*Please read A/N*

Eighteen Months Later

Amanda was in the bathroom when she heard the front door close with a careless slam. She couldn’t keep the grin off her face as she held the white stick in her hand and imagined his reaction to the news. They had only been trying for a month but she wasn’t too surprised at how quickly it had happened. In fact she was delighted, a fact that showed when she rushed out of the bathroom and down the flight of stairs, seeing him hanging up his coat on the coat rack beside the door. He turned around at the sound of her feet thumping loudly on the stairs, all grace forgotten in her eagerness. His giggle sounded throughout the hall, as he walked over to the stair case. She jumped into his arms when she reached him, squeezing him tightly.

‘Someone’s happy’ he teased, returning her hug.

She let him go abruptly, holding the test up for him to see. He took it off her with a steady hand, his face not giving any indication on what he was thinking. He studied the blue line for a few seconds that seemed to last a lifetime, his eyes unblinking and focused. His dark hair was falling in his eyes but he didn’t bother to fix it, his attention was solely on the white piece of plastic he held tightly. She waited for his reaction, unable to help the slight flutter of nerves as she watched him. They went away the minute she saw his boyish smile. He suddenly grabbed her again, pulling her into a too tight hug.

‘Holy shit, I didn’t think it’d be so soon’ he sounded happy though, and the light in his eyes shined with delight. She loved how his how hazel orbs changed from a brown shade to green when he was happy. His straight teeth were on show, his plump lips thinned out as he smiled. She could see the two small scars from the lip piercings he had while in college. She sometimes wondered what it would have like to kiss him with the metal rings gracing his lips.

‘I know but I’d rather get it over and done with. This is your first and last’ she laughed.

‘Ha, you say that now but we both know that’s a lie.’

‘No way. Two is enough. You’re lucky I’m agreeing to go through it again!’

‘Oh please, if I remember properly it was your idea, not mine.’

‘It was a pre-emptive strike.’

She giggled, remembering how she had spent a whole month convincing him that she was ready to have another child. He had been reluctant at first, worried that it was too soon for her to have another baby when Leah was only a little over seven months old. He knew her secret motivation, and as touched as he was by it he thought they should wait before trying. She had used the old ‘we don’t know how long it could take’ argument, and attempted to give him the puppy dog eyes. He went along with it, deciding that if it was meant to be it would happen.

‘Where’s Gerard?’ he asked, realising just how silent the house was.

‘He took Leah out for some father-daughter bonding.’

‘Did you tell him yet?’

‘No, I wanted to tell you first. He’ll just jump me the minute he finds out.’

‘Can’t blame him, he hasn’t gotten any from you in over a month.’

‘Seeing as he knocked me up the first time it’s the least he could put up with.’ She muttered before leaning in and placing a soft kiss on his lips.

‘So, we’ve got the place to ourselves?’

His husky voice, suggestive smirk and cocked eyebrow were enough to let her know just what he was thinking. She grabbed his hand, leading him upstairs with a Cheshire cat grin on her face.

*******************************************************

Amanda smiled at Leah, who was dressed for the summer in a white and pink dress with a matching hat. Leah held her gaze, smiling back at her mother with the innocent love and affection that every baby had for their parents. They were waiting for the Doctor to call them in for Leah’s check up and to confirm her pregnancy. She couldn’t help but let her mind drift back over the last eighteen months and just how much her life had changed.

After she had followed Frank back to his hotel and confessed her feelings he had agreed to come back. He had listened to her as she spilled all the insecurity she felt, all the fear associated with motherhood and the fact that Andy was also a possibility from the time Gerard and Frank had found her with him. He calmed her down like she knew he would, telling her that they would deal with it when the time came. He held her for a long time, giving her the reassurance she needed that everything would be okay. He told her he would come back to the house the next day to talk to Gerard, to try and make things work. She saw the fear in his eyes when he thought about Gerard and the regret over the pain he caused. He was afraid that he had done too much damage this time that Gerard wouldn’t let him back. She had begged him to go with her that night that, crying that she didn’t want to spend another day without him in the house. She revealed how Gerard was broken without him, that he would take him back in a heartbeat if Frank let him. That much she was certain about. Anybody who had seen the agony Gerard went through wouldn’t doubt it. He loved Frank too much to let him go.

It was with a lot of coaxing and pleading that she got Frank to get in her car. When they reached the house she saw how he fought to suppress the shivers that threatened to take over his body. She didn’t give him time to think about what was about to happen. She unceremoniously dragged him out of the car and pushed him through the front door. She remembered when Gerard came out of the kitchen to see what the commotion was only to stop in his tracks at the sight of Frank. She could see how he had stopped breathing as he looked at Frank with wide, disbelieving eyes. When he came to his sense he rushed over to Frank and pulled the smaller man into a bone crunching hug, unable to stop the tears that poured down his face as he clutched at Frank’s coat. He had called Frank an ‘asshole’ and a ‘stupid fucker’ before kissing him with what could only be described as pure, unadulterated love. The sight made Amanda break down in silent tears, the feeling of completeness and rightness was so overwhelming and emotionally intense.

It had been the start of a new beginning for them. It had been tough for all of them as they sought to redefine and re-establish their relationship. There had been moments were she wondered whether it was really worth it, especially when they had discussed how to deal with the pregnancy. The only viable solution for them was to lie. In the eyes of all their families and the law Amanda was a surrogate mother, who would share custody of the child with Frank and Gerard. That had been a hard pill for Amanda to swallow at first, but she had no choice but to accept it. There was no way they could let the world know the truth about their relationship. As much as she wished the world was a more open and accepting place, it wasn’t. It was a cold, unforgiving and their unusual relationship simply had no right to exist in the ideals of the small, narrow minded people who believed there was only one way to live your life. It was under this pretence that she had been introduced to Gerard’s family. She had fallen in love with them, and if she were to believe his mother the feeling was mutual. They had accepted her as part of the family, even though to them she was only the surrogate. His mother was so happy at the thought of having a grandchild she didn’t care about the circumstances. As long as she got to be involved she didn’t question anything. Mikey was as observant as his brother and though he hadn’t said anything she was sure he was aware that there was more to their relationship than they were letting on. Gerard’s father was a quiet man but just like Donna he was happy if his son was happy. Frank’s family had been nerve wracking. His Mother Linda was lovely, more quiet than Donna but just as accepting. Frank’s dad was a different story. She remembered how Frank had described his Dad’s disappointment at learning about Frank’s and Gerard’s relationship. He had been civil to her, but she knew he disapproved of the idea of Frank and Gerard having a child together. She had kept her mouth shut though, knowing it would be Frank who would get hurt if she spoke the words that she longed to say. Her own family had taken the news quite well, although they were puzzled Amanda would do something ‘so selfless’. She had told her sister the truth eventually, and to her surprise she had been okay with it.

The pregnancy hadn’t been without it complications. When she hit the six month mark she began to suffer from chronic fatigue that made it impossible for her to keep working. It was with a heavy heart that she had left Dark Horse, but she knew it was for the best. They had agreed that she would leave when she went on maternity leave in order to lessen the complications for Gerard at work. As far as everyone was aware Amanda just happened to get pregnant at the same time Gerard’s surrogate did. The less people knew about it, the easier it was to keep things simple. She had spent the last three months of the pregnancy moping about, aggravated by the fact she couldn’t do anything more than walk for fifteen minutes before becoming exhausted. Gerard and Frank had been supportive, and did everything they could to make her feel better. She couldn’t deny that she had them wrapped around her finger, both of them eager to make sure she was happy.

When Leah was born, everything changed. The day itself had been emotional for everyone, after Amanda endured a fifteen hour labour. Gerard and Frank had stayed with her the whole time, suffering her abuse and tears as she struggled through the contractions and birth. When Leah eventually came into the world it had been worth it. When Amanda had held her baby in her arms she knew that she had finally done something right. She would never forget the tears of joy Gerard had wept as he held his daughter and Franks’ adoring gaze as he had cradled Leah for the first time. They had discussed whether they should do a paternity test over and over again, with Amanda on one side and Frank and Gerard on the other. From the men’s point of view they were both her father and DNA wouldn’t change that. It wasn’t hard to see that line was used to cover up the fear they felt if they found out Leah wasn’t theirs. Amanda couldn’t live with a lie though. She hadn’t seen or spoken to Andy since the day he walked out, but if he was the father of her child he had a right to know. Leah had a right to know. It was a battle hard won for Amanda, and the angry tension that had filled the home for three weeks had been the price to pay. Frank understood Amanda’s point of view even if he disagreed. He avoided talking about it while they waited for the results and did his best not to hold it against Amanda. Gerard on the other hand had been so furious that he refused to talk to Amanda for two days afterwards. She was aware of the reason behind his anger. While he could live with the knowledge there was a slight chance Leah wasn’t his or Frank’s, he was afraid of his feelings changing if it was confirmed she was in fact Andy’s child. Amanda was equally afraid, but in her heart she knew she was doing what was best by Leah. Every child deserved to know where they came from and Leah was not the exception to that.

The day they got the results back they had been afraid to look at the paper that would tell them for certain who Leah’s biological father was. Amanda held the envelope in her shaking hand, refusing to meet Gerard or Frank’s stare. Gerard had pleaded with her one last time to just throw the result away, that they were better off not knowing. In the end she had gritted her teeth and ripped it open, scanning the black print for the answer. When it revealed that Gerard was the father she had cried with relief. The tension that had hovered over them for three weeks had disappeared, letting them get on with their lives. Amanda could see that Frank was disappointed with the result. He didn’t let it show and his love for Leah hadn’t changed but she knew deep down that he had hoped that she was his. As time went on though it was obvious to see she was Gerard’s daughter. Her eyes had changed to his shade of hazel when she was six months old, and her nose and smile definitely came from him. She got Amanda’s shape of eyes and hair colour. Amanda was certain that she would want to go back to work within a couple of months, but to her amazement she found that she enjoyed being a mother. The sleepless nights hadn’t been as bad as she expected, and with Gerard and Frank pitching in to help it made it easier. Her life had taken on a new purpose and she realised with a pang that she didn’t want to miss one moment of Leah’s life, at least not for the first couple of years. By going back to work she might miss her first step or first word and the thought filled her with guilt and anxiety. After discussing it with Gerard and Frank they had decided that it would be best if she stayed at home, at least for now. With two very handsome wages coming in they were able to afford the luxury. Amanda hated the thought of living off somebody else but when she had to choose between the awkwardness of receiving money that she didn’t work for or staying with her daughter, her daughter had won.

When Leah hit seven months, she had started thinking about having more children. Her pregnancy with Leah had been tough, as was the birth, but having Leah was the best thing that had ever happened to her. Leah was a good natured child who was never sick and rarely cried and Amanda counted her lucky stars for it every day. The thought of being pregnant again wasn’t a pleasant one, in fact it was downright horrible but she knew that she would want to give Leah a sibling eventually and in her mind it was better to get it over and done with. Amanda knew that the issue would be a delicate one to bring up. She wanted Frank to father the child and she wondered how well it would go down. Part of the reason she was so determined to have another child was to give Frank the same thing she had given Gerard. Gerard had listened to her and told her the choice was hers. Since Leah was his child biologically he had agreed that it was only right that the next child would be Frank’s. Frank had been the hesitant one. Not because he didn’t want one, but he felt it was too soon. Leah was still young and having two children would be a strain on Amanda. She had worn him down with her persistence and he gave in. Gerard wasn’t impressed when he realised it meant that he wasn’t allowed in Amanda’s bed until the deed was done.

‘Leah Iero-Way and Amanda May please’ the receptionist called out from the office, ripping Amanda out of her reverie. She carried Leah in her car seat into the Doctor’s office, doing the necessary checkups on Leah’s development and health. He also did a pregnancy test for Amanda, confirming that she was indeed pregnant as though the vomiting every morning hadn’t been enough evidence. When everything was done she headed to the mall, where she had agreed to meet Mariana. Mariana knew everything that had happened; she had even met Gerard and Frank. Her opinion hadn’t changed too much but she kept her mouth shut for Amanda’s sake. Plus she adored Leah and once they were happy Mariana was satisfied. Mariana was now eight months pregnant herself, and had just gone on maternity leave from work. Amanda checked her watch when she arrived at the agreed Starbucks, and realised she was half an hour early. She decided to order a tea anyway, feeling too tired to walk around the mall. She ordered a tea and sat down, rocking Leah in her pram while she waited. The baby’s eyelids were starting to droop, her large hazel eyes fighting against the need to nap. She was helpless against the gentle swaying of the pram and she was out within two minutes.

‘Here you go’ the blond waitress got her attention, gently putting the tea on the table.
Amanda looked up to thank the waitress, when she saw a face she hadn’t seen in a long time. Or eighteen months, to be exact.

He was a tall as ever, his once black hair now lightened to a dark brown. She couldn’t help but watch him as he stood in line, waiting for his beverage. He was holding hands with a small brunette, who looked roughly his age. He was smiling at her with adoration, a look that the woman returned. He gave her quick kiss on the lips and laughed at something she said. As though he sensed her presence he looked up and met her eyes. There was an awkward moment where they gazed at each other, searching the other for a reaction. Amanda gave him a small smile, unsure of how she should react. He whispered into the brunette’s ear, then he started walking towards her. Amanda felt her heart beat rapidly with anxiety, afraid of whatever it was he wanted. When he stood in front of her he hesitated for a second before greeting her.

‘Hey’ his deep voice sounded nervous.

‘Hey Andy… Long time no see’ she gave him a nervous smile.

‘How…how have you been?’

‘I’m good, really good actually. Are you still working in the bar?’

‘Yeah, I’m still there. Who’s this’ he pointed at Leah.

‘This is my daughter Leah.’

‘She’s beautiful.’

‘Thank you.’

There was a tense pause while Andy scratched the back of his neck, as though debating with himself.

‘The reason I came over was to say I’m sorry for what I said to you that day. It was harsh and undeserved.’

Amanda shook her head.

‘Don’t be, it’s in the past. We both said things we shouldn’t have.’

He nodded at her.

‘Who’s the lucky girl?’ Amanda pointed at the mystery girl, unable to help herself.

‘Oh, her name’s Dorothy.’

‘She seems lovely. I hope she makes you happy.’

‘She does’ he replied with a shy smile.

There was another awkward silence; both of them having said all that was needed to be said. The apologies left unsaid were understood. They had both moved on with their lives.

‘It was lovely to see you Andy.’ Amanda spoke softly.

‘You too.’

With a last smile he walked back to his girlfriend, who gave him a quizzical look. Whatever he told her seemed to be enough when she laced their hands together. They grabbed their cups and left the store, not giving Amanda another glance.

Amanda took a sip of her cooled tea, gazing at her sleeping daughter with love and affection. Despite all the ups and downs of the last two years, and the many more she was sure lay ahead, it was all worth it. Her daughter was happy, and loved by not just two, but three parents. She had two men at home who loved her, and she loved them. Sure it wasn’t the life she had planned, but life had thrown her something even better than what most people had.

And three was definitely better than two.

Notes

To all the dear, lovely, amazing and wonderful readers of this story,

I just want to say thank you all for being so amazing. I've enjoyed writing this story, and it is with a heavy heart that I'm ending it. I could have perhaps tried to drag it out but I had this ending planned for a long time, and it was never meant to be a very long story. The support from you guys has been wonderful, and I truly enjoyed reading every one of your comments. Seeing the amount of readers this story received made me want to continue on. There won't be a sequel to this, as far as Amanda's story goes this is the end of it. I am toying with the idea of a prequel. I have a few other stories I'm working on so I'm not sure when it will go up if I decide to write it. Freard, while being the centre of some of my favourite stories, is not really my thing hence why there was no major Freard smut in this.

As stated, I have other stories on this site, and if you haven't checked them out it would be great if you did. There's no Freard, but hopefully you'll enjoy them anyway.

As always, please comment and let me know your thoughts.

I really hope you guys enjoyed this story, and thank you to all who stuck with me to the end. Hopefully this wont be the last story of mine you'll read! :)

*Edit*

So, I truly love you guys. I must do when I'm writing the first chapter to the prequel instead of finishing an update on another story. The story is called Never Let Go.

Please subscribe, and I shall post the the first chapter when I have more written in order to avoid big gaps.