Spitting Bullets

Chapter 17

"Happy Birthday Princess!" Nicole cooed as she lifted Bella up in the air.

She couldn't believe her little girl was one already. Today she was having a party to celebrate since the guys at 51 were off along with the gang at the station. So everyone would be able to be there. Since it was still nice out, they were doing it in the same location that they hold the CFD barbecue every year.

"Happy Birthday Bella!" cheered Noah as he ran into the room still in his TMNT pajamas.

"Morning baby boy," Nicole grinned, pressing a kiss to his head, "Let's go get ready for breakfast."

"Okay momma."

When she walked into the living room, she saw Matt was finishing making scrambled eggs. He shot her a smile as Noah sat down at the dining room table.

"Morning," he grinned, "And good morning to the birthday girl."

"Momma can you help me with my toast?" Noah asked.

"Yeah. Hold on buddy. I gotta change Bella before I get her in her high chair."

"I can take her," offered Matt.

"Are you sure? You don't have to-"

"I know I don't have to. I want to."

He took Isabella from her, and she moved to help Noah. A few minutes later all four of them were seated around the table, eating breakfast. Nicole smiled as they went about their morning, getting ready for the party. Matt had left early with Noah to set things up at the spot. Nicole stayed back and finished getting Isabella ready.

On the way to the place she picked up the food and both of the cakes before heading to the park. When shot got there, she got Bella on her hip, a diaper bag thrown over her shoulder, and was balancing the two cakes stacked in her other hand. Matt rushed over and grabbed the cakes from her before they fell.

"Jeez, you know you could have made multiple trips," Matt chuckled.

"I am. The rest of the foods still in the car," Nicole grinned as Matt rolled his eyes, "I'm a single mom. I'm used to having to carry lots of things at once. Hell when we were somewhere busy I'd have Bella on one hip and Noah on the other."

"Oh boy. You really are superwoman."

"I try," Nicole smiled before turning to Bella, "Alright, let's go get that food."

"Noah. Why don't you go help your mom?" Matt suggested and immediately Noah ran after her.

They got everything set up just in time for people to start arriving. Noah was running around with the Hermann kids or playing with Kelly. Nic held Bella in her arms as they greeted everyone. Once almost everybody was there, Nicole turned back to the party. Bella had a table full of gifts and the adults were hanging around, drinking. Nicole loved that she had this huge family.

"How's my favorite little girl?" asked Jay as he took Bella from Nicole's arms.

Bella began laughing as Jay made faces at her. He had always been great with the kids, especially Bella. It was good she had a positive male in her life.

"Man Jay, she absolutely adores you," chuckled Hailey.

"They call me Uncle Jay for a reason," smiled Jay.

Nicole gave everyone time to eat and talk before deciding to do the cake. Just as she was about to pull smash cake from the cooler, she heard a familiar voice call her name.

"Nicole!" the woman called.

She turned around to see Eva approaching her. Nic was completely caught off guard. Once Eva reached her, she wrapped Nic in a big hug.