Supper was wonderful. Beverly couldn't remember the last time she'd had a true home-made meal.
"I still can't believe you cook like this every night, Marie," she said afterwards as they were sitting in the living room. "And you manage without a replicator."
Robert looked up from where he was sprawled on the floor working a puzzle with Jean-Luc and Rene. "Beverly, don't go putting any ideas in my wife's head."
"Papa doesn't like the 'R' word," Rene laughed.
And Jean-Luc laughed, too, which made Beverly laugh, because she knew Jean-Luc had no idea why he was laughing, and sometimes you just had to laugh with him or you'd cry.
And then Marie laughed at the expression on Robert's face. And they all laughed until Rene's face turned red and there were tears gathering in Beverly's eyes.
"It was not that funny," Robert stated, pulling his mantle of authority back into place.
"No, dear, it wasn't that funny. Just... typical of you."
Jean-Luc had turned his attention back to the puzzle, and he yawned has he rummaged through the pieces.
"I think someone is getting tired," Beverly commented.
Jean-Luc looked up at her, recognizing her tone of voice. "No," he insisted.
"Yes," she countered, getting up from her chair.
"It's almost your bedtime, too, Rene," Marie added.
Rene groaned. "Mum, it's early."
"Listen to your mother, Rene," Robert said. "Bedtime."
Rene pushed himself up off the floor. "All right. But, Papa, don't do the entire puzzle yourself. Save some for me and Uncle Jean-Luc to do tomorrow."
"Of course, I will," Robert waved off his son's concern as he fit another corner piece into the puzzle.
Rene sighed. "Come on, Uncle." He extended his hand and Jean-Luc took it, allowed the boy to help him up off the floor.
Beverly looked on in amazement. It was like watching a big brother with a little brother. Rene led Jean-Luc over to the stairs and Beverly followed.
Jean-Luc glanced at her. "Rene help... pajamas," he managed.
Beverly's eyes widened. "Jean-Luc..."
"That's all right, Aunt Beverly. I can help," Rene offered, and they both disappeared up the stairs.
Beverly looked back into the living room. "I think I've just been replaced," she said warily.
Marie smiled over at her. "He's growing up, Beverly."
Robert looked up at his wife. "They both are, Marie."
She frowned at him. "Thanks for reminding me."
"You're welcome." And he returned his concentration to the puzzle before him.
~vVv~
Beverly gave Rene and Jean-Luc a few minutes on their own, and then she went upstairs and joined them. They'd found Jean-Luc's pajamas and were in the process of putting them on.
"He can put them on himself," Rene said, sitting on the edge of the bed watching Jean-Luc find the sleeves in his pajama shirt and push his arms into them.
"He does fairly well with them," Beverly agreed. "He just has trouble with the buttons." She stepped closer and leaned over Jean-Luc, buttoned the front of his shirt.
He yawned again and rubbed at his eyes.
"Jean-Luc, what do you say to Rene for helping you find your pajamas?"
"Thank you," he murmured tiredly.
"You're welcome," Rene returned, getting up from the bed. "Sleep well. I'll see you in the morning. We'll finish that puzzle."
"Goodnight, Rene. Thanks," Beverly smiled after him as he left the room, and then turned her attention back to Jean-Luc.
He sat with his head tilting toward one shoulder, his thumb now lodged in his mouth, his eyes almost closed. She reached behind him and pulled the blanket and sheet down, then took him by the arm. "Come on, Jean-Luc, into bed."
He lay back, pushing his legs under the covers, a hand reaching out for his blanket. Beverly folded his green blanket over him, tucking it close around his neck and shoulders. He smiled around the thumb in his mouth, tired eyes glowing. She sat down on the edge of the bed and smoothed her hand across his cheek. "I love you, Jean-Luc," she whispered, then kissed him softly.
He sighed, and closed his eyes. She sat beside him for a few moments and then started to get up. Jean-Luc's eyes flew open and his hand grabbed her arm. She settled back down. "Shh," she soothed, her hand rubbing his cheek again, "I'll stay." Forever.
~vVv~