I don't own these unique characters. I just play with them a little.
Sequel to "Spring Break"
Family and other surprises by Kakie (Mancini05@aol.com)
Chapter 1
Ally entered her office and tossed her briefcase on the chair.
"How did it go in court?" asked John as he walked into the office.
"Terrible. I don't think we're going to win. Katherine Smith completely lost it on the stand. She called her husband's girlfriend horrible names in front of the judge. I hate divorce cases. Remind me never to get divorced."
John grinned. "That's between you and your husband."
Ally frowned. "Could you imagine? Two lawyers who hate to lose going through a divorce? We would kill each other. Luckily, I don't see that happening."
"Then things are going great still?"
"Never better."
John nodded. "Great. The reason I stopped by was to invite you two to a birthday party I'm having for Carole. Nothing fancy just a small get together."
"Sounds good."
He gave her the date. "It's nothing fancy."
"You already said that. John, what's wrong?"
"Nothing's wrong." He moved the briefcase on the floor and sat down. "Okay, something is going on. I'm thinking about asking Carole to marry me."
Ally gasped. "John, that is so great."
"You really think so?"
"I know so. Wait, you said thinking about it. Are you not sure you want to marry Carole?"
"It's a very big step. What if Carole isn't the one for me?"
"I guess you follow your heart and jump in. I did. And I don't regret a minute of it. Let me ask you something. Picture in your head your life without Carole. How do you feel?"
John closed his eyes. "I can't."
Ally smiled. "Then I guess you have your answer. Let me check with Larry on your party and I'll let you know."
John rose. "Thanks for everything."
As soon as word got out that Larry Paul had moved back to Boston, the offers started pouring in, even ones from Rhode Island and Washington DC. Six weeks after the wedding, Larry started at Sterling and Parsons. He selected them above all the others because besides a great job offer, they allowed him to have a flexible schedule. Larry and Jamie had worked out a schedule that seemed to please everyone. Out of the four weeks each month, the first weekend Larry would fly to Detroit. Occasionally, Ally and Maddie joined him. The third weekend Sam would fly to Boston. Larry got to see his son every other weekend and they spoke through out the week on the phone. It was a great set up.
In fact, Detroit was where he was at that moment. He usually left Friday mornings and returned Sunday night if he didn't have court, which he did that Friday. Otherwise he left Saturday morning and returned Monday afternoon.
She picked up a framed photo taken of them on their honeymoon in Hawaii. Four weeks after the wedding and the week before he started at Sterling and Parsons, they took their much-anticipated honeymoon. Ally closed her eyes and thought about that trip. It was their first time to Hawaii and it proved to be magical. Her mother stayed with Maddie in Boston while Larry and Ally played in Hawaii. It was the perfect honeymoon.
Ally replaced the photograph and opened up her date book. She saw that the night of John's party was free. They made a point not to plan anything that would coincide with Sam's visits. Larry's family had become everything to him. She noted the party and closed the book. Something struck her as odd and she opened the book again. She began to count the days; once, twice and then a third time. It was right there in black and white; she was ten days late.
Ally's heart began to beat a little faster. She walked to the door and locked it. She clutched the book to her chest and walked to the couch. Ten days didn't mean anything. She had been late before but not ten days. She and Larry had discussed having children. They agreed to it but they wanted to wait a couple of years. They had celebrated their first anniversary two weeks prior. He wanted to get settled in with his new job and she had her partnership, not to mention forging a family with the kids. The timing wasn't right. Although they agreed to wait, they didn't do anything to prevent it. She was no longer on birth control and he didn't use anything either.
Ally placed her hand on her stomach. Could she really be pregnant? She counted the days one more time to be sure. She needed to be surer. A pregnancy test was in order. She couldn't ask Elaine to go get her one, the news would be all over the office before she even peed on the stick. No, this was something she needed to do in private.
Since court was finished and she had no other appointments she chose to leave for the day. She picked up the test and headed home. Since Maddie had an after school thing and unless Larry chose that moment to come home, she would have the house all to her self for a while.
She took the test and waited. Five minutes. Five minutes are a very long time when it comes to your future. She opened the sock drawer in the bedroom and began to refold them. Four minutes. She undid the bed and remade it. Three minutes. She sorted Larry's ties by color. Two minutes. She counted all her shoes. One minute.
She walked into the bathroom as the buzzer went off. She peered into the stick. Blue, you're pregnant. She stared; closed her eyes and stared again. Blue. Definitely blue. No question about it. Blue blue blue. Pregnant.
Ally sat on the closed toilet. She was pregnant. A life was growing inside her. She placed her hands on her stomach. A baby. She shook her head. These tests can be wrong. Must be sure. She called the doctor's office and made an appointment for the next morning. "There is no point in telling Larry until I know for sure." Ally told herself as she stretched out on the bed. Tears began to fall as she cried herself to sleep.
She felt something soft on her face and opened her eyes to Larry's smiling face.
"Hi, beautiful."
She yawned. "I didn't hear you come in."
"Obviously."
"How's Sam?"
"He's great. Why are you asleep? Are you sick?"
"No, just tired. I don't sleep well when you're in Detroit."
"And I hate hotel rooms without you. Free movies and room service have nothing on you. So." he played with the buttons on her blouse. "What time is Maddie due home?"
"She has that art class, remember?"
"Ah yes, that gives us some time." He began to unbutton the blouse.
Ally smiled. "And some time works for me."
"Here pass me the fried rice."
Ally handed Larry the box and glanced around. "Look at us. I'm in a tank top and leggings, you're in cutoffs and an old paint splattered tee shirt and together we're eating Chinese out of the box. We have two kids. We are no Ward and June Cleaver."
Larry dug around in the box for some lo-mein. "I never liked Ward Cleaver. He was a bit stiff."
"And you won't find me vacuuming wearing four inch heels and pearls."
Larry choked. "I can't recall ever seeing you vacuum much less in heels and jewelry."
"And thanks to Mrs. Shirley I don't have to." Ally picked up the last egg roll. "Speaking of perfect parents, shouldn't Maddie be home by now?"
The door opened and slammed shut. "Mom?"
"Speaking of the devil," commented Larry. "In the kitchen, Maddie."
Maddie decided to call Ally Mom after the adoption went through nine months prior. Ally and Larry decided to wait on him adopting her until Maddie was ready.
Maddie entered the kitchen followed by her friend Sara. "Ewe, Chinese."
"Don't say that. I had planned to create you an omelet fit for a queen in the morning. Complete with everything you see here." Larry teased.
Maddie rolled her eyes at Sara. "Ignore him. He's nuts."
"Don't call Larry nuts, Maddie. He may be a little odd but then so am I. We are perfect together." She leaned in and they kissed.
"Gag me, please. Can Sara stay for a little bit while her mother goes to the store?"
"Sure," shrugged Ally.
"Great." The girls ran out the door. They could hear the door slam again and then the running of little feet up the stairs.
"Delightful girl with such impeccable manners. I hope our next one is just like her."
Ally smiled as she rubbed her belly.
Maddie and Sara finished watching an N'SYNC music video-athon in Ally and Larry's bedroom. Maddie turned off the TV. They could hear music playing downstairs.
"What is the music for?" asked Sara.
"If I had to guess I would say they are dancing."
"Dancing?"
"Yeah, they love to dance."
Sara thought for a moment. "I don't remember my parents dancing. I remember them yelling, and ignoring each other and sending each other evil looks but never dancing. Do you're parents ever yell?"
"Oh yeah. They seem to enjoy it. They usually end up laughing and kissing."
"Your dad seems great. I know he's only your stepfather but he still seems great. And he likes you. My stepmother couldn't care less about me. Your parents seem to really love each other." Maddie listened to the music. She hoped it would never stop.
Ally smiled at Larry as they swayed to the music. "However the excellent dancer you are, I must beg off for ice cream."
Larry looked disappointed. "Ice cream, now?"
"I worked up an appetite. I'll bring back enough for two."
She had just disappeared into the kitchen when the doorbell rang. There was a tall blond outside.
"Can I help you?"
The blond smiled and offered her hand. "You must be Larry Paul. I'm Maggie Holmes, Sara's mother."
Larry returned the smile. "Sara's mother. Yes, please come in."
Maggie entered the house. "You all alone with those two girls?"
"No, my wife's in the kitchen." He turned towards the stairs. "Sara, your mom is here." He turned back to Maggie. "She should be down in a second."
Maggie smiled. "No problem. I appreciate you watching her."
"It was our pleasure."
"I have heard about you, Larry Paul, lawyer extrodinare. I, like a lot of people, was surprised you didn't set up your own office again when you returned."
"Not really that surprising. I have a wife and two kids. Security for my family was my first concern. Are you a lawyer?"
Maggie shook her head. "No, I'm a paralegal at Gibson and French."
Larry nodded. "Good firm."
"Not as good as Sterling and Parsons. What does your wife do?"
Larry chuckled. "She's a lawyer. She's the McBeal at Cage, Fish and McBeal."
Embarrassed, Maggie looked to the floor. "Of course. I didn't make the connection."
Determined to ease the uncomfortableness, Larry decided to keep talking. "So, what do they say about me?"
Maggie smiled. "Just that you are an amazing attorney. You seem to really enjoy sparing in court."
"As long as they can keep up. Ally and I would spend the day arguing in court and then come home and argue some more. Once you start the rhythm, it's hard to stop."
"Do you and Ally still go toe to toe?"
"Not in court; not since we got married. Marriage is hard enough without throwing that into the mix."
Ally, who had been a spectator the whole time, decided to make her presence known. "If we're going to argue, I want us to argue about our own problems, not other peoples. How are you this evening, Maggie?"
"Just fine, thanks." She looked up and saw Sara and Maddie coming down the stairs. "Ready Sara?"
"Sure am. Thanks Mr. Paul, Mrs. Paul. See you tomorrow Maddie."
"See ya." Maddie closed the door behind them.
Ally glanced at her daughter. "Homework done?"
"Yup."
"Then get ready for bed."
Grumbling, she went up stairs.
Ally waited until she heard the bedroom door closed. "You do realize that Maggie was flirting with you."
Larry was surprised. "She was not."
Ally handed him a bowl of ice cream and a spoon. "She most definitely was. Trust me, a woman knows when another woman is flirting with her husband."
"Well, I wasn't flirting back." Larry took a bite of the ice cream.
"No you weren't. Because if you had been, you'd be wearing that ice cream instead of eating it. Now I'm going into the den to finish my ice cream. If Larry, the extraordinary and amazing lawyer would like to join me, I suggest you leave your super hero status at the door."
Larry watched as Ally left the room. "Women." He carried his ice cream to the den.
Sequel to "Spring Break"
Family and other surprises by Kakie (Mancini05@aol.com)
Chapter 1
Ally entered her office and tossed her briefcase on the chair.
"How did it go in court?" asked John as he walked into the office.
"Terrible. I don't think we're going to win. Katherine Smith completely lost it on the stand. She called her husband's girlfriend horrible names in front of the judge. I hate divorce cases. Remind me never to get divorced."
John grinned. "That's between you and your husband."
Ally frowned. "Could you imagine? Two lawyers who hate to lose going through a divorce? We would kill each other. Luckily, I don't see that happening."
"Then things are going great still?"
"Never better."
John nodded. "Great. The reason I stopped by was to invite you two to a birthday party I'm having for Carole. Nothing fancy just a small get together."
"Sounds good."
He gave her the date. "It's nothing fancy."
"You already said that. John, what's wrong?"
"Nothing's wrong." He moved the briefcase on the floor and sat down. "Okay, something is going on. I'm thinking about asking Carole to marry me."
Ally gasped. "John, that is so great."
"You really think so?"
"I know so. Wait, you said thinking about it. Are you not sure you want to marry Carole?"
"It's a very big step. What if Carole isn't the one for me?"
"I guess you follow your heart and jump in. I did. And I don't regret a minute of it. Let me ask you something. Picture in your head your life without Carole. How do you feel?"
John closed his eyes. "I can't."
Ally smiled. "Then I guess you have your answer. Let me check with Larry on your party and I'll let you know."
John rose. "Thanks for everything."
As soon as word got out that Larry Paul had moved back to Boston, the offers started pouring in, even ones from Rhode Island and Washington DC. Six weeks after the wedding, Larry started at Sterling and Parsons. He selected them above all the others because besides a great job offer, they allowed him to have a flexible schedule. Larry and Jamie had worked out a schedule that seemed to please everyone. Out of the four weeks each month, the first weekend Larry would fly to Detroit. Occasionally, Ally and Maddie joined him. The third weekend Sam would fly to Boston. Larry got to see his son every other weekend and they spoke through out the week on the phone. It was a great set up.
In fact, Detroit was where he was at that moment. He usually left Friday mornings and returned Sunday night if he didn't have court, which he did that Friday. Otherwise he left Saturday morning and returned Monday afternoon.
She picked up a framed photo taken of them on their honeymoon in Hawaii. Four weeks after the wedding and the week before he started at Sterling and Parsons, they took their much-anticipated honeymoon. Ally closed her eyes and thought about that trip. It was their first time to Hawaii and it proved to be magical. Her mother stayed with Maddie in Boston while Larry and Ally played in Hawaii. It was the perfect honeymoon.
Ally replaced the photograph and opened up her date book. She saw that the night of John's party was free. They made a point not to plan anything that would coincide with Sam's visits. Larry's family had become everything to him. She noted the party and closed the book. Something struck her as odd and she opened the book again. She began to count the days; once, twice and then a third time. It was right there in black and white; she was ten days late.
Ally's heart began to beat a little faster. She walked to the door and locked it. She clutched the book to her chest and walked to the couch. Ten days didn't mean anything. She had been late before but not ten days. She and Larry had discussed having children. They agreed to it but they wanted to wait a couple of years. They had celebrated their first anniversary two weeks prior. He wanted to get settled in with his new job and she had her partnership, not to mention forging a family with the kids. The timing wasn't right. Although they agreed to wait, they didn't do anything to prevent it. She was no longer on birth control and he didn't use anything either.
Ally placed her hand on her stomach. Could she really be pregnant? She counted the days one more time to be sure. She needed to be surer. A pregnancy test was in order. She couldn't ask Elaine to go get her one, the news would be all over the office before she even peed on the stick. No, this was something she needed to do in private.
Since court was finished and she had no other appointments she chose to leave for the day. She picked up the test and headed home. Since Maddie had an after school thing and unless Larry chose that moment to come home, she would have the house all to her self for a while.
She took the test and waited. Five minutes. Five minutes are a very long time when it comes to your future. She opened the sock drawer in the bedroom and began to refold them. Four minutes. She undid the bed and remade it. Three minutes. She sorted Larry's ties by color. Two minutes. She counted all her shoes. One minute.
She walked into the bathroom as the buzzer went off. She peered into the stick. Blue, you're pregnant. She stared; closed her eyes and stared again. Blue. Definitely blue. No question about it. Blue blue blue. Pregnant.
Ally sat on the closed toilet. She was pregnant. A life was growing inside her. She placed her hands on her stomach. A baby. She shook her head. These tests can be wrong. Must be sure. She called the doctor's office and made an appointment for the next morning. "There is no point in telling Larry until I know for sure." Ally told herself as she stretched out on the bed. Tears began to fall as she cried herself to sleep.
She felt something soft on her face and opened her eyes to Larry's smiling face.
"Hi, beautiful."
She yawned. "I didn't hear you come in."
"Obviously."
"How's Sam?"
"He's great. Why are you asleep? Are you sick?"
"No, just tired. I don't sleep well when you're in Detroit."
"And I hate hotel rooms without you. Free movies and room service have nothing on you. So." he played with the buttons on her blouse. "What time is Maddie due home?"
"She has that art class, remember?"
"Ah yes, that gives us some time." He began to unbutton the blouse.
Ally smiled. "And some time works for me."
"Here pass me the fried rice."
Ally handed Larry the box and glanced around. "Look at us. I'm in a tank top and leggings, you're in cutoffs and an old paint splattered tee shirt and together we're eating Chinese out of the box. We have two kids. We are no Ward and June Cleaver."
Larry dug around in the box for some lo-mein. "I never liked Ward Cleaver. He was a bit stiff."
"And you won't find me vacuuming wearing four inch heels and pearls."
Larry choked. "I can't recall ever seeing you vacuum much less in heels and jewelry."
"And thanks to Mrs. Shirley I don't have to." Ally picked up the last egg roll. "Speaking of perfect parents, shouldn't Maddie be home by now?"
The door opened and slammed shut. "Mom?"
"Speaking of the devil," commented Larry. "In the kitchen, Maddie."
Maddie decided to call Ally Mom after the adoption went through nine months prior. Ally and Larry decided to wait on him adopting her until Maddie was ready.
Maddie entered the kitchen followed by her friend Sara. "Ewe, Chinese."
"Don't say that. I had planned to create you an omelet fit for a queen in the morning. Complete with everything you see here." Larry teased.
Maddie rolled her eyes at Sara. "Ignore him. He's nuts."
"Don't call Larry nuts, Maddie. He may be a little odd but then so am I. We are perfect together." She leaned in and they kissed.
"Gag me, please. Can Sara stay for a little bit while her mother goes to the store?"
"Sure," shrugged Ally.
"Great." The girls ran out the door. They could hear the door slam again and then the running of little feet up the stairs.
"Delightful girl with such impeccable manners. I hope our next one is just like her."
Ally smiled as she rubbed her belly.
Maddie and Sara finished watching an N'SYNC music video-athon in Ally and Larry's bedroom. Maddie turned off the TV. They could hear music playing downstairs.
"What is the music for?" asked Sara.
"If I had to guess I would say they are dancing."
"Dancing?"
"Yeah, they love to dance."
Sara thought for a moment. "I don't remember my parents dancing. I remember them yelling, and ignoring each other and sending each other evil looks but never dancing. Do you're parents ever yell?"
"Oh yeah. They seem to enjoy it. They usually end up laughing and kissing."
"Your dad seems great. I know he's only your stepfather but he still seems great. And he likes you. My stepmother couldn't care less about me. Your parents seem to really love each other." Maddie listened to the music. She hoped it would never stop.
Ally smiled at Larry as they swayed to the music. "However the excellent dancer you are, I must beg off for ice cream."
Larry looked disappointed. "Ice cream, now?"
"I worked up an appetite. I'll bring back enough for two."
She had just disappeared into the kitchen when the doorbell rang. There was a tall blond outside.
"Can I help you?"
The blond smiled and offered her hand. "You must be Larry Paul. I'm Maggie Holmes, Sara's mother."
Larry returned the smile. "Sara's mother. Yes, please come in."
Maggie entered the house. "You all alone with those two girls?"
"No, my wife's in the kitchen." He turned towards the stairs. "Sara, your mom is here." He turned back to Maggie. "She should be down in a second."
Maggie smiled. "No problem. I appreciate you watching her."
"It was our pleasure."
"I have heard about you, Larry Paul, lawyer extrodinare. I, like a lot of people, was surprised you didn't set up your own office again when you returned."
"Not really that surprising. I have a wife and two kids. Security for my family was my first concern. Are you a lawyer?"
Maggie shook her head. "No, I'm a paralegal at Gibson and French."
Larry nodded. "Good firm."
"Not as good as Sterling and Parsons. What does your wife do?"
Larry chuckled. "She's a lawyer. She's the McBeal at Cage, Fish and McBeal."
Embarrassed, Maggie looked to the floor. "Of course. I didn't make the connection."
Determined to ease the uncomfortableness, Larry decided to keep talking. "So, what do they say about me?"
Maggie smiled. "Just that you are an amazing attorney. You seem to really enjoy sparing in court."
"As long as they can keep up. Ally and I would spend the day arguing in court and then come home and argue some more. Once you start the rhythm, it's hard to stop."
"Do you and Ally still go toe to toe?"
"Not in court; not since we got married. Marriage is hard enough without throwing that into the mix."
Ally, who had been a spectator the whole time, decided to make her presence known. "If we're going to argue, I want us to argue about our own problems, not other peoples. How are you this evening, Maggie?"
"Just fine, thanks." She looked up and saw Sara and Maddie coming down the stairs. "Ready Sara?"
"Sure am. Thanks Mr. Paul, Mrs. Paul. See you tomorrow Maddie."
"See ya." Maddie closed the door behind them.
Ally glanced at her daughter. "Homework done?"
"Yup."
"Then get ready for bed."
Grumbling, she went up stairs.
Ally waited until she heard the bedroom door closed. "You do realize that Maggie was flirting with you."
Larry was surprised. "She was not."
Ally handed him a bowl of ice cream and a spoon. "She most definitely was. Trust me, a woman knows when another woman is flirting with her husband."
"Well, I wasn't flirting back." Larry took a bite of the ice cream.
"No you weren't. Because if you had been, you'd be wearing that ice cream instead of eating it. Now I'm going into the den to finish my ice cream. If Larry, the extraordinary and amazing lawyer would like to join me, I suggest you leave your super hero status at the door."
Larry watched as Ally left the room. "Women." He carried his ice cream to the den.