Finding Us Again

Family Gathering

Ian's Pov-

"So you're gonna wait to tell everybody at once, right?" Mama D asked as we all waited on the porch for Candice and Joe to pull up the driveway.

"Yes ma'am. I just feel like it'll be easier to do it all at once. Rather then to do it 10 different times." I answered her as she stood next to me with my mom on the other side of me.

"And then you'll bring Nina out?" She asked.

"Yes ma'am." I turned to look at her.

"Mama I'm seriously sorry about surprising you guys with this. We just didn't know how else to tell you." I told her.

"Ian honey it's ok. Honestly we aren't mad at all. I'm glad you told us in person. And like I said before. We are extremely sorry and angry that you're going through this. But..." She stopped herself.

"But what?"

"But I can also tell that you two are extremely happy right now. And that she's part of the reason you're handling this so well. How could a mother be anything other than happy that her kids are so happy." She said. Making me kinda tear up.

"Thank you Mama. That honestly means so much to me. And I know it's mean a lot to Nina. We were worried about how you guys would take it. And she's not just part of the reason mom. She is the reason." I said. She pulled me into a hug.

"And I know you're the reason she's happy Ian. Just make her happy son." She said as we hugged.

"That's the only plan I have for the rest of my life." I told her as we broke our embrace just as the car stopped in front of the house.

"Heeeey guys." Candice yelled as she stepped out of the car. Paul, Phoebe and I were already down the steps and walking to her.

"Heeey Candi we missed you." I told her as we all embraced in a group hug.

"Did you miss me too?" Kayla said as she stepped out of the back seat.

"Of course we did." Paul said as he pulled her into the hug.

Joe and Trevor got out and walked over to us. Joining in.
As we parted and all started giving separate hugs my parents, Nina's parents and brother started down the steps.

"Ian, Paul I missed you brothas." Joe said hugging us.

"We missed you too man. I haven't seen you in like 4 months." I told him.

"It would've been longer but..." Candice said looking around.

"But you said Nikki wouldn't be here." Phoebe laughed and Candice and Kayla joined her.

I couldn't help but laugh. How the hell did I not see what they've seen all these years?! I guess love is blind. Or maybe just my heartbreak got in the way of it. Either way I see it clearly now.
Just as I was about to say reply Candice noticed Mama D.

"Mama D, is that you?" Candice asked excitedly.

"Hello my sweet Candi." She said as she opened her arms for Candice to come hug her.