Alexis' first week of work went by. Fast. There was lots to do, and even more to learn. But the Ryans were happy to teach her. One terrific perk? Alexis had always been a fast learner. But she was happy.
The passing of a week also meant one very busy Saturday. Not that Alexis minded.
For starters, today, Saturday, meant it was her birthday. She was two whole decades old. A milestone event now. This day also meant a whole day spent looking after Lilibet because Alexandra had a non-negotiable shift. But Alexis was happy for the chance. Lilibet? Over the moon.
A separate matter at the back of Alexis' mind: if all went according to plan, she and Alexandra would be going 'all the way' tonight. But… It remained a tremendously big 'if.'
Her morning went smoothly. Pleasantly. Breakfast with Kate and Martha, receiving fun presents, and quite a few flower bouquets from other friends. Everything made Alexis feel very loved. Including a video call from her father. He was in Japan for his book tour at the moment. And the timezone difference? It was tricky. To put it one way.
Alexis found herself back upstairs after breakfast, fully ready for the day. Her family would be along. Soon. It was a reality check. She wants to look nice. And be ready.
Then a knock on her closed door brought her back to it. Fully.
From her bed, Alexis called out, "Come in!"
The door opened to reveal Alexandra and Lilibet. She hadn't even heard them arrive.
"Wow!" Alexis beckoned to them. "Please come here!"
Lilibet scrambled up on to the bed and threw her arms around her other mother. "Happy birthday! I love you!"
Alexis hugged Lilibet. "Thank you, Half Pint. Are you you ready to hang with me?"
The little girl gave a very serious nod before looking to Alexandra.
Quite seriously, she said, "You can kiss her?"
Alexandra fought back the mad desire to laugh at her mini-me's innocent wording choice as she responded, "Yes. Yes, I can."
Alexandra sat with Alexis, on the edge of the bed. Gave her a very searing kiss. Had Alexis been standing… she would have gone staggering. Undoubtedly.
"Happy birthday." Alexandra told her when they pulled apart. "Having a good morning?"
Alexis nodded. "Uh-huh. But now it's even better."
"Excellen…"
She grew distracted by her offspring. Lilibet seemed to be bursting at the seams to share the newest thought in her head. But when Alexandra tagged her in, the little girl addressed her. In Gaelic.
Turning to Alexis, Alexandra said, "Our 'plans for later' might get derailed. Sorry."
'Plans for later' meant at least getting second base. To hear this blinding announcement threw Alexis. Especially because a reminder from Lilibet had prompted it.
"Oh," the redhead said blankly.
Alexandra kissed her on the cheek. "Fret not. Bellamy has been in labor close to midnight. Just learned so on the way here."
Alexis immediately felt excited. "You mean we could actually get a new niece today?"
"Depends on that the little one feels like." Alexandra stood and checked her watch. "Martha left before we got here, but Kate let us in. She's already on her way to work now. But I should also get going soon."
Alexis promptly sat up straighter. "Okay. Anything I should know?"
"Our girl has eaten breakfast. But that," Alexandra laid Lilibet's backpack on the bed. "Is full of extra supplies. We have learned the hard way before that life with little kids means you can't be too careful."
"So noted. And much appreciated." Alexis also rose. "But I imagine that you also brought Bette's booster seat for my car?"
"Mhm." Alexandra winked. "Still remember how to operate it?"
Quite in her creativeness, Alexandra and Lilibet had put Alexis through a learning moment of learning how to work the contraption. But the lesson had stuck. Thoroughly.
"I do." Alexis laughed. "Come on. Bette and I will see you to the door."
Within five minutes, the family had said their good-byes. It felt like a blur to Alexis. One happy one.
It felt like an even faster blur when Alexis found an envelope addressed to her in the front pocket of Lilibet's backpack. Inside was two hundred dollars cash with a note from Alexandra, explaining that she would be paying for the outing. More like a great insistence.
Alexandra Joy Ryan was a woman of chivalry. This was not a secret. Alexis had already been planning to pay out of her own pocket. But her girlfriend's gesture? It made Alexis find a reason to love the woman even a little more.
Having Lilibet for a shopping companion turned out to be easy. The little girl was relaxed, curious, and even bore such a desire to stay with Alexis that she didn't get into any mischief. In Lilibet's eyes, today was turning out to be wonderful. Even for her.
What Alexis found amusing what because Lilibet's friends' birthday party was Peanuts themed, she was determined to find the appropriate matching attire. It just didn't occur to her that they might turn up empty-handed. But Alexis didn't have the heart to burst her bubble. Shopping seemed to be Lilibet's true element.
The universe continued to smile at them. For the first shop they went into had a whole display of Peanuts themed clothing. And… It did include clothing in the size Lilibet wore.
Yet more good luck followed when it came to Bette's outfit. The garment was a kid-sized version of Lucy Van Pelt's iconic blue number. Lilibet was thrilled on this part because she'd mentioned loving this character in particular. Lilibet's cherry on top? They'd also found saddle shoes to compete the look. And they fit.
Lilibet's mood: thrilled.
The little girl paused after looking at herself in the dressing room mirror. She turned to face mother was watching from the bench. Letting her have her moment. But Alexis gave Lilibet her complete attention when they locked eyes now.
She said to Lilibet, "What's up? You look like you like you have a big thought."
Such was the phrasing that Alexis and Alexandra used whenever they noticed Lilibet ruminating over something outside of her usual wheelhouse. She also sometimes posited very wild thoughts. It was truly a gamble with her. But the look on Lilibet's features was bright. Sunny.
The little girl hugged her mother around the middle as she looked up at her in adoration. "I am so happy today."
"Oh, that makes my heart glad." Alexis told Lilibet. "And you know something?"
"Hmm?"
"I have presents for AJ and Zara at my house," (Alexis gently closed Lilibet's mouth when it fell open in surprise at her pronouncement) "But I know that you also need to get them gifts, too. Should we do that next?"
Lilibet hugged Alexis more, but sighed in content. "Yeah-huh."
Alexis' heart flip-flopped. Lilibet just wanted affection. She was an affectionate person, but her spontaneity about it what also nice. Very childlike.
Did Alexis ever push her? No. She had memories of Meredith doing so to her when she was younger. And she hadn't liked it. So let Lilibet go at her own pace. For that method, she was rewarded with little moments like these. And she wouldn't trade it. Ever.
Lilibet told her, "I'm happy 'cause it's your day. But also 'cause of something else."
"What is it?" Alexis asked curiously. "I'd love to know."
Lilibet kissed Alexis' baby bump and gave her another adoring look. "My heart? It's happy 'cause I just love you."
Lilibet went back to leaning against Alexis. Meaning, she was looking away from her. Alexis was glad. For it meant Lilibet couldn't see the happy tears in her eyes just then. Explaining that in public would have been a big job, all by itself. But… Lilibet then gave a happy sigh. Gently patted the side of Alexis' baby bump. The girl was content. Truly.
Alexis rubbed Lilibet's back gently. "I love you, too. Always and forever. No matter what."
And… Though Alexis couldn't see her, Lilibet smiled to herself. Broadly.
Mother and child spent their brief pause together in silence. Working on their bond. It was beautiful. And they enjoyed it.
Going on with everything else? It would happen.
Just… Not yet.