Chapter 36: Andy Turns ONE!

Date: October 1, 2801 +o+ Baby is 1 year old today!

^^ Three Weeks Have Passed ^^

*Tobias POV *

Smiling to myself, I remember that I can actually enjoy my weekend. Now that the election is over, I don't have hours and hours of reports to edit, conference calls to run, and polling to do on my time "off".

Johanna's win came just in time, a week before Andy's birthday and his party. It was a long road, but I couldn't be more pleased with the outcome. I have always believed in Johanna's vision for Chicago, and now through government representation, she will have an even louder voice.

She mentioned needing to speak with me about my future role on her team; she would like to see more from me. Johanna and a few other of my coworkers will be at Andy's birthday party this afternoon, but I doubt we will end up talking about politics and policy here. I'm sure Troy and his wife will have their hands full with their four kids, and they now have a fifth baby on the way. Tris has also invited a few coworkers and their families to the party, and of course our family and closest friends. I know Tris is beside herself with happiness that Jessica and Michelle have traveled to Chicago to spend time with us.

I can't wait to remind Jessica that I will be picking out her kid's Halloween costume next year.

"I am almost afraid to ask why you have that evil smirk on your face. You are definitely planning something!" Tris laughs as she enters the common room of her apartment building. I walk over to grab the large boxful of decorations out of her arms. Tris still has some bags filled with supplies hanging on her wrists.

The party room in Tris's building is much larger than mine, so we are having Andy's party here. It has a full kitchen, a pool table, and an array of couches and chairs, even some dining room tables to enjoy a meal. My favorite thing is the large screen TV, not that we will be using it today.

"I'm just looking forward to seeing Jessica at the party. I want to go over some Halloween costume ideas for her kid," I answer to Tris's question. "Since I will be picking it out."

Tris winks at me. I don't think she is convinced Jessica will give me true decision-making power in this area. We shall see.

"Everything good upstairs?" I ask.

"Yes, Andy just went down for his nap and your mom is watching him while also doing some last minute food prep," Tris says while helping me open the box to begin sorting the decorations. "I also called Caleb's apartment just now, and Candice is still decorating Andy's cake. But, she promised she will get it done in time, even if they don't make it until just before the party starts."

We hurry to decorate the party room, often working in comfortable silence, and stop here and there to share hugs and kisses. Tris is always the one to pull away and concentrate on making sure everything looks perfect. When she thinks I am not looking, I catch her frowning. Finally, after the third time, I have to say something.

"Hey, come here." I pull Tris into my arms and kiss her forehead for a moment, allowing my lips to rest on her. "Don't be stressed, this party is going to be perfect. Our family and friends just want to celebrate Andy with us."

"I know," she replies, still sounding tense. Wrapping her arms tightly around my waist, Tris turns her head to kiss me lightly on the lips. Holding her so closely, I can feel her tremble slightly.

"If it's not the party, what is bothering you, Tris?" I push her for an answer before disarming her with a passionate kiss. She melts in my arms as our lips press together. I feel her relaxing more and more as each moment passes.

We break apart and Tris smiles sadly. "I can't believe Andy was born exactly a year ago, and that I wasn't awake to see it. Or to hold him." Pausing to compose herself, she says, "I guess there are still so many things that happened that I hate, things I'm trying to come to terms with. Claire's a huge help in working through losing those six months, but…"

My stomach clenches, hearing the pain in her voice as she is left without words. It's the same pain I also carry. "Tris, we are in this together, always. We will never get that time back, but look at what we have now. Our son, and each other."

Tris nods and beams at me, understanding shining in her eyes. Our lips meet, and our kisses start slow. Needing to be closer, I pin her against the kitchen counter and hold her tightly, my lips trailing across her jaw leisurely.

Moments pass before her teeth nibble my lower lip, and I groan into her mouth. I can feel her becoming more passionate. Tris pauses to pull away, smiling at me as she guides my hands to her hips. I squeeze her lovingly, and she closes her eyes and sighs.

"There is something you could do to help me," she whispers before tracing the tip of her tongue gently across my lower lip. Her eyes are hooded with lust, and my heart races. "Kiss me, Tobias. Help me forget the pain."

Nodding, I press my lips to hers. Our tongues twist together slowly until Tris pauses, resting her forehead on mine. Her breathing is labored. "I meant a different kiss, babe."

Stunned, my jaw drops as Tris smirks. She slowly reaches up underneath her dress and pulls her panties down; they fall at her heels. "T-Tris," I stutter, nervously looking around the party room. I don't see any cameras, and there is just one entrance, well to the left of us on the wall located behind Tris. In the hour we've been here setting up, not one person has come by, but still…I'm not sure this is a good idea.

Pressing small kisses along my neck and collarbone, she whispers, "My book club meets here every week, and I have to tell you my secret." I nod for her to continue, searching her face for a clue.

"I always think about you, missing you, wanting you, needing you, Tobias." With each word that leaves her mouth, I feel the blood rushing to my groin; I'm driven to please her. It's all that I want to do, to satisfy her.

"I fantasize about you, doing things to me in this room. I've scoped it out — there are no cameras, and no one is allowed to enter unless it has been reserved," Tris whispers huskily, guiding my hands back to her hips. I know what she wants: my mouth on her. I groan, aching to taste her and aching to make her come. "The room is ours and the party doesn't start for another hour. Tobias, please."

I kiss her roughly, grabbing her hips and pushing her up to sit at the edge of the kitchen counter. I groan again when I see she is still wearing her heels and her panties are resting at her ankles. "I'd do anything for you," I promise her while slipping my fingers against her wet lips and pushing the bottom of her dress to her hips with my other hand.

Tris moans softly as I begin slowly caressing her, drawing it out. Knowing my slow pace will drive her mad, I continue, wanting her to beg me to give her exactly what she wants.

"Tobias, please don't tease me. You know what I want," Tris chastises me. I gently pinch her bundle of nerves and she gasps. I've tortured her enough.

"Lean back," I command, chuckling at how she eagerly complies. Tris does as I say while still resting on her elbows so she can watch me. I grab her ankles to put her legs over my shoulders, but first I pull her panties down off her ankles, past her heels, and display them to her so she can see that I am now holding on to them. Tris bites her lips, her eyes gleaming with a silent challenge.

XO

I dip my head down between her legs to pleasure her with my mouth. I concentrate on her sweet core as she pants, only lifting her hips up towards me as she nears her release. I glance up, expecting to see her intense stare. Instead, her head is thrown back in ecstasy.

Tris gasps, and I feel her legs twitching as she comes. As she comes down from her high, I gently kiss her again before standing upright and offering her the panties back.

"Tobias, please, just a little more. I'm so close again," Tris whispers, her own fingers slipping down to touch her pink, glistening sex; she knows very well that it's such a turn on for me to watch her touch herself.

Chuckling, I remind her we still need to finish decorating for the party. Tris pouts, but agrees. But unable to say no to her, without warning I dip my head back down and suck on her nub.

It only takes a few minutes more. She wasn't lying, she must have been close. "Oh! Tobias, yes, yes!" she moans loudly, shaking as pleasure racks through her body.

I pull back, and am immediately met with her furious glare — no doubt for stopping. "You need to keep it down, or I'll have to stop," I chastise her. I love her, but I am dead serious.

Tris hums, "God, you are so sexy when you are bossy. Promise me that tonight, after Andy is asleep, you will take me all night long."

I raise my eyebrows. "Are you going to be quiet?"

Tris blushes and nods her head in agreement while scooting her ass closer to the edge of the counter. She is insatiable, and I love it.

Since I had no qualms with her request for tonight, I quickly promise her and then lean down to resume pleasuring her. I can't wait to have her in bed, under me. Tris pants heavily, but refrains from crying out loudly as she moves her hips against my mouth. I caress the sides of her thighs, and think about pulling her off the counter and taking her from behind quickly. I know I won't need much time with how worked up I am.

XO

"Oh my God!" I hear a woman's voice shriek. Looking past Tris to the left, my eyes land on a shocked Candice, who immediately turns her head around and pushes back into the hallway.

"Candice, watch it, I almost dropped the cake!" Caleb cries from the hallway.

As Tris scrambles up, I realize her juices are all over my mouth and chin. Without thinking, I quickly wipe my face with her panties while my other hand helps her down from the counter. Tris looks horrified, her face instantly the reddest I've ever seen. I am positive my face is equally red. I have no doubt Candice saw exactly what I was doing to Tris. I'm mortified, absolutely mortified, and unbelievably uncomfortable.

Tris pulls down her dress, and I hold her ridiculously wet panties behind my back, while we turn to face the door.

Caleb pushes his way in; Candice is unable to look either of us in the eye as she sets up the cake on the display table we had placed at the other side of the room.

Caleb looks around the room, trying to piece together what he just missed. Finally he says, "What the heck is going on? What are you guys doing in here? Where's Andy?"

I keep my mouth shut, afraid to make a sound — I am so embarrassed.

"Andy's upstairs with Evelyn, napping. Evelyn could probably use some help bringing the food down. Um, we are just finishing the decorations," Tris says meekly.

Caleb grunts, obviously annoyed. I can tell he doesn't know exactly what was going on, but it was enough for Candice to gasp and then rush out of the room.

They agree to go and help Evelyn, thankfully. As they are walking out, Candice clears her throat and smiles at us. "We will be back soon, guys…"

Both Tris and I just nod, understanding her meaning. As soon as they are out of sight, Tris covers her eyes with her hands. "That didn't just happen! Please tell me she didn't actually see what we were doing. No, right?!"

As I show Tris her wet panties, now unwearable, I smirk and ask, "Would it make you feel better if I said no?"

++o++

"Hey man, everything okay?" Zeke asks me while I add presents to the gift table. I still need to set up the baby book display and find the markers.

Tris and I made Andy a photo book — okay, more like Tris did all the work, but she asked for my opinion here and there — and left space on the pages for our guests to write him a message.

"Yeah, of course. Why do you ask?"

"I just noticed that you and Tris haven't said a word to each other in the twenty minutes I've been here. Did you have a fight?" Zeke watches me while taking a drink of his beer.

Ha! If only Zeke knew — Tris and I are still mortified, and I've managed to completely avoid Candice since the party started, thank God.

I think a piece of my soul died when Candice discreetly got out the cleaning spray and paper towels to vigorously scrub the counter where I'd had Tris splayed out before me like a dessert bar.

"Not fighting, just rushing to get the party ready, and people are still arriving so she is welcoming them," I say, which is true. We were so busy fooling around we didn't get all the party setup done.

I don't tell Zeke this, of course.

"Hi, Tobias. I'd like to introduce you to my husband, Jason," Sherri, Tris's good friend from work, says while walking over with a man that appears to be about her age. He is very tall, and towers over his petite wife, similar to how I tower over Tris.

"Hi, nice to meet you," I say while shaking Jason's hand. I then introduce the couple to Zeke.

We talk for a few minutes, and Jason seems like a really nice guy. I try to remember how long Tris told me that Sherri has been married. She and her husband seem to be a very solid couple.

Glancing at Tris every now and then, I see that she is still greeting the guests that are trickling in. She's directing them to the gift table while also pointing to our food setup so they can partake. I start to wonder why Evelyn hasn't brought Andy down yet. We did tell her not to wake him from his nap, but I wasn't expecting him to sleep this long.

"Hey." Tris joins us; she has a large gift bag for Andy in her hand. "Sherri, Jason, hi! I'm sorry I didn't get a chance to talk with you when you first came in."

"No problem. Everything looks great. Thanks for inviting us!" Sherri smiles, giving Tris a hug hello, the gift bag swinging out as Tris's arms wrap around her friend. The bag almost knocks into Jason's chest.

Jason and I laugh as he makes a quick move to avoid getting clobbered.

"Tris, I'll take that gift to the table," I offer.

"Thanks, Tobias. Oh, Sherri! Josh was just here, and he wanted me to let you know he couldn't stay," Tris frowns. "He just dropped off his gift for Andy and ran." Tris waves at the gift before handing it to me.

"Oh, no, he was worried that his sister's moving day would get in the way. He is the sweetest. He has to be a saint to put up with me at work!" Sherri laughs.

Tris smirks, but is polite enough to say nothing. I know that Josh is good friends with Tris and Sherri, but I haven't had the chance to meet him yet.

Sherri's husband, Jason, mentions that he really likes Josh. "There is a small group of guys, we will grab dinner and then do a poker night. Josh is the one that originally invited me. Tobias, if you are interested, I can make sure you get invited to the next one."

Before I can answer Zeke jumps in, "That sounds great! And yes, Four and I would be thrilled to do a guy's dinner and poker!"

Everyone laughs and Jason puts both my and Zeke's cell numbers into his phone.

Moments later, Evelyn brings Andy down and the party really gets started.

Johanna and a few of my coworkers are here, one of them being Troy. Troy and his wife are expecting their fifth baby in a few months. Tris's eyes widened as their four kids ran around wildly. Then she also laughed at how happy they seem.

As Andy is eating his lunch, a few people start teasing that it is time for Tris and me to start thinking about another baby. I force a smile; the thought hadn't even crossed my mind. But the truth is that I would love to have another child with Tris. I glance at Tris; she is a little slower to mask her emotions, and she frowns for a moment before laughing it off. I see that her smile doesn't quite reach her eyes.

We are nowhere near having a second baby. Shit, we don't even live together, nor have we talked about marriage yet. I smile and push my negative thoughts away.

++o++

The party went really well, and Andy had a great time. The cake smash was the best part of the party. Michelle's little girls were so sweet, and doted on Andy the most. He seemed to enjoy being the center of attention.

We had a great turnout, even Amar and George made it. Tris was so happy to see them. I am glad they waited until Tris was not with us to ask why Cara, Matthew and Shauna weren't at the party. They hadn't really talked to anyone in a while. I filled them in quickly, and told them I was at peace with the decision.

At one point, Zeke and I were in the kitchen area, and we both overheard a conversation between Tris, Jessica and Michelle. The girls didn't realize we could hear them. Jessica is getting further along in her pregnancy, and was making some snarky remarks about how uncomfortable it is. She commented to Michelle that she dreads that it will only get worse.

I could see the way that Tris's back straightened. It still bothers her that she didn't get to experience that with Andy.

Michelle also picked up on Tris's sadness and was able to point it out to Jessica so she can be more sensitive, but Tris also admitted that she has no right to be upset with Jessica. It's just something she is working through.

As Zeke and I slipped away so as to not listen any further, he patted me on the back and gave me some of his typically unsolicited advice:

"You just better hurry up and put a baby in Tris, and soon," Zeke joked.

++o++ ++o++ ++o++

++o++ ++o++

^^ One Week Later ^^

* Tris POV *

"Tris, can you hand me the stapler?" Sherri asks. "You'd think that if they were going to send us to an offsite location to assemble these briefings, they'd at least make sure we have all the supplies we need!"

"Now, now. You are just cranky because you didn't get your favorite coffee this morning," I laugh at my coworker while handing her the one stapler we are sharing. Normally, sharing sounds fine, except when we are supposed to staple 500 briefing packets in a short amount of time.

"I'm sorry, I shouldn't complain to you when you are stuck here all day!" Sherri raises her eyebrows. "Besides, I can only imagine how cranky you are going to be since you won't have time to take a lunch today."

"Umm, I'm not sure what you mean? I'm sure if they make us work through lunch they will provide us with sandwiches, and I am just as sure that I'll end up being the person to do the ordering!" I laugh. Sherri is helping me with the grunt work, thank goodness. She then gets to return to our offices for a regular day while I will be staying for the meeting.

"Besides, this meeting is scheduled to end right before lunch. So, although I'm not making any plans, I still may be able to get away from the office for a break," I say, doubting it will end up that way. These meetings tend to run long.

"Well, if you do get a lunch today, and you aren't too busy having a 'nooner', you should join me and some of my friends today. We already decided on your favorite salad place right across the street from the office. We are meeting there at 12:30 pm," Sherri says coyly, using her fingers to emphasize the word 'nooner'.

I have no idea what she is talking about: a noon what?

"Thanks for the invite, I would like to join if I can. But what is a 'nooner'?" I ask.

Sherri bursts into a fit of giggles. "You've really never heard that term?!"

I shake my head no as I continue working.

"It's when someone uses their lunch away from the office to meet someone to have quick sex. Usually in a hotel, but I'm guessing you and Tobias each live close enough to meet at home," Sherri teases me as I roll my eyes in response. "Don't act all innocent, I can tell exactly when you and your man have your lunchtime romantic interludes."

My cheeks flush wildly. It's been a few weeks since the first time Tobias surprised me with a packed lunch, and instead of eating at home, we enjoyed really hot sex. And we have made it happen a few more times since, and they have all been amazing, I think to myself, unable to control my grin.

Clearing my throat, I say, "Well, I doubt you can actually tell anything. It's not like I have an X on my forehead after… Let's just talk about something else!"

"Oh, sweet Tris. Aside from you needing to inhale your food at your desk after your lunch hour, I can tell by your smile and the glow on your face exactly when you have met Tobias for a nooner. Sorry, I mean lunch!"

So embarrassed, I burst out laughing and tell Sherri to knock it off. She does assure me that no one else in the office is as observant as she is.

++o++

Rushing down the streets of Chicago, I glance at my watch and smile. I can still meet Sherri and her friends at lunch. I am also craving my favorite chicken salad.

Walking in, I smile at the host and point to the table where I see Sherri sitting. As I get closer, I see that Josh is there and to my surprise, so is Troy, who works with Tobias. I then remember that Sherri knew Troy from when they both used to work in Providence.

When I am almost to the table, a woman pulls her stroller right into my pathway and starts situating her infant. She looks at me apologetically. I smile and tell her to take her time, I know how it goes!

My friends haven't seen me yet, but I am close enough to hear their conversation.

Sherri: Josh, you okay? You've been really quiet the last few days. What's going on with you?

Josh: Nah, everything is fine. I guess the truth is, I've really started to crush on Tris. I've been working up the courage to ask her out on a date.

(In this moment, I consider quickly walking away and pretending I didn't hear)

Sherri: Wait…what? Tris from our office?!

Sherri looks confused and horrified at the same time. Troy, who is friends with Tobias, is coughing as though he swallowed his water the wrong way. Troy is looking at anyone except Josh and Sherri.

Josh: Yeah, Tris from work. I'm just not sure if she is really over her ex.

I decide not to be a coward, and walk to the table now that the path is clear. Sherri and Troy spot me first, their eyes widening. Josh turns around to see what they are looking at.

"Oh! Hey, Tris. I didn't see you standing there, obviously," Josh says meekly.

I smile kindly; Josh is a great guy, and someone I really like being friendly with at work. "Can I join you guys?" I ask.

Everyone motions for me to join them, and then Josh stands to pull my seat out. Poor Troy's eyes widen even more, and he loosens the collar around his neck nervously.

"So, I'm guessing you heard that I wanted to ask you out. Maybe we can meet up for dinner some time? Maybe this weekend?" Josh asks me nervously.

"Josh, I am actually still in a relationship with Tobias. We never broke up," I say firmly, smiling at him. I don't want to be cruel, but I also can't have him thinking that I am available.

Josh's mouth falls open as his cheeks flush. "Tris, I had no idea. I really thought when you moved out that it was because you guys had broken up. And at the time, I wasn't really paying that close of attention."

As Josh is rambling on, and Sherri and Troy relax and join the conversation to say that it's not a big deal, my mind wanders.

Josh is a really good-looking guy, nice and successful, and I have absolutely zero interest in him. My heart is completely devoted to Tobias. I know that there is not another man on this earth that would make me turn away from him.

So, why do I have such a hard time believing that Tobias feels the same way about me?! I smile at Josh; in that moment, it is like a light switch has been flipped.

I am completely devoted to Tobias, just like he is to me!

Josh apologizes, and I remind him that he has absolutely nothing to apologize for. This is just a simple misunderstanding. Sherri helps make it less awkward as we discuss other girls in the office that may be a better fit.

I share a look with Troy. I am not going to discuss Tobias in front of Sherri and Josh, but I can only guess he will tell Tobias.

Although it's Tobias's night to get Andy, I make a mental note to meet him in the lobby after work.

++o++

"Hey," I smile getting off the elevator, relieved to see that Tobias is already waiting for me. He smiles, saying nothing as he holds my hand and pulls me to the empty hallway.

Tobias studies my face for a second and then leans down to kiss me fiercely. I melt into his arms.

After a few moments we finally break apart, both smiling.

"You already know," I say.

"Yeah, Troy told me," Tobias frowns slightly, but I can sense he is calm. "He also told me that it was more of a misunderstanding, and that you quickly crushed all of Josh's hopes and dreams."

I roll my eyes, but I also know Tobias is teasing. Josh was interested in hanging out; it's not as though he has deep feelings for me. "Well, that would explain why you are calm, which is a good thing," I smile at him while pulling him close again.

"I won't lie to you, the moment I heard about it, I did get upset. I just love you so much, the thought of some other guy trying to swoop in makes my head spin," Tobias admits sheepishly. "But, I also know that I need to trust you. I adore you, and I have to believe that you feel the same for me."

"Well, believe it, Tobias Eaton," I kiss him slowly, gently sucking on his lower lip before pulling away. His eyes darken with want; it drives him crazy when I do that.

"I have that appointment with Claire after work today, do you want to come? We can try to make Andy suffer through it, it's just fifty minutes," I offer. "I mean, if you think you need to talk things out?"

"Nah, Andy is so cranky at the end of the day, but I would love it if you came to have dinner with us after. You can spend the night, make it up to me after Andy is asleep?" Tobias smiles mischievously. "I'm going to need a lot of reassurance about how much you need only me."

I laugh and agree. We kiss again before parting ways.

++o++

"So, your therapy session went well? You haven't decided to leave me for John?" Tobias teases while serving out dinner.

"Ha, ha. You are so funny. And you know his name is Josh. You don't fool me," I pause. "You have probably already cyber-stalked him and ruled out that he is a serial killer."

Tobias's cheeks flush, he is such a gifted stalker.

"Alright, you got me. He seems to be clean. I don't anticipate him going crazy on us. It's my job to look out for you — for us, really," he says softly.

"I know, baby, I know. Thank you for caring about us. Andy and I are lucky to have you," I smile at him, my heart racing.

"Therapy did go well. We didn't talk long about Josh, the best thing that I can say is that it…well, it helped me to know how devoted I am to you, and to accept that you feel that way about me, too. So, thank you for being amazing and loyal," I admit softly as Tobias stops eating to study my face. "I love you, always."

"I love you, too. And there is something else I wanted to talk about," Tobias starts. I smile at him, already guessing what is on his mind.

"My three-month lease is ending shortly, and I need to extend or give notice," I state.

Tobias nods and pauses before speaking. "This is your call, but I just need to tell you that I want our family to be back under one roof. I want you, Andy, and me to be living together."

I nod, listening to him.

"We are already a family, period. I don't care what anyone says, or where we live. You and Andy are my family," Tobias says firmly.

"I feel the same way," I admit. "I just am not quite ready to make that final decision. I hope you can respect that. I haven't figured it all out yet. Can you give me a little more time? I promise to let you know soon. Okay?"

"Of course. I want to give you the time that you need. I just want to also be honest about what I want. But, what you want also matters to me." Tobias smiles. "I'm okay with waiting. You are worth it."

We kiss slowly and then begin eating our meal.

I know I have a lot of things to process, and not that much time.

++o Chapter End o++

Author's note: Shoutout to BK2U for her awesome Beta skills. Even when dealing with Hurricane Irma, a home remodel and her actual life, she helps me out! xoxo