The Big Secret

Baby Farrell

"Ready to go?" Luke joined us outside the stadium. "Yeah, I'll see you Tuesday!" Luke held my hand as we tried to find his car. "I don't think I can do this" I stopped in my tracks and dropped Luke's hand. "Do what?" He stopped and turned to me, he looked so concerned. "Owen"

"Let's just show our faces and then we can go, no one can say we didn't make the effort then" Luke was right even though everything about this felt wrong.

As we got closer, the pit in my stomach grew. "Looks like it's this one" I couldn't form the words to reply to Luke."We've got this" Luke placed his hand on my leg as it uncontrollably shook.

"Homewrecker" Luke laughed as he took my hand and helped me out the car. "You know that outfit really shows our baby off" Luke had the biggest grin on his face. Leggings and a white jumper. It was nothing special. Maybe I should have made more of an effort. Am I too underdressed?

Before we even got to the door, the door swung open, like she was waiting for us. The purple dress clung to her body, how did she even get that on? "I'm so glad you could make it!" She wrapped her arms round me as much as she could. "You are glowing!" "I keep telling her this but she never listens" Luke laughed with Chloe. "Thank you for our stuff by the way" "no worries, I found the baby grows and immediately thought of Baby Shark!" Chloe ushered us through the house and into the back garden where everyone already was.

Banners, balloons, confetti, everything you could possibly have for a gender reveal was here. Why did I expect anything less from Chloe?  As soon as we stepped in the garden, Owen made his presence known. "Thank you for coming" for some unknown reason he shook Luke's hand, even though they shared a very intense look and hugged me.

"How was the game?" Owen couldn't sound more uncomfortable if he tried. "The Sharks finally beat Sarries, now the men have to live up to it" I flashed a smile at Luke. "Not if I have anything to do with it" Owen smirked, Luke smiled "We'll see who comes out on top" as soon as he said that both their faces hardened. Like it was a constant competition between these two.

"Is it possible to grab a drink please Chloe?" Luke focused his attention on Chloe. "Sure, just over here" they started to walk off together. "Want anything babe?" Babe? When did Luke ever call me babe? I just shook my head. "Come take a seat" Owen pointed to the chairs, near where everyone else was gathered.

"Thank you for being here, I know it's  uncomfortable and awkward" Owen broke the silence. "Uncomfortable doesn't even cut it" I whispered to Owen. "I know, Chloe really wanted you here, couldn't tell her no could I?"  I shrugged, looking anywhere else but at him. "I know this is a big ask but" I rolled my eyes not knowing what his next demand is going to be.

"If you do one of these can I be there?" I nearly choked on my own saliva. "I've found Tom, you coming?" Luke interrupted before I could even answer Owen. "Yeah sure" Luke held his hand out and I left Owen sat there, looking as defeated as always.

Luke tried to ask me what he wanted but Tom spotted us. "There's my favourite shark!" Tom shouted over everyone else. "Now now Tom you can't have a favourite squad member" George Ford shouted. "Who said it was in our squad?" Tom ran next to me and pointed to the bump "This is the favourite" everyone burst out laughing which of course was hushed by Chloe.

"Now everyone is here! Baby Farrell, first of many" she held a balloon between her and Owen. "Definitely not the last" Luke whispered, I tried to hold in a laugh. I thought they would do something more interesting than this. "Itttsss a" a pop filled the air and confetti floated around them.

Owen lifted Chloe up and spun her around, as soon as he put her down hie eyes met mine. His smile started to disappear. "Let's hope we have a girl" Luke whispered as everyone else was cheering. I don't know how I'm still standing here watching them two? "We have to do a rugby themed reveal" Luke's words weren't registering, I was fixated on the blue confetti.

Once everything had quietened down, Chloe made her way over to me and Luke. "Can you imagine if you have a boy too?" She was so excited. "Double trouble" I laughed. "When are you doing a gender reveal?" My eyes shifted to Luke for help. "So scan is in two weeks, so the weekend after? Ruby, my sister will be organising it" Luke saved me as per usual.

"You're more than welcome to come, it isn't going to be anything too big" the words fell out my mouth. "I would love too!" What have I done? "Owen" she grabbed Owen away from the boys. "3 Weeks from now, baby James gender reveal. Clear your calendar" Owen's jaw clenched as soon as baby James was mentioned.

"I'm coming too" Tom appeared at Luke's side. "Me three" George piped up. "Looks like it won't be a small one then" Luke laughed, but we haven't even thought of anything how are we going to pull this off? "Don't worry we'll let you know times and dates soon" I had to play along with this.

All of a sudden the boys were talking about baby shark and Chloe did not look happy. "I'm just going to nip to the bathroom then shall we make a move?" I nodded as Luke disappeared into the house.

"Owen! Take a picture of us!" Chloe quickly ran by my side. "Smileee" Owens eyes were fixed on me as I flashed a smile. "It looks so good" Chloe snatched the phone out of Owen's hands.

"I can't wait to show our babies this picture when they grow up"