AN: Who here has been to a family get-together and it's gone to hell? I'm sure we all have been there. It's a long chapter.

Chapter 8

Duncan's POV

12:00 PM

Sunday

I sigh heavily as I currently drove to my parent's house, Mom wanted us to come since we haven't had one of our Sunday family together in a while.

For as long as I could remember these things either went good or bad, mom and my aunts together cooking and chatting among themselves. Every so often someone tries to sneak a bite of something resulting in their hand getting smacked. Most times it was either myself or one of my cousins.

Mom is the youngest of 3 daughters and comes from a Greek background, she loves having lots of family around especially now that she's got some grandchildren.

Dad and my uncles would be grilling together while drinking and laughing together eventually one of them is sitting drunk in a chair and that's even before the conversation starts.

He's the third oldest of five sons with an Italian background, which kinda explains why me and my brothers exist along with his temper which Grandpa or Nonno was well known for.

Then lastly my brothers and cousins were fun to be around, we use to get into trouble together, those were the good times. We haven't talked in a few year's not since I started getting into problems with the law or when I was away in juvie.

Not sure what's been up with them lately but let's see how we get along now.

" Are you okay? asks Courtney looking at me from the passenger seat beside me while Serenity sat in her car seat playing with Duncan Deer " Yeah I'm good I guess " I answered looking at the road " Are you nervous? " she asks me concerned.

" Just I haven't been to a get-together in a couple of years " I explain squeezing the wheel "Most times I would sneak out of the house to go join my friends to do something " I add thinking back to how much my delinquent life was more amusing than being with family.

" Well now you can make up for it and see everyone again I'm sure they will be glad to see how much you've grown " replies Courtney putting a hand on my shoulder " I wasn't sure if we should come but mom wants us there " I sighed recalling the nice conversation we had a week ago.

* Flashback *

1 Week Earlier

6:30 PM

Me: The Sunday Family get-together...we still have those?

I rolled my eyes just saying it

Mom: Yes, honey our family still has them and you know it. Your Aunts, Uncles and Cousins are coming as well as their children

Mom was sounding very excited just talking about it

Me: I don't know I mean doesn't most of the family not like me, especially when me and my cousins caused problems

Mom: You were all kids at that time. Plus I want you to come with Courtney and Serenity. After all, you getting engaged soon, and what better way to introduce her to the family

I couldn't help but bang my head a few times on the coffee table...

Me: Mom keep it down...Courtney is not far from me

I quickly get up to check if she wasn't nearby...

Mom: Oh don't be so silly. Now your aunts especially want to meet Serenity, they are super excited to have one great niece that they want to meet and spoil.

Me: Oh no poor Serenity, she's gonna be scared meeting them

Mom: I know and no doubt will be bringing gifts for her

Me: Of course, there hasn't been a girl born in either of our families for some time. Not that there's anything wrong with all you boys

Me: Fine, I'll tell Courtney

Mom: Good but also dear just know that the family doesn't hate you, they just want to see and welcome you back. They did miss you

I stayed quiet for a bit absorbing what mom just said...

Me: Alright Mom I'll be there with Courtney and Serenity

Mom: Good I'm excited it will be at our house, see you then...

Me: See you then Mom...

After hanging up the call I rub my neck thinking of this...

" Daddy " calls Serenity walking over to me smiling "Hi honey " I greeted smiling at her "You on the phone? " she asks sitting beside me "Yeah I was talking to grandma " I explain only for her reaction to get excited.

Just then Courtney walked into the room smiling at us both, I guess I should tell her now...

* End Of Flashback *

Finally arriving I couldn't help but notice all the cars parked, something tells me it's gonna be quite the day.

" Okay we're here unless you wanna go now...cause I'm cool," I said keeping the engine on " Duncan " sighs Courtney looking at me unimpressed "Okay I'll behave " I replied shutting the car off.

" I hope your mom doesn't mind me bringing dessert," said Courtney looking at the apple pie she made this morning "Oh trust me it will be appreciated " I answered taking Serenity out of the car holding her toy " honey maybe you should leave him in the car " I add.

Serenity only held Duncan Deer closer " he will be alone in the car " she answers looking at him "Please can he come " begs Serenity giving me her pout.

Sighing in defeat I couldn't help but give in " Okay but keep him close " I explained "Yay" cheered Serenity before we all make our way up to the house where I can already hear my relatives.

As soon as we got to the door I felt my palms get sweaty.

Before I could knock the door opened and standing there was my dad's oldest brother Marco...

" DUNCAN MY BOY WELCOME!!!! " he greets followed by bringing me in for a tight hug and lifting me from the ground "Nice to see you too " I wheeze forgetting how strong of a hugger he was.

" HEY EVERYONE DUNCAN IS HERE!!! " he shouts putting me down "Where have you been I've missed you and...oh my goodness who is this beautiful woman? " he says noticing Courtney smiling at us.

" Hello I'm Courtney " introducing herself but afterwards my uncle takes her hand and kisses it "A pleasure it's about time Duncan had a good woman in his life, " says Uncle Marco smiling brightly "Oh your so kind, " she says.

More voices were coming our way, before taking a few steps I checked on Serenity hiding behind me.

Picking her up my uncle once again reacts " Duncan a Bambina Piccola ( little girl )" but before I could say anything a whole bunch of gasps meant my aunts were about to go crazy.

Courtney's POV

When Duncan told me about his families get together I thought a few members but this was insane.

As soon as Marco saw Serenity he immediately couldn't help but adore her saying how cute she was, but now it's Duncan's aunt's turn.

" Oh my goodness look at the precious little one "

" She's so beautiful "

" At last a niece "

" A little princess "

It was nonstop compliments, hugs, greetings and love from just his aunts alone, we haven't even seen Duncan's parents or brothers yet. It was nice being welcomed and I can only imagine what the rest are like...

" MOM DAD HELP US!!!! " calls Duncan as one of his aunts currently kissing his cheeks multiple times along with Serenity holding onto him tightly.

I spot Melinda rushing to us "Alright everyone let them come through " she says coming to our rescue "Looks like you two were well received " she adds making me laugh a little "It was quite the welcome " I breathed as everyone was leaving.

" Hello Melinda " I greet catching my breath " Hello Courtney I'm so thrilled you're here and I apologize for the family " she explains hugging me "It's alright " I chuckle hugging her back.

" Hi Gamma " greets Serenity smiling as Duncan puts her down "Hello sweetie," says Melinda as Serenity walks up to hug her "Everyone is very excited," said Duncan recovering from the ambush we endured.

" I did tell you that everyone is excited to see you " Melinda explained before hugging Duncan " That's a good thing, " I said looking at him while hugging his mom back.

30 Minutes Later

After the family ambush, Duncan introduces me to the family in a more calm manner. I was already familiar with James, Lincoln, John and Lynn. I first met his uncles that couldn't stop teasing Duncan about how beautiful I was which only made us both blush.

Then his cousins were thrilled to see Duncan along with some of their kids that were mostly boys and a bit older than Serenity. We tried to encourage her to play with them but she wanted to be with either myself or Duncan, which was understandable since they were playing a bit rough.

And lastly, I was introduced to his aunts who were all gathered cooking and preparing things for dinner. They all just welcomed me and before I knew it Duncan was told to go join his uncles and cousins while I was pulled in to socialize.

They asked so many questions about myself, how I met Duncan when we fell in love. Then of course Serenity continued getting compliments and hugs from all her great aunts and aunts, they were all so loving and kept saying how wonderful and lucky Duncan is to have me.

Afterwards, I noticed Lynn slicing bread on the side along with her baby bump showing.

" Lynn long time no see," I said going up to her " I know where, have you been? " asks Lynn smiling at me "Busy with everything but you look good " I reply to her as she rubs her bump "Thank you not too long til Timothy arrives, " she says excitedly " it's a boy oh my goodness " I gush hearing the gender.

" Is your tummy okay? " asks Serenity curiously walking up to Lynn "Yes my tummy is fine there's a baby inside " she explains smiling at Serenity " A baby?" she says gently rubbing Lynn's stomach "That's right " I said watching how cute she was being " baby come out?" said Serenity making us laugh.

I get the feeling Serenity is going to be a great big sister, she shows so much love to others, that no doubt she would give that love to a newborn.

" Is there anything I can help with? " I asked seeing everyone do something while Melinda stirs something on the stove "Thank you dear the salad still needs to get done " she answers looking at the breakfast table "Perfect I'll get on it " I replied going over with Serenity beside me.

" Mommy I'm hungry," says Serenity grabbing my dress " Oh okay just a moment," I said about to go look for something, but then one of Duncan's aunts brings over a plate of cut-up fruit " Here you go little one," she says putting the plate by a chair " thank you," says Serenity picking up an apple piece.

" We always got one another," said Melinda joining me at the table "Thank you so much " I breath trying not to get emotional " Your family dear," she said putting an arm around me for a side hug before we made the salad.

Duncan's POV

2:30 PM

Even though I was having a great conversation with my uncles and cousins, I couldn't help but look back at the house every so often.

Courtney was with all my aunts and boy did that make me nervous, I just hope Mom hasn't shared with them about me proposing. I'm trying to figure out how I'm going to ask her.

" So Duncan when are you getting married? " asks Uncle Dani who was dads fourth brother " You found a good woman," says Uncle Neil dads second oldest brother.

They all nod their heads in agreement, Dad and my uncles all married young and knew that if they let the women they loved get away they would regret it.

Dad was giving me an amused kind of expression for the first time, I wasn't sure why but if possible I'll ask him.

" Alright all of you quit hounding my son when he's ready he'll ask her," he says which was now freaking me out.

What was going on?

I walk down the deck and watch my cousin's kids playing rough amongst them including doing dog piles, maybe it's good Serenity didn't play with them especially when the older ones were 12 - 15 years old.

" Glad to see you again Mohawk " greets Mac my oldest cousin "Yeah you too dillweed " I chuckle hearing my former nickname " So heard you did time? " he asks calmly "Yeah and it cost me a lot " I answered eyeing the ground.

" When I heard about it, I didn't want to believe it, Duncan...I thought after you came back from TDI you change " explains Mac sounding hurt.

Closing my eyes I take a deep breath before speaking " For a bit, I did it for myself " picturing how other family members reacted to the news "But also for Courtney too she means a lot to me " I added smiling.

Mac nods his head "That's good motivation " he says " I thought so too " I answer " I saw your little girl she's already loved by our dads, moms, aunts and uncles " says Mac smiling along with making me smile " oh trust me yeah I already saw the pile of gifts for her " I laugh.

" Daddy "

Turning around walking to me and Mac was Serenity with her toy in hand and smiling " What's up " I said giving her my attention "What are you doing? " she asks looking between myself and Mac " I'm talking with my cousin " I explain looking at him.

" Hello there you are really cute," says Mac only to make Serenity hide her face into my leg making us chuckle "Yeah she's shy," I said caressing her hair "All the more adorable " adds Mac before looking at his empty glass " I'm gonna get a refill, you too? " he asks as I look at my empty glass " yeah " I answer before walking.

" Can I play outside? " Serenity asks looking at the other's play "Okay but stay by the grandma's flowers " I instructed pointing to moms garden "Okay" she answers before walking to them before I go get another drink.

Serenity's POV

3:00 PM

After Daddy and his cousin went, I go to Gamma's flowers they are pretty.

" Okay, Duncan Deer we play here, " I said putting him on the grass " Look at Gamma's flowers, do you like them? " I ask him "They smell pretty " I add picking him up and letting him smell the flowers.

" Hi Serenity "

I look behind me and see Jamie and Kyle "Hi" I said "How are you? " asks Kyle holding a book " I'm good " I answer smiling " I brought my truck " said Jamie putting it on the ground.

We started playing together having fun but then I look at the other kids playing together on the grass " Who are they? " I ask looking at them, " my dad says they're our cousins " answers Kyle "They're mean and bigger than us," says Jamie moving his truck "Yeah Dad said to not go near them if we don't want to " he adds.

I nod and continue playing with Jamie and Kyle.

" Hey shouldn't you two be playing sports? " asks someone from behind us. When we look it's one of the bigger kids.

" We're okay," says Kyle at him " Whatever anyway this will do," he says grabbing Duncan Deer and running away " Give him back," I said running after him.

No one was allowed to play with Duncan Deer he was special to me.

" Hey guys it ain't no football but it'll do," he says to everyone "You dummy that ain't a ball," said another.

I get upset and run up to the guy who took my friend "Give him back " I said making the others laugh "Oh yeah you want him try to reach for it " he says holding him up high and I jump " Give my deer back " I said trying to grab him.

" Give it to her," said Jamie looking mad "Yeah it's hers," says Klye trying to reach it for me, as I try to hit him on the leg.

" Alright, Josh that's enough give it back to her," said an older kid standing by him.

I was about to cry "Fine here," he said giving me my toy " or not "Just then he threw Duncan Deer into the tree...

" Dude "

" You moron "

Everyone looks at my toy in the tree "Uh oh " says Jamie beside me but all I did was start crying then ran to the house...

" Daddy Mommy " I call running to look for them...

Normal POV

Everything for dinner was being prepared all that was left was the grilling.

The wine was being poured for most of the others except for Lynn who was drinking water or juice, Courtney was having a good time getting to know Duncan's relatives.

" A lawyer well done my dear," said Sophia Melinda's oldest sister " You will do great things" adds Leena Melinda's second oldest sister they already treating Courtney like a daughter.

Smiling brightly Courtney speaks " Thank you I've been doing my best and with my third year coming I'm getting closer to it ".

" Courtney always know you have people supporting you all the way," says Melinda before hugging her " Your so kind " breathed Courtney trying to hold her tears back.

The rest of Duncan's aunts were so loving and kind but every so often they asked if Courtney and Duncan will be getting married, only to make her nervous because she wasn't sure what to answer until hearing...

" Daddy Mommy "

Everyone turns their heads towards the door " Was that...? " asks Lynn concerned " Serenity " said Courtney putting her glass down then rushed outside, with Melinda following.

As soon as they got outside a few of Duncan's uncles were out on the grass talking to their kids.

Looking around Courtney sees Duncan holding Serenity crying, with Lincoln, John, Kyle and Jamie.

Rushing over "What happened? " Courtney asks Duncan trying to calm Serenity "Mommy" she cries reaching for her "Aw sweetie tell me what's going on? " asked Courtney now carrying Serenity.

" One of my cousins took her toy away to use as a football " explains Kyle making Courtney's eyes open "What" she exclaimed "Yeah and then he threw it up the tree " finished Jamie pointing at the tree where Serenity's favourite toy currently was stuck in.

" I wanna know which cousin did it," says Duncan looking very upset followed by Courtney starting to feel the same, who does that to a little girl?

" I warned those boys to be polite to the younger kids " breathes Melinda upset rubbing Serenity's back "Oh trust me they are in for it," says Duncan watching as someone starts climbing the tree.

Walking out of the group one of Duncan's uncles comes walking towards them with a teenager and a 13-year-old being grasped by his neck.

Once in front of them the uncle speaks "What do you have to say about this Josh? " but nothing was said " apologize immediately to your little cousin now " he adds very angry at his son.

Josh looks at them with a remorseful expression " I'm sorry baby cousin for taking your toy and throwing it in the tree " says Josh.

" That was not cool what you did," says Duncan crossing his arms " She's only 3 how would you feel if someone did that to you " he adds frowning more " Josh you were warned about being nice even with your younger cousins," said Melinda looking at her nephew.

" My sincerest apologies to you both and your daughter...Josh, you will stay inside with your mother now " orders his dad before taking him inside.

They all watch as he's taken inside "That kid I tell you " says the teenager "Now Mark he's your brother " says Melinda sounding stern " I know I'm in trouble too for not doing anything to stop him " explains Mark walking up Courtney.

" Hey Serenity I'm sorry for what my brother did " he apologizes "Aw did you hear that your cousins said sorry," says Courtney making Serenity look up from her mom's shoulder with tear stains.

Serenity looks at Mark who's smiling at her "Thank you " she says "Cool" replies Mark looking back to see the progress on retrieving the deer " Is he going to be okay? " Serenity asks " Is he hurt " she adds making the adults smile.

" Duncan Deer will be okay they will get him down," says Melinda caressing Serenity's face "Come let's go clean you up a bit " she adds seeing all the tear stains on her face "Good idea and let's drink some water," says Courtney as her and Melinda go inside.

8:00 PM

It took a few times but Serenity's toy was out of the tree thanks to Mark, aside from getting a bit dirty Serenity gave him hugs but Courtney made it a task to throw him in the washing machine when they get home.

Afterwards, dinner was served and enjoyed by everyone, there was lots of talking going on but it was well enjoyed including dessert. And as a punishment, both Josh and Mark were told to gather and wash dishes under supervision by their dad, while all aunts got to relax.

The day had been something, but everyone had a good time.

Duncan was outside on the patio taking a breather from everything, he was all too familiar with how exhausting their family get-together was and he currently felt the effects of it.

" Family they can be a lot," says James standing beside Duncan "Yup" replies Duncan glancing at his dad " So did this get-together have anything to do with Me? " he asks looking at James.

Duncan's POV

I stare at Dad and sigh heavily before turning his full attention to me " After you went to jail...your mother couldn't accept it " he speaks "Our families were checking in on us to make sure we were alright " he states speaking in a serious tone of voice.

" I must have been the hot topic and biggest disappointment to all of you while I was gone " I breathe picturing how things were "How bad was I talked about? " I ask bracing myself for whatever Dad was going to tell me "You probably must have said more than what you already told me " turning my head to look at Dad but instead I saw what I wasn't expecting to see.

Dad looked sad his head bent down while gripping the banister " Son...watching them take you away that day in the courtroom outside I was angry but inside all I felt was loss and pain " he explains himself while I stay quiet listening to him " it was also the worst day your mother and I ever had to endure neither of wanted that day to come ".

I never thought I would ever hear this directly from Dad I mean Mom told me her side of that day but she never told me his side.

" No matter what I said to you to straighten up so that you wouldn't get into bigger problems and start behaving you rebelled more, making it feel like I wasn't disciplining enough...its the hardest decision of being a parent " he explains " as for the family they only hoped for you to be safe and to return home soon " adds Dad smiling lightly.

I couldn't believe what I was hearing " Wow that's insane, why didn't Mom ever tell me all of this? " I asked staring at the house window.

" It's because I've been wanting to tell you myself but I never get a chance, we never could talk to one another unless without it turning into an argument " breathes Dad which was true since that's how it's been between us for as long as I could remember " your right we've only fought and had pretty heavy arguments mostly about the stupid shit I did or cops bringing me home" I replied having flashbacks of us only arguing.

Feeling a hand on my shoulder I face Dad again "It's not easy being a parent but you're a father as well so now you know " he said grinning "You're right it's not easy which is why I'll make sure Serenity doesn't walk the same path as me " I reply determined " be there for her no matter what " says Dad as I nod " before I forget to ask why are you scared to ask Courtney to marry you? " he asks this time making my eyes just about jump out of my head " how did you know? " I ask confused that he knew.

Rolling his eyes and looking at me with a straight expression " Duncan I know when something is holding my son back and you show it " he explains to me but he's right something is holding me back from asking and who better to ask about this than Dad.

" Dad what's holding me back from asking is...am I going to be enough for her? Courtney went through hell with her parents because I got her pregnant then caring for our baby alone, struggling, working a shitty job and balancing school...then to top it off she won't have her family " I explain feeling my breathing get slow " I want to make her life happy " I exhaled.

I've had that on my mind since I asked for Grandma's ring, as much as I want Courtney to accept my proposal I need to know if I'm going to be enough since cutting communication with her family especially when her dad made an unexpected visit at Serenity's school.

" I see...that is a question I can't answer that's something only you know the answer to," said Dad leaving me speechless "Maybe you've already made her happy but don't see it yet " he adds smiling "How did you know you were enough for mom? " I asked running a hand through my hair " I knew I was enough for her when I told her she completes me " he explained, " 28 years later she still does".

Maybe Dad has a point about not giving me an answer, it's possible I already knew I was enough and that I'm just worrying for nothing.

" I think I might understand...thanks Dad," I said smiling " your welcome and I'm glad we could finally talk " he replies smiling back at me "Maybe we've finally made peace, " I say "Perhaps we have " he answers back...

The door to the patio opens quickly "Here you are " says Mom standing at the door "What's going on? " I ask as we both look at her " Courtney was looking for you Serenity has fallen asleep " she explains.

Looking at the time on my phone I didn't realize how late it was especially when it's a school day tomorrow.

" I guess we better head out " I announce before walking into the house then make my way to the living room to find Courtney holding a sleeping Serenity on the couch " She's wiped out," said Courtney smoothing Serenity's back gently as she slept " it's been the day " I answer carefully picking up our sleeping angel from Courtney " I know " she replies standing up.

We say our farewells to the remaining family members left before we walk out the door along with Mom and Dad walking with us to the car.

" We're so glad you all came today," said Mom to us "Thank you for having us, I had a wonderful time meeting the family Melinda " replies Courtney only to get a hug from Mom " It was great seeing everyone after so long I'm glad we came," I said looking at mom and dad.

After saying goodbye we drove off so that we can put Serenity in bed.

" Well, your thoughts on my family get-together? " I asked driving "It was so much fun I enjoyed " answers Courtney in a happy tone "Glad to hear it babe " I replied smiling "You and Serenity were immediately loved by everyone and already part of the family " I add glancing at her.

When I looked at Courtney she was wiping her eyes "Hey what's wrong babe? " I asked concerned "It was just nice to be a part of a family that accepts and supports you...no matter what's happened in the past " she breathes as more tears fall.

I knew where this was coming from, her parents weren't exactly the supportive type when it came to us having a baby so young. And maybe not having them around was difficult for her to handle but this is why I'm hoping aside from myself being enough but my family will be there.

" Hey I know it's been hard without your parents but I want you to know my family is your family too," I said getting her attention as I slowed down at the red light " And we'll always be there for you and Serenity but most of all I hope I'm enough " I add looking at her.

Wiping her tears away Courtney smiles " Oh Duncan you have always been more than enough for me it's why I love you " she says before giving me a quick kiss on the lips but also I just got my question answered.

Seeing the light turn green " Thanks Princess " I say before driving again.

AN: this took a bit longer than I thought. But I'm glad to have been able to work on it. The update on my ankles is I'm walking a bit more which is good so I hope within a week or two I can start walking more without my crutches.