Pregnant

Chapter 19

It's been a couple of months since Odell and Gabby reentered our lives. I haven't talked to August about how he and Gabby were doing. Odell has been trying to ease his way back into our lives. He has been by the apartment every day that he can. I even allow him to sleep over when I know-how has to get up early in the morning. Anytime that he is over, he spends his time with our daughter. I will admit that over the months seeing him with our daughter has created a soft spot in my heart for him.

"So, shall we head to the park then," Odell asked, pulling me out of my thoughts. 

I looked at him, "Yes, I have the bag ready. Avalon's car seat is in your car, I have our lunch, and you are pushing her in the stroller," I explained everything. I was nervous, and I knew that he could tell. This would be our first time taking our daughter out in public, and I already knew that reporters and everyone else would be taking photos.

"We can go somewhere else," he spoke up.

"No, no. It is fine. Let's go" I smiled at him. He nodded, and we left my apartment. We manage to get to the park without anyone following us and taking photos. We got out of the car, and Odell grabbed all the stuff while I pushed Avalon in her stroller. We set up at a table and then we went to play. We played for about an hour and a half and then we went back to the table to eat.

"Look at these" Odell handed me his phone. I looked and saw a bunch of pictures of Avalon and me as we played. When did he take these? "When you get in the moment, I couldn't help but take the photos. Do you mind if I post some?" 

I looked at him and smiled. I had no idea; he was such a sweetheart. "I don't mind." Avalon was eight months old now. She was crawling and very talkative. Odell had split the lunch between the two of us. I made a bottle for Avalon and gave it to her, although she looked more interested in our food. 

"I don't want you to be alarmed, but people are looking at us and taking photos," Odell spoke up. I looked up at him and smiled, I knew this would happen, and it didn't bother me. Avalon was happy, Odell seemed to be enjoying himself, and I was happy, so there was no need to be unhappy about it. After we finished lunch, we went back to the car and got back in. I buckled Avalon in while Odell got this back in the car.

"O-Odell, can I get a picture," I heard someone ask? I finished buckling her in, and then I glanced back and saw a group of people close to Odell. He looked at me, and I nodded. He did not need my permission to take photos with his fans. I started the car and turned the air on so that Avalon would not be hot. Then I walked to the back of the car and watched him interact with his fans.

"E-Excuse me, can you take a photo of all of us," someone asked me. 

I smiled, "Of course."  I took the phone and waited for them to gather together. I caught Odell watching me, and he smiled at me, which caused me to blush. I took a couple of photos of them and then they took the phone back and then left. Odell and I got in the car, and he drove us to August's house.

"What are we doing here," I asked? "Is August okay?"

"Yes, calm down. He texted me earlier and asked to hang out. But this is my day off, so I want to spend all the time I can with Avalon.... and you," he explained to me. I blushed and looked down; he was sweet. We got out of the car, and I got Avalon out of her car seat while Odell grabbed the bag. We were walking towards the house when the front door opened; August and Gabby stood there smiling. I grabbed Odell's hand, and he stopped and looked at me, I met his gaze, and something in my eyes made him squeeze my hand. It reassured me, and we continued to walk towards the house.

An hour later, Avalon was sleeping in her room. I had the baby monitor with me so that I could keep an eye on her. The rest of us were in the kitchen, Gabby and I were drinking wine. August and Odell were drinking beer, gross. 

"Married?" I looked at August. I couldn't believe my ears.

"Yes, it took me a while to propose to her with everything that happened four months ago, but I know that I want her, and she said yes," August explained. I looked at Gabby, and she met my gaze and smiled. I looked away and took another gulp of my wine. I'm happy that my brother is happy, but I did not hear from her all the time that Gabby was back. I hope she did not expect me to forgive her as if nothing happened between us. Odell could sense my worry; he put his hand on my leg and started rubbing my leg. That helped a little bit. 

"So when is the wedding?" Odell spoke up.

"Two months," Gabby chimed in. I then gulped down the rest of my wine and refilled it up. Then Odell took the wine.

"You are still breastfeeding Ash," he warned. I nodded, but at this point, I needed it all. I told August to follow his heart, not to fall for her shit again.

"Ashlyn, can I talk to you for a moment?" Gabby asked? 

I grabbed my wine and stood up, "Sure, why not." We walked to the family room that was down the hallway. When we got to the room, I sat down on the couch, and of course, she sat down next to me. 

"Look, I know that I haven't talked to you since I got back, and I'm sorry. I was so busy trying to get August to trust me again. I went to therapy and got the help; honestly, I am still in therapy. August understands and is helping me. Honestly, I was scared when he asked me to marry him, but I love him, and I want to be in his life. I want to be in yours as well. So, would you be my maid of honor? This way, we can spend time together, and I can show you how much I've changed," she explained. 

Wow, she delivered that speech. "Why would you want me to be the maid of honor?"

"You're my best friend... I've been a horrible friend and want to make that up to you," She said. I looked at her, and she seemed sincere about it.

I shrugged, "Sure, why not." 

She hugged me, "Thank you, thank you, thank you!" 

I nodded; what did I get myself into?