Zailey (Sequel) ✔️

Part Eleven

I was on a completely natural high as I bounded up the stairs to let myself into the house.
I finally got to ride Phoenix again!
And we did plenty of trotting!
At least I could have Phoenix time when I couldn't get out to the hospital to see Zander.
But I was counting down the days to when I'd finally be told he was allowed to come home.
These long drives out to the hospital and back were beginning to take their toll on me.
But there was no way I'd tell Zander that it was making me so tired.
And setting me behind on my school work.
He'd just tell me to stay home.
But I couldn't do that.
I love him and I'd never leave him sitting in the hospital day in, day out.
I'd miss him too much!
As I opened the gate at the top of the stairs, I could hear people talking inside the house, thanks to the main door being open, but the screen door being closed.
I knew the voices.
Kylie, Arian, Alice, Brogan, Phoebe, Corbin and Piper.
What the heck is going on?
I locked the gate behind me and pulled the screen door open to let myself into the house.
"Hey honey!"
Kylie called; twisting around to look at me as I stepped in.
"Bailey!"
Piper squeaked excitedly.
She came barreling around the counter and across the kitchen to pull me into a bear hug.
"Hey Piper."
I couldn't help but smile as I hugged her back.
"It's been way too long since I've seen you!"
Corbin's girlfriend dramatically declared, still with her arms wrapped around me.
"Alright Babe. Let the sister breathe and let these guys share their news."
Corbin chided.
Evidently reluctantly, Piper releases me and stepped back.
"News? What news?"
I asked, scanning the group who were gathered in front of me.
Phoebe twisted around to look up at Brogan, with a huge smile of adoration on her glowing face.
What's going on?
I already know they're pregnant!
Brogan smiled down at her and nodded.
Phoebe turned around so she was looking at me from across the kitchen island.
"We're engaged!"
She exclaimed.
Beside me Piper squealed excitedly and bounced on the spot.
Kylie gushed and clapped.
Her second son to get engaged.
It took a moment for the news to sink in.
Finally it seemed to and I felt a squeal like gasp leave my mouth.
"Oh my god!"
The rest of them erupted into laughter.
"Congratulations!"
I exclaimed, hurrying around the counter to be able to hug my brother and soon to be Sister In Law.
Phoebe had tears of happiness shining in her eyes as she hugged me.
"When did this happen?"
I asked, looking between the newly engaged couple.
"Last night!"
Phoebe chirped, extending her left hand to show me the ring.
Before Zander gave me my necklace, I'd never really found myself to be a jewellery person.
I still wasn't really.
But the sparkly piece that sat perfectly on Phoebe's slender, piano player finger was beautiful.
"She's been hunting at it for like the last two years."
Brogan declared, sliding an arm around Phoebe's waist.
She rolled her eyes and lightly elbowed his side.
"How long have you guys been together?"
I asked, looking between them.
I was a little disappointed in myself for not knowing.
"Four years!"
Phoebe stated proudly.
"Why the hell did you wait so long?!"
I exclaimed, staring at my in all technicalities second eldest brother, in disbelief.
Laughter broke out around me and I felt my cheeks warm in a blush.
"Yeah Brogan what's taken ya so long?"
I looked to Kylie to see she was grinning, amusement sparkling in her eyes.
"Yeah Brogey-Wogey!"
I turned around quickly to find an adorable four year old standing not far from his Dad's side.
Zane.
"Zayno!"
I exclaimed.
"Aunty Bailey!"
The adorable child sprinted at me.
Laughing, I hauled him up by his arms so that I could hug him.
With all the drama that had been going on lately, it felt like forever since I'd seen him and his brother's.
"How are you?"
I asked my eldest nephew.
"Good!"
He chirped, a toothy grin spread wide on his face and his DC cap sitting askew on his head.
"Zane?"
Alice asked pointedly.
Zane turned his head to look at his Mum.
"What does Aunty Bailey need?"
Alice asked her eldest son.
Zane turned back around to face me, linking his small, tanned arms around my shoulders.
"Do you want a kiss Aunty Bailey?"
He questioned, his bright blue eyes sparkling with innocence.
Kylie, Phoebe and Piper made cooing sounds.
"I would love one Zane!"
I told him, unable to wipe my grin off my face even if I'd wanted to try.
Zane stretched forward, pursue his lips into a kiss and touched them to mine.
"Thank you."
I whispered, hugging the boy close to my chest
"That's okay."
He whispered back to me, his small chin propped on my shoulder.
"Where are Cooper and Dawson?"
I asked Zane.
He pulled back, his face bright again as he looked me in the eye.
"They're playing! I can go get them!"
"Okay!"
I made sure to march his enthusiasm and helped him down to the ground.
Zane took off to find his two year old twin brother's.
"That was so cute!"
Phoebe gushed.
"We're trying to bring back his tender side again. He's gotten a bit... full on being at Kindy."
Alice explained, gently rubbing her belly that was rounded with pregnancy number three, but child number four.
"How far are you now?"
I asked.
"Twenty six weeks."
She informed me with a smile.
I looked from Alice's bump, easily noticeable on her slim figure, to Phoebe who was pregnant with her first.
"How far are you?"
I asked.
"Twenty two weeks."
She explained, also with a smile.
I couldn't help but squeal.
"The cousin's can be friends!"
Almost everybody around me laughed.
"That's our plan."
Alice agreed.
"Heyyo!"
We all turned to find that the kids had returned, one of the twins standing boldly in front, while Zane dragged the other to join in.
The twins were dressed identically, wearing cap's and one wearing a blue t-shirt, the other a green and both wearing black board shorts style shorts and sand shoes.
"Hugs for Aunty Bailey Coop."
Arian stated, reaching a thong clad foot forward to nudge their second born son.
I knelt down to the floor for the toddler, so I was at a less intimidating height.
Blue t-shirt clad toddler whom I now assumed was Cooper, ran to me with his arms open.
"You're not in trouble Dawsy!"
Zane groaned exasperatedly, trying to drag his two year younger brother forward.
Dawson mewled in protest, but was no March for his big brother.
Zane pushed Dawson forward to hug me at the same time as Cooper was.
"Hello gorgeous boys!"
I greeted them, hugging them both.