Comeback (Sequel to 'Before the Storm')

Chapter 39: It's a ...

Ally's POV:

"It's a ..."

The world seemed to freeze. The air was thick with anticipation, every pair of eyes locked on Dani, waiting for the one word that would change everything.

My heart was racing in my chest, and I could feel Joe's hand tightening around mine, his fingers trembling just slightly. Despite how many times we'd talked about this moment, despite how much we both wanted it, the reality of it suddenly felt overwhelming.

Dani's face lit up as she pulled out a tiny blue onesie, the soft fabric catching the light. She held it up for everyone to see, her voice full of excitement and joy.

"IT'S A BOY!" she shouted.

The crowd erupted in cheers, but all I could hear was the sound of my own heartbeat.

I looked at Joe, who stood there frozen for a moment, staring at the little outfit in Dani's hands.

And then, his eyes met mine, wide with wonder, and I could see the emotion flooding through him.

"A boy," Joe whispered, his voice hoarse.

The words seemed to hang in the air, thick with meaning. "We're having a boy, Ally."

I blinked hard, fighting back the tears that were threatening to spill over. My heart swelled with so many emotions—relief, joy, love.

For a brief moment, it felt like the entire world had disappeared, leaving just Joe and me in the center of this beautiful chaos.

He reached for me then, his arms pulling me close. He cupped my face, his hands gentle, as if he was trying to steady me in the midst of it all.

"We're having a son," he whispered again, his voice thick with emotion.

The weight of it hit me all at once, and I buried my face in his chest, letting the tears fall freely. His shirt quickly became damp, but I didn't care.

I had imagined this moment for so long, but nothing could have prepared me for the intensity of it, the way it felt to know that this little life growing inside me was going to be a boy.

The laughter and cheers from the crowd around us were nothing but background noise.

It was just Joe and me, and our love coming together in the most beautiful way.

Denise and Kevin Sr. were standing nearby, their faces beaming with pride.

Denise had tears in her eyes, watching us, her joy palpable. She reached out to Joe, wrapping him in a tight hug.

"My first grandson," she said softly, her voice thick with emotion, "I knew it would be a boy."

Joe held his mother for a moment longer, as if drawing strength from her love. Then, he turned to look at his father, and I saw the pride in his eyes too.

"A boy. Our family's first grandson." Kevin Sr. said, his voice steady but filled with warmth.

It was at that moment that I realized how much this meant to everyone, not just us.

This wasn't just our child. It was a dream fulfilled for Joe's entire family. It was the beginning of a new chapter for all of them.

Nick, always the playful one, grinned and raised a glass.

"Guess that's one more competitor for all of us," he teased Joe, his voice light and filled with humor, "Hope you're ready for that, man."

Frankie, always the joker, clapped Joe on the back.