Breathe For Love

I fail at updating… hahah. Sorry again about the wait.

Hope those who celebrated it had a great Thanksgiving! :)

“You look very pretty today.” Hayley’s mother smiled.

“Thanks.” Hayley replied. She and Josh were having an end-of-summer barbecue before school started up again the following week. All their family and friends were there to celebrate.

Emily and Sarah had come over early that afternoon to help set up and Emily had insisted on curling Hayley’s hair and giving her a mini-makeover for no apparent reason. Hayley didn’t put up too much fight though, Emily was about to pop with her and Zac’s unborn baby and Hayley knew not to argue with anyone who was that pregnant.

“You look great, too.” Hayley commented to her mom. She felt underdressed compared to everyone else at the party. She was wearing jeans and a nice t-shirt while everyone else seemed to be in sundresses or semi-casual dress pants. Since when had she started wearing jeans and plain t-shirts over fun printed t-shirts?

“Momma, I done.” Ethan said excitedly, showing Hayley his empty plate. Oh, right, she was a mother now. Children came before style.

“Good job Eth.” Hayley praised.

“Talk now!” He demanded.

Josh laughed and pulled Ethan into his lap. “We’ll talk once everyone is done eating.” He explained. Zac looked over curiously and raised an eyebrow at his brother. Josh smiled in return but did not otherwise respond.

“Ok listen!” Ethan called out loudly. “Stop eatin’.”

“Apparently we’re telling now.” Hayley sighed quietly. Everyone turned around to look at the toddler and waited expectantly.

“They done.” Ethan grinned, turning to Josh and placing his tiny hands on his father’s cheeks. “You talk now.”

“Uh…” Josh said through a mouthful of cheeseburger. Hayley blushed and hid a smile beneath her napkin.

He swallowed his food and stood up, pulling Hayley and Ethan with him. “Uh, Hayley and I have an announcement…” He started, clearing his throat.

“And me!” Ethan added. Hayley laughed and kissed her son lightly on the cheek.

“You’re getting married?” Jonathan guessed. “Because that’s not really news.” He added, nodding toward the ring on Hayley’s finger. Josh glared at his brother and shook his head. They had never really made a formal announcement about their engagement, but everyone knew anyway.

“Well yeah, but that’s not exactly the announcement.” Hayley said with a quiet laugh.

“Do you wanna tell them?” Josh whispered quietly.

“No, you do it.” Hayley smiled. She could tell he wanted to be the one.

Josh took a deep breath and faced their family and friends once more. “We’re... having a baby.” He stated, not wanting to drag it out. By the time he finished the sentence, he could barely speak through the smile that had permanently plastered itself to his face.

The yard went deathly silent as everyone absorbed the information. A few people looked around, to be sure they hadn't misheard him. Hayley and Josh held their breath, hoping for a good response. “Yaaaaaaaay!” Ethan screamed happily.

“Oh my god!” Sarah called out excitedly soon after. In a matter of seconds, there was a mad rush of family and friends hurrying over to offer congratulations and dote on Hayley.

“How far along?” Hayley’s mother asked excitedly, pressing her hand to her daughter’s flat stomach.

“Just over three months.” Hayley replied. 

“What? Why didn’t you tell me!” She asked, obviously hurt.

“We didn’t tell anyone.” Josh answered. “Not even Ethan until yesterday. We didn’t want to hope too much…”

“Oh honey…” Josh’s mom frowned. “Everything will be fine this time around.” She assured.

“The doctor says everything looks great.” Hayley informed.

“When are you due?” Emily asked.

“February 4th.” Hayley replied happily.

“Ethan, are you excited?” Sarah asked the toddler with a smile. Ethan nodded. “Do you want a baby brother or a baby sister?” She continued.

Ethan frowned in thought and looked to Sarah with a smile. “Cookie.” He decided.

“Mommy can’t have a cookie, silly!” Hayley informed with a laugh. Ethan grinned proudly and began humming to himself. Josh set Ethan down on the ground and cleared his throat, raising an eyebrow at Emily as if to cue her.

“Oh!” She whispered. “So, is the wedding going to be before or after the baby?” She asked with a smile.

“We haven’t really talked about it yet.” Hayley shrugged. “I guess it’ll be next year. I always wanted a summer wedding and I suppose it’s a little late now.” She laughed.

“I think it’ll be pretty small too.” Josh added. “Just family and a few close friends.” Hayley nodded in agreement and rested her head on his shoulder.

“We should do it around this time next year.” Hayley noted as she looked around. “It’s always beautiful here in August.” Josh grinned happily and took a step back.

“Uh, Hayley… I have one more announcement.” He said nervously. Hayley looked over curiously and raised an eyebrow. “Well…. More of a question, really.” He sunk down to his knee and took Hayley’s hand in his own.

“Josh… what the hell are you doing?” Hayley whispered with a laugh.

“Hayley, will you marry me?” Josh asked with a grin. “Today?” Hayley’s face went white and she raised a hand to her mouth.

“What… but… we can’t.” Hayley stuttered.

“You just said yourself you wanted a small wedding in August.” He smiled. “If you want to do it today, I’ve got everything planned out.” he explained. Hayley looked around and realized everyone was smiling.

“You… you all knew didn’t you!” She accused with a smile, looking around. Now she knew why everyone seemed overly dressed. Hayley’s mother nodded in confirmation. “And that’s why you made me curl my hair!” Hayley laughed, pointing to Emily. Emily shrugged and winked.

“So…?” Josh asked.

“Say yes!” Sarah whispered encouragingly.

Hayley bit her lip and nodded. “Oh my gosh!” She gasped. Josh hopped up and hugged her tightly. “Are we really going to do this?” She asked quietly. Josh nodded and kissed her.

“Doin’ what?” Ethan asked curiously as he walked back over from the sandbox he had been preoccupied with.

“Your Mommy and Daddy are getting married today.” Sarah explained.

Ethan scoffed and shook his head. “They alweady are!” He said, placing his hands on his hips knowingly. “I said so.”

“We’re gonna get married again.” Josh explained, crouching down to Ethan’s level. “This time with Pastor Steve.”

“Oh.” Ethan replied simply. “Pasto Steve! Ok, I will be here.” He said with a shrug.

“Alright.” Hayley nodded with a smile. "Thank you. Ethan."

“Come on Hayles, we don’t have much time before it starts to get dark.” Emily said, pulling Hayley toward the house gently.

~*~

“Oh my gosh.” Hayley gasped as Emily, Sarah and her mother uncovered her eyes to reveal the wedding dress her mother had picked up for her.

“Josh hasn’t seen it yet.” Sarah informed. “But he said you had been eyeing it nearly every day for the past few months.”

“What do you think?” Emily asked excitedly. After a few seconds of no reply, everyone turned around to look at Hayley.

“Oh honey!” Her mom laughed. Tears were streaming down Hayley’s face, though she was desperately trying to wipe them away.

“Oh my gosh…” Hayley whispered, voice shaky. “It’s beautiful!” Hayley hugged her mother and heard a distinctive click from the doorway.

“Brandon’s here.” Sarah laughed. Hayley looked up to see Brandon in the doorway with his camera at the ready.

“Oh! Free photographer!” Hayley giggled. More clicks filled the room as he took a few photos of Hayley and the simple white dress hanging from a hanger in the center of the room.

“Mr. Chesbro at your service.” Brandon said, bowing deeply. “I’m gonna go take a few pictures of Mr. Groom getting ready while you change.” He informed.

“Alright.” Hayley smiled. “Thank you Brandon.” She said sincerely.

“You’re gonna be a beautiful bride.” He replied. “See you soon!”

~*~

The next time Hayley walked into the backyard, it had magically transformed into a beautiful wedding scene. There were a few white chairs lined up for guests to sit in and a simple archway in the middle of the aisle where the Pastor, Josh and Ethan were waiting.

Josh’s breath caught in his throat as he finally saw Hayley make her way toward the group in her dress. She looked absolutely gorgeous. The simple white dress clung to her curves and fit her like a glove. Her hair had been re-curled in big waves and it hung loosely at her shoulders. For an hour’s work, and a surprise wedding, she did a damn good job of turning herself into a bride.

Hayley felt tears sting at her eyes when she saw Josh. They were finally getting married. After all these years, they would be united together forever. Thinking back on the last few months made her head spin. Everything had happened so quickly. But she knew it was right. Even though they had only officially been together for eight months, anyone could see this was right.

The wedding ceremony itself was very short and sweet, though Ethan had managed to throw in his own little twists.

“Me too!” He had called out when Josh ‘kissed the bride’. Josh had picked him up and held the toddler on his hip while he and Hayley each kissed his cheek. Right after, he had wriggled down to the ground and announced it was “time to potty” which in Ethan language, meant party.

“So, was this really ok?” Josh asked, worried, when he and his wife finally got a moment of privacy among the music that now blared through their backyard in the dusk.

“It was perfect, Josh!” Hayley grinned. “How the hell did you plan this without me knowing?” She giggled.

“You really had no idea?” Josh questioned. Hayley shook her head honestly and pulled him close, swaying along to the music. “Wow, Emily can keep a secret better than I thought.” He mumbled.

Hayley laughed gently and rested her head on Josh’s shoulder, breathing him in deeply. “Mmm, you smell good.” She noted.

“And you look amazing.” He whispered. “Seriously. You are the most beautiful person on the planet.” Hayley rolled her eyes and shook her head. “Really!” Josh insisted.

“Momma! I wanna go to the paygwound” Ethan sang, running toward Hayley. “I wanna go to the umm paygwound” He repeated.

“At least we had half a second.” Hayley mumbled against Josh’s lips.

"We'll have all night tonight." Josh replied, raising an eyebrow. "My mother is taking him." Hayley laughed quietly and kissed him sweetly before turning her attention to Ethan.

“We're not going to the park tonight Eth, everyone is playing here and it’s almost bedtime.” Hayley explained.

“But I wanna!” Ethan pouted. “Momma! I wannaaaa!” He whined.

“We’ll go tomorrow.” Hayley bargained.

“Daddy!” Ethan huffed, turning to Josh.

“Tomorrow, EJ.” Josh said sternly.

“No now!” He wailed, tears instantly springing to his eyes.

“That’s my bad!” Izzie called from one side of the yard. “Sorry.” She hurried over to see what she could do about Ethan.

“What?” Josh asked, confused.

“He may or may not have overheard me say that Bekah and her husband walked down the street to the park.” She explained. “Hey, Ethan! Want to read a book with me?”

Ethan’s wails stopped almost instantly. “Ok.” He smiled.

“You goober!” Hayley laughed. “You weren’t even crying!”

Ethan giggled and twisted his hands together. “Gooba!” He repeated.  “Etan gooba.”

“Hey, Mr. and Mrs. Farro.” Zac smiled as he walked over. Hayley grinned at the the name. “Emily and I are gonna head out. She’s not feeling too great.”

“Ok.” Josh replied. “Thanks again for everything, bro.”

“No problem.” Zac grinned.

“Thank you.” Hayley echoed, hugging Zac tightly.

“You’re welcome, little sis.” Zac replied. “Congratulations!”

“Big sis.” Hayley corrected.

Zac place a hand on her head and raised an eyebrow. “Little sis.” He repeated, referring to her height.

“Oh my gosh.” Emily gasped quietly. Hayley turned around curiously, but was distracted by Ethan.

“Mommy! Look!” He called from across the yard. Isabelle was holding him out in the air, spinning him in circles.

“Wow! You’re like an airplane!” Hayley replied.

“Zac!” Emily said, alarmed.

“What? What is it?” Zac said, instantly worried.

“I either just peed my pants or the baby’s coming.” She said shakily. Hayley gasped as she saw a small puddle in the grass at Emily’s feet.

“B-b-baby?” Zac stuttered.

“It’s time!” Emily smiled.

“Oh my god!” 

oooooo so much excitement! lol. 

...I feel like I forgot something major in this chapter... hmm.

Only a few more chapters left I'm afraid! :/ And at least one more Joshayley fight! Uh ohhhhhhhh!! Teehee

…bleh… haha. I feel like crap today and I’m not particularly thrilled with this chapter, but I wanted to post SOMETHING since I haven’t in over a week, lol.

Sorry it took so long, I just haven’t been in the writing mood this past week :/ that always happens after I post a chapter I’m really excited about, hahaha. 

“What would you like to bring with you for lunch, EJ?” Hayley asked. It was seven in the morning, and she was desperately trying to get the toddler ready for daycare before she had to go to work.

“Tuna!” Ethan replied excitedly.

“Tuna…” Hayley sighed. “Of course. Alright, why don’t you go play and I’ll get your lunch ready.” Ethan nodded and ran for the playroom while Hayley grabbed a can of tuna fish from the pantry.

“What are you doing?” Josh asked as he walked into the kitchen, hair disheveled from sleep.

“Ethan wants tuna for lunch.” Hayley sighed. She glared at the can as if it was her mortal enemy and took a few deep breaths. “Ok, I can do this.” She told herself, though she was already feeling a bit queasy. Fish and Hayley didn’t get along while she was pregnant.

“Hayles, you don’t have to make tuna.” Josh yawned. “He’ll be just as happy with peanut butter and jelly.”

“He said tuna, I’m making him tuna.” Hayley said, determined. She pulled the tab on the container up and peeled it back a few centimeters. “Oh boy…” She mumbled, taking a few steps back. “Ok, I’m not making him tuna. Will you please do it?” She asked. She shut her eyes and took a few deep breaths, trying to ward off her nausea. Being pregnant sucked. Josh immediately felt his stomach flip, but he steadied himself fairly quickly.

“Hayley, you don’t have to make him a tuna fish sandwich!” He insisted, though he walked over to the counter to take over anyway. “If it makes you feel sick, don’t do it!”

“Just make him the god damned tuna, Josh!” Hayley spat.

“I am! Geez, Hayley!” Josh snapped back. He ripped the lid off and waived it in the air. “There, see?” He added angrily.

“Oh no…” Hayley gasped as the smell of fish wafted over to her from Josh waiving the lid around.

“Shit!” Josh winced. “Hayley! I’m sorry!” He called after her as she ran to the bathroom with her hand over her mouth.

“Hi Dada.” Ethan greeted as he walked into the kitchen. “Mommy?” He asked, pointing to the bathroom.

“Yep, Momma’s in the bathroom.” Josh answered, concentrating on not feeling nauseous himself and finishing the sandwich before Hayley returned.

“Oh, no! Eth! Lets let Mommy have some privacy.” Josh said as he rushed over to the bathroom door Ethan had been about to open. Ethan looked up at his father, confused. There was no such thing as ‘privacy’ in this house.

“Want to help me turn on the fan?” Josh asked. Ethan grinned and nodded. Josh picked him up and placed a small fan in the kitchen window. He let Ethan turn it on and prayed that it would get rid of the smell of fish so he and Hayley both might feel a bit better.

Hayley had been throwing up constantly. And, to be honest, Josh really hadn’t been expecting the vomiting to be quite this bad. He also hadn’t expected to feel dangerously nauseous every time Hayley was sick. Even if Hayley wasn’t around in the morning, he still felt a bit nauseous.

He had always thought morning sickness was a once a day thing that happened every few days. But as Hayley got further along in the pregnancy, the morning sickness got worse and worse. And it didn’t only happen in the morning… go figure.

He was getting quite worried about the situation – brushing your teeth in the morning while your fiancée randomly leaps out of the shower to be violently sick was not his idea of morning sickness – but Hayley assured him that this was in fact normal.

“Hey guys…” Hayley sighed as she reappeared from the bathroom. Josh quickly shoved the tuna fish sandwich into a plastic bag and hid it out of sight. Hayley laughed quietly and walked over to the sink to rinse her mouth with water. She looked exhausted.

“Hey Ethan, do you want to play in the back yard before you go to Ms. Kelly’s?” Josh asked. Ethan grinned and Josh opened the door to let him outside.

“Come on, Dada!” Ethan urged as he walked outside.

“I’m gonna finish getting lunch ready. I’ll be right inside watching you, ok?” Josh said. Ethan frowned thoughtfully before nodding his approval. He headed for the sandbox in the backyard and began digging around happily.

“How are you feeling?” Josh asked carefully, turning his attention to Hayley. She was leaning over the sink, grasping the edges of the counter so tightly that her knuckles were white. Once again, he had to take a few deep breaths to calm his stomach.

“I can’t do this!” Hayley gasped, tears already running down her face. “I hate being sick. I fucking hate it!” She nearly yelled.

“Shhh!” Josh soothed. He took a step toward her and rubbed her back gently.

“Don’t touch me.” She spat. Josh backed away, hands in the air. Hayley took a few calming breaths and sighed as the nausea finally began to pass.

“I’m sorry.” She mumbled.

“It’s ok.” Josh assured. He took a hesitant step toward her again and she buried her head in his chest.

“Josh. I really don’t think I can do this again!” She sighed. “I’m so tired.”

“Hayley, you are the strongest woman I know. You can get through this. It’s only a few more weeks before the morning sickness should start to go away.”

“A few more weeks Josh!” She spat. “I can’t handle this for a few more days!”

“I know…” He sighed. “Me either.”

“Oh yeah! How are you feeling?” She asked, glancing at him knowingly.

“I’m fine!” He lied, as his stomach churned dangerously. It had only taken Hayley a few days to catch on the fact that he felt sick when she did.

“Uh huh.” She teased. “Just admit it, you have sympathy morning sickness.” She grinned.

“I do not.” Josh defended. “I just… don’t like it when people are sick.” He mumbled.

“Oh riiiight.” Hayley said, rolling her eyes. “That’s why you laughed at Zac last time he was sick.”

“Hey, I told him he shouldn’t drink milk that fast.” Josh replied with a smile.

“Admit it! You’re having sympathy morning sickness!” Hayley sang. Josh didn’t reply. He simply crossed his arms and raised an eyebrow.

“Well, I think it’s cute.” Hayley smiled, resting her head on his shoulder. “It happens to lots of guys when their wives get pregnant. And at least it’s only sympathy morning sickness.” Josh scoffed and shook his head.

Hayley turned to get Ethan’s lunch in a lunchbox and instantly went pale when she picked up the sandwich. “You have got to be fucking kidding me.” She mumbled, pressing an already sweaty palm to her head. Josh hurried to her and took over, placing the sandwich in the lunchbox and zipping it closed. At least his ‘sympathy nausea’, or whatever Hayley called it, didn’t actually make him vomit. Or at least it hadn’t yet…

He looked at her and frowned, she didn’t look like she was going to be sick again, but she was definitely on the verge of tears. He pulled her to him and hugged her gently. They were both silent for a few minutes while Josh rubbed Hayley’s back soothingly.

“I think you need a day off.” He said thoughtfully. He reached for the phone and began to dial the Salon’s phone number.

“Josh, no.” Hayley mumbled. “I can’t take a day off just because I’m not feeling great. If that were possible, I would never be at work.”

“You have an appointment today anyway.” Josh pointed out. This appointment was a very important appointment. It had been almost three months since Hayley had gotten pregnant.

No one knew that Hayley was pregnant, not even Ethan. She and Josh had both agreed to keep quiet about the pregnancy until the risk of miscarriage went down a bit. Today, if everything looked good, they could finally tell everyone.

“I’m sure they’ll understand if you call out.” Josh continued.

“I only have three consults today, it won’t take…”

“Exactly. Only three. Someone else can handle them.” He cut in. “I’m calling them.”

“Josh no!” Hayley insisted.

“Too late!” Josh teased, holding the phone to his ear.

“Jooooosh!” Hayley complained. She reached up to take the phone away but Josh held her back. Hayley giggled and jumped to try to grab the phone once more.

“Hey, yeah, this is Josh. I just wanted to let you know that Hayley’s not feeling too well today. Ah!” He gasped as Hayley finally grabbed his arm and tried to pry the phone away from his ear. “She won’t be able to come in, I’m afraid!” He continued as the phone finally got pulled away from his ear a bit. “Can someone take over her make-up consults for the day?”

“Josh!” Hayley whined quietly, finally giving up.

“Ok, great!” Josh said into the phone. “Uh huh, yeah, I’ll be sure to let her know. She’ll see you tomorrow. Bye!”

“Josh! You didn’t have to do that.”  Hayley pouted.

“Tamara says to get lots of rest and feel better.” Josh said, ignoring Hayley. “So, why don’t you go lay down for a bit. I’ll take Ethan to daycare and then you’ll have the morning to relax before we go to the doctor’s.” He suggested. Hayley sighed and hugged Josh.

“Thank you.” She mumbled into his chest.

“No, thank you.” He replied, rubbing her still-flat stomach lightly. Hayley rolled her eyes and laughed.

“Dork.” She accused, kissing him softly.

“Sexy.” Josh shot back before licking her lower lip and ultimately silencing any further replies. Hayley grinned into the kiss and allowed her tongue to play with his lip ring. Josh groaned quietly and pulled her closer, deepening their kiss.

“You’re supposed to be watching Ethan.” Hayley reminded quietly. “You’re not being a very good dad.” She teased.

“He’s in the sandbox Hayles, how much damage can he possibly do?” Josh replied, placing a few kisses on her neck.

“You tell me!” Hayley laughed. “He’s your son. You should know he can always find ways to hurt himself.”

Josh hesitated for a few seconds and shrugged. “True.” He sighed. “Geez, I see how it is. Making me be a responsible parent and all…” He said sarcastically.

“Look! He’s fine.” He added, pointing out the window.

“Great, then why don’t you get him ready for daycare.” Hayley said, sticking her tongue out teasingly.

“Yeah, yeah…” Josh sighed dramatically as he headed for the backyard.

More Ethan in the next chapter! :) (which will hopefully be posted a LOT faster! Hah)

Sorry he wasn’t in this one too much.

I just wanted to say, like most authors, I spend a lot of time on my stories to try to make them unique and fun to read. And I am particularly proud of Your Own Disaster.

I put so much time into coming up with a plotline and researching background information for this story and look into how babies and toddlers act, how parents react and deal with toddlers, how pregnancies work and blah, blah, blah. Seriously, hours of research here, haha.

Like I said, most authors dedicate a lot of time to their stories. Please respect that.

When you write, be original. If you do see another author come up with an idea or even a background plot that you love that much ask permission to use that idea and really try to make that idea your own. Change it up! Make it your idea. Don’t just flat out copy it, changing only a few small details. Also be sure to give credit where credit is due.

I’ve seen a few authors go through people taking their ideas (whether it is intentional or unintentional), almost word for word at times, and it really isn’t fair. Thankfully, it doesn't happen all too often here (at least, not that I see) and most stories on buzznet are all very unique and completely original. But even if ideas are not taken ‘word for word’ it still feels pretty crappy when ideas are used and not changed up much. 

If you get inspiration from another person’s idea and completely make it your own, that’s a different story. I’m totally cool with that.

And that is all

   I’m going to say

        about that.

            K bye. :)

So, I have to say, I was pretty entertained by the comments on the last chapter. They made me smile.

You all rock and make me want to write more. :) Thank youuuu!!!

Hayley stood up and paced around the living room, trying to calm herself down. She debated picking up the phone to call Sarah for a round of ass kicking, but in the end she decided to wait until she knew exactly what Josh was going to do. Knowing him, he could be working up some grand scheme of how to welcome the idea of a baby or he could be plotting his escape. It was hard to tell with him.

When she heard his footsteps move toward the stairs, she began thinking up what she was going to say to him. Even if he did end up coming down and being happy about the baby, she was still angry. Because, even if he did end up being alright with the situation, he had still walked away, leaving her alone and confused.

It was then that Hayley realized disappointed she was in him. She was so sure that he would be overjoyed at the news this time. But no, he had jumped at the chance to get away from her when Ethan cried. Maybe he hadn’t changed over the years as much as she thought he had.

“Come on, it’s ok.” Hayley heard Josh say as he descended. She furrowed her eyebrows in confusion and scowled when she realized he was bringing Ethan downstairs. Of course he had to bring Ethan down. Of course he had to have some sort of buffer so he didn’t have to talk about the baby.

Hayley was furious.

“Momma!” Ethan smiled tiredly when he and Josh entered the living room. Hayley plastered a fake smile on her face and took him from Josh.

“Hey buddy! Why are you up?” She asked. He shrugged and squirmed his way down to the floor to play with a nearby wooden puzzle set.

“Josh, if you leave me again I will fucking kill you.” Hayley whispered threateningly into his ear. Josh took a step back and raised his hands in the air innocently.

“Hey, I’m still here aren’t I?” He asked. Hayley rolled her eyes angrily and ran her fingers through her hair. Josh bit his lip and coughed to hide a laugh.

“What?” Hayley spat quietly. “What is so fucking funny?”

“You get mad too easily.” He replied with a barely contained smile. "Have some faith." Hayley clenched her hands into fists and bit her tongue to keep from yelling. She felt like she wanted to smack him upside the head for being so frustrating.

"It's hard to have faith when you do the exact same thing you did last time this happened." Hayley reminded rudely. 

Just in time to ease the situation, Ethan sneezed loudly, hitting his head on the couch from the force behind the sneeze. He froze, staring at the couch in shock and then turned around to look at his parents. His face clearly said ‘what the hell just happened?’ Josh snorted quietly and doubled over, laughing hard. Hayley bit her lip and tried her best not to laugh at her son.

Ethan cocked his head to the side and watched Josh who was laughing loudly now. A grin passed over the toddler’s face as he finally realized he had done something funny and he turned back to the couch, taking a nosedive into it. Hayley watched Josh in astonishment as he laughed harder. Suddenly the situation wasn’t funny at all anymore.

Josh was laughing too hard. He only laughed like this if he was nervous. He must be planning on leaving again. Or at least breaking up.  Hayley’s heart sank and she shut her eyes in hopes that when she reopened them everything would be ok.

But, of course, she had no such luck. She opened her eyes to see Ethan repeating his nosedive into the couch cushions over and over again to Josh’s amusement.

“Ok no. Ethan, stop.” Hayley said, gently pulling the toddler away from the couch. “Come on, you should be in bed, Eth."

“Dada said no.” Ethan frowned. Hayley glared at Josh, who covered his mouth with his hand to hide a smile.

“Come here EJ.” Josh said. Ethan grinned and hurried over to his father.

“Now Dada?” He asked as Josh sunk to his knees to get to Ethan’s level.

“Yep. You know what to do?” Josh asked. Ethan nodded and puffed out his chest proudly.

“Momma!” He said importantly.

“What?” Hayley asked, confused. Ethan twisted his hands together and looked up at her shyly.  He covered his face with his tiny hands and squealed, turning back to Josh. "You say, Dada."

“No! You can do it!” Josh encouraged. “Come on, it will make Mommy smile.” Hayley’s anger toward Josh was slowly being replaced with curiosity as she watched Josh whisper to their son.

“Ethan wants to ask you something.” Josh explained once he was done whispering. He gently pushed the suddenly shy toddler toward Hayley and nodded at him to go ahead.

“Get down, just like we practiced upstairs.” He reminded. Ethan giggled and got down on his knees.

“Momma?” Ethan asked quietly.

“Yes, baby?” Hayley asked hesitantly. Her heart was racing now, but she wasn’t entirely sure why. Josh scooted closer to Ethan and rested his hands on the toddler’s shoulders lightly.

Ethan turned to look at Josh once more for reassurance. Josh smiled back at him and nodded encouragingly. “Go ahead!” He urged.

“Momma, will you mawwy us?” Ethan asked with a smile.

Hayley inhaled sharply and raised her hand to her mouth. Her skin broke out in goosebumps and her heart stopped. “Wh-what?” She gasped, looking at Josh. He shrugged nervously and nodded down toward Ethan. She looked at her son and tears instantly spilled over her cheeks.

Ethan was holding out a silver diamond ring for her. “Will you mawwy us, Momma?” He repeated, looking hopeful. “Pwease?”

A sob escaped Hayley’s throat and she sunk down to her knees slowly. Ethan’s eyes went wide and he looked alarmed when he realized Hayley was crying. He dropped the ring and hurried to his mother.

“Is ok Momma! Dada’s not dat bad.” He said comfortingly, patting her arm lightly.

Hayley let out a short, barking laugh through her tears while Josh chuckled nervously. Hayley wiped away her tears and put an arm around Ethan.

“Seriously?” She choked out, looking at Josh. She had to be dreaming.

“No last minute ring this time.” Josh said quietly. “This one has been in the closet for months, behind that photo album you were so adamant about getting all by yourself a few weeks ago.” Hayley laughed quietly and pushed her hair behind her ear with a shaky hand. “I’ve been planning on asking for a while. I was just waiting for the right time.” He scooted closer to her and picked up the ring Ethan had dropped.

He lifted one knee off the ground, so he was kneeling properly in front of her, and held the ring out once more. “So, will you marry me?”

“Us!” Ethan corrected angrily.

“Sorry, will you marry us?” Josh asked with a smile.

“Juss say yesssss!” Ethan complained. Hayley laughed and nodded happily, throwing her arms around Josh’s neck. Josh bit his lip and grinned happily.

“Told you I'd say yes the next time you proposed.” She mumbled into his shoulder with a smile. Josh laughed quietly and hugged Hayley tight. In that moment, he was the happiest man on the planet.

“Second time’s a charm!” He whispered, jokingly.

“Shut up.” Hayley replied with a laugh.

“Dada, you have to kiss da bide now!” Ethan reminded impatiently as his parents broke apart from their hug. Josh smiled and did as he was told, kissing Hayley sweetly.

“Done!” Ethan ordered after a few seconds. “Etan’s turn.” Hayley laughed, and bent down so Ethan could plant a sloppy kiss on her cheek.

“Now we mawwied.” Ethan informed with a smile. “Wea family now.”

“We’ve always been a family, Eth.” Josh explained.

“Wea family again.” Ethan corrected with a shrug. “Gee Dada!” He added, as if the fact was obvious.

“Oh, I see.” Josh replied. He had learned quickly not to argue with toddler logic.

“Oh my gosh…” Hayley whispered as she looked at the ring that was still in Josh’s hands. “Is this really happening?” Josh smiled and nodded. He took her shaky hand into his own and slipped the ring on her finger. It fit perfectly.

“I wanna do it!” Ethan complained as he watched. His lower lip began to tremble and before long he was crying.

“Ok, I think it’s time for bed, mister cranky pants.” Hayley said quietly to her son. Ethan shook his head no, but raised his arms in the air to be picked up.

“I’ll do it!” Josh said quickly.

“It’s ok.” Hayley said. “The ‘no heavy lifting’ rule isn’t in effect yet.” She smiled, referring to the fact that she might be pregnant.

After they got Ethan settled once more, Josh and Hayley walked into their bedroom. The second their door snapped shut, their lips met in a needy kiss. Their hands roamed each other’s bodies urgently and soft moans escaped their lips.

“We’re engaged!” Hayley giggled excitedly.

“Yes we are.” Josh replied, voice husky. He lifted her into the air with ease and walked toward the bed.

“And we might be having a bab-ohh!” She gasped as he bit her neck gently.

“Oh, the baby!” Josh said happily, suddenly more excited about a potential baby than what they were about to do. He had nearly forgotten. “Lets find out!” He said. He stood up and began digging around in the closet for some shoes.

“You sir, are crazy.” Hayley laughed. “We’ll find out at the doctor’s office tomorrow.”

“Yeah, well, I’m impatient. You should know that by now.” Josh replied. “I’m gonna go get one of those home tests.” He smiled excitedly. “And if you’re not pregnant, we can try to get you pregnant tonight!” He added with a wink. Hayley laughed and stopped him before he could get out the bedroom door.

“Hold on there speedy.” She laughed. She walked into the master bathroom and pulled out a pregnancy test from a cabinet under the sink.

“You have one already?” Josh asked curiously.

“It’s left over from the box I got… last time.” She said quietly. She hated thinking about the miscarriage.

Josh got very quiet and hugged her gently. “It’ll work out this time.” He whispered. “I promise. Last time just wasn't meant to be.”

“I know…” Hayley sighed. “Now scoot!” She said, pushing him out of the bathroom. Josh did as he was told and sat on the bed, waiting nervously.

He looked up eagerly when she reappeared from the bathroom moments later and bit his lip, playing with his lip ring anxiously. Hayley smiled faintly as she took in the look on his face. For once, he wasn’t able to keep the stone face he normally held, though he was trying like mad to show no emotion. There was no hiding the look of hope and excitement in his eyes.

“So?” He asked quietly. Hayley smiled and held up the test, nodding.

“Yes.” She said happily.

“YES!” Josh yelped loudly. Hayley jumped in surprise and grinned widely. He ran over and lifted her into the air, kissing her happily. “I’m gonna be a husband and a new Daddy.”

Hayley giggled and kissed him. “Finally.” She whispered. “Its finally our turn.”

“For what?” Josh asked curiously.

“For happiness.”  Hayley explained.

“Red, we don’t have to get married and have another baby to be happy. I have always been happy when I am with you and Ethan.” Josh whispered. “And I think you have too.” He added. “The rest is just bonus ‘happy’.” Hayley chuckled softly and nodded before kissing her husband-to-be. Things were finally going smoothly for her and her family. No more Josh and Hayley disasters. She couldn’t have been happier.

:D :D :D

I rewrote this so. many. times. (and probably missed a bunch of spelling/grammar stuff) !!!!!!!! hahaha.

idk when the next update will be :/ hopefully sometime toward the middle of this week. 

ilikethischapter ^.^

This is in two parts again, because A) it would be ridiculously long if I kept this all as one chapter and B) because I’m mean like that :D

“Josh.” Hayley whispered. “Wakey wakey!” She giggled, poking his side gently.

“Noooo.” Josh groaned. He rolled away from her and sighed in his semi-awake state. “Come on, you have to get up.” She whispered. “Last day of work for the summer, remember?” She added. She kissed his neck softly and felt him tense up beneath her.

“That is how you wake a guy up.” Josh mumbled happily. It had been too long since she had kissed his neck like that. He pulled her head up to his gently and kissed her.

“Daddy!” Ethan called from outside.

“And that is why I never get woken up like this.” Josh pouted. Hayley giggled and rolled away before Ethan came barging in.

“Daddy! No mow school!” Ethan yelped excitedly. Josh helped him onto the bed and smiled.

“That’s right!” He praised. “We get to spend all day together tomorrow.”

“Momma too.” Ethan said.

“No, baby, I have to work.” Hayley repeated for at least the tenth time. Ethan frowned and crossed his arms.

“Hey! We’ll have a boy’s day.” Josh smiled.

“Boy stay?” Ethan pondered.

“Just you and me.” Josh explained. “And we can do something special for Mommy while she’s at work.”

“Yeah!” Ethan said excitedly. “Boy stay!” Hayley laughed and rested her head on top of Ethan’s lightly.

“Remind me why he still has to go to daycare this summer?” Josh asked with a small frown. “I can watch him.”

“Because he has to stay with his friends.” Hayley said. “You want to see Catherine don’t you Eth?”

“Cafwine!” Ethan grinned happily. “Cafwine is my fwiend.”

“Ah, right, he has to ‘socialize’ like a normal kid.” Josh said, rolling his eyes sarcastically.

“He does.” Hayley replied. She kissed her boys and crawled out of bed to take a quick shower.

The second she stood up, a wave of nausea swept over her. Why did seafood always mess with her stomach the morning after she ate it? She pressed her hand to her head and took a few deep breaths, willing herself not to vomit all over the cream carpet in the bedroom.

“You alright?” Josh asked with a frown when he saw her. Hayley nodded and forced a smile.

“Yeah.” She replied when she gained control over the nausea. “Yeah, just got dizzy for a minute.” She ruffled Ethan’s hair to show the toddler she was fine and hurried to the bathroom for her shower.

~*~

“Jenny, I have fifteen minutes until my next appointment gets here, I’m just going to grab something to eat. Let me know if someone calls.” Hayley said, talking to her coworker.

“Sure thing.” Jenny replied. Hayley walked across the small salon she worked in and entered the break room.

“What is that smell?” Hayley said, scrunching her nose.

“Oh, that’s my burrito, sorry.” Tamera, another coworker, explained. Hayley curled her lip slightly and opened the refrigerator to find her lunch.

As the smell of burrito buried itself deeper in her nose, Hayley began to feel a bit queasy and she had to fan herself a bit as the room suddenly felt overly warm. Although, her reaction wasn’t normally quite this bad, she hadn’t been able to stand the scent of burritos since she had been pregnant with Ethan.

Hayley froze, her hand halfway to the brown paper bag that contained her lunch. Maybe the nausea this morning hadn’t been because of the seafood she’d had the previous night. She stood up straight again and began counting in her head. How many weeks had it been since that amazing night with Josh…

Before she could finish counting she had to run for the bathroom as the nausea overpowered her. She slammed the door to the small bathroom behind her and fell to her knees in front of the toilet. She didn’t think she had ever been so excited to be sick.

~*~

“I want Mommy.” Ethan pouted.

“Well that’s too bad, you’re stuck with Daddy tonight.” Josh sighed. Hayley had been acting odd all night and had asked Josh to deal with getting Ethan to sleep while she ‘caught up on a few things’.

Ethan crossed his arms angrily and gave Josh his ‘I am not impressed’ look. “Read.” He demanded, dropping a book in Josh’s lap.

“Yikes! Watch where you drop things, kid.” Josh jumped, as the corner of the book dug into his thigh. “Alright, come here you little monster.” He reached out and grabbed Ethan, who had begun dancing around in small circles for no apparent reason. Ethan squealed in delight as he was dragged backward and pulled into his father’s lap. Josh opened the book and began reading over Ethan’s shoulder, encouraging his son to make up his own story as they went along.

By the end of the book, Ethan was sleeping lightly against Josh’s chest.

“Hey, Josh…”

“Shh.” Josh hushed before Hayley could finish, nodding down at the sleepy toddler. He stood up and began walking slowly toward Ethan’s bed.

“Aww.” Hayley smiled. “Come downstairs when you’re done. I have something I need to talk to you about.” Josh’s heartbeat picked up immediately and he was suddenly nervous.

“Uh, ok.” He said casually. “What is it?”

“I don’t want to say in front of the little one.” Hayley informed. “It can wait.” With that, she disappeared from the doorway and Josh could hear her light footsteps going down the stairs.

His stomach twisted in knots as he laid Ethan in bed. Hayley had been in a weird, distant mood for about a week now and they hadn’t had sex in at least a week and a half. He knew they didn’t have to have sex to have a good relationship, but it was something they did on a fairly regular basis. Lately whenever he tried to start something, Hayley would roll her eyes and push him away, complaining that she was too tired. Josh however, was starting to think that maybe she just wasn't as attracted to him anymore.

“Night Dada.” Ethan sighed quietly. Josh’s head snapped away from the doorway and he smiled at his son.

“Night EJ.” He tucked Ethan into bed and kissed his forehead gently. “Sleep tight.”

“Don’t let da beg buds… bite.” Ethan mumbled sleepily.

“Close enough.” Josh sighed with a quiet laugh. He walked to the door and shut it quietly behind him and reluctantly headed downstairs.

“Eth is all settled in for the night.” He announced. He sat in the chair across from Hayley and turned his attention to the show she was watching. She looked at him and smiled nervously before turning the television off.

“Hey! I wanted to see that!” Josh pouted. He had no idea what show was on, but anything was better than this talk Hayley wanted to have.

“Don’t try to get out of talking.” Hayley replied.

“Hayley…” Josh sighed heavily. “I know we’ve been…” He hesitated as he saw the look on her face. “Wait, you’re smiling.” Hayley nodded. “What… what kind of talk is this?”

“What did you think it was?” Hayley asked curiously.

“I don’t know…” He mumbled. “Not a fun one though. I mean, we haven’t been as… close recently as we normally are.”

Hayley rolled her eyes and shook her head with a short laugh. “I told you! I’m tired.”

“Yeah, well, you’ve been tired an awful lot lately.” Josh grumbled, voice laced with resentment.

“I have.” Hayley replied matter-of-factly. “We’re going to the doctor about that tomorrow.” She explained.

“What? What doctor?” Josh said, annoyed. Did she want them to see a stupid couples therapist or something? He didn’t think things were that bad between them. “Ok, what kind of talk are we having here, because I’m confused.” He said, a hint of anger in his voice.

“A good one. I think.” Hayley replied. Watching Josh squirm was entertaining. Though the reason behind her teasing was fear of what he would say and do when she finally admitted what was going on.

“While I was at work today… I got sick.” She said. Josh stared at her, completely and utterly confused. “And,” Hayley continued nervously, “it’s been… what… five weeks since that night?” She asked raising an eyebrow for emphasis.

“Five and a half.” Josh replied with a smile. That had been a good night…

“Men…”Hayley sighed. She sat back against the couch and waited for Josh to catch on.

“So, what does that have to do with…” Josh stopped mid-sentence and cocked his head to the side. Everything was starting to fall into place, but he was afraid to say what he thought might be going on. He didn’t want to be wrong.

“What?” Hayley asked, barely able to hide a smile.

“Are you…” Josh started. “Are you pregnant?” He finished breathlessly.

“I think I am.” She replied in a whisper, nodding slowly. She studied Josh’s face carefully, looking for any signs of emotion. She saw a flash of something that could either have been excitement or panic, but it was only a matter of milliseconds before Josh had control over his face, hiding his thoughts deep within.

“That’s why I’ve been so tired lately. When I woke up this morning I felt nauseous but I assumed it was the fish we had last night and it was just disagreeing with my stomach this morning. But then at work, Tamara had a burrito and I had to run for the bathroom to be sick. Just like when I was pregnant with Ethan. And it would explain why I’m so sore. It just makes sense. Josh, please say something.” She said in a rush. She was shaking with nerves now.

“Uh.” He stumbled. “I uh…” His face was blank. He needed an escape route. And fast.

It wasn’t long before his prayers were answered and Ethan began sobbing from upstairs, calling for his mother.

“I got it.” Josh said quickly. Before he had even finished speaking, he was hurrying for the stairs.

“Joshua Neil!” Hayley yelled after him.

“I’ll be back!” He called over his shoulder. “Then we’ll… figure this out.” He added before he jogged up the stairs.

“You have got to be fucking KIDDING ME!” Hayley spat in frustration. She felt like she was suffering a major case of déjà vu. She told Josh she was pregnant and off he ran. Exactly the same as it had been about three and a half years ago.

“Asshole.” Hayley fumed quietly.

Oh Josh… :|

I’ll update soon, I promise!

Against my better judgement, I'm going to post this.

First off, I want to say that I understand this is a touchy topic – I know some people may not agree with me on this issue – and I generally stay far, FAR away from talking politics, especially on the Internet...

But tonight is potentially a HUGE night for Maine (where I live).

As some people might have noticed, ‘Maine’ and ‘#VoteNoOn1” have been Trending Topics on Twitter for a majority of the day. I believe ‘Maine’ is currently a TT again right now (as of the time this journal was posted).

This is why…

In May 2009, a law was passed and signed by Gov. John Baldacci saying that same-sex marriage would be allowed in Maine. Of course, some people were upset by this and now the issue made it to the ballot for today's election.

The question on the ballot was "Do you want to reject the new law that lets same-sex couples marry and allows individuals and religious groups to refuse to perform these marriages?"

"No" means you want to allow same-sex couples to be married; "Yes" means you want to repeal the law and refuse the right.

The polls closed at 8:00 PM (EST) and, from what I understand, there were still a few people in line to vote for at least an hour after the polls closed. Apparently there was a much larger voter turnout than expected and they ran out of ballots in some areas and had to use photocopied ones, haha.

Originally, the estimated results were 51% for ‘No’ and 49% for ‘Yes’, meaning that the law would stay in place and same-sex couples would be allowed to marry, but with all the unexpected voters, I really don’t know which side will end up having it.

As of 9:54 PM (EST) The votes are No: 50.62% and Yes: 49.38% but at this point only 22% of precincts have reported, so it’s anyone’s game. It's definitely going to be a close one. I am curious to see if Maine will end up breaking ground with the same-sex marriage debate.

Same-sex marriage has always been the one political thing I've ever really talked about publicly and have a really strong opinion about. 

Honestly, It’s kind of ridiculous to me that this even has to be voted on. We’re all people; we all deserve the same rights. 

Love is love. You can’t help who you fall in love with, and you shouldn’t have to be told whether or not you are allowed to marry them or not.

Edit: With 87% of precincts reporting, the gay marriage law has been overturned in Maine with a 53% to 47% vote. The 'Yes on 1' campaign claimed victory last night a little after 12:30AM (EST) 

I'm sad to see that 53% of my state isn't as open-minded as I had hoped. Although, the fact that the vote was so close gives me hope that someday soon things will change for the better and people will no longer be denied their basic civil liberties.

So…. This is longer than expected… hahaha. I don’t think anyone will mind though.

Still the same day as Ethan’s birthday party (previous post), just so you know :)

Like always, sorry for grammar/spelling!

“Ok Eth, ready for bed?” Hayley asked. She and Ethan had just finished their nightly snuggle after bath time. Ethan nodded and yawned loudly, still bundled up in a towel from his bath.

“Let’s get your PJs and a fresh diaper on.” Hayley said.

“I’ll do it.” Josh said quietly. “You go get ready for bed, you look exhausted.”

“Thanks.” Hayley mumbled. They had just finished cleaning the house from Ethan’s party before Hayley had given Ethan his bath.

“No Daddy!” Ethan complained when Josh walked toward him with a diaper. “Noooo!” He wailed, tears forming in his eyes. He hopped up in down in frustration and waived his arms around.

“What?” Josh asked, confused. “What’s wrong?”

“He’s just tired.” Hayley informed.

“No dipey!” Ethan cried, waiving Josh away and wiping tears from his tiny face.

“Eth, you have to wear a diaper to bed.” Josh sighed.

“Noooo!” Ethan wailed. “I big boy!” Hayley groaned and walked back into the room to provide backup for Josh. Ethan had been doing very well with potty training recently, and he had been determined to be a ‘big boy’ ever since he had turned three. But he couldn’t make it through the night yet, not that Hayley or Josh expected him to. Even Sammy still had bad nights on rare occasions.

“I know you’re a big boy, but you have to wear your diaper to bed.” Josh explained. Ethan wailed louder and shrank away from Josh when he stepped forward with the diaper once more.

“Just… let him go to bed.” Hayley sighed.

“With nothing at all?” Josh asked. Ethan was still a little young for underwear, all he had at the moment were diapers.

“He has pajama pants…” Hayley pointed out.

“You do realize he will wet the bed, right?” He asked. Hayley nodded. “And he’ll cry.”

Hayley nodded once more.

“He won’t want to go to bed without a diaper again though.” She pointed out. “At least, not until he’s really ready. Sarah and Jeremy did the same thing with Sammy, to show him why he needed to still wear a diaper to bed.” She explained.

“You realize we’ll have to clean up.” Josh continued.

“Yes, Josh.” Hayley sighed.

“At like… two in the morning.” He pointed out.

“Yes, Josh!” Hayley snapped. “I know!”

“Alright.” Josh sighed, giving in. Hayley left the room to find a waterproof mattress pad while Josh calmed Ethan down and took him to the bathroom.

“Don’t need to.” Ethan frowned when Josh stood him in front of the toilet.

“I know, I’d like you to try though.” Josh sighed. “Please, Eth.”

“Are you sure you don’t want to wear a diaper to bed?” Hayley asked when Ethan was finally ready to crawl into bed. The toddler nodded happily and pulled the blankets over himself.

“Ok.” She sighed. “Eth, it’s ok if you have an accident, alright?”

“I wont.” He assured.

“Ok, but if you do, it’s alright.” Josh said.

“Night-night.” Ethan replied, shooing his parents out of the room. Hayley sighed and followed Josh out the door.

“I’ll go buy some pull-ups tomorrow.” Josh yawned as they walked down the hallway. “He needs to step up from diapers anyway.” Hayley froze in place at Josh’s words.

“You ok?” He asked with a frown. Hayley looked up, eyes a bit glossy with tears.

“He’s growing up…” She mumbled.

“Aww…” Josh chuckled. He smiled sympathetically and pulled Hayley into a hug. “What, you want to change his diapers forever?” He joked. Hayley laughed quietly and shook her head no.

She wiped her eyes and sighed, trying to regain her composure. “It’s just… it seems like only yesterday he was an infant… and now, he’s so big!” She blubbered. Josh didn’t say anything, he just rubbed her back soothingly. Once again, he was reminded that he hadn’t been there to watch his son grow from a baby to a toddler.

“I’m sorry.” Hayley whispered. “Ah, I’m fine, really. Just… Mommy moment I guess.” She forced a smile and pulled away from Josh to enter the bedroom.

The two changed in silence and collapsed onto the bed, exhausted. “You alright?” Hayley asked after a few moments silence. “You’ve seemed a little sad today.”

Josh shrugged in reply and sighed. After a few more moments of nothing, he opened his mouth to speak. “When was Ethan born?” He asked.

“What?” Hayley laughed.

“What time?” He asked.

“You kno… wait… I did tell you, didn’t I?” She asked, thinking back to their many conversations about their son.

“No, I have no idea.” Josh said, laughing sarcastically. “I don’t even know what my son looked like as an infant.”

“Oh Josh… I’m so sorry.” She whispered. Everything made sense now. He was sad because it was Ethan’s birthday and he was thinking about all he’d missed.

Hayley felt awful. She had always been so stubborn to the fact that he hadn’t wanted to be there at first. She had never really thought about what missing out on the first years of Ethan’s life had done to Josh. Yes, he had chosen not to be there for her and Ethan at first, and yes, she had hated him for it. But she had never really thought about how he must feel now that he was a part of Ethan’s life. And how much he must regret his decision.

“Hold on.” She smiled.

“What are you doing?” Josh asked curiously as Hayley jumped out of bed.

“Reminiscing.” She grinned, heading for the closet. She reached for the top shelf, standing on her toes and biting on her lower lip as she tried to reach.

“Whoa, whoa, whoa!” Josh yelped, jumping out of bed and running to her side. He gently nudged her out of the way and reached up.

“I can reach!” Hayley complained.

“It’s ok, I got it.” Josh said with a nervous smile. “What are you trying to get?” He asked. Hayley frowned suspiciously, but pointed to a photo album. Josh pulled it down easily and handed it over.

“Hold on a sec…” He smiled. He ran out of the room and returned a few moments later with a bottle of red wine and two wine glasses. Hayley smiled and laid the album out on the bed while Josh poured a small amount of wine into each glass.

“Ok, start at the beginning.”  Josh smiled. He flipped to the very beginning of the album to see a few polaroids of a profile view of Hayley’s abdomen. Under each photo, a month was written in Hayley’s mother’s handwriting.

“Ugh, my mom made me do those.” Hayley groaned. “She thought it would be cute.” Josh looked at each polaroid with a smile. Hayley’s stomach had been almost completely flat up until the photo labeled “Week 17”, after that, she’d blown up like crazy.

“Why does it stop at week 28?” Josh asked, flipping through the first few pages in search of more polaroids.

“Because my stomach started looking disgusting after the seven month mark.” Hayley laughed. “Loads of stretch-marks, so gross! I refused to do any more after that. My mom wasn’t happy.” She giggled.

“Ahh.” Josh nodded. “Well, how did things go when you were pregnant?”

“Uh, well…” Hayley started, not really sure where to begin. “It was one of those… technologically too advanced types of things.”

“What?” Josh asked, confused.

“Thanks to all the crazy 3D ultrasounds and other medical crap, they thought they found about ten different ‘life threatening issues’ with Ethan while he was inside me.” Hayley explained.

“Yikes…” Josh said.

“Yeah… One of the more likely issues was that he might have an enlarged stomach, which would have meant I had to give birth at some special hospital in Nashville rather than the hospital here.” Josh frowned and rubbed Hayley’s back as she continued talking.

“It was a big mess. I dreaded every single appointment.” She sighed. “It was always ‘what more could go wrong?’ and it sucked. But, in the end, the doctors were all full of crap. Ethan was absolutely perfect when he was born.” She recalled with a smile. “He was born at 4:37 in the afternoon.”

“4:37…” Josh repeated with a smile.

“He was a huge baby. For someone my size anyway…” Hayley giggled. “8 pounds, 4 ounces, 20 inches long.”

Even though she couldn’t see his face, she could tell Josh was grinning like a madman. She turned the page in the photo album from ultrasound photos to the first photo that had ever been taken of their son.

In the photo, Ethan was bundled up in a blanket and Hayley’s mom was holding him against Hayley’s chest. Hayley looked exhausted, but she had the biggest smile on her face as she stared at the baby boy laying on top of her, with tears in her eyes.

“I had to have a c-section.” Hayley explained as Josh started to point to a strange blue divider just below Hayley’s chest in the photo. “I tried natural birth for a few hours, but he just wasn’t coming out.”

“That’s the scar.” He whispered, placing his hand on Hayley’s lower abdomen. Hayley nodded and rested her head on Josh’s shoulder.

“You know… I called you the day he was born.” She whispered.

“Really?” Josh asked, surprised.

“Yeah.” She replied. “I knew he would be coming soon, and I was just… so confused and scared and… I dunno, before I actually realized what I was doing, the phone was at my ear and I was calling you.” She explained. She laughed quietly before she continued. “I don’t know if it was the sound of your voice, or my heart beating faster or… what… but as soon as you picked up the phone, he kicked super hard and then… my water broke.”

“Oh my god! I remember that!” Josh gasped. “I said ‘hello’, I heard a gasp and then… nothing. You hung up! I never knew who that was.”

“Yep, that was me.” Hayley laughed. “Did you not have caller ID?” She asked, raising an eyebrow.

“It said ‘restricted’” He replied with a shrug.

“Oh…” She mumbled. She grabbed her wine glass and downed what was left of the liquid inside, holding it out after for more.

“So, how was life with Ethan once he was born?” Josh asked as he refilled their glasses.

“Difficult.” Hayley replied honestly. “I got absolutely no sleep. He was always hungry and, good lord! breastfeeding was a pain in the ass…” She muttered. Josh laughed softly and hugged her sideways. “He was so beautiful though…” She smiled. “I liked to just… stare at him.” She added with a laugh. “My little Peanut.”

“Your little what?” Josh asked with a laugh.

“My Peanut!” Hayley replied with a smile. “That was what I called him. Peanut.”

“That’s cute.” Josh said. Hayley nodded and flipped through the album, showing off photos of infant-Ethan.

“He scared the crap out of me one day…” Hayley recalled with a laugh as Josh looked at the photos.

“How did he do that?” Josh asked.

“When he was about five weeks old, he projectile vomited like four times in a day.” Hayley started. “That was one of the signs that something might be wrong with his stomach, like they were thinking while he was still in utero. So I freaked out and brought him to the emergency room. Turned out it was just GER.”

“GE what?” Josh asked.

“Acid reflux, more or less.” Hayley shrugged.

“Oh…” He replied. “And that… was ok?”

“Yeah, I guess it’s somewhat common.” She answered. “I just had to keep him upright as much as I could. Not lay him down flat, or on his stomach, crib had to be raised a little on one end, things like that. It went away when he was about three months old or so.”

“Wow…” Josh sighed. “I don’t know how you did it. I would have freaked out at every little thing he did. I probably would have brought him to the hospital thinking something was wrong, only to find out he simply had the hiccups or something.”

“I could see that happening.” Hayley laughed.

“Apparently my dad did that with Nate.” Josh admitted with a laugh.

Hayley smiled faintly and pulled the blankets over her shoulders as bad memories flooded her brain. “The baby books helped a lot.” She admitted. “Most things he did were explained as ‘normal behavior’ in the books I had.”

“Still though…” Josh shook his head. “I don’t think I could ever have done what you did on my own.” Hayley forced a smile and looked away quickly with a shiver.

“Are you ok?” Josh asked. Hayley shook her head and gasped quietly. “Whoa! What’s wrong?” He asked comfortingly when he realized she was crying. She shook her head and allowed Josh to pull her into his arms. This happened to her every time she really thought about Ethan’s infancy. She couldn’t help it, she felt so guilty…

“Shh…” He soothed. “What is it? What’s wrong? Did I say something?”

“No, no.” Hayley gasped. “I… it’s me.”

“What is it?” He asked again. “You can tell me.”

“I was a horrible mother.” She choked out.

“What? No you weren’t!” Josh scoffed. “You are a great mother!”

“No! Josh… I… God! I couldn’t do it!” She rambled.

“Couldn’t do what?” Josh asked hesitantly. “Hayley, you’re not making sense.”

“He was such a handful… and I had my mom and sisters to help me, but… I felt horrible making them go through all that for a mistake I made…” She continued.

“What… what happened?” Josh asked quietly.

“I did all the research, and I almost set up an appointment. It seemed like the best option for him to have a good life.”

“What research? What are you talking about?” Josh demanded. Hayley stopped and looked Josh in the eyes. She looked so fragile.

“I… I thought about giving him up.” She whispered, voice barely audible. “For adoption.”

“You… really?” Josh asked. He had been expecting something much worse. Tears sprung to her eyes once more and she flung herself against his chest.

“I was seriously considering it.” She choked out. “I wanted him to have the b-best possible life. But I c-couldn’t do it.”

“Hayley!” Josh laughed. “Hayley, it’s ok. Everyone has doubts! And you didn’t do it. You kept him, you raised him, and you did a damn good job at it!”

“No! It’s not ok!” Hayley snapped. “I almost gave up our son, Josh!”

“But you didn’t.” Josh pointed out. “And you had his best interests at heart.” Hayley sighed and wiped her eyes. “Don’t feel guilty about something you didn’t do.” He added softly. “Ethan is happy, you’re happy, I’m happy, everything is fine.”

“No one knows.” She said quietly before she stood up and walked to the bathroom to find a tissue, leaving Josh on the bed with the photo album to digest everything.

“What made you change your mind?” He asked hesitantly after a few moments. Hayley laughed quietly to herself and sat back down next to Josh, wiping more tears away.

“He smiled.” She replied simply. “My Peanut smiled for the first time. I was frustrated and stressed out and he just looked up at me and… smiled. All the problems just melted away in that moment. My son smiled at me. He didn’t care that we were living at my mother’s house. He didn’t care that we had limited funds. He didn’t care that I still hadn’t found a job. He was happy just the way things were. Something about that… I don’t know. I just knew everything would be ok.”

Josh bit his lip and hugged Hayley. “I am so sorry.” He whispered. Tears stung at his eyes, but he forced himself not to let them fall.

“Hey! We made it through ok on our own. And you’re here now.” Hayley said. “That’s all that matters.”

“Still…”

“No.” Hayley said firmly. “Josh, don’t. You’re here now. This is the time when he needs his father. Yes, I admit, it would have been nice if you were there when he was a baby, but things wouldn’t have been any different. We still would have had the exact same issues I had on my own and it probably would have torn us apart. We weren’t ready then. Please don’t beat yourself up about this. I need you to forget about the past, I have. Ethan needs your undivided attention. Wishing you could go back and change things isn’t going to fix anything. Just be here now.”

Josh smiled and nodded. He could do that. There would always be a part of him that wished he would have been there, but he was suddenly confidant that he could push that part to the back of his mind and enjoy life with his girlfriend and his son now.

“Besides, one day you will get to experience the joys of infancy.” Hayley giggled. Josh cocked his head to the side and smiled.

“You want another baby?” He asked tentatively. Hayley blushed slightly and shrugged.

“Someday, yeah.” She admitted. “Maybe… get married first… you know, get things a little more organized.” Josh smiled and kissed her softly.

“I can see that happening someday.” He whispered against her lips. She sighed, eyes fluttering shut, and kissed him passionately.

“Noooo.” He complained as things started to get heavy. “I want to hear more Ethan stories.” He complained. Hayley raised an eyebrow in slight disbelief and laughed. Seconds later, crying came from Ethan’s bedroom.

“Lucky you!” Hayley laughed. “You get to experience yet another Ethan-story firsthand!” She grabbed Josh’s hand and pulled him into the hall towards their son’s room.

“What’s wrong Eth?” She asked as she pushed Ethan’s door open, knowing full well what the problem would be.

“I’m wet.” He sobbed.

“It’s ok baby.” Hayley assured. “Everything will be alright.”

“It was just an accident, buddy. It’s ok.” Josh soothed. “Come on, let’s get you cleaned up.” 

And that is the last we will see of regretful Josh. :)

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!! I didn't do a Halloween one shot this year :/ Darn... haha
Maybe I'll magically think of something by the end of the day tomorrow... though I doubt it, lol. 

Soooooorryyyyyyy!! I meant to update this past weekend, but I just couldn't seem to make myself write :/ 

This hasn't really been edited, so it's a bit random at times... I just wanted to get something up, lol.

Part 2 should be up by this weekend... :)

“You invited Kelly?” Hayley asked, furrowing her eyebrows. Ethan’s birthday party was in full swing now that all the guests had arrived. Or so Hayley thought… until Josh mentioned he had asked Miss Kelly from Ethan’s daycare to come.

“Yeah, was I not supposed to?” Josh replied. “I mean, she takes care of the little monster every day, why not invite her? And it’s not like she came anyway.” 

“No reason I guess.” Hayley shrugged. 

“Plus, she laughs at my jokes.” Josh grinned. Hayley stopped what she was doing and looked at Josh curiously. “Oh!” Josh gasped. “Oh no! Hayley, don’t! I don’t like her. There is no need to be jealous.” 

Hayley laughed and shook her head. “I’m not jealous.” She explained. “Just trying to figure out why she would laugh at your lame jokes.” She teased. Josh stuck his tongue out in response and helped smooth out a paper tablecloth. “Besides, Kelly’s married and loves her husband very much.”

“Oh…” Josh said.   

“And, her husband is 10 times hotter than you are…” Hayley added jokingly. Josh gasped and put his hands on his hips for show. 

“Guess I’ll have to pick Ethan up shirtless next time and see what she thinks.” He shrugged. Hayley rolled her eyes and dragged Josh outside where the kids were playing.

“Josh! Hey!” Taylor called. “Over here.”

“See you later.” Josh said to Hayley. He kissed her cheek and jogged off toward Zac, Taylor and Jeremy. 

“Beer?” Jeremy asked, holding out a bottle. Josh took it and took a rather large gulp thankfully. He had dealt with a stressed out Hayley all morning and he was ready to relax a bit. 

“Drinking at a three-year-old’s birthday party? Really?” Emily asked as she walked past. Zac pulled her toward him and put an arm around her protectively. 

“We’re not getting drunk.” Jeremy pointed out. “What else is there for us guys to do at this party?” 

“I’m only teasing.” Emily laughed. “Alright, well, I’ll leave you to it. I was just passing by on my way to the bathroom. Being pregnant is oh so much fun…” She said sarcastically. 

“It’ll be worth it in the end.” Zac smiled. He kissed his wife before she headed into the house.

“There’s an accident waiting to happen.” Taylor frowned. He nodded toward a tree with rather large roots in the backyard. Ethan was running around it, chasing his friend Catherine. 

Sure enough, the toddler tripped over the tree’s roots and fell, hitting the tree pretty hard on his way down. Josh’s heart stopped as he watched, he knew Ethan would be ok, it was only a minor fall, but panic set in anyway. 

After a few seconds of shock, and trying to figure out what had happened, Ethan’s cries filled the air. Josh was already halfway to him when the cries reached everyone’s ears. 

“Ethan! Hey, you’re ok!” Josh soothed, scooping his son up into his arms. He inspected Ethan carefully before pulling him close in a hug. “You’re ok.” The toddler had a small scrape on his cheek, and a shallow cut on his elbow but other than that, he looked fine. 

“I want my mommyyyy!” Ethan wailed. 

“It’s ok, Daddy’s here. I’ve got you.” Josh whispered. 

“M-momm-myyyy!” Ethan cried. 

“Mommy’s coming.” Josh assured. Ethan blubbered into Josh’s chest while Josh rubbed his back and soothed him the best he could. 

“Look at you!” Josh smiled, pulling Ethan away to inspect the scrape and cut once more. “You’re a tough guy now.” Ethan cocked his head to the side and looked at Josh curiously. 

“H-huh?” Ethan asked. 

“You’re a tough guy! You have a scrape.” Josh replied. Ethan wiped his eyes and smiled faintly. 

“Tough guy.” He repeated quietly. 

“Very tough.” Josh informed as Hayley finally came over with antibacterial wipes and bandages. Josh shooed Hayley away and cleaned Ethan’s scrape up on his own. He was determined to be a hands-on dad. 

“There, all better.” He smiled when he was satisfied with his cleaning job. He kissed Ethan’s forehead and patted his back lightly. Ethan ran to Hayley for a hug and she wiped the remaining tears from his eyes. 

“Why don’t you go show your friends how tough you are!” Josh said encouragingly. Ethan smiled, puffed out his chest a bit, and ran off happily.

“Thanks.” Hayley sighed. She rested her head on his chest lightly and he wrapped his arms around her. 

“No problem.” Josh smiled. 

“You’re like, superdad.” She smiled. Josh shook his head and laughed.  “Seriously!” She continued. “You were already there before he even knew what had happened.” Josh shrugged, and smiled to himself. 

“We should get back to the party.” He suggested. Hayley nodded and kissed him softly. 

“Sorry about that.” Josh apologized when he got back to the guys. 

“No problem.” Jeremy smiled. “Duty calls.” 

“Dude… he looks so much like you did when you were a kid.” Zac said quietly as the guys watched Ethan and his friends play. Josh smiled proudly and nodded. 

“You know what amazes me?” Taylor said after a few moments of comfortable silence. “You went from ‘everyday guy’ to ‘Dad’ so quickly.” He said, looking at Josh. “And you did it so naturally and so well! I mean… for just jumping in like you did. That’s hard, dude. You’re doing a good job.” He finished with a smile. 

“He’s doing a great job.” Jeremy corrected. “Being a Dad is hard.” 

Josh forced a smile and nodded. Recently, it had really been bothering him that he had just… jumped in, as Taylor had said. He regretted not being there for Hayley and Ethan from the moment his son was born every single day. 

He hated that he’d missed out on so many firsts in Ethan’s life. He hated that he’d missed out on the pregnancy. He hated that he wasn’t there when Ethan was born. He didn’t even know what time his son was born, or his length and weight! All things a Dad should know.

He hated that he still didn’t know absolutely everything about his son that Hayley knew. What he liked, what he didn’t like, the stories he told, his previous encounters with friends… He hadn’t been there for those cute and funny stories that Hayley enjoyed telling so much about when Ethan had been a baby. 

He certainly learned a little more each day, and he was eternally grateful that he was able to be there and experience life with Ethan now, but that didn’t change the fact that he and Hayley had both been too stubborn for him to be there in the past. He wished, more than anything, that he could go back in time and make things right. 

“Hey, Josh…” Zac said quietly. “You’re here now. Things are working out pretty good. Don’t ruin it by wanting to change the past.” Zac always seemed to know what his brother was thinking. Josh both hated and loved him for it. 

As much as he still wanted to take things back, he knew Zac was right. There was no way of knowing what would have happened if he had stayed with Hayley that night she had told him she was pregnant. Maybe they wouldn’t have lasted as a couple at all. Maybe he would be in a worse position than he was in today if he and Hayley had stayed together. All things considered, he was in a pretty good place. Leading a very happy life. 

But he just couldn’t seem to silence that regret…

“Time for cake!” Hayley’s mother called from inside the house. 

“Oh boy… here we go!” Jeremy groaned. “Everyone take an Advil? It’s about to get loud.” 

~*~

An hour later, Josh swore to himself that he would never let three year olds eat cake again. They were an insane bunch of people when sugar was running through their little veins…

“You know, I’m really proud of you, Josh.” Zac smiled as he watched his brother smooth-talk two children into sharing a toy without either one throwing a tantrum. “You’ve got this father thing down.” 

“Ha!” Josh replied sarcastically. “Yeah right.” 

“I can’t wait to be a Dad…” Zac sighed with a smile. 

“Won’t be long now!” Josh replied distractedly. “Ethan Joshua!” He yelled suddenly. Ethan looked up and grinned mischievously. He was standing in front of the kitchen wall, frosting-covered hand outstretched toward the nice clean cream-colored wall. 

“Ethan!” Hayley warned, as she spotted her son as well. “If you don’t stop right now, everyone will have to go home.” 

Her bribe came too late, as Ethan’s hand made contact with the wall, leaving a small blue handprint behind to match a few squiggles he’d already made before Josh had noticed. Josh sighed and grabbed some kitchen towel to clean up the mess while Hayley pulled Ethan away from the wall and scolded him. 

“Josh, will you go get the you-know-what?” Hayley mumbled quietly. “I think it’s time to wrap things up.”

“Are you sure we want to give it to him after he’s just colored the walls?” Josh asked. 

“People are looking like they’re ready to leave and the kids will be coming off their sugar-highs pretty soon. Better get it done before the good-byes.” Hayley explained. Josh shrugged and walked toward the front door. 

“Ethan, why don’t we go outside for a bit?” Hayley suggested after she’d given Josh five minutes to prepare. 

“No.” Ethan replied. He was too preoccupied with his new toy racetrack to want to move. 

“Daddy wants to show you something cool.” Hayley bribed. Ethan looked up and shrugged. 

“Yes.” He decided. “Less go. Hold me!” Hayley laughed and picked Ethan up while she and the other parents shepherded the children back outside. 

“Whoa!” One of the other kids gasped as he walked out the door. Ethan furrowed his eyebrows and wiggled his way down to the floor so he could run outside. 

There, in the middle of the driveway, was Josh with a video camera and a shiny new red tricycle. Ethan’s eyes went wide and he looked up to Hayley, trying to figure out whose cool bike was sitting next to Daddy. 

“That’s for you, EJ.” Hayley smiled. “Go see it!”  Ethan shrieked and ran toward the bike happily. He squatted down next to it, to inspect and touched it lightly with his fingers, as if was afraid it would crumble if he put too much pressure on it.

“What do you think, buddy?” Josh asked. He handed the camera to Hayley and set Ethan on the bike seat. 

“For me?” Ethan asked in astonishment. Hayley giggled from behind the camera and Josh nodded. 

“It’s all yours.” He smiled. 

“Whoa!” Ethan gasped. He put his feet on the ground and began pushing himself forward. 

“Eth, you have to put your feet on the pedals.” Josh explained with a laugh. He stopped the toddler and helped him get his feet in the right place. “Now, push your legs.” He guided. Ethan giggled in excitement as the bike began to move without his feet on the ground. Josh walked alongside Ethan as he rode slowly down the driveway, helping him avoid cars as he went. 

“No Dada!” Ethan said, slapping Josh’s hand as he helped his son turn the handlebars. “I do.” He added. After a few tries, he seemed to get the hand of minor turns and before long, he was speeding along the driveway. 

“Josh!” Hayley gasped as Ethan sped straight toward Josh’s parked car. “He doesn’t know how to stop!” 

“Shit.” Josh muttered under his breath. He ran after the toddler and grabbed hold of the back of the bike just before Ethan slammed into the car. 

“Nice save!” Jeremy called from the grass. Josh took a mini-bow, keeping one hand firmly on the bike in case Ethan decided to pedal forward once more. 

Ethan craned his head over his shoulder to look at Josh. “Help Dada.” He said. Josh laughed and turned the bike, and Ethan, around. He gently grabbed Ethan’s legs and pushed them backwards, showing him how to use the brakes. 

“Jeez, he’s a fast learner…” Sarah noted. 

“He’s always been quick to catch on.” Hayley added. Josh forced a smile and scratched the back of his neck. 

There was another thing he didn’t know. He could easily see that Ethan was a very smart kid, but he hadn’t been there to see what things Ethan had caught on to so quickly. Was it walking? Talking? He had no idea.

“Now, Ethan, you can only use this in the driveway, ok?” Hayley instructed. “Don’t go in the street. Do you understand me?” She asked. 

“Uh huh!” Ethan called. He was already halfway down the driveway before Hayley even finished talking. The toddler stopped short in front of Catherine, whom he had seemed to develop quite the crush on, and grinned. 

“Well, he figured out the brakes.” Sarah laughed. 

“Gotta stop for the ladies.” Zac joked. 

“Look what I got Cafwin!” Ethan bragged to the little girl. Catherine grinned in admiration and examined the new toy.

“Ah, young love…” Taylor smiled. 

“Don’t you dare!” Hayley warned. “He is too young!” 

“Don’t worry babe, girls will catch cooties pretty soon.” Josh explained. Hayley rolled her eyes and rested her head on Josh’s shoulder. 

“Do I have cooties?” She asked with a smirk.

“Mmhmm.” Josh replied. “Lucky for you, Ethan’s immune and I’m too addicted to care.” He added. 

“Oh, really?” Hayley laughed. Josh grinned broadly, causing Hayley to roll her eyes and hug him. 

“You really did a great job with this party, by the way.” Josh noted as he looked around. The kids were running around the front yard happily, or admiring Ethan’s new bike. There hadn’t been one tantrum from any of the children, and, besides Ethan’s mishap, there had been no crying or injuries.

“I think it went well. Thanks for the help.” She replied. “Glad its only once a year though.” She was completely exhausted. 

Josh chuckled and nodded in agreement. “I’ll go grab the goodie-bags for the other kids and see if we can’t wrap this party up. Then we can relax.” 

“Sounds amazing.” Hayley sighed tiredly. “Thank you, Josh.” 

Seriously though... I just sat here and stared at the computer screen for about 3 minutes going O.O before I even thought to try 'paste' hahaha. Go me!

For anyone who was wondering, the Paramore show in Boston was SO FREAKING AWESOME! I got about seven rows back from the barrier. Wish I could've been closer! The Swellers were amaaaaaazing, they're playing at a supersmall venue in Boston next month, but I can't go because of school :'( Paper Route's set was so freaking good, I can't wait to see them play again someday. And Paramore... just incredible. I can't even explain how awesome they were, haha. It was so much fun! :)

Edit: Buzznet is throwing a shitfit about the formatting this time around. Sorry if there are weird breaks between paragraphs in the chapter or if there are no breaks between paragraphs at all. I'm woring on fixing it, haha.

The beginning is on the ‘M’ side of ratings. You were warned. [There is a method to my madness, I promise. ;) ]

Pretty sure I missed some spelling/grammar on this one... hah sorry.

And this chapter is dedicated to maystar234 because ...well we had a deal... Haha. She kept up her end, so I kept up mine! Haha. (Long story. basically, see: http://maystar234.buzznet.com/user/journal/4699091/more-courage-than/) hahaha.

“That was an excellent meal, thank you.” Hayley smiled as Josh turned the car down their street.

“I’m glad you had a good time.” Josh mumbled. Hayley giggled and ran her fingers through Josh’s hair.

“Hey, you were in the restroom a long time! That waiter didn’t know I wasn’t dining alone. You can’t blame him for hitting on me.” She teased.

“I was trying to get the wine out of my shirt!” He defended.

“I know babe.” Hayley laughed. Josh smiled and turned into the driveway. As he put the car in park, Hayley looked over and her breath caught in her throat.

Josh unbuckled his seatbelt and turned to open his car door but froze just as his fingers touched the cool metal of the door handle. “Hayley!” He gasped. Her nails were digging into his thigh gently. He turned slowly and lost his breath when he saw the look on her face. She looked beautiful in the moonlight. Her moist lips were parted slightly and her eyes were full of desire.

Without warning he lunged forward, mashing his lips against hers frantically. He didn’t know what had come over them, but he knew he needed to be near her. She moaned and tangled her fingers in his hair as he slipped his tongue past her lips. Hayley crawled over to his side of the car, gasping in pain along the way when her leg came in contact with the stick shift. Josh rubbed her leg soothingly and pulled her into his lap so she was straddling his hips. She hovered above him for a few seconds, enjoying the feeling of power she held, and kissed him hard on the mouth.

Josh pushed her away gently and began nipping at Hayley’s neck. She let her head fall back, and shut her eyes as his teeth bit at her throat. “Josh!” She whispered as he pulled away. She pressed him against the seat and began kissing her way along his jaw line. His hands slid the thin straps of her dress off her shoulders and he ran his fingers along the smooth silk dress, down her sides.

Hayley pulled at Josh’s shirt, untucking it from his pants, and slid her hands underneath it. Josh groaned loudly at the sensation of her cool hands on his warm skin and slid his hand up to cup her breast. Hayley smiled into their kiss and began fumbling with the button of his pants.

“No, no!” Josh gasped breathlessly. He placed his hands over hers to stop her and cleared his throat. “The babysitter is waiting inside. She has to have heard us pull in.”

“Josh, we’re paying her more than we pay Ethan’s day care provider. She can wait fifteen more minutes.” Hayley replied. She kissed his neck gently and ran her hands along his sides. “If she asks, which she wont, we went for a walk.” Josh opened his mouth to object, but was instantly silenced when Hayley dug her hips into his persuasively.

He placed his hands on her hips and pulled her toward his body roughly. Hayley smiled and kissed him slowly… teasingly almost. He reached around to the back of her dress and slowly inched the metal zipper down her back. Hayley bit his lip, sending a delightful wave of pain through his body, and began unbuttoning his shirt slowly.

Each kiss they shared felt incredible. There was so much passion behind each one. Every time their lips met, sparks went off. Hayley didn’t know how much longer she would be able to handle it.

Just as Josh pulled a hairclip out of Hayley’s hair, allowing her hair to spill down onto her shoulders, the sharp yap of the neighbors dog interrupted them. Hayley’s head snapped up and she looked out the car window. There, at the end of the driveway, was their neighbor, giving his dog a walk. The neighbor didn’t seem to see the two in the car, but the dog definitely did.

“Damn dog.” Hayley muttered.

“We really should get inside anyway.” Josh frowned. Hayley sighed and nodded reluctantly. She slid back into her seat and pulled her hair back into a bun.

“Will you zip me up again?” She asked, turning her back to Josh. He smiled and zipped up the dress before buttoning up his own shirt and smoothing it out.

“How do I look?” He asked, after running his fingers through his mussed up hair.

“Hot as hell.” Hayley replied honestly.

“Same to you.” Josh replied. “Come on, let’s get inside.” He stepped out of the car and pulled Hayley’s door open for her. She giggled and nodded downward as he helped her out of the car. He blushed slightly and shoved his hands in his pockets as they walked up to the house.

“Hello!” Hayley called as they walked through the door.

“Oh, Hi! I didn’t even hear you pull in!” Marissa - Ethan’s babysitter - replied from the living room. Hayley raised an eyebrow at Josh and led the way to the living room.

“How was he?” Hayley asked, referring to Ethan.

“Oh, he was fine.” Marissa replied with a smile. “We had fun.” Marissa was a sweet sixteen-year-old girl who lived a few houses down the street and was the go-to neighborhood babysitter.

“I’m gonna go check in on Eth and head to bed.” Josh said, excusing himself as quickly as he could. “Goodnight Marissa, thanks for watching the little devil.”

“Do you need a ride home?” Hayley asked as she pulled out some cash from her purse.

“No, it’s only a few houses down, I’m fine to walk.” Marissa replied. “Thank you.” She added when Hayley handed over the money.

“No, thank you!” Hayley smiled. “I hope he behaved for you.”

“He was fine, really.” Marissa smiled. “Great kid. He didn’t cry once.”

“It’s a miracle!” Hayley joked. “Well, thanks again, we’ll get in contact with you in the future about babysitting if you’re willing.”

“Definitely. He’s adorable!” Marissa smiled. “Goodbye.”

Hayley locked the door after Marissa and headed upstairs for the night. She poked her head into Ethan’s room quickly and smiled at the toddler, who was fast asleep in the racecar bed he loved so much. She shut the door quietly and headed for her bedroom, grinning as she heard the shower running.

Josh had already managed to light a few candles in the bedroom and turn the light off, providing a semi-romantic atmosphere. Hayley rolled her eyes and unzipped her dress, letting it fall to the floor. She slipped into the master bathroom as quietly as she could and pulled back the shower curtain. Josh’s back was to her, if he had any idea she was in the room, he was hiding it very well.

She stepped into the shower carefully and slid her hand around his bare waist. She felt his skin erupt in goose bumps, despite the warm water that splashed over his tanned skin, and he sighed happily. “Took you long enough.” He whispered. He turned around and pressed Hayley against the shower wall. Before Hayley could reply, his lips were on hers.

~*~

The following day, Hayley, Josh and Ethan decided to have a lazy morning. Ethan nestled himself between his parents and demanded that cartoons be put on the television in the room.

“Bless you!” Hayley said after Ethan sneezed loudly.

“Tissue Daddy.” Ethan demanded. Josh smiled and sat up to get a tissue from the bedside table. Ethan grinned and rolled over so his whole body covered Josh’s pillow.

“Hey!” Josh laughed as tried to lie back down.

“My pillow” Ethan announced.

“This kid has plans!” Hayley said, laughing in amusement.

“Hmm, my pillow seems kinda lumpy…” Josh said with a frown as he laid his head gently on Ethan, using the toddler as his pillow. “I wonder why it’s so bumpy?”

“Etan stuck, no Daddy!” Ethan groaned. Josh propped himself up on his elbow and twisted around to look at his son.

“Uh oh!” Hayley gasped, looking at Josh’s hand. “Ethan! What’s that?” Ethan looked down and grinned. Josh had his hand held out, inching ever closer to Ethan. He was pointing at the toddler, and wiggling his pointer finger slowly.

“What is it, Eth?” Josh asked. Ethan shook his head and pulled his arms close to his ch est. “What is it?” Josh encouraged.

“Calafownia tickle monsta.” Ethan said quietly, shutting his eyes tight.

“Oh no!” Josh and Hayley cried together. Josh lunged for Ethan and began tickling the poor toddler relentlessly.

“Da-Dada!” Ethan shrieked. “N-nooooo! Sto-op!”

“Momma! Help!” Josh said. Hayley laughed and began tickling Josh.

“Hey!” Josh yelped. “That’s not how this works!” he gasped. Ethan grinned and took advantage of the fact that Josh was no longer tickling him. He slid off the bed and ran to the door, away from Dad.

“Ethan! Help me!” Hayley gasped. Josh had flipped her onto her back and had begun ticking her. Ethan shrieked and ran back to the bed.

“I save you!” He said proudly. He pulled himself onto the bed and climbed onto Josh’s back. “Stop it, Dada!” He demanded. “No tickles!”

“No tickles?” Josh asked, disappointed.

“No.” Ethan said sternly. “You have enough fowa today.” He added, crossing his arms.

“Where does he learn these things?” Josh mumbled with a laugh. Hayley smiled and slid out of bed.

“Alright my boys, we have a lot to do today.” She said. “We have to go shopping for someone’s birthday party!”

“Pongebob!” Ethan gasped excitedly. “Less go!”

~*~

“BOO!” Josh yelped, jumping into Hayley and Ethan’s path at the party supply store they were in. Ethan screeched in fright and then giggled when he realized it was his father behind those scary glasses with the fake nose and mustache.

“What do you think?” Josh asked, looking at Hayley. “Mustache make me look sexy?”

Hayley smiled and kissed him quickly on the lips. “Take ‘em off. And watch what you say, you know EJ is repeating everything.”

“Take it off dada!” Ethan chimed in. Josh smiled and took the disguise off, placing the glasses on Ethan instead.

“Now Ethan with a mustache…” Hayley smiled. “That’s not half bad.” She teased.

“Mustatch make me look se-“

“Cute!” Hayley said quickly, cutting Ethan off. “Cute is the word you’re looking for EJ.” Ethan looked up to his mother, confused. Josh turned away quickly, focusing on a package of princess themed napkins to cover his laugh.

“Alright, come on Daddy, time to grow up.” Hayley said, rolling her eyes and pushing the cart down the aisle.

“Yeah Daddy, gow UP!” Ethan barked.

“What? Like you?” Josh asked. “Are you a grown up?” Ethan crossed his arms and nodded.

“I tree.” He said, arms still crossed and nose pointed into the air arrogantly.

“You’re not three yet, buddy.” Josh laughed. He ruffled Ethan’s hair and grabbed a package of Spongebob paper plates. “Still have a week to go.”

As Hayley pushed the cart further into the store, Ethan’s eyes went wide and he pointed to the ceiling. “PATWICK!” He yelled excitedly. Hayley and Josh looked up to see a Patrick Star character piñata. “Momma! Pweese?”

“Ask Daddy.” Hayley smiled.

“Dada! Dada pweeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeese!” Ethan asked with a pout.

“Hmm…” Josh said, pursing his lips. “I dunno Eth…” He teased. Of course he was planning on saying yes, but it was slightly entertaining to see Ethan squirm.

“Daaaaaadaaaaaaa!” The toddler groaned.

Hayley walked over and placed her arm around Josh’s waist, scratching his back lightly and resting her head on Josh’s shoulder. “Come on Daddy, Ethan’s gonna be three.” She giggled. Josh’s eyes fluttered shut as Hayley’s hand traced small patterns on his back and he smiled.

“Alright.” He agreed. Ethan smiled and began bouncing in excitement.

“What do you say?” Hayley asked.

“Tank you Dada!” Ethan said happily.

“You’re welcome Eth.” Josh smiled. “Alright, lets get this stuff home before we buy the whole store.” 

Like I said, there is a method to my madness. teehee. I'm sure some of you will catch on pretty quickly.

I'm curious, what do you all think is going to happen before this story ends?? Or what would you like to have happen before it ends?

I have a pretty solid idea about how things are going to go, but there's always room for more! :)

PARAMORE TOMORROW!!! WOOHOOOOOOOOOOO! :D:D:D

Not a whooooole lot going on in this chapter…

Thinking about wrapping this story up soon, haha. Sorry! I think there will definitely be some Ethan-themed one shots in the future though :)

Lainy looked up from her spot on a park bench and scowled. Watching her ex-fiancée and the woman he’d had a child with, playing with their son was not what she had in mind when she thought she’d eat her lunch outside for a change.

They hadn’t spotted her yet, and she wanted to keep it that way for as long as humanly possible, but perhaps she could use this little run-in to her advantage. The look on Hayley’s face last time, when she saw that Lainy was pregnant, had been priceless.

“Millie! Get back here!” Josh called with a laugh. “Sorry, sir.” He apologized to a nearby stranger. “Millie, you can’t just go running off like that! It’s rude.” Josh scolded lightly. “I’ll have to keep you on your leash. Is that what you want?” He asked, scratching the dog’s head. “No, I don’t think it is! No I don’t!”

Lainy rolled her eyes and began packing up her lunch. If she stuck around here much longer, she might vomit, and not because her gag reflex was especially heightened these days due to her pregnancy. She stood up and turned in the direction of her car, but stopped when she heard Hayley talking to Ethan. Well… maybe she could have a little fun before she left…

“Excuse me.” She said arrogantly as she shoved by Josh.

“Oh, sorry.” Josh replied as he eased out of the way. “L…Lainy?” He stuttered.

“Josh! Oh hi!” She greeted. She plastered a phony smile on her face and hugged him. “I didn’t realize that was you! Wow… you have a… dog.” She said, curling her lip.

“Yeah, Millie.” Josh said excitedly. “Hayley and Zac got her for me for Christmas.” He bent over and stroked his hand across Millie’s back proudly. “So… the rumor is true, you’re really pregnant…” He noted.

“Oh, yeah.” Lainy smiled, running a hand along her stomach.

“Tell Landon I said congrats.” Josh said, flashing a quick smile.

“Landon?” Lainy scoffed.

“What, is he not the father?” Josh asked with a shrug.

“I’m six months pregnant, Josh.” Lainy replied with a confidant smile.

“Oh, well, thanks for cheating then.” Josh shot back with a cocky smile. “I’m sure Landon was happy to hear you cheated on him as well.”

“What makes you so sure it isn’t yours?” Lainy asked, crossing her arms.

Josh chuckled quietly to himself. “Oh, come on, you and I both know it isn’t mine.” Lainy glared at him but didn’t reply.

“Hello!” Hayley called as she hurried over with Ethan in her arms. As soon as she had seen Josh talking to Lainy, her blood had begun to boil.

“So, if it’s not mine, and it’s not Landon’s, who’s the lucky guy?” Josh asked.

Lainy sighed and rolled her eyes. “It’s Landon’s.” She admitted.

“Hey babe.” Josh smiled as Hayley finally made it over. He slipped his arm around her waist and kissed her cheek lightly.

“You’re… you two… are together?” Lainy spat.

“Oh, you didn’t know?” Josh grinned. “Yeah, we just bought a house not too long ago.” Lainy stood in shock, mouth hung open.

“I see.” She muttered quietly. “Well, you’ll have to give me your address so I can send along a wedding invitation.” She shot back.

“You and Landon are getting married?” Josh asked curiously. Lainy smiled and raised an eyebrow.

“Nice ring!” Hayley said, grinning broadly. Lainy quickly hid her hand in her hair, pretending to scratch her neck. “Blends in nicely with your skin tone. Must have cost him a lot to make it look so see-through.”

Josh couldn’t help but laugh as he saw Lainy’s face go bright red. “Uh, the ring… is being resized…” Lainy stumbled.

“Ah, well, congratulations then. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have to get back to my family.” Josh said. He pressed his fingers into the small of Hayley’s back and guided her away from a still shocked Lainy. Better to quit while they were ahead.

“Baby!” Ethan said happily, looking over Hayley’s shoulder and pointing to Lainy’s stomach.

“That’s right, she’s got a baby growing in her, just like auntie Sarah did.” Hayley praised.

“I see.” Ethan demanded. He began squirming around in Hayley’s arms, trying to get loose.

“No EJ, you can’t see the baby.” Josh replied. “It’s not ready yet.” Ethan pouted but was soon distracted by Millie as the dog made a break for the car.

“Milliepuppy!” Ethan screeched excitedly. Hayley laughed and set Ethan on the ground so he could run after the dog. The two had become best friends, though Millie was still deeply loyal to Josh. Millie slept on the floor next to Josh’s side of the bed every night, and whined like crazy if she was forced to sleep downstairs.

Josh smiled as he watched Ethan and Millie play in the grass. He felt so lucky. Life was good. He had a perfect son, a perfect wife, a nice house, a playful pupp… wait… wife? Had he really just thought of Hayley as his wife? His grin widened at the idea.

~*~

“How long?” Ethan asked when Hayley sat him down to a breakfast of blueberries and oatmeal a few days later.

“How long what?” Josh asked tiredly.

“19 days.” Hayley replied with a smile.

“19 days what?” Josh asked again.

“Buffday!” Ethan grinned.

“I was asking Ethan what he wanted for his birthday when we were getting him dressed.” Hayley explained.

“Bone fowa Milliepuppy!” Ethan shouted. Josh laughed and stumbled to the coffee maker for some liquid energy.

“Anything else?” Josh asked.

“No.” Ethan replied.

“I’m sure you’ll think of something.” Hayley sighed knowingly. “We have to start thinking about the party…”

“Hayley, it’s like, three weeks away.” Josh scoffed.

“Yeah! Time to get things started. We have to pick a day, let other parents know so they can clear their schedules, pick a theme, buy everything…”

“Shhh!” Josh interrupted, waiving his arms about. “Too early in the morning. And in life! Hayles, he’s going to be three…”

“Yes! That’s an exciting age!” Hayley replied. “Isn’t it?” She asked, turning to her son.

“Etan gonna be tree!” Ethan grinned proudly, turning his attention away from his bowl of blueberries.

“You’re gonna be a tree huh?” Josh asked.

“Nooooo Dada,” Ethan said seriously, “I gonna be tree.” He said, holding out three fingers.

“Oh, three!” Josh said, eyes wide. He looked down at Ethan’s fingers, which were covered in sticky juice from blueberries Ethan had squished in his tiny hands. “Hmm… those look like yummy fingers!” He said. “I think I might have to try one.” He opened his mouth and moved closer to his son.

“Daddy!” Ethan shrieked. He laughed and pulled his hand away before Josh could pretend to eat his fingers.

“I bet they’re really yummy!” Josh said. Ethan frowned and looked at his fingers. He stuck one finger in his mouth and smiled.

“I’m guessing you taste like… corn!” Josh guessed.

Ethan giggled and shook his head. “Taste like baloo-bawwies” He informed, sticking the rest of his fingers in his mouth to lick off the sticky juice

“Great, now he’ll have his fingers in his mouth all week.” Hayley mumbled.

“Hey, just trying to make cleanup a little easier.” Josh replied with a smile. He kissed Hayley quickly and turned to his breakfast.

“What kind of birthday party do you want, Eth?” Hayley asked.

“Chebsbooger!” Ethan replied.

“You can’t have a cheeseburger birthday, silly!” She replied with a laugh.

“How about a Elmo party.” Josh suggested.

“No.” Ethan replied shortly. He twisted his head from side to side, thinking. “Pongebob.” He decided finally.

Josh smiled, thinking back to the days when Hayley was nicknamed ‘Spongebob’. She had certainly grown in to her teeth since then, though the gap would never fully go away.

“Spongebob it is.” Josh decided. “And we’ll have it the Saturday after his birthday. There, half the work is already done.”

Hayley rolled her eyes. “We should have it Sunday afternoon. Then there’s more time to clean up and set up on Saturday.”

“Alright, you do the planning.” Josh said with a yawn. “Just tell me where and when and how I can help.”

“That’s what she said.” Hayley giggled.

“Dass what she says!” Ethan repeated.

“Oh crap…”

Next chapter is written, but it needs major editing (though some people think it's fine the way it is... xD) and it needs an end... hah. Anyway, it should be up within the next few days.

Not my best work, kinda choppy at times… but lots of cute Ethan-ness! ^.^

Hayley furrowed her eyebrows and her ears perked up as she heard something in the living room. “Eth?” She called out when she heard the strange clomping noise once more. “What are you doing, babe?”

“I be Dada!” Ethan replied. Hayley frowned and walked toward the living room to see what trouble her son had gotten himself into.

“You’re being Daddy, huh?” Hayley asked. Ethan nodded and grinned widely. He was standing in the middle of the living room, wearing a pair of Josh’s Vans shoes. He took a few stumbling steps toward Hayley and nearly fell over the big shoes. “Daddy has big feet, doesn’t he?” Hayley asked.

“Yes!” Ethan replied with wide eyes and a definitive nod.

“You know, if you’re going to be Daddy, you need a Daddy shirt.” Hayley pointed out. Ethan jumped up and down eagerly and nodded. Hayley laughed and ran up to her bedroom quickly to grab one of Josh’s shirts.

Ten minutes later, Ethan was in one of Josh’s old band t-shirts, which looked more like a dress on the two year old than a t-shirt, and one of the neck ties Josh wore every day to work.

“I Daddy!” Ethan grinned, once he was fully decked out.

“What are you going to do, if you’re Daddy?” Hayley asked, encouraging her son to play the part.

Ethan pointed around the room. “Teach, teach, teach!” He lectured. “Momma, help.” He frowned, pointing to his shoes as he tried walking. He had traded the Vans for a pair of Josh’s dress shoes, because they were shinier and therefore much cooler to a two year old. Hayley pulled him into her lap to tie the shoelaces so he wouldn’t trip as much.

“Do you know what else Daddy does?” She asked, leaning over his shoulder to finish tying the shoes.

“He pays with Etan and Momma and Milliepuppy.” Ethan replied. Hayley smiled to herself and kissed the side of Ethan’s head.

“Yes, he does, but he also plays guitar.” Hayley informed.

“No, Momma pays geetaw.” Ethan replied.

“Daddy plays guitar better than Momma does.” Hayley smiled.

Ethan frowned and looked up at Hayley. “Momma pays geetaw!” He said forcefully.

“Daddy will have to play for you, wont he?” Hayley laughed. It didn’t surprise her that Ethan didn’t understand that Josh could play guitar too. The toddler had never seen his father play. “Why don’t we see if we can find some video’s of Daddy?”

~*~

“I’m home!” Josh called as he entered the house. He wasn’t really sure what to expect when he came home, he and Hayley had never officially made up from their fight the previous night, but they loved each other and, for the most part, they were happy together, and that was all that really mattered. Tonight would be the first time Ethan was back at the house, and he was really hoping that he wouldn’t have to sleep in the guest room again.

“Hayley?” He called out, confused when she didn’t reply. “Ethan?”

“Upstairs!” Hayley’s voice answered. It was then that Josh heard music blasting from his bedroom. Wait… was that Misery Business? He raised his eyebrow curiously and walked up the stairs.

“Dada!” Ethan yelped as Josh pushed the bedroom door open. Josh smiled instantly and let out a booming laugh.

“I be Daddy!” Ethan smiled, puffing out his chest proudly. He was still wearing Josh’s shirt, tie and shoes and he was holding a plastic guitar.

“Show Daddy what you learned.” Hayley encouraged. Ethan looked at Hayley for a few seconds, before jumping away and rocking out to the music that played. He jumped up and down, banging on the plastic guitar, and bobbed his head along to the music.

“Juss wash my widest teams come to. Not one often HEY JOSS!” He yelled.

“Lyrics could use some work.” Hayley giggled. She looked up to Josh and her heart swelled. He was beaming. His eyes were locked on Ethan and he looked so incredibly proud. Hayley stood up and walked to his side, wrapping her tiny arm around his waist.

“We have a musician on our hands, huh?” Hayley asked quietly as she and Josh watched Ethan dance along to the rest of the song. Josh nodded and pulled Hayley close to him. She rested her head on his shoulder and shut her eyes happily.

“Momma! Pay feel da pwessa!” Ethan demanded once Misery business had come to an end.

“He’s been listening all day. Pressure seems to be his favorite.” Hayley explained. Josh walked to the laptop quickly and switched the song to Pressure so he could watch Ethan rock out again.

Later that night, Josh grabbed his acoustic guitar from the office and brought it into the living room to play for Ethan. Hayley had never seen her son sit still for so long. He was completely enthralled by the music Josh was playing.

“Pwessa!” Ethan demanded for the fifth time when Josh finished playing.

“I think Daddy is getting tired of Pressure, sweetie.” Hayley said. She sat on the couch next to Josh and rested her head on Josh’s shoulder.

“I think Daddy is about done for the night, actually.” Josh added with a yawn. “My fingers hurt.”

“Aww.” Hayley frowned. She took his left hand into her hands and gently kissed his fingers with a faint smile. Josh grinned and leaned back into the couch.

“Again, Daddy!” Ethan demanded. “Pease?”

“Daddy’s done Eth.” Hayley said. Ethan pouted and gave her the ‘I’m going to throw a tantrum’ look.

“Ethan…” Hayley said warningly. “If you can’t be a good boy you’ll have to go to bed with no bedtime story.”

“I have an idea.” Josh interrupted. “I’ll play one more song, but only if Mommy sings with me.” Ethan’s eyes lit up and he nodded.

“Josh…” Hayley sighed. She hated it when he overrode her.

“Just one Hayley.” He said quietly. “I miss playing along to you singing.” Hayley smiled faintly and looked at Ethan.

“Yeah Momma!” Ethan encouraged. “I be good!” Hayley laughed and reluctantly nodded.

“Alright, but only one song! Then it’s time for bed.” Hayley agreed. “Deal?” Ethan shook is head and pulled himself up into a chair to listen.

Josh tuned his guitar and Hayley smiled broadly as she recognized the familiar chords of My Heart. Ethan’s mouth hung open in wonderment as his mother began singing along with the guitar.

Through the song, both Hayley and Josh were taken back to their Paramore days. Hayley realized how much she missed being on the road and sharing a bus with four of her best friends. She looked at Josh and realized she missed this version of him. The passionate guitarist who kept to himself most of the time, but opened up to her.

She couldn’t seem to keep her eyes off of him as the song came to a climax. His eyes were shut lightly and his head bobbed along to the beat. He always got so into what he was playing… she was unexpectedly reminded that his obvious passion for the music he wrote had been one of the things that had made her fall in love with him all those years ago. 

He looked up at her and when their eyes locked, she felt herself fall in love all over again.

“Again!” Ethan demanded when the song was over. Hayley snapped back to reality and smiled. She suddenly didn’t miss the ‘old days’ anymore. She was once again reminded that she had Ethan now. And Josh. Sure, Ethan could be a handful, and Josh stressed her out, but she loved them nonetheless. They were a family. An odd family, but a family. And that made her happier than any show ever could.

“Agaaaain!” Ethan repeated angrily.

“No buddy, the deal was one more song, remember?” Josh asked.

“Noooo!” Ethan wailed. “Again!”

“Ethan, be a good boy please.” Hayley said. “If you can’t be good there’s no bedtime story.” She reminded. Ethan looked up at her, his eyes shiny with unshed tears. “You can listen again tomorrow.” She compromised.

“Noooo!” Ethan screeched, fat tears spilling down his cheeks.

“Alright, time for bed.” Josh sighed. Hayley nodded in agreement pulled a screaming Ethan into her arms.

“I’ll do it.” Josh said. “You’ve been dealing with him all day, why don’t you relax for a bit.”

“You sure?” Hayley asked. Josh nodded a reply and headed to the stairs with Ethan. “Thank you!” Hayley called after him.

She heard Ethan stop crying as soon as he got to his room, but heard him start up again, worse this time, moments later. Hayley felt bad for Josh, but she was also glad that she was missing out on one of Ethan’s outbursts.

“How’d it go?” She asked when Josh walked back down the stairs half an hour later. He grunted in reply and collapsed on the couch next to her.

“He wanted to play, I told him no, because it was time for bed. He didn’t like that so there was no bedtime story." Josh explained. "He didn’t like that either.” Hayley frowned in sympathy and rested her head on Josh’s shoulder.

“Please tell me I don’t have to sleep in the guest room again tonight.” Josh sighed.

“Of course not, I’ve decided I don’t like sleeping in a big cold bed.” Hayley replied. “You can be my heater tonight.” She added teasingly.

“Heater, huh?” He asked, raising an eyebrow with a smug smile.

“What is it with you boys and your dirty minds?” Hayley scowled. Josh laughed and put his arm around her.

“I’m kidding, Hayles.” He said.

“Yeah, yeah…” Hayley grumbled. “Whatever you say.”

“I say I go make popcorn and we catch up on The Office” Josh suggested.

“Sound amazing to me.” Hayley smiled. “I’ll get the popcorn though, you sit.”

As Hayley stood up and started to walk past him, Josh held his hand out to stop her. He motioned for her to come closer and kissed her softly. “Thanks Red.” He whispered. Hayley giggled and kissed him back slowly. The rush she felt when her lips met his would never get old. She loved moments like this.

Big thank you to Katie for the help! :) 

Ok, I really didn't mean to take this long between updates! So sorry! hah. 

Once again, this chapter was kinda thrown together at random, sorry for spelling/grammar. Let me know if something doesn't really make sense. There's a pretty good chance none of this will... haha.

I feel like I've missed something BIG in editing this chapter... haha. We'll find out, I guess! 

“Wow!” Josh repeated for what seemed like the thousandth time. “Lainy's pregnant? Lainy?! The spawn of the devil who cares more about work than kids?” He asked in astonishment.

“Oh, don’t pretend you didn’t know.” Hayley spat. Josh looked up at her, genuinely confused.

He gasped and stood up. “No, no, no! Hayley, no!” He started shaking his head and waiving his arms in front of him. “Hayley, it’s not my baby, I swear!”

Hayley scoffed and rolled her eyes. “Josh, she’s six months pregnant!”

“I know what it looks– wait, six months?” He said, curling his lip. “That bitch cheated on me!”

“Jesus Josh!” Hayley snapped. “Stop lying! Stop trying to make things better for yourself! If we’re going to be in a relationship you can’t hide things from me!”

“Hayley!” Josh begged. “Please! I’m not lying! I had no idea! And I promise you, it isn’t my baby.”

“You two had sex didn’t you?” Hayley asked, raising her eyebrow expectantly. Josh frowned and nodded slowly. “And you had sex within a month before you two broke up?” She asked. Once more, Josh nodded slowly. He felt like he was being told off. “Then how the fuck can you know it’s not yours?” Hayley finished with a yell.

“I didn’t-” Josh started.

“No, you know what? I really don’t want to hear it.” Hayley said calmly. “I’ve had enough of your shit.”

“Hayley! Listen to me!” Josh said, anger pumping through his veins. Why did she always have to be so quick to jump to conclusions? Why was it that she never let people explain before she ripped them apart? “Hayley, it is completely impossible for that baby to be mine!”

“You had sex with her!” Hayley yelled.

“We used a condom!” Josh yelled back.

“Condoms break!” Hayley pointed out. “How exactly do you think Ethan got here?”

“It is not my baby.” Josh said through gritted teeth.  “Please believe me.”

“I can’t Josh!” Hayley replied, tears stinging at her eyes. “I want to, but I can’t see how it’s not your baby! And…” She paused to take a steadying breath. “ And, I could have been ok with it, but you didn’t tell me!”

“Why do you think I knew?” Josh asked. His instincts were telling him to run to her and hug her, she looked so fragile with tears streaming down her face, but the fury he felt kept him rooted to the spot.

“S-she texted you.” Hayley answered. “That night at the restaurant.”

“What?” Josh asked, thinking back. “Oh! Oh, no! Hayley! She didn’t want to talk to me, she sent that message to the wrong person!” He fumbled for his phone and yanked it out of his pocket. “See!” He shoved it toward her, hands shaking. There, in his ‘messages’ section, was a text from Lainy, dated back to the day Hayley had seen her at the restaurant. Hayley felt hatred burn within her as she read Lainy’s name on her boyfriend’s phone, but continued to read the message. ‘Oops! Meant to send that to someone else. ;)’ Hayley frowned and looked up to Josh. Maybe she should let him explain after all…

“I-but…” She stuttered. “Why can’t it be yours?” She sighed, giving in. All she wanted to do was be angry with him, and she didn’t really know why. But it honestly seemed like he didn’t know about the baby at all, she may as well give him the chance to explain.

“Thank you.” Josh sighed. “Toward the end of our relationship, when Lainy and I had sex, I… just wasn’t into it…” He mumbled, blushing slightly.

“What?” Hayley asked, confused.

“I… faked it?” He tried. “For the last moth or two… whenever we… you know…”

“You…. faked what?” Hayley asked. Josh rolled his eyes.

“Hayley, I didn’t ever …finish.” He said quickly. “I pretended to so she’d back off and go away.” Hayley looked thoroughly confused. “I faked orgasms Hayley!” He yelled.

Hayley’s eyebrows shot up and her jaw dropped. “Oh! Oh wow…” She cocked her head to the side and looked at Josh curiously. “Guys… guys can do that?”

“Apparently, yes…” He mumbled. “Just, put on a show and hurry for a shower before she realizes… Lainy never really was all that smart…” Hayley bit her lip and turned away from Josh. He frowned and ran his fingers through his hair. Well, at least she wasn’t yelling anymore…

“Oh…wow…” Hayley whispered. Before Josh could reply, Hayley burst out into fits of giggles. “Seriously?!” She asked. Josh tried his best to keep a straight face and he nodded.

“S-she didn’t notice?” Hayley asked. She covered her mouth, trying to suppress laughter.

“Nope.” Josh replied, finally letting out a booming laugh.

“How?” Hayley asked.

“No idea.” He answered, laughing hard now. “I guess with the condom, she couldn’t tell the difference.”

“Ok, ok, we don’t have to talk about this anymore!” Hayley whined, placing her hands over her face. She didn’t like to think that Josh had been with another woman.

“So, you see?” Josh asked quietly. “It’s scientifically impossible for that baby to be mine.” Hayley frowned, debating whether or not she should believe him. She wanted to… and it wasn’t like Lainy had actually said it was Josh’s baby.

“Yeah, yeah, ok.” She decided.

“You hesitated for a while there.” Josh frowned. “You don’t believe me.”

“I do!” Hayley insisted, though something inside of her said she was lying.

“Not completely.” Josh shook his head. “Hayley, why can’t you trust me? If we’re going to be together, you need to trust me!”

“I do trust…” She sighed. “I don’t know…” She admitted. “I want to, but… it’s hard.”

“I promise you I’m not lying.” Josh said, looking her square in the eyes. “I know I haven’t given you much reason to trust me in the past, but I can not be in a relationship where you can’t trust me.”

“Yeah, I know…” Hayley said with a faint smile. “I know. I don’t know why I’m having such a hard time… I just…” She sat down and rested her head in her hands. “I just need to… think. Everything has gone so fast.” Josh frowned, Hayley wasn’t making sense anymore. He sat beside her and rubbed her back.

“I’m sorry…” Hayley mumbled.

“How did we get from ‘trust’ to things moving too fast?” He asked. Hayley sighed and shook her head.

“I-I don’t know. My brain is all over the place.” She admitted. “It just… things are going so well! Too well! I’m so used to problems arising and ‘bumps in the road’ that I guess I’ve just turned into this… fantastic pessimist. If there’s any possibility of something bad happening, my brain automatically reaches out for the worst possible scenario and grabs hold. I hate it!” She finished, sounding disgusted with herself.

Josh felt an incredible hurt within him. There was no doubt, he had done this to her. He had flipped her world upside down. He had turned this once cheerful young woman into someone who always thought the worst of relationships.

Suddenly, he was angry. It wasn’t fair that this was his fault. He had tried making things right so many times. But Hayley was too stubborn. Now that they were finally together, and happy, she had to go ruin it by accusing him of something she had absolutely no idea about. She hadn’t even bothered to entertain the possibility that the baby might not have been his. That maybe, just maybe, Lainy had cheated.  She always thought the worst of him, and he was getting sick of it.

“I do believe you.” Hayley said quietly after a few moments silence.

“Not really.” Josh replied, annoyed. “The closer I get, the more you tense up.”

“You’re angry…” She noted. Josh glared at her.

“Will I ever be good enough for you?” He burst out. Hayley looked shocked. “Seriously! Will I? What the fuck else do I have to do to be good enough?” He asked in a dangerously calm voice. 

“Josh…” Hayley whispered, looking hurt. “You don’t have to do anything! I-I love you… I just need ti-”

“No! Hayley! You have had time!” Josh spat. “You keep saying you need time! You’ve had time, nothing is changing!” Hayley winced and she shut her eyes.

“Josh, I’m sorry.” She said. “I’m sorry! Ok?! I don’t know what else to say. I know I should have let you explain about Lainy and the baby but… it’s hard for me, and I need you to understand that! I’m so used to protecting myself and Ethan that these barrier walls automatically go up when I sense something might hurt us.” 

Josh took a deep, calming breath, and stood up. “I think I’ll sleep in the guest room tonight. We could both use some time apart.”

Hayley furrowed her eyebrows and bit her lip. “No.” She said. She looked to the ceiling and shook her head. “It’s your house, you can take the bedroom, I’ll take the guest room.”

Josh’s heart sank. Deep down, he was hoping that Hayley would have said that the guest bedroom wouldn’t be necessary at all, though he knew it was. He shrugged and scratched the back of his neck. “Nah, you take the bedroom. It’s fine.” He placed a hand on her shoulder and walked away.

Hayley groaned loudly and ran her fingers through her hair. What was going on? She couldn’t seem to make her brain get over the fact that Lainy was pregnant. She believed Josh with all her heart, but her head was taking its time. Why couldn’t she accept that Josh was finally good, and had good intentions?  Why couldn’t she just be happy for once? She deserved to be happy! Right?

Later that night, after playing their argument over and over again in his head, Josh was beginning to understand Hayley’s angle. Sure, she shouldn’t have torn him apart before letting him explain, but, really, he had done some pretty shitty things to her that didn’t necessarily give him a good track record. He was still angry with her, and the whole fight hadn’t quite made sense to him, but they were a new couple. Couples fought. It was part of life. They could work through this.

Josh sighed and rolled onto his back. He pulled the blankets closer to him with a shiver and looked to the wall, knowing that Hayley was sleeping in a room just down the hallway. For the first time, Josh actually thought about what might happen to his son if he and Hayley split up. He quickly shook the thought away. He and Hayley could get through this. Hayley was right; things had been going too smoothly recently. It was about time they hit some bumps.

Down the hall, Hayley hugged one of Josh’s pillows tightly, inhaling the scent with a faint smile. She hated the fact that he wasn’t in bed with her. But she also hated the fact that he just couldn’t seem to understand how much of an adjustment this relationship was for her. Yes, she had doubts, and yes, she needed to express them. The mix of that, and her stubbornness made it hard for Josh to see things through her eyes. She knew that, and sympathized with it as much as she could. But it still frustrated her to no end.

She rolled onto her stomach and looked at the door, wondering what Josh was thinking in the room down the hall from her. She knew they would get through this, no problem. They had issues. Every couple had issues. But they would get through this. She had no doubts. But… did he?

She sighed and pulled his pillow closer, wishing it was him. She hated sleeping alone. After a few moments, Hayley grunted and rolled out of bed. She curled her toes into the carpet as the cool air enveloped her body and she shivered. She reached for the doorknob and crept into the hallway. She really hated sleeping alone.

Josh barely registered the sound of his door creaking open through his sleepy haze, but he smiled instantly as he felt the mattress depress where someone sat down. The smell of Hayley’s body wash invaded his senses and he sighed happily. He pulled back the blankets and moved over to make room for her, eyes still closed.

Hayley climbed under the blankets and pressed herself against Josh, still shivering from cold. Josh hissed and instinctively moved away from Hayley’s cold hands. She giggled quietly and rested her head on his shoulder.

“Still mad?” She asked in a whisper.

“We’ll talk about it tomorrow.” Josh grumbled. “Just… enjoy the moment for now.” He added tiredly, pulling her closer. Hayley smiled and nodded in agreement.

“I can do that.” She mumbled.

“I do love you.” Josh said with a yawn. “Even though you piss me off.”

“Love you too, asshole.” She replied teasingly.

“Shh, sleepy time.” He whispered sternly. He kissed her forehead and let his head fall back to his pillow, exhausted.

Next update will be.... sometime...

I hate stressssss! haha. but I heart Laura and Kaiteee! Sorry I haven't been online much! :/ 

I also heart Hayley's new hair. I think I like red a little better, but the blonde is a very nice change. I hope she feels better soon. blah blah blah kbye!

I’m SO sorry about the long wait! Huge (but good!) life-changing things goin’ on here! Hahah. :D I’ve been so freaking busy all week! lol

This chapter was thrown together pretty quickly, though the outline had been done for like… a week and a half… haha. So sorry for shortness/grammar/spelling.

“Momma! Wacecaw!” Ethan shrieked, pointing to his new bed in his new bedroom. Hayley laughed and nodded.

“Brand new racecar bed!” She smiled. “Do you like it?” Ethan nodded frantically and ran toward it.

Hayley smiled and sighed, happy that Ethan hadn’t hated the bed. She and Josh were both exhausted. They had been moving all day, while Ethan spent some time with Grammy Farro. Josh’s mother wasn’t thrilled with the idea of her son and Hayley living together, but she had finally admitted that she was excited that the two were together once more and was more than willing to help out during the move.

“Ok, goodnight!” Ethan said into his pillow. Josh laughed and sat next to Ethan on the bed.

“Eth, don’t you want a bedtime story?” He asked as he pulled the blankets over the toddler.

“No, my bed!” Ethan groaned, kicking Josh to get him off.

“Ethan, no kicking!” Hayley said sternly. Josh smiled and stood up.

“Sowwy Dada…” Ethan mumbled.

“You’ve had a busy day, huh buddy?” Josh asked. Ethan nodded and yawned. He had spent almost all day running around the park with Grammy Farro and Auntie Isabelle.

“Well, why don’t we get you into some pajamas and then you can sleep in the racecar bed?” Hayley suggested. Ethan nodded tiredly and sat up.

“Where Milliepuppy?” Ethan mumbled as Hayley pulled his shirt off. He hadn’t seen much of the new puppy, since Millie was still so small and played pretty roughly. He absolutely loved her, as did Josh, but Hayley was nervous that Ethan would get scratched if Millie got too excited or if Ethan hurt her somehow.

“Millie is coming home tomorrow.” Josh explained. Hayley was still nervous about Millie and Ethan, but they couldn’t exactly leave the dog at Zac’s place anymore.

“No. Milliepuppy today.” Ethan demanded with a frown.

“Millie tomorrow.” Josh said firmly. “The sooner you go to sleep, the sooner Millie will be here.”

“But Dadaaaa!” Ethan sighed. Josh shook his head, keeping a straight face, and raised an eyebrow. Ethan groaned in defeat and crossed his arms angrily.

“Aw, poor Ethan.” Hayley pouted. “Life is so hard! He has a brand new racecar bed to sleep in and he had to play at the park all day long!” She teased. Ethan nodded, throwing in a pout for good measure. Hayley laughed quietly and shook her head.

“Ok, come on buddy.” She pulled back the blankets for him to climb under. “Time for bed.” She smiled.

Josh and Hayley said their goodnights, and headed to their bedroom to unpack what they could before it was time to sleep.
 
~*~ 

“Milliepuppy!” Ethan yelled in excitement as Dad and Millie walked through the door. The ever-growing puppy tore off for Ethan happily and tackled him to the floor. Ethan shrieked and giggled as Millie licked his cheeks.

“Millie!” Josh ordered. “Millie, come here.” He hurried over and pulled the excitable puppy off his son.

“I see you brought the dog home.” Hayley laughed as she hurried into the room. She had been cleaning up breakfast while Josh was making a run to Zac’s house for the last of his things.

“I think she’s big enough not to be hurt by Ethan now.” Josh shrugged. “Don’t know about Ethan though, we’ll want to keep a close eye on Millie while she’s around him.”

Hayley smiled and scratched Josh’s back soothingly, resting her head on his shoulder, as they watched Ethan and Millie play tug-of-war with Millie’s leash. For some reason, in that moment, Hayley finally felt like she was part of a traditional family. Her son was happy, she and Josh were better than ever as a couple, they had all moved in together, and they even had a spare room for a potential new baby someday. They were really becoming a family! Everything was finally falling in to place.

Josh grinned and placed his arm around Hayley’s waist. She knew then that he was feeling it too. He knew they were well on their way to becoming a somewhat ‘normal’ family.

“Oh!” Hayley gasped suddenly. She ran toward her son as Ethan toppled to the floor from the force behind a particularly strong tug from Millie.

“No Momma!” Ethan complained, shooing Hayley away. “We play!” Josh laughed and gently pulled Hayley back toward him.

“He’s fine, babe.” Josh assured. Hayley raised an eyebrow, but didn’t reply.

“You’re going to be late for work.” Hayley reminded as she looked at the clock.

“Ah, crap!” Josh groaned. “Are you gonna be ok with Millie and Ethan today?” He asked. Hayley nodded confidently and grabbed his bag for him. He quickly gave Ethan a hug before turning to Hayley. “See you tonight!” He smiled. “We’ll go out to celebrate our first real night in the house.” He kissed her swiftly and headed for the door.

“Momma.” Ethan said immediately.

“Yes EJ?” Hayley replied.

“We take Milliepuppy walkin’?” He asked hopefully, holding out the leash.

“In a bit, yes.” Hayley smiled.

“Thank you, Momma!” Ethan grinned excitedly. “Hear dat Millepuppy?! We go walkin’!” Millie barked loudly and ran toward Ethan, knocking him to the floor once more.

“Bad Milliepuppy!” Ethan giggled. “No pussin!”

“That’s right, no pushing.” Hayley reinforced. “That wasn’t very nice, was it?” Ethan shook his head as he stumbled to his feet and ran toward the stairs.

“Come on puppy!” He called over his shoulder. “We see Maytow!” Hayley smiled to herself, Ethan had quickly named his racecar bed after the character Mater from his current favorite movie, ‘Cars’.

“Careful on the stairs, Ethan!” Hayley warned. Stairs, toddler and puppy just didn’t mix well in her mind. She hurried over and grabbed his hand to help guide him up, just in case.

“Millie!” Ethan said, pushing open the door to his room. “Millie! Pay ‘tention!” He frowned. Millie was far too excited to pay attention though. She was in a new room, it was time to explore.

“Millie, dis is my blanky.” Ethan informed. He pointed to his baby blanket and pulled it toward him. “And dis is my toy box. All my toys sleep in it.” He continued.

Hayley looked on tiredly as Ethan continued with the tour of his room, which Millie was undoubtedly not paying any attention to.

“Ok Ethan, would you like to take Millie for a walk before lunchtime?” Hayley asked after a few minutes. She figured she might as well get it over with as soon as she could, then she might be able to squeeze in the last bit of unpacking while Ethan - and hopefully Millie - took a nap.

“Ok!” Ethan said excitedly. “Less go Milliepuppy!” 

~*~

“Throw it as far as you can!” Hayley encouraged. Ethan had Millie’s ball in his tiny hand and was learning how to play fetch with the puppy. Ethan threw the ball, hopping slightly as the ball left his fingers, and giggled as Millie ran after it excitedly.

“She’s fast, huh?” Hayley asked, referring to Millie. Ethan nodded and held his hand out for the ball again. Hayley pried it away from Millie and crouched on the ground next to Ethan.

“Make Millie go there!” Ethan demanded, pointing to a tree across the park they were in. Hayley smiled and threw the ball as hard as she could toward the tree. Millie took off with a bark, and ran for the ball.

“Millie! Come back here!” Hayley called as the puppy caught the ball and hurried off toward a stranger.

“Milliepuppy!!” Ethan sang. Millie stumbled to a halt, changed direction, and ran for Ethan and Hayley. “Again!” Ethan shrieked when Millie dropped the ball at Hayley’s feet. Hayley did as she was told, hoping that Millie would get tired out and calm down a bit.

“Hey! Millie!” Hayley yelped as the dog flew past her with the ball, headed for another stranger.

“Oh look at you! Aren’t you the cutest little puppy!” A woman said from behind Hayley.

“Sorry!” Hayley called out immediately. She picked Ethan up and turned around, heading for the woman Millie had run to. “She’s still learning.” Hayley explained with a laugh. She quickly attached the leash to Millie’s collar so the dog couldn’t run away again.

“Oh, no problem. Dogs take a while to train.” The woman replied. She finally took her attention off Millie and looked up to Hayley. “Oh! Hayley! Hi!”

Hayley groaned internally, but forced a smile. “Lainy! Wow, how are you?”

“Oh, I’m alright.” Lainy replied. She rested her hand on her stomach and Hayley’s nearly choked in surprise.

“Wow… you’re…. you’re pregnant?” Hayley gasped.

“Yes!” Lainy grinned. “Oh, I’m so excited. But completely terrified! I don’t know how you did it on your own!” She said with a malicious grin.

“How far along are you?” Hayley asked politely. Really, she wanted to ask who had been stupid enough to sleep with Lainy, but she figured that was a tad rude.

“It’ll be six months next week!” Lainy replied. There was a dangerous sort of mocking behind her grin now. 

Hayley quickly did the math in her head and gasped quietly. The world began to sway around her and she shook her head slightly to steady herself. Lainy was nearly six months pregnant. Lainy and Josh had broken up five months ago. Lainy was pregnant with Josh’s baby.

Suddenly everything made sense. The awkward run in at the restaurant, the text message… Hayley gasped. The text message! Josh knew!

“Momma, its cold.” Ethan complained.

“Uh, yeah.” Hayley said quietly. “Yeah, lets get you home buddy.” She said, trying her best to shrug off her discovery for now. “Well, congratulations, Lainy!” Hayley said, not even bothering to force a smile. She turned on her heel and hurried back toward the house, Millie running close behind.

“Hey! Sorry I’m late!” Josh called as he walked into the house hours later. He hurried in to the living room, where Hayley was sitting, staring off into the distance. He kissed the top of her head, not noticing her solemn mood, and set his things on the table in the kitchen.

“Where’s Ethan?” He asked over his shoulder. “I thought we’d go out to dinner tonight.”

“Ethan is with my mother for the night.” Hayley replied, voice hollow. Josh frowned and turned around curiously.

“How come?” He asked. Hayley closed her eyes and shook her head.

“He can’t be here right now.” She replied simply. Josh’s was suddenly on guard. He was in trouble. What had he done? He racked his brain but couldn’t think of anything right away.

“W-what’s up?” He asked cautiously.

“Lainy.” Hayley said with a sarcastic laugh. “She’s six months pregnant.”

Josh’s eyes went wide and he raised a hand to his mouth. He felt like all the air in the room had been sucked out, leaving him with nothing to breathe.

“Oh my gosh…”

Eep! 

Not sure when I'll be able to update again. Hopefully soon!

Hola a todos! :)

The beginning of this is a liiiiiitle bit “M”, more for ‘suggestion’ than anything. If you don’t want to read, scroll down to the “~*~”

"Good morning." Josh mumbled after turning the alarm clock off. Hayley smiled sleepily and kissed him lightly on the lips.

"'Morning." She sighed. She rested her arm across his bare waist and smiled into his chest. "You're warm." She stated. February was far too cold for her liking.

"You're sexy." He replied. Hayley laughed softly and rested her chin on his chest.

"You know, we have some time before the little one wakes up." Hayley said with a sly smile. Josh raised an eyebrow and his eyes instinctively snapped shut as Hayley crawled on top of him.

"Hayles... unfortunately, I'm really too sore for this." Josh said sadly. Filling in for the gym teacher at school – for only one week – had left him unable to move.

"You don't have to do anything." Hayley giggled with a sly smile. "There are other ways to have fun you know." With that, she scooted down a bit and began planting kisses along his torso. Josh bit his lip hard as her lips made their way further and further down his stomach.

"Ouch!" He gasped raising a hand to his lip and dabbing at it while Hayley left warm, wet kisses on his hips.

"Did you bite too hard?" Hayley asked, pausing for a few seconds.

"We've got blood." Josh confirmed, dabbing at his lip again. Hayley laughed and rested her hand on his hip, digging in with her nails slightly.

"Oh geez..." Josh gasped. "You're killing me, Red." Hayley grinned and, without warning, disappeared under the sheets.

"Shiiiiiiiiiit!" Josh groaned quietly, mouth opening in a silent moan.

Both he and Hayley were far too distracted to hear their second alarm clock cry out from the bedroom down the hall.

"Mommy!" Ethan called. He was up and ready for the day. Or he would be as soon as mom came in for their morning snuggle. "Mommyyyyyyyyyyyy!" He called again. Where was she?

"Momma!" He said once more, anger coming through in his voice. Fine. If mom wasn't going to come to him, he'd go to mom.

Ethan heaved himself out of bed and stumbled out the door. He walked down the long hall and reached his tiny hand out for Hayley's doorknob. The door swung open easily, to Ethan's surprise, and he took a moment to marvel at how the door moved open on it's own.

He heard a soft grunt come from inside the room, was that Daddy? He thought Daddy had gone home last night… hmm, time to investigate.

"Dada?" Ethan asked.

Josh's eyes flew open and he nearly jumped out of his skin. "E-Eth-an!" He stuttered. He pulled his knees up a bit to hide any Hayley-shaped lumps in the blankets.

"Hi. Where Momma?" Ethan asked in a business-like tone.

"Mommy is..." Josh stalled. His brain was not at all ready to deal with anything other than...well, other things right now. "Mommy is downstairs, getting breakfast ready." He lied. "Why don't you go pick out some bath toys and I'll be in soon. Then we'll go surprise Mommy."

"Ok." Ethan replied happily. He turned around and ran for his room to pick out what to bring into the bath with him.

"Oh my god." Josh groaned as he collapsed into his pillows. Hayley reappeared from the depths of the sheets, face beat red from holding in laughter.

"He had absolutely no idea." Hayley assured. "He's not that observant yet."

"Sure..." Josh groaned. "If you say so."

"It's good he came in anyway, Bekah will be here soon to watch him." Hayley said. Josh smiled and nodded.

"He could have given us two more minutes though..." He mumbled grumpily. Hayley laughed and rolled her eyes.

"Alright, quick, go make breakfast!" Josh laughed. "I'll go get him bathed and dressed. Just gotta... wait a few minutes..."

Hayley giggled and hopped out of bed to brush her teeth and change. "We'll pick up where we left of tonight." She called over her shoulder with a suggestive wink.

"Not helping the situation!" Josh replied.

~*~

"Hold on EJ!" Josh laughed. "I have to dry your hair, buddy." Ethan giggled but stood still long enough for Josh to run a fluffy blue towel through his hair.

"Alright!" Josh smiled. "You're doing great. Now for the clothes." He rested the towel across Ethan's shoulders and turned to grab a diaper.

"...Ethan?" Josh asked as he turned back around. The toddler was nowhere to be found.

"SUPAMAAAAAAN!" A shriek came from the hallway.

"Ethan!" Josh called out. He laughed and hurried out of the bathroom to catch his son.

"That bacon smells amazing." Bekah groaned.

"Take a piece." Hayley smiled. Bekah didn't need to be told twice, she leaned forward and grabbed a slice before Josh or Ethan could come downstairs and eat it all.

"Almost done here, then Josh and I will head out to the realtor’s office." Hayley announced. “Thanks again for helping out, Becks.” She pulled the last of the scrambled eggs off the stove and dumped them onto a plate.

"I Supamaaaan!" Ethan's voice called from the hallway. Hayley turned in time to see a blur of blue speed through the kitchen, Josh not far behind.

"Nudist, coming through!" Josh warned, a bit too late. "Ethan! Get back here!" He added, unable to hold his laughter in.

"Hayley." Bekah said as she turned to look at her friend. "You have a naked baby running through your house."

"Not completely naked, he does have a towel-cape." Hayley pointed out thoughtfully. "Josh can handle it." She added with a laugh.

"Whatever you say." Bekah shrugged, turning back to her bacon. “Hi Ethan…” She said as the toddler flew by once more.

“Hi aunite Bekaaaa!” Ethan sang as he ran. Hayley laughed and began setting the table.

“Ethan Joshua!” Josh called. “That’s enough, come here now, please.”

“No!” Ethan screeched happily, still running through the house. When he ran back through the kitchen, Bekah caught him and swung him into the air.

“Oh no!” She cried. “It’s an Ethan-plane!” She swung the toddler in the air, while Ethan flung his arms out to his side, like an airplane, with a laugh.

“Thanks Bekah.” Josh huffed as he jogged into the kitchen. “Damn I’m sore…” He groaned. He took Ethan from Bekah, wrapped him up in the towel and headed for the stairs to get him dressed.

“Geez Hayley, what are you doing to the poor boy?” Bekah laughed, referring to Josh.

“Nothing!” Hayley whined defensively. “He’s been playing gym teacher all week.”

“Oh, that I have to see!” Bekah laughed.

“I know, right?” Hayley laughed. “I got off early from work to see it with my own eyes the other day, but I missed it. By the time I got to the school, gym was over.” She walked over to the bottom of the staircase and yelled up for Josh and ‘superman’ to come down for breakfast.

“Josh and I should only be about an hour and a half or so.” Hayley explained. “I think Taylor is going to come by at some point to pick up a sound pedal from Josh, that’s in the living room for him. He’ll probably hang out with Ethan for a bit though, so you’ll have backup if you need it.”

“I think I’ll be good, but I’m sure Ethan will freak.” Bekah laughed. Ethan always got so excited when he got to see uncle T.

“Oh, Josh!” Hayley said as he finally came down the stairs with Ethan, who happened to be wearing a blue shirt with the superman logo on it. “Come on, we’re going to be late!” She announced, dragging Josh toward the door.

“I haven’t had any breakfast!” Josh whined.

“Quick, quick, quick!” Hayley ordered as she sat Ethan up at the table for his breakfast.

~*~

“Alright! It’s official, you’ve sold your house, and you’re the new owners!” Hayley’s realtor grinned, nodding to Hayley and the new owner as the last of the paperwork was signed. The woman who had bought the house was quite a bit older than Hayley, and very pleasant to deal with. Hayley couldn’t help but like her.

“Congratulations” Hayley smiled, shaking the older woman’s hand.

“Thank you.” The woman smiled.

“Do you have any more questions Ms. Williams?” The realtor asked.

“Yes, is there a bathroom around here?” Hayley asked.

“Of course, it’s down the hall, to the left.” The realtor answered.

“Thank you.” Hayley said. She and Josh stood up and shook hands with the realtor.

“Enjoy your last week in the house!” The realtor smiled. Hayley nodded and hurried out the door, Josh not far behind.

“That was easy, huh?” Josh smiled. Hayley didn’t reply, instead she ran in the direction of the bathroom with her hand over her mouth. “Hayley?” Josh called after her, worried. He followed her into the bathroom, not caring that it was the women’s room, and rubbed her back gently as she knelt on the floor and vomited in the nearest toilet.

“You alright?” Josh asked soothingly.

“No!” Hayley snapped, wiping her mouth with the back of her hand and flushing the toilet. “I just sold my fucking house and I’m moving in with a guy I’ve only been dating for a little over a month! No! I’m not ok! I’m kinda freaking out!” Hayley said angrily. She leaned back, resting her back on the wall of the bathroom stall, and ran her fingers through her hair. She still felt dangerously nauseous. She hadn't felt so nervous and scared in such a long time. Not since she'd found out she was pregnant with Ethan anyway.

“Hayley…” Josh whispered, unsure of what to say. She had seemed so happy and confidant about how things were going up to this point. He had no idea that on the inside she had, apparently, been freaking out.

“Everything is going to be fine! You have a place to live. If we do break up, God forbid, I’ll move out and you can have the house we’re moving in to.” He finally said.

“I can’t afford that house on my own!” Hayley scoffed.

“Hayley, we’re not going to break up.” Josh said flatly. “You wont need to pay for that house on your own. I promise you, everything will be fine. This is a good thing!” Hayley rolled her eyes and stood up.

“Hey.” Josh said as she walked away. “Hayley!” He snapped, grasping her shoulder as she kept walking. “Listen to me!” He laughed. “I’m not going to let anything happen to you. If we do break up, I’ll make sure you and Ethan have a nice place to live. But I honestly don’t think we will break up. I admit, moving in like this is ridiculously fast, my mom is not at all impressed…” he laughed, “but we’ll make it work. We always manage to make things work. And I love you so, so much.” He finished in a whisper. Hayley smiled faintly and rested her head on his shoulder.

“I love you, too…” She said. He pulled her into a hug and rubbed her back.

“And, you get a really nice, big house to decorate however you want.” Josh smiled. “Plus, the neighborhood is full of kids Ethan can play with and boss around.”

Hayley laughed, knowing with all her heart that Ethan would indeed boss all the other kids around. It didn’t matter how old the others were. Ethan was so confidant and in control, he was a natural leader.

“Come on, let’s get you home.” Josh smiled. He kissed her cheek and guided her to the door.

“Not home anymore.” Hayley replied with a sigh. “I’ll let you explain that one to Ethan.”

~*~

“Hiiiiiii-YAH!” Ethan screeched as Josh and Hayley walked back through the door from the realtor's office. He swung his arms about and began kicking the air around him. “Imma get you Momma!” He grinned, running at Hayley, arms flailing. Hayley knelt down, not missing a beat, and put her arms up in a ninja-like defense pose. Ethan stopped in his tracks, eyes wide.

“UNCLE T!” He yelled. “Momma’s a nija!”

“I told you she was!” Taylor said with a laugh. Hayley giggled and busted out a few more ninja moves, to Ethan’s delight.

“We learned why ninjas were cooler than superman while you were gone.” Bekah explained.

“Oh, pirates are so much cooler!” Josh said with a smile.

“Nu-uh Dada!” Ethan said, shaking his head. “Nijas can be slimy!”

“He means ‘sneaky’.” Taylor explained quickly.  

“Do you want to be a ninja when you grow up?” Josh asked. Ethan grinned and shook his head.

“Hiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii-YAH!” Ethan yelped, dancing around.

“We’re gettin’ there!” Taylor laughed.

“Aw, my little ninja.” Hayley smiled. The adults all watched Ethan run around the room playfully, dodging boxes of belongings that were ready to be moved.

“Taylor, if this whole ninja thing makes him hit kids at daycare, I’m gonna kill you.” Josh teased as Ethan karate-chopped a cardboard box.

Hayley laughed and leaned against Josh. For some reason she suddenly felt completely ok about moving in with him. She didn’t know what had caused the abrupt change, but she didn’t care. She had her two boys, that was all that mattered. Everything else would work itself out. 

Sorry things are kinda slow right now. They'll pick up next chapter! ;)

I think I might start writing more about Ethan from time to time. How it was in the beginning of the chapter I mean. Like, when he's waking up and calling for Hayley and walking down the hall. That was fun :) We'll see though...

Oh aaaannnndddd... you guys are so smart! :X hehehehehe. You'll see what I'm talking about soon! 

Ahhhh I have like, zero time, so I'm not sure when the next update will be :/ hopefully by the end of the week? We'll see.

“Wait, how did he say it?” Sarah asked curiously. Hayley was gossiping with Sarah and baby Grace while Jeremy played with Sammy and Ethan in the playroom.

“It was a ‘talk to you later, love you, bye’ kind of thing.” Hayley sighed. “Really quick and offhand.” She had been freaking out about what Josh had said for the last two days. For now, when she saw him, she just pretended like he hadn’t said anything, but she knew she’d have to face it soon enough.

“Wow…” Sarah mumbled. “Well… maybe he didn’t realize he said it.”

“Sarah! We haven’t even been together for a month yet!” Hayley groaned. “This is bad! What is going on?”

“I honestly don’t know…” Sarah replied. “Maybe he just wanted to see what your reaction would be?”

“Girls overanalyze everything.” Jeremy muttered under his breath as he overheard the conversation.

“What?” Hayley asked quickly, seeing the opportunity to get a guy’s opinion on the situation.

“Hayley, he never stopped.” Jeremy said. Hayley furrowed her eyebrows, confused. “He’s always been in love with you.” Jeremy continued, as if the fact was obvious. “So just say it back and get it over with. I know you love him too, so don’t even try to deny it.” Hayley turned to Sarah in disbelief.

“I say take Jerm’s advice.” Sarah shrugged. “He might be right for once.”

“Damn right!” Jeremy smiled.

“Dan wite!” Ethan echoed from behind Jeremy. Hayley covered her mouth to cover a laugh, not wanting to encourage Ethan, and picked up her little boy.

“Do you think uncle Jeremy is right?” She asked. Ethan looked around the room, thinking. Jeremy nodded his head slowly, eyes wide, as Ethan made eye contact with him. Ethan grinned shyly and nodded his head, mimicking Jeremy.

“Well, then I guess we’d better go find Daddy.” Hayley decided. “We should get going anyway, I’m sure you two could use some alone time with Sammy and Grace.”

“Daddy!” Ethan grinned. “Less go!”

“Can you give baby Grace and auntie Sarah a goodbye kiss?” Hayley asked. Ethan grinned and leaned over to kiss Sarah’s cheek lightly.

“Don’t forget the baby!” Sarah said, holding Grace up a bit. Ethan whined and squirmed in Hayley’s arms.

“Nooo!” He complained.

“What? Why not?” Hayley asked with a frown.

“Fwagle.” Ethan said, pointing to Grace. Sarah stared at Ethan, completely confused.

“Oh! Fragile!” Hayley grinned. Josh had told Ethan to be careful around Grace because she was fragile the other night when they’d seen Sarah and Grace in the hospital.

“Honey, it’s ok, you can kiss her. She won’t break.” Hayley said, amused. She shifted closer to the baby once more.

“No!” Ethan yelped.

“Ok! Alright!” Hayley said, eyes wide. Sarah laughed and began rocking Grace back and forth as she began to wake up.

“What about me? Can I have a goodbye kiss?” Jeremy asked. Ethan nodded and kissed Jeremy’s cheek, leaving a wet mark behind.

“Daddy now.” Ethan announced.

“I guess we’re ready to go.” Hayley laughed. “See you later.”

“Ethan! What are you doing here?” Josh smiled as he and Hayley walked into Josh’s classroom. School had been over for a few hours, but Josh had stayed late to get tomorrow’s lesson plan ready.

“Time to see Daddy.” Ethan announced. Hayley raised her eyebrows and set Ethan on the ground.

“And what Ethan says, goes.” She added. “Plus,” she took a step toward him, “I wanted to see you, too.” She smiled. She looked around the room and blushed, remembering what had happened the last time she had been in his classroom.

Ethan’s gasp from the corner of the room distracted her from her thoughts and within seconds, loud drumming filled the room. Ethan screeched in delight at the noise and banged harder on the bongo drum he had found. Josh grinned proudly and placed his arm around Hayley’s waist.

“Josh…” She said quietly, as they watched Ethan play.

“Hmm?” He asked, not taking his eyes off the toddler.

“I love you, too.” She said. She smiled as she realized how natural the words felt coming from her mouth.

“Ah, so you did hear me!” Josh grinned. Hayley laughed and nodded, allowing Josh to spin her around so they were face to face. He wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her closer.

“I was starting to get worried.” He teased.

“Momma, kiss!” Ethan ordered as he looked over to his parents. Hayley laughed loudly and stood on her toes, kissing Josh sweetly. She didn’t need to be told twice.

Ethan giggled and covered his face with his hands. “Sop it!” He said. He ran over and squeezed himself between his parents.

Josh bent down and picked Ethan up. “In ten years, you’ll think that’s anything but icky.” He informed. Ethan shook his head furiously and began playing with Josh’s lip ring, distracted.

“Why don’t you and Mommy go get in the car, and I’ll pack up and take you out to dinner.” Josh suggested. “Does that sound good?” Ethan nodded and lunged for Hayley.

“See you in a bit.” Josh smiled. He kissed Hayley’s cheek and turned to gather his things.

As Hayley made her way to the table from the restroom, she bumped into a girl in a big, fluffy, black coat. Hayley mumbled a quick apology before realizing she’d bumped into Lainy. Lainy raised an eyebrow at Hayley with a sneer, looking thoroughly disgusted.

Hayley hurried back to the table, trying not to think about the fact that she could make someone that mad. When she sat back down, Ethan shoved Josh’s iPhone into her hands, asking her to draw a dinosaur in the drawing application Josh had opened up for Ethan to play with. Hayley took the phone and looked over her shoulder to see Lainy smile to herself before leaving the restaurant.

“Oh boy…” Hayley sighed.

“Hmm?” Josh asked.

“Oh, nothing.” She smiled. “What kind of dinosaur should I draw, Ethan?” She asked.

“Um… what one Daddy?” He asked Josh in a hushed voice. Josh whispered something into his ear, making him grin. “A Etasawas-wex!” He said loudly.

“Ethasaurus-rex?” Hayley gasped. “What does that look like?” Hayley drew as best she could on the phone as Ethan described the dinosaur to her.

“Oh, hold on, Daddy has a message.” Hayley interrupted as a pop-up came onto the screen. “It’s from… huh?” She frowned.

‘Lainy Text

I need to talk to you’

Flashed across the screen. Josh grabbed the phone curiously and furrowed his eyebrows in confusion.

“Why?” Hayley asked suspiciously.

“I have absolutely no idea.” Josh replied honestly. He typed ‘why? We haven’t talked in months.’ in reply to Lainy’s message, showing Hayley after for reassurance. Hayley forced a smile and turned her attention back to Ethan, trying to ignore the sense of uneasiness that settled over her.

~*~ 

“See you in an hour!” Hayley called over her shoulder to a co-worker as she left the saloon for her lunch break.

She was actually excited about lunch for once. Josh had taken the day off and was taking her out to eat. It was sort of a date for them, since Ethan was at daycare.

She had almost completely forgotten about the odd text from Lainy, although it did randomly haunt her dreams on occasion. From what she could tell though, Josh hadn’t ever met with Lainy to talk. Instead, he had spent most of the last week and a half attached to Hayley’s side.

“Hey, Red!” Josh called from Hayley’s right. Hayley instinctively grinned at the sound of his voice and hurried to his car.

“Hey!” She said as she hopped inside. Josh kissed her quickly and handed over a sleep mask.

“Put this on.” He said with a sly smile.

“…Why?” She asked suspiciously.

“Surprise.” Josh replied. “Put it on.” Hayley apprehensively did as she was told, blushing as she did so.

“I feel so weird.” She complained.

“You look cute.” Josh assured, kissing her nose lightly. He put the car in drive and took off down the road.

“Can I take this off yet?” Hayley asked fifteen minutes later as she heard him cut the engine.

“Almost.” He replied. She heard his car door open, followed by her door seconds later. He helped her out of the car, and led her to a spot a few feet away, positioning her so she was facing a suburban street.

“Ok, you can take it off.” He said, smiling. She pulled the mask off hesitantly and grinned.

“I remember this street!” She laughed. It was where Josh had spent most of his childhood and early teens. Hayley had some great memories of this street before Josh’s family had moved to a bigger house a few blocks away. She had always loved the neighborhood. The neighbors were all friends, and looked out for each other. It was like it’s own little world.  

“Now…” He said, grabbing her shoulders and spinning her around. “Look at this.” Hayley frowned as her eyes landed on a light yellow house.

“What about it?” She asked.

“Come on!” He grinned. He grabbed her hand and walked up to the front door. Josh pushed the door open and led Hayley inside. The inside was bare, no furniture in sight.

“All the rooms have been redone within the past two years and there’s an alarm system installed.” He said quickly. Hayley began to feel her heart race, what was he doing? He wasn’t planning on living here, was he?

“So, what do you think?” He asked.

“Of what?” She snorted. “The wall color?”

Josh smiled and shook his head. “The house! Come on, Hayley…”

“I think it’s a little big for you.” She admitted.

“Come here. I want to show you something.” He said, ignoring her comment. He led her up the stairs and down the hall to a small room. “I was thinking Ethan could sleep here.” He started. “And… please hear me out before you freak, but I was thinking this room at the end of the hall could be mine, and the master bedroom at the other end of the hall could be… yours…” He finished quietly. “You could sell your house, and we could all live together.” Hayley’s mouth went dry and she bit her lip. She backed out of the room and walked down the hall to look the other rooms.

“I think…” She started, grabbing Josh’s hand and dragging him to one of the rooms, “this should be Ethan’s room. It looks over the street, he’d love that.” She said. Josh smiled weakly and nodded. Hayley laughed and pulled him toward another room.

“And this should be a guest bedroom.” She said quietly. She saw the hurt of rejection take over his face and he quickly bowed his head, pretending to scratch his neck.

“I’m not done talkin’!” She laughed. “Don’t get pissed off yet.” She dragged him toward the master bedroom and turned to face him. “And this room… can be ours.” She whispered. She didn’t think she had ever seen Josh smile so widely, so quickly. She squealed as he lifted her into the air and spun her around. She lowered her lips to his as he still spun around, and kissed him deeply.

“You don’t think it’s too fast?” He asked breathlessly as they parted and he lowered her to the floor.

“Yep, it is. Way too fast. But I don’t care.” She smiled. Josh laughed and kissed her again.

“Well, here are your keys then.” He said, pulling out a set of keys from his pocket.

“You already bought it?” Hayley gasped in disbelief.

“Closed today.” He grinned. “It’s all ours.” Hayley slapped him playfully for buying without really talking with her, and hurried away to explore the rest of the house.

Anyone going to buy "Dear Jack"?? I'm SO excited for it! Can't wait for November 3rd!! :D

This is another long one... lol. Sorry. Lots of Ethan though :)

“Momma.” Ethan whispered. “Wake up!” Hayley groaned in her sleep and cuddled in closer to the warm body next to her.

“Ethan?” Josh asked, voice rough from lack of use.

“Momma’s supwise!” He said with a grin, holding up a bowl of cereal.

“What?” Hayley mumbled against Josh’s chest. Her eyes fluttered open and she looked around the dark room. “Ethan?” She said, squinting to see him. She rubbed her eyes and sat up. “What time is it?” She asked, confused.

Josh looked at the clock and groaned. “Five twenty-four.” He sighed.

“Breffast!” Ethan grinned, holding up the bowl once more.

Hayley groaned quietly. “Ethan, it’s…” She started.

“Very nice that you wanted to surprise Mommy with breakfast in bed.” Josh cut in with a yawn.

“Yeah… that…” Hayley sighed, sinking back against her soft pillow with a sigh. She and Josh had only fallen asleep four hours before. Being a new couple with a two-year-old son in the house was hard work.

“Thank you, Ethan.” She sighed.

“Welcome Momma!” He grinned. Well at least someone was wide-awake…

“Ethan, this is very nice of you, but you forgot to wake me up first so we could make pancakes, remember?” Josh said, sitting up and throwing his legs over the side of the bed.

“Boxers.” Hayley reminded, eyes still closed.

“I’m good, woke up an hour ago to use the bathroom.” He replied. Hayley grunted in reply and forced herself to sit up while Josh stumbled out of the room to get in the shower.

“Come here.” She said, forcing a smile and pulling Ethan onto the bed. “Thank you very much.” She yawned, taking the bowl from her son.

“No milk.” He frowned. “I sowwy.”

“That’s ok. Less messy this way.” She smiled. She and Ethan picked away at the dry cereal for a few minutes, while Hayley tried to wake herself up.

“How did you even reach this?” She asked suddenly, pointing to the cereal.

“Ummmm.” Ethan said. He raised a finger to his chin and squinted, deep in thought. Hayley laughed quietly, he had picked up this little trick from Uncle Taylor at Christmas and often did it when he was asked a question, even if he knew the answer. “Oh yeah!” He said, raising his arm in the air. “Daddy putted it on a chair fowa me.” He grinned.

“Ah, so it’s all Daddy’s fault.” Hayley muttered under her breath. Ethan giggled and nodded.

“Hey, I’m not the one who woke him up.” Josh mumbled as he walked back into the room, fresh from a very quick shower. “Have you seen my shirt?”

“I’m wearing it.” Hayley giggled. “Sorry. I think I still have one of your old Jimmy shirts in a box in the closet though.” She added, nodding toward her large closet.

“Oh, how lovely.” Josh said sarcastically as he spotted a cardboard box on a high shelf. “A-hole’s shi- er… stuff.” He said, reading off the label. Hayley laughed loudly. Ethan joined in, just for the fun of it and looked between his parents with a smile.

“Hey! I’ve been looking for this!” Josh smiled, pulling out his blue Jimmy Eat World shirt from the box. He slid it over his head and grinned. It still fit. It was tighter, but it still fit.

“Wow…” Hayley whispered in slight shock. “You… have muscles.” Josh laughed and walked over to the bed.

“Come on, Ethan, let’s go make Mommy some real breakfast.” He held out his hand and helped Ethan off the bed. “Go get a fresh diaper and I’ll be in soon.”

“Seriously, that shirt… wow.” Hayley said as Ethan left. Josh blushed slightly and kissed Hayley’s forehead.

“I woke up the happiest guy in the world this morning…” He sighed.

“It’s five in the morning…” Hayley groaned.

“Yet I’m happy.” Josh pointed out. “Weird, huh?” Hayley smiled and nodded. Usually, when Josh was forced to wake up before eight, he was a grumpy mess not to be reckoned with, or talked to for that matter. “Now, you, go back to sleep. I’ll sit Ethan in front of the TV for a bit and then make breakfast.”

“Stoooop!” Hayley groaned.

“What?” Josh asked.

“Stop trying to woo me.” She laughed. “You already have me, I promise.”

“Oh, ok, so you don’t want yummy bacon.” He kissed her quickly. “And eggs.” He kissed again. “And pancakes. And mayyyyybe even a Josh Farro smoothie?” He asked, adding a kiss between each item.

“Smoothieeeee!” Hayley squealed. She hadn’t had one oh his smoothies since before Ethan was born.

“Thought so.” He grinned. “So, I think I’ll continue to ‘woo’ you for as long as I want, Red.” He finished. “Get some sleep.” He added, kissing her forehead and walking out of the room.

“Ready buddy?” Hayley heard Josh ask in the hallway.

“Watch Elmo?” Ethan asked.

“Elmo’s sleeping.” Josh replied with a yawn.

“Time to wake up Elmoooooo!” Ethan sang as Josh carried him down the stairs. Hayley laughed to herself and settled back in to bed, feeling indescribably happy.

~*~

“How was he?” Hayley asked later that day when she picked Ethan up from daycare.

“He was fine.” Kelly smiled. Hayley smiled and nodded as Kelly talked about the kid’s activities that day. She hated the small talk she had to make with Kelly. It was the end of her day, and she was ready to just take her son home and relax.

“Ethan keeps saying that Mommy and Daddy slept in the same bed.” Kelly revealed with a smile.

“Oh my gosh!” Hayley gasped, blushing deeply.

“It’s normal!” Kelly laughed. “All kids say it. He’s just never been able to say it before, so he’s making sure everyone knows.”

“Ethaaaan!” Hayley groaned.

“Momma!” Ethan grinned, finally spotting her.

“I take it Ethan’s father is back in the picture?” Kelly asked.

“Uh, yeah…” Hayley mumbled, picking Ethan up. “He’s not officially moved in, we’re still trying to figure out what works best for Ethan.” She explained.

Kelly nodded. “Well, I must say, Ethan seems much happier than he was before Christmas.” She noted.  Hayley smiled and nodded.

“He really does…” She mused. “I just don’t know what will happen if things don’t work out…” She admitted.

“It’s a sticky situation.” Kelly agreed.

“Alright, well, I’ll see you tomorrow morning. Josh – er, his father, may be picking him up, I get out of work a bit late.” Hayley said. 

“Ok.” Kelly smiled. Hayley turned and walked out the door. She lowered Ethan to the ground so she could dig around for her car keys and she heard a small gasp from behind her. She turned around to see a shocked looking girl, not much younger than Hayley was, standing on the sidewalk.

“Uh, sorry!” The girl apologized, shaking her head. “But… are you… Hayley Williams?” Hayley smiled, she hadn’t been recognized in months. And never when she was with Ethan. Must be the hair.

“Yeah, I am.” Hayley smiled.

“Oh my gosh!” The girl grinned. “Hi! I’m Megan. Big Paramore fan!” Hayley smiled and shook Megan’s hand.

“Momma?” Ethan asked. “Who dat?” He pointed to the stranger.

“Awww!” Megan cooed. “Look at you! Aren’t you adorable…” Ethan huddled against Hayley shyly. She picked him up and turned back to the fan.

“This is Megan.” Hayley introduced.

“Why?” Ethan asked.

“Because that’s what her mommy decided to name her.” Hayley laughed. “Can you tell her your name?” Ethan shook his head and hid his face in her shoulder. Hayley smiled and looked back to Megan. “This is Ethan.”

“Etan Joswa Willams” Ethan yelped.

“He been practicing his name…” Hayley explained.

“You are the cutest thing ever!” Megan grinned. “My gosh, he looks so much like… uh, you…” She stuttered, trying to cover her tracks.

“You mean Josh?” Hayley laughed. Megan nodded and blushed. “It’s ok, Josh is his father.”

“Oh…” Megan said, a grin spreading across her face. “Wait! Is that why Paramore just like… fell off the face of the earth? I knew you were pregnant, but…”

“Yep, that’s pretty much it.” Hayley admitted. She was ready to end this conversation now. She really didn’t want to get in to this with a fan.

“What’s pawamowa?” Ethan asked.

“Mommy and Daddy used to be in a band together.” Hayley explained. “I sang and Daddy played the guitar.” Ethan shrugged, still confused, but he didn’t care.

“Mommy an Daddy seep in da same bed.” Ethan said with a nod, turning to Megan.

“Oh my gosh!” Hayley gasped, face going red. “Ethan!” Ethan grinned widely and placed his hands on Hayley’s cheeks with a giggle. Megan blushed and laughed.

“Uh… seeing Josh and I together is a bit of a new thing for him…” Hayley explained. She racked her brain, thinking of excuses to leave.

“I understand, my little niece says the same thing about my sister and brother-in-law.” Megan smiled. “Josh mustn’t have been around much, I thought he was out in California?”

“He was for a bit.” Hayley said, beginning to get annoyed. “Look, I’m sorry, but I’d really rather not get in to this…”

“Oh I’m so sorry!” Megan gasped. “I shouldn’t have…”

“It’s alright…” Hayley assured. “Just… want to enjoy our privacy for once I guess.” Hayley laughed.

“What’s piwacy?” Ethan asked.

“Privacy is when you want to keep things to yourself.” Hayley explained quickly. She pulled out her phone, which kept buzzing in her pocket and frowned. Two missed call and three text messages.

“Sorry…” She apologized as she opened her phone to see what was going on. “Oh my gosh!” She yelped with a grin. “I’m so sorry! I have to go!” Hayley said quickly, relieved for an excuse to leave. “It was nice to meet you! Come on Ethan!”

“Go home?” Ethan asked.

“No, Auntie Sarah is having her baby!” Hayley said, opening her car door and buckling Ethan in as quickly as she could.

“I see!” Ethan grinned happily.

“Yes! You’ll get to see her!” Hayley assured. “Soon!”

“Ethan, no.” Hayley said, pushing him away from a hospital chair. “You’ll get stuck.” There was on uncomfortable looking padded chair in Sarah’s hospital room, and Ethan was attempting to squeeze his head in the gap between two of the pieces that made up the back of the chair.

“Momma, I fit!” He said, showing Hayley that he could stick his head through the gap with several inches to spare.

“I know baby, but please don’t do that.” Hayley said, pushing his head out of the gap for what seemed like the hundredth time. “Josh, will you grab his coat? He’s getting restless, I think it’s time to go.”

“Yep.” Josh hurried over to the corner of the room and Hayley turned to Sarah.

“Sar, she’s so beautiful.” Hayley smiled, looking at the baby.

“My turn to hold her!” Jeremy said, grinning proudly. “Hey Grace! Hey baby!” Jeremy cooed.

“Oh jeez…” Josh sighed, looking behind Hayley.

“What?” Hayley asked. She turned around and covered her mouth to keep from laughing.

“Etan stuck.” Ethan said, frowning. He had somehow managed to squeeze through the gap in the chair and was stuck at his waist. Hayley couldn’t hold her laugh in for long and she had to turn away so Ethan wouldn’t see.

“Josh… could you… get him out?” Hayley asked between giggles. Josh nodded and bit his lip, trying to keep quiet himself.

Hayley quickly pulled out her camera and took a picture. Ethan raised his hands in the air, giving her ‘thumbs up’ just as she snapped the photo. Josh grabbed hold of Ethan’s legs and tugged, doubled over in silent laughter; Ethan looked completely ridiculous. In a matter of seconds, Josh had freed the poor toddler and successfully put his jacket on.

“Again!” Ethan grinned, running for the chair.

“Oh no you don’t!” Hayley laughed. Josh grabbed Ethan as he ran past and swung him in the air, making the toddler squeal in delight.

“Ok, now I really think it’s time to go.” Hayley said. “We’ll see you later. Congratulations again!”

“Bye! See you soon!” Sarah smiled tiredly. Jeremy grabbed Grace’s arm and waived it gently.

“Ethan, say bye-bye to Daddy.” Hayley said as the three walked out the main entry of the hospital.

“Daddy seep ova?” Ethan asked hopefully.

“Not tonight, buddy.” Josh replied. “It’s a week day, I have to go home tonight and plan what I’m going to do at work tomorrow.”

Ethan frowned and looked to Hayley. “Pwease?” He asked.

“Nope, Daddy has to work tomorrow.” Hayley repeated. Ethan crossed his arms and frowned. Josh shook his head and laughed quietly.

“I might see you this weekend though.” He said, hoping to lift Ethan’s sprits a bit.

“Pwease Momma?!” Ethan asked, eyes lighting up.

“Yeah! Pwease, Momma?” Josh echoed with a smile.

Hayley laughed and nodded. “Alright, Daddy can spend the night this weekend.” She agreed.

“Yaaay!” Ethan and Josh cheered together.

“Hey, I parked over this way.” Josh said to Hayley, nodding to his left. “I’ll see you tomorrow. Love you.” He kissed her quickly before turning to Ethan.

“See you tomorrow, little man!” He grinned. “Bye!” Hayley watched him go, eyes wide. Did he just say… love?

Just wanted to introduce the idea of Paramore to Ethan. :) hah.

This one is long... haha. The end is kinda important though. ...sorta... meh

Also, it's a little lacking in the Ethan department :( Heavy on the Joshayley though :)

This chapter is a little on the 'M' side of ratings, just to warn.

“Hey, I think I’m gonna get going, Ethan is ready for bed.” Hayley said, nodding to the sleepy toddler in her arms.

“Oh, come on, Hayles!” Zac complained. “You haven’t spent New Years Eve with us in so long!”

“Ethan can sleep in Josh’s room.” Emily pointed out. “Then you don’t have to leave us!” She said with a grin. Hayley frowned, thinking it over.

“Pleaseeeeee!” Jeremy and Zac begged with matching pouts. Ethan suddenly gasped and screeched right into Hayley’s ear, making her cringe.

“UNCLE TAY!” He yelled. He practically jumped out of Hayley’s arms toward Taylor. He was by far, Ethan’s favorite ‘uncle’, much to Zac’s dismay.

“Hey! How’s my favorite shorty!” Taylor smiled, pulling Ethan into his arms. Ethan grinned and rested his head on Taylor’s shoulder, already feeling tired again.

“Dude! You’re a redhead again!” Taylor gasped with a large smile, looking at Hayley.

“Yep!” Hayley laughed. “Did it at the while I was at work yesterday, I missed being red.” Hayley loved working at a salon as a make up artist. It brought lots of benefits, namely, free hair-dying. She had gone for a more natural red color this time, instead of her normal bright red and orange. She was a mother now, after all.

“Ok, you can’t leave now.” Zac said, pointing to Taylor. “T just got here! And you’re a redhead again. It’s a Paramore reunion!” Hayley frowned, Zac made a good point. The whole band hadn’t been in one room together since Zac and Emily’s wedding over a year ago.

“Alright.” She sighed. “Come on Ethan, let’s get you to bed.”

“Nooo!” Ethan screeched when Hayley tried to take him from Taylor.

“Can I put you to bed?” Taylor asked, preventing a tantrum. Ethan nodded and yawned. “Sweet deal.” Taylor smiled. “Where are we going?” He asked.

“Just down the hall here.” Hayley smiled. “Thanks Tay.”

“Actually, why don’t you bring him to the guest room upstairs instead, it’ll be quieter than Josh’s room.” Emily suggested. 

“Hayley! Hey!” Josh grinned, as she walked down the stairs. Hayley raised an eyebrow and laughed.

“Geez Josh, how much have you had to drink?” She asked as she made her way through the crowd.

“I’m not drunk!” He insisted. “Just tipsy.”

“Whatever you say.” Hayley laughed.

“You’re sexy, Red…” Josh noted, cocking his head to the side.

“Shut up.” Hayley laughed. “Red?”

“Mhmm, that’s your new nickname.” Josh explained as he played with a strand of her newly dyed hair. She laughed and pushed him away as he took a step toward her to put his arm around her.

“Josh, seriously, no.” She said. “No one knows about us yet, I don’t think this is the best way for them to find out.”

“They’re not paying attention.” Josh mumbled, pressing his forehead against hers.

Hayley’s eyes snapped shut, she could feel his hot breath on her lips, it was enough to make her knees go weak.

“Nooo.” She whined as common sense invaded. “Stop it.” Josh grinned and backed away.

“Just wanted to know that you wanted it too.” He said. “Here, have a Jell-o shot, the cherry flavored ones are awesome.” He handed over a shot-sized plastic cup filled with Jell-o.

“No, I have to drive Ethan home later.” Hayley said, pushing his hand away.

“Not for a while! One shot wont make a difference.” Josh insisted. “You have to let go for once! Yeah, you’re a mom now, but that doesn’t mean you have to stop having fun!” Hayley snatched to cup out of his hand, just to shut him up, and tipped the contents into her mouth.

An hour - and a few frozen drinks - later, Hayley was feeling a bit tipsy. She sat on the couch with Sarah and Josh’s mother, sharing stories of their children, while Emily listened on excitedly with a grin. She and Zac had announced at Christmas that Emily was expecting. The baby would be due in the beginning of September.

Hayley was quite enjoying the little tidbits of information about toddler-Josh she was gathering from his mother. She was already planning how to use the fact that he’d insisted on having a Barbie doll when he was three against him.

“Oh…” Hayley said suddenly, pressing her hand to her head as she laughed at a story about little Samuel.

“I’m dizzy.” She giggled. “I’m such a bad mother!”

“Hayley, you are not a bad mother just because you’re a bit drunk.” Sarah laughed. “If you were drunk on a regular basis… well that’s a different story, but you never drink. You’re a great mom.”

“Honey, sometimes you have to be drunk if you’re a mother.” Josh’s mom added. “Otherwise you’d go crazy.” She finished with a smile.

“Hey, Red!” Josh called from the corner of the room.

“Oh look, Dad’s drunk too.” Emily laughed as Josh walked over, looking determined.

“Hayley…” He said, kneeling down in front of her. “Hi…”

Hayley raised an eyebrow and looked to the other girls, trying not to laugh. “…Hi.” She replied.

“I just wanted to… uh…” He said. He looked around, realizing all the girls were staring at him. “Eh, fuck it. I just wanted to do this.” He placed a hand behind her neck and kissed her hard on the lips.

“Josh!” Hayley yelped. She pushed him away, face red. Sarah and Emily grinned widely, while Josh’s mother frowned, unsure of the situation.

“Finally!” Zac groaned from the other side of the room. “It’s about freaking time!” Hayley giggled and shook her head.

“See! They’re not mad!” Josh said, pointing around the room. Hayley shook her head and covered her face with her hands. The whole room suddenly erupted in a chorus of ‘kiss him, kiss him’ led by Taylor. She shrugged, feeling confident thanks to the alcohol she had consumed, and planted a sloppy kiss on his lips. Josh raised his arms in the air victoriously, still kissing back.

“Ok, go away now.” Hayley said, pushing him back with a smile.

“What the hell is this?!” Sarah asked over the now loud music pumping through the speakers. She had a huge grin on and she and Emily both pulled Hayley into a hug while Josh’s mom tried to make a beeline for her son.

“I knew it!” Emily grinned.

“It’s only been a few days.” Hayley informed. “When Ethan was sick… well… he was there for me and… eh whatever. I’ll tell you later, when it’s not so noisy!” She yelled.

Sarah nodded and pointed to Josh. “I think your lover wants you anyway.” She smiled. Hayley excused herself with a blush and walked over to Josh. He slipped his hand into hers and led her outside so they had some privacy.

“Hey…” He said hesitantly as they walked around to the back of the house.

“Hi…” Hayley giggled, she felt like she was back in high school, talking to her biggest crush. Josh smiled and stopped walking long enough to kiss her gently.

“Oh, how am I going to get home? Hayley groaned as the world around her started to spin a bit.

“Just stay here tonight.” Josh said with a shrug. “You can sleep in my bed, I’ll take the couch. Ethan’s fine where he is for the night, and Sammy’s up there with him now, so he’s not even alone in a strange house.” Hayley groaned and rested her head on Josh’s shoulder as they sat down on a bench in Zac’s backyard.

“This wasn’t a good idea.” She mumbled. “What if Eth gets sick again? I can’t drive. And there’s no way you can drive.”

“We’ll call a cab.” Josh shrugged.

“There are no cabs, it’s New Years Eve.” Hayley frowned.

“We’ll call an ambola… no… ambulance.” Josh said, stumbling over his words drunkenly.

“That won’t scare Ethan.” Hayley said sarcastically.

“Hayley, he’s fine now. He’s not sick anymore.” Josh sighed. Hayley smiled and rested her head against his chest. Without warning, and for no reason, she began to laugh – one of the many oddities of being drunk – and when she pulled away to look at Josh, she froze. His lips looked so inviting…

She leaned forward and mashed her lips against his. She wriggled her way into his lap, kissing whatever her lips came in contact with along the way. Josh groaned loudly and dug his fingers into her hips, pulling her closer to him eagerly.

“You’re ringing.” Hayley said breathlessly as a noise from his pocket filled the air around them.

“Don’t care.” He replied. “More important things to do.” He added huskily. He slipped his tongue into her mouth, making her moan.

“Pick it up.” Hayley insisted, pulling away from Josh. “Could be important.”

He groaned in complaint and gently pushed Hayley off his lap so he could get to his phone. Hayley couldn’t help but look down as he dug his hand into the pocket of his jeans and she bit her lip at what she saw. Even in the darkness of the night sky around them, she could tell he wanted her. Her heart skipped a few beats and she realized she couldn’t help herself. She wanted him, too.

“Hello?” Josh said, raising the phone to his ear. Hayley let her instincts take over and she slid back onto his lap.

“Mom, hiii-ahh!” He choked out as Hayley left hot, sloppy kisses along his neck. He tried to push her away, but he couldn’t. Mostly because, deep down, he didn’t want her to stop.

“Josh? Are you… alright?” His mother asked on the other line.

“F-fine.” He replied, clearing his throat. “What’s up?”

“What do you think you’re doing?” She asked.

Josh froze. “What do you mean?” He asked slowly, trying to sound as normal as he could while Hayley nipped at his neck teasingly.

“With Hayley! What do you think you are doing?” She demanded. Josh panicked and quickly pushed Hayley away from him. He looked around, expecting to see his mother somewhere in the yard or peering out a window from inside the house.

“Uh… w-what are you talking about?” He asked.

“Jesus Josh, how drunk are you?” his mother sighed. “Are you two seriously dating again?”

“Oh!” He said, laughing. “I thought… ah never mind. Yeah, we are.”

“Josh… I don’t know if this is a good idea.” She admitted. “She was an absolute wreck last time… I don’t want to see her go through that again.”

“Mom, please!” Josh scoffed. “It’s not gonna be like that.”

“Just… be careful, Josh.” She sighed.

“Yeah, yeah. I know.” He said. “Look, I don’t want to talk about this now.”

“Where did you get off to anyway? Everyone is looking for you.” She asked, distracted from her point now.

“I left.” Josh shrugged. “Hayley and I are taking a walk.” He said. Well… it wasn’t exactly a lie… they had been walking. They were just… taking a break. “I reeeeeally have to go now.” He said, voice strained as Hayley dug her nails into his thigh.

“I want to talk to you tomorrow.” She said sternly, still having no idea what was going on between her son and Hayley.

“Yep, call you then. Bye!” He said quickly, hanging up the phone.  “That was unpleasant.” He groaned, throwing his phone onto the bench next to him. “I’m not answering next time.”

“Ok.” Hayley giggled. “Your mom mad about us?” She asked.

“Concerned.” Josh corrected. “I don’t want to talk about this now.” He added. His eyes were dark and he looked ready to pounce.

“Me either.” Hayley whispered. Josh lunged forward, toppling Hayley onto her back and she immediately snuck her hands under his shirt and ran her fingertips lightly along his tight abs. Josh’s stomach contracted and he shivered at her touch. He hovered over her, taking in as much as he could about her and committing it to memory. He didn’t want to forget this anytime soon.

He leaned down slowly and kissed her lightly on the lips. Each time she tried to deepen the kiss, Josh pulled back a bit with a sly smile. He ran his tongue slowly along her lower lip, enjoying the taste of vodka and cherry flavoring mix that lingered there.

His tongue slipped easily between her lips and he gasped and let out a low moan as her tongue pressed against his. He soon found that he could resist no longer and he began to thrust his hips against Hayley’s slowly.

Hayley cried out and quickly slapped her hand to her mouth. “Shit!” She whispered. “That was loud.”

Josh grinned. “I don’t mind.” He laughed. “I don’t mind at all.”

“I don’t want people to hear us!” She said, hitting Josh lightly.

“Hayles, it’s loud in there.” He replied, nodding toward the house. “No one will be able to hea-oh!” He gasped as her fingers slid under the waist of his jeans. His eyes snapped shut and he rested his head in the crook of her neck, panting. He began biting and sucking at her neck noisily and Hayley threw her head back, trying her hardest not to cry out once more as he began moving again.

“Josh.” She gasped. “We can’t.” She added, panting. “We can’t do this…”

“But I want tooooo!” He whined. Hayley laughed and pushed him away.

“Let me finish.” She said. “We can’t do this here.”

Josh grinned. “And why is that?” he asked.

“Because we’re in the middle Zac’s fucking back yard! Anyone could walk by!” She laughed.

“You raise a good point.” He replied. “But I really don’t care about everyone else right now.” He teased.

Hayley rolled her eyes. “Come on.” She wiggled out from under him and dragged him back toward the house.

They snuck back into the house and made a dash for Josh’s room. Hayley shut and locked the door while Josh tugged his shirt off and threw it over his shoulder.

“Wait!” Hayley giggled, dodging Josh as he walked toward her purposefully. She hurried to his dresser and pulled a small, silver packet out of his sock drawer. “Still keep these in the same place I see.” She grinned. “Best to be safe this time.” She added, blushing slightly, and placing the condom on the bedside table until it was needed. Josh laughed and climbed into the bed, pulling Hayley after him.

“Shit…” Hayley giggled as the bedsprings groaned loudly. “Is this you’re old bed?”

Josh smiled and nodded. “Brings back memories, huh?” He asked. Hayley raised an eyebrow and placed a hand behind his neck, pulling him toward her. He rolled over, pinning her beneath him. Hayley gasped as he thrust his hips into hers, simultaneously wincing at the noise the bed made.

“Shh!” She scolded, pressing her head against his chest, laughing quietly. “You’re making the bed squeak. People will hear!”

“Oh boy…” He whispered. “This should be interesting.” He added with a lopsided grin.

“5…4…3…2…1! HAPPY NEW YEAR!” The house burst out, just as Josh and Hayley ran back into the living room. Couples turned to each other and shared drunken New Year’s kisses. Josh grinned as he looked around. He pulled Hayley close and kissed her passionately.

“Happy New Year…” He mumbled against her lips.

“Happy New Year.” Hayley replied giddily.

“Where have you two been?!” Zac asked as he spotted the couple.

“Outside.” Josh lied. Unfortunately, he was unable to wipe a grin off his face, causing Zac to raise an eyebrow curiously.

“Oh like hell…” Jeremy laughed as he looked between the two. “I saw you two sneak into Josh’s room.”

“Jeremy, shut up!” Josh snapped, he had always liked to keep private things private.

“Gross!” Zac groaned. “Dude, you’re in my house!”

“On my bed.” Josh defended.

“Any good New Years resolutions?” Taylor interrupted, in an attempt to prevent a friendly brotherly fight.

“I’m gonna be a better dad.” Josh said immediately. “And a better boyfriend, and I’m gonna find a new place to live.”

“I like that one.” Zac teased.

“And.” Josh continued, turning to Hayley. “I’m going to take you on a date at least once a month.” He said, accentuating the ‘you’ with a light, playful tap on Hayley’s nose.

“Sounds good to me!” Hayley replied. She pulled Josh into a hug and smiled. She felt so safe and secure in his arms. How had she lived without him for so long?

Hope I didn't burn your eyes out or something equally as bad! haha

More Ethan in the next chapter, I promise

I'm being forced to update... hahaha. :)

This chapter is kinda... filler-y. :/

“Ethan’s awake.” Hayley mumbled as Josh kissed her neck gently.

Josh paused and pulled his head back to look at Hayley. “What?” He asked, furrowing his eyebrows. “It’s only six in the morning. How do you know?”

“Heard him.” Hayley replied. She kissed the corner of his mouth and smiled. She could get used to waking up like this. Too bad it wasn’t a real possibility at this point, considering they’d only officially been together for less than twelve hours.

“I didn’t hear anything.” Josh shrugged. He moved around under the blankets and pulled Hayley close to him.

“Instinct. You’ll pick it up eventually.” Hayley replied. “Took me a few months.” She sighed and rested her head on Josh’s chest. He shook his head, smiling, and rolled over so he was laying on top of her. He captured her lips in a sweet kiss and tangled his fingers in her hair.

“Mmmm.” Hayley sighed with a smile as they broke for air. “I’m tellin’ you, Ethan’s gonna walk through that door within the next two minutes.” She warned.

“Better make the most of the time we’ve got then.” Josh replied with a cocky grin. Hayley laughed and pushed him away. “Seriously, Josh. Come on, we should get out of bed. I don’t want to shock him too much. Especially since you don’t actually live here…”

“Yeah, yeah.” Josh sighed. “I see how it is.” He teased. “Making up Ethan excuses to get me away from you.” Just as he finished, the door creaked open.

“Hi Dad.” Ethan said, as if seeing Josh in his mother’s bed was the most normal thing ever. Josh and Hayley both jumped and blushed furiously.

“Mommy, brefasst time?” Ethan asked, still unfazed by the sudden presence of his father. Hayley snickered quietly while Josh laid in slight shock as Ethan pulled himself up onto the bed and nestled himself between his parents.

“How are you feeling?” Hayley asked. She raised her palm to his forehead to check his temperature. He was still a little warm, but not hot anymore.

“Hungy.” Ethan replied. “Listen!” He said, pointing to his stomach. Sure enough, a loud, hungry gurgle came from inside. Hayley smiled and pulled back the covers to get out. 

“Ok, lets go get something to eat.” Hayley yawned.

“I’ll do it!” Josh said, jumping up. “You go take a bath and relax for a while, Ethan and I can have some male bonding time.” He grinned.

“Yeah!” Ethan said excitedly. “Relass, Momma! Come on Daddy!”

“How about we get dressed and Daddy can have a shower?” Hayley suggested. “Then you and Daddy can make breakfast before Mommy has to go to work.” Ethan nodded.

“Towels are in the bathroom closet, Josh.” Hayley said with a smile.

“Towas in coset, Joss!” Ethan echoed.

“Thanks.” Josh laughed.

“Are we having a parrot day?” Hayley asked Ethan.

“Pawwot day!” Ethan grinned.

“Aw, my little echo.” Hayley laughed. “See you in a bit, Josh.” He nodded and headed for the bathroom.

“Daddy’s here!” Ethan pointed out as he and Hayley entered his room.

“Mmhmm.” Hayley replied. “He wanted to make sure you were ok, so he spent the night. He’s going home tonight though, ok?” She asked. Ethan pouted. “I’m serious! He has to go to his house tonight.”

“Oookayyyyy.” Ethan sighed.

“Arms up!” Hayley said. Ethan raised his arms and Hayley pulled off his nightshirt.

~*~

“Ah, that’s the first time in so long that I’ve actually been able to enjoy a shower.” Hayley grinned as she entered the kitchen. “I even got to shave my legs for once.” She added with a laugh.

“Good!” Josh smiled. “Ethan and I didn’t do too much damage to the house. Did we. EJ?”

“Nope!” Ethan grinned.

“Breakfast?” Josh asked, holding out a plate of Eggo waffles with syrup drizzled over them. Hayley’s eyes went wide in excitement. She usually was only able to scarf down a piece of toast in the mornings.

“Yes, please!” She grinned, taking the plate happily.

“You ready to spend the day with me?” Josh asked Ethan.

“Yes!” Ethan grinned.

“Oh shoot, is it really eight thirty? I’ve got to get to work!” Hayley complained. She hurried forward and kissed Ethan. “Be good for Daddy!” She said. “Call me if his fever goes up again.” She added, talking to Josh. “His doctor’s appointment is at one. Don’t forget!”

“Got it.” Josh nodded. He followed Hayley to the front door and kissed her quickly. “Have a great day.” He smiled. Hayley bit her lip and smiled. She didn’t think she would ever get used to kissing him.

“My last make-up consult is at three, so I should be home by four thirty so you can go home and get some rest.” She informed.

“Alright, see you then.” Josh said, although he had no intention of leaving once she got home.

“Bye…” She said hesitantly. She stood on her toes and kissed him slowly. He smiled and put his hands on her waist, kissing back passionately.

“Wow.” She whispered against his lips.

“Yeah…” Josh laughed quietly.

“Yucky.” Ethan said as he walked into the entryway. “Daddy, come pay wif me.”  Hayley jumped away from Josh immediately. So much for keeping her and Josh’s relationship a secret… Although, really, the fact that Ethan had found Josh in her bed earlier that morning had probably been the real giveaway.

Hayley cleared her throat and hurried out the door, leaving Josh to explain.

~*~

“How are my boys?” Hayley called as she walked through the door later that day.

“Daddy mean.” Ethan pouted, running toward Hayley and holding his arms out for her. His eyes were wet and his face was red. He’d just thrown a temper tantrum, no doubt.

“Why is Daddy mean?” Hayley sighed, picking him up. He rested his head on her shoulder and started rocking back and forth.

“EJ wanted to go outside.” Josh explained. “But we had to stay inside because he’s still got a fever.”

“Ah.” Hayley said. “Ethan, you have plenty of toys inside, why didn’t you play with those?”

“Don’t want to.” He replied angrily. “Outside!” 

“But the doctor said we have to stay inside, remember?” Hayley pointed out. Josh had taken him to see the pediatrician that afternoon and reported back to Hayley as soon as they had left. Ethan was officially fine, but the doctor told Josh to keep an eye on him and keep him inside and away from daycare if possible until he was better.

“Outsiiiiiide!” He complained, crying again.

“No, we’re staying inside.” Hayley said firmly. “Come on, let’s get some hot chocolate.” Ethan froze and stared at Hayley. He loved hot chocolate, but he knew there were some ulterior motives behind the offer.

“No hot chocolate until you act like a big boy though.” Hayley said. Ethan frowned. There it was! The ‘condition’ for his hot chocolaty goodness.

“Daddy, I have to potty!” He said instantly, twisting in Hayley’s arms to get to Josh. Hayley laughed and handed him over to Josh. Ever since Daddy had come into the picture, Hayley had been having a difficult time getting Ethan to allow her to take him to the bathroom. He was starting to realize the boys and girls were different, and he was becoming more and more self-conscious around Hayley, although that self-consciousness was only limited to the bathroom. Hayley still woke up to a naked Ethan running through the house on occasion.

“Ok, buddy, lets go.” Josh smiled. A few moments later, they reappeared from the bathroom.

“All done.” Josh announced. “He did a good job, minus the fact I got peed on a little.” He said, gesturing to a small wet patch on his shirt.

“I have hot chakit now?” Ethan asked excitedly. Hayley stifled a laugh and handed over a glass of slightly warm hot chocolate, so he wouldn’t burn himself.

“That’s what little boys do.” She sighed, talking to Josh. “It’s happened many a time to me. Would you like some hot chocolate?” She asked. He shook his head and began digging around the refrigerator.

“What would you like for dinner?” He asked over his shoulder. Hayley smiled, she could definitely get used to Josh being in her house. 

:/ Ehh... next one will be better, haha.

Passion? They haz it. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IcDDQKE5pxo in case that link doesn't work for some people)

Watch from 4:10 on.

Srsly, I cried. And I'm totally not ashamed to admit that. I still shake every time I watch/listen to it.

Josh, I freaking love you for playing that at the end...

MP3: http://www.sendspace.com/file/iqwh89

5 pages in Microsoft Word... haha. Kinda boring at times. I think? Eh, whatever. 

“Pick up Josh!” Hayley grumbled into her phone. She had called him three times straight, but still wasn’t getting an answer. She knew he was at school, for some teacher’s workshop, but she needed him right now.

She had thought about calling Sarah for support, but Sarah was too pregnant at this point to be dragged to a hospital and be worried about Ethan. Plus… Hayley wanted Josh. She didn’t know why, but she just needed him right now. He would make things better.

“Damn it, Josh!” Hayley groaned as the phone went to voicemail once more. She hung up and dialed his number again.

“What?” Josh spat into his phone after the third ring.

“Josh!” Hayley gasped. “Finally!”

“Hayley, I’m in a meeting.” He said shortly.

“I know.” She said, voice wavering.

“Whoa, what’s up?” He asked, concerned now.

“Ethan.” She choked out. “Uh…” She took a few deep breaths to calm herself, trying not to frighten the poor boy in her lap. If she let on that she was upset about the whole situation, Ethan would be even more scared than he currently was.

“Oh my gosh…” Josh said, thinking the worst. He excused himself from the meeting and ran to his classroom to get his coat and car keys.

“No! No!” Hayley said quickly. “He’s ok! Well… ah I don’t know.” She added.

“Is that him crying in the background? Where are you?”

“Yeah, it’s him.” She said. She cleared her throat, finally gaining control of her emotions. “Uh, we’re at the emergency room. He woke up last night with a pretty high fever. The doctors told me not to bring him in because it was probably just the flu. But this morning he was even worse, so now we’re here.” She explained. “We’ve been here for four hours now and they still don’t know what’s wrong. They’ve taken a lot of blood and done a urine test and a few x-rays. Now they want to do a CT scan to look at his chest.” Hayley finished, voice unsteady.

“I’m on my way.” Josh said. He tried to sound strong, but on the inside his heart was racing and he was frightened for his son. He pulled on his jacket and ran for the door.

“He’s been crying since he woke up this morning…” Hayley said quietly. “He’s terrified. I just want to make it better! I hate seeing him like this…”

“Daddyyyy!” Ethan wailed in the background.

“Do you want to talk to Daddy?” Hayley asked quickly. Ethan nodded and Hayley pressed the phone to his ear.

“Daddy?” Ethan asked through his tears.

“Hey! Ethan!” Josh said, trying to sound upbeat. “How are you, buddy?” Ethan wailed into the phone in response.

“Hey, I’m gonna come see you, I’ll be there soon, ok?” Josh said as he slammed his car door shut. “Can you stay strong for Mommy?” He asked.

“Y-yea-ah” Ethan hiccupped into the phone.

“Ok, I love you!” Josh said. “I’ll see you in a little bit.” He ended the call and turned his keys in the ignition.

~*~

“I’m looking for Hayley and Ethan Williams!” Josh said quickly as he ran into the emergency room.”

“Are you Josh?” An annoyed looking nurse behind the check-in desk asked. He nodded quickly and looked around the room, trying to spot them. “Your wife and son are in exam room three.” The nurse sighed.

“Thank you!” He called over his shoulder, not bothering to correct her.

“How is he?” Josh asked as he burst through the door.

“We just finished the scan.” Hayley sighed, stroking Ethan’s back. “We’re waiting to see if he has to be admitted to the hospital or not.”

Hayley looked completely drained, both physically and mentally. Ethan was lying on the exam table, curled up in a little ball. He was sweating and looked scared. At least he had stopped crying…

“Hey, buddy!” Josh said quietly. Ethan looked up and smiled faintly. “Do you not feel well?” Josh asked with a frown. Ethan shook his head.

“Everything will be ok.” Josh assured, more to Hayley than to Ethan since the toddler didn’t seem to be paying much attention. “The doctors will make everything better.”

“Hello! You must be Mr. Williams.” A doctor said happily as he walked into the room.

“Josh.” Josh replied. “Uh. Josh Farro, not Williams.”

“Oh! My mistake.” The doctor smiled.
“What’s going on?” Josh asked in a businesslike tone. “What’s wrong with my son?”

“Hard to say I’m afraid.” The doctor frowned. “Everything is normal so far. The CT scan we just did showed no abnormalities.” 

“Well, how do we find out?” Josh asked.

“We’d like to do a lumbar puncture for some diagnostic testing.” The doctor explained. Hayley gasped and her eyes went wide.

“No!” She said. “No! Please don’t! He’s already terrified enough.”

“What would you be testing for with the puncture?” Josh asked calmly.

“Nothing specific. We would just run some generic tests to find out what’s wrong.” The doctor explained.

Josh shook his head. “Not good enough.” He said. “You’re not sticking a giant needle in our son’s back for ‘nothing in particular’. What else can you do?”

“This is what we would like to try next.” The doctor continued.

“I didn’t ask what you would like to do. I asked what else you could do.” Josh said slowly.

“Sir, we’re just trying to find out what is wrong with little Ethan here.” The doctor explained. “This is the fastest way.”

“You don’t know that!” Hayley cut in. Josh raised his hand a bit, letting her know he would take care of it.

“Find a different test.” Josh said simply. “Unless there is a good, solid reason he has to have a lumbar puncture, we’re not giving the ok. You’ve done so many pointless tests already. We will not put him through that much pain without having an idea of what’s wrong.”

“Sir, it really is the fastest route…”

“I don’t care.” Josh said. “Having him not feel well for a few extra hours is far better than putting him through that much pain.”

“You’ll just be putting it off.” The doctor said.

“Find a different test.” Josh spat. “We are the parents, we make the decision. There is no need to be this impulsive. There are other tests out there.”

“We’ve done everything we can.” The doctor said.

“Then go look at the tests again.” Josh demanded. “Hayley and I will talk things over. Let us know what the best guess is without doing the puncture for now.” The doctor sighed in frustration, turned on his heel and left, saying he’d be back soon.

“Oh my gosh!” Hayley sighed as the door clicked shut. “This is a nightmare.” She walked over to Josh and rested her head on his chest, relieved that he was finally here. He wrapped his arms around her and hugged her, rubbing her back gently.

“Everything is going to be fine.” He whispered, hoping he was right. He felt Hayley shake in his arms and knew instantly that she was crying. “Shh…” He whispered. “It’s ok.” He glanced over at Ethan and smiled.

“What are you doing, buddy?” He asked. Hayley pulled back and wiped her eyes before Ethan saw her, while Josh walked over to the toddler who was attempting to sit up.

“Momma, hold me.” Ethan said weakly. Hayley lifted him into the air, flinching slightly as her arms screamed in complaint. Holding a two and a half year old all day was tough on the arms…

Hayley’s eyes went wide and she smiled for the first time all day. “Hey! I think your fever has gone down a little.” She commented, feeling his forehead.

“What are you talking about?” Josh asked. “He’s burning up!”

“Not as much as this morning.” Hayley explained. “Are you feeling a little better?” She asked.

“No.” Ethan replied, playing with a strand of Hayley’s hair.

“Hey, can I hold you?” Josh asked as he watched Hayley shift the heavy toddler in her arms.

“Ok.” Ethan said with a shrug. He leaned toward Josh and wrapped his arms around his father’s neck.

“Thanks.” Hayley sighed, shaking her arms out. “You’re heavy, Ethan!”

“Uh huh.” Ethan replied with a yawn. “Go home now?” He asked.

“Not quite yet, buddy.” Josh said. “Soon though.”

“You know what?” Hayley said thoughtfully. “I think he is feeling better. He’s talking a bit now. He’s hardly said a word all day.”

“It’s ‘cause I’m here.” Josh joked. “I make everything better, don’t I EJ?” Ethan cocked his head to the side and raised an eyebrow at Josh. Hayley burst out laughing and rubbed Ethan’s back.

“Oh, that was perfect!” She laughed. Ethan smiled faintly, knowing he’d done something funny. He groaned soon after, and rested his head on Josh’s shoulder.

“Knock, knock!” A voice called from the hall. Before anyone could reply, the door opened and a nurse’s head slid inside.

“Bekah!” Hayley gasped in relief.

“I got your message.” She said, looking at Ethan with a frown. “What do we have here? Do you feel icky?” She asked. Ethan nodded and rubbed his eyes.

“I think he’s starting to feel a little better.” Hayley said. “The doctor wants to do a lumbar puncture.”

“Is he insane?” Bekah scoffed.

“Absolutely crazy if he thinks we’re gonna allow that.” Josh said.

“Oh wow, it is so weird to see you finally holding Ethan…” Bekah noted with a grin. Josh smiled faintly and began to rock back and forth, to see if he could get Ethan to sleep at all.

“Well, I’m not a doctor, and I probably shouldn’t be saying anything, but I was reviewing Ethan’s tests-” Bekah began.

“Did you see anything?” Hayley asked hopefully.

“Well, no, nothing too out of the ordinary.” Bekah explained. “But it could be some sort of bacterial infection making it’s way through his system. Especially if he’s starting to feel a little better now.”

“Feel bad.” Ethan said tiredly.

“Yeah, you feel bad, don’t you?” Josh whispered, still rocking back and forth.

“He’s talking more…” Hayley said. “And his fever isn’t quite as high.”

“What’s all this?” The doctor asked as he returned to the room.

“Could it be bacterial?” Hayley asked, not bothering to explain.

The doctor frowned at Bekah and turned to Josh and Hayley. “That is looking like the best answer, yes. But we don’t know the source of the infection. We would still like to do the lumbar puncture.”

“You’re not doing that for a bacterial infection!” Josh sneered. “He’s starting to feel better, talking more, moving around. Why don’t we take him home and see how things go. If he’s still this bad tomorrow, we’ll reassess the situation.”

The doctor sighed and nodded, seeing that he was going to lose his fight. “Alright. If he gets any worse, bring him back immediately.” He advised. “Bring him to your pediatrician tomorrow and we’ll see how things are. I’m not writing any sort of antibiotic prescription until we know more, I don’t want to risk making things worse.” With that, the doctor left.

“Thank you, Bekah.” Hayley sighed.

“No problem.” She smiled. “I’ve got to get back to work, I hope he feels better soon.”

“Thanks, see you later.” Hayley smiled.

“Come on, let’s get you two home.” Josh said, putting his hand on the small of Hayley’s back and leading her out of the hospital.

~*~

Through the evening, Ethan seemed to be getting much better. He was eating and moving around a lot more, although he still had a pretty high fever. Josh had decided to stay at Hayley’s house for the rest of the afternoon and evening to help keep an eye on Ethan in hopes that Hayley would get some rest, but it was no use. Hayley refused to sleep. She did however give in quickly to his offer to make dinner.

“Hey! Dinner’s ready!” Josh called. He poured two glasses of red wine, knowing that Hayley needed it after her day.

“Hayley?” He called. “Dinner!” There was still no reply. He frowned, placed the wine bottle on the counter and headed for the living room.

“Shh!” Ethan said as Josh walked in. “Momma is sleepy.” Josh smiled, Hayley was sprawled out across the couch, sleeping soundly.  She looked adorable. He covered her up with a blanket and picked Ethan up off the floor.

“Are you hungry?” He asked quietly. Ethan shook his head and yawned. “Sleepy?” Josh asked. Ethan nodded and rested his head on Josh’s shoulder.

“Bed.” He mumbled.

“Ok, lets get you to bed.” Josh said. It was already seven-thirty, and after what Ethan had been through, it was no surprise he was exhausted.

Josh took him upstairs, and tucked him in to bed. The poor kid was out like a light before Josh even finished reading the first page of Ethan’s bedtime story. Josh headed back down to Hayley and knelt down beside the couch, pushing some hair out of her face.

“Josh?” Hayley mumbled tiredly, waking up at his touch.

“I’m here.” He replied quietly.

“Thank you.” She whispered. “For being there.” She leaned forward, eyes still shut, and kissed him gently. Josh jumped in surprise, but his eyes snapped shut and he placed his hand on the back of her neck, kissing back firmly. They both gasped for air as they parted and stared at each other, mesmerized.

“Lets get you to bed.” Josh said finally, deciding she was too tired to really know what she had done. “You deserve some sleep.” Hayley nodded in agreement and allowed Josh to help her up.

“Come on.” She said, holding out her hand. Josh looked at her curiously before finally taking her hand.

“I’m sorry.” She said as they walked toward the stairs. “About everything. I’m still not sure about this… you and I dating thing, but I think, after today, I’m willing to give it a shot.” Josh broke out into a grin and pulled her close.

“I’m sorry too.” He whispered. “I swear to you, this time will be better. No walking out, no breaking up.”

“Whatever you say…” Hayley laughed. Josh darted toward her and kissed her, trying to show her how happy he was through the kiss. Hayley sighed contentedly and wrapped her arms around his neck.

“Don’t make me regret this decision.” She warned. 

“Me! Do something to make you upset? Never!” He teased. Hayley rolled her eyes and dragged him up the stairs.

:)

I don't know when the next update will be... hopefully sometime before Wednesday! Thursday at the latest. ...I think... lol