The Secrets That Bind Us

Chapter 18

BROOKE POV

We enter Ellen and Gary’s house and it’s silent, Mia leads Joey, Nate and I into the kitchen where we hear a chorus of “surprise” I look at Joey and he looks just as surprised as I do. I look around the room and notice the whole family is here. There is blue bunting and streamers covering the room, a few blue balloons and a big helium balloon with the words ‘it’s a boy’ across it, and a big beautiful white cakes with blue frosting decorated around it.

I cover my mouth with my hand as tears stream down my face. I can’t believe they have done this for us. Joey turns to his mom, “what did you guys do” she waves a hand in front of her and pulls us both in for a hug, once she let’s go she answers him, “we had Mia let us know the sex of the baby so we could plan a baby shower for you both” I look at her in disbelief, “Ellen, we only told Mia a hour ago” she gives us a sheepish smile, “yes well we had everything in pink and blue so we were prepared and then we all pitched in.” Parker clears his throat, and Ellen rolls her eyes, “okay so Parker and Chloe did most of it but Grace and I made the cake and Cole and Gary hung the high streamers up”

We thank everyone and take a seat at the kitchen table. There is a big pile of gifts to get through. A few of Joeys family members have bought us the essentials, diapers, baby wipes, baby grows. Gary and Ellen have bought us a pram and a diaper changing station. Cole bought us a beautiful white crib, Parker and Chloe bought us a car seat and some more outfits and grace bought us a beautiful big Teddy bear. I am so overwhelmed by the whole day and the fact that everyone put so much effort into this for us. We are so loved and supported and I’m not used to feeling this in a family unit.

I’m sitting chatting to Mia and Chloe while Joey is across the table talking to Parker, he catches my eye across the room and sends me a heart stopping smile, my heart actually did stop for a split second, it missed a beat. In that moment I realise how Joey makes me feel, sure we’ve always had a connection, but I was scared I would always struggle to know if it was just because of the baby or not, but now, now I’m sure. I love him. No doubt about it.

I’m pulled out of my thoughts as Ellen and Gary come over to give me a hug, “we have dinner plans sweetheart, but congratulations again and we couldn’t be any happier” I smile and hug them back “thank you both so much for today, it means a lot to me.”

Parker walks them to the front door “bye guys! Have fun” as soon as they are out of sight he shuts the front door and turns to all of us, “okay, everyone, living room. Now.” We all pile and take a seat while Joey hands everyone pen and paper, Mia stands in front of us all. “okay everyone, it’s operation mom and dad’s wedding anniversary. Everyone will have a task, everyone must follow through on there task, we have two weeks to plan and need all hands on deck. Anyone who fails to complete their task will suffer the consequences of taking Joey to his next dentist appointment.” I look at Grace who is sitting beside me “why the dentist?” she gives me a pitiful look, and says in a hushed tone “he bites.”
I shake my head and ignore the fact the farther of my unborn child apparently can’t go to the dentist without acting like a rabid animal and look back at Mia as she continues talking. “We will have tasks in pairs, all boy/girl combos because, frankly the boys are dips and I don’t trust them” she says with a shrug. I snigger to myself but from the chorus of “heys” I don’t think the boys are impressed.

“Okay, Cole, you and Grace are in charge of getting mom and dad here and food.” Cole rolls his eyes but nods. “Parker, you and Chloe are in charge of the alcohol and music, I was thinking maybe you could raid dad’s old record collection and low key try to pry any old songs that have any meaning out of them.” Parker salutes her and gives her an “eye eye captain”. “Joey, you and Brooke get decorations.” Joey fist pumps the air and takes a deep breath to calm himself, “there will be so many balloons” Mia scrunches her eyebrows, “yeah, Brooke you get final say before he buys anything. Me and Nate will handle the guest list, finding old pictures and anything else we might have forgot. Also since Brooke can’t do anything too strenuous Nate is there if you need assistance, Joey. Okay, any questions? No? Good”

“Actually yeah, how the fuck am I supposed to get mom and dad here without them knowing” Cole asks with an annoyed look on his face. “Coley, that was a rhetorical question my darling big brother. That is a you and Grace issue not a me issue. I have to steal mom’s address book and old photo albums without her noticing, so you do you. Okay we have two weeks to pull this off, we have the group chat and I will require daily updates. Let’s move.” She claps her hands at us.

“Joey, your sisters like a fucking drill Sargent, mate” Nate says as he helps us pick up all the gifts and load them into the car. “how have you found living together?” I ask him, he blushes very slightly and tries to hide his smile, “I mean she’s a right laugh and she’s laid back but fuck me when she gets and idea in her head she’s like a 5’4 mini Hitler. It’s not too bad.” He must realise he’s went off into his own world about her before he shakes his head and asks me, “how is it living with Joey, he’s a lot sometimes isn’t he” I smile, “I love it to be honest Nate, my house wasn’t the warmest environment to grow up and I’m just happy my baby has a family that, are albeit slightly mad, they’re the most loving group of people.” Nate gives me a genuine smile, “you know, I’ve known that arsehole since we were little lads, and I know I’ve never seen him like this before, he likes you a lot Brooke, and yes he’s an absolute muppet ninety percent of the time, but the kid has a heart of gold. If you want more with him, just tell him. I’ll go get the rest of the stuff” he lightly rubs my shoulder and gives me a small smile before walking off.

All the way home I can’t help but think about what Nate said, could it really just be that simple. Would Joey feel the same way? Could I have n actual relationship with my sons farther? Only one way to find out.