"So, have you set a date yet?" George interrogates Andrew, poking fun at his nonexistent wedding plans thus far.

"Not yet. We can't seem to agree on when it should be," Andrew responds, collapsing onto George's sofa. "But it needs to be sooner than we expected."

"Why's that?" Stephanie intercepts, moving in to George's chest to lean against it. "I thought you guys were having a long engagement?"

"That was the plan originally," Nancy explains. Her expression is one of sheepishness; as if something, somewhere along the line, has gone wrong with their intentions to marry. "But now we need to bring it forward. My parents told us we have to."

"Are they religious or something?" George raises a brow, wanting to make some form of snide comment or joke at Andrew's expense, but deciding against it because the mood doesn't quite allow for it. "But even if they were — why would they want you to get married so soon?"

"They're religious, yes." Andrew takes a drawn-out breath inwards, as if he's mentally preparing himself for what he's going to say next. "And it matters because, well ... " He smiles at his best friend, placing a loving hand on Nancy's stomach. "Yog, I'm going to be a dad."

"Holy shit," George blurts, without really thinking about the consequences of his words. Once he's realised what he's said, he shakes his head, holding his hands up in surrender. "Sorry — I really didn't mean to react like that. Is it what you both want?"

Nancy nods on behalf of the couple. "We do. We were scared at first, but the more we've thought about it ... the more it seems like a good idea. It'll make us a little family." She beams, resting a hand on Andrew's arm. "And my parents want us to be married before the baby is born. They don't want their grandchild to be born out of wedlock."

"Well I suppose that's fair," Stephanie evaluates, shrugging. "I'm so happy for you guys." She glances to George, furrowing her brows. "Aren't you happy for them too, George?"

"Well, it means no more lads' nights out," he chuckles; he then pats his friend on the back. "But of course I'm happy for you both. Congratulations, mate." He stands up, inviting Andrew and Nancy to do the same; so that he can give them both a hug. He withdraws, holding onto Andrew's shoulders. "Just don't be expecting me to babysit every night."

"I wouldn't dare," Andrew laughs, shaking his head in amusement. "But actually, there was something else we wanted to ask you guys."

"Oh?" George cocks a brow.

"We were wondering if you'd be baby's godparents," Nancy grins. "We know it's very early days still, but we couldn't think of a better pair to be so involved with our child. Plus, a little birdie told us that one of you has an adorable niece who you've been practicing with; and the other has wanted a baby for as long as they can remember."

"Well — I'm the one with the niece," George points out playfully. "So by process of elimination, that must mean Stephanie is the one wanting a child of her own." He side eyes his partner, who is already looking longingly at him. "Don't get any ideas, babe. We aren't having kids for a very long time, yet."

"It's okay — you've already said you're considering marriage. I can wait for the kids part," she retorts; her words result in Andrew and Nancy giving matching curious expressions, so she elaborates. "George said he'd think about proposing some point soon. Or words to that effect, anyway."

"Exciting times," Nancy comments.

"About bloody time," Andrew jibes. "It's only taken two or three years for you to pull your finger out."

"Definitely getting ahead of ourselves here." George holds up his hands defensively. "I just said 'never say never'. Doesn't mean I plan to propose tonight, does it?"

"Ah, come on Yog," Andrew snickers. "It's not as if you plan to break up any time soon. Get the ring on her finger already."

"Don't encourage her," George snaps, adding a smile to indicate he isn't too serious. "Between you two, I'll be married with three kids by twenty-six. I'm not ready to age just yet, thanks."

"We're only pulling your leg," Andrew assures him, playfully slapping his arm. "It's just weird how fast my life is suddenly progressing; and you're just doing the same old, same old."

George doesn't respond to this, because his mind wanders; he can't help but find amusement in Andrew's words, simply because George's life has progressed drastically in an entirely different way. Of course, starting a secret affair with a man when one is already in a relationship with a woman isn't morally right; however, some development is better than no development, in his eyes. George snaps back to reality a few moments later, but by this point Stephanie is already answering on his behalf.

"I've told him this before," she speaks, rolling her eyes. "But try getting through to him. He seems very stuck in the boring stages of the relationship."

"Are we done making comments at my expense?" George asks rhetorically, furrowing one brow to suggest frustration. "I am literally in this room with you all, you realise."

"Maybe he's having an affair," Nancy comments insightfully. "If he doesn't want to progress with Stephanie." She adds a wink, to indicate she isn't necessarily being serious.

George gasps at this; he is shocked at just how intelligent Nancy truly is. He hides this surprise, however, by playing it off as offence; he clutches his chest, as if he's been shot. "Now, now, Nancy — how can you even accuse me of something so ludicrous?" He adds a laugh, so that he doesn't seem too serious.

"He wouldn't cheat on me," Stephanie comments nervously; it's clear to see that Nancy has now put the idea into the insecure young lady's head. "He's George. He wouldn't do that."

"Of course he wouldn't. I was just teasing," Nancy comforts her, with a chuckle. "You don't have anything to worry about with this one. He could have flirted with me endlessly the first time we met, but he didn't. He seems trustworthy." Despite what Nancy is saying, she has a glint of doubt in her eye; it seems silly to her that she could have a strange feeling for seemingly nothing, but it doesn't prevent the thought from being on her mind regardless.

"Anyway — enough about things I'm not even guilty of," George splutters, in a desperate attempt to change the subject. "Do you guys have any ideas about names for the baby, yet? Or is it too early?"

"We've talked about it a little bit," Andrew explains, leaning back into the sofa. "I suggested Fletcher for a boy, but Nancy doesn't seem keen. I think Fletcher Ridgeley sounds great, personally."

"It sounds clunky," Nancy argues jokily. "I want a more classical name. I liked William for a boy — shortened to Bill. Bill Ridgeley sounds lovely, I think."

"What about for a girl?" Stephanie adds.

"I think it'll be a boy anyway," Andrew chimes in, folding his arms assertively. "So the girl name doesn't bother me."

"We have a fifty-fifty chance of a girl too, Andy," Nancy reminds him. "I liked Rosa. And Rosa Ridgeley sounds nice, too."

"Call her what you want. I only care about the name Fletcher anyway," Andrew laughs, unfolding his arms so that he can place one around his fiancée. "If you want Rosa for a girl, you can have Rosa for a girl."

"I like the compromise," George compliments. "I'm looking forward to seeing what name you go for if it's a boy, though."

"You know what else I'm looking forward to?" Nancy asks. "Finding out whether you two actually want to be godparents. You didn't answer earlier. My hormones are telling me to feel offended that you ignored such an important question."

George and Stephanie exchange glances, before looking at Nancy with matching smiles. "Of course we want to," George answers. "It would be an honour."

"Brilliant!" Andrew exclaims, pleased at the answer he's been given. "This kid is going to live the best life, with parents like us and godparents like you guys."

"So, how far along are you?" Stephanie asks Nancy. "You said it was early, but how early are we talking?"

"A few weeks," Nancy informs her. "Luckily the morning sickness and other symptoms haven't quite started yet — but they probably will soon. I can't say I'm looking forward to it."

"But it'll be so worth it." Stephanie's eyes light up; as she watches Nancy talk about the baby, she can't help but feel a strong urgency to become a mother herself. She is aware that George is apprehensive about taking the step as of yet — and this upsets her — but she knows that it'll be worth the wait when it does finally happen. She can think of nothing better than the idea of having a sweet little family with George; of being his wife one day; and of being the mother to his children.

"So worth it," Nancy agrees with her. "But for now, we've got another thirty-odd weeks until we can meet him or her." She then covers her mouth, as she feels the sensation to yawn. "My goodness, I'm really tired all of a sudden. What time is it?"

"It's only quarter past six," George answers. "I'm guessing fatigue is an early symptom of pregnancy, then?"

"I thought that was common knowledge," Andrew remarks. "And I'm as stupid as they come, as well."

"Well, I've never had a pregnant girlfriend have I?" George retorts playfully. "Take the hint, mate. She's shattered. Take her home and let her sleep."

"Alright, alright." Andrew rolls his eyes upwards, rising from his seat. "Come on, you. Let's get you back to mine so you can nap." He gently tugs at her arm, pulling her up from the sofa. "I'll come and see you soon, Yog. We'll have a catch up just us two. Who knows — it could be the last one before the baby comes."

"Don't remind me," George teases. "I'm only messing. But yeah, we'll definitely have a lads' night out soon. Maybe not quite so rowdy though."

"Still hung up on the drink spiking incident?" Andrew raises one brow in concern, frowning at his friend's apprehension.

"Maybe a little." He shrugs, to indicate it's no big deal. "Anyway, go home. I'll call you some point soon."

"Alright. Bye for now, guys," Andrew concludes.

He and Nancy head to the front door, with George following behind ready to close it after they've left. Once they're gone, George returns to the living room where Stephanie is sitting; he gives her a facial expression that can only imply his surprise at what's unfolded this evening. "What the fuck was that?"

"It's exciting for them," she beams. "I wish we could progress as fast as they are."

"Their relationship is definitely not a blue print for how every relationship should go," George reminds her. "Ours is fine just as it is for now. It's only been a couple of years."

"Well, it's only been a couple of months for them!" Steph argues, trying not to become saddened; however, she isn't quite as skilled as George in hiding her true emotions, so tears form in her eyes. "I just feel like you don't love me. I know you said about marriage eventually, but whenever I bring it up you always seem to be really doubtful about it."

"It's just a huge commitment, isn't it?" He admittedly feels sorry for her; she has done nothing remotely wrong for him to be treating her in this way, and he's aware of this. "I know the idea of getting married and having a baby of our own sounds really exciting. Trust me, I know how much it means to you. And provided everything goes well for us, it will happen." He bends down on the ground, so his height matches hers while she's sitting. "I know two years is a long time, but in the scheme of life it's very early days. We have decades to come, yet. Who knows what'll happen?"

"You always say the same thing, and it never feels reassuring." A tear falls down her cheek, as she finds the courage to look him in the eyes. "Do you really love me, George? Is it just me being paranoid? Because I know we live together and have sex, and we act like a couple should. But then sometimes it feels as if you're so distant. I may be ditzy, but I'm not stupid."

"I've told you, you have nothing to worry about right now." He rests a hand on her cheek, using his thumb to dry the stray tear from her jawline. "If there's ever a reason why we shouldn't be together anymore, you'll know about it. Okay?" He knits his brows together, the glint in his eyes being his method to coax her into trusting him. "Okay?"

"But do you love me?" she presses once more.

George exhales softly, not wanting to answer the question — if he were to lie, he'd feel guilty; but if he were to tell the truth, he doesn't know how she'd react. To avoid giving either answer, he simply pulls an forlorn expression. "See, there you go doubting me again ... " He knows in his heart that he is playing an entirely unfair game, but he views it as being less harmful than telling her the truth in this moment.

"What?" She immediately shows guilt, despite the complex thought processes in her mind telling her she still isn't satisfied with his response. "I'm sorry, George. I just wanted to know. Please don't be upset with me." She brings his head in to her chest, hugging it to prove her remorse. "I don't ever want to make you feel bad."

"It's not your fault," George reminds her. "I'm sorry. I know I'm sometimes strange in how I show that I care. But you need to remember that I do care." He brings himself out from her embrace, looking back up at her. "We can have this conversation as many times as you like, if it makes you feel better. But the answer will remain the same unless anything goes wrong."

She nods, taking his words as the answer she wants. "Okay. I won't talk about this anymore." She forces a smile, still bothered by the fact she's hurt her partner's feelings. "And I love you, as well."

To draw the discussion to a close, George grabs her face in both hands; he brushes a single kiss against her lips. "One day everything will fall into place. I promise. Just give it time."

Unbeknownst to Stephanie, George's words are much more in reference to his ability to confess the truth one day, than in reference to his sham relationship developing.

•••

Chapter twenty-five! Hope you're still enjoying. xx