Chapter 29: milkshakes

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Delaney

The second his eyes landed on me, I saw them light up. My breath caught in my throat at how much I missed him. I hadn't realized it until that moment how much I needed him in my life. Xavier was my other half, but sometimes I needed someone to talk to who wasn't him.

It's hard to talk to someone about themselves.

I grinned up at Josh. I darted up the porch stairs I was on, and took off running. I jumped into his arms, grateful for his quick reflexes so that I didn't end up on the ground.

I slung my arms around his neck and squeezed him like a viper. He latched on to me just as eagerly, spinning us in circles until I was ready to vomit.

Literally.

I squirmed in his arms until he set me down, confused at my actions. I turned and hurled into his bush. I felt hands holding my hair back and rubbing my back softly.

When I finished covering his bush in vomit, I wiped my mouth off and turned around. I took the water Ryan handed me. I spit out the water, trying to get rid of the taste.

"You good, kiddo?" Josh asked, still rubbing my back.

"Mhmm" I hummed, looking down embarrassed.

"So—umm, yeah. We should probably talk. I brought milkshakes!" I stuttered, trying to erase my embarrassment.

"Ooh, milkshakes!" Ryan cheered like a little kid.

"Uh, I didn't get you one, sorry Ry." I muttered awkwardly while Josh laughed at his brother. I laughed at his pouting face.

"Come on, Kiddo, lets go inside and get caught up." He wrapped his arm around me and drug me inside.

I looked around at the familiar house, taking in the sent of wood and spice. I could hear men yelling from different rooms—the usual.

I walked casually in peace with Josh. When we made it to the kitchen, I sat the milkshakes on the beautiful marble countertop and took a seat on one of the stools. Josh sat beside me, grabbing a straw.

"Chocolate, my favorite. Thanks munchkin." He pinched my cheek. I swatted his hand away, laughing at his nicknames. It's always kiddo or munchkin—I wasn't even 100% certain he knew my actual name.

"So where are you staying now?" He started the conversation carefully.

"I live with a nice family now—the Thomas'. They're pretty great. Minus two of the sons, who I think want to kill me." I grabbed a straw and stuck in into my milkshake.

I grabbed the last milkshake and put it in the freezer so that it wasn't melted by the time I got to Mikey. A soggy milkshake won't work.

"They treat you well? You're safe?" He interrogated.

I took his hand and gave it a reassuring squeeze,

"I'm doing good."

He smiled at me gently, clearly still worried.

"How've you been, otherwise?" He asked gently, his eyes searching my face for any signs. His care for me means the world. He's like a real brother. I don't think I want him and Nathan in a room. They would be very standoffish. Then again, it could be funny to watch.

I refocus my attention on the man in front of me, "improving. I still get night terrors and panic attacks, but I can hug people. And more than that—actually, that's kind of the reason I came over so unexpectedly."

"Oh," he raised an eyebrow, waiting for me to elaborate.

"I'm pregnant," I admitted sheepishly, blushing profusely.

His eyes widen and his brows rise significantly. He looked at me in shock. At first I was worried that he was going to be disappointed in me.

Unexpectedly, he laughed. Loudly. Not just small chuckles, but deep chest-rumbling laughs.

I gave him a confused look, not understanding the comedy.

"I'm going to be an uncle!" He cheered out during his laughs. He got up and crushed me to his chest.

I giggled and hugged him back, still mildly confused. I decided to let it go–he's weird.

"You're not mad?"

It was his turn to look confused.

"No. I'm happy for you, kiddo. I know you'll be a fantastic mother to this kid. They're really lucky to have you in their life. You've always been an amazing person. Brave, strong. I knew you would do great things. Any other person would've given up and let themselves go a year ago. But what I saw was the most precious girl who wouldn't give up. She fought to get herself back–to get her life back. That takes more strength than anything. You'll have so much love in you to give this kid. I know you can do it"

I choked out a sob into my shirt sleeve, trying to look discrete about my tears.

He looked at my tear-covered face and chuckled.

"Come here," he pulled me into his arms. It was cozy and warm. No where near as amazing as Xavier's- but still pretty great.

I looked behind his shoulder during the hug to see the doorway of the kitchen filled with all of Josh's friends, and Ryan. They stood there with tears on their faces. Quite the sight for a bunch of ex-gang members. I giggled into Josh's shoulder at their sniffles. I didn't think that they realized I could see them.

"We have an audience" I whispered inaudibly, so that only Josh could hear.

"They just watching?" He asked amused.

"Crying too. All of them."

He pulled away from me and turned to his crew. He laughed again, gaining their attention. They all looked at the ground sheepishly.

"Come on it, boys" I waved my hand gesturing to where we stood.

They all piled in and we group hugged. It was sweaty and i was suffocating on their colognes, but I was happy.

I grinned at Josh who was watching me carefully, calculating me. I tried to reassure him that I was good with my eyes.

"Oh!" I yelled, startling them all.

"I'm engaged, too" I giggled showing them my ring.

They all gushed like teenage girls.

"Joshie, you'll be my man of honor right?" I asked nervously. Cara and Maria were nice, but Josh was my best friend. The girls were a little too superficial. I kind of felt like they would turn their backs on me if they knew I was pregnant, so I wouldn't be telling them.

"I would be honored" he chuckled, nodding his head at me with a wide smile. I breathed out a sigh of relief.

•••

After chatting with Josh and the boys about Xavier and true future–catching Josh up on our plans–I headed out with the last milkshake.

The drive to the fire station was relaxing. At least I still had my best friend. I wouldn't lose both of them, that's a plus.

Pulling into the parking lot, I prepared myself for round two.

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