Got inspired watching the finale of CSI New York. The sequel to Hope Leads to Happiness again begins!
Happiness Is...
A Retreat
Brooklyn New York was quieter and calmer than Manhattan. The pace of life was never slow in the city but in comparison everything was slightly slower. There was still what Mac and his wife liked about the city, plenty of culture diversity, an extensive variety of restaurants and entertainment. But here the parks were less crowded and people actually got to know the neighbors. And it was actually possible to have a backyard, however small.
With a tree.
The backyard was not big enough to accommodate a swingset but was big enough for a turtle-shaped sandbox that Jesse knew how to play in, thanks to Lucy Messer. But while Lucy did more creative things, Jesse was perfectly content to put sand in a bucket, dump it out and start again, happy with himself every time. Brooklyn did feel more family-friendly. Being out of a high-rise building was refreshing for Mac. Outside of bases when he was in the marine corp it was the only type living arrangements he ever had. The change in his living arrangements felt good.
"I think we're gonna really like it here," Mac said to his wife, giving her shoulders a squeeze as they watched their young son toddle around the yard, enjoying the new freedom.
"Me, too," Hope smiled. "And you know, there's another advantage."
"What's that?"
"We don't need a riding mower."
Mac laughed leaning in to kiss his wife.
"That we don't."
Jesse pointed to the kitchen window.
"Osside?" He said.
The approximate twelve by twelve fenced-in patch of grass with its single maple tree, aka their backyard had been the little boy's favorite place, no matter what the weather since they arrived here. At almost two years old Jesse was probably amazed that grass was just steps outside his house, his mother thought. Jesse was quite verbal for his eighteen months of age. But he still didn't grasp there was going to be a new baby in the house in a few months.
"In a little bit, bud. We have to go to the store first. We have company for dinner tonight. And some boy is getting a haircut today."
The Messers were coming over. Lindsay and Lindsay at least. Hopefully it would be a lucky day and Danny and Mac would make it home on time. As for Jesse's haircut, they would be headed to the family salon. Even if Jesse held still what her boy would look like if she gave him the "mom chop" wasn't something Hope wanted to see. It never took long for little curls to stick out every which way. Her son and husband had this in common. Mac always made he kept his cut short to avoid the same. Unruly curls weren't so adorable on a grown man.
Hope was now twenty weeks pregnant.
As was Lindsay Messer.
The two women's due dates were a mere five days apart.
Hope had been known her baby was a boy for a few weeks. Right now his name was going to be Austin, middle name to be decided. The Messers had wanted to wait to find out the sex of their unborn child since this baby was going to be their last child. However, they had caved and now knew their baby was a boy as well. Danny would've been happy either way but was definitely excited about having a son. Their son was going to be named Dominic Robert.
Robert was after Lindsay's father. Dominic because it was a name Lindsay liked. Since Danny had named Lucy, she got to name this baby.
The lollipop from the hairdresser kept Jesse content while his mom shopped for the dinner ingredients. The guests were bringing dessert. As she had promised when they got home and everything was put away Hope took Jesse outside and let him play in the sandbox. After she put him down for a nap, it was too early to start preparing the chicken breasts glazed with honey and bread crumbs so she settled in on the sofa with her e-reader to read a chapter of the latest Rita Mae Brown novel she had downloaded.
"Did I hear right? Your wife has honey-glazed chicken and garlic mashed potatoes for dinner?" Danny asked walking into his boss's office.
Mac chuckled.
"And did your wife tell you that the password to get through the doorway in chocolate cake?"
"Got that memo. Will do, that damn clock better co-operate," Danny replied.
"Lucy, slow down! We're not going to be late," Lindsay said to the little girl practically pulling her along the sidewalk on the short walk to the Taylors. "Daddy and Mac aren't there yet."
Lindsay dare not mention that daddy was bringing cake. Her arm might be pulled out of its socket.
"But mommy, I want to play with Jesse! I haven't seen him in two days!"
Lindsay laughed.
"There's the house! Number 3-7!"
Lindsay let go of Lucy's hand and and she ran up the steps to the Taylors home. Before she could tell her to knock, the little girl burst through the door.
I guess everyone is looking forward to the dinner party, Lindsay thought shaking her head and following the girl.