Zacky ~ I Don't Believe In Fairytales ~ Vengeance {Book 5}

Zacky ch 1

I pushed the stroller into the doorway of Matt's house where the guys would all be soon. Today was their last day of touring and I'd finally get to see them. I missed them all but none as much as my sister Gwen.

In the last few months since Fallyn went back with them I had gotten a small part time job stalking shelfs and a cheap apartment. It was a one bedroom, the kitchen was tiny, and every two weeks the sink needed fixed but it was ours. Steph loved sitting in the window seat that was filled with fluffy pillows and stuffed animals.

I leaned down pulling on the belt holding her in. "Mama." she said biting her finger. I kissed her cheek hugging her against me. Steph was now fifteen months old and very smart.

"That's right, I'm mama." I said encouraging her. Her smile was so contagious that I found myself smiling. Her father Scott had finally signed over custody last week when the divorce finalized.

Yeah it was quicker than most divorces but we parted happily so there wasn't a reason to fight. He didn't even mind paying for Steph's doctor bills when she'd gotten sick three months ago. The only stipulation was that we had to wait three more months before either of us could marry again.

Not that I minded I didn't have any plans. Well.. At first I had thought Zacky and I might work but he hadn't called me since Steph was sick so I figured he wasn't waiting around for me.

"Mine." Steph said grabbing her stuffed Zacky plushie, he'd given her, from under the stroller. She took that thing everywhere even to the park where the other mothers gave me curious looks. I guess they didn't understand why she was so possessive of it frankly neither did I but I wouldn't take it from her.

"Yes Steph, baby Zacky is yours." I said as she walked to the couch laying it on a pillow gently.

After kissing it she turned putting a finger to her lips. "Shh.." which was adorable. I nodded covering my lips as she did to let her know I understood her request. I gave her a boost so she could snuggled next to him.

"Do you want to take a nap?" I asked covering her with her blanket. She nodded popping her thumb in her mouth. I kissed her cheek as she did to her baby.

Her eyes closed tightly as she yawned. I had a lot of work to do to get dinner prepared for everyone. I checked my watch then walked to the door locking it before going to the kitchen. I already refilled their fridge for tonight but the rest were on their own.

I chopped steak, peppers, onions, and button mushrooms for kabobs. After skewing everything I covered it in foil and slid it into the fridge pulling out carrots, celery, and cauliflower for a veggie tray.

I rinsed and chopped everything into bite size pieces. After replacing it in the fridge I grabbed a container of sour cream to mix with a powdered ranch dip. I wasn't sure the guys would eat any but most of us girls would. I also brought several bags of chips.

I washed my hands and grabbed my phone before it could wake Steph. "Hey Gwen, are you guys close?" I asked checking Steph, she was still asleep.

"Hey Stacy! Yeah, we'll be there in thirty minutes. How is everything?" she asked.

"Good, I'll be tossing the food on the grill then." I said biting my lip. It was getting closer.. It was inevitable, I'd have to see Zacky again.

"Alright. I was just letting you know." she said laughing.

"Thanks, I'll see you soon." Steph opened her eyes blinking several times.

"Okay." we said goodbyes and hung up. Steph sat up looking at me curiously.

"That was aunt Gwen, she's coming to see you." I said picking her up in my arms. She was smiling as I carried her to the kitchen. She'd have to help me cook.

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Matt's POV

I pulled into my driveway feeling at home. I missed this place. Britt hugged my arm as I grinned at her. "We're home." I said as she kissed my lips.

"Finally." She said putting her forehead against mine. "I'm going to walk around naked." My body went into overdrive as she laughed softly. "We will finally have space and privacy!"

"Just us." I agreed, it had been cramped but honestly I wouldn't have changed any of it. We left the bus followed by Fallyn, Jimmy, Ali and Johnny. Syn pulled up after us and Gwen climbed out holding Brie.

"We are home!" Jimmy laughed carrying Fallyn over his shoulder. Everyone was either smiling or grinning as we walked to the front door.

I pulled out my keys unlocking the door, Gwen mentioned Stacy might stop by so I wouldn't be surprised to see her. We found her and Steph in the back yard cooking at the grill. "Hey Stacy." Syn said hugging her after Gwen.

I was shocked to hear Steph say, "Mama." raising her arms. Stacy picked her up and laughed softly.

"She is just nervous because your all so hyper." Stacy said as she snuggled into Stacy's neck. God I wanted a little girl to hold me like that.. call me daddy.. but I couldn't have one.. ever.. I couldn't risk Britt's life.. She was the most important person in my life.

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I hugged the girls while balancing Steph against my side. "Rings mama." Steph said curiously watching Jimmy crossing his eyes at her.

"Yes baby, you can have rings." I said carrying her to the table for the bag of funyuns. "She couldn't wrap her tongue around the word funyuns so she says rings and I just know." I explained as they all looked curiously at me.

She had most of her teeth so it was easy for her to chop them down! Jimmy put a hand out looking in her eyes. "Can I please have a ring Steph?"

"No." She said handing him one. She smiled as he kissed her cheek.

"Yes. You mean yes Steph." I said softly yes and no were also confusing for her.

"Thank you Steph." Jimmy said crunching his funyun. I laughed as Matt reached a hand out looking at her with awe. Britt told me about his desire for a child and it was sad that she couldn't carry one full term.

"Can I please have one?" He asked smiling widely. Britt was looking at him with uncertainty.. It must be even harder for her..

"No." She laughed handing him one. "Down." she said wiggling her feet. She loved to run around. I let her go watching her reach for Matt.

"Thank you Steph." he said leaning on one knee she wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed his cheek. Giggling she was off running towards the grass. He looked shocked standing. "She is awesome."

"Thank you." I said grinning. Ali and Johnny were talking by the door and Fallyn was putting feet in the pool. Where was Zacky? Gwen was laughing as Syn made Brie into an airplane.

"No. Mine." I heard Steph say so i turned as Jimmy picked up her Zacky plushie. Steph held her hands up trying to get it back. Whining a little. I walked over quickly picking her up in my arms.

"Ask him nicely." I said as her eyes filled with tears making my chest tighten. I bit back the urge to take it. As she put her hands out like he did mumbling. I knew she was trying to say please.

He handed it back looking at her curiously. "I'm sorry." he looked at me ready to cry to. "I didn't mean to upset her."

"It's alright. She is just a little protective of her baby." I said as she smiled hugging it to her. He grinned nodding finally understanding. I put her down and she ran off carrying her baby tightly in her tiny arms. If only Zacky had seen that..