HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Call Me Maybe?

"I can't believe how big he is already." Sara marveled at her three month old son. Aaron was quite the charmer of the family. Everyone imaginable was stopping by the house to visit the new addition. The baby continued to feed from his mommy. She quickly switched sides, careful of Caleb's head.

"I know, isn't it something? I think he's fond of where he's getting his supply. I know I would be," sneered Gil. Sara gave him a displeasing look.

"Gil! One, that's just plain wrong and two, not while Aaron's in the next room! He's six, remember? He'll go repeating everything to his teacher, including stuff he doesn't understand."

"Which is the majority of what we say."

"You're digging yourself a deeper hole..." Sara mused.

"Aw honey, lighten up. Where did your sense of humor go?"

"Oh, it's here all right." Sara signaled Gil to accompany her on the couch. She leaned into his shoulder and whispered in his ear, "Don't you remember last night or do I need to remind you?" Gil's head perked up and he whispered back, "Of course I remember, dear. But it's a little fuzzy so you might have to remind me."

"That could be arranged." Caleb started fussing. "Ok, ok." Sara buttoned her shirt with one hand then set the spit-up rag on her shoulder. She slowly moved her body from side to side while Caleb finished burping. "That a boy. Now I think it's time for your mid morning nap." She hummed a mellow tune while heading up the stairs.

When she entered the kitchen she washed her hands. Removing the ponytail from her head, she shook out her hair.

"That's what I was talking about."

She blushed and turned around to see her husband staring back at her. "We back on this topic again? I guess it's ok since Aaron's even farther away now."

"Exactly. And I just turned on the TV so he can't hear a thing. We'll have a little time before I have to take him to school and head to work."

"Ok, but just for a little. I have chores that need tending to before Caleb wakes up."

Gil smiled as he approached Sara. He placed kisses up along her neck. She eased backwards, letting him guide her. At this point they were moving as one. She continued to walk backwards until she came to a stop at the counter. Her hands wrapped around Gil's neck and his hands set firmly on the marble. "God, I love you Sara."

In between breaths she replied, "I love you too Gil."

With that, her cell rang and ended their rendezvous.

Sara sighed, "One sec, I'm on call for tonight."

"It's ok. Perk of the job. I have to take Aaron anyway. Call me later." Gil gave Sara one last peck. "And by the way, you could never lose your sense of humor."

Grinning, Sara kissed Gil on the lips and patted his head. "Till tonight. I'll talk to you later." He left the room and she picked up her phone.

Clearing her throat she answered, "Sidle."

"Hey Sara. It's Nick."

"Hey. What's up?"

"Nothing much. I know you're on call tonight, so am I. I was wondering if you have time to meet up. I could stop by the house if you have your hands full with baby C."

Sara inwardly smiled. She loved Nick's nickname for Caleb. "Sure, I've got time. Though I could meet you somewhere. I'm getting kind of stir-crazy and I think Caleb could use some fresh air."

"Ok, sure! Whatever's easiest for you guys. Any place in mind?"

"Hmm...how about the park by my house?"

"That sounds great. I could pick you up if you'd like."

"Wanna walk there? You could meet me at the house then we can head there together. It's a short walk. We'll get there in less than ten minutes."

"Yeah, it's a beautiful day out. I can be there in twenty minutes."

"See ya then!"

Sara left word with Gil before heading out. Nick arrived fifteen minutes later. The walk to the park was as expected—relatively short and painless. A bench was open in a quiet, serene area. As they sat down, Sara tucked the blanket that was covering Caleb tighter. His big blue eyes peered up at his mommy. Sara smiled and gave him a kiss on the cheek. His little body was so warm and full of life. These were the moments that made life worth living. Nick watched from the side as Sara interacted with her son. Aside from his sisters, he never saw anyone handle a baby with such care. "You're amazing with him and Halley and Aaron."

Sara removed her hand that lay on Caleb's belly and sat next to Nick. "Thanks Nick. That really means a lot coming from you, considering your sisters are pros."

"I'm serious, Sar. Not that I expected anything less from you, but you've come a long way. I remember you saying you weren't good with kids after you first moved to Vegas. You're a completely different person now. It really suits you."

"Aww." Sara brought Nick into a hug. "Thank you." She patted him on the back and released from the hug. "I know, I said that so many years ago. I am a totally different person. Who would have thought I'd be married with three kids!" Nick grinned and held his tongue. "Come on, say it. I know you want to."

"I can't believe you married the socially inept bug man! The guy who never cared about anything but his work is a husband and father. I never would have guessed…"

"I know, it's true. I used to be socially inept, at least where guys were concerned, but Gil changed me for the better. I think I changed him for the better, too. To think, opposites attract is the exact opposite of us." A sound came from the carriage. Sara noticed Caleb's blanket was down to his feet. He must've kicked it off while she wasn't looking. After fixing the blanket and checking to see that his hat and jacket were snug, she sat back down. By this point Nick held something in his hand. Sara gave him a curious look.

"Sara, I just wanted you to know that you mean a lot to me. We haven't always seen eye-to-eye over the years, but I consider you one of my best friends. You have always been one of my best friends. I wanted to truly apologize for how I acted last month. You were only concerned for my well-being. Who knows how long I would've stayed in that jail cell if you hadn't come along. Everyone was exhausted from that case and I shouldn't have made excuses. While everyone's entitled to go over the edge every now and then, I shouldn't have directed it at you. You deserve so much more respect than what I give you." He paused to swallow. "Two things, I have not given you a charm for your bracelet and I haven't sincerely apologized to you for how I treated you. I am not one to apologize with gifts, solely at least, but I felt this was the appropriate charm for the time being." He loosened the strings of the famous felt bag, and out fell an old phone charm. "I couldn't find a cell phone, but this was the best I could do."

Sara marveled at the silver telephone that Nick held between his fingers. "It's adorable. I absolutely love it!" Nick held out his hand. Sara unclasped her bracelet and gave it to Nick. He slid the charm amongst the others than clasped the bracelet on her wrist. Sara twisted the bracelet to re-examine her gift. "Nick, you're one of my best friends. You've always been. I don't blame you for what happened. Everyone was under stress and everyone had their moment. I've made more mistakes than I can count. The fact that you're here now and making amends for what you did, it means a great deal. And this charm is beautiful." She kissed him on the cheek. "It's about time you become a part of my bracelet."

Nick laughed and gave Sara a light tap on the shoulder. "Yes it is. Now this charm will remind you to call me whenever and I will answer."

:)