Title: Scenes from a Courtship
Disclaimer: Not mine, I'm just playing.
Summary: A series of scenes from Sam and Martin's relationship. In the same universe as "A Long Weekend."
Rating: If you are old enough to use the internet you are old enough to read this.
Chapter 9
A special thanks to Claire and "she who wishes not to be named" for beta reading.
A Birthday Party
"Happy Birthday Dear Ava, Happy Birthday to You!" the family sang.
Then Jamie said "Ava make a wish and blow out the candles."
The little girl closed her eyes and blew getting all three candles at once. Then as the family started take their seats for cake, Ava pointed to the seat next to her and said "Sam sit here." She pointed to the seat on the other side of her and said "Marty sit here." Then she remembered and tacked on a loud "Please!
Sam smiled and sat down beside Ava. Ava adored Sam and Martin. Jamie came back into the dinning room and said "Sam, Martin you should let me take one of those seats. Ava still needs a little help."
Sam jumped in saying "Jamie sit, relax, we can handle her."
"Well if you are sure," replied Jamie.
The family ate the cake and ice cream and talked. Ava chattered almost non-stop with Sam and Martin. Once she picked up a rose from the cake with her sticky little fingers and gave it to Sam. "Thanks for sharing Ava," replied Sam laughing.
Martin's heart lept a little. He knew Sam was more willing to consider children, but seeing her with Ava made him think it might be a reality. He hoped it was.
After they finished, Jamie asked "Sam and Martin could you help me in the kitchen for a moment." They both picked up a couple plates and followed.
In the kitchen, Jamie said, "Set those anywhere. I just wanted to tell you that I'm pregnant. I'm due in September. We want to wait a few more months until we tell Ava. Six months is forever in her mind."
"The wonderful," said Martin hugging Jamie.
"Congratulations," said Sam.
"Thank you. Now let's go join the rest of the fun," replied Jamie.
In the living room, Ava was on the floor playing with some of her new toys with her dad Mark. They were having a very good time.
The subject of Allison's prom came up. Allison was very excited about it. The theme was "Some Enchanted Evening." She was especially excited because it was going to be held in the ballroom of one of the nice hotels in the city.
"Have you found a dress yet," asked Sam.
"No," said Allison.
Roger said, "I guess, I'm not the best with this kind of thing."
Jamie sighed and said, "I promise, I'll find some time to help. Really. There was just been so much going on."
"Well," said Sam, shifting Ava in her lap while Ave played with her hair. "What if I took you some Saturday, if it would be o.k. with your Dad? We could make a day of it in the City."
"Yes! That would be wonderful," said Allison.
Roger said, "Sam, we don't want to impose, but if you are sure it would be a big help."
"Of course, I'm sure. It will be great. I haven't shopped for a new formal in ages!" replied Sam. "I'll call you and we can set something up after I figure out which Saturdays I'm not on call."
Martin was just beaming at Sam, although she didn't notice it. The conversation resumed.
At some point, Ava fell asleep on Sam's lap. Sam was smiling at her and gently brushing the hair from Ava's face. Jamie noticed her sleeping daughter and said "Sam, Ava must be getting heavy, let me take her upstairs for a nap."
"She's not heavy, but this is probably not the best nap spot. I've got her. Why don't you just show me where to put her down?"
"O.K." said Jamie. Her room is upstairs.
When Sam and Jamie came back downstairs, Martin announced that it was time to head back to the city. The family said there goodbyes. Martin and Sam walked out to the car.
"That was very nice," said Sam once they were in the car. "Ava's a doll and Jamie and Mark are so excited about the new baby."
"Yes, I thought Ava looked especially cute in your lap playing with your hair and then asleep. Roger and Jamie are so happy you offered to take Allison shopping," replied Martin.
"Thanks," replied Sam. "It should be fun. I'm sure Allison misses Bonnie and it can't be easy for Jamie to try to fill in as mom. This is something I can do."
They sit in a contented silence driving home. After a little while, Sam muses, "Martin, I'm really beginning to think I might want my own little girl some day. Not soon, but someday."
"Really," says Martin grinning. "Maybe I can help you with that someday."