The Troubleshooter

30- Matt comes home

Nico POV

I hope the weather improves by next week or the wedding photos will be shit. I think, taking another drag from my cigarette and watching the rain out on Aunt Penny's veranda.

I'm not really the romantic wedding type, I'd have happily eloped with Lili when the time comes, if it wasn't for aunt Penny's death glare when I voiced this. But Matt and Soph had a rough start and they deserve a special day.

Sophie has insisted that she doesn't want anything fancy. So it's a small service at the family church, followed by a small reception here at the house. Matt has been showing off his romantic streak booking the wedding for the anniversary of their first 'date' (Sophie has argued that it was a work dinner, but apparently Matt is counting it)

" 'ave you got another?" Maddie asks, stepping out onto the veranda and gesturing to my cigarette. I pull out the pack allowing her to help herself, albeit reluctantly I was enjoying the peace out here.

Matt, Soph and Ella are on their way and the house is in chaos preparing for Ella's first visit. Not like she's known for months or anything. Ella's only three months old.

"Never felt more like a spare wheel" Maddie sighs, breathing out a lungful of smoke. "You and Lili, Matt and Sophie, and I'm pretty sure Pen and Leo?" She says, raising an eyebrow. "When did that happen?"

"In England I think, they haven't told anyone yet, not that they could be any more obvious" I chuckle, taking another drag from my cigarette. "Maybe you'll meet someone at the wedding?" I suggest. I've never actually met any of Maddie's ex's so I have no idea what her type is.

Not that I'd try match making her with anyone. Most men I know are not good enough for the women I know and I don't want to have to start severely injuring all of my friends.

"Who's coming?" Maddie asks suddenly interested.

"Sophie has invited less than five people, I think 'Matt' and by Matt I mean aunt Penny, has invited about twenty, including us"

"Ugh, there may be plenty of fish in the sea, but I'm wading in a puddle out here" Maddie complains.

"Hey, they're here!" Lili tells us, running out with a wide smile before heading back in, "And wash your hands or Sophie won't let you near Ella" she calls over her shoulder.

I drop my cigarette, putting it out with my boot before re-considering and picking it up to throw in the garbage. Memories of being told I'd be made to eat it flashing through my mind.

Once I've washed my hands I come up behind Lili on the front porch, wrapping my arms around her waist and resting my head on her shoulder.

"I thought you said they were here?" I ask,

"Sophie messaged that they were five minutes away" Lili replies, turning her face to kiss my temple. It's actually embarrassing how that tiny action turns me to putty in her hands. This woman has way too much power over me.

I finally see the car coming up the drive. Leo and Matt stepping out of the front seats. I walk down to help Leo grab the bags while Matt lifts out the baby seat, followed by Sophie.

"Fuck she got big!" I gasp surprised, it's only been three months and it's like a totally different kid!

"Ssssshhhh!" Soph warns me. "If you wake her I'm gonna have Lili punish you" she threatens poking out her tongue like a kid, and adjusting the baby bag on her shoulder. Nobody would believe that she's a respected Lawyer.

"Sounds fun" I shrug pretending I'm going to poke the still sleeping Ella with my free hand.

"Carry on like that and it won't be long before Ella has a little cousin to play with" Sophie smirks.

"Ew, Sophie I do not need to hear shit like that" Matt complains, taking Ella up the stairs to meet his Ma.

"How's motherhood?" I ask Sophie walking beside her.

"It is both the most amazing and rewarding, yet draining thing I've ever done. I'm so glad I have Matt beside me. He's such a good Papa" she gushes.

"Alright, save some of the lovey dovey shit for the wedding" I chuckle. Leaving the bags by the stairs.

"This place is huge!" Sophie says in awe. I laugh again, I'd forgotten that she's never seen the villa. We follow the sound of voices into the dining room, where Ella has already been transferred into one of them baby basket things to continue her nap while we eat.

I can't wait because honestly I'm fucking starving. I only came for one reason (besides food).

"Ok," I announce, my stomach comfortably full. "Time for the reason we're all here... Matt's Bachelor party" I see Sophie roll her eyes but she's smiling.

"Oh, yeah I'm not having one." Matt says casually, as if he didn't just ruin my entire week.

"WHAT!" Me and Sophie shout in unison, Sophie's response taking me by surprise. I was ready to blame her.

"We're only having a small wedding, I assumed we would just skip them" Matt shrugs.

"Yeah, if you think is girls aren't having a hen do you're seriously mistaken. So get your ass out with the guys for the night" Sophie says before turning back to her food.

If this was a comic I'd have ears and a wagging tail waiting for Matt's answer. When he stays silent Sophie turns to me.

"Nico, plan something to get my husband out of my hair for the next 24 hours please"

"Yes Mam!" I mock salute. "Anything he's not allowed to do?" I ask catching Lili's gaze and feeling a sudden desire to please her

"Umm no hookers or killing people?"

"Is that really what you think we do on a night out?" Matt laughs, lifting Ella from her basket.

"Well, I don't know" Sophie laughs, taking the now awake Ella from Matt's arms.

"Strip clubs?" I check.

"If you want, I trust you" Sophie replies, but my eyes are on Lili who gives a subtle nod.

"Get your shit, were going out" I order Matt.

My cell is already in my hand rounding up the guys, this is my fucking Christmas.

"Enjoy seeing all the ladies, cause after tonight you're stuck with me" Sophie teases, pecking Matt on the lips.

"Was that supposed to be scary?" He laughs, "that's like saying enjoy your last night of being poor, I hit the jackpot with you"

"Ok Barf. Get out before your sickly attitude gives us all diabetes" Lili shouts pushing us out of the door.