AN: thank-you for reading everyone

Chapter 44

Normal POV

3 Weeks Later

Thursday

It's been hard for Courtney and Duncan after the fight.

Duncan attempted to reach out to try resolve to things but Courtney wouldn't give him a chance and said something like " I can't right now " or " I don't have time to listen to you ". If he was lucky to even say a word he'd ask to speak with Serenity which surprisingly she would allow him to do.

Even if they weren't on talking terms for the time being Courtney couldn't bring it to herself to go about taking Duncan's visitations away from him. A part of her was tempted to but she couldn't bring herself to do it especially after not being able to tell him.

Her father's threat still worried her at times and since sending out the restraining order Courtney didn't hear anything back. Which worried her.

One morning Duncan was at the school entrance waiting for Courtney to arrive and when she did, Serenity ran to her dad, overjoyed to see Duncan that she hugged him tightly once in his arms.

Courtney admitted to herself that day and there was just no way or form she could keep Serenity away from Duncan.

8:15 AM

" Daddy I missed you " breathed Serenity currently hugging Duncan "Me too honey " he replies smiling and looking at his daughter's face. He's missed her so much that it pained him to be away from Serenity but also her mother.

Who currently stood quietly behind them with her arms crossed over her chest with a calm expression, " I hope you didn't mind me coming here " says Duncan standing up " I don't mind she's missed you and I can't take that away " Courtney answers running her hand through her hair " you look good " he compliments unable to resist checking her out.

Rolling her eyes Courtney grins which to Duncan was a good sign "Very funny I look and feel bad " she says before trying to clear her throat " I don't think you do " he replies walking up to her but before he said anything...

" Duncan Courtney good morning " calls Gwen walking up to them with Louis holding her hand and beside them was Lindsey with Mikey and Millie.

" Good Morning " greets Courtney smiling at the two "How are you Doug and Connie? I haven't seen you two for a while, " says Lindsey only to get weird looks from the others but it still made them laugh a bit.

" We're fine just going about things as usual " answers Courtney looking at Duncan "Yeah just doing what we do " he adds smiling but Gwen looked at them with sympathy Courtney told about what happened and knew that neither one of them have talked to each other since. It surprised her when she saw the pair at the school.

" Mommy we're gonna be late, " says Louis looking up at Gwen "Oh no come on Daddy and Mommy " exclaims Serenity grabbing both her parent's hands, " oh right let's go " replies Courtney as they all go inside to drop them off.

Afterwards, once the kids were in class Gwen and Lindsey left to go about their days leaving Duncan and Courtney alone.

" Do you wanna get some coffee? " asks Duncan watching Courtney about to walk in the opposite direction " I'm good thank you " she answers trying not to look at Duncan " You know we need to talk " he says walking up to her " yeah I do I'm just feeling very tired today Duncan " Courtney answers before coughing.

Raising an eyebrow Duncan went along with what she was saying "Okay then but sooner or later I want us to talk about it " he said in a serious tone of voice "Fine " replies Courtney before quickly walking away from him so that she could get home.

Courtney's POV

Once I got home I felt more exhausted than normal and I had to admit when I woke up this morning my throat was a bit sore, I had a light cough and my head was hurting.

I can't be getting sick now it was impossible especially when I haven't been sick in who knows how long and I'm unsure if I should include morning sickness.

Maybe if I take some flu medicine and have a nap I'll feel more rejuvenated.

Going to the bathroom I open the medicine cabinet and take the flu capsules for relief, I wonder if it could also be stress.

These past couple of weeks have been hard. After Duncan stormed out I'll admit I broke down hard I couldn't believe that he would even think of me being unfaithful let alone the thought ever come to him through a stupid letter.

This was a mind game and clearly, it was to get Duncan to believe something that wasn't true. I could never cheat on Duncan and even when he was in jail I was still faithful but also I wanted to focus on Serenity she was my main priority.

I realized since becoming a mother, especially at a young age my baby is always going to be first and I made sure to keep her safe, dressed and with a roof over her head.

Getting up in the late evenings or early mornings hearing Serenity's newborn cries rushing to either feed, change or if she was just wanting to cry was hard. I had no extra help and all my parents would do is criticize what I was doing. So whenever they would do that I would just grab the carriage and go for a walk with Serenity.

Now that Duncan was in the picture I'll admit I wished he had been there.

I walk into my bedroom and lay down on my bed, sighing heavily I feel myself getting warm...

" Damnit " I breathe lifting my legs onto the bed " I'm just gonna rest a bit...nothing wrong with resting, " I said before closing my eyes and drifting off to sleep.

Duncan's POV

3:45 PM

I was working on an oil change on a semi-truck. I took a big risk showing up at Serenity's school this morning but I wanted to fix things after that letter was sent, I blame myself for falling for that mind game.

Even though Courtney didn't wanna grab a coffee with me I still went for one before I went to work. But also I needed to see Serenity I missed her so much, and once I saw her run to me my heart jumped.

I didn't need any proof to know she was my daughter. Screw whoever said she isn't.

Coach was right about one thing " How in the hell did I get a woman like Courtney " lightly laughing thinking about those days with him was something but also they were good times when I was in jail. And speaking of it today is my 2nd anniversary of when I was released, what a way to celebrate.

" HEY, BOSS!!! "

Hearing the annoying nickname getting my attention I look to see who called me Joey was running to me.

" What's up? " I asked walking up to him "Phone call it's from the preschool " breathes Joey making my eyes open up "Here finish up for me " I add before running to the phone.

Picking up the phone fast " Hello Duncan speaking "...

10 Minutes Later

Barely finishing the phone call not even hanging up the receiver I sprinted out of the shop and made a full-on bolt toward the school like my life depended on it but it did.

I figure with my history of being able to outrun cop cars I'm glad it was handy for something more important.

As soon as I saw the school I ran inside and then down the hallway to the classroom, once it came into view aside from Zoe standing with Serenity were also Louis and Trent.

" Hey look who's here," says Trent smiling "Daddy," says Serenity happily running to me, out of breath I slowed down and crouched down to catch my breath " You okay? " she asks standing in front of me "Yeah...daddy...ran here to pick you up " I breathed but I was out of breath.

" Duncan you okay? " asks Zoe rushing over concerned "Yeah" I breathed sitting on the ground "Nothing won't stop me, especially the 8 blocks I just ran " l replied suddenly feeling a tight squeeze on my arm When I looked it's Serenity with her eyes tightly shut.

" Hey it's okay I'm here, " I said caressing her cheek "My daddy," she said making me smile "Remember what I said honey I'm always gonna be there for you " I reply before kissing her little forehead.

Once I recovered a bit Zoe explains to me that she started getting worried after half the kids were picked up she noticed that Courtney hadn't arrived. Trent was a bit late today and he noticed Serenity was still waiting, so him and Louis waited with her while Zoe tried calling Courtney.

It was out of the ordinary normally she arrives just as schools out.

But after 3 attempts to call and a voicemail, Zoe then called my shop's number since it was my main number to reach me at and thankfully the call was answered.

After talking and making sure everything was okay, I carried Serenity as I walked back to the auto shop. Something was up, I needed to make sure Courtney was okay.

Courtney's Place

4:30 PM

Unlocking the door it was very quiet almost too quiet...

" Mommy we home " calls Serenity walking forward before going to her room " Courtney " I call closing the door behind me. There was no sign of her in the living room or the kitchen.

Where was she?

* cough * * cough *

My head turns in the direction of what I just heard, going towards it.

Serenity runs quickly from the hallway to me then grabs my hand " Daddy " she says" what is it? " I asked as she pulls me "Mommy is in her room " she answers before we run.

When we got there I never would have thought I'd see a sight so sad. Entering the room I walk up to Courtney's sleeping form " Courtney...babe can you hear me? " I whispered lightly holding her face when I did she was warm and sweaty.

Courtney did mention earlier today she wasn't feeling good, if I had to guess she got worse while sleeping no doubt to try to recover.

" Oh babe you gotta fever " I breathed followed by hearing her cough again "Daddy is mommy okay? " asks Serenity looking at us.

Shoot I can't risk Serenity getting sick too, okay I gotta solve things right now.

Quickly picking her up we go to her room before taking my cell phone out, I dial the number quickly and once again this person answered right away.

" Hi Mom I need a huge favour," I said a little rushed...

It didn't take long for Mom to arrive to pick up Serenity. While I waited I got an overnight bag and backpack ready.

Once she arrived Serenity was overjoyed to see her grandma. Mom was generous and thoughtful to even bring her homemade vegetable soup, medicine and tea.

I explained where the school was and what time it starts but she then reminded me that she was familiar with the routine, since she did this when me and my brothers were kids.

Mom mentioned that it's a noble gesture for me to take care of Courtney while she's sick. Along with making sure she ate, drinks plenty of fluids and to take flu medicine.

After giving Mom and Serenity a hug, I told her to be a good girl for Grandma and Grandpa while she's staying with them for the weekend. Along with reassuring her that I would do everything before Mom and Serenity took off.

I was in for quite the weekend but I'm fine with it as long as Courtney's taken care of and Serenity is watched over then everything will be okay for now.

AN: who's ever gotten sick to the point it always gets you last minute, I have and it sucks.