Anna got out of her car with an annoyed expression on her face. Today was the day they were to move into the old Webber house. Anna, Olin and Robin had spent days packing their things from the Lavery house. This was in addition to deciding on the color scheme and hiring the proper contractors. All the above paled in comparison to something that had driven Anna batty for the past two weeks.
She had several items from a New York City warehouse that she was adamant in retrieving and putting in the new house. The warehouse manager was most cordial while imparting the news that said items could not be found. The manager had gotten an earful and promised to find them. Anna hounded the manager every day until, miracle of miracles, he had called her and said that a truck had left the warehouse with all items on board.
Anna surveyed the activity outside her new home. She counted one moving truck for hers and Robin's things. One other moving truck for Robert's things. There were seven moving men lifting things out of the trucks. But where was the warehouse truck? Why was Robert waving to her from the front porch? Why was Robin crossing the street from Jody's house?
She counted to ten before reaching for her mobile phone inside her purse. After the decade that she had used the warehouse space, one would think that she was owed stellar customer service. As she dialed, she spied several moving men putting boxes on the front lawn. "What are they doing?" Call forgotten, she dashed forward at alarming speed.
"Right on time," said Robert intercepting her progress.
"Why are they dumping our stuff on the lawn?" asked Anna.
"I told them to," said Robert.
"May I ask why?"
"I was waiting for you." At Anna's uncomprehending look, Robert added, "So we can start things off on the right foot. Good luck and all that."
"What are you talking about?"
Robin ran up to them. "About time you got here, Mom."
"I will have you two know that I am literally on my last nerve. The warehouse truck isn't here," said Anna. "Now, your father is behaving strangely."
"I have just the thing to make your day better." Robert scooped her up in his arms as if she weighed little more than a feather.
"Robert! What are you doing?" exclaimed Anna.
Grinning, Robin ran ahead and opened the front door. "Come this way if you please."
Realizing what Robert was up to, Anna began to giggle. Her cheeks colored when the moving men whistled and gave Robert some obvious tips on what to do with his bride. She ducked her head against his shoulder.
Robert paused just at the threshold. He looked at Anna. "Welcome to our home, Mrs. Scorpio."
Anna beamed. "Finally!"
"Here we go!" Robert strode into their new house. For good measure, he took five steps before letting Anna down on to her feet. She wrapped her arms about his waist. Robin joined in for the group hug. "Well, family, we made it."
"Never had a doubt," murmurred Anna looking up at Robert and stroking Robin's hair with her left hand. "This place feels right for us. Our first real home together." In that moment, Anna forgot the stresses of the day. She wanted to remember this feeling for the rest of her life.
"It will be even better once we're all settled in." Robert began to disengage himself from the hug. "Let me go tell the chaps to get in ... what's the matter, luv?"
Anna sniffed. "Nothing. Just so very happy." She looked at her daughter then her husband. "Everything I dreamed about is all here. Remember, Robert, we talked about a house and ... and having ..."
"Robin, go tell them to get our things inside," said Robert.
"I can't wait for my new room!" Robin walked off in a hurry.
Robert led Anna to the kitchen for some privacy. Once there, he enfolded her in his arms. Anna clung to him letting him support her. His voice when he spoke was soft and raspy. "I remember every word we said. A house in the country to live in and raise babies."
Anna tried to regain her composure. "It just hit me. All of a sudden." She wiped her hand across her eyes. "I've lived in apartments and houses all over the world. I don't know why I'm turning into a watering plant."
"I know why," said Robert. He framed her face with his hands. "Our wedding was for the two of us but this house is for our family - Robin, Friday and us. This is a new start for us in every way."
Anna's throat was tight. Her words came out as a whisper. "Like it was ... was supposed to have been ... before ..."
"Shhh. We agreed to no more tripping over our past. It happened. It's done," said Robert sliding his hands to her waist. "We are moving forward and focusing on our bright and happy future. Yes or no?"
Anna kissed Robert without lust only love and acceptance. "Thank you, Robert."
"Second chances needs two willing people. What memories we'll have here." He looked at her. "Here and not at the hotel. I'm over the hotel life. Better put your game face on, Devane, and find our missing truck."
"I bet you it's STILL on the highway ... " Anna left the kitchen. Her course was set. She had a truck to locate.
Sporting a grin, Robert followed Anna. He was most certain family life would not be boring.