By two o'clock the house was decorated, the food was ready, and the guests were arriving. Karen, Steven, and Mort practically sat on top of Alex to keep her from doing any work. Was she really intent on going against both the doctor and Mort's wishes? Well, no, but she found that every time she wanted to help, and couldn't, Mort gave her a generous dose of affection.
Ed and Sarah Leidy were the first to arrive on that beautiful Sunday afternoon. Mort opened the front door and had the pleasure of being greeted by two genuine smiles. He was hugged by each of them before a frantic scuttling of feet was heard.
"Gamma!" Julia squealed, running to Sarah.
"There's the birthday girl!" Sarah gushed. She picked up her granddaughter and both she and Ed kissed her.
"And where's the mommy to be?" Ed asked Mort.
Mort smiled. "Confined to the couch."
"Good boy," Ed joked, patting his shoulder. "Everyhin' all right? I mean, things haven't gotten her too stressed have they?"
"She's fine, just a little pouty about not being allowed to help." Mort chuckled and leaned in closer to Ed. "I have a feeling she's using that to her advantage though." Ed laughed and walked into the living room.
"Mort!" Julia suddenly exclaimed.
Sarah looked at Mort, confusion on her face. "Mort?"
"Nah, I'm Daddy," he said proudly. "Mort's the big guy upstairs." He looked at Julia. "I'll go get him, sweetheart." Mort dashed up the stairs, then quickly returned, the giant white teddy bear from last year's party in his hands.
Julia clapped her hands. "Mort!"
"Wasn't his name 'Moo' the last time we were here?"
"It seems to change weekly," Mort said, his eyes sparkling. "She insisted that he come down for her party. Creative little thing, isn't she?" Sarah smiled in agreement. The three made their way into the living room where Ed was talking to Alex.
"Darlin', just look at you!" he said, smiling. "You have that glow that you missed out on before." He kissed her cheek. "I'm so happy for you, Alex. You know he is too."
Alex nodded, tears shining in her eyes. "A kind of guardian angel for both of them right?"
"Absolutely, darlin'."
Mort didn't have to ask what they were talking about, he knew full well. Tristan was a topic that Mort encouraged, not one he wanted to avoid. He had no reason to feel uncomfortable about any of it. Tristan's parents adored him, as did his daughter. He was never compared to a ghost and he was never accused of taking anyone's place. He was lucky and he knew it.
As more guests arrived, Mort found himself feeling exhilarated. He loved having people over. The cheery atmosphere, the lively conversation…it was something that he and Amy hardly ever partook in. She wasn't the biggest fan of large gatherings…or small ones really. She would rather spend the day looking for antiques or, apparently, sneaking off with her lover. Sure, that's why she didn't like parties; there would have been someone there who knew… Mort laughed at the thought. Why? Well, that kind of thinking used to rack his brain with jealousy and disgust, but now it was simply humorous.
Alex made it through the cake and presents, but then, as the party games started, she finally admitted to herself that she needed to go upstairs for a while. Mort helped her into bed and kissed her forehead.
"Are you sure you're all right?" he asked, his voice, as it was more often than not over the past couple of weeks, flooded with concern.
"Just tired," Alex replied. "Come back up for me in a half hour and I should be O.K."
Mort brushed his wife's hair away from her face. There were so many things that he could have said to her at that moment. He had been thinking about their life together more and more as her due date neared. He felt himself wanting to tell her everything that he'd thought of, everything that he'd analyzed, but he wanted her to rest far more right now. He knew all too well that, at this stage of her pregnancy, Alex was terribly uncomfortable and very much lacking in self-esteem at most times. He knew her so well and he understood what she needed to hear. His voice a soft, comforting whisper, he said, "You are the most beautiful woman I've ever seen, baby."
Through her fatigue, Alex smiled. "You're smooth, Morton Rainey." Her eyes closed and he covered her with the chenille throw they kept at the foot of the bed. He found that he wanted nothing more at that moment than to curl up next to Alex and go to sleep, but a house filled with guests awaited him downstairs.
"Sweet dreams, baby," he said, caressing her face.
He stepped into the living room just in time to see Julia try to put a donkey tail on Ed. Apparently, she felt she was ready for one of the "big kid" games. Just as she was about to stick the tail to Ed's knee, Mort scooped her up and spun her around.
"Poppy's not a donkey, sweetheart," he laughed.
Julia giggled, then asked, "Where Mommy?"
"Mommy's taking a nap and…" Mort was interrupted by the doorbell.
"I'll get it, Mort," Karen said. "I thought everyone was here."
He shrugged. "Me too."
Karen made her way to the foyer. Through the beveled glass on either side of the front door, she could see a blonde woman standing with her arms crossed over her chest. She looked anxious. Karen opened the door.
Not having a clue as to who this woman was, she said, "Um, hi." No, this wasn't the warmest greeting, but what was she supposed to say?
"I need to speak with Morton Rainey," the woman said, her voice shaking.
"And you are?"
"Please."
Karen was a weary of this woman. "I need more than just a 'please', ma'am. He has company at the moment."
"I'm sorry for interrupting, but I really need to speak with him."
"Then tell me who you are."
"He might not want to come to the door," the woman said honestly.
Karen's voice was cold now. "That's not helping you."
The woman lowered her head for a moment. When she raised it, she said, "I'm Amy Rainey." Her voice was soft. "I'm Mort's wi…ex-wife."
***
Author's Note: Many of you guessed correctly. Here's a cookie! :-)