinner every night?"

"Yes. Most of the time." He closed the fridge and turned around to face me. "Whatever she craves is what we usually eat. It's usually some type of pasta salad… or soups when it's cold out." He stated. "Not a lot of red meat."

"Hm. You two are close?"

His eyes bored into mine. He was picking up the vibe I was giving him. His shoulders squared, his brows scrunching. "Not like that."

"Yeah?"

"Yes."

"Doesn't seem that way. You like her?"

"She's a good person."

"That's not what I'm asking." I put my glass down and folded my arms.

He narrowed his eyes. "Then what are you asking?" He snapped. Louis has never been so defensive towards me. I opened my mouth to speak but Sonny came around the corner with a jacket on and her purse.

"I'm ready." She looked at Louis, and then back to me. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing." He answered quickly. "I actually have something's to do for Chad. Last minute stuff, I can't explain. Chad's going to take you to the market."

"Oh... ok." She sounded a little disappointed but she smiled. "I can show you the good food they have." She touched my arm and pulled me along.


SONNY POV

Its tense. And I don't like it. Houston is keeping to himself as per usual but Louis has said so little to me since Chad has been here. Usually we talk a lot and usually he loves going to the market but he passed up the opportunity. Dinner is weird with Chad here. Hell, it's very weird with Chad here. I missed him so much. So so much. But now it's just... out of place with him here. I'm not complaining, not at all. I'm so happy he's here but I forgot what it's like to be around him. I bit into a tomato in silence. Dinner was so quiet. I didn't like it.

"So, Louis and I learned to speak Italian." I announced with a full mouth.
Chad snickered. "I expected that to happen."

"I mean, he's better at it than I am but I'm getting better. You have to learn it too."

"I'm not great with learning languages." He shook his head and picked up his glass of water.

"Really? With all the international work you and you're family has done?" He exhaled deeply, hinting at the dig I threw at him.

"Did you tell her everything?" Chad looked over at Louis. He was giving him daggers. Louis wouldn't even look up.

"No, not that we're keeping secrets." He condescendingly answered. "She asked."

"Why does it matter?" I blurted out. "Too much shit has gone on for me to not know. I know now, and so what?" I snipped at my boyfriend. They three men looked at each other, like they were secretly having a mental conversation. It was making me antsy. I swallowed, "Why do you guys keep looking at each other like that?" I threw down my fork. The loud clang made the three men stop eating and look at me. I glared at Chad and then I glared at Louis. "What's the problem?"

What he said in Italian translated to: Chad thinks there's something between us. He thinks we're too close. I'm going back to America tomorrow morning."

"You think Louis and I have a thing?" I asked loudly. Chad leaned back in his seat and crossed one ankle over the other. "We don't have a thing." With one look from Chad, both the men started to get up to give us privacy but he can't keep ordering people around like he's some... dominant asshole. "Sit down!" I exclaimed. Hesitantly, they sat back down again. "You think I won't will lay into with your guys sitting here? I did not fuck Louis. Ever. I have kissed him." Blue eyes looked into mine for a brief moment. I know that took him by surprise. "Am I attracted to Louis? Yes. He's very attractive. But we didn't fuck. Any woman would find him attractive when they're over in a beautiful place and he's there and he makes sure you're okay everyday. Any woman would find him attractive when their boyfriend is a little more than eight hours away, separated by a massive body of water and they're pregnant and emotional as fuck. Have I acted on it? No. Has he acted on it? No!" I pushed my chair back and rose to my feet. "The fact that you've questioned it pisses me off. Louis is not leaving until this baby is born. That's the end of this."


A/N

Well, let me know what you thought? Everyone thought this was going to be so lovely but nope… switched it up. I think there's only two more chapters so review and tell me what you thought. Next one coming soon.