They turned down the quiet suburban street and pulled into the driveway parking behind Autumn's SUV. LJ had been quiet the entire ride despite Mel trying to perk him up. "I know this isn't what you had planned for the weekend but hopefully we'll still be able to salvage some time with your dad."
"It's not your fault. Dad promised to take me to Wrigley Field tomorrow and I was really looking forward to it."
"I'm sure he'll be back in time for the game. If not I would be happy to take you. I mean, I know I'm not as cool as Linc and the baseball cap will actually fit on my head as opposed to having to be greased onto my head, like your dad's. But I'll try to be as cool as I can without embarrassing you."
LJ laughed aloud. "Thanks Mel. And even if dad does make it back in time I want you to still go with us."
"Are you sure? Because that's kind of a guy thing you two have going on."
LJ smiled and nodded. "I'm sure I want you to go. We're a family and we're suppose to do all this stuff together." He paused before turning to look out the window. "Actually I wanted to talk to you about something."
"What is it?"
"Ok, hear me out before you say anything." LJ waited until Mel nodded her head as he nervously fidgeted with the string on his hoodie. "I thought I would ask you before I asked dad because I know with the baby coming that you have a lot on your plate. But I've already asked mom and she said it was up to dad. But I was wondering if I promise not to get into any more trouble and help around the house, can I live with you and dad?"
"Your mom doesn't care?"
LJ shook his head. And Mel threw her arms around the boy's neck. "Of course you can live with us! Why do you think we bought a four bedroom house and gave you your own room even though we hardly see you?"
"Maybe you bought the house for all the babies you and dad are going to have."
Mel playfully punched him in the arm. "Maybe so but you'll always be our first baby!" She pinched his cheek and grabbed the keys from the ignition. "I'm so happy you want to live with us and your dad is going to cry like a little French girl. Of course you know we'll have to talk it over with Lisa first."
"Yeah, that's cool."
They unloaded their bags and walked up the driveway to her sister Autumn's house making easy conversation about the future. LJ knocked on the door and waited while Mel fumbled with her cell phone. Theodore opened the door and welcomed them in. "Autumn ran out to pick up some movies and candy. LJ, boy you get taller every time I see you." He slapped LJ on the back and LJ shot Mel a look that screamed for help. Her brother-in-law was a talker and would talk until the sun came up. "Can I get ya'll something to drink?"
"No thank you. We filled up on slurpies on the ride up here."
"LJ I got a new Xbox 360 and a ton of games waiting on you in the den."
"Sweet! Thanks Uncle T." LJ barely managed to get out before running into the other room.
Mel just shook her head before sitting down on the plush sofa and resting her head. She wanted to close her eyes and fall into a deep sleep but she was too concerned about Linc and the trouble he was in.
"So what kind of trouble is he in?" Theodore asked as he poured himself a glass of tea.
"I'm not entirely certain. Something to do with Aldo and the government." She lowered her voice so as not to let LJ hear her. "I know that I'm scared Teddy. I don't know what to do or even how serious this is. Aldo leads a pretty secretive life and whomever he's working for has a lot of power."
"Linc want let anything happen to you or that boy. Don't worry. Ya'll can stay here as long as you like."
"Thanks Teddy."
Mel was just about to stretch out on the couch when she heard Autumn come through the backdoor yelling for some help. Theodore jumped up and Mel followed him into the kitchen where Autumn was loaded down with bags and boxes from the local pizza joint. "I couldn't remember what LJ liked on his pizza so I got a little of everything. Plus plenty of sodas and junk food." She waited while Teddy helped relieve her of the load and she threw her arms around her sisters' neck. "How are my favorite sister and baby?" Autumn patted Mel's stomach before kissing her cheek and walking off to find LJ.
Mel shook her head. "She doesn't even wait for an answer."
"Not my Autumn. She's addicted to energy drinks. I tell you I'm almost at the point where I want to send her to rehab. She's always on the go and never has a minute that she's not doing something. Makes me tired just watching her."
Mel chuckled. "Well, I'm sleeping for two so I think I'm going to grab a slice of pizza and call it a night. Linc is supposed to call if he does wake me up please."
"Sure thing."
Mel poked her head into the den and found LJ and Autumn battling it out in some video game that she wasn't familiar with. "Goodnight you guys. I'll see you in the morning."
"Night Mel. Love you." LJ called out. Autumn stood up and walked over to Mel while telling LJ she would be right back.
"Are you sure you're going to be alright?" Autumn asked as she walked down the hallway to the guest bedroom.
"Yeah, I just need this to all be over. I'm worried about Linc."
"I'm sure he'll be fine with his muscle and Mike's brain they will have it all wrapped up by tomorrow."
"I hope so. I appreciate you and Teddy letting us stay over. I hope we didn't ruin any plans or anything."
Autumn shook her head. "Teddy and I have wanted you guys to come up for a while now. But since you got pregnant you haven't been your usual self."
Mel sat down on the edge of the bed and dropped her head. "It's been tough because we have been trying to work though LJ's probation and his lashing out but he's over that now. Then Linc has been pulling away from setting a date for our wedding, which I wanted to be married before the baby comes. I'm not even sure he wants to get married."
Autumn put an arm around her sister's shoulders. "Sure he does Mel. Lincoln loves you more than life."
"I hope your right."
Autumn smiled before patting her sister on the leg. "Of course I'm right. Now get some sleep while I go kick LJ's but at this new TNA game."
"Fine. See you in the morning." Mel laid her head against the pillows and closed her eyes.