Chapter 13

The weeks had gone by quickly, and everyone was excited about the new tour.  It was arranged for each of the girls to come along on the tour if they wanted.  A third bus was added to accommodate everyone, so, arrangements were comfortable.

However, there was more concern for Leighanne.  She still wasn’t feeling well, although, she suspected why.

“Brian, I think we need to talk.” she whispered after the final rehearsals.

“Sure, what’s up?  Are you nervous about leaving in a few days?” he asked.

“Umm, no, but I think I need to see a doctor.  Would you be willing to take me to Dr. Christine?” she asked with a smile.

“Yeah, but wasn’t that Heather’s doctor who delivered…?” he questioned, but stopped mid-sentence.

“Yup, that is the one.  I think I need to go and see her.” she smiled again.

“You think…I mean, you know…I mean…” Brian stuttered.

“Yes, Brian…it is the only logical thing.  I have been sick in the mornings for the past few weeks, and well, considering my period is late by almost two weeks, umm, yeah.” she said, trying not to blush.

“Oh my sweet Jesus!” Brian yelled.  “I can’t believe it!!”

Everyone across the room turned to look at them.  “Gee, you got some extraordinary news over there Brian?” Nick yelled.

“Umm, yeah…no…I guess…but I don’t know for sure…but yeah.” he rambled.

They all looked at him confused, wondering what his problem was.  “Well, then, just tell us.” Howie said.

Leighanne immediately spoke up.  “Guys, I have some news, it’s unconfirmed, but I highly suspect it.  I think I am pregnant, and well, I think that is why I have been sick lately.” she smiled.

Howie and AJ’s jaws dropped to the floor in astonishment while Nick laughed.  Kevin was still in his own little world with Dee, so, the news wasn’t so exciting.  He was secretly wishing that he had his own children, but he didn’t figure that would be for a while.

“Well, well, well, so the B-rockster is gonna be a daddy!  That is too scary!” Nick joked.

“If you can do it lame brain, then he can too.” AJ teased.

“Well, when will you find out for sure?” Kat asked.

“Brian and I are going to go now to Dr. Christine’s to find out.  But, I am almost positive.” Leighanne smiled.

Brian quickly took her by the hand, and very ‘gently’ escorted her to the car.  “Watch out, coming through, precious cargo…make way!” he was shouting as he walked her out to the car and the drove away.

Nick, Howie, Kevin, and AJ stood around, not sure what to do.  Brian looked so happy, so, in turn, they were too.

“Well, looks like little Katie will have someone to play with.” AJ said amused.

“Yeah…but that means more late night feedings, diaper changes, and well, SHOPPING SPREES!!!” Howie said happily.

“Now wait a minute…we don’t want to jinx this, so, let’s just wait and see what is happening before we all get overly excited.” Kevin said.

“Come on Kevin, why do you always have to be the party pooper around here?  You always are sooo damn pessimistic.” Nick said.

“Oh, that was a big word for you wasn’t it Nick?” Kevin mocked him.

“Oh lay off smart ass.  Just because you are older than me doesn’t mean you can push me around.  I’m a daddy!” Nick said as he puffed his chest out, trying to look tough.

“Yeah, well, Mr. Mom, you need to go and check on Katie, it looks like she is getting into something she shouldn’t be.” Kevin replied as he pointed in Katie’s direction.

Everyone turned to see what he was talking about, and then burst into fits of laughter.  Katie was sitting proudly on the ground next to Nick’s duffle bags, and was very carefully unpacking everything Nick had put in them.  First she would pull out his t-shirts and lay them out neatly on the ground, then she pulled out his socks and lined them up in a row.  The funniest thing to see was when she pulled out his underwear and started putting them on her head.

“Dada!!  Hat!  Dada!  Lookee!” she yelled as she continued to pull out his boxers and place them on her little head.

“Kathryn Lynne, what do you think you are doing?” he said with a stern look on his face.

Immediately, the tiny tot looked at her father and then dropped the boxers on the ground.  She then waddled off towards “Unckie AaYea”(AJ in her precious little baby talk) for safety.

“Aww, Nick, she was just playing.  Just look at her.  She is shaking in her little bootie socks.” AJ tried to convince Nick.

“Well, Kathryn, you are going to help Daddy put all his clothes back in the bag, okay?” he said gently to his daughter.

Katie soon looked up at AJ and her eyes were asking if it was safe.  “Hey, little Bits, you go and help your daddy while we finish getting the rest of the stuff stowed on the buses.  As soon as Leighanne and Brian get back, we are off.” AJ said and then set Katie down, patted her on the bottom and scooted her off towards Nick.

“Oh yeah, Nick, where is Liz?  I thought she was coming with us.” Howie asked as they walked towards the buses.

“Umm, she said she needed to go out and get something for the trip.  She said she would be back in time for the bus.” Nick answered.  “I just hope she is okay.  I worry about her.  Guys, do you think it was wrong for me to ask her to come with us?  I mean, she is really sweet and she and Katie get along, and well, I…I don’t know…I just think of her as a great friend.  I know that Heather would be happy to know that Katie is being taken care of properly.” he said as his voice trailed off.

Kevin, AJ, and Howie stood there trying to decipher Nick’s words.  After a few moments, AJ spoke up, “Nick, you like her don’t you?”

“AJ, no, not like that.  Yes, I like Liz, but she is someone who I care for deeply as a friend.  That is it.” He said denying it all.

“Yeah, and pigs fly.  I will believe that when monkey’s fly out your ass and you grow boobs.” AJ laughed.

Howie and Kevin burst into hysterics as Nick stood there in amazement.  “Guys, I swear…it is not like that.” he insisted.

As that moment, Liz walked up.  “What’s not like that Nick?” she asked, confused.

They all turned and quickly stopped laughing.  “Umm, nothing Liz.  The guys were just picking on me.  But, come on, I have to tell you about what Katie did a few minutes ago.  You should have seen it…” his voice rambled as he and Liz walked away.

Howie, AJ, and Kevin just looked at each other and then followed behind them.

*** *** ***

“So, Leighanne, how long have you been feeling like this?” Dr. Christine asked.

“For several weeks, but, mostly it has gotten worse in the last two weeks.” she answered.

“Are there any other symptoms you are experiencing?” she smiled.

“Look, Dr. Christine. I think you know why we are here.  Just tell us the answer.” Brian blurted out.

Dr. Christine and Leighanne started to laugh.  “Brian, I am almost positive that the answer is yes.  But, I just need to do one blood test, and that will be the answer.”

Dr. Christine drew the blood and took it into the lab for the test.  After a short wait, she came back with the results.

“Well, congratulations, Leighanne, Brian, you will be the proud parents of a cousin to Katie in about 7 ½ months.” Dr. Christine joked.

“You mean, I’m gonna be a daddy?” Brian asked as he passed out on the floor.

Leighanne laughed and then helped Brian up off the floor.  “Honey, I sure hope you don’t do that when I have the baby…” she laughed as the doctor excused them.

“Oh, and Leighanne, if you are going on tour with them…may I suggest getting nurse to travel with you.  OR, promise me you will get regular check-ups.” Dr. Christine said.

“Don’t worry doc, I will keep up with it.  I promise.” Leighanne replied as they left the office.

*** *** ***

Liz was in hysterics as Nick told the story about Katie.  “I really wish I could have been there to see that.  What a Kodac moment!” she giggled.

“Yeah!  But, hey, umm, what did you get at the store?” Nick asked, genuinely curious.

“Umm, well, I got something for you and I needed to get some wrapping paper and a card to go with it.   It is just a good luck type of thing for the tour.” she blushed.  “But, you can’t open it until we leave.”

“Can’t I open it up now?  Pretty please?” he begged.

“Nickolas Gene…I hope you weren’t like this with your parents or Heather.” she laughed.

He just looked at her, suddenly feeling a bit hurt.  “Why did you have to bring that up?” he whispered.

“What?  What did I say?” she asked, feeling bad.

“You mentioned how I acted with Heather.” he said.

“Well, Nick, I am sorry…there are so many things that really bother you when I mention her name, aren’t there?” she asked gently.

“Yeah…you have no idea.   She was everything to me.” Nick said with a dreamy look in his eyes.

“Yes, I know.  I am really sorry.  I miss her too.” Liz said softly.  “But, I didn’t want to upset you.  I was just thinking of the way you must have been around her.” she smiled.

“Yeah…but, that is gone…and I don’t know if I will ever feel that way again.” he replied.

“Don’t lose faith.  God does many things that don’t seem fair, but in the end…it all works out.  Just know that there are so many people who love you…and a daughter who thinks you are the best thing since sliced bread…so, you better not let life get you down.” she smiled.  “Now, let’s get the stuff on the buses…Leighanne and Brian should be back any minute.”

Within about 15 minutes…Brian and Leighanne showed up.  The refused to tell anyone…at least until they could plan something nice.  Leighanne loved a party…so, she planned on having dinner tonight, once they arrived at the first stop.

This was a day that no one could forget.   Great news was around everyone.  Kevin and Dee were happy, Brian and Leighanne couldn’t have had better news, Nick and Liz were starting a new chapter of their lives, Howie and Kat were feeling at the top of the world, and AJ and Brianna…at least they weren’t fighting.
 

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