Chapter Sixty - Liam
"C'mon Princess, can you please put on this dress for Daddy?" Liam asks, again, holding the fabric in his hands out to her, he's trying to get her dressed for dinner to celebrate Zayn being done school, but she's being less than cooperative. "No Daddy, Bella play" she exclaims dashing past him, just out of his arms reach, and Liam lets out a frustrated groan, "please Bella, we need to get you dressed" he tries, but Bella just shakes her head giggling as she continues to run circles around him. Liam knows he's on his own here, because he volunteered to get Bella ready so Zayn could shower and get himself ready for the dinner, but the toddler is more interested in driving Liam crazy and refusing to get dressed. He knows his patience is wearing thin as well it's why he and Niall both called it a day early, one of the big companies they've merged with is causing problem and Liam's ready to lose his mind about it, but he also knows it's not Bella's fault and is doing his best not to let his irritation with the day in general seep into his interactions with the energetic toddler. Liam sighs as he sees Bella is now on the balcony over top of her bed, tossing stuffies down towards him, "Bella, don't throw toys at Daddy, come down please you have to get dressed" he calls. Bella cocks her head to the side in obvious thought, before shaking her head "am dressed Daddy" she giggles before moving to come down the slide. Liam moves quickly to beat her to the bottom and scoops her into his arms as soon as she slides down, causing the girl to pout adorably, "sorry Daddy, I get dressed now" she mumbles smacking a wet kiss to his cheek.
Once Bella's dressed Zayn emerges wearing the black skinny jeans, and button up shirt Liam laid out for him, his hair perfectly styled, Liam let's his eyes rake over his fiancé before crossing the living room quickly to pull Zayn into his arms. "You look so good Babe" he breathes and Zayn blushes biting his lip, "thanks" he mumbles, before they connect in a kiss. "I just need to get changed and then we can go" Liam mumbles when they pull apart and Zayn nods, moving to sit on the couch where Bella is twirling in front of, she likes the way her skirt flares up when she does. "Baba watch" Liam hears her say before he runs into their bedroom to change. Liam returns only a few minutes later to find Zayn helping Bella twirl, he's wearing one of his suits without the jacket, "you guys ready?" he asks making his presence known. Zayn whips around to face him and bites on his lip, Liam knows Zayn likes him in his suits so he's not surprised by the reaction, when Zayn covers the ground quickly to press his lips hungrily to Liam's. Liam responds to the kiss allowing Zayn to have control, until he pulls away when he feels someone pushing on his legs, "eww" Bella whines and the men break apart with a laugh "yeah, let's go" Zayn practically whispers, and Liam nods, turning to scoop Bella up, "me and Baba kissing is not ew" he growls playfully, tickling Bella as he does which makes her giggle.
Liam gets both Bella and Zayn into the car and starts driving before Zayn asks him again, "can I know where we're going now Li?" he asks and Liam chuckles shaking his head, "you'll see in about ten minutes" he answers and Zayn huffs, crossing his arms and staring out his window. Liam reaches with one hand to grab at Zayn's fingers the younger turning to look at him before giving in and lacing their fingers together, before turning his attention back out the window, Bella singing an endless version of the alphabet in the backseat of the car. Liam pulls up to the restaurant a few minutes later smirking when he hears Zayn gasp, "that's Louis' car, why is Louis here?" Zayn asks, turning to look at Liam who just grins, the part about this dinner that Zayn doesn't know is Liam has reserved half the restaurant and their family and friends will be joining them tonight. Zayn narrows his eyes at Liam's non-answer before climbing from the car, and Liam just hopes he's not too upset with him, Liam climbs out as Zayn pulls Bella into his arms, "I walk, Baba" she exclaims, and Zayn chuckles, nodding before he sets her on her feet, Liam comes around and grabs her one hand while Zayn takes the other and the three make their way inside.
Liam watches as Zayn notices more than just Louis are in the restaurant, he narrows his eyes on his sisters, before they flit to Harry and Louis, before his eyes light up and he turns to Liam, "you did this?" he asks quietly. Liam feels Bella pulling her hand from his, and tightens his grip slightly, before he sees why, she's spotted Ethan where he's sitting with Ruth a few feet away, "right to them okay baby girl" Liam leans down to murmur, before letting go, and she's off like a shot, climbing onto the nine year old's lap. Liam then turns his attention to Zayn "of course I did this. You're done Uni, and I'm so proud of you" he explains, nuzzling his nose into Zayn's neck, Zayn shivers and wraps his arms around Liam, before pulling his lips to his in another kiss. "Alright break it up you two" Niall teases, making them pull apart both a little breathless, Liam glares at his best friend who just ignores him, "congratulations Zayn" he exclaims, pulling him into a hug, "thanks Niall" Zayn laughs hugging the man back. "Quick question" Niall says when he pulls away, "what is it?" Liam asks slowly, "who's that?" Niall asks, gesturing across the room to where Liam can see Talia, and a few other people he knows work with Zayn, talking to Harry and Louis. Liam watches Zayn follow his gesture to the group before he grins, "you mean Josh?" he asks, and Niall shrugs "if that's the cute one then yes I mean Josh" he mumbles and Zayn laughs. Liam gets it, since he and Jace broke up Niall's been lonely, but he's just recently been ready to start dating again, "I'll introduce you later Ni" Zayn chuckles, as his mum approaches from the other side.
Liam excuses himself as Trisha starts cooing over Zayn, Liam laughs as Zayn sends him a pleading look, shaking his head, Zayn pouts, but turns his attention back to his mum, as Liam moves to sit at the table Ruth and her kids are occupying. Liam's barely sitting down when Bella pokes him "no leave Daddy" she insists and he just laughs, reaching out to brush some hair out of her eyes, "no we're not leaving yet baby girl, you're okay" he soothes Bella nods and turns back to whatever it was she was doing with Ethan, Mason, and Kenzi. "You've done a great job with this, and I'm guessing by Zayn's face when he came in, you managed to keep it a secret?" Ruth asks and Liam smiles, letting his gaze wander around the room, "yeah, he had no clue, the trick was not letting Bella know what was going on either, I think" he answers. Bella's head shoots up at her name but she doesn't say anything just goes back to colouring with the others. Ruth pats Liam's arm "yes, never tell children secrets, they're terrible at keeping it quiet. Remember when we tried to surprise Mum on her birthday?" she asks and Liam grins "uhuh and Ethan told her every single detail at lunch one week" he chuckles. Ethan glares at the pair, "first of all stop it, and second I was three" Ethan mutters and Ruth just laughs while Liam pats his nephew's arm"we're just teasing Bud" he soothes, Ethan just rolls his eyes and sticks his tongue out before turning his attention back to the other kids.
Liam sits with Ruth and her kids for a few more minutes, before Nicola shows up with James and Alexa in tow, "sorry we're late Li, someone's having a hard time listening today" Nicola says as James pretends to be very interested in his shoes, and Ryan, Nicola's husband comes up as well. Liam waves away the apology, "you haven't missed much, no one's even ordered" he says, "but I'm going to go see how Zayn's making out I'll talk to you later" Liam adds, kissing both his sisters on the cheek and shaking Ryan's hand. "You coming to find Baba with me?" Liam asks Bella who pretends to think for a minute before nodding, reaching to be picked up, Liam complies quickly, settling her on his hip as they head across the restaurant to where he's spotted Zayn talking to Louis, Harry, Talia, and Josh. Talia spots him first because she smiles widely, "hello there miss Bella, we haven't seen you in awhile. And Liam thank you for inviting me, uh us tonight" she says, tickling Bella gently, then gesturing between herself and Josh. Bella giggles squirming in Liam's arms, as Zayn reaches for her, pulling her to him, without even looking. Liam grins "it's no problem, thank you for giving this one my number" he teases, pulling Zayn into his side, Zayn just blushes, hiding his face in Arabella's hair. Talia laughs at that, "he would have killed me if I didn't" she giggles, "yeah, you should have heard him in the kitchen" Josh adds, before snapping his mouth shut when Zayn glares across at him. Liam grins, "you were talking about me?" he murmurs low enough only Zayn can hear, Zayn nods,slowly, blushing again.
"Liam" Louis exclaims "Louis" Liam counters eyebrows furrowing "this is a nice party, I especially like the part when I went to pay for my drink, it was already taken care of" he says, while Zayn groans. "Louis, cut it out" Zayn hisses, as Harry nudges him lightly. "Is there a problem Lou?" Liam asks confused, but Louis shakes his head "nah I'm just teasing you, thank you" Louis grins, pulling Liam into a hug. To say he's confused is an understatement Liam has no idea what's happening with Zayn's friends, but he doesn't have time to dwell on it, not for long, he knows Louis likes to give him a hard time. Niall is suddenly there, pushing his way towards them through a small crowd, "NEIL" Bella exclaims, reaching for him when he gets close, Liam laughs because no matter how hard he and Zayn both have tried to correct the girl she insists on calling his best friend Neil. Niall chuckles as he pulls the girl into his arms, hugging her, "you alright Bella?" he asks, she grins, nodding her head and pressing a sloppy kiss to his cheek, "Baba's party" she tells him. Niall grins, "I know, it's a nice party" he answers. Liam doesn't miss the way Niall's eyes flit to Josh every few seconds while he's engaged with Bella, "I don't think you've met. Niall this is Talia, and Josh, we all work together" Zayn starts, gesturing to each in turn. "Talia, Josh this is Niall, Liam's best friend and business partner" Zayn finishes, Liam watches as Niall blushes, but reaches around Bella who's snuggled into him, to shake first Talia's, then Josh's hand, he notices how Niall's grip is tighter and it lasts a few seconds longer with Josh, but he decides against calling him on it, he can tease him at the office on Monday.
Liam has no idea where Zayn, or Bella have disappeared to, everyone has just ordered their dinner, and is still chatting while they wait for everything to be prepared, but Liam can't find his fiancé or daughter anywhere. They were both sitting with him when he ordered but now they're gone. Louis plopping down beside him stops Liam from going to find them "what can I do for you Lou?" Liam asks, taking a sip of his drink. Louis just grins, "as you know Bella's birthday is soon" Louis starts, and Liam arches an eyebrow, "I just wanted to know what you guys are planning, Zayn won't give me a straight answer" he finishes. Liam chuckles "I don't really know either, everytime I bring it up Zayn shuts down" he answers. Louis grins, "so Harry and I are getting her a petting zoo. Not to keep, but whatever you guys are doing, there will be tiny furry creatures to play with" he says decidedly and Liam laughs, shaking his head, "you can deal with Zayn on that one" he chuckles. Louis just smiles "I can handle Zayn. Just let me know if you need any help planning her day, okay?" Louis asks, and Liam nods, "sure Lou" he murmurs, as Harry slips into Louis' lap, "hey Li, thanks for this" Harry mumbles and Liam just nods, "no problem Harry" he answers. "Hey have you guys seen Zayn, and Bella?" Liam asks, Louis shakes his head but Harry nods, "yeah, Bella is with Niall and Josh, and last I saw Zayn he was talking to your mum, Liam" he explains. Liam nods, because of course his mum is the reason Zayn is missing, "Josh and Niall, huh?" he asks, and Louis and Harry laugh "yeah they've been inseparable ever since Zayn introduced them, although I'm not sure whether Bella is helping the situation or not" Harry chuckles. Liam grins, "maybe I should go get her, give them some time alone" he muses and Louis shrugs, "nah I think Bella is the best wingman, er woman? Leave her be for a few more minutes" he says. Liam just shakes his head grinning as Louis, steals Harry's drink and he manages to spot Zayn talking to his mum, everyone just looks like they're having a great time and Liam couldn't be happier.
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A/N: Hey an update...and a slight time skip.
I hope you guys enjoy these chapters, although nothing huge really happens, except the beginning of Nosh..they always happen I kinda enjoy them together so it's usually only a matter of time before there's a Nosh appearance.
Let me know what you thought, and what you like comments and votes make me happy, and you guys have all been so sweet lately it makes me super happy.
I've had a really shitty week so far...and I'm going to rant for a second. As some of you know I took a week off work about a month ago because there was a lot of bullshit and drama. Things were alright for a little when I went back but now I'm right in the middle of another shit storm, only this one is potentially worse. I'm currently off work for a few days (with pay, which is the only upside) because of some bullshit from the nasty, bitchy, coworkers who hate me. I'm so sick of all of their shit
Anyways enough about that...as always I love you guys and until next time
xoxo