Chapter 176
Alex let herself relax in Ryan's arms, happy just to enjoy the moment while it lasted. She had too much stress over the last few weeks. For now she was just happy that they had each other and that they were going to be okay once the whole ordeal was something of the past. The calm couldn't last forever, not with Phoebe roaming the house unsupervised. Neither of them expected to hear a sickening thud from the stairs but it was certainly effective in getting them out of bed. Rushing out of the bedroom, they found the baby gate at the bottom of the stairs hanging open. Alex rushed forward so she could see down the stairs while Ryan hesitated a moment, not sure he wanted to see.
"It's okay, it's just a book" She announced quickly looking back at her husband, considerably paler than usual.
"Where's Phiebe then?" He asked Alex clicked the gate closed then let him guide her back towards the bookcase that were mounted against the wall. Phoebe's books were stacked on the bottom shelf while the rest of the books that contained some work information was further up, with some of the novels \alex enjoyed reading in her spare time. They found their cheeky toddler halfway bookshelf, talking to herself as she selected a book. Curious, they stood back and watched as she climbed down.
"Yook" Phoebe instructed them as she carried the book to the top of the stairs and threw it downstairs. the book joining the rest of the few that were already at the bottom of the staircase.
"Why are you throwing books Phoebe?" Alex asked hoping there was some sort of explanation.
"Want to" She claimed looking up at her father for approval.
"What have you been teaching her?" Alex questioned, either their child was a genius or he had reverted to answering her constant questions with ridiculous answers.
She took her daughter's hand . "Phoebe, we don't throw books. Books are for reading" She explained as she led them through to the bedroom, Returning with a picture book in hand she handed it to her husband. "Daddy's going to read to you while I take a shower" She instructed.
"Alright baby girl" Ryan consoled as he settled her on the bed and started to read the story. The princess saved the dragon in typical storybook fashion, but Phoebe seemed more amused by turning the pages. Alex watched from the doorway, wondering where another baby would fit.
"Breakfast?" He questioned hopefully when he noticed her.
"Yeah" She agreed leaving him to put the book away while she took the toddler downstairs. Marvelling at how their daughter had suddenly become an escape artist, climbing out of bed and getting the gates open. Working out what to have for breakfast was the next dilemma. Toast with avocado was easy to prepare but not something they had every day. Phoebe decided she hated it before she even tried it, scraping the avocado off and squelching it between her fingers.
"Pheebs, eating not playing" Ryan coached as he joined them, showered and dressed.
"There are things we have to talk about…" She started.
"Sure, what's up?" He asked taking the toast from his daughter before she could throw it.
"First thing is Nadia. You mentioned something the other night but never explained yourself" She prompted.
"Yeah, sorry. I offered to let her stay here for a few weeks while she gets settled into her new dorm room and settle some of the things before she starts college. My mom will most probably also be here for a few days until she is satisfied that her youngest will be able to take care of herself. Chicago." He explained.
When does she arrive?" She asked neutrally.
"Monday" He offered hesitantly.
"Okay" She nodded.
"I know I should've asked you but I figured it wouldn't be too big a deal, we have plenty of space" He half apologised, unable to judge her reaction.
"Its fine" Alex smiled, it would be interesting to spend more time with her youngest sister in law and their daughter would love having someone else to play with.
"What's next?" He asked, pleased to have already ticked one item off the agenda.
"Working out how we're going to keep our little monkey from getting hurt" Alex moved on.
"That is a problem. All the gates have essentially the same locking system so we can't just buy different ones. The stairs are really the only major hazard though" He said as he thought about the issue more seriously.
"True, but it's nice to contain her" She reminded.
"I know but maybe it's time we got rid of the gates, before she starts sneaking through them. We'd just need to keep a close eye on her for a few weeks and teach her not to use the stairs if we aren't there" He proposed.
"Maybe" She said, encouraging him to continue.
"We'll make it into a game somehow" He assured.
"Alright. Any ideas for keeping her in bed? Because I have no idea how she re-invented prison break by climbing out of her crib." She said when Phoebe finally decided she was hungry and started munching on her toast.
"Shut her bedroom door?" He put forward.
"She could still fall and hurt herself climbing out" She said, gently telling him his solution wasn't viable.
"Maybe it's time for an upgrade. We can get her a new bed now so it isn't a drama when the baby arrives" He grinned.
"That could work" Alex nodded.
"She can move into a different bedroom at the same time" He added.
"Why?" She questioned, a new bed was a good idea but a new bedroom was pushing it.
"New baby?" He reminded.
"Will be joining us in our bedroom for the first six months at least. Getting a new bed will be enough of a change, we have to do things gradually" She informed as she handed her daughter more toast.
"Okay. We'll look into getting a new bed. Anything else?" He asked.
"No I think that's it" She concluded.
"My turn then. What are we doing today? I think we need to celebrate my release from prison" Ryan smiled, trying to lighten the mood but his wife wasn't over what happened the past few days just yet as he could sense the change in her aura. .
"There's plenty of washing to do" She suggested with an excessively enthusiastic smile.
"Seriously though, we have to do something" He encouraged.
"We'll you figure it out. I'm going to get on with housework" She agreed, not wanting to waste any more time. If Nadia was coming she needed to neaten the guest bedroom and clean the bathroom mirror properly.
"I can help if you tell me what to do" He said as he got up to stop her, already concerned she was going to overdo things.
"I'm fine, I promise" She assured giving him a quick kiss before lifting Phoebe from her highchair and carrying her to the kitchen. Once most of the avocado was washed away she undressed Phoebe, dropping her pyjamas in the washing basket on the way upstairs. Dressed and ready for the day Phoebe was handed to her father for entertainment while Alex got on with cleaning. Ryan wanted to be helpful so with his daughter's help, or rather hindrance, he got on with vacuuming. By midday the only thing left to do was wait for the washing machine.
"I figured it out, we should go to the zoo" He suggested when they met in the kitchen for a drink. "See how they contain their little monkeys" He joked.
"Sounds like a good idea" She agreed tickling Shay who knew they were talking about her.
"Should we have lunch first?" He asked, checking the clock.
"We could take lunch" She offered.
"Picnic at the zoo. I think that's a fitting celebration" He agreed, already moving to get organised.
"Definitely" She nodded. Shay spread mayonnaise on the bread, and all over herself, while she prepared sandwich fillings and fruit salad. Half an hour later they were seated on their picnic blanket watching monkey's climbing around in their enclosure. Phoebe had decided she was a monkey and clung to her father, occasionally loosening her grip for more food.
Happy new year you guys! The first update of 2018. I just returned from holiday which was my reason for not updating the past couple of weeks. I needed to start on something light so we can pick up where we left off. I actually had to read the previous chapter again to find out where I ended, because I've been so out of touch with writing recently. Anyway, I hope you guys are still out there enjoying our story, and that you had a blast of a holiday season. Will be back soon with an update.
Lovies-S
