Abigail stood in front of the bathroom mirror and brushed out her hair. The prospect of tonight felt so surreal and strange: the idea of having alone time with her husband. She was looking forward to it, but at the same time, she felt guilty about leaving the babies with Cassie and Sam for a few hours. Abigail heard a knock, and Donovan said, "Babe, are you okay?"
"Yeah, I'll be out in a minute," she responded.
A short time later, Abigail stepped out of the bathroom and walked over to the bassinets, where Alexis and Dominick were happily cooing to themselves. "They are going to invent their own language before they're toddlers," said Abigail. She walked over to her husband, and she noticed Donovan's eyes wander all over her figure. Abigail was clad in a black dress and matching heels, her hair was styled for the first time in months, and she had actually bothered to apply makeup.
"Wow," Donovan uttered. It was all he could say at the moment.
"I know: no mom bun or sweat clothes with stains on them, and I managed to find a dress that fits well when Cassie and I went shopping last weekend," Abigail said teasingly.
"You look amazing," Donovan said and kissed her.
"And the future Governor of Illinois looks incredibly handsome." Abigail stroked his cheek.
"I'm running for re-election as Mayor, remember?"
"Yes, but I also know my man will become Governor one day, because he achieves anything he sets his mind to."
Abigail smiled, and the couple kissed again before Donovan asked, "What's wrong?"
"Nothing," Abigail lied.
"Abigail…"
Abigail sighed. "I don't know how to feel about tonight."
Donovan furrowed his brow. "What do you mean?"
"I'm looking forward to having time to ourselves tonight, but then, I feel guilty about leaving Lexi and Dom and feel like I'm a bad mom for leaving them. Then, I feel guilty for wanting to stay with the babies instead of going out with you, because we need time to ourselves too."
Donovan laughed lightly. "Would that make me a bad husband and father if I admitted to feeling similarly as you do?"
"We knew parenthood was going to change our marriage, but I don't think we're even close to having adjusted to a new dynamic."
"Well, we'll adjust the same way we always do: together." Donovan looked at the clock. "We need to get the kids over to Grey House so we can arrive at the restaurant in time for our reservation."
"I still cannot believe you managed to score a reservation at that new gourmet Italian restaurant. It's impossible to get a reservation there right now," said Abigail as she carefully lifted Alexis into her arms.
"Being Mayor has its privileges," admitted Donovan, lifting Dominick into his arms.
The family arrived at Grey House, and as expected, Cassie and Sam were there to greet them. "Hi, guys," said Cassie quietly.
"Hi," Abigail answered back. "Sorry about Lexi's screaming; she hates car rides."
"She takes after Nick," Sam said in amusement.
"We have some rooms with cribs for families with infants and young children, so Sam and George moved two of them into our room so they have someplace quiet to sleep," said Cassie.
"Thanks," said Donovan.
"Okay, hopefully that's enough diapers and formula to last a few hours. I also have their pediatrician's number as well as instructions on how to prepare the bottles, because they are both very picky over how they like powder mixed with water. And you both have my and Donovan's cell phone numbers in case anything happens."
"Abigail," Cassie laid her hand on her cousin's shoulder, "everything will be fine. I have a feeling." Abigail forged a small smile. "But I also know the mom guilt that comes from leaving your baby with someone else, so I empathize with your ambiguous feelings."
"Thanks," said Abigail gratefully.
George came up behind Cassie and Sam. "Well, you both look ready for a night on the town."
"If by night on the town, you mean dinner without an infant crying in the middle of it, then sure," said Donovan.
"Well, you better get going. We have it all covered," said Cassie.
"All right. I love you both so much." Abigail and Donovan kissed the babies goodbye before they left. They began the drive to the restaurant when Donovan said, "It does feel good to be able to not have to worry about mixing formula or changing diapers for a few hours though."
Abigail snickered. "Agreed." She took his hand. "It's been challenging balancing between being Abigail the mom and Abigail the wife. And in another month or two, I get to add Abigail the small business owner back into the equation."
"Trust me: Mom is more than ready to embrace the role of Dotty the grandma."
The couple arrived at the restaurant, and Donovan approached the hostess and said, "I have a reservation for two under Davenport."
The hostess looked up the information. "Of course. Right this way." She led them to a small, secluded table by the window and handed them their menus. "Your waiter should be with you shortly."
They both nodded, and the hostess returned to the front. Abigail looked around and said, "I have to say, babe, this is really nice. Maybe Middleton should win competitions more often so you can continue taking me to nice places."
"One of these days, Blairsville's going to win, and you'll have the luxury of taking me out." Donovan wagged a finger jokingly.
"But seriously, this place reminds me of the quaint little restaurants we went to on our honeymoon."
They chose a bottle of wine, and the waiter poured the glasses for them. Donovan held up his glass and said, "Well, since we couldn't make it out for our anniversary, tonight will work. Happy first anniversary, honey."
"Even though our anniversary was over a month ago?"
Donovan chuckled. "Yes."
"So, how has work been?" asked Abigail.
"Fine, busy. Always is. How about you? Have you thought about when you might start to go back?"
Abigail sighed. "I considered going back next month to help with the holiday season, but Sadie said she's doing well on her own. I think I might wait until next year and go back so I can help with Valentine's Day, especially if Martha begins holding a Sweethearts Dance annually."
"Hm. Maybe Blairsville should consider holding one."
"Donovan."
"Kidding."
Their food arrived—lasagna for Donovan and chicken Parmesan for Abigail—and after a pleasant meal, the couple went back home. After Donovan had locked the door, Abigail pulled him further into the living room and began kissing him. "Oh, we're starting right away then."
Abigail groaned and gave a seductive grin. "You know how I bought this new dress for tonight? I may have also bought other special outfits for tonight. Would you like to see them?"
"You bet I do."
Meanwhile, back at Grey House, Cassie and Sam were both snuggled on the living room sofa and feeding Alexis and Dominick their bottles. "Seems like just yesterday Grace was snuggled in my arms," commented Cassie.
"How are Nick and Grace juniors in college now?" asked Sam.
Alexis finished her bottle, and Cassie asked, "All done?" The eldest Merrick began burping the youngest one. Sam did the same to Dominick, and Cassie said, "Abigail said she and Donovan would probably be back here around nine, so we should probably put them back down in the cribs while we gather their supplies."
Sam nodded as he followed his wife upstairs. Once both Alexis and Dominick were asleep, Sam wrapped his arm around Cassie as they watched their Godchildren sleep. "I don't know what Abigail and Donovan are talking about. They sleep so peacefully."
Cassie chuckled. "You know as well as I do a baby's peaceful slumber only lasts a few hours at a time."
At quarter after nine, Cassie got up to answer the door before Donovan could even knock. "I should have known that you'd know we were here," he said.
"Lexi and Dom are upstairs," said Cassie.
"I'll help her bring them downstairs," said Abigail to Donovan as she followed her cousin. "So, how were they for you?"
"They did well for their first night away from you. I know you both had a good time tonight."
"Is it that obvious?"
"Abigail, I have the same intuition you do. Plus, you're wearing different clothes than when you dropped them off earlier this evening."
Abigail looked down at her jeans, casual blouse, and boots. "Dresses can be uncomfortable, and since it's just you, I figured there was no reason to try to pretend…"
"Abigail, we're all adults. It's important to make time for yourselves, including that aspect of marriage."
"It's okay, babies; Mommy's here," Abigail cooed as she picked up Dominick while Cassie lifted Alexis into her arms. "Thank you so much for watching them."
"That's what family's for," said Cassie comfortingly.
"Well, we better get them home. I'm sure they'll sleep a little better there," said Abigail.
The cousins descended the stairs, and Cassie handed Alexis to Donovan. "How are Daddy's little peanuts?" he asked.
"It's getting late; you both should go before they get too fussy," said Sam.
"All right. I'll see you tomorrow." Abigail and Cassie side-hugged before Donovan and Abigail along with the twins left for the night.