Jessica and Shane pulled up in front of Billys office hours later.
I cant believe we're here Jessica squealed
Remember what I SAID about manners Shane reminded her
I will Aunt Shane she replied
Billy and Ricky were already there to open the door for them
As Billy opened Shanes door he glanced back a Jessica and looked puzzled. Wheres Mel? He asked her as Ricky opened Jessicas door
Mommies semo is not right Jessica said as she hopped out of the car
Semo? Ricky said
Chemo Shane replied Mel has stage 4 cancer
OMG Both Billy and Ricky said at the same time.
Yeah and I really need to speak to Billy for a moment, Rick would you mind just waiting with Jessica at the door please?
Not at all he replied turning to Jessica he offered her his arm, Jess want to be my date tonight?
Boy would I Jessia pipped up.
As they walked off She grabbed Billy hand and led him to the back of the car.
Whats the matter? He asked her.
Shane stood there holding his hand with her head bowed.
Talk to me Billy said softly.
Shane took a deep breath then she finally spoke
Here is your out
My what?
Your out- listen to me before you say anything. After tonight its over between us I cant in good faith ask you to continue a relationship with me. Esp when I may be raising my neice. Mels cancer is back and its worse. I am all that they have I cant drag you into that with me.
Billy pulled her into his arms Stop just stop, he gathered her face in his hands and looked into her eyes. Shane I love you, I have loved you from the moment you passed out in my arms.
But I cant ask you for this Billy.
I love you do you want me to say it again? I LOVE YOU no matter what I am here for you.
Shane wrapped her arms around his waist God help me I love you too she replied
Say it again he whispered to her
I love you she said again
Now kiss me
She did pouring forth her whole soul into it.
Wow you keep kissing me like that and we'll never make it to dinner Billy said to her
Shane laughed
He squeezed her tight- one day at a time ok?
OK
Lets go inside to greet the mob
You coming Aunt Shane Jessica yelled
Jess Shane called out
Yeah you coming Aunt Shane? Ricky yelled as well.
My God the 2 of you she mumbled Manners she said aloud as they entered the house.
Billy and Shane walked into the house behind Ricky and Jessica. Donnie's eyes grew wide as she noticed the child with Ricky.
Bill she started to say
Shuu he replied, hello there Bill said to Jessica
HI she replied I'm Ricky's date.
Yes you are sweetheart Ricky told her. Shane laughed
Dad, Mom Billy said this is Shane and her niece Jessica, Shane my parents Bill and Donnie.
Mr. and Mrs. Bretherton Shane said as she extended her hand 1st to Bill then to Donnie, I am very pleased to meet you both.
Me too Jessica exclaimed from behind Shanes elbow as she tugged on her Aunts shirt. In a loud whisper she said I'm behaving right Auntie Shane?
Shane smiled down at her Yes you are thank you she replied
Bill laughed as he reached out to ruffle Jessica's hair I don't think you could misbehave could you moppet he asked her
Jessica laughed up at him.
Well Donnie announced Dinner is almost ready shall we sit?
Hands Jessica said out loud, Shane turned to Billy Restroom? She enquired. Billy smiled this way he offered his hand to Jessica, Good idea we need to wash up huh he said down to her
Yup Auntie Shane always says to wash my hands before I eat cause I don't want no grms
Germs Shane corrected her as she followed them to the bathroom er not gr, she thanked Billy before she entered the bathroom with Jessica to supervise her.
A child Donnie exclaimed as the door shut, Billy, Ricky why does she have a child with her? Is it really her niece or is it hers?
IT has a name Shane replied from a few feet behind her. Donnie whipped around and Shane stared her down, Jessica was wrapped around her leg. Her bottom lip trembling why don't you like me Jessica said as tears started to run down her cheeks.
It's ok Pumpkin Shane said to her as she reached down and picked her up.
Mother Billy said as he rushed to Shane's side I can't believe you, Ricky also rushed to their side as Billy put his arms around both Shane and Jessica
Donnie I can't believe you Big Bill said
Well Donnie started to say
Shane glared at her, me I can understand, what with wanting to protecting your son and all from heartache but to bad mouth a child, Shane held her hand up to stop Donnie from speaking, Donnie gulped and looked at her
Let me get a few things straight right here and right now, she looked at Ricky do you mind? She asked him
Not at all Ricky said
Go to Ricky ok Jess Shane said to her
Kay Jessica said as she held her arms out to Ricky
Come here sweetie Ricky said as he gathered her to him.
Shane then turned on Donnie and faced her head on, now listen and listen well because I will not ever repeat myself to you. Jessica is my niece, her mother is my sister, who so happens to be very sick, deathly if truth be told. As a favor I offered to bring Jess along with me tonight and this was after speaking to Billy and being assured that I as well as she would be welcome. Now if we are not then we can go. With that she turned to Bill
Mr. Bretherton it was such a pleasure meeting you, I am sorry we cannot stay.
Bill he interrupted
Pardon me?
Call me Bill Shane he said and ignore Donnie, I love her but sometimes she puts her foot in her mouth. Dinner is ready and I for one would love to get to know the both of you. Shane inclined her head to him of course Bill she replied I would love to stay, Jessica do you want to stay too?
Can I sit next to Ricky she asked sniffling
I wouldn't have it any other way Ricky said to her kissing the top of her head
I am hungry Auntie Jessica said
It's settled then Bill said.
Ahem Donnie cleared her throat, everyone looked at her, I apologize really I do she said, I just don't want my son hurt like he was before.
Shane walked over to Donnie and put her arm around the older woman's shoulders she whispered into her ear. Donnie laughed said really? When Shane nodded they knew all was forgiven.
They sat down to eat an enjoyable meal.
After the meal Bill, Donnie and Ricky entertained Jessica as Billy showed Shane around the place.
I appreciate how you handled my mother he said to her. Shane laughed its ok really she just wants to protect you just like I protect Jessica.
Billy pulled her into his arms; you still could have walked away from me he said to her.
Shane sighed for the life of me I can't she replied
Billy smiled down at her, I love you
Shane smiled back up at him, I love you too. Billy grinned as he kissed her. Let's get back before they come looking for us, Billy laughed and they would you know. She chuckled as they walked back to the house.
Shortly after Billy packed both Shane and a very sleepy Jessica into the car.
See you tomorrow babe he said to her call me when you get home
I will
Night night Ricky and Billy Jessica called out
Night sweetheart they both said in unison.
Billy watched them pull out of the drive and down the lane until he couldn't see them any longer. He turned to walk back into the house only to find his family standing there waiting for him.
What he asked
I like her Donnie said
Me too Bill agreed
Ricky slapped his brother on the back Glad to see your happy brother he said to him,
Billy grinned. I am Rick very very happy
It's about time Donnie said before she walked back into the house.