Ryan's POV

For the next two days, it was Braelyn, Sean, and I at the house. Layla was due to come home on Friday afternoon. So, I told her I would pick Braelyn up from school, then pick her up from the hospital. I made phone calls to everyone for our announcement on Saturday. Braelyn lost another tooth and she said it didn't hurt. Wait until Layla sees that. And, when she comes home Friday, Cris, Kam, Marco, Noeli and the twins will be here. They still don't know that Layla is pregnant.

Friday afternoon

"Braelyn, before we go pick up mommy, what would you like for lunch?"

"McDonald's nuggets."

"McDonald's it is." I enjoy little moments like this where Braelyn and I spend time together. Sean came with us too.

"How was kindergarten today?"

"It was fun. I made mommy a card. See."

She pulled out a card from her Princess Tiana backpack. "It's pretty. Mommy is going to love it."

I saw trouble coming our way. "Sean, don't turn around but there are some thirsty women coming this way." Of course she tries to talk to Braelyn first to get to me.

"Aww, your daughter is so cute. What is your name cutie?"

Braelyn looked at me. I shook my head to tell her it is not okay.

"My mommy, daddy, Ryan, Sean, and my Uncle Cris told me not to talk to strangers." The look on Braelyn's face was classic! Braelyn scrunched up her face and said, "You are a stranger lady!"

She was about to say something smart to Braelyn, but I cut her off. "Lady, please stop and leave my daughter alone! I know what you are trying to do - talk to my daughter first, then talk to me. I am happily married and I am not interested in you or any of your friends. And plus, you were about to insult my daughter, so why would I talk to you?! So, can you please find someone else? Stop trying to use people's kids to get a man!! And, don't bother my friend either. Goodbye." Braelyn waved her hand.

She stormed off with her friends. We got a round of applause from other patrons near our table. I gave Braelyn a high-five.

"That's my girl. We make a great team. Lollipop, would you like a chocolate milkshake before we leave?"

"Yes, thank you."

"I'll get it Ryan." Sean went to get Braelyn a milkshake. Once he came back, Braelyn told him, "Thank you, Sean."

"You're welcome." Then, we left McDonald's to go pickup Layla.

20 minutes later.

As soon as we pulled up in the hospital parking lot, we saw the media staked out in front.

"Braelyn princess, do you have your sunglasses?"

"Yes, Ryan."

"Put your glasses on. I am going to carry you inside."

We parked Layla's Escalade in the closest spot we could find near the front door as we could. Braelyn took off her seat belt, put on her sunglasses, got out of the truck, and let me pick her up. "Keep your head down on my shoulder, okay?"

"Okay." Then, we made our way inside. Surprisingly, they didn't say anything. But, when we leave, it will be a different story. Once inside, we made our way to Layla's room.

She must have been in the bathroom because I hear her puking.

Layla's POV

"Ugh, baby Meyers, give mommy a break, okay?"

"Mommy!"

"Hey, Lollipop, Sugar and Sean. This kid is wearing me out. Is everything planned for the party tomorrow?"

"Yup. Sean and I took care of everything. You ma'am, are not to lift a finger. Marco told me Cris, Kam, Noeli and himself will be ready."

"Mommy, I made you a card and I lost a tooth."

Braelyn's card was so sweet. It said, "Get well soon, mommy. Love, Braelyn." She tried to draw her baby brother or sister in my stomach. "I love it, baby girl. Thank you."

Uh-oh, mood swing time. I started crying. "Mommy, why are you crying?"

"I love your card and you lost another tooth."

"Layla, here is a change of clothes. I didn't see any flat shoes."

"I will have to get some. Thanks for the clothes." When I went to change my clothes, I heard the doctor come in the room. I finished changing in 10 minutes.

"Mrs. Meyers, your husband signed your release papers. You are free to leave. And, I will see you on December 18th."

"Thank you. Is there a bucket or something I can take with me to use until we get to our home on Long Island?"

"I will have the nurse bring you what is called 'vomit bags.'" 10 minutes later, the nurse gave me some of the bags. Then, we left the room to head home.

"Layla, the media is down stairs. They want to know if you are okay. Braelyn, put your sunglasses on." Ryan told me while we rode down on the elevator.

I put my sunglasses on too. "Sean is going to carry Braelyn. Layla, give me your hand."

Sure enough, as soon as we stepped out the door, "Layla! Layla! Are you okay after your appearance on the Natalie Duncan Show?"

Sean took Braelyn to my truck, while Ryan and I stood together before the media.

"I can't tell you yet why I was admitted. I have to tell my family first. After that, I will tell you. I will schedule a press conference. But for now, please respect our privacy. Thank you all so much for your support."

"Let's go, Layla."

Oh no. I have the urge to puke. I can't let them see me. "Ryan, I have the urge to puke again."

Sean drove my truck to where we were standing. "Get in quick." I got in the front and he got in the back. Sean drove a few blocks and pulled over. I got out and immediately threw up. "Ugh, I need something to rinse my mouth with."

"What do you want?"

"Water, ginger ale and mouthwash."

"There is a store across the street. I'll get you something. I will be right back."

Ryan's POV

I thought I was going to be in and out. Nope, did not happen.

I found the water and ginger ale. But, could not find the mouthwash. So, I asked an employee. "Excuse me, can you tell me where I can find the mouthwash?"

"Oh cutie, I can tell you where the mouthwash is and more."

"No thank you, I just need to know where the mouthwash is." This is the second time today I have been hit on by a desperate woman.

"Oh come on." Now she is going slow on purpose. "Look, I am in a hurry. My pregnant wife and daughter are waiting for me in our truck."

"It's right down this aisle on the right."

"Thank you." As I walked past, her hand almost brushed my crotch. "Lady, what is your problem?! I am happily married. My wife would not like you touching a spot that is only reserved for her."

"Lady, if you put your hands on my husband, get ready to go to the hospital." Layla came in the store and saw what that lady was about to do. I grabbed a bottle of mouthwash and walked towards Layla. "I'm sorry I took so long."

"It's okay. I now understand why."

"I want your manager NOW!!!!"Layla screamed at the employee.

I started rubbing her belly. "Layla baby, calm down. We don't need you getting stressed out. You're carrying little Ryan or little Layla."

"You're right." A manager came over to where we were standing.

"Your employee here was flirting with me. Then, her hand was inches away from touching a part of my body that only my wife can touch. I came in here to get her some things for her morning sickness, not to get harassed!!"

"Marcy, get out of my sight!! You're fired!! I am really sorry that happened to you."

"Look, I just want to pay for these things and take my wife home."

"Don't worry about paying. I will be right back with a bag."

Once the manager came back with the bag, Layla and I walked out of the store. Then, we got in the vehicle and left to go home.

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Kamea's POV

Layla is going to be so surprised when she sees us. But, we still do not know what her announcement is. So, I am going to speculate - she is pregnant. If she is, that means we will be pregnant at the same time. Yes!

"Marco, can you at least give us a hint?"

"Nope. I promised Layla and Ryan that their secret was safe with me."

"Not even for your favorite sister-in-law?"

"Kam, you are my only sister-in-law. And nope, I am not telling. Nice try though. Ryan just sent me a text. They should be home in 30 minutes."

I can't just sit around for 30 minutes. So, I got up and walked around the house a little. But, I can't walk around too much. I feel like I always get tired more now that I am 6 months pregnant. Layla and Ryan's new house is beautiful. And, they even have a pool. Día and Rocco are going to like that when Braelyn comes home. I started feeling hungry, so I raided their refrigerator. "Hmm, let's see what they have - bread, lettuce, tomato and rotisserie chicken." That was enough to make a sandwich, so I did. Then, I went back into the living room.

Cris had a chagrined look on his face. "Kamea, did you seriously fix yourself a sandwich?"

"Yes I did. Bella, Kekoa and I are hungry. And, it is yummy too. You want a bite?"

Time went by fast because Marco said, "They are 5 minutes away from the house."

"Good."

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Ryan's POV

"I am so glad that I can sleep in my bed tonight instead of that hospital bed. And, have my baby's daddy right next to me."

"And, your baby's daddy missed you, too."

Sean pulled up to the house. "Dang, I have to puke again."

"Sean can you help Braelyn out? Layla, come on."

Well, the surprise visitors are going to know before tomorrow. I quickly opened the door and Layla made a mad dash to the bathroom.

I saw Kam whisper yell, "I knew it!!!"

Layla came back to where I was standing. "Oh hey Kam." Layla did a double take.

"Kam!! You're here! And, Cris, Noeli, Marco and the twins! It is so good to see you all."

"Surprise, Layla. Marco told us you and Ryan had an announcement, so we decided to come up because we knew it was important. Your running to the bathroom confirmed my speculation."

"We might as well tell you all."

Layla's POV

"After the interview on Wednesday, I passed out in the studio. I was rushed to the hospital. I found out that Ryan and I are expecting our first child. I am 9 weeks pregnant. So, the party tomorrow was to announce that."

"Layla, you and I are pregnant at the same time until December!"

"I said the same thing!"

Kam got up and danced a little. Ryan and Cris looked at each other. "We are in trouble, Cris."

"The difference is that you my friend, have 31 more week to go."

"Um hello, Kam and I are right here. Just for that, you and Cris are going to make a run to Sonic for pickle slushies."

"Braelyn honey, guess who is here?"

She came in the living room with Sean. "Aunt Kam and Uncle Cris!" Then she ran over and gave them both a hug.

"Hey, what about Uncle Marco?"

"Hi, Uncle Marco and Aunt Noel. I lost another tooth. See!"

"You all would have been proud of Braelyn. She told a lady off today. While we were eating lunch at McDonald's some chick came up to our table. I knew what she was doing, so she tried to talk to Braelyn first. Braelyn told her, "My mommy, daddy, Ryan, Sean, and my Uncle Cris told me not to talk to strangers. You are a stranger lady!"

"Braelyn, you made mommy proud. Good job."

"Congratulations, Layla and Ryan."

"Thanks, Noeli. What would you guys like to eat? And, we have a pool in the back."

"Ryan, we might as well make that slushie run now. What would everyone like to eat?"

Cris started with the kids first and saved me and Kam for last.

"Layla, are you seriously going to eat all of that - burger, fries, slushie, chicken nuggets, chocolate milkshake, and a chicken sandwich?"

"Ryan, rookie mistake. Don't ever ask a pregnant woman why they are eating something."

"Not at the same time. I'll save something for a midnight snack. Chop! Chop! Get moving, mister. One day, just one day I wish a man could experience pregnancy."

"Let's go before it gets worse. Ryan, don't get yourself double-teamed by Layla and Kamea."

"Yeah Ryan, listen to Cris."

"No way are you two leaving me with Layla and Kam. I'm going too." Marco got up to go with Cris and Ryan to Sonic.

"Braelyn, Día and Rocco, let's go to the pool."

I put Braelyn's hair in pony tails before she got in the pool. Kam did the same thing with Día's hair. Those two have become great friends in such a short time. Hopefully Ryan and I are having a boy so that Rocco will have a friend too. I gave Día one of Braelyn's swimsuits and I had some swim trunks for Rocco. I keep a dresser of clothes just in case for Día and Rocco when they stay at the house with us. Kam and I put floating devices on them so they can go in the pool. Noeli got in the pool with them.

They had fun splashing water and playing in the pool while Kam and I sat in lounge chairs watching them.

"Hi mommy." Braelyn pulled herself to the side of the pool.

"Hi, Lollipop. Smile for the camera."  
"Cheese!!"

Then, Día and Rocco joined Braelyn and I snapped a picture of all three of them. The guys finally came back.

"Goodness, what took you guys so long?"

"Traffic. And, here is your pickle slushie. And, Kam, here is yours."

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Narrator's POV

The kids played in the pool for a little while longer. Marco joined them and played with them. After about an hour, Layla called for the kids to come out of the pool and get something to eat. Layla showed them where they were sleeping for the weekend. She threw up two more times before the night was over. Then, she joined Ryan, they cuddled and fell asleep.

Saturday afternoon

Ryan, Cris, Marco, Sean, and Noeli took care of the food. They made sure Kam and Layla didn't lift a finger. Layla could not just sit there and wait until the family comes over, so along with Kam, the kids and Sean, they went shopping. Layla bought herself a few pair of flat shoes and she bought Braelyn a few new outfits for school. Kam and Layla even bought a cute outfit for the girls so they could be twins. Kam bought Rocco a few things too. Once they were done, Layla drove everyone home. She noticed her parents SUV and Ryan's family was here too - Valerie, Jason, Victoria and Josh.

Layla's POV

Thank goodness I have not had any urges to puke since early this morning. I took the bags upstairs to my room and Braelyn's room. Braelyn and Día changed into their outfit. They are so cute.

"I remember when I made matching outfits for myself and Layla. I still have the pictures, too." My mom chuckled while telling everyone that.

"Olivia, I did the same thing with Victoria."

"Lollipop, can you go get Ryan and ask the guys to come inside?"

"Okay, mommy." Braelyn, Katie and Día both ran outside. Five minutes later, they all came into the living room and Ryan had me stand, then sit on his lap. "Would you all like to eat first or hear the reason why we had everyone come over?"

They all thought for a minute. Then, Jason says, "How about the announcement first?"

"Okay." Ryan put his hands on my belly and started rubbing it. My mom and Valerie knew what I was about to say from what Ryan just did. "On Wednesday, I found out that Ryan and I are expecting our first child. I am 9 weeks pregnant and our baby will be born on June 4th, 2019."

"Yes! I am going to be a grandma again!" My mom and Valerie traded high-fives.

"Congratulations, Ryan and Layla. I am going to be an uncle again."

"Thank you, Josh. Before anyone asks, we will not know what we are having until my next appointment on December 18th."

"Congratulations, Layla and Ryan."

"Thank you, Austin."

"What are you both hoping for?" My dad asked.

We both looked at each other. "A boy." We said it at the same time. "I want to, and Ryan agreed, have a gender reveal party before we leave for Florida in December. And, we are going to let Braelyn pick the name."

"Are you excited, Braelyn?"

"Yes, grandma. Another person to play with."

"The food is ready. Everyone can dig in."

"Thanks Cris and Marco." Those guys outdid themselves. They fixed ribs, hamburgers, hot dogs, grilled corn, grilled chicken, and baked beans. My parents bought mac and cheese - homemade, pasta salad, and lasagna, my favorite. Jason and Valerie brought food too - steaks for the grill, Italian sausages, and some drinks. My Sugar even made something - chocolate chip cookies and chocolate cake, two of my favorites.

"Layla, has anything made you nauseous yet?" Victoria asked me.

"Not yet. When I was pregnant with Braelyn, I did not like coffee, seafood or bacon. I couldn't stand the smell of it, and those are three of my favorites. I always craved pickles, ice cream and chocolate chip cookies. "

"Well, I am glad I made you some."

"Thanks, sugar." I gave Ryan a peck on his lips.

"Layla, don't get up I'll get you a plate."

"Thanks, Marco."

"Layla, don't forget that meeting on Tuesday."

"I won't mom. Ryan is coming with me."

It is just an introductory meeting. But, I am curious as to who it is that is interested in merging with my business. Only one way to find out.

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Thank you all for reading chapter 21.

And, thank you all for the votes and comments. 😘