Saturday morning Nikki met Owen in the driveway, they were going to take all five kids to the park a couple blocks away.
"Can't wrangle four on your own," Nikki teased as she settled Ty in his stroller.
"Haven't spent much time with you lately," Owen said, "how was last night?"
"Good," Nikki smiled, "his parents were nice. I'm still a little worried that his dad is a pastor."
"I understand that," Owen said, "but it doesn't mean he's going to judge you."
"Ty," Nikki said.
"How does Brett feel about Ty," Owen asked.
"He loves him," Nikki said, "he was so excited to see him walking yesterday."
"Teddy told me," Owen said.
"How do I convince his parents I'm good enough," Nikki asked, "Jeff's family tolerated me; they didn't like me. I want Brett's family to like me."
"Just be you," Owen said.
"I will," Nikki said, "but it's dinner at his place tonight with his parents and Im bringing Ty. it's different to hear about him and to see me with him."
"He's a good kid," Owen said, "you've done well on your own with him."
"I'm not really on my own," Nikki said, "he sees people other than me every day. You guys, mom, Meg, Nate. theres only been two days in his whole life we haven't seen another adult."
"We live up stairs," Owen said, "it would be really weird if we didn't see you."
"We used to go a week or so with out passing or talking," Nikki said, "I always knew you were home."
"We always knew your coming and going," Owen agreed, "but you had Julie then Jeff. You were building your independence and had your life. It changed last fall."
"It was more last spring when I had Ty," Nikki said, "I needed another pair of hands or to talk to someone who wasn't screaming and fully dependant on me to live."
"You were up most when Meg was living here," Owen said, "you've been back in your space more since Christmas."
"Finding my footing," Nikki said, "I was really overwhelmed. Baby was a lot on it's own then Meghan came home. It was a lot for me to take in."
"It was a lot," Owen ageed, "she's almost been home a year."
"In a month," Nikki said, "Ty turns one in two weeks."
"It's been a big adjustment this year," Owen said, "three kids, Teddy wanting to work more and step up a bit more with research now that Daniel isn't as dependent on her for survival. You not being able to drop everything and babysit. Seeing you become a mom. Getting to know Meg again. I used to know her so well, I don't anymore."
"I don't think I ever really knew Meghan," Nikki said, "I was 13 the last time she was home. I was a kid. You censored yourselves around me."
"You idolized her," Owen said.
"I guess little kid me thought if I was more like her you might care about me," Nikki shrugged.
"We've been through this," Owen shook his head, "I just didn't know how to connect with you."
"Teddy had to teach you," Nikki teased.
"She did," Owen said, "and I think I've had to do some of that for you and Meghan."
"I wish I knew how to help her," Nikki said, "there's something bothering her that she won't tell me."
"I've noticed two," Owen said, "but she's still seeing the therapist hopefully she's talking about it there."
"I think sometimes we make her feel left out," Nikki said.
"That was as close as we are and take our little guys for walks and do things together that doesn't always include her," Owen said.
"I think so," Nikki answered, "and that I'm in your basement you're right there. I have to drive to see Meg."
"Before Ty you talked about looking for your own place," Owen said, "what are you thinking about that?"
"I've been so busy it's been on the back burner," Nikki said, "I want a house or a townhouse with a little yard for him to play in."
"With any one," Owen asked.
"Me and Ty," Nikki said, "so not there with Brett yet. We haven't even spent the night together."
"What about when you go to that conference with him," Owen asked.
"We're sharing a room," Nikki said, "and you can't get all mad and protective. I know what I'm doing."
"I wasn't going to," Owen said, "I was going to say have fun and enjoy it."
"You're not mad," Nikki asked, "you and Teddy flipped the first time Jeff stayed over."
"You were 19 not 25," Owen said, "and I hated Jeff. I'm okay never seeing him again."
"We will he is Tyler's father," Nikki said, "we go to court this week."
"I know," Owen said, "I'll be there."
Seeing the kids playing on the playground and the two little boys happy in the strollers Nikki said, "I have something that will come out this week in my arguments. Teddy found out yesterday and Nathan has known since Kenya. You have to promise you won't lose it or try to hit anyone."
"Did he hit you," Owen asked.
"Yes," Nikki said.
"Why didn't you say anything," Owen asked.
"I didn't realize how messed up that relationship was until I was away from it and with Brett," Nikki admitted.
"Brett is gentle with you," Owen asked.
"Too tentative some times," Nikki said, "but we're talking about our boundaries and what we're both comfortable with."
"I don't want to know," Owen said, "I tried to pretend you were innocent until you told us you were pregnant. Set your boundaries with Brett and stick to them."
"I will," Nikki said, "I wasn't going to give you details. That's what sisters are for."
"Sisters," Owen said, "they know?"
"They do," Nikki said, "Teddy agreed to go shopping with me before I go. I haven't been to a conference before and never to present. She's helping me find the perfect outfit to present in. Brett has it easy suit and tie he's done."
"You could wear a suit," Owen said.
"A dress," Nikki said, "if Teddy's working more are you going to step back?"
"We're going to try it," Owen said, "I'll scale back if needed. Teddy has kind of put her career in the back burner with her research since Amber. She wants to research again."
"And Nathan is stepping back to be with Meghan and Faroke," Nikki said.
""He needs to take the time amd be with them," Owen said.
"He's happy," Nikki said, "he's finally letting himself be happy."
"He is," Owen agreed.
"Are you happy," Nikki asked.
"I am," Owen said, "this is the life I wanted. My family work I like. The only thing I worry about is mom getting older."
"I don't like it," Nikki said, "she's really aged in the last couple years."
"She is 70," Owen said.
"I know," Nikki said, "71 in May. We should do something we didn't really do her birthday last year."
"We had pizza in megan's room," Owen said, "Teddy made her red velvet cake."
"That wasn't a birthday party," Nikki said, "but I wasn't up to hosting her. Ty was three weeks."
"We'll do something," Owen said.
"I want to do it. I know my place is cozy but I want to do it," Nikki said.
"Use the patio," Owen said, "I'll get the yard ready."
"I'll do dinner," Nikki said, "I guess Meghan has dessert."
"Our sister doesn't bake," Owen said, "when has she done desert for Sunday dinner?"
"She brings fruit and ice cream," Nikki said.
"She can't bake," Owen said.
"Not like either of us are gourmet chefs," Nikki said.
"We grew up with meat and potatoes," Owen said.
"We did meat, carb, veggies," Nikki said.
"You're still mostly vegetarian aren't you," Owen said.
"Breakfast and lunch are plant based," Nikki said, "dinner always has meat. I've needed more meat in the last couple years then I did in school."
"You would need more protein," Owen agreed.
"Once he stops nursing I'll drop our meat back again," Nikki said, "he likes my plant based stuff. He likes beans as finger food."
"He should be pretty much eating anything you do now," Owen said.
"Just mashed and cut up," Nikki smiled.
"He likes food," Owen asked.
"He would eat all day if we let him," Nikki laughed, "mom said he's figured out how to open her pantry."
"That's funny," Owen said.
"Now that he's walking I'm worried," Nikki said , "we should take these guys to play on the playground."
Nikki took Tyler out of his stroller to push him in the baby swing which was his favorite piece of playground equipment. They payed with the kids for a while before waking back for lunch and naps. While Tyler napped Nikki put together the pie for that evening's dinner with bretts parents. She sliced the apples and dusted them with sugar and cinnamon. She would bake the pie at Bretts so it was hot and fresh when she served it. With Tyler still sleeping she quickly showered and dried her hair deciding to leave it straight today she pulled the front half back leaving the rest to hang to her waist. She had been wearing her hair up more because Tyler was in a hair pulling phase.
Waking Tyler up from his nap she quickly gave him a bath and dressed him in jeans and a little button down.
"We're going to Brett's," Nikki said as she put Tyler in the carrier.
"Ett," Tyler yelled.
"I know you like Brett," Nikki said kissing her son's head, "I really do two."
"Mama," Tyler babbled.
"Yes little man," Nikki said, "we're going to take a couple things and our bag to the car then go to Bretts."
Nikki carried the diaper bag and the things she needed for the salad to the car before going back inside for her pie. Settled in the car she drove to Brett's apartment.
He buzzed her in and she pushed the stroller into the elevator and to his door.
"Ett, Ett, Ett," Tyler crowed as they went down the hall.
"Hi little dude," Brett said meeting them in the hall, he greeted Nikki with a hug and a gentle kiss.
"Are your parents ready for hurricane Tyler," Nikki asked.
"Full of energy today," Brett asked.
"Yes and a short nap," Nikki said.
Brett opened the door to his apartment.
"Nikki," Joan greeted enthusiastically.
"Joan it's good to see you," Nikki smiled.
"Can I help you with anything," Joan asked.
"We've got it," Brett said, taking the pie plate from where Nikki had it balanced on top of the stroller.
"Ett," Tyler yelled again.
"Let's get you out little man," Nikki smiled at the little boy.
She unbuckled the stroller straps and lifted Tyler to her hip.
"Joan," Nikki said, "this is my son Tyler."
"He is beautiful," Joan smiled, "how are you Tyler? I'm Miss Joan, can you say hi?"
"Hi," Tyler said.
Nikki could tell the woman knew how to connect with tiny people.
Tyler was squirming in Nikki's arms.
"He just wants to walk today," Nikki said setting Ty on the floor.
"Of course he does," Joan smiled, "let him walk. Brett has the place baby proof."
"It has been for a while," Nikki smiled, "we're here a couple times a week. Where's Bill?"
"Dad decided to drive and grab beer," Brett shrugged, "he should be back any minute."
"You took the pie," Nikki said, "I have the salad stuff and the charcuterie board to assemble. It's all cut up I just need to lay it out."
"I can do it," Joan offered.
"I enjoy it," Nikki said.
"Do you want me to get to know Tyler," Joan asked.
"I can't put you out," Nikki said.
"It's not," Joan smiled, "this age is what I love best between one and three. So much growth and discovery the whole world is magical and exciting. Does he have anything to play with?"
"His teddy bear is in the diaper bag," Nikki said, "with some books and a couple random toys."
"The black bin things under the TV," Brett said, "bottom two on the left have toys that stay here. Blocks, animals, balls, books, cars."
"Cars," Nikki asked, "his cars are at home."
"He loves them so much I ordered a couple," Brett said, "you two are spending more time here and race cars are cool."
"Does anything scare him," Joan asked.
"The vacuum, dryer, big dogs and Owen trying to play the bagpipes," Nikki said, "but that scares everyone."
"Favourites," Joan asked.
"Moving," Nikki smiled, "he doesn't like being still."
"Neither do you," Brett teased.
"I can do being still if there's good reason to be," Nikki said, "this one is never still. He even moves in his sleep."
"He should move lots at this age," Joan said, "makes them strong."
"Sometimes it takes him a minute with new people," Nikki said.
"But he can see and hear you," Joan said, "that will ease it."
"Up," Tyler demanded, having wrapped himself around Bretts leg.
Brett bent down and swung the little boy in the air making him giggle.
Joan smiled seeing her son with the toddler. Until this year she had feared Brett would never let himself love again and would always be alone on the west coast working. He had met someone who clearly made him happy and it was obvious he was completely in love with Nikki. Joan wasn't surprised by how good he was with his girlfriend's son. He had worked with her in the daycare in high school and college and it was clear the toddler adored Brett. The three looked like a happy little family.
"You look way too comfortable with that baby," Bill teased, having let himself in.
"Ty leave my glasses," Brett said as Tyler tried to take his glasses, "he likes me, I like him."
"You do look very comfortable," Joan agreed.
"Not my glasses," Brett said again.
"He's taken and thrown mine across the room twice today," Nikki laughed, "after trying them on. I don't know if he's curious or he needs his eyes checked."
"Have his eyes been checked yet," Joan asked.
"No our pediatrician hasn't mentioned it," Nikki replied.
"If you're wondering, it's always good to do it," Joan said.
"I should he's almost one," Nikki said, "he likes to put the story book on his nose to look at it."
"I would," Joan said, "what would you tell a parent at school."
"To get it checked," Nikki said, "I was three when I got my first pair of glasses, my mom said Owen was two. Somehow Meg still doesn't need glasses. I'll call at lunch on Monday to find someone who works with babies. My siblings will know how to find someone."
"Hug," Tyler asked, reaching for Nikki.
"Come here Ty," Nikki said, taking Tyler from Brett and holding him close, "are you confused by the new people?"
"Ty," Brett said, "this is my mom and dad. Miss Joan and Mr. Bill. Did you say hi?"
"Hi," Tyler said before putting his face back into Nikki's shoulder.
"Are you being shy," Nikki asked, "it's okay. We're at Brett's. You like it here. Should we find your cars or your bear?"
"Bear," Tyler said.
Nikki crouched and took the soft white teddy bear from the diaper bag and gave it to Ty. He clung to his bear and looked cautiously at the new faces.
"Hi little dude I'm Mr. Bill," Bill said.
"You can say hi," Nikki coaxed.
"Hi," Tyler tried.
"Do you want to play with your blocks," Brett offered.
"Yes," Ty replied.
"Lets go get them," Nikki smiled.
They walked over to where the blocks were and Nikki set Tyler on the floor with them, once he saw his favourite toy he was happy to play on his own with the blocks.
"He'll play for a while now," Nikki said, "blocks are his favourite."
"Blocks, cars, balls," Brett said.
"He's a boy," Nikki replied, "it's so new to me. I was a ballerina and a total girly girl."
"You did ballet," Bill asked.
"I did," Nikki replied, "though highschool then I took a semester of part time courses figuring out what I wanted to do out of high school. I did ballet and played the violin."
"Do you do either of them," Bill asked.
"I still play the violin," Nikki replied, "I was going to dance professionally but my story is a lot like Brett's. I had an injury just after graduation that ended that dream."
"How old were you," Joan asked.
"17 the day of the accident," Nikki replied, "it's almost 9 years ago. It's how things were meant to work out. Ballet taught me a lot but it wasn't the big plan for my life. Teaching is. I wouldn't have gone to UW or been a teacher if I had danced. I wouldn't have Ty or have met Brett."
"You're 26," Bill asked.
"I will be in July," Nikki replied, "I should help Brett with dinner. Ty will play very happily now."
"I'll keep my eye on him," Joan said, "he likes toys."
"He does," Nikki said, "and he has his bear."
Nikki joined Brett in the kitchen to help him, usually when they cooked together they put him in the high chair with cheerios or baby cereal puffs.
Brett put his hand on the small of her back, "relax. Mom and dad are good. They like you. Mom's favourite age group is Ty's age, that's what she does."
"Its me being on my own with him," Nikki whispered.
"No they know the story," Brett said, "relax. Breath Nikki."
"Now Ty might need glasses," Nikki said.
"Might," Brett said, "we both wear them."
"Then I caught it young," Nikki said.
"Put it aside for tonight," Brett said, "how do I do this salmon?"
"On the BBQ," Nikki said.
"You always do this one," Brett said, "I followed your recipe for the marinade."
"Foil," Nikki asked, "I need to make the boat."
"I'm ahead of you," Brett said, "I did it already."
"I have the salad, the pie should go in soon but let's get this charcuterie board out so we don't have to rush," Nikki said.
"Do you want the sparkling juice now," Brett asked.
"Again," Nikki asked.
"You don't have wine so I have it for you," Brett said.
"Thank you," Nikki said, "I'll wait for it as a treat with dinner."
They sat in the living room with his parents, enjoying their snacks and chatting. Seeing that there was food Tyler pulled himself up on the edge of the coffee table.
"Come sit with me," Nikki called.
Tyler looked at his mom.
"Ty come here," Nikki said.
He walked to his mom and sat down in her lap. She continued the conversation while feeding Ty small pieces of cheese. They all chatted as they finished making dinner and sat down at the table with baby happy in his high chair.
As they ate their pie Nikki asked, "would it be okay if we joined you to see Bill speak tomorrow?"
"I'd be happy to have you," Bill said, "you know it's church."
"I miss church," Nikki said, "I haven't been since the thanksgiving before Ty was born. I used to be really involved in the church. I helped with the middle school group and taught Sunday school, organized youth activities."
"What happened," Bill asked gently.
"When they found out about Ty I was asked to step down from youth and kids programs," Nikki said, "then I didn't get the texts for my bible study group and people stopped talking to my mom and I on sundays. So we stopped going. I miss it, I haven't really had time to look for a new church yet."
"Thats not how a church acts," Bill said, "you support and embrace people. Its a family."
"I miss going," Nikki said.
"Then come with us tomorrow dear," Joan said.
"If I can get Teddy and Owen to babysit," Nikki said.
"Bring Tyler," Brett said.
"Asking him to do still and quiet," Nikki said.
"If babies babble or cry in church it's okay," Bill said, before quoting "Let all the little children come to me."
"We will come," Nikki said.
They started to clean up dinner and Nikk noticed Ty was getting tired.
"Should I take him home or can I let him fall asleep in your room," Nikki whispered to Brett.
"My room," Brett said, "I'll put the pack and play up for you."
Nikki settled the sleepy boy on her hip where he let his head fall against her shoulder sucking his thumb.
"He's sleepy," Joan said.
"He is," Nikki said, "I'm just going to let him fall asleep here."
"Bedtime routine," Joan asked.
"When we're out like this, change his diaper, jammies, milk and story," Nikki said.
"Do you need anything dear," Joan asked.
"Just time," Nikki said, "we'll be right back."
Nikki took her son and the diaper bag into the bedroom.
Brett chatted happily with his parents and he knew Nikki liked space to get her son down for the night and why she did.
"Little dude is asleep," Brett asked when Nikki joined him on the couch.
"He is," Nikki replied.
Brett put his arm around her and she scooted closer to him feeling secure and loved with his arm around her.
"Bill, what made you choose to be a pastor," Nikki asked.
"My major wasn't divinity," Bill said, "I was a communications major and worked in advertising right out of college but it was never right, it wasn't me. About three years in I was in church one Sunday and was talking to the pastor after about how lost I was feeling. We prayed for guidance and a clear path and that summer I started helping with a group for boys with single moms, giving them a positive role model to teach them to be a man. The more time I spent helping at church the more I wanted to be there. I sat on it for about a year before applying to seminary and training to be a pastor. It was God's plan for me to go through another career that didn't fulfill me first. I grew up in Dallas and my first church was in Alabama. It was there I met Joan when she was teaching Sunday school and running the day care."
"It was love at first sight," Joan smiled, "we dated for a year and then got married. A year later we had Brett. We built that church from the ground up. Then when Brett was in 7th grade we moved to a church plant in Nebraska and we're still there, it's our home and our church."
"I miss it," Brett admitted, "it's as much home as your house."
"You grew up there," Joan agreed.
They continued chatting and relaxing until nearly midnight when Nikki started to yawn. No one had noticed the time passing they were all so comfortable chatting and spending time together.
Nikki gathered up Tyler laying him in the stroller knowing that the less she held him and talked to him now the more likely he would stay asleep. Brett walked her to her car and kissed her good night making her promise to text when she got home.
"They make a good family," Bill whispered to Joan.
"They do," Joan agreed, "I think we'll see him propose within a year."
"So do I," Bill said, "they're good together."
"They are," Joan said, "I like her. Not what I would have pictured for him appearance wise but he's matured."
"The little redhead," Bill said, "her hair is red."
"Almost carrot coloured," Joan agreed, "it's natural though. That's not dyed. She's a pretty girl though."
"She is," Bill agreed, "knowledgeable, she can think."
"Hard to believe she's only 25," Joan said.
"Her story at least what Brett's told me of it she would seem older than she is," Bill said, "her accident, giving up ballet, never knowing her dad, Kenya, the sister going missing for ten year, what happened with her ex."
"They love eachother," Joan said, "and Tyler has Brett wrapped around his little finger."
"I never thought we'd see him with a baby," Bill said.
"Tyler loves our son," Joan said.
"But Brett didn't go help her get him ready for bed like I thought he would," Bill said.
"She listed milk in the routine but didn't warm up a bottle," Joan said.
Brett came back in, "Ty hates bottles he won't do it if Nikki is in the room or he can hear her."
"Now that we've seen it when are you proposing to Nikki," Joan asked.
"Mom it's only been four months of dating," Brett said, "I will when the time is right. My family. I hate that they have to go home. We're not there yet."
"You'll know when it's the right time," Joan said.
"Are you okay with her being white," Brett asked.
"We are," Joan said, "it doesn't matter you love her."
"It's skin colour," Bill said, "with the red hair and blue eyes she's as white as it gets. Its one thing about her."
"How does her family react to us being black," Joan asked.
"They've never said anything," Brett said, "Meghan's son's bio father was middle eastern. We're just people."
"Do you feel different with her family because of it," Joan asked.
"Other than the fact they all look like her no," Brett said, "we hang out. I taught her nephew to tackle last weekend. Faroke wants to try out for football and no one else had played so I taught him."
"You let her Nephew tackle you," Joan said.
"He's 9 and small for his age," Brett said, "I had two trauma surgeons standing by. They know about the fractured vertebrate. It's a fact there like that Nikki's left leg is half titanium plates and pins and Meghan had an abdominal wall transplant last summer."
"Her left leg is all pins and we made her sit on the floor," Bill said.
"She likes the floor where she can stretch her leg out. It gets stiff if she sits in one position too long," Brett explained, "she limped off the bus in Kenya. I was worried but Nathan said she was fine. The only time I haven't seen her take the spot on the floor she was 8 or 9 months pregnant. She sat on the floor in a staff meeting this week."
"We should get to bed," Joan said.
"Dad your okay for her to come tomorrow," Brett asked.
"Always," Bill said, "i'm talking about forgiveness and forgiving yourself."
"I'm looking forward to it," Brett said, "I'll let you go to bed."
"Good night," Joan said giving her son a hug.