“Plus the most beautiful brown eyes and brown hair.” He said softly kissing her forehead. The kiss that took away pain in her life and calmed the storm in her soul. After all, it was only seven months ago that she met Kian Egan. There was joy in her heart thinking about that night but there was also fear that clouded the events.

                “You did so good, Ann.” Mark said as he walked over to her, kissing her cheek.

                “Where are the other lads?” Ann asked weakly as Mark sat down on the chair facing her.

                “They are buying cigars for everyone. You would think they were the father’s.” Kian said laughing with his smile twinkling in the proud moment of holding the tiny life. Ann had quickly learned to love these men as they took full control of the situation, never asking question and never judging her. They were all saviors, Kian was her angel. He was an angel that was sent from above.

Seven Months Earlier

                “I am tired of this!” Ann yelled as Derek pulled her arm. “I can’t stand how you completely flirt with girls when I am around.”

                “But, baby, you know I only love you.” Derek said slurring his words caused by the fifth bottle of beer. Ann couldn’t even bear to look at him anymore; the thought of him disgusted her. Ann turned around and began walking away.  She pushed her way through the excited dancers, the music pounding in her ears. She kept her eyes to the ground, trying to hide the tears that were beginning to flow from her eyes. She just had to find a way to the car and leave him, leave him forever.

                “Excuse me.” Said a voice with the most incredible accent. “I didn’t mean to run into you. Are you all right?” He asked taking Ann’s hand to steady her.

                “Yes, excuse me.” Ann said not even looking at him trying to concentrate on getting to the door.

                “It was my fault.”  He said again, Ann finally looking at him. Her eyes met in the blueness of his as he instantly saw the hurt.

                “I really need to leave. “ Ann said trying to hold back the fear in her voice. She quickly looked over her shoulder to see if Derek was coming, praying that she was making a clean exit.

                “Here, go this way.” The man said as he grabbed Ann’s hand, leading her through the crowd. “Whom are you running from?” He asked as they weaved through the dancers.

                “I’m not running…I am…” her words were stopped; she stood frozen looking at Derek standing at the door, blocking it.

                “My guess would be him.” The man quickly scanned the room for his mates as he again pulled Ann through the crowd, delicately holding her hand. “Mark!” he yelled at a handsome man standing in the corner talking to a girl. Mark looked up from the pretty auburn hair girl to see Kian pointing to another handsome tall, blonde man standing on the other side of room talking to yet another handsome man with dark hair. He pulled Ann to the men who had gathered to his aid. “Distract that jerk over there.”

                “Got some troubles, mate.” Mark said as he patted the man’s back.

                “Trying to avoid them.” The man said as he stood holding Ann’s hand. She was totally caught up in the beauty of these men and the accent that they spouted.

                “Use the back door.” The tall blonde said as Kian once again, pulled Ann through the crowd. The music got louder as they approached the back door of the stage. Kian pushed opened up the heavy door, gently led Ann outside and stood in the cold air. He looked down the alley, cars rushing through the intersection ahead of them.

                “This way.” He said quickly leading Ann down the alley to the street. “You look cold.” He slipped off his leather jacket and placed it on her shoulders. They got to the intersection, cars honking in the slowness of the traffic. They began walking down the sidewalk to the next light. The man quickened his steps, never letting go of Ann’s hand. Finally rounding the corner of the McDonalds before he slowed down.

                “You can go back now, I think…”

                “No, not until I know that you are going to be alright.” He said, carefully watching the people passing them, eyeing anyone that looked suspicious.

                Finally coming to the third intersection, Ann had to slow her pace as she stopped at the Coffee Café leaning against the building.

                “I’m sorry, I think we can slow down.” The man said as he stood next to her. “Are you alright?”

                “I’m fine. I just can’t believe what you just did. I don’t even know you…”

                “Kian Egan.” He quickly said as he stretched out his hand to her.

                “Ann Le.” Ann smiled getting an even better look at her hero. “Thank you…I just don’t know what I would have done if I hadn’t gotten out of there.”

                “Well, you are safe now. My mates are probably showing him what it’s like to deal with an Irishman who has had a few pints.” Kian said smiling at her. Ann was so beautiful to him; he had never seen anyone with her beauty before. Her big brown eyes dreamy, her long brown hair draped down her back, flowing in her smile.

                “I can’t tell you thank you enough.” Ann said shivering in the cold air.

                “No need to.” Kian said as the sounds of a car rushed through Ann’s soul. It was long black limo that stopped right in front of them. Mark, the man tall, dark handsome man at the club, jumped out and motioned to Kian. “Our carriage awaits us.” He said grabbing Ann’s hand, Mark holding the door for her. The other two men were smiling, the fourth one, again handsome, as they all scooted to make room for Ann. 

                “We meet again.” Said the tall blonde one smiling at Ann.

                “We just went out for a jog.” Kian said laughing. Ann sat next to Mark and Kian as the men shared their adventures of dodging Derek at the club.  

                 Ann sat quietly listening to the men and their adventures. They each introduced themselves in the process of their story. The tall blonde was Bryan; he came up with the whole master plan of the scam to dodge Derek. Shane sat next to him, interjecting his side of the story as Nicky laughed with his scratchy voice. Mark sat quietly, only speaking when it was his time to share his story. They were proud of their rescue and their adventure. They never asked questions, they never judged

Present

                “Here he is, Mrs. Egan.” The nurse said as she handed the precious boy to Ann who took him from the nurse so delicately, trying not to disturb the sleep that he was in. He was absolute beautiful, he was perfect and he was Ann’s. She brushed her hand softly across his face as a tear began to fall down her cheek.

                “Looks like Mom is about to lose it.” Mark said smiling.

                “I can’t believe that he is mine.” Ann said looking at Kian. “I mean…ours.” Ann said, Kian smiling the proudest Dad smile that he could.

                “He looks just like you.” Kian said, kissing his new baby son.

                “Thank God.” Mark chimed in as Shane entered the room.

                “That is the most beautiful sight.” Shane said walking over to Ann. “I am so impressed with you, Ann. You did so good.”

                “Thanks, I had some help.” Ann said kissing Kian.

                “Well, my worries are over. He looks just like you, Ann. That makes me feel better.” Shane said laughing, patting his friend on the back.

                “Why is everyone so pleased that he doesn’t look anything like me?’ Kian asked almost hurting from the fun. The other men continued joking with Kian as Ann sat holding their baby. Ann had hoped that the baby would have looked like Kian; it would have made things easier.

Six Months Earlier

                Ann stood in the kitchen as the walls echoed the emptiness.  Kian scanned the other rooms calling out to her on how great the flat was. Ann agreed finally leaning against the counter as Kian entered the kitchen.

                “Hey, are you all right?” He asked grabbing her arm.

                “Yah, just a little tired from the last few days rushing around. This is the fifth place we have looked at.” Ann said holding his hand.

                “Sorry, babe. But I want to get you settled in before we leave next week.” Kian said kissing her cheek.

The past month was a whirlwind of laughter, tears, joy and sadness as Kian and Ann assessed her situation. She hated that word “situation.” It was the word that her parents used when she told them about being pregnant. They wouldn’t call the unborn child a baby but a “situation.”  And then the news of Ann leaving Derek, the “situation” became “ Ann’s situation.” It was at that moment when they shut the door in her face that she felt completely alone. Their own daughter and they couldn’t bear to look her in the eyes. It didn’t matter to them that they would be missing out on their grandchild…Ann was an embarrassment. It wasn’t the embarrassment of being printed in the police files about the abuse that Derek caused her, it wasn’t the embarrassment of the bruises and broken limbs that Ann endured for years but it was the fact that she was an unwed pregnant woman. They actually wanted Ann to stay with Derek, to save them from having to lie to their friends. Ann never looked back, left her home, family and citizenship in the states boarding the plane with Kian and the guys. They were her new family and Kian was the man she loved, for the first time, Ann had found happiness. But as Ann stood in the kitchen and looked around at the emptiness of the place, the loneliness was coming back. Ann knew she loved Kian, that wasn’t the question but how could she expect Kian to love her. To love her child and take care of them? It was never discussed but Kian willingly took care of Ann. He held her in the tears of night, he kissed away the pain of disappointment in herself and he gave her laughter to hold on to but he had not said the words, neither one of them had. Out of fear? Out of confusion? It wasn’t Ann’s uncertain future that frightened her but her child’s.

                “Hey, where are you?” Kian asked gently squeezing Ann’s hand.

                “Sorry, just thinking. This place will be fine.” Ann squeezed his hand back.

                “Are you sure? We can keep looking tomorrow.”

                “No, this is fine. I need to get moved in before you leave anyway.” Ann said smiling. She hated the fact that he and the guys were leaving next week to start their tour. Ann couldn’t imagine being without Kian or the guys. They had been with her since that fateful night. Since the courtroom battle when Ann pressed charges against Derek for stalking her and since the first time she had the ultrasound of the baby. The doctor couldn’t believe that all five guys were in the room, listening and watching the screen to get a quick glance at the child forming inside Ann. The question was never asked but you could see the confusion on the doctor’s face as who the father was.

                “Miss Le, have you decided on this flat?” The realtor asked entering the kitchen.

                “We will take this one.” Kian said walking over to the man.

                “Wonderful, I know you will love this flat and the neighborhood is wonderful also.” He pulled out the papers from his briefcase and set them down on the counter. “Now, who will be signing the papers?”

                “Miss Le will sign but I am paying for it.” Kian smiled at Ann. It was an argument that lasted an hour when Kian told her he was getting the flat in London for her. They went back and forth until Ann finally gave in to let him pay for it.  It was no use; he would have won the argument anyway.

                The papers were signed as the realtor shook Kian’s hand and made his exit. Ann walked around the flat, picturing in her mind of where to put everything. Of course, she had nothing to her name. It was all back in California in the quick exit but Kian and the guys had already picked out the furniture and especially the baby’s room. Ann rubbed her stomach as the baby began to kick in the excitement of its new surroundings.

                “I just called the guys and told them we found a place. We will start moving you in tomorrow. Shane and Mark want to go back to Sligo…. hello? Ann?” Kian asked walking over to Ann. “Hey, are you all right. Are you sure you like this place? We can…”

                “No, it’s fine, Kian. It’s perfect.” Ann said looking away.

                “Then what? What ever it is, I will make it right.” Kian took her hand and pulled her closer to him.

                “Why? Why are you doing this? I don’t deserve this.” Ann looked away. She couldn’t look at him.

                “You do deserve this. How can you say that?”

                “You don’t even know me…you just happen to help me that night and now look at you…. trapped with a pregnant women.” Ann said the tears welling up in her eyes.

                “Ann, don’t you understand?” Kian said wiping the single tear falling down her cheek.

                “Understand what?” Ann said his touch soothing her heart.

                “I love you.” Kian pulled Ann into him, wrapping his arms around her.

                “Why? You don’t’ know…”

                “I love you because I don’t know you.” He leaned back from her looking deep into her brown eyes. “I fell in-love with you when I first saw you. I love you Ann Le and this child…”he patted her stomach and smiled. “I love this little creature inside of you.”  He kissed her lips for the first time melting in the sweetest of it.  Wishing that Kian could be the father of her child.

Present

                “Uncle Bryan is now here. Where is my little nephew.”? Bryan said entering the hospital room. He made his grand entrance and spied his nephew being held by Mark. “Let me see the little guy.” Bryan pulled the blanket off his face. “THANK GOD!” he yelled, “He looks nothing like Egan.” Bryan said laughing.

                “Do we need to leave?” Kian asked looking at Ann. “You look tired, honey.”

                “I’m fine. I wouldn’t miss this great moment for anything.” Ann continued watching Bryan and Mark fight over who was going to hold the baby. It was a moment that almost didn’t happen. A moment that time and distance almost took away.

                “Where is Byrne’s?” Asked Shane handing Ann some water.

                “Late as always.” Bryan said as he made a face at the baby. “Hey, what is this little guys name, anyway?”

                “We will reveal the name when Nicky gets here.” Kian said taking the baby from Bryan. Ann loved how Kian looked holding the baby, how he looked at him with so much pride…as if it was his own. He had taken care of Ann and now he would be taking care of the baby.

Four Months Earlier

                 The guys stepped off the stage in Glasgow as the crowd continued to clap at their performance. They were sweaty from their hard work but patted each other on a job well done. The security guards led the men to their dressing room as reporters and journalist hounded them for questions and pictures. It had been a long two months for them as concerts, photo shoots and interviews were non-stop. They continued to put on their game faces smiling for the cameras. They gave their last responses to the reporters shutting the door to the dressing room.

                “Do I need a drink.” Shane said wiping the sweat from his forehead.

                “Same here. Where is the nearest pub?" Nicky said laughing as he and Shane planned their night. Kian and Bryan joined in on the planning, Mark sitting in silence with his eyes closed. Louis entered the room as the lads continued in their post excitement from the concert.

                “Hey, Louis, another great performance.” Bryan chimed in stretching from the dancing that he had done.

                “Great as always guys.” Louis said quietly sitting down next to Kian.

                “What’s wrong?” Shane asked noticing the concern look on Louis face.

                “Kian, Ann had some complications…”

                “What?!” He yelled. “How is she? How is the baby?”

                “She fainted coming down the stairs of her flat and fell…”

                “Damn it! I knew I should have gotten a flat that had no stairs.” Kian said jumping up from the chair he was sitting in.

                “How is she?” Nicky asked as he pulled Kian back to the chair.

                “She is in the hospital. They don’t know…”

                “What? They don’t know what?” Kian asked interrupting Louis.

                “They just need to keep her there for a few days…. watch her and …the baby.” Louis said turning away from Kian.

                “You aren’t telling me everything.” Kian grabbed Louis arm as he pulled him to face him.

                “They don’t know if the baby is going to make it…. she started hemorrhaging and…”

                “I have to go to London! I don’t want Ann to be alone right now.” Kian stood up and immediately walked to the door.

                “Kian, we have tours scheduled until next month, you guys can’t take a break.” Louis said.

                “Screw the schedule!” Bryan yelled. “Kian needs to go to London.”

                “We can do a few concerts without him. We have done it before when Mark had to leave.” Shane said standing next to Kian. “I don’t want Ann alone either and I know the other guys feel the same.”

                “Damn right. Kian you are on the next plane.” Mark said standing up facing Louis.

                “Lads, we need to talk about this…”

                “End of discussion.” Nicky chimed in as he walked up to Kian. “Go be with Ann and give her our love.” Kian hugged the lads and made his way to the airport.

 His thoughts were consumed of Ann and possibly losing her and the baby. He couldn’t imagine his life without her.  He only saw his future with her next to him and him showing her baby what life was really about. He saw him holding the baby and showing it how much love he had for it. But now all of that was being taken away from him. He sat silent on the plane as he watched the clouds pass him by. His heart raced as the plane landed and he made his way through the crowd. The security guards did their best to keep the fans at a distance but Kian kept focused on being with Ann. He ran through the halls of the hospital slowing at the door to Ann’s room. He took a deep breath as he slowly opened the door. The room was quiet as he could hear the sounds of the machines in time with each other. He gently made his way to Ann who lay with her eyes closed. He leaned over her sweetly kissing her forehead.

                “You made it.” Ann said softly.

                “I am so sorry…”

                “I am fine, Kian.” Ann said smiling at him.     

                “But the baby…”

                “He is a strong one.” Ann reached for his hand and squeezed it. “ I can’t believe that you came.”

                “I couldn’t stay away. The lads let me come. They are going to do the next concerts without me. I am here until you are ready to go home.” Kian kissed her lips the pain of the fall disappearing in the kiss.

                “I love you Kian.” Ann said softly.

                “I love you, Ann.  I thought I was going to lose you and the baby. I just can’t imagine…”Kian stopped leaning in close to her.

                “Kian, what is it?” Ann asked realizing that he stopped in mid sentence

                “Ann, this is not how or where I wanted to do it. But will you please marry me?” He said kneeling down on one knee.

                “Kian, I can’t see you.” Ann said laughing, hurting in the gesture. He stood up and asked her again.

                “Will you be my wife?”

                “I don’t care how you ask me, Kian but yes, I will marry you.” Ann had been waiting for that question since the first time she saw Kian. It was a connection that she couldn’t place. She knew she loved him and spending her life with him was all she wanted.

                “I promise to be the best husband and father. I don’t have the ring on me…I did buy you the most beautiful ring…I was going to ask you when I got back from touring and…” Ann stopped his words pulling him closer to kissing him.

                “Are you going to be like this the whole time we are married?” Ann asked laughing.

                “As long as it makes you smile…yes.” Kian said and kissed her again.

Present

                Mark and Bryan were still fighting over the new baby as Kian entered the room. He had stepped out for a few minutes as Ann rested her eyes. He gently sat next to Ann on the bed as she looked at him.

                “Where did you disappear?” Ann asked taking his hand.

                “I made a phone call.” He said with a very cheeky grin.

                “What did you do Mr. Egan.” Ann said squeezing his hand. He didn’t say a word but kissed her forehead. “Hey, lads, can I hold my own son?”

                “You will get him the rest of your life…you can at least share him.”  Bryan said.  Kian cradled the baby in his arms.

                “I think he does look like me.” Kian said staring at the little life. The tiny boy gave a big yawn as he returned the smile to his daddy. “I think he is getting tired, Mom”

                “Probably hungry also.” Ann said Kian carefully placing him in her arms.

                “Alright lads, this is where you have to leave. This is private time for us.” Kian began pushing Shane, Mark and Bryan out the door as they tried lingering in the sight of the little boy.

                “You can come back in a minute.” Ann said reassuring them that they weren’t being kicked out completely. Ann began feeding the little boy as Kian sat beside her in awe. There was total silence as they both watched the little lad feed. Ann and Kian couldn’t believe the life that was before them. So much had happened…so many times the world tried to end what Kian and Ann had but they both held strong to each other. They held on to the fact that they loved each other and some how, some way…they would find a way through the hard times…as long as they loved each other.

One Month Earlier

                It was a joyous day as the lads enjoyed being home from their long tour and being with the ones they loved.  Bryan, Mark and Nicky were watching the telly as Shane and Kian were in the kitchen trying to please their mates with the best dinner. Ann was sitting in the chair with her feet up the men tended to the very pregnant woman. Can you think of any better way to spend the day?

                “Mark, does Ann need some water?” Kian yelled from the kitchen. Mark jumped up from his chair and walked over to Ann.

                “I’m fine, Kian. Stop worrying about me. I just want to sit here and rest my eyes.” Ann beckoned Kian as Mark sat back down to finish watching the movie.

                “Dinner is almost ready.” Shane yelled as the guys cheered in their starvation.

                “It better be good, Filan.” Bryan yelled laughing, as they all chimed in thinking about the times that Shane’s dinner was less then desirable.

                “Hey, Ann. Are your parents coming to the wedding next month?” Nicky asked as he turned the sound down on the telly.

                “I haven’t even talked to them.” Ann said quickly. Ann hadn’t talked to her parents since she left California. They didn’t know anything about her fall, about getting married or that she are having a boy. Ann had no desire to tell them knowing how they treated her. Their last words were…”We are so disappointed in you, Ann.” With that, Ann left and never looked back. Why let them ruin her happiness?

                “Actually I called them to let them know.” Kian said entering the living room.

                “What?” Ann asked looking at him.

                “I called them yesterday. Ann…they needed to know.” Kian stood staring at her. He knew how she felt about them…how could he…”They were happy for you but couldn’t make it.”

                “Why am I not surprised?” Ann said leaning back in the chair. There was a slight glimmer of hope but now it was crushed.  “Shane, will you walk me down the aisle and give me away?”

                “Sure…. but I would rather keep you.” Shane said as he walked over to Ann and kissed her forehead.

                “Hey, that’s my future wife you are kissing.” Kian said grabbing Shane, wrestling with him. The other lads soon joined in, as Shane became the dummy that was slammed to the ground. Not even the doorbell stopped their playing. Ann finally got herself up from the chair, made her way past the wrestling match and opened the door.

                “Well, don’t you look very pregnant?” Said Derek pushing his way into the house.

                “What are you doing here? You are supposed…”

                “To be in jail. Got out babe. Just wanted to see if you had my baby yet.” Derek said smiling.

                “Derek, you shouldn’t be here. “ Ann said trying to keep her distance.

                “You look beautiful, babe.” Derek moved closer to Ann as Kian came around the corner.

                “What the hell?” Kian yelled moving between Derek and Ann.

                “Gonna play hero again?” Derek asked getting into Kian’s face. Mark and Bryan came around the corner as Shane and Nicky followed. They stood at a distance but close enough to come to Kian’s aid.

                “Get out of my house!” Kian yelled as he shoved Derek towards the door.

                “Hey, I just wanted to see if Ann had my baby. You do remember that it is mine?” Derek moved closer to Kian the smell of alcohol overwhelmed the room.

                “You might have helped conceived the baby but you are not the father!” Kian said pushing him against the wall. “I will not let you even near MY child!”

                “But fortunately for me, the law will be on my side.” Derek smirked as Kian took a swing at him. Derek fell to the floor from the hit.

                “Kian, stop!” Ann yelled grabbing Kian’s arm. The lads moved closer to the action as Kian looked at Ann. He wanted to make Derek play for everything he had caused Ann but as he stood looking at her, he knew that he couldn’t erase the pain but he could still make her happy.

                “Get out of my house!” Kian yelled kicking Derek as he led Ann to the living room. Mark, Bryan and Shane escorted Derek to his car Nicky stayed inside cleaning up the remains of blood on the floor. Kian stood holding Ann. Derek once again tried to ruin her life but as Ann stood in Kian’s arms, the pain was quickly fading.

                Bryan threw Derek in his car and slammed the door.

                “I will be back.” Derek yelled as he rolled down his window.

                “What will it take to keep you away?” Bryan said leaning on the window frame.

                “You wouldn’t have that kind of money.” Derek said as he spit at Bryan.

                “Name your price.” Mark said as he stood behind Bryan.

                “You guys going to pay me off?” Derek said laughing.

                “If it will keep you away from Ann, yes.” Shane said with his arms crossed over his chest. Derek stared at the men, perhaps waiting for them to go back on their offer but they didn’t move. The men stood firm in their commitment to Ann waiting for Derek to speak.

                Ann stood in Kian’s arms for which seemed hours. Kian watched his mate’s hand money over to Derek. Shane shoved Derek in the car as he sped off. No words were spoken about the amount; no words were spoken of the sacrifice. Shane, Mark and Bryan just simply entered the flat, smiled at Kian who was holding the woman he loved as he softly thanked the men. Thanked them for loving Ann for the same reasons that he loved her.

One Day Before

                Ann couldn’t help pacing as Elizabeth and Sara tended to her dress. She couldn’t believe how nervous she was.  This day had finally come and she had imaged what it would be like, every detail down to the tiny pearls that were on her dress. But as the moment drew closer, the guest began to arrive and Ann actually saw herself in the dress, nerves took over.

                “I look so fat in this dress.” Ann said turning sideways to look in the mirror.

                “You are 8 and half months pregnant, Ann. You are going to look fat but you are still beautiful.” Sara said placing the headpiece on Ann’s hair, carefully keeping each hair in piece.

                “I can’t believe that Kian talked me into this, we should have just waited until after the baby was born.” Ann said sitting down on the chair.  She was tired from the hasty planning of this day, not to mention again, she was 8 and half months pregnant.

                “Kian knew how important it was for you to be married before the baby came, remember?” Elizabeth said putting the finishing touches on my face. Ann let them tend to her appearance thinking about Kian. He had proved his love for her time and time again; Ann just hoped that she would make him happy. She just hope that he wouldn’t…

                “Knock, Knock. “ Shane said as he entered the room. “How is the bride?”

                “Nervous as ever.” Sara said smiling at Shane.

                “They are almost ready for us.” Shane said as he reached for Ann’s hand. She stood up as Shane began to smile the biggest smile.

                “What?” Ann asked.

                “You look so beautiful.” He said once again, smiling at her.

                “Thanks but I feel like a blimp.” Ann said trying to hide the nervousness.

                “You are beautiful. Are you ready for me to escort you, Miss?” Shane offered his arm as they both began to walk to the sanctuary. The music was heard as Ann’s heart began beating faster. She was overwhelmed by the attendance of everyone seeing the Filan’s, Feehily’s, McFadden’s, Byrnes’ and the Egan’s. Her parents were nowhere to be found but the love from her adoptive families and friends was enough.

                “This is it. No more Miss Le. You take this walk and it is Mrs. Egan.” Shane said kissing her cheek.

                “I have been waiting for someone like Kian my whole life. I am so lucky.” A tear began to fall down her cheek.

                “Kian is the lucky one.” Shane said wiping the tear before it smeared her makeup. The ‘Wedding March’ sounded, the guest stood in respect as Shane and Ann began the walk down the aisle. Ann could see Kian standing at the alter. He looked so handsome in his tux and his smile was brighter then Ann had ever seen. Mark, Bryan and Nicky stood behind their friend and looked just as equally handsome. Ann’s legs were beginning to shake but then suddenly…the most intense pain overtook Ann. She grabbed her stomach doubling over in the pain.

                “Ann, what’s wrong?” Shane asked grabbing her arm.

                “I don’t…AUGHHHH,” Ann screamed the music stopped, the guest gasped in the sight as Kian ran down to her.

                “Ann, what is it?” Kian yelled as he approached her.

                ‘The baby….I….”

                “What?” Kian asked trying to hold her.

                “AUGHH!” Ann yelled again.  “I think the baby is coming.”

                ‘What? Now? But he can’t!” yelled Mark standing behind Kian.

                “Tell the baby that!” Ann screamed as another contraction took her over.

                “Someone get a doctor!” Shane yelled as Nicky and Bryan joined the commotion.

“No, we have to get married!” Ann yelled looking at Kian. “I can’t have this baby until we are married.” The pain was so intense as Sara ran to Ann.

“Breath, Ann, Breath. That’s it, nice and slow.” Sara said as she held Ann’s hand.

“Someone get the car, we’ll take her ourselves.” Bryan yelled as he began to panic.

“Breath, Ann, Breath.” Sara said repeating her instructions.

“Someone get some hot water!” Nicky yelled.

                “Clean sheet!” Mark finally added.

                “ Breath. Ann…”

                “Stop telling me to breath! I am breathing, damn it! Are you all insane? I am having a baby!” Ann yelled not realizing her words but she was in so much pain.

                “Bryan get the car, Shane get the Priest, and we will have to do the vows in the car. Nicky drive the lads to the hospital we will meet you there.” Kian said taking control of the situation.

                “You will need witnesses.” Sara said as she grabbed the back of Ann’s dress to help her walk.

                “Fine, Shane and Sara ride up front. Get in before my son is welcomed to the world in a car.” Kian led Ann to the car as Sara continued with the breathing commands. The Priest read the vows as Kian and Ann nodded in agreement.

                “Do you, Kian Egan, take this woman to have and….”                

                “Get on with it!” Ann yelled as the Priest jumped.

                “Yes, Father, I do.” Kian said calmly as he smiled at Ann.

                “Do you, Ann Le, take this man…”

                “Yes, Damn it!” Ann yelled not realizing that she just cussed in front of the Priest.

                “Then by the power invested in me I pronounce you husband and wife.” The Priest said as sweat ran down his face. Shane and Sara cheered in the front seat as Kian kissed Ann’s forehead. Not daring to go near her lips, perhaps afraid she would bit them off.

                “AUGH!!! Kian Egan, get me to a hospital!” Ann yelled.

                “Anything for you, Ann Egan.” Kian said smiling. “Anything for you.”

Present

                Nicky slowly walked into the room with Mark, Shane and Bryan on his heels as they tipped toe over to Ann holding the sleeping baby as Kian sat on the bed smiling an even bigger grin. The lads circled around Ann Nicky looked on at the new life that was before him.

                “So, Nicky, do we have a football player?” Ann asked as Nicky peeked at the tiny lad.

                “He may need some lessons but his Uncle Nicky will take care of it.” Nicky gently brushed the baby’s cheek as Nicky face lit up in his beauty.

                “Maybe he will want to learn how to ride horses.” Shane chimed in. “His Uncle Shane can show him that.”

                “What about acting? I see a future Oscar winner.” Bryan added to the future of the baby.

                “Well, he has the sleeping down. I don’t have to teach him that.” Mark said as the lads laughed.

                “What do we call this little guy, anyway?” Shane asked.

                “Lads, I want you to meet Ashley Daniel John Egan.” Kian said with much pride. He took his son and held him in front of the guys. The men talked about Ashley’s future and what they hope for him.  Ann cried that day when she saw the love and the joy they had for Ashley. He would be the luckiest boy in the world. But then why wouldn’t he, his Mom, for the first time, was the luckiest girl in the world.