Chapter 18
Over a month had passed and the guys had just arrived at The Dive to play their usual Saturday-night gig. They had a few of their gigs filmed for the show that the TV network was showcasing them on. Sam had got quite friendly with the guys and he’d also been dating Micky’s younger sister for about four weeks now. They’d both arrived together and seemed happy, and Micky had let Coco know he was very happy for her.
Coco had been singing more and had even done a gig each week for the past two week at the club, and she’d gone down well so Ronnie had offered her a regular slot on a Friday night, which worked well around her studies.
Pete and Annie’s family had arrived for the twins’ naming ceremony. Nick and Claire were staying at the pad; their gran, Mom and Chris had booked into the usual hotel, and everything was in place for the ceremony to take place tomorrow on the beach. Their gran had even brought some old christening gowns that had been passed down through the family and worn by Pete and all his siblings. Annie wasn’t sure how to tell her she’d bought some more non-traditional outfits for the twins.
Ronnie came to see them as they were setting up, bringing them a tray of cokes as usual. “Hi, guys, just to let you know we’ve got a bachelorette party in tonight, and they’ve started early too by the looks of it.”
Davy soon recognized the group of girls and went over to introduce himself, and they were all over him like a rash, especially the bride-to-be. Davy was loving being the center of attention. Sam said to Mike it was probably for the best there was no film crew there tonight.
Soon there set got underway and the group of girls where at the front dancing as near to Davy as they could possibly get, without actually being on stage with him, this didn’t bother him one bit, he was enjoying every moment being the center of attention.
Ronnie was watching the girls from the side of the stage, knowing full well from past experience how the females often ended up fighting over Davy.
Mike too was watching them, hoping the bride-to-be didn’t get too close. He knew Davy would probably be going home with one of them, but just not her—that would be too much.
Micky was watching Sam and Coco. He liked Sam but he’d always been very protective of his little sister, even though she could handle herself and was more grown-up and independent than he was. He knew the three of them relied on Mike too much.
The set went and Davy joined the girls. Micky found Gemma chatting with Coco and Sam. She pulled him close and whispered to him. “I think they make a good couple. He really seems to care for her. I noticed you watching them, but I don’t think you’ve got anything to worry about.”
“Okay, I believe you and trust your judgment.”
Nick and Claire had also turned up to see them play, and he came over and gave Mike and Pete a hug. “Everything okay between you two?”
“We’re cool. It’s good to see you. How’s the wedding planning going? Not long to go now,” Mike said to both of them. “I’ll go get us some drinks” He left them to go to the bar.
“I just wish Dad could have at least come for tomorrow, but you know how stubborn he is.”
“Yeah, you have some of his stubborn streak at times, but not as bad as he’ll ever have. He got that from Grandad. They’re so alike.” Pete laughed at him.
“All right, and you turned out more like Mom. She’s too soft and normally gives in.”
Claire watched the interaction between the brothers. She decided to leave them to talk and went to help Mike with the drinks, joining him at the bar a few minutes later.
Mike nodded to acknowledge her. “Thanks. How are things, then?”
“Not the best. Their dad’s pressurising Nick to drop Pete as his best man. He thinks he isn’t his best choice. Nick won’t tell Pete though. His dad doesn’t want him turning up with you either, but don’t worry: we want you to come as Peter’s guest.” She picked up her and Nick’s glasses.
“It’s okay. I understand. I’m just glad Nick sticks up for Pete though. He’s a good guy. I’m an only child. I wish I had siblings, but never mind.”
“Hey, sometimes I wish I was an only child. My older sister can be too much at times—I’d swap you any day.” She took out her wallet and paid for the drinks. “These are on me, to say thanks for letting us stay at the pad. I brought some treats from back home, too, for you guys.”
“Give them to me first—if Micky gets his hands on any candy, no one else will get the chance to even see it. I can hide it away and share it later.”
Soon they were playing their second set and Davy’s new fan club were back at the front. Davy did quite a bit of the singing to give Micky a rest. He seemed to be singing directly to the bride-to-be, and after they’d finished playing, he attached himself to a young blue-eyed blonde who was with the group of girls.
After a few drinks with her, Davy came over to the others, putting his arm over Micky’s shoulder. “I’m gonna be heading off with Belinda. Don’t wait up for me, and don’t worry—I’ll be home in plenty of time to get showered and changed for the ceremony.” He bid farewell with a quick wave, put his arm around the blonde’s waist and they walked off.
“Well, at least there was no fighting over him tonight, and he didn’t end up making out with the bride-to-be.” Micky looked over at her while she was being helped up of the floor after falling down, a little worse for wear.
“I hope her wedding isn’t tomorrow. She’s not gonna be in a fit state for it.” Claire laughed as she looked at Nick. “Don’t worry, I won’t be doing anything like that, and I’m staying in the night before.”
“So does that mean you’re okay with me having a bachelor night with my friends?” He turned to the other three. “You’re all invited, of course. I know Pete and Mike are coming to our wedding, and of course you and Davy are invited too. You’re all more or less extended family to us.”
“I’d love to come, but I think Davy’s going back to England for Christmas and the New Year. He turns twenty-one on the thirtieth and I think his family want to celebrate it with him.”
“That’s no problem. Micky, you can bring Gemma if you want. Our gran offered to pay your airfares for you, and there should be plenty of room at the house for you all,” Nick said to them all.
“That’s good of y’all, but I bet your dad won’t be too happy about that,” Mike added.
“It’s my wedding though, and if you’re not welcome, neither’s he at our wedding.” Nick tried to reassure Mike how important Pete was to the rest of the family.
Soon they were all back at the pad. Micky had come back with the others as Gemma was staying at her parents and was going out early with them, so he got himself comfortable in an armchair with a beer and a late-night movie.
Mike, Pete, and Nick joined him. Claire decided to go to bed and asked Nick not to drink too much, and be quiet when he did join her later. Not much later after the first movie had finished, Mike and Pete decided to go to bed, but Nick stayed up to watch another movie with Micky. Micky got them both another beer.
“Can’t wait until I’ve moved out of home so I can do things like this. Dad doesn’t like the television on late, disturbing anyone. Be great to be away from his rules,” Nick said before starting his second beer. “You guys are so lucky.”
Micky laughed at that comment. “Mike used to have more rules, but he’s calmed down. Getting together with Pete’s been a good distraction—works well to our benefit.”
“Pete seems to have changed for the better being with Mike as well. He used to be soft and give in to people for an easy life. He wouldn’t say no to anyone.”
The movie finished and Nick checked his watch. “I’d better get off to bed. Hopefully Claire will be asleep and not pay much attention to the time.”
***
Early the next morning, Mike was up drinking his first cup of coffee when there was a knock at the door. He didn’t need to answer it as Annie came in and joined him in the kitchen. She put a few boxes onto the table. “Morning. You want a coffee?” Mike asked her.
“Oh please. I hope you don’t mind me here this early. I’m so glad you’re letting us use the pad for the party afterward.” She started unpacking containers of food. “I spent all yesterday baking and cooking. I hope I haven’t made too much.”
“Hey, don’t worry. Micky will always eat leftovers tomorrow—you know what he’s like. Do you need a hand with anything?” He passed over her coffee.
“Thanks, Mike. There’s some more boxes in the car—could you go get them for me? Are the others still in bed?”
“Yeah,” Mike answered just as Claire came out of the spare bedroom and came over to greet Annie.
“Morning. How’re you doing, Annie? You ready for today?”
“As ready as I’ll ever be… Dylan was really in a bad mood yesterday. I hope he’s better today. Last thing I need is him crying all the time again. You’ll have this to come soon.”
“Nick’s dad brought that up the other day, asking if we’ll be giving them grandchildren after we’re married. Nick brought up the twins being his first grandchildren and he changed the subject.” That comment made Annie look upset. Mike put his arm around her.
“I’m so glad he isn’t here. I can’t believe him at times. I doubt that he’s ever going to accept me or them, but that’s his loss.” Mike hugged her tighter to him.
“Well I told him he might have to wait a while. I want to concentrate on my career, and have some married life with just Nick and I. He didn’t look too happy.” Annie looked a little happier after that comment from Claire. She restarted unpacking the food containers.
“I’d have loved to see the look on his face when you told him that— Oh, morning, Pete.”
Pete came out of the downstairs bedroom and kissed Mike.
“I’ll get you a cup of tea, already got the kettle on.” Mike decided to surprise Pete with the kind of tea, and a few minutes later was passing him a cup.
“Ooh, peppermint. Thank you, Michael. Hey, Annie, looks like you’ve been busy.” He picked up a few of the different containers of food. “Better not let Micky near this until after the ceremony if you want something left for the other guests.”
“Don’t worry, Peter. There’s plenty. This is only part of it—there’s more back at the house. I just need to go back for it, and the children of course. Christine and Coco were getting them ready.” She looked at her watch. “Gran, Mom, and Chris will be here in just over an hour, so I guess I better get moving.”
She went out of the front door just as Micky was getting up. He spotted the food on the table and smiled. “Don’t even think about it—that food’s for the party later,” Mike told him.
“All right, I’ll get some cereal for breakfast, Davy not here yet?” he asked looking around.
“No not yet, but hopefully he’ll not get back too late. He knows he’s one of the guide parents. I pity poor Dylan…you two aren’t the best influences for him. He’ll be chasing chicks in disguises.”
“I bet Davy’s never thought of doing that, in case he bumps into any of his previous dates when out with a new chick. I ought to suggest it to him,” Micky said while pouring some orange juice and trying to open a container to get a sandwich.
Mike noticed and slapped his hand. “What did I tell you before, boy? Keep your hands off the food!”
“Spoilsport! I’m a growing young man. Pete, tell him please—he’ll listen to you,” Micky pleaded. Pete just shook his head and mouthed sorry to him. So Micky took his juice over to the couch and put the television on.
Soon Nick was up and sitting with Micky on the couch watching cartoons. Davy had arrived home and was in the shower, then going to get ready. Annie, Christine, and Coco arrived with the twins, who were both dressed in new outfits, Summer in a flowered dress and Dylan in a yellow top and denim dungarees.
“So much better than the family christening gowns,” Pete was saying as Mike went to let Pete and Annie’s family in. Their mom and gran went to fuss over the children, while Chris just stood out of the way, feeling a little awkward. He’d not really made much an effort with any of the others before, just normally stayed around his father.
Pete sensed he felt uncomfortable and went over and pulled him into a hug. “You cool with all this, Annie, Christine, the twins, and of course me and Michael?” he asked, unsure of what response he’d get in return, but Chris nodded and Nick shouted him over to sit with him and Micky.
“He’ll come round.” Mike came up to Pete, putting an arm over his shoulder, pulling him close.
Not much later, Ronnie and Victoria arrived and even bought present for the twins and flowers for Annie. Mike had made sure all the guys had dressed nicely in shirts and semi-formal pants, similar to how Nick and Chris had dressed. Annie had a longer flowered dress, similar to Summer’s.
All the guys had taken some beach chairs down to the beach for Mrs. Straus and Mrs. Thorkelson and anyone else who wanted to sit. The celebrant arrived and introduced himself to everyone before the ceremony was due to start.
He’d written a very personalized and meaningful service. Mrs. Straus started off with a reading of a poem. Annie and Christine then proceeded, stating their hopes and wishes for the children’s future and then it was the turn of the guide parents to make declarations of promises and commitments, to support and guide the twins as they grew.
Pete held Annie and Christine’s hands as they watched the others. First it was Summer’s turn with Mike, who held her tightly in his arms. “I promise to always look out for her and keep her on the right path and away from bad influences, and unsuitable males,” Mike said, looking straight over at Davy.
Ronnie and Vicky then said their part, taking turns holding Summer then handing her to Mrs Thorkelson.
Next it was Dylan with Coco, Micky. and Davy. “I promise to be a cool uncle to the little guy, and teach him everything I know. He can be my little apprentice for my inventions and I’ll always be there to have fun with him. I can teach him how to drive,” Micky said while holding Dylan, who seemed to be giggling up at him.
Davy started next when Micky passed him over. “I’ll make sure he knows how to treat a girl right. I do have some morals, and I don’t get many complaints either, so I can’t be doing that much wrong,” he mouthed at the other three guys. “I’ll always be there for him anytime he needs a chat or anything.”
Davy passed Dylan to Coco. She kissed his forehead and said her part adding a little extra. “I promise to make sure that Micky and Davy don’t lead you too astray and will watch over them too.” She gave Dylan to Mrs. Straus. Pete and Nick then did a short reading, something they’d written as children that they used to read to Annie, which soon had her in tears.
The celebrant said a few more words and finished off the ceremony, and they all went back to the pad to start the after party. Music was soon playing on the juke box, and Micky finally got his hands on the food.
Annie and Christine thanked all their family and friends for coming, and put the twins in the spare bedroom for a nap. Mrs. Straus gave Annie two checks to pay into the bank accounts she’d already set up for the twins. “Thanks so much, Gran.” Annie was soon in tears again.
Vicky and Ronnie went over to Mike and Pete, and asked them to go out to the sundeck with them. “We’ve got something to tell you,” Vicky got in first and grabbed Pete’s hand, pulling him behind her.
“We got our results from the doctor yesterday, but we’ve been too nervous to open them…do you think you could do the honors?” Vicky asked them both, passing over two envelopes, one with each of their names on.
“You sure about this?” Mike asked, staring from Pete to the girls, who both nodded in response. Mike gave Pete one envelope, which he noticed was Vicky’s. He looked nervous himself.
“Go on, Pete, open it and let me know?” Vicky pleaded with him. He looked at Mike who just nodded. He ripped open the envelope and read the letter, passing it to Vicky. “It’s positive! You’re pregnant!” He smiled at her and looked so happy. Vicky put her arms around him and they both turned to watch Mike open Ronnie’s letter.
He opened it and read the contents. “It’s positive, Ronnie! You’re pregnant too, and the doctor wants to see you because she thinks that you’re a month further on than Vicky after the chat you had with her.” He passed the envelope to her.
Vicky and Ronnie exchanged glances and hugged each other. Pete smiled so brightly at Mike and pulled him close and kissed him. “We’re gonna be Dads,” he declared, Mike just smiled back and pulled him closer to his chest. Tears formed in Petes eyes.
Micky and Davy came out to see what was going on. They looked from the girls to Pete and Mike. “Got anything to tell us, then?” Micky asked Mike.
“Ronnie and Vicky are both pregnant,” Mike said to the two of them.
They both came over and pulled Mike and Pete into a group hug.
“That’s great news.” Davy said. “We’re gonna be uncles again, Mick.” He laughed.
Pete was still clinging onto Mike, not wanting to let go of him. I’m gonna be a dad. Vicky’s gonna have my baby. Just one problem…who’s the father of Ronnie’s baby? He felt guilty about what he’d done.
Mike held him tightly, kissing Pete on the top of his head and thinking to himself, Ronnie’s having my child. I remember she said she used the smaller sample, and I’d marked the container on the bottom, so I knew it was mine. I checked after dropping them. But I hope Pete’s the father of Vicky’s baby. I’m gonna keep my fingers crossed…