CHRISTMAS IN A NEW TOWN

chapter twenty three

Eddie slide his hand down Toni's belly resting it there
Toni smile at him
"You're going to make a great mom" he said
"Toni smile she was still thinking of the possibility thinking it's probably ain't real, Eddie drove into the garage and part they both got out and went inside, the fresh sent of home make her miss being here the few days, she criss the living room floor to look in the den she turn and smile at Eddie "thanks" she said
"Anything for you"
Toni walk to him she hug him and sigh he kiss her smirking at her, "what now you're going to rest want me to fix you something?"
"You're going to work?"
"I'm not leaving you now" he said
Toni smile she kisses him she take his hand leading him up they entered the room and she noticed the sheets were changed she looked at him, "I didn't know when you would come home so I asked the lady to do some cleaning"
Toni smile she nods she got closer to the bed and take her clothes off she had only gotten a shower sometime earlier and was still feeling fresh although Eddie had caused her to get moisture he gave her love as she would have wanted them lay with her "that wasn't bad" she said smiling she still felt the pain but it was good, she falls a sleep Eddie got up and fix some dinner he call his daughter and talk with her telling her Toni was out the hospital he told her he would bring her over after school tomorrow he told his grandmother they would talk he finish then took a swim, he was standing by the pool having a drink when toni woke up and went out she stood behind him hugging his chest he smile at her "Did you rest?" He asked
"I think I am"
"Hungry?"
"I am"
"I fixed something"
It was rarely Eddie cook but he always presents a decent meal when ever he did, it was sime coconut milk shrimp rice with  meatballs and vegetable pasta, he dish some for them both and they sat down to eat,
Eddie stay the night but went to work early Toni said she would be fine when he left she did some laundry and fold the things that were left in the laundry basket from the previous laundry,
She then relax in the den getting comfortable as she watch tv trying out Netflix watching some cartoons, she later on fix something for dinner Eddie came with Hariel in the evening he stayed a while before he leaves for he didn't want to leave his grandmother a lone,
Hariel knew Toni couldn't do much so she lay with her in the den to watch tv and talk
"Hey you're here?" Dorothy ask when she turned to see him in the kitchen doorway,
"Hey grandma" he said kissing her cheek
"How are you!" She asked
Eddie smile and nod
"How is Toni feeling today?"
"Better doctor said she's pregnant"
Dorothy open her mouth
Eddie saw the shock look"
He smile "Toni is still shock" he said
Dorothy sat around the table Eddie pulled out a chair and sit with her"I had to see it to be sure, but  the baby heart beat kicks in it was unbelievable"
Dorothy smile, "I'm happy for her"
Eddie nod
He and his grandmother talked a while before they  went to bed, Dorothy prayed for them both and for the baby to get here safe.
Angela,  Nicky and the others were coming in on the afternoon flight so Toni prepare some cakes and cookies for them and other little stuff she could think of she made some ice tea and lemonade put some sodas in the cooler Eddie had brought over few cases of beer and bottle waters some different type of liquor to keep them for the time they are going to be staying
"Morning dad" Hariel said when Eddie walked in the kitchen
"Hey sweetheart" he said kissing her forehead she got up to hug him, he kiss her forehead once again he went to Toni over by the counter kissing her cheek, "Feeling ok?" He asked
"Yes I am ok, you ok?"
"Not really" Eddie said he  rub her butt feeling her up, looking to see if his daughter was seeing,  but she caught him from the corner of her eyes look and quickly turned away, when it seems she wasn't paying attention he slide his hand between her thighs he was in the mode for her and want to hit it off with her before going to work, they look over at Hariel who seems distracted,
"Tell her about the baby yet?" Eddie asked his finger sliding in her open space,
Toni shook her head am I the one to tell her?" She asked shakily feeling the heat as he play with her, she was afraid to tell her for she was still shock probably doubtful too even though she saw the ultrasound,
"You want me to tell her?" He asked
"I'll talk to her" Toni said
Eddie nod "Can you slip away?" He asked
Toni turn to look at Hariel she look at Eddie he look at his daughter then left the kitchen,  toni follow him neither saying anything to Hariel,  she look when they were gone but she didn't get up,
Half hour later they came back, "baby daddy is going to leave I'll see you later ok" Eddie said bending over to kiss her
"Later dad"
"Love you" he said
"Love you too"
"Call your grand nana ok sweetie"
"I already did" she said
Eddie nod
Pups bark getting Eddie's attention he was laying next to the table
"Ok boy catch you later" Eddie smile over at Toni as he left, Toni sat with Hariel, "you ok?" She asked
Hariel grin "I'm ok"
"What we going to do until everyone arrives?"
"We can go swimming" Hariel said
Toni nod, "I can go swimming" she said
Hariel nod
"Hariel I have something I want to talk to you about?"
"Ok" Hariel said putting away the phone Toni sat next to her,
"You know your dad asked me to marry him?" She said
Hariel grinned she nod, "yes he told me"
"Ok, it's fine with you?"
She nodded
Toni took her face in her palm,
"Hariel remember when I was in the hospital?" Toni asked
"Yes"
"They told me I'm going to have a baby"
Hariel cover her face and grasped "you're? I'm going to be another big sister, cool!" She giggle hugging Toni, Toni smile and kiss her cheek"I really love you Hariel" she said
"I know that is why I love you so much too"
Toni smile she felt her heart skip a beat, and was broken with tears,
"My mom says you're a nice person and she see that you love me"
"Yes I do love you" Toni said "let's go for a swim, or how about a milkshake"
"Ok I want a milkshake"
"Go get in your swim wear there's towel at the pool"
Eddie had gotten one of those metal lockers to put outside for the purpose of towels so Toni had pack all the pool towels there it blends in perfectly and with the children it's easier to get
She too change in her swimsuit and took milkshake to the pool for herself and Hariel after swimming they sit and have their milkshake,
Angela, Micheal and their two girls Meisha and Hillary seven and nine years old,
Aldi Nicky and AJ they arrived at midday, the van parked in the driveway Toni and Hariel comes out to greet them they all hug "guys meet Hariel your cousin aunt Toni's daughter" Angela said Meisha and Hillary look at Toni in wonder
Toni smile "I didn't actually birth her like your mom did you guys"
The girls smile "hi" they greet" Hariel
"Hi Hariel smile
"Hey Hariel" AJ said extending an arm
"Welcome to the family"
Hariel smile
"Come on in" Toni said
They enter the house and the children marvel
"AJ you're last door to the right down the hall"
Hariel show the girls to their room"
"Ok aunt" AJ said taking his bags
"Yes mom" Hariel said telling the girls to follow
"I hope you bring swimsuits we're going back to the pool" Toni said
"We'll take the flat" Aldi said taking up his and Nicky's bag
"Ok, we're in the same room" Angela said
Michael took the things up
"You're looking good" Nicky said
Toni look at her
"Yes you what happened?"
Toni smile
"She's right, Did Eddie propose!" Angela asked
Toni show off her ring
Angela and Nicky scream hugging her shaking her around
"When?" Nicky asked
"We didn't plan on a date but I guess we're going to wait until the baby comes"
"Oh my God you're pregnant!?" Nicky said shouting
"What did you say!" Angela said
Toni show them the ultrasound, "Three months" she said
Angela and Nicky scream once more in excitement
"Oh Toni this is great news, how did the doctor say you can't get pregnant?" Angela said
"This doctor said that doctor need to check again"
They hug her tightly both cry
"We will talk about it later I have wine I'll get it ready
"We'll go change" Nicky said
Toni went to the kitchen and they got changed
Toni  had gotten a twin bed  in one room to accommodate the girls it was next to the room Hariel was in, the girls got change in their swimsuits and they went back down when Hariel
Michael and Aldi were both back in the living room AJ come up then Toni comes from the kitchen they went to the pool Angela and Nicky join them after Toni service wine and ice tea, the children went swimming Aldi and Michael have a drink while they relax in the water, Angela and Nicky took their wine and went in the pool the girls huddle close with each other,
"I'm thinking what's for dinner but until that time I have cake and biscuits with sandwiches what you say?"
"Cheese sandwiches?" AJ asked
"Mhm" Toni nod
"Chocolate filled biscuits?" Hillary asked
"Strawberry?" Meisha said
"All of the above" Toni said she was hugging Hariel she look up at her then smile at the girls
"Cool" they all yelled
"I'll get them" she said she had gotten small disposable dishes to use for such and Hariel help her to bring them out
Eddie came and let himself in he came out to the pool he knew they were there for the van was out in the driveway
"Hey" he greets
"Hillary turned and grasped with her mouth open "WOW www!" She said looking at Eddie
"What is it?" Angela asked looking at her
"He's pretty" she said
Everyone laugh
"He's handsome" Angela said "very much too"
Eddie smile
"Eddie meet my girls this here is Hillary and that's Meisha"
"Hi girls" Eddie said
"Hi" Meisha said
"Hello" Hillary said smiling at him
Eddie extended his arm for her to shake and she did she smile "you're a pretty girl" he said
She covered her face and giggle "Thank you" she said shyly
"Thank you too" Eddie said
"Remind her she's seven the smallest one here" Toni said making them laugh
"Hi" Eddie greet AJ shaking his hand
"Nicky's and Aldi's son" Angela said
Eddie figured it to be he nod, Hariel went to him and he hug her kissing her up making her tickled
"Hey" Toni said coming over to Eddie she hand him a glass of liquor he kiss her cheek and take a seat,
"I can't figure out what to do for dinner and my guess are getting impatient" she sat on him, hug his neck "can you?" She smirk and kiss his cheek"can you please"
"Get to the point" he said
"That what you did for dinner on Tuesday, it was pretty good"
Eddie side look her
Angela and Nicky smile,
"Unless you're tired"
"Not yet I can help you out" he said
"Thank you" Toni said getting off his lap she went over to sit next to Hariel
Moana Thomas called Dorothy she use to live in Stafford for a while with family but had move to live abroad and now she has ran into some hard times and was hoping Dorothy would let her stay until things look up she didn't know Eddie was home with his daughter Dorothy didn't turn her down but said she would talk to her grandson since she got noticed that she would have to leave the house for they had sold it she was staying in her car she didn't tell Dorothy that it was that bad
Eddie was at dinner with the others when his grandmother called
"Grandma is everything alright, hope I'm not bothering you" she said
"No grandma you're not"
"How is Toni doing?"
Eddie look at her "she is fine, what happened?"
"You remember Moana?" Dorothy ask
Eddie can remember only one Moana, Moana Thomas who live on third Street she was living in Canada he heard his grandmother said before that she keeps in touch she didn't remember hearing her mention her sine he's living at home, "yes I do" he said
Toni could hear
"She called she's having some problems and was asking to stay by me until things get back up, she didn't know you were here I thought i had mentioned it"
"Grams I think there's enough space for everyone and what about the empty room downstairs I'm sure she'll have enough space, I guess she call for you was who she could turn to we don't want to let her down"
Dorothy chuckle, "thanks darling I'll tell her it's ok"
"Ok grandma I'll be home soon"
"Ok" Dorothy said hanging up to call Moana back she was delighted for she didn't have no one else, "I'll help you around with what ever I can and I won't be any problem"
Dorothy laugh "Don't worry about nothing" she said
Moana thank her again
"Who's Moana?" Toni asked Eddie he was doing the dishes with AJ when she comes near
"Ah how will I explain? Ah yeah a girl"
Nicky look at them
"Your girlfriend?"
"No she wasn't"
"Family?"
"Not necessarily but she lived around then move away grandmother  knew her family well"
"And she's staying by you?"
"She's going to be staying at the house"
"What about her family?"
"More and more people add to the family over time I guess she don't have the accommodations there"
Toni nod,
"It will be good now  that she'll be staying too,  so I don't have to worry about grams being a lone when we're not home she'll have company"
"Ok so what happened?" Toni asked
"Nana said something about some very difficult times"
"Oh" Toni said
"All done" AJ said
Eddie rub his head "thanks man" he said
AJ nod with a wide grin
"Well I'm going to see what's going on at home I'll call you"
"Coming over in the morning?" Toni asked
"I'll see what happens in the evening" Eddie said he said his goodbyes hugged Hariel and Hillary who didn't seem to want to let him leave with out it, she followed him through the kitchen door in to the living room"see you tomorrow" she said
"Ok" they heard Eddie answer
Toni smile when she came back and shook her head, "you guys want to watch tv?" She asked
"I'll watch tv" Hillary said
"Is there Netflix?" AJ asked
"Yes Netflix" Toni said
"Alright" AJ, Meisha and Hillary said and all three wanted to watch something different
"Well you can't watch all those one time but you can watch them in a row, you have until eleven since it's not a school night" toni said
"What you want to watch Hariel?" AJ asked
"I was wondering why you all want to watch and no one asked Hariel what she wants to watch when it's her home" Angela said
They look at Hariel
"I have nothing special I will watch what everyone is watching" she said
Toni smile, "that's my girl visitors choice" Toni said kissing her forehead
Hariel smile,
They went to the den and the children love it there it was cozy they lay on the bean bags AJ on one Hillary on another Hariel and Meisha share laying together Hillary get to watch what she wanted first and they relax to it from the kitchen they could hear them laughing
"Kids are so adorable" Toni said
"You can't help loving them" Angela laugh
"So Eddie don't sleep over here with you?" Nicky asked
"He does when his daughter is home,  he doesn't like leaving his grandmother a lone"
"Ok I see" Nicky said
"Well she's aging I can understand" Angela said
"I understand too"
"So you got the Internet now?" Angela asked
"I've been hucked up on it since I got inside" Nicky said turning to her husband and Michael"you're on line?" Shs asked
"We are" Aldi said then his phone message
"So am I" Michael said
Nicky realized Angela wasn't connected for she had not turned her wifi on soon as she did it pops up, "oh here it goes" Angela smile, "easy as pie"
Toni phone rang she picked it up to see it was Eddie "hey" she said
"I'm home, just letting you know, are you alright?" He asked
"I'm fine"
"I'll see you tomorrow, love you"
"Love you" Toni said
They hang up Toni join the others at the table
"Dinner was good wasn't it?" Angela asked
"I did enjoyed it" Nicky said
"Eddie doesn't cook regularly but he's a chef alright" Toni said
"He work miracles too" Nicky grin
"Should I tell you" Angela said rubbing Toni's belly
She and Nicky both giggle,
"Did we mention new added member to the family?" Nicky asked
Michael and Aldi look at her
"Well Toni is going to have a baby, I guess Eddie made the impossible possible, cheers to that" she said
Michael and Aldi lift their glasses joining in with her and Angela
"You're pregnant wow that is good you're going to make a perfect mom" Aldi said hugging toni
"I thought they say you couldn't well good for you congratulations" he said
Toni smile
"So maybe it's the husband who's at fault" Michael said
"He got a daughter" Nicky said
"With?" Aldi surprisedly asked
"His assistant" Toni said
They were not that sure but because of everything and now that they are living together it's obvious to them Toni remember how much he claimed to be busy and was working all the time but he had found the time to chauffeur Emma's child around he had hardly taken a call from her and he didn't call if she didn't it was clear he needed out and by she signed the divorce papers he was pushing her out the house,
Emma finally got the house to sell for the people who came before needed a little more space and the other couple after that thought it to be too expensive it didn't worth that amount, no one had looked at it since a single woman just bought it last week so Emma park her old car and got a new one a more advanced car much as Chris didn't approve he couldn't say since the divorce from Toni things been a little better and he want it that way,
Eddie got up early on Friday to help with the setting up of the room his grandmother had set Moana would come early tomorrow he was going to work and would swing by Toni to spend a little time Bob had help him since he was finished at the barn he had been paying him to see to the barn since he has a business operating now he didn't get that much time it was only to move out the old things and to paint for everything else seems fine he left for work and Bob stick around talking to Dorothy since she didn't go to the lounge again every day she just stays home only on given time she would stop in, things weren't bad knowing it's only a little over five months since she haven't been taking care of the lounge and her grandson business was manifesting too in the short period of time,
Since Hariel didn't get a good birthday Toni decided to keep a little party since everyone were there she planned it out with the girls while they were talking Friday evening thinking of going shopping on Saturday to get a few things like a few little snacks and toys, she ran it by Eddie and told him to invite his grandmother and the two girls from next door them and few of Hariel's friends she would want to have there, he agreed to do so, Saturday morning early they all take a swim and have breakfast when they were done Nicky wash all the towels they used by the poolside since they got here out them on the line then they went into town just the three women they met up with DeAndrea and Alexis to shop for the party,
Eddie had stayed on until Moana got to the house and settled down before he left leaving her talking with his grandmother, he got to Toni's and let himself in he heard talking coming from the den he peek in and saw the children Hillary being the first to see him got up and ran to him, "Dad" Hariel said running to hug him,
"Uncle Eddie" AJ said and he and Meisha came to greet him
"You ok?" He asked
"Yes" they all answered
"You want ice cream?" He asked
He had bought a few small dishes to bring over and gave four to the children he left them back in the den going out to find the others Michael and Aldi were by the pool so he joined them, Aldi pour  a drink of Smirnoff vodka then they sat talking they enquire about the business they didn't get to see the place the other day they were here hoping to get a view this time, Angela came in the driveway to see Eddie's van park to the front porch "baby daddy is here" Nicky said
"He doesn't use the garage?" Angela asked
"The night he took me to the hospital he back his van in for me not to go outside and he park in so I could get out" Toni said unaware the girls looked at her in shock
"You've been to the hospital?" Angela asked
She park and look at Toni
"You didn't tell us" Nicky said
"That's how I ended up knowing well hearing about the pregnancy"
Nicky laugh "you still sound as if you don't believe" she said but we didn't know about the hospital"
"They had to run test in order to know what was wrong for the pain got worse and I was fearful and end up trembling cold and frighten so Eddie took me to be sure I was ok"
"Oh" they said
"Please don't leave out any details when you tell us anything ok" Angela said
Toni laugh she nod "I promise not to" she said
They got out the van and take the things inside the kitchen they were finished and went to the den to see the children they got up to greet them "aunt Toni he's here, I saw him did you see him" Hillary said
Toni look at Angela and Nicky
"Who's here honey?" Angela asked
"The pretty one" she said rolling her eyes
Toni, Angela and Nicky laugh
"He brought ice cream" Hillary said
"Oh yeah for me?" Toni asked
"For me" she said
"It wasn't for just you" AJ said
"Yes" she said turning to AJ with her hands on her hips bending forward she said "it was he asked if I wanted ice cream and I said yes he just gave you because you were here"
Toni giggle
Angela cover her mouth and Nicky smile
"So he just brought it for you and maybe because the others wouldn't be eating he offered it to them" Angela said
"That's right" she said
"Oh you're saying his daughter was just lucky to get some ice cream?" Angela asked
Hillary look at Hariel"I don't know maybe for he asked me"
Toni shook her head "Ok go back and finish watching the movie we're gonna be out side if you need any assistance getting to anything you can't reach" she touch her cheek look at Angela and smile Angela shrugged she pulled both Toni and Nicky away going to the guys by the pool Toni had bought a bottle if Bacardi superior which she take for them, Eddie look when a hand came around his shoulder he knew it wasn't Toni so he looked Angela smile at him "the guy who didn't want to entertain widows now he has a seven years old crazy for him let's see how he handles that ah" Angela said
The others laugh
"He better handle it alright" Nicky said
Toni look at Eddie and smile soon as she sat on the poolside Eddie got up and went over to where she was,  he ran between her thighs and kiss her "how are you?"he asked
Toni nod "I'm alright" she said hugging him "wondering what's for dinner"
"I can do soup it's Saturday" Nicky said
"Remember tomorrow we're doing the little party we are going to do soup we don't need soup today and have it tomorrow" Toni said
"Hey look" Eddie said he turned so his back was to Toni she was still hugging him, "The cowboy ranch and smoke house delivers in an hour time your meal will be here just order and you can all relax"
"That doesn't sound bad" Nicky said
"The children will love order in" Angela said
"I'll make the order"
"How about some sweet potato casserole and curry beef?" Toni said
"That's what the little guy wants?" Angela tease Eddie look at her she smile and rest her head on Eddie who slightly kiss her.