Chapter 22
'I can't believe you did this', Betty's furious. He absolutely blew it. And he sits here like it's no big deal. Like it's ok. Well, guess what sucker. It's not.
'Babe, you make a bigger deal out of this as it really is', her head whips around. And if looks could kill? Yeah, he would be dead. Ten times over. Maybe he should contemplate hiding the knives.
'Don't 'Babe' me right now. I'm really mad. I'm not joking. And your puppy dog look won't be able to fix this. And how can you say that I'm blowing this out of proportion?'
'Because it's not a big deal. So now they know, so what? It doesn't change anything, does it?'
'I don't care about them. But you know what I do care about? Our agreement. We said we wait til after the wedding. YOU', she's pointing at him accusingly, 'YOU said you don't want them to know. Because you don't want them to think that that's the reason we get married. The only reason you would marry me', Betty calls out. Daniel's sitting on their couch, nervously adjusting his seat, while watching his hopefully still-fiancée pace from one side of the room to the other. And on one hand, he really thinks she's overreacting. No one will care. Ok, that's not true. They will care, but they will be happy for them. And yeah, ok, on the other hand, he did blow it. It was his idea to keep it quiet in the first place. Not hers. And now he just stupidly slipped up. In front of Byron of all people. He was just so happy. He couldn't help it.
'I don't even know what to say to you', her desperate look makes his heart quench in the worst way. She really hates this. So as invalid he might think her worries are, he messed up. And he can already see himself begging for forgiveness at the end of this discussion. 'Our families found out through TMZ, Daniel. You know how religiously Justin watches this show. Which means that Hilda and Bobby will know as well. And then Hilda will call Papi and text Alexis and Amanda. And I think you get the gist of it. That's not how I wanted for them to find out. It's bad enough that we kept it from them, but now we don't even have the decency to tell them in person. That's not considerate or sensible. This is a disaster'
'I get that it's not ideal, ok?'
'Not Ideal?', her screech has him flinch away and wiggle at his ears for a second to get rid of the ringing. The volume she's at is simply astounding.
'Yes, it's not ideal. But it just popped out. We were just talking, you know? About MODE, MEADE and us...'
'Then how do you explain this?', she turns around and points on the TV screen. TMZs latest News showing a picture of them with a fat, big and bold headline 'Detty's getting some' and a sketched light-blue and pink baby stroller cut into the picture. It's cute. Yes, she has to give Byron that. But it's not ideal? Is Daniel kidding her?
'I swear, we just talked about the wedding. And everything was relaxed and I felt at ease. So when he asked me what else is new, I just... - ...smiled. So he was like, what's going on? What's that smile about? And I just told him, how happy I am about getting married to you. And how much I love you and our baby. That I can't wait til we're a real family. And when he just sat there, shocked, I realized what I did. And when I tried to tell him to keep it out of the media, he just smiled, congratulated me and went on his way', to be fair, Daniel does look pretty distraught about it. He never wanted for this to happen. It was an accident. And as much as she hates this, she can't really hold it against him. She accidentally slipped in front of Claire and Becks too. Though that didn't put it on national television. And it's not like it makes a huge difference. The News would've gotten out probably early January. Which is only about three and a half weeks away. And she can't really blame him. She almost slipped up in front of a tone of people as well. So she takes a few calming breaths and forgives him easily.
'I'm sorry I'm a little irrational right now. The hormones make this really hard for me. I know that it's not as bad as I made it out to be. It's just...', taking a deep breath, she sorts her thoughts and puts everything in perspective. 'Ok look, I'm not mad about telling the media. Promise. I don't care what they think about us. What's important is us and that we're ok and happy. It's more the 'Oh-shit-this-is-how-our-families-find-out-thing' that has me in a twist', she slowly makes her way over to the couch and sits down in his lap. His arms lock around her waist and pull her as close into his body as he could. ''Not ideal' doesn't even begin to cover what just happened'
'I know and believe me I'm really sorry about it. I promise you, I will deal with them. Especially Hilda. I know she's going to kill me. I just hope that I can convince her to wait til after our wedding. That way you and our baby are at least provided for', her little giggle into his shoulder is adorable and lightens his sullen mood effectively. She snakes her arms around his neck and pulls his face closer to hers. Kissing him as passionately as she could. Her hands softly raking through his hair.
'Let me make a few things clear. First - you're not going to die. If Hilda wants to kill you, she has to go through me first. And Mama-Bear is going to protect you. Second - the idea of having it out in the open is growing on me. It's kind of nice not having to watch my back all the time. Making sure I don't slip up, you know. I can just be happily pregnant and myself. And third - you do realize that this is our first kind of fight as a couple?', biting her lip she lets her hands travel appreciatively over his shoulders and biceps.
'Thank you, I feel so much safer now. And I know what you mean. Having it said out loud, I felt like a burden was taken from me. And yeah, I guess it is our first argument as a couple. And might I add how wonderful we just handled it? That's good. We should be proud of ourselves', his lopsided grin makes her weak in the knees and lets her heart skip a beat. And boy, the way he checks her out from head to toe. Even though she's sitting on his lap right now? She feels giddy and is in a matter of seconds beyond turned on.
'Yeah, we should be so proud. And don't you think that this screams for a reward?', his stomach does a few somersaults, her mischievous smile so brilliant. Her hands slowly exploring his upper body while inching closer to the hem of his shirt.
'Definitely, aren't you suppose to reward good behaviour?', his hands glide up and down her back, before dropping down to her butt and lifting her up. Helping her to straddle him.
'Mmmh, your right, we should definitely do that. Do you have anything in mind?', her hands under his shirt are softly hiking it up, and taking it off. Attacking his neck with hot, wet, lingering kisses.
'I'm sure you already have something in your mind. I will just follow your directions', his voice is breathy. He's already panting. God, what an effect she has on him. It's absolutely incredible. And he doesn't love anything more then when she's bossy. Especially in bed. Or the couch, table, barstool, rug...
It doesn't matter. She knows what she wants, takes him how she wants him. And he feels absolutely no shame in admitting how fast he gets off when she's like that. He isn't able to hold out, at all. And that's ok, because she has him so hot for her, that he could literally go on and on and on...
For hours...
Shrugging out of her cardigan, his hands slip under her top. Her small smile promises absolute heaven. And holding her arms up, she wants him to finally peel her out of her yoga top.
'God, you're so beautiful', letting his hand glide over her soft skin, he cups her little baby bump, draws little circles with his thumb.
'Alright, babe, less talking, more rewarding', and she completely takes him by surprise, when she starts to kiss and nibble her way down his body. Slipping off of his lap and kneeling between his legs, she plays with the waistband of his sweats. Looks up to him under her lashes and bites her lip. They haven't even really made out yet. But boy he's already so close.
'God, babe, I thought maybe I should beg for your forgiveness...', reaching up, one of her hands clap over his mouth, while the other is already slipping into his sweatpants.
'Shhhh..., give me a few minutes for a proper apology for flying off the handles and then I'm all yours. And you can beg as much as you want to. Do whatever you want to do to me. But know, that you're already forgiven. And that right now, I just really want to taste you', his head falls back against the couch. Eyes closed, hands clenched into fists.
The public went crazy. When the News of a new Meade heir got out, they couldn't be happier. The Meade family finally saw the light. The path filled with dreadful scandals lays behind them. And in front of them a road packed with wonderful events. First the love-filled wedding of the year their still waiting for, the MODE Wedding issue can't come soon enough next year. And now a little bundle of joy. Oh, they really couldn't be happier for the young couple.
And Betty and Daniel were overjoyed and happy about all the blessings they received via cards and letters. But they also know that there are a bunch of people who are not so happy with them right now. And they are all at their house. Hilda and Alexis called in a family meeting. They want to deal with this thing before the wedding takes place in two days.
Bobby, Adam and DJ didn't really care. No, they were very understanding and kept their mouths shut through the whole discussion. They were standing in the kitchen, too busy munching on the snacks Betty put out. Tyler and Amanda couldn't be mad as well. Amanda simply said 'It's not my figure you're ruining. So yeah, we're cool'. They were together with Papi and Claire sitting on the barstools at the kitchen island. Watching the funny scene unfold in front of them. Because Alexis, Hilda and Justin do care and are pretty mad.
A very amused Christina sits on the ground taking it all in, while sipping on one of Daniel's extremely expensive scotches.
Betty and Daniel sit on their couch, looking sheepishly at each other or on their feet. Alexis and Hilda pacing while Justin sits in front of them on the table, looking at them with attitude and annoyance.
'I can't believe that we found out like that. That is unacceptable' Alexis calls out.
'Yeah, what is your problem? When did you want to tell us anyway?', Hilda quips in. When Betty wants to answer her sisters questions, she got beaten by Alexis.
'What were you even thinking? Oh, let me guess, Danny, you weren't thinking at all', Alexis says fuming.
'Obviously UD has his mind wrapped around my aunt. This is a disaster. I expected better from you AB. The only thing I'm taking comfort in, is the fact that you are at least wearing ivory', Justin is flicking some invisible dirt from his designer pants, looks at his perfectly manicured nails for a second before throwing a scolding look at both of them.
'You haven't told him yet?', Claire's warm hand lays down on Betty's shoulder. A small gesture that shows how well she already knows Betty's crazy family. And especially Justin. Cause this is big. Ever since they announced their engagement, he made plans. Always told her how everything should look like. What are the INs and OUTs for this years weddings. As if she would actually care about these things.
'What?! You haven't told me what?'
'I may have forgotten? On purpose?', Betty wanted to talk to him, really. It just never was the right time. Or Daniel was always there. And she simply couldn't. And it was so much easier that way. He is just so invested. Which is beautiful. She loves that he is so excited for them.
'WHAT?! AB, you are wearing ivory, aren't you?'
'No, she's not! And we are not going to elaborate on that while her fiancé is sitting right next to her', Christina shoots back in her Scottish manner. God, how Betty loves that woman.
'What? My Aunt is going to be a classic fashionable bride. Don't mess with that. I have a vision here', he gestures shocked.
'And your aunt is telling you to shut up, she has a vision of her own', Hilda cuts in.
Justin's head whips around to Betty. Looks at her. Takes her in from gorgeous face to slightly swollen stomach to still thin calves. She looks happy. Under the worried wrinkles on her forehead and the scrunched up nose, she's happy. The happiest she's ever been. And that's all because of Daniel and their now baby. They never thought that this day would come. His aunt was always so emancipated. She always wanted more, and he admired her for it. But seeing the little rose blush on her cheeks when Daniel smiles at her or when he's simply close to her. How she seems to melt into his body whenever their close? It's cute and she deserves this, more then anyone else. And he is happy for her. No matter what.
'Okay, I will stay out of it. I will not like it. But if you want it and it makes you happy, I will actually try to make a good face to a tragic faux pas', Justin sassily states, sitting down next to AB and slings his arm around her.
'Thank you Justin, and we're really sorry that you all found out like that. It wasn't suppose to be like that. It's just..., you all know how nasty the public can be. And we thought that it may be better to keep it a secret. We didn't want anyone to assume that we're only getting married, because of him or her', Betty rubs her slightly swollen belly, a soft smile on her face. Sees the eleven pairs of eyes follow her motion when she looks back up again. 'We just thought the less people know, the more likely it stays secret. And we all know what a floppy mouth you sometimes have, Hilda. You get so happy that you're literally bursting'
'And if it makes you feel any better, Betty already gave me the riot act for blowing it', Daniel's apologetic puppy dog look convinced Hilda to get of their backs. Alexis on the other hand was not so easy.
'Oh, don't give me those. I don't care', Alexis is still pacing back and forth, while Hilda wiggles her way between Betty and Justin and softly lays her hand on Betty's bump.
'I do care, Alexis. And believe me, you don't want to poke this bear, right now. I'm overly hormonal and stressed out. Not a great combination', leaning forward, Betty whispers threateningly to Alexis.
'Or what? What's the worst that could happen?'
'Me. Freshening up your memory. Like..., let's see..., how about Mount Juneau? Does that ring a bell?', eyebrows impossible high on her forehead, Betty means business. She's ready to fight. And Alexis won't know what will hit her.
'Hey, I'm so happy for you two. I can't believe I'm going to be an aunt', Alexis calls out happy and throws her arms around a still sitting and surprised Daniel.
'Yeah, that's what I thought', Betty mumbles, when Alexis embraces her in a nearly bone-crushing hug as well.
Today Betty and Daniel and their closest family and friends will travel to their wedding location. They booked rooms for the nights before and after the wedding at a little hotel next to the Park Chateau. That way it will be more relaxing for everyone. They will have a little family-and-friends dinner today, before getting married tomorrow. Call it a little pre-wedding celebration.
And when they finally arrive at the location late midday, Betty is in awe. It is even more beautiful in real life than on the photos.
'Mrs. Meade, it's so nice to finally meet you in person. And this must be the blushing bride, Mrs-soon-to-be-Meade', the very nice receptionist Abigail greets them.
'Yes, and you must be the lovely Abigail. I have to tell you, I've never organized an event in such a short amount of time. The lovebirds really shocked us with it. They are so eager to be tied together. And who can blame them. Weren't we all like that? And you made this astonishingly easy for me', Claire charms her way into the receptionists heart. She's good. Betty should take notes. This will be helpful one day. She should know how to talk with these people.
'Oh, please, you had such a wonderful, clear vision. It was very easy', Abigail takes a strand of her hair and tugs it behind her ear. The soft blush on her face tells Betty that she loves the praise and appreciation.
'Well, you have to thank my wonderful can't-be-soon-enough daughter-in-law for that vision. It was completely her idea. I was simply the executive body', Claire slings an arm around Betty's shoulders, smiles proudly at her.
'Oh, you are so much more than 'just' that', Betty slings one arm around Claire's waist, pulls her into a quick hug.
'Oh, how refreshing. You won't believe how often we have young couples, where the families don't get along. It's lovely to see that you have such a wonderful relationship. Isn't that what you want? Family is the most important thing in our life's. We should cherish that', Abigail rants down and Betty likes her. She is down to earth, has her heart at the right spot and seems to have the right priorities.
'You speak from our hearts', Claire gives Bettys shoulders another quick squeeze and smiles at Abigail.
'Would you like to see the wing with the venues? Everything is already in place. We only need your final approval Ms. Suarez'
'Yes, that would be lovely'
'Hold on, dear. Just a second', Claire walks over to Daniel, who is currently talking to Justin, Austin and DJ. His lopsided grin thrown in Bettys direction warms her for a few fleeting seconds in this bitter snowy cold. Her blush colouring her cheeks even more.
'We can go', and with that the three women make their way into the estate.
'Wow, this place is gorgeous', Betty is in awe.
'Thank you, come tomorrow we will decorate the entrance, lobby and way over to the wing with the same florals and décor you picked. But is it true that your fiancé is not supposed to know anything?', the questioned look from Abigail is pointed directly at Betty when they make their way over to the venue.
'Yes, it's a little surprise. My friend Christina made my wedding dress, and she came up with this beautiful design. So, everything is pretty much matched to my dress. It's hard to explain. Even as an editor, you don't always find the right words', Betty laughs.
'That is true, dear. But come tomorrow, Abigail, you will understand. It is all a huge hint on how the dress is going to look like. We had simply no choice but to banne him from the décor-collaboration', Claire chuckles.
'That sounds very cryptic. You certainly know how to peak someone's interest', rounding a corner she opens a white French double door to the venue. 'Here we are. Please after you'
Everything was perfect. And after shedding a lot of tears of joy, love and peacefulness from Betty's side, they all went back to the hotel and spend their time together in the lobby. Before they would part again to get ready for dinner. It's not over the top fancy, but still better-wear-a-cocktail-dress fancy. And the dress Betty brought, was one she found in a little boutique, hid away between bright-coloured-neon-lights-plastered windows. It's a creamy-yellow satin dress with the most delicate little flowers hand-stitched onto the fabric. They all have different colours, but they are so small, that the dress still looks classy and elegant. The U-shaped neckline and swaying short skirt giving it a flirty aspect. While the a-shape falls perfectly around her little baby-bump and shows it off in the most delicate way. And the long sleeves are preventing her from having to wear a cardigan.
'Hey, babe, could you zip me up, please?', Betty fixes her earrings, hears his long firm steps behind her, and feels his hot hand on her waist, while he softly traces her spine with the pad of one of his fingers. All the way down along the zipper. 'You look fabulous', he whispers into her ear when he zipped her up completely. A small soft kiss placed on her sensitive skin right underneath her ear.
'Thank you', Betty turns around, and snakes her arms around his waist.
'Woah, hello, cleavage, how are you tonight?', he bends down, places a soft lingering kiss on her collarbone.
'Great, you talking to my cleavage is never a good sign', she entangles herself from Daniel, gets her purse and slips into her heels.
'Babe, are you wearing a push-up bra? Cause let me tell you, you don't need one. I'm a little worried about needing to fend off the perverts', Daniel follows her all the way. Slipping into his suit jacket.
'Don't worry, the only perverts here tonight will be Becks and you. Becks wouldn't dare to cross you like that. And you, well do your worst. Just make sure Papi doesn't see or hear anything. And for the record, I'm not wearing a push-up bra. This is your kids doing. Enjoy it while it lasts', she holds out the keycard to their room for him. Waits for him at the door.
'Oh, I will', he bends down and gives her a quick kiss on the forehead. 'I definitely will'
The evening was great. Everyone got along so well. It's a bit freaky when you think about how similar their families really are. Ever since Thanksgiving Hilda and Alexis are really hitting it off. They are pretty much the same person. Always a loose mouth, loud, absolutely shameless and always up for a shopping spree. Claire, Elena and Papi are always putting their heads together. Sometimes Betty is worried what they are talking about, or worse planning. But as long as they accept each other and enjoy their company, who is she to judge? Daniel, Tyler, Adam and Bobby are constantly talking about basketball, football, literally any kind of sport with a ball apparently. Becks was easily included. And Justin, Austin and DJ kind of just get each other. Though she has to admit, that Justin and Daniel are pretty close. She keeps seeing them together whenever they meet up. It's cute. She knows how much they helped each other deal with themselves. It's a peaceful coexistence. Doing the other the favour of accepting him in his own quirky way and not judging. And Amanda and Betty are so much closer now. She can be so sweet. And ever since she and Tyler are together she is a genuinely nice and all in all great and fun person to be around. She matured so much through Tyler. And finally kept all those comments about Daniel's and her past fun-buddy thing to herself.
But Betty, on most occasions just loves to take it all in. Like today. The little mocking, the joking and teasing. But the honest happiness and joy about spending time together. It's a feeling of freedom and righteousness. And she keeps thinking to herself how right Daniel was nine month ago. Everything is finally right in the world. Putting her hand over her little bump under the table, she lays her head on Daniel's arm on the back of her chair. He immediately scoots closer, puts his arm around her shoulders and pulls her a into his warm side.
'You okay?', he places a quick kiss against her temple.
'Yeah, I'm perfect', smiling adoringly up at him, he bends down gives her a quick passionate kiss. Breaking away again, she follows him with her face, pushes out a low whine under her breath. His low chuckle travels down her spine. And she gets what she wants. He cups her chin and gives her another intoxicating kiss.
'And here we go again. They are so sickening', Alexis says to Hilda.
'I know, at least this time they waited til after dinner', Hilda snickers.
'I think it's so hot that they can't keep their hands off of each other, don't you?', Amanda purrs seductively.
'Maybe, but really, do you see anyone else do it? Hilda and Bobby don't, Adam and I sure don't feel the need to parade our love around like that. Hell, even you and Tyler can behave in any kind of company', Alexis complains. Breaking away from Daniel, Betty stays in his embrace, turns just her face around to look pointedly at the three women.
'I feel so sorry for you. That you are missing this kind of passion in your life. It's so sad. No wonder your so bitchy all the time', their dumbfounded looks are so worth it. She sticks her tongue out to them, til Daniel bumps his nose against Betty's cheek, wanting her attention back. 'Right, where were we?'
Slinging her arm around his neck, she pulls him down to her the last remaining inch and kisses him wet and eager. The joyous sound of Claires and Elenas soft chuckles a faint sound in her ears.
Being back at their hotel room Betty immediately plops down on the bed and slips out of her heels. Boy, do they bug her. It's a good thing she wears lower heels tomorrow. She wouldn't be able to last at all. Daniel hangs his jacket up and unbuttons his cufflinks.
'I can't believe we're really getting married tomorrow. I know it's been only..., what, ten weeks? But it feels like we waited so long', his deep sigh is almost comical. He sits down next to her and keep's unbuttoning his dress shirt. And as much as she would love for him to continue. She has a little wedding gift for him. And she definitely wants to give him said gift, while she can still keep a straight train of thought.
'Wait for a second, I have something for you', she gets up and rushes over to her disregarded bag.
'You don't have to give me anything', he starts to intervene.
'Don't, it's nothing big and fancy. It's something you need for tomorrow anyway but haven't gotten yet. With a little sentimental twist to it'
'Now, you got me curious, what is it?', walking back over to the bed, she sits down next to him. Looks into his glorious clear blue eyes. She could get lost in them forever. How she loves to see them. Especially with so much love directed at her.
'Here, see for yourself', she gives him a little carton. He smiles at her confused. But when he opens the gift, he sees a handkerchief and tie laying in it. He knew, that Christina was supposed to make them for him. He thought come tomorrow, she would probably won't trust him and want to make sure everything's perfect. He thought for sure that she wants to put them on herself. 'Unfold it'
And he does. He gets the handkerchief out and unfolds it. And in it nestles a little black and white picture. It must be the one of her latest sonogram. Lifting it up and looking at it, he realizes he's right. But he saw this before. She showed it to him a few days ago after her appointment. He shakes his head. He doesn't understand what to make of it all.
'All this time, when I prepared and made plans for our wedding. I couldn't stop thinking about our baby. And how much I love the idea that our baby is with us tomorrow. That it takes part in it. It may not be visibly present, but we know it's there, with me. But then I wished the same for you. How great it would be, if you could have a part of our baby with you as well. So I came up with this idea. I thought this way our baby boy can also be a part of you while we are getting married', she strokes his cheek, makes him look up to her in wonder.
'Baby boy?', the awe in his eyes is almost overwhelming. It's a secret she kept from him and their families, since her last appointment a few days ago. He couldn't make it and when Dr. Lester asked her if she wanted to know the gender, she was tempted to say 'No'. This is something, you should find out together, right? But then she thought about their wedding, and that she could give it to him as some sort of gift. It's not much, but it's meaningful.
'Yeah, we're going to have a boy'
'I love the idea. And this is definitely the best gift I've ever gotten', his raspy voice and wet eyes shine with love. One finger softly strokes over their baby boy on the sonogram. Her hand gently lays on his forearm, draws little circles
'Good, then I made the right choice of giving it to you before the wedding. I wasn't sure, but I thought you would enjoy this, so...', he crushes her to him in a passionate kiss. Holds her protectively in his arms. And she can only surrender.
He got so much better over the years with expressing his feelings. He became really good at it actually. Especially over the almost nine month their together. But this is still the most natural form to him. And boy is he expressive this way. He can make her breathless within seconds and speechless within a minute. The way he kisses her is all encompassing. Her mind is one big juggle. Her palms are sweaty, her heart is beating like crazy and her entire body is overheating with the feeling of his touch thrumming through her veins.
'I love you, babe, so much', his kisses travel down her neck and along her collarbone. His hands softly travelling up her back, slowly pulling the zipper down. A shiver running down all the way of her spine. And it's all too much for her. Her hormones are on a wild roller coaster trip. She's so turned on right now.
'I love you too, babe', her hands get frenzy, try to unbutton his shirt as quickly as possible. She needs to feel his hot skin under her hands, yanks his shirt out of his pants and pushes it over his shoulders.
'God, you smell amazing', Daniel nuzzles her neck, licks her along the collarbone and up to her ear, before softly nibbling on her earlobe. All while shedding her dress and throwing it on the floor of their hotel room. It looks so much better there right now. One of his hands lays hot on her baby bump. She's so sexy. Ever since she started showing, she became even more irresistible to him. She feared that once she will put on some baby weight he wouldn't want to be with her. It couldn't be further from the truth. He can't wait for her to show even more. Show everyone that she's having his child. The only woman who will ever have his children. The thought alone turns him on so much. He feels like a teenager.
'God, could you hurry up? You drive me crazy', she moans, fumbling with his belt buckle. His hands leave her alone for a quick second to deal with his pants. The hormones are overwhelming. Everything feels different and a million times better.
'Mmmh, you're so hot', she leaves his lips and scoots back onto the bed. Daniel follows her every move.
And shedding their last remaining items of clothes, they get lost in the feeling of being together like this and the joy and happiness of finally becoming a family.