Alexis took the weekend to do some shopping for Lilibet.

Still… Monday morning arrived very fast.

Kate found Alexis at the breakfast nook. With some packages. And the woman herself looking like she was getting ready to go.

"Hey." Kate greeted her. "What's going on? Are your friends on the way?"

Alexis nodded. "Yes. It's errand day. And... I'll even be tagging along on the stop after this."

"But then it's off to the bakery. Got it." Kate now lifted an item from a smaller one box. "These for your pint-sized tagalong?"

Alexis looked to see Kate had found a set of kid sized flashcards and undone its plastic wrap.

"Yep." Alexis put the cards in her purse while Kate disposed of their plastic wrapping. "I've heard that Bette really likes to learn so I got those to keep her out from under her mother's feet at our next stop. It's bill-paying day."

"Alright." said Kate. "But... Why is the bigger box filled with toddler bath toys?"

"Alexandra said that Bette sees bath time as wartime. So she invited to to my part if it can get the little miss to change her tune." Alexis closed her box. "But she will be getting the toys another time."

Kate watched Alexis bustle around. She was putting the finishing touches on getting ready to go.

But Kate still had a pause. Many crazy things had been going on in her life... to the point where she was pinching herself.

She had accepted Castle's marriage proposal, and moved in to the loft. Permanently. They were also planning a wedding. And planning for a baby or two.

It was enough to make anyone topsy-turvy. Which is exactly what Kate was feeling. To the max.

Part of Kate wondered she should investigate.

"Allie is it for me. I know it, Kate. I always have." Alexis found herself blurting without warning. "It just took a breakup, and a falling out."

"Does Alexandra judge you about what's been happening?" Kate wanted to know.

"She does not. And I know why Allie gets my situation. But I can't believe it it took a break up, and a falling out to see it."

Kate chose her words carefully. "I ask because I care: does Alexandra know about Paris?"

"Mhm. She also knows I did therapy for it. We also remember each others' birthdays, too." Alexis confirmed. "Our cherry on top? Allie knows things about me that I've never told people I dated."

"Talk about deep trust..."

Alexis nodded. "Now I have discovered that Allie is very patient. And willing to wait. Had she not been there that day, I would have turned her away by now."

Kate was awed by Alexis' maturity. "Now Alexandra accepts you for who you are. Just like you accept her from who she is. And the next level is testing the waters out? But also going slow, too?"

"Hole in one. But... Also... Kate? Are you on call? Is that why you're still here?"

"Bingo. I have off until next Monday if I don't get a call about a dead body by noon." Kate checked her watch. "Now it's a quarter to eleven. Are the Ryans meeting you in the lobby at the bottom of the hour?"

"Yes, but," Alexis became comically stricken she remembered she was in lounge clothes. "What will I wear?!"

Kate became the voice of reason. "Easy. Just wear something you can breathe in. I bet your middle is no doubt making things just one smidge complicated."

Alexis actually simmered back down. At twelve weeks pregnant already, her body shape had become apparent. Abruptly so.

"You aren't wrong. I need new clothes. Very soon." the redhead rolled her eyes. "My kid is growing like a weed."

Alexis then practiced some steady breathing as yet another new thought hit her.

"I've been spending so much time with Allie and Bette: how do I up my game?"

"Please extend an invitation to dinner." Kate patted her cheeks. "Now go get ready. Standing people up is not nice. Especially dates. I hope you remember that."

Alexis promised she would.

The Ryans arrived at eleven-thirty on the nose.

All was well.

But Lilibet turned grim at the service building's eight floor. She recognized it. As a place of great monotony.

Lilibet stomped one foot and crossed her arms. "You're being trickerful, mama! And Lexie!"

It was rare this child was cranky. The adults did all possible to not laugh. Especially when Lilibet turned her back on them.

"My sunshine, this cannot be a surprise if I told you about it." Alexandra put her hands on her hips. "Do you want to pay mama's bills now?"

Lilibet dropped her arms. "No…"

"Good. Kid stuff seems more like your thing."

Alexis moved forward a pace. "Bette-love? I have a surprise."

The toddler immediately lost all traces of testiness. "Is this real?"

"Yep. Very." Alexis pulled the flashcards out. "I'll show you."

Lilibet turned back around.

So Alexis showed her her treasure. "I got you a learning tool."

She stooped to Lilibet's level so she could see.

The clerk at the store had assured Alexis that these flashcards would be just right. Not only could little hands maneuver them, but they covered a whole range of topics. It was all even at Lilibet's level of understanding.

"Do you know what flashcards are?" Alexis asked Lilibet.

The toddler moved closer. "No."

"They're a fun way to learn brand new ideas, Bette. I got these to keep in my bag."

Lilibet said to her, "For just in case?"

"Yep." Alexis righted herself and pointed to a nearby bench. "How about we check it all out?"

Lilibet held Alexis' hand when it was offered.

They settled together on the bench. And they were soon lost in their own world. Alexis even began going over the topic on the first card. Lilibet paid close attention. Being with her friend was fun.

Alexandra snapped a discreet picture.

But… As she finally got in line... All she could ponder was telling Alexis' family she was completely serious about her.

The first thing Alexis noticed as she and the Ryans approached The Rolling Pin Bakery's rear entrance was a large pride flag hanging from the door frame. A tinge of joy traveled in her body. But it was also a remind that she and Alexandra needed to talk. Soon.

"Let us just say, there is more than one Ryan sibling under the rainbow umbrella." said Alexandra when she spotted Alexis looking. "Our tally will surprise you."

"Incredible." Alexis murmured. "And... Your parents are called Horatio and Zadie, right?"

"Yes. Very good." Alexandra had mentioned them in a text that morning. "You ready to go in?"

Alexis nodded. "Yes, please."

But Lilibet brought Alexis to the kitchen first. She felt that her other mother was taking her time with putting their belongings away.

Alexis looked around.

Everything about the kitchen was industrial-sized. But also surprisingly modern. That, along with the homey decorations on the wall, mixed in with giggles from Lilibet as she shot off to where her own aprons hung, suggested that this was a fun place to be. Alexis immediately felt at home.

But then two middle-aged people joined her. Alexis knew who they were. At once.

Horatio and Zadie Ryan.

Alexandra's parents.

Horatio was easily six feet tall. If not for his kind features, especially his blue eyes, he would have come off as intimidating. Alexis also noticed Horatio seemed to be built quite solidly. Suggesting all muscle. But Alexis noticed he yet looked quite pleasant.

Then came Zadie.

She was also quite tall. And very lean. But instead of blond hair and blue eyes like her husband, Zadie bore dark brown eyes and matching hair. One word that came to Alexis' mind about was 'regal.'

Both of Alexandra's parents were even dressed for a day of hands-on work. The only thing Alexis couldn't immediately tell was their ages. Both patriarch and matriarch looked young. Quite.

But they greeted her with friendly looks of recognition when they drew level.

"So you're the friend that our Alexandra has been speaking so highly of." Zadie began. "We're glad you could make it, Alexis. Welcome."

Horatio added, "We remember you through your orders: iced tea, with a multigrain bagel and cream cheese in the spring…"

"But it's always hot chocolate and a blueberry muffin when October starts." finished Zadie.

"Wow. Allie wasn't kidding about you two having long memories…"

"Where is she?" Horatio said in mild amusement.

"Over there." Alexis pointed.

Mere moments had passed since she and Lilibet had emerged into the kitchen. But it felt fast. So of course Alexandra was only just now arriving.

But the Ryan patriarch winked at his other half. "Enjoy, my stór."

Horatio then strolled over to greet his youngest child.

Alexis looked to Zadie. "Dare I ask what that's about?"

"Yes, but," Zadie looped one arm around Alexis'. "Trust me when I say it will be more fun to just show you."

"Okay. God for it."

Zadie brought Alexis back to the office.

"I see you, Alexandra, and Bette have already been by." the older woman made this remark when she spotted their belongings hanging up on a nearby coat rack. "Now… Just where did I put it…?"

Alexis watched Zadie rifle through a few desk drawers until she located the item in question. But Alexis couldn't tell what it was. For Zadie had hidden it beyond her back.

"My dear, I have almost half a dozen adult children. Four of them have spouses I am very close with. And… Now that Jenny is pregnant, all of them are parents. It's exciting." she said. "But occasionally, my offspring like to think they're pulling one over on me. Or Horatio."

"Do tell." Alexis was non-plussed but played along.

"I recently saw one of Alexandra's pregnancy-related books open. She was on the other side of the room and didn't see that I had already seen it."

Alexis arched an eyebrow. "Zadie, did you test her?"

"Mhm. She had the audacity to say it was a French workbook." Zadie scoffed. "Her book was open to end-of-second-trimester notes. I know she isn't pregnant. But I also know she's been looking after you lately."

"Mhm. Did Allie tell you and Horatio about my wipeout at the café?"

"She did. And she also sends me pictures of you with Bette."

"Yeah, Allie mentioned that. I care about them." Alexis' tone was fond. "Very much."

But now Zadie made a sound of comical relief. "Thank God."

Alexis laughed in surprise. "Pardon me?"

"Alexandra respects your honor. We can also tell she's been sitting on a secret, and we have not pried. But… the way that Alexandra talks about you… she just lights right up. Lilibet, too."

This last part threw Alexis. "I—what?"

"It's true." Zadie confirmed. "My granddaughter worships you. Says you give the 'bestest' hugs."

"Hm." Alexis murmured. "I didn't think Bette took them to heart that much. Wow."

Zadie laughed softly. "Listen: I promise that none of us will pry. But we're here. If, or when you ever want to speak on it."

Alexis felt a tremendous bout of gratitude. "Wow. Thank you so much."

Zadie bobbed her head in acknowledgement. "And I said 'Thank God' about being fond of Alexandra and Bette because it will save a lot with any 'What are your intentions?' chat."

"Oh." Alexis felt surprised. "That is good."

Alexis privately wondered if Zadie had already guessed about the breakup, and was just humoring her.

"We are happy to help in whatever way you need. At your speed." Zadie said. "But I did spot my daughter's book open…"

Zadie's words trailed off expectantly. But Alexis read her cue.

"You can tell Horatio, and Bette doesn't know, but… This is why your daughter chose on her own to stick around."

Alexis showed Zadie her middle. It shape was distinct enough to be unmistakable.

"I can't begin to imagine making it through this time without Allie. Or Bette. My heart was broken. But… They're helping me choose joy. What do you think?"

"I'm sad someone hurt you. But now I'm certain that that day in the café was providence. When you do choose to talk about it, you'll find that at least one more of my children will get the boat you're in."

Zadie made a show of reminding Alexis that she was carrying something behind her back.

"Now—I have a surprise. Just for you."

Alexis perked up. "Oh?"

And with a flourish, Zadie presented Alexis with a book: a guide for first-time mothers.

"I gave a copy to Alexandra a copy of this after her pregnancy with Bette was confirmed. She found it beneficial." Zadie pressed the book into Alexis' hold. "After I connected the dots, I hunted down a copy for you. Just in case you don't have literature like this yet."

"I don't. This is really sweet." already, Alexis found herself trying not to cry. "Thank you. And… I think I want to clue you in on one thing."

"Yes?"

"My mom and I had a recent falling-out. It was horrible. And half the reason for my heartbreak." the teenager shuffled both feet. "My grandmother is in my life. She lives with us. And she helped raised me…"

"But pregnancy is just not something you want to discuss with your grandmother." Zadie realized.

"Correct. And my dad is engaged to a fabulous woman. I adore her, but…"

Zadie hazarded another guess. "But she doesn't have children?"

"Mhm. Allie has had one, but you have had five…"

Realization clunked into place for Zadie. "Now you're saying that I'm the only 'longterm mother' whom you know—that you could discuss these kinds of topics with."

Alexis nodded. "Yes, again. And now I'm overwhelmed by the thoughtfulness of your gift."

Zadie hugged Alexis and then tapped the book. "Open it."

Alexis did. Before gasping. She even extracted the item to get a closer look.

Zadie laughed when Alexis met her with a very astonished expression. "You are not hallucinating."

So Alexis reexamined the photograph. While her own life was on fast-forward before her.

She had recognized herself in the photograph. As a toddler.

But she remembered the day well. Down to the jeans, the 101 Dalmatians t-shirt, the purple sneakers, and the Minnie Mouse buns. It had all been an attempt on her father's end to cheer her up.

Why?

She had had a colossal meltdown a short while before the picture had been taken. For a reason she could never forget. But… She also remembered well the blueberry muffin in her hands.

What sent Alexis for a stagger was that she was giving a genuine smile to the photographer.

She looked back at Zadie. "How…?"

"There is a bulletin board we keep behind the front counter of remarkable customers we've encountered over the years."

"And you bumped into me one day. So you kept my picture up, even after all this time..." said Alexis in a daze.

"That's correct." Zadie told Alexis. "I asked your father if I could take your picture because you were genuinely pleased with yourself."

Curiosity became Alexis. "How come?"

Zadie winked. "You had picked the biggest blueberry muffin in the case, and you sassed your father when you told him you could finish the whole thing."

Alexis hung on to every word. "But did I?"

"Yep. Then you fell asleep in your father's arms, at one of the tables by the window. He told us thank you, because it was the first time all day that you had even spoken… Let alone even given anyone a smile."

"I remember that day, in bits and pieces. Uh… It was when my mom left. You'll recognize her if you do enough Googling."

Zadie began backpedaling. "I didn't mean to bring something bad back, sweetheart."

Alexis shook her head. "If you made that big a difference in my life when I was a toddler, kept this picture, and I still met Alexandra all on my own… I think that this is yet more providence now."

Zadie arched an eyebrow at her. "But I have a feeling that you don't normally believe in this kind of thing?"

"Uh-huh. But that's been changing lately." Alexis gave Zadie the best smile she could. "Thank you. Now I know… I was meant to be here."

But Zadie could see Alexis' composure slipping.

"Oh, Alexis. You're okay." Zadie held her in a warm hug. "You are safe here."

The teenager would later blame it on the hormones, but she did have a good cry. Not a long one. But good enough that she felt better fast.

Zadie kept Alexis company. Helped her get cleaned up.

"Feel better now?" she asked Alexis when she had settled. "Ready to go back out?"

Alexis nodded and gave her a happy smile. "I am. Definitely."

Alexandra found Alexis after they made it back into the kitchen.

"You good?" she asked her in concern.

"Mhm." Alexis gave Alexandra's hands a reassuring squeeze. "I'll tell you later."

"Okay." Alexandra steered her towards the main stove. "Lunch is ready!"