Two weeks have passed since Ace and Graham have started staying at her parents. "Where is Mom and Steven," asks Liam as he enters the kitchen to find Graham by himself.
"I think she took him on a walk around the neighborhood in the stroller."
"How's Ace?"
"Best as can be expected, you know you can talk to her whenever. She thinks you are not happy that we are having a kid."
"I am happy, I just don't like all the changes."
"I told her you might be in that boat. She loves you and you will always be important to her. Do you want me to help surprise everyone with a home cooked meal?" Graham shoots a smile at Liam.
"I don't know," Liam seats down at the table.
"I think it will make everyone happy if you do."
"I'm just a teenager."
"Many start cooking around your age; even younger."
"I know, I guess I have been spoiled a little since moving here."
"You had a time to be the baby of the family. Now you are just a few years younger than your sister was when you two moved here."
"She was more like a mom to me. I have figured that out since Mom."
"I know, Ace feels the same way, now come on, I don't know when your mom and Steven will be home, but your dad and Ace will be home in about an hour."
"Ok, I'll help," Liam comes from behind Graham, "what do I need to do?"
"Do you want to stir or cut up the meat?"
"Stir the sauce."
"Here you go," Graham steps to the counter as Liam starts to stir, as Graham gets out the knife the door opens.
"What is that I smell," asks Zoe as she comes into the kitchen with Steven on her hip.
"Dinner, I made a smaller portion for Steven and Ace."
"Following doctor's orders?"
"Yeah, I want to make sure Manisha is delivered full term with as little discomfort to Ace as possible."
"Oh Graham, she is going to be in a lot of discomfort no matter what."
"I understand, but I'll do whatever I can to ease some of it."
"Please not everything," Liam says in disgust.
"What," Graham looks between them, Zoe is trying to hold back laughter.
"One of his last classes talked a lot about how babies are made. He didn't like it because his sister is currently pregnant."
"Liam, man; don't worry." Graham goes back cutting the meat; his mind remembering what the doctor said about having no more sex.
As Zoe is setting the table the door opens again and a scream is heard. Graham almost drops a plate on the floor running to Ace. "What the fuck was that?"
"Dorothy language, your baby brother is here," says Harry, helping her sit on the couch.
"Harry, you're an idiot, your daughter obviously just had her first ever Braxton Hicks contraction."
"What," Ace says, eyes forming tears as Graham grabs the keys.
"Don't worry Sweetie, it's normal, Graham," she looks at him quickly, "put the keys down."
"So it's just my body preparing for birth?"
"Yes, Honey it is, and you will be getting this with increasing frequency the closer you get to delivering Manisha?"
"Will they be more painful?"
"That part is different for everyone."
"So you don't know?"
"I'm sorry I don't. Are you feeling better?"
"A little," she looks to Graham who slumps down next to her. "So that is a test run for the real deal, are you going to forget me when it's important?"
"No, I'm not." She laughs and rests her head on his shoulder.
"What do you say after dinner you and I do for a small walk?"
"I'd like that," he kisses the top of her head as Zoe and Harry move into the kitchen to find Liam putting Steven into his highchair then prepping him a small plate.
"Little Stevy, I will make sure you get food. Our sister is ok, but right now she needs the two people that have had kids and Graham." He laughs as Steven babbles. "Here you go, some pureed chicken and rice."
"We'll take over, you need to eat Liam. Ace is fine." Zoe says, smiling at both boys. A few minutes later the two enter the kitchen.
"So who made dinner," asks Ace.
"Liam and I."
"Really, you actually got Liam to cook something," Ace teases.
"Hey, I do a few things."
"While you two were still out in the living room, Liam was getting ready to feed Steven," Harry adds with pride in his voice. "It did remind me when you were little trying to feed him, though he is much older than you were."
"I hope if for some reason, Graham and I have kids close in age, Manisha will never have to be like me." Graham's hand disappears under the table rubbing her stomach as he feels something hit his hand.
"I think Manisha agrees with me, Love; you and I wouldn't let that happen. Plus we have a big village that will come and help us out. Though we have agreed that we wouldn't allow that to happen."
"But you allowed."
"Harry, try this sauce," Zoe says, before Harry could finish the sentence.
"This again Dad. Are you not happy that you are about to be a Grandfather. You know Graham loves all of me, and he already loves Manisha. He even already gave her a nickname. Before anyone else could. You have always called me Fire Princess, Liam calls me Dotty."
"I call Steven Little Stevy."
"I am sure when Steven is he'll continue in the tradition of giving a nickname too. You know I still sometimes call Mel, Donut, maybe love my child please."
"I do love your child as much as I love all of you."
"I am finishing school, I may not be going back for a bit, maybe until she is 4 months. That semester I will only take maybe two classes, so I can still see her grow. Then the following fall I will go back full time."
"You have thought a lot about this."
"Sir, we have talked a lot about it. My insurance is paid for to have another edition. I want to put Ace on it."
"You should, we are still paying off Steven's birth," Harry says.
"I will contact my company on Monday." He looks at Ace, "do you want to take that walk now?"
"Please. I feel like my blood pressure is kind of high." Graham gets up, puts both of their plates in the sink and helps Ace up. "We'll be back."
The moment they are out of the door Zoe turns to Harry, "Liam please take Steven upstairs," only hearing that tone a few times, he quickly grabs Steven and runs to the bedroom and turns on the little music player they have for him. "I can't fucking believe you tonight Harry. That is your daughter."
"She's the one."
"Do not speak right now. Remember both of us had our first children young, but neither of us were in a healthy relationship. They honestly seem to talk through things. He can't have great insurance yet."
"Still."
"He will be responsible for Manisha. Ace is only working here for two weeks. You don't think all of this could have negative consequences on both Ace and Manisha's health. Did you ever think about that? Ace can be on our insurance, that is one of the best in this state may I add, until she ages out or gets her own. Just like Mel, just like Liam and just like Steven. Do. You. Get. That? If not, you will be on the couch tonight."
"I do, but."
"No buts. They may not all have been born from me, but I love them and want to make sure they are taken care of to the best abilities. Get it now," she snarls. Harry just nods his head. "Now get out to the store and get her favorite snack." Harry gets up and grabs his car keys tail between his legs. Zoe heads up to check on Liam and Steven; as she opens the door a small laugh comes out as Liam dodges a stream of pee.
"Mom."
"You need to put something over his penis when you change him, let me show you."
"I was reaching for it as he started."
"How many of his diapers have you changed?"
"A few, but I want to also help change my niece."
"Well, I can tell you, it is different than changing a boy."
"I know, that's what the teacher said."
"Good," Zoey finishes changing Steven. "Why don't you take a quick shower or change."
"I will," Liam starts to head out, "Mom, are you and Dad ok?"
"We are, he just saw a bit of Mamma Bear come out. Directed at him of course."
"Could not being able to deal with change be the curse of McShanes?"
"No, it is very common for people not to deal well with change," she smiles at him before he turns around as Zoe directs her attention back to Steven. "And men can be idiots, especially when their daughter is showing signs of being an adult and someone else wants to take care of her."
…..
On their walk, hand in hand, "Ace."
"Yes?"
"How are you doing?"
"My feet are in pain."
"Do you want to sit on the park bench?" He points it out.
"Maybe for a bit," they move to the bench. "Do you think my Dad?"
"No, whatever you are thinking, the answer is no. He loves you; he loves Manisha. Remember the speech he gave when he gave you the baby blanket?"
"I do."
"I don't know what goes through his mind sometimes, but what I do know is how much he loves you. Maybe he's shocked how much we love and support each other. It took him until Zoe to find someone that loves him like we do." She puts her head on his shoulder.
"Want to know something?"
"Sure."
"I still remember what it felt like having our first kiss over there by that tree."
"So do I. Little did we know, a few years later we would be sitting on the park bench around 8 weeks out from having a baby."
"I am ready for those 8 weeks to be over. I want to meet Manisha."
"So do I, but I want her to be fully cooked." She turns her head to kiss his cheek as her phone goes off. "One of our friends checking in," he asks.
"Probably," getting her phone out of his pocket, "it's Nyssa."
"Answer it, she probably misses you. You two have grown close."
"Hello Nyssa."
"He's been caught."
"Really, that's great."
"I know, but there's still a lot to go through."
"I know, maybe ask the detectives and DA to fast track the trial if possible. Tell them that your best friend is pregnant and you want to be there for the birth in September."
"I will, speaking about that, how are you?"
"Had Braxton Hicks this evening. After dinner Graham and I went on a walk, we are currently at the park on the bench."
"Anything else?"
"Just a small argument with my Dad."
"Same one as when you announced?"
"You guess, Graham calmly tried to talk him out of it. We left for our walk."
"Do you think he needs three more women yelling at him?"
Ace lets out a small laugh, "no, I have a feeling Mom did."
"Good."
"Mhmm," Ace yawns, her eyes starting to droop.
"I think it's time for someone to go to bed."
"Mmmk, I'll let you go to bed." Ace hangs up.
"I think she was talking about you; let's get you home." He stands up overing his hands for Ace to use. "Want to rest your head on my shoulder?" She puts her head on his shoulder and wraps one arm around her back with his other hand he holds Ace's hand and the two make their way back to the McShane residence.
Once back in he helps her out of her clothes and into some pajamas, kisses her forehead. "Where are you going?"
"Going to let your Mom know we are going to bed."
"Ok." He smiles before leaving the room, keeping the door slightly ajar.
"How is she," asks Zoe once she sees Graham appear in the living room.
"Almost asleep, I think I am going to hit the hay myself."
"Well, sleep well. Tomorrow is Saturday. Sarah Jane is popping by to spend time with all of us."
"Ok, Zoe before I head up, can I ask you something?"
"Sure."
"From when we told you I was leaving school, to when we told you that Ace is pregnant too, now you never wavered in support when the other adults minus Tremus in us. Why is that?"
"Ace told me about her visions when she had them, and some of the light you had in high school was gone while you were taking classes. That light has returned. As a Mother I only want all my kids to be happy. Yes, you are one of my kids, and have been since that day at Costco."
"Costco?"
"When our family ran into you, your Aunt and John picking up a few things."
"That was before Ace and I admitted our feelings."
"Let's just say Sarah Jane and I met for coffee that week and started to plan a wedding."
"What?"
"Just two ladies excited to see love blooming on new faces, now go up before Ace does. She needs her sleep, so do you. Pretty soon the two of you are not going to get any sleep."
An hour later Harry stumbles in, arms full; "where's Ace?"
"Asleep, and hopefully Graham is too." She says shortly.
"I'm sorry."
"It's not me that you need to apologize to. But do you realize any stress at this stage in her pregnancy could cause harm to her and the baby. You are her father. After everything she has been put through; she still needs our love and support."
"I know."
"Harry, why did you almost say that tonight?"
"I don't know. I'm excited for Manisha, really. Part of me just isn't ready for my baby to have a baby. I still remember that warm August afternoon almost 19 years ago, holding my newborn baby daughter in my arms. I promised her that I will always protect and love her. I failed at that."
"You never failed at loving her, Harry. She loves you so much. She probably just thinks again that you think Manisha is a mistake."
"What no, none of my children are a mistake. Same goes for any grandchildren"
"Harry."
"What."
"You really need to make sure that she knows that you think Manisha isn't one and stop saying idiotic things."
"I don't know how to stop. Why do I keep putting my foot in my mouth?"
"Do you see the witch in her at all?"
"Hair color is the same, but that's it. Otherwise you can definitely see that she is my daughter. Who somehow got your heart."
"I think Manisha and her family helped with that. Now you should also go to bed, you got yourself worked up tonight."
"I want to make it up somehow."
"Wait until the morning."
"I need to make it up to multiple people though. Ace, Graham, and you," he kisses her lightly.
"Harry, not tonight ok. Yes, you can sleep in our bed, but you really shouldn't have said that she shouldn't have allowed her pregnancy to happen. She has known for years that she is destined to have a child at a young age. She also knows that she and Graham will get married and she will have her dream job. I think after I check on Steven, I am going to bed. Good night.
….
The next morning Harry wakes up first, after checking up on Steven he makes his way downstairs, he starts the coffee pot. As he starts to drink his first cup there is a knock on the door, "good morning Sarah Jane; I'm guessing you are ready for a day with Ace, Graham, and family?"
"I am; something's telling me you're not."
"I almost said something very stupid last night. How did you deal with everything that they have been doing this year?"
"I didn't react well to Graham dropping out until I cornered the both on their own. Little did I know they were concealing something wonderful as a baby. Graham is doing what his father refused even though he was out of Uni before Graham came along. I know if John wasn't away on assignment, he would be overjoyed. He has been a part of the family longer than Graham knows. Even walked his mom down the aisle when she married his Dad."
"That's close."
"Like Ace is to Nyssa. Speaking of Nyssa, are those three still surprising Ace and Graham tonight?"
"That I know of," he hears feet on the stairs.
"Does Steven need some food? Let's see if sissy can find something." Ace takes the last step. "Sarah Jane, Dad."
"Morning Sweetie, how did you sleep?"
"Fine, Dad. Where did you go while Graham and I went on our walk?"
"To get your favorite current snack. I know there is nothing money can buy to apologize from what I almost said last night. I want you to know I do not feel like that."
Handing Steven to Sarah Jane, "Dad, I think a small part of you feels like that, but what Graham and I aren't telling everyone is that the doctor told me to watch my blood pressure, so I can't get into this right now. I hope your mind or heart or whatever it is changes by the time my daughter is born. Or you do whatever you have to do to love her."
"I do love her."
"Maybe some of it, but not all. I really can't do this now Dad." She heads out as Sarah Jane stands there as Steven starts to cry. She tries to hand him to Harry, he doesn't want his dad. Steven babbles and turns in her arms towards the door.
"You have really messed up. Make him some food and for the rest of the day, as your friends and the great aunt of the baby out there. Keep your bloody mouth shut today unless you're spoken to." She walks out the door. "I think somebody wants his sister," she says, handing Steven to Ace. He cuddles into his sister.
Hours later Ace, Graham, Zoe and Sarah Jane arrive back there after some shopping. "Did you enjoy the shopping Babe," Ace asks him.
"Only the parts where I watched you try on clothes."
"Really," she laughs.
"You needed my help at times, didn't you?"
"Oh, just any excuse to have your hands on me?"
"Do you blame me," he sets the bags down as Zoe and Sarah Jane walk in the house. "I love everything about you every day. Though right now it is hard for me not to touch you."
"How hard," her eyes move down.
"Very, but we have to wait for that."
"Mmm, but you know what we don't have to wait for," she wraps her arms around his neck and brings him down closer to her as their lips touch people are heard from inside. "I guess we have some surprises in for today." Once inside Mel comes up.
"I have missed you sister." She looks at Graham. "I have missed you too."
"Eh, I understand, Ace is the special one." Graham adds putting the bags down, noticing a black stroller in the corner. "Ace, that's not Steven's."
"What," she turns and runs her hands along the black bassinet attached to the stroller. "Is this for us," she asks the room.
"It is, we bought it the day you two left for here," Nyssa smiles at them.
"About that, I need to think about the baby first, Mom, Dad; I know I asked to work there for a few weeks, but I don't think I should. I think for the health of my child, Graham and I should head back home."
"Is everything ok," asks Zoe.
"Right now it is, but I need to slow down the closer I get to her delivery date, the more rest I should be getting. Mel, Nyssa, Tegan, is it ok if we come back earlier than expected."
"Of course it's ok." No one sees the glare Zoe sends Harry. By the end of the night Mel and Nyssa bounce upstairs to help Ace pack.
"Ace, can I speak to you for a second?" Zoe says after dinner. Ace follows her to the bedroom. "Is this because of your dad?"
"No, it's not. I just want to be close to my doctor. I still want to be close to you of course, it's just complicated."
"I am one call away, you know that."
"I do."
"Good, now we should get you comfortable."
"That is not happening anytime soon."
"I know, but come on." The two leave the room. Ace and Graham make their goodbyes and go back home.