Breathe Again

Now You Know

Today is the day we tell all our friends and family about our bun in the oven. Chris's family flew out, even his older sister and her family. "Maggie Derek called and said he's picking up Leah and Colin." Chris calls from the kitchen. We told everyone we're having a get together because Bailey is flying out for my birthday, which is this next weekend. Luckily B was able to take a week off with her finishing up her midterms.

I'm actually surprised Leah and Colin are making the trip with her being 28 weeks pregnant. They found out they were having a little boy. Chris hired a caterer and a party planner, which honestly insulted me. I'm the queen of parties. I have to admit though what they have done to the backyard is nothing short of amazing. I walk into the kitchen and see Chris carefully helping the caterer. "Chris, what are you doing?" I ask him crossing my arms. "He's being a little bit obsessive over things, Ma'am." Nash, the chef, tells me.

"I just want things perfect."

"And I've said numerous times Mr. Doran, I do nothing but the best. Now go and get ready." He insists. Chris puts his hands up and walks away towards me. "Chris, go get ready. Everyone will start to get here in twenty minutes." I tell him slapping his ass as he passes me.

An hour later everyone is here and the backyard is full with all our loved ones. Chris walks over to me, beer in hand, "Ok everyone is here. Can we tell them now?" He anxiously asks. "Now." I say and I signal the DJ to turn the music off and he hands me a microphone. 

"Hi everyone thank you for coming. What you were told about the reason behind this party was only half of it." This catches everyone's attention as they all perk up and look at me. "If you all would look towards the big screen." They all turn and our ultrasound picture is blown up on there with the due date. The backyard erupts with bouts of clapping and cheers. Many shout out congratulations.

I spot Derek sneaking out the side gate. I don't have the energy to go after him. Besides it isn't my place anymore. I see Bailey is going after him. Liv and Laura march their way over to me. "You bitch! How long have you known? Why didn't you at least tell us?" They both alternate asking. "Only two weeks and because you two have big mouths." I spot Leah waddling her way over as well. "Maggie! I'm so happy for you." She hugs me tightly as her belly presses against me. I hear shouting in the distance and see Chris running towards the side gate.

"Excuse me a moment ladies." I say and follow Chris. "You're such a fucking asshole! Why can't you just be happy for mom!" Bailey shouts and Chris grabs her hand, "B, stop! Don't talk to your dad like that." She yanks her hand away from him. "No! Chris you didn't hear what he said! Dad, you let mom go. Shit, you even let your kids go. Now that mom is happy and she's having a baby, you want to throw some pity party for yourself and be a classless ass hat!" She shouts some more this time inching her way towards Derek, who is just standing there staring at the ground he is aimlessly kicking around.

"What did you say Derek?" I ask him and he looks up at us, tears welling in his eyes. "I was wrong for what I said. Bailey has every right to yell at me and she's right, I let everything go. I need to go. I'm sorry. Congrats to you both, I truly mean that." He quickly leaves, I have an urge to go after him and start to. Bailey calls after me, "Mom, don't bother. Let him go." I stop and turn only to hug her. "I'm sorry Bailey. What did he say anyway?" I ask her as we start to head back in. "Trust me you're better off not knowing. On a lighter note, why wasn't I at least let in on this little surprise?" 

"Well now you know, we just wanted everyone to be surprised." Chris tells her as he hugs her with one arm. "Mission accomplished. I just wanna know when will dad go back to being normal." She says and I wish I could give her an answer. She goes in and flocks to Leah. "Chris can I talk to you a second before we have too many ears listening?" I say clasping his hand in mine.