His Forever Flame

46. A Brother's Surprise part 2

They'd been home a couple of days, and Lauren was just thinking about how happy she was and how their family was growing. Jay was at work and the twins were asleep. She was curled up on the couch relaxing when she got a text from Kelly asking if she could talk.

She called him; "Hey Kel, what's up?"

"Just seeing if you were busy."

"No. Why? What's going on?"

"Oh nothing. Just wanted to call and talk."

"Right.... now what's up?" she asked again.

"Why do you think something's up?" he asked with a laugh.

"Because I know you Kelly, and you're acting weird."

"Am not," he said like a little kid with a laugh.

"Oh good grief," she said rolling her eyes even though he couldn't see.

This just made him laugh more. "Why don't yall come to dinner tonight?" he asked.

"Well I've got two fussy babies and a ton of house work to do," she said with a sigh. The twins had been fussy and clingy all day. She hadn't got much done around the apartment and she was worn out. She hoped it was just a thing from where they had been gone this past weekend, and they weren't getting sick

"Forget the housework and bring the babies anyways," Kelly said.

Lauren sighed. "I'll text Jay and let you know."

"Ok sis, love you."

"Love you too Kel," she said as they hung up. Something was definitely up with him but she didn't have time to figure it out. She sent Jay a text asking if he wanted to go to Kelly and Shay's for dinner and she got a positive reply. She text Kelly letting him know they'd be there. She got up to do some housework while the babies napped.

Kelly and Shay were off, so after finding out his sister, brother in law, niece and nephew would for sure be coming over, they ran to the store and got food. They came back and in the afternoon cooked together. Shay was happy, happier than she'd been in a while, and she could tell Kelly was happy too.

"What?" he asked her with a smile seeing her just watching him.

"Nothing. Just happy," she smiled.

He walked over and picked her up on the counter. He softly kissed her lips. "I'm happy too Les."

Shay smiled and kissed him again. "I'm gonna go get ready? You good?" she asked looking around the kitchen.

Kelly nodded and sat her down. Shay went to get ready while Kelly finished dinner.

About an hour later Jay and Lauren got to Kelly and Shay's and knocked. The babies weren't as fussy and Lauren was thankful. She was still worn down from the long day, but Kelly had seemed really happy about this so she'd put on a happy façade for him.

Kelly let them in with hugs and smiles.

"Hey guys," he said relieving Lauren of Jayla.

"Hey," they smiled joining Shay in the living room. She took Jayden and she and Kelly got in the floor to play with the twins. Lauren curled up on the couch with Jay just watching. The twins loved both sets of aunt and uncle, and Lauren was so glad. Her babies were really loved.

After talking for a bit, they went to the kitchen to eat. Kelly made Lauren's favorite taco casserole and it was delicious. Once they finished, Lauren went to nurse the twins, and then Shay took over just playing with them. Lauren was glad they let her because she was tired.

"So what's up?" she finally asked once Kelly and Jay joined them in the living room from cleaning up. She was hoping to get a straight answer this time.

Kelly laughed watching Shay with the babies. "Why must something be up for me to want to have dinner with my family?"

"Oh nothing has to be up, I can just tell by the way you're acting," Lauren said giving him a pointed look.

"Kelly give it up, she knows you too well," Shay said from the floor with a sly smile.

"I knew it!" Lauren said. "Now please just tell me," she practically begged.

Before Kelly could say anything, Shay piped up; "Will you be my maid of honor next weekend?"

Lauren sat there staring, turning over Shay's words in her head. It finally clicked and Lauren jumped up squealing, startling the babies. "Yes, yes, yes! Oh my gosh, yes! He finally asked," she squealed hugging them both.

Kelly just laughed as Lauren tugged at Shay's hand, "Let me see," she smiled. Shay showed her the ring and Lauren smiled.

"He asked last night and I said yes," she smiled over at Kelly.

"Oh.... Oh I'm so happy for you two," Lauren smiled hugging them again. She was so glad Kelly had finally asked and Shay was gonna officially be a part of their family. It was perfect.

"Where? How?" Lauren asked and Kelly smiled.

"Navy pier under the stars just like you suggested months ago," he smiled hugging his sister again.

"Oh Kel... Oh this is so great guys. I'm happy for you both," she said hugging them again.

After getting more details on their wedding plans, the babies started fussing.

"Guess we better get them home. Let me know when you wanna dress shop," she told Shay hugging them both again. They offered another round of congratulations before taking the babies home. Lauren was happy. Their family was perfect and happy and before long would include another little one and she couldn't wait.

They got the babies bathed and fed and in bed. Lauren curled up with Jay in their bed; Life was almost perfect, she thought as she drifted to sleep in his arms.