Chapter 35
"You have got to be kidding me," Greenlee spoke into the phone. It took almost all of her energy to keep her jaw from dropping to the floor. Then again, these days, jaw-dropping reactions weren't uncommon considering the turn of events with her marriage. She was jolted back to reality by Aidan's voice on the other line. "What? Oh yeah, I'm… I'm okay. Thank you Aidan. Yes, please do keep me posted. No, no there's nothing to be sorry about, you're doing your best and it's pretty much all of us can do for the moment. Alright, thanks." She placed the cordless phone back on the cradle and made her way back to Kendall, Ethan and Erin.
Kendall noticed the bothered look on her friend's face. She moved to her side and nudged her lightly. "Everything okay?" she asked.
"Huh? What? Yeah… things are fine," Greenlee shook off the feelings of uncertainty. She made quick eye contact with Kendall in an effort to make her statement a little more believable. And then she cast her gaze at Erin, a not so endearing look on her face as she did so.
"You don't look fine."
"I am. Really," Greenlee smiled. She was lying through her teeth but still smiled. "Where's Miranda? They're going to be home soon."
Kendall turned her head toward a corner of the room where Miranda snugly seated atop a beanbag. She couldn't help but giggle at the sight, the little girl completely mesmerized by a water filled tank and the swimming contents inside. It wasn't everyday something would hold Miranda's attention for long stretches of time but ever since that day at the pet store, staring at the fish tank was all she did.
"I bet Bianca was relieved to find out that the pets you bought were just goldfish," Greenlee glanced over to Miranda and then back to Kendall.
"You could say she was," Kendall chuckled. "At least it wasn't a puppy. Which," she held up her finger, "should not be ruled out. You never know what may happen in the future."
"Bianca will kill you if you ever do get her daughter dog."
"Watch me," Kendall winked. She walked over toward the fish tank and kneeled down. "Hey Munchkin," she gently stroked the top of Miranda's head. "Come on, let's go wait with Uncle Ethan and Aunt Greenlee. Mommy's bringing Maggie and Little Frankie home today."
Miranda brought her tiny hand to Kendall's cheek and patted it. "Pish…" she pointed and giggled. "Pishy," she giggled again. She saw a pair of arms reaching out for her, immediately moving away, she shook her head. "No… no…" pointing again. "Pish."
Kendall nodded her head. "Okay, I get it. You want to stay right here and watch the fish. You can come over to us later when you see Mommy," she kissed her on the top of the head and stood up.
"Pish!"
"Yes I know," laughed the curly haired beauty as she made her way back to the couch. She sat next to Ethan who took her into his arms and hugged her tight.
"Miranda not joining us?" he asked.
"Seems that she's a little more fascinated with her goldfish for now. Don't worry, when Bianca comes through the door, she'll go running to her," Kendall replied, burying herself in his embrace.
"You're really great with her. Has anyone ever told you that?" Ethan smiled. "You're going to make a great mother someday," taking note of the way Kendall was gazing at Miranda.
"Someday…"
"I think they're here," Erin moved from the window to the door. "I just saw David's car pull up with Jamie's not far behind."
"Alright then, let's welcome Maggie and her son home," Greenlee stood up from the couch. She turned her head, "Miranda, sweetie come over."
"Pish!" Miranda shouted back.
"Okay, don't come over," Greenlee shrugged.
"You know David. Bianca and I would have gotten home just fine," Maggie said as David helped her out of his car. "Really, I mean you didn't have to."
Bianca came over from other side of the car holding the baby carrier where Frankie was sleeping soundly. "Yeah David. Maggie and I could have made it home fine. Jamie's a big enough help already," she turned her head and saw Jamie beginning to unload stuff from his car.
David cupped both Bianca and Maggie's faces with his hands. "What did I tell you before? It's not a problem. I wasn't here for the little guy's birth so let me at least have the pleasure of helping get the both of you home."
"Thanks David," both girls said simultaneously.
"Alright. Now let's go inside. I do believe there's a group of people who are anxious to welcome you and your little boy home," he climbed up the stairs and turned around. "Jamie, you got everything right?"
"Ine…" he replied with the strap to one of the bags in his teeth while both his arms were occupied carrying the boxes of formula. "Just …ine," he mumbled under his breath, now struggling to get to the stairs without dropping anything.
Maggie and Bianca, along with Frankie followed David up their front steps. Before either of them reached the doorstep, the door opened, everyone gathered at the doorway with smiles on their faces.
Erin was the first to greet them. She was excited at the fact that she was about to meet her nephew for the first time. "Hi Maggie, welcome home," she stepped aside so they could come in. "So where's the little guy?"
"Right there," Maggie pointed to the baby carrier that Bianca was holding. The both of them walked over to the couch and set the carrier down in between them. "Erin, meet Frankie."
"He's… he's… wow Maggie. I actually don't know what to say. He looks so adorable," Erin had a hard time in conjuring up the words she wanted to say.
"Thanks," Maggie replied.
Bianca sat and observed Erin's reaction to Frankie. She hoped in the back of her mind that Erin wasn't going to say something along the lines that Maggie's son had a resemblance to Jonathan. When she heard how Erin was caught with words, it made her breathe a small sigh of relief. Her attention remained on everyone else as they doted over the newborn child. It wasn't until she felt a small tap on her leg when her attention was pulled toward something else.
"Momma?" Miranda tapped on Bianca's leg. She reached out her arms to her in hopes of being picked up. "Momma?"
"Hi sweetheart," Bianca picked her daughter up from the floor and sat her on her knee. She kissed Miranda's forehead and smiled. "I hope you've been a good girl."
Miranda simply giggled and smiled, "Pish… Momma… Pish." She pointed toward the corner of the room where the fish tank was.
"I know baby," Bianca replied. She noticed how her daughter's attention was no longer drawn to the corner but now toward Maggie who was holding Frankie in her arms. "Miranda, say hi to Frankie."
Maggie saw how Miranda was mesmerized with her little boy. Shifting closer to Bianca and Miranda, Maggie adjusted her position so the brown haired little girl could get a better look. "Frankie, this is Miranda. She's going to be your best friend," she whispered to her baby boy.
In a split second, Miranda suddenly became shy, burying herself in her mother's arms causing everyone to laugh. It was a sweet sight as they all saw for the first time before their very own eyes, a family comprised of Bianca, Miranda, Maggie and Frankie. Perhaps the sight touched some hearts more than others, Kendall wiping a tear from her eye and Greenlee quick to notice it.
"Kendall? Are you crying?" Greenlee turned to look at her friend.
"Yeah," Kendall sniffled.
"You're such a sap."
"So sue me. My kid sister and her best friend are finally finding love and happiness."
"You're still a sap," the blonde mumbled. "Hey, where's Jamie?"
"Yeah, where is he? I thought he drove back with all of you," Erin looked around the room. Suddenly, there was a tapping on the front door. She quickly went to get it revealing a sweaty Jamie still with the handles to one of the bags in his teeth and the boxes of formula in his arms. "Here, let me help you," she reached for the bag handles thus making him able to speak again.
"Thanks," he walked inside and placed the two boxes down on the floor. He took off his hat and wiped the sweat off his brow. "There are a couple more things in the car. I'm just gonna go get them."
"Let me give you a hand," Ethan followed Jamie out to the car. David joining them soon after.
While the remainder of the group continued to fuss over Maggie's son, Bianca's cell phone rang. She discretely stood up, placing Miranda back on the floor to toddle back to her fish tank. Walking off to a corner of the room, she took the phone call and five minutes later grabbed her bag and car keys.
"Kendall," Bianca pulled her sister aside. "I have to go to the office. More business woes," she rolled her eyes. "Watch Miranda for me. I shouldn't be gone too long."
"No problem."
"Thank you." Bianca walked over to Maggie. "I have to head into the office for a little while. I'll be back as soon as I can."
"Okay," Maggie nodded her head followed by a kiss goodbye. She turned her attention back to Kendall, Greenlee and notably Erin. Noticing the look of eagerness on her face, she asked her if she'd like to hold Frankie.
"You don't mind?" Erin said unsure.
"Not at all," Maggie carefully handed Frankie to her. "Make sure you support his head. That's it," she smiled. "Not too hard right?"
"Not at all," Erin gazed at her newborn nephew. "He's so small and delicate," she cooed at the baby boy. "Hi Frankie… Hi…"
David, Ethan and Jamie re-entered the living room, bringing in the last of what was in Jamie's car. They couldn't help but chuckle at the sight before them, seeing all the women huddled around Maggie. Ethan, most of all noticed the look on Kendall's face as she gazed at Frankie. It was the same look of adoration he saw earlier with Miranda.
"It's never too soon to start a family of your own," Jamie mumbled to Ethan. "Don't forget what I said to you the night we finished putting the nursery together."
Ethan nodded, recollecting the conversation he shared with Jamie.
"A family is what you make of it," Jamie said while sanding down the piece of wood in his hand. "Have you and Kendall ever talked about the future?"
"Can't say that we have," Ethan put the last shelf of the bookcase in place before turning to Jamie. "But how would I even know if Kendall was ready?"
"You'll know," Jamie looked up. "She'll probably have this look in her eyes and you'll just know."
Greenlee moved close to Kendall and whispered into her ear, "Why is he looking at you that way?"
"What way?" Kendall's attention was still on Frankie.
"Ethan. The way he's looking at you right now. With a goofy smile."
"What are you talking about?"
"Just look," Greenlee smacked her friend lightly on the leg causing Kendall's head to jolt up and make eye contact with Ethan's gaze. "You see?"
"He probably thinks we all look silly here, pouring our attention on Maggie and her baby," Kendall said, deciding not to make much of the situation.
Erin was still holding Frankie in her arms until he started crying. She carefully handed him back to Maggie and thanked her for being given the opportunity to hold him. As she sat there next to Maggie, Greenlee scooted next to her, making things feel a bit uncomfortable.
Maggie rocked Frankie in her arms, hoping that the crying would stop. "As much as I'd like to spend some time with all of you down here, it looks like he needs to be fed and changed. So I'm going to head upstairs and take care of this little man right here," she slowly stood up, David hurrying to her side. He accompanied her up the stairs leaving the rest of the group alone with each other once again.
Jamie took this time to disappear into the kitchen, grabbing some drinks for everyone.
Kendall walked over to Miranda and kneeled down, joining the little girl in the fish watching. It wasn't long until Ethan joined the two of them, wrapping his arms around Kendall and placing a soft kiss on her cheek.
"What was that for?" she asked him.
"Nothing… it's just that I love you," he smiled.
"I love you too."
The two of them continued to gaze with Miranda at the fish swimming inside the tank. Their attention suddenly was disrupted when they heard Greenlee and Erin exchanging some harsh words.
Ethan scooped Miranda into his arms. "I'm going to take her upstairs. She doesn't need to be hearing all of this."
"Oh don't you play Miss Innocent," Greenlee spat. "You totally played Ryan and now he's on some wild goose chase searching for Jonathan."
"What the hell are you talking about?" Erin shouted back at Greenlee. "I didn't play my brother. I told him that I wanted to reconnect and how Jonathan needed some guidance in his life again."
"Guidance? Jonathan needs more than just guidance, he needs to be sent away, far far away from everyone. He needs to be committed."
"Stop it."
"Oh? Can't take the truth about Jonathan?" she taunted Erin. "Because of you… you… you may have put the final nail in the coffin. My marriage may have just tanked because of you."
"I'm sorry," was all that Erin could say. "I just don't understand what I did."
"You put yourself back into your brother's life. Ryan already has one brother that needs babysitting, he doesn't need another problem in his life."
"Hey now. You take that back," Jamie interjected. He wasn't going to let anyone insult his girlfriend in any way. "Why are you getting on her case? She was trying to do the right thing, letting Ryan know what was going on."
Greenlee huffed. "What do you mean let him know what was going on. She didn't tell Ryan a thing! All she wanted to do was to get my husband to save her psycho brother. Jamie, you'd better watch your back, who knows if she's psycho too."
Jamie's eyes burned with anger as he stood behind Erin. He glared at Greenlee, "Why don't you just quit while you're ahead."
"You know what, I'll save her the trouble. I'm out of here," Erin picked up her bag and stormed out of the house.
"Nice Greenlee, real nice," Jamie glared. He grabbed his hat and rushed out the door in hopes of catching up with Erin.
Kendall walked up to Greenlee and placed both her hands on her friend's shoulders. She looked her square in the eyes with concern. "Obviously something is wrong. What the hell was that all about?"
"Forget it… you know what, all the Laverys can just drown in hell for all I care. Even Ryan." Greenlee took her purse and stormed out the front door just as Erin did a few minutes prior.
"Greenlee!" Kendall watched her best friend storm off. She sighed deeply and fell back onto the couch. "I guess the drama never ends, at least not in this lifetime."
"I take it things got a bit, shall I say messy?" Ethan spoke from the staircase. He saw Kendall turn around and give him a frustrated smile.
"Drama… always drama," Kendall stood up. She searched for her purse and house keys. "I'm going to go find her before she does something stupid. You'll stay behind and watch Miranda? Bianca said she would be back soon."
Ethan walked over and pulled Kendall into his arms. He pushed away some hair and kissed her forehead. "Go. Find Greenlee, she needs you."
"Thank you," she got on her toes and kissed him. "Has anyone ever told you that you're the best?"
"Not lately, no," he winked.
Kendall kissed him again. "Well, you are."
Maggie stood in her bedroom rocking Frankie in her arms. She just finished burping him and was now lulling him back to sleep. "Shhh… Mommy's here." She began humming, the notes turning into another sweet song.
Baby mine, don't you cry
Baby mine, dry your eyes
Rest your head close to my heart
Never to part, baby of mine
Little one when you play
Don't you mind what you say
Let those eyes sparkle and shine
Never a tear, baby of mine
Maggie hummed the rest of the melody softly as she rocked her baby boy to sleep. Soon enough, Frankie settled into another sweet slumber, Maggie gently placing him down in the wooden cradle David built with the intention of letting him sleep in the nursery later. She sat down on her bed and sighed, reflecting on how much her life had changed in the past months.
"That was beautiful. I never knew you could sing," David stood at the doorway.
Maggie turned around, her cheeks blushing at the compliment. "It's nothing," she smiled shyly.
David walked further into the bedroom and sat down next to Maggie. He brushed away some hair from her face, pushing it behind her ear. "Really, you do," he complimented again. His eyes became affixed on Frankie, his heart skipping a beat realizing that his own cousin was now a mother.
"I think he finds it soothing," Maggie replied as she watched her son sleep. "I sang to him the other night at the hospital and it put him at ease, especially after the visit from everyone."
"Well, then I guess it can be your own little secret on how to get him to stop crying when no one else can."
Maggie laughed, "I guess so."
The both of them sat in silence for a moment before speaking again. David's gaze periodically glanced back and forth between Maggie and Frankie while Maggie's eyes remained focused on her son. David couldn't help but notice the twinkle in Maggie's eyes. Bianca was right, it was back, the light in her eyes was back and it was shining brighter than ever.
Maggie noticed how David was looking at her. "What?" she felt slightly uneasy for some odd reason. "Why are you smiling at me like that?"
"You're glowing."
"Oh please," she brushed off his comment and laughed.
"Really kiddo, I've never seen you look this happy. The darkness in your eyes, it's gone. It's almost like Frankie being born put the light back."
Maggie bowed her head and smiled. She cast her gaze quickly at Frankie and then back to David. "He's my everything. Right next to Bianca and Miranda, they're my everything, all that matters in my life now." She placed her palm on top of David's hand. "And you, you're a part of that. I want nothing more than to have you in my life again, all mistakes behind us. David, I want you to be a part of Frankie's life too."
"I'll be anything you want me to be. Just the fact that we're able to put the past behind us is more than I can ask for."
"In the past couple of years, you've been a friend, a guardian… but nothing comes close to those moments when you were a big brother and at some points even kind of like a father to me," Maggie took a deep breath and swallowed before speaking again. "You saved my life when Vanessa almost had me killed. You gave me family when I virtually had none left."
"You know I'd do anything for you," David squeezed Maggie's hand with confidence. "I mean it."
"I know you do. Technically, by blood, Frankie is really your cousin but I was wondering if you'd like to add two more duties to your name? More like if you wanted to be Frankie's uncle-slash-grandpa?"
"Yeah, I think I can do that," David laughed. "I'd be honored, yes."
Maggie reached over and hugged David tight. "Thank you."
Pulling away, David leaned over and picked up a box. He handed it to Maggie and urged her to open it. She obliged and pulled off the top of the box, unraveling the tissue paper. Another genuine smile appeared on her face as she pulled out what was inside.
"You didn't have to," she held the baseball glove in her hand.
"I want Frankie to have it. It's my Little League glove and I just thought– well… when he's old enough to play catch at least he's got a glove already."
"I'll keep it safe until he's ready," Maggie yawned. "Wow, I guess I'm a little more tired than I thought I was."
David patted Maggie on the leg. "Listen, I'll let you get some sleep," he stood up and went over to kiss Frankie on the forehead. "I'm going to be in town for a few more days and then I head back to Pine Valley. If you need anything else, don't hesitate to call."
Maggie hugged him one more time. Watching him make his way to the door, she called out, "David?"
"Yes?"
"I like this side of you," she smiled. "You're a much better person when you're not acting all mad scientist-like and wanting to play God. Think you can keep this side of your persona around more. For me at least and for Frankie's sake?"
David nodded, "You've got a deal. Now go get some rest."
Bianca walked through the door and tossed her keys onto the coffee table. She plopped down onto the couch and closed her eyes. Bringing her hand to her forehead, she took a deep breath in an effort to relax her mind.
"More Cambias woes I presume?" Ethan walked in from the kitchen holding a plate in his hand while munching on a ham and cheese sandwich.
"Oh don't even get me started," Bianca sat up. "The Board now wants a full investigation done on Enchantment and Fusion. This may be the beginning of the end for those two companies. Jonathan has managed to siphon out so much cash that it's near impossible for any of it to be replenished."
"Do Greenlee and Kendall know?"
"Not yet. I wanted to speak to them tonight. Where are they?" Bianca searched the room for any signs of her sister.
Ethan took another bite of his sandwich and swallowed. "We had a little bit of drama after you left."
"Oh no… did you have an argument with Kendall?"
"No, not us. Greenlee."
"Greenlee and Kendall arguing? That's nothing new. They have a typical love/hate relationship."
"No, it was Greenlee and Erin," he saw Bianca's forehead wrinkle. "I don't know what was said because I took Miranda upstairs when it began happening. What I do know is that there was a lot of yelling and then both women stormed out of the house. Kendall went after Greenlee to make sure she didn't do anything stupid. I stayed behind, played with Miranda, fed her, gave her a bottle, changed her and then put her to bed."
Bianca leaned back on the couch. "Thank you. What about David and Maggie? Is David still here?"
"He left not too long after Kendall went out to find Greenlee. Maggie came down earlier for some dinner so I fixed her a bowl of chicken soup. We talked a little but she has no idea what went on this afternoon with Greenlee and Erin. She went back upstairs a little while ago."
"Wow Ethan, it looks like you have everything covered," she said with amazement.
"It was nothing," Ethan tried not to blush. "I consider all of you to be like family to me. I don't want it to feel like I am free-loading off of you so I figured I'd start pulling my weight around here."
"Don't for once ever think that you are a free loader," Bianca stopped him from completing his thought. "You do so much around here already… taking care of Miranda when Kendall isn't able to, cooking dinner for everyone. The best part of all is how you make my sister happy. You have this way of making her smile in a way no one else can."
Again, Ethan tried not to blush but didn't succeed. "I adore your sister with all of my heart and the same goes for Miranda. Your little girl is the closest I will ever get to feeling like a Cambias."
"The results, you haven't opened the envelope yet?"
He shook his head, "No. I haven't. It's still sitting inside my drawer, sealed. It's better I keep it that way, not knowing." He ran his fingers through his jet-black hair. "I'm finally able to put the past behind me including Zach Slater. I don't want to dredge up any more pain. Cambias or not, it's time for me to look toward the future. One I hope to have with your sister."
"You really love her, don't you?" Bianca noticed the sincerity in Ethan's voice. For the first time, she honestly felt like her sister had struck gold with someone.
"With all of my heart. I see the way she looks at Maggie and you. I want to give her happiness too. And the way she adores Miranda, it's shown me a side of her I've never seen. I know it sounds really cliché, but I'd give your sister the world if I could."
Bianca had a feeling as to where the conversation was headed. Suddenly, she covered her mouth in surprise upon realizing what exactly Ethan was hinting to, "Are you saying… you want to…"
"As soon as I find the perfect ring, yes," he nodded. "I meant everything I said. I want to give your sister the world, start our own family and spend the rest of our lives together. You and Maggie are able to give each other love and happiness. I'd like the same for your sister and me."
"Well, you have my blessing," reaching over to hug Ethan. "Like you even needed it. I know you'll make my sister happy." As Bianca pulled away, the front door opened, Kendall stepping inside. "Time for me to head upstairs for some sleep. I'll leave the two of you alone," she stood up and winked at Ethan. Before walking to the staircase, she turned to her sister, "Where's Greenlee?"
"Talking to Aidan on the phone outside," Kendall replied.
"Okay," she hugged Kendall. "Good night sis."
"Good night," Kendall watched Bianca climb the stairs and then went over to the couch, falling into Ethan's arms. "I'm just about ready for bed."
"As you wish," Ethan took Kendall into his arms and carried her up the stairs into their room, retiring for a good night's sleep.
After a quick shower and change of clothes, Bianca went in search of Maggie, finding her in the one place she knew her girlfriend would be. She quietly walked into the dimly lit nursery and wrapped her arms around Maggie.
"Hi," she whispered into Maggie's ear. "Sorry about disappearing before."
Maggie leaned back into Bianca's embrace. She let her head rest against Bianca while her eyes remained locked on Frankie. "It's okay. David and I had a nice talk. He even gave Frankie a gift," she pointed to the dresser. "His Little League glove."
"It must be a male thing because Uncle Jack gave Miranda his Little League glove too."
"I guess so."
Both of them stood for a moment, not saying a word. The sweet melody of "Baby Mine" played softly, the mobile atop Frankie's crib turning in its gentle way. Maggie remained in Bianca's arms sighing deeply, still amazed at the sight of her sleeping boy. Bianca pushed aside some of Maggie's hair and rested her chin on her shoulder her gaze affixed on Frankie also.
"Bianca?"
"Yes?"
"What if Jonathan finds us? He's still out there and who knows if or when he'll turn up." The hint of worry remained in Maggie's voice. "I can't let him get near my son."
Bianca firmed her embrace on Maggie and spoke reassuringly, "Jonathan is not nor will he ever get near Frankie. We're not going to let him. As long as you're here, with me, with everyone… you're safe and he's safe too. If Jonathan thinks he can get near your son, he's going to have to get through me first."
Maggie took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. "How do you do that?"
"Do what?" Bianca rested her chin on Maggie's shoulder again.
"Know how to make me feel safe," Maggie smiled.
Bianca kissed her girlfriend's neck softly before answering. "I just do."
They stood in the silence once again, not moving at all but simply gazing at Frankie as he slept. It proved to be peaceful for both of them, the melody continuing to play, the mobile still turning.
"I never noticed that door before," Maggie spoke.
"What door?"
"The one right there," she motioned with her head. "The one with the sign saying 'To Miranda's Room.' It's cute. I wonder if the other side has a sign saying 'To Frankie's Room.'"
"Wow, I gotta hand it to Jamie. He thought of everything," Bianca laughed, burying her face in Maggie's shoulder. "It's been a long day for us, why don't we go to bed?"
"Okay," Maggie agreed. She released herself from Bianca's arms and went to adjust Frankie's blanket. Kissing her fingers, she placed them atop his forehead, "Good night Little Man."
"Good night Sweetpea," Bianca added before leading Maggie out of the nursery and back to their bedroom.
Bianca held Maggie snug in her arms as they lay in bed with their fingers intertwined. The two of them bathed in the peacefulness around them, soaking in each other's aura as the seconds passed by. Every now and then, Bianca glanced down at Maggie, who apparently fell asleep minutes after her head hit the pillow, smiling at her and coming to the realization that her life was complete.
She brought her hand, along with Maggie's, fingers still intertwined, to her lips and kissed it softly. "I love you Maggie."