Spitting Bullets

Chapter 5

Antonio and Nicole headed over to Matt and Gabby's. Nicole tossed her leather jacket on since it was cold outside.

"How far along are you?" asked Antonio as he drove.

"I had a quick ultrasound done this morning by Natalie. She said it was about 8 weeks," informed Nicole as she pulled out the ultrasound photo.

"Awe! Ok. Do you wanna wait till the end of the first trimester to tell people?"

Nicole stayed silent for moment as she put the photos away, then a sly grin crossed her face, "You wanna tell Matt and Gabby don't you?"

"She's my sister! You're telling me you aren't gonna tell Carly?"

"Fair enough. Yes we can tell them as long as they don't tell anyone. Just in case something happens."

"I get it. Our baby is gonna be fine though."

A few minutes later they pulled up to Matt and Gabby's. They headed inside, all smiles. Everyone hugged and then Kelly walked down the hall from his room to greet them. Gabby had cooked an amazing dinner. She served up everyone's plate before sitting down herself. Just as she sat down, Nicole's phone went off. She apologized before stepping to the hallway to answer.

"Hello."

"Hey little sis. Megan is throwing up. It might be the flu and I don't want Noah to catch it. I know he should be in bed by now, but she's up because of the puking. I hate to do this to you, but can you come get him?"

"Yeah no big deal sis. I'll be there in like 10 minutes."

"I'm sorry to ruin your dinner."

"You didn't ruin it. I'll just see if Noah can sleep on the coach or something. Is he tired?"

"Oh he looks like a zombie."

"Ok. I'll be right there."

Nicole hung up and walked back into the dining room. She felt bad for having to impose.

"That was my sister. Her daughter Megan is throwing up. I gotta go get Noah. I was wondering if it would be okay if I brought him back here. He'll just be sleeping," stated Nicole.

"Of course! That's absolutely fine," reassures Gabby.

"I'll go with you," offered Antonio as he got ready to stand up.

"No you stay here with your sister and Matt. I'll be right back," said Nicole before pecking Antonio on the lips and grabbing his keys.

Nicole left and drove to Carly's house. When she got there, Jeff was sitting on the coach with Noah laying on him. Nicole awed at the sight.

"Hey little man," greeted Nicole with a smile.

"Mommy!" exclaimed Noah as he ran and hugged Nicole, "Meggie is sick."

"I know bud," sadly said Nicole as she picked him up, "Did you have fun with Uncle Jeff?"

"Yeah. We played trucks."

"Fun!"

Nicole gave Jeff a hug before grabbing Noah's backpack.

"Thanks for hanging out with him for a bit. He loves being here with you guys," smiled Nicole.

"We love having him. We feel bad for ruining your dinner," apologized Jeff.

"Don't worry about it! He's just gonna go sleep on the coach there. I hope Megan feels better. Tell Carly I say hi."

"I will. Have a good night!"

Nicole buckled Noah into his car seat and set his backpack in the empty seat. She drove back to Matt and Gabby's. When she got there, she turned around to see Noah fast asleep. She grinned as she pulled him out of the car, careful not to wake him. She opened the door to the apartment and walked in with Noah in her arms.

"I cleaned off my bed. You can put him in there," offered Kelly.

"Thank you so much Kelly."

Nicole tucked him into Kelly's bed before heading back to the dining room. Gabby pulled a plate out of the microwave and set it in front of Nicole.

"Thanks Gabby and thanks for letting him sleep in your room Kelly," gratefully said Nicole.

"It's no big deal."

They ate dinner and made conversation. Eventually Antonio looked at Nicole, deciding that this was the moment to tell them the news. Nicole quietly unclasped her small purse and set the ultrasound photo in her lap.

"We actually have something to tell you guys," smiled Antonio.

"Did you two get engaged?" asked Gabby.

"No," chuckled Nicole before holding out the photo, "I'm pregnant."

"No way!" exclaimed Gabby as she took the picture from Nicole.

"Congrats guys," chuckled Kelly.

"Yeah congrats. You guys must be excited," smiled Matt.

"We are. I hope little man Noah will be excited too."

"I'm sure he will be. I was excited when I found out my mom was having Christie. Although I wasn't too keen on the fact that she was a girl," joked Matt.

"I feel like that's gonna be Noah," chuckled Nicole.

"I'm so happy for you guys. I can't wait to be an aunt again," grinned Gabby.

***

They four of them drank alcohol while Nicole drank water. The guys had gathered on the couch while Nicole helped Gabby clean in the kitchen. Nicole found washing the dishes relaxing when she needed to think.

"I can't believe my big brother is having another kid. I'm glad he's found a girl as great as you."

"Really? Laura wasn't better for him?"

"Oh no no no. Laura was controlling and I knew it when I met her. I tried to tell Antonio that but he wouldn't hear it. The two good thing that came out of that marriage are Eva and Diego. You are a million times better for Antonio. Besides in twelve years of marriage he never looked at her the way he looks at you. When he looks at you it's clear he's head over heels in love with you."

"Awe. That's actually kinda reassuring. I was a little worried the kids were thinking I was trying to replace Laura."

"No. Eva was telling me about how you painted her nails the other day and Diego thinks it's awesome that you can play GTA like a pro. You've won those kids over."

"They're fun to hang out with. Beside they love playing with Noah."

"See there is nothing to worry about."

Antonio walked into the kitchen with a smile on his face. He grabbed three beers out of the fridge and kissed Nicole on the cheek.

"It cool if we hang out for one more beer?" asked Antonio.

"Yeah," chuckled Nicole, "but you better give me a seat on the coach because I wanna see the end of the hawks game."

"Deal."

Nicole grabbed her water, flashed Gabby a smile, and followed Antonio into the living room. Gabby followed too, with her wine, sitting in the empty lounge chair. Antonio sat down next to Matt and Nicole sat on the end of the couch next to Antonio. They all cheered when the Hawks scored. Nicole glanced at the people around her and realized her life was perfect.