Chapter 36

Hopes and Fears

Spinner Mason was scrubbing a counter in the kitchen as Darcy flew through the front door. He threw down the towel promptly turned around and beamed, "You're home." He walked toward her and gave her a kiss, "So everything is alright?"

Darcy nods, unable to wipe the smile off her face, "Everything's alright," she touched her stomach, "the baby is fine."

"I decided to help out around the house while you were at your appointment."

"That's so sweet of you, Spin." She plopped down on the couch closing her eyes, "because I'm so exhausted. My father is going to be out of town this week so I hope you get used to cleaning up."

Spinner joined Darcy on the white leather couch and she cuddled up close, "Are you excited for the baby?"

"I am." He replied happily walking toward her, "are you?"

"I'm not ready, but I'm excited none the less."

"What do you mean, not ready?"

"I mean like," Darcy sits up like a pretzel on the couch, "I just never expected to be young or unmarried and all. I understand you aren't so keen on marriage and all but . . ."

"Darcy, I want to spend my entire life with you." He beamed reiterating the fact of the matter, "in fact remember those rings? I saw a future with you then, and I still want that. Whatever gave you the idea I didn't want to be with you for the long haul?"

"I just thought it was too good to be true and all."

"C'mon Darc, we're gonna be just fine."

A beam plays on her lips, "Everything's been going so good lately."

"And maybe its not just lately."

"I'm just . . . used to things being so good and then not."

"I know what you mean."

"Oh!" She exclaimed changing the subject digging into her purse to retrieve a photo from the sonogram, "I got a picture of the baby."

Spinner beamed excitedly as he admired the photograph, "Let's put it on the fridge. I'm a proud papa."

"I love you, Spinner."

"And I love you, Darc."

- x -

The next day while Sean went to the gym Emma walked to Jay's house with the idea in mind that they'd get to talk the whole Zanzibar fiasco and put it behind them. She was hoping Alex wasn't there because of what she had to say about it because she was technically there. She knocked on the door and waited for an answer. Jay quickly answered and beamed, "Hey girl, how are you? Long time no see."

Emma didn't look that pleased, and asked him, "Do you remember anything from that night at Zanz?"

"I was really drunk, and angry and I'm sorry if I said anything upsetting and you haven't exactly been around since so . . . did I hurt your feelings?

"Is Sean here? We have to talk about it."

"Well you tried to kiss me."

"Oh that . . . look Em I'm real sorry about that. Is that why you haven't been around?"

"We have to tell him."

"We don't have to do anything about it."

"I just feel guilty."

"I'll tell you what, I'll tell him because I did it."

"I'm afraid to tell him because of how he reacted before . . . "

"Which is why I'll tell him, and I'll tell him the truth." Jay stated pretty seriously, "and besides we're friends I'll go to bat for you anytime."

Emma beamed, "Thanks Jay, but it doesn't mean I'm any less scared."

"You had nothing to do with it. I'm sorry, Emma I didn't mean to make things awkward. I made this mess and I'm going to clean it before I leave."

"Thanks, c'mere." Emma replied as she pulled him into a hug.

"It'll be okay Emma." Emma just sadly looked straight ahead hoping he was right.