Chapter Thirty

Miley.

"Daisies?"

"Over there."

"Tulips?"

"In that bucket."

"And orchids?" Noah questioned as we both looked around the room.

"Back corner," I announced spotting my favorite colored Singapore orchids from the latest delivery. "Are you sure you can do this Noah?" I asked my younger sister concerned as her eyes swept around the fully stocked room nodding casually,

"Look I know I quit, and I want to make that clear Miley, I did quit." Noah stated very slowly like she was trying to imbed it into my mind, which she had loudly and clearly. "But you're pregnant and both dad and me don't think it's a good idea for you to be running around trying to do everything on your own. I'm just going to help you out until you can find someone more permanent okay?"

"Okay, I feel like there is a catch somewhere-"

"Well you're going to pay me." Noah responded.

I nodded, "Of course, I just don't see how this is benefitting you." I asked shaking my head, "I mean you more then anyone hates this place. So why are you willing to help me?"

Noah rolled her eyes dramatically, "I don't hate it I just…" She trailed off screwing her face up, "No I do hate it here."

"So it's solely because of me?" I asked smiling at her.

Noah scoffed, "No, of course not."

"Then why?"

I watched my little sister, a devilish twinkle in her eyes, "Let's just say you aren't the only one paying me to be here." Noah stated grinning as I instantly felt anger.

"Nick?" I snapped at her.

Noah laughed, "No actually."

"Then who?" I asked her confused.

Noah shrugged walking further into the room so that her back faced me, "That's for me to know and for you not to dwell on big sister. It's simple really, you need me, so I'm here, end of story. The other details are unimportant. Now let me get to work."

I sighed unwilling to let this drop, but for the moment I had to let Noah go. However I really wanted to know who else was contributing to my sister's shopping fund. "Okay, I'll be out front if you need me."

"I won't need you," Noah announced.

"And we're closing at eleven so we-"

"Can make it to the stupid family lunch, I know Miley okay? You don't need to remind me about every God damn little thing." Noah snapped at me.

I nodded quickly noting her higher tone and angered expression. This place was already beginning to rub off on my previously mellow sister. I returned to the front smiling as I flipped the front sign to open. I turned back feeling completely at ease, the colors all around and the fresh pure smell filling me up. I felt at home.

I took up position behind the counter, tying my apron up as I considered the fact I wouldn't be able to tie it much longer, soon everything would be too tight. Still that kind of seemed a weird concept because today I didn't feel any different to my normal self, yet other days I felt so unbelievable pregnant it was annoying. I suppose I had to accept it though, the good, the bad and the ugly.

The ding of the bell signalled the first customer of the day as I eagerly waited to a somewhat return to normalcy. A suited guy walked in a smirk across his face as he reached the counter eyeing me down suggestively,

"Hey, I need some pink roses for my girlfriends."

I nodded smiling, "Sure, one bunch?"

"No," He smirked, "Three, for all my girlfriends."

I kept my face blank and nodded, "Sure sir, I'll get those for you." The second I turned away I faced the reality of this place. You had to deal with a lot of shit customers even in the prettiest environments.

Three hours later the day had someone stayed moderately busy. I was surprised by the amount of returning locals, all wanting details on the wedding and why the shop had been opening and closing all the time. It was nice to be able to confirm to them that I was in control now, and that I wasn't going to let this place close anytime soon. Now, however we'd hit a quiet period like most days and I was attempting to do all the orders we'd received this morning for tomorrow.

"I need a bouquet of white lilies mixed with red roses Noah," I demanded hearing the door ding again.

"I'm making them now. It's an order yeah?"

"For two tomorrow." I responded checking my sheet of call ins for today.

"Wow, so that means you'll be working on a Sunday. I didn't realize you worked weekends." A familiar voice announced.

I spun looking at a flawlessly dressed Danielle and an exhausted Demi who held my favorite person in the world. "Holly!" I squealed rushing around the counter as Demi practically threw the infant into my arms.

"Take her, she is all yours."

I smiled at the gorgeous little girl who looked up me with big confused eyes. "And to what do I owe the pleasure of a visit from you little princess?" I asked running my finger along her stomach causing a small smile to consume her face.

"We needed to buy flowers for the dreaded lunch."

"And we just thought we'd drop in, see how everything is going." Dani murmured casually as I looked up at both of them.

"Oh yeah, it's going okay. Noah is here." I smiled looking towards the back room where she was banging away, "And honestly I need her help, as much as I'm unwilling to admit it. I can't run this place to my liking on my own."

"Oh really? How many people do you reckon you need to hire?" Demi asked.

I smiled shrugging, "I don't know I could probably manage with one but two of three would be ideal. I'm going to start thinking about advertising for help since it's very clear my sister's aren't returning."

"Are they coming today?"

"Yes, last I heard" I huffed, "But I wish they weren't."

"Good thing you have us at least." Demi responded smiling.

"Yeah definitely and my favorite little niece," I smiled looking at Holly who was securely tucked up in my arms.

"Have you made food for the barbeque yet?" Danielle asked.

"No," I stated rolling my eyes, "It was Nick's stupid decision so I left him in charge, Denise called and told us to bring either a fruit platter or some sort of healthy salad. I told Nick he had to make both."

Demi snorted, "How did you get the easy dish? I got stuck with making a cake."

"I got stuck with appetizers." Danielle groaned.

"Hopefully everything runs smoothly and no one fights."

Demi laughed walking away looking at the flowers, "It's a family get together, a fight is almost guaranteed along with at least one of our husbands walking off to do something work related." She announced as Holly let out a little cute gurgle and I smiled at the little girl.

"You're getting good with her." Demi responded as I looked up, "By the time your bub comes along you'll be pro."

"You reckon?" I asked unsure.

Danielle nodded in agreement, "Definitely, especially with all the time you and Holly are going to have together during the week." She announced as I frowned confused.

"What do you mean?"

Demi shot Danielle a glare as I looked at my sister in law who now held an expression like a deer caught in the headlights. Danielle laughed awkwardly as Demi suddenly pointed at a bunch of tulips,

"These ones, I want these ones." She proclaimed trying to deter me.

I however wasn't buying it and focused on Danielle, "What's going on?"

"Nothing." The both responded quickly, too quickly.

I just stared at Danielle who turned to Demi for help only to receive none.

"We can't tell, Nick wanted to surprise you."

"DANI!" Demi yelled.

"What? What surprise? What's going on?"

Danielle looked at Demi apologetic as she rolled her eyes and walked forward towards me. "I got a job, so did Dani." She announced simply as I looked at her in shock still completely confused,

"You? A job?" I whispered,

Demi just glared at me, "What don't you think I'm capable?"

"No, I do, I mean I just thought you'd want to spend time with Holly because-"

"I will, because Nick said I could bring her along." Demi responded.

"Nick hired you?" I asked completely lost now, "Both of you?"

"Well yes and no." Dani responded.

"Wait? What?"

I looked at the girls as Demi smiled at me, "He hired us for you. We're going to work here, in the florist, so essentially we're your new in employees."

Nick.

"I can't believe you did that!"

"I was just trying to help-"

"You should have asked me Nick!"

"I don't see the big problem-"

Miley stormed out of the bathroom glaring at me wearing dress number six, "Problem? Try this Nick, neither of them have any experience what so ever. That means I'm going to have to find time to teach Dani and Demi the ropes, which will be hard seeing as there is something growing in me that makes everything hard at the moment!" Miley yelled at me then turning to the mirror red faced, "And I look fat in this dress too!"

I watched my wife furiously turn and walk back into the bathroom as I sighed,

"Miley we're already late, please just pick an outfit you look fine in-"

"I don't care and don't you dare tell me what to do!" She yelled.

I closed my eyes falling back onto the bed frustrated. This wasn't the reaction I'd wanted or expected. "Miley, baby, you taught Kevin, Joe and me to make bouquets I'm sure Demi and Danielle will catch on way quicker then we did. They are color coordinated at least." I tried to reason just as Lucy poked her head around the bedroom door.

"But it still requires time Nick, time I don't have!"

I motioned for Lucy to come in as she stepped into our bedroom, "Miley you're going to have time okay? The baby isn't due until next-"

"I know!" She hissed.

"She seems mad." Luce whispered climbing onto the bed.

"She is," I responded looking at my daughter, "But give her a minute and she'll be fine." Lucy frowned confused looking towards the bathroom where Miley was clattering around with God knows what.

"This is the baby isn't it? It's making her angry?"

I shrugged unsure, "I hope so,"

Miley walked out again, in a dress number seven as her eyes darted to Lucy. "Do I look okay in this?" She asked as I smiled at her nodding,

"Miley is looks-"

"I didn't ask you!" She snapped not even glimpsing at me,

Lucy stood up rolling her eyes, "Miley you look fine, you're worse then mom."

The expression Miley held in that second was indescribable. "I'm not like Selena," She hissed through gritted teeth and turned walking away once again.

Lucy looked at me wide eyed as I sighed, "Go get the food and put it in the car we'll meet you there in a minute okay?" Lucy nodded as I slipped her my car keys and phone, "And call mom, tell her we're running late and gently break the news that Miley is in a bad mood."

"Sure dad,"

Lucy left as I reluctantly edged towards the bathroom. Miley stood in front of the mirror applying another layer of foundation as I walked over giving her a look. "Miley put down the make up. We need to leave."

Her lips pinched together and she turned facing me, "I don't want to go."

I sighed staring at her, "Why not?"

"I don't want to see them." She responded looking away from me.

"Your sisters?" I questioned and she nodded.

"Mi it's going to be okay. They-"

"Wanted me to get an abortion, they left me alone at work Nick." She snapped turning back to me. "I'm not mad at you Nick, this just makes it feel real. It was supposed to be a family business, we were meant to stick together after mom died and-"

"And sometimes things don't go perfectly to plan Miley. That doesn't mean they aren't going to work out in the long run."

I looked down at her stomach and then up as she gave a weak smile only to shake her head, "Danielle and Demi are my closest friend's Nick, I don't think I can deal with bossing them around! Plus I managed to cause a rift with my sister's because of work who says I won't with them too? I need them Nick."

"Exactly, you need them. This will work, I promise."

"I don't know," She stated.

"Miley it'll still be a family business this way. Think about it please? At least trial them, if it isn't working in a month then we'll work out something else?" I suggested as she contemplated that for a moment before nodding.

"Okay, fine, a month but-"

"Right now let's go, we'll worry about your sister's when we get there."

Miley grumbled as I took her hand staring down her dress, "Your boobs are definitely getting bigger." I proclaimed seriously as Miley's mouth opened in shock and I just laughed, "What? It's a complement-"

"Which was completely uncalled for and irrelevant-"

"I'm embracing Frankie." I responded as she smiled, 'It's his birthday after all, I was allowed at least one inappropriate comment and it made you smile."

Miley squeezed my hand and nodded, "Keep the comments coming, because we both need an impulsive Frankie mindset today to break up the unease."

"You're definitely right there,"

An hour late we finally got to the front door of mom and dad's house. I watched Miley fidgeting with her dress, while Lucy just looked plain uninterested in this whole day making me question whether this idea was a waste of time.

We hadn't even reached the door when it opened and mom appeared smiling brightly, "Nick honey," She swept me up into her arms, "Finally you're here and how's my Luce?"

She let go of me and moved onto Lucy, "Good grandma,"

I slipped past her inside as Miley attempted to follow my lead only for mom to grab her around the waist, "Miley sweet heart, how are you honey? Come on all the girls are in the lounge we're letting the boys cook! Nick please take those to the kitchen." She instructed looking at the plates while Miley gave me a pleading look before being escorted away.

"Oh and Luce, Holly is in here." Mom added.

Lucy instantly grinned and shot off leaving me alone. I headed off outside, a little bit happy to see mom had clearly got Luce's message loud and clear. I knew she'd drive Miley mental, but hopefully that would keep her sister's away.

"Nick you're here, what took you so long?" Billy asked the second I stepped outside.

I gazed at the men of mine and Miley's family all standing around staring at the barbeque, something I was sure I'd never witnessed my entire life. Dad held a pair of tongs in his hands looking completely unsure of what he was doing but he had a big stupid grin on his face that was good I suppose. My brother's appeared to be supervising, while my father in law held a glass of wine looking more cheerful then the last few times I'd been in his presence. I shook all of there hands quickly shaking my head thinking about Miley,

"Well there were a few issues."

"Yeah mom let us know," Joe laughed, "Do we need to a keep a safe distance from your wife or has she returned to acting like a normal civilized human being."

I was surprised when Billy just laughed at Joe's harsh comment towards his daughter. Clearly the alcohol had been flowing for the past hour in our absence. "She's…" I trailed off, "Well let's just say she's been worse."

"Well you're going to have to put up with it now. You can't undo it."

"And I don't want to Joe," I stated seriously as Kevin offered me a glass of wine, "Like I keep trying to convince Miley the good will come, we just have to get through the crappy parts."

Billy laughed shaking his head, "Keep telling yourself that Nick, children are gifts, you already know that but once you have them…the crap continues."

"Tell me about it," Joe groaned, "I'm sick of the screaming."

"Try jet lag, night shifts and going through it four times. Those girls in there destroyed a piece of me I'll never get back." Billy announced as dad nodded in agreement.

"I'll drink to that, four is way too many. Stick with two Nick. Joe you should stop now." Dad instructed as Joe looked at him insulted

"What are you saying Nick's better at being a dad then me?"

Dad just stared at Joe and nodded, "Yes, that's exactly what I'm saying."

"Wait so if you had the choice how many would you have had dad?" I asked suddenly curious.

Dad looked at me bluntly and smiled, "Well simply, if I'd had a choice in the matter there would be no way in hell you'd be here." He announced unapologetic as Joe and Kevin both laughed. "I wanted two not four."

"Wow, thanks dad." I retorted,

"Same story with me, wife demanded we have more though, it's like a virus once they have one-"

"They instantly want another" Dad finished as Joe and me exchanged looks.

"Until eventually they get the perfect one, Noah was Tish's favorite."

"And Frankie was mom's favorite," Kevin stated quietly.

"Frankie would be happy we're doing this." Dad announced motioning with a sausage in hand flinging oils across the grass, "Being a family."

"Tish would too," Billy added looking at me, "I wish she'd got to meet you Nick, all of you. You've changed Miley's life." I looked at him and just gave a smile.

"It wasn't just me, it was everyone. It's good that we're attempting to function as a normal family. I think that's the biggest thing, we may not agree on anything or everything but at least we're trying."

"Exactly, although I don't know if the women are making the same progress. Heads up wife alert." Dad announced as we all turned and I saw Miley eagerly standing at the door looking out at me with Holly in her arms.

"Wow she didn't even last five minutes," Joe announced.

I motioned for her to come out as Miley opened the door cuddling the baby to her chest. "Don't tell me you've already been in a fight?" I asked her quietly as she huffed moving up against me, making me put my arm around her.

"No I haven't, I'm just sick of hearing about…" Miley trailed off her eyes shifting behind me staring at the rest of the guys who were clearly waiting for an answer.

"Hey Hun you okay?" Billy asked.

"Hey, yeah I'm fine dad," Miley proclaimed and then grabbed my arm harshly motioning for me to follow her as I sighed nodded.

"Bye Nick, it was nice seeing you." Joe joked as Miley let go of me.

She stepped towards my brother offering his daughter back to him, "Demi told me to tell you that Holly needs her diaper changed, I was going to do it for you but after that comment you can do it yourself." Miley snapped pushing Holly into his arms.

"But-"

"No you lost your chance."

Miley walked back taking my arm pulling me a few feet away as we both listened to a groaning Joe in the background and dad laughing at him. "What's wrong?" I asked her as she frowned.

"Emily keeps talking about moving to San Francisco."

"And?"

"It's pissing me off."

"Why?" I asked her confused.

"Because she keeps talking about how she's going to make sure she's back for when I give birth, and how she'll be there in the hospital holding my hand." Miley hissed rolling her eyes, "Last time I saw her she didn't even want me to have the baby, now she's acting like we never even had a fight."

"Miley she obviously feels bad."

"I want an apology." Miley proclaimed.

"Well maybe she'll give you one, but standing out here with me isn't going to fix anything okay? What about Brandi?" I asked her

"She isn't saying a lot."

"Miley just try and get them both alone."

I watched my wife's face scrunch up, "I don't want too."

"Stop sulking and man up Mi, I didn't marry a coward." I whispered kissing her head lightly pushing my wife away,

"Lunch is ready!" Dad proclaimed as I turned back to my grinning father while Kevin looked over his shoulder inspecting the meat.

"More like lunch is black and smoldering." He added.

"Hey, I tried!"

"Yeah and you failed."

Miley's arm looped around my waist as she leaned up kissing my cheek, "Come in with me? Pretty please, they'll be less likely to attack then and you aren't needed out here clearly." She pleaded and I nodded in agreement,

"Okay, fine. I'll let them deal with the food."

"Thank you," She whispered as I smiled.

"Anything for you,"

Miley grinned at me as we walked back towards the house. I'd only made if four steps in before I was consumed with the loud overpowering sound of multiple conversations occurring at once. When we walked into the lounge I realized why Miley had been so desperate to escape. Mom sat at the end of the room, with a surrounding posse of gossiping women from both families. Demi and Danielle were laughing away with Brandi, mom was having an in depth conversation with Emily while Noah and Lucy were on the floor on her phone. The second we stepped in they all stopped though, gazing at us.

"Joe dealing with Holly?" Demi asked instantly.

"Reluctantly," Miley responded as I watched both Emily and Brandi giving Miley and me replicating looks, they were examining us I was sure. "And the meat is cooked, the boys are bringing it in now."

Mom smiled jumping up, "Then let's move into the dining room, Emily hun would you mind helping me refill glasses it's so strange not having anyone here serving us." She proclaimed as I bit my tongue looking away embarrassed.

"Well I've got a life time of experience, sure I'll help."

I looked at Lucy and nodded at her, "You go help too Lucy."

"Why?" She responded,

"Because I said so Luce, go help please."

Lucy rolled her eyes and stood up following mom and Emily reluctantly out of the room. Everyone else started to get up as Miley looked at me, "Now you understand why I wanted to get out. It was like a bitchy book club meeting in here." She murmured to me as I smiled,

"Oh I definitely got the idea from the looks Brandi and Emily just gave us."

"And you wanted me to speak to them alone." She snapped.

"Maybe not today," I murmured reexamining how that could very easily end in a screaming match with Miley ripping them to shreds.

Miley smiled looking up at me again as I leaned down kissing her lips, "But that doesn't mean you're getting out of talking to them okay?" I added staring into her eyes.

"I know, I'll just keep avoiding them-"

"Mi" I groaned.

"Come on you two, stop eye fucking already!" Noah's voice proclaimed.

"Noah!" Billy yelled horrified walking in the door.

"Sorry dad, but look at them, the way they're staring at one another they could easily be making another baby right in-"

"Oh my god!" Miley yelled at her, "Noah stop talking."

Noah laughed, "What? It's the truth."

"She's right guys," Joe announced carrying a plate of sausages followed by dad holding the steak, "Sometimes you two stare at each other so intensely that it kind of feels like you're on another planet."

"Kind of wishing we were," Miley murmured under her breath,

"Come on, let's go eat before the say something else out of jealousy." I spat looking towards Joe who laughed.

"Me? Jealous? I'm married, I have a baby, perfect family-"

"Yeah Joe, where is said baby?" I asked him as he frowned at me.

"With Kevin, I don't do nappies."

"That's not the only thing he doesn't do." Demi announced glaring.

"Okay," Miley announced awkwardly, "Let's move this into the dining room quickly before anyone else says something suggestive which could be overheard by little ears." Just at that moment Lucy walked out carrying a glass for Miley.

"Grandma said to hurry up, the food is getting cold."

I watched the unease between Demi and Joe as they moved into the dining room and Miley gave me a worried look. "Promise me, we will not be like them after the baby is born." She whispered to me.

"I think it's mandatory," I responded seriously.

We all took our seats at the table as mom turned to dad offering her hand. I looked at them surprised as instantly everyone slowly caught the gist that mom clearly wanted to say grace, something we hadn't done in this house since before Frankie got sick. I turned to Miley as she smiled taking my hand entwining our fingers, as Luce's little fingers pushed into my other outstretched palm.

"Heavenly father, I come to ask for your blessing over this meal and thank you for allowing us as a family to come together today. We pray that you are taking good care of our precious Frankie, and that he is enjoying being an angel in heaven." Mom whispered confidently hesitating ever so slightly before continuing

"We also pray for the present joys to continue and that the future is still immersed in the happiness we have been given with the birth of Holly and the marriage of Miley and Nick this year. We thank you for this food and ask that you bless it to the use of our bodies and forgive us for when we have failed. Amen.

"Amen." The table chorused.

Mom looked up smiling, "Now who wants a lovely chargrilled piece of steak?"

It was perfect. For a change there weren't any fights, everyone was smiling and the conversation was light. A lot had changed for all of us and we'd all had to realize it was the small things in life, such as this lunch, that we needed to be so thankful for because we never knew what might happened in the future.

"So started thinking names?" Billy asked us directly mid meal,

Miley looked at him mouth full as I shrugged, "Not really, I mean we talked about it but-"

"I think you should call it Frankie if it's a boy!" Mom announced hopeful,

"Or Paul, good strong name." Dad added.

"What about Nick junior?" Joe asked.

"What if it's a girl? Maybe you should call her Leticia after mom." Noah suggested

"Or some sort of flower? Lily, Rose, or maybe Rose-Lily?"

"No that's stupid! No hyphenated names."

"No flowers, that's too mainstream!" Joe responded.

"Joe our daughter is called Holly, that is a flower."

"It's more like a plant-"

"It's a flower-"

"Technically it's a Aquifoliaceae, which is a flowering plant-" Brandi began

I just watched as suddenly everyone was yelling and I turned to Miley who was just holding her glass watching the scene unfold speechless. I couldn't help but laugh as I leaned back against my seat watching our family fight over something they definitely would have no part in.

I turned to Miley who smiled, "It wouldn't be a family get together without one argument." She responded as I nodded in agreement.

"No it wouldn't be, this is what family's are all about."

"Built up hatred?" Miley questioned.

I shook my head kissing her forehead, "No, the freedom to yell at the person right across from them and know that tomorrow they'll still be there in a heartbeat no matter what." I whispered as Miley nodded in agreement putting her hand on mine again entwining our fingers.

"I'll be here for you no matter what."

"Same here." I responded staring at her. "Forever."

A/N: This chapter got out of control very quickly, three nights of writing and suddenly this chapter almost made a small story it was so long. Sorry. Anyway last 'official' chapter and next chapter will be SUPER long snippets from the months so be prepared :P Thanks for the support :)