Fourteen eyes stared at me with mirth as my jaw dropped to the floor. I looked at my mom, blinked twice then turned back to the group.

The blonde got up with a small smile, his blue eyes boring into mine as I felt a lump in my throat. "Hi Laney," he said softly, approaching cautiously.

"Hello Dallas Winston," I said barely audible.

He smiled toothily, looking relieved. I guess he felt guilty about it and was worried I would be so mad I wouldn't talk to him, which of course was not true.

He took long strides to me and picked me up in a hug and spun me around. I laughed, my eyes shining with tears.

My heart was pounding, my breath coming in gasps. I was filled to the brim with joy, my senses acutely aware of him and only him. Everything else disappeared from around me and I was alone with him.

I buried my face in his chest, a smile glued on my face as I clung to him. He was dressed nicer than usual. It was obvious he had gone shopping for some nicer clothes, not Madras though.

He nuzzled my neck and I heard him breathe deeply as if remembering the scent of me.

Pulling back he cradled my face between his large hands, his thumbs wiping away the tears that so freely fell down my face. I smiled just for him, sniffing softly.

"Hey guys!" I heard one of the guys say in a over-exaggerated whisper, "Laney is crying!"

"Shut it Two-bit! Not my fault my hormones are wacky!" I said, shooting a laughing glare at Dally. Darry smacked him for me.

I smiled at him, and looked over at my mom who sat in a stony silence, studying Dally with her green eyes.

"Mom," I said sniffing, "this is Dallas Winston, the father."

"I know," She said, a smile gracing her features finally.

"Does she ever. I spent hours on the phone with her, trying to convince her to let me come. Most of them, however, were convincing her to talk to me," He said with a laugh.

"Well I am sure you can understand my apprehension," mom said and I laughed.

"I told you that I didn't make a mistake." I said with a smile.

"Dally? A mistake?" one of the boys laughed.

I scowled at the speaker, Two-bit again, and again Darry hit him.

"Well, aren't the rest of you going to say hello?" I asked, opening my arms.

One by one the guys came up to give me a hug and say hello. Pony looked so much older than when I saw him last. Johnny didn't look so pathetic, his eyes holding hints of laughter. Darry was still imposing, but in a loving older brother way. Two-bit is still a jokester in Mickey Mouse shirts. Soda was still a looker and Steve's hair wasn't so intricate. He mumbled something about small hotel bathrooms.

I laughed and they all came in for breakfast.

I hopped in the shower and was out in record time, taking extra time to look good. I was so excited!

I came down the stairs to them all in the living room talking with my mom and with Nick.

I bit my lip and stepped in. Nick had been the one who took the news the worst besides my dad who went out and drank it away that night.

I relaxed as soon as I heard them laugh. Nick wasn't about to beat the shit out of him!!!!

Nick got up to give me a hug, not as unusual as it was before, "You picked a god one sis!" She said.

I knew that Nick was talking about Dally. He knew better than I did that guys rarely followed who they slept with, especially if they got pregnant.

"Well are we going to the beach or not?!" Nick called and the guys cheered and we all headed out the door, Dally waiting for me and slipping his hand into mine.

Here we go! One more chapter down!!!! WHEEE!

R&R