A/N: Welcome back! Thank you for all the reviews, as always I encourage everyone to voice their opinion. Just for clarification, this chapter starts with makeup sex after Lily's birthday dinner (I am making her birthday happen in March) and ends at the beginning of Lily's birthday dinner. Please enjoy!
Chapter Twelve
March 14th
There is a certain rhythm that couples follow. For Rufus and Lily, sex is gentle, smooth, spending time exploring each other's wants and needs. After two weeks of being separated, their sex, or rather make up sex, is rushed and passion filled. Their desire for each other increases ten-fold, leaving them gasping for air when they reach their climax.
"Oh…my…god," Lily says, her chest heaving up and down.
"We sure know how to make it up to each other," Rufus says and leans over to kiss her forehead.
"The way we have been fighting recently, I am not surprised."
March 7th
Rufus and Lily have managed to break their previous record of not speaking each other by three days. Since Rufus left a week ago, Lily has been barely sleeping or eating. Serena drops by the penthouse everyday to check on her.
"Hey mom," Serena says to her mother who is absentmindedly flipping through a magazine on the couch.
"Hi darling," Lily says and gets up to hug her. Serena takes in the dark circles marring her mother's ivory skin and winces. This is how Lily was when she and Rufus were fighting before only this time the circles are darker.
"How are you?" Serena asks.
"Serena, I appreciate you coming by to check on me, but I am just fine." Just fine, the last time those words were spoken by her mother; she filed divorce papers against Klaus. Serena is terrified that Lily and Rufus won't be able to bounce back from this fight.
"Okay well, I have to go. I am supposed to meet Dan for lunch," Serena kisses her mother on the cheek and leaves the penthouse, dialing Dan on the way out.
"Hey Dan, it's me. We need to talk about our parents."
"Yeah we do. My dad has sulking for the past week, using cooking as therapy. Do you know how many waffles I have had to eat since he has been staying here?" Serena manages a small laugh despite the depressing situation.
"Same goes for my mom except for the cooking part. In fact it is quite the opposite; she would look frail if she wasn't pregnant."
"What can we do to fix this?"
"We should make them have dinner together," Dan sighs over the phone.
"No offense Serena, but that didn't exactly work out last time in our favor," Serena thinks back to the breakfast they arranged before Rufus and Lily's wedding that ended up with Lily storming out.
"Dan, I don't care! We need to do something to get them talking again before my mother self destructs. I swear I will get Blair involved if you don't help me," Serena threatens and can literally see Dan cringing over the phone.
"Alright, I will help you; just don't pull the Blair card on me. Let's set up plans for tomorrow night and pray that it will work."
"Perfect thanks so much Dan! This will work out this time, I just know it." Serena and Dan hang up their phones and text their parents separately. Rufus and Lily respond favorably without knowing that the other is going. Everyone agrees to meet at Butter the next day at five.
March 14th
"We have some real devious kids," Lily says and looks up at Rufus, the moonlight dancing across her face.
"I didn't know my son could be so sneaky,"
"He definitely learned from Serena, that's for sure."
"Who knew our kids were so hell bent on us getting back together,"
"You should have seen your face when you walked into Butter and saw me sitting there with Serena and Eric. I wish I had a camera," Lily rolls over and laughs into his shoulder.
"I am glad that my cluelessness amuses you Mrs. Humphrey." Rufus leans down to plant a kiss on the crown of her head.
"I am sorry darling; I just have never seen you that surprised before."
March 8th
After sleeping in until noon, which has become a regular occurrence for Lily lately, she rolls out of bed. She takes a shower and gets dressed, finally feeling ready to leave the penthouse for the first time in over a week. Looking around her closet, Lily realizes that she has nothing to wear for her dinner tonight with Serena and Eric.
"Time for some retail therapy," Lily says to her closet and snatches her tan Hermes bag off of her bed, heading to Fifth Avenue. Flying through her favorite stores, Lily buys a little black dress for dinner and several outfits for the baby.
"Oh Eleanor, it is so nice to see you," Lily says, bumping into Eleanor Waldorf outside of Bendels. Eleanor kisses both of her cheeks, the Waldorf signature.
"Lillian, how are you doing?"
"Great," Lily lies, painting on a smile.
"I can see that you have gotten bigger since the last time I saw you," Eleanor comments, gazing down at Lily's swollen stomach. Lily scrunches her eyebrows, not sure if that is a compliment in Eleanor Waldorf's mind.
"Yeah, Rufus and I found out that we are having a girl," Lily says proudly, trying not to let her face fall when talking about Rufus.
"Wonderful, I will have my messenger send a gift to the penthouse. How is your handsome husband doing by the way? Is he still pretending to be a rockstar?" Lily laughs at Eleanor making fun of Rufus' flagging career.
"No, his guitars are collecting dust in his office upstairs. If you will excuse me, I have to go get ready for our date tonight," Lily lies again.
"Tell Rufus I said hello and I can always send him a blazer if he ran out of flannel to wear." Lily laughs and puts a hand on Eleanor's shoulder as she is walking past.
Lily races back to the penthouse, having spent more time out shopping then she originally planned. Serena and Eric arrive with a car for Lily at quarter to five. They take her to Butter all the while avoiding any conversation about Rufus.
"It is so nice to see you guys," Lily says and kisses each of her children.
"It's good to see you too mom," Eric and Serena say as the car pulls up to Butter. They are immediately given a table and the waiter is requesting their order.
"Serena, what is taking you so long? I can order for you," Lily says after Serena sends the waiter away for the second time. Serena is trying to buy time until Dan and Jenny show up with Rufus.
"I am sorry mom; I just want to order something different this time." Serena says and curses Dan for his habitual lateness.
"I didn't know you kids even liked this restaurant. The last time we were here Dan barely touched his food and made sarcastic comments about the high prices all night." Rufus comments and opens the door to Butter for Dan and Jenny.
"I went here with Vanessa awhile ago and she changed my mind," Dan explains and gets the attention of the hostess.
"Come with me, your other party arrived about ten minutes ago," The hostess says and leads them to the back of the restaurant.
"Other party?" Rufus whispers to Jenny who shrugs at Rufus and winks at Dan.
"Oh no…" Rufus whispers as he sees Lily talking to Eric and Serena. Rufus turns around to see both of his kids blocking his entrance.
"I can't believe you actually fell for this again," Dan comments and points to the table set up next to Lily, Eric and Serena.
"Serena, this isn't funny." Lily whispers to Serena who has a smug smile on her face that her plan is working.
"Mom, just talk to him," Eric whispers to Lily, motions for Serena to get out of her chair and follow him outside.
"That table isn't ours, actually. We asked the hostess to set it up. Eric, Dan, Jenny and I are going to leave you two alone. Have fun!" Serena says and motions for the kids to follow her out of the restaurant.
"Serena! We will talk about this later," Lily threatens, knowing full well who orchestrated their meeting. Lily is aware that Serena decided to have this encounter in public because she knows Lily wouldn't dare make a scene.
"Can I sit?" Rufus mumbles and points to the chair across from her. Lily bites her lip, resisting the urge to get up and storm out of Butter. I guess Serena was right after all about her not wanting to cause a commotion.
"Please do," Lily states with no emotion behind her voice. Rufus pulls out his chair and sits down. The waiter rejoins their table and they order some appetizers.
"How have you and the baby been?" Rufus asks. Lily isn't sure on how to respond. On one hand, it is sweet that he still cares enough to be concerned about her and their child's well being. On the other, she is furious at him for hurting her in the first place. He shouldn't have to ask how she has been, he should know because he should be there.
"We have been good," Lily decides to say after a few awkward moments of silence.
"Good," Rufus mumbles and takes a nervous sip of his water.
"How have you been?" Lily asks, hating the fact that she and her husband are playing catch-up like two friends who haven't seen each other in years.
"I have been fine," Rufus lies, not wanting to see how much their fight is killing him. If he could take it all back, he would. However, he can't and the things Lily said to him still hurt.
"That is great to hear," Lily offers a fake smile to Rufus and casually glances around the restaurant. She kind of hoped that he would apologize over and over again until she forgave him. Don't be ridiculous Lily, this isn't a soap opera. The voice inside of her head, which sounds an awful lot like CeCe's, says to her.
"So…do you want to talk?" Rufus asks as their appetizers are being placed in front of them. Lily bites into her shrimp and slowly nods.
"Sure, Rufus, what would you like to talk about?" Lily asks, although it is quite obvious.
"Have you given any thought to selling the penthouse?" Rufus asks. Lily's shoulders slump and she puts a hand to her forehead, a classic pissed off Lily gesture.
"Why do we keep talking about this?"
"You haven't really talked to me at all about it Lil."
"You went behind my back and hired a realtor without asking me how I felt about selling the penthouse."
"I tried talking to you about it in Hawaii and you shut me down without even asking my opinion so I felt I had no choice."
"That's because you can't compromise!" Lily says, throwing back the same words she said to him the last time they tried to work things out. Everything has changed, and yet, nothing has changed. In essence, they are having the same argument that they always have. The only difference between then and now is that there is more than just their marriage at stake.
"I think it is the other way around." Rufus says to her and takes a bite of a breadstick lying on Lily's plate. Lily notices and glares at him.
"Okay fine Rufus, where would we live if we sold the penthouse?" Lily asks and raises her eyebrows questioningly.
"I don't know, but at least we will have a place that is ours," Rufus says and puts his hand over hers which is resting on the table.
"That's the thing with you Rufus, you never plan anything." Rufus takes his hand off of hers and makes that face. The way his arms cross over his shoulders and how his gaze shifts to anywhere but her, is a sign to Lily that this conversation is done. Over the years and countless arguments between them, Lily realizes the second Rufus makes the face, he has checked out and there is no turning him around.
"You know what Lily, this was a mistake. I never should have come here." Rufus says and leaves Lily at the table alone, with her head in her hands.
March 14th
"I was so mad at you for leaving me there by myself," Lily says and shakes her head at him.
"If I remember correctly, the last time our kids decided to go all Parent Trap on us, you were the one leaving me."
"I don't remember that," Lily says innocently and blushes. Fortunately the darkness covers the pinkish hue of her cheeks.
"Either way, I think I pissed you off more with what I did next." Rufus says.
"I think you are right," Lily says and glares at him.
March 8th
Rufus leaves the restaurant in a rage, angrily dialing a number on his iPhone.
"Hi you have reached Egle Reality, this is Janice Egle. How can I help you?" The high pitched voice on the other end says into the phone.
"Hi this is Rufus Humphrey finally returning your calls. If possible, I would like to set up a showing for the penthouse tomorrow, if you have an appointment open."
"I was just about to call you; I have two very persistent clients interested in your penthouse. They would like to do an open house at 2 in the afternoon tomorrow if that is okay with you?" Rufus smiles, this couldn't have gone more perfectly. He knows that Lily has a meeting with Chuck tomorrow to begin handing over the task of managing Bass Industries at 1:30. He can slip in and out without anyone knowing.
"Mr. Humphrey?" Janice asks into the phone after hearing no response.
"Tell your clients that 2 o'clock is perfect," Rufus says and hangs up the phone.
March 9th
Lily leaves the penthouse at one, meeting Charles at the Empire Hotel.
"Hi Charles, it's so good to see you," Lily says and kisses his cheek. They sit in Chuck's suite and start to go over business propositions.
About two, Rufus arrives at the penthouse with his realtor and clients in tow. They begin a viewing of the penthouse when Eric drops in.
"Hey Rufus, what are you doing here?" Eric asks suspiciously, having heard from Serena that their dinner plan went awry.
"Just showing these people the penthouse," Rufus explains and leads the group of people upstairs. Once out of sight, Eric picks up his phone and speed dials Lily.
"Oh, I have to get this, it's Eric," Lily explains to Chuck and slides her iPhone on.
"Eric, my darling, is there something wrong?" Lily asks with concern.
"No, but I think there is about to be."
"What are you talking about? What's going on?"
"Rufus is here with a group of people and they are looking at the penthouse. I thought you guys weren't selling this place." Eric explains.
"We aren't or at least I'm not. Thank you Eric, I will call you back later." Lily says and slams her iPhone down on the table. Chuck actually jumps, he has never seen his usually poised and in control step mother get so angry.
"Trouble with the wife?" Chuck asks in his usual sarcastic manner.
"My husband is trying to sell the penthouse behind my back."
"So what are you going to do about it?" Lily sees that plotting look in Chuck's eyes and wants to join in, although she knows that she shouldn't.
"I don't know, but luckily I have a son who loves to scheme. What do you suggest we do?"
"I was thinking that I should expand my hotel business into Brooklyn." Chuck says with a smug smile on his face.
"Make the call," Lily orders.
"I am impressed that you would stoop to my level."
"Rufus really didn't leave me with much of a choice."
"I'll call the realtor." Chuck swipes his blackberry off of the coffee table and dials his private realtor.
"The realtors want to know what time they should come," Chuck says to Lily.
"Rufus should be back from his meeting with the record label about three." Lily mumbles to Chuck who nods and goes back to his conversation. Lily flips through the business portfolio while Chuck wraps up his phone call.
"All set for tomorrow at three," Chuck says and puts his phone back onto the mahogany.
"Perfect, let's return to business, shall we?" Lily asks and hands Chuck the overflowing folder.
March 14th
"I could never have thought you and Chuck conspiring against me," Rufus says and laughs.
"I'm sorry darling, it was just the way Chuck's eyes light up at the thought of a scandal, I couldn't help but be sucked in." Lily kisses Rufus' cheek, a silent apology.
"Honestly Lil, I was surprised to see Chuck anywhere Brooklyn."
"He made a sacrifice for me; unfortunately it had to be at your expense," A smile chases across Lily's face and Rufus lets out a tiny chuckle.
March 10th
"Here is the spare key to the loft," Lily says when Chuck drops by the penthouse.
"Key?" Chuck asks in confusion and holds up a key with a Lincoln Hawk keychain attached.
"Yes Charles, not everything has a room key," Lily laughs at the adorable bewilderment etched in Chuck's features.
"Remind me again why I am going to Brooklyn?" Chuck says and pockets the key.
"You are going to Brooklyn because you can't resist messing with people or because I am your stepmother and you love me. Whichever one gets you to Brooklyn the fastest." Lily says and kisses Chuck's cheek.
"True, on both accounts," Chuck says goodbye and leaves the penthouse. Lily can't wait for Rufus' call when he sees what is in store for him when he gets home.
Around quarter to three, Chuck arrives in his limo to the Humphrey loft. I am doing this for Lily; I am doing this for Lily, the mantra in Chuck's head plays out as he reaches for a sanitary napkin in his pocket to open the loft door. Luckily, there is no Humphrey in site.
"Okay the plan is when Rufus walks in, just start in on your sales pitch. Just make it believable as possible." Chuck instructs the realtor and group of clients he hired.
Rufus arrives back to some suits and Chuck in his loft.
"As you can see, there is sufficient lighting and it is a rather spacious loft for Brooklyn." The realtor tells the clients and Chuck who is pretending to take notes.
"Chuck, what are you doing in my home?" Rufus asks, causing everyone to turn and look at him.
"I was thinking about expanding the empire into Brooklyn," Chuck lies to Rufus. Rufus shakes his head and knows who put Chuck up to this.
"Chuck you can drop the charade and give me the key my wife gave you as you exit my home." Rufus says and swings open the loft door. The suits file out and Chuck drops the keys in Rufus' open hand. Rufus slams the door behind them and puts the key onto the counter.
He really should be furious at Lily for retaliating, but he can't bring himself to be mad for something he started. They are both acting like children instead of handling this like adults. He does feel bad for starting this whole fight; he should have just been honest with Lily about their living situation. Rufus sighs; he needs to make this up to Lily. Luckily her birthday is coming up in a few days which gives Rufus the perfect opportunity to reconcile.
March 14
There is nothing worse than celebrating your birthday alone. Sadly, this seems to be how Lily is celebrating her fortieth birthday. Sure, Serena and Eric will drop by with presents, but it isn't the same. More than anything, Lily wants things to be right with Rufus again. After all, their dinner didn't go well and they aren't getting anywhere by playing games with each other. If anything, it is driving them further apart.
And yet, it could all be fixed with a simple phone call that Lily isn't willing to make. She can't believe that she is letting her own insecurities get in the way of her relationship with Rufus again. As much as she wants to put the past in the past and move on, Rufus hasn't exactly apologized. Then again, neither has she.
Serena is on her way to her mother's when her iPhone vibrates against her leg. She reaches for it and is perplexed as to why Rufus is calling her. Her mother didn't exactly go into detail about the dinner they had a few days ago, but suffice to say it ended in disaster. So why would Rufus be calling her?
"Hello?" Serena says into the phone.
"Hey Serena, I was wondering if you could help me with something."
"If it involves another plan to try and sell my mom's penthouse sorry, I am not interested." Serena says and pulls the phone away from her ear, intent on hanging up. Rufus expected resistance from Serena, like it or not, she is a mini-Lily. Of course she is taking her mother's side in this argument; Rufus would be an idiot to think otherwise.
"No, trust me it is nothing like that. I know it's your mother's birthday today and I wanted to do something special to make it up to her. The only problem is I am guessing that your mother has planned on spending the day locked in her room watching her favorite movies." Serena softens; Rufus does know her mother very well.
"You got it! I think Breakfast at Tiffany's and Casablanca is on her playlist for today. What can I help you with?"
"I want to do a romantic dinner for your mother and I was hoping that you could take her out for a while so I can set up?" Rufus asks, crossing his fingers that Serena agrees with his plan.
"Perfect! I didn't get her anything yet so this will be her present."
"Great! If you could bring her back about five, I should have everything set up by then."
"Okay and Rufus?"
"Yes, Serena?"
"Thank you for making the effort to make it up to my mom. I know she doesn't make it easy, but she really does love you more than anybody else. She has been a wreck ever since you have been gone." Serena says, feeling extremely vulnerable for confiding in her stepfather.
"Your welcome Serena and I'm sorry that this happened in the first place. I love your mother very much." Rufus is touched and glad that he has both of Lily's kids on his side.
"I know you do, but I should go. See you later Rufus." Serena doesn't give him the chance to say goodbye and tells the driver to reroute the car to the penthouse.
"Mom?" Serena asks as she enters the penthouse.
"Up here Serena!" Lily yells from her bedroom. Serena smirks and can't believe that Rufus' prediction about where her mother would be is right. The man does know her after all.
"Hey mom, what are you watching?" Serena asks and looks over at the paused TV. Lily is in her pajamas with some packages strewn about on her bed.
"Breakfast at Tiffany's, it is one of my favorites. Would you look at what Eleanor sent me?" Lily reaches over and grabs the emerald box next to her in bed. She takes out a pink onesie that has Eleanor Waldorf designs splashed across the chest in gold lettering.
"Very Eleanor, I am surprised that she even got you something for your birthday."
"Oh no, I ran into her yesterday and she was asking about the baby. It was so nice of her to get me something, even though it is basically a walking advertisement for her company." Lily laughs and puts the piece of clothing back in the box.
"Mom, as much as I would love to spend your birthday watching movies with you I think we need to go out and have some fun." Serena grabs Lily's hands and helps her stand up.
"Well, I guess we could since my husband isn't coming by anytime soon." Lily says and frowns.
"Trust me mom, we will have so much fun you won't even be thinking about Rufus. Now go get dressed then we can go shopping for you and my future sister." Serena says with excitement, she can't wait to see her mother's face when they return back to the penthouse.
"Thank you darling," Lily kisses Serena's cheek and disappears into her closet. Ever since Lily has become pregnant, Serena has made an effort to make sure her mother is being taken care of. They have become closer than they ever have been and Serena intends on keeping it that way. She feels guilty for deceiving her mother on her birthday, but Serena realizes that it is for Lily's benefit.
"Mom, your birthday is going to be over by the time you are ready to go!" Serena teases after a half an hour of watching Breakfast at Tiffany's.
"I can't find anything to wear!" Lily yells back and picks out a wine colored silk top with white maternity jeans.
"You sound like me!" Lily rolls her eyes and starts getting dressed. She applies her makeup quickly and grabs an Oscar de la Renta black pleated purse to complete her ensemble.
"I like it, now let's go. I am supposed to be meeting Blair for dinner at five thirty so I have to be back by five."
"Okay," Lily leads the way downstairs and out of the penthouse. Serena is happy that her mother didn't ask her anymore questions about Rufus or her supposed dinner with Blair; she didn't want to lie to her anymore than she has.
"What do you think of this dress? Is it too mom for me?" Lily asks and holds up a loose, crimson off the shoulder Versace dress.
"Not at all and besides you get a free pass since you are pregnant," Serena says and rubs Lily's stomach affectionately.
"I don't know if I should be insulted by that or not." Lily comments and pays for the dress.
"Don't worry mom, you are the most fashionable pregnant lady on the Upper East Side. Now let's go baby shopping!" Serena says excitedly and drags her mother towards Bel Bambini. Lily is thrilled that her kids are looking forward to the new addition; she wasn't sure how they would react to her having a baby with Rufus.
"I like this, this, this and this," Serena says and holds up an assortment of newborn girl onesies. Lily laughs and tells Serena that she already has two of them waiting to be put in the nursery.
"When are you going to start on that anyway? Isn't the baby supposed to be here in a few months?" Serena asks out of curiosity. Lily shrugs and a frown begins to form on her face.
"Rufus and I had made plans, but obviously we got a little side tracked." Serena notices that she made her mother upset and puts an arm around her.
"Hey, I am sorry mom; I didn't mean to put a damper on your birthday."
"Don't worry darling, I am fine. Now, I think you should buy your sister that to make it up to me." A slight smile remerges on Lily's face as Serena goes to stand in line with the pink wool baby blanket that she picked out.
By the time they are done shopping, it is nearly five o'clock.
"I think we should go back to the penthouse Serena, I am starting to feel tired." Lily says as she readjusts the bags on her shoulder.
"I agree I have to go meet Blair anyway."
"Do you want to take a separate car?"
"No, I will go back with you, I think I left my jacket at the penthouse anyway." Serena left her jacket there on purpose this afternoon so she would have an excuse to go back to the penthouse. She wants to see what Rufus has planned for her mother.
"Okay well hop in," Lily says and hands the bags to their personal driver before sliding into the car. Serena follows suit and they arrive back at the penthouse within fifteen minutes.
When the elevator doors open, the first thing Lily sees is Rufus standing there with a bouquet of salmon colored roses in his hands. Lily does a once over of the first floor of the penthouse, admiring the candles and the table arrangement. Serena suddenly feels like she is intruding and bids goodbye to the couple.
"You did all of this for me?" Lily asks and drops her bags to accept the roses.
"Of course, I am so sorry Lil for what I put you through, but I hope to make it up to you if you will follow me." Rufus holds out his hand for Lily to grab. Lily smells the flowers and puts her hand in Rufus' allowing him to guide her to the dining room table.
"It is so beautiful!" Lily exclaims and gets a good look at the table. There are rose petals scattered across the table and candles lit everywhere, creating a real romantic atmosphere.
"Come sit, I made us some pasta," Rufus pushes her chair back for her and Lily sits down, still holding onto her flowers.
"I am guessing my daughter took me shopping so you could set all this up for me." Rufus sheepishly grins and piles some pasta onto their plates.
"I wanted it to be special for your birthday."
"Thank you Rufus and I'm sorry too. I never should have gotten Charles involved in our fight that was childish of me." Lily apologizes and takes a bite of her spaghetti.
"It's okay Lil; I really didn't leave you with much choice."
"Rufus despite what I said earlier, I do consider this place yours too. And I would love to find another place with you, but I don't think now is the right time."
"You are right, a move is so stressful and I don't want anything to happen to you or the baby. In time, we will find another place together."
"I would love that," Lily genuinely says. They eat in comfortable silence and clear their plates.
"Oh I almost forgot to give you your gift." Rufus says and grabs a gift bag that was sitting on the chair next to him.
"I thought dinner was my gift, not that I am complaining." Lily takes the gift bag from him and pulls out several receipts.
"If you don't like it, we can pick something else out."
"I love it; I can't believe that you ordered all of the nursery furniture I wanted. Thank you," Lily leans over and kisses Rufus for the first time in two weeks. Their kiss is interrupted when Lily winces in pain and grabs her stomach. Immediately, Rufus kneels down by her side, switching into concerned father-to-be mode.
"Lil what is it? What's wrong?" Rufus asks.
"I'm sorry; I didn't mean to scare you. Our daughter just kicked me," Lily smiles serenely and grabs Rufus' hand, placing it on the top of her stomach. They wait in silence for a few seconds before Rufus feels a tiny flutter beneath his palm.
"Is this the first time you have felt it?" Rufus asks, keeping his hand on her abdomen.
"I felt little tiny movements before, but nothing as strong." Lily and Rufus just stay where they are, not speaking and waiting for their daughter to communicate.
"Hi Alex, it's your daddy. I know you haven't heard the sound of my voice in a few weeks, but I am back now. I missed you and your mommy so much." Rufus says and caresses Lily's stomach. Lily closes her eyes in contentment, not wanting to ruin the moment between them.
"Figures our kid would try to steal the spotlight," Rufus mumbles and gets to his feet, breaking contact with Lily. She opens her eyes and scrunches her eyebrows together in a pout, not liking the fact that he moved his hand. Rufus silently answers her by dragging a chair next to her and sitting back down, gliding his hand up and down her stomach, wanting to see if the baby would follow him.
"Thank you for doing all of this for me." Lily whispers and meshes her lips with his.
"Happy Birthday Lil," Rufus says and returns the kiss. Lily pushes it further by threading her fingers through his hair. Rufus moans and does the same to Lily.
"The kids aren't going to be home tonight," Lily whispers, pulling away from the kiss.
"Say no more," Rufus stands up and offers his hand for Lily to take. Lily slips her hand in his and stands up. Lily and Rufus walk to their bedroom, planting butterfly kisses on each other's lips, neck, and shoulders along the way.
"This is the best birthday I have had in a long time," Lily whispers to him as Rufus opens the door to their bedroom and switches positions with her so she can be on top.
"Oh yeah, what tops this one?" Rufus asks and pulls her down on the bed with him.
"Salita," Lily whispers to him, not needing to elaborate.
"Let's not talk about that," Rufus discards her top as they slip under the covers.
A/N 2: I hope you liked this chapter and it wasn't too confusing to follow. Next chapter, Rufus' favorite mother in law comes to town with a few surprises for our favorite couple. Please don't forget to leave a review on your way out. Thanks for reading!
