Infinity Chapter 132 - New Beginnings

[itztigress3]

Chapter 132 –  New Beginnings

POV:  Zac / Emily

Word count: 4885


July 4, 2016 - Zac

 Emily and I had gotten up early with Isabella, she’d woken up sometime early in the morning and somehow climbed out of her crib and was in our bed jumping in the middle. She had laid down for a little bit longer, but not near long enough. As we got up and got dressed I heard Emily cussing in the closet.

“Baby?”

“Nothing fits!” She yelled out.

“You have your maternity shorts in the drawer, why not wear them?”

She came out of the closet still in her gown and just stared at me, damn she looked quite hot then but I didn’t comment on that.

“Gee I don’t know Zac, no one knows we’re expecting. I think maternity shorts would kind of tell them.”

“Ems, they have to be told sometime.”

“Well, I would like to tell your parents and mine before telling the world.”

I walked to her and kissed her forehead. “It’s going to be ok.”

She had been fretful all weekend and it was not helping that Casey hadn’t called us Friday after their appointment either. She was worried about them and I know she was. She was also just worrying because she was having doubts about working and handling three, now they are saying we’re having twins…

“It’s warm and sunny, wear a dress. Something light and airy, no one will debate if it’s loose or tight or whatever.”

“Or we could just tell everyone.”

“We could. I mean, it’s not like this is our first Emily.”

“Really? So your brothers have twins?”

“Dada, uice.” Isabella said.

“Guess that’s my queue. You’ll be ok Emily.”

She pouted but went back into the closet and I took both of them downstairs. I made breakfast and sat down with them. She came down in the maternity shorts and a longer t-shirt that covered the fact they were maternity clothes. She fixed her plate and sat down with us.

“So, what is our plan?” I asked.

“Avery is coming over about six, she’s staying here for the night with them. We are going to Taylor’s for the fireworks.”

“Maddi and Cody coming up?”

“Yep, but because it’s anniversary night they may not stay long and I don’t know their plans afterwards.”

“Have you heard from Casey?”

“No. But, Taylor said he was going to be there.”

Once breakfast was done we changed the wild ones and got them presentable and about noon we let them outside, they spent a lot of time inside and since neither of us were terrified, they could venture out. Alexander loved the electric car but Isabella liked her walking toys and the swings. Lunch was before we went outside so once we came in it was cooling them off and getting her down for a nap, Alexander laid down with Emily but he didn’t go to sleep, instead he watched Finding Nemo with her. About three we got surprised by Ace and Nathaniel showing up, which was weird but nice.

After general chatting Ace declared he was retiring from flying and that he wanted to kind of be more involved and now that he would be home and not constantly flying he wanted to take the kids for the weekend or come stay more often. Nathaniel seemed over the moon that he’d be home more often.

I looked at Emily and just nodded, they were here and bound to find out they were going to be grandparents again, plus we usually told everyone at once and this was something big and well, maybe it was better to split people up, especially on my side.

“I’m kind of glad you came up.”

“We volunteered to watch Jasmine and Trevor tonight and we got here way early, there not even home. Figured I’d come over and tell you and visit.”

“I think Craig mentioned that, but I don’t clearly remember.” I said.

Ace looked at her and the concerned expression told me he’d picked up on the way she looked, which was terrified. I didn’t like the way she was reacting to three and four, she was normally happier and less worried.

“Emily? Is there something wrong?”

“Not really.”

He looked at me and then back to her but while Emily was having problems just telling him, yet apparently Alexander had no problem telling Papa.

“Papa, mama haing baby.”

He looked at Alexander and then her. “Is that true?”

“It is, we um, found out in May, but we were not even four weeks, I wanted to be sure beforehand.”

“Which is understandable, but why do you look so concerned? Have you been really sick or over reactions?”

She looked up at him. “No, nothing like that. I haven’t been sick at all and not really overly emotional or anything. It’s just…we went Thursday for the sonogram and we’re having twins.”

“Oh,  that’s great but apparently you don’t agree?” Nathaniel asked.

“It is great just worried about how to handle all four and they’ll be under four.”

Ace moved beside her and smiled. “You will do great Emily, you remind me so much of your mother. More than Eliza does really. You seem to have taken a lot of her traits and abilities, where Eliza was more me. Your mother was phenomenal with juggling all of your brothers.  Added, honey you’re not alone like she was. You have a wonderful husband who helps you, you have tons of brothers that are always willing to help, you have Eliza and you have friends that are willing to help you. I know your scared, but you’ll be fine. All you need to focus on is making sure you and the little beans are healthy and taken care of. Because that is something that none of us can help with.”

“Not true, I can help with that by making sure she sleeps, eats, and rests like she should be doing.” I said.

“True, you can do that. So, see even you have help with that!”

She did crack a tiny smile at that. They stayed until 4:30 and then headed back to Craig and Christopher’s. About 30 minutes later Avery knocked and I let her inside, Isabella ran to her and gave her a big hug and Alexander followed. They missed there Aunt Avery apparently. Since she was in school in Oklahoma City it wasn’t often she saw them, I think that is why she volunteered to watch them so we could have 4^th of July without worrying. She hugged Emily and then held her back and appraised her. Perceptive she must be.

“You’re pregnant.”

It wasn’t a question, it was a statement and Emily blinked, clearly stunned and so was I.

“How did you know?”

She smiled widely. “Well, there is a little bit of softness in your abdomen, present with those two as well and you have this glow about you. Same one you had with those two munchkins as well. I’m going to assume that Mom and Dad don’t know yet?”

“Not yet, no. There picking Ezra and a few others up about 7 tonight, we will probably tell them then. So, only you and her dad’s know at this point, besides she and I.” I said.

She nodded but Emily nudged her a bit, gentle enough to get her attention and then she smiled.

“Avery, I’m pregnant with twins.”

Perceptive sister didn’t pick that tidbit up and she looked stunned. “Twins?”

“Yes. Sonogram confirmed it.”

“We could use some twins, wait...you mean there could be two mini Zac’s at once? Oh dear god….I’m not sure anyone can
handle that.”

We both laughed and Emily let her know what had been going on and that the spare room was made up. We made it to Taylor’s house about the time Mom and Dad arrived! So I called for them before they headed inside.

“What is it Zac?” Mom asked.

“We just wanted to speak to you before we go inside.”

“Ok.” She said.

They waited and Emily presented the sonogram picture to them. Dad smiled but the look on mom’s face said she recognized
the implication on that little grainy picture, Dad never was great with those things but Mom was a champ.

“Twins?” She asked.

“The doctor didn’t quite believe it either, but yes. Twins. Two mini-Zac’s at once this time.”

Dad blinked and took another look at the sonogram and Mom had to point out the two distinct little beans, only then did we get hugs and congratulatory words and Dad seemed as afraid as them about there being two mini-me’s, were they forgetting Alexander?

“Do we know a due date yet?”

“Late January, but he did mention that with twins it’s often early.”

“Usually they are, twins I don’t think our side has ever had them!”

“Not that I recall.” I said.

“No problems so far?”

“Nope, but he’s worried about preeclampsia and there is a higher risk that I could be put on bed rest later on. Zac threatened to
make me wear my watch again.”

“It wouldn’t hurt you, may help actually but it seems like things have settled down, maybe this time you won’t have any issues.”

“I hope so. But, we haven’t told anyone here just you two, her Dad’s, and Avery knew like the moment she saw her.”

Mom smiled widely. “I did too, I was just waiting for you two to tell us because that is polite.”

Emily giggled and we headed inside where she picked up the kids she was taking, which was pretty much all of them at this point. We greeted Taylor and Isaac, Natalie and Nikki. Maddi was on her way with Cody. They had some issues with Riley, she did not want Grandma, she wanted Uncle Max. We greeted and talked a bit but Emily was mad texting someone.

“Baby?”

“I’m finding Casey, I want to know what the doctor said! He’s not answering me so I send like 5 to Robert, threatening to drive over and he replied, there almost here.”

She moved to the door and I moved too, we were both waiting when they walked in.

“I know your phone works Casey.”  She said.

He sighed. “It did until I dropped it into the toilet Friday, sorry I should have had Robert send you a message and tell you.”
Emily folded her arms and Robert just smiled and patted his shoulder. “You’re on your own with her Casey. I’m not saving  you and you know what she wants to know from you.”

“She’s not the only one.” I said.

He smiled and handed us white plain envelopes, which we both opened. Inside were sonogram pictures dated July 1 and mine had “Baby A”, but Emily’s sonogram was marked “Baby B”.

“Twins?” She asked.

“She confirmed there are two and as far as the doctor could tell both were doing very well and on schedule.” Casey said.

“Congratulations! You may get your son and daughter at once.” I said.

“No shit, but twins? No twins on my side!” Casey said.

Casey had chosen to be Dad, because Robert just didn’t want too. I think on some levels he was wanting to separate himself from everyone else in his family, specifically his Uncle.. I just didn’t get why he’d think I’d love those two any less if they were his versus Casey’s.

“It’s not really the father that decides though Casey, it’s the mother. You did invetro as well, so it’s very possible that two eggs implanted or if they are identical that the egg donor’s egg divided.”

“That’s the doctor’s theory that two implanted, no indication there sharing anything but her womb.”

I expected Emily to tell them but she didn’t, instead she gave them hugs and congratulated them, said something about one epic baby shower later on.

“Casey! Hey! What did the doctor say!” Nikki yelled out.

He smiled. “The babies are fine! We’re having twins!”

I saw Taylor gather bottles of Mmmhops as our siblings shouted congratulations and Isaac was even passing around bottles but he gave Jessica cider and she smiled. He came our way and handed out bottles, handing one to Emily and she smiled and took it from him. But, while everyone opened there she didn’t.

“Toast to the new dads!”

Yet, Taylor kept waiting and he looked right sat Emily, like she needed to open the bottle, thankfully the doorbell rang and it was Maddi and Cody, distraction 101, thank you Riley for causing them to be late!

“Just in time!” Taylor exclaimed.

Casey filled them in and she congratulated them and Emily handed Cody the bottle, but damn Taylor to have two more brought over, again he said he was toasting them but when she didn’t open the second bottle he just went ahead, we were planning to tell them but neither of us wanted to take away from Casey right now, he was clearly excited and all and it was their first, well, first two. Emily sat the bottle back down in the cooler as we moved away, began to talk and mingle. Yet, I saw Natalie when she seen her, Natalie knew Emily would drink sometimes.

“How did we get baby freedom?” Maddi asked.

Emily giggled. “Most are with grandparents but our little hellions are at home with Aunt Avery, she said she has a major test and wanted to study. Because she hasn’t spent much time with them either she asked if she could watch them. Avery hasn’t been a party person and with the test..”

“How is she getting any studying done?” Cody asked.

“Beat’s me. Although, the kids should be in bed soon. She did say she had sparklers and all.”

“Aww, we can all do something next year, they’ll be older.”

“Yep.”

Dinner was about 7:30, good ole Taylor grilled burgers and chips. Most everyone was having alcohol related drinks and I hadn’t brought her any and I’d rarely drank any myself. Once dinner was over it was just party till you drop as Taylor put it, he had his DJ mix set playing and everyone was having a good time. It was actually Natalie that slide up beside her and smiled about nine thirty, I saw the slight nudge to her arm.

“How far are you?”

Emily smiled. “Eleven weeks. How did you know?”

“You didn’t drink and you would have, you didn’t touch the mixed drinks and all you have drank is cider and water. Added, you went back for a third burger, rare for you to do that.”

“I didn’t want to ruin Casey’s moment earlier.”

“Understandable. Who all knows?”

“Parents, they were told today or rather Alexander told his Papa’s and Avery, who basically guessed.”

She smiled. “I won’t tell anyone, especially Taylor, until you’re ready.”

“Thank you.”

We moved around and about eleven for some unknown and random reasons, Taylor wanted to do another toast. Emily and I were near the pool with Maddi, Cody, Robert, Casey, and a few cousins and he put the opened bottle in her hand! I wanted to yell, but really, he didn’t know.

He tilted his head some, those blue eyes sparkling.“You haven’t even had one Ems.”

She sighed. “I can’t drink them right now Taylor.”

“For fucks sakes why not?”

She got up. “Because I’m pregnant.”

He blinked a moment and several, including Maddi looked up. “Pregnant?” She asked.

“Yes. Eleven weeks”

Taylor called the attention for us, since he had the little bell anyway and I got up, everyone we knew was here or had been told except her brothers, so why not just get this over with?

“We know Taylor has some random toast prepared before we become pyromaniacs and try not to set the house on fire. But, we wanted to say that Emily and I are expecting again.”

Casey seemed elated, Maddi beamed almost, and everyone else seemed as happy as us. Taylor then held up his bottle, not bothered by her lack of drinking now.

“I am aware that not everyone here knows everything that has occurred over the last few years. From crazy guys, stupid stalkers, insane fans, and people trying to break up the family or cause problems. But, we can move past that now and move on, so far 2016 has been smooth and no major problems. We’ve been through hell and we came out on top! So here’s to new beginnings and a new chapter in our lives, from having your first babies…”

He nodded to Jessica and Joe and then to Casey and Robert. They all smiled and raised their glasses to the toast.

He smiled at Emily and I. “To having number three…”

I raised my glass but when Emily did she just smiled very widely. “And number four.”

What little hushed sounds had been there faded out and everyone got quiet and looked at us. Taylor looked at her confused and slightly stunned.

“And four?” he asked.

She raised her cup. “We’re having twins, so number three and four.”

He raised a glass with everyone. “Well, to number three and four, wow…um..crap. I just lost my place completely. Anyway, to new beginnings may we all have a peaceful and happy year!!”

Clinks occurred as everyone toasted but Casey was quick! He was standing nearby and then suddenly he had Emily up and swinging her around in a bear hug, I couldn’t stop him and when he sat her down she just stood there but she looked a bit sick.

“Ems?” I asked.

“I get two more godchildren at once? You have to be kidding? I get two kids and two godchildren at the same time?!?”

She looked mildly sick and then ran, in the process she pushed Robert out of the way and he tripped over one of their potted plants and fell into the pool, hilarious as everyone laughed. I however went to check on Emily, who had ran to the bushes near the fence, least she had gotten away from people.

“Are you ok?”

“When I bitch slap Casey I will be.”

Speaking of Casey, he walked up and looked really worried.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t think it would make you sick.” He said.

She didn’t slap him, but he did get a hard punch to the arm.

“Are you serious that your having twins?”

“Yes.” I said.

“When are they due? I mean I know you had some appointments and I thought that might be why, but no one said anything.”

“January, same as yours.”

“Why didn’t you tell me?!”

“We found out in May and wanted to make sure, least one sonogram to make sure that everything was ok. We did that last Thursday.”

“Your follow up pap?”

“Yes.”

He pulled her in for another hug. “Congratulations, to you both.”

“I need to tell Amanda, my brothers, and Eliza.”

“Where is Eliza?”

“She’s with Ryan. If I see her before Isabella’s party I’ll tell her, but I’m not sure I will.”

“Ok. Feel ok now?”

“Yes.”

We returned and Emily declared she wanted to see fireworks and Taylor and I obliged them all by setting them off. She talked to Maddi who seemed very surprised and happy for the new ones. Casey already stated he was calling them little beans until we knew the sex. By the time we made it home the kids were sound asleep and so was Avery.

July 16, 2016 – Emily-

We didn’t select a specific theme or overall theme for Isabella’s party, I went with the colors pink and purple and that was how her cake was decorated and how we chose to decorate the house. Maddi, Cody, and the children were here with us and Maddi got Isabella’s birthday pictures on our porch, cake everywhere again. She took some family ones too for us to have, but we didn’t go overboard. She downloaded them here and then we set up.

“Have you been able to tell Eliza yet?”

“No. I haven’t seen her, she promised to be here today though.”

Maddi had only breastfed Declan and Dakota for about two months before she stopped. She said it was harder than with just Riley and it was weighting on my mind as well how I’d handle that and I was considering just doing formula but I felt bad about that decision when I hadn’t questioned it with Alexander or Isabella. Zac and Cody took the five kids outside for a while so we could finish setting up.

“How are you feeling? You don’t look stressed or anything.”

“I’m feeling ok I am just extremely tired. Like, I just slept most of Sunday. Off and on all day, I have napped with them, that is
when Alexander naps.”

“It’s rough carrying two, have you made any decisions?”

“Not yet.”

“Any ideas on names yet?”

“Not a single one, I considered asking the fans actually but then that seems personal and I don’t want that. Plus they’d have
about two million suggestions.”

She smiled. “I am sure you guys will get it all figured out.”

“I hope so.”

We finished fixing the snacks and I made extra tea, kool-aid, and other drinks and was about to sit down when Eliza sent me a message and I opened the gate for her and Ryan. He brought presents in and she came in behind him. She greeted Isabella, wished her happy birthday and then she hugged me and I saw the little confused look, I’d gained weight since she saw me last.

“Is everyone coming today?”

“Yes. Nadine might not be so active, she’s been having some pains lately.”

“Oh, hope it’s nothing serious.”

“Not serious but the doctor said to rest more.”

I’d realized after July 4, that I hadn’t even told my brothers. I was about to tell them in a message when Zac recommended waiting until today, when they were all present. I really did want to tell them in person, so I waited. I would tell them after her party was over.

“So, before they arrive I kind of feel like I want to tell you first.”

“Ok.”

“Ryan and I are getting married August 3.”

I blinked. “I thought you were doing it next year? Big wedding and all that.”

“We were but um…I’m pregnant.”

I just paused, totally stunned. Clearly I had misheard her. “Pregnant?”

“Yes. My official due date is February of next year, we talked after finding out and we decided to go ahead and do it this year, something small and quick and then maybe later something big.”

“That’s great!”

She smiled. “I’ve been dealing with everything and I just wanted you to know first. I’ll tell everyone today I guess since they’ll be here.”

“Yeah.”

I really couldn’t blame her for choosing now, but I felt like I’d be taking something away if I followed her or went ahead of her. This was her first baby, this was not our first. I saw Maddi raise her eyebrow and I felt like I should have already told everyone anyway, seems like I showed some preferential treatment or something.

“Emily?” Eliza asked.

“Huh?”

“You zoned on us, are you ok?”

“Yeah, I’m fine.”

Thank God Isabella saved me by calling my name and I went to get her, she needed a clean diaper and a cup of juice. I ended up refilling multiple cups. But, I felt Maddi beside me.

“Ems, what is it?”

I rinsed out Riley’s cup and sighed. “I haven’t told my side yet and I was doing it today.”

I felt her hand on my back. “It’ll be fine. It’s her first, but your first set of twins. Let her go first and follow up a little while later.”

“Thank you.”

“No problem.”

By 2, the time we set, everything was set up and everyone was already here. I didn’t expect it but apparently George has asked
something and before we could really get the party started, she announced her pregnancy. Everyone gave her congratulations and some asked questions such as due date, but I just couldn’t help but feel a little left out. It wasn’t like this was my first or anything. Instead of focusing on being left out and hurt, I focused instead on the party itself. Making sure the kids were busy, occupied, not screaming, and not getting into anything they shouldn’t be. However my whirlwind of activity lasted an hour before I couldn’t breathe, so I went inside and tried to cool off. The party was mostly outside.

“Emily?” Craig asked.

“Tell me one of mine didn’t get hurt...”

“No. I came in to get water for Jasmine and saw you. Are you ok?”

“Yeah, just a little tired.”

He sat down and nudged me. “You know we wouldn’t question you so much if you’d just tell us you were pregnant again. Makes
things a lot easier.”

I blinked at him. “How did you…?”

He smiled at me. “Well, you’ve worn maternity shorts and your new clothes were all maternity clothes, I saw the same suits when Jacey was expecting with Trevor. None of us are stupid enough to ask why you gained weight either. So, are you?”

“Thirteen weeks. We actually told most everyone on the fourth, but I didn’t want to call everyone and this was the next gathering.”

“Does Eliza know?”

“No. But she told me before you guys arrived.”

“So why haven’t you told everyone?”

I looked at him and just stared, he knew me well enough to know the answer to that question. He only smiled at me, I wanted to slap him.

“You are my friend, sure I’m excited for Eliza, but I will always be more excited about you expecting another baby. Your ahead by one now.”

I looked away momentarily and then back at him and held up two fingers. “I’m ahead by two.”

“Common math Emmy, two plus one is three.”

“Two plus two is four.”

“What are you saying? You failed to remember basic math?”

“I’m having twins, it’s why I haven’t said anything, because I know twins is kind of big. I just didn’t want to overshadow her Craig, it’s her first.”

He smiled and patted my leg. “You won’t, it’s her first and it’s always exciting and nothing will take away from that. Your having twins, it’s a big deal but they’ll be as excited.”

“Yeah…” I said.

“Hey, what’s wrong?”

“I don’t know if I can do this Craig, handling Alexander and Isabella and working was hard enough, especially now that they’re both into things and climbing, I just don’t know if I can handle two newborns and them and work.”

“I think you can. Worst case, you guys aren’t going to sink if you stop working Emily. I am sure Zac has no problem being the
sole person with an income and I think as long as your present at the studio it won’t sink either.”

“I’ve been training Sean on more things, prepping him for when I’m out.”

He patted my leg. “You got this. Let’s get back.”

We went back outside and did the whole cake and presents thing, adding to our toy collections. Amanda when asked said she was having a little girl, they’d gone yesterday. She even had a name, Destiny Paige. She was just a few weeks farther than me and seemed to be on point, I felt so far behind. The party itself was winding down and I was still hesitating but as with his Papa and his father, Alexander seemed to feel that we didn’t need to keep this a secret anymore. That Mommy and Daddy were just not bothering to let people know.

Craig had him on his shoulder. “How old are you little man?”

Alexander smiled. “Mama’s having twins.”

I blinked and stared at him and Craig kind of glanced at me like he didn’t do anything! How Alexander learned I was having twins was a bit beyond me but then I glanced at Zac he was just smiling smugly and I realized he’d been talking to Alexander just a few minutes before and obviously taught him the words.

“Emily? Is he lying or why did he say that?” Christopher asked.

“He’s not lying, we actually are having twins and there due in January.”

I had been afraid that they wouldn’t be as excited but boy was I wrong. Even Eliza seemed positively giddy about the prospect of us being pregnant together. I was relieved that our news didn’t seem to take away from hers at all. We got to share news between everyone and Isabella seemed to not understand what baby meant, but Alexander seemed excited, I wondered if that would remain when he was faced with not one but two new babies in the house. With so many due this year and getting
pregnant I saw Christina looking a little fearful that baby fever was abound. Aaron and Zander seemed very content to not add to the growing number of babies, they were fine to have a bunch of nieces and nephews instead. Her second birthday party had gone very well and as everyone left and it was just Zac, myself, and the children we got to relax. I was more tired, but that was expected.