Chapter 9: Siblings

The door creaked open, and there he stood—Joshua, with a sly smile playing on his lips. “Hello mother” He muttered, his voice smooth yet carrying mischief. Without a moment's hesitation, Lucy pulled him into a tight embrace, her relief evident in the way she clung to him.

“Why did it take you so long to return, Joshua?” She asked, clinging to him with her eyes shut tight. She pulled back slightly, studying his face as if searching for any signs of trouble.

Joshua merely shrugged and flashed her another smile, the kind that always seemed to say he was up to something. “Missed you too, Mom” He replied, sidestepping her question as he stepped inside the house.

As he entered, his gaze shifted to Raymond, who was standing near the staircase. “Raymond, my man!” Joshua greeted him, his tone warm and friendly. The two men exchanged a firm handshake, pulling each other into a brief, brotherly hug.

 Joshua finally turned his attention to Ginny, his eyes narrowing as he smirked at her. “Welcome back, little sister”

“Do you have to make it so obvious you mean the opposite?” Ginny shot back, rolling her eyes and letting out a small scoff. She wasn’t in the mood for his games, especially not after the day she’d had.

“Joshua, please” Lucy interjected, stepping between them with a sigh. “Spare your sister today. She just arrived, and we’ve had a long day.”

Joshua feigned innocence, his expression one of mock hurt as he raised his hands in surrender. “I’m innocent, I swear. I was just greeting her” He said, though the glint in his eyes betrayed him.

Lucy flashed him a warning glare, and after a moment, Joshua relented with a slight nod. “Fine, fine” He muttered, turning his attention back to her. “But seriously, Mom, I need your help.”

Lucy’s brow furrowed in concern as she studied her son’s face. “What is it, Joshua?” She asked, her tone more serious now. “What do you need help with?”

Joshua hesitated for a moment, then glanced at Raymond before looking back at Lucy. “I need you to come with me to meet my girlfriend’s parents…” he began, his voice low and deliberate. “For her hand in marriage” He swallowed hard, anticipating their reaction.

Lucy’s eyes widened at his words, surprise and disbelief washing over her features. Her son—the notorious playboy who had moved out of the house to avoid any form of commitment—was talking about marriage?

“Marriage?” Lucy echoed, a note of incredulity in her voice. She crossed her arms, studying him carefully. “I never thought I’d see the day when you, of all people, would decide to marry.”

Joshua flushed slightly, his bravado faltering for just a moment. “It’s not exactly by choice" he admitted, his voice quieter now. “I’m doing this because I… I got her pregnant.”

The words hung in the air, everyone frozen.

Lucy’s eyes widened further, and for a moment, she was speechless. Then, as the realization set in, her shock turned into pure, unadulterated joy.  “I’m going to be a grandmother? And you’re going to be a father!” she squealed, her voice filled with joy. She pulled him into another hug, beaming with happiness.

Ginny, momentarily forgetting the tension between her and Joshua, couldn’t help but smile as well. Despite everything, the thought of becoming an aunt brought a warmth to her heart. “Congratulations, Joshua” She said softly, her previous irritation fading away.

Raymond stepped forward, patting Joshua on the back with a firm hand. “Looks like you’re finally becoming a man” He said with a chuckle.

Joshua, still slightly embarrassed, mumbled something under his breath before clearing his throat. “Thanks, everyone” He said, trying to regain his composure.

 “But we will have to continue this conversation in the morning as I really need to take a shower and maybe some rest. It’s been a long day”

“With you coming at this time of the night" It sure has” Lucy chuckled. "Have a good night rest sweetheart” She smiled.

“Thanks mom” With that, Joshua made his way upstairs.

Ginny watched him go, her thoughts swirling with emotions. She needed a break from all of this—especially from the suffocating presence of Raymond. “I think I’ll head to my room as well" she murmured, turning to leave before anyone could question her.

“Goodnight sweetie” Lucy said after her but she barely heard it and didn't respond.

As soon as Ginny disappeared from sight, Raymond turned to Lucy, a mischievous glint in his eye. He stepped closer to her, wrapping his arms around her waist and pulling her against him. “Now that the kids are off to their rooms” He whispered, his voice low and teasing. “Don’t you think it’s time we had some fun of our own?”

Lucy blushed as she looked up at him. She knew exactly what he was hinting at, and the thought sent a thrill of excitement through her. Before she could respond, Raymond lifted her into his arms in a bridal style, making her laugh softly as she wrapped her arms around his neck.

“Raymond, put me down!” She protested playfully, though there was no real conviction in her voice. She was enjoying the moment, the spontaneity of it all.

“Not a chance” Raymond replied with a grin, his voice full of warmth as he carried her towards the staircase. “We’re going upstairs, and I’m not letting you go until we’ve had our fun.”

“That's cheating!" Lucy’s laughter echoed through the house as Raymond carried her up the stairs.