Shattered Glass

[Louise_2983]

Loved the chapter.

Can't wait for the wedding. I can image Jamie in cute suit as pageboy and handing rings to his proud parents, lol!

That's assuming there is a wedding...

[bikinikill]

Oh you are terrible Louise. You say these things just to upset us! hahah.

Looking forward to the next chapter wedding or no wedding.

[Louise_2983]

Chapter 53

“Did someone order room service?” Aden asked in a whisper as he padded across the bedroom floor and lifted his beautiful daughter into his strong arms.

“What was that gorgeous?” he smiled softly as he lowered them both down into the rocking chair positioned by the window.

“You ordered champagne not milk? Huh. We’ll I’m afraid milk is the only thing on the menu sweetheart” he smiled as he cradled her close to his chest began to feed her.

“But you like milk don’t you baby?” he whispered as she enthusiastically suckled the teat of the bottle he was holding.

“And to be honest, I don’t think Mummy would be too impressed if I woke her up to ask if there was any chance she could express champagne too Alyssia, do you? Hey? No, I thought not” he gave a low

chuckle as she continued to gulp down the milk, her piercing blue eyes gazing up at him as she kicked her tiny feet and rested them against his bicep.

“You’re happy with what you’ve got aren’t you? Plus Daddy’s already in Mummy’s bad books” he sighed softly.

“Because he’s silly and he panics about silly things” he laughed to himself as he realised he was talking in the third person.

“And now I’ve made your Mummy think that I don’t want to marry her, when there’s nothing I want more. Because she’s pretty amazing your Mummy isn’t she sweetheart? You know that, I don’t have

to tell you that. You’ve been closer to her than I’ll ever get to be, why you wanted to come early I’ll never know. Because to be honest I kind of envy how close you got to be to her. I love your Mummy

so much that it feels like she’s part of me but she is actually part of you sweetheart, how amazing is that?”

The tiny baby girl continued to gaze up at him, the only movement her slow suckling as she made good headway with her feed.

“Well I think it’s amazing” he laughed softly.

“Look at you all blasé about it all. Well that’s because you don’t know any different sweetheart. You only know what it’s like to have an amazing Mummy. But trust me you are the luckiest little girl in the

whole world”

“Your Daddy isn’t half bad either” Belle smiled from where she lay nestled in the bedclothes, her head rested against a pile of plump pillows.

“Sorry, didn’t mean to wake you” Aden apologised sincerely.

“You should have woken me, I would have fed her”

“Exactly” he grinned.

“And I would have missed out, you get to do it all the time.”

“Well if you start to produce milk any time soon you’ll get more turns on the rota” she giggled quietly as he pulled the now empty bottle away from his daughter and she reached out her tiny hands to

grasp for it.

“Now I know you’ve had enough baby girl” he whispered softly with a chuckle, brushing a kiss against her forehead.

“Are you sure?” Belle asked, propping herself up on her elbows and looking over at them in concern.

“She’s had the whole bottle” Aden smiled holding the empty bottle up for her to see, not even a tiny dreg of milk remained in the bottom.

“When she first came home we were lucky if she’d drink a quarter of it. You’re going to be big and strong in no time aren’t you sweetheart?” he cooed before turning back towards Belle with a cheeky

glint in his eyes.

“Although she’s a little bored, she wants to know if you can make your menu a bit more varied? She was thinking champagne?”

“Oh yeah sure!” Belle laughed loudly.

“And I’ll see if I can get her some vodka out of the other one hey?”

“That’d be great” Aden grinned.

“You’re such a good mother”

“Good?” Belle questioned arching her eyebrows.

“It was amazing a few minutes ago”

“You heard that” he sighed, his cheeks flushing red in embarrassment.

“I thought you were asleep. Why didn’t you say anything?”

“I was enjoying watching you with her” she smiled softly. Her heart was still in her mouth at the sight of him cradling their precious daughter in his strong, bare arms.

“It’s beautiful...and besides I wanted to hear what you had to say about me”

“Belle” he sighed, placing the empty bottle onto the bedside table and climbing onto the bed so he was sat next to her, their daughter still nestled against his chest.

“About last night, I didn’t mean that I didn’t want to marry you. I just panicked because I don’t want anything to ruin this, I love you and Jamie and Alyssia so much and I freaked out a little thinking that

getting married would change things”

“Change things how? In a bad way?” she whispered as she ran her fingertips gently over their daughter’s hair as Aden gently held her and rubbed his hand up and down her tiny back.

“I don’t know” he shrugged.

“I told you it was silly. But we didn’t even get to our first anniversary last time before you were gone and I panicked that if we got married I’d lose you again but I was being completely irrational, I know

that you’re not going anywhere, I do”

“Not without a 6 week old baby and a five year old boy who would insist on taking the entirety of his Mickey Mouse collection and his goldfish anyway” Belle teased.

“It would slow me down, I’d be easier to catch this time”

“Does that mean I’m forgiven?” he smiled as she leant upwards on her arm to press a soft kiss to his cheek.

“Can’t be annoyed at you when I say “I do” can I?” she smiled softly back at him.

“Speaking of the wedding” he replied nodding towards the box wrapped in silver paper resting on the bedside table next to Alyssia’s used bottle. He had dropped it outside the window the previous night

in his intoxicated state but had managed to retrieve it before Belle had woken.

“I got you a wedding present”

“Aden” she sighed softly as he handed it to her.

“I didn’t get you anything”

“I don’t need anything but you to say “I do” babe” he smiled as he gently brushed a kiss against her soft, pink lips.

“And I have the receipt for that if you don’t like it”

“Well why wouldn’t I like it?” she asked as she began to tear off the paper like a child at Christmas.

“Well Nicole seemed to think jewellery was the way to go but I did that last time so I we-”

“Aden!” she gasped as she ripped away the final bit of silver paper to find the new high tech camera she had been admiring on the internet only the day before, in her hands.

“It’s amazing!” she grinned turning over the box in her hands to read the blurb on the back.

“You gave up your career to come back here Belle” he sighed softly.

“And it was worth it” she reassured him, kissing Alyssia softly as they both gazed down at her.

“I know” he smiled happily at her. Her heart flipped at the love she saw mirrored in his eyes.

“But I just wanted you to know that I don’t expect you to just sit around here and forget about the career you used to love. If you want to get back out there and go off and do photo shoots and do what

you love again then it’s fine by me. Because I know you’re always going to come back”

“Thank you” she sniffled wiping away a few tears that had begun to inch their way slowly down her cheeks.

“But what I love more than anything is you and our children and right now I’m happy just being their Mummy. I want to be here to experience everything, I don’t want to miss one second if I don’t have

to Aden. So maybe one day I will go back to doing this professionally but right now I don’t feel the need to”

“As long as you know that I’m ok with it, whenever you want Belle” he smiled as she leant in for a kiss just as aloud thump on the window caused them to jump apart.

“What the?!” Aden exclaimed jumping up as Alyssia began to wail in his arms.

“Nicole?!” he exclaimed as he saw her face peering through the glass.

“What a surprise!” she exclaimed in annoyance as he opened the window and she poked her head through.

“I knew you’d be here! Sneaking out like a teenager. Couldn’t you even manage one night apart? Well don’t blame me when one of you has run off within a week!”

“We’ve had our fair share of bad luck Nic” Aden told her as he soothingly rocked Alyssia in his arms and her cries died down.

“I figured I could take a chance”

“How are you not hungover?!” she exclaimed as she eyed him up and down.

“It’s a gift” he grinned handing Alyssia over to Belle who gratefully took the opportunity for a much desired cuddle with her baby girl.

“No, no Aden” she shook her head in disappointment.

“A designer handbag or some shoes is a gift. Please remember that on my birthday”

“Will do Princess” he chuckled as Nicole twisted her head to face Belle.

“Well are you going to let me in or what? There’s hair and make-up to be done! I bet getting married at sunrise doesn’t seem like such a good idea now given that neither of you probably got much sleep

last night!”

“Come round to the back door” Belle sighed getting to her feet and heading out of the room.

“And you better get back to our place pronto” Nicole ordered Aden as she continued to look at him though the open window.

“Yes Marm” he replied with a mock salute just as she had turned away only for her to spin back around in an instant.

“I saw that Aden Jefferies!”

***

“Nervous?” Nicole asked as Belle clipped her earrings into place and surveyed her reflection in the mirror.

“No” she replied confidently.

“I love Aden, he loves me. What is there to be nervous about?”

“Well you look beautiful” Nicole smiled softly.

“So don’t stand too close to me today”

“You’re one of my bridesmaids! That’s going to be kind of tough” Belle chuckled, her head tilting back in amusement.

“And I still don’t understand quite why you asked me to be a bridesmaid bu-“

“We were short on numbers” Belle quipped and Nicole pulled an annoyed face at her interruption.

“But I’m glad you did ask me”

“Nic” Belle began hesitantly.

“Thank you”

“For what?”

“For always being there for them, when I wasn’t”

“It was nothing” Nicole tried to shrug away Belle’s words as the brunette turned to face her.

“No, it wasn’t. Jamie adores you and Aden’s pretty fond of you too” she admitted with a grin.

“You wouldn’t be so important to them if it was nothing. You stuck by them and you helped them and cared about them and I’m glad that they had you and Roman”

“I love them” Nicole replied simply.

“They’re part of my family, maybe not biologically but in every other sense of the word”

“Well I know they feel the same” Belle smiled as Nicole began to fuss over straightening her dress.

“Belle?” Nicole asked, it being her turn to be hesitant.

“Yes?”

“I know we haven’t always got on but you’re part of the family too you know, we’re there for all of you”

“Thank you” Belle sighed pulling Nicole into a hug.

“And you know you look gorgeous right? Geoff isn’t going to know what’s hit him”

“Actually” Nicole sighed as they pulled apart.

“I’ve decided just to let that go. He’s married and happy, who am I to stand in the way of that?”

“That’s very mature of you” Belle let out a low chuckle.

“First time for everything right?” Nicole quipped with a grin as Matilda entered the room cradling Alyssia close to her.

“Well Little Miss Jefferies is all ready” Matilda grinned as Belle gasped and lifted her daughter from Matilda’s arms.

“Look at you precious!” she exclaimed as she took in the sight of her daughter in a tiny satin dress decorated with pearls. The tulle skirt was decorated with flowers and flowed out around the baby girl.

“Don’t you look beautiful? But you know sweetheart it’s usually considered bad form to wear white to another girl’s wedding! However, I’ll let you off just because it’s you and you’re so gorgeous” she

laughed as she nuzzled her nose into the soft, flawless skin of his daughter’s neck and inhaled her familiar scent.

“Your Mum’s here too” Matilda informed her.

“And Drew but he’s acting a little weird”

“Isn’t that how he always acts?” Belle giggled making her way to go out and greet the guests but stopping as Amanda suddenly walked into her bedroom.

“Oh Belle” Amanda gasped as her gaze wandered over her daughter’s appearance.

“You look beautiful, I can’t believe my little girl is getting married”

“I’ve done it before Mum” Belle laughed softly.

“True but I wasn’t invited that time was I?”

“Well we weren’t exactly on speaking terms then. You told me Aden was a loser who wasn’t good enough for me and you’d never approve!”

“Yes I think I remember that” Amanda cringed in embarrassment.

“But you’ve changed your opinion now right?”

“Would it make any difference if I hadn’t?”

“No” Belle shook her head adamantly.

“Aden is anything but a loser. I love him and he is everything I’ve ever wanted and more. And I don’t care what you or anyone else thinks, you can approve or disapprove take your pick. Because the

only person who needs to approve of Aden for me to marry him today is me. And I love him”

“For the record, I approve” Amanda smiled proudly, affectionately rubbing Belle’s bare arm.

“Aden loves you anyone can see that and the way he brought up Jamie by himself for all those years is really admirable. Jamie’s a wonderful little boy and a lot of that is down to Aden. I approve, he’s

one of the good ones Belle”

“Glad you’ve finally noticed” Belle laughed.

“Just keep your hands to yourself!”

“That was a decade ago are you ever going to let that go?!”

“Are you ever going to have not slept with my boyfriend?”

“If I could undo it I would, you know that”

“Well who wouldn’t? No one really wants a father/son set!” Nicole interrupted and Amanda shot her a look of disdain which only made Belle giggle more.

“Let’s just change the subject hey?” Matilda suggested trying to keep the peace.

“How about we make that subject a no go from now on?” Belle offered with a smile.

“I’d like that a lot” Amanda grinned.

“Now when do I get a cuddle with my gorgeous granddaughter?”

***

Drew let out a low wolf whistle as he leant against the door frame, his tie loose and the top button of his crisp white dress shirt undone.

“Looking good Taylor”

“Gee thanks Drew, good is the adjective every girl wants to hear on her wedding day!”

“You look beautiful” he nodded with a smile as Belle cuddled Alyssia close to her. Nicole, Matilda and Amanda had already gone ahead in the first wedding car and they were waiting for the second to

arrive.

“Thanks” she smiled but really she didn’t care. As long as Aden looked thought she looked beautiful that was all that mattered to her.

“Can I hold her?” he questioned hesitantly with a nod towards the baby girl in Belle’s arm.

“Oh come on” he half pleaded as Belle’s facial expression instantly gave away how dubious she felt about allowing it.

“I held Daniel and Lucas all the time when they were younger” he told her referring to their shared half siblings.

“I know what I’m doing”

“Damage her and I’ll damage you!” she threatened as she cautiously handed over her daughter and he cradled her close to him. He did know what he doing and she smiled at the image before her. She was grateful that Aden wasn’t around to see it.

“She’s gorgeous” he smiled as he gazed down at Alyssia.

“She looks just like you”

“She has Aden’s eyes” Belle instantly objected.

“And his mouth”

“She looks more like you than Jamie does” Drew laughed softly with a cheeky grin.

“Are you sure he’s yours? I’d be asking for a DNA test!”

“Oh he’s definitely mine” she smiled at the thought of her beautiful boy.

“Drew, are you ok?”

“I’m fine” he told her adamantly.

“No, you’re not. Don’t lie to me Drew, I know you”

“You don’t want to hear about it trust me, especially not on your wedding day”

“If you don’t tell me it’ll be all I can think about all day, so come on spit it out!”

“Well” he sighed dramatically.

“I think I might be a Dad”

“What?!”

“It was a one night thing and it was a mistake bu-”

“Oh my god” Belle cringed.

“Please tell me you are not talking about Dan and Lucas, tell me you didn’t go there again! She’s married to your Dad for God’s sake!”

“Taylor! It’s not Amanda! What type of guy do you think I am?” he snapped slightly offended before realising what he’d asked her.

He was the type of guy who slept with his girlfriend’s mother.

“Don’t answer that”

“Then who? When? Where? How?”

“I didn’t think I’d have to explain how Belle” he chuckled looking down at the baby girl he rocked gently in his arms.

“This little lady is evidence that you know all about how”

“Very funny!” Belle sighed in frustration.

“Can you just explain please?”

“It was a few years ago now. I was upset because...god I can’t believe I’m telling you this but when we slept together that time I wanted you back Belle, it made me realise that I was still in love with

you”

“Oh god...”

“Don’t look so worried” he chuckled in amusement.

“I’m over you now, I have been for a long time. But back then when you went to LA and then all of a sudden you were splashed all over the tabloids with this rock star I was jealous and hurt and it was

hard”

“I don’t get what this has got to do with anything Drew. Because I didn’t have a baby by you!”

“I know that” he laughed.

“I met her in a club in the City. We were both drunk and I didn’t even bother to get her name. I never saw her again until...”

“Until when?” she prompted as his sentence trailed off.

“Until I came back here last time, after Irene died. It seems that she’s a local”

“A local?” Belle spluttered in disbelief. She must know her.

“Yeah” he nodded with a solemn sigh.

“And she seems to be Aden’s sister”

[Red Ranger 1]

Oh my go-o-od!!!!!Was not expecting that at all!!!!Drew is Sophie's father?!?!?!?!?!(Am I suspecting a case of "Who needs Geoff?" here?)

Loved Nicole ordering Aden home and her conversation with Belle, especially when Belle cracked she was only there because they were short on numbers.And loved it when Belle thought Drew had got Amanda pregnant.

[bradyell]

Oh my good god!!!!!!!

Nicole and Drew!!

Drew's Sophies dad!!!!

Brilliant twist!

Aden at the begining with Alyssia was just too cute!!

Can't wait for more

[Louise_2983]

Oh my go-o-od!!!!!Was not expecting that at all!!!!Drew is Sophie's father?!?!?!?!?!(Am I suspecting a case of "Who needs Geoff?" here?)

Well it might not be that easy lol, I didn't just put it in as an easy solution...

[bikinikill]

So good Louise. I loved Aden with Alyssia, that was the cutest. And the camera. Very nice. And Nicole and Belle's little chat, that was really sweet. And Drew and his little bit at the end, well I certainly didn't see that coming. It will be interesting to see how that works out.

Really looking forward to the next chapter with a wedding (fingers crossed!)

[Red Ranger 1]

Oh my go-o-od!!!!!Was not expecting that at all!!!!Drew is Sophie's father?!?!?!?!?!(Am I suspecting a case of "Who needs Geoff?" here?)

Well it might not be that easy lol, I didn't just put it in as an easy solution...

Okay, that's another one of my theories out the window...It was just the fact that it happened in the same chapter that Nicole apparently gave up on Geoff that had me wondering if that was what you were planning.

[Inactive User]

Great chapter. Update soon

[KaiyaBlake]

I do love how you twist in these little things

Hope everything is smooth sailing for the wedding though

Loved it. Can't wait for more