Part Nine
Michael wraps his arms around her from behind, planting a kiss on her neck. "I love you in that dress." It is Friday night, and they are preparing for their night out with Jake and Heather.
"Well, enjoy me in it now," Sydney says mournfully, checking out her reflection in the full-length mirror. "It won't fit for very long."
"I'd enjoy you more out of it," he says in that voice that drives her crazy.
"Now, Michael," she chides, turning in his arms so that she is facing him. "Don't go distracting me from how big I'm going to get."
"You'll be beautiful," he assures her, dipping low to kiss her stomach. "You're having our baby."
"God, I love you," she sighs, raking her fingers through his hair.
"I love you, too," he says, standing back up to kiss her. When they part, she lets her head fall onto his chest.
"Why do we always have to waste the nights we have a sitter with people we don't even like?" she murmurs.
"You don't like Jake and Heather?"
"Not enough to give up a night alone with you."
"Aw, Syd," he says, kissing the top of her head. He makes her feel so safe, so protected, and she would love nothing more than to spend the entire night wrapped up in his arms. "I'm sorry, baby. Next Friday, okay? We'll go out, just the two of us, have an amazing dinner."
"Get someone to keep the kids overnight," she suggests.
"I like the way you think," he says with a lecherous smile. They kiss once, passionately, and when they part, he moves so that he is standing behind her at the mirror, his arms around her waist, his head resting on her shoulder.
"I was wondering what this new baby will be like," Sydney muses. "And then I realized we don't even really know what Grace is like yet. I mean, we do," she corrects. "But--"
"I know what you mean," Michael interrupts. "We don't know her like we know Jack and Emily."
Sydney smiles. "What do you think she'll be like?"
Michael considers for a moment. "I think she'll be quiet and sweet, like Jack."
"And beautiful," Sydney sighs. "I can tell already that she's going to be so beautiful."
"Definitely," Michael agrees. "And she and our new little one will be great friends, I'll bet, since they'll be so close in age."
"Oh, I'll bet you're right," Sydney says delightedly.
"And I'll bet Sam will be a little wild man, and he'll instigate lots of little adventures for the two of them."
"Or Maggie," Sydney reminds him.
"Or Maggie," Michael agrees. "I have a feeling it's going to be Sam, though."
"I do, too, actually," Sydney admits.
Michael smiles. "It's probably a good thing, too. Just think about when they're teenagers. I think a wild boy will be easier on Daddy than a wild girl would be."
"Oh, I think Emily will cause you a few sleepless nights, too," Sydney predicts.
"I think you're right," Michael agrees. They both laugh.
Sydney opens her mouth to speak again, only to be interrupted by the sound of the ringing doorbell.
"Amanda," Sydney sighs. "Are we ready?"
"I think so."
Sydney takes his hand, not excited, especially, about the night they have in store for them, but absolutely giddy at the thought of all they have to look forward to in the years to come.
