The Choice

Chapter 18

"What do you think?" I ask Luke, holding up the Big Sister and Big Brother shirts I got for Chloe and Leon. 

"Those are cute. What happens though when they start asking questions about the baby's father?" Luke says.

"I'm hoping they're still too young to think of anything like that," I say.

"And how about when they ask where babies come from?" Luke asks, laughing.

"When my mom got pregnant with me, she told Jesse that they come from the baby fairy. Just like the tooth fairy surprises kids, the baby fairy surprises adults," I say, laughing.

"He bought it?" Luke asks.

"Well, he was very young. I don't think he realized it wasn't true until he got much older though," I say, giggling a little.

"So, are you ready for today?" Luke asks.

"I'm excited. I'm just not excited for Lucy or Ezra to be here," I frown. 

"She's sick," Luke rolls her eyes.

"I just hope she's civil today. I don't care what she says, as long as it's nothing nasty in front of my kids."

"I'll make sure of that," Luke says.

"Are you ready?" I ask, raising an eyebrow.

"I guess so. At least I don't live too close, so there's not a chance anyone will catch me if I decide to go on a date or something."

 "Thank you again for doing this," I tell him. 

"Of course Jo. You don't have to thank me," Luke says.

"I know. I just want to. I guess we should get the food out. I think people should be arriving soon," I say. 

"Are Ricky and Wendy coming?" Luke asks.

We walk into the kitchen.

"Ricky's bringing the kids, and I told him to bring Wendy if she wants to come. I'm not sure if she is though," I say.

We pull out the food. I bought mainly trays because I didn't feel like cooking. There's sandwiches, crackers, chips and dip, and more. 

"Looks good," Luke says. 

We set everything down on the table, and Luke helps me get the drinks and cups out. The doorbell rings and Luke goes to answer it.

"Hey man," Luke says.

"Nice to see you again," I hear Andy's voice.

Luke and Andy shake hands.

"Thanks for coming," I tell Andy, and he wraps his arms around me.

"How are you feeling?" he asks.

"I'm very nervous," I say, taking a deep breath.

"Everything will be smooth. Besides, you've got Luke and I here in case any trouble emerges."

"I'm very thankful," I smile.

One by one everyone starts arriving.

"Thanks for coming," I say, shaking Wendy's hand.

I'm glad Ricky decided to bring her.

"Thank you for inviting me," she smiles. 

Ezra and Lucy are last to arrive, but I'm thankful Andy lets them in so I don't have to.

Once everyone gets settled, I make my way to the center of the room.

"Hey everyone!" I say, grabbing everyone's attention.