Page 44 of Lovers' Dance: Vol. 2
Nathan mumbled something incoherently in the background.
“Yes, he would have enjoyed tonight.” Adam said, watching the crowds of people milling about their family home.
“I said Bella’s pregnant.” Nathan said forcefully and both brothers returned their shocked attention to the blonde man.
“What?” Adam got the question out first. Matt could only stare in disbelief at Nathan who was looking decidedly worried.
“We found out yesterday. I - she hadn’t been feeling all too well the past few weeks. She’s, bloody hell, she’s pregnant and I’m absolutely terrified of what this means. I have no idea how to be a father.”
The three men fell silent, all regarding each other uncertainly.
“Ah, congratulations.” Matt offered.
“I need a bloody drink.” Nathan grumbled. “The little bastard hasn’t been born as yet and he’s already driving me to drink. Humph. With my luck it will probably be a girl, just as beautiful as her mother and then what? Sixteen years later, boys. Sniffing around mydaughter. I’ll be far too old to kick their horny arses. I’ll probably need to hire someone to do so for me. Fucking bollocks.” He looked helplessly at Matt. “I’m going to be a father.”
Matt pulled him into a brotherly hug, a genuine smile split his face. “I’m so pleased for you both, Nathan. Chin up, this is great news. A wedding and a baby. This is definitely going to be a good year for you.”
Adam rubbed his chin pensively. “This isn’t going to affect your work though, is it? I can’t afford to have you being distracted with nappies and formulae. You do know we’re hoping to get those Scottish oil contracts this year. After all that drama with the yes/no vote in September last year we need to -”
“Adam.” Matt cut him off with a pointed look as Nathan paled considerably.
“Ah, yes, congratulations. Jolly good news.” Adam said in an overly bright voice.
“I need a drink.” Nathan mumbled. He pulled away from Matt’s embrace and started wandering off, all the while muttering under his breath.
“I’ll go,” Adam sighed. “It’s like having another tiresome sibling.”
“Thanks.” Matt meant it. “I need to find Madi.”
He watched Adam hurry after Nathan and a little chuckle escaped him. Bloody hell. Nathan, a father? Will wonders never cease? Matt managed to make his way to the lifts without being dragged into someone else’s conversation. As he rode to the 2nd floor he thought about the look of absolute terror on Nathan’s face. His friend had never seemed so uncertain, so insecure, as he had been in that moment. The doors slid open and Matt hurried down the hallway to the girls’ room. Outside the door he could hear their squeals of teenaged laughter. He paused before knocking, once again remembering the quarrel he and Madi had an hour before leaving.
I don’t want to go, Matt! Why can’t you go by yourself? Dante and the guys are expecting me to show up tonight. This is such bullshit. Dante’s leaving on the second. I won’t get to see him before he leaves if I have to go to this stupid party because we’ll be staying at your place in Surrey. I don’t want to go.
Matt had been cold to her, frigid actually. Her face when he statedin no uncertain terms that as his fiancée she would be expected to attend and she was bloody well going…her face had fallen and she had looked at him with a plea in her eyes which he ignored. It didn’t help that yesterday she had returned from her studio with red, puffy eyes. When he asked her about it, all she would say was that she had called home. Whatever happened had left her distraught. During their argument she had yelled at his retreating back that he was being cruel. Forcing her to watch him enjoying the company of his family while she was so at odds with hers. He had slammed the door on her then, completely fed up with the whole mess. Half an hour later she was dressed and waiting silently for him in the front room as she stared gloomily at the Christmas tree. He wished he could turn back the clock to their lunch together. Lunch had been good, filled with her touch on his skin as he had his way with her on the dining room table. Matt sighed and knocked on the door.
“Who is it?”
“It’s your Uncle. Open the door, Terror.” Matt ordered. Seconds later he heard a click and the door swung open to reveal his niece, Nikki. Matt’s gaze went behind her. Natty and Madi were sat on one of the beds peering at something on the laptop.
“It’s almost midnight,” Matt advised, nudging Nikki back so he could enter the room. “Aren’t you girls coming down?”
Madi had yet to look at him.
“God no, Uncle Matt,” Natty exclaimed. “Everyone’s so old and I definitely don’t want any of Nana’s or Granddad’s drunk friends trying to snog me when the clock strikes twelve.”
Matt narrowed his eyes at his seventeen year old niece. “Behave and I want you both downstairs. Go.”
Natty groaned and Matt cleared his throat loudly. Cheeky little thing. He arched an eyebrow at her. Nikki was already heading out the door. She never needed telling twice, such a good girl, unlike her twin sister.
“Natalia.” he warned.
“Alright. Alright. Bloody hell, Uncle Matt, I thought you were cool.” Natty griped.
“Watch your language, young lady.” Matt said sharply. “Now go.”
She scampered off the bed and hurried out the room, glancinganxiously at him. Very rarely did he reprimand them and she was obviously aware she crossed the line.
“Sorry, Uncle Matt,” she murmured as she brushed past him in her gown.
