Chapter 29: Family Fun

POV: Zac

Word Count: 3649

July 4, 2009

Ordinarily we do the July 4 th picnic at the park, but Mom had called Thursday and said the park was booked already and we had no place, so I volunteered. Granted, Gabby wasn’t thrilled that the entire family would be here at the house and not the park. Mostly because she was definitely showing more, I could tell when we were home and she wasn’t intentionally wearing something larger like the dresses. Typically more so when she wasn’t wearing anything at all. I got up early so I could let my brothers in with their wives, even if Taylor wasn’t technically married yet, may as well call her the wife.

“Where is Gabby?” Stella asked.

“She didn’t sleep well last night, I lost count how many times she went to the bathroom, how many times she lowered the air and when I was a shaking ice cube she was fine. So, instead of waking her up I left her to sleep. She was really sleeping well.”

“Sleep is important for her, so we’ll be quite as possible.”

“She can’t hear anything we do unless you scream or get very loud.”

“Okay, so what are we doing?”

“Everyone is bringing something like normal, so we don’t need a bunch of sides but I wanted to have some fruit so we bought a ton yesterday and we just need to slice or dice, we got meats..So what did you two bring meat wise?”

“Burger’s for me, you know how I roll.” Taylor said.

“I found a really good deal on chicken breast, bought tons.”

“That’s perfect really, I got hot dogs and we bought bread for burgers and hot dogs.”

“So what can we do?” Nicole asked.

I tasked them with prepping the fruit trays, while we started setting up the tables we rented. They were delivered Friday afternoon with chairs. We set everything up outside.

“Did you cut the grass?” Isaac asked.

“I hired someone, we don’t have a lawn mower. For this year I’ll just pay someone and then buy a new mower next year.”

“Looks good.”

“I agree, they did a good job. Marello recommended them.”

Once the tables were set up I went inside and prepped as much as I could before Nicole poked my arm.

“Starts at noon, it’s almost ten thirty. Shouldn’t you get her up now?”

“Yeah, people should arrive soon.”

“Are we doing Stephanie’s 1 st too?” Ike asked.

“Yes, let me guess you all forgot gifts?”

Stella and Nicole smiled. “They did, we didn’t. The gifts are in the car and if you’ll open the garage we’ll move ours inside so others can park.”

“Okay.” I said.

I opened the garage, letting Taylor and Isaac park inside and then I headed up-stairs. Gabriella was still asleep on the bed, curled up around the pillows and halfway covered up. I needed to change clothes too, I’d just thrown something on this morning so I closed the bedroom door and locked it. Then stripped and laid down behind her, lightly kissing her shoulder and neck.

“You shouldn’t be on your right side.” She said.

“Long as you don’t push me off the bed, I should be fine.”

I laid my hand over her waist and kept on with those little kisses.

“You keep that up and I’ll never get woken up.”

“Not that you’re minding, really.”

“Do I ever? But really, that’s…you don’t have time to do much else.”

I left my hand slid down some. “Are you sure about that?”

“Yes. Because I just heard the doorbell and I’m sure it’s after ten, I need to shower and find something.”

I lightly nipped her earlobe. “If you insist.”

I slowly got myself back up and then she got up, joint shower though because why not? Once I was dry she added the bandages and I got dressed. She stared at the slim available options and I pushed the pink dress toward her. Grace had bought it like two weeks ago, but she’d smiled and thanked her but it had been hanging since then.

She glared at me! Like I’d committed some mortal sin.

“What? It’s a cute dress.”

“Uh huh, it’s pink.”

“Do you have something against pink?”

“No, but have you seen me wear a pink dress?”

“No. But you have worn the color before and it’s cute on you. The color works well with your hair and complexion. It’s not super tight so it won’t really show the little bump there, it’s not super thick, it’ll be cool.”

She simply stared and I finally took it off the hanger and fixed it. She already had her bra and panties on, so she reluctantly let me put it on. It was a decent length and would look good with simple flip flops too. I handed her the little blue jean jacket that went with it.

“See you look beautimus.”

“You say beautimus one more time and I’m going to change.”

I pulled her to me and kissed her. “You look gorgeous. It’s a pretty color on you. Besides, Grace will be here and she’ll get to see you enjoying it.”

“When is Carrick coming in tomorrow?”

“Four thirty in the morning, I told him I’d pick him up. You can chill here and sleep.”

“Alone?” She asked.

“I’ll set the alarm on high before I leave, I’ll even lock you in this room.”

“Yeah, I got to learn to trust the alarm.”

“I see. Ready?”

“As I’ll ever be.”

We headed down and found that Sarah her husband Gene, and the two kids were arriving. Stephanie was closer to me but dropped to the floor and went right to Gabby, right by me.

“That kid hates me.” I said.

“She doesn’t hate you Zac, she just seems to like her better.” Sarah said.

I rolled my eyes. “Did you bring her cake and stuff? We set up a table just for her presents and cake.”

“Mom and Dad are bringing it, they were closer to the bakery. But I have some decorations.”

“I figured.”

Taylor and Isaac handled those with Gene. I started fixing patties and getting the grill ready, it was my first purchase after we settled a bit. People steadily arrived and many complimented her dress which didn’t get me any brownie points but least it made her more comfortable. JJ arrived and instantly turned the TV onto the race.

“Really JJ?” I asked.

“What? I’ve missed the last few because I was working, I figured I’d just chillax on your couch and enjoy this one.”

Not that he was alone, Chase and Bradley were right there too. We had seen a race from the pit before, having done the National Anthem, it was nice to see it here but in passing. When I went outside Gene came over.

“Thanks for letting us use the house.”

“No problem, Mom was all worried and I couldn’t let her worry. Besides, it’s plenty big enough here.”

“It’s a nice little house, Gabby took us for a tour last time. That upstairs bonus room is huge.”

“Gabby doesn’t like that it’s mostly wasted space, but like I told her I could do more with it later. It’s just we have no furniture for any of the rooms but ours and this downstairs room.”

“It can be hard to get settled, she seems to be liking it a bit.”

“She had some issues moving, the apartment to her was home and she hasn’t quite gotten that same feeling here. I think it’s just the newness and added she’s not fully set up the art room or any room really. How is your job going?”

“Stressful, a few companies have their yearend now, it’s stupid. Thank you for not being that dumb.”

“We did year end early because we do taxes too. I may need your help next year with the house and all.”

“No problem, give me a call if you do.”

I may have to inquire how to include a baby too! But, I wouldn’t ask that just yet.

“Been able to watch any sports?”

“Not really, we’ve been spending long days in the studio. Being shot sucks man. It set us back so we had goals of a new album, we had to adjust. I think Gabby caught the end of last week’s race, but I wasn’t paying attention. I know that Pittsburgh won the super bowl though.”

“You are out of date man.”

“I know.”

“St. Louis cardinals are doing well, they’re playing today but they’ve won the last three games.”

“Wow, they’re doing good.”

“Let me go get those burgers for you.”

He ran inside and when he came back we got to cooking and grilling. He caught me up on the Cardinals and even the races, it was nice to have some idea of what was going on outside the world of the studio. Everyone had arrived by the time we had the food ready, laughing, cutting up, and chasing the kids. I watched from the grill as Nicolas and Steven ran around the yard playing with Rachael who was 3 and Stephanie. Next year our own little person would be here.

We sat down at 1:30 to eat, everyone fixing plates, settling down, having drinks, and enjoying the meal. Once everyone had cleared their plates I looked at Gabby who just nodded. I took a deep breath and got up.

“For real Zac? Another Dr. Pepper toast?” Chase asked.

“I was actually going to say attention everyone, but thanks Chase you did that for me!”

He smiled. “It’s my job dude.”

“Gabby and I want to make an announcement and since the whole family is here, no better time then now.”

That got their attention for sure and my mom looked giddy.

“We will be welcoming our first child in December. The official date is the fifth.”

I am pretty sure everyone said congratulations. Leave it to Chase to notice things.

“December? Dude, that’s like 20 weeks away. Were you guys waiting until the baby got here to tell people?”

Taylor nudged him. “I knew in May dude, get over it.”

“MAY?!” Aunt Elizabeth asked.

“It was my fault we waited so long, we um..miscarried last year in April. Ironically, the same day I was told about that, was the same day the doctor told us about this one. I didn’t want to tell everyone and then something happen, so I wanted to be well outside the danger zone.”

“How far are you?” She asked.

“Eighteen weeks yesterday.”

“Why tell them in May?” Aunt Mary asked.

“We were setting up for Hanson Day and I wouldn’t let her do anything that could potentially cause problems, no heavy lifting no pulling or pushing. No one knew at the time and I kind of came off an asshole to my brothers and they called me out. It was either explain why or risk being beat up by them.”

“And then you went and got shot. Could have taken the beating dude.” Chase said.

“Yeah, I wasn’t looking forward to Mom doing that either Chase. She was there too. We just asked them to wait because of the risk which were higher than normal.”

Explanation aside that caused a dozen questions to her and I saw Sarah nudge her as we cleared the table, clearly asking about the breastfeeding conversation they had at the housewarming. I wasn’t sure how I felt about that, but I know she’d make the best decision there.

Chase gently poked my right side.

“Don’t let her see you do that again, she may maim you.”

“I saw him do it this time, he does it again he’s losing a finger.” She called.

“Pregnancy hormones already causing her to get violent. Seriously Zac, congratulations.”

“Thanks.”

“Boy or girl?”

“Boy, least that’s my going theory.”

Bradley slapped him hard on the back and grinned. “Damn little bro, you may have had a slim chance before but with a bun in the oven you are screwed.”

He rolled his eyes. “Bradley, she made it more than clear the first time I met her that the only skirt he chases is hers, clearly she is right.”

“Sorry about last year though, kind of wish your July 4 th announcement was this one.”

“It was tough, especially with Stephanie being so young at the time. I never knew how holding a baby could help so much. By then we had months but she didn’t take it well.”

“Stephanie loves her. She’ll be a great Mom.”

“I know.”

“Not to sound too mushy, I have a reputation to protect. You’ll be a pretty good Dad too. You’re good with the little ones.”

“That include you?” I asked.

“You aren’t even a week older than me!”

“Five days dude. So, what are you doing?”

“Car salesman, if you need another one let me know.”

“We may, my little sports car isn’t quite cutting it and I don’t even know if a car seat will fit.”

“Come by sometime. You’re car is old as dirt anyway, you’ve had it since you were 16.”

“Yeah, but cost wise dude. She won’t let me buy another car.”

“You can trade in or sell that. I’m not sure a car seat will fit in your WRX.”

“I’m almost betting that it won’t fit, I’ll talk with her and we’ll decide what to do.”

“Anytime you want to come look, let me know. I can do family discounts too.”

“Nice.”

“Have you told Andrew or anyone else?” he asked.

“We are telling friends tomorrow, we each planned days to do something with them. I think she’s just going to hang out at Heather’s pool. I’ll do something here. Then Monday I’ll make a formal post on the website informing the fans. That way, we can shop!”

He grinned. “Shopping is the easy part.”

“I don’t know about that, do you know how many available cribs there are? Car seats? Clothes?”

“Thousands and she’ll hate them all.” Dad said.

Chase and I laughed, but I did remember Mom shopping for Elizabeth, and hating everything.

“I don’t know she managed to put down a few things.”

“Yeah, but your cousins and mom just bombarded her with questions, she’ll now question everything.”

I sighed. “I hope she’s not that picky.”

“Speaking of, she sent me over to tell you to sit your ass down for a while.”

“I was about to actually. It’s nearing present time for Stephanie.”

Sure enough, since lunch was over we went to do the present thing, Gabby was sitting front row but she had a camera and so did Taylor. Stephanie’s present galore consisted of a ton of toys in various shapes, sizes, and functions. Along with half a dozen new winter outfits and a few summer ones. She also got several sippy cups which they were now using for juice and other liquids and her very own plate set. Shawn and Grace had even gotten her something. Following that was a quick change of clothes and they cut her cake, she had her own little small cake and I wondered why until it was sat in front of her. Twenty minutes later while we had delicious strawberry cake with a vanilla icing, poor Stephanie had demolished that little cake. Icing was smeared across her head, chest, legs, and the porch. There was also pieces of cake all over her, the highchair, and the porch.

I was almost done with my cake when Sarah looked at me.

“As the bout to be new Dad in the family, you get the privilege of changing her.”

“Say what?”

“Family tradition.” She said.

“Um, since when?” I asked.

“Since like…ten minutes ago.”

I looked at Stephanie who was literally covered in cake and even some ice cream at this point and moments later she was handing me clean clothes and her shampoo and baby wash. Apparently, she wasn’t kidding.

“I’ll tag along for this..how about I take these and you get her.” Gabby said.

She took the clothes and stuff from me and walked inside. With the entire family present I wasn’t going to say that I’d never given a baby a bath, but what the hell. It cannot be that hard. I knew I’d need a clean shirt at least because just picking her up got icing and cake all over me. I went to the guest bath where Gabby was fixing the water.

“Did you know about this?”

“No. But, I don’t think it would hurt either of us to do this. After all, before long we’ll have our own to bathe.”

Undressing Stephanie wasn’t bad, even getting her hair wet and her wet wasn’t bad. That was about the only parts that weren’t, she didn’t seem too much like the wash cloth, I really didn’t like the idea of washing her private areas, she wasn’t my daughter! I let Gabby handle that aspect, thank god we were having a boy. Yet, it took two splashes to drown me, just two!

I’m not sure who was having more fun though, Stephanie or Gabby, who apparently was getting pictures.

“You could help.”

“I did…but you know you gotta get use to that.”

“Nope, we’re having a boy. No areas I’m unfamiliar with there.”

I felt her lips against my neck. “Pretty sure you’re familiar with female areas too.”

“Being all wrong in front of the baby.”

Who decided third time was the charm, I was glad to get her out! Not that her wiggling, moving, flipping and crawling away self was any better, least she was confined in the tub.

“Did you just put that diaper on backwards?”

“I damn sure did.”

“It’s not going to work Zac.”

I just glared at her. “You think you can do better smarty?”

She handed me the camera and I just stared, she had her diaper fixed and the clothes on the same amount of time it took me to just get the diaper on wrong.

“I should have placed a bet on that.”

“How did you…?”

She picked her up. “Who do you think’s been doing it when I was there? I wanted to know Zac, I couldn’t know without actually doing things.”

She then walked out, she wanted to know? I made a note to ask about that when people left, which wasn’t much longer. Most were headed to the river for the fireworks, granted so were we, a bunch of us were just going to utilize trucks and park there. The high chair and porch were clean when I got back.

“How dare you put my child’s diaper on backwards.” Sarah said.

“She wouldn’t lay still.”

“You better get use to that.”

“Yeah yeah.”

There was another hour or so of everyone just mingling before every pitched in and cleaned up. Thank god we had a dishwasher! We took a few trucks to the park from there, riding with Chase was new. Gabby actually chose the bed of the truck, where others sat. I sat with him though, my hair didn’t need to be a tangled rat’s nest later.

The fireworks were amazing again, over the river and the concept that I’d be here next year too but with a family of my own was a nice feeling. Yet once we were home alone I paused her from clean up.

“What did you mean by you wanted to know?”

“Your mother’s advice last year was to be around babies, interact, feed, change, watch, do whatever I needed to do to know if my 14 year old self was right, that I really didn’t want kids.”

“Isn’t it a wee bit late to make that decision now?”

She put the salad bowl in the dish drainer and turned to me.

“No. Because if I didn’t want kids I would have asked for birth control of some kind. I wouldn’t have just winged it. I wouldn’t have been so afraid of losing this one if I didn’t. Besides, I think you’d have remembered that conversation as I am pretty sure it would be a argument for the ages.”

“I can’t make you have kids.”

“No, you can’t. But, I can’t expect you to be happy with not having them when you do want them.”

She had me there but I was glad she’d at least agreed with me on that.

“I think we’re going to need another car.”

I fully expected her to disagree with me, after all she felt like we didn’t need another bill. Lots of credit to her on managing a budget, I guess she got use to that over the years though, which I hated.

“Yeah, I was thinking the same thing.”

“Wait, what? You agree with me?”

“I kind of tried to put Stephanie’s car seat in the car. That was a chore and it wasn’t in there right. So, while it is paid off and the insurance is cheaper, taking Chase up on his idea might be worth it. We need something a car seat will fit in and fit properly, we don’t have that car and we don’t have a lot of time either.”

“I had this elaborate argument planned out and you blew it. I got nothing.”

She smiled. “You got the sofa or the bed, you have to be up early and you’ve standing most the day.”

“But I can lay back.”

“You’ve been up all day and moving, get out of my kitchen before I use those handcuffs.”

“Is that a promise?”

“Oh it is, but you won’t enjoy much of it.”

Yeah, I doubted I would so I took myself to the sofa and just watched. The dress hide the fact she was showing more but I still loved just watching. She didn’t do much more in the kitchen either before she was heading to bed.