Miss You More (A Joey McIntyre/Jordan Knight Fanfiction)

40

Their celebration dinner that night was good, not nearly as awkward as Joe thought it was going to be.

"I'm really glad we could do this tonight. I wanted to say a couple of things to you both. First I want to say thank you to my wonderful wife for giving me the kick in the ass I needed to see what a prick I was being. I can't tell you how lucky I feel to have you in my life everyday. Next I'd like to tell Sam how sorry I am for being such a selfish prick. I'm not proud of myself at all. You've been such a great friend to me for a long time. Even if we did have some issues you didn't deserve the way I treated you. I feel so blessed you still want me to be a part of our daughter's life. I know this isn't the ideal way to be a family, but I look forward to making that happen."

Amber's happy Joe has come around and is making an effort to be there for Sam and their baby. But she'd be lying if she said she wasn't a little jealous. Amber sees a huge difference in Joe since he found out Sam is having a girl. Amber knew how badly Joe wanted a daughter and part of her wishes she was the one giving that to him. But she also knows that could be why Joe has come around. So maybe this is how it's supposed to be.

"Do either of you have any ideas about names for the babies?"

Amber hadn't really thought about another boys name, she thought Joe should get to pick this time. She always knew she wanted to name their first daughter after his mom, but that would have to wait until hopefully next time. "Well I haven't given it much thought. I was thinking maybe naming him after my Dad. Have a little Jimmy to go with Joey. But I think you should decide Joe. What about you Sam?"

Sam touches her tiny belly and looks down, "If it's okay with you Joe I'd really like to name her Katherine." Joe inhales and places his hand on his chest. "Oh Sam, it's more than okay. And I know Mom would love that. Thank you." Amber almost feels sick. She'd wanted so badly to name their daughter after his mom. Tears burn her eyes, she isn't sure why she's crying like this. But watching Joe with Sam makes her suddenly feel like an outsider. His hand on her belly, leaning over talking to his little Katherine. Amber feels sick. She gets up abruptly and leaves the restaurant. She needs some air.

Amber stands outside taking deep breaths. In. Out. In. Out. Finally the feeling of nausea passes. And now she just feels oddly like a third wheel.

"Amber? Are you okay? What's the matter?" Joe sounds worried.

"I'm fine Joe. Go back inside. Tell Sam I'm sorry but I'm not feeling well. I'm going to head home and lay down for a little while." She won't look at him. She feels so stupid for crying and she doesn't want him to see. But Joe knows his wife and he knows she's not fine.

"Amber look at me. I know you're not fine, and if you aren't feeling well I'll take you home. Now look at me damnit." Amber turns and when he sees her tears he pulls her into his arms. "Oh baby, what's the matter?"

Amber tries to laugh, but fails terribly. "Joe it's just hormones. Look I don't want to ruin you and Sam's celebration. You two finish your dinner and I'll see you when you get home. Don't worry about me. Have fun and catch up with Sam. I promise I'm okay. I just want to go home and cuddle Joey. I love you babe." She kisses him on the cheek and heads towards the T. Joe watches her go and doesn't go back into the restaurant until he can't see her anymore.

Joe goes back to the table. He's worried about Amber and her sudden departure. "Is Amber okay?"

Joe looks at Sam, he feels bad that this is her celebration as much as it's Amber's and all he can think about is how Amber's doing. He does his best to try though. "She's okay. I think she's just tired. She said for us to have a good time and catch up."

"I hope that's really all it is."

"What do you mean? That's what she said. She said she was tired and wanted to go home to lay down. She'll be back to her normal self after she gets a little rest. I think we need to have a serious talk. You have to start taking better care of yourself. You look too thin. You've seemed a little depressed the last few times I've seen you. You have to put yourself first and make sure little Katherine is healthy."

Sam gives Joe her best smile. "I promise Joe, from now on Katherine comes first. This little girl just became the most important person in the world. I know I've been letting myself go some lately. But to be honest with you. I missed you, my best friend you. All I've wanted since I found out I was pregnant was that sweet guy. Now it finally feels like he's back and I'm already feeling so much better. Thank you Joe." Sam takes his hand and gives it a squeeze. 

Joe's glad she's feeling better. "I've missed you too Sam. I'm glad we're on our way back to those two friends we used to be. And we have this little girl on the way. We're heading into a whole new relationship with each other.  Katherine is going to be one spoiled little girl. I can't wait to meet her. Let's go shopping for her a few things before I head home to check on Amber."

Sam agrees cheerfully, happy he wants to spend time with her.

Joe takes Sam to the baby store he bought most of Joey's stuff at when he was a baby. They have the cutest things. Joe overly enjoys himself buying little girl stuff. It's all so cute and frilly. It's nothing like shopping for boy stuff. Joe thinks it's way more fun. They laugh and joke around as they pick out baby furniture together.

By the time they leave the store they have everything a baby could ever need. Plus loads of things she doesn't need, but that Joe loves. They feel closer than they have in a long time. It's good to have his friend back.

Joe can't believe how much things are looking up for his family. It feels good.