CHAPTER 63 - THE SURPRISED REUNION
As soon they parked the black z8 Audi car, Courtney immediately saw her Aunt Marie greeting other guests. It's been six months since the last time they saw each other on video call since she moved at Ben’s pad. So when Mrs. Collins eyes landed to Courtney and the man beside her, she was shocked.
“Courtney! Is that you?” Mrs. Collins wants to confirm her hunch.
“Yes, it’s me Marie.” She confirmed.
"I have missed you… Oh my and you’re glowing!” Her Aunty squealed.
"I missed you too Aunty!” She hugged her and this time Marie noticed her profound belly.
“Oh my God, you’re – pregnant and --- you’re with...” The old lady looked at Ben.
“Hi Marie, it’s nice to see you again.” Ben greeted her with a warm smile.
“I'm so confused, but never mind tell me about it later come on in.” She gestured for them to come in.
As they entered the house, everyone’s attention was on them and one particular voice came from the side of the stairs and Ben immediately recognized it.
“Ben!” The guy beside the woman acknowledged him.
“Hey Mart!” Ben did this man bro hug.
“Yeah, longtime no see my friend.” One of the guys eyed them in friendly way.
“Ben! It's good to see you!" The woman hugged him.
“Sherry. Good to see you both.” Ben accepted it but didn’t let Courtney’s hand go.
Courtney saw this gesture and she let her hand go to give Ben time to return the gesture. She was still watching them interact while trying to contemplate her brain if she will greet back the tall woman in front of her. She's gorgeous with blue eyes and has a long blonde hair.
“I’m glad you came Ben, wait who is she?" Sherry switched her gaze to Courtney.
“Everyone I’d like you to meet my travel partner.” Ben started.
“I don’t think she is just your travel partner buddy; tell me did this guy drag you here on your own free will on your condition?” Sherry began grilling him.
“Oh… no that’s not the case.” Courtney tried to explain.
“Actually she is my fiancé; Courtney.” Ben happily announced as he squeezed Courtney’s hand to hold.
“Hi, my name is Martin.” Martin offered his hand for a shake.
“I’m Sherina but you can call me Sherry, whatever makes you comfortable." Sherina proudly introduced herself back.
“It's my pleasure to finally meet you.” Courtney took their handshakes.
“I thought Ben will stay single until he got grey hairs." Sherina laughed at that.
Sherina’s laughter was contagious that made Courtney giggled with the cheeky comments she’s been getting from her. Ben was right her personality is very sweet and friendly. She was even taken aback when Sherina hugged her because it’s not natural for other ex-girlfriend to be that open. Courtney honestly felt that there was no moment of awkwardness between them and to be honest she likes her to her friend already.
“I wonder how you’re able to snatch your beautiful fiancé?” Martin joked.
“She’s actually my sister’s daughter; she was the Therapist who helped Zac while we were in Italy.” Marie helped with the introduction.
“Oh my God! That was you!” Sherry hugged Courtney unexpectedly.
“Hey, you better not squeeze my two boys or else--” Ben warned but looks like Sherry became deaf.
“Oh my God! You’re also having twins! That’s wonderful! I'm so happy for you and Ben!” Sherina keeps screaming.
“Babe, give Courtney a break with your yelling or the kids will be deaf too.” Martin pulled her to the side.
“Sorry, I was just carried away.” Sherina gave an apologetic smile giving Courtney the feeling of good vibes.
“It’s all right, I don’t often get that.” Courtney felt more comfortable now.
“You better take care of my niece well, she’s our family and so do you, but if you hurt her in any way I will ask my sister to cancel the wedding." Mrs. Collins threatened.
“I will make sure that no harm comes her way Marie, I promised you that.” He lovingly looked at his very soon wife.
“Congratulations to the both of you!” Sherina intercepts.
"Thanks! It's nice to finally see every one of you, Ben talks about you a lot with me." Courtney gave Sherina her real smile.
"Well don't believe it! Both of these guys are gossipers, we have a lot to talk about them." Sherina pointed to Ben and Martin who are both watching them.
“By the way where are Stephanie and Zander; I'm excited to see them?" Ben made his way to Courtney’s side.
“Oh they are at the backyard with Dad and Mom.” Sherina told them.
They were about to ask where the couple was when they heard footsteps coming down the stairs and saw Zac with his wife.
“Court?” Zac recognized his cousin.
“Hey Zac!” She waved her hand.
"Court… Ben… what are you two…” Zac tried to figure out what to say.
“Wait, you’re Court as in Zac’s Cousin? The one who helped my husband recovered from his amnesia?” Shannen accredited her field of work.
“Yeah, I am, nice to see you again Shannen.” Courtney hugged her for the second time that they met.
“Oh my God, long time no see! Last time I saw you was during your grandfather’s funeral.” She exclaimed and continued hugging each other.
Courtney wasn't able to come on their wedding since it's the time her grandfather died and it was only. It's also the reason why she didn't really recognize anyone aside from Marie and Zac.
“Yeah that was so long time ago, but I’m glad to see you again.” She remembered that day when they visited in Italy.
“Ben is your travel partner that you told me about?" Zac fixed the pieces together.
"You got it wrong son, he is Courtney’s fiancé now.” Mrs. Collins corrected him.
“You’re what?! How did I not know this? You even impregnate my cousin behind my back?" Zac became the protective brother as always.
“Stop being dramatic and don’t stress Courtney! She’s heavily pregnant and you’re yelling like a child! You should be happy that it was Ben and not some jackass who would just run her off beause they got her pregnant.” Shannen hit her husband on the shower.
“But—” Zac tried to butt in.
“One more word and you’ll be sleeping in the guest room.” His wife seems to overpower him.
“Come on Court, let’s leave this two to bicker. I’m sure you’re hungry and tired so let’s get you seated and meet my twin.” Shannen dragged Courtney away from Ben.
“Damn woman, so Bossy.” Zac muttered under breath.
“Don’t worry bro, I get that a lot from your cousin.” Ben tapped his shoulder.
“Hey! I heard that!” Courtney yelled softly.
“You’re sleeping in the guest room tonight!” Shannen gave her order to his husband.
Shannen introduced her two adorable twins namely Stephanie and Zander. The boy is wearing a blue shirt and has a blue and green polka dot party hat while the girl is wearing a pink and yellow polka dot dress.
“They are so cute!” Courtney fell in love with them and their outfits.
“Thank you Court it runs to our genes.” Shannen joked.
“That I can’t deny.” She agreed while holding the twin’s hand.
The party was filled with games for parents and kids that everyone enjoyed. The most memorable part was when the twin suddenly blurted out Dada and mama after they blow the cake. After the meet and greet Shannen, Courtney together with Sherina decided to seat together in one table including Marie making the guys out of place. They wanted to know how their love story started and Courtney openly told them the truth. They gushed and commented that it was in deed faith that led them.
It was around six in the evening when everyone started to leave including Ben and Courtney. The couple promised that they will be going back since they will stay for a week before going back to Italy.
