It's the fourth of July and Grace is hosting a big family party and we've just arrived. Christian has gone to change Teddy since he threw up all over himself and Christian. Grace closes the door and drapes one arm over my shoulder and leads me into the kitchen, apparently she's trying a new recipe and wants my advice knowing how much I love to cook.
Just then Mia comes running down the hall all bubbly shouting "Ana I'm so glad you're here" and throws her arms around me.
I must admit I've grown to love Mia's cheerful spirit and even her hugs. Having been an only child and the nearest thing to a sibling has been Kate I must say I relish having Mia as a sister.
Mango flavored barbecue sauce is not that bad, this is Grace's latest creation after returning from Barbados. She absolutely fell in love with the fruit on her visit there and since being back she's on a quest to have mango 7000 ways, in fact she has joked that she may take a sabbatical and write a cook book.
I hear Christian asking for me so I leave the kitchen to go find him and when I do he has the biggest grin on his face, "what Christian". "He just smiled at me" Christian says, I giggle and guide Christian into the living room and we sit on the couch. "Christian he's barely seven weeks old I doubt he smiled at you", "Anastasia I think I know if my son smiles at me or not". I giggle some more and Christian say's "here" and places Teddy in my arms saying "Teddy go ahead smile for mommy". I know Christian won't give up so I pretend to see a smile…my subconscious is in the background saying let him have this he's a gushing father.
Kate and Elliott reappear just as Carrick announces that lunch is ready all decked out in his chef hat. Christian says "Elliott where were you dad and I were trying to find your earlier", "Kate and I were in the boat house" Elliott says.
"Showing her your rowing trophies right" Mia says looking at Christian giggling and winks her eye at me. Christian gives a slight smile and although Mia is an adult I have realized he refuse to engage in certain topics with her. "Yes that" Elliott says quickly and pats his belly announcing his hunger. Mia says "but I never knew you rowed I thought Lacrosse was your thing.
"Mia could you help me with something in the kitchen please" Grace says quickly leading her out of the living room and Kate blushes. I knew Mia knew Christian and I weren't looking at rowing trophies that time she caught us in the boat house. My inner goddess sits up saying so what, Kate and Elliott are newlyweds they can show each other whatever they like in the boat house you and Christian have done it enough times in there.
Kate and I chat after lunch..."oh Ana you and Christian look so happy, I think Teddy clams him more than you do". I smile because it's true. " I wonder what it will be like for Elliott and eye...nope it's too soon" Kate says. "Well if that's that the case don't have sex because I may happen sooner than you think" I say.
"Not have sex that's impossible" Kate says with a shocked expression on her face.
The sun begins to set as we all sit admiring the view from the patio overlooking the water, Elliott and Kate, Christian and I, Mia and Ethan along with Carrick and Grace. Ethan came straight from the airport to the party. He's been in New York for the past six months completing his doctorate in psychology and I gather Mia really missed him and he her by the way they've not stopped looking at each other. In fact they only stopped for a couple of minutes so Ethan could hold Teddy. He wasn't in town for the birth and has only ever seen our son over Skype.
"Good night mom" Christian says as he kisses his mother good-bye and shakes his father's hand. I do the same since I'm much more comfortable now with Grace and Carrick.
It's 7:30 when we arrive home and Teddy is fast asleep, I say a silent prayer that he doesn't wake and head upstairs to put him down. When I finish I head into our bedroom to find Christian coming out of the bathroom all freshly showered and smelling like bath wash his hair still damp. After my shower I walk into the bedroom and see Christian reading a book. I take one of my long fancy nightgowns out of the drawer and slip into it letting it skim over my body on its way down. I know exactly what I have in mind, six weeks have passed and Dr. Green has given the all clear. My subconscious says he hasn't even attempted to touch you since Teddy was born are you sure he wants to do this but I decide to ignore her.
This catches Christian's attention although he is reading a book and I know he's been secretly watching me. I get in bed and cuddle Christian he puts the book on the side table and begins to lightly brush kisses on my lips, I reach up and fist my hands in his hair and deepen the kiss. He stops and looks down at me staring into my eyes and our ability to understand each other's unspoken word is still there and he leans down as I lift my mouth up to meet his and we're lost.