It was almost 8pm when they got home. Alexandra was dozing on Christopher's shoulder as he carried her in. She was fast asleep when he got her out of the car seat and it was like lifting a 24 pound rag doll. She woke up a bit but immediately snuggled against her father as he rubbed her back. "Shhh, we are home darling. Let's get you to bed." Christopher said to her while in the entryway. Marianne just smiled as she looked around the house. "Why don't you go upstairs and get comfortable. I will bring up the food." She smiled at him. "All right. I can put her down?" Marianne said. "It's okay I will do it if you don't mind." Christopher said giving Alexandra another squeeze. Marianne smiled. "Of course. I think I might take a shower or a bath. Thank you." She said as she kissed his cheek. Marianne put the bags of food on the floor near the stairs and headed up. They stopped for some take away. Christopher giggled when Marianne ordered 5 separate items and ate half of one on the rest of the drive home.
Christopher set his keys down and just kicked off his shoes. Still holding Alexandra in the process. Just as he was about to go up, the doorbell rang. He looked and saw a policeman outside. He opened the door. "Hello." He greeted the officer. "Yes, hello Mr. Brandon. We found these items that I believe belong to you and your wife. We do not need them as evidence since we photographed them in the suspect's flat. I figured I would drop them back to you so you didn't have to trouble yourself to get them." He explained. Christopher noticed the officer had their stroller and Marianne's diaper bag she carried. "Oh thank you so much." Christopher said as he tried to reach the items while still holding a sleeping toddler. The officer and Christopher giggled. "It's all right sir. You have your hands full with precious cargo. Where do you want me to set them?" He asked. "Just there please by the stairs. I will take care of it later." He said moving to let him in. "Not a problem at all." The officer said as he set the stroller and bag down out of the way. He stood back up and smiled. "I am glad everything ended wonderfully for you and your family. You are all quite lucky." He said to Christopher. He smiled and snuggled Alexandra a little harder as he rubbed her back. "Thank you. I know. I am so grateful to your help in finding them." Christopher said. "Not a problem you have a strong and brave wife. Not to mention a beautiful daughter." The officer responded, reaching out to gently pat Alexandra's head. "You have a good night." He said as he headed to the door. "You as well. Goodnight." Christopher said as he closed and locked the door.
Christopher entered Alexandra's room. She was still asleep. He reached in her dresser and grabbed some pajamas. He gently placed her on the changing table and laid her down. She remained asleep as Christopher gently undressed her. Dressing a sleeping toddler is not an easy feat. He sat her up and supported her upper body while he got her shirt on. She woke up a little once he was done. He picked her up again and snuggled her against his chest. She placed her head on his shoulder and was right back to sleep. He rubbed her back and swayed gently. He wasn't ready yet to let her go. He lifted his hand and gently felt her forehead. She was cool. He was happy her fever was down. She should be fine by the morning. He tip toed over to the crib. "Goodnight sweetheart. Have sweet dreams. Tomorrow will be a much better day." He said as he laid her down. He covered her with her blanket and stroked her forehead as he watched her sleep for a bit.
Christopher went back downstairs and sorted the food. He grabbed some silverware and headed back upstairs with plates. He entered their bedroom. He placed the food and things down and went to the bathroom door and peaked in. He smiled when he saw his wife happily soaking in the tub. Marianne opened her eyes and grinned at him. "Is she still asleep?" She asked. Christopher stepped in a went over and leaned down for a kiss. "Yes, she is fast asleep. I brought the food up when you are ready." He said as he began to walk back out. "Wait darling. You don't have to leave." She said with a smile. He turned and had a puzzled look on his face. "The water is still nice and warm. You can join me if you would like?" She said with a smile. He grinned, "Well I guess that is an offer I cannot refuse." He said as he undressed. Marianne happily watched him disrobe. He climbed in as she moved over to make room for him. She immediately leaned towards him to share a kiss. She turned and leaned against him as he wrapped his arms around her. "This is nice." She said as she closed her eyes and relaxed. Trying to forget this horrible day.
The couple shared their bath then got out to share their dinner. Then happily snuggled in bed afterwards. Sleep came very quickly to them. Glad this event was over and they can move on to a more happy future.
