Chapter 51
Five months later Scotty was at home with his three kids. "Carlos, don't hit your sister."
"Zara don't play with your brother's truck." He'd been saying that all day long. Lilly was back to work with the Feds. She was working part time now. Ryan had called her again and Lilly couldn't resist, and truth was they needed the extra income. Now that Carlitos was in kindergarten it was easier for them to handle Lilly going back. The transition was hard on Lilly and Zara. His wife was required to be at headquarters twice a week. Scotty stayed home with the children those two days. Zara had been clingy for a couple of weeks but then realized that mami was coming back and was ok with her going.
Gabriel his youngest didn't bat an eyelash. He was the perfect picture of a happy, easygoing baby. He had been a blessing when it came to feedings and nap times. Scotty couldn't believe it. Zara had been a fussy kid and Carlos hated naps. Gabriel however loved to eat and sleep. The baby looked exactly like Carlos and him except for the nose. He had Lil's nose and his eyes were not blue or brown. They were hazel like.
Gabriel and Lilly had stayed in the hospital two days after his birth and then they were given a clean bill of health. Their baby boy was strong and developing nicely. Lilly had worried the first few nights. Gabriel slept through the night comfortably. Scotty found his wife sitting by the crib, watching the baby breath.
"Lil come back to bed. You need to sleep Cielo." Lilly looked at him terrified.
"What if he doesn't wake up?" She asked in a whisper.
Scotty had been surprised. "He will; Gabriel is a healthy baby Lil. Come back to bed ok. You have to stop worrying." Lil came back to bed and little by little he convinced her that Gabriel would be fine.
"Come on Carlitos. We have to start on homework." His eldest hated schoolwork. He had no problem with going to school. The first day of school he'd cried and clung to Scotty. Lil had remained home. That had been his idea. Scotty knew that Lil would cave and try to homeschool the little boy. "Papi, I don't want to. I already did my circles and I know my numbers." He ran around the room, Zara trailing after him.
"Carlos, stop." Scotty said firmly. Carlitos ran a little more. "But papi, I don't want to."
"It'll be fast. I promise." The little boy seemed to think about it and then nodded.
"But I want chocolate chip cookies and ice cream."
"Cookies only." Scotty caved. What Lilly didn't know didn't hurt her.
"K." The little boy ran and got his Avengers book bag.
Scotty helped Carlitos who did math perfectly but had trouble with his letters. He still confused his letters and said them in Spanish. So far his English had improved dramatically. Lilly was really proud of that. She loved that her boy could tell her everything that happened at school. Once Carlitos started kindergarten he soaked up the new language and wouldn't stop talking.
Scotty was making dinner for them when his mom called. "Scotty, mijito are you spending Christmas with us?"
"Of course Ma, why would you even ask? You know Lil loves to spend Christmas with you."
He could hear her laughter, "Mike and Allie are going to Miami. They're spending it with Allie's sisters."
"I know Ma, you already complained about it." Scotty started making plates for the kids.
"Well you know how much I cook and I know Rafi said he was working that day and just wanted to spend it at his cold apartment…"
Scotty rolled his eyes, "I can't force him Ma but I'll invite him."
"Mijito, your friends Amanda and Olivia could come too if they want." Scotty smiled. "I don't know about that. Ma, don't take it personally but they're not used to all the family affection."
"Nonsense, tell them I invited them. I have to go. Don't forget to tell Rafi and watch him. He works too much."
"Bye Ma." Scotty blew her a kiss and hung up.
Zara came zipping. "I'm hungry." She climbed on her chair and waited for her food. Scotty cleaned her little hands with a wet towel and hand sanitizer.
"Ok muñequita." Scotty served her plain rice and cut up chicken pieces.
"Carlitos, food's ready." The boy came running and with his hands already washed. He climbed his chair and waited for food.
Scotty put Gabriel on his chair and spoon-fed some baby food Lil had laid out. The baby made a face. "I know buddy, not the greatest but it'll get better." He said sympathetically.
Zara who was now close to two did her best to not make mess but her fine motor skills were not the best. Thirty minutes later, he had a messy Zara, a sleepy baby and a hyperactive five year old."
It was a difficult day, "Carlitos turned down the TV." The boy looked at his daddy who had his sister in one arm and his little brother on the other. "K daddy."
Scotty heard the TV die down a little. He went to the nursery and put Gabriel down. "Sweet dreams." The baby didn't fuss at all.
Zara looked up. "Bath."
"Yes, muñeca. You need one." He scooped up his child and drew her a bath. Zara loved the bubbles and her toys.
He heard Carlos, "Mami. You here, you're here."
"Thank God. I don't know how she does it."
Lil came into the bathroom. "Hey." She carried Carlos with her and kissed him.
"Rosa called me. She wants us to invite Rafael." Lilly said after kissing him again.
Scotty smiled, "Yeah, I told him I wouldn't force him though."
Lil smiled, "silly of you to think Rafael stands a chance. Your mother wants him there. He'll be there."
He finished bathing Zara; Lilly left the room with Carlitos chattering about. He put his daughter down for her nap. He checked on Gabriel who slept soundly and then went into his bedroom. Lil and Carlos were on the bed watching TV. Teen titans or something like that. "And then I went to Ms. Charles' office and she gave me two cookies and I went back to Ms. Taylor and she said I was good."
"That's very good Carlitos."
"I can get a puppy then." Scotty entered the room. "It doesn't work that way pal." He said firmly, he could practically see Lil agreeing and neither of them had the time for pets.
"Daddy's right." She said and kissed his cheek. Carlitos got up the bed and left the room in a huff muttering about not fair.
"Well, he certainly has a temper on him." Scotty said as he smiled and dropped down next to her. She smiled and kissed him hello again. This time she was more thorough.
"How was your day?" She asked while rubbing his chest.
Scotty sighed, "I don't know how you do it. I was going crazy, I should be getting used to it but we have monster kids." He said seriously.
"Your mother says you and Mike were far worst." She said and settled next to him.
"Not hungry?" He mumbled as he hugged her to him.
"No, I have a horrible headache. I'm so happy your mother does Christmas every year." Lil said and he smiled against her neck. He undid her buttons and traced his fingers over her stomach.
"I like that." She mumbled and in less than five minutes she was napping. He moved her slowly and went to check on Carlitos who was now coloring and glared at him.
"What?" Scotty asked innocently.
"Mami was going to say yes and you came in." Scotty had to suppress a laugh. His son stood up and stomped away.
Scotty shook his head and checked his cellphone. He had three missed calls from Liv. Seriously the woman hated texting. He checked his texts. Their latest case was wrapped and the paperwork was almost done. He didn't even have to make a court appearance.
He went to his study. Well, basically Lil's since she worked from there. It also became a small play area for Gabriel and Zara.
He printed the paperwork and wrote until everything was done. His phone rang, "Valens." he said distractedly.
"I had plans you know." Rafael said. Scotty shook his head. "No you didn't. It's your fault. You went to all Sunday dinners. Don't complain too much, there's going to be food. Food that you really like."
Rafael chuckled. "Well yes but it's going to be weird. It's a time for family."
"You're family. Ma would never forgive you if you didn't go."
"Thanks Scotty. Hey I have to go, I'll see you Wednesday." The attorney hung up then.
He worked some more until Lilly sat on his lap. She kissed his neck, "the kids are all down for the night." She said lightly.
He groaned when she straddled him. "I thought you had a headache."
Lilly smiled and bit his lower lip. "When was the last time we were like this?" She asked between kisses.
"A week, Sunday dinner. We told my parents we were going to get groceries and went to that motel and made love for an hour." He bit her earlobe.
"My point exactly. We're not doing this enough." She ground against him.
He moaned, she drove him insane; "what do you propose Mrs. Valens?" he helped her out of her white button up shirt.
"We have to go upstairs and make love." She whispered breathlessly.
"We'll have to be very quiet. Carlos could wake up." He said somberly. It happened two weeks ago. Carlos had heard them and asked them rather loudly next morning what they were doing. Lilly and him were mortified.
"Yes." They rushed upstairs and made love for hours until Lilly slumped down and gasped. She couldn't keep up anymore. Scotty rolled them over and thrust one single time. He groaned and kissed her neck. She felt incredible, "I agree. We need make love more often."
She was sweaty and didn't care in the slightest. Lilly welcomed his weight and kept him there against her. He felt like the luckiest man in the world.
Rafael and him ended up seeing each other sooner than expected. They had a case involving a priest victim of revenge. Soon a whole can if worms surfaced. The head priest was involved and charged with rapping a string of young women. The man had even made sure a few of his victims aborted babies product of the abusive relationships.
They were all in the squad room. Christmas Eve 6:00 PM. Olivia and Rafael strode in. "We've got him." Rafi said.
Scotty sighed in relief. "The judge had one condition. Let him finish mass first." Rafael said.
"Midnight mass?" Scotty asked already knowing the answer.
Rafael nodded without a care and then realized something. "We're supposed to be at Philly at that time."
"Lil's about to blow. She's picking us up in thirty minutes. I should be showering right now. Mike won't be there and Ma already called three times to check on you." Scotty grabbed a key from his drawer. Rafael looked conflicted. He had his clothes ready in Scotty's locker. Rosa had stressed the fact that it was a formal dinner and they should all be dressed to the nines.
Olivia spoke up. "Don't worry. I'll arrest the priest."
Scotty and Rafael looked at captain Cragen. "Fine by me." The older man was itching to go too. He wanted to have this case wrapped before 1:00 AM. Both men went to the locker rooms.
Munch was already gone. Fin and Amanda volunteered to go with Olivia. "You'll come with us to Christmas dinner." Fin said, his tone convinced.
Thirty minutes later both men made their way to the squad room. "Valens, you clean up nicely. Counselor, I'm impressed." Amanda said once she saw them.
Scotty wore a light grey suit with, a royal blue shirt and a watch Lilly had given him before they got together. He looked good. Rafael opted for a black suit with a wine red shirt.
Olivia smiled. Rafael looked delectable. Wait, where had that thought come from? She refused to analyze it. Thankfully Lil interrupted her musings. She walked in, Carlos in one hand, Zara held the other and Gabriel in his sling.
Lilly wore a red dress. She looked gorgeous. Scotty couldn't describe how beautiful she looked to him. He hadn't seen that dress before. It must be new. Carlitos wore black pants and a green long sleeved shirt. Surprisingly he didn't look uncomfortable. Gabriel was bundled up in a blue blanket and a matching beanie hat. Zara was in a red frilly dress. Lil had combed her curling dirty blond hair into two piggy tails. She looked adorable.
Little Zara rubbed her eyes sleepily. Scotty approached his wife and grabbed Gabriel. Rafael's eyes shone when Zara stretched her hands up to him. "Up uncle Rafi."
"Hi to you too muñequita." He kissed her cheek.
Carlos waved at everyone. "He's outgoing now." Remarked Cragen.
Lilly smiled, "He is."
She then looked at her husband. "Good you're ready. Rosa called me twice already. She says to drive by the bakery and pick up the apple and guava turnovers.
She suddenly realized she hadn't greeted anyone. "Oh, merry Christmas Olivia." Lil greeted everyone.
Carlos told Fin a joke about a horse. "Your kid is something." He said to Lilly.
Rafael looked at his watch. "We have to go if we want to get to Philly before 10:00 PM." He said quietly, Zara was asleep on his shoulder.
They said their goodbyes. Olivia couldn't help but admire how good Rafael looked with Zara on his arms. He held the toddler with ease and as if she was something so precious.
Olivia felt her heart fill with regret. Her partner had three kids and she had none. For the longest time she had wanted a child but had felt she wasn't ready. She would never be ready. Time was running out. She was going to have a child this year.
"Merry Christmas and Happy New Year Liv." Scotty kissed his partner's cheek.
"Not coming back?" She smiled when he shook his head. "Lil and I are going to L.A. to her sister's." Scotty made a face.
"I'll see you the third then." He winked and left.
"Happy holidays detectives. Captain." Barba said as he shushed Zara who had woken up a little.
They made it to Philly without hassle. Lilly and the children were in the backseat all of them asleep.
"Rafael, are you spending New Year's Eve in New York?" Lil asked.
Rafael nodded and turned around. "Yes Lil and I know Rosa put you up to this. I'm going to work that day. I have a trial and then I'm going home to sleep."
"She worries. If you just called or popped early. She would be happy." Lil said trying it get him to go. Ever since rosa learned about his divorce she had tried to set him up with people. She drew the line at Christmas celebration.
"Rosa and you know about the divorce. I get that she's a pushy woman but you have to be on my side. I'm not ready to date yet."
Lilly sighed. She had grown to like Rafael. He was becoming Scotty's best friend. He had been wonderful when they adopted Carlitos. "There won't be anyone at the house. I promise. Rosa only invites family to Christmas."
"She invited Liv." Scotty said. "Is she trying to set my partner with him?"
Lilly shook her head, "No, she knew Olivia wouldn't come."
Rafael had been looking scared for a second. "That's a relief. It would have been very awkward when Olivia noticed Rosa's interference."
Scotty laughed, "Relax. We'll have a great time."
They had so much fun. The kids went right to sleep and ten faults enjoyed the festivities.
Lilly had a surprise for Scotty. It was December 26; five years ago they had gotten together. She wanted to do something special for him.
Rosa gave her the perfect opportunity. "Go have fun. I'll take care of my grand babies."
Lilly and been feeling off for a couple of weeks now. She thought it was because she was taking the pill again. When Scotty reminded her about the last time they had been together she pieced together. She was pregnant again.
Lilly had been scared. Another baby, Gabe was only six months, Zara would be two in a few weeks and Carlos wasn't even six yet. She was happy but didn't know how Scotty would react.
Lil decided to tell him at their anniversary. They celebrated that one. That morning of the 26 she woke her husband up by kissing him lightly on the mouth.
"That's a great way to wake up." He rolled them over. She wasn't dressed yet. She wore a white nightie. He looked at her chest and then caressed the fabric over it.
He looked around and saw that Gabriel wasn't in the makeshift crib they had.
"Where's our baby?" Scotty lowered one of her straps. "With your mom and dad. They're baby sitting for us."
Lil kissed him once again. "Do you know what's today?" She asked him when he massaged one of her breasts and rolled a nipple. She pulled on his hair and helped him lower her nightie. She quickly sat up and looked at his erection. "It doesn't get old." She rubbed and teased him until Scotty got out of his underwear. He checked the door was locked and pounced on her.
"I love you Cielo." He kissed her roughly and entered her in one swift thrust. She gasped adjusting and loving how passionate he was. His whole face showed the pleasure he got out of her. He was such a skilled lover; she thought their passion would subside but it hadn't. She was pregnant again but this was sure to be their last child. She wasn't having more children. Scotty bit her neck and she felt him spasm inside of her that triggered her orgasm.
He smiled. "What time is it?" Such a weird questions to ask.
"12:30 Why?" She looked up at him.
"I picked you up from the airport at 12:15. We made love for the first time today." He smirked and kissed her smiling face.
"I have the day planned for us." Lilly said happily. Scotty kissed her again. "Do we have time for another?"
"I can be convinced," she moaned when he rolled them over and tickled her.
They strolled down the park where he had first asked them what they were doing. "Scotty." She said as they walked hand in hand by the frozen pond.
"Yeah." He kissed her hand and stopped to look at her.
"I know what we are doing." She said happily.
He looked thrown off for a second and then held her to him. He remembered he asked her that question five years ago when they started their relationship. "Well then." He urged her.
"We're making a family. You and me are right, we make sense and we have four beautiful children."
He smiled, "We have three beautiful kids." His eyes rounded and he smiled.
"No." He laughed and then she nodded. "Again, but you're on the pill now."
He hugged her and kissed her passionately. "Are you happy?" She asked nuzzling his neck. It was still a remainder from her past. She needed reassurance that he wasn't upset, that they were good and happy.
"Of course I'm happy Cielo. Another baby with your face." He kissed her again with all the love he could show her.
Lilly hugged him and smiled as he twirled her around. "This is our last Scotty. No more kids. I'll still work part time until this baby makes an appearance."
Her husband looked ready to grant her whatever she wanted. "I love you so much."
She ran her fingers through his hair. "I love you too."
