Chapter 33 - Life

Everyone was invited over the following night. An impromptu celebration party was in full swing when Gavin finally found a moment to speak with Cam.

Wandering over almost sheepishly with a bottle of beer in hand for himself, and one for Cam, he came to a halt in front of her.

“So, uh…we okay?” he asked, offering her the bottle.

She took it, and then turned to walk outside, somewhere a little more private. Gavin followed like he always did. They hadn’t really had any time to talk since the announcement the previous night, but there were things they needed to talk about. It did impact things a little; he just wasn’t sure if that was a good thing or not.

“Sure,” she finally said as she leant against the rail that went all the way around the decking. “I mean…I have to say that it was a bit of a shock, you two haven’t been together that long, but I’m happy for you both, of course.”

Gavin smiled. “It was a surprise for us too, but I’m over the moon about it.” His smiled turned into a grin as he thought about it. “When we, you know, first talked about the twins, I really thought that that was my last chance at being a father… This is just…I just wanted to make sure that it doesn’t change anything with us? Or for them?”

Cam reached out, her palm gripping his bicep. “Listen, Noah and Darcy are going to be really lucky kids. They’re getting a sibling…that’s really exciting. It just brings us all together…one big family. A little unorthodox maybe.” She chuckled.

“Yeah, it certainly does.”

“Congratulations, Gav. Seriously, this is awesome news. Now, when are you going to make an honest woman of my friend?”

Gavin laughed and brought his hands up in surrender. “Oh, don’t you start. All your mother has done is hint at that… We talked about it, and Kate said she isn’t that worried, but…”

“But?” Cam asked eagerly. “You thinking of asking her?”

He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small velvet bag. “Yeah, I’m going to ask. Firstly, I love the woman, and she’s having my kid, so it’s the right thing to do…but also, I was thinking about future visa issues. I know right now she has a working visa because of you, but if we get married, she can apply for citizenship, and we won’t ever have to worry about that.”

“Sounds like you’ve thought it all through.”

Movement from the doorway made them both turn around. Michelle poked her head out. “There you two are.” She smiled and opened the door more fully, carrying Darcy in one arm. “Someone is very happy today.” She grinned as Darcy gurgled happily.

“It’s a good news kinda day, isn’t it?” Cam said, placing her bottle down and walking towards her wife. She kissed her gently and laughed when Darcy poked her cheek. “Hey, you.” Cam turned her attention to her daughter. “You gonna have a new brother or sister soon, huh? Exciting, right?”

Darcy gurgled and giggled some more.

“She sure is,” Gavin said proudly. Moving towards them both, he reached out and stroked Darcy’s cheek.

“Why don’t you get some practice in?” Michelle chuckled and handed her over to him.

He gave his bottle to Cam and took Darcy in his arms. Instantly, she turned from happy child to whingy, reaching out her hands for Michelle. “Oh, I think she wants her mama.”

Michelle beamed, her eyes filling with tears. Darcy wanted her. “Oh, sweet girl, you want your mama?” she said, taking her back from Gavin and kissing her face over and over. “I love you so much,” Michelle whispered against her daughter’s ear. “So much.”

Cam grinned. It might not last, but right now, Michelle was happy, and so was their daughter. “Let’s get this party started, eh?” she said, guiding them all back into the cabin. “Hey, Lucy? Karaoke?” she called out across the room to her friend.

“Sure, why not?” Lucy grinned back. “I’ll go grab the equipment.”