A Few Years Later
"Thank you so much, mom. Everything has been amazing today." Clarke hugged her mother, before walking back to the table of opened gifts. She moved to clean up all the discarded wrapping paper and tissue paper.
"Of course, now you just go sit down and put your feet up." Abby held her hand up to stop her protests. "Kane and I will take care of cleaning everything up. If we need any help, we'll get that husband of yours to help out."
"If you can pry him away from Alexandra, be my guest," Clarke laughed, looking out the glass doors leading to their backyard. Bellamy and Lincoln were out watching Aurora and Alexandra running around, Bellamy never too far from his daughter. It always brought a smile to her face when she watched him and their daughter.
"I'm always willing to fight him for time with one of my favorite nieces," Raven piped up, moving to put all the gifts from the table into a big bag. "Clarke, you want all of these to go up to the nursery, right?"
"Yes, thank you so much Raven!" She gave her friend a warm smile, going to sit on the couch next to Octavia. She wouldn't say anything, but she was really glad whenever she got a chance to sit down.
"Kids are great, but you forget how much of a pain it is before they're born." Octavia put her hand on Clarke's leg, smiling at her. "I figured my second time being pregnant, I knew what I was in for, so it would be a lot easier. Then I learned we were having twins, and all my plans went out the window."
"It has been a little easier this time, and Bellamy isn't trying to bubble wrap me like the first time. Remember how crazy he would get?" She sighed, her mind drifting back to when she'd been pregnant with Alexandra. She rubbed her baby bump affectionately.
"He wouldn't let you do anything he deemed 'unsafe,' even before you started showing!" Octavia laughed, both of them watching their husbands and daughters. She started bouncing the little girl on her lap, eliciting a little giggle from the child. "Didn't he try to tell you that you weren't allowed to get in a car because you could get into an accident?"
"Oh yeah, and that was only in the first trimester! I warned him the moment I found out that we were expecting again, if he tried to bubble wrap me like before, I'd fight him. Even now. Right Kayley?" Clarke made a little face at the girl, bringing out more giggles.
"You're one of the few people that I believe could actually beat my brother in a fight, even 7 months pregnant." She gave her a look that told her she meant it.
The back door opened and Bellamy, Lincoln, Aurora and Alexandra came in. Alex made her way over as quickly as she could, waddling toward Clarke.
"Hi honey," Clarke managed to bend a bit more to grab her daughter and bring her onto the couch with her. She kissed her daughter on the forehead as she snuggled up next to her. Bellamy looked over slightly and smiled at them.
"Lincoln," Clarke spoke up louder to be heard. "How has it been, being overrun by all the girls in your house?"
"It's been something," He laughed, crossing toward the couch where the two girls sat, half sitting on the end of the arm of the couch. "Especially with how high energy the twins are. At least Aurora is a bit more calm now, but I still have my hands full."
"Just wait until they reach their rebellious teenage phases." Bellamy pat him on the back, giving a small laugh at the worried look that crossed Lincoln's face.
"When that time comes, I'll just call up their favorite uncle to come over and deal with it." Lincoln smirked back at him. "After all, you figured it would be a great idea to move into a house only 10 minutes away from ours."
"Boys, boys." Octavia stood up, bringing Kayley with her and holding her on her hip. "We have plenty of time before then."
"Why don't you focus on making sure Aurora is ready to be the most adorable flower girl at our wedding?" Emori joked, emerging from the kitchen, Murphy in tow.
"Don't mind her," Murphy started, "she's just stressing because we're only 3 months away from the big day and she's in a little bit of a panic mode."
"John…" Emori warned, smacking his arm lightly. He put his hands up in surrender, still smirking.
"Aurora's already super excited, don't worry Emori." Octavia smiled, looking over to where her daughter was standing near Miller and Jackson in the dining room. Probably trying to convince one of them to give her another piece of cake. "Everyone is excited for your wedding, and everything will go great."
"I stressed a lot the month before my wedding, thinking everything was going to go terribly, but everything went smoothly. It'll be the same for you, don't worry." Clarke reassured.
"At least you won't be as big as a house while being a bridesmaid," Octavia narrowed her eyes at Clarke.
"Hey, we'd announced our wedding date a year in advance. I didn't have anything to do with you being 8 months pregnant at the wedding. That was on you!" She held her hands up, the two girls laughing.
"Clarke," Harper walked over, "we have to get going soon, it's time to get Jordan home."
"Oh of course," Clarke stood up slowly and pulled her into a hug. "Let me get Bell, we have one last thing before everyone starts heading home."
She looked across the room at her husband, their eyes locking. All it took was a small nod, and he knew what she meant.
"Alright, everyone!" Bellamy raised his voice, not quite yelling, but loud enough that everyone was able to hear in the different rooms. "If you could all come back into the living room, Clarke and I have one more thing before anyone heads out."
Clarke walked toward the fireplace, Bellamy coming over to stand beside her. He handed her a glass of water, which she immediately started drinking, thankful for the refreshment. She hadn't even realized how thirsty she had been until she had water in front of her.
Alex ran over to Bellamy, immediately hugging his leg and reaching up. That was her way of asking to be picked up, and Bellamy had a hard time saying no to her.
"So, as you know, we are expecting a baby boy in a couple of months." Bellamy inched closer to Clarke, Alex on his other hip so he could stand with his arm around his wife. "Today we wanted to share the news that we decided on his name."
The group excitedly held their breaths, and Bellamy looked at Clarke, smiling.
"We picked the name…" She looked over at her mother, who was standing behind the couch with Kane, his arm around her in a similar fashion to her and Bellamy. She placed a hand over her growing belly. "Jake."
Her mother smiled warmly, tears already pooling in her eyes. The group let out their approval and a few happy sighs. Her mother walked over to her, tears spilling down her face.
"Your father would be so proud," She pulled her daughter into a hug. "Of everything."
"I know," She whispered back as she returned the hug tightly. They had gone back and forth a bit on the name, but in the end, Jake seemed like the best choice for their son. It warmed her heart every time she thought about her son, who was already keeping her up all night.
Bellamy was shaking hands with Kane, who was congratulating him and either giving advice or another warning. Those two had become close, and Kane had become a father figure to Bellamy, which Clarke loved. She enjoyed knowing that her mother was happy, even after losing her father, and that she wasn't alone.
Harper came up and hugged her again, this time as a goodbye. Monty, with Jordan in his arms, gave her the best side hug he could manage without jostling Jordan. They both exchanged their congratulations with the two and made their way out the door.
Miller and Jackson came up to them next, also ready to head back to their new home. They hadn't been together for much longer than a year, but they were already moving in together. Clarke and some of their friends had been concerned at first, but the two of them worked so well together that it felt like they'd been together for 10 years already. Miller and Bellamy were already trying to plan another guys night, since it had already been months since the last one. Jackson ruffled Alex's hair, causing her to giggle and making Clarke smile. Then they said their goodbyes, and were out the door as well.
Bellamy smiled at Clarke as they walked together into the kitchen once more, where Abby, Kane, Raven and Emori were all cleaning up from the baby shower.
"You guys don't have to do that," Clarke started as she walked toward them all. "I'm not an invalid. I'm pregnant. I can still do dishes either tonight or tomorrow."
"Unless she forgets about them." Bellamy said under his breath. She elbowed him in the side, giving him a hard look. "It's true, though! Baby brain makes you forget things, like your keys every other day."
"Thanks." She said dryly, rolling her eyes.
"Clarke, it's fine, seriously! Plus, we're almost done." Raven said over her shoulder as she continued to wash dishes and hand them to Emori to dry. Kane and Abby were putting leftover food in containers and putting everything else away as best as they could. She never liked feeling like she couldn't do anything productive, but she was definitely glad for all the help today.
Clarke walked out of the kitchen, leaning against the wall next to Lincoln, his other daughter, Cammi, asleep in his arms. She smiled, both at him and the adorable sleeping child in his arms.
"Getting a bit late for the twins?" She whispered, careful not to wake the child.
"Yeah," He whispered back, not looking up from Cammi. "We'll have to head out once we get all our stuff together. Just don't forget that Octavia and I need you both to watch Aurora and the girls for a few hours on Wednesday night."
"Of course not," She gave a quiet laugh at the look he gave her. "Okay, I know I forget a lot right now, but I wrote it down on the calendar and there's a note on the fridge. Bell probably put a reminder on his phone just in case, too."
"Thank you both so much, we owe you." He emphasised the last part, the small bit of exhaustion creeping into his voice.
"You guys need a break every once in a while, and date night is important. Plus, Alex loves spending time with Aurora, and Bell and I love the twins. This is more of a win-win situation." She barely finished the last part of her sentence before a yawn crept up on her.
"You pretty tired?" He asked, looking at her like he already knew the answer.
"Don't let Bellamy know, but I'm exhausted." She sighed, her hand back on her belly. "I loved this party, but it's been a long day. I've been on my feet a lot today, and I haven't been sleeping the best, which isn't surprising when this little guy keeps kicking up a storm."
"Your secret's safe with me," He laughed a bit, "but I assume he already knows."
"If he does, he smartly has not said anything about it to me. He keeps trying to bubble wrap me, not as bad as my first pregnancy, but still."
"He's just overprotective of those he loves. Remember his reaction when he found out about Octavia and I dating? I thought he might kill me."
The two of them laughed, still in hushed tones as to not wake Cammi.
"Lincoln, where did Aurora run off to?" Octavia came around the corner, holding Kayley.
"Upstairs," Clarke gestured in the direction of the staircase. "When Bellamy and I went to say our goodbyes, Alex and her ran upstairs. I suspect their in Alex's room."
"Thanks," She gave her a nod, and headed off in that direction.
"Clarke, we're heading out!" Raven called from the front door.
Clarke walked over, joining Bellamy to say goodbye to Raven and Shaw.
"Don't forget your jacket in the nursery, Raven." Clarke reminded her friend.
"Right, thank you!" Raven walked off, heading the same way Octavia had gone moments ago.
Shaw waited until Raven had disappeared to pull out a small box and lift the lid, revealing a beautiful diamond. It was the perfect blend of simplicity and elegance, which was perfect.
"What do you think?" He asked in hushed tones, eyes darting back to where Raven had just gone.
"It's perfect, and she's going to love it!" Clarke beamed, excited for her friend. "Any idea when you're going to pop the question?"
"Soon, I have a few ideas in mind, but now I have to narrow it down. I might have to ask some advice if I can't choose, though." He smiled, looking at Bellamy.
"I have a feeling you'll know exactly what to do, without any help."
Shaw nodded, smile not fully disappearing as he put the ring safely away moments before Raven rounded the corner, her leather jacket now in tow.
"Well we will be seeing you soon!" Raven pulled Clarke into a hug, maneuvering herself as to not squish Clarke's belly. "Take care of yourselves, and of course, call me if my niece needs a babysitter!"
"What about if I need some girl time?" Clarke laughed as they pulled apart.
"I mean, that too." Raven smiled as she pulled Bellamy into a hug.
"Take care of yourselves as well," Clarke said as she hugged Shaw. "Drive home safely!"
Clarke and Bellamy waved to them as they walked down the driveway. Bellamy turned to her, raising an eyebrow at her.
"What?" She challenged.
"How are you doing?" He asked, not quite asking his full question.
"I'm fine," She drawled out slowly. "Why?"
"Can I not express concern at how my lovely, pregnant wife is doing?" He smirked at her, pulling her into his embrace.
She rolled her eyes at him, but relaxed into his warm embrace anyway. Her exhaustion was hitting her a lot harder now that things had died down a bit and people were leaving, and she was looking forward to laying down once everyone was gone.
Octavia, Lincoln, and Aurora came to the door. Octavia had Kayley and Cammi, both asleep in their car seat carriers, while Lincoln had Aurora on his hip and their duffel bag in the other hand. The two families said their quick goodbyes, Octavia hoping to get home before the twins woke up and before Aurora could fall asleep. Clarke wished her good luck with that last part, since it looked like their daughter was ready to fall asleep in Lincoln's arms.
Once they were out the door, Murphy and Emori came in, also ready to head out. They said their goodbyes, complete with Emori checking on a few wedding details about three times each. Murphy finally managed to pry her away and get her out the door, both of them waving one last time before heading down the driveway.
Kane and Abby had just finished up cleaning in the kitchen and living room when Murphy and Emori had left. Abby went to her daughter, seeing the exhaustion that was plainly written on her face.
"You need to go get some rest, Clarke. It's good for you," She smiled and placed her hand over Clarke's on her belly. "For both of you."
"I will, don't worry." She pulled her mother into a hug, grateful that she still was looking out for her, even when she was a mother herself. "And thank you so much for helping with everything today, from set up to clean up."
"Of course," She tightened the embrace before letting go and pulling back.
The two joined Bellamy and Kane in the entryway. They talked for a bit about the decision to name the baby Jake, and how they had come to that. Abby shed a few tears and managed to hug both of them at least two more times. Clarke yawned another time, which signaled to Abby that it was time to go. They said their goodbyes, and Abby hurried Kane out the door.
The moment the door was shut and locked for the night, Bellamy put his arm around Clarke and looked at her, eyes searching hers.
"I'm going to go make sure Alex gets ready for bed, want to turn off the lights before you head up?" Bellamy asked.
"Sure," She smiled, glad he wasn't going to say anything. She knew he could see through her, just like he always could, and she loved that he knew when to not say anything.
She turned off all the lights downstairs before heading up the stairs, reaching their daughter's room. She stood in the doorway, watching as Bellamy finished tucking in their daughter, who was already fast asleep. He turned and smiled at her as he quietly snuck out of the room, closing the door as carefully as he could behind him.
Clarke stopped in the doorway of the nursery, ready to turn off the lights, but instead walked in and looked at the gifts that they'd received today. She smiled, and a tear escaped her eyes, whether from her emotions always on overdrive or because she was tired, she didn't know.
She was extremely grateful for everything they had. From their amazing friends, who had become more like family at this point, to their growing family. She thought back to when she had met most of the people she was closest with now, wondering if she could have ever guessed that this was how they would all end up. She never imagined that she'd be this happy and content in life, and she was thankful for her family every day.
Bellamy walked into the nursery, standing behind Clarke and wrapping his arms around her, their hands both resting on her baby bump.
"A penny for your thoughts?" He said, his voice low in her ear.
"Just thinking about how our lives have changed over the last few years," She smiled, twisting out of his embrace to face him. "And how grateful I am for everything we have."
"Me too," He paused, bringing his lips to hers in a soft kiss. "Definitely not what I would've predicted when we met."
"Not in a million years," She laughed, remembering how much they fought when they met.
She pulled him in for another kiss, pouring the grateful feelings into the kiss. When they broke apart, he pulled her into another gentle embrace.
They stayed like that for a while until Clarke realised something and pulled back slightly, their arms still around each other.
"I know we still have a few hours left, but I wanted to say something before I forget. I know nothing will beat the first time I said it, especially the surprise that came with it." She smiled.
"And what might that be?" Bellamy raised an eyebrow cautiously.
"Happy Father's Day."