One More Chance (Chance, Part 2) Read online

  “What? But he’s with Nina.”

  “I know, but Mom, you can’t tell Denise or anyone. Please Mom.”

  “I won’t, but I will be telling your father. You need to tell Liam sweetie. I don’t like the idea of keeping things, especially something this important from Denise. She deserves to know she’s going to be a grandmother too.”

  “I know and they will both know soon, I promise.”

  “Are you back with Liam?” she asks confused.

  “No, Liam is with Nina.”

  “I don’t want to know how it happened, that’s none of my business. I do want to know what’s going on from now on with your pregnancy. Keep me posted Haley.”

  “I will, I promise. I love you Mom.”

  “I love you too sweetheart. I’ll talk to you soon,” she says before disconnecting the call.

  It feels like a weight has been lifted since telling my parents.

  “That didn’t go so bad,” Kenzie says as she stares at me from across the room.

  “No it didn’t. I’m glad they know.”

  “You should have told them sooner.”

  “Oh well, they know now.”

  Just then my phone starts to ring, “Hey you,” I say to Brody when I answer.

  “Hey, how are you doing?”

  “I’m great.”

  “Good,” he says sounding different.

  “What’s going on?”

  “I think you need to tell Liam now.”

  “Why?” I ask confused.

  “Because Hails, he needs to know.”

  “I know, but what aren’t you telling me Brody?”

  “He’s getting married next month.”

  “Already?”

  “Yeah, before he has to be back for training.”

  “Good for him.”

  “No Haley, it’s not. He needs to know about Lily.”

  “Stop it, Brody! Why do you think if I tell him, it will stop this wedding?”

  “Because I know how he feels and he doesn’t want to get married.”

  “Then he shouldn’t get married. That should have nothing to do with me or Lily.”

  “I just think you should tell him,” he says sounding defeated.

  “I get that and I will when I get home.”

  “Seriously?” he asks shocked.

  “Yes, I thought about it and you guys are right, he does deserve to know.”

  “That’s great news.”

  “I told my Mom and Dad today, and that it’s Liam’s,” I admit.

  “How did they take it?”

  “They were shocked at first, but Mom’s excited.”

  “I get that, but I’m glad she’s excited. Your Mom loves babies,” he says laughing.

  “I know, right. She’s going to spoil Lily so bad.”

  “That’s what grandparents do though.”

  “True. So how are you and Quinn?”

  “Umm, alright,” he says softly.

  “What’s wrong.”

  “I don’t know. I mean I like her, I really do, but we don’t have a whole hell of a lot in common.”

  “That’s not true.”

  “Then what do we have in common, Hails?”

  “You both love action movies, you are in a fraternity and she’s in a sorority, you both love to drink. Hmm…you both like the color green. You both love summertime. You definitely have more in common than you realize.”

  “I guess.”

  “I’m right.”

  “Umm…there’s something else,” he says hesitantly.

  “What’s that?”

  “Liam asked me to invite you to the wedding,” he says changing subjects.

  “I can’t, I’m in London.”

  “I know, I told him that.”

  “He asked me to ask if you could try and make it.”

  “Shit. When is it?”

  “July 21st.”

  “That’s in three weeks,” I shriek.

  “I know.”

  “There’s no way I can do that much flying with being pregnant.”

  “I know, I was about to say that, but I stopped myself.”

  “Thanks. I’ll call him later and talk to him.”

  “You’re going to tell him over the phone?” he asks surprised.

  “No, that’s something I need to do in person, but I may have to tell him I’m pregnant.”

  “Keep me posted on how he takes that,” he says on a laugh.

  “It will be fine. Dinner’s almost done, so I will talk to you later.”

  “Okay, be safe Hails.”

  “Always,” I say before disconnecting the call.

  Kenzie made spaghetti that looks incredible and I can’t wait, because I am beyond famished. “This is delicious,” I say as I stuff my mouth causing my sister to laugh at me.

  “I’m glad,” she says as she takes her own bites. I fill her in on my conversation with Brody and decide to call Liam after dinner.

  Once the dishes are washed and put away I grab my phone and dial Liam’s number. I’m not sure I even have the right number anymore, but when it starts ringing, I have a little hope.

  “Hello?”

  “Liam?”

  “Yeah.”

  “Hey, it’s Haley.”

  “Oh hey, what’s up?” he asks surprised.

  “I talked to Brody a little while ago, so I wanted to give you a call.”

  “Okay, how’s London?”

  “It’s great. I love the scenery and the job.”

  “That’s great Hails.”

  “But what I was calling for is to let you know that I won’t be able to make it to your wedding.”

  “I figured it would be a lot of traveling in a few short days.”

  “It is and in my condition that isn’t really going to work,” I say nervously.

  “What do you mean?”

  “Liam, I’m pregnant.”

  “You’re what?” he asks, sounding utterly shocked.

  “I’m pretty far along too, so it wouldn’t be easy.”

  “When are you due?”

  “End of September.”

  “That’s in two months, you can’t fly when you’re that close to birth,” he says, like I’ve lost my mind.

  “I know, but I still have some time.”

  “How are you feeling?” he asks kindly.

  “I’m tired, but good. I’m ready to not be pregnant,” I say laughing.

  “Why didn’t I know this already?”

  “You’re busy; you have your own life going on.”

  “Is there anything I can do?” he asks sweetly.

  “Just be happy. Do what makes you happy Liam; you deserve that. I’m sorry I won’t be able to make it, but I’m sure I’ll see you sometime soon.”

  “Thanks for letting me know, I appreciate it.”

  “Have a good night.”

  “You too Hails,” he says before hanging up.

  “You told him?” Kenzie asks looking shocked.

  “That I was pregnant yes, not that it’s his.”

  “Oh, I missed that part,” she says as she takes a seat. “You are getting bigger and bigger by the day woman,” she says as she looks at my growing bump.

  “Thanks, like I haven’t noticed or felt it.”

  “I think you look cute preggers though.”

  “Glad someone does,” I mumble.

  The rest of the evening is us hanging out at the house until I decide to head to bed and Kenzie decides to go out for the night.

  Thursday comes quickly and before I know it I’m back at work.

  “Haley, can I see you in my office?” Aidan asks.

  “Sure,” I say as I pull myself up and out of my chair. I waddle across the hall and into his office, “What’s up?”

  “Take a seat,” he says as he sits behind his desk. I do as he asks.

  “Everything alright?” I ask confused.

  “It is, but I wanted to talk to you about your plans for the future.”

>   “Oh, well I’m going to finish the internship out and go home, Lily’s due the end of September, so my best friends are going to help me with her, so I can continue to take my classes and graduate on time.”

  “Good, I’m very glad to hear that. You’re great at your job and if you keep it up you’re only going to get better. I want to make sure this is what you want to do, because it can be stressful at times.”

  “I love my job; it’s definitely what I want to do,” I assure him.

  “Good. I’ve talked to some people and if you finish school, there will be a job waiting for you.”

  “Really?” I ask shocked.

  “Yes.”

  “Here in London?” I ask surprised.

  “No. Since you’re having your baby and your family and friends are in the states it’s a sister company to this one. I’ve told them about the work you’ve been doing and I’ve also showed them some of the interviews. They are very impressed. The job would be in Michigan where you are already living. Are you planning to stay in Michigan after school or are you planning to move?”

  “No, I have a house in Michigan, so I’ll be staying there. Thank you so much Aidan, this means the world to me,” I say feeling completely overwhelmed right now.

  “You’re welcome, but you did all the work. I will have everything drawn up for you, paperwork wise, and as long as you graduate, the job is yours.”

  “Thank you so much,” I say as I stand to shake his hand.

  “You’re very welcome Haley,” he says with a smile. I turn to head back to my office, “Oh and Haley?”

  “Yes?”

  “Your job ends at the end of the month.”

  “Wait what? It’s only the middle of July,” I say confused.

  “I know, but you are getting closer and closer to your due date and unless you want to have your baby in London, I think it’s probably best you get home and get settled, that way if she decides to come early, you’re prepared.”

  “Are you sure? I can stay longer; I don’t have a problem with that.”

  “I do. You have done wonderful work here and anytime you want to come back and visit, the doors are always open.”

  “Thank you, Sir.” I say before leaving.

  I finish my day of work and head home to tell Kenz the news. I walk through the door to the flat and smell some amazing food. “That smells delicious,” I say as I walk into the kitchen to find Kenzie cooking away.

  “Hey, it’s almost ready,” she says excitedly.

  “So, I have some news,” I say as I take a seat at the table.

  “What’s that?”

  “I’m done at the end of the month.”

  “What? Why?” she asks in utter shock.

  “Aidan said I need to get back home and be prepared in case Lily comes early.”

  “Really?”

  “Yeah, and soon I won’t be able to fly.”

  “Should we look for a flight home?”

  “Yep. Oh guess what else,” I say excitedly.

  “What?”

  “Aidan offered me a job, as long as I graduate with my Sports Management degree, I’ll have a job when I’m done,” I say happily.

  “Here?”

  “No, in Michigan. It’s a sister company.”

  “Wow, that’s awesome. Congratulations,” she says looking truly happy for me.

  “Thanks.”

  “Should we call and let everyone know?”

  “No. We can surprise them.”

  “I like that idea. Is it cool if I stay with you until I need to go back to school? I want to be there when Lily’s born.”

  “Absolutely, you always have a place with me, but you do know school will be back in session before she’s born, right?”

  “Yeah, but if you end up having her early, I’ll be here to see her.”

  “Sure, that’s fine with me,” I say with a smile.

  “Thanks. Well let’s eat and then we can start packing, two weeks will be here before we know it,” she says as she takes the food off the stove. Kenz made garlic chicken with broccoli and rice. We eat and then start packing everything up that goes home with us.

  Before I know it, the week is going by and we’re making plans for the weekend. This is the weekend Liam is getting married.

  “Hey,” I say to Brody.

  “Hey Hails,” he says sounding annoyed.

  “Everything okay?”

  “No, but I don’t want to be the one to tell you.”

  “Tell me what?”

  “Liam and Nina had to push their wedding back three weeks.”

  “Why?”

  “Something about him having to meet with the coaches or some shit like that.”

  “So, why didn’t you want to tell me that?”

  “You really need to tell him.”

  “I said I would,” I say now getting annoyed. “I’m not telling him until I come home anyway, so it’s fine.”

  “You should leave and come home early Hails,” he states.

  “Why?”

  “Because you shouldn’t be traveling, while you are that far along.”

  “I’m fine Brody. I’ll be home before you know it,” I say, wanting to end this conversation.

  “Good. Well Quinn and I are heading out soon, so I’ll talk to you later,” he says before disconnecting the call.

  I can feel things changing between Brody and me because I haven’t told Liam yet. I understand why Brody’s mad, but understand where I’m coming from too.

  “What’s wrong?” Kenzie asks.

  “Brody’s been acting different and I know it’s because I haven’t told Liam about Lily. Oh and his wedding isn’t happening for a few weeks, which means we will be home before he gets married. Just lovely.”

  “You could always try to stop it,” she says with a smirk.

  “Because I’m that kind of person, right?”

  “No, but yeah, I don’t know.”

  “I said I would tell him when we get home and I will.”

  “Good.”

  Friday comes and goes and before I know it, Saturday is here and we are being driven to the airport. It’s a long flight home, but we decide it’s still best to not tell anyone. We’ll have a taxi take us to the house.

  It’s the middle of the afternoon by the time we get to the house, because of the time difference. We pull our bags out of the taxi as Quinn comes running out. “You’re here,” she screams as she throws her arms around me in a hug. I can’t help but laugh out loud.

  “Surprise,” I joke.

  “You’re early.”

  “Yeah, they told me to leave early in case Lily decides to come early.”

  “I love them,” she says as she takes a good look at me, “Look at your belly, you look so cute,” she says as she rubs my big belly.

  “Thanks.”

  “She wears pregnancy well, doesn’t she?” Kenz says.

  “You sure do. I hope I look half as good one day.”

  “Oh please,” I say as I grab a bag. Quinn grabs some bags as does Kenzie and we head inside.

  “So, how’s everything been here?” I ask as I set the bags down on the floor inside.

  “Good.”

  “Any issues?”

  “Nope,” she says with a smile.

  “Good. God it feels so good to be home.”

  “Just wait until you see the nursery,” Quinn says excitedly.

  “You didn’t have to do that, I told you that already.”

  “Please, I wanted to do it.”

  “Well thank you, I know I’ll love it.”

  “Let’s go see it,” Kenz says excitedly.

  “Okay,” I say as we head towards the stairs. It takes me a few minutes, but I make it up the stairs and down the hall walking into Lily’s nursery. “Oh.My.Gosh. It’s beautiful,” I say as I take in the wonderful nursery.

  The walls are painted white, with a farm animal border that’s soft with fluffy animals in pastels. There’s a crib already put
together and set up, it’s dark cherry and has pink bedding that matches the border and the same with the mobile.

  “This is amazing,” Kenzie coos.

  “Thanks,” Quinn says enthusiastically.

  There’s a rocking chair by the window, along with Lily’s name on the wall above her crib. On the opposite side of the room is a changing table and a dresser for her things, and the closet is already full of clothes. In another corner there is a basket full of stuffed animals.

  “Did you do this all by yourself?” I ask shocked.

  “No, I had some help,” she says nervously.

  “Who helped?” Kenz asks.

  “I’m sure Brody did,” I state.

  “Yes, Brody did,” she says with a smile.

  “Who else?” Kenz asks.

  “Umm…” Quinn stutters.

  “Tell us,” Kenz pushes.

  “Liam and Spence helped too.”

  “What? I only just told Liam I was pregnant.”

  “He came over to hang out with Brody and we were painting and putting things together and he asked if he could help,” she says, looking unsure.

  “That was really nice of him,” Kenz says, “He decorated his daughter’s nursery and doesn’t even know it.”

  “Shut it. I told you I was going to tell him and I will,” I snap.

  “You are?” Quinn asks surprised.

  “Yes, but I’m going to wait until after he’s married. He has enough to worry about right now and with his wedding less than two weeks away; I’m not going to ruin that for him.”

  “He’s coming over today,” Quinn says nervously.

  “What?”

  “He and Brody have been hanging out a lot lately and he’s coming over tonight to hang out. I didn’t know you were going to be here, so I didn’t say anything,” she says worriedly.

  “It’s fine. He’s welcome here anytime.”

  “Brody didn’t tell him did he?” Kenz asks.

  “No, though I know he wants to.”

  “I bet he does, but he promised me. I told him I was going to tell Liam, but I need to do it when the time is right.”

  “When is the time going to be right?” Brody asks from behind me.

  “Shit,” I jump, “You scared the shit out of me.”

  “Sorry,” he says as he comes up to me, “You look beautiful,” he says as he gives me a hug.

  “Thanks. The nursery looks amazing, Thank you guys for everything.”

  “Anything for you and Lily,” Brody says with a smile, “Hey Kenz,” he says as he makes his way over to Quinn. I’m sure this is a little awkward, but Kenzie acts like she doesn’t have a care in the world.