An Upcoming Star

Thirteen

Rachel's PoV
Jack came running in from the backyard covered in snow. I chuckled at him as he gasped and ran back outside. I returned to cutting up fruit when I heard him coming back in.

I turned my head and saw him making his way towards me. I set the knife in the sink and bent down in front of him. He smiled sheepishly and bit on the inside of his cheek.

"Hey mommy?"
"Yes bud?"
"I have a surprise for you."
"Oh yeah? What is it?"

He giggled and ran away from me towards the back door. It opened and I gasped when I saw Conor walk in with two snowballs in his hands. He handed one to Jack and they both smirked at me.

"Ready son?"
"Ready daddy."
"On three."
"Conor don't you even think about it."
"One."
"Conor I'm warning you."
"Two."
"Let's go daddy!"
"Three. Fire!"

They both ran towards me and smushed the snow. I screamed as the coldness shot through my body. Jack and Conor bursted out laughing. I glared at Conor and he held his hands up in surrender with that famous smile of his.

"Hi Rach."
"Hi Conor."

Bree took this moment to come crawling into the kitchen. I looked towards her and smiled widely. I forgot about Conor and looked towards his as he looked at her in astonishment. I walked over to Bree and picked her up.

I kissed her cheek as she giggled and it made my heart flutter as always. I looked towards Conor as he looked towards us in awe. He looked at me as if to ask permission and I nodded. He walked towards us and Bree looked at him funnily. I chuckled softly as I looked at her.

Conor stood beside me and lifted his hand to Bree and she grabbed onto his pointer finger and smiled. She looked at me and I smiled sadly at her. She looked between Conor and I before she raised her hands up to Conor.

He carefully took her from me and she looked at him in awe. She placed her hand on the side of his face and the other was grabbing his nose. I looked towards where Jack was and saw he was gone. I left Conor with Bree and walked out of the kitchen and up the stairs to Jack's room.

He was sitting on his bed with his head hung low. I frowned and made my way over to him. I sat on the bed next to him and he leaned into me. I leaned down and kissed his head.

"What's wrong buddy?"
"Daddy's gonna leave again, isn't he?"
"I don't know baby but I can promise you this; I'm not going anywhere. Why don't you go change into dry clothes while I finish lunch. And don't forgot to wash your hands."
"Okay mommy."
"I love you little man. I'll always love you no matter what."
"I know mommy. I love you too."

I smiled and kissed his temple before standing up and walking out. I walked down the stairs and into the kitchen where Conor was still completely smitten by Bree. He hadn't noticed I'd come in yet and continued talking to her.

"I haven't been a great father or husband lately now have I? I'm sorry I wasn't there for you at all but I need you and your big brother to know that I'm here to stay this time. I'm not leaving without a fight. You have officially stolen my heart baby."

He leaned down and placed a kiss gently on her forehead. She giggled and wrapped her hand around his finger as he held her in his other hand.

"Mommy's not very happy with me at the moment and I can't blame her. I've been a terrible husband and a horrible father since before you were even born. I promise you that I'll be here from now on. I'll be the father I'm meant to be. For you and for Jack. I promise I'll protect you from everything and break every boy, or girl, that may break your heart. I love you so much baby girl. I'm sorry I haven't been here for you."

Bree must have saw me because she started calling out for me. I smiled and walked over to them and she giggled. Conor looked at me and the back at Bree. I heard footsteps behind us and I turned to see Jack walking in. He looked between Conor and I and walked over to the table. I turned back to Bree and Conor and saw him looking towards Jack sadly. I walked over and took Blaire off of him and nodded towards Jack.

"Prove to me that you're going to stay and be the father I need you to be to our son."

I walked over to the table and set Bree in her high chair. I walked over to where I had the two plates of fruit and juices. I grabbed them and walked over to the table. I set a plate and juice in front of both of them.

Third Person's POV

Dear Lucy, the love of my life,

When you get this letter, the kids and I will be on our way home to the states for Christmas. I've been thinking about the whole Conor situation and he'll be coming over tomorrow to visit and to meet Bree.

Lucy slid down against the door as she read the letter. Her eyes watered by the second and everyone looked at her worryingly.

I know this isn't want you want to happen but I can't keep him from his kids any longer. I hope you understand where I'm coming from. My offer stills stands though, if wanna spend Christmas as a family come to the states.

Rachel sat at the table laughing with Conor, Jack and Bree. They looked like they were one happy family from the outside but both, Conor and Rachel, understood that they needed to be like that for the sake of their kids.

I don't know how we're going to do this but I'm willing to wait for you. No matter who long you'll be, I'll wait for you. I love you Lucia Bronze. I love you so much that I'm giving you a pass. I hope you choose what is best for you because that's all I want.

Rachel grabbed her mug of coffee and snuggled further into blanket that covered her and Jack as they watched tv. Conor and Bree were on the other sofa sound asleep in each other's arms. Rachel subconsciously reached her hand up to the necklace around her neck. Lucy's necklace.

I love you so much Lucy. I'm sorry, but I can't marry you. Not now at least.

Love Rachel x

Lucy looked at the ring in her hand and finally let the tears fall. She was immediately engulfed in a hug by her best friends but they weren't the arms she was craving. No, those were in America. With her family.