BRAX'S POV:
Ricky and I walked along the beach with Aaron in a sling strapped to my chest. Looking at her as we walked, she was staring straight ahead… "You didn't have to do this, y'know…"
"Huh?" she questioned
"You didn't have to come with me. You're pushing yourself, trying to do too much too soon" I replied
"No I'm not, I'm okay" she assured me, smiling at me warmly
"Don't you think we've had enough lies to last us a lifetime?" I inquired "can you just be honest with me about how you're feeling, please?"
She swallowed a lump in her throat and ran her hands through her hair… "It's not easy, okay? Don't you think I wish I could bring Aaron for a walk on the beach on my own without supervision from you in case I go AWOL? Of course I do, and hopefully it'll happen, but I'm just trying to make the most of things whilst I feel okay"
"Sorry" I sighed, pressing my lips against her forehead as I pulled her into me
"I just need time, Brax" she admitted
Nodding my head in understanding, I leant forwards and kissed her softly…
RICKY'S POV:
Brax and I made our way back to the house a little while later with takeout food, Heath making his way through from his and Bianca's bedroom as we walked in the door…
"Did you smell this?" I questioned, holding up the bags as I walked into the kitchen
"I did" he informed me, wrapping his arm around my shoulder "what have we got?"
"A bit of everything" I replied as I grabbed some plates and cutlery "help yourself"
I made my way back into the living room as Brax settled Aaron in his Moses basket. Pulling the blanket over him, he pressed his lips against his forehead and turned to look at me…
"Okay?" he asked
I nodded my head, signalling yes, inhaling and exhaling a breath… "Things will get easier, won't they?"
"As long as we promise to stick together as a family, of course they will" he replied
"We're in this together, Ric" Heath interjected before I had chance to reply "me, him and B, we're all here to help you"
"Thanks" I replied, smiling at him warmly as Brax and I walked into the kitchen
"What are families for?" he questioned