Comeback (Sequel to 'Before the Storm')

Chapter 33: Announcements

Ally's POV

We were on our way to a family event and with every mile we reach, I could feel my stomach twist tighter, and not because of the pregnancy symptoms - though it's been rough - it's because of the secret we've been keeping.

It's been a month since we found out that we were pregnant, making me two months pregnant. We still haven't told anyone yet, wanting to keep this news just ours for a while longer.

I glance over at Joe, who's driving, looking as calm and collected as ever. He reaches out to grab my hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze.

"You ok?" he asks, his deep voice breaking the silence.

"Yeah," I lie, forcing a smile.

He doesn't buy it, I can tell. He knows me better than anyone, but he doesn't press it. Instead, he just nods, eyes flicking to me for a split second before returning to the road.

"I think it's going to be a fun night," he says, trying to lighten the mood.

I know what's coming. Joe's family loves to party, and they love their drinks. And for the first time ever, I won't be drinking.

As we walk through the front door, the familiar scents of baked goods and something grilled fill the air.

There's a hum of conversation, laughter echoing down the hallway.

I immediately spot Nick and Kevin, who are chatting by the fireplace with a couple of beers in hand. Dani is sitting on the couch, laughing at something that Priyanka was showing her.

"Well, well, look who finally made it!" said Kevin Sr warmly.

Denise suddenly rushed over, giving Joe a tight hug before pulling me into a welcoming embrace.

"How was the drive, you two? Long one?" she asked, her voice full of concern

Kevin Sr. clapped Joe on the back, joking, "I was starting to think you were going to make us wait forever!"

"Yeah, well, I've been trying to get this one to stop running for the bathroom every five minutes. But, that's been impossible lately."

Joe's eyes widened in shock as he realized what he'd just blurted out, his face going pale.

However he quickly recovered, offering a tight smile.

"She's just been drinking a lot of water lately," he said smoothly, "trying to stay hydrated."

The tension in the room eased slightly, but we could still feel the weight of the unspoken question hanging in the air.

"Ally!" Dani grins, squeezing me tight, "You look amazing! How are you doing?"

"I'm good, just a little tired."

Dani raises an eyebrow, the smile still on her face, but I can tell she's reading between the lines.

I take a deep breath and force my feet to move towards the kitchen, where I know the drinks are.

Joe follows me, stepping in close as he leans down to kiss my cheek.

"Remember," he whispers in my ear, his breath warm against my skin, "we don't have to tell them tonight. We'll wait until you're ready."

I nod, biting my lip.

When I reach the kitchen, the counter is lined with bottles of wine, cocktails, and a few other mixed drinks. The temptation to just grab a glass is overwhelming.

It's just one drink, I think. Just one. But I shake my head, forcing myself to look away.

Dani appears beside me, her eyes narrowing in suspicion.