***Two Weeks Later***
Jennifer and Jonathan had settled into a more comfortable routine with Jessalynn and Jagger. Rachel was still coming two days a week to help out, and Jennifer really enjoyed the adult time. Bottle feeding had really helped the twins sleep better, and they were both growing like crazy.
Jonathan had finally talked Jennifer into a night away from the babies. Rachel and Jack were going to babysit and spend the night with them, while Jennifer and Jonathan had a staycation with each other in downtown Los Angeles.
Jennifer had just finished writing out the babies' schedule when Max came to the study.
"Mrs. H., Rachel is here. I just let her in the gate".
"Thank you, Max".
She got up and opened the door and let Rachel in.
"Hi Mushy".
"Hi Squishy".
"Come on in. The babies are sleeping. I just wrote everything out for you."
"Wonderful".
"Ok, so bottle feeding has really helped them sleep better. They are sleeping about 2-2 ½ hours in the morning and afternoon, and about 4-6 hours a stretch at night. I still had some breastmilk leftover from when I was pumping, so I've been mixing it into their morning bottles and their bedtime bottles. You can't microwave breastmilk, so I just make the formula bottle, heat it up for 21 seconds, shake it up and then pour in 2 ounces of breastmilk and shake it up. At night time, put them down at 7, no later than 8, and wake them up at 11 and give them their bedtime bottle. They should sleep till at least 6".
"Perfect".
"Max will be in and out, sometimes he goes to poker games, sometimes he goes to the track. He's not comfortable enough with the babies yet, so he can help you with making the bottles but he isn't going to want to feed them or change them or anything. And if you want to take them on a walk, their stroller is in the garage, and you can also wear one of the babies. Jessalynn is not fond of being worn, but she loves to be held. Jagger loves to be worn, so I usually wear him and push her. They both love their swings, they both love their activity mats, and they both love their pack n' play. We stocked the fridge for you and Jack, and here is the number of the hotel we will be staying at. We should be home by 4 or 5 tomorrow afternoon".
"We will be fine, Squishy. Don't worry. You and Jonathan go and relax and have fun".
"We are going to try our best".
Just then, Jonathan pulled up.
"Oh good, he's home. What time is Jack getting here?"
"In about an hour. He had just left the gym, and wanted to shower first".
"Wonderful. Both babies are asleep upstairs in the nursery. Diapers and wipes are in the nursery, and also down here in the living room. Extra diapers are located under Jessalynn's crib, and extra wipes are under Jagger's crib. I made up about 25 bottles, but I didn't add the breast milk. And feel free to change their clothes if needed. Jagger likes the blue pacifiers and the tiger lovies, Jessalynn likes the green and purple ones and the butterfly lovies. As long as you burp both of them about ½ way through the bottle and then again at the end, they shouldn't spit up. Jagger sometimes still spits up, but usually just once".
"Got it".
Jonathan came in and found them in the living room.
"Hi gorgeous. Hi Minty".
"It's Mushy".
"Right. I'll get it right next time".
He leaned down and kissed Jennifer and hugged her for a moment.
"You ready to go?"
"Yes. My bag is all packed. I started yours, but it's not finished yet."
"Where are the babies?"
"Taking a nap in the nursery. I was just telling Rachel all about their schedule and where the extra diapers and wipes are".
"They will be just fine, darling. And we will too".
"I know. I'm excited, but anxious".
"I'll go finish packing and I'll be right back down".
Jack arrived and Jennifer let him in.
"Hi. Thanks for helping out tonight".
"No problem". He kissed Jennifer on the cheek and then went and stood by Rachel.
"The babies are asleep right now, but will be up probably in less than an hour. They'll want a bottle when they wake up. I wrote down the schedule for both of them and gave it to Rachel. And the fridge is stocked for both of you, but if you want to order something, feel free".
She went over with both of them how to open and close the gate, and how to set the alarm at night.
Jonathan brought both of their bags downstairs.
"Hey buddy! Good to see you".
"Hey! I was hoping to see you today".
Jonathan and Jack shook hands.
"I'm sure Mardi Gras here has it all under control, but if you need us we'll be at the Ridgemont downtown".
Just then, the babies started crying, so Jonathan and Jennifer offered to go get them and bring them down.
They got them settled in the living room while Rachel made them two bottles, and then after several goodbye kisses to each of them, they handed them over to Rachel and Jack.
"Ok, we're going now. See you two tomorrow. And thank you so much".
***Ridgemont Hotel***
Jennifer and Jonathan had checked in and headed straight to their room. They had a lovely room with a king-sized bed and an impeccable view. They decided to order some room service and sit on their balcony for a bit.
It felt so good to be adults for a bit, and not have to worry about what the babies needed next. Jonathan could tell Jennifer was still anxious about the babies, though.
Jennifer had started back writing some when the babies were asleep, or at night when they were in bed, and it was going pretty well.
"Start any new articles today?"
"Yes, and I finished one. It was a piece about how a mortgage broker created all these dummy-corporations and every time he did a deal for someone and got them a lower interest rate on their mortgage, he took part of what they were paying and put it into a dummy corporation. He billed it to them as if the corporation was part-owner of the warranty, or part-owner of the mortgage, but it was really just him. And he was finally caught and is now serving time in prison for securities fraud".
"As he should. Good job, darling".
"Thank you".
They clinked glasses and took a sip.
"Oh, I've missed having a cocktail with you".
"It feels good to be adults again, but man, I miss the kiddos".
"You do? Oh, I'm so glad to hear you say that. I miss them so much too".
"I also decided that once I get the merger with Hoyt Electronics up and running and squared away, I'm going to start working only 4 days a week and it's probably going to be Friday, but it might not, but I'll be home with you and the babies the other day".
"Oh wonderful! We love it when you're home with us".
She was quiet for a moment, and stared off into space.
He reached over and clinked her glass.
"Penny for your thoughts".
"Oh, it's nothing. I was just thinking, it might be time to redo one of the guest rooms for one of the babies. They are almost sleeping through the night, and I'm trying so hard to get them there, and I've been wondering if maybe separating them would make it easier".
"Well, we could always try it. We don't have to completely redecorate, we can just turn the bed and add the crib. And if it doesn't work, we can move it back".
"You're right. I guess we can try it. I have a feeling Jagger is going to meet the milestones faster than Jessalynn is. So, I feel like he will sleep through the night before she does".
They got up and headed into the room to get ready to go to dinner.
Just as they stepped in, Jennifer heard the phone ring.
She went over and grabbed it.
"Hello?"
"Hey, it's Rachel. Sorry to bother you, but your editor Marcia just called. She said she has to speak with you right away, it's urgent."
"Ok, I'll call her. Are the babies ok?"
"They are perfect. We took them on a walk on the neighborhood trail, and they loved it. Jagger only wants Jack to hold him, and Jessalynn was so wide-eyed on our walk".
"How sweet. Ok, thank you. Kiss the kids for us and we will talk to you tomorrow".
She hung up and filled Jonathan in and then called Marcia.
"Marcia? Hi, it's Jennifer. Oh, that's alright….Oh, I see. When did that happen? Yes, I remember him very well. Did they give you anymore information? I see…I wonder why I wasn't notified. Yes, I used my father's lawyer for that. I'll call and see what the details on that are. Ok, thank you. They're wonderful. Absolutely wonderful. Ok, see you soon. Thank you".
She hung up, and immediately dialed her father.
"Hello, Pa? It's Jennifer".
"Hello, sweetheart, how are you? How are my grandkids?"
"We're good, Pa. Jonathan and I are enjoying a night away from the babies. The babies are with their favorite aunt Rachel and uncle Jack".
"Wonderful, wonderful".
"Listen, Pa. I need the name of your lawyer that helped me with the Tucker Collins case".
"Oh yes, I remember that. That lawyer was Michael Gardner, sweetheart. I have a copy of that file here in the house".
"Can you get it and see how long the restraining order was for?"
"Certainly, one moment".
Jonathan came and sat by her and Jennifer could tell he was concerned.
"I'll fill you in when I get off the phone, darling".
"Ok sweetheart. Here it is. You were given a 10-year restraining order from him, so you have exactly 3 years left".
"Ok, thank you".
"Everything ok?"
"Yes, I'm just making sure my bases are covered, that's all. How are you and Walter?"
"We are well, sweetheart. We were just talking about the holidays. Do you think you and Jonathan and the babies could come out for the holidays?"
"We haven't talked about it. But if we do, or if you come here, you have to get a flu shot to be around them. Their doctor said everyone we expose them to has to have a flu shot to keep them safe".
"No problem, sweetheart. When I know my schedule, I'll call you".
"Ok, that sounds good. We love you".
"I love you all too. Tell Jonathan I said hello".
"Pa says hi, darling".
Jonathan waved back.
"He says hi too Pa. We'll talk to you soon".
She hung up and turned to Jonathan.
"Ok, so Marcia called the house and said she had to speak with me right away. So, the big emergency is back before I met you, I wrote a piece about Tucker Collins. He ran a store in New York that sold antique and unique coins. And it was determined that 90% of his inventory was fake, that the coins were either not real gold as he advertised or that they were imposter coins, and not the originals. One of my co-workers took some old coins of her fathers to him for an appraisal and he told her they were worth a million dollars but another appraiser told her they were worth way less. So, long story short, we did sort of a sting operation on him and reported the findings. And then, hundreds of people stepped forward and claimed that he had defrauded them. So many people came forward, that the state of New York began investigating him and found out that he was not only a fishy antiques dealer, but he was also a slumlord, and a con artist. I think they called him a 'sweetheart swindler'. And he was arrested, charged with multiple counts of fraud and sentenced to prison. I had to testify against him and as he was being led away, he threatened to kill me when he got out of jail. So, the judge granted a restraining order barring him from contacting me. And Marcia had me write an update to the story, so I did. Then I met you, and then it was printed after we married, and this morning, she got a phone call that he was released from prison, so she was just letting me know. Pa said my restraining order has 3 years left, so I'm not worried".
"Well, I am. It's no secret that you and I are married, and now we have the babies to worry about."
"I understand that. But darling, he hasn't made any threats or anything. I haven't heard from him since he was led out of the courtroom. If he violates the restraining order, we'll call the police and have him arrested".
"I think I would feel better if I clued in his parole officer. Maybe I'll call them tomorrow and just ask them to remind him to leave you alone".
"That's not a bad idea".
They got up and got ready for dinner.
Jennifer slipped on a lacy pair of boy short underwear and a lacy strapless bra to match. She was standing in front of the mirror staring at her body when Jonathan stepped into the bathroom.
"You ok?"
"Yeah, I'm just trying to see how childbirth changed my body. I definitely dropped the baby weight fast, but I also think my breasts are fuller and will probably stay that way, and my hips are just a little wider".
He came and wrapped his arms around her.
"You are more beautiful now than you've ever been".
He gave her a few kisses.
"Now you better get dressed or we won't make our reservations".
She slipped her dress on, and then put her heels on while he straightened his tie.
"it feels so nice to be able to wear clothes that aren't stained with spit up".
"Yeah, it feels nice to have a real meal with real conversation".
Jonathan had made them reservations at Overlook, a restaurant at the very top of Los Angeles' highest building.
For two hours, they had a gourmet dinner, had fabulous drinks, and even danced a few times.
After their final dance, they headed back to the hotel.
"Where do you want to go now?"
"Honestly? I want to go back to the hotel and climb into bed and watch tv with you like we used to. I miss that".
"Sounds wonderful to me".
As soon as they were back in their room, Jennifer called the house to check on the kids, and Rachel told her they were asleep and had been perfect little angels.
"Great. Thank you, we'll see you tomorrow".
She hung up and slipped out of her dress and into her nightgown, and then came and joined Jonathan in bed.
"What time do you want to head home tomorrow?"
"Well, we have some surprises in the morning, and check-out is at noon, and then we can go home after that if you want".
"Surprises?"
"Yes, surprises".
"I'm intrigued, darling".
"You'll love it, I promise. And more importantly, you deserve it".
She moved behind him and gave him a back scratch and a chest rub, while he watched a game on tv.
As soon as it was over, he turned the tv off and rolled over and kissed her.
"Happy baby staycation to us".
"Happy baby staycation indeed".
They spent a few hours making love, and both of them felt like they used to-uninhibited, free, passionate about each other. They were like two school kids, and it showed.
After they were both sated, they cuddled up and held each other.
"I don't think we've been like that since the middle of your pregnancy".
"It was weird to make love with you and not have my big belly in the way".
"You think you want to have twins again?"
"No thank you. I wouldn't trade Jessalynn and Jagger for anything, but if we have another child, I want it to just be one child. That's more manageable. But if it happens, it happens".
They chatted till she fell asleep.
Jonathan laid there, holding her and thinking about how she and the babies were his entire world.
He kissed her forehead a few times and smoothed her hair off her face.
"Goodnight, I love you more than you know".
***The Next Day***
Jonathan let Jennifer sleep till 10, and then they got up and went and had brunch at one of her favorite places. It was a little outdoor café he used to take her to every weekend when they were first married.
"Great idea, darling, I've been craving their eggs benedict".
"If we do anything right as parents, we will teach our children to appreciate a good brunch on the weekends".
"Here, here".
They clinked glasses and took a sip of their bloody Mary's.
After they finished their brunch, they headed back to the hotel.
"Ok, surprise number 2, right this way".
He led her to the spa, and they went to the reservation desk.
"Hi, we have reservations for the Harts".
"Yes, we have you right here. You are reserved for a couple's massage and a gentleman's facial, and your wife is scheduled for a couple's massage and a facial and a mani/pedi. How long of a massage do you want?"
"The maximum. Make sure that she gets the maximum on everything. She deserves it".
She leaned up and kissed him.
"Great surprise, darling".
They were taken to a room where they could change into robes and put their clothes into a locker.
Their couples' massage was up first, so they were taken to the room to get that underway.
For two hours they were kneaded, rubbed on, stretched, and massaged till they fell asleep almost.
After that was over, they were going to be taken to separate places.
"I'll see you back in the room, darling. I love you".
"I love you too".
They shared a few sweet kisses and then went their separate ways.
Jennifer loved her facial and felt so relaxed afterwards. She picked a dark purple for her fingers and a sparkly purple for her toes, and then after she was all finished, she headed up to their room.
They got all packed up and then checked out.
"Ok, let's go see our kids".
She laced her fingers through his as they headed home.