Sometimes Love Isn't Enough

Christmas

It's 2 days till Christmas, and tonight is our annual Christmas party. Skai is in her playpen downstairs with Brendon while I get ready. I've just finished my when I hear Brendon answer the door to the first of our guests. Tonight, I decided to wear something completely out with my comfort zone. A black backless low-cut jumpsuit. Since having Skai, I've been kinda self-conscious of my body, but tonight I'm throwing caution to the wind. I hear Brendon coming into our room
"Fuck Carly you look stunning, can we send everyone home so I can ....."
"Save that for later" I laugh. "You don't look too shabby yourself, Bren. C'mon, let's get this party started."
As we make our way to the lounge, I see Skai is being entertained by Patrick and Pete. Dan has also arrived and is currently talking to Tyler and Jenna. Josh has arrived with his new girlfriend, Debby. I've never seen him look so happy. I'm glad they found each other. It's nice having everyone together and seeing them all having fun. I suddenly hear brendon tapping his glass to get everyone's attention.
"Guys! I just want to say thanks for coming tonight. The past year hasn't been the best, but it did bring us our little princess Skai, our little miracle. I want to say thank you to Carly for putting up with all my shit and for being my one true constant. I love you, babe. A few weeks ago, I honestly didn't think we would be standing here together, enjoying ourselves with all our family. So eat, drink, and be merry!!"

I'm not aware of Pete coming up beside me. Until he speaks.
"You're not gonna punch me again, are you?" he jokes
"No, Pete, I'm not. It's good to see you" I say, hugging him.
"How are you doing? I take it you and the ass over there have sorted things out?"
"We are working on it. He has a lot of making up to do, but he knows where he stands. I'm sorry you got caught in the crossfire, Pete. I know you were only trying to help",
"Hey, it's all good, ok. Just make him work to get back your trust!".
As the drinks flow and the night wears on I put Skai down, switch the baby monitor on and head back to the party. I see Nicole and Mike looking very cosy.
"Mmm and how are you two? Thanks for watching Skai the other night."
"It was a pleasure Carlyn, she's so easy to watch. We had fun, didn't we Mike?"
"I bet you did" I laugh "It seems I missed you guys becoming an item".
They both go red and start to deny this.
"Oh C'mon guys I'm not stupid, I think it's great and you look cute together. I'm so happy for you both."
"We are trying to keep it kinda quiet just now Carlyn."
"Don't worry I won't say anything."
"Does Brendon know? We don't want it to interfere with the band."
I burst out laughing "Nope, he's utterly clueless. Unless you wrote it in giant capital letters in front of him he won't notice anything."
"It's good to see you looking like yourself Carlyn. I really thought when you left tour that you and Brendon were over. "
"In all honesty guys, so did I, but we're working through things, and it will take time. Enjoy the rest of the night guys Merry Christmas!"
Merry Christmas Carlyn".
When I get to the kitchen, I see Dan and Brendon deep in conversation.

** Brendon's POV**

I can't keep my eyes  at Carly, she looks fuckn stunning. I can't believe how stupid I was risking my marriage for what? I almost lost her forever. I honestly thought we were over. I'm grateful for her not giving up on me. I'm so bloody lucky to have her. I see Dan coming 6 I grab a chance to speak with him.
"Hey Dan, I just wanna say thanks for being there for Carly and Skai when I was on tour. I really appreciate it, and it's great to have you in the neighbourhood. I don't know what you said to her, but I'm grateful to whatever it was. You literally saved my marriage. I know I have a shit tonne of work to do, but I'm just happy to have that chance."
"It was no problem, man, it's good to have childhood friends in the neighbourhood. I certainly wasn't expecting yous as my neighbours. It's been great reconnecting, ⁹and she's been a great help to me with my kids. I just gave her my perspective of a marriage break up and how it affected us.. I'm just glad you'd are trying to make it work. Just don't Fuck it up Brendon!"
"I don't intend to Dan, I know how lucky I am that she's still here." I give him a bro hug and thank him again as I head towards Carlyn.

Once everyone had left for the night Brendon and I are tidying up and talking. Elise has her 20-week scan and amniocentesis test tomorrow.
"Bren, how are you feeling about doing the paternity test tomorrow?"
"I'm not gonna lie. I'm kinda anxious about the results, Carly. What if it turns out to be mine? How are we gonna deal with it?"
"There's no point telling worrying about it. It won't change the outcome of the results. If it's yours, we will deal with it. You've already said you want to be involved, but you and Elise will need to discuss these arrangements between you. I will support your decision to be involved with the child. Do you need to go to the appointment for the test, or do you do that separately?"
"Seperate, I'll go in before her appointment. I don't want to see the scan or anything until we know for certain. Anyway, I'm certain Joe is the father.. Look at us havin' an adult conversation without arguing about
this."
"Well, there's no point arguing anymore. The damage has already been done, and it won't change anything."
"Cmon babe, let's go to bed. I need you out of that outfit" he winks. "You're making me hard just looking at you."
"Well then" I say, kissing him, gently sucking on his bottom lip."You're gonna have to catch me first." I whisper, running away from him. As I reach our bedroom, I stop dead in the doorway. The room is alight with candles, and there's a bottle of champagne on ice.
"Bren, when did you do this? It's beautiful."
"When you were finishing up in the kitchen. I thought we could have our own celebration, well it is Christmas after all." I can feel his breath on the back of my neck as he's talking sending shivers down my spine. He wraps his arms around my waist, turning me to face him, cupping my face in his hands. "This is going to be our best Christmas ever, Babe."