Chapter 216
"Ryan whatever Alex is doing today tell her to cancel it." Shelby said the moment Ryan answered the phone without even greeting. "And we need you out of the house as well, butt we need Alex in the house."
"Woah, umm hello to you too. Care to tell me what this is all about and where do I fit into all of this? Why do I need to leave the house?" Ryan asked genuinely confused, as he switched on the kettle.
"Because since your son decided to show up early we didn't have time to plan her a baby shower, so we'll do one now. So, do we have your full co-operation?" She asked and Ryan sighed.
"I guess I don't have a choice." Ryan said defeated as he tried to think of ways to keep his wife from going out to do some shopping like she said she'd plan to.
Alex sat up in bed watching her son who was laying next to her. Asher had just finished nursing and it's like he is so satisfied with being fed that he just laid there looking at the room stretching and kicking his little legs out. She extended a finger in his reach and he wrapped his whole hand around hers, perfectly formed he is indeed. He yawned and looked up at her. "No you can't just eat and sleep mister, spend some quality time with me." She laughed as he rubbed a hand over his face.
"Pheebs, are you up?" Ryan asked walking into Phoebe's room, she was standing up in the crib with her head resting on the railings.
"Where Ashie?" She asked answering her father's question with a question of her own.
"He's upstairs with your mom. You wanna go to him?" Ryan asked lifting her out of the crib and putting her on the floor.
"No. We take him back to. Don't want him ay-mo." She said definitely looking at her father
Ryan tried hard not to laugh at how serious his daughter was right now about her request to trade her brother back. "Pheebs why don't you want him anymore?" He asked looking at her and she shrugged walking out of the room and to the kitchen waiting on her breakfast, when Alex came down the stairs with Asher in her arms.
"Morning bub, did you sleep well?" Alex asked running a hand through her daughter's hair kissing the top of her head.
"Yes mama." She answered nodding her head, as she watched her mother hand her brother wide awake brother off to her father while she prepares breakfast for the three of them and Phoebe got on the couch with her father and Asher.
"Hello Ashie." She greeted friendly although she wanted to hand him back to the hospital a few minutes ago, kissing the top of his head carefully like she was shown. "Dada Ashie hunwy? I give him cho – lat!" Phoebe said excited at the idea of sharing chocolate with her brother. "Uhm he already ate Pheebs. And it's gonna be a while before he'll be able to eat chocolate." Ryan explained to his eldest hoping she understood.
"Caleb called earlier." Ryan started briefly looking in the direction of his wife to make sure she heard him. "He's planning on going to watch the game with Quade and Clive and wanted to know if I'll b able to join them, I said I'd have to check with you first."Ryan ended hoping his wife would agree to it because he had no other idea on what to tell her without spilling the beans of the surprise baby shower. Or sip n see as Shelby called it.
"Yes its okay." Alex answered and he wasn't sure if she actually meant if or if it was one of those statements where he had to read between the lines and not go because she'd be mad if he did.
Alex called Phoebe to the table as the two of them indulged in eating bananas that her mother cut up in small pieces and covered it with strawberry yogurt. It was healthy in a way but from tomorrow on Phoebe would be back on cereal in the morning, they can bend the rules a little during the weekends.
"Do you see why I needed you buddy? We need to stick together your mom made breakfast but didn't bother to ask me if I wanted any." Ryan told Asher as no one offered him something. "But it's okay, the two of us will make a mean team."
"Your food's here – big baby." Alex commented when she heard their conversation.
"And that my son, is guilt speaking." Ryan said and fist bumped his son's little hand, as Asher looks in his father's eyes completely oblivious to the conversation that the two of them are having. They spent the rest of the morning lounging around and got dressed. Ryan offered to take her to the coffee shop that they passed a few days ago on their walk so she can spend some time with Clare and bring her up to date with the whole ordeal that Asher put them through with his birth. All of this so her friends managed to the house ready by the time they get back and that he can make himself disappear and spend some time with the guys.
On their way back Ryan was surpised to see that there weren't any cars parked in the driveway or along their street when he noticed how clever they had been that Alex wouldn't suspect anything. The only car in the driveway happened to be Sita's and the rest of them parked around the block our down the street so out of view that it would be hard to spot the car unless you were really looking for it in particular. "You sure I can still go? I can call them and cancel." Ryan said as he carried Ashier inside in the carseat.
"I'm fine, you can go." She said.
Alex couldn't believe her eyes as her husband led her into their house. In front of her sat the usual bunch of friends with their collegues at work, her sister in laws and Danika who she hasn't seen since they were in India together with her mother and mother inn law and an amazing spread. The first thing that caught her eye was this gorgeous cupcake stand with a little teddy bear sitting atop the stand. As Alex got closer she noticed green and yellow button decorations adorning the cupcakes that were circled around a delicate cake stand. It sat proudly in the middle of the table adorned with a beautifully laid out spread of food and their dining room table lined out with colourful gifts covered in different wrapping paper.
"What's going on?" she breathed, her eyes wide with questions.
"Since we couldn't manage a baby shower – we planned a sip 'n see or something like that," her mother replied smiling.
"Thanks, guys," she whispered as she stood stagnant in her position at the front door walking forward a few steps as Phoebe pulled her by the hand. Natalie got Asher out of the car seat as soon as Ryan put it down cradling the little baby in the crook of her arm. "We've all come out to surprise you and no you're sleeping little man."
"We ordered most of the food . Your mom and Theresa made the baked goods," assured Nimah at the questioning look from Alex. "And we have a special red velvet request cake that was made by your grandmother." Nimah added as Ramashni walked down the stairs and Alex opened her mouth but no words came out.
"Giigiiii!" Phoebe said as she ran over and hugged her great grandmother before giving her mother a chance to do the same.
"You guys are going to make me cry. You have no idea how much I appreciate all of this." She whispered as she held onto her grandmother for some time. Ryan took it as his time to leave after he greeted Ramashni to let the women have some time to themselves.
"So…" drew out Alex as she moved to sit on a chair that was especially for her with a sash they put around her . "You planned all of this?"
"Alex, I know you said you didn't want anything. But you know you are surrounded by friends who already love Asher. And with the whirlwind that we all went through when you went into labour we had to do something. " Nimah explained taking her turn to hold Asher.
. " This kid is just getting an awesome set of parents… And an awesome FBI family who will do anything to protect them." Maranda said genuinely as she walked over to hug Alex
Alex gave her a watery smile as she leaned over to hug her friend.
"It's not just Asher, Phoebe and Ryan who are lucky to have you…" Maranda continued as she pulled back slightly, still holding onto Alex's hand. "You, Alex, you are amazing. FBI and WonderWoman who do not back down- always going the extra mile for people and we want you to know that you are loved and deserve everything of the best"
"Look who's talking!"
"I mean it. I know it's not easy. This life that we chose, and I know that it hasn't been an easy road. It's nice to have another female in the house who knows what it's like, to be a firefighter in a male dominated career."
"You are so much more than you think. And whilst I don't think we will have a baby anytime soon I'm volunteering Uncle Quade and Aunty Nimah to babysit whenever you need. 'Cause girl, you know that I'm going to be the coolest Aunty that this kid is going to have… Seriously though… Look around, Alex. Welcome to another chapter in your life… And we're all here, right by your side."
The afternoon progressed nicely as Phoebe also received gifts and sat with Gigi most of the time. Each of the guests bring their favourite picture book or children's book with a story as to why it was special to them. Alex enjoyed that - they had a good stack of books to entertain Phoebe with from now on while Asher ended up with a bunch of clothes and toys.
"We wanted to do something slightly different for you," Maranda confessed as she pulled up a rather large present from behind the sofa. "We wanted to give you something that you could hang in the nursery…"
" We made a little something to go along with the new guy being in the house, and the future profession he might be in one day."
Alex tore open the rather large present that was wrapped and saw the canvas inside. She gasped inaudibly as she took in the words.
MY PARENTS HAS FBI SUPER POWERS
who works hard night and day.
They protect and serve
Situations faced with unknown dangers
to protect the lives of complete strangers
They are all the world to me.
And when I grow up – just wait and see an FBI
agent I might also be.
"You guys-" Alex wiped a tear that was starting it's decent. "You know, they say that family is one of the most important things in life. And the FBI talk about becoming a second family, that your company, that your house will become a family. And…" she looked around at the faces around her, "I know it doesn't happen at office. And not at every workplace will you make friends… But it's not just friends. My FBI family has grown over the years. My immediate family has extended to amazing siblings and sisters and a brother. And Ryan and I couldn't be more thankful…"
"Simone is sorry she can't be here; there were a few things that she just couldn't reschedule," Theresa apologised as she handed a thin parcel over.
As Alex carefully picked at the tape holding on the wrapping paper on, she smiled as a photo of the young Booth siblings fell out along with a hardcover version of The Hungry Caterpillar. Ryan looked about eight or nine with his arms firmly around Simone, as she holds Nadia and Amorey sits on his shoulders all of them laughing at something very funny.
As Alex opened the book after noticing a white piece of paper sticking out slightly a small smile appeared on her face. Curiously she withdrew what seemed to be a letter address to Baby Asher. Locking eyes with her mother and Theresa she opened the envelope and started reading out loud slowly, her eyes running over the handwritten text.
My dearest nephew,
You know the only thing that your father will tell me if that your name is either going to start with M…. I think that your name is going to start with an M though, especially with the lack of boy names, so maybe - Malcolm, Manu, Marco, Marshall. And then your name ended up starting with an A! Asher Logan Booth. A beautiful name for a beautiful baby boy.
Let's go back to talking about my eldest and only brother. Your father. You will know him as some variation of Dad or Dada as your sister calls him while I know him as that boy who was always around pesting me, annoying me, always wanting to be with me and protect me. We spent a majority of our childhood outside climbing trees or playing whatever current sport was in season. Ask him one day about the hockey game on the pond that landed me in the ER…
But back to you Dad... I know there are going to be times when you think you hate him, but I promise you that he is doing everything for a reason. You should see the way his face lights up when he talks about you. You have become the best part of his life just like your mom and sister is. Your father is a special man, one of the best I know and is one of the hardest working men that I know. Don't be too hard on him. When he questions you about the girl that you want to date, it's because he was a teenage boy once too. But you will find a keeper one day. Just like your dad found your mom. They have this amazing relationship. They don't come along every day but they found the perfect match in one another and your are blessed to grow up in a home where there is so much love between your parents.
And here are the things that I need you to know…
You are interesting. Believe that. You are amazing and your thoughts are brilliant and just like your mom and dad, your mind is unique and special. Don't ever feel like you have to prove yourself to anyone. If they can't see how special you are then move on, let them go. Who cares if they aren't interested, they don't see what is special inside of you, the real you.
Do you know how powerful you are? You are like a mini super-hero just waiting to reveal your true identity to the world. Keep doing this every day.
People are going to tell you a lot about romantic love. It will be in movies and television shows and in the books you read. You'll see quotes like "someday someone will hug you so hard all your broken pieces will stick back together." Remember this is not true - it isn't about someone putting you back together. Your journey is about you and you alone first and foremost. You will put yourself back together any way you can.
Someday you may find love, and someday you may not. Your worthiness as a human being does not depend on this. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise. You are not measured by how lovable or attractive someone else finds you. That is about them and their wants and desires - it doesn't define you and you don't depend on it.
Live a life with your mind and arms open. You will encounter people in life who need your help. Your character will be what you do for those that can afford nothing in return.
It doesn't matter what happens after school. It doesn't matter how many loans you take out, or what job you may or may not get.
Go to college. It will open your mind to things you would have never dreamed of considering. It will be stressful, impossible and life-altering.
Fall in love with the idea of being alive. Once you do this, nothing is impossible. Nothing is too hard.
The only day that will ever be wasted is a day you spend in your comfort zone. If you don't believe you can do something, go out and do it. Don't be afraid to prove yourself wrong. Make sure you're scared of something you do every single day.
Imagine a perfect world and who you would be in that world. Now be that person every single day. No excuses.
You are allowed to fail. You are not allowed to stop. Wake up, get up, and show up to life. As long as you do this, I promise you will be loved.
Step into your fears but don't be reckless about it. Life is too short not to respect both of those, and that's how you will truly find yourself.
Learn to hear your intuition and trust yourself. You know better than you think you do.
This is your life and you owe it to yourself to live it for you and not for anyone else. Don't ever think that makes you selfish.
Passion, purpose and values are just as important as loyalty, hard work and commitment.
Always be excited about something no matter what it is. Don't let anyone tell you your passions are ridiculous or funny. They are yours. Dream big.
Sadness, anger and frustration are just as valid as feelings of joy, happiness and gratitude. You can let your emotions show and still be powerful.
Your family loves you, no matter what. Life may not always be flawless but you are loved and you are safe.
You don't ever need to fake perfection because you are perfection. You are perfect and whole and complete.
You have everything you need to live an incredible life. So get out there, give it all you've got, grab a hold and don't ever let go.
You are powerful. You are gifted. You are a leader. Share it with the world
The last thing I want to say in this letter is that your voice, your story, and your heart is uniquely your own. Do not ever doubt the impact on the world you will bring with just that alone. If there's something you want from life, you don't stop. You work until your life revolves around this desire, it all comes from hard work...
People will try to tell you who you are your entire life, so let me be the first. You are the beginning of the world.
And I promise to keep you safe.
I love you more than anything. I'll always be just a phone call away. And I will always say yes when your parents say no – just ask Phoebe!
Love Auntie S
Asher is so well loved, Alex couldn't stop the tears from dripping down her face. There was nothing that she wanted more for her child. And he was beyond grateful for all the love and support that he has and what he received since the day he was born.