It had been a few weeks since their first date, and things seemed to be going well between John and Ellie. They'd met up for lunch and dinner dates once or twice a week, just the two of them, and had had several phone conversations over the intervening weeks. They were hoping to take Alexandra to the park to get her used to Ellie outside of the doctor's office that weekend. However, that plan fell through when Helen informed him that, with escrow now closed, she was able to move into her condo. Her ordered furniture would be delivered on Saturday and her few belongings she'd left back in Illinois should also be arriving that same day.
John wasn't sure what to do; he was loathe to cancel his plans with Ellie, but he'd promised his mother that, once her condo was ready to be moved into, he would assist. Seeing his turmoil, Helen told him that she could handle moving and directing the furniture delivery men. She also suggested he talk to Ellie regarding the matter. He was tempted to take the out his mother had given him and just enjoy his day with two of his favorite girls, but the fact he would be essentially abandoning his mother left a guilty lump in his gut.
Grudgingly, he pulled out his phone and headed out to the front porch to call his girlfriend.
" Hey, John," Ellie's happy voice rang over the line, " I wasn't expecting to hear from you tonight."
"Hi, Elle," John sighed.
" What's wrong?" Ellie's concern rang through the question.
"I'm in a bit of a tight spot here," He admitted running the fingers of his free hand through his short hair, "I know we made plans to take Alex to the park this weekend, but escrow on my mom's condo closed this week and I'd promised her that I'd help her move once the condo was good to go."
" I see the dilemma," Ellie agreed, then thought a moment, " Would it be too presumptuous for me to help you help her move in? I can unpack boxes like a pro, and if needed can distract Alexandra from getting underfoot."
John couldn't help but smile slightly. Her suggestion actually relieved another issue he was dealing with, his mother had been asking to meet Ellie since the day she'd forced, or strongly suggested, he call the pretty Doc. "I think that could work; Mom's been asking when she might get to meet you."
" Great, do you want me to meet you, or would you rather pick me up?" Ellie asked.
"I think picking you up would work best," He answered, "Your place is actually on the way to hers. Alex and I can get you Saturday morning, say 07:30? If we finish up early enough, maybe we can hit the park or get dinner, just the three of us."
" That'll work," He knew she had smiled when she said that. " I can't wait to see you and Alex again and meet your mom."
"I can't wait to see you again," John admitted.
" I've missed you, too," Ellie replied, understanding his underlying meaning. " I'll see you in a couple days. I have to put some hours in at the after-hours clinic tonight, so I'd better get going."
"Alright," John nodded, "Have a good night at work, try not to pick up any other single Marine dads while you're there."
" Oh please," Ellie laughed, " You know you're the only single dad or Marine I have eyes for."
"Same goes here, Doc," John replied softly, "Good night, Ellie."
" Good night, John," She replied, then disconnected the call.
John put his phone back in his pocket and sat back, looking out at the stars. He sat in silence, enjoying the cool evening after the warm summer day they'd had. A small part of him wished that Ellie was seated beside him so they could enjoy the quiet night together. He knew he was lucky to have her in his life, especially when she was willing to be flexible when family commitments arose. After a while, he went back inside, his mother had already headed to bed, evidenced by only the hall and over-range lights still being on.
He quickly and quietly made his way into his room and got ready for bed, exchanging the jeans and t-shirt he'd put on after arriving home from work and pulling on a pair of pajama pants and an old PT shirt, slid into bed. He vaguely wondered if he'd ever share this bed with Ellie, his mind wanted to drift off and indulge in thoughts of doing more than holding the pretty Doc in his arms as they slept, but he stopped the thoughts in their tracks. He scolded himself that it was much too soon to even consider anything like that, despite knowing full well that he'd done more in less time with other women he'd been involved with, including Kathleen.
Granted, he knew that having a daughter in the house drastically changed his situation. He would need to be more cautious when it came to such things. Gone were the days where taking that step, and the ones leading up to it, could be a spontaneous, from now on, he'd have to plan it out a little better. At least with his mother moving into her own place, he might be able to arrange for Alex to have a sleep over when he and Ellie were ready to take that step. However, with the benefit of pre-planning, he might be able to make their time together a little extra special for Ellie. He imagined putting out candles and flowers, and all that other romantic stuff women liked, in hopes that Ellie would like it too.
As much as he looked forward to taking that step with her, he also knew he'd look forward to sleeping with her wrapped up in his arms would be just as worth it. Mentally calling himself a sap for indulging such a romantic notion, he rolled over and went to sleep.
"Daddy, where are we going?" Alexandra asked from her seat in the back of the Crown Vic. She'd seen her nanna's car turn while her daddy kept driving forward.
"We're going to go pick up Miss Ellie," John explained, "She's going to help us get Nanna moved into her new condo."
"Oh, okay," Alexandra nodded and turned her focus to watch out the window as they drove.
Approaching the apartment where Ellie lived, he pulled into a parking space near the stairs leading up to her door. To his surprise, Ellie was already waiting outside in shorts and a t-shirt, her hair swept up in a high ponytail, and a day bag slung over her shoulder. She looked just as pretty dressed down as she did dressed up for their dates, and on that first day he saw her in her scrubs. Putting the car in park, he got out to greet her. "You look beautiful," He complimented her softly, wrapping his arm around her waist and leading her to the car.
Ellie chuckled lightly at his praise. "I'm wearing an old t-shirt and a pair of ratty shorts," She protested.
"You're always beautiful," John countered, low in her ear, pressing a kiss to her cheek before stepping back to open the door for her.
"And you're still a hopeless romantic," She countered, giving him a bright smile as she slid into the passenger seat and buckled in. As John closed the door and made his way around to his seat, she turned slightly to greet the little girl in the back seat. "Hi, Alexandra!"
"Hi, Miss Ellie!" Alex replied enthusiastically, "Are you gonna help us move Nanna into her house?"
"That's the plan," Ellie answered, turning back forward as John closed his door and fired up the engine again.
As it turned out, Helen's new condo was only about a mile or so from Ellie's apartment, so it only took them about five minutes to get there. John pulled into the nearest visitor's space to his mother's assigned one and was surprised when Ellie beat him out of the car and to Alexandra's door to release the girl from her carseat. Since Ellie had Alex's hand in her own, John popped the trunk and retrieved one of the boxes that had been stowed there. He led them into the building and turned down the hall toward the elevator that would take them to his mother's condo.
The condo was a good size for Helen, with a cozy kitchen and combined dining and living area. The bathroom and two bedrooms were in a small hallway off the living room. The balcony that spanned the width of the living and master bedroom faced west, allowing a view of the Pacific in the distance, thanks to the hill the condo complex sat upon.
Helen was already in the kitchen, coffee pot brewing, three cups sitting on the counter beside the machine. "I'm brewing up some coffee while we wait for the delivery men to arrive. There is creamer and milk in the fridge and sugar over here," She pointed to the fridge and a set of ceramic containers marked with their contents of flour, sugar, and coffee. She then walked over to Ellie and wrapped her in a tight hug, startling the younger woman for a moment before the embrace was returned. "It is so nice to finally meet you. I'm Helen, John's mom."
"It's nice to meet you, Helen," Ellie replied, stepping out of the hug, "I'm Ellie, thank you for welcoming me into your home."
Helen looked to her son, "I like her." The simple comment causing the couple to blush slightly. They were quickly spared when the coffee maker beeped, signaling it was done brewing.
After asking how she took her coffee, John quickly poured some for himself and Ellie before taking a sippy cup out of the box he'd brought up labeled 'kitchen' and quickly washing it out before pouring some milk into it and handing it to his daughter.
While they waited, Helen told them more about the condo complex. It was a retirement community with plenty of people her age to get to know. They had community events and classes, and since many of the residents had family come and visit, they'd eventually petitioned their homeowners' association to install a small park where visiting grandchildren could play. She was looking forward to meeting her neighbors and perhaps making some more friends her age, since her only friend in the area was the General's wife, even after the ladies' trip up to Napa the previous month.
Helen was just about to start the inquisition of Ellie when a knock sounded at the door. The delivery men from Furniture 'n Stuff had arrived with her dining, bedroom, and living room sets. She invited them in and showed them where she would prefer that they place the various items in the rooms. The men nodded their understanding and made their way back down to their truck to begin to unload. As luck would have it, just as the delivery men had finished putting the furniture in the bedrooms and had gone down to start bringing up the living room couch, there was another knock on the door.
Helen smiled at the young man who presented her with a clipboard to sign for the delivery of her items that had been shipped from Illinois. With her signature noted on the manifest, she stepped aside to allow the newest delivery man to bring her boxes into the condo, directing him this way and that so that the boxed would wind up in the correct rooms. Once he had finished, she tipped him well and sent him on his way.
She then began to delegate; John was to begin unpacking the kitchen as he knew how she liked to have it organized. She then brought Ellie into the guest bedroom and handed her some newly purchased sheets, asking her to make up the full-sized bed that had just been put together. Helen, herself, then ducked into the master bedroom and began the arduous task of unpacking her things and organizing her closet and dresser. Ellie soon joined her and helped her make the bed. Alexandra had climbed up and reclined on the bed while they were putting on the flat sheet and both women acted as if they didn't see the small girl and tucking in the sheet and blanket with military corners on Helen's side and hospital corners on Ellie's. The little girl's giggles got the women laughing as they pulled back the covers and acted surprised to find her there.
It was nearing noon when they were about done, "Only thing left to do is get the bathroom organized, so you can get out of here an enjoy the rest of your day. Thank you for putting your plans on hold to help me out."
"You're welcome," Ellie replied.
"At least let me hang the curtain for you," John countered, "Maybe take you out for lunch before we go, since you don't have much in the way of food here?"
"I'd appreciate the curtain being hung, but I don't need you to buy me lunch, John," Helen insisted, "I know I have to get to the grocery store, but there's a Subway in the same complex, I'll grab a sandwich before stocking up. The three of you shouldn't let me keep you."
John eyed his mother warily but, based on the look she was giving him, knew it was best not to argue. With a grunt of assent, he went into the bathroom and quickly hung the shower curtain. After checking that his mother no longer needed them to help her finish up, he reminded her that he had his phone if she needed anything and, after a round of hugs and kisses were exchanged, led his daughter and girlfriend back out to the car.
"So, how do you want to play this?" John asked Ellie as they settled in the car, "We can go to a restaurant, eat there, or get takeout then head to the park. Or, we can go back to my place, I'll make lunch and we can hang out there before heading to the park."
Ellie thought about it for a moment, "I wouldn't mind getting changed," She shrugged, "But I can do that in the restroom of a restaurant or at your place, so up to you."
John nodded then offered his suggestion, "How's this, we pick up a pizza, head back to my house. We can get changed there and head out to the park from there?"
"Sounds good to me," Ellie smiled, a little excited to get to see his home for the first time.
"Great," John nodded and put the car into gear heading toward town while Ellie called in their pizza order. Once their food was picked up, they headed toward Camp Pendleton. As they got closer, he advised Ellie to have her drivers' license ready to be checked at the gate. It was a new experience for Ellie when they arrived at the base's south entrance. She handed her I.D. to John for the Private manning the gate to inspect while another marine with a German Shepherd did a quick inspection of the vehicle and nodded to her partner that it was clear.
"Thank you, Captain Casey, Miss Bartowski," The Private gave them a small smile as he handed their I.Ds back to them, and stepping back, hit the button to raise the gate and allow them access to the base. "Have a good day."
John grunted a response before guiding his car through the gate and turning down the road that headed further into the base. As they drove, Ellie was surprised that it looked like nearly any other suburban area. They drove past a chapel with some cars parked out front for the offered service, a shopping center that looked to house some kind of retail store and a grocery store which John informed her were the Exchange and Commissary. There were a few restaurants along the way as well as a few marked housing communities.
Eventually, John turned onto a side street into one of the communities. A club house was the first thing she saw with a gated area containing a decent sized outdoor pool with a diving board and slide, there were several people lounging around the pool as well as in the water with friends or family, enjoying the cool water on the warm summer afternoon. As they drove on, she saw a park with play equipment, assuming that's where they were likely to be headed after eating lunch. John turned down the next street and pulled into the driveway of a one-story home a few down from the corner. The garage door slowly opened at the touch of a button in John's car.
"This is it," John stated simply, putting the car in park and climbing out. He opened Ellie's door and helped her out before retrieving Alex who was dozing in her carseat but awoke when her restraints were loosened. He lifted the girl up so that her head could rest on his shoulder while he carried her inside. Ellie followed, pizza box in hand.
"I guess the nickel tour is in order," John shrugged, laying Alex on the couch to doze a bit while he showed Ellie around. He started with the living room where they currently stood before guiding her into the kitchen, where she left the pizza box. He guided her down the hall pointing out Alexandra's room as well as the guest room and bathroom. Opening the door across the hall, he guided her in, "And this is my room."
Ellie looked around taking in the dark furniture and the grey comforter on the bed with a folded red blanket draped over the foot board, the bit of design she saw was clearly a corner of the golden eagle, globe, anchor insignia of the Marine Corps. On top of the tall dresser was a triangle-shaped display case with a folded flag. Remembering what he'd once told her about his father she turned back to him and pointed toward the flag, "You dad's?"
"No," John shook his head, "It's actually mine, which is a bit of a long story, which I'll tell you about later."
Accepting his explanation for the time being, she nodded and made her way into the ensuite bathroom, "Oh my," She gasped, taking in the deep tub and walk-in shower, "I love this bathroom!"
John smirked, "It's honestly more than I need, but Alex has enjoyed a couple bubble baths in our brief time here." He then stepped closer behind her and wrapped his arm around her waist, murmuring in her ear, "Maybe if you're real nice, I may just let you talk me into a nice soak with you sometime."
Ellie blushed at the insinuation, but recovered quickly, "I think there are a few steps we'd have to take before that."
"I look forward to it, Ellie Faye." John rumbled low in his throat, pressing a kiss to the junction of her neck and shoulder.
Ellie's eyes widened at the use of her middle name, "How did you…"
"I saw it on your license," John shrugged, turning her in his arms and pulling her close to his chest, "Eleanor Faye Bartowski, a beautiful name for a beautiful woman. I may just stop calling you Doc."
"Don't you dare," She playfully scolded him, "I like it when you call me Doc, Marine."
"You got it," John gave her a puckish grin before lowing his lips to her and murmuring, "Doc," before pressing a warm kiss to her lips, wrapping his arms tighter around her lithe form so that there was very little space between the two of them, enjoying the way her arms wrapped around his neck, the fingers of one of her hands playing with the short hair at the back of his head as the kiss deepened.
Their time together was ended a short time later when they heard Alex calling for her daddy. Hesitantly, they pulled apart, and did their best to put themselves back to rights, Ellie using her thumb to wipe a bit of lingering lip gloss off of John's lips that had transferred from her own during their kiss. Checking herself in the mirror, she smoothed back some fly away hairs that had come loose from her ponytail before following John back out to the kitchen.
After sharing the pizza for lunch, John let Ellie use the guest room to change her shirt from the oversized t-shirt she'd been wearing to a more form fitting tank top. She also swapped the sneakers she'd been wearing for a pair of sandals. While she waited for John to emerge from his room, she fixed Alexandra's hair which had come loose from the pigtails that had been put in her hair that morning.
"Thank you, Miss Ellie," Alexandra smiled up at her, "You do hair better than Daddy does."
"Well, your daddy is still learning," Ellie explained, remembering John telling her about his struggles with learning how to do his daughter's hair, "Just like anything we learn, it takes practice. You didn't learn all your letters on the first day, right?"
"No," Alex shook her head, "Mommy taught me, and Nanna helped after Mommy went to Heaven."
Ellie tried not to tear up at the girl's sad expression when thinking about her mommy, and pressed on, "See, we all have to learn over time. Your daddy will figure it out, and if he can't your nanna or I can help him, too."
"Okay," Alexandra nodded her understanding. A moment later, John came out of his room, his jeans and t-shirt replaced by a pair of short and a fresh shirt.
"You ladies ready to go?" John asked, smiling at the excited cheers from Alexandra, which were echoed by Ellie.
Since the park was only a couple blocks away, the trio walked over to the park, listening as Alex chattered excitedly about what she was going to play on when they got there. Arriving at the park, Alexandra took off like a shot for the play structure while her adults found a nearby bench to sit on and watch. As it turned out, a couple of her friends from daycare were there with their families, and she had a blast playing with them for a while.
When Alex had grown tired of playing with her friends, Ellie noticed the longing look the girl shot at the swings. With her cast on, she hadn't quite mastered how to stay seated while only using her right hand to hold the swing. Ellie made her way over and asked if the little girl would like to sit on her lap while they swung, eventually convincing John to join them, first pushing them for a bit, then climbing on his own swing beside them to swing along with them.
The image of such a large man on the swings would have been an odd sight were it not for the woman and child on the next swing over. To any on looker, they looked like a family enjoying the afternoon at the park. It was soon supper time and John announced it was time to head back to the house. He quickly put supper together for them, grilling up chicken for himself and Ellie while some nuggets baked in the oven for Alexandra. He also made a pot of macaroni and cheese and steamed some broccoli.
Once the trio had eaten, he excused himself to take Alexandra through her evening routine. When it came time for stories, prayers, and bed, he caught Ellie standing in the doorway and invited her to join them. He smiled slightly when it came time for Alex to say her prayers and the Doc clasped her hands together and respectfully bowed her head while Alex began to bless every member of her family, all her friends, teachers, and nearly every person she knew.
"And God bless Miss Ellie," The little girl said with a yawn, "She makes Daddy smile. I like it when Daddy smiles. Amen."
The adults shared a look and echoed the amen. They both kissed the little girl on the forehead wishing her good night and John tucked the girl in before they quietly made their exit. They'd gone back into the kitchen where John poured them some wine before guiding Ellie out to the front porch where they snuggled up on the bench and looked up at the stars. It wasn't until later that John remembered that he'd picked Ellie up at her place that day.
"I'm a gorram idiot," He grumbled.
"What's wrong?" Ellie asked.
"I was enjoying spending the day with you, I completely forgot that I picked you up today," John replied, "Now with Alexandra in bed, I can't drive you home, and it'd be tricky getting a ride share or taxi through the gates this time of night."
"Are you sure that it wasn't just that you wanted to sleep with me?" She teased him, and saw the surprised expression on his face, "I'm mostly teasing, John. I mean, I wouldn't mind sharing your bed, but would understand if you'd rather me stay in the guest room tonight."
John sat for a moment, thinking over his options before speaking, "Whatever you're comfortable with. I don't think we're to the point of consummating our relationship, but I don't see the harm in just sleeping in the same bed."
Ellie nodded, "I agree, although on my end it feels like we may not be too far off from that step."
"Yeah," John nodded, "When we get there, I'll arrange for my mom to take Alex for the night. As much as I love my little girl, I think you deserve to have my full attention when we take that step."
Ellie blushed, "Thank you." They sat in silence a bit longer before she spoke again, "Hey, my brother and his fiancée are coming down in a couple weeks for a visit before fall quarter starts. We were thinking of taking a weekend in San Diego, maybe stay at Coronado Beach? Would you, Alex, and maybe Helen be interested in joining?"
John thought on it a moment before nodding, "Seems only fair, you met my family, I probably should meet yours as well."
"Great, I'll let you know the details once we settle on them," Ellie nodded with a yawn.
"Why don't we head to bed; it's getting late, and Alex likes to rise early on Sunday mornings," John explained, "Probably a good thing, so we have time to take you home before going to Sunday services."
"You don't have to," Ellie shrugged, "I brought a sundress with me along with my spare shirt, since I didn't know exactly what the day would bring. I could join you, if it isn't an imposition, I haven't really attended services since before my dad left, but I'm not opposed to going."
John quirked a small smile and nodded with a grunt. He stood and offered Ellie his hand to assist her up from the bench and led her inside, locking the door behind him. When the entered his room, he closed the door, but didn't latch it. "If you need something to sleep in, I could loan you a shirt or something."
Ellie nodded, "That would be nice, thanks."
John pulled a shirt out of one of his drawers and handed it to her, "I, um, well my mom went to the dentist the other day and they gave her an extra toothbrush, it's not used, if you want to use it. It's in the cabinet above the sink."
"Thanks, John," Ellie gave him a soft smile before heading into the bathroom to get ready for bed. When she returned, he was already under the covers.
"Are you okay on the left side?" He asked a little nervous, "I like to be close to the door if Alex needs me during the night."
"Left side is fine," Ellie gave him a reassuring smile as she lifted the corner of the comforter to climb into bed.
John tried his best to not give too much attention to the long bare legs that peaked out under his old PT shirts from the Naval Academy that he'd given her to wear. It was modest enough on her, covered everything it needed to but cut off about halfway down her thighs, showing off her beautiful legs.
Ellie laid back on the pillow and stared at the ceiling as John did the same on his side, nearly a foot separating them.
Eventually she started giggling, "John, this is silly, we have all this space between us creating a veritable Wall of Jericho between us."
John laughed a bit at her observation, "You're right," He agreed, scooting over toward the middle of the bed while she did the same, "C'mere," He held his left arm to her, inviting her to curl into his side. He waited for a few moments while she settled her head on his chest and slipped one of her legs between his before wrapping his arm around her, enjoying the feeling of her body pressed against his. He leaned down and met her lips in a soft kiss, "Good night, Doc."
"Good night, Marine," She replied, settling in his arms.
They lay snuggled together for a while, but soon felt the pull to do more, it started out with a kiss pressed to Ellie's forehead, John's left hand lightly stroking Ellie's upper arm. When she looked up at him, he advanced to soft kisses on her lips and jaw. Loving the hitch in her breathing as he felt her arm trace up his chest and down his right arm, almost as if trying to memorize every muscle by touch.
He rolled her over on her back, his leg going between hers as her left leg bent, her foot flat on the mattress, leaving her thigh pressed against his hip as his hand drifted down to stroke along her bare leg, inching closer to the hem of the shirt she wore as he trailed warm kisses down her neck. They continued their make out session a while longer before John gently eased back. "We can't go where this is leading, at least not yet." He whispered, "As much as I want to."
Ellie nodded her agreement, "You're right," She sighed giving him one last long kiss and settling back into his arms. "I can't wait until we can, though." She spoke against his chest.
"Me too," He agreed, kissing her forehead and bidding her good night as they relaxed, willing their racing hearts to calm until they drifted off to sleep.