Comeback (Sequel to 'Before the Storm')

Chapter 34: Understanding

Ally's POV

I stand there, frozen, watching the door where Dani just disappeared, my heart heavy with regret. Joe notices, his smile faltering as he follows my gaze.

"Don't worry about her," Kevin says softly, his hand resting gently on my shoulder, "She'll come around."

I take a deep breath, trying to push aside the sudden wave of guilt that's consuming me.

"I should go talk to her," I murmur, more to myself than to Joe.

"Let me," Joe offers, his tone calm, but there's a trace of uncertainty in his voice, "I'll go check on her."

As he steps away, I glance around the room again, trying to pull myself together. The excitement of the announcement still hangs in the air, but it feels distant now.

I want to feel the joy of the moment, but the sting of Dani's sudden departure is sharp.

Nick walks over, his face lighting up as he approaches.

"So, it's official then? Another baby Jonas on the way, huh?" He chuckles, giving me a playful wink.

"Yeah," I say, trying to muster a smile, "Another little one to add to the chaos."

"You and Joe are gonna be great parents."

Before I can say anything more, I spot Joe reappearing, his brows furrowed, his lips tight.

He shakes his head slightly, disappointment flickering across his face.

"Dani's not in the other room," he says, his voice low, "I think she left."

My stomach drops. "Left? What do you mean, left?"

I didn't even give Joe time to reply before rushing through the back yard, my breath coming in short gasps, hoping to find Dani there.

I barely registered the cool air hitting my face before my eyes landed on Dani sitting alone by the pool's edge, her legs dangling in the water.

She suddenly caught my gaze and before I can say anything, she takes a deep breath, looking at me with an earnest expression.

"Ally," she starts quietly, her voice low but steady, "I... I'm sorry. I was hurt, and I didn't stop to think about why you might've kept it from me."

I blink in surprise, my heart warming as I listen. Dani continues, her gaze meeting mine with sincerity.

"I should've realized that maybe you wanted to keep it just between you and Joe for a little while. It wasn't about me. It wasn't about me being left out—it was about you needing some space with him. I understand that now."

I open my mouth, but the words catch in my throat. This is the last thing I expected.

Dani's always been the first to call me out, but hearing her apologize, understanding where I was coming from, takes me by surprise.

"Dani," I say softly, my voice thick with emotion, "You don't have to apologize. I should've told you first and believe me, I never meant to make you feel excluded, and I never meant for you to feel left behind. You've always been there for me, and I want you to be part of everything, especially this."

She shakes her head, her lips curling into a small, understanding smile.

"I know. I know you didn't mean it like that. It's just... we've always shared things, Ally. I guess I just wanted to be the first one to know about this, to go through it with you, like we always do."

I nod, feeling the weight of her words, realizing how much I took for granted.

"I know babe, but I just... I wanted to hold on to it for a little while. Just me and Joe. I wasn't ready to share it with everyone yet. And I should've trusted you with that, too."

Dani smiles more brightly now, her eyes softening.

"I get it. I do. And I'm really excited for you, buba. I'm going to be there with you every step of the way—whether it's the pregnancy, the baby, or the mess that comes with both."

I laugh, feeling that familiar warmth fill my chest. "You're already planning on being the one who spoils the baby rotten, aren't you?"

"Absolutely," she says with the biggest grin.

I laugh again, relieved, and then step toward her, pulling her into another hug.

"Thank you for understanding, Dani. You mean too much to me."

She hugs me back, squeezing tightly. "I'll always be there for you, no matter what."

We pull away, both of us smiling now, the tension from earlier completely gone.

There's a calm between us, an unspoken promise that we're in this together, no matter what happens.

As we walk back into the living room, the sound of laughter and celebration fills the air again, but this time, I feel truly at ease. The weight of the secret finally gone!