Families
Chapter 20
Molly was a nice baby most of the time and coming home was much easier than Meg had thought. Diefenbaker took to the baby at once, just as he had with Meg once. He even tried to protect her and showed off his teeth and growled low when Ray picked the baby up the first time. Ben told him off and said that it was OK when friends picked her up and that he knew who were friends and who were not.
If Molly was awake Meg often put her in the pram and together they walked with Ben to the consulate. And then again they went to meet him and walk back home, sometimes when Meg knew Ben had a sentry duty shift she came early just to look at him.
The sleeping bag for the pram came in handy as February turned out to be the coldest in many years. Meg had been a bit worried but the doctor had said that as long as she kept Molly well wrapped up it was only good to get out and have some fresh air, not that neither Meg nor Ben called the Chicago air fresh.
Meg asked her oldest brother to be the Canadian godfather and Ben asked his sister to be a godmother, Molly would truly have a lot of people around her to care for her. In the middle of March Meg's parents came for a visit.
Unfortunately Ben's hadn't had a chance to come yet put they would certainly come for the Christening. Since they wanted Molly to be Canadian in all ways the Christening would be at the consulate with a priest that was attached to it, he often came to have weddings there too when Canadians wanted get married in Chicago. The good thing with having the Christening at the consulate was that they could have dinner there too.
So in the middle of April Meg returned to the consulate, not really to work but to do all preparations for the Christening that was coming up in the weekend. Molly slept in her pram in Ben's office and both the Inspector and Turnbull checked on her when they walked by and when she was awake they took a chance to hold and play with her as much as you play with an almost three months old baby. Ben and Meg had asked Turnbull who loved to cook to make the a buffet with cold dishes, spring had come early and it was already hot in the big city.
Ben was out on one of his liaison assignments with Ray so when Meg walked home Thursday afternoon she went by the dry cleaners to pick the dress for Molly up. Frannie had said she'd help her set the tables Friday afternoon when she got off from work.
In the evening of that Thursday the doorbell rang and Meg wondered who it would be, Ben had called to say he'd be late as he had a few things he needed to do at the consulate. With Molly in her arms she went to open the door.
"There you are and little Molly too" Caroline Fraser beamed.
"Caroline, Bob! I didn't think you'd come until tomorrow" Meg hugged them both and let them inside. "Would you like to hold her?" Meg asked Caroline.
"Do you even have to ask?" Bob said and laughed "Everyone on the plane knew we were coming here" he said with affection in his voice.
Caroline was already walking around talking to the baby.
"How was your flight or shall I say flights?" Meg asked Bob.
"Oh they went smoothly, even the one from home" Bob said and sat down in the sofa.
"I'm expecting Ben to come home soon, he was to bring some Chinese food, would you like to eat with us?" Meg asked.
"You don't have to trouble yourself for us dear" Bob said.
"It's no trouble, I'll just call Chang's and have them add some extra" Meg picked up the phone and glanced over to Caroline and Molly, her baby was satisfied in her grandmother's arms.
"Sorry Mr Chang" Meg said into the phone when the person said hello in a questioningly way "This is Meg Fraser, could you please double our order" she listened to the old Chinese man talking in broken English, to be polite she had learned a few phrases from Ben in Mandarin but continued in English "No Ben doesn't know yet but it's his parents that has arrived and will join us" the man said something and Meg laughed "No little Molly haven't yet started to eat solid food" she listened again "Yes Ben will arrive to pick it up shortly. 'Thank you kindly' " Meg added the last phrase with broken Mandarin, she had learned it in Italian too from Frannie. Meg hung up the phone.
"They seem familiar with you at that restaurant" Bob said.
"It's the best in town and the only one we use" Meg sat down beside him "So how is everything back home. All good at the post?" she asked.
Bob told about the signs of spring but the snow was still more than half a meter deep, how the everyday life was going on and that he and Buck still patrolled the wide spaces.
"We could do with someone younger though, there's only one Mountie younger than 60 and he's 45" Bob said looking at Meg. There were no secret that he'd want Ben back home and Meg could be the new Inspector they needed, up there it was a half time job, he knew that since he had been the one stepping in as temporary Inspector when needed.
"Well here is the small problem with Ben's ban, don't tell him but I've started to see if I can't get through to the authorities in Ottawa, I do miss Canada too" Meg said. She had hoped she could surprise Ben on his birthday but it was a lot of calls, e-mails and other papers that needed to be done and with barely two weeks left it wasn't happening, instead she had fixed for Frannie to babysit Molly while she took Ben out for a private dinner.
There was a sound of keys in the door and soon Ben came inside followed by Diefenbaker who was carrying a bag that probably contained a big bone for him to chew.
"Mum, dad" Ben said as he handed the food over to Meg so he could unlace his boots "How great it is to see you" he hugged them both and kissed Molly who was still in his mother's arms "Has she let you hold her yet?" Ben asked his father who just shook his head and laughed. "I didn't think so" Ben unbuttoned his tunic on the way to the kitchen. He pulled Meg into his arms and kissed her "I'm sorry, I didn't know they'd show up here and a day early"
Meg held her arms around his waist and lent her head on his chest "I don't mind it at all, I love your parents and Molly seems to do so too, at least your mother, Bob's not had a chance to hold her yet"
"That's mum for you" Ben said. He kissed her again "Let me just change" he said and walked over to the bedroom. Ben felt happy and blessed for his family.
Everyone sat down for dinner at the table in the living room, even Molly had her own high chair that was stuffed with pillows so she was sitting well. Caroline noticed the sculpture she had helped Ben get from his place to give to Meg. "It looks good in that space" she said to Meg.
"Yes, I wanted it to be somewhere so it could be seen all the time, it's such a lovely piece" Meg said. "Did I thank you properly for the lovely gift for Molly, that sleeping bag have come to use a lot, it was pretty cols for a while in February and March"
"Yes you have and I know you will get use for it when she's bigger next winter too" Caroline said.
They talked about this and that and when Bob finally had gotten a chance to hold Molly he and Caroline went back to their hotel.
"That was a lovely surprise" Meg said as she slipped into bed next to Ben.
"Yes it was" Ben agreed and laid on the side to look at Meg. They had made love a couple of times since the birth. He lent over and kissed Meg softly.
Meg pulled Ben closer, he was always careful, but he had been even more so since they had had Molly. She was sleeping in her own bed at the foot of the bed. Some nights she actually slept through, it saddened Meg a bit but at the same time she was a much happier mother when she had slept through the night. Meg believed that Molly would sleep all night, it had been so much excitement with her grandparents. Boldly Meg let her fingers slip under the waistband of Ben's boxers.
Friday afternoon was busy at the consulate, Ben had some extra work to do since they had put Turnbull in charge of fixing with the food and the inspector was out on a meeting with the Danes, the corporation between the two consulates were coming together well now.
Frannie came as soon as she had finished at the 27th precinct for the day and since Meg's parents too had arrived all grandparents came to the consulate to help out too.
"Thank you all, it looks great" Meg said as they sat down with some coffee and a taste of the cake Turnbull had made.
"This cake is delicious, are you sure you've not been a baker in a former life?" Frannie asked Turnbull who blushed slightly.
"I don't know about former lives" Turnbull said "But in this I've always loved baking" he had a minor crush on the lively Italian.
"Well if you ever tire of being a Mountie you could open your own bakery, I'd come and shop there" Frannie said boldly which made Turnbull blush even more.
Just before Frannie was to leave Meg pulled her into Ben's office "I think Turnbull likes you" she said.
"Really?" Frannie sounded surprised, she and Turnbull was total opposites.
"Yes really" Meg said and winked at her friend.
"Me and Turnbull?" Frannie looked at her friend.
"You'd get a perfect gentleman and a great cook" Meg said and thought that it was something that she could describe her own husband with as well. She saw how her friend thought about the idea as she got ready to leave "See you at one the latest tomorrow" Meg reminded her.
"Sure, the ceremony is at two isn't it?" Frannie asked to be sure and Meg nodded at her.
Meg walked over to her old office to see if Ben was ready to leave, but he and the inspector still had a few things to do. "My parents want to treat us to dinner at 7 at their hotel, will you meet us there, you're parents are coming too" Meg said.
"Yes, I will meet you there" Ben said and looked back down into the papers.
Saturday morning was busy, Molly was to be bathed, Ben and Meg had to shower and dress and the last things were to be put in the car.
"Ben, did you put the dress in the car?" Meg asked swirling around in the room they were turning into Molly's.
"Yes I did, along with the diaper bag and the other dress she will have on after the ceremony" Ben said.
"Great, I don't think there will be any time left to come back and get anything" Meg got Molly ready to put in the car seat.
When Molly was secured Meg took one last look in the mirror, she had bought a pale pink dress with a matching jacket for the occasion.
Ben came up to her and stood behind her looking into the mirror "You look lovely as ever" he had for once chosen not to have his dress uniform on, but was dressed in a dark suit with a crisp white shirt and a tie that matched Meg's dress.
Meg turned around and corrected the tie that didn't need any correction "You look lovely yourself, does it feel strange not having the dress uniform?"
"A bit, but still it feels like we're normal parents and not a pair of Mounties with a baby" Ben said.
"Can you believe the little Mountie pajama's father brought for Molly, I didn't even think he thought of such things" Meg said.
"Yes it was cute, sometime I think it's unbelievable who much stuff they make, but all profits goes into fonds that make the RCMP able to help people in need" Ben said.
"Are we ready to leave?" Meg asked and picked the car seat with Molly in it up.
"I think so" Ben said and took his keys.
Molly who had been awake most of the morning fell asleep in the car and when they arrived at the consulate Meg put her in the pram in Ben's office.
"Is everything OK here?" Meg asked when she looked into the kitchen where Turnbull was busy.
"Yes, Sir" he said and straightened his back, he had been bent over some eggs.
"Let me know if you need anyone to help you, there will be a lot of willing people coming" Meg said ignoring him calling her Sir.
"I already have Miss Vecchio helping me" Turnbull said.
"Oh really, she's already arrived?" Meg asked.
"Yes, she was here already at nine am" Turnbull said.
Meg thought about the talk she and Frannie had had the previous day, maybe there would be something after all.
"Is everything good here?" Ben asked as he popped his head into the kitchen.
"Yes, Sir, I've got all under control" Turnbull sounded a bit stressed "I've just got a few more things to finish"
"Let us know if we can help you" Ben said.
"I will" Turnbull returned to the plate with eggs.
Meg met Frannie in the hallway, she was wearing one of the aprons from the consulate kitchen over her dress. The two women smiled at each other.
"What was all that about?" Ben asked Meg.
"Nothing" Meg said casually.
The rest of the day just disappeared, it was a happy gathering of families and friends. A lot of the Vecchio's came and Ben introduced 'Ma' to his parents. They instantly took to each other.
Ben walked over to Meg who were sitting in a corner giving Molly a bottle. "How are my favorite girls?" he asked.
"The big one is very happy, it have all be going so well today and the little one is ready to be burped" Meg handed Ben the baby.
He snatched the towel Meg had on her shoulder. "Nice try there, I don't want to ruin the suit more than you wanted your dress ruined" Ben sat down beside Meg "I talked to Turnbull before and told him how well it's all been going, I think he grew an inch or two"
Meg laughed "I think he's loved working with Frannie, don't you think they could be good for each other"
Ben looked at Meg "You're going into matchmaking now?" he asked.
"No, I... well maybe, if this turns well out I could maybe find Ray a woman as well, I mean that way we get to have our baby to ourselves" Meg said.
"It's not that bad, it's just Saturdays" Ben said defending his friend.
"I was just teasing you" Meg said.
As the party turned towards the end everyone left helped out getting things back in order, left over food was packed up to be brought home. Meg felt happy she could for once repay Ma Vecchio and send some with her home. It had been so many Sundays she had invited Meg and Ben for dinner after church.
Ben gathered all Molly's gifts and took them out to the car. Meg's parents had brought her a rocking horse, she was still to small to ride it, but it was a tradition on the Thatcher side to give to girls on their Christening, they had also put some money into the trust fond they opened for her when she was born. Ben's mother had during the winter learned to work with silver and made the baby a lovely pendant and also they gave her money for her future. Ray and Frannie had bought her a really lovely set of plates and a glass along with a set of silverware.
Ben's birthday
Ben's birthday was a Sunday this year but Frannie had insisted on Meg taking Ben out Saturday evening instead. When she rang the door bell she wasn't alone, Turnbull was with her. They weren't really dating but spending time together.
Turnbull excused himself for bursting in like this, Meg and Ben both assured him it was perfectly alright.
"I told you so, you are no stranger to the family" Frannie said in cocky 'I told you so' way.
"Yes you were right Francesca" Turnbull said.
Frannie rolled her eyes, but a least he didn't call her Miss Vecchio anymore. "So where is little miss sunshine?" Frannie asked Meg.
"She's on the living room floor keeping Diefenbaker company" Meg pointed "I've prepared a bottle for her to have around 7.30 and then it would be the best if she is in bed by eight" Meg added and started to ramble and show Frannie where everything is.
"I know it's the first time you leave her but don't worry, I've done this a lot and besides Turnbull is here and I've got your list with phone numbers" Frannie said in a calm way to reassure Meg that everything would be OK.
"Don't hesitate to call us" Meg said as Frannie ushered them out the door.
There were a taxi waiting for them on the street. Meg told the driver the restaurant's name.
"But Meg that's a..." Ben had never had anyone taking him out and especially to an expensive place like that.
"You do so much for me and Molly that I want to do this" Meg knew she had been right about keeping it from him.
"So Turnbull and Frannie are dating now?" Ben asked.
"Kind of, I know Frannie says spending time together" Meg said.
"Do you think Molly will be alright with them?" Ben asked worried.
"I think so, besides Dief's there too" Meg said as the driver stopped at the curb.
Meg stopped Ben when he reached for his wallet "It's my treat tonight"
Ben knew it was no use in protesting so he got out and went around the taxi to open the door for Meg. He also held the door to the restaurant which ended up in letting two couples out and one more in.
"Come on Ben" Meg looked at him.
They were showed to a table set for two in a more private corner of the restaurant. The got their menus and were told the specials. "Can I get you a drink before dinner?" the waiter asked politely.
"I think a glass of champagne each would be nice" Meg said, neither of them were big drinkers and besides a bit of wine at the Christening Meg hadn't been drinking at all for almost a year.
Ben agreed. When they got the champagne Meg raised her glass "Happy birthday Ben" she said.
"Thank you, and thank you for a lovely year" Ben said and sipped the cool drink "And happy almost first Anniversary" he added.
Meg smiled at him "It certainly have been a fantastic year" she put her hand on his.
The dinner was exquisite but it was the first time they had left Molly with someone and they both wanted to get home to her.
"It's not that I'm worried, I trust Frannie but it feels strange" Meg said as Ben held the door for her
"I agree with you, she's a part of the family a part of us" Ben offered Meg his arm "Shall we walk a bit?" it was a lovely evening.
"Mmm" Meg agreed and let her hand slide down so she could lace her fingers with Ben's. Tonight they were like any normal couple, not a pair of Mounties.
They ended up walking the whole way home. Ben pulled Meg into his arms as they stood outside the door. He bent down and their lips met in a kiss.
"Thank you for a lovely evening" Ben said holding her face in his hands.
"You're welcome" Meg smiled at him. She tiptoed for more kisses, the little wine she'd had, had made her tipsy. Her hands wander under Ben's jacket.
"Maybe we should go inside and send Frannie and Turnbull home" Ben suggested.
"Mmm" Meg agreed and started to look for her keys.
Ben had easily fished his up from the pocket and was now unlocking the door. Meg said something about it being unfair men didn't have purses.
"I believe you're more than tipsy my dear" Ben said and smiled at her.
"Maybe" she confessed.
Frannie said that Molly had been good as gold and she was sleeping soundly since a little after eight when she had fallen asleep in Turnbull's arms as he told her a story. Diefenbaker was laying by her bed, he hadn't wanted to leave her side all night. Although Turnbull had taken him out for a short walk.
Ben locked the door after Frannie and Turnbull had left. Meg stood by Molly's bed looking at her.
"Do you want some coffee or tea?" Ben asked her.
Meg shook her head and walked over to him, she started to untie his tie "I just want you" she said and unbuttoned the tiny buttons in his dress shirt.
Ben bent his head and nuzzled her neck just where he knew she liked it the most. Meg moaned as she pulled his shirt free from his trousers and then she started on his belt. She had a mission.
As they undressed each other the kisses and touches became hotter and braver. Even after this time together they still love exploring each others bodies.
Meg pushed Ben onto the bed and he obliged willingly. She straddled his hips and felt his arousal. Leaning down for a kiss she reached for her bedside drawer. She pulled out something familiar and dangled them in front of Ben's face.
"Remember these?" Meg asked seductively.
"Mmhm" Ben nodded his head.
"Do you mind?" Meg asked next and wondered how to tie Ben up with them, she hadn't thought that this bed didn't have ribs like the one in the cabin.
"Mine are on the dresser" Ben said.
Meg understood what he meant and soon she had him cuffed to the two post of the headboard. She had him squirming under her kisses and touches. It wasn't until she had undressed herself that she slowly pulled his boxers off him and feasted on him. For a second Meg thought of ordering him to lay still as she knew he would do if she did. Just the thought of him obliging her almost made her come. She was breathing heavily when she slowly lowered herself on him. Slowly at first she raised herself up and down.
Ben tried to lay still, he had wanted his hands free to put on her hips, but Meg felt so good around him that he moved in rhythm with her and when she fastened the pace he couldn't hold back. Neither of them had come this fast and hard since...since a year ago he managed to think. Meg slumped over him and he tried to put his arms around her but since he was cuffed to the bedposts he couldn't. Instead he tried turning his head so he at least could kiss her.
It took Meg the best of the next ten minutes to recover as much so she could uncuff Ben. She wanted to feel his hands on her body, they way he held her face when he kissed her, slowly moving one hand down to her breasts. She was still breastfeeding Molly and therefore they were more sensitive but Ben was always gentle.
"You are beautiful" Ben said as he laid on his side gently stroking her body.
Meg didn't always feel beautiful but the way Ben said it made her feel it. She was just about to open her mouth when Molly woke up.
"Let me get her" Ben said and moved down to the foot of the bed, only covered in the sheet, to take Molly out of the crib. Gently he placed her with Meg and eagerly Molly started sucking her midnight snack.
Ben bent forward and kissed Meg. "I love you so much" he said and laid back again watching his wife and daughter.
As a few times before when Meg had been too tired to get up when Molly wanted a midnight feed she fell asleep with the baby at her breast. Ben pulled the sheet over them and moved to lay as close as he could.
Disclaimer/Copyright 2014 and forward: I don't own the characters from Due South, but I've written the story and therefore feel I own that. I also want to say I don't know about how the Academy for RCMP or something alike works so I've made it up a nice way to fit my story. I'm also not familiar with names for different kind of people in a village such as the Inuits live in.