Thank you for the reviews :) x
Okay, so... onto the last few chapters now. This one is a time jump of three months from the last chapter, so Rachel is now about 20 weeks pregnant. Please enjoy...
Chapter 28: Surreal
Eddie was supposed to be pouring drinks for himself and Rachel, but couldn't stop his eyes from drifting to the scene in the garden. It was something that when just thinking about, caused a smile to grace his lips.
Darcy could walk properly now, so was taking full advantage of that by getting Rachel to chase her around the garden. He almost opposed the idea, what with Rachel almost being twenty weeks pregnant now, Eddie knew how easily she could get worn out. And he just wanted to look after her.
But he supposed there was only so fast and far a one year old could go, and the giggles of both Rachel and his daughter were ringing in Eddie's ears. Still a sound that he considered to be the most beautiful one.
He'd known it all along - of course. But seeing Rachel with Darcy, and spending more time with Michael, only highlighted how much of an amazing mother she would be. And Eddie couldn't wait to be witness to that all.
"Eddie, are you alright?" Rachel asked, placing a light hand on his shoulder.
He turned his head to the side, not realising that Rachel was now to the left of him, Darcy by her feet and holding on to her hand.
"Yeah. I've never been better."
As Rachel's mouth broke out into a grin, Eddie found himself feeling even more appreciative than he had a few seconds ago. He still counted his lucky stars each day with Rachel by his side, and a baby on the way.
"Likewise," she leant forwards, planting a soft kiss on his lips before pulling backwards, tilting her head.
Darcy jumping up and down and giggling on the floor caught their attention - both Rachel and Eddie sharing a smile before looking at the little girl.
"Daddy, run!"
"Oh I think that's an excellent idea Darcy."
She nodded her head somewhat proudly, glancing between both Eddie and Rachel.
"I'll get you for that Mason," he joked.
"Oh really Lawson?"
He simply smiled, leaning down to scoop Darcy into his arms, delighting in the way she giggled and cheered.
"Daddy runs silly!"
At that point Rachel burst out laughing, resting her head against Eddie's shoulder briefly.
"Not as silly as Rachel," Eddie huffed.
But Darcy nodded triumphantly, crossing her arms, "silly," she pointed at Eddie, giggling.
"Clearly, you just look like a right pillock when you run, Mr Lawson."
Eddie couldn't resist sticking his tongue out, "cheeky."
"Go on, go, I'll be laughing from the sidelines."
So Eddie did just that, unable to resist turning to give Rachel one last smile as he followed Darcy back out into the garden.
….
"Does this feel surreal to you?"
Eddie paused as he pulled on his jacket, "how do you mean?"
"Well, seven months ago… I… I was trying to come to terms with the fact that… I was going to be spending the rest of my life without you. Without the one. Because you are the one," Rachel's eyes flicked up to Eddie's, sharing a smile as he moved closer, "but now…"
"I'm here, we are together. With a baby on the way," Eddie glanced down to her stomach, lightly placing his hands on the now relatively visible bump.
Rachel tilted her head, "exactly."
"And I feel like the luckiest man in the world."
Eddie leant down, planting a kiss on Rachel's stomach before coming back up to be level with her.
Rachel had to swallow the lump that had formed in her throat, "I think you'll find Lawson, that I am the lucky one here."
He shook his head, laughing, "come on you, shall we go and find out if we are having a boy or a girl?"
"Really?"
Rachel had to do a double take - in recent days, leading up to her scan, they had discussed whether or not to find out the gender of their baby. Eddie, loving the prospect of a surprise, was more inclined to leaving it until the birth. But Rachel couldn't deny how much she longed to know if there was a baby boy or a baby girl growing inside of her. She hadn't said this to Eddie, taking the 'leaving it as a surprise' idea in her stride. Which was why now, she wondered what had made Eddie change his mind.
"Yes. You know Rachel, I'm sure you forget how well I know you sometimes."
She couldn't help but laugh, because he was exactly right, "what do you mean by that?"
"Rachel, I can read you like a book. I know that you'd like to find out the gender of our baby."
"But you…"
"Yes. But then again, the thought of coming up with a name or shopping for little baby grows isn't exactly unappealing."
Rachel smiled before she shrugged, "we can still do that and not know the gender. Just… maybe come up with names for both a boy and a girl."
Eddie laughed, tilting his head back, "you know what I mean though. And anyway, I'm all excited now, let's go."
Eddie made a move for the door, but Rachel stepped forwards, placing a hand on his arm. She couldn't deny how content she felt with Eddie's attitude towards the entire thing - his excitement meant everything to her, because he was just as overjoyed about their child as she was. Rachel knew that he would be the most wonderful father; he already was with both Michael and Darcy.
"I love you."
Eddie paused, smiling that smile which Rachel knew he saved for her, "I love you too."
….
Rachel tried to blink back the happy tears in her eyes as their baby came up on the screen, but she couldn't and she did kind of find herself just letting them fall. It wasn't the first time they had been to a scan, but there was something different this time, something even more magical.
The nurse gave both her and Eddie a moment - he shifted closer to her, taking her hand.
Rachel took great comfort from the way Eddie's thumbs brushed across the backs of her hands. And as she turned to him, Rachel realised that Eddie too was struggling to hold back his tears of joy.
"That's our baby, Rach."
She could tell that Eddie couldn't help but laugh as he cupped her cheek.
Rachel smiled back at him, feeling the happiest she had ever felt.
"I know."
Eddie leant forwards for a brief moment, grinning as he rested his forehead against hers before pulling back.
Rachel was glad that when she looked up at the nurse, she too was smiling, taking a glance at the screen.
"And would you like to know the gender of the baby?" she asked once everything had been checked over.
Rachel knew that her look towards Eddie was automatic. It took them both back to their earlier conversation and all Eddie did was nod and smile, giving Rachel the final confirmation.
She allowed the excitement to build up in her as she took a deep breath, glancing back towards the nurse.
"Yes, erm… I think we would, yes."
"Okay… it's a girl. You're having a girl, congratulations."
Rachel could only hear hers and Eddie's laughter as everything else seemed to fade away. It was just everything she had said to Eddie earlier that Rachel knew she meant. She had never expected to be settling down with the man of her dreams, with plans to spend the rest of her life with him - not after Melissa had shown up pregnant.
Rachel had come to terms with the fact that Eddie Lawson wasn't going to be in her life. So now, to have him by her side and a whole lot more, was the best thing in the world.
"A mini you then," Eddie grinned, wrapping his arm around Rachel as they walked out of hospital, glancing down at the scan pictures.
"She might look like you."
Rachel couldn't help but beam as she took in the look on Eddie's face. For once, she couldn't quite tell what he was thinking - just that he was entirely content.
"You're right," he spoke as they stopped walking briefly, "this is surreal."
Rachel wrapped her arms around Eddie's neck, coming to stand on her tiptoes slightly.
"I wouldn't want to share this with anyone else but you," she pressed her lips to his as a way of affirming her answer.
It was true - Eddie was the only man who Rachel had ever considered having children with. The only man who she had ever loved with her entire heart. He was the best thing that had ever happened to her.
"Ditto," he kissed her back.
"Now how about we talk names during the drive back? Brainstorm a few?"
"Sounds like a plan."
….
The last thing Rachel expected that evening was to be woken by an insistent banging on their front door. Eddie was a heavy sleeper, so she stirred first, untangling herself from him as he too began to get wind of the noise.
"What the…" Eddie questioned, sleep lacing his tone as he sat up slightly, "what time is it?"
"Twelve thirty. So goodness knows who this is."
Rachel made a move for the door, but Eddie stopped her, holding her gently by the hand as he stood.
"Let me answer it. I wouldn't want you in harm's way in any circumstance, never mind when you're twenty weeks pregnant."
Rachel paused, smiling, "harm's way… we don't even know who it is yet."
"Exactly," Eddie shifted past Rachel to be in front, with the banging continuing as they descended the steps.
It was then that they heard the shouting too, and it was made clear that this person wouldn't be a danger. But what was wrong with him?
"Philip…?" Rachel muttered as she approached the bottom of the steps, Eddie opening the door.
"What's happened lad?"
"Rach… it's mum… she's gone mad. Saying she doesn't want to look after Darcy anymore… she wants to just get away."
Rachel and Eddie shared a glance, both becoming increasingly concerned, "hold on mate, what's brought this on?" Eddie asked, placing a hand on Philip's shoulder.
"I'm sorry… she… last time you picked up Darcy, Rach. She must have noticed your erm… that you're pregnant. I'm sorry but, she wouldn't stop asking me."
"Hey Philip," Rachel began, stepping closer to him, "you've got nothing to be sorry for, okay? Now what's this about her not wanting to take care of Darcy?"
"Mum's gonna bring her round… she's… moving to France."
"France?" Eddie questioned, just as flabbergasted as Rachel.
"She's been weird since the whole… Christopher thing. She misses him."
Rachel gulped - that was a given. Because Melissa's whole world had revolved around her older brother. Now that he was no longer around, it was no wonder that her whole world was falling apart.
It was then that their doorbell rang; Rachel turned to Eddie and then Philip, knowing that it was going to be Melissa. Who else?
"Hi, Rach."
"Melissa, what is going on?" she asked as she glanced down at the car seat where Darcy lay, asleep, along with most of her belongings.
"Come on Rach, put the puzzle together."
Rachel shuddered, reminded that those were the exact words Adam had said to her those few months ago in the kitchens. It seemed that everyone who was close to Christopher, turned into Christopher.
"Philip mentioned, you're going to France."
Melissa scoffed, "of course he did."
"Well, frankly, it was nice of him to let us know. Were you… not thinking to call or… or text before you came here out of the blue?"
"You know that's not my style, Rach."
"No. I suppose it isn't," Rachel raised an eyebrow, unable to eradicate thoughts of the day Melissa turned up pregnant. It was in her nature to be spontaneous and dramatic.
"So if you wouldn't mind taking the little one, Eddie?"
"You're unbelievable," he responded, stepping closer to pick up the car seat.
"I'm sorry?"
"Bringing Darcy here, when it's gone midnight."
"Take a look at yourself! She's still asleep isn't she?"
"The poor kid won't be for long if you don't keep your voice down."
"Eddie.. I'll erm," Philip spoke, taking the car seat off of Eddie, "take her upstairs… put her to bed."
"Thanks lad."
"So how long are you intending to stay in France for?" Rachel broke the silence.
Melissa shrugged, "haven't made my mind up yet. Three weeks, six months, a year? Does it matter?"
"Are you forgetting you've got a one year old daughter?" Eddie scoffed in disbelief.
"Now I know I'm not going to be winning mother of the year award anytime soon," Rachel resisted the urge to roll her eyes at Melissa's words, that was an understatement, "but I'll keep in touch."
For a split second, all Rachel wanted to do was shout at her younger sister. Just to make her see sense, to make her see that her children need her to be around. Not seven hundred odd miles away.
Melissa went to turn, but paused as she opened the door, facing both Rachel and Eddie.
"Oh and… congratulations. I'm sure Darcy will love having a little brother or sister to play with. Or shall I say cousin. It does complicate things a little… doesn't it?"
With a smirk, Melissa was gone, leaving Rachel to sigh heavily. Instantly Eddie stepped forwards, enveloping her into his arms. Rachel rested her head on his shoulder, enjoying the familiarity of the comfort that came with being in Eddie's embrace.
"She really is something else," he eventually muttered.
"I thought she would change… for Darcy. You know, after the whole bigamy thing."
"I think she's incapable of changing."
"I mean, it upsets me Eddie, of course it does. I've never… not wanted a relationship with my sister. But it's Philip and especially Darcy… losing out on their mother."
"I know. And I wish we could get her to see sense. But Rachel… they've got us, and this little one," Eddie paused to manoeuvre his hand so that it was resting on Rachel's stomach, "we aren't going anywhere, are we?"
Rachel couldn't help but smile, instantly feeling a lot of her worries melt away at Eddie's words. It was just the way he made her feel.
"Certainly not," she whispered, stretching up to bring him towards her waiting lips.