Chapter 21

Daniel messaged her throughout the workday. Which wasn't odd. Not at all. They would text each other almost regularly. Little cheer ups when they knew the other had a particular hard or exhausting day in front of them. But most of the times, it's a sweet 'I love you' or the most recent 'I'm pathetic, cause I already miss you'. Being with Daniel showed Betty what was missing in all her other relationships. And why it never would've worked out with them. Not only was he the sweetest and most considerate guy she ever met. But he was so in love with her. He keeps joking that it's ridiculous how much he loves her. That he feels like only half a man, because he needs her so much in his life. Says it's a need for him to be close to her. It's where he belongs. He would feel like only one half of a person. That she completes him in a way no one ever had or could. It all sounds beyond sweet. And she knows that he really feels that way. She can see it in his eyes and feels it, whenever he's touching her. And he's touching her a lot. So much she has a hard time focusing whenever they're together. She absolutely loves it. It makes her feel special, loved and safe in a way she never had in a relationship. And the most amazing thing about it is, that she feels exactly the same way about him.

But the messages today were different. A little cry for help so to speak. Becks was back in town. And he's currently occupying Daniel's office. Wanting to party like old times. While Daniel want nothing more then to go home and spent a relaxing evening with Betty. Curled up on their couch. Or in their bed. And he doesn't know how to say it. Cause he doesn't want to hurt his friends feelings. But he's just not that guy anymore. He told him before. But apparently his friend didn't listen to him. So he thought maybe his gorgeous feisty fiancée could come to his rescue. Which she does. God, she looks incredible. Wait, did she change? Into the dress from their 'first public date'?

He can see her make pleasant conversation with Sarah, while slipping out of her coat. And the way the dress accentuates all of her curves..., yeah, he really loves Christina and her obsession with showing off Betty's body. Especially one of her best features. At least Christina and Daniel think so. Why she ever hid it in the first place is beyond him. She has no reason to. And he can't focus on anything, but the way she leans over Sarah's desk to show her something on her monitor. Oh, how much he would love to trade places with Sarah right now. He would cup her chin and pull her glorious smiling face closer. The anticipation of her lips finally meeting his nearly to overwhelming. How soft they feel on his. How every time they connect a little shiver runs down his spine. And that little spark between them, that seems to ignite his whole body for only her.

The way her hair falls into her face. It's luscious and sinful. And it screams for his hand to softly tug it back behind her ear. Ever since he said he likes it curly better, she wears it like that more often and skips on straightening it. And today she kept her curls. He thinks he can already smell her. Can taste her on his tongue. The mix of her fruity shampoo, coconut body lotion and sweet perfume. His heart already speeding up and missing a few beats. She's not even close to him. But the effect she has on his mind and body is so strong. It's maddening. Sometimes he wishes he would get used to it. Because he feels like a fool to be so in love and loose his head around her. But then the feeling is the most exhilarating and glorious he ever felt, and he never wants to get used to it at all.

'Hey, earth to Danny. You ok, buddy? I'm talking to you', Becks stands in front of his desk, flicking his fingers in his face. He must've zoned out for a bit. Thank god he's not drooling.

'Sorry, what did you say? I was thinking about something', Daniel shakes his head. Tries to concentrate on his friend and not his stunning fiancée.

'I asked if you made up your mind on where to go tonight', Becks looks excited. He really wants to do that. Party with his old pal in sin.

'I hope the answer's going to be: 'Home to you, babe', and there she is. Standing in the doorway to his office. Her hands on her hips, smile seductive, her whole body screaming feisty Latina-attitude.

'Well, hello there beautiful. Who are you and what do you have to do with him?', Becks is laying it on a little bit to thick. Even Daniel thinks so. And it's sort of embarrassing. Because now he knows how he must've looked like. It really is a miracle Betty and he ever got this far. The horndog she witnessed was a real mess, but here she stands. The gorgeous and genius woman she is. Engaged to him and already pregnant with their baby.

'Nice to know you haven't changed Becks. I guess, it's good to see you again', she slowly makes her way over to his desk, disregards her coat and purse on one of the chairs by the chaise. It's all very sensual. The way she walks with a little twist in her hips. How she plops down on his lap in almost slow motion. It all feels a little like a pissing contest. And if it comes to him, she would definitely win. Every. Single. Time. And he can't really hold it against her. He literally begged her for her help. Knowing well enough that she would scratch all her head-turning and whistling confidence together and unleash it on him and Becks. Turning her head around to him, her smile more loving now. 'Hey'

'Hey you', his arms fold around her on autopilot. It's where they belong. And when her hand finally lays snuck in his neck and softly grasps his hair, he pulls her as close as possible. Basking in the passionate way she kisses him just then. It's all a huge turn on. Really. Though she doesn't have anything to prove. Not to him. But it's nice to see that she thinks he's worth fighting for. At least enough to get the friend-approval. Even though Becks' opinion doesn't really matter. Not when it comes to her.

'Huh? Again? Do we know each other? I think I would remember someone as hot as you', Becks plopped down in one of the chairs. His dumbfounded look is the best Daniel saw all day. He was messing with his head all day. Kept bugging him about going out, that he should ditch his lame office job. So yeah, he can enjoy this immensely.

'Becks, you remember Betty?', and Daniel can't help the proud and loving look on his face. He knows that he probably looks like a lovesick puppy. But who cares.

'Betty?', and he thinks about it. So hard, Becks thinks they can probably hear the gears moving in his head. Examining her face and parts of her body that he can make out, doesn't help either. He would swear that he never saw that woman in his life before. He goes through all the hot Latinas he knows. But no one with that name comes to mind. Well no one, but..., no, that can't be. 'Wait, Betty? As in Dannys old frumpy looking assistant Betty?'

'Becks', Daniel grumbles out, threatens him with a single word. And Betty feels amazingly safe and giddy. Melts into his body a little further. Lays her head on his shoulder.

'Woah, calm down, I was just stating, not meaning or trying to hurt. But wow, Betty, long time no see. I guess time has really treated you well. I mean look at you. You're hot', Becks says still surprised.

'Thank you, I guess', Betty's not sure if she should feel flattered or offended. For now she's settling on flattered.

'Yeah, so you two, huh? Working together so close and her getting all sexy finally made you hot for each other? So your messing around the office a bit? That's hot', Beck's seductive purr doesn't really hit the right tone. And she feels Daniel tense up by his implications.

'We're not messing around, Becks. We're getting married next month. Didn't you get your invitation?', Daniel pushes out through gritted teeth.

'Oh, you mean that folded sheet of paper, that told me that my best friend gets married without bothering to tell me in person? Yeah, I got that one. I thought our friendship meant more to you. But I guess I was wrong', Becks starts ranting. His whole demeanour took a 180 degree turn.

'Hold up, your the one jet setting from place to place. I never know when exactly you're staying where. How do you expect me to keep up with you, when your not able to stay in one place? It's not like your sending me your travel plan. And when your in town for a day or two, all you want to do is partying. Which is not my scene anymore. I told you that I'm changed. Tried to talk with you. But all you had in mind was drinking your brain into obliviousness and shagging the next dumb model you could find', Daniel's pacing behind his desk. And Betty is a silent observer to a conversation that was probably overdo. But it still feels weird to be in the middle of it. Maybe she should give them some space. Leave them be for tonight. Wait, til Daniel comes home.

'Don't put this all on me. This goes both ways. Yeah, so you told me your changed. Did you ever consider that maybe I couldn't believe it? You're like me, Danny. Men like us don't change. Not like this, out of the blue. It doesn't make any sense. And it doesn't explain why you haven't been in touch', Becks paces along the other side of his desk.

'But that's just it. I didn't just change like that. And out of the blue. Over the last four years I changed because of Betty. I slowly became my own person. Cut myself free from my fathers expectations and finally found who I really am and what I want in my life. You weren't around for that change. So yeah, for you it must feel like it just happened out of the blue. But it didn't. Betty was there the whole way. Four years of realizing that I finally had to get my shit together and that I can't relay on my last name. Where were you for that, friend? It's not like you tried to keep in touch yourself', Daniel spat back.

'Uuh, Danny, you're so clever. Using my Job against me. It's not my fault I have to travel a lot. That's what a good photographer has to do. But you know what? Your right, maybe I wasn't there for your change. But what about you? You weren't really world's greatest friend either. Sitting here with Betty, not even bothering to call or text. Where were you, best friend? And don't think I didn't realize that you just called me a friend. I get it. She's your best friend now?', Becks calls out, an accusing glare thrown in Betty's direction.

'Keep Betty out of this. This is not her fault. She was there for me, when no one else was. Not my own family and not my supposed-to-be best friend. So yeah, over the years she became my best friend. And now she's so much more then just that. She's more then I ever hoped I would find. And isn't that what you want? Your wife being your best friend? It doesn't mean that I don't want your friendship. Or that I don't want or need you around. I still want you in my life, I just don't want to go partying all the time. At least not like old times. Why do you have such a big problem with that? Don't you want that? A wife, kids, a family to come home to?', Daniel seems desperate for Becks to understand him.

'A family? Hell no. A hot wife? Yeah, sure. If it's the right woman. And looks somewhat like Betty?'

'BECKS?!', Daniels growl almost booms through his office. His whole body tense. He looks like he's ready to pounce on him.

'Calm down, I'm only joking. God, what did you do to him? He wasn't like that three years ago. He would've gladly shared you with me. But ok, I get it. I guess now that I see you in person I can see that you really have changed. It's more believable witnessing this lovesick puppy first hand. And you just kept working the whole day. How did you do that? I don't get it. But fair enough. You chose a different lifestyle. But that doesn't mean that we can't be friends and hang out once in a while. When I'm in town. And if this is what you want and what makes you happy, who am I to judge? I'm happy for you. I can definitely play hot groomsmen', Becks says mischievously, winking at Betty and walking over to Daniel half way.

'And behave. That's what you always keep forgetting', Daniel makes his way over to him. They look at each other a few seconds before smiling and engulfing each other in a quick hug.

'Wow, that was so beautiful. What you just did here. Being so honest and open and emotional with each other. So accepting. I'm so proud of you', Betty sits in Daniel's chair, hands clutched and pressed to her heart, crying like a little child. Handkerchief already tugged out of Daniel's disregarded suit jacket.

'Babe', Daniel shakes his head. The hormones are messing with her. They really kicked in three weeks ago, after she planned everything with his mom. No matter what it was, she was either crying because she was happy. Or something was sad. Or she feels distraught about something or sometimes without a reason at all. It's maddening.

'I'm sorry, I can't help it. This was beautiful, okay', she says determined.

'Of course it was'

'Are you nuts? What are you talking about?', Daniel gives him a hinting glare, shakes his head slightly. Hopes that Betty doesn't see it or he's in for a treat.

'I'm emotional and hormonal. And maybe I'm a little bit in over my head. But I am not nuts. I'm not my sister. And you Mister, stop shaking your head and trying to help him out. I'm not a fire-puking monster. If he can dare to speak to me like that, then he can for sure handle my response', and now they don't even have to try to hide what's going on. She literally spilled it out for Becks. Denying it, would be ridiculous. If there was one time in his life where he wished for his longtime friend to be dense. It would be right now.

'Hormonal? Are you? Wait, wife, kids, family? You're already reproducing, aren't you?'

'Shut up, no one knows. We don't want anyone to know after we're married. Papi and Claire are the only ones. Well, and Christina. Cause she has to deal with this', Betty whispers, her hands making a motion over her middle section.

'Wow, you two work fast, but Congratulations, I guess. Like I said, not my style of living. But if it's what you want, I'm happy for you. And hey, Danny, I've got to admit, she's really hot when she's angry'

They spend the evening together. Becks came home with them to have dinner. And they could finally catch up. Really catch up. So much happened in the last three years that they had no idea about. And Betty had to admit that Becks was not as bad of a person she always thought he was. Though she had to admit, that he was a work of art. A real messy one. That she really doesn't want to get involved with. It's ok for a party here and there, but that's going to be it. She will tolerate him for Daniel's sake.

And sitting on the couch in Daniel's arm, she listens to them talking. Listens to Daniel telling him about her accident and everything after that. Explaining to him how they became 'Detty'. And hearing it through his eyes is endearing. And it makes her love him even more. So she settles back against his warm side and lets herself be soothed by his deep warm voice flowing over her and his familiar scent slowly lulling her in.

'I really think we're having a boy, you know?'

'What? Since when? Aren't you the one who keeps saying that it's a fifty-fifty chance? That I'm jinxing our chances of having a girl?', he's amused by her silly mood tonight. He's already sitting in bed, going over the book one final time. MODEs issue is going to the printer tomorrow and he wants to make sure everything's perfect.

The whole day was really stressful for her. First work was horrible. Though she isn't bothered by the whole morning sickness anymore, thank god. But apparently, they had a lot of stress finalizing all the articles. And she got a last minute real good insight to her article that she wanted to include. And because of her hormones being so weird she was stressed out even more. But when they met up after work for a quick dinner, she was so happy to see him that she was literally bouncing up and down.

And the fact that they had their cake tasting today, made her insanely giddy. They had to delay it to two weeks before the wedding, because of the morning sickness. But the bakery was very understanding, had already Betty's vision for the cake and said that they could even work with a shorter timeframe. The flavour is just a formality to them.

And tonight when they were getting ready for bed she was in a silly funny mood. Having another point checked off on her list apparently does that to her.

'I don't know about that. It doesn't really work like that, you know?', she throws a look around the doorframe, toothbrush still hanging out of her mouth. That explains the muffled speaking.

'Yeah, that's what I tried to explain to you for the last eight weeks, Babe. You remember? But please enlighten me. Why do you think we're having a boy?', he closes the book and gives her all his attention. This is going to be good. He's sure. He loves moments like this. They are so normal and funny. So full of love. He never had that in his life. A normal family. And with Betty you never know what goes on in that genius head of hers.

'Ok, hear me out. I know it was just a fever dream, but maybe it means something. Maybe it was less dream and more vision of our future. I know you don't believe in those things, but I sort of had this before. When I was in Mexico', he can hear her spit out and rinse her mouth. Her teeth care routine is insane. But he guesses that's what braces do for you. She's probably flossing now.

'You're right, I don't believe in those things. And I kept saying it all the time, just to mess with you. But it's also a known fact, that the Meade men all had boys. No daughters. Alexis never really stood a chance. She was bound to have a penis', and another rinse with mouthwash and she should be at the door in 3 - 2 - 1...

'Ok, could we please not talk about your sisters penis? It makes me feel icky', her scrunched up nose makes him chuckle for a second. And he finally remembers to put the book down.

'Deal', he nods real quick and holds out his arms to her. Her big silly smile his only warning, before she runs over to their bed and leaps into them.

'Ok, so you don't believe in the whole vision thing. But in your 'Meade men can only have boys' story?', her perfectly plucked eyebrow almost hit her hairline. She snuggles down into his comforter-clad body while he snakes his arms around her waist and pulls her as close as possible. Placing a quick kiss on her forehead, smoothing down the wrinkles.

'Yeah, so maybe not the most convincing story. But I was just stating a fact', he nuzzles her neck, makes her giggle uncontrollably, while his hands gently draw little circles over her slightly swollen stomach. Anyone else would think she may have gained some weight or is bloated. But this week she 'popped'. She was so excited when it happened. She wanted to take a shower while he prepared breakfast for them. When all of a sudden she came running downstairs, shouting like a maniac for him to stop whatever he was doing. She had something to show him. And there she stood in all her naked glory. Yeah, that was an amazing morning. They had to multitask after that little show of hers. And breakfast became very irrelevant.

'Ok, then how do you explain that I'm already showing?'

'He or she is a big baby. Like all the Meades are'

'Ok, first of all 'Shut up'. Second, never say that to your baby-momma, she's going to give you hell for it. And third, could you please just humour me? I really think we're having a boy. Call it a mothers intuition', she wiggled around to look him in the eyes.

'Alright', and then he tries in his most convincing and probably a little too over-excited voice, 'Babe, you really think we're having a boy? That's amazing'

'It's a good thing you never tried acting. You're so bad at it', her rolling eyes and shaking head makes him chuckle. Which apparently makes her more angry at him. So she carefully climbs over to the other side of the bed and under the comforter. It's a good thing she can't stay mad at him for too long. But just in case.

'I'm sorry. It's just, I don't care what it's going to be. I only care that he or she and you will be safe and healthy during it all. Is that so bad of me?', he's so freaking sexy when he cares about her and their baby so much.

'Stop it, I want to be mad for a few seconds and your making it hard for me', she pouts, arms crossed over her chest.

'Sorry?'

'You should be. You're turning all caring fiancé and daddy on me and I don't know how to think straight anymore. So stop it. Be mean, be reckless'

'With you? Never', and the look in his stormy-cobalt-blue-eyes make her weak in the knees.

'Oh, screw it', she darts across the bed and throws herself in his arms again. 'I don't care. You're right. Healthy is all that matters'

And pulling him down to her into their pillows, she makes sure to show him just how much she loves him too.

'I'm so sorry you won't let me help you, Baby', Betty sits on the couch, curled up with a bowl of popcorn, watching Daniel struggle with their Christmas tree.

'I know for a fact, that you're not sorry', Daniel presses out between laboured breaths. Who would've thought that putting up a Christmas tree was such a struggle? Like it was fighting back. Maybe he should've asked Bobby for help, just how Betty suggested. But it's to late now. And he can do it on his own.

'Are you sure that you don't want me to call Bobby? I'm sure he would come over real quick'

'You don't think I can do it on my own, do you?', his shocked slightly sweaty face was masked by at least a dozen branches. This godawful thing was so huge.

'What? No, I do believe you can do it. I just thought it would be easier and quicker if someone would actually help you. And seeing that you won't let me do anything...'

'Betty, you're not going to help me lift this monstrous thing. You're crazy'

'I'm pretty sure it would be fine, but alright. We'll stay put. Just don't complain afterwards', she's munching on a few popcorns, rubbing her little bump.

'Hey, isn't the popcorn for the garlands?', he finally has the tree in the stand, only needs to lift it up to straighten it out and..., shit, 'Betty..., I need your help. You need to fasten the tree'

'I know it's for the garlands, but we got hungry', she's already on the ground, somewhere between the branches, looking for the little handle to fasten the tree. And the little clicking noise is heaven to his already-kind-of sticky ears. These fir needles are so messy. 'Ok, I think we're good to go'

Crawling back a few feet, she looks expectantly at Daniel. He lets go of the tree and steps away as well. And they've done it. Their first Christmas tree. And they did it all on their own. Holding his hands out for her, he helps her up, gathers her in his arms for a few seconds.

'Our first Christmas tree', she gives him her most brilliant smile before kissing him soundly on the mouth and darting back to the couch, getting all the supplies ready. They bought a few ornaments. But she wants to make a few herself. Was reminiscing in the store about how amazing it would be if they could add every year a few new ones. Ones they made themselves. As a real family. And when she's cute like that, he can't really argue with her. 'Are you coming?'

'Give me a second, so what are we doing? Is there a plan?', he gets a wet towel to clean the sticky stuff off of his face, ears and hands real quick, before plopping down on the couch next to her.

'Yes, to have fun with it', she holds up glue, glitter and the little plane ornaments and all in all really tries to sell it to him. His little painful smile goes totally unnoticed, while she prepares everything. The deep sigh thankfully never hitting her ears. The cheerful Christmas music playing in the background astonishingly distracting her enough.

'I won't have fun with it, I hate sticky fingers', the sideways glance she throws his way, told him that she thinks she knows better. 'That's a different kind of sticky. I obviously don't mind that'

'Uh huh, yeah, obviously', his rosé-coloured blush is endearing. Since when is he shy about this?

'Ok, stop it. I didn't hear you complain so far'

'Because I don't'

'Stop looking at me like that. Lets go back to the ornaments, please? Otherwise we're not getting anything else done today'

'Alright, your wish is my command'

And they did. She showed him how to make an ornament in excruciating detail. And they managed to make at least twenty of their own. Simple glitter ornaments. At least his are simple. Betty's..., well they're a little bit more detailed. She wrote Happy Christmas on a few of them, draw cute little snowflakes, a snowman and a few crooked Santas. Daniel thinks the Santas look more like a bunch of drunk and high-like-a-kite old men. She only slapped him on the shoulder and gave him a scolding look for that comment. One she made as a reminder of their first Christmas together. They are cute. And will look great in combination with the ones they've bought. When Daniel occupied himself with the popcorn and cranberry garland, Betty began putting on the lights on the tree and giving every ornament a well thought through special place. Leaving the self made ornaments on the table to dry a little longer.

'What do you say? You like it?'

'I love it, help me with the garland?'

'Sure', they wrap the garland around the tree and voilà, their tree is ready. 'It's already perfect. Now imagine how great it will look, when our self made ornaments will join the others'

'Yeah, it's going to be absolutely perfect', he wraps his arm around her waist and pulls her into his side. She sighs into his chest, buries her head there for a second before standing straight again and clapping in her hands. She means business again. So much for getting cozy.

'Ok, let's clean up, I think you wanted to show me how much you love a different kind of stickiness', the mischievous glint in her eyes as brilliant as her smile, slowly backing away from him.

'Or we could clean up later and get to the most amazing kind of stickiness right away', pulling her back to him by her shirt, her cute giggle and rosé blush make his heart skip one or two quick beats.

'Or we could clean up now and really take our time. Bask in the most incredible and exhilarating kind of stickiness', her hands glide over his arms and into his neck. Pulling him down for a passionate kiss. She can be so convincing if she wants to.

'Mmmh, you've got yourself a deal, Ms-still-Suarez-but-can't-be-soon-enough-Mrs-Meade'