Authors' note: We hope you enjoy the chapter! And for those who celebrate it, Happy Easter!
Alexa was settling into her new life at college quite well. She was excelling in her classes and she loved the weather. But, she hadn't seen as much of her boyfriend as she would have liked. He was taking a full course load and had started volunteering at a local hospital.
Tonight would be the first chance they would have to see each other in a few days. He had invited her over to his grandparents' for dinner. Alexa opened the door to her dorm room and smiled when she saw her roommate doing yoga in the middle of the room.
"Hi, Carmen," Alexa said.
"Hiya!" Carmen said happily.
Alexa set her backpack down on her bed. "How was your day?"
"Great!" Carmen said brightly. "Yours?"
"It was good," Alexa replied. "Especially my creative writing class."
"I saw the CUTEST guy today in the quad," Carmen told her.
Alexa laughed. "Carmen, you said that yesterday, too."
"Well today I really saw him," Carmen sat on the bed. "And he's ALMOST as gorgeous as yours."
Alexa laughed. "Almost, eh?"
"I just can't believe your luck," Carmen said. "Practically engaged to the son of one of the MOST FAMOUS directors of our time!"
Alexa hid her smile. Carmen was obsessed with this fact and the first time Gabriel had visited, Carmen had cornered him with hundreds of questions.
She almost thought Nico and Carmen would make a good match, but then again, they were really too much alike.
"And his stepmother is this fantastic designer!" Carmen gushed.
"It's not really that big a deal," Alexa said, grabbing a few of her books.
Carmen reached over and turned off the music she'd been exercising too. "Not that big a deal! Oh, Alexa..."
"It really isn't," Alexa insisted.
Carmen smiled. "That girl called you...Paprika?"
"Paprika?" Alexa asked.
"Saffron," Carmen corrected.
"Oh," Alexa nodded. "What about her?"
"She called you," Carmen replied.
"Oh!" Alexa said. "Thanks-- I hope everything's okay with the baby."
"She seemed okay," Carmen said.
"Good," Alexa replied. "Thanks."
Alexa reached for her phone.
"Are you going to call Gabriel?" Carmen asked hopefully.
"No," Alexa said. "I'm calling Saffy back."
"I've got to meet her," Carmen said. "You talk about her so much I feel like I know her."
Alexa smiled. "She's going to visit after the baby's born." Alexa dialled the number. "Saffy?"
"Lexie!" Saffron exclaimed. "I wasn't sure you'd ring back tonight!"
"I just finished with classes for the day," Alexa replied. "How are you? Is everything okay with the baby?"
"Everything is great," Saffron said. "I just miss you like mad."
"I miss you too," Alexa said. "How's my little goddaughter? She's ready to make her debut isn't she?"
"We're getting there," Saffron said. "You wouldn't believe how fat I am."
"Saffy, you are not fat," Alexa reassured her.
"I so am," Saffron said. "But its okay, I guess. We had another ultrasound and we really got to see Ellie this time!"
"Oh, Saffy!" Alexa squealed.
"I'll send you a copy of it," Saffron said. "But it was so, so brilliant."
"You cried, didn't you?" Alexa asked.
"Bawled," Saffron admitted.
"How'd she look?" Alexa asked.
"Perfect," Saffron said. "It was the most amazing thing I've ever seen."
"Well, she is Saffron Potter's baby," Alexa joked. "Could she be anything less than perfect?"
"Of course not," Saffron said. "Andrew, RJ and Audrey say hello, by the way. RJ and Audrey were over here earlier for dinner."
"Oh, I wish I could have been there," Alexa said wistfully.
"I wish you were here too," Saffron said. "But I know you're doing what you love there."
Alexa told her about the assignment she was working on for her creative writing class. "I'll email it to you and you can let me know what you think."
"That would be great," Saffron said. "I always did like reading your stuff."
"Tell her that I love hearing her accent," Carmen said nudging Alexa.
Alexa laughed. "Carmen says hello and she loves your accent," she told Saffron.
Saffron laughed. "I'll lay it on thicker the next time I talk to her."
"She'll love it," Alexa said with a grin. "I have to go get ready- I'm having dinner with Gabe's grandparents tonight."
"Tell them I said hello," Saffron said.
"I will," Alexa promised. "And you let me know when Ellie's born."
"I will," Saffron said. "Have a good night, Lexie."
"Bye Saffy," Alexa said.
Carmen practically pounced on Alexa when she hung up the phone. "What are you going to wear on your date? Is his father going to be there?"
Alexa laughed. "I don't know what I'm going to wear, and no I don't think his father will be there. Gabe didn't say anything about it."
"If he is, you have to take lots of photos," Carmen told her.
"Carmen," Alexa shook her head. "He's just a regular guy. I've known him for as long as I've been friends with Saffron."
"You know one of the reasons why I decided to go to school here was so I'd get the chance to see famous people," Carmen told her.
"That's the only reason?" Alexa asked.
"Of course not," Carmen said, waving her arm. "It's just one of the reasons. I mean, we do not get this type of thing in Alabama. "
"You'll get used to it, I'm sure." Alexa told her.
"Why is Gabe going to be a doctor?" Carmen asked. "I mean, he could follow in his father's footsteps. Or he could be an actor. He certainly has the looks for it."
"Because he wants to heal people," Alexa said, looking in her closet.
Carmen shook her head and returned to her yoga.
Alexa picked out her outfit and laid it on her bed, then headed to the bathroom to take a quick shower. It had taken some getting used to- sharing a bathroom with an entire floor, but she'd grown accustomed quickly.
Besides, she'd shared a bathroom with Beth and Mimi---and that could prepare you for anything.
It didn't take her long to get ready, and by then Carmen had finished her yoga.
"You look hot," Carmen told her.
"Thanks," Alexa said, amused.
There was a knock on the door and Carmen went to answer it since she was closest. Her eyes brightened when she saw who it was. "Gabe!"
"Hi Carmen," Gabriel said warily.
Alexa waved at him. "Carmen? You are going to let him in, right?"
"Oh..." Carmen grinned. "Yes... of course..." she finally stepped aside.
"Hiya, Lexie," Gabriel said as he stepped into the room. "You look great."
"Thanks," Alexa grinned at him. "So do you."
"Is your dad going to be there?" Carmen asked before she could stop herself.
"What?" Gabriel asked.
"Tonight," Carmen said. "At your grandparents'."
"No," Gabriel shook his head. "He's in Mexico on a shoot."
Carmen slapped herself on the forehead. "Of course! I forgot about that! I cannot wait to see that film. I know he's known for his action movies, but I love the love stories. Don't you?"
"They're okay, I guess," Gabriel said.
Carmen grabbed him by the arm. "And you didn't tell me you were an extra in one of his films! Next time I watch it, I'm going to have to see if I spot you and Alexa!"
Gabriel had forgotten all about that time. "Yeah... you might see us in there."
"Carmen, we're going to go," Alexa said grabbing her purse.
"Are you going to come back here tonight?" Carmen asked Gabriel.
"When I drop Alexa off," Gabriel replied. "Why?"
"Just curious," Carmen said innocently.
"Good night," Alexa said shaking her head.
"See you," Carmen said, a bit wistfully.
"I'm so sorry," Alexa told Gabriel while they waited for the lift.
"It's okay," he said squeezing her hand.
"She's obsessed," Alexa said laughing.
"Just a bit," Gabriel said. "I'm scared for my dad should she ever get to meet him."
Alexa shuddered. "And your step mum. She's fascinated by her, as well."
Gabriel grinned. "I think Lavender could handle her."
"Don't be so sure," Alexa giggled as they stepped into the lift.
Gabriel put his arms around her. "I've missed you."
"I've missed you too," Alexa said leaning in and giving him a kiss.
Gabriel pulled her closer and deepened the kiss.
"Mmmm," Alexa murmured.
He pulled away after a moment. "I've got to tell you all about my time at the hospital later."
"Oh yeah?" Alexa asked as they stepped off the lift and headed outside.
"I'm learning so much more than I am reading books and sitting in a classroom," Gabriel said eagerly.
Alexa squeezed his hand. "You love it."
"I do," he nodded.
They walked over to his car and he held the door open for her. "I imagine you're in your element when you're there. You were born to be a doctor."
"When I was a kid I wanted to be a bus driver," he confessed, sliding behind the wheel after helping her in.
Alexa laughed. "Really?"
"Yeah," he said sheepishly. "Mum dated this guy for awhile that drove a city bus and I thought it was so cool he got to collect money and take people around."
Alexa grinned. "Well, you know you could still change your career path."
"Right," Gabriel said dryly. "Very funny, Lexie."
"I could just see you in that little hat and the uniform," Alexa teased.
He groaned.
"I can't wait to see your grandparents and eat something that doesn't come out of the cafeteria," Alexa said.
"My grandmother promised a good meal for us," Gabriel said.
Alexa smiled. "And I heard from Saffy today."
"Oh yeah?" he asked. "How's she doing?"
"Great," Alexa said. "She had an ultrasound and she was able to see how much the baby's grown. She sounds so happy, Gabe."
"I'm glad," Gabriel said. "She deserves to be happy."
"She does," Alexa said. "Next weekend is her shower and I'm going to pop over to make an appearance."
"She'll love that," Gabriel smiled at her.
"So will I," Alexa grinned. "I found the cutest little outfit the other---what?"
"Another outfit?" he asked.
"Just one," Alexa said sheepishly. "And a matching hat..."
Gabriel shook his head. "That baby's never going to need clothing again."
Alexa hit him on the shoulder. "I'm her godmother, Gabe. I'm supposed to spoil her."
He chuckled. "Spoil her yes, not clothe her for the rest of her life."
"I've only bought a few things, "Alexa said defensively.
"A few hundred," Gabriel cracked. "Okay, okay... I'm sorry. You're excited- I understand."
"I am," Alexa said.
"Nothing wrong with that," he said, reaching for her hand.
Alexa grinned. "Nothing at all."
They arrived at Gabriel's house and Alexa could smell the aroma of fresh-cooked food from outside.
"Mmm..." Gabriel said. "That smells so good."
"Do you know what she's making?" Alexa asked.
"Smells kind of spicy," Gabriel said. "But she didn't tell me."
"A surprise," Alexa smiled.
He gave her a quick kiss before leading her inside.
"Gabe, is that you?" Margaret called out.
"Hi Grandma," Gabriel called.
"Hi, Mrs. Boyd," Alexa called out.
Margaret appeared in the doorway with a welcoming smile on her face.
"Something smells delicious," Alexa said.
"I made my special curry," Margaret said. "I'm sure it's not as good as you had in England but--"
"I imagine it's better," Alexa said giving her a hug.
"It's so good to see you, dear." Margaret said. "And you too, Gabriel."
Gabriel looked at Alexa. "She's upset that I leave in the mornings before she and Grandpa are up."
"You should spend a little time with them," Alexa nudged him.
"I like this girl," Margaret said.
"And a little time with me," Alexa teased.
Gabriel put his arm around her. "I can do that."
"How about something to drink?" Margaret asked. "Lewis is just finishing up in the garden and he'll be just a few minutes."
"Lemonade would be great," Gabriel said. "But I can get it, Grandma."
"Nonsense," Margaret said. "I like to spoil you a bit."
"A little spoiling can be good," Alexa said nudging Gabe. She looked at Margaret. "He keeps teasing me because I'm buying things for Saffy's baby."
Margaret smiled. "How is she doing?"
"She's great," Alexa replied. "Very happy."
"Good," Margaret said as Lewis came in the back door.
"Hi, Mr. Boyd," Alexa said smiling at him.
Lewis smiled. "Hello Alexa. Good to see you."
"Hi, Grandpa," Gabriel grinned.
"Who is this stranger?" Lewis teased.
"Your hard-working, handsome grandson," Margaret said.
"I think I remember him," Lewis winked at Alexa before going to the sink to wash up.
"He was going to tell me about what happened at the hospital today," Alexa said.
"Oh?" Lewis asked. "Tell us all, Gabe."
"Well, this week, I've been on the paediatric floor," Gabe began.
"Babies?" Alexa asked,
Gabriel shook his head. "Children. Cancer patients."
"Oh," Alexa sobered up.
"Working with them reminds me of why I decided to do this," Gabriel said.
"That's lovely," Alexa said. "Those children must be so brave."
"They are," Gabriel said. "There's one little girl...Daisy...she's absolutely amazing, Lexie."
"Tell me about her," Alexa said as they all sat down at the table.
"She's six years old and loves to read," Gabriel told her. "The nurses said she wasn't talking to anyone and I came in and starting reading to her and she spoke up and told me that I was missing parts."
"That's fantastic," Alexa said encouragingly.
"And so I sit with her and read to her," Gabriel said.
Margaret smiled. "Just like you did with Sam."
Gabriel nodded.
"That meant so much to your mom and I know it means a lot to that little girl," Margaret said proudly.
"I'm glad to do it," Gabriel said. He felt a lump in his throat and went to change the subject. "Lexie, tell us about your journalism classes."
Alexa smiled. "They're going really well. I really love my creative writing class."
"What's your next project?" Lewis asked.
"We have to write a short story," Alexa said. "I have to come up with a good idea."
"You'll think of something," Gabriel said.
Alexa nodded. "I'll let you read it."
"Cool," Gabriel leaned back in his chair and grinned at her.
"This is really great, Mrs. Boyd," Alexa said.
"Good," Margaret said. "Eat up. They can't be feeding you well at that dormitory."
"They feed me, but I don't think you could call it real food," Alexa laughed.
"Of course not," Margaret said. "So eat up, and if there are leftovers you can take them with you."
"Thank you," Alexa said.
"You really outdid yourself," Gabriel nodded.
"My Maggie always does," Lewis said fondly.
Margaret blushed. "It was nothing..."
"Just you wait until dessert," Lewis said. "Gabe, she made your favourite."
"Oh?" Gabriel perked up.
Alexa grinned. "German chocolate cake?"
"With coconut frosting," Margaret smiled.
"Grandma, you are too good to me," Gabriel said with a grin.
"Have to keep you well fed," Margaret said.
After dinner, Alexa and Gabe told a reluctant Margaret that they would take care of cleaning up. "But---" Margaret sputtered.
"Just go relax in the living room," Gabriel said. "Alexa and I will bring in some coffee soon as we're done."
"It's the least we can do," Alexa said.
"Nonsense--" Margaret began.
Gabriel laughed. "Grandma, I can carry you out of here...."
"Leave that to me," Lewis joked. "Come on Maggie."
"She's pretty stubborn," Alexa said to Gabe when they were alone. "She could give Saffy a run for her money."
"We should see them go head to head sometime," Gabriel joked as he started to clear the table.
"The clash of the titans," Alexa said. "Merlin, I'm full."
"Me too," he said. "I don't think I'll eat for three days."
"Oh please," Alexa said shaking her head.
He grinned at her. "Just kidding."
"I know you too well," Alexa said.
"Yes you do," he said. "And I know you well enough to know that you'd rather wash these dishes with magic so we can steal a few minutes outside together."
"Mr. Boyd," Alexa chastised. "I left my wand back at the dorm."
"Bummer," Gabriel grimaced.
"Bummer," Alexa said nudging him. "Come on. We can get rid of this mess quickly."
"Right," Gabriel began clearing the dishes from the table.
Alexa hid a smile as she walked over to the chair in the corner of the room where she'd set her purse. She pulled her wand out.
Gabriel was carrying the dishes to the sink when they floated out of his hands. "Hey!"
Alexa grinned. "Yes?"
Gabriel shook his head. "You are such a show off."
"Me?" Alexa asked innocently. She guided the dishes to the sink with her wand.
Gabriel watched as she had the kitchen clean in thirty seconds. "Now that's the way to do it."
Alexa grinned. "I'm glad you approve."
"Come on," Gabriel took her hand and led her into the backyard.
"It's a beautiful night," Alexa said thoughtfully.
"Yes it is," he said gazing at her.
Alexa squeezed his hand. "I am still getting used to living in nice weather."
"It stays like this almost all year," Gabriel told her.
Alexa leaned against him. "I love it."
Gabriel turned and buried his face in her long hair.
"I've missed you," Alexa said softly.
"I'm sorry," he said. "We need to spend more time together."
"It's okay," Alexa said softly. "You have to work hard and I'll support you any way I can."
Gabriel gave her a soft kiss. "I appreciate that."
"And I'm so proud of you," Alexa said. "You're making a difference, Gabe."
"I just want to help people," he said.
"That's one of the things I love most about you," Alexa said smiling at him.
Gabriel leaned in and kissed her more deeply this time.
Alexa rested her forehead on his. "I love you."
"When are we going to spend the night together like we kept talking about?" he asked.
Alexa smiled. "Soon."
"Very soon?" he asked hopefully.
"Yes," Alexa promised. "In fact, maybe...maybe you could go with me to London for Saffy's shower."
"When is it again?" he asked.
"Next weekend," Alexa replied.
"I'm sure I can manage something," Gabriel said.
Alexa grinned. "Really?"
"Yeah," he said, squeezing her shoulders.
Alexa grinned. "So I guess having me around isn't too much of a distraction?"
"Never," he replied. "I'll always want you around."
Alexa grinned and stood up, walking over to the basketball hoop that was in the middle of the yard. She picked up the basketball.
"Oh no," Gabriel shook his head. "I don't need to be humiliated again..."
Alexa laughed. "Come on, Boyd. You might beat me this time."
"Yeah right," he shook his head again.
"Okay," Alexa said tossing ball at him. "So, this is where you grew up, eh?"
Gabriel nodded. "For the most part."
Alexa smiled. "Ickle Gabriel running around the backyard."
"Very funny," he said dryly.
Alexa laughed. "I try..."
"We lived in Pasadena for awhile and then when my mom started getting sick we moved in with my grandparents," Gabriel said. "I was pretty young."
Alexa sat back down beside him and reached for his hand.
"I'm okay," he assured her.
Alexa gave him a kiss.
"I have you," Gabriel said. "That makes me happier than I've ever been."
"You have me, you have a family, and you have great friends," Alexa said. "And we're not going anywhere."
"I know," Gabriel said.
"Let's go back inside," Alexa said.
"Yeah," he nodded. "My grandparents are probably wondering what we're up to."
Alexa and Gabriel walked into the house and saw Gabe's grandparents' sitting in the kitchen drinking coffee.
"Hey," Gabriel said sheepishly. "We were supposed to bring that in to you, weren't we?"
"About an hour ago," Lewis said dryly.
"Sorry," Gabriel said.
"It's okay," Margaret reassured him. "Alexa, I made you some tea."
"Thank you," Alexa said gratefully.
"I'll pour it," Gabriel said. "Have a seat, Lexie."
"Okay," Alexa sat down next go Margaret. "Dinner was delicious Mrs. Boyd. Thank you so much for having me over."
Margaret smiled at her. "You're welcome here, anytime."
"When I get sick of dorm food, I'll be here," Alexa joked.
Gabriel set a cup of tea in front of his girlfriend. "This is my favourite kitchen. It's always open, right Grandma?"
"You better believe it," Margaret said. "That's something Nico has taken to heart on many occasions."
"I'm surprised he isn't here," Lewis grumbled.
"Don't say that too loudly," Gabriel joked.
Alexa laughed. "Well, you haven't met my roommate, Mr. Boyd. Carmen's like Nico's twin."
"There's another one?" Lewis looked pained.
Margaret laughed. "Lewis!"
"She's harmless," Alexa laughed.
"I'm sure she's lovely," Margaret said.
"She's not so bad," Alexa replied. "She gets excited when Gabriel comes by..."
"Let me guess, she likes his father," Lewis replied dryly.
"Loves," Gabriel said. "I swear she's his biggest fan."
"She likes your step mum, too," Alexa pointed out.
"That's true," Gabriel said. "Does she know how many Lavender Brown originals you have?"
Alexa nodded. "She raided my closet."
"And you still have clothing?" Gabriel asked
Alexa laughed. "Yes."
Gabriel shook his head. "She's high strung."
"She's a little like Beth," Alexa said thoughtfully.
"I can see that," Gabriel told her.
Alexa laughed. "She's fine, Gabe."
Gabriel slid his arm around her.
Alexa leaned against him. "Mrs. Boyd, how is your garden?"
"Just fine," Margaret said. "I'll show it to you..."
"We're really proud of it," Lewis said.
"I'm able to get all our vegetables fresh from there," Margaret told her, leading her outside.
Alexa told Margaret about how much a little girl she knew back in London liked to garden. "Hannah's really great at it. You should see their garden."
"She sounds like a sweet little girl," Margaret said. "Perhaps when you're back there you'll take some pictures for me. I've always wanted to see a real English garden."
"I will," Alexa promised.
Margaret patted the younger girl's arm. "You are so good for Gabriel."
Alexa smiled. "He's so good for me, Mrs. Boyd. I love him very much."
"He loves you too," Margaret said. "I haven't seen him this happy in a very long time."
"And busy," Alexa commented.
"I think Gabriel gets his work ethic from Seamus," Margaret commented.
"I think so too," Alexa said. "They both work so hard."
"Like father like son," Margaret laughed. "Sam used to say that... not in Gabriel's presence of course."
Alexa smiled. "Did you tell Gabe this?"
"Many times," Margaret nodded.
"I'm really glad that he took the chance to find his dad," Alexa said. "Not just because it brought he and I together...just that I think they both needed it."
Margaret nodded. "I agree," she said, pulling a stray weed from the ground and tossing it aside. "Seamus has been so good to him."
"And Lavender too," Alexa said.
"Oh of course," Margaret nodded. "She's a dear woman."
"Gabe said that his mother liked to garden too," Alexa said.
"She did enjoy it," Margaret nodded. "Especially near the end, although she was too weak to do much. She would just sit out here."
Alexa smiled. "I wish I could have known her."
"She would have loved you," Margaret told her.
"You think so?" Alexa asked.
"Absolutely," Margaret assured her.
Alexa gave the older woman a hug. "Thank you, Mrs. Boyd."
Margaret patted her back. "We should get back to the boys before we lose them to Dodgers talk."
Alexa laughed. "Heaven forbid, right?"
"We'll never pry them apart," Margaret said as they headed back in.
"Well, now you have a partner in crime to help you," Alexa said with a grin.
Margaret laughed as Alexa opened the door for her.
"We need better pitching," Gabe was saying to Lewis. "Pitching is the key, Grandpa."
"We've lost them already," Alexa said to Margaret.
"What?" Gabriel asked.
"You and the Dodgers," Alexa said. "When you get going, nothing else exists."
"That's not true," Gabriel said defensively.
Alexa grinned at him. "Yes it is and you know it."
"You mean like you and your future goddaughter?" Gabriel countered.
Alexa smiled sheepishly. "I don't get lost in talking about her. I've just been buying her clothes because they're so cute!"
"You're going overboard," Gabriel said.
Alexa frowned at him. "That's not for you to decide."
"She's right," Margaret said.
"Yeah but--" Gabriel began.
"Shut up while you're behind, son," Lewis said clapping him on the back.
Gabriel shook his head.
Alexa thanked the Boyds for having her over for dinner and a few minutes later, she and Gabriel were driving back to her dorm.
"Why so quiet?" she asked him.
"Just thinking about the reading I have to do before I go to bed tonight," Gabriel replied.
"Oh," Alexa nodded.
"And the two labs," Gabriel replied. "Not to mention the two hours I have at the hospital tomorrow."
"You're so busy," Alexa said softly.
He reached for her hand. "I know, but it won't always be like this."
"I hope not," Alexa said. "I mean... I don't begrudge you being busy because I know what it's going to do for you in the long run."
"I'll always make time for you, Lexie," Gabe said.
"I'm glad to hear that," she smiled at him.
Gabriel smiled. "And I promise not to give you a hard time about your goddaughter. I know how important this is to you."
"And I won't bug you about the Dodgers," Alexa squeezed his hand. "I know it's a big thing for you and your grandfather."
"So this is a truce?" Gabriel asked with a grin.
"Were we fighting?" she nudged him.
Gabriel laughed. "No."
"I didn't think so," she said with a grin.
Gabriel parked the car and he looked over at his girlfriend. "I'll walk you inside."
"Thank you," Alexa said, leaning against him. "I wish you could stay."
"We'll have next weekend," Gabriel promised.
"Good," Alexa said, putting her arms around him.
"I'm glad you could come with me tonight," Gabriel said softly.
"Me too," Alexa said, closing her eyes.
"I'll ring you tomorrow before I go to the hospital," Gabriel promised.
"Okay," Alexa said. "I can't wait."
Gabriel gave her a long, lingering kiss before he finally tore himself away. Alexa watched as he walked back to his car.
"I love you!" she called out to him.
"I love you!" Gabriel called back, waving at her before getting into his car.
Alexa watched him leave the parking lot then turned and headed upstairs to her room.
Carmen was sitting on her bed reading when Alexa entered. "Hi!"
"Hi Carmen," Alexa said. "What's up?"
"You tell me!" Carmen exclaimed. "How was it?"
"It was just dinner with his grandparents," Alexa told her. "The four of us."
Carmen frowned. "Oh...I thought maybe his dad would be there. I know, he said his father was filming..."
"He's in Mexico," Alexa told her.
"I know, but I was just hoping he might pop in," Carmen said.
Alexa shook her head and laughed. "You're incorrigible."
Carmen grinned. "I try."
Alexa grabbed her pyjamas and changed behind her closet door. "His grandmother made curry- it was so good."
"Better than the meatloaf the cafeteria was serving," Carmen grimaced. "I'm sure."
Alexa wrinkled her nose. "I'm not sorry I missed that. Tomorrow let's go have dinner off campus somewhere."
Carmen grinned. "I'd love that. Pizza."
"Perfect," Alexa replied, climbing into her bed.
Carmen set her book aside and turned off her bedside lamp. "Good night, Alexa."
Alexa smiled at her. "You don't need to turn that off because of me."
"I'm tired," Carmen told her. "It's okay."
"I've only got one class tomorrow," Alexa said. "Then I have a ton of homework to do."
"I have three classes tomorrow," Carmen groaned.
"It'll be the weekend soon," Alexa said.
"Not soon enough," Carmen said. "And then next weekend, you're going to England. I can't believe you're going to be there for such a short time. I mean, you'll be spending almost all of it on a plane."
"I know," Alexa smiled in the darkness. "But it's for Saffy's baby shower. I couldn't miss it."
"You're a good friend to do that," Carmen commented.
"Saffron is like a sister to me," Alexa said. "I'd be there in a heartbeat if she needed me."
"You guys have been through a lot, eh?" Carmen asked.
Alexa nodded. "Yes..."
Alexa smiled again in the darkness. Carmen had no idea.
"It all sounds so glamorous," Carmen said.
"Hardly," Alexa said with a laugh.
"Well it sounds like it to me," Carmen said. "You've lived in a foreign country, your boyfriend's father is a famous director and you get to jet back to England when you want..."
"My father logged a lot of frequent flier miles is all," Alexa lied. "So it's no big deal."
"I guess," Carmen replied.
"And Gabriel's dad is just like anyone else," Alexa said.
"If you say so," Carmen replied in a sing song voice.
"Good night, Carmen," Alexa laughed.
"Talk to you in the morning," Carmen replied, turning on her side.
Alexa closed her eyes.
Thoughts of Gabriel filled her head as she drifted off to sleep.
Next weekend would be rushed but she hoped that they would be able to find some time together. She wanted that more than anything.
It had been too long since they had been together and she missed the intimacy they shared. They had missed a lot of time together with all that had happened with Gordon Devereaux.
But things were back to being on track now that she had moved here and was getting her education like she'd always wanted.
It wasn't glamorous to Alexa, but she thought it was about as near to perfect as you could possibly get.
*** *** ***
Allison was not in the best of moods when she left the pub that evening to pick up Emma and Adam from Lizzy's. Josh and Jon were barely speaking and it was starting to wear on the entire staff. Jon had to stay behind to meet with one of their distributors.
With a sigh, Allison knocked on the door to her best friend's house.
"Hey," Lizzy said with a grin as she opened the door. "The kids have been waiting for you."
"Hi," Allison said forcing a smile. "I'm sorry I wasn't on time..."
"It's okay," Lizzy assured her. "What's wrong?"
Allison didn't even know where to begin. She didn't have to worry as Adam and Emma ran toward her. "Mummy!" Emma squealed.
"Hi baby," Allison said as they slammed into her.
"Em, mean!" Adam said holding up his arms for Allison to pick him up.
"What?" Allison asked. "Why is Emma mean?"
"Adam started it," Emma said defensively.
"DID NOT!" Adam hollered.
Lizzy put her hand on Emma's shoulder. "I gave the kids tea and biscuits and Emma took one of Adam's and then when he got angry, she took another one."
"Emma Madeline," Allison looked at her daughter. "What have we told you about taking other people's food?"
Adam wagged his finger at Emma. "No-no, Em!"
Emma stuck her tongue out at Adam.
"Emma," Allison chastised.
"Well he's dumb," Emma announced.
"You do not call your brother dumb," Allison said. "I think you're due for a time out when we get home."
Emma pouted.
Allison looked at her friend. "I'm so sorry, Liz."
"It's okay," Lizzy reassured her. "All day, they were fine up until that one thing."
"Good," Allison set Adam down and rubbed at her forehead.
"Why don't you lot go and pack up your things?" Lizzy told Emma and Adam.
"Fine," Emma said grumpily.
"And no more fighting," Allison added.
Adam toddled after his big sister.
Lizzy looked at her friend. "Long day?"
Allison just shook her head. "Things just really aren't good at the pub."
Lizzy folded her arms. "Josh said things were pretty tense..."
"Very," Allison nodded. "I don't know if this partnership was such a good idea."
"Well," Lizzy said. "Jon's kind of resistant to change. I think that's where most of the problem stems from---"
"That definitely hasn't helped," Allison agreed cautiously. "But it IS his pub..."
"His pub?" Lizzy asked. "Allie---"
"He would have bought it right out if we'd had the money and Vic hadn't had to move so suddenly," Allison replied.
"Allie, Jon would never have been able to run that by himself," Lizzy said with a slight laugh.
"You never know," Allison shrugged. "I think he would have done fine."
"Well, you always have made excuses for him," Lizzy commented.
"He's my husband," Allison answered. "It's the same for you with Josh."
"I know," Lizzy said. "I guess--I guess I've just been hearing Josh's side of things."
"He hasn't been so easy to work with," Allison said quietly. "And I wouldn't say that unless it was true."
"What's he done?" Lizzy asked.
"He wants to make all these changes, but they aren't always for the good of the pub," Allison explained. "And he's alienating all the employees."
"He is?" Lizzy asked, taken aback.
"Today Audrey almost quit," Allison confessed.
"What?" Lizzy asked.
"It was just a bad day all around," Allison said quietly. "Jon had to do some fast talking to keep her on."
"I had no idea," Lizzy said quietly.
"He probably never told you about that," Allison said. "I don't mean to dump on him. I care about Josh... I just wish he'd loosen up."
"He likes to be successful," Lizzy said in Josh's defence. "He saw this as a huge challenge."
"I know," Allison nodded. "But it never was a challenge. The pub can run itself, and things were fine. I'm not saying some of the changes he's made have been bad- taking inventory isn't so bad now that we've gotten used to it, and the customers love the sofas he put in near the front."
Lizzy nodded.
"He just needs to realise that not everything Jon does is irresponsible and wrong," Allison finished.
"Do you want me to say something?" Lizzy asked.
"I don't know," Allison sighed. "If you think it would help..."
"We're family," Lizzy said. "We want to make this work."
Allison nodded. "I think deep down, both of them want this to work too."
"And I don't think we could put them both in time out like we can with the little ones," Lizzy said with a grin.
"If only it were that easy," Allison smiled gratefully at her best friend. "Thanks Liz."
"No problem," Lizzy said. "We should have spoken about it earlier."
"Leave it to the women to work things out, right?" Allison asked as Emma and Adam came back into the foyer.
"Give your Aunt Lizzy a big hug," Allison told them.
Adam reached for his aunt and gave her a kiss on the cheek.
Lizzy smiled. "Thanks, Adam. You can come and see us anytime."
"What about me?" Emma asked.
"Of course," Lizzy replied giving her a hug. "You know that the triplets adore you."
Emma grinned. "Love them too."
"We'd better go," Allison said. "We have to pick up your sister at Mia's."
"Sissy, Sissy, Sissy," Adam said, jumping around.
Allison picked him up. "And your Daddy is bringing home...pizza."
"YAY!" Adam shouted happily.
Lizzy helped Emma on with her coat. "It's cold out there."
"I don't like winter," Emma said. "I like summer."
"You and me both," Lizzy said smiling at her.
"Thanks again for watching them, Liz." Allison said. "I'll talk to you soon."
"I'll let you know how it goes," Lizzy told her.
Allison nodded. "Or I'm sure I'll hear it from Jon."
Lizzy showed them out and then headed upstairs to check on her children.
"Mummy," Casey said. "Help me!"
"What are you doing, love?" Lizzy asked.
Casey had been trying to change out of her princess dress and her arms were stuck.
Lizzy helped her out of the dress and then helped her into her pyjamas. "There. All better."
"Thanks," Casey grinned at her.
"Where's Noah and Aidan?" Lizzy asked.
"Don't know," Casey shrugged.
"It's awfully quiet," Lizzy said picking up Casey. "That's never a good sign."
"No," Casey said solemnly.
Lizzy carried Casey into the boys' room and gasped when she saw what her son was doing. "Aidan! Get down from there right now!"
"I'm tall!" Aidan said from the top of his bookcase.
"Aidan Luke Weasley," Lizzy said shaking her head. "What did I tell you about climbing up there?"
"It's okay," Aidan said.
"I never said that," Lizzy said. She set Casey down. "Come here to Mummy." She held out her arms.
"I can't get down," Aidan told her.
"I'm right here," Lizzy reassured him. "Just come down into my arms, Aidan."
"Do it," Noah said as he came into the room.
Aidan looked hesitantly at his mother before he held out his arms. Lizzy caught him and hugged him to her. "You scare me to death when you do that, Aidan."
"No more," Aidan buried his face in her shoulder.
"He was really high, Mummy," Casey said.
"I know," Lizzy said.
"Hello?" Josh called out from downstairs.
"Up here," Lizzy called.
Josh trudged upstairs and smiled when he saw his children. "Hi guys!"
"Daddy!" Casey charged towards him.
Josh scooped her up and gave her a hug. "Hi, baby girl."
"Aidan climbed up there," Casey pointed.
"Aidan," Josh said, levelling his gaze at his son.
Aidan buried his face in Lizzy's shoulder again.
"He's not going to do it again, right Aidan?" Lizzy asked, kissing the top of his head.
"No," Aidan promised. "Too scary."
"How was work?" Lizzy asked.
Josh shook his head. "Impossible."
"Come downstairs with me while I make dinner," Lizzy said. "We can talk about it." She set Aidan down. "You three play nicely and no climbing!"
"No climb," Aidan nodded.
Lizzy reached for Josh's hand. "That bad?" she asked when they were in the kitchen.
"Jon is completely impossible," Josh said. "He's got everyone there thinking I'M the bad guy on everything!"
"I'm sure that's not true," Lizzy said.
"Audrey almost quit today," Josh said. "Because he's told her that I wasn't sure she should be working there while dating RJ. That was a passing thought I had awhile back, and never pursued it. Then he convinces her to stay by telling her she'd never get sacked for a stupid reason like that."
Lizzy gaped at him. "You thought that she shouldn't work there because of RJ?"
"Conflict of interest," Josh said. "And I said, I NEVER acted on it."
"Josh," Lizzy said. "Jon shouldn't have told her that."
"Damn right he shouldn't have," Josh said. "And he second guesses everything I do. Any decision I make he wants to approve first."
"Aren't you guilty of that, too?" Lizzy asked gently.
Josh looked at her. "Liz--"
Lizzy squeezed his hand. "Tell me the truth. Look at it from your brother's side, Josh."
"I have," Josh insisted.
Lizzy raised an eyebrow.
"Most of the time," he muttered.
"He's been doing this a lot longer than you have," Lizzy pointed out. "And he made that place a success. Did you ever tell him how proud you were of what he'd done?"
Josh opened his mouth to say yes but snapped it shut.
"You are two different men, but you could try and meet in the middle," Lizzy said thoughtfully.
"He needs to give a little too," Josh said defensively.
"You both do," Lizzy said. "Look, you're brothers and despite how you'd like all of us to think otherwise, you do love each other. He'd do anything for you and I know you'd do the same for him."
"I guess," Josh sighed.
"You know that I'm always right," Lizzy teased, looping her arms around his neck.
Josh smiled grudgingly at her.
"Go and talk to him," Lizzy said. "Straighten this out."
"Right now?" Josh asked.
"The sooner the better," Lizzy said. "I can make dinner for the kids. I'll save you a plate.'
"I don't really want to," Josh said. "And I don't think he wants to see me."
"If not tonight, do it tomorrow at work," Lizzy said. "But you need to do it soon."
Josh nodded. "I will."
"That's the Josh I know and love," Lizzy said before kissing him.
"I'm hungry!" Noah's announcement broke them apart.
Lizzy laughed. "You are, are you?"
"Yes!" Noah nodded. "I want pizza too!"
"I guess this means I'm going out to pick up a pizza," Josh grinned.
"You don't have to," Lizzy said. "I was going to make grilled cheese."
"The masses have spoken," Josh said.
"All right," Lizzy said. "I suppose pizza would be good tonight."
"Yay!" Noah clapped.
"Go tell your brother and sister," Lizzy said.
"Okay, Mummy!" Noah exclaimed.
Josh chuckled as he watched his son dash out of the kitchen. "I won't be long."
"Thanks for doing this, Josh," Lizzy told him.
"No problem," Josh said. "Be back in a few."
Josh Apparated to just outside the small pizza place that was nearest to their house. He walked inside and stopped in his tracks when he saw a familiar redhead at the counter, placing an order.
"Can I get a separate order of breadsticks with tomato sauce?" Jon was asking the woman at the counter.
Josh closed his eyes for a moment. "Of all bloody pizza places..." he muttered to himself.
"That'll be about twenty minutes," the woman said.
"Okay," Jon said, turning around. He froze when he saw his twin near the door.
"Jon," Josh said tersely.
Jon gave his brother a brief nod. "Josh."
"Can I take your order, sir?" the woman behind the counter asked Josh. She looked at him in surprise. "Whoa! You blokes are twins?"
"Yeah," Josh said. "Um... can I get one medium with just cheese and a large with everything?"
"Sure thing," the woman replied. "It'll be about twenty minutes."
"Great," Josh said avoiding looking at his brother.
"Will you tell Lizzy thanks for watching Em and Adam?" Jon asked. "They---they really had a good time today."
Josh nodded. "I'm glad. I'll make sure and tell her when I get home."
An awkward silence followed before Jon finally spoke again. "Um---I was out of line today. When I told Audrey about what you had said about her dating RJ."
Josh looked at his brother in surprise. "What?"
"She'd asked why you were so angry at her most of the time and I let that slip out," Jon replied. "I shouldn't have and I'm sorry."
"I guess I've been a bit rough on everyone," Josh said. "I just wanted to prove I could help run the pub."
"You have had some good ideas," Jon replied. "But, your execution of those ideas---sometimes wasn't always the best."
Josh looked at him for a few moments. "I know I can get sort of overbearing sometimes."
"Sort of?" Jon asked.
"I may be overbearing, but sometimes I think you're just a bit too laid back," Josh said.
"I guess that's true," Jon admitted.
"So maybe we just need to start compromising more," Josh said. "No more decisions unless we both talk them over."
Jon smiled. "I think I can do that. Can you?"
"I'm going to try," Josh smiled back. "You might have to remind me once in awhile..."
"I can do that," Jon said. "But, there is one thing I can't budge on, Josh. Adam. It's important to Al and me that he's there. He isn't any trouble and no one seems to have a problem with it, but you."
Josh nodded. "Okay. But let's keep him away from the stoves and the counters and things in the kitchen. I get worried he could hurt himself if Allie's cooking during a rush."
Jon thought about this. "So, that's why you've been so against it?"
"For the most part," he nodded. "And I guess... being at a law firm, it was always looked down on to have your kids there at work."
Jon nodded. "Well, we can keep Adam out of the kitchen. He likes the office anyway."
"Good," Josh said. "Would you believe it- we just compromised?"
Jon laughed. "We did, didn't we?"
"It's a nice feeling," Josh replied with a grin.
"It is," Jon agreed.
"I think we need to keep any arguments out of work, too," Josh said.
"Absolutely," Jon nodded.
"But we do need to keep an eye on people like Becca," Josh said. "We give her an inch and she takes a mile."
"She's improved some since the last time I spoke with her," Jon said in her defence. "But we do need to watch her."
Josh nodded. "I'll talk to Audrey tomorrow and apologise."
"She's one of our best waitresses, Josh," Jon said. "And she never lets RJ get in the way. When he's there, she never forgets that her customers come first."
"I know," Josh replied. "I see that."
"So," Jon said extending his hand. "We're okay?"
Josh nodded as he shook his brother's hand.
Jon smiled. "And since we're compromising, you can finally admit that I'm the more handsome of the two of us..."
Josh shook his head. "In your dreams."
"Come on, mate," Jon laughed.
"I can't lie to you now, can I?" Josh joked.
"As long as I know the truth that's all that matters," Jon agreed. His phone started to ring and he pulled the phone out of his pocket. "Hello? Em....yeah, sweetheart. I'm at the pizza place...yes; I did get your breadsticks."
Josh shook his head and grinned.
"Yes, with extra sauce," Jon said. "I'll be home soon, baby. Okay, love you."
"Never a moment when Em's not hungry," Josh said dryly.
Jon laughed. "No...she's just like me."
"Order for Weasley!" the woman at the counter called. "Um... that Weasley." she pointed to Jon.
Jon laughed and paid the woman for the order. "Thanks."
"Guess I'll see you tomorrow," Josh said.
Jon nodded. "Bright and early. A new start for both of us."
"Right," Josh nodded.
"I'm really glad we talked, Josh," Jon said sincerely.
"I am too," Josh replied. "It was awhile in coming."
"Too long," Jon said, picking up the pizza boxes. "No matter what, Josh, you're my brother and I love you."
"Same goes for me," Josh said. "You know if there's anything you need--"
Jon nodded. "I know and I feel the same way."
"Good," Josh said as the woman brought his order to the counter. "Better get this home before the kids eat the icebox."
Jon laughed. "Me too. Have a good night, Josh."
"You too mate," Josh replied. "See you tomorrow."
Jon made it back to the house a few minutes later and smiled when he saw his children. "You lot ready for some pizza?"
"I AM!" Emma shouted.
"Emma, you are always ready for any food," Caroline teased good-naturedly. "Daddy, she was about to ring you again before you walked in."
"Someone's just a little impatient," Allison said. "I thought I'd have to give her another time out."
"Bad Em," Adam said looking over at her.
"Dumb Adam," Emma replied.
"I can put BOTH of you in time out and Caroline, your dad and me will be the only ones who get to eat pizza," Allison warned.
"Noooo!" Emma wailed.
"Come on, we can all get along where food is concerned, right?" Jon asked, carrying the pizza boxes into the kitchen.
"I'll get the plates," Caroline said.
"Thanks Angel," Jon replied, setting the boxes on the table.
Allison put Adam in his high chair. "Juice, buddy?"
"Yes," Adam replied.
Allison smiled. "Coming right up."
"Can I have a Raspberry Fizzy?" Caroline asked as she quickly set the table.
"Me, too!" Emma chimed in.
"You can if we have any left," Allison said.
"I'll see, Em," Caroline told her.
Jon flipped open the boxes and inhaled. "I am starving."
"Me too," Emma said her eyes wide as her father placed a slice on her plate.
Jon looked at his wife as she gave Adam his juice and sat down. "I saw Josh at the pizza parlour.
Allison looked at him in surprise. "You did?"
"Yeah," Jon nodded. "We talked."
"Good talk or bad talk?" Allison asked.
"A good one," Jon replied. "Cleared the air quite a bit."
Allison smiled. "I'm glad, Jon."
"Me too," Jon replied as Caroline brought over drinks for herself and Emma.
"It was long overdue," Allison said thoughtfully.
"Yes it was," Jon said. "But needed."
Adam picked up a pepperoni and held it out for his father to see. "Daddy, look!"
"I know, buddy," Jon said. "It's good, isn't it?"
"Best pizza ever!" Emma declared before taking a bite.
"You say that every time," Jon joked.
"It keeps getting better!" Emma exclaimed grinning at him.
"I want one of those!" Adam pointed to the breadsticks.
Caroline picked one up and handed it to him. "They're my favourite, buddy."
"Don't eat all of them," Emma said.
Adam glared at her before taking a bite of the breadstick. "Yummy."
"I got enough for everyone," Jon assured Emma. "Don't worry."
"Good Daddy," Emma said.
"What else did you and Josh talk about?" Allison asked.
"What happened with Audrey," Jon said.
Allison nodded. "I hope he realises that her quitting would have been disastrous."
"I think he does," Jon said reaching for another slice. "He's going to try and be more laid-back and I'm going to try and be a little more serious."
"Well that sounds like quite the compromise," Allison teased gently.
Jon laughed. "Don't worry. I won't change TOO much. You love me when I'm a goofball."
"Yes I do," Allison said softly.
"You're not a goofball, Daddy," Caroline said loyally.
"I was, back in the day," Jon said.
Emma giggled. "I'm a goofball, too, Daddy."
"Yes, yes you are," Jon told her.
"Mean," Adam said.
"Adam," Allison said. "Be nice."
Caroline looked at her father. "Katie wrote me today, Daddy."
"She did?" Jon asked. "What did she have to say?"
"She's doing really well at school," Caroline said. "And she said that I should dress up as a Fern in Charlotte's Web. That way, Em, Adam and I would match."
Jon nodded. "Who was Fern, again?"
Emma rolled her eyes. "Daddy! She was Wilbur's friend and she helped keep him alive!"
"That was Charlotte, sweetheart," Allison replied. "Fern was his owner."
"Your brother still wants to dress up as a pig?" Jon asked.
"Oink," Adam said.
"I think that means yes," Allison said with a laugh. "And your Nana Molly is already working on a costume. I'm sure we can find something really nice for Caroline to wear as Fern."
"I can't WAIT for Halloween," Emma said happily. "LOTS of sweets!"
"Me too," Caroline agreed. "I just---I just wish Katie could be here, too."
"What would she be dressing up as, you think?" Jon asked her.
"I don't know," Caroline said thoughtfully. "But it'd be really beautiful."
"More pizza!" Emma lifted her plate.
Allison put another slice on her plate. "Here you are, love."
"Lots of pepperoni," Emma said.
"Of course," Allison smiled.
"Me too," Adam said.
Jon told Allison about the compromise he and Josh had made in regards to Adam. "You okay with that, Al?"
Allison nodded. "That sounds good to me."
"Adam's so lucky to stay with you guys all day," Emma said.
"I'm sure he thinks you're lucky to be learning things in school," Jon told her.
Adam shook his head. "Love Mummy and Daddy."
"We love you too, little guy," Allison said fondly.
Adam beamed at her.
"I don't like school," Emma pouted.
"Sweetheart," Allison said. "I thought you loved school."
"Not when I have to sit all day," Emma said.
"What would you rather be doing instead?" Jon asked.
"Playing," Emma said. "Or dancing!"
Caroline laughed. "Em, you can do that when we're in dance class, but school can be fun, too."
"Not for me," Emma said, grabbing two breadsticks.
"You're a free spirit, aren't you, Em?" Jon asked grinning at her.
"I think so..." Emma said cautiously.
"A free spirit who needs to pay attention in class," Allison said.
Emma made a face.
"Emma Madeline, your mum's right," Jon said.
Emma shrugged.
The family finished eating their dinner and Adam, Caroline and Emma settled into the sitting room to watch a movie. Jon helped his wife clean up the dishes. "Emma's doing okay in school, isn't she?" Jon asked.
"Her teacher is worried about her," Allison said. "Thinks she might have attention deficit disorder."
Jon shook his head. "I don't think she has that, Al."
"She recommended that we get her tested," Allison said. "I don't see what it could hurt."
"If you think we should, okay," Jon said.
"It could help her concentrate if she's treated for it," Allison said.
Jon nodded. "I guess this stuff with Josh has kept me preoccupied."
"Me too," Allison said.
"But, hopefully now, things will get better," Jon said coming up behind her and putting his arms on her waist.
Allison smiled. "I hope so too."
"You ready to tell me that you told me so?" Jon asked.
"Do I have to?" she turned to look at him.
Jon shook his head. "No, I knew you were right. I should have spoken to him long ago. I was just too stubborn."
"You both are," Allison told him.
"Something we have in common," Jon said with a grin.
Allison gave him a kiss. "I think if you two work together the pub will be an even bigger success."
Jon nodded. "And we have the best cook in the world working with us...."
She grinned. "Flatterer."
"I mean every word and you know it," Jon grinned back at her.
Allison gave him another kiss.
"Daddy, Mummy!" Caroline called out. "Come on! You're missing the movie!"
"We'll be in there in just a minute," Jon called back.
"I'm proud of you and Josh," Allison said. "You finally talked this out and maybe this will be the fresh start we all needed."
Jon nodded. "I hope so."
Allison gave him another kiss. "And you're not a goofball, Jon. You are great at what you do. You always have been."
"Thanks Al," Jon said. "I still need to hear that."
Allison hugged him tightly. "I love you."
"Love you too," Jon pressed his lips to her hair. "I always have."
"And always will?" Allison asked with a grin.
"You'd better believe it," Jon kissed her again.
Allison smiled. "I feel the same way. Now, let's go and watch that movie and not even think about work, okay?"
"I like that idea," he squeezed her hand and led her into the sitting room.
Allison and Jon settled down on the sofa and Adam crawled over and sat on his father's lap.
"Hiya buddy," Jon said.
Adam laughed. "Daddy."
"Are you tired?" Jon asked.
Adam shook his head. "Love, Daddy."
"I love you too buddy," Jon said. "Tomorrow at work we're going to put your play pen in the office."
"Kay," Adam said happily.
"And you, madam, will pay attention in class," Allison told Emma firmly.
"Mummy," Emma said pouting.
"And you will not misbehave at Aunt Lizzy's house like you did today," Allison said.
"It was Adam's fault!" Emma protested.
"MEAN EM!" Adam cast her an angry look.
"It doesn't matter whose fault it was," Jon said. "You're both going to behave and be nice to each other."
"Fine," Emma crossed her arms.
"Someday you and Adam might go into business together and you should remember this," Jon said to his children. He winked at Allison.
Emma cast her brother a dubious look. "Would he eat everything?"
Caroline giggled. "I think he'd be the one who'd have to worry about that with you, Emma."
Emma grinned.
Allison laughed. "You lot are too funny."
"Em should be a comedian," Caroline said.
"What's that?" Emma asked.
"Where you make people laugh," Caroline explained.
"Oh," Emma said. "I could do that!"
Caroline giggled. "Yes you could."
"I want to be a dancer and a com--com---what was it, Sissy?" Emma asked.
"Comedian," Caroline told her.
"Right," Emma said. "I'm gonna do both!"
"You can do anything you want if you put your mind to it," Allison told her.
"And pay attention," Caroline said.
Emma made a face and turned to watch the movie.
Caroline rested her head on her mother's shoulder.
"Did you get your homework finished at Mia's?" Allison asked her.
Caroline nodded. "Even my maths."
"Good girl," Allison said.
"Maths," Jon grimaced.
"You never were good at that," Allison said.
"Which is why Josh is doing the books," Jon grinned.
"He's quite good at that," Allison said. "He told me he found a few errors that should bring in a bit more money."
"Which is a good thing," Jon said.
"Exactly," Allison replied as she watched Adam blink his eyes closed.
"Sleepy?" Allison whispered.
"Sleepy," Adam mumbled.
"Come over here to Mummy," Allison said. "I'll put you to bed, buddy."
Adam reached for her. "Night, night." he said.
"Night, buddy," Jon said patting his back.
Allison knew it wouldn't be long before Emma nodded off as well. "Let's go get you in your pyjamas, Em."
"I'm not sleep---" Emma started to protest, but she yawned, which gave her away.
"Just to get your pyjamas on," Allison said. "You don't have to go to bed just yet."
"Okay," Emma relented.
Allison quickly put Adam to bed then went in to help Emma change.
"Hi, Mummy," Emma said.
"Hi sweetheart," Allison said. "Want any help?"
Emma put on her pyjama top and grinned. "All set!"
"That's my big girl," Allison said. "Come on, let's finish the movie."
Emma walked over to her mother and gave her a hug. "Love you the mostest, Mummy."
Allison hugged her daughter. "I love you too Em. You're my baby girl."
Emma beamed up at her.
"Even if you are a little squirrel," Allison said affectionately.
Emma giggled. "Mummy!"
"Come on," Allison picked her up.
Emma rested her head on her mother's shoulder.
Allison carried her back into the sitting room. "How's the movie?"
"Nearly finished," Caroline replied.
"It's an okay movie," Emma said.
"Your dad seems really into it," Allison mused. Jon was fast asleep.
Caroline giggled. "He had a long day, Mummy."
"Yes he did," Allison said smiling at her.
"Are he and Uncle Josh going to fight some more?" Caroline asked.
"I don't think so," Allison replied. "They had a nice talk.'
"Good," Caroline said. "I don't like to see Daddy get mad."
"Me either," Emma agreed.
"I'm sure it will be okay." Allison said.
"They're almost as bad as you and Adam, Em," Caroline teased.
"Are not," Emma denied.
"You are," Caroline nudged her. "You fight with Adam all the time because you think you should boss him around."
"But he's little," Emma replied.
"That doesn't mean you can always tell him what to do," Allison said putting her arm around Emma.
"I guess," Emma said.
"That's why he likes playing with Caroline more because she doesn't always boss him around," Allison pointed out.
Emma crossed her little arms and pouted.
Allison kissed the top of Emma's head. "Just try it, baby."
"Okay," Emma said with a grin for her mother.
"That's my girl," Allison said grinning back at her. She put her other arm around Caroline. "Both my girls."
"We love you Mummy," Caroline said.
"I love you too," Allison said softly. "My girls."
"What's going on?" Jon asked drowsily.
"Daddy!" Emma squealed pouncing on him.
"Ow," Jon said, laughing. "Em!"
"You took a little kip," Allison explained as Jon tickled Emma's side.
"I'm knackered," Jon admitted. "It was a long day."
"Bedtime," Allison said turning off the television.
Emma pouted. "But I want to finish the movie!"
"Tomorrow," Jon said. "You can watch it tomorrow morning during breakfast."
"Okay," Emma agreed.
Jon picked Emma up. "Come on, Madam."
Emma put her head on his shoulder. "Are you going to read us a story tonight?"
"I think that can be arranged," Jon said.
"YAY!" Emma shouted happily.
Allison stood up and took Caroline's hand.
"Okay," Jon said. "Let's stay quiet so we don't wake up Adam."
Emma nodded and put her arms around Jon's neck. "Okay, Daddy."
Jon kissed his youngest daughter's cheek and carried her into her bedroom.
"Think Em will stop bossing Adam around?" Caroline whispered to Allison.
"I doubt it," Allison said.
Caroline laughed. "Me too, Mummy."
"She'll grow out of this though," Allison said.
"You think?" Caroline asked.
"Absolutely," Allison said. "Go brush your teeth."
"Okay, Mummy," Caroline said before disappearing into the bathroom.
"You too, Em." Allison said.
"Okay, Mummy," Emma said running out of the room. Allison walked into Caroline and Emma's bedroom. Jon was picking a book from the bookshelf.
"I can read to them if you want to go to bed," she offered.
"I've got it," Jon said. "Besides, you were the one on your feet all day today, Al."
"I'm all right," Allison said.
Jon turned and smiled at her. "You're perfect."
Allison grinned at him. "And you're very charming."
"Me?" Jon asked innocently.
"Yes you," she said giving him a kiss.
"What a day," Jon commented.
"Yes it was," Allison nodded. "But tomorrow will be better."
"A new start," Jon agreed.
"Go on to bed," Allison took the book. "I'll be in soon."
Jon nodded. "Okay..."
Allison gave him another kiss. "I promise I won't be long."
"I'll be waiting," Jon grinned.
"Where's Daddy?" Emma asked when she and Caroline came into the bedroom a few minutes later.
"He's gone to bed," Allison replied. "So you lot are stuck with me."
"That's okay," Emma crawled into her bed.
Allison smiled. "Thanks."
It didn't take long for her daughters to fall asleep as Allison read from their book of fairy tales.
Allison kissed them both on the forehead before she turned out the lamp and left the room.
Jon was waiting for her when she returned to their bedroom.
"They asleep?" Jon asked.
"Very much so," Allison said.
Jon grinned. "They had a big day, too."
"We all did," Allison crept in next to him.
"I should have listened to you a long time ago when you told me to talk it out with Josh," Jon admitted.
"I do know best," Allison said lightly.
"Always," Jon said putting his arms around her.
Allison closed her eyes as he kissed the top of her head.
"I should listen to you more often," Jon said.
"Well now that you have, things should get better," Allison said. "From both you AND Josh."
"Thanks, Al," Jon said softly.