Alexandra noticed that Alexis' mind continued to be elsewhere. Even while they watched Lilibet play. She wondered what it was.

"What are you pondering?" she asked her.

"School. Motherhood." Alexis gave a shrug. "How have you managed everything? My timeline for school completion has changed. Significantly."

"Don't be too hard on yourself." Alexandra said firmly. "I did a lot of night classes before transferring to online classes when I was too big to make the daily commute."

"I like the sound of that. Did your family help you?"

Alexandra nodded. "Yes. Even Jenny's parents did."

"A big family must be so nice." mused Alexis. "What did your siblings do during your pregnancy?"

"Kevin gave Porter a piece of his mind. He took me out to dinner after, to cheer me up." recalled Alexandra. "My sisters were just funny."

As ever, Alexis was fascinated by the Ryan family dynamics. "Oh? How's that?"

"They each looked after me. In their own ways. But Emilie was a hoot." Alexandra laughed. "Her emotions were in a constant flux because she had a four-month-old. Bellamy kept her in check."

"How's that? Is she also a mom?"

Alexandra nodded. "Yep. All of us Ryan children are parents now, but Bells been a mom the longest. She has one teenage son."

Alexis murmured, "You must have one great plethora of nieces and nephews..."

They'll also be yours one day, thought Alexandra. "I think 'plethora' is a nice way to put it. Luckily... Joelle never added on to the twins' madness because her youngest was born forty-eight hours before Bette was."

"Extraordinary. Just extraordinary." Alexis caressed her middle with her knuckles. "Did Joelle rescue you if the twins were being too ridiculous?"

"Now you're getting it. Jo swooped in to take me to a fun time... Or doctor visits..."

Alexandra fell quiet for a moment. Held one hand to the right corner of her mouth.

"A gist is that Joelle is listed as my next of kin after my parents because of actual medical reasons. My sister brought me to doctor appointments when my parents couldn't. You should see the medical binder she keeps in my name." Alexandra grinned her curiously crooked grin at Alexis. "My sister brought me to pancakes or something after. Joelle made the dreary days fun. Continued when I carried Bette."

The words coming out of Alexandra's words were unexpected. But Alexis listened. Attentively.

But her voice was quiet when she asked, "Allie... Did something happen to you?"

"Mhm. It's a shame I'm not legal to buy liquor, and you can't have any. The story is worth it... Plus... It also explains why I hate hospitals."

"What?" Alexis' eyes widened in surprise. "But you came to see me when I was in one."

Alexandra patted Alexis' hand. "Because you're important to Bette and I. That will never change. You are worth getting over that particular hang-up. So is the baby."

And on the spot, Alexis wondered how to figure out Alexandra's ring size.

"Wow." she said in awe. "Thank you."

Alexandra hugged her. But then she cleared her throat before they both started crying. This was not the time for that. Or place.

But Alexis pounced. "Anything else to share?"

Alexandra laughed. "I probably never won't have a story, but I do have something about Jenny."

"Go on. I'm all ears. The woman has forever been an enigma to me."

"Jenny helped me out as much as my parents and my siblings and my parents did." Alexandra finally elaborated. "The rest of her kin is down south."

Alexis had epiphany. "Making the the Ryan side of the family her only relatives up here."

Alexandra once again only just withheld a comment pertaining to how her whole family would also be Alexis'. "Correct. My parents have treated Jenny like one of their children the first time Kevin brought her around. He was completely serious about Jenny by then. What do you think?"

"I'm in awe. And your family is beautiful. Now I just have one question..."

"Let me guess: it's about the timeline in the story of my brother and his wife?"

Alexis nodded. "You had to have been pregnant when they were still dating. Right?"

"Yes. That is how it happened. Very good." Alexandra praised. "Jenny asked me on her own after things got serious if I'd mind having a new sister."

"Sounds like you welcomed her with open arms because I have not forgotten that she called you a knucklehead while you and Bette were visiting." Alexis caressed her middle once more. "Just how close are you two?"

Alexandra winked. "Enough that I said yes when she invited me to spend Christmas with them in Orlando. I got meet the O'Malleys before the rest of my family did. Her stepdad is called Levi, and her mom is called River."

"Cool names. Is Jenny an only child?"

"No. Her stepbrother Nelson is on track to becoming a pediatrician." Alexandra informed her. "By the way... I heard chatter last week that the O'Malleys are coming up for Christmas."

"Alexandra," Alexis blurted before she could stop herself. "I want to meet them."

Alexandra winked at her. "Good thing Kevin or Jenny will no doubt invite you. The O'Malleys are going to love you very much."

Alexis was at a loss for words. But in a good way.

She sat with Alexandra. Enjoying her. And letting her touch her middle. They were bonding. Becoming a family. Each loved it.

Alexandra quietly wondered, however, if Alexis would bring up a certain topic. Or if she would have to. Just to test the waters.

But… As what was becoming the usual, Alexis read her mind.

"I have a new question." she said. "What were things like after Bette was born? I'm talking about where post partum is concerned. Were you able to get the help you needed?"

Alexandra had a sigh as she thought about it. Post partum was not her favorite subject. But she would answer because Alexis wanted to know.

"Post partum did a number on my head. And I did get the aid." Alexandra responded honestly. "Still... I would do it again because I took the semester off. Doing so allowed me to get to know Bette."

"Okay…"

Alexis paused for a few moments. To mull it all over.

But then she said, "Wanting to know your kid's quirks and personality makes total sense. Did you find anything out? That was extra funny?"

Memories came flooding back. "Bette hates green beans. And bananas. I learned this the difficult way."

Alexis arched an eyebrow. "You're talking in present-tense. Bette doesn't like them? Still?"

"Yep. She adamantly refuses to touch either food."

Now Alexis remembered Kate's recipe card box. Maybe there would be something useful inside. She'd have to ask.

"Hmm. I am now making it my mission to get her to try both."

Alexandra was impressed. "Should Lilibet successfully consume either or both, I will kiss you. For sure."

Alexis' heart did a flip, but she gently bumped Alexandra's shoulder with hers. "Challenged accepted. Looking forward to it."

They both fell silent again. Each trying not to blush.

They liked each other. Clearly. Equally. But kissing? A new topic altogether. Yet… It was not unwelcome.

Alexis blurted after a few moments' quiet, "Would you please be able to help me come up with some sort of plan regarding school? I don't know where to begin."

Alexandra sounded confident. "I am happy to help. With anything. You can even come over: see where we li—"

But Alexandra's invitation was disrupted by Lilibet jogging over to them.

She leaned against Alexis' legs for balance as she declared to Alexandra, "I'm hungry!"

Alexandra humored her. "So am I. How about you ask Lexie if she wants food?"

The toddler made eye contact with the redhead. But then she was overcome with such a case of the giggles that she forgot how to talk.

Desperate, Lilibet pantomimed eating.

But Alexis understood.

She offered Lilibet her hand when she stood. "Yes, big girl. I am so in a mood to eat now."

Lilibet wrapped her hand around Alexis' fingers. "Where are we gonna go?"

"Hm. You know... I'm not sure. Maybe mama knows."

Each looked over at to Alexandra.

The blonde was just tucking her phone away. She had sent her mother a picture of Alexis conversing with Lilibet. Every day, Alexandra continually pinched herself about how well these two got along. Zadie Ryan was the perfect person to share in in her joy with. And a vault.

But Alexandra kept her cool when she felt two pairs of eyes on her.

"It is too chilly for food truck hunting." she slung hers and Alexis' purses as she rose up. "I think it's a diner day. Are you two game?"

Lilibet jumped for joy. "Let's go!"

Alexis offered to Alexandra, "I can pick up the bill."

"No. I must insist that I will. Please me show you some chivalry." Alexandra took her offspring's free hand. "You need to see that the world isn't over."

Alexis beamed at her. "Wow. Thank you, beautiful."

Alexandra's heart skipped a beat at her nickname. "I mean it when I say any time. Always for you."

But any more that could have been said wasn't.

Lilibet chose this moment to give them a rambling recap about some rocks and bugs that she had looked at for awhile.

Any flirting (or affirmations) would have to halt. Just for awhile now.

Lilibet had the floor.

One taxicab ride later, they had arrived at Remy's Diner.

Alexis immediately felt warm. Cozy, too. This was one place that she had been going to since she was Lilibet's age. Castle had brought her.

They found there was not a lunch rush, but a just a bustle. Waiters were seen actively working the floor. Alexis could even hear the cooks hurrying about in the nearby kitchen. Rain began to fall outside.

Alexis was now completely content.

Each member of the trio ordered something very different.

A club sandwich, with a side of fries and a glass of lemonade for Alexandra. Simple food made her happy.

Alexis opted for biscuits and gravy. Her drink of choice? Orange juice. She was in a breakfast mood. And happy to take advantage of the diner's all-day breakfast menu.

Lilibet rounded things out when she asked for spaghetti and meatballs. It did not make her happy to see a side of steamed vegetables. But she changed lanes when Alexis pointed out her meal was accompanied by one tall glass of chocolate milk.

A few minutes later...

"Allie," began Alexis. "I know you know I'm working towards degrees in French and business relations. But... Could you remind me what your goal is?"

"Gladly. I'm also in business relations. But I've tacked on a degree in culinary arts. French is a hobby because I speak a few languages now." provided Alexandra. "My parents own The Rolling Pin Bakery. Do you know it?"

Alexis brightened. "Yes! Dad took me there frequently when I was a kid. And in high school, sometimes I'd go in before first period study hall. The blueberry muffins are my favorite."

"Good to know. My parents will be tickled—they make them fresh, every shift."

Alexandra stopped briefly to check on Lilibet. The little girl needed reminding to pace herself. And to use a napkin. She cheerfully accepted the reminders before continuing on with her meal.

"My parents both have long memories." Alexandra said as she turned back to Alexis again. "I know they will remember you."

Alexis could only blush.

"I have official plans to take over the Rolling Pin once my parents reach retirement." Alexandra looked closely at her lunch-mate. "Is baking something you like?"

Alexis nodded. "Yes. I was just telling Kate the other day that I would love to do a hands-on job like that."

Alexandra lifted one eyebrow. "Are you any good?"

"I'm no pro. But I'd say I'm pretty good. Dad and I have had baking adventures for as long as I can remember. Especially during a weird weather system like a blizzard."

The redhead took her own beat to gaze upon her companion in scrutiny.

"Why the sudden interest in my baking skills?"

"My nephew has a birthday coming up soon. This year's theme is dinosaur everything."

Alexis pushed her now-empty plate away. "I like the sound of this. Go on."

"His parents promised him a volcano cake, and I know they're going to make one…" Alexandra's words ended in an impish grin.

"But what?" Alexis reached out and patted Alexandra's hand. "Come on."

Alexandra caressed Alexis' hand without a second thought as she continued. "But I happen to know that they'll be using the bakery kitchen. And the project is commencing on baking day."

Alexis pounced. "What's that?"

"It's when the bakery is closed to the public so an extra bounty of inventory can be made. Happens every week." Alexandra elaborated. "We do all kinds of projects and it's always fun. I finally have someone to invite now. Do you want to come?"

Alexis gave Alexandra's hand a firm but affectionate squeeze. "I would love to. Thanks for extending an invitation. When is it?"

"Monday. It goes until end of business hours, but you can hang out for however long you like. The atmosphere is fun."

"What time do you go?" Alexis asked her.

"Midday." Alexandra responded. "There's free home-cooking for everyone who contributes to the work."

"I am definitely in."

"Excellent."

Alexandra pulled away from Alexis' hands to pull an appointment book from her purse. She needed to double-check something. Alexis had a small smile when she saw the book. It was decorated with lions.

"Okay." Alexandra looked up again. "We're going to be in your neighborhood because Bette has a check-up. Do you think you can be ready in your lobby by eleven-thirty? I can pick you up. There's just another errand to do after that. A quick one."

"Yes. I can definitely be ready."

Alexis could tell that Alexandra was including her in on errand-running because it was convenient. But she liked it.

"What is that other errand?" she wanted to know.

Alexandra shrugged as she replaced her appointment book. "Nothing special. Just bills. Paying them at the building is easier… What?"

For Alexis now bore a mischievous grin. "I just had an idea. For errand day. However… You're going to have to find out what it is."

"Because I can see you aren't about to budge." Alexandra deadpanned.

"One hundred percent correct."

Alexis pointed to the window. It had stopped raining. But being outside would not be unpleasant.

"The weather cleared up. Do you two have any place to be?"

Alexandra shook her head. "Why?"

"The library is close by. If we step on it, we can make story time." Alexis' eyes flickered towards Alexandra's mini-me. "Does Bette like that kind of thing?"

"Oh, does she ever."

Alexandra turned to Lilibet. Time for updating her.

Both Ryans conversed in Gaelic. Fluidly. Rapidly. By the end, Lilibet was elated. She also hurried over Alexandra. Fast.

Before Alexis could process the speed at which her friend was moving, she felt a pair of little arms around her waist. Holding tight. Lilibet was already there. Giving her a hug.

"Easy, big girl. Easy." Alexis rubbed Lilibet's arms in a grip-loosening attempt. "That's kind of tight."

Lilibet gave her a gentler hug. "This day is the best!"

Lilibet's arms moved lower. Straight to where the baby was growing inside. Not ready to be interrupted by the world. Yet.

Alexis' heart tightened with affection.

"Come look." she waved Alexandra over. "Will you take a picture? This is one memory I definitely want to keep."

Alexandra quickly hurried over. She snapped the picture fast. And sent it to Alexis.

But then she noticed she was beginning to cry.

"You're okay." she sat on Alexis' free side and held her. "Don't worry. It's just the hormones. What you're feeling is normal."

Alexandra wiped Alexis' tears for her.

"Do you just want to stay put for a few more minutes?"

"I would." Alexis exhaled shakily. "Thank you."

She almost said, "I love you." But quickly refrained. It would happen. Some time. But not now.

"Any time, Alexis. Any time."

It wasn't Alexis was almost asleep that night that a brand new thought startled her.

Baking day was not far off. At all. She was excited.

But… It was Alexandra's parents' show. Literally.

She and Alexandra weren't dating. But they were as good as. Already.

If anything... Alexis just felt nervous. For terrific reason.

She would be meeting Alexandra's parents. Officially!