"I don't know if we should be doing this, Bing," Jane Lee said to her husband fretfully. "Amy's only two months old, it seems too soon to leave her. Maybe we should call the restaurant and cancel our reservation." Jane was already halfway to the phone in the hall before Bing gently pulled her back by the waist and held her close.
"Honey, it's our three-year anniversary; we should go out and enjoy ourselves. Amy will be fine, she has the world's best babysitters tonight." Just as Bing finished his sentence, the couple heard a car pulling up in the driveway. "See?" continued Bing, "Punctual, as always. A sign of how responsible they are."
Jane frowned and gnawed on her lip, still uncertain. After a moment, however, she exhaled and turned to her husband, smiling. "You're right, she'll be fine. It's just because it's my first time leaving her. You answer the door and I'll get Amy."
Bing walked to the door while Jane went upstairs. Bing watched his wife's retreating figure, smiling. He hadn't thought he could fall any further in love with her, but the love Jane had for their daughter showed Bing, once again, how perfect she was. He couldn't wait to spoil her at dinner tonight. He shook his head, laughing at his own behaviour, and opened the door.
"Oh, so there is someone home after all." Lizzie Bennet teased, stepping through the doorway and hugging Bing. "I was about to call Jane and see if you'd brought Amy to the restaurant with you."
"Don't let Jane hear you," replied Bing, "I don't want her getting any ideas! How are you, Lizzie?"
"I'm good," Lizzie replied, "I'm looking forward to giving my adorable niece a cuddle. Looking forward to dinner?"
"I can't wait," grinned Bing, "I really want tonight to be special, I don't want Jane to be worrying about Amy. I told her she won't need to worry because we've got such great babysitters, but there's only one of you..." Bing looked at Lizzie questioningly, imploring her to explain why she was alone. He only got a wink as a response before Lizzie followed the sound of Jane's voice upstairs. Getting more confused by the second, Bing stepped outside. "Darcy?" he called. He knew his best friend had come with Lizzie; the couple went everywhere together. They'd actually been together longer than Jane and Bing had, but had decided to take things slow, seeing as they'd gotten off to such a bad start. They'd gotten engaged last Christmas, and everyone was delighted for the couple.
Bing rounded the corner and saw Darcy leaning against his car, talking on his cellphone. Typical, thought Bing, another business call. He was about to go back into the house when he realised this wasn't just another business call.
"But Gigi," William said nervously, "It's a baby. I mean, I love Amy, but I've never done anything like this before. And I don't want to mess up in front of Lizzie, I don't want her to think..." He didn't finish his sentence, but Bing knew when he meant; I don't want her to think I won't make a good father. Bing returned to the house, giving his friend some privacy. He'd had the same doubts himself when he found out Jane was pregnant. He assumed every guy did, it seemed natural. But, Darcy was naturally a worrier, of course he was freaking out about tonight. But Bing knew his friend would be fine; he was a gentle and caring person, he seemed like the kind of guy little kids would love.
A few minutes later, Darcy walked in, looking slightly more relaxed. The others were in the kitchen; Bing was holding Amy and Jane was showing Lizzie where the milk, baby monitor and everything else a babysitter could possibly need was. Bing greeted Darcy first and Jane immediately walked over to give him a hug. Lizzie smiled at her fiancé; she knew he was nervous but knew better than to say it to him. Honestly, she thought it was adorable. He wanted her to know he'd be a good father, as if she didn't already know that through his relationship with Gigi. She watched William as he took Amy from Bing and the little girl grabbed hold of one of his fingers and giggled. Jane snapped Lizzie out of her reverie; "So, is there anything else? Do you know enough?" The lip was being chewed again. Lizzie laughed at her sister's nervousness.
"Jane, don't worry, we'll be fine. I'll call you if there's a problem, but there won't be. I babysat all through my teenage years and William..." she gestured to her fiancé, who was cuddling Amy while talking to Bing, "... He's a natural."
"He is," said Jane, sounding relieved, but also excited. "He'll be great, Lizzie."
"I know." Lizzie smiled.
Soon enough, Bing enticed Jane into the car, with promises of safety and reminders of reservation times. Lizzie and William stood outside the house as the car drove off, Lizzie waving Amy's little hand on her behalf. When the car was out of sight, Lizzie turned to William and grinned. "Let's go inside and get to know this little beauty."
"Sounds good to me." smiled William, and the three went inside.