Hey! Sorry I haven't updated in forever but things have been crazy. It's also taken a while to get some inspiration for this chapter. I understand that this has probably lost me readers but there's nothing I can do but apologise. Please take this chapter as a token of my gratitude for all those who have stuck with me so far! Let me know what you think!

Casey, as was anticipated, was not very happy with the news that his mother was joining them for Christmas. He had immediately told Henri what was happening. She was just as wary as he was, going so far as to offer not to go to avoid conflict. The youngest Braxton rubbished that idea instantly, informing her that he wanted to spend the day with her so the rest of them could get stuffed.

Things were calmer (if only just) in the Braxton household. April and Heath woke up at around eleven, quickly exchanging 'happy Christmases' and kisses. April had been (justifiably) worried about Cheryl's visit but, after a few hours, her boyfriend had managed to convince her that everything would be fine and that he was in her corner no matter what happened.

She went to see Bianca for a while and told her the story. Her sister had been wary about the day too, if not somewhat amused at the thought that it probably would be a day that they wouldn't ever forget. Bianca too had reassured her, though she did add that she was thankful that it wasn't her. April had just grimaced and playfully thrown a pillow at her.

"Today is going to be… interesting," Heath commented with a wry smile on his face while he traced nonsensical patterns on his girlfriend's pregnant stomach. She was pressed close to his side under the covers and her body heat seemed to calm him even more.

April rolled her eyes and nodded. "Interesting would be a good way to describe it. What time are we heading to Angelo's at?"

"I promised Brax that we would be there for one to help get things set up. He's going to need all the help he can get today. "

She frowned. "We should have told your mother about the baby sooner. It's not fair for her to find out like this." That was certainly true. April felt truly guilty about it. Their baby would be Cheryl's first grandchild (if it was born before Casey and Henri's) and April knew that if she was in her position she would want to know that her son was going to become a father.

Heath couldn't argue with that. "I know but all that matters is that we didn't. I hope she's happy about it. I'm going to be a dad soon. That's pretty amazing. And it's not like this was just some drunken mistake; we love each other."

April beamed and kissed her boyfriend. "You should tell her that later on."

He chuckled. "Trust me, I've got a whole speech prepared. Ghandi couldn't even write it."

"I'm sure that's true but I actually hope that you don't have to use it…"

"That makes two of us."

True to his word, Heath and April arrived at Angelo's just before one. His brother and Charlie were already there, running in and out of the kitchen and throwing random food related questions at each other; where did you put the potatoes? Have you put the desert into the fridge?

"Hey guys," Charlie greeted them with a smile when they arrived. Under her apron she wore a beautiful red dress that clung to her every curve, most likely highlighting the fact that she was in no way pregnant.

Brax stuck his head out of the kitchen door. "Good you're here. We've been flat out all morning. Heath I need you in here. April, would you mind setting out the plates and cutlery? I haven't gotten a chance."

"Merry Christmas to you two, bro," Heath playfully teased but made for the kitchen anyway.

April was more than happy to do the setting up. It was kind of her forte. She liked to be kept busy and Heath had a habit of babying her since she began to get bigger. It was certainly sweet, but sometimes she just wanted to do something. She wasn't rendered disabled by her stomach (granted she did end up eating a lot of the food while she was cooking).

Bianca and Liam were the next to arrive. The two Scott sisters exchanged enthusiastic hugs and seasonal greetings. April did the same with her sister's fiancé. By that stage, everything was more or less ready so they all sat down and had a drink while waiting for the last few to arrive. So far everything was great. All present got on exceedingly well since they knew that this would probably be the most pleasant part of the day. Charlie and Bianca quizzed April about her pregnancy; how she felt, what her most recent cravings were, how often the baby kicked…

The men seemed to be getting on like a house on fire. That was quite surprising given Liam and Heath's past. Still, spirits were high and it was shaping up to be a lovely day.

Much to everyone's surprise, Cheryl was the next to arrive. She announced her presence by striding in the door and obnoxiously shouting 'Hello'. Everyone's eyes were immediately drawn to the Braxton matriarch. They pretty much all had the same feeling of dread.

"Mum," Heath made his way over to his mother and gave her a hug. April knew that her boyfriend was a bit of a mommy's boy. It was kinda cute.

Cheryl gave him an exuberant kiss on the cheek, leaving lipstick stains in her wake. "There's my boy. Merry Christmas, Heath."

Brax, who stood behind his brother, was quite awkward in comparison. When his mother and Heath completed their greeting, he stepped forward and hugged her briefly. "Hey, mum. It's nice that you decided to join us."

"Yeah well I'd be waiting a long time for you to invite me, wouldn't I?" Cheryl said sarcastically, taking in the spread that her sons had prepared. "Where's Case? You're not fighting again, are you?"

Brax and Heath exchanged a wary glance and the latter looked like he wanted very much to answer yes to that question. "No, he should be here soon. In the meantime, there's some people that we would like you to meet," the eldest informed her, pulling his girlfriend close to his side. "Mum, this is Charlie, my girlfriend."

She looked Charlie up and down, a guarded expression on her face. "Nice to meet you," the policewoman smiled.

Cheryl arched an eyebrow. "Likewise." Her gaze moved to Bianca and the corner of her mouth tugged up slightly. "You must be my Heath's latest squeeze…"

Bianca's eyes widened and she looked from Cheryl to Heath to April to Liam and back again. April played anxiously with her hands. "Actually," the middle Braxton took his girlfriend's hand, "this is my girlfriend, April."

Her eyes immediately went to the eighteen year old's swollen stomach. A genuine expression of shock appeared on her face. April decided to take initiative and gave her a small hug. "It's so nice to finally meet you, Cheryl. Heath's told me so much."

His mother was still in shock. "You're having a baby?"

Heath smiled and nodded. "I am- we are. We've only got a few months left to go. It's exciting."

She arched an eyebrow. "Well you certainly took the term girl- friend seriously. How come you never told me that you knocked up a girl Heath?"

"We were going to tell you. It's just been pretty hectic around here lately. April lost her best friend in a tragic car accident and-"

He didn't get a chance to finish that sentence.

"Hey, mum."

Casey's voice suddenly brought everyone's attention to the door where he stood with a very terrified looking Henri by his side.

Let the games begin…