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2 Months (May 1997)
“What the hell were you thinking!”
C.C. paced in front of his hospital bed as the door slammed shut. After being disturbed (embarrassed, really), Fran and Maxwell made a quick exit, not even sparing a glance at the now awake Niles.
As pissed as she was, C.C. couldn’t help the sigh of relief that escaped her throat as his usual easy smirk took form on his face. The man in front of her right now was entirely different from the man she’d last seen almost 48 hours ago. Eyes closed, terrifyingly pale, immoble —all the makings of C.C.’s nightmares.
Niles shrugged, his words slurring. “I dunno…”
“Oh God.” C.C. stopped pacing, a laugh bubbling in her throat as the realization came to her. “You’re loopy on drugs, aren’t you?”
“Noooooo.” Niles whined, beckoning her. C.C. followed, sitting on his bed. A hand immediately came up to cup her cheek causing C.C. to smile. “You’re so pretty, Babs. Such an adorable heifer. I hope the little calf ends up looking like you.”
C.C.’s smile grew bigger at that. Despite the terrifying turn of events, she’s never felt this good—well, minus the nausea that’s been plaguing her for a month—and the fact that he does remember makes it all better.
“You know, Hazel, if you can’t afford child support, you could’ve just said so,” C.C. gave him a teasing smile, the fear creeping in her voice as she placed a hand above his. “This heart attack act really wasn’t necessary.”
She thinks back to the night of the Broadway Guild Awards. The voice of Ella Fitzgerald in the background, as Someone to Watch Over Me started playing. The look of hesitance on his face before she leaned in as well, molding their lips together. The feel of his hands on her hips as he danced her around the mansion’s living room, the staircase, then his room. She remembered making love with him all night and the next months after that. To no one’s surprise, they decided to keep their little dalliance a secret. They kept up the bickering and pranks in front of everyone. No need to disturb the routine everyone has grown accustomed to.
That doesn’t mean that their feelings remained the same, though. Lately, C.C. has been finding herself becoming drawn towards the butler. Not just to satisfy herself through exchanging zingers or
other
more pleasurable activities. But to also just be in his presence. It took her awhile to admit it, but Niles is possibly the most stable and longest relationship she’s had. In their barbs, she’s always felt like herself, and with the development in their relationship, she’s found herself feeling more…safe. Secured. And dare she say,
loved
. Of course, she hasn’t voiced those thoughts to him. She hasn’t had the need to.
Until two days ago when she decided to pee on a stick and two lines appeared. It wasn’t just the two of them now. In 7 months time, someone else would have to depend on them, on her. Despite what people believed, she did want to have a family, especially when she was younger—she dreamed of having a family. One that was warm and full of love, one that was nothing like hers. However, after years of growing up with the Babcocks and unconsciously choosing self-destruction, she decided instead to leave the dream behind.
And then Niles came along, destroying her barriers, only to rebuild it around them once he had entered her space. He kept her safe, his arms providing the safe space she’s always craved for. Carrying his child was both an honor and a gift. One that she wanted to offer to him. It was going to be terrifying, to say the least, but she felt that they would be a great team. And she vowed to never let their child live the same life she did. She told him as much two days ago in the kitchen.
Holding her breath, she didn’t know what to expect. He’d said before that he cared deeply for her, that he was hers, but what about now? Would he want to raise the child with her? Did he trust her to carry his child? They were barely even a couple. Her thoughts were interrupted when a laugh erupted from him, before he hugged her tightly, making her squeal.
“You have no idea how happy you’ve made me, Babs! My Lord,” He continued to chuckle, loosening his grip to rest his forehead against hers. “I’m having a child with a witch. The world is about to get burned to the ground.”
“Watch it, Butler Boy.” She hit his arm in jest. “One more comment like that, and I’m taking me and
our
baby to England with Maxwell.”
“Oh sure, you could visit your old neighborhood. Stonehenge.”
She raised an eyebrow, shaking her head. “Oh, you mean the place where the rocks are older than yours?”
A minute passed and he didn’t answer her. C.C. froze, scanning his face, but he just looked at her blankly, his right hand slipping off her waist to reach for his left arm.
“Don’t make me get ugly.” She chuckled nervously, pointing a figure at him, setting herself up for a zinger.
But nothing. And then the 48-hour nightmare began. Niles’ eyes rolled up in his head, before collapsing in her arms. She doesn’t even remember how she’s managed to function these past few days. Every moment was merely a daze. Just waiting for a sign, a call—anything to quell her fears. Finally seeing his bright azure eyes brought so much comfort to her. Had Niles just tamed his urge to prank her, she was sure those three words would have come out of her mouth.
“ I’m okay now, Babs .” The seriousness in Niles’ voice—having sobered up now—snapped her out of her reverie. “A certain witch has put a curse on me. It seems I will have to live a life with immortality until she chooses to be rid of me.”
“I…was so scared.” She admitted, her voice trembling even more, tears starting to form in her eyes. Without thinking, she climbed into bed with him, hiding her face in the crook of his neck. “I thought I’d lose you forever. Niles, please.” Her hand went to his chest, gripping his hospital gown. “ Please don’t leave me .”
“C.C…”
“I wouldn’t know what to do! And God, we’re having a baby, and I’m terrified. I’ve always wanted to have them…but I, I just don’t know how. I’ve never had anyone to show me how. I need you.” He pulled her tighter to him as she sobbed in his neck. “And I didn’t even have the chance…haven’t said…couldn’t…I love you! I love you.”
“I love you, C.C.” He whispered, placing a finger under her chin. He gave her a soft smile before leaning in. She pressed her lips against his when he continued to hover inches away from her, allowing her to control their pace. After exchanging a few soft kisses, he pulled away, his hand going to stroke her hair. “I’m never leaving, alright? And I know that your head is probably telling you that what happened to me is your fault, but it isn’t. I am in this with you. Do you understand?”
She nodded, calming, before her eyes went wide. Groaning, she exclaimed, “The Sheffields! Oh, what are we going to tell them?”
“Bugger the Sheffields. I’m glad they’re together now, but truly, I’d rather wake up to see you than hearing them…I’m sorry about that, dear.” He said, a devious smile beginning to form on his face. “What if we don’t tell them?”
She raised a brow at him. “Niles…”
“Trust me on this one, Babs.”
—
4 Months (July 1997)
They continued with their lives normally for the next two months. Niles returned to the Sheffield mansion, to rest, of course. Fran wouldn’t have Maxwell or the Sheffield children ordering him around while he recovered. During the day, he’d stay in his room exercising (an activity advised to him by the doctor) and reading. At night, he’d do his favorite activity —calling C.C. and talking to his children (a news brought to them by her doctor) through the phone. It was a habit he developed during his stay in the hospital when his now-girlfriend would stay with him at night. He’d stay awake long after she fell asleep, watching her, still not believing how they got to where they were, and it was during one of those nights that he first spoke to their children. When C.C. found out about this, she’d teased him relentlessly, but also allowed him to do it once a day.
C.C., however, found this set-up hard. After the constant nausea disappeared upon entering the 2nd trimester of her pregnancy, she now found herself constantly in the heat for Niles. She couldn’t even begin to describe the self-restraint she had to put up when she was in the room with him. (“ God, I just want to take him by those large ears of his then have my way with him. ”) Despite not being religious, she couldn’t help but pray that the days go faster so that they could begin with the plan Niles has made. And today was her lucky day.
“You’re early today, Miss Babcock.” Was how Nanny Fine greeted her as she entered the dining room where the Sheffields and Niles were eating their breakfast. And with a whistle as she looked at C.C. from head to toe, she added. “And glowing.”
“Oh, yes, Miss Babcock.” Niles chimed in. “I see adding cod liver to your diet has truly helped your coat.”
“Niles.” Maxwell reprimanded, before turning to his blonde business partner. “Well, C.C., what brought you here so early? We don’t start business until 9 and it’s only 7.”
“That’s just the thing, Maxwell.” She began, resisting the urge to smirk. “I can’t conduct business like we used to.”
“What—ow! I mean why?” Maxwell asked, rubbing his thigh where Fran had just smacked him.
“I’m not getting any younger, Maxwell. And I am in a delicate condition. If I’m not careful enough, something might happen. Which is why my doctor advised me to take a break. Go somewhere that wouldn’t cause me stress. So, I’ve decided to stay with Noel…” She took a deep breath before continuing. “For the rest of my pregnancy.”
“Pregnancy! What!” The Sheffields exclaimed as Nanny Fine squealed. “I knew it!”
Fran stood up but stopped dead in her tracks when C.C. fixed her a glare. She threw her hands up. “Oy! I just mean I’ve never seen you glow this much. Meanwhile, I noticed the girls grow in size last month. I was going to ask who your doctor was but…”
“How many months, C.C.?” Maxwell asked hurriedly, cutting off Fran’s babble. C.C. opened her mouth, but Maxwell asked another question. “And forgive me for asking, but who is the father?”
“I’ve just entered the fourth month last week and…well…the father is of no importance. I can manage to raise my children on my own.” She turned to Niles, fixing him a practiced glare. “Shut up.”
“I wasn’t going to comment on your pregnancy, Miss Babcock.” Niles said, feigning offense, turning to Maxwell. “However, since we are talking about vacations; my parents want me to fly back home to spend the rest of my recovery there. They’ve already sent me tickets. I’ll be going back to England next week.”
“No—Miss Babcock already—I…you two…” Maxwell stuttered, the words dying on his lips as the entire room glared at him. “Fine. You two may go on vacation.” He sighed. “At least the house will be quiet without the two of you in the same room.”
Niles and C.C. both hid a smirk at that.
After bribing Noel, and Niles’ parents to keep their secret, C.C. bought them two first class seat tickets to go on vacation, separately (or so everyone thought). And that’s how they end up where they were now, a week later, driving through the streets of London. Niles pointed at the old places he used to pass by as C.C. smiled at his enthusiasm. She didn’t think he could get any more beautiful to her. But seeing him here, his home, it evoked a deeper feeling in her.
If he’d ask her to stay here with him, she doesn’t think she could deny him. Besides, what was it that people say? Home is where the heart is ? Well, her heart is in his hands, making her his most devoted servant. She’d follow him anywhere.
“Here we are.” Niles announced as he stopped in front of an inviting cottage.
Before the two could even get to their luggage, an older woman bounded out of the house, wrapping both of them in a hug. She released them, only for a moment, then C.C. was being smothered with hugs and kisses from Niles’ mother as he watched in amusement.
Finally, she turned to Niles, smacking his arm. “Young man, those photos you sent didn’t do your wife any justice. She’s gorgeous! My grandbabies are going to be gorgeous with both your genes.”
“Let’s just hope that my genes fight harder.” He groaned, rubbing the spot his mother had hit. Not even a minute later, his other arm got a smack—from C.C. this time.
“Ignore him.” Niles’ mother waved him off, turning back to the house. “Let me just get his father so we could get your luggage inside the house and chat better!”
Once the older woman re-entered the home, C.C. turned to Niles. She raised a brow at him. “Wife?”
“She would’ve taken me out faster than a heart attack if she found out I knocked you up out of wedlock.”
—
6 Months (September 1997)
“No.” She shook her head at him sadly. “I’m sorry, Niles. I can’t.”
Niles looked at her, frowning. He had thought they’d got through the hardest part already. They’ve already admitted that they love each other. For better or worse, they’ve become devoted to each other. Into creating a family, a safe place for their children. He thought, after all this time, that she had finally trusted him.
Apparently not.
“Then tell me why, C.C.” He pressed. “Why can’t you?”
“Niles…” She tried to move past him, but he wouldn’t have it; gripping her arm firmly yet gently.
“C.C., please.” He pleaded, cupping her cheek.
“You won’t understand.” She hiccuped, looking up at him through wet lashes.
Niles nodded in understanding. “I may not understand, but I still want to know. Please tell me. Tell me so we can fix it.”
“That’s just it. We can’t fix it.” She said, rubbing her eyes in frustration, before diving into his chest. She can’t believe her hormones these days. What started as a simple conversation has turned her into a sobbing mess in his arms. “I’m all fat now, Niles.”
“You’re not fat, love. You’re pregnant and beautiful.” Niles insisted, walking towards their bed. He sat down slowly as he felt the back of his knees hit the edge, C.C. nestled in his arms, straddling him.
She shook her head, pressing herself tighter against him. “I’m 6 months pregnant with twins. I’m as huge as a house. I don’t even like looking at myself in the mirror anymore. No one in their right minds would want to help me with a maternity shoot.”
“I would!”
“Emphasis on
right minds
, you decrepit old man.”
He chuckled at that, planting a kiss on her head. “Sweetheart, look at me. Please.”
It took a few more minutes before C.C. raised her head, looking up at him, and Niles swore he’s never seen her more breathtaking. The times he’d seen her in expensive dresses and the most stylish business suits (and believe him, there were a lot) couldn’t even compare to seeing her like this. On his lap, bare-faced, her hair longer than it was before, wearing only his Oxford shirt
—she was positively glowing. And he’d be damned if he couldn’t make her feel like she was.
“If you could only see yourself right now, love.” He whispered, kissing her sweetly. “You’re the most gorgeous woman I have ever seen.”
“You’re just biased because I’m your girlfriend.”
“That’s where you’re wrong.” He shook his head, smirking. “You’re my girlfriend because I’m biased.”
“Good one, Shakespear.” She giggled a bit, her mood improving when Niles started peppering her cheeks with kisses. “It’s hard to deal with my insecurities, but we promised to communicate, so I’m just going to say it. I don’t want to do a maternity shoot because I don’t think I’m beautiful anymore.”
“Darling—”
“But it doesn’t mean that I don’t feel beautiful.” C.C. said, pushing him a bit so that their eyes could meet. “I feel beautiful. You make me feel beautiful. I feel beautiful whenever I’m with you, baby. And I trust that you mean every word when you call me beautiful…which is why I’ll agree to that maternity shoot. But only if you’re the photographer.”
“Me? But I—”
C.C. rolled her eyes. “If you think I’m going to believe that the co-captain of Yentaprise doesn’t know how to use a camera, you have another thing comin to ‘ya.”
“Decrepit old man, remember?” Niles teased, before giving her a reassuring smile. “I’d do anything for you, baby.”
C.C. grinned, wrapping him in her arms. Niles nuzzled the top of her head as he felt C.C. planting gentle kisses on his neck. “However, may I ask—”
“Yes, Hazel, we can rent out that studio you saw. You can even dress—or undress me—in any way you like.” She whispered suggestively. “I trust you.”
“That’s all I’m asking, Babs.” He whispered back, letting himself fall onto bed as she climbed on top of him, her lips locked on his.
—
9 Months — and three days (December 23, 1997)
The Sheffield family stood outside the airport, waiting for Niles to pick them up. Maxwell tapped his foot impatiently. They’d arrived almost an hour ago and yet they were still here. He begins to think about the tropical cruise he’d been wanting to go to instead of heeding Niles’ invitation to visit in London for Christmas. But the insistence of his now-fiance and children guilted him. And now, here they were, stuck at the airport two days before Christmas because one of his oldest friends decided to be late.
I shouldn’t have let him return to London —
His thoughts were interrupted when a familiar van stopped in front of him. He’d been only 20 when he last saw it but he couldn’t mistake it. It was the van Niles’ father used to drive. Despite the exterior (and interior), it worked well, just a little slower than other vehicles.
“Well, are you going to let your family freeze to death, Maxwell?” Maxwell’s head snapped up at the familiar baritone voice. “You people better get in before the traffic gets worse. We have to get to the hospital quickly.”
Fran perked up at that, immediately fearing for her best friend. “Hospital! What happened to Niles?”
“He’ll explain when we get there.”
Meanwhile, at the other end of London, Niles couldn’t even get a word in as C.C. continued to scream and grip his hand. He’d stopped trying to even groan long ago, only wincing when C.C.'s grip tightened painfully around his, probably leaving nail marks on his hand. It didn’t matter to him how much pain he was getting. Right now it was all about C.C. and he vowed to make sure she’d be as comfortable as she could be while delivering their children.
“You are never ever, and I mean never, touching me again!” C.C. yelled after a painful contraction rippled her body. “Do you understand, old man? You couldn’t even get me pregnant like how normal people do! You had to get me pregnant—Oh, God —with twins!”
“It’s the best package there is.” Her doctor interjected, smirking at C.C. “Two for the price of one.”
“Was I talking to you?” C.C. snapped, before turning to Niles, her face softening as she cried. “I can’t do this anymore, baby. Please. It hurts.”
This time, it was Niles’ grip that tightened, his other hand brushing the hair that had stuck itself on her forehead before replacing his hand with his lips. “I know, and I’m sorry, baby.”
“Just a few more pushes, C.C.” The doctor said. “We’ve already got your baby girl out, you only need a couple of more pushes now.”
“But I can’t!” C.C. wept harder and Niles’ heart broke.
“C.C.? Darling, look at me.” Niles whispered, tears forming in his eyes. “I know you’re tired. I know that it hurts, and I hate that I can’t take it away from you, but you can share it with me.”
Niles wrapped C.C. in his arms, nudging her to grip his arms. “You can squeeze me as much as you want. I don’t care if you hurt me. I’m in this with you, remember? Share your pain with me, Darling.”
It was a blur after that. C.C. screamed and gripped as Niles whispered sweet nothings in her ear. Their daughter softly cried at the other end of the room, unaware of the commotion, and then they heard it. Two babies started crying in chorus as their son entered the world. Time moved faster then. The babies were cleaned and C.C. was treated. And before they knew it, Niles was sitting beside her, both of them holding a baby in their arms.
“You did it, love.” He whispered as C.C. looked up at him. “Thank you. I can never thank you enough for choosing to love me and for them. C.C., how could I ever repay you?”
“Marry me.” C.C. said seriously. He was about to open his mouth to object, to remind her what she thought about marriage. “I’m not asking you to marry me because we have to, because that’s what people think a woman should do when they start a family, but because I want to. I spent my entire life believing that vows were just words. And that marriage was just a piece of paper—well, technically it is—but I want that piece of paper. I want those vows, and I know you and I can make sure that those words don't end up as just words . Four months ago, I ran away to England with you, and for the first time in my life, that big of a change didn’t terrify me. It was then that I knew that I would follow you anywhere. So, Edward Enzel Niles, will you marry me?” She looked at their now calm children, chuckling quietly before adding, “Marry us?”
“I don’t know. Will you pay for the wedding?” He teased, leaning forward to kiss her. “You’re my home, love. You and our children—can you believe it? We’re parents and we’re getting married! We’ve gone soft, witch.”
She giggled. “I can’t even believe that we’ve successfully hidden this pregnancy from the Sheffields…wait, the Sheffields! You were supposed to pick them up from the airport two hours ago.”
“Don’t fret, love.” Niles waved her off. “Papa’s picked them up. And if I’m correct, they’re probably marching towards our room right about now.”
Just as he suspected, a soft knock came at the door. C.C. sent a smirk at Niles, before calling, “Come in!”
“Miss Babcock!” The Sheffields exclaimed as they saw Niles and C.C. sitting together in bed, both of them holding a baby in their arms.
“Everyone, I would like you to meet our children.” Niles grinned, looking down at their babies. “Princess Enzel and Winston Clarence Babcock!”
“I thought your last name was DeButler…” Fran muttered.