Authors notes. Thanks for the reviews. I look forward to more.
The next morning at Breakfast.
"Anna how would you like to spend a day with your grandma Sara?"
"Just me?"
"Yep." Said Mac.
Anna didn't say anything at first.
"Did I do something wrong?"
"No baby." Mac looked at Callen. "You see grandma Sara wants to teach you to cook and bake Romanian foods. She'll teach Clara when she get big too."
"Oh."
"Do you think you would like that?"
"I guess so." Anna said.
Sara came soon after to take Anna to school. Mac met her mom outside and filled her in.
"Oh that sounds like a wonderful idea. I can take her shopping after school today and we can get everything we will need to make cookies."
Anna walked over to her grandmother looking a bit sad.
"What's wrong Anna?"
"Nothing."
Sara got down at her level. "After school today we are going shopping just the two of us."
"What about Clara?"
"She can spend some time with your grandfather."
Anna still looked sad. "We can get everything we need to bake traditional cookies. And on Monday you can take them to school to share with your class."
Anna smiled a bit. "Ok Bunica."
Sara loved it that Anna called her Grandmother in Romanian.
"Ok Anna have a good day at school." Callen and Mac gave her and Clara a kiss.
"Say da da Clara."
"No."
Callen shook his head and watched them leave.
"Ok so what do you want to do with Clara Saturday?" asked Mac on the drive to work.
"How about the beach?"
"That sounds good." Mac said. "We can have dinner at my parents that night."
Callen smiled at this. He loved Sara's cooking. Callen himself can't fry an egg even after Mac trying to teach him how to make basic things. Mac couldn't cook as good as her mom but thanks to Sara they always had a lot of readymade meals in the freezer and crock pot meals.
DEEKS HOUSE.
"Kensi come on we are going to be late."
"I'm coming." Kensi came into the living room holding Lilly.
She buckled her into her car seat and they got Donny into the car. Dropping the kids off at her mom's they just made it to work.
"Everything ok guys?" asked Sam as they walked in.
"Sorry I was running late today." Said Kensi.
"Everything ok Kensi?" asked Nell.
"Yeah Lilly was being fussy this morning."
Lucky for everyone it was a paperwork day. Kensi was out of sorts all day long. Deeks had no clue what was going on and it worried him. Finally he asked Mac to talk to Kensi.
"Ok Kensi what is going on?"
"I think I'm pregnant."
"Kensi didn't you go back on the pill?"
"Yes but I was on those antibiotics last month when I had that bad sinus infection."
"You forgot to use a condom?"
"Maybe once."
"Kensi you need to take a test."
"I know. Deeks and I discussed having another kid but decided for now two was enough."
"Well things happen I'm sure Deeks will love this baby."
Mac went to Hetty and told her what was going on. With three female agents actively having kids Hetty kept a stock of tests on hand. Handing one to Mac discreetly she then sent Deeks off to buy lunch and donuts for everyone. Deeks wanting to get away from his paperwork didn't even question the request.
"Ok Kensi here it is."
"Don't leave."
"I'll be right her I promise."
Fifteen minutes later Kensi was sitting on the floor of the bathroom Mac next to her.
"Remember when we did this with Nell?" said Mac.
"Yeah now I understand how she felt."
"Ok time to look."
"I can't do it."
"Ok I'll look."
Mac got up and looked at the little white stick. "You're good it's negative."
"Oh thank goodness."
"You may want to get an IUD instead of the pill."
"Good idea." Kensi looked at her friend. "Are you and Callen going to have any more kids?"
"We plan on trying once Clara is two." Mac smiled. "My aunt is a fortune teller. She says we are going to have a son."
"You believe her?"
"From what my dad says she is always right." Mac smiled at Kensi and they made their way back to their desks. Kensi looked over at Hetty and shook her head no. Hetty nodded back in understanding.
Just then Deeks came walking in with two boxes of donuts and two pizza's.
"Food is here."
Kensi leaned in and gave Deeks a kiss. He was happy that she was smiling and handed her a box of donuts.
THAT NIGHT.
Mac and Callen had been home an hour when Sara showed up with the girls.
"Momma look what Bunica got me." Anna held out a little apron.
"I guess you're going to need that Saturday when you make cookies."
Anna ran to show Callen.
"Once we started doing the shopping she really got into it."
"I'm glad. Callen really wants a day with just Clara. We'll pick a day too that we can just spend with Anna soon."
"Well your father had a nice time trying to teach Clara to say pa pa."
"Let me guess it was No all day long."
"Actually she kept saying da da."
Clara was standing by the couch holding on to it watching Anna show off her apron. Callen was paying her no attention and Clara didn't seem to like it.
"Da da."
Callen looked down at Clara. "Clara did you say da da?"
Clara smiled and took one step towards him. "Da da." Clara took one more step still holding on. Mac and Sara just stood there watching. No one thought to pull out a phone and film it.
"Da da." Clara let go of the couch and took another step towards Callen. He got down on the floor and held out his hands.
"Come on baby come to daddy."
"Da da." Said Clara and she took the last three steps to him.
"Oh my her first real steps." Said Sara crying a little.
Up to now Clara took a few steps but always holding on and usually falling back on her butt after about three steps.
Mac got down on the floor at the other end of the couch. "Clara come to mommy."
Clara tuned around and giggled at her and took off. The first few steps were slow then she was almost running to her. Mac lifted her up and gave her kisses.
"That's my little bug."
"Ma ma." Clara smiled and looked at Mac giggling once more.
Sara was on the phone to Victor now. "Yes Clara took her first steps. Oh Victor our little one is walking."
Callen finally grabbed his phone and started taping as Clara started to walk back to him saying da da over and over again. He sent the video to everyone. Anna finally decided she wanted in on the action and took Clara's hand.
"Ok Clara lets go to Bunica." Anna held Clara's hand as she walked over to Sara. Once she was near enough Anna let go and Clara finished the trip on her own.
"Oh my what a big girl." Said Sara picking Clara up.
After getting the girls settled for the night Mac and Callen watched the video of their little girl walking.
"I told you she loved you."
"Yeah ok you were right."
"I usually am."
"Yes dear."
Mac smacked Callen with a pillow.
"I just realized something." Said Callen.
"What?"
"We have the house set up almost the same as when I lived her as a boy."
"It's been two years and you just realize this?"
"Hey I've been busy the last two years."
"You told me to put things where ever I wanted to."
"Yes I did. I just didn't realize it till now." Callen looked around the room and closed his eyes. "Maybe that's why the house feels so good to me now."
SATURDAY.
Callen and Mac headed to Sara's house. Anna ran right to her grandmother holding her apron. They had decided to spend the day on the beach right there so Anna would know they were close by.
"Ok Anna remember this is your baking lesson. We'll be back later on to sample the cookies." Said Mac.
Anna smiled. "Ok mama. I'll make daddy's favorites first."
"Alright oatmeal cookies." Said Callen.
Anna giggled. Ok so oatmeal cookies were not Romanian but Callen didn't care he just wanted some cookies. Mac pushed him out the door before he decided to stay put and help bake them.
Once down on the beach Callen spread out a blanket and put up the umbrella. Clara tried to walk in the sand but couldn't keep her footing. Instead of crying she stuck out her bottom lip and pushed herself back up and tried again.
"Yep just as stubborn as her daddy."
It took Clara about five minutes to figure out how to walk on the sand. Once she did she looked over at her parents and smiled. "Pway da da."
"Ok bug let's play." Callen picked her up and carried her to the water along with a float toy. Mac smiled and lay back to enjoy the sun. An hour later Vlad joined them with a plate of cookies and lunch that Sara had made.
"Alright cookies." Said Callen grabbing one. "Ok these are good."
"Anna made them herself. Mom watched and told her what to do but Anna did it all herself."
"Daddy are they good?" yelled Anna from the deck. She was leaning over the railing with Victor waving.
"Yes Anna they are very good."
Anna ran back into the house.
"They are starting with the Romanian cookies now. The kitchen smells so good." Said Vlad.
"Well at least one of us will be able to cook." Said Mac laughing as Callen ate another cookie. "Callen eat a sandwich first then the cookies."
"Cooie." Said Clara.
"Cookie." Said Mac holding out one to her. Clara stuck out her lip again then tried the word a second time.
"Cookie." Said Clara proud of herself.
"She is learning fast." Said Victor.
"Yes she is. A bit behind but the doctors said that was a possibility being early but she is catching up fast."
"Cookie." Said Clara again reaching for another.
"Oh no bug lunch first."
Clara stuck out her lower lip again but took a bit of the sandwich Mac held out to her. Clara also got apple sauce one of her favorite foods. Callen ate two sandwiches and about six cookies. Mac shook her head at him.
Callen was tired after he ate and decided to take a nap. This gave Mac time to spend with Clara. They took a walk down the beach. Clara kicked to be let down and even said down to Mac. Mac let her down and watched as she walked down the soft wet sand next to the water. Clara spotted something and dropped to the sand to pick it up. Mac hoped it wasn't a dead fish.
"Mama." Clara stood up and put out the item. It was a large shell.
"You found a sea shell." Mac took it to make sure noting was living it in. "Can you say shell Clara."
"Swell."
"Close enough." Mac carried the shell for her and let Clara walk all she wanted too. By the time they got back Callen was awake and on the phone. Clara dropped three more smaller shells in his lap. "Swells dada."
"That's nice little bug." Callen looked at the shells. "Yeah sure Deeks you're all more than welcome. Ok see you soon."
"Kensi and Deeks are coming over I take it."
"Yep. Donny is driving them crazy running all over the house. This way he can run out here and wear himself out."
"Kensi just want's cookies right?"
Callen smiled. "You guessed it."
An hour later Deeks came walking down the steps to the beach Donny in his arms. "Hey guys." He put Donny down and he started running around till he face planted into the sand.
"Kensi is shoving her face full of cookies isn't she?" asked Mac.
"How did you guess?" Deeks laughed. He picked up Donny and brushed the sand off his face and handed him a ball. Donny tossed to and ran after it." That kid has way too much energy."
Clara went after Donny laughing as Donny tossed the ball her way. Kensi came walking down soon after a plate of cookies in her hand.
"Ok your girl can really bake."
"Where's Lilly?" asked Deeks.
"Victor has her. She needed changed and he offered."
"It's nice that our kids have your parents." Said Deeks. He was thrilled that his kids would have three grandmothers to spoil them and two grandfathers.
"Well they love the kids and can't wait for Nell to have hers. Mom is already planning her baby shower."
"I talked to Talia this morning. She's hoping we can all get together for an adult night soon." Said Kensi.
"That would be great. They can just bring Jenny here and she can play with the other kids." Said Callen.
Neither Talia or Sabatino had close family so they had also been adopted by MacKenna's parents. Jenny was only a few months younger than Clara and the two were best friends.
Kensi laughed as Clara threw the ball and it hit Deeks right in the head. Deeks got this funny look them fell over in the sand. Donny launched himself onto Deeks and got pulled into Deeks arms and tickled.
"Daddy no."
"Sorry buddy you laughed at your daddy."
"Daddy stop." Donny was laughing and trying to pull away. "I want to go swimmin."
"Oh you do little man."
"Yes daddy go swimmin wif me."
Donny picked him up around the middle and let him hang head first and carried him to the water. Callen picked up Clara and followed.
"Who would have figured they would be so good with kids?" said Kensi. "Deeks yes but Callen is a natural."
"I'm just glad Clara is starting to say more than no."
They heard Donny yelling from the water and saw Deeks tossing him into the waves.
"Deeks do not hurt our son."
"Yes Fern."
Soon Victor brought Lilly down. She was sound asleep in his arms.
"The little one decided I was a good place to take a nap." He was so proud of all his grandchildren. Victor sat down in a beach chair under the umbrella and let the little one sleep. "Anna is having a good time with Sara. They have about six different cookies made and are now working on dinner." He looked over at Callen. "Callen will be happy they are making his favorite soup."
"He's been hinting about that soup all week." Said Mac.
By six everyone was ready for dinner. They took turns getting a shower and changed. The kids went first and Victor watched them in the living room while the adults were upstairs.
They found Anna setting the large dining room table. Sara had insisted on the largest one they could find so it would fit everyone. They had several high chairs as well for the little ones.
"I cooked dinner momma."
"Did you?"
"Bunica says I'm a good cook."
Anna was very proud of her cooking and everyone made sure to fuss over it.
"I mostly just sat back and watched. She is very good in the kitchen." Said Sara.
By now Callen was into his second bowl of soup. "Don't worry Callen we made enough for you to take some home."
"Mmmmm." Said Callen as he finished off his soup. "Thanks mom."
"Any time." Sara tried not to laugh. Callen really loved her sour meatball soup.
They finished dinner and Mac and Kensi helped clear the table. Once all the dishes were off the table they brought in trays of cookies and a pot of coffee.
"Oh wow." Said Deeks. His eyes got huge at all the cookies. Kensi handed him a plate and Deeks picked out one of each cookie to try.
"I have some ready to go home with you as well Deeks."
"Mmmmmm these are amazing." Said Deeks.
"Thank you Uncle Deeks." Said Anna beaming.
Everyone had several cookies making sure to try each one. Sara packed up a box for Anna to take to school on Monday as well as some for Mac to take to work. Deeks and Kensi headed home after dinner. Mac and Callen had planned on spending the night at the house so Mac went in to help Sara with the dishes.
"Momma can I take some cookies out to Mick and Dave?" asked Anna. These were Victors full time guards.
"Go ask your Bunic to go with you." Said Mac.
Anna gathered some cookie and Victor took her out to share her cookies.
"That child is so giving." Said Sara. "She doesn't like to do anything unless Clara is involved too. I had to explain to her that Clara was too little to help bake."
"I was wondering why she wasn't too happy about spending the day with you."
"She loves her little sister so much."
"It's good that she does."
"So when are you going to give me a grandson?"
"Mom." Said Mac laughing.
"What it's not too much to ask for."
"We're waiting till Clara is two then we'll start trying."
"You should just try now."
"Wow you really want another grandchild."
"It's not that. I spoke with Mirela. She says it will take you time to conceive."
"Well if Aunt Mireal says so it must be true." Said Mac.
"Talk to Callen about it."
"I will mom."
That night after they were in bed Mac brought it up to Callen.
"So mom talked to Aunt Mirela."
"Let me guess she sees twins now?"
"No but she says we should start trying now because if we wait it may not happen."
Callen knew better than to doubt Mirela around his in laws. "So I take it you're going off the pill then?"
"We did say we wanted one more."
"Ok so we start trying then." Callen pinned Mac under him.
"Callen I'm still on the pill remember it will not happen tonight."
"No reason why we can't practice."