Chapter 17: Sweet Child O' Mine (Guns & Roses)
She's got a smile that it seems to me
Reminds me of childhood memories
Where everything
Was as fresh as the bright blue sky
Now and then when I see her face
She takes me away to that special place
And if I stared too long
I'd probably break down and cry
Sweet child o' mine
Sweet love of mine
She's got eyes of the bluest skies
As if they thought of rain
I hate to look into those eyes
And see an ounce of pain
Her hair reminds me of a warm safe place
Where as a child I'd hide
And pray for the thunder
And the rain
To quietly pass me by
Sweet child o' mine
Sweet love of mine
Where do we go
Where do we go now
Where do we go
Sweet child o' mine
A/N: So I figured that since no one reviewed the last chapter than it must have been that bad. I admit that it wasn't my best chapter. I wanted to focus on some other characters for a change and I discovered that it probably wasn't the best move. I could blame it on the fact that I had papers to write for my professors but I wont, the chapter just sucked. Since the semester is coming to an end the plan is to start writing this chapter so when I'm done with finals I can finish this chapter and begin to update this story more and more. The plan is to turn out chapters every two weeks or so. Because of the time shift in the last chapter I'm going to use it as the start of part 2 of the story. I really hope that you guys like this chapter better than the last one. I love to be criticized so please review. A Special shout out to Cookie Dough Girl and dtng4ever for the love and support. CDG I can't wait till you update your stories, they are really good. So this chapter picks up directly after Ashley dropped her big bombshell.
Craig's toothbrush falls to the floor. The next thing he knows he is swallowing the mixture of toothpaste and spit. He immediately runs into the bathroom and regurgitates the toothpaste and spits it back up. As he moves over to the door he notices that Ashley hasn't moved from her position.
"I didn't know how to bring it up. I mean I kinda didn't want to announce it to the world today. This day is for Sean & Ellie, I would've felt like a jerk if I did," responses Ashley
Craig just leans against the entryway, he doesn't say anything, he doesn't even look Ashley in the face. After a few minutes they meet eyes.
"How long have you known?" asks Craig.
"Well I should have had my period a few weeks ago so that was a big indicator. But I didn't start getting sick till a few days ago, so I put two and two together," replies Ashley
"Have you taken a pregnancy test?" asks Craig
Ashley shakes her head and says, "No, I was afraid to get it by myself."
Craig lets out a big sigh, he then moves over to the closet and grab a sweater. He then puts on his shoes and pulls his wallet out of his jeans. Ashley's eyes are following him the entire time. She is too afraid to say anything.
As soon as he is done he looks over to her and says, "well I guess there is only one way to be sure. I'll be back, I love you."
Before she can get out a response he is out the door and she can hear his footsteps going down the stairs.
Craig is running on autopilot he just drives till he see the first drug store, as he pulls into the parking lot he sees "OPEN 24 HOURS" flashing in Neon lights. As he walks though the front doors he sees a teenage girl whose face is being covered by a tabloid magazine. As he walks through the aisles he reads the names in his head, he stops when he gets to the one he is looking for. His eyes dart back and forth as he walks down the aisle until he stops. As his eyes move up and down and he thinks to himself "There is a lot of them. Who knew they are so many different kinds."
As he grabs one of them and reads the specifics, it says "First Response". "Its really accurate" thinks Craig.
Craig stops for a second and says out loud, "What hell am I doing? I'm a 31-year-old man, why am I acting like a kid? So what if she's pregnant; I love her, she loves me. Hell I already have a 10-year-old son. Its not like I'm new to this."
He grabs a few too many and makes his way back to the cashier. The girl notices that she has a customer so she lowers her magazine. Their eyes meet, the look on her face is nothing new Craig has seen that same expression so many times that it doesn't phase him.
"O M F G," says the girl
"Okayyyyy," replies Craig
"I'm like your biggest fan," says the girl
"Well I appreciate that, it's always nice to meet a fan," answers Craig
"Would you mind taking a picture with me and signing an autograph," she says with a hopeful smile
"Sure why not," replies Craig
As she takes out her cell phone Craig cant help but smile, for all the craziness that has occurred this day meeting someone who loves his music has put everything into perspective. She jumps on top of the counter and leans into Craig and takes the picture. She then takes out a random piece of paper and hands it to him along with a pen. He looks at her nametag, which says "Roxy". He begins to write a little note to her and then hands it back to her. She looks down and when she reads it a huge grin is on her face.
For some weird reason she reminds him so much of Manny. But he shakes off and gets his wallet of out of his jacket and removes he debt card and hands it to the girl. Her eyes instinctively look down to all the pregnancy test; she gives him a confused look.
"My girlfriend thinks she might…you know," says Craig
"Wow, um…congrats," replies Roxy
"Thank you, I'm just trying to register everything right now, it's a lot to take in," says Craig
"Look I really don't know you, I mean I know your music and what I've seen from your interviews. But you seem to be a really put together guy, I'm sure that if she is than you'll make a great father; you already have one and you don't see him plastered all over the tabloids even if he is ten," responses Roxy
"I was in shell shock for a minute but as it started to sink in I came to the utter conclusion that she is destined to be the mother of my children and I shouldn't be afraid of having a family with her," answers Craig
"That's sweet, well I hope everything turns out ok for you and her," says Roxy as she hands him the bag full of pregnancy test
"Thanks Roxy, have a good night okay?" says Craig
Roxy gives him a smile and waves goodbye him. As he walks out the door that sense of relief has completely take over him.
As Craig gets in his car a sense of relief consumes him, he lets out a big sigh and starts the car. As soon he gets home, he hears crying coming from the bedroom. As he walks through the door he sees Ashley who back is up against the front of the bed crying into the sheets.
He runs over to her and wraps his arms around her.
"What's wrong baby?" asks Craig
"Why did you leave," replies Ashley through all the slobs
Craig chuckles a bit and says, "Cause I had to go the store to pick some pregnancy tests, and it turns out that the cashier was a fan so I talked to her for a little, did I scare you?"
"Ahuh, I didn't think you were coming back. You looked so lost," says Ashley
"I kinda did say that "I'd be back", but I digress. Look it was a lot to take in. When someone tells you that you might be a father, even if it is for a second time it takes a bit to register everything. And it hit me when I was trying to pick which pregnancy test I was gonna buy that it didn't matter what the result was, cause I love you," replies Craig
Ashley wipes the tears from her face and gives him a hopeful smile. She scoots over to Craig and brushes her lips against his, he can taste the salt from the tears but he doesn't say anything. Craig then hands her the bag and she looks into it
"Wow, umm…there is a lot of them," says Ashley
"Yea, you might get a false positive or a false negative. I just wanted to be sure and then tomorrow I'll take you to the hospital and we'll get a real test done," responses Craig
"Wow, ok" answers Ashley
Craig gets up and extends a hand, Ashley takes it and they walk into the bathroom. After she takes the test she puts it on the counter and wraps her arms around Craig and holds on to him as tight as she can. They stay in the same position until the timer that they set goes off. Craig kisses her on the forehead and moves over to look at the test. He grabs the box and read the directions out loud. A small smile creeps on his face
"Well what does it say Craig?" asks Ashley
"It says you've got a bun in the oven," replies Craig
Ashley jumps into his arms; she then grabs his face and plants a huge kiss on his lips, which starts a make out session.
"Okay, look lets be sure," says Craig. He grabs another test from the bag and hands it to Ashley.
She takes the test and again it is positive
"So I guess you are going to be a mommy," says Craig
"I like the sound of that Dad," replies Ashley
"I'll be your daddy if you want," answers Craig
Ashley gives him a dirty look, which causes Craig to smile.
Ashley rubs her stomach and says, "in all seriousness I want this; I want us to be a family."
"I know you do, I want this as much as you do. But we're already a family, one big ass dysfunctional family. We're just adding it and we are going to love and nature this child every bit that I hope I did with Joey. Look I don't know about you but I'm exhausted and I need some sleep," says Craig
"Yea so am I," replies Ashley
Craig then put the bag full of pregnancy tests in a shelf underneath the sink and throws away the used ones. After he gets into his PJs he joins Ashley in bed; they position themselves in the spooning position and Craig places a hand on her stomach and they fall asleep with smiles on their faces.
The next they know the alarm clock is going off, Craig rolls over and pounds it into submission. They sleep for the next hour or so before Joey woke them up; while Ashley takes a shower and gets dressed Craig went on his usual run. As he made his trek around the park, several thoughts entered his mind; most of them were centered on what was growing in Ashley's stomach. Boy or Girl was the first question that popped into his mind; well he already has a son and it would be nice to have a girl that he could spoil. But what if Ashley didn't want a girl was the next thought that entered his mind. Then the evitable question popped into his mind; would his next child inherit the mental illness that he has had to keep in check for so long. Joey isn't out of the woods; he is still in that phase where the problems of the world aren't weighing him down. This makes him stop and he starts to heave uncontrollably, it takes him a minute or two to get pass his own little insecurities. He knows the positives of sticking to the medicine can do for a person; he hasn't had a breakdown since Ashley left for England that year, ever since then he not gone a period of time without them even when he had his coke addiction he made sure that he was taking his meds. After a few more minutes of sitting on a nearby bench he gets up and finishes his run. As he runs up the stairs to the back porch he sees that Ashley is fully dressed and sitting at the kitchen table reading the newspaper while drinking some orange juice.
As he opens the door Ashley's focus turn to him. Even though sweat is pouring down his entire body he goes over to her and kisses her.
"How are feeling?" asks Craig
"Great, I mean I threw up while you were gone but it's well worth it," replies Ashley
"Good, look I'm gonna go take a shower than we'll go to the doctors," says Craig
"Well what about Joey, I mean we cant leave him here all by himself and we can't really take him with us," says Ashley
"Your right, we are going to need to break it to him slowly. And we can't exactly take him to the hospital with us without telling him, that kid is so smart that he would see through any lie we tell him," responses Craig
"Well what do you want to do then?" asks Ashley
"Umm, call Marco tell him we need to drop him off at his house and when he goes to visit Ellie today to bring him along so after we get done with everything we'll meet up with them later," replies Craig
"Well what if Marco asks what were doing?" asks Ashley
"I don't know, tell him we have to run some errands today and the place where we're going isn't really a kid friendly place," responses Craig
Craig kisses Ashley on the cheek and then proceeds to run up the stairs. Ashley is soon to follow; while Craig is taking a shower Ashley calls Marco
"Umm…hello," says a groggy Marco
"Hey Marco it's Ash, do you mind if we drop Joey off at your house while me and Craig run some errands," asks Ashley
"Nah, go ahead just call me when you're here," answers Marco
"Alright, we'll see you in a bit," says Ashley
Ashley gets up and hangs up the phone, as she walks into Joey's room she sees that he is watching a soccer game on the TV.
"Hey Joe, umm me and your dad are going to take care of some things. Do you mind if we drop you off at your uncle Marco's house and we'll meet up with you when you guys go visit you aunt Ellie in the hospital," asks Ashley
"Sure mom," replies Joey who proceeds to get up and gets ready
Ashley is taken a back by Joey response; she wants to go over and hug and kiss him but she stops herself from ruining the moment. As she walks back to the bedroom she can't help but smile. Craig who is getting dressed notices the huge grin on her face as she walks into the room.
"Why are you so happy?" asks Craig
"Cause Joey just called me "mom"," replies Ashley
"Wow Ash, that's pretty big," answers Craig
"I know, no one has ever called me that, maybe its cause I don't have any my own," says Ashley
Craig laughs at Ashley's horrible attempt at a joke
"In all seriousness, in the last few months you have been more of a mother to him than anyone else since Casey died, and he really doesn't remember her. All the other women I was with were only attracted to either the money or the fame; none of them ever cared about Joey the way you do, that's how I know if you really are pregnant you are going to make an awesome mom," replies Craig
"You really think so?" asks Ashley
"Well I wouldn't say unless I meant it," responses Craig
Ashley smiles at him as he puts on his shoes.
"Hey Mom, Dad I'm ready to go," yells Joey
Craig looks over at Ashley and gives her a huge grin.
"We'll be right there," answers Craig
The car ride over to Marco's house was a little too strange for Craig. He knew Ashley was trying a little too hard with Joey. He looks over to her and makes a gesture telling her to stop, which she completely avoids. He just shakes his head and continues to drive. When they get to his house Ashley calls Marco. As soon as Marco opens the door Craig turns off the car and everyone proceeds to get out. After a few minutes of talking Joey kisses his mom and dad on the cheek and enters the house.
"Okay so where are you really going?" asks Marco
"The hospital," answers Craig
"Okay to see Ellie?" asks Marco
"No Marco," responses Craig
"Ok what's with the two word answers. What's really going on that you had to drop off Joey here and won't tell me what's going on. Is there something wrong with one of you? Are you sick? Tell me!" screams Marco
Craig opens his mouth to respond but Ashley stops him
"It's ok Craig, he needs to know. Marco I'm pregnant. That why we're going to the hospital, to get a real test done so that we're sure," replies Ashley
"Oh my God. Wow congratulations," says Marco as he hugs both of them
"YOU"RE CHOCKING ME!!" gasps Craig
Marco releases them and says, "sorry dude. Well you guys better get going and we'll meet up later."
"Thanks Marco. Do me a favor, don't tell Joey anything. We want to be the ones, who tell him. I wouldn't feel right if he heard it from a second party even if it was from his uncle," says Craig
"Of course," replies Marco
With that Craig and Ashley leave. When they get to the hospital Ashley runs out of the car and into a nearby trash can and vomits.
"Ok that's disgusting," says Craig
"Shut up, you're the one who did this to me," responses Ashley
"Hey I didn't see you complaining," answers Craig
Ashley uses a tissue that Craig hands her to wipe off the residual vomit. As they walk through the front doors of the hospital she pops a piece of gum into her mouth. She talks to the desk nurse who hands her a clipboard with all the required information. Once she finishes filling everything out a nurse shows them to a private room and them that a doctor will be with them.
After a few minutes the doctor comes into the room looking down at them clipboard.
"Hello Mr. & Mrs. Kerwin," says the doctor
This results in Craig and Ashley laughing
"What did I say something funny?" asks the doctor
"No, it just that one we're not married and his last name isn't Kerwin, it's Manning," replies Ashley.
"Oh I'm so sorry Mr. Manning, it just that only Ashley's information is listed her, so I presumed when that, oh nevermind I put my foot in my mouth again, didn't I?" asks the doctor
"Don't worry about it doc. No harm no foul," responses Craig
"Ok. Ms. Kerwin, what can I for you today?" asks the doctor
"Well we would like to get a pregnancy test," replies Ashley
"I take it that you've been experiencing all the symptoms?" asks the doctor
"Yup, nausea and morning sickness," responses Ashley
The doctor chuckles a bit. Ashley looks over to Craig and says, "See Craig at least someone finds me funny."
He just shakes his head in response
"Ok well a nurse is going to coming in here to administer the test, and when I have the results I'll come in here to give you an answer," says the doctor
With that the doctor leaves and after a few minutes a nurse comes in and helps Ashley takes the test. When the doctor comes in with the results both Craig and Ashley try to read her.
"Well you're pregnant Ms. Kerwin," says the doctor
"Thank you so much," replies Ashley
"I didn't do anything I just read you the results of the test. Look I want you to go talk to the nurse and setup the next appointment date and we'll go from there, Okay?" asks the doctor
"Of course," says Craig who shakes her hand
"I'll leave you, again congratulations," responses the doctor
As soon as the doctor closes the door behind her Ashley runs over to Craig and holds him tight.
"Wow, it's official. We are going to be parents," says Ashley
"I know, it's amazing isn't it?" asks Craig
"It's incredible. I have something growing in there that we're going to love and take care of," says Ashley as she rubs her stomach.
Craig nods then he drops down to his knees and begins to talk to her stomach
"Whether you are a boy or a girl. Whether you look like me or your mom. I am going to love you everyday of my life; I'm going to give you everything I didn't always have growing up. The same goes for you mom, and your brother." Says Craig
All Ashley can do is smile; she then combs Craig's hair using her hand. After a few moments of being like this they exit the room and make arrangements with the desk nurse. As they walk over to Ellie's room Ashley pulls Craig aside.
"Craig I didn't want to bring it up earlier but what about the tour, I want you there by my side when I go to each doctor's appointment," says Ashley
"I want to be there too but Ash its not like a can cancel the tour. Look I've been thinking about it, I want you and Joey to come on tour with me. And when you have an appointment we'll charter a jet from wherever we are and we'll go," replies Craig
"What about the practice?" asks Ashley
"You're telling me that you can't take some time off. You are the senior partner plus the fact that you've hired more attorneys. They can handle things while you're gone. I want to go through all this as a family, I don't want to be one of those dad or boyfriends that is away for long periods of time cause I can't sacrifice my needs for those of my family. Why do you think I'm retiring from touring in the first place?" asks Craig
"I'll talk to Emma and Liberty. You're right the best thing for us to do is to do it as a family," replies Ashley
"Good, well since it's for sure. Do you wanna tell everyone?" asks Craig
"I figured we would tell Joey first than everyone else," replies Ashley
Craig nods in agreement
When they get to Ellie's room Craig can see that everyone is either hanging out in her room or outside in the waiting room. He opens the door and escorts Ashley in; they exchange pleasantries with everyone.
"Umm…me and Ash have to talk to Joey for a second," says Craig
Paige and Ellie give them a confused look then go back to having their conversion. As they exit the room Marco grins at them.
As they pull Joey aside, he asks, " What's going on dad?"
"Umm… kiddo. There some news that Ash and myself wanted to tell you before we announced it to everyone else," replies Craig
"Ok what is it?" asks Joey
Ashley decides to take over, she says, "well how would you feel about having a little brother or sister?"
"Well mom, I've always wanted a sibling. Wait does that mean that you're going to have a baby?" asks Joey
"Yes Joey, Ashley is pregnant," replies Craig
Joey starts to jump up and down. Then goes over and hugs Ashley.
The only thing Joey can say is, "I'm gonna be a brother to someone."
"I know. Look there is something else; you and Ash are gonna come on tour with me. That way we'll go through the whole process as a family, every step we'll take it together. What do you think?" asks Craig
"That sounds great dad," replies Joey
"Alright, I think it's time we tell everyone else," says Craig
As they back to the room, Ashley peaks her head around the corner and says, "Guys we have some news to you, can you come into the room?"
Immediately everyone follows them into the room. Ashley and Craig take their positions against the wall facing the door with their backs hitting the window and Joey standing right in front of them. Everyone shoots them a puzzled look.
"Well you guys are not only our friends but we also consider you guys family. We have known all of you for so many years, we've cried, we've laugh, hell we've even fought. You've seen us at our very worst and you never turned your backs on us," says Craig
"Come out with it Craig, jeez what are you trying to tell us," replies Paige
Craig sighs and shakes his head
"Craig let me. Guys me and Craig are having a baby," says Ashley
Everyone runs over to them and embraces them expect for Marco. Handshakes from the guys and hugs from the ladies. Ellie screams, "Hey what about me, its not like I can get out of bed her."
Everyone laughs. Ashley and Craig proceed to go over and hug her.
"Wait you don't seem excited about any of this Marco," says Alex
"Well I kinda already knew. Craig and Ashley told me when they dropped off Joey," responses Marco
"And you decided not to tell any of us?" asks Ellie
"We told him not to, we wanted to be the ones who told everyone," answers Craig
"Yea, it wouldn't have felt right if we had Marco tell everyone about what going on," says Ashley
"When did you guys find out?" asks Paige
"Well we just found out, that's where we were," replies Craig
"Yea I've been feeling sick for a few days or so and plus the fact that I missed my period. I put two and two together, but it wasn't until I took two pregnancies test before it started to become real," responses Ashley
"Two pregnancy test?" says Ellie
"I wanted to be sure, you never know," responses Craig
"Fair enough," says Sean
"What's next?" asks
"Well we have to tell our parents, why do I all of a sudden get the feeling like I'm 16 again?" replies Craig
Everyone chuckles even Joey and Scotty even though they don't understand the joke.
After an hour or so Craig, Ashley and Joey decide to leave the hospital.
Before Craig and Ashley get into the car they make separate calls
A/N: For this period of time I want you to think of a split screen between Craig and Ashley. Pretend that they are both talking at the same time.
"Hey Mom," says Ashley
"Hey Joe," says Craig
"Can you and Jeff meet us at the house in two hours," says Ashley
"Can you and Caitlin come over for dinner tonight, we have something to tell you," says Craig
"Alright see you then," responses Ashley who then hangs up the phone
"Cool, I see you guys in two hours," answers Craig who also proceeds to hang up the phone.
After they got home, Craig started to make dinner, just as he finishes up everything. He hears a knock on the door.
"Hi Kate, Hi Jeff come on in," says Craig
As they enter the house, Ms. Kerwin asks, "Where's Ashley?"
"Oh, she's getting dressed. She'll be right down. Would you guys like something to drink?" asks Craig
"No Craig, I'm fine," says Ms. Kerwin
Jeff shakes his head to say no
"How everything Craig?" asks Ms. Kerwin
"I've never been better, the last two months have been incredible," responses Craig
"How's Joey?" asks Jeff
"He's great. We found out last week that he made the all star team," replies Craig
"That's great news," says Jeff
"Ok, enough of the small talk. Craig why are we here?" asks Ms. Kerwin
"To have a family dinner. Look the fact is that one-day I will marry your daughter. That's not arrogance, that's not me being pretentious; that's just the way it will turn out. With that fact in mind I want my son to get to know you guys better. I want all to be a family," responses Craig
"That's good to hear, I know in the past our relationship hasn't always been the best. But I now know that all the experiences you have gone through has made you an incredible father, and will make you a great husband," says Ms. Kerwin
"I really appreciate that," replies Craig
Before anyone of them can say another word. They hear someone knock at the door. Craig smiles at Jeff and Ms. Kerwin and then proceeds to get up and walk over to the door. Craig embraces Joey and Caitlin they exchange words and then they go back into the living room.
"Hello Kate, hello Jeff," says Joey
"Joe, Hi Caitlin," replies Ms. Kerwin
"Well everyone is here Craig, what's this big news that you and Ashley are going to tell us?" asks Joey
"Big news?" asks Jeff
"I'll be right back," responses Craig
And with that he runs into the kitchen. He grabs all the food that had been warming in the oven and places it on the dinner table. As he organizes everything he sees Joey coming down the stairs dressed in slacks and a dress shirt with a tie.
"Ugg, I hate wearing a tie," says Joey
"Come here," says Craig. Joey walks over to him. Ashley slowly walks down the stairs and sees a beautiful moment. A father fixing his sons' tie. Once Craig finishes helping Joey he gets up and turns his attention moves over to Ashley
"Wow" is the only words he can muster, which causes her to blush. She is wearing a form-fitting gown. He gets lost for a second and then comes back to reality. He looks down at Joey who is giving him a puzzled look.
Craig asks Joey, "Can you go tell your grandparents that dinner is ready?"
"Ok dad. Mom you look beautiful," replies Joey
"Thanks son," responses Ashley
After Joey goes into the living room Craig walks over to Ashley and collects her in his arms and proceeds to lift her up.
"You know he's right. You are so beautiful right now," says Craig
"Aww thank you," replies Ashley who then proceeds to kiss Craig
Everyone walks in at Craig and Ashley making out. No one says anything, but after a few seconds or so, Ms. Kerwin clears her throat. Craig starts to laugh hysterically while Ashley buries her face into Craig's right shoulder.
"Hi mom, hi Jeff," says Ashley who goes over to them and kisses them both. She then does the same thing to Joey and Caitlin.
Everyone sits down and they start pass around the plates.
"Well I guess this is the best time to let you guys know what's been going on. First of all Joey and Ash will be accompanying me on tour this summer," says Craig
"That's good to hear, when are you guys leaving?" asks Jeff
"In two weeks, and we'll be gone for a little under two months. We'll come back in time for Joey to start the new school year," replies Craig
"Yea, it's gonna be so cool to go on tour with mom and dad, I can't wait," says Joey
Jeff & Ms. Kerwin give Joey a puzzled look. Ms. Kerwin's eyes meet Ashley how gives her a huge smile.
"That's not the only thing we have to tell you guys," says Craig
"Ok, what's going on?" asks Caitlin
"Well guys I'm pregnant," responses Ashley
"Wow," says Caitlin
Everyone gets up and go over to Craig and Ashley, and hugs them.
"When did you guys find out?" asks Jeff
"We went the hospital today, but yesterday we took the pregnancy test," replies Craig
"How do you feel about being a big brother, Joey?" asks Caitlin
"Its really cool Grandma," responses Joey
"So what's going to happen when you have go to each one of your doctor appointments?" asks Ms. Kerwin.
Ashley gives her mother an evil look and says, "mom!"
"What, the road isn't a good place for a pregnant women, and a 10 year old boy," answers Ms. Kerwin.
Craig chuckles a bit but stops when he see the look in Ms. Kerwin's eyes. "I completely understand Ms. Kerwin. I have always had a policy that Joey would not go on tour with me, because of the temptation that someone could encounter on the road. But I'm confident that none of that will happen, because for one we don't allow any alcohol on the bus, we strictly forbid any drug use, because of past instances. And if you hadn't noticed were not kids anymore, maybe when I was I younger I could perform then I would go parting all night but I just can't do it anymore, so I'm usually in bed an hour after we perform."
"Ok, but what about when Ashley has a doctor's appointment?" asks Ms. Kerwin
"Well me and Ash have already talked about it and we decided that when that happens we'll charter a jet and come back to Toronto for the appointments. But truth be told, I only think that we'll need to do that maybe twice," replies Craig
His responses seems have to pleased Ms. Kerwin enough, because Craig and Ashley do not have to answer anymore question.
"I'm hungry dad," says Joey
"Ok son. Everyone I think we should eat, the food is getting cold," says Craig
After everyone finished their dinner, Joey asks Craig if they could talk outside.
"How does it feel Craig?" asks Joey
"It's incredible Joe, I mean you remember how I was when I found out that Casey was pregnant. It's the same feeling, maybe even a little better because of who it is," replies Craig
"How did Joey initially take it?" asks Joey
"Well he was extremely happy, I mean look he even calls Ash "mom". I always had this ideal picture in my head what my family would always be like. And that picture always included Ash, but when we broke up. It was like that picture shattered, and I had to use tape to put it back together and when I put it back together it didn't look the same. It was just me and Joey, but when Ash came back into my life I felt like that picture that I had always idealized in my head had finally become real, a little different but real. That's how I fell and it scares the crap out of me cause that fairy-tale dream about what life is, is not something that happens to me. You know that better than anyone else, so now that I have everything I could ever want; money, love, and happiness. I just don't know what to do, cause half of me is jumping up in the air, cause the woman I have loved for most of my life is going to have my child; while the other half is waiting for the bad part to happen," responses Craig
"Craig, you can't think like that. Be positive, cause that's what Joey and Ashley are going to need. Trust me when I tell you that as a father and a boyfriend you need to get pass all you insecurities and be there for them. They need you to be strong, and I know you can do it," says Joey
"Thanks Joe, I know I gotta be strong for them. You know I dwell on everything, but when it comes right down to it my life couldn't be any better. It's weird cause during dinner I kept on thinking how on 7 months I'm going to hold my new son or daughter in my arms," responses Craig
"That's sweet. Truth be told, which would you prefer a boy or a girl?" asks Joey
"I don't know. I mean it wouldn't matter to me either way; I'm going to love that child with every fiber of my body. But honestly I've always wanted a daughter, so that I can spoil. That's the truth but having another son would be great as well, I just so happy that doesn't matter," replies Craig
"Well as someone who has both a son and daughter I can tell you that it doesn't suck to have one of each," says Joey
They smile at each other
"Have you two, it getting cold outside you guys better come inside," yells Ashley
"Yes wife," responses Craig, who proceeds to wink
Craig follows Joey up the back porch into the house
Ashley slaps him across the arm, Craig just shrugs and laughs
"Well, I think me and Jeff are gonna get going," says Ms. Kerwin
"Thanks mom for coming, I really appreciate you and Jeff being here tonight," responses Ashley
"Well you're my daughter, and I'm glad that you and Craig would be willing to share this with us. Umm…do you want to tell Toby?" asks Ms. Kerwin
"Nah, I'll give him a call later, I appreciate it though," replies Ashley
"Alright, well goodnight everyone," says Jeff
"You too Jeff," answers Joey who shakes his hand
As they begin to leave Ms. Kerwin walks over and gives Craig a hug and whispers in his ear, "welcome to the family Craig, I would be proud to call you my son in law."
Craig responses, "Thank you, I'd be proud to call you my mother in law."
They exchange smiles and then walk out the front door.
After a few minutes or so
"Well, I'm tired. So goodnight grandma and grandpa," says Joey
"You too kiddo," replies Caitlin
Joey receives a hug from each of his grandparents
"I love you dad," says Joey
"Me too," responses Craig
"Mom, can I talk to you alone for a second?" asks Joey
"Sure, I'll walk with you up to your room," replies Ashley
Joey nods
"Well Ashley, we're gonna get going but we just wanted to say that we are so happy for you and Craig. After all these years it just seems right for you two be having a child together," says Joey
"Thanks Joey, thanks Caitlin," responses Ashley
They hug and Ashley proceeds to follow Joey up to his room
As soon as they get to his room, Joey plops himself on his bed sitting Indian style while Ashley sits with one leg on the bed and one touching the floor.
"Look, I wanted to talk to you about why I started calling you mom," says Joey
She nods telling him to proceed
"I had to grow up fast, it was just me and my dad. Sure we had so many people but it was always just me and him. So many people around us have died; my mother, and both my real grandmothers. The only things I know about my real mom are what dad has told me, and the old pictures of them two together. I reason I call you mom, is because I love you and I wouldn't want anyone else in my life to be my mom. Same thing goes for grandpa Joey, I know he not my real grandpa but I love him just the same," says Joey
"Wait how do you know that Joey is not your real grandpa?" asks Ashley
"Dad kinda let it slip one time, so I know that grandpa is not his real dad. But that change how I feel about him, maybe it better because he chose to be my grandpa. I tired to bring it up with my dad but he avoided the subject so I know it probably not something he wants to talk about. For all I know my real grandfather must have been a real jerk. What I'm trying to say is that is that I don't want anyone else to be my mom, so are you and my father going to get married?" asks Joey
"Wow, that's a lot. Thank you for all the nice things you are saying about me, I love you too and I know that your grandpa Joey loves you too. And yes I want to marry your father," replies Ashley
"Well why do you just ask him?" asks Joey
"I don't know. I just always thought that your dad would ask me and I would says yes," answers Ashley
"Cause uncle Dylan told me once that he asked you twice, one time you said yes but then you didn't get married. And then he asked you again and you said no," says Joey
"You know your right whenever your father asks me, something always happens that keeps us from getting married. Maybe I should ask him, you're a smart kid you know that," responses Ashley
"I know," answers Joey giving her that smile that reminds her of the curly haired rocker that she loves so much.
"I love you and I'll see you in the morning," says Ashley who then gets up and starts to exit the room
"Mom?" says Joey
"Yea son" replies Ashley
"I love you," says Joey
Ashley smiles at him and exits the room
When she enters the room she sees Craig doing push ups
As soon as he finishes he gets up and his and Ashley's eyes meet, she chuckles a bit
"What? I'm not a young man anymore. I gotta keep in shape" says Craig
"I didn't say anything," responses Ashley
"You didn't have to, I already knew what you were thinking," says Craig
"Whatever Craig," replies Ashley
"So what were you and Joey talking about?" asks Craig
"Oh about how much he loves me and if you and I were going to get married," answers Ashley
"Oh really and what did you tell him?" asks Craig
"That I love him too and that eventually were going to get married but a certain individual is going to have to ask before it can happen," replies Ashley
"Real subtle Ash, how did he take that?" asks Craig
"Well he told me that I should basically ask you if I really want it to happen," answers Ashley
"Well he is a really smart kid," says Craig
"That's for sure," responses Ashley
"Well goodnight, love you," says Craig
With Craig rolls over, so that his back is facing Ashley. She knows what he is doing; it's this little trick that he would always do that would force her to take the initiative.
"Craig?" says Ashley
"Huh," replies Craig
"This is so not funny," says Ashley
"What's not funny?" asks Craig who rolls over to face her
"Craig! I want to talk about this," says Ashley
"Talk about what?" asks Craig
"Getting married, I want to get married. Preferably to you," replies Ashley
"I know, and we'll get married. What's the problem?" asks Craig
"Craig I want to get married like now," says Ashley
"You know this is a weird way asking right?" asks Craig
"Fair enough, get up," says Ashley
Ashley gets up and moves over to the end of the bed, Craig has a puzzled look on his face but follows her anyways
Ashley takes his hand and says, "Craig I never thought that we would get back together. I hurt you terribly and the last 10 years were my punishment for my sins. But over the last few months I've seen that all my doubts and fears turned out to be wrong, that you were willing to forgive me and love me."
"Of course, I will always love you," says Craig
"Please I won't be able to finish if you keep saying things like that," says Ashley
"Sorry," responses Craig
"It's ok. I can't think that a moment in my life will not involve you in some way. You are my lover, my friend, my soul and my heart. You have given me the most precious gift anyone could ever give me, in 7 months we are going to parents to a beautiful child. And before our child is born that I would love not only have you as the father of my child but as my husband," says Ashley
She proceeds to get on one knee
"Craig I'm asking you, will you marry me?" asks Ashley
"Aren't I the one who is suppose to ask?" asks Craig
"We I am I modern woman," responses Ashley
"Well as a modern man, I say yes! I will be honored to marry you," answers Craig
Immediately Ashley jumps up and into his arms, while they embrace each other they hear the crackling of the door. They both see the shadow of a short figure staring at them.
"You know it isn't polite in listen in on other people's conversions," says Craig
"Sorry dad, I was walking to the bathroom and I heard what mom was saying and I was waiting to hear what your response was going to be," replies Joey
Craig winks at Ashley who smiles and buries her face in Craig's chest
"Well are you going to come here and congratulate us," says Craig
Joey runs excitedly over to them, as the open their arms to him he embraces him. Craig smiles as he glances at his son, his unborn child and his future wife.
"Ok, it obviously not going to happen tomorrow but me and your mom are going to get married. So for now this stays with us, I'm not trying to hide it but everyone is just getting over the fact that Ash and me are back together and that we have a baby on the way. I don't want everyone to think that we are rushing into getting married because she is pregnant, I want everyone to think that we are doing this because it what we want," says Craig
"Ok dad, but haven't you always told me that it doesn't matter what people think. That we should only concern ourselves with what we and those who love us think," says Joey
"He is right you know," responses Ashley. Craig nods knowing that his son was right.
"But Joey you father is right. As much as I want to scream it out to the world and that your father and I are going to get married. We have plenty of time to tell everyone and we have to plan the wedding. There is so much on our plate right now, we have the baby, the tour, and now we have the wedding. We need to slow everything down right now, which is why we should wait a bit," says Ashley
"Well maybe we could do much of the planning on the road and when we get back we can have the wedding in the fall or the winter," says Craig
"Yea I'll have all the time in the world and Joey could help pick everything out, and you know how I love that part of the year. It would be perfect, with how beautiful Toronto is," replies Ashley
"Alright mom," says Joey
"Well it's been such a long day. I mean telling your mom was a mission in itself," says Craig
"Very well husband of mine," replies Ashley
"Dad your right it's been a long day, if you don't mind I'm gonna go to sleep. See you guys in the morning, love you," says Joey who exits the door
"Love you too," responses Ashley
As soon as they hear Joey's door slam, Craig takes Ashley in her arms and kisses her. He takes her hand and begins to rub her left ring finger
"Look I have some business to take care of in the morning but tomorrow I'm gonna get you a ring to put on this finger," says Craig
"Well since I was the one who asked you, shouldn't I be the one who needs to get the ring?" asks Ashley
"Fair enough. But what if we both go get rings for each other tomorrow?" asks Craig
"I like the sound of that," says Ashley
As they lay in bed and fall asleep they discuss their plans for the wedding, which basically meant that Craig conceded to everyone of Ashley's request.
"I'm sorry I'm being such a diva about this, but a girl only gets married one time in her. Wait that such a lie people get married multiple time," says Ashley who rambles on and on.
"I know what you are trying to say. I get it, we are only going to get married once and it needs to be perfect. Let's just go to sleep and we'll talk more about it tomorrow," says Craig
"You're right babe, we can talk about it tomorrow," responses Ashley
With that Craig turns off the light and they fall alseep