193. As you saw in the last chap, I'm playing fast and loose with the Phoebe and Fin timeline! Time at da beach is coming to an end. What will the rest of their lives bring?

Olivia should have slept late on the morning before the first batch of Tuckers arrived for the family reunion, but she opened her eyes, saw six a.m. on the clock, and was unable to fall back asleep. Her mind immediately began racing with all the last minute things they had to do. Brooke and Sarah had done an amazing job organizing, planning, and arranging the events. Olivia functioned more as a part-time aide, but she still felt pressure to make sure everything went off without a hitch. Before sliding out of bed, she smiled at Ed and softly kissed his cheek. He barely moved, but his lips puckered ever so slightly. Even asleep, kissing her was apparently on his mind.

Olivia went downstairs, made coffee, and went out to her usual morning spot on the swing. The air was thick with humidity and lingering moisture from last night's rain, and the seashore was barely visible through the fog. In front of her, the porch and yard had been rearranged to accommodate more people. They added a few more Adirondack chairs and barstools, removed the large coffee table from the porch, and bought two more cornhole sets. Ed had taken care to mow the lawn in aesthetically pleasing diagonal lines, and the garden and flower boxes added delightful pops of color. Olivia didn't even mind that the kids' part of the garden included the light-up shoes, a My Little Pony, and a few plastic characters from a Playmobil set.

As she surveyed the area, she caught sight of the newest addition to the outdoor kitchen-a water cooler which G had suggested during her visit. She'd seen it in a magazine and mentioned how it would cut down on plastic bottles and the kids going in and out for drinks. Wondering how G was doing, Olivia gave her a call, only thinking about the early hour for a split second before G picked up and said a sleepy hello.

"Everything okay?" She asked.

"Oh, honey, yes," Olivia blurted out, embarrassed, "I'm sorry. I was out here on the porch, thought of you, and totally forgot about the time."

G laughed and said, "It's totally fine."

"How are you?" Olivia asked.

Those three words always made G feel like she was standing in a wind tunnel bracing herself, barely able to remain standing. Olivia asking didn't change the reaction, but knowing her words were coming from the most empathetic and caring of places, G could answer without feeling intimidated or overly exposed. "I'm okay," she said, "I'll send you the updates for the benefit by the end of the week-"

"-that's not why I was asking," Olivia interjected, "How. Are. You?"

"A little lonely," G replied after a few seconds. "Lately, it's work, home, work, home, and not much else. I guess I...don't have much of a life," she added with a weak chuckle.

Olivia could commiserate. "Been there," she said and offered a lifeline, "Why don't you come down here for the weekend?"

"For your reunion?"

"Sure, why not? These people are all strangers to me, too. And to the kids. It'll be nice for them to have another familiar face. The only thing is...you'd have to sleep in the kids' room."

Where she was sleeping was of little concern to G. Being around dozens of people she didn't know sounded at once terrifying and enticing. Olivia and Ed would be there. So would Sarah and Justin. And Brooke. And Caroline. She would be safe. And if the rest of the Tuckers were anything like the Tuckers she already knew, well, it could be an opportunity to escape the drudgery of the past few weeks.

"Ed's okay with this?"

"He will be," Olivia replied, "We'll even pick you up from the train so you don't have to Uber."

"I could rent a car…" G said. It was over an hour's drive to the closest train station.

"Either way we'd love to have you."

"I can't believe I'm doing this," G said, "I'm not, uh, a really spontaneous type of person."

"I'm proud of you," Olivia said. "Tiny steps outside of comfort zones are good in the right context. Keep thinking of the fun we'll have, starting with the crab boil Saturday afternoon. Noah can't stop talking about it. And I bought all three matching outfits for Saturday and Sunday which is a little corny, I know, but I love it."

Hearing the joy in Olivia's voice sealed the deal for G. Her happiness was palpable and inspirational. G was eager to hang up and get starting pricing rental cars. She had to do laundry and pack. Maybe she could swing taking a half day off on Friday.

"I'm in," G said, "One hundred percent. I'll, uh, text you and let you know when to expect me. Should I bring anything special?"

"Just you. Be safe on the way down."

"I will."

…..

The twins entered the apartment in the typical whirlwind of backpacks flying off, jackets tossed onto the coat rack, and shoes kicked against the foyer closet. Olivia loved the noise. She craved it during the day when the kids were at school and lamented the disappearance of it as they got older. "Hi!" She said brightly, "Good day? Did you get your Dad's gift?"

"Yes to good day," Maggie said, "No to the gift. Not ready yet. I hope it'll be in by the playoffs!" Maggie was talking about the personalized Yankees jersey they'd purchased for Ed's birthday. She tossed her keys in the small dish on the island and went off to her bedroom to change.

"How about you, sweetie?" Olivia asked Wyatt.

"Good day," he said, "Until...this guy on the subway." Wyatt's stomach flip-flopped. The confession was a double-edged sword. It would make him feel better since he could not bear to keep anything from his parents, or anyone for that matter. But it also had the potential to cause their mother to pull back on the independence he and Maggie had worked so hard to earn. Wyatt didn't want to give up the autonomy to duck out for a snack or a drink any more than Maggie wanted to lose time with her friends. Nevertheless, Wyatt had to tell his mother about what happened.

Olivia listened without giving away much of her emotions. She told Wyatt she was proud of him for stepping in and defending his sister, but, at the same time, she harbored agonizing what-ifs.

"We made sure he was gone when we got off the train," Wyatt said, "And that he wasn't following us."

"Good job," Olivia said. "It sounds like...both of you...handled it like you should have. Thank you for telling me."

Wyatt looked into his mother's eyes for longer than he needed to. He always saw her warmth and love, but also could detect the underlying fear. He never mentioned it to his siblings or his Dad and definitely not his Mom, but Wyatt understood how desperately his mother needed to make sure they were safe. It was why he was always the first one to call or text if he thought they would be a second late. It was why he never asked to stay out past curfew or really go out at all. It was also why he agreed to accompany Maggie to parties or concerts or anywhere, really, if she predicted their mother would object to her going alone.

"I hope he didn't bother anyone else," Wyatt said.

Olivia smiled at his thoughtfulness. "I hope he didn't, either."

"I wonder where he lives…" Wyatt murmured.

"You wonder where he lives?"

"Yeah, like...what's he all about? He can't possibly ride the subway all day saying what's up to girls."

Actually, he could, Olivia thought.

"Maybe he'd just come from the bar or something," Wyatt surmised.

"Maybe," Olivia agreed. After all, this was certainly a neater explanation of inappropriate, borderline criminal behavior.

"So...Dad's jersey is supposed to be in by Friday. So, even if the Yankees win and get home field, it'll still be here in time."

"You're sounding pessimistic about the Yankees?"

Wyatt sighed. The season had been streaky and quirky to say the least. "Like Grandma said once," he said, "If they didn't have bad luck they'd have no luck at all." Wyatt grinned and headed off to his own bedroom, presumably to read and do his homework before dinner.

Olivia took a deep breath. She was bothered by the subway story but grateful her kids were home and safe. On the other hand, she wondered how in the hell Wyatt remembered a quote his grandmother had uttered over a decade earlier when he was, at most, four years old.

She saw a text from Ed-he was a few minutes away with their take-out dinner-and sent a quick hello and I love you to Noah who was on the cusp of his first Michigan snow. He was in the library with a study group and promised to Face Time later.

Olivia put her phone down and stared ahead, out at the flickering Manhattan evening. Lost in her thoughts, she didn't realize Ed had returned until she heard his voice.

"Liv?"

There he was in his old, trusty black (sort of gray with age) parka holding two plastic Have a Nice Day bags with paper packages inside.

"Take these to the table?" He asked.

"Yes," Olivia said, "I'll get the plates."

"Cold as hell out there. Maggie and Wyatt back?"

"Yep, they're back."

Ed ducked away to remove his outerwear and returned to his wife's side. "Y'alright?" He asked, kissing her cheek.

"Yes, I...I...just got caught up missing everyone I guess."

"Thanksgiving's right around the corner," he said, "And we're going to see Noah in a couple of weeks for family weekend."

"Gosh, I forgot it was so soon," Olivia said, "It's been so long since I made the reservations."

"And there's a restaurant I want to take you to in Ann Arbor," Ed added. "Very romantic."

"You always find a romantic place…"

"Yeah I do," He held her at arm's length, "I know you miss us being all together, but...everyone's good, Liv. Remember that. Everyone's good."

"That's not it," she said, "Maggie and Wyatt had trouble on the subway today."

Ed furrowed his brow. Olivia relayed the details.

"Oh, so...Wyatt scared him off." Ed's chest puffed out.

"Ed!" Olivia hissed under her breath, "He could've been hurt!"

"But he wasn't," Ed replied, "And he wouldn't have done that if he had a bad feeling. He would've just pulled her away and went to the other side of the car. It's okay, Liv. Not fun to think about, but, okay."

Olivia scowled at him. "I think you're having a little fun with it."

"Not at all," Ed said. "Maybe a little proud of my boy, but...no fun." He made a concerted effort to be serious and repeated, "No. Fun. Promise."

Olivia shook her head, chuckled, and muttered, "Men…"

….

Beginning Thursday evening, the Tuckers arrived in waves. First were familiar faces-Ed's brother and sister and their families-and, Olivia secretly acknowledged, the least interesting of the bunch. John and Margie always struck her as far older than they were, and she never got the sense that they cared to have a close relationship with her. They were always cordial, but they maintained a distance and conversation topics were always surface-level. Also showing up on Thursday night were a handful of more distant relatives, including the family from California which included a cousin Ed's age, his wife, and their two children who were in Brooke and Sarah's age range. It was this group who they dined with Thursday evening. Olivia was amazed at how they all instantly gelled.

Michael, Ed's cousin, and his wife Natalia were both buoyant, warm, and cheerful. They hugged the adults but were careful to approach the children, which Olivia appreciated. When Ari knelt to say hello at the twins' level, Wyatt smiled shyly and Maggie immediately ran for her toy basket and handed over one of her dolls.

"Oh, thank you," Natalia said, accepting the gift.

Olivia knew exactly why Maggie gave her the doll, but Maggie beat her to the punch with the explanation. "Doll is 'Talia!" Maggie exclaimed rocking back and forth from her heels to her tiptoes.

"Oh! Wow! She's so lovely," Natalia said, "Do I get to play with her while I'm here?"

Maggie nodded.

"Thank you."

Maggie giggled a garbled, "we'come."

They were all standing in the foyer and Ed ushered them inside, "C'mon," he said, "Let's head out to the porch. Sarah's got margaritas and daiquiris goin' on."

"House is spectacular," Michael said.

His son Sam worked in construction and remarked at how well they incorporated reclaimed wood and other original details. "What year was this built?" He asked.

"Fifty-two," Ed replied, "Had some storm damage, was renovated and they added a second story ten years later, renovated again but they kept as much original as they could."

"I see that. Nice."

"We rented this house," Olivia added, "And we just knew we wanted it."

"Aren't those the best purchases?" Natalia said, "When you just know?"

"Yes they are," Olivia replied.

The ten adults-Sam and his brother Curt, Natalia and Michael, Ed and Olivia and Sarah, Brooke, and their spouses commandeered the loveseats, chairs, and swing. The twins, Noah, and Sofia sat on laps, but quickly grew restless and went into the yard to play.

"You must be exhausted," Olivia said, "I'm so glad you wanted to do this tonight."

Michael brushed off the concern, "Easy flight really," he said. "Direct to Philly. Drive down was nice. LA traffic'll make you hate driving and it was smooth sailing, so I'm feeling good right now. After another one of these," he held up the margarita, "I might fall asleep though."

Sarah grinned. "I'm glad you're enjoying the drink!"

"So, gosh," Natalia leaned forward and rested her elbows on her knees, "I need to get everyone straight. Brooke and Sarah, the last time I saw you, I think you were babies, toddlers. We came to New York for Michael's mother's funeral.

The mention of funeral caused a tightness in Olivia's chest even though the death had occurred more than two decades ago. Ed had failed to mention Michael's mother's death and so had Caroline. Perhaps it was because she wasn't a blood relative, but Olivia still would have liked to know.

"Totally don't remember that," Sarah said.

"Me neither," Brooke added.

"You were probably two and four maybe," Ed speculated. "Or younger."

Natalia continued, "And, Sonny, you're a lawyer?"

"Yep," he said, "Manhattan ADA."

"That must be intense."

"It is. All around. For everyone."

"He used to be a cop," Brooke said, "So I think I have a little more peace of mind this way but not much!"

"I'll bet!" After a few questions about Sofia, Natalia turned her attention to Justin, "What do you do?"

Olivia wondered why Natalia knew so much about Sonny but not Justin. She didn't have much time to ponder, though, because Justin, in his typical engaging, friendly manner, explained how he worked as an EMT while going to school and was now a full time TA and research assistant to his Columbia professor. Justin stopped short of delving into the meat of their work, but Natalia could tell he was passionate about it and indicated they would have plenty of time for a one-on-one over the weekend.

"And Ed," Natalia said, circling back, "You and Olivia certainly have your hands full."

"We do," Ed replied, "But we wouldn't have it any other way." He lifted his head and made a point of gazing proudly at the kids in the yard. He appreciated not having to explain his second go-round at fatherhood to Michael and Natalia. Thanks to Caroline's big mouth, they knew, and he was also grateful that Angela's death wouldn't come up. At least not in this space.

"The twins are going to preschool in the fall," Olivia said, "And Noah will be in second grade. They're growing up so fast."

"It's so nice that you and Ed are retired, though," Natalia said, "You don't have to miss a moment."

"Right," Ed muttered, "They're gonna hate us."

"Yeah," Brooke said, "You're doomed."

"So what's there to do around here?" Curt asked. He was the youngest member of his family, on his summer break from college, and slightly skeptical about this sleepy beach town.

"Plenty," Sarah said, "What's your jam? Dive bar? Beach bar? Coffee bar?"

"Beach bar for sure," he replied, perking up a bit.

"Well, we'll do that," Sarah turned to Justin, "Maybe for a nightcap tonight?"

Justin looked at Ed and Olivia.

"Yeah," Ed replied, "After dinner we were gonna have a fire, but if you want to head out that's fine with us. You're adults."

"Thanks, Daddy."

Ed chuckled and muttered to Michael and Natalia that Sarah was almost thirty.

"Almost!" Sarah emphasized. "All. Most."

Just then Noah hustled up the stairs and parked himself in front of Ed. "Daddy! You gotta start da grill! S'almost dinner time!"

"Bud, it's only four-thirty. We're good."

"Oh," Noah giggled and held out his wrist, "My watch is broken!"

Ed inspected the watch. Sure enough, it read six-thirty. Noah had taken to wearing a traditional analog watch ever since he learned how to tell time, but he hadn't worn the accessory since the summer began. Apparently, he broke it out for the guests.

"Probably needs a new battery," Ed replied, "We'll get you a new one."

"You know howta do that?" Noah asked, wide-eyed.

"Yep."

Noah grinned and said to everyone else, "Daddy knows howta do everything!"

"Can he make good shrimp on the grill?" Sam asked.

Noah's eyes grew even wider, "Uh-HUH!"

"Cool."

"Hey," Noah said, "You wanna play cornhole?"

"Sure."

"Thanks," Noah said, "Those babies like to play but they don't get it."

"Yeah," Sam said knowingly and shot his brother a playful scowl, "Babies can be like that sometimes."

"Yeah."

…..

In the cab on the way to Fin and Phoebe's apartment, Ed and Olivia chatted about work, Noah, and the weather, mutually and silently deciding not to address how uncertain they were both feeling about the evening ahead. Olivia balanced a cake box on her lap and Ed clutched a bottle of wine. They were both most likely overdressed-he in khakis and a black button-down dress shirt and she in slim black pants and a lavender blouse she usually wore under a blazer. They were attired as if they expected to be called away to a case at any second, or maybe it was to remind themselves not to get too comfortable. Ed's guard was up. Olivia sensed it, and it made her nervous.

When they opened the door, Fin and Phoebe displayed the exact opposite demeanors. They greeted Ed and Olivia with smiles and genuinely welcoming hellos. The apartment was small but impeccably decorated and furnished. Olivia could tell it was a true team effort and a blend of both their styles. It was immediately obvious, as Phoebe and Fin prepared pre-dinner cocktails, that the hosts had no qualms about their company or plans to put on a show. They bantered, they flirted, and they even shared a quick kiss after a friendly disagreement about which music to play.

The normalcy eased Olivia's jitters. She glanced at Ed. He was gripping his glass tightly, but had relaxed his jaw. Olivia inched closer to him, trying to signal it was okay to loosen up. At one point Phoebe joked about trying to find a certain ingredient in the middle of all of Fin's pantry items which included fruit roll-ups and Hostess cupcakes. Phoebe remarked an outsider would think a toddler lived there. Ed finally managed a laugh. Olivia patted his leg and moved even closer so that Ed had no choice but to put his arm around her.

Phoebe and Fin finally sat down across from them but not before placing bacon-wrapped dates and a veggie tray on the coffee table. "We have beef tenderloin tonight," Phoebe said, "But it needs another thirty minutes or so. Help yourselves."

"This looks great," Olivia said. She leaned forward, filled a plate and handed it to Ed before making one for herself. "And your place does, too. Congratulations."

"We figured we better try living together before this." Phoebe dramatically held up her left hand.

The diamond was so large Olivia couldn't believe how she hadn't noticed it. "Wow, oh my gosh, Fin!" She leapt to her feet and hugged both of them. Ed shook Fin's hand and gave Phoebe a quick, polite hug. "When did this happen?"

"A couple days ago," Fin said. "Caught her on a good day."

Phoebe rolled her eyes.

"So when's the big day?" Ed asked even though it was ridiculous to think they had their wedding planned after two days of engagement.

"We're not in a rush," Phoebe replied, unfazed, "Maybe next spring. Something small with our family and close friends."

"That sounds...lovely," Olivia said.

Fin eyed Tucker. "Enough sappy talk," he said, slapping his thighs, "Tucker, you're a bourbon man, right?"

"Uh, yeah, most of the time."

"C'mon over here," Fin stood and waved an arm, "I got a little collection going."

Interested, Ed followed Fin to the other side of the room where Fin had placed a small liquor cabinet. "Ken and Alejandro turned me on to this one," he placed one bottle on the table, "And I bought a few more versions from the same distillery. Want to do a little tasting?"

"Sure."

On what was now the girls' side of the room, Phoebe moved from her chair to the couch next to Olivia. "I hope that wasn't too awkward for you and Ed," she said, glancing at her ring. "I told Fin it might be a bad idea to tell you two here, tonight. I thought it might be a little too personal, but he said Tucker could take it."

Olivia glanced at Ed. He appeared absorbed in whatever Fin was saying about the bourbon. "He looks okay to me," she said, "Having the bourbon as backup was a good call."

Phoebe chuckled, "That was always in the plan."

Olivia raised her glass and took a sip. "Well, I'm happy for you and Fin. I've been telling him for a while now he has to find balance. I thought having Ken back in his life, and Jaden, would make a difference, but I didn't see it. But, with you, I think he has a different focus, a rosier outlook on life."

"The same can be said for you?" Phoebe asked, semi-rhetorically, "With Ed?"

Olivia nodded. "You're right," she said with a gentle, self-deprecating laugh, "Even after I got Noah...I didn't let up, much. But Noah and Ed? Well, it's definitely forced me out of my comfort zone. Scary and strange at times, but...good. Refreshing in the most unexpected ways."

"How so?"

"Well," Olivia tucked one leg under her body and rested her elbow on the back of the sofa. Suddenly eager for girl talk, she continued, "Last weekend, Sunday, remember it was raining that morning? We were pretty lazy, made breakfast, watched TV. Noah was running around, a little restless from being cooped up, so Ed dropped everything and announced we were going to Legoland. Just like that. I would have just toughed out the day with a bored little kid because I was worried about getting a call and having to go in."

"But Ed's not wary of the spontaneous. Or being a few miles away when you're on call."

"He's not," Olivia's eyes fell into her lap, "And I had the weekend off. Unless something groundbreaking happened, the chances were slim I'd get called away." She looked up and smiled, "So I'm still working on that balance thing."

"Aren't we all." Phoebe's eyes shifted to the men, "Hey! Are you going to let us try any of that or what?"

"Sure," Fin said, "C'mon over."

Ed offered Olivia a taste of the bourbon in his glass before she got her own. "Smoothest I've ever had," he said. "Try it."

"Mmm, you're right." Olivia said after swallowing her first taste. Ed touting bourbon reminded her of another encounter in a dive bar early in, or, rather, before they had a relationship and she grinned.

"What?" Ed asked softly.

"Nothing, or, I'll tell you later."

Thrilled whatever was going through Olivia's mind was private and reserved only for the two of them, Ed smirked and dared to give her a quick peck on the lips.

"Here, Liv," Fin handed her a fresh glass. "If you like the one Tucker has, you'll love this."

"Thank you."

"Let's not forget about the food," Phoebe said.

"We have the timer on," Fin replied.

"Did you start it?" She asked.

"No, I thought you did."

Phoebe rolled her eyes for the second time that night. She put her glass down and spun on her heel toward the kitchen, and grumbled, "Be right back."

Ed watched the whole exchange with an oddly satisfied expression. Olivia almost rolled her own eyes. Yes I know, she silently kidded him, you would never, ever fail to communicate something so important as who was supposed to start the oven timer. Without looking, she found his hand and gave his fingers a squeeze. They locked eyes. She winked. Phoebe announced the tenderloin was saved. They clinked glasses and exchanged celebratory smiles. It was, surprisingly enough, turning out to be a fantastic night.

….

Olivia panted and stared at the ceiling. When Ed returned to the bedroom with a tall glass of water and a tumbler of peach-infused bourbon, she could barely summon the energy to sit up and take a sip.

"I…." she started to compliment Ed but was at a loss for words.

"Here," Ed tilted the bourbon glass to her lips, "Take a sip."

The spicy, warm bourbon was the perfect coda to the night's lovemaking, and Olivia threw her head back onto the pillows and sighed.

"I love you," Ed whispered into her neck. Careful not to spill the bourbon, he kissed her a few times before sitting up against the headboard.

"There is no doubt in my mind you love me, ever," Olivia said, "But...tonight…"

"Yeah, it was good." Ed had no room to be humble. He knew he had been on point from the second they locked the bedroom door until now.

"Good?"

Ed grinned. Olivia's sweaty locks were still glued to her face and her eyes still had that pleasantly dazed look about them. "Okay," he said, "Great?"

"I don't know if there are words…"

"Maybe Noah said it best."

Olivia raised her eyebrows, "We're talking about the kids? Now?"

"Earlier he said I know how to do everything."

Olivia laughed and seductively kissed Ed on the lips, "He will never know how much truth he spoke."

Ed gave her another kiss and coaxed her to sit up a bit more so she was comfortably reclined against his chest. They passed the tumbler of bourbon back and forth. "Good having Michael and his family over today," he said.

"I like them a lot," Olivia replied, "I wish they lived closer."

"So do I. Maybe we'll have to make a yearly trip to LA."

"I would not mind."

"Me neither. And maybe we invite them out here for a week each summer?"

"Good idea. But it almost seemed like Michael was ready to buy a house here."

"Margaritas."

Olivia laughed, "They were strong."

They passed the tumbler back and forth again.

"Ready for the weekend?" Ed asked.

"I'm looking forward to it."

"G coming tomorrow?"

"Yes. She said she's leaving early, so she'll be here by noon."

"I'm glad you invited her."

"I just get so worried about her," Olivia said, "She is so alone but she doesn't have to be. I wish she'd understand that."

Ed kissed her head, "You and I both know it's not that simple."

Olivia nodded.

"But I love you for wanted to make it that simple."

"Maybe someday…"

"Yeah," Ed whispered, "Maybe someday…"

Olivia detected a bit of amusement in his voice, "Maybe someday what?"

"I was just remembering how I would always start sentences about you and me and Noah like that. Maybe someday...maybe someday...and now, the maybe someday has come true."

"It has." Olivia screwed up her face. "Wait, how many times did you say that to yourself?"

"Not many."

"Truth, please."

"A lot."

"Ed-"

"Nope," he interrupted. "Not goin' there anymore."

Olivia smiled sweetly and kissed him again. "Okay."

Ed drank most of the remaining bourbon and gave it to Olivia to finish off. She gulped the last bit and handed him the empty glass. Ed placed it on the nightstand and turned off the lamp. "Night, Liv," he rasped as he settled himself under the covers. "Love you."

"I love you," she cooed, "Goodnight." Olivia closed her eyes and held Ed's arm against her torso. Briefly, before she fell asleep, she remembered how Ed had held her exactly like this after they'd first slept together and how she thought to herself that he couldn't possibly do this night after night. He was just being sweet and romantic. It would pass. Soon they would retire to their own sides of the bed and stay there, fighting for covers. But that day had not yet come.

And it probably never would.

….

#Tuckson