The Greatest Secret

Disclaimer: Nope, don't own iCarly

A/N:

Chapter 139 (Thanksgiving at the Williams House)

In the Williams' home, Jonah watched as his father bounced Aaron on his knee. Next to the man was Jonah's thirteen year old sister, Olivia. Michael and Olivia were thrilled about Aaron, though at first Jonah's parents had been disappointed that he'd had premarital sex. Jonah's mother Denise was in the kitchen, helping Valerie and her mom finish preparing the pumpkin, pecan, and lemon pies, and already they were smelling fantastic. The longer he waited in the living room, the more those pies taunted his nostrils.

The three women weren't just working on pies, they were cleaning dishes while Denise was somewhat 'initiating' Valerie into the family. They were also talking about the great opportunity she was going to get working with Rachael. Even though she was having doubts, due to the attack on Freddie's family the week prior, she had everyone telling her to go. There would never come another opportunity like this, so nobody was going to let her pass up such a great opportunity.

Jonah crossed his arms over and smiled as he listened to his son's laughter. Michael would make an awesome grandfather to the baby, and hopefully, he wouldn't end up being a tyrant like Tyrone was with Freddie's family. Although, as far as being supportive went, it was amazing that both families were supportive of Jonah and Valerie. He looked to the den and saw Vincent Williams working on a project of some kind, sadly he had to work through the holidays. It was frustrating, because he wanted to give his daughter full attention before December 1st came around. That would be the day Valerie left with Rachael. After that, the family was going to tape everything that Rachael Ray would be on, because most likely, Valerie would be shadowing her wherever she went.

Valerie's sisters were somewhat envious, but yet, immensely proud. When she'd reached her lowest moment after the explosion last week, thinking she shouldn't go and she should be there for her friends, it was her older sister, Vanessa, that told her straight out that she shouldn't pass up the opportunity. That had great impact on Valerie, because Vanessa was the sister she always looked up to, no one else had quite as much power in their words. He chuckled to himself as he remembered the earlier conversation between the two sisters.

Cradling Aaron in her arms, Valerie was beside herself with guilt and uncertainty. Jonah was trying to tell her that she'd already told Rachael she was going and that it would be great for her future and the future of the family as a whole if she went, but she was more concerned with wanting to be there for her friend. "I just don't know, I mean Aaron's going to need his family…not only that, but after Freddie and Sam lost some of Zamira's family, it worries me…would that happen here?" Pacing the floor, she had come to an almost abrupt halt when she saw Vanessa walking into the room.

It was one of the first times that Jonah had actually seen the nearly twenty year old college student. She looked almost exactly like Valerie, but a slight bit older. Moreover, she appeared as a mix between Sasha and Valerie. Vanessa took Aaron in her arms and cradled him gently as she met Valerie's eyes. "Valerie, you're going to take this opportunity and we're going to help ensure Aaron has everything he needs while you're gone."

"But-"

"There are no buts here Valerie. You're my little sister, yes I get that you're the second born and I treat you like the 'baby' of the family, but I would give you the same words as I'd give Veronica, Victoria, or Vixen. I know you're worried about your friend, I know you're worried about your husband and about your son, but Rachael's already stated you can visit them every month, two times in some months, along with holiday breaks. If you're going to just give the opportunity to go on this apprenticeship, you give up the chance to really put your name out there…do you know how difficult it is to just go out with only a culinary arts degree? You can put your name out there by taking this apprenticeship, you can learn so much, so I stand by my words when I tell you, there is no way I'm letting you give this up. Not for a moment." Valerie seemed to freeze up and her eyes had begun to well with tears. After a second of silence, her lips curled upwards and she slowly nodded her head.

"I understand sis. You're right, I'm not going to give this up. I mean, I get to work alongside my idol!"

"Exactly!" Vanessa smirked and tilted her head. "Seriously though, day in and day out, constantly watching the food channel, I think mom, dad, and all our sisters will be somewhat glad to have the television on other things." Valerie's face turned red as Jonah's eyebrows rose curiously, she really was a food network superfan. "Granted, knowing Mom and Dad, with you going on the food network, it's likely the television will still be on the food channel 24/7. Besides, you won't have to worry about Aaron. He's got six aunts, including Jonah's little sister, to spoil him. Four grandparents too."

Valerie closed her eyes and emitted a nervous chuckle. "I know, that's what worries me. Jonah's going to have to deal with ten people spoiling the heck out of his son." Jonah blinked and felt everything inside of him start slipping downward, it seemed he'd have to take his parenting skills to the next level. All of Valerie's younger sisters were younger than fifteen, which meant, they would most likely spoil Aaron to bits. "Just remember, Aaron is usually breastfed, but he can be fed from a bottle. His primary care physician, Dr. Arca, handles all of his needs and can tell you everything that should be done, Jonah knows-" Vanessa cleared her throat and cradled Aaron with one arm, placing her free hand onto Valerie's shoulder.

"Relax, we've got it all under control."

The baby's giggling brought Jonah back to reality and a smile to his face. He was actually planning to put doctor appointments around some of Valerie's visits back home. Not all of them though, she would most likely want to be able to spend some time with her family and friends without having to worry about medical stuff. As much as Jonah wanted to go with her, he had to focus on college. He hoped to go into the military afterwards, then into the medical field. A military doctor fit his agenda for the future.

Suddenly he was nearly pushed to the ground by Valerie's 15, 13, and 11 year old sisters. That was Veronica, Victoria, and Vixen respectively. He regained his balance and took a few steps back as the girls surrounded Aaron and started cooing over him. He almost wanted to step in and ask them not to crowd the baby, but it seemed Aaron was overjoyed with the attention. He chuckled nonchalantly and slowly walked into the den where Vincent had all of his papers spread out on the table. The man glanced up and raised his eyebrows as he set his pen down, finally tiring of all the work. "Come on in son, have a seat."

"Sure." Jonah walked towards the table and sat in front of Vincent. The man was the only blonde, besides Vixen, in the family. All of the others had brown hair like their mother. Vincent smiled at Jonah and looked him in the eyes. "So, Valerie's going to be going away for a few years. I'd say you and I are going to become closely acquainted with one another." His eyebrow rose and his subconscious started to rise, he knew Vincent may have supported them, but the father had not been overly pleased with Jonah getting his daughter pregnant. He at least needed to find a way to get on this man's good side, if he wasn't already. "You think you're ready to be a father?"

"Do I? Honestly? No, I'm scared I'll do something wrong, that's why Valerie and I are getting all the advice and help we can from our parents…"

"Right, and I think that's very noble of you to admit to." Jonah nodded graciously as Vincent took his pen and started writing on his papers. "All this paperwork, this is what I get for adding on to my workload."

"You had to, didn't you? For your family, I know I would." He watched with mild anxiety as Vincent's lips curled upwards and he looked up with pride.

"Yes. I wanted to be able to provide for them. After Viola became unable to walk, I had to start bringing in more money to support my girls. Now you have to support your son while your child's mother is gone. Understand me when I say it is no easy task. You will get stressed out and you will get tired. So don't be afraid to as your parents or us for help. Got that?" He placed his strong hand on Jonah's shoulder and smiled at him. Jonah nodded carefully and smiled nervously as the sweat ran down his neck. He didn't know the first thing about being a father, so what was he going to do?

"Yes sir." Jonah smiled as Vincent lifted his eyebrows and moved his eyes over to him.

"Don't call me 'sir' it's way to formal. Call me Vincent."

"Yes s-" Jonah stopped himself as the man waited patiently. He quickly corrected himself and smiled gradually. "All right Vincent."

"Good catch, I think we're going to get along great."

"Yeah, I think so too." At least he hoped that was the case. He carefully rubbed the back of his neck and glanced at the doorway as Valerie walked in and hugged her father around the neck.

"Hey Daddy! Are you and Jonah getting along?" She looked at her husband and grinned. Jonah tried not to seem nervous at all, he'd met Vincent several times before, but he was still trying to get used to the guy. Hell, his own dad was already friends with him, so why was it so difficult for him? Then again, he had to figure that Vincent expected high marks from Jonah. He would have to do everything he could to prove to this man that he would be a grade A father and husband. "Dad's not scaring you any, is he?"

"Nah, we're doing just fine. How are you? In about a week, you'll be starting your apprenticeship and finishing your schooling…uh, where's the network located again?" Valerie's eyes seemed to sparkle as she thought about the direction her life was headed, no going back now.

"Chelsea Market in New York City." He smiled proudly and hugged her waist. She looked into his eyes and lifted her eyebrows. "Are you sure you and Aaron are going to be okay? I mean, I guess Freddie and Sam will be around to help, as well as our families, but-"

"We'll be fine Valerie." He kissed her forehead and felt her body begin to relax. "I guess you'll be finishing up school in New York, then?"

"Yeah, Mom and Dad gave Rachael power of attorney to enroll me in a private high school up there." She rubbed her nose briefly and turned her eyes downcast. Jonah felt his heart sink and for the first major time it was hitting him what was really happening. "I'm so scared, I don't want to leave everyone, but I want to do this. I know this will also be better for us, better for Aaron."

"Our son should be our first priority, Valerie." He lowered his arms as her eyes lifted to meet his. He could feel Vincent's eyes upon him, monitoring and studying him. "I know you're nervous, and I'm scared too, but this has to be done. We need to be able to provide for our son, and we've been given an opportunity that not many people in our situation actually receive. That is, our parents helping us and you with a great mentor. Valerie, things can only go so well if we utilize everything we can to provide a good life for Aaron. Yes, we're going to miss each other, yes you're going to miss Aaron, and yes we'll only see each other maybe once or twice a month, but…in the long run, just think. Four and a half years from now you'll be done, maybe opening your own restaurant, I'll be going into the military…Valerie, I'll say again, most teenagers that wind up parents, sometimes end up dropping out of high school to raise that kid. Sometimes they only get a high school education, maybe it happens that they go through college, but the fact is, we're able to go the distance. So while you're on that plane to New York, think about Aaron and our future. Let that be what guides you through the rest of the years."

He kept his eyes with Valerie's tender, quivering orbs. He knew Vincent was beside himself with pride, he could feel it radiating from the man. Valerie slowly smiled and nodded her head, then she hugged him tightly. Tears leaked from her eyes, though she was happy. "I will, Jonah. I will." He smiled back, his heart was pounding inside. He didn't know what he was going to do when she stepped on that plane next week, but he knew one thing. He would definitely need his best friend there to help him through it.

"I know you will." He moved his arms up and slowly rubbed her back. After a second, Vincent cleared his throat and the couple quickly parted arms. Valerie wiped her eyes and looked over to the door.

"So um, the pies are ready for anyone that wants some." The two men nodded as Valerie hastened to the kitchen. Jonah bowed his head momentarily, then lifted his gaze to Vincent. His stomach had butterflies fluttering about inside, though he knew it wasn't even half of how he'd feel on the day she would leave. He felt his father-in-law's mighty hand rest upon his shoulder. Maybe he would have that empowering, commanding figure one day, who knows? He could hope.

"I'm proud of you my son, you will make a fine man. My daughter's made a good choice to place her faith in you." Pride shot up like a geyser inside of him and his eyes widened as the elder man walked from the room. He would take only a moment to regain his composure, then he would go for pie. For now, he rather enjoyed the shock. After all, the man just praised him!

The thanksgiving arc has one more chapter after this, I think you'll enjoy it because it's some Freddie/Sam romancing after a long time. I felt it was necessary to include, though I like the ending of the chapter best XD. REMEMBER: Old readers desiring to comment should do so anonymously until the chapter count reaches 157. Don't worry, it won't be long, though I'm making no promises on how long it takes the story to reach its end :P By that I mean, I don't know how many chapters it's going to be, I'm just so excited to be working on this again XD.