Chapter 28

                                    

                                          
Once I was done with wardrobe and make up I was in front of the camera. After a few shots by myself, the photographer got a few of Harry and I together. Then afterwards he got some of Jaxson, Laurel and I. He then got a few of me with Luca and Henry. He then got some shots of me with each of the boys and a few by myself. Honestly the shoot felt never ending. By the time we were done and I had changed I was starving. I told Harry  and we decided to stop at a cafe. Luckily they knew who we were and had a back room for us.
"Hello. My name is Stella. What can I get you to drink?" 
"Just water with lemon. For the boys one kids apple juice, and one chocolate milk." I said 
"And for you?" She asked Harry.
"Just a Yorkshire tea with a dash of milk." Harry said.
"Be right back." The waitress and I looked at the menu with the boys who pointed out each of what they wanted.
"So how are things? Seriously, do you like living with me."
"Yeah." I said.
"Sis?" Harry asked.
"Can we please not talk about this right now. Not when the kids are here." I said just as the waitress came back. We gave her our orders and I asked for some crayons and paper for the boys. A few moments later she came back and I was coloring with the boys. I didn't notice that Harry took a picture though. We then got our food and ate it. By the time we were done Henry started to yawn.
"We should head home." I said as I put Henry in his car seat and Harry put Luca in his, and we each put a twin in theirs. By the time we got home, I saw Liam? 
"Stay in the car." Harry said and was about to get out but I grabbed his arm.
"No." I said 
"What do you mean no? I need to whack some sense into him! He shouldn't even be here!" Harry whispered.
"I've got this. You can jump in if it gets out of hand. Please just watch the kids." I said and unbuckled my seatbelt. 
"Mommy? We home?" I looked to see Luca was awake.
"Hey baby. Stay in the car with Uncle Harry. Mommy needs to handle something real quick." I said and got out of the car.
"Courtney. This is a bad idea." Harry said.
"Just watch them. Why don't you and Luca come up with a silly song or something while you wait." I said and ended the discussion there by closing the door. I then walked over to Liam who sat on the porch with his hands in his face.
"Hello Liam." I said 
"Courtney!" Liam said getting up quickly. He looked at me and I saw bags under his eyes, his eyes were tear stained. He looked pale and I could see sadness in his eyes. He then did something that shocked me. He hugged me, tightly. My arms froze. I didn't know what to do. I mean I signed divorce papers, but he was still my kids father.
"I-I'm s-so sorry. I've missed you." Liam weeped and fell to his knees, his hands sliding to my waist.
"Liam." I said 
"Please, I need you. Don't take my kids from me. I miss you, the kids, I miss our life together." 
"It's not that simple. You hurt me, badly Liam, and I nearly lost the twins because of it." I said.
"I know and I know my stress with work, anxiety, depression, isn't an excuse. I want you to know that I'm trying! These past 3 months I've been going to therapy. I'm struggling, please. I need you in my corner. I want you in my life. If it can't be as your husband, at least let it be as your kids father."
"Liam, you may get angry when I tell you this, but you need to know. Luca isn't yours. He's Louis' son." I said finally ripping the bandaid off.
"W-what?"
"I was going to tell you that night, but instead I had to call Harry to take me to the hospital." I said.
"It doesn't matter! I still love Luca. Please let me be in their life." Liam begged. 
"Fine, right now, I have sole custody, but if you can prove to me that you are done with the drinking, the anger issues, and that your mental health is getting better then I will let you see the kids." I said. I knew I probably shouldn't give in, but I couldn't help it. Even if we were divorced now, I still loved Liam.
"Okay this is taking forever." Harry said stepping out of the car.
"I'm giving Liam another chance." I said.
"What?! Are you freaking crazy?! After what he did to you!" Harry shouted causing Henry to stir.
"Please Harry, calm down. I'm not moving in with him right away. I told Liam he has to prove himself." I said.
"Fine, but I swear to you Liam. I swear to god! If I see one new bruise on my sister." Harry threatened.
"You won't. I promise I'm getting help." Liam said and Harry just walked away with the twins in their carriers. I scurried over to the car, got Luca out and then Henry who was still asleep. Luca then began to chat with Liam, I could actually see a happy smile on his face as Luca spoke. Maybe things could get better between us....eventually.