#3 Young and Reckless in Chicago

Chapter 44: When the Time is Right

Nick stood in front of baggage claim, waiting for his sister. That's when he spotted her walking towards him with a smile on her face. Her long brown hair flowed over her shoulders and bounced as she jogged over to her brother. When she finally reach Nick, she wrapped him in a hug.

"Emiliana!" cheered Nick, embracing his older sister in a hug.

"Hey Nicky! Uh I've missed you!" admitted Emiliana before pulling away from him.

"So how's the hubby?" asked Nick as he waited for her luggage to come to him.

"Good! It's amazing how much I love him. Although it still freaks me out that I married a man who has the same first name as my brother," chuckled Emiliana.

"Well you don't call him Nicky, well not anymore anyway. So, that's how we tell the difference. Amaro is great guy for you though, I knew that since the day I met him. I'm happy for you big sis."

"Thanks and I'm excited to see my little niece! I haven't seen her since she was born."

Nick chuckled as he grabbed her suitcase off the belt. The two of them started walking towards the car, chatting. He loved having his sister in town, she always made him feel like he was safe. She had always kept him safe, even when they were kids. Deep down though, Nick knew that she couldn't protect him from this.

Miles away Carson and Skylar had finished bringing Nick's things back to his house. Skylar had Luna strapped to her chest in a carrier so she could easily move around and clean. When she walked into the bedroom she froze, realizing nobody had been in here since Eva died. Sighing she walked over to the drawers and started packing all Eva's clothes in a box, then threw in her perfume bottles. When she finally finished packing it all in she wrote Her Clothes in black sharpie. Carson walked in, leaning in the doorway as he watched Skylar set the box against the wall. Carson walked into the bedroom, sliding his arms around her waist and resting his head on her shoulder.

"What's going through that pretty little head of yours?" asked Carson in a soothing tone.

"I'm just thinking...I don't ever want to loose you. I love you so much Carson," admitted Skylar, a few tears rolling down her cheek.

She sighed as she broke away from Carson, heading to the nursery. Skylar carefully placed a sleeping Luna in the crib before walking into the living room where Carson was now laying on the floor. She laid down next to him, feeling his arm wrap around her. This is exactly where she wanted to be, safe in his arms.

"You can talk to me Skylar. In fact I want you to talk to me because whatever you're dealing with, we can deal with together," pleaded Carson in a quiet tone.

"I'm just scared. I love you so much it hurts! It hurts to think that I may not get a future with you. Especially now with me taking care of Luna more. I realize that I wanna marry you, I wanna have kids with you, and I wanna grow old with you. But I worry that we may never get that," softly spoke Skylar.

"I'm here for you. Right now. Tomorrow. And every single day after that," promised Carson, planting a kiss on Skylar's forehead. 

"God you don't know how long I've been waiting to hear you say that."

Skylar leaned forward and gently, kissing him. When they pulled apart, Carson draped his arm around her neck and played with her hair. Skylar was at peace, feeling at home in his arms. She spun the three dollar promise ring on her finger, smiling. Carson watched her out of the corner of his eye with a grin of his own.

"I can't believe you still have that thing," chuckled Carson, referring to the bracelet.

"Of course I do! I still remember the day you gave it to me," smirked Skylar, thinking back, "It was our first date and we went to the carnival. You played one of those can games where you have to throw a baseball to knock down the cans, anyway you won this bracelet for me. And I've worn it every day since."

"I'm a lucky guy."

A few blocks away Juliana laid in bed, staring at the ceiling. She was tired of being pregnant, tired of being teased at school, and tired of being tired. Sighing, she thought about where Daniel might be. Her mind immediately reverted back to the last time she talked to him.

"I don't want a kid Juliana! This isn't the plan!" yelled Daniel, pacing in Juliana's living room.

"You think it was mine? You thing I wanted you to knock me up? Grow up Daniel!" barked Juliana, getting irritated.

"So why don't we just get rid of it?!"

Juliana stood there in shock. Sure, this wasn't the plan, but this was her child. She couldn't just abort it like it was nothing. Daniel knew by the look on his girlfriend's face that this wasn't going to go his way. Juliana finally looked up, glancing at Daniel.

"I'm not aborting this baby. Whether you like it or not," stated Juliana, her hands on her hips.

"Then you're raising it alone, have a nice life," insulted Daniel as he grabbed his coat and headed towards the door, "Oh and in case that wasn't clear enough, we're done."

He left with the slam of a door. Juliana felt the tears start streaming down her cheeks as she heard him drive away. She dropped to her knees, sobs wracking her body. In that moment, she felt as if her life was over.

Juliana was pulled out of the memory by a wet feeling in between her legs. She froze, realizing her water had just broke. That's when she felt her first contraction, weak for the beginning. The dull ache in her lower back continued as she tried to put on her shoes. Eventually she decided to give up.

"Mom! Dad!" cried Juliana, nervous.

Adam came running in with Kim at his side. Katie appeared in the doorway, dressed and ready to go. Adam put on his daughter's shoes with Kim held her hand. Katie walked in, grabbing her sister's hospital bag before heading down to start the car.

"Oh my god...I'm having a baby," realized Juliana, the truth finally dawning on her.

"Hey, sweetie, look at me," spoke Adam, looking up at his daughter, "You're gonna be a great mom. You learned from the best."

"I really did."