It was the fourth week of Niall's tour. He wanted me to come with him, but we eventually agreed that it wouldn't be the best to pull my four year old daughter, Julia, out of preschool for a world tour. Niall was amazing at being her step dad and always wanted the best for her. He treated her like his own daughter, from the moment they had met when she was just a year old. Her own father had quickly realized he didn't want to be a father, and we were on our own. Niall filled that role for her, and she has only known him as her father. The bond the two of them share is amazing for me to witness. His parents even adopted her as their own granddaughter, and I couldn't have been happier. Especially when we were in our London home, or visiting Mullingar as my parents were in the states.
I was pregnant with our first child together and this tour had been especially hard. Raising our daughter and keeping up with my full time job was tough. Thankfully my boss let me work from home. Niall felt terrible for not being home during my first trimester when I would need him the most, but we agreed to stay where we were in London while I was feeling so ill most of the day and then we'd go back to the states during my next trimester when I wasn't so sick.
It was a Wednesday morning, when Niall called me, he had just finished some promo at a radio station in Italy and wanted to check in on me before he moved on to his next task. I had just gotten home from dropping Julia off at school when my phone rung. I saw his name appear on my caller ID and never had a chance to answer, as my morning sickness reared its ugly head and I ran to the bathroom to empty the contents of my stomach.
I tried to return his call but he had already gotten to the new destination on his promo tour and couldn't answer. I quick texted him, 'sorry, had to throw up again' and a few minutes later my phone signaled that I had a reply. 'Hate that you're so sick and no one's there with ya'.
I texted him back that I loved him and to call me later. I went to work in my home office and before I knew it, it was time to pick up my daughter from school. On the way home he called and I put the phone on the radio speaker for her to talk to him. We always made sure not to talk about sensitive things in front of her, so he simply said he missed us and wished he could be with us.
Later that night, I was struggling through another bout of nausea while trying to figure out what I wanted to make for dinner when the doorbell rang. I walked to the door and looked through the peep hole and was surprised to see my father in law, Bobby, standing on the doormat with a suitcase and a bag of groceries.
I opened the door, 'Bobby, it's good to see you.' He placed his items on the ground and pulled me in for a hug. 'I missed two of my favorite girls and wanted to come for a visit, I hope that's okay.' I gave him a knowing smile, and let him in the house. 'Grandad!' my daughter shouted as she ran to him. He placed his bags on the ground and picked her up for a big hug. 'How are ya, little bug?' he asked her and she replied with a heap of giggles. She had the best relationship with both of my in-laws, as did I. They treated us like their own daughter and granddaughter from day one. It was more than I ever could have wanted.
I didn't even need to ask why he was here. I knew Niall had called him and asked him to come visit. Julia was so excited to see him, she helped him find the guest room in our 'way too big home' as he exclaimed. A few minutes later, they came downstairs and he asked her to be a big helper by cooking some dinner for the three of us. Honestly, it was nice to have a Horan man back in the house. I missed Niall so much, having his dad here was the next best thing. Watching the two of them carry on and laugh was such a sweet sight. While they were cooking, they turned the radio on, and were dancing and laughing in the kitchen. One of Niall's songs came on and they both immediately took their spatulas and used them as microphones to sing along. I loved that Bobby was such a fan of his son's music.
After dinner he had given her a bath and put her to bed. He had even read her a story and sang her a song, 'Just like Daddy does', she exclaimed. I was washing the dishes and cleaning up the kitchen when he came back downstairs. 'I know Niall asked you to come, and I really appreciate it, and you know we love having you, but it isn't necessary. I don't want to trouble you, Bobby.'
He lightly pulled me away from the sink and continued to do the dishes for me. 'I know, but Niall sounded so worried on the phone, and I know you don't like to ask for help.'
I grabbed the tea kettle and filled it before turning it on. When it was finished, we filled our mugs and sat down at the table. We started talking about the baby, and how excited Niall was. We hadn't yet figured out what we were having, but I knew Niall and Bobby were hoping for a boy. We talked about Julia and how excited she was going to be when the baby was born, and how she wants a sister.
'Any advice for us?' I asked him. He seemed shocked that I asked. 'I can't give advice to Niall anymore. He's seen more of the world than I have.'
'Oh, come on. What's the famous line? Bobby Horan always has a lesson to teach.' I smiled at him and continued, 'I know it seems like Niall knows what he's doing, but sometimes in matters like family and kids he could always do with some fatherly advice.' He smiled and laughed a little before responding that we would be fine. And to not forget where we belong.
Before I realized it, it had been two hours of us talking at the kitchen table. He took our mugs to the sink and told me to get some sleep. Niall had trusted him to take care of his girls and he took that job very seriously. 'Thank you, Bobby.' I gave him a hug and a kiss on the cheek before heading up to my bedroom.
When I woke up the next morning Julia had already gotten dressed and was eating breakfast at the table. Bobby had made pancakes, her favorite, and a fresh cup of coffee was waiting for me at the counter. 'I figured you needed some extra sleep, so I got her ready for school for you. We'll be off in a minute and you can get to work.' I hugged her goodbye and waved from the window as they drove off.
I got dressed and went into my office to get to work. A little while later, he appeared in my office with a cup of Lemon Ginger tea, telling me no more than one cup of coffee a day. 'I don't want to step on your toes, and I don't want to overstay my welcome, but Niall asked me to stay until he has a break next week if that's okay.' He shoved his hands in his pockets and started to rock back and forth. Just like Niall. I smiled at the comparison. They really were so much alike.
'Bobby, I am so glad he called, I love having you here, and I know Julia does too. I really can't thank you enough. I was starting to stress out and I know he could sense that on the phone. I think once this trimester is over and I'm feeling better, it'll get easier.'
'If I start to get in the way, let me know, okay?'
'I promise. You and Maura have both been so wonderful to me. My ex-in laws weren't always so nice.'
'Whatever got you here to my son, I'll take. You and Julia make him so happy, it's impossible not to love you guys too.' He stated. I stood up and walked over to him and gave him a hug. He left my office and I could hear him starting to do my normal housework, like the morning dishes and laundry.
I texted Niall 'Thank you. I love you.'
'I'm glad you're not mad at me. Love you.'
'I could never be angry at a surprise Bobby Horan visit.'
