AN: I know another killjoy chapter

Chapter 27

Normal POV

Saturday

Yesterday's wake service had Sophia very emotional throughout the entire afternoon all the guests were giving her and Courtney condolences on the loss of Peter.

Many of his work colleagues and even his bosses attended, saying how it's never going to be the same with Peter around. He was responsible for bringing the companies up to where they are today. They also offered Sophia assistance if she ever needed anything.

It was a shame that his parents were unable to attend since they were too old to travel but they were assured he would be laid to rest respectfully.

To Duncan and Courtney's relief when they saw their friends arrive it brought them comfort. The majority of the guests were mostly colleagues and friends of Courtney's parents so seeing some familiar faces was nice.

Gwen and Trent with Louis, Bridgette and Geoff, DJ and Katie with Sadie, Alejandro and Heather with Miguel, Leshawna and Harold, then lastly Tyler and Lindsey with Millie and Mikey.

They were all staying at a hotel not too far away from the neighbourhood.

When they arrived they went and gave their condolences to Sophia but when she saw Alejandro she suddenly got very happy recognizing him from a series he was in which then got the attention of other ladies in the room.

The wake soon turned into an interesting turn of events which Laura had to take control of by telling everyone to calm down. That this was a service to remember her brother-in-law. So once handled everyone apologized. But also Alejandro had to behave.

Afterwards, they ate some of the catered food to nourish themselves.

8:00 AM

Courtney, Serenity and Duncan we're currently getting ready as well as Laura and Sophia

" I'm almost done sweetie, " says Courtney tying an elastic on Serenity's pigtail "Okay, " says Serenity staying still as her mom finished. She was dressed in a black dress party dress with white stockings and black shoes. When the braid was done, Courtney put a black headband on her.

" Okay honey your ready Aunt Laura should be downstairs making breakfast, " said Courtney smiling at her daughter "Okay Mommy, " said Serenity before running off.

Courtney looked herself over she wore a black long sleeve form-fitting dress that stopped over her knees, with black heels. She put her hair up in a bun also wearing diamond stud earrings.

Checking her makeup one last time she walks out of the bathroom and to her old bedroom " Duncan are you ready? " asked Courtney entering to see her husband putting on his white button shirt as well as black dress pants " Just about " he breathed working on the buttons.

Walking up towards the bed she searches for her small black purse "You look nice " says Duncan turning to look at Courtney while lifting his shirt collar before reaching for his tie "Thank you " she says watching him put the tie on "Here let me help you " said Courtney tying the tie.

Duncan stood still watching Courtney, she had been keeping a strong front since yesterday with everyone giving their condolences and hearing guests or colleagues share their stories of her dad. Also, countless toasts were done.

" Hey babe I know you're staying strong for today but remember it's okay to let it out, " says Duncan rubbing her arm just as she finished his tie.

" I know and thank you for caring " replied Courtney folding his shirt collar "You know I always will, " he said pressing her against him "We should get downstairs and join everyone for breakfast, " says Courtney grabbing her purse.

As Duncan puts on his black jacket to go with his suit "Hey I gotta ask you something " he says getting Courtney's attention "How does it feel being back where we conceived our daughter " teased Duncan grinning at her...

* ding * * dong *

Shaking her head at him Courtney closes her purse walking out of the room with Duncan close behind "Behave yourself " she answers " I will and have been " replied Duncan.

Courtney's POV

Thank goodness the doorbell rang, what was Duncan thinking asking me that?

Aunt Laura just got to the door with Serenity following behind her.

As me and Duncan got down the stairs the door opened to reveal Melinda, James, Lincoln and John along with Kyle and Jamie.

" Oh welcome come in " greets Laura opening the door more "Hello " greets Melinda as she and everyone walks in.

" Gamma Gampa " exclaims Serenity going up to them and getting hugs.

" Hi everyone " I greet as we walked up to them "Hello Courtney Duncan " greets James as he and Duncan's brothers come up to us "How are you doing? " asks Lincoln's side hugging me.

" I'm alright just wasn't expecting this so soon " I breathed "Also I appreciate you and John helping today " I add smiling at them both.

" Oh we have guests, " says Mom coming down the stairs dressed in a black skirt suit.

Once she got to the bottom Melinda approached her and then held moms hands " I'm so sorry for your loss may Peter rest peacefully " she says very kindly " Thank you " replied Mom before they hugged.

" Well then let's have a quick breakfast before we leave, " said Laura getting our attention which was a good idea since we had to be at the church early to check if everything was set, the programs and the flowers.

And before we leave the catering company will arrive to prepare and set up the food for the reception.

10:30 AM

Church

By the time we arrived at the church, some guests were already there including our friends. DJ and Tyler were a bit nervous about being near the casket but they said they weren't gonna chicken out and that they will do their best.

A few minutes later the hearse arrived with Dad. It was so unreal my dad was gone, I was never going to see him again or hear his voice. He'll never get to see me accomplish what I was working to but in some way, he'll see it.

The service was for 11 AM as more guests arrived myself, Mom, Duncan and Aunt Laura stood by the entrance receiving guests as well as more condolences.

Then once everyone was seated a few minutes before we finally went to the casket.

Mom was crying the second she saw it, thankfully me and Laura supported her as we walked up with Melinda and John accompanying.

Dad's casket was thankfully on a gurney with wheels which will be rolled slowly down the aisle. Duncan, Geoff, Lincoln and Tyler we're on the left while Alejandro, Trent, John and DJ we're on the right.

" Thank you for helping us today gentleman " breathes Laura looking at the guys "No problem, " says DJ quietly "It's very much appreciated by all of you, " I said smiling at them "Hey were glad to help and show support during this hard time " said Trent.

Mom then walked forward placing her hands on the casket, "My love...rest peacefully and know one day we'll be together again til then watch over us " she said before stepping back.

Looking at the casket tears start falling, kissing my hand I place my hand on the wood "Bye Daddy we'll miss you " I said joining Mom and Laura before walking into the service.

Duncan's POV

12:30 PM

The guys and I did well bringing the casket into the service, then once we set my father-in-law in place we took our seats.

Courtney held my hand tight the whole time, I knew she was hiding her feelings but for now, all I can do is be here for her.

I'll admit the service was nice from what the priest was saying, to the speech given by his best friend to the choir singing a few songs in between. Then surprisingly towards the end, his favourite song was played as a slideshow was played. It got me as I heard the words, who knew he had a soft spot?

Then when the service was over once again myself and the guys slowly took the casket back up the aisle and directly to the hearse where we loaded it before going to the cemetery.

Once we arrived all the guests waited around as we carried the casket over which we had on our shoulders.

Then from behind Courtney, her mom, aunt, and Serenity followed. Once we got to the burial site we carefully placed it down, I couldn't have been more thankful that we had no slip-ups or worse dropping it.

As the final words were said guests placed flowers on the surface before being lowered, Sophia was the first to sprinkle dirt followed by Courtney.

We stayed around for a bit longer before we went back to the house for the right reception.

1:00 PM

After talking to a couple of guests and seeing Courtney was with the ladies, myself and the guys took a moment to step outside into the backyard to get some air.

" Well we did it, " said Geoff looking at us "Yeah we helped the family, " said John before taking a sip of his wine "Who knew life is really valuable and should not be taken for granted let alone be wasted, " says Harold which he was not wrong on.

" So your father-in-law was quite the guy, " says Lincoln looking at me "Oh yeah he didn't like me that's obvious " I answer thinking of the few times I ever had to see him and unfortunately all of them were not so good.

" That's normal all fathers-in-law hate you at first because you stole their daughters " explains DJ only to make the others and myself laugh "True but mine hated me " I answer "Well on the bright side your mother-in-law likes you now, " said Alejandro smiling.

" Are you just saying that because we made peace or because she's a fan of yours? " asks Tyler smirking "Maybe both " answers Alejandro looking away.

Suddenly all the kids come running to the yard "Hey guys behave " calls Lincoln watching Kyle running "Be careful " says Trent watching Louis along with the rest of us watching.

I step forward watching them all chase each other around, just like how they were a few nights ago. They were all just full of life and energy, having fun and enjoying being kids.

" I can't wait to be a dad guys... it's gonna be quite the experience " says Geoff smiling " your gonna love it " says Trent "Yeah best win you could have in life " says Tyler giving a thumbs up.

After a while, we all went inside to grab something to eat but I spotted Courtney going upstairs. Just to be sure I quickly made my way to the stairs to make sure she was alright.

Once I got up I saw her go into her room, I walked quickly to catch up. I heard light crying from then I opened the door.

" Duncan? " she asks wiping her tears away and looking at me entering "Hey, " I said closing and locking the door behind me "Are you okay? " I asked walking up to her " I guess realization hit me that my dad is gone and that I'll never know if he ever genuinely cared for me, " said Courtney sitting on her bed.

Sighing heavily I had a feeling this was going to happen but it's true, that her dad never really made peace with Courtney. The last time we saw each other was in court when we won he didn't say much but looked mad.

Kneeling in front of her I hold her chin up so that she looks at me directly.

" Babe I know it bothers you that you and him didn't get a chance to reconcile things but just remember you did so much on your own, " I said getting her attention "You've come a long way and look at what you've accomplished Courtney...and if he didn't see that then he has no clue how incredible you are " I added this time Courtney was still for a bit.

Hopefully, she realized what I and everyone saw because what I said was real and not something I would just say if I didn't mean it.

" Thank you Duncan that means a lot and your right I shouldn't dwell on something, " says Courtney smiling lightly at me "You're welcome you truly are amazing " I replied kissing her cheek but then Courtney returned the favour and kissed me deeply on the lips along with leaning back on the bed bringing me down with her.

This could be either interesting or the hottest thing we were about to do.

3:00 PM

* Downstairs *

Serenity was wandering around the reception, people were still talking and enjoying the company.

Seeing her grandparents and great-aunt talking she went up to them. Tugging lightly her grandpa's hand he looks at her "Hello dear " he greets smiling "Hi Gampa " she says back to him but still keeps looking around the room "What's wrong dear? " asks Laura smiling at her great niece.

Turning back to face them "Where are Mommy and Daddy? " she asks curiously...

* Upstairs *

Wow, that was something.

I sighed heavily then turned to look beside me seeing Courtney also get her breathing back.

What started as a kiss evolved into a make-out session, leading to our clothes coming off to what possibly could have been the craziest sexual moment we've experienced.

" Well...that was awesome, " I said moving a piece of hair away from her face " I can't believe I did that to you, " says Courtney seeing her cheeks turn red, " I thought it was hot " I sighed bringing her closer.

" We should get back downstairs, " she said getting up from the mattress "Fine " I groaned getting up "On one condition " I add picking up my pants " I'm dreading to hear it " answered Courtney putting her bra on.

Smiling mischievously at her "You better ride me backwards again " I said winking " I'll think about it " she replies picking up the rest of her clothing, " though I gotta say very interesting occasion to do this at " I whisper getting my shirt on.

I just hope no one heard us, now that would be interesting.

Normal POV

Sunday

5:00 PM

The last day went quickly it was a small get-together to bid the final farewells.

Once everything was finished Sophia let Courtney know she was going to go with Laura to Manitoba for a week to clear her mind. She thought it would do her some good to go away.

And since they've barely spoken in the past 5 years that now would be the time.

Courtney thought it was a good idea for her mom to take some time for herself, that it would be the best thing to do.

When leaving Courtney let her mom know that she and Duncan are planning their wedding for April and that it mean a lot if she were there. Sophia gladly accepted. She was also invited to come wedding dress shopping in a couple of weeks.

Once they said their farewells to one another the couple left to go back home.

A Few Days Later

Tuesday

5:00 PM

Just arriving home from school Courtney walked into the living room seeing Serenity playing with her toys.

" Hi Mommy " she greeted smiling "Hi sweetie, did you have a good day? " asked Courtney putting her bag and books down.

Just then Duncan walked in hugging Courtney from behind "How was your day beautiful " he greets making her smile "It was good, my term paper impressed my professor " she answers "That's awesome, I ordered some dinner for us I'm just about to go pick it up " he said smiling " sounds good, what did you order? " Courtney asked.

Grabbing his keys and wallet " Greek food " answered Duncan "Yum I was just thinking of it today " replies Courtney excited while picking up the mail "Be back in 10 minutes " called Duncan leaving " okay " she answers hearing the door close Courtney's attention went back to looking through the mail.

It was mainly bills and junk but then one letter caught her attention, it was from her dad's attorney.

Raising an eyebrow she puts the other letters down and goes sits on the couch.

Taking a breath she carefully opens it to find two letters inside, one from the lawyer starting by giving condolences then explained her father made changes to his will a couple of years ago and that the following was to take effect.

First, an account with a good amount was set up for his grandchild so that college funds are not a concern for the future. Second Courtney received both her college and dowry funds combined to be more than enough to help in the future. Then lastly there was an investment account that would be split equally between her and Sophia.

Lastly, she was advised to contact him when she could.

" Oh Dad " cried Courtney as soon as she finished reading the lawyer's letter she pulled out the next one, turning out to be from her dad...

" Dear Courtney,

If your reading this letter then I've passed away. It's something I hope doesn't happen til I'm retired and know I've accomplished everything including yourself. I always had high expectations for you Courtney and you met them. But when you told your mother and me you were pregnant, I thought I failed at being a father.

I immediately took all my anger out on you, but thinking how my reputation would be ruined because of this.

Then finding out who the father was only made me more upset about how you have chosen him. During your pregnancy I noticed how lonely you were and how you missed your child's father, clearly, you both have more and would raise the child together. And finally, the day when we fought forcing you to leave with the baby, once again my anger made me lose you and Serenity.

When I first saw her I couldn't believe how beautiful she was, I only thought of you at that age but I couldn't get myself to carry her because I didn't want my anger to affect her, especially being so pure and innocent.

I sincerely apologize to you Courtney for being terrible. But also know I'm proud of you no matter what comes your way.

Be sure to raise your daughter well and if you come across Duncan tell him he better step up.

I love you, Courtney, never forget me.

Dad "

After reading the letter Courtney wiped the tears coming from her eyes, and she got the clarification needed.

" Mommy you okay? " asks Serenity standing beside Courtney "Yeah I'm okay sweetie, just relieved " she replies bringing in for a hug " Come on Daddy will be back soon with dinner let's go set the table " breathes Courtney getting up to set the table.

Even though she mourned for her dad, it brought Courtney comfort knowing there was closure.

AN: Another chapter is done. Getting close to finishing.