Chapter Twenty-one

It was a cold and rainy day. If it was just a little bit colder it would start to snow. The perfect day for snuggling by the fire with the one that you love. But everyone was busy. Cameron needed to get his latest article in. Abby had a busy morning planned and then needed to work at the gym in the afternoon.

She stood in the kitchen in her bare feet buttering an English muffin. Cam came running in searching, as usual, for his keys. He was always misplacing something.

Abby took a bite of the muffin as she looked him up and down. "You look especially handsome this morning." She said with a smile as she leaned in to kiss him.

She tasted like butter, Cam thought as he licked his lips. "And you look gorgeous, as usual." He replied.

Abby's hair was tousled and tangled and she was wearing a ratty old sweatshirt as a nightgown.

"Good one." She said with a grin. "You're still not going to steal my breakfast."

Cam grabbed Abby's wrist and brought the muffin to his mouth, taking a huge bite. "Tough." He said as he chewed. "What's your plan for today?"

Abby finished what was left of her breakfast as she answered him. "I'm working later. Alison and I are doing some Christmas shopping this morning."

Cam's eyes glinted with laughter as he suggested, "Maybe she can help you pick out a cookbook."

Abby narrowed her eyes at him, "What are you trying to say?"

"That your sister is an excellent cook."

"And I'm not?"

"Sweetie, when was the last time you made a meal that didn't come in a box?"

Abby blew her hair out of her eyes. "Geez. I hate it when you're right. You have a point."

"I always do." He said as he kissed her quickly.

She poked him in the chest as she cautioned him. "Hey. Watch it you - you still have a lot of making up to do. It's been a week and I'm still bruised."

"Are you?" Cam asked with a sinister grin. "Let me check." He laughed as he tugged at the hem of her sweatshirt.

Abby fisted his tie in her hand, yanking him to her. She whispered against his lips. "Get out of here before I keep you hostage,"

"What time are you meeting Alison?" He said as he moved his hands up her back and kissed her thoroughly.

Abby sighed, as she pulled away, knowing he was already running late. "Go. Seriously, get out of here. I mean it."

He finally let her go and ran out the door.

He was back five seconds later. He grinned as Abby stood right behind the door, jingling his keys. "Love you." He said as he grabbed them, kissing her quickly.

"Love you too. Hurry home." She grinned as he dashed off to work.

*************

Rafe came out of the bathroom, tugging at the collar of the shirt he wore. When he went to take a shower Alison was fast asleep - now she was curled up in a chair, rubbing her belly. It looked like it grew overnight.

He walked over and kissed the top of her head. "You're up early."

Alison sighed, "Just a little warning, our daughter? I guarantee you she's going to be a soccer player. She's kicking like crazy this morning - has been for hours."

"Really?" Rafe asked with a smile, placing his hand over her stomach. The baby kicked immediately. "You were asleep when I left you earlier."

"I was trying to stay that way. She won't let me. She must take after you." She said, pulling him to her for a kiss. "Are you hungry? Do you want some breakfast?" She asked, starting to get up.

He eased her back down with another kiss. "No. It's OK. I'll just get something downstairs. Just relax."

He never let her do anything anymore. "Rafe…"

"Please?" He begged. "It will make me happy. Do yoga or something."

"Oh - NOW you want me to do yoga." She giggled.

"Now that I know you're not lying on the ground unconscious - yes. It's fine. Do yoga."

She kissed him and then got up to look out the window. "It's so yucky out."

"So stay inside." He laughed as he came up behind her.

"Do I need to remind you AGAIN that we have a class later today, buster?"

"Buster?" Rafe asked.

"Shut up." She laughed at him. "It suits you. And don't forget - it's at 3."

"I won't. I still don't think…"

"Rafe." Alison cut him off sharply.

He turned her to face him.

He leaned his forehead to hers. "Alison - I get it. But I.."

"Don't even start." Alison warned him. "This is what we're doing."

Rafe sighed and pulled her closer. "I'll try it - but I'm still not convinced."

Alison looked at him, exasperated. "Rafe - honestly - this is one time you don't really have a choice. This is the way I want to do this. Tell me - do you want carry her around for the next 3 months? That's the only way you get to decide."

"I guess you've told me." He said with a grin.

"Yes." She replied, her voice definite.

He touched a hand to her cheek. "You're so cute when you're annoyed with me."

"Then I must be adorable all the time lately." She said with a smile.

"OK." Rafe said reluctantly. "Class at three. What are you doing till then?

"After yoga?" She smirked.

"Alison…" He said, laughing.

"I'm going shopping with Abby."

"Just make sure…" He warned.

Alison rolled her eyes and sighed. "I sit down and relax every five seconds. Yes Rafe - I will."

He pulled her closer. "Please - Alison. Don't make me go to the mall to check up on you a week after Thanksgiving. I'm begging you."

Alison decided to give in. She knew from experience that it was a definite possibility. "I promise." She said with a smile. "I'll take it easy. Don't worry. Abby won't let me overdo it."

Confident she was right, Rafe kissed her quickly and let her go. "I'll see you at like 2:30?"

"2:30 it is." She agreed.

"OK." He agreed as he kissed her again. She tasted so sweet, the last thing he wanted to do was go to work. "I love you." He whispered as he pulled away.

Alison knew she'd only have to ask and he'd stay. But she knew he had to go. " I love you too." She whispered back. She ran a hand over her stomach as she added with a grin, "We'll see you later."