The next day, Isaac and Nikki got everyone together to share with them the news that they were having a baby. Everyone was thrilled to hear it, and they were now celebrating. But as happy as Arielle was for them, she wasn't really enjoying herself. She only wished she had someone to be there for her the way her uncle was there for Nikki. It made her sad that she was on her own, and only had family to lean on. No one loved her the way he loved his wife enough to stick by her side.
Zac looked over at Arielle from across the room, and saw the tears forming in her eyes as she watched Isaac and Nikki so happy together. He walked up to her, and gave her a big hug. " It's okay, Arielle. There is someone out there for you, who will love you as much as you deserve to be loved."
" But it's not just that, uncle Zac. She has a husband to be there one hundred percent for her as she goes through her pregnancy. I have no one." Tears rolled down her face. " I may have family, but it's just not the same."
He nodded to say he understood what she meant. " I know it isn't. But some women have no one, sweetie. I would take what you have and focus on having a relationship later."
His words weren't very comforting. They just upset her more. She didn't think he really understood what she was going through. Running out of the room, she caught Nikki's attention.
Following her out to the back yard, Nikki took her into her arms and held her as she cried. " I know you are having a very hard time right now, Arielle. But it really will be okay."
" How can it be? I have... no way to find out... who the father is, and even if I could... it wouldn't matter. I'm doing doing this by myself." She sobbed. " I... I shouldn't have... decided to have this baby."
" There is still adoption if you feel like you can't do it, honey. This whole family will continue to back you up, even if you decide to give this baby away."
" Would you raise my baby, Nikki? If I decide to give the baby up, would you take care of him or her?"
This surprised Nikki. She had not expected for her to ask her to raise the baby. " Wow. I... I don't... you would want me and your uncle to... raise your baby?"
" You are amazing parents. I don't see why not." Arielle told her.
Wiping away Arielle's tears, she smiled. " I am very flattered you would ask. But I think if there is anyone to really ask, you should look at Natalie and your dad first."
" I suppose. But it may be easier if you do it. They already have more than enough kids to look after." She calmed down a little. " Will you at least think about it?"
Nikki nodded. " Yes, for you I will." She hugged her again. " Now come back in with me and I will fix us a snack."
" Alright. I am kind of hungry." Arielle followed her back inside, and they found her dad in the kitchen grabbing another bottle of sparkling cider from the fridge.
Taylor looked up at them, and noticed that she had been crying. He set the bottle down on the counter and gave her a big hug.
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Later on that evening, Rachel showed up at Taylor's and Natalie's to surprise Arielle. They hadn't seen each other since she had gotten into town. Introducing herself to Natalie, who had been the one to answer the door, she asked to please see her. Natalie told her which bedroom upstairs was her's, and she ran up there, knocking excitedly at the door.
When Arielle saw her, she nearly knocked her over by throwing her arms around her." I am so happy to see you." Arielle smiled, pulling out of the hug a moment later. " You have no idea."
