It was a couple days before my birthday trip back home, when I got the devastating message that my brother couldn't make the trip, due to being drafted.

The thought of my brother going BACK into the Army terrified me.

Logan was my best friend, and I didn't want him to go back, but I knew it was something he loved. He loved fighting for our country, and who was I to stop him?

As much as it scared me, I was extremely proud of him.

Late at night I would think about all the things that could go wrong, or him missing out on my pregnancy, or even the birth of my baby and get upset, but I had to remind myself that he truly loved this, and that my fears can't hold him back.

Today was exciting though, because I was going to meet their new puppy.

Cynthia refused to send me pictures till I came over, which I thought was stupid, but I guess it worked.

I somehow managed to con Colby into coming with me, and I made him drive so maybe it was a win, win situation.

Colby was bored alone at the house, asked where I was going and the second I said "to meet a puppy" he was putting his shoes on.

When we arrived at my brother and sister in law's house, I could hardly contain my excitement.

I knocked on the front door, resisting the urge to burst through the door, impatiently waiting for them to answer.

Cynthia opened the front door, and my eyes immediately landed on the puppy.

"Oh my god she's so small!" I squealed, watching Logan play tug of war with the puppy.

"Leighton, this is Nova" Logan grinned at me, knowing how excited I was.

"OH MY GOD!" I yelled. "Colby, can we get one?" I begged, snatching the tug rope to play with her.

"Maybe in the new house" He chuckled, sitting down on the floor next to me.

That was another thing sprung onto me the past few days.

The day after my date with Silas, I walked down the stairs and Sam and Colby sat me down, and told me they decided they were going to move, and that I needed to figure out if I was staying or coming with them.

Apparently they found a big house somewhere and were moving in July. Some of their old roommates were moving back in which made me nervous.

I was nervous to have a repeat situation like I have had with Colby.

I was also nervous that I would no longer be able to afford rent, but they said nothing would change since more people were moving in, but I was pretty sure they were just saying that since I was already struggling to pay rent as it was...

I also wasn't expecting him to actually say we could possibly get a puppy. I knew their old roommates had dogs, but I never in a million years would've thought they'd want to get one on their own.

"I can't believe my big bro got a puppy!" I pouted, watching Nova run around and bark at Logan for ignoring her.

"She's already a bossy girl! We love to see it, don't we Nova" I cooed and Logan rolled his eyes.

"My life is filled with bossy girls" He teased and I smirked at him, knowing it was true.

"You know, my last quiet moment was when I was 4. Right before Leighton was born. Ever since then, I haven't had peace and quiet for longer than 5 minutes" Logan told Colby who laughed, throwing a ball for Nova.

"I just made your life more interesting" I grinned, turning the conversation back around so it was beneficial on my part.

"You definitely are good at making people's lives more interesting.'' Colby mumbled to himself and I didn't know how to take that, so I just moved on.

"I can't wait to puppysit! Ahh I'm so excited!!" I squealed, feeling dopamine rush through my veins.

"Good, you can help me watch this little monster whilst Logan is gone" Cynthia laughed and I frowned, forgetting that part.

"Where is he going?" Colby asked, unaware.

"I used to do some time with the army when I was back in my early 20s, late teens, and I was called to be drafted a while back. So I get to go in and get my mental and psychical health examined and such over Leightons birthday" He informed Colby, myself still pouting like a child who didn't get her way.

I personally thought it was unfair that the universe was stealing my big brother over my birthday.

"Damn dude. Is this an I'm sorry situation or congratulations situation?" Colby asked and Logan chuckled.

"It's an I'm sorry to Leigh, and congrats to me. I loved serving the country and working for the military. Thankfully I haven't become an army jerk or anything. I try really hard to leave work at work and not let it mess with my personal life emotionally. Leighton was uh, pretty devastated finding out, and I don't think she'll forgive me for it being over her birthday" Logan looked over at me, raising an eyebrow.

"I don't mean to be a party pooper! It just fucking sucks! Can we stop talking about it? I don't want to cry right now" I sighed, focusing back on the puppy in front of me.

"I wish Nova could meet Ginger's dogs. Did you hear Melissa got a rescue Rotty?" Logan asked and I shoved Colby over for trying to steal Nova from me.

"She did? Is she still dating Lincoln?" I questioned, forgetting Colby didn't understand any of our gossip.

Logan nodded, rolling Nova onto her back as he carefully rough housed with the new puppy.

"Who's Melissa?" Colby asked, leaning back on the palms of his hands.

"She's Casey's sister. My Aunt Ginger's daughter" I told him, turning back to Logan.

"Casey is going to show Sam and Colby around Waverly next year" I told Logan, knowing he has been before.

"She said you had to come with us!" Colby chimed in and I glared at him, wanting to forget that detail.

"That's right! You guys do the haunted exploration videos!" Logan's eyes widened in realization. "Casey loves that place. Can barely tear her away from it. You should have fun there, especially with her as your tour guide. I'm assuming because you're now a family friend, you'll get the special treatment. Also, good luck if you have to bring Leigh. She thinks the haunted is bullshit and she gets freaked out easily" Logan smirked at Colby, who looked confused.

I shrugged, grabbing a squeaky toy, wanting the puppy's attention back from Logan.

"What do you mean special treatment?" He asked.

"I went to visit Casey a couple years ago, and got her tour. She has some special spots she only lets certain people go. I'd be surprised if she didn't bring you guys" Logan told Colby and I swear I saw Colby's eyes light up like a child on Christmas morning.

I could practically hear his inner thoughts right now.

Content.

Logan and Colby talked for a while about the tour and Logan's experiences, myself tuning them out whilst I played with the puppy.

"You know Colby, there is a plane ticket now" My brother spoke up, startling me.

Huh?

"To what?" Colby asked, just as confused as I was.

"The trip home with Leighton" Logan said so nonchalantly, acting like he didn't know what he was doing.

"I don't want to intrude on her family time. Aren't you going for your birthday?" Colby asked and I nodded, pretending not to give a single care about their conversation, when I in fact was intently listening "Why don't you ask Aaliyah?" He asked and I sighed. "Aaliyah is going to some family thing with River"

"Have you been to Minnesota before?" Logan asked and Colby nodded, typing on his phone before turning it back off and setting it down in front of him.

"We went on tour, and we went somewhere with our old friends. But I've never like, chilled there. We were always there for like 12 hours and left" He explained and Logan smirked again.

I could tell he was plotting. The shit eating grinning giving away his master plans.

"Leigh, you should totally bring him! It would be fun, plus our family loves when we bring new people home" Logan gave me a knowing look, and if looks could kill, he'd be lucky to even make it to his exam.

The last person any of us brought home was Cynthia, and I swear she's never wanted to run faster.

"We both know they're going to ask if we are dating" I raised an eyebrow, not wanting to constantly be asked if Colby was my boyfriend.

I got enough teasing from Colby's friends already, I didn't need it from my family too.

"Just say he's a stray you found on the street. They love rescues" Logan joked and Colby snickered.

"Ha ha, you're hilarious!" I grumbled. "How is that going to look? I bring a guy to my home state where a shit load of my family is? Even if I say we aren't dating, they'll think I'm lying" I grumbled, petting Nova's ears.

"Then let them" Logan shrugged like it was no big deal. "If you're really concerned about it, I'd put more money on them being focused on the fact that you're pregnant, than you bringing a boy home." Logan gave me an "I told you so" look and I threw a dog toy at his head. "Hey! You know it's true!"

"Sam is leaving with Kat for Hawaii on the ninth. Their anniversary is the 11th of June. I should stay back and keep watch of the house" Colby informed, probably feeling extremely awkward.

"Colby, if you really want to come, you can come. I don't want you to be disappointed that you're alone" I gave in and he gave me a weird look.

"I never said I wanted to go?"

Before I could say anything, Cynthia told us lunch was ready.

It was nice to hang out with my brother and his wife, even if Logan kept trying to have me kidnap Colby across the country.

I honestly wasn't even sure why Logan wanted me to drag Colby back home.

That evening I had gotten home and was texting Silas, talking about how each other's days were going, when Colby walked into the kitchen from the laundry room, surprising me with his question. "Do you really care if I come with you?"

"To where? Minnesota?" I asked and he nodded. "Why would you want to go? I'm visiting family" I was very confused as to why he was considering it. He's never taken interest in hanging out before, so why would he want to go on a week trip with me across the country to hang out with my family? Wouldn't he feel awkward?

"Your brother talked me into it. It seems fun, plus if your relatives are anything like you, it should be a blast" He complimented, surprising me even more.

"You think I'm fun?" I asked, feeling extremely confused at his sudden mood change towards me.

Didn't he hate my guts like last week or something?

"Leighton, you're not that bad. I'm working on letting go of the grudge of you lying to me. I talked out my issues with Sam, we really should just move on. Let that truce take effect. You know, even when you're bitchy, you're still fun. I'm sorry pregnancy has been hard on you lately, but I'm glad you are still trying to make an effort with us" He said and I cocked my eyebrow. Even when I'm bitchy? "Plus, we keep saying we need to hang out more, so what better time to hang out, than going to see your family? You could show me your favorite spots?" He suggested and I smiled softly.

"You want to meet my family?" I asked and he nodded, placing his hands on the countertop.

"I love adventures, and it sounds like a lot more fun than hanging out in my room whilst everyone is gone" He shrugged.

"No one's wanted to do that before" I whispered to myself, feeling a strange emotion wash over my nervous system.

"Hm?" He hummed and I sighed, not intending him to hear that.

"No one's ever wanted to hang out with my family and I. Gabe was always focused on his friend Chase, and his mom. He was more focused on himself, then anything with me. I think that's 'cause he didn't want to be around me when I was high" I shrugged, feeling slightly guilty.

"That's dumb" Colby said bluntly, opening the freezer. "Do you want pizza?" He asked and I shook my head. "I'll vomit. You know what sounds good?" I asked and he hummed in response.

"Ham, cream cheese and pickles" I said and he turned around quickly, his face contorting to a look of disgust. "What?" I asked and he shook his head at me, telling me no. "Please?" I asked and he sighed, shutting the freezer.

"We don't have pickles or cream cheese. Why is pickles a pregnant person's favorite thing?" Colby asked, making me laugh.

"It's not because I'm pregnant weirdo! I loved that before I was pregnant! It's a common snack! My parents used to make it all the time! Please can we go to the store and will you try it?" I asked and after a couple minutes, he caved in and we drove to the grocery store.

~

"Please try it!" I begged, handing him a plate with a small piece of Ham, cream cheese and a small dill pickle.

"That looks disgusting. I honestly might throw up" He shook his head and I rolled my eyes.

"Please?" I asked again and he sighed, contemplating it.

"I really hate pickles. I don't think this will be good" He said and I smiled when I watched him pick it up, inspecting it a little bit.

He popped it into his mouth, chewing slowly as his face contorted and he spit it out into his hand, throwing it away.

"That was nasty!" He gagged, reaching for his bottle of water.

"You're being dramatic!" I declared, eating the snack with no problem.

"If you liked pickles, I can see why you'd like it, but I hate them. You can have those" Colby said, snatching a piece of ham out of the container.

"Finally, a snack you won't steal!" I teased, and he shook his head, walking away.

I was texting Silas when I heard the alarm say "front door opened" letting us know someone was home.

I heard Sam ask Colby if the washer was empty, and I tuned out their conversation, making more of my snack.

I was just about to head upstairs with my plate of food when I heard Colby ask Sam "Do you think it's weird if I go on the trip with Leighton back to Minnesota?" making my ears perk up, stopping me in my tracks.

"What do you mean?" He asked and I could hear Colby sigh.

I sat down on the stairs, eating my ham wrapped pickles as I eavesdropped.

Colby explained the situation to Sam, and I held my breath as I waited for Sam's reply.

"Why would you want to go with her to see her family?" Sam asked and I sighed, feeling like we were going in circles.

"It seems like it would be fun. I love meeting new people, exploring new places, and Leighton's immediate family is fun. It seems more fun than hanging around the house whilst you're in my favorite place on earth" I heard Colby explain and Sam laughed.

"Sorry man, I didn't think Kat would like it if I brought you with us on our anniversary" Sam joked. "How does Leighton feel about you going with?" I heard Sam ask but I didn't hear Colby reply.

"Maybe make sure she actually is fine with you going. It is a little weird to be honest, but I could see how it could be fun" I heard Sam reply, so I figured Colby either spoke with his body language or replied softly.

I walked up to my bedroom and was eating my snack when something dawned on me.

I quickly googled "Food pregnant women can't eat" hoping to God I didn't just fuck up.

I clicked the first article, my eyes scanning the list.

Oh shit

I then typed in google "Why can't pregnant women eat deli meat" and I felt my heart race as I read the reply.

"Cured/fermented meats like Parma ham and salami are uncooked and could contain parasites that may cause toxoplasmosis, leading to miscarriage, stillbirth or birth defects. If you want to eat these foods, check on the label to see if they need to be cooked."

Miscarriage? Stillbirth? Birth defects?

I felt myself start to cry as I shoved the plate away, Gabe's words echoing in my head.

You're going to kill our baby.

I quickly typed into google "What happens if you accidently eat ham whilst pregnant" but my vision was too blurred to read the screen, causing me to chuck my phone across the room, hearing it clatter to the floor.

FUCK!

I heard a knock at my door and I sighed, wiping at my eyes to answer it.

"Hey Leigh, can we tal- what's wrong?" Colby asked and I shook my head, grabbing my plate and pushing past him. I walked downstairs, throwing the food away. "Hey, what happened?" Colby asked, and I turned my back to him.

I was pretty confident mascara was running down my face right now, and I didn't really want him to see that.

"Leighton, what's wrong?" He asked again and I shook my head, walking back upstairs with my head down.

"LEAVE ME ALONE!" I yelled

"Leigh!" He yelled back and I could hear his loud footsteps climbing the flight of stairs.

Before I could shut my bedroom door, Colby was standing in the doorway and I just fell to the floor, sobbing.

"What's wrong? Are you hurt?" He asked quickly and I shook my head, covering my face in my hands.

"Do you need to go to the hospital?" He asked and I shrugged, which didn't help.

"Can you please tell me what's wrong?" He spoke in pure panic, and I took a deep breath, trying to control my breathing so I could talk.

"Can you hand me my phone please?" I asked, wiping at my nose and he nodded, picking it up off the floor.

I read the google answer for what happens when you accidently eat ham,

"You don't need to panic if you are pregnant and have been eating deli meats. The probabilities are in your favor that nothing has happened. When it comes to deli meats it is important you know that the likelihood of being exposed to Listeria is low."

I took a deep breath and turned off my phone, glancing up towards Colby who looked concerned.

"I'm okay" I whispered and he sat down in front of me.

Colby's face was full of concern when he asked what happened and I sighed, rubbing some of the dark makeup off of my under eyes as I explained, and before I knew it, I was being pulled into a hug.

"Do you want to go to the hospital?" He asked and I shook my head, pulling away from the hug.

"Being pregnant sucks. You crave all these things you can't eat" I frowned, hating that the fucking ham and pickle things still sound good.

"I'm sorry Leigh, is there anything else you want? We could go get that instead?" he suggested but I shook my head, thanking him for his offer.

It was quiet for a moment, and the next words to leave my mouth surprised us both.

"You can come on the trip" I spoke softly, brushing my hair out of my face.

"Do you really want me to? I can stay here and watch the house?" He asked and I shook my head.

"No, it will be fun. My family will love you" I smiled softly, feeling slight butterflies in my stomach at the idea of bringing him home.