Vince POV

I love Caleb I really do but right now, I want to wring his neck for offering Adin to go on vacation with us. They have caused nothing but pain for all of us, especially Caleb the moment they walked out of Caleb's life almost nine years ago.

I was there to pick up the pieces, to help heal him, to help get him to live and love again. I was the one who picked him up when he would pass out from the pain, to make sure he ate, slept, showered, I did it all and more so why, why is that little bitch with us?

"Cottontail, please calm down. It's not good for the baby for you to be so stressed. I know it isn't easy, I know better than anyone but Adin is Altan's mama so they should be a part of his celebration for his hard work." Caleb wrapped his arms around my waist and placed his hands on my small baby bump. We found out we're pregnant a few weeks ago with our first child. The first for any of us.

"And having Adin in my presence is stressing me out just by looking at them. How am I supposed to get through this trip if I see them all the time?"

"One minute at a time, just like me. It isn't going to be easy sweetie but we have to do this for Altan." He said and kissed my mate mark, making me shiver.

"Don't start something you can't finish," I warned gently and he smiled and kissed my mate mark again, like the ass he is.

"But you like my ass so it's ok." He chuckled and backed up a little.

"Come on, we gotta get going. Adin said we don't need to pick them up, we'll meet at the airport." Good, I don't want to be in the same vehicle as them. I went to grab my suitcase but my sweet mate grabbed it for me so I grabbed our bag that had all our bathroom stuff in it plus chargers and little things we'd need. I also made sure to grab my morning sickness meds because that shit hits any time of the day.

"Hey Altan, you got everything you need baby boy?" Caleb asked the bouncing boy who had the biggest smile on his cute face. I can't believe how much he looks like Caleb, hardly a trace of his mama in him, thankfully.

"Yes, papa! I triple checked and daddy Nathan did too."

"Alright, are we all ready?" Caleb asked and everyone said yes so we went outside and loaded up in the cars.

When we got to the airport, Adin was already standing at the entrance with their suitcase, and Altan was smiling and waving at Adin as we drove by and went to go to long term parking. Nathan went to go get a luggage trolly for all our stuff and when it was loaded on, we made our way into the airport.

"Mama!" Altan ran to Adin and hugged them.

"Hey, buddy." Agh their voice even annoys me.

"Hey, guys." Adin greeted us when we stopped in front of them. They all said hi except me, I may have to be on this trip with Adin but I don't have to speak to them.

We made our way through security and everything else and found some seats to wait for the flight.

"Mama guess what papa said we can do after we see the falls and other stuff?" Altan asked Adin as he bounced in his seat. The boy sure is excited.

"What did papa say?"

"He said we can take a ferry to Staten Island! Isn't that cool? A ferry!" His excitement was contagious, we were all smiling and chuckling at him.

"That is really cool. What else are you wanting to do?"

"I got a list, here take a look." Altan gave Adin his list, a very long list of things he wants to do. Caleb looked it over and made mental notes on things we aren't going to do, there isn't enough time to go all over the state in the week we have so the major places yes of course but to see every park, every beach, every single store in New York City is a bit of a stretch.

"Don't worry, I know papa said we can't do it all but when I get bigger I can come back and do it." Altan said as Adin looked over the list.

"Good idea, you have like a month's worth of things here. Are we going to the zoo?" Altan's face lit up and he nodded rapidly.

"Yes! Papa said we can go after we get back from the falls and explore the city then." That moment our flight was called so we made our way to board the plane. We got first-class seats.

"I want a window seat, mama will you switch with me?" Altan asked and Adin smiled and got up from their seat and sat next to Seth. Caleb and I were sitting across from them and Nathan and Eric were across from us to our left.

Six hours of listening to Altan talk about what he wants to do, a delicious meal, and Adin's voice later, we finally land.

"Holy does it stink." Adin said and yea I gotta agree, the air is horrible.

"It's new, we'll get used to it." Eric said as we walked to baggage claim with Altan running up and down the hallway, waiting impatiently for us to hurry up.

"Come on hurry up." He whined when we slowed our steps.

"What is your hurry? The falls aren't going anywhere." Nathan teased and Altan glared.

"Hey, no glaring young man." Adin warned and Altan smiled. Well, at least Adin is a good parent.

"Sorry, dad." Altan said to Nathan and he ruffled Altan's hair. We made it to baggage claim and got our stuff. When we walked out of the airport, it was raining.

"Ah, man!" Altan said, crossing his arms over his chest. We looked at Altan and I had an idea.

"It doesn't matter if it's raining, we'll get wet when we go to the falls so why don't we go now, get a hotel and go see the falls? We can start it earlier than planned." Altan cheered so I guess he likes the idea and suddenly the rain started to slow down to a sprinkle.

"He is my son you know." Caleb smirked and we shook our heads. We got into the van the cab company had sent and we were off to the falls.

"Hey Altan, check this out." Adin handed him their phone.

"Whoa, what is this?"

"The falls at night, we can tour it at night as well if you want." Adin said and Altan smiled brightly.

"Yes, this is so beautiful mama."

"Can I see?" I asked and Altan handed me the phone. Ok, Adin has a good idea, it is beautiful.

"Sounds like a great idea to me." I said and Adin smiled at me.

"I just want Altan to have a good trip and do things like the tour at different times so he can experience it fully." They said and why do I feel like hugging them and smacking them at the same time?

"Ok, folks we're here." The driver announced and pulled to a stop at the hotel two hours later. We all got out and I had to pee.

"I gotta go to the bathroom, I'll meet you in the lobby." I said and rushed inside, the baby loves laying on my bladder.

"Where is the restroom?" I asked a worker.

"Down that hall last door on your left." She said and pointed toward the hall.

"Thank you." I said and all but ran to the bathroom. Once I was done I washed my hands and face, dried off, and sighed. Much better.

"We checked in and once we get settled, we're going to go have lunch and go to the falls. The next tour is in two hours." Caleb said when he saw me walking up to them.

"Sounds good, the little one agrees." I said and he smiled.

"You're pregnant?" Adin asked and I nodded, smiling.

"We found out a few weeks ago." Caleb said and I saw a hint of pain in Adin's eyes and he looked at my belly.

"Come on, let's go put our stuff away and go eat." Seth said so we went to the elevator and went up to our floor to settle into our room. Well more like suite we're all staying in.

When we got to the dining hall we sat down.

"Would you like me to get you something to eat?" Adin asked.

Are you going to poison it?

"I..." Caleb was giving me a look.

"S-sure, thanks."

They nodded.

"What would you like? Is there anything that doesn't hurt your stomach?"

"I'm not sure." I said and they went to get some food.

What is this little bitch doing to me?

When everyone was back at the table, Adin was on my left, Altan was to their left sandwiched between Adin and Caleb then Nathan, Seth, and Eric were between me and Caleb.

"I played it safe and got you soup, I don't want the baby to suffer." Adin said.

"Thanks." I forced a smile.

"No problem, how're things going with the pregnancy? Do you need anything?" They asked.

Why are you being so nice to me...

"I need bigger sizes in maternity clothes. As for pregnancy in general, my chest hurts and growing, certain things are more sensitive, I'm feeling needy in several ways, one look at one of my mates and well you get the idea and, heartburn sucks." They chuckled and I glared at them.

"You find my pain and suffering funny?" I raised an eyebrow.

"Not at all mother hen. I had all those symptoms and then some. Honestly, I almost died on the table." They whispered the last part.

Out of curiosity, I looked at them and asked.

"What happened?"

"We can talk about it later if you want." I hesitated but I really wanted to see what everyone was seeing that I wasn't.

"I, um, sure." They nodded.

When we all finished eating we went to the car.

Before anyone could say anything, Altan was giving Caleb the list.

"To the Falls!" Altan said eagerly.

We all laughed and used the GPS to get to Niagara Falls.

Who in God's name would live in New York? The traffic was horrible. On top of that, we've had a few close calls with people driving so recklessly and us ending up in an accident.

When we got to the falls, we put on ponchos and walked towards the falls and it was beautiful.

The sounds of the water was actually peaceful and soothing. The weather was perfect and we got wet which made Altan laugh his little head off each time we got wet.

"We have to get some pictures!" Altan said.

"We will kiddo." Adin and Caleb said at the same time.

We took several pictures and I took some with Adin per Caleb's request. I'd do anything for him.

"Oh look, they have an aquarium." Caleb said walking up to a sign.

"Let's go!" Altan said, pulling Caleb and Adin along with us trailing behind.

"Altan we don't even know where we're going, this is a huge place." Adin said and we all agreed.

"I think they had maps by the information desk." Eric said.

"I'll get it." Seth said, running back to the front desk and then came back.

After walking for a bit we got to the aquarium and Altan couldn't stop smiling.

"What do you want to see first, kiddo?" Eric asked.

"Humboldt penguins." Hum what penguins?

We just went along with it following him to the penguins and in the same area were the seals and sea lions.

When we left the aquarium, the sun was just beginning to set.

We just decided to roam about and then that's when Adin walked up to me while the others kept going.

"I uh, I know you don't like me right now and probably never will and you're just doing this for Caleb and Altan but I would like the chance to show you I've changed. This is not me begging or asking for forgiveness but I just what the chance for us all to be on good terms with one another without anyone forcing anyone to be civil... and besides, I still owe you that story." Well shit, they just had to play the Caleb and Altan card.

"Sure, I guess we can go shopping." And they nodded.

"Whatever you want mother hen." I blushed when they winked. Dammit, Adin, and their charm.

"By the way, I'm paying." They said. It was more of them telling me what they were going to do than asking if they could.

I just nodded. I really didn't feel like arguing and risking my baby's health.

The others didn't even seem bothered we weren't with them and I had a feeling they wanted us to be alone.

"You're not going to off me right?" I asked them.

I saw Adin physically cringe. Do I affect them that much?

"As long as you don't beat me up leaving me for dead." I laughed but stopped when they didn't.

And now I feel like an asshole...

"Do I really affect you that much?" I asked, feeling a bit self-conscious.

"It doesn't help my depression and my thoughts of suicide but don't worry or stress, you have a baby on the way and I don't want any harm to come to them. Having a child is a precious moment. I learned that in that month Altan was gone. I honestly resented him after almost losing my life. He was too big and had to have a C section. There were other complications but me losing my life scared me. I had every intention of kissing major ass soon after rejecting Caleb but then I found out I was pregnant and soon after, that's when the anger and hate formed. I was a stupid teenager and took too long to figure out my life and now I may never have you all in my life like I hoped and dreamed of. I, of course, have no one to blame but myself and wouldn't mind dying alone. It is what I deserve after all these years of torment and spite I put Caleb and the rest of you through. I got cancer and still didn't learn my lesson. I said some unforgivable things to all of you. Some things were probably intentional but I regret it all nonetheless. I don't expect you to believe me, forgive me or even trust me but as I said to Caleb, I'd be ok with just being friends and just being able to stay in Altan's life and I stay out of all your hairs as long as I get to spend time with my son." They said all that and I felt every emotion through their words. They seemed sincere and that just makes me want to at least be on good terms.

"You mean all of that?" I asked.

They sighed.

"I do, but it's up to you to believe me and want to try."

That just broke me. Their whole demeanor changed. They seemed more depressed now that they were reliving their pain. I felt like a complete ass.

"What do you wear? Clothing wise?" They said.

"Now that I'm pregnant, the usual sweats and loose-fitting shirts." They nodded.

"Ok, come on." Their tone wasn't as enthusiastic as it was before. It's like it was their job to kiss ass and me forgiving them was mine but if their depression is worsening because of me, I have to do something to help them cheer up.

"I'll be right back." I told them and went off to go find something.

As I was walking to the small store I called Nathan and explained what happened, to get some advice, to admit I may have pushed them a little too hard.

"We well they were talking, pouring their heart out to me and I may have pushed them, harder than I thought. I know I haven't been Adin's biggest fan but can you really blame me? Now though, I see how sincere and honest they were with me and I want to start to make things right, even if it's pushing my dislike aside for now. What do you think I should do?" I sat down on a bench outside the gift shop.

"Vince we told you to be careful with what you say and how you act with Adin, now you see why. I understand what they did but bringing it up and throwing it in their face doesn't do anyone any good. Yes, our mate was hurt beyond belief but he is trying a little, mostly for Altan's sake but a little for himself as well. If Caleb can do it, so can you." Nathan said and I sighed.

"That's another reason I called. Do you know what Adin likes or think would be a nice gift to get them to start moving in a better direction?"

"Not really baby, I know Adin just as well as you so I have no idea. Just look around and when you see something and it feels right, get it. We're all learning as we go so just take it one step at a time. I love you, Vince." He said softly and I smiled.

"Thank you, Nate, I love you too." I said and hung up. I got off the bench and went into the shop. The worker greeted me as I passed the front counter and went to see what I could find for Adin.

I passed little figures, shot glasses, key chains, stuffed animals, and odd things this shop had but none seemed like the right thing. I about gave up when I turned around and saw it, hanging on the wall was a beautiful tan and white dream catcher, feathers that looked soft.

I went over to it and gently touched the soft light blue and white feathers and smiled, this is perfect. I grabbed it and went to check out.

"Could you wrap this nicely please?" I asked her and she smiled.

"Lucky lady to be getting such a nice gift from a handsome man like yourself." She said as she scanned the barcode.

"Well, they are someone who is a potential love interest." Did I really just say that?

"Well good luck young man." She said and I left the shop.

"Adin." I said their name and they turned to face me.

"I got you something, to apologize for how I have been toward you. You don't have to say I don't need to be apologizing to you when it's your fault and all that but I do. The past is the past and if Caleb can start to let go, so can I." I said and gave them the bag.

"You can open it now if you want." I said and they peeked into the bag and pulled out the gift. I took the bag from them and they unwrapped the tissue paper and I took that as well.

"Do you like it?" I asked a little nervously. They looked at me with tears in their eyes.

"I love it, thank you, Vince." I smiled and wiped the tear that fell on their cheek.

"You're welcome. I'm trying to forgive you, this is a step in the right direction for that. I can see how much you changed and I would like to keep seeing the progress you're making with everyone." I said and surprised us both by hugging them.

After we spent a few more minutes in the shopping center, we made it back to the others.

"Just in time." Caleb said smiling.

"For what?" Adin and I said together, making us laugh.

"The fireworks show." Altan said in a duh tone and Caleb swatted his butt giving him a warning glare.

"Sorry mama, sorry mommy." Altan pouted and we hugged him.

"Caleb, can I talk to you for a minute?" Adin asked.

Caleb nodded.

"Caleb, how do I even begin to apologize? I had every intention of coming back to you soon after rejecting you but then I found out I was pregnant and soon after, that's when the anger and hate began. I hated you so much for taking my innocence. I was a virgin until that point. I resented you and the child growing inside of me. I had my whole life ahead of me. I had scholarships, my own dreams. Then it all went down the drain. I hated you for so long for taking that away from me. First, it was my mom, and then you. I would have never thought my own mate would rob me of my happiness... But it wasn't until you found out about Altan, that I realized I did the same thing. I robbed you of the happiest of having a mate and being with your child. For that, I am sorry beyond words I can express. I understand now the hurt and pain I put you all through and having a child is a precious thing and so is having a mate. In that month Altan was gone, I lost myself, I, of course, have no one to blame but myself and having him not be there for one month was torture, I can't imagine how you felt for eight years of knowing about him but not being able to see him and that's on me. I will forever regret a lot of my stupid choices. I deserve to be unhappy after all these years of torment and spite I put you and the rest of you through. I became an alcoholic and I got cancer and still didn't learn my lesson. I said some unforgivable things to all of you. I hurt our son because I was still so mad at you. Some things were probably intentional but I regret it all nonetheless. Vince, although he said some things, I may never forget, and leaving some deep emotional scars, opened my eyes. I love you all and although I may not know how to love now, I'm hoping you all can show me how. I don't expect you to believe me, forgive me or even trust me but as I said to you before, I'd be ok with just being friends and just being able to stay in Altan's life, as long as I get to spend time with my son that's all I want to try, with all of you if you'll allow me to. I love you Caleb, I have always loved you, it's always been you." I still felt guilty I did so much more damage to them than I realized.

Before Caleb could reply, we heard the fireworks shoot up and we all watched as they went off. I really hoped right here, right now, was the start of a new life.

Dream catcher Vince got for Adin.