I was sitting at work when Trista came into my office, closing the door behind her.
�I need to talk to you.� She sighed.
�What�s wrong?� I wondered.
�Erica.�
�What did she do now?� I asked.
�Mackenzie, didn�t you find anything weird about Eryn?� I thought for a moment.
�She seemed like a perfectly normal three year old.� I shrugged.
�Yeah, who looks just like Nick.�
�What?� I laughed.
�Come on, you don�t see the resemblance?�
�Yeah, she looks like she could be a Carter.� I said, getting up and going to the filing cabinet.
�It�s because she is a Carter.� Trista said and I just looked at her.
�Are you delirious? Eryn is Jordan and Erica�s kid.�
�And what if Nick is really her father?�
�Trista, you don�t believe that, do you?�
�Right now, I don�t know what to believe Mac.� Trista sighed and plopped down in a chair.

�If Eryn was Nick�s, don�t you think Erica would be proud to admit that?�
�Maybe or maybe she didn�t know she was Nick�s?�
�Unless Nick slept with her another time we don�t know about�� I began as Trista�s eyes narrowed.�Or Erica had lied to me about when the baby was conceived.� I sighed.
�Mackenzie, what am I going to do?�
�I don�t know�I mean if this kid is Nick�s, I don�t think he�d be too happy knowing he�s missed out on the first three years of her life.�
�No, not at all. I don�t think he�d like to know he�d be bonded to Erica for the rest of his life either.� Trista said.
�It makes sense why Erica is here though. To get money from Nick.� I sighed. Trista rubbed her forehead out of frustration.

�When is Erica leaving?� Trista asked.
�Tonight.�
�Maybe I should pay her a visit.�
�Tris, I don�t know if that will get you anywhere, but aggravated.� I said.
�I have to know Mac.� Trista said lifting herself from the chair, but she just froze there and groaned.�Oww��
�Are you okay?� I asked.
�I don�t know.� Trista said as she held her stomach. I helped her back into the chair.
�Tris�� I asked getting worried. She winced in pain.
�I�m okay. Just a little cramping.� Trista said getting back up and she grabbed her stomach again.
�Trista, I think we should take you to the hospital or something.� I said starting to really worry now.
�Mackenzie, I still have a month and a half left of my pregnancy. It�s nothing.�
�You�re having contractions. I wouldn�t call that nothing.� I said grabbing my purse.

I helped Trista into my car and now she was breathing in and out with each contraction. I tried to concentrate on driving as I dialed Nick�s cell phone.
�Hey this is Nick�leave a message fool!� Nick�s voicemail picked up.
�Nick, it�s Mac. Trista and I are going to the hospital! She�s having contractions. Meet us there. Call me back. Do something!� I yelled into the phone and Trista looked over at me kind of amused.�Why is his cell phone off at an important time like this?� I asked.
�Mac, I don�t think he planned on me going into labor today.� Trista laughed.

I was playing some of the tracks from my new album for Nick in the studio and he really seemed to like them. I started to think about dinner the other day and after the song was finished and Nick commented on it, I decided to bring up something I had been thinking.
�What do you think of Erica coming here?� I asked. Nick shrugged.
�I think she has some fucking nerve coming to Mom for money.�
�I agree. Eryn�s a cute little girl though.�
�Yeah, if I have a daughter one day, I hope she�s as cute as her.� Nick smiled at the thought of having a little girl. He was so happy to be having a son, but I know he wants to have his own daddy�s girl one day. I was just afraid he already had one.

�Don�t you think she kind of looks like she can be in our family?� I asked.
�Yeah, she�s got the blond hair, blue eyes��
�You ever wonder what would happen if you did turn out to be the father back when we found out Erica was pregnant?� I asked and I could tell the question surprised Nick.
�What are you getting at Aaron?�
�Nothing. It�s just a hypothetical question.� I shrugged.
�I never really thought I was the father. I mean when Erica found out she was, me and her hadn�t been together for over six months, so the thought never even crossed my mind.�
�So you�re sure there�s no possible way you can be Eryn�s father?� I asked.

�Aaron, why are you even thinking that?� Nick asked, getting annoyed.
�She looks like you.�
�So?�
�I�m just saying she doesn�t really look anything like Jordan.�
�Well, if she looks like me, she looks like you too. Does that mean you�re her father?� Nick laughed.
�No, I guess it was stupid of me to think of it. Let�s get out of here.� I said, just hoping that Erica wasn�t here to try and pawn off her daughter on anyone.

We walked out of the studio and I pulled out my phone to turn it on since all cell phones had to be turned off inside the actual studio. Nick turned his back on and almost immediately it started beeping saying he had messages. Nick listened to his messages as we continued to walk to my car.
�What? Fuck! Oh my God! Shit!� Nick cursed and jumped around like a maniac.
�What�s going on?� I asked as Nick jumped into my car and waved me to get in. I got inside the car and closed the door.
�Drive. Hospital. Now.� Nick said in between breaths.
�Dude, are you okay?� I asked as I started the car. He was scaring me.
�Mac left a message on my cell. Trista�s at the hospital. Something about contraptions�I don�t know what that means.� Nick said panicked. I laughed as I pulled out of the parking lot.
�You mean contractions?� I asked.
�Oh, I was wondering what the hell Mac was talking about.�
�You are such a lame ass.� I said shaking my head.
�She was breaking up okay? I do know what contractions are.� Nick said annoyed.

We got to the hospital and we ran over to the front desk where Mac and Trista were filling out paperwork or something. Trista was in a wheelchair.
�What�s going on?� Nick yelled kneeling down next to Trista.
�I may be going into labor.� Trista breathed.
�You can�t be. It�s not time yet.� Nick argued.
�Nick, I don�t think the baby cares about that. He�s saying it�s time now.� Trista said and Nick stood up.
�But the nursery isn�t finished. We didn�t even have the baby shower yet. I haven�t even learned to change a diaper properly yet!� Nick said completely losing it. I just glanced at Mac and we both laughed.

�Nick�� Trista called as he rambled.
�Freak down!� She shouted.
�What?� He asked, snapping out of his stupidity.
�Freak down. Freak down. Freak the hell down.� Trista said while laughing.
�That would be a good rap song.� I teased.
�Yeah.� Trista agreed. �Freak down. Freak down. F-f-f-freak down.� Trista chanted and Mackenzie, Nick and I just glared at her.
�Now you need to freak down.� Mac laughed.
�Sorry, the pain is getting to me.� Trista said, going through a contraction�or at least that�s what I think it was.
�Well, where the hell is the doctor if you�re in pain?� Nick asked impatiently.
�He�s coming out in a few minutes.� Mackenzie assured him.

After they took Trista to a room, Aaron and I sat back in our seats and let out a breath of air.
�Look what we have to look forward to.� I joked.
�Oh yeah. I hope I don�t freak out like that.� Aaron said.
�And I hope I don�t make up weird songs to calm you down.� I said and Aaron laughed.
�So is she going into labor or not?� He asked.
�Well, they�re going to see how her contractions continue and if they get close enough and her water doesn�t break, they might induce the labor.�
�He�s okay coming out this early?� Aaron asked.
�They�re going to do a sonogram now and see how he is. If he�s healthy, then they�ll induce the labor.�
�And if he�s not ready?� Aaron asked.
�I don�t know. They�ll probably wait twenty-four hours and see what happens.� I sighed.
�That would be rough.�
�Yeah, I wouldn�t want to go through twenty-four hours of contractions.�

About twenty minutes passed and Nick came out.
�They�re moving Trista into the delivery room.� Nick said.
�Is the baby okay?� I asked.
�They said he might be underweight, but other than that he should be perfectly healthy.� Nick sighed. I could tell he was worried. �Aaron, can you call Mom and Dad?�
�Yeah, sure.� Aaron said walking off.
�I�ll call Trista�s parents.� I said about to walk away.
�Mac?�
�Yeah?�
�When you�re done, can you come in with me?�
�To the delivery room?� I asked.
�I�m scared.� Nick admitted.
�Nick, it�s going to be okay.� I said patting his back.
�I want to be strong in there, but I don�t think I can do it alone. Besides, I think Trista needs you there too.�
I smiled, �Okay, I�ll be right back.�

After I called Trista�s parents and told Aaron what was going on, Nick and I walked into the delivery room. Trista was in a hospital gown now and even had her hair up in a shower cap type thing. She was trying to concentrate on breathing, but she looked like she was in so much discomfort.
�How you doing hon?� I asked, grabbing onto her hand as Nick kissed her forehead.
�Get this baby out of me.� She said and I laughed. �You laugh now�just wait until it�s your turn.� Trista warned. Pretty soon, they had Trista pushing and Nick�s face would distort to whatever pain she was inflicting on his hand. As she gave another push, Trista grabbed onto my hand and applied the same force. I was wincing as I encouraged her to push.
�I can see the head�� The doctor announced. Nick looked over at me in a state of shock and then down at Trista.
�I love you.� He said softly.
�Love you too, but not right now.� Trista said as the doctor told her to push one last time. I laughed and next thing I know, I hear crying.

I look and see this tiny baby boy screaming his brains out.
�Mr. Carter, you want to cut the cord?� The doctor asked. Nick nodded as Trista let go of his hand. He did his duty before going straight back to holding Trista�s hand.
�You did it, Mom.� I said hugging her. A few minutes later, they placed the baby in Trista�s arms. He was so gorgeous.
�Hi Robert Tyler Carter.� Trista said kissing her baby�s forehead.

Chapter 14

I sat in the waiting room with my family. Mac�s bag started ringing and I dug her cell phone out. It was Keely.
�Hello?� I answered.
�Hey Aaron.�
�Hey Keely.�
�Do you know where Trista is?�
�Yes.�
�I�ve been calling her cell for hours and I started to get worried. I even called Nick a couple of times. Is she okay?� Keely asked.
�She�s in labor.�
�What?� Keely yelled. I had to pull the phone away from my ear.
�Mac and Nick are in the delivery room with her right now.�
�She�s early though.�
�These things happen�or so I�m learning.� I laughed.
�Oh, I want to be there to see the baby.� Keely whined.

�So come on over then.�
�I can�t. I�m working on-set for the next two weeks.�
�You�ll get to see the baby. Don�t worry.� I said and just then Mackenzie came down the hall smiling.
�Keel, Mac�s here. I want to find out what�s going on. I�ll talk to you later�� I said about to hang up.
�Wait!� Keely shouted.
�What?� I asked.
�I want to know too!�
�Fine, stay on the phone.� I sighed.
�Is Trista okay?� Mom asked.
�Is the baby born?� BJ asked.
�Trista�s doing good. She went right to sleep right after she saw the baby.� Mac grinned.
�Aww!� My sisters cooed.

�How�s Nick?� Dad snickered.
�He did good.� Mac assured us.
�Where is he?� I asked with the phone still to my ear, but a little outstretched so Keely could hear what was said.
�He�s coming out with the baby in a few minutes.�
�How much does he weigh?� Leslie asked.
�Only four pounds, three ounces.� Mackenzie said and I saw worry shoot through Mom�s eyes.
�Wow�� Keely gasped.
�They have to keep him here until he reaches five pounds.� Mac explained. I felt like she was the information lady of the day or something. Nick walked out holding the baby and we all crowded around.
�Keely, talk to Mac. I�m meeting my first nephew.� I said shoving the phone at Mackenzie. She laughed and took it.

�Everyone, meet Robert Tyler Carter.� Nick said and Dad smiled proudly.
�We have the same name.� Dad said as he touched the sleeping baby�s head.
�Let Grandma hold him.� Mom said and Nick handed him to her.
�He�s so tiny.� Angel said.
�Yeah, but he�s strong like his Dad.� Nick grinned.
�Congratulations man.� I said smacking Nick on the back before my sisters started congratulating him.

We all just stared at Tyler as Nick and Trista wanted to call him. Naming him Robert was in honor of my father and it made him feel better about being a grandfather. I loved my nephew so much already and all he did was scrunch his face and sleep. Everyone else was getting to hold him as I just sat with Mackenzie and she told me all about the birth. It all sounded pretty gross and I�m not sure if I even wanted to be in the delivery room anymore. Just as I got Tyler in my arms, Mom started going on about having to take Erica to the airport. Nick announced Trista was awake now. Mackenzie, BJ and Leslie all went to go see her. The nurse came and took Tyler away from me.

�Aaron, can you take Erica to the airport for me?� Mom asked.
�What? Mom, come on. I�ve been here for like six hours.� I groaned.
�Well, you need some air then. Please, I want to get Trista and the baby something.�
�I�m going to buy a camera.� Dad grinned before walking off.
�Mom��
�Aaron, I don�t ask you for much anymore.� Mom complained.
�Fine. What time�s her flight?� I asked.
�Eight. She�s at the house right now actually.� Mom said and I nodded.
�Tell Trista I�ll come see her tomorrow morning okay?�
�Yeah. Thanks.� Mom said kissing me goodbye.

I made my way home really not wanting to see Erica again. I walked through the door and the Disney Channel was on as Eryn was sound asleep on the couch holding a stuffed dolphin.
�Erica?� I called out. I couldn�t find her on the first floor. I went up to the second floor and into my room, surprised to see Erica looking around. �What are you doing?� I asked. She jumped and looked at me.
�Aaron, I didn�t expect you to be home. I thought you stayed at Mackenzie�s most of the time.�
�Yeah, well Mom asked me to take you to the airport.�
�Thanks. How�s Trista?� She asked.
�She�s good. The baby�s already got the Carter good looks.� I said and Erica laughed.
�Congratulations on being an uncle.� Erica smiled.
�Thank you. So is there any reason you�re in my room?�
�Just bored and I was looking around the house.� She shrugged. I found that kind of rude.
�So you�re going to be a Dad?� Erica asked.
�Yup.� I smiled.
�Let�s go downstairs.� I said, feeling uncomfortable with her in my bedroom. We walked downstairs and Erica shut the TV off and brushed a few strands of hair out of Eryn�s face.

�What do you think of her?� She asked.
�She�s beautiful.�
�Yeah, she takes after her Daddy.� Erica said and I narrowed my eyes. Erica looked back up at me and smiled.
�Jordan�s not that pretty.� Erica laughed.
�You�re right.� I was starting to really wonder if maybe this child was Nick�s. Erica was acting really weird about it all and the more I looked at this kid, the more it made sense.

I walked into Trista�s room and she opened her eyes and smiled at me.
�How are you doing?� I asked.
�I hurt.� She pouted.
�Understandable.�
�How�s Tyler?� She asked.
�Being stared at by the whole Carter family.� I chuckled.
�He�s going to be really spoiled.� Trista laughed.
�Oh yeah. He�s going to be a terror.� I said.

�How�s Nick?�
�A proud father.� Nick said coming into the room.
�Hey.� Trista smiled widely at him.
�How you feeling?� Nick asked sitting down beside her.
�I�m okay. When do I get to see my baby again?�
�The nurse said she�ll bring him in so you can feed him in a little while.� Nick said and Trista grinned at the thought of giving her son his first bottle.
�My sisters want to come and say hello. Is it okay?� Nick asked.
�Of course.� Trista said.
�I�ll go get them.� I said before walking out of the room. Aaron was holding Tyler now and I kissed his cheek and let Tyler hold onto my finger.
�I like this picture.� I said. Aaron grinned.
�How am I doing?� He asked.
�You�re a natural.� I smiled. I told BJ, Leslie and Angel that they could see Trista and we all walked back to her room.

After a little while, Bob and Jane came in and I wondered where Aaron went.
�Where�s Aaron?� I asked.
�Oh, he went to take Erica to the airport.� Jane said and my eyes widened.
�What?�
�I asked him to. Do you mind Mackenzie?� Jane asked.
�Whatever.�
�Don�t whatever me.� Jane said.
�Jane�� I said frustrated.
�Ahem.� Nick cleared his throat and gave us both an icy glare. Just then the nurse brought Tyler in with a bottle.
�No arguing around my baby.� Trista said and tried sitting up. Nick helped her and the nurse placed the small bundle in her arms.

�Hi baby�I missed you.� Trista said taking the bottle. Tyler had gulped down the formula in no time.
�He takes after Nick.� BJ joked and we all laughed.
�Shut up.� Nick pouted.
�He�ll be five pounds in no time.� Jane commented. We all decided to give Nick, Trista and Tyler some time together as a family. As I walked out of the room, I glanced back at them once more and couldn�t wait for my turn.

Chapter 15

I got back to my condo, exhausted from the day�s events. I took the dogs out to the yard since they were practically whimpering.
�I�m sorry. I�m being a bad Mommy.� I said as I opened the door for them. I changed for bed and glanced at the clock. It was past ten. I guess Aaron decided to stay at his place tonight. After I let the dogs back in, I was about to get into bed, but there was a knock at the door. I opened the door surprised to see Angel standing there.

�Hey.� I greeted.
�Hi. Is Aaron here?� She asked.
�No.�
�I�m sorry to bother you.� Angel went to turn away.
�Ang, you�re not bothering me. You want to come in?� I asked.
�Okay.� She said walking in.
�You want anything to eat or drink?�
�No thanks.� We sat down on the couch.
�I would think Aaron was at your house.� I shrugged.
�No. I was just there.� Angel said. �Is he still mad at me?� She asked.
�Mad at you?� I laughed.
�For going out with Craig behind his back.�
�Angel, Aaron�s been trying to apologize to you for weeks now.�
�Mackenzie, he wants to apologize for calling me easy, which is okay, good and all, but I�m not apologizing for seeing Craig.�
�I don�t think he wants you too. He talked to Craig and he�s cool with it now.�
�Yeah, Craig told me he did, but I don�t know.� She said sadly.

�Angel, what�s wrong?� I asked.
�I�ve been feeling really bad about myself lately.� She said as she held back tears.
�Why?�
�The night I almost got raped was like a wake up call. Mac, I�ve been partying way too much. I treat guys like they�re my toys and I haven�t even done anything with my modeling lately.�
�So do something about it.� I said.
�I want to. I haven�t had a drink since that night. I haven�t even been to a club until that night you saw me with Craig.�
�Well, then you don�t need to feel bad about yourself.� I said rubbing her arm.
�I do. I just keep thinking about that night. If it weren�t for Craig, I don�t know what I�d do. When Aaron called me easy that night, I just felt even worse. It made me worry I was going to screw Craig over just like I�ve done to the last couple of guys I dated�� Angel cried. I pulled her into a hug. �I don�t want Aaron to think I�m a slut and I don�t want to hurt Craig.�
�Aaron doesn�t think you�re a slut and you won�t hurt Craig. Not if you care about him.� I said pulling away from her.

I comforted Angel for a little while longer before she went home. I called Aaron�s cell phone.
�Hey.� Aaron answered.
�Hey. How was the airport?� I asked.
�Good. Erica�s out of my life again, so I�m happy.�
�She pissed you off huh?� I wondered.
�She�s just trying to get money and I don�t like it.� Aaron said.
�Where are you?�
�Driving.�
�Okay�are you coming here?�
�I�m going to sleep home because I�m going to the hospital early tomorrow and it�s closer to my house.�
�Okay. Good night then.�
�Night Mac.�
�I love you.�
�I love you too.� Aaron said. We hung up and I went to bed thinking of Tyler�s cute face and the fact that I got to be there when he came into this world. Knowing I�ll get to witness my own baby�s birth was such an incredible thing I was looking forward to.

I helped Erica with her bags and put them in my car as she carried Eryn in. She put a seatbelt on her and got up front to sit with me. I started the drive to the airport and I turned on the radio to take away from the silence and hopefully avoid conversation, though I was still tempted to find out more information.
�You should come and visit us.� Erica said and I just gave her a look.
�I don�t think so.�
�You hate me that much?� She asked.
�Erica, what are you doing here?�
�What do you mean?� She asked. I turned the radio off, finally just deciding to get this out of her.
�You come here looking for a handout from my Mom. You bring this little girl over like you two are friends of the family or something�Erica, you know your history with us, so why are you coming here? I mean is this all about money?� I asked and I could tell Erica was not happy with my questions.
�I�m a single mother Aaron. I want the best for my daughter and I have nowhere to turn.� Erica said upset. I looked for the signs for Erica�s gate number and pulled up.

�Why don�t you go to Jordan then?�
�I hate Jordan.� Erica said.
�But he�s Eryn�s father.�
�You don�t understand.� Erica sighed.
�I understand that as her father he owes you child support.� I said, getting frustrated.
�Yeah, well you can�t pay child support for a kid who�s not yours.� Erica said getting out of the car. It only took me a second to think about it before hopping out of the car after her.
�Can you open the trunk?� Erica asked. I just looked at her blankly. I went back to the front of the car and popped the trunk before returning to Erica.

�She�s Nick�s kid isn�t she?� I asked. Erica just continued to take her bags out of the trunk and set them on the sidewalk. �Answer me.� I sighed. She opened the car door and picked Eryn up before turning to get a cart to put her bags on. I closed the trunk and walked over to her as she put everything on it with only one hand. I began helping her. �Say something.� I said getting annoyed.
�What do you want me to say?� Erica asked.
�The truth.�
�Goodbye Aaron. I�ll get out of your life now.� Erica said before shifting Eryn in her arms and beginning to walk away.

�Erica!� I yelled.
�What?� She said stopping and I could tell she was crying.
�You can�t just hint around at something like this. Eryn looks just like Nick--� I began, before Erica finally spoke up.
�No Aaron. She doesn�t.� Erica said turning around to face me.
�Are you fucking blind?� I asked.
�She looks like you.� Erica said and I froze. My mouth became dry.
�Wha--�
�I see more of you in her each day.� Erica said with a faint smile as tears ran down her face. I just stood there, not able to speak or move.

And Erica was gone.

Chapter 16

I drove around all night. I couldn�t help it. If I stayed in one place, I was afraid what I was thinking I would actually start to believe. You probably shouldn�t drive when you have a lot on your mind. It actually made me calm and cleared my mind though. When I got back to my house, my mind was far from clear. I hate Erica and I hate the fact that I�m even thinking what I am thinking. She�s just messing with my head. She�s good at that. Erica�s done it before and I fell for it, I don�t see why she wouldn�t be doing that now. I walked upstairs and I heard Angel call out to me. I was kind of surprised. I walked into her room and she sat up in her bed.

�I�m ready to talk to you now.� She said. I nodded and sat down on her bed.
�I�m really sorry Angel. I didn�t mean what I said that night.�
�I know you didn�t. I hate when we fight. Lately, I just feel like a complete disappointment to you.� Angel sighed.
�Ang, no way. It�s hard for me to accept the fact that even though you�re my sister, you�re still a woman and my friends are going to like you, though I don�t know why.� I shrugged. Angel pushed me and I laughed.
�So are you okay with me and Craig?�
�Yeah, just�don�t play him.� I said with a smile.
�The king of players is telling me not to play someone?� Angel asked shocked.
�Being a player is much more suitable on a guy.�
�Ugh, what�s this a double standard?� She asked.
�Yeah, pretty much.� I shrugged and Angel just laughed.
�I won�t play him Aar. I like him too much and he treats me good.�
�He better.� I warned. Angel smiled and we hugged.
�And I really didn�t get to properly congratulate you on your engagement or your baby.� Angel said.
�Well, you had a lot on your mind.�

�I�m really proud of you.� Angel said and I laughed.
�For falling in love? For making a baby?� I asked.
�For being smart enough to know when you�re in love and for holding onto it.� Angel said and I smiled.
�Thanks.�
�Mackenzie may have been the last person we thought or wanted you to end up with, but you didn�t let that stop you. Now I can�t even imagine you with anyone else.�
�That means so much to me.� I said hugging her again.
�Let�s get some ice cream.� Angel said standing up. We walked into the hallway and something squeaked. Angel and I both jumped. She had stepped on some kind of toy. �Where�d this come from?� Angel asked picking it up.
�I think it�s Eryn�s.� I said suddenly thinking back to what happened earlier.
�That was so weird that Erica was here. After all this time, she just calls up Mom and comes here.� Angel said and I shrugged before walking to the kitchen. �Why don�t you like Erica?� She asked once she sat down and I pulled out the ice cream.
�She�s a backstabbing bitch.� I shrugged as I reached for two spoons. I sat down across from Angel and we both dug into the half-gallon of chocolate chunk.
�Yeah, that�s what everyone says, but what exactly did she do?�

�Well, she claimed to be in love with Nick.� Angel just laughed.
�Millions of girls do that.�
�Yeah, well she caused a lot of problems for Nick and Trista over it. She wouldn�t back off and your stupid brother gave in to it.� I sighed.
�My stupid brother now?� Angel laughed.
�Yes.�
�So that�s yours and Mac�s problem with her then?�
�Partly. She was kind of a bad friend to Mac as far back as I can remember. She laid guilt trips on her left and right for every little thing. On top of that, she gave Mac shit about being friends with me.�
�Why?� Angel asked.
�Who really fucking knows? It bothered her that we were friends and Nick would hardly speak to her I guess. Then those rumors started about us�� I said rolling my eyes.
�Yeah, what was that all about?�
�Mom pretty much. Erica fed into it too.�

�So you and Erica never hooked up?� Angel asked. I took another scoop of ice cream and shook my head.
�Aaron, you�re lying.�
�I am not.� I said wide-eyed.
�Okay. I know you wouldn�t lie to me so I believe you.� Angel said taking a scoop of ice cream. I hate when she makes me feel guilty.

The next few days, I had visited Trista and Tyler at the hospital before I met with the wedding planner. Her name was Irene and I liked her a lot. She seemed to know exactly how I wanted things. Aaron seemed to like Irene a lot too, though his head was up his ass lately. I know he�s been stressed with getting the album finished and everything before the summer. He was also planning to go to New York next week and he said he wants to stay a few extra days to touch up some songs. Jane wasn�t going with him because she was setting up some gigs for Angel at her request. Also, I was dreading next week because Jane was coming with me to discuss the set-up of the reception with Irene. Why I let Aaron talk me into that one? I still don�t know.

Trista and Nick got to take Tyler home with them in a matter of four days. He now weighed five pounds, two ounces and he showed no sign of slowing down. This kid could finish a bottle off faster than any baby I�ve seen. The night before Aaron left, I was laying in his arms just about to fall asleep.
�I love you.� Aaron said running his hands through my hair. I looked up at him and smiled.
�I love you too.�
�No matter what?� Aaron asked. I looked at him and laughed a little.
�Yes.�
�Good.� He said closing his eyes.
�Do you love me no matter what?� I asked, kissing his chest.
�Of course.� He said with his eyes still closed. After Aaron left, I decided to go over and visit Trista and the baby. Nick answered the door looking kind of annoyed.

�Hi.� I said.
�Hey. Do me a favor?� Nick asked.
�What?�
�Talk some sense into her.� Nick said before walking out. I walked into the house and called out to Trista. I went into the living room and Trista was cradling Tyler as he cried and she looked as if she was about to cry herself.
�What�s wrong?� I asked.
�Take him while I get his bottle.� She handed me Tyler and he stopped crying long enough to look at me before crying again. Damn, this kid screamed bloody murder when he was hungry. Trista came back with the bottle.
�I�ll feed him.� I said and she handed the bottle to me and we both sat down on the couch before I started feeding Tyler. �Man, listen to him gulp.� I laughed. I looked over at Trista.

�So what�s up with Nick?�
�I started questioning him about Erica.�
�And I guess he didn�t appreciate that?�
�Oh no. He blew up at me saying I didn�t believe him or trust him.�
�Well, did you explain that you had a good reason to think Eryn could be his kid?� I asked.
�Yes and he said that he had sex with Erica once and that was in March of 2005, right before he and I started dating.� Trista said and I started calculating in my head. �Didn�t Erica discover she was pregnant in like April?� Trista asked.
�Yeah, but in 2006 when she was on tour with Aaron.�
�Are you sure?� Trista asked.
�You�re so bad at remembering things.� I said shaking my head.
�Shut up.� She laughed.
�So if Nick�s telling the truth, there is no possible way Eryn could be his.� I said.
�He�s telling the truth. He has no reason to lie because honestly, I had thought they had slept together after that.� Trista sighed.

�Well, that�s a relief.� I said.
�Yeah. You have to admit that little girl looks a lot like a Carter.� Trista said and I nodded.
�She does. Maybe Bob had an affair with Erica that we don�t know about.� I joked.
�Mackenzie!� Trista laughed. �That�s just sick.� She said and I nodded before noticing Tyler�s bottle was empty.
�Damn�� I said laughing.
�That�s my boy. Eats just like his Dad.� Trista grinned. I heard the door slam and we both turned to see Nick.

�Forgot my keys.� He said, still annoyed.
�Nick�� Trista said standing up. She walked over to him and whispered something to him. Nick smiled and nodded. He grabbed his keys and kissed her.
�Bye Mac. Bye Tyler. Daddy loves you.� Nick said before walking out again. Trista turned around and smiled at me.
�He calms down a lot easier now.� I laughed.
�It�s the baby. He brings out the softer side of Nick.� Trista smiled.

Chapter 17

Mike and I were eating pizza during one of my breaks from recording. I had been in New York for almost four days and I still hadn�t managed to call Erica to tell her I was coming to see her. I still wasn�t sure if I was going to tell her either. I had been thinking about so much ever since the day she left. I was trying my best to hold up a conversation with Mike because I haven�t been much company to him lately.

�How�s that girl you�ve been seeing?�
�I dumped her.� Mike sighed.
�Why?�
�She was whining too much that I didn�t make time for her.�
�But all you�ve done was go and visit her the last couple of months.�
�I know, so I don�t know what the hell she was talking about.� Mike groaned.
�Dude, you have the worst taste in women.� I chuckled.
�I do not.� Mike protested. �Okay, Erica was bad.� Mike said and I just nodded. �What about BJ?� He asked.
�Besides, BJ. She was the best thing that ever happened to you.� I teased.
�Yeah, too bad we weren�t compatible.� Mike said throwing a piece of crust at me.
�Yeah, it was weird anyway. No more of my sisters are available for you to date.� I grinned. Mike laughed.
�What about Angel?�
�Craig beat you to it.�
�Really?� Mike asked surprised. I nodded.
�And how do you feel about that?�
I shrugged, �As long as they�re happy.�

�Man, Mackenzie�s softened you up.� Mike laughed.
�She did not.� I said throwing the piece of crust back at him.
�I can�t believe you�re getting married and going to be a father.� Mike said.
�Yeah, I�m so happy where my life is going, but part of me still worries it�s just going to end somehow.� I sighed.
�Mackenzie loves you. I don�t think that�s changing within the next sixty years.� Mike laughed.
�What if something made her fall out of love with me?� I asked.
�Are you planning to do something to make her fall out of love with you?� Mike asked. I shrugged.
�No.�
�So stop being weird.�
�I have to get back to recording.� I said standing up.
�Aaron, are you sure you don�t want me going to Boston with you?�
�Yeah. I need to talk to Erica. I promised my Mom I would personally give her something.� I lied. Mike nodded.

Jane and I had just arrived at the country club and were waiting for Irene to arrive. Jane glanced around the room like she was inspecting it for a murder case.
�Are you sure you want to have the wedding here?� Jane asked.
�If you ask me that one more time, Aaron and I are eloping.� I sighed.
�My son would never get married without me present.� Jane countered.
�That�s what you think.� I grinned evilly. Before Jane could speak, Irene walked in.
�Mackenzie, how are you?� She said kissing my cheek.
�Good. Irene, I�d like you to meet--� I started to introduce Jane, but she decided to take over for me.
�Jane Carter, nice to meet you.� She said shaking Irene�s hand.
�Mrs. Carter, it�s a pleasure to meet you. Your son is quite the charmer and you must be so happy to have a daughter-in-law like Mackenzie.� Irene said and Jane pretty much rolled her eyes at her.
�Oh yeah. Mackenzie is like a daughter to me�sometimes I want to put her through the wall just like one of my own.� Jane smiled. I laughed.
�Oh Mama Jane. Always the kidder.� I said as Jane and I shared a phony smile.
�Okay, let�s get down to business then.� Irene said looking at us strangely. We started setting up a schedule for the wedding and I was starting to get a headache.

�I don�t think we should have a Venetian hour.� Jane sighed.
�Well, they always go over big.� Irene protested.
�Yeah, Jane. I rather give the guests a variety of desserts than stick them with just a piece of cake.�
�Fine.� Jane said.
�Now, your colors are teal and lavender��
�What?� Jane asked.
�Aaron and I agreed on teal and lavender.� I sighed.
�You did?�
�Yes.�

�Since when is Aaron okay with those colors?�
�Since I suggested them.� I said rolling my eyes.
�Oh, so you�re going to run this wedding and he�s not going to have a say in it?� Jane asked.
�What are you talking about? I ask Aaron�s opinion on everything and he said he likes teal�so there�it was agreed.�
�Teal is a bad luck color.�
�No, it�s not.� I groaned.
�Yes, it is Mackenzie.�
�Actually, that�s turquoise.� Irene intervened. Jane narrowed her eyes.
�And lavender�it�s too light.�
�The colors are final.� I gritted.

The day continued on like this. Everything Irene and I said, Jane went against. Finally, we just called it a day and Jane made her way to her car. I followed after her.
�Jane��
�I�ll see you tomorrow.� Jane said unlocking her car door.
�Wait, maybe you shouldn�t come.� I suggested.
�Why?� Jane asked.
�Look, I can�t take you telling me what I should have for my wedding. It�s making Irene�s job harder and it�s frustrating me.� I said honestly.
�Mackenzie, this is about control isn�t it?�
�I don�t know. You tell me.� I sighed.
�And what�s that supposed to mean?� She asked.
�You�re trying to control this wedding, just like everything else in life.�
�I�m trying to help.�
�Help Jane, is welcomed. You are not helping in there.�
�So you want to push me out of helping with the wedding�what else Mackenzie? Are you going to push me out of Aaron�s life too?� Jane asked dramatically.
�Oh stop it. You like trying to make me out to be the big bad daughter-in-law. I�m not pushing you out of anything! You do that all on your own.� I huffed before starting toward my car.
�Maybe I just won�t come to the wedding. That would make you and Aaron happy, won�t it?� Jane shouted.
�Maybe it would!� I shouted back. I got in my car knowing I�d probably have to apologize or something later on. This woman drives me crazy. Aaron better realize how much I love him for putting up with her.

I had just landed in Boston and my cell phone rang. I got in the rental car and answered it.
�Hey Mac.�
�Hey. Um, you�re going to be mad at me.� She said.
�What did you do?� I asked.
�It wasn�t my fault. Your Mom and I had a fight.�
�Mackenzie�� I groaned. �Is she at least talking to you?� I wondered.
�That would be a no.� She sighed.
�I knew I shouldn�t have let you talk me into letting her help with the wedding.�
�What!?� Mac freaked. I laughed. �You�re the one who asked me to let her come to plan with me!�
�I know, but Mom wanted to help. What was I supposed to say?�
�That we don�t need Hitler helping with our wedding?� Mac asked.

�So what happened?� I asked.
�She gave me a problem about everything! And now�well, she�s not coming to the wedding.� Mac kind of mumbled.
�What?� I asked as my eyes widened.
�She wasn�t serious. She�s just upset.�
�Mackenzie, please try to fix this before I come home.�
�Why can�t she come to me?� She asked.
�If she threatened to not come to the wedding, she wants you to come and beg her forgiveness.� I said.
�Well, I�m not doing that. I will talk to her, but I am not saying sorry for wanting a Venetian hour or teal in my wedding.� Mac said.
�What the hell�s a Venetian hour?� I asked. Mackenzie laughed.
�It�s like a dessert table.�
�Well, why don�t they just call it that?�
�I don�t know Aaron.�

�So what are you doing?� Mac asked.
�I�m going to the hotel now and maybe taking a nap.� I said. It wasn�t a total lie. I just wasn�t in New York like Mackenzie thought.
�Okay. Well, I�ll let you go.�
�I�ll call you later.�
�I love you.� Mackenzie said.
�Love you too.� I said before we hung up. I started the car and made my way toward my hotel. Once I got checked in and all my bags were in, I laid down on the bed and let sleep take over me.

Chapter 18

The next day, I was sitting at work, typing up next issue�s cover story when the intercom buzzed.
�Mackenzie, Bob Carter is here to see you.� My secretary said.
�Thanks Janette, send him in please.� Bob never visited me at work, so this was a surprise. I wondered if it had anything to do with my argument with Jane though. Bob stepped into my office and I smiled at him before hugging him hello.

�To what do I owe the pleasure?� I asked.
�I wanted to talk to you about the wedding.� Bob said. I nodded.
�Have a seat.� I said sitting down in front of my desk. Bob sat next to me.
�Mackenzie, I�m not sure if you know this, but I�m not exactly all for you and Aaron getting married.�
�Yeah, I kind of noticed.� I sighed.
�Do you understand why?� He asked.
�Not really.� I admitted.
�Aaron is still just a kid in many ways.�
�Bob, people have been telling Aaron that all his life.�
�Because he hasn�t been anything but a kid yet.�
�You weren�t that much older than he was when you got married.� I sighed.
�No, in fact I was exactly his age when I married Ginger�s mother. That didn�t mean I was ready then though.�

�Why don�t you think Aaron is ready?� I asked, still not thinking the comparison was a good enough reason.
�Why do you think Aaron is ready?� Bob countered.
�He loves me.�
�He loved you when he was eighteen. Should he have married you then?�
�He wants to and we want to start our family.� I sighed.
�Getting pregnant doesn�t necessarily mean you want to start a family.�
�Bob, we�re engaged. We�re having a baby. We�re both being responsible about this, so I really don�t understand.�
�Mackenzie, Aaron is always going to clubs and partying�he needs time to get that out of his system. I�m just looking out for you two. I�d hate to see you end up resenting each other.� Bob explained.
�That won�t happen.�
�Me and Jane are getting old and Aaron�s going to have to start depending on himself from now on. I don�t even think he knows what that�s like.�
�I didn�t force Aaron to propose to me.�
�I know you didn�t.�

�So you�re not supporting us in our decision then?� I asked.
�I�ll always support my kids. That doesn�t mean I�ll be happy with what they choose.� Bob said and I sighed.
�I�m sorry you feel that way.�
�Me too. I am here for the both of you though. I hope you know that.�
�Thanks.�
�But I really have to get going.� Bob said standing. I stood up too and hugged him. �You might want to give Jane a call. She�s pretty upset about this whole wedding planning thing.� I nodded. Bob left and I couldn�t help but want to cry. Aaron seems ready for marriage to me. I don�t think his parents give him enough credit sometimes. Why can�t things just be simple for once?

I picked up the phone and dialed the Carter house. I got the answering machine and figured Jane was doing business somewhere, so I called her cell phone.
�What do you want?� Jane answered.
�Are you coming to meet with Irene today?� I asked.
�I already told you I�m not helping anymore.�
�Look, I want your opinion, but you were just picking everything apart.� I sighed.
�Mackenzie, I really think I should leave the planning to you and Aaron. You know I�m just not going to agree with you, so let�s save ourselves both the aggravation.� Jane said and I kind of felt bad.
�Are you sure?� I asked.
�Yes.�
�Okay. If that�s the way you want it.�
�That�s the way you want it.� Jane sighed.
�No, I didn�t say that.�
�You didn�t have to.� Jane said. �I have to get going. Angel�s about to go on the runway.�
�Okay, I�ll talk to you soon.� I said before hanging up.

I really felt like just crying. I�m really sensitive and on top of that, I�m getting married and pregnant. I would really appreciate Bob and Jane�s support and tenderness with these issues, but it doesn�t seem like that�s going to happen.

I took a deep breath before knocking on the door. The apartment building wasn't exactly the most modern of buildings. There were cracks in the walls and people sleeping on the streets outside. It made me almost regret sending Mike home. I heard Eryn screaming and Erica telling her to stop.
"Eryn, be quiet. I have a headache."
"But I wanna watch Disney!" Eryn cried. The door opened and Erica looked startled to see me.
"Aaron, what are you doing here?"
"Can I come in?"
"Yeah�" She said stepping aside. I glanced around the apartment. It was pretty small. It looked like a one bedroom. It wasn't a bad place. It looked like Erica did a good job with what she had, but I just felt bad that she had to raise a little girl in this neighborhood.
"Do you want anything?" She asked.
"No thanks." I said and I glanced in the living room as Eryn fiddled with the TV. She turned it to the Disney Channel and I smiled.

"Eryn!" Erica yelled, causing Eryn and myself to jump. Eryn looked back toward me and I could see her face. It was the first time I looked at her face since the thought of her being mine came into my mind. I couldn't stop looking at her. She grinned at me. That grin. It was undeniably a Carter grin. It was our trademark. I took a deep breath.
"Pizza's here?" Eryn asked, her eyes bright and wide. She looked so much like me. This can't be happening.
"No, this is Aaron. Remember you met him when we were in Florida?"
"Oh. No pizza." She pouted and turned her attention back to the TV.
"Turn it lower Eryn." Erica sighed. Eryn whined as she turned down the volume.

"So what brings you here?" Erica asked sitting at the kitchen table. I sat across from her.
"I think you know why." I sighed.
"You don't believe me, right?"
"I don't even know what's going on Erica."
"Eryn�that little girl in there is our baby." Erica said and I narrowed my eyes. To hear her actually say that, it made me twitch. Our baby. Erica and mine. It just can't be happening.
"Our baby?" I asked.
"Yes, did you push that one night, that far into the back of your mind?" Erica asked. I took a deep breath and that night rushed back to me in a mixture of pain, alcohol and loneliness.

"Congratulations on your album." I said, as Erica helped me open my door. I had been drinking heavily. I had done nothing, but think of Mackenzie and we weren't even on speaking terms at the moment. The last time, we'd seen each other, she was with Jackie and all we did was argue.

I needed an escape and Erica's debut party gave me that out. She had offered to walk me up to my room. She was staying in the guest room at my house and instead of going into her room immediately; she laid me down on my bed and took my shoes off for me.

"What are you doing?" I asked as she started unbuttoning my shirt.
"Helping you get more comfortable. I want us to be friends Aaron." Erica said. She didn't have many of those anymore. I felt bad for her in a way. I just smiled and nodded.
"I'll be your friend." I said and Erica unbuttoned my pants.
"With benefits?" She asked as she got on top of me.

I was so out of it that I would have went along with almost anything. I don't remember much before or afterward and all I know is that it was quick and sloppy and nothing special in any way between us. Most of our clothes even stayed on.

"Aaron?" Erica asked snapping me out of my thoughts.
"I remember." I sighed.
"I guess that night was my fault as usual?" Erica asked.
"I didn't say that." I said looking down.
"Well, say something."
"Why did you come onto me that night?" I asked.
"You just found out you have a three year old daughter and all you can ask is that?"
"I'll get to that in a minute. Answer the question Erica." I said. I started to feel like I was set up or something.
"I don't know Aaron. Maybe because I wanted a high profile boyfriend. Maybe because I was jealous of what Mackenzie had. I'm not sure anymore." Erica sighed.
"Okay. Now, how do you know she's mine?" I asked.
"How do I know?" Erica laughed. "Have you looked at her lately?"
"Erica, I can't risk something like this on a look-alike." I groaned.
"Nice to know that you can't even believe me."
"Can you blame me?" I asked. Erica just stayed silent.

"I want a blood test." I demanded.
"What?"
"I need to know for sure."
"Why? We're doing just fine without a father Aaron."
"Are you Erica? Look where you live. You said it yourself, your head's hardly above water."
"So what is Daddy Warbucks just going to send money every month and Christmas and Birthday cards?"
"If she's mine, I have a right to see her. And you know what? I can't believe you'd keep her from me for so long." I said standing up.
"Aaron�"
"This is bullshit." I said running my hand through my hair.
"I'm sorry." She said.
"Sorry Erica?" I asked leaning across the table in her face. "I'm getting married in a few months and I'm having a baby and you drop a bomb on me like this and all you can say is sorry?" I asked, beyond angry now. Erica just stared down. "Make the appointment now for tomorrow." I ordered. Erica didn't move. "Now!" I barked. Erica sighed and got up before walking to the phone. I sat there and listened until she was off the phone.
"Tomorrow at twelve." Erica said.
"Okay. I'll see you here at eleven thirty." I said, going for the door.
"You can stay here, you know?" Erica offered. I just gave her a cold look.
"No." I said before walking out.

Chapters 19-27

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