Part Four
Ted walks downstairs with his bag. He sets it by the front door before walking into the kitchen. He smiles when he sees Maryse filling a bottle of juice for each of the kids. He kisses her cheek. "Hi," he says.
"Hi, Dad." Maryse smiles at him. "So Kelly's riding with you?"
Ted nods. "She is. You aren't going to be like my sons are you?"
Maryse laughs softly. "All I'm going to say is that I think you two look cute together."
Ted grins. "Thank you. But nothing is going on."
"Yet," Teddy says walking in. "According to Mike, you two were pretty cozy when she was here last week."
"Theodore."
"Tell her she's pretty," Grayson says. "That's what Daddy tells Dad. Uncle Teddy says it to Aunt Maryse too."
Ted grins. "I will do that, Grayson."
"Good."
"Daddy, your date is here," Brett says walking in.
"You're all getting thrown in the lake, I hope you know that," Ted says walking out of the room.
"Wow," Teddy says. "I think he might actually like her as something more than a friend."
Maryse nods. "I think you should back off. I haven't seen him like this, ever."
Teddy nods. "I suppose I better go warn Mike."
Ted walks outside to see Kelly at the back of her car. He's thankful when John walks over to take her bag, because he wouldn't have made it over in time. He walks down the steps and over to Kelly. "Hey," he says.
Kelly smiles up at Ted. "Hi," she replies. She looks down at her olive green cargo pants and yellow tank top. "Is this okay?"
Ted nods. "That's perfect. Maryse is going to let you use her jacket since she can't wear it right now."
Kelly nods. "Okay. I didn't even think of anything like that. I mean, I have a sweatshirt."
Ted grins. "It's okay. We've been doing this for a while, so nothing to worry about."
"Okay, good." She licks her lips as she grabs her purse from the front seat. "Is it okay to park here?"
"Yeah, that's actually where I was going to have you move to if you didn't." Ted leads her toward the house.
"So how far is the cabin?"
"A few hours. We'll stop about half way for a little break."
Kelly nods as she follows him into the house. She bites her lip when they walk into the kitchen. She shouldn't be surprised to see most of the family in here. Only Mike and John are outside.
"Hi Kelly," Maryse says.
"Hi."
"All right, kids go. If you have to go to the bathroom, now is the time."
Kelly smiles when the kids walk out of the room. "So who's riding?"
"Everyone but the kids and us," Teddy answers. "Brett even gets to this year, so not fair."
"Stop knocking your wife up," Brett says.
Teddy laughs softly. "I like being Daddy, so no."
Ted rolls his eyes. "Are you two done? Can we get going? I'd like to get there before we're all starving." He grins when both Teddy and Brett stick their tongues out at him.
Kelly grins as they all head outside. She licks her lips as she watches Ted walk over to a silver bike. "Oh wow," she whispers.
Ted looks over. "Something wrong?" he asks.
"No, it's absolutely beautiful."
Ted grins. He lifts the lid of the small compartment on the back of the bike. "You can put your purse in here."
Kelly nods as she does just that. She glances over to see Brett, Joe, Mike, and John all pulling on a vest. Maryse walks over and smiles at Kelly.
"Here," Maryse says. "Might be a little long, but other than that it'll fit."
"Thank you." Kelly smiles as she pulls the light leather coat on. She looks at Ted. "They're all wearing vests… and so are you."
Ted nods. "We've all been riding for a long time. We're used to the elements. With this being your first time, thought it might be better. Maryse has been riding with us for five years and she still wears one."
Kelly nods. "Okay." She bites her lip, trying not to feel out of place.
"Would you feel better if I wore my jacket?"
"No, it's fine."
"Okay." Ted buttons his vest and looks over at the others. "Everyone ready?"
"Let's do this," Mike says.
Kelly looks at Ted. "I don't know what to do." She bites her lip, embarrassed that she doesn't know what to do.
"Hey, it's okay. I'm not going to let anything happen to you." He taps her chin. "First of all I need you to trust me."
"I do trust you."
"Good, then climb on." He hands her a pair of sunglasses. "These will protect you a little better."
She takes them and slips them on. "Okay. And what about when it's dark outside?"
"We have clear ones." Ted watches as she climbs onto the bike and shifts back. He smiles as she tugs her hat on a little further. "Hang on." He climbs on in front of her and kicks the stand up. He starts the bike, watching as the others pull out. "Hang on."
Kelly smiles as she slides her arms around his waist. "I'm ready."
Ted grins as he pulls away. He catches up to the others and slows his speed. Kelly can't help but smile as she looks over at the others. Brett has his arms wrapped around Joe's waist as he keeps his chin on Joe's shoulder. John is doing the same with Mike. Kelly loosens her grip and lets her hands rest on his sides. Ted smiles at the feel of her hands on his sides.
Kelly has never felt like this before. She feels so free out here. The wind against her is an amazing feeling. She wonders if this is how the others feel out here. Kelly shifts a little when they pull to a stop at a stop light.
"Sorry," she says when Ted turns his head.
"It's okay," he says. "You okay?"
"Yes." She smiles when Ted leans back a little.
"If you need to stop before we make our stop, let me know."
"I will."
Ted takes off again. He licks his lips, wanting to take Kelly's hand in his, but he knows that's not a good idea. He's pretty sure she doesn't return the feelings he has for her. But what if he's wrong? Maybe he should… no, he can't say anything about this. He'll take what he can get. If all Kelly wants is to be friends, then that's what they'll be. Ted won't be disappointed in that.
Kelly is a little surprised when they turn onto a country road so soon. She leans forward, resting her chin on Ted's shoulder. Ted takes his chance to rest his hand over hers. Kelly smiles as she closes her eyes. This feels too perfect. She shouldn't be finding this perfect; it means nothing. It doesn't mean anything, right? But then Ted is linking his fingers through hers. What does this mean? She doesn't care right now. She's just going to enjoy the feeling of what she has here now, even if it won't last long.
Ted pulls into the gas station and comes to a stop. After climbing off, he turns to help Kelly off. He smiles at her when she takes his hand to climb off. Kelly licks her lips as she bends to smooth her pants. Ted walks around to fill the bike up.
Maryse walks over and slides her arm through Kelly's. "Bathroom break, we'll be back," she says.
Kelly smiles at Maryse as they walk toward the station. "Is this when we talk?" she asks softly.
"Yes." Maryse grins. She waits until the bathroom door is closed before looking at Kelly. "So, Teddy saw something in the rear view mirror."
"Oh? What'd he see?"
"You holding onto Dad. But Dad was holding your hand."
Kelly bites her lip and nods. "Yeah, he was."
"So then I turned to look. It was really cute. I don't think I've ever seen Ted like this before. It's nice to see and it's because of you."
"I… he's amazing." Kelly shrugs. What else can she really say? "I don't think I've ever met anyone like him before. And I could see something… but why would he want…? I'm younger than two of his sons and barely older than the third."
"If you're worried about what they think, don't be. They may joke with him about it, but they are all okay with it."
Kelly licks her lips and nods. "He's one of a kind."
"Well, four, but yes." Maryse smiles at Kelly. "I think you should give him a chance. You'll be surprised. Don't worry about the age unless he says something about it. But I can almost guarantee the only thing he'll ask is if you're okay with the age difference. Are you?"
"I don't think it's a problem." Kelly smiles a little. "I'd be more worried he has an issue with him."
"And I can understand that. But give him a chance."
Kelly nods. "I will."
"Good."
Ted takes the two bottles of water Brett hands him. "Thank you," he says.
"You're welcome. So you and Kelly seemed pretty cozy."
Ted nods. "Should I mention your hand on Joe's crotch?"
Brett blushes. "Daddy!"
Ted grins. "Then don't talk about what's going on with me." He winks at Brett as he takes a drink of his water.
"The girls are taking a long time in the bathroom."
Ted snorts. "They're girls, they will. They're talking."
"Oh." Brett frowns. "Man, I'm glad I'm gay."
Ted laughs softly. He looks over when he sees Kelly walking back over. "Wow."
Brett grins. "Ask her out, Daddy." He walks away before Ted can respond.
Kelly smiles at Ted when she approaches. "Hey," she says. "Sorry we took so long."
"It's okay," Ted says. He hands her the other bottle of water.
"Thank you." She takes a long drink. "So half way there, huh?"
Ted grins and nods. "Pretty much. Can you handle another hour and a half on the bike?"
Kelly nods. "Yes." She takes another drink. "Okay, so where do I put this?"
"In the back." He opens the back compartment, setting his own bottle in it. After Kelly gets hers in, he locks it again. "All right, I think we're all ready."
Kelly slides her arms around Ted's waist as they pull back out on the road. She smiles as she rests her chin on Ted's shoulder. Is it possible to feel like this when she still doesn't know him all that well? He's perfect though. Everything she could have ever imagined. But she's probably just a silly little girl to him. But if that was the case, why'd he invite her on this trip? Maybe there is more to it.
Kelly has to gasp when she sees the cabin just ahead; at least, she's guessing it's the cabin they're heading to. It's absolutely gorgeous. She wouldn't have ever believed a cabin in the middle of the woods could look like this without seeing it. As Ted pulls to a stop, Kelly moves her arms from Ted's waist.
Ted is slightly disappointed when Kelly's arms aren't around him anymore, but he knew it had to happen. He slips off the bike and turns to help Kelly off as well. He smiles at her as he opens the back compartment. They take everything out before heading to the SUV. Kelly is about to reach for her pink and grey bag, but Ted has it first. She smiles at him.
"You and the color pink," he says with a smile.
Kelly practically beams at that before shrugging. "What can I say? It's a great color."
Ted laughs softly as he leads her inside. He sets his own bag in the living room before turning toward Kelly to see her looking around in amazement. "Something wrong?"
Kelly looks at Ted. "This is beautiful. Don't get me wrong, I didn't expect a dump or anything. But this?" She shakes her head. "Didn't picture this at all."
Ted grins. "So you like it?"
"I do." Kelly smiles once again.
Ted doesn't get tired of seeing Kelly's beautiful smile. "Come on, I'll show you where you'll be sleeping." He sees the others walking toward the bedrooms as he turns to head to the stairs.
"I have a room?" Kelly follows Ted, shocked by this. She figured she'd be sleeping on the couch. She is the odd one out, after all.
Ted smiles at her. "Yes." He walks up the stairs.
Kelly follows suit. "How many bedrooms are there?"
"Well, it started out with three. All three were downstairs. When Teddy got engaged, we converted this space into a bedroom so each of the boys could have their own room and their privacy with their partners. Well, Mike and Teddy at that point. But Brett now. This used to be an attic. The family who we bought if from had converted it to a play room, which is what we kept it as until a few years ago. And now it's my bedroom. Well, yours for this weekend." Ted sets Kelly's bag on the bed.
Kelly frowns at that. "But…"
"Well, what do you think?"
"I think this is amazing. But where will you sleep?"
"The living room."
"What? Ted, no…"
Ted laughs softly. "Kelly, it's okay. You are my guest and I insist."
Kelly chews on her bottom lip and nods. "Okay, but this is under protest."
"Noted. There's no bathroom up here, but the one downstairs makes up for it. There are two bathrooms, but only one with a shower."
"Okay." She sets her purse on the bed before slipping the coat off. She lays it on the bed as well before looking at Ted. "So what's so special about this bathroom downstairs?"
Ted chuckles. "Come and see." He follows her back downstairs and motions for her to go straight ahead. He flips the light on and steps to the side to let her in.
Kelly steps past Ted and gasps. "Oh my." She licks her lips when she sees the tub. Oh, what she wouldn't give to sink in there with Ted.
"Nice, huh?"
"It's beautiful." She turns and looks at Ted. It's taking a lot to hold herself back. She could only imagine what Ted would say if she jumped in his arms and kissed him.
Ted smiles as he watches Kelly. He can't help but love her reaction. Kelly turns and smiles widely at him. His heart skips at the smiles on her face. It's different than her other smiles to him. This one has something else behind it. He licks his lips.
"This is an amazing place," Kelly says.
"Thank you," Ted replies. He follows her out of the bathroom and down the hall to the living room.
"Big Daddy," Shea says from her seat on the couch.
"What, Sunshine?"
"Are you cooking dinner?"
Mike walks in. "No, I am," he says. "Want to help me?"
"Yes!" Shea stands up and practically launches herself at Mike.
Mike laughs softly as he lifts her up. "Daddy, the boys wanted to know if we could go out on the boat after we eat."
Ted nods. "If there's enough light still, I don't see why not. I can go down to the water and get the boat set up. That way we won't have to after dinner."
Mike nods. "Okay."
Ted looks at Kelly. "Want to take a walk with me out there?"
Kelly nods. "Sure." She smiles as she follows Ted out to the back. She gasps once again when she sees the area. "Oh wow, this is beautiful."
Ted looks at her and smiles. "You could fall in love with this place."
Kelly laughs softly. "So I'm finding out." She follows Ted down toward the water. "Oh my." She's sure Ted is going to get tired of hearing her say how beautiful this place is.
Ted smiles at her reaction. He walks along the dock and pulls the tarp off the pontoon. "Ever been on one of these before?"
"No."
"First time for everything then." He smiles at her as he steps onto the boat.
"Looks that way." Kelly smiles when Ted waves her onto the boat. She steps on and takes a look around. "You must come out here a lot. This looks like it gets used a lot."
Ted nods. "We get out of here a few times a year. And the boys are out here a few other times as well."
"Can I help with anything?"
"No, I've got it. Doesn't need much." Ted gestures around. "Have a seat anywhere."
Kelly smiles widely as she moves to sit in the driver's seat. "Do you drive?"
"All the boys and I do. Just depends on who's in the mood. Lately it's been Brett and I doing the driving. The other two are ogling over their partners. I suppose Brett will be on that list now."
Kelly laughs softly. Deep down she hopes Ted will be ogling over her too. But she knows that isn't going to happen. "They're all happy though."
Ted nods. "They certainly are. And I'm thrilled that they are."
Kelly watches Ted. She loves how proud he is of his kids. They're definitely lucky to have a father like Ted. She licks her lips as she looks around. She would give anything to have property out here. It's absolutely stunning.
Ted walks over to the storage box on the deck and pulls out the three life jackets for the older kids. He'd left the new one for Emily inside. He steps back onto the boat, setting the jackets on one of the seats. He looks over at Kelly.
"Okay," he says, "that's everything for now."
Kelly looks over and smiles. "Okay." She stands up and watches as Ted moves to the deck.
Ted turns and holds his hand out to help Kelly out. Kelly smiles as she takes his hand, stepping onto the deck. Ted drops her hand but only to rest his hand on her back as they head back up to the cabin. He opens the door and follows her inside.
"Boat is ready for after dinner," Ted says. "We just have to remember to grab Emily's jacket."
Maryse nods. "That would definitely be a good thing to remember," she says.
Kelly takes a seat on the couch and leans down to take her boots off. If they do go out on the boat tonight, she's going to put her flip flops on; definitely will be better than boots. She sets her boots to the side before pulling her legs up under her as she listens to the conversations that are going on.
"So what's Michael making for dinner?" Ted asks as he sits down in the empty chair.
"Pizza," Teddy answers. "He figured it might be the best idea tonight. Tomorrow we can do the big stuff."
Ted nods. "That's fine." He looks at Kelly. "Is pizza okay with you?"
Kelly nods. "Pizza is good." She smiles a little. She stops smiling though when she sees Shea run through.
"Shea!" Mike calls as he walks in.
"What happened?" John asks as he stands up.
"She was getting too close to the oven so I told her to back up. She apparently took it as I didn't want her in there and got upset."
John nods, resting his hand on Mike's stomach. "Go back to the kitchen. I'll go talk to her."
Mike nods. "Okay. Thank you, Johnny."
John kisses him before walking down the hall. Mike lets out a heavy breath as he walks back into the kitchen. Ted stands and heads into the kitchen.
"Need help in here?" he asks.
Mike looks over. "Not really," he answers. "Don't mind the company though."
Ted leans against the counter. "Did something else happen?"
Mike sighs. "I hate that you can read that so easily." He looks at Ted and shrugs. "She told me she wants you to marry Kelly."
Ted licks his lips and nods. "Oh. What did you say to that?"
"That you weren't to that point yet. She didn't like that very much." Mike shrugs. "I tried to explain, but I didn't know what to say."
"Okay. I'll go talk to her. And I'll send your hubby in here to keep you company. Or maybe I should make it your brothers."
Mike laughs softly. "My brothers would be good."
"Okay." Ted squeezes Mike's shoulder before walking back to the living room. "Teddy, Brett, go keep your brother company." He doesn't wait for a response before he's walking down the hall to Mike and John's room. He knocks on the open door as he steps in.
John looks up and smiles sadly. "She's not talking," he says.
Ted nods. "Mind if I give it a try?"
John nods. "Sure." He kisses the top of Shea's head before standing up. "Hopefully you can get something, Dad." He walks out of the room to let Ted have a few minutes with Shea.
Ted moves over and sits down beside Shea. "Daddy says you want me to marry Kelly," he says.
Shea looks up at Ted and nods. "I want her to be part of the family."
He slides his arm around his granddaughter. "Big Daddy and Kelly aren't together, though."
"But you like her. You should ask her out."
Ted smiles a little. His granddaughter is a smart one. "I need time, Shea. You won't understand. But I promise you that I will ask her soon."
"Good."
"Now, you better go give your daddy a big hug, because he doesn't like that you're upset."
Shea nods. "Okay." She hugs Ted. "I'm sorry, Big Daddy."
"It's okay, Sunshine." He kisses the top of her head. "Now go." He stands up as Shea runs out of the room. He smiles a little as he walks back out to the living room.
Kelly looks over when Ted walks in. Ted smiles as he sits down beside Kelly. He rests his arm on the back of the couch and watches as Mike walks back in holding Shea.
"Dinner's ready," Mike says. He looks at Ted. "Thank you, Daddy." He smiles a little and nods at Ted.
Ted nods back, knowing exactly what Mike is talking about. As a father himself, he definitely understands the need for a hug every now and then.
"I'll get you later," Mike continues.
"Not necessary."
"I know, but needed."
Ted nods. "Okay." He stands up and looks at Kelly, not surprised by the questioning look she's giving him. "It's a father thing."
Kelly smiles as she stands up. "Okay." She sucks in a deep breath when Ted rests his hand on her back. Oh, she shouldn't be this excited about the simple gesture. She follows the others into the kitchen. After she gets her plate, she waits for Ted. Ted smiles at her.
"Did you want to sit in here?" he asks.
"No," she answers. "We can sit outside. Just waiting for you." She blushes a little at her comment.
Ted grins. "Okay." He leads her out to the back deck.
"Big Daddy, sit over here," Shea says.
"What about Kelly?"
"Her too!"
"Okay!" Ted smiles at Kelly and shrugs. He leads her over and they sit down.
Kelly stays quiet as she listens to the conversations that are going on, mostly by Ted and his sons. She's never seen a family this close before. It makes her want to be a part of them. She'd give anything to have a family. Other than Drew and Eve, she doesn't really have anyone like this.
Ted glances at Kelly after he finishes his pizza. "You okay?" he asks when he sees the look on her face.
Kelly nods. "Yes," she answers. "Just thinking."
Ted nods. "Do you want more?"
"No, I'm full. It was really good, Mike."
Mike grins. "Thank you," he says. "Learned from the best."
"Oh? Who's that?"
"Daddy."
Kelly smiles at Ted. "You're a cook?"
Ted shrugs. "I wouldn't say that exactly. But I know how to work my way in the kitchen."
Teddy snorts. "Whatever, Daddy," he says. "You're a great cook."
Ted grins. "Well, thank you son."
Kelly smiles at him once again. She's not entirely surprised that Ted is being humble about it. He's the kind of man who wouldn't admit anything like this. He'd say that he does what he can for his kids and that'll be the end of it. But Kelly knows better than to really believe that. She's figured that out easily when it comes to Ted.
"Well, I can't wait to see what you cook then," Kelly says.
"I'll be cooking tomorrow," Ted says. He smiles at Kelly. "It's really nothing special."
"I'll be the judge of that tomorrow."
Ted laughs softly. "Okay."
"Big Daddy," Shea says. "Can we go on the boat now?"
"After we bring our stuff inside." He stands up and takes Kelly's things before she can argue.
Maryse walks over to Kelly. "Come on," she says. She hooks her arm through Kelly's as they walk inside. "Don't offer to do anything. They'll always tell you no. I've tried on many occasions. I gave up finally."
Kelly smiles at her. "I will try to remember that. Do I need to change?"
"No. Tonight we'll just ride. Tomorrow we may hop in. But you don't have to. I won't be. Even if I wanted to, Teddy wouldn't let me." Maryse touches her stomach. "I told him it was his own fault."
Kelly grins. "So this one wasn't planned?"
"No. We were going to wait until after Emily's first birthday to start trying for number two. You see how well that worked out."
"How old is Emily?"
"Six months. And this one is due in November." Maryse grins. "But we couldn't be happier."
"That's a good thing though, right?" She laughs softly.
"Absolutely."
Kelly smiles as they stop at the stairs. "I need to go up and get my sandals."
"I'll meet you here?"
Kelly nods. "Okay." She walks upstairs with a wide smile. She can't believe how friendly all of them are. Maryse is treating her as if they've known each other for years. It's something she's only had with Drew and Eve. But this? This is unexpected. Kelly slips into her sandals before walking back downstairs. She smiles when she sees Maryse step out of their bedroom. "Can I ask you something?"
"Of course."
"Is there any way to make Ted take the bedroom and me the living room? It's not fair for me to take his room."
Maryse smiles and shakes her head. "He'll never agree to it. And don't try getting his boys to help you because they won't."
Kelly tucks her arm through Maryse's as they head outside again. "Figures."
Ted looks over when Kelly and Maryse walk out again. "Are you two ready?"
"Yes, Dad," Maryse says. She kisses Ted's cheek before walking over to Teddy.
Kelly licks her lips as she walks over to Ted. "Are you DiBiase men always stubborn?" She takes Ted's arm when he offers it.
"Probably," he answers. He smiles at her.
"And then you turn and do something sweet." Kelly grins as they head down to the boat. "Do I get to drive?"
"Have you ever driven a boat before?"
"No. But that doesn't mean I can't try, right?"
Ted laughs softly. "We'll see."
Kelly climbs onto the boat and glances back at Ted. She smiles a little as she sits down beside Maryse. Ted moves to the driver's seat.
"Okay," Ted says, "remember the rules, boys."
"That mean you too, Teddy," Maryse says.
Teddy snorts. "Yes, dear," he replies.
Kelly licks her lips as she looks around. She wonders what the rules are. Should she ask? Maryse leans over then.
"Just don't jump overboard and you'll be fine," she says.
Kelly grins. "Okay." She watches as Ted pulls away from the dock. She can't help but want to be right beside him. She shakes her head as she lets out a heavy breath. What is she doing? She's too young for him. He may enjoy her company, but when it comes down to it, he'll never want more than a friendship.
Ted glances over at Kelly a few minutes later. She's absolutely stunning; everything about her is amazing. He'd be lucky to have someone like her. Too bad it'll never happen. Sure, they'll continue to be friends. But Ted is too old for Kelly to want more.
"Looks like it might rain," Teddy says pulling Ted out of his thoughts.
Ted frowns as he glances up at the sky. It turned grey in the matter of moments. "We won't stay out long."
Kelly licks her lips as she glances up at the sky. It had gotten grey out and it hadn't taken long to do so. She chews on her bottom lip as she looks around. No one else seems worried, so she shouldn't be. But she is. She glances over the side of the pontoon to see the water becoming a bit wavier than it had been. Maybe it's all in her head? iOkay, calm down, Kelly./i She flinches when it starts raining.
"Shit," Ted says. "Thought we'd make it back before the rain."
Kelly watches Ted carefully. It's obvious that he isn't panicking over the situation. She takes a deep breath, hoping to keep herself calm.
"It's okay," Maryse says. "I promise nothing will happen."
Kelly nods. She can't bring herself to even attempt to talk right now. She just wraps her arms around herself as the rain starts to fall harder. When she goes to take a deep breath, it comes out shaky. She's panicking now.
"Kelly?" Maryse rests her hand on Kelly's arm. "Breathe. It's okay."
"I…" Kelly shakes her head. She's thankful when Ted is pulling up to the dock. As soon as they're stopped, Kelly is climbing off the boat. She can't be on it anymore. She needs to get as far away from the boat as she can. She practically runs up to the house. She drops to the porch and wraps her arms around herself.
Ted looks at the boys. "Boys, will you…?"
"Yeah, go," Mike says.
Ted walks up to the porch and kneels down beside Kelly. "Kelly," he says softly as he rests his hand on her shoulder. "Are you okay?"
Kelly looks at him. "I'm sorry," she says. "I… panicked. I don't even know why." She shakes her head. "You must think I'm an idiot."
Ted grins. "I could never think that." He rubs her back. "You're okay, though?"
Kelly nods. "I think so. I think I just kept thinking the worst of what could have happened. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to make a scene."
"It's okay." He continues to rub her back as he watches her. "And you didn't make a scene."
Kelly wipes her eyes. "You're not mad at me for that?"
"No, of course not. Why would I be mad?"
She shrugs. "I just figured…" She shrugs again. "Stupid, huh?"
"Not at all."
She takes a deep breath. "I'm sorry." She hopes Ted won't push this issue, because then she'd spill on the rest of the reason she'd started panicking. Just like this, it was a dumb reason, but she couldn't stop herself.
"It's okay." Ted glances up when the family walks past them and inside. "Come on. Let's go inside, get into some dry clothes, and we'll watch a movie. How does that sound?"
She nods. "That sounds perfect." She stands up with Ted and shrugs. "I'm sorry for this. I don't…"
"Kelly, stop apologizing because there's no need to." He tugs her against him, hugging her gently.
Kelly smiles a little as she wraps her arms around Ted's waist. "Thank you." She's not used to this. In her family, she would have been laughed at for what had happened.
"Come on, you're starting to shiver."
Kelly grins as she walks inside with Ted right behind her. She catches the towel Teddy throws over.
"Shit," Teddy says. "I thought my dad was walking in first. Sorry."
Kelly smiles at him. "It's okay. I need a towel too."
Teddy grins and nods. "Are you okay?"
Kelly nods. "Yes. Just had a small panicked moment. I'm sorry about that."
"It's okay."
Ted takes the other towel from Teddy. "You guys up for a movie?" he asks as he leans down to take his shoes off.
"Always up for a movie."
"Kids movie," Mike pipes up.
"Obviously, Michael," Ted says with a smile. "Everyone needs to change first. I don't want anyone getting sick."
Kelly pulls her braid loose. "I'll be back in a few." She smiles at Ted before walking down the hall and upstairs. She unzips her bag, figuring she may as well do a little unpacking as well. Glancing at the clock, she decides she might as well put her pajamas on. Why shouldn't she? She should be comfy while they're watching a movie.
After changing into a pair of shorts and a t-shirt, Kelly pulls her cosmetic bag out so she can go down to the bathroom. She takes a look around to see if she needs anything else before walking down. She closes the door behind her. She goes about her nightly routine; taking her contacts out, washing her face, putting her nightly face cream on, and slipping her glasses on. When she finishes, she pulls her hair up into a messy ponytail before heading back to the living room. Ted looks over from his seat.
"Hi," Kelly says. "Sorry if I kept you guys waiting."
Ted shakes his head. "We're waiting for John and Maryse now."
Kelly nods as she takes a seat beside Ted. "What movie are we watching?"
"Toy Story."
Kelly grins. "I love this movie."
Ted laughs softly. "You'll get along great with the kids then." He rests his arm on the back of the couch behind Kelly.
Kelly licks her lips at how close she is to Ted. She'd give anything to lean against him but knows she can't do that. She can almost guarantee that Ted would just push her away and look at her like she's crazy.
Ted looks over when Maryse and John walk in. "It's about time."
John grins. "Blame Maryse," he says. "She wouldn't let me in the bathroom."
"You couldn't go to the other bathroom?" Mike asks.
"My stuff was in that one." John sits down beside Mike. "You're supposed to be on my side."
"Right, sorry." Mike smiles at John.
Ted lets out a soft breath. "Can we start the movie now?" he asks. "Your children are going to start whining soon."
"Not true," Grayson mumbles.
"See." Ted winks at Grayson.
Kelly licks her lips as she shifts slightly. When she does, it moves her closer to Ted. She sucks in a deep breath when she realizes it. Should she move? No, she doesn't want to. It's not as if she purposely moved closer. Okay, it was in the back her mind, but that's it.
Ted sets the changer aside after starting the movie. He loves how close Kelly is right now, though he wishes she could be just a little closer.
After the movie ends, Ted can't help but be a little disappointed. He didn't want to move away from Kelly.
"Can we watch the second one?" Galloway asks.
Mike looks at the clock. "Sure," he answers. "But then it's straight to bed."
"Okay."
Ted stands up. "Anyone want anything while I'm up?" he asks. When he gets everyone's answer, he walks into the kitchen to get himself a bottle of water. He takes a long drink before heading back in. He sits down, this time a little closer to Kelly.
Kelly licks her lips when Ted sits down closer. She likes how close he is. She shifts slightly as the movie starts. Ted rests his arm on the back of the couch behind Kelly. She'd give anything for him to wrap his arm around her but knows that won't happen.
"I think this is the best sequel of a movie I've seen," Teddy says.
"It's a great one," Mike agrees.
Kelly yawns about half way through the movie. She covers her mouth, hoping no one catches her. Ted laughs softly beside her.
"I saw that," he says softly.
"Sorry," she replies.
"It's okay." Ted moves his arm, resting it around Kelly's shoulders.
Kelly smiles as she shifts to lean against Ted. She rests her head on his shoulder as she settles in. This is good… too good, but she's not going to move. She'd rather take what she can get for now. When the time comes, she'll go back to what they really are. Before she knows it, the movie ends. She frowns a bit when she realizes that this means she's going to have to move.
"All right," Mike says. "My three kids, bed. Let's go."
"But Daddy…" the boys whine.
"No, it's late." Mike stands up and gestures for them to do the same. "Come on."
"Not fair."
"You know what's not fair? Being 13 and going to bed at the same time as my 3 year old brother." Mike winks at Ted. "It's midnight, so let's go."
Kelly smiles when the boys finally stand up. She moves so they can say goodnight to Ted. Ted leans forward, hugging each of the boys.
"Good night," Ted says. "I promise I'll make breakfast worth going to sleep for."
"Good," Grayson says. They follow Mike out of the room, both whining that Shea isn't going to bed.
John laughs softly as he stands up. "Guess they didn't see little sister fast asleep." He lifts Shea carefully so he doesn't wake her. "Goodnight everyone."
"Night, John." Ted smiles as he watches John walk out. It's not long before the others have left the room as well. Ted looks at Kelly, smiling a little.
"I guess I should head up to bed too," Kelly says with a smile.
Ted nods. "Probably a good idea. The kids will probably wake you with their screaming in the morning."
Kelly giggles as she stands up. "Guess I better go get as much sleep as I can then."
Ted stands and walks Kelly to the stairs. "I hope you're having a good time."
Kelly nods as she turns around when she steps onto the second step. "I am. I can't remember the last time I had fun like this."
Ted grins. "Good." He licks his lips. "I usually make pancakes and French toast for breakfast. Is that okay with you?"
She nods. "Yes, that's perfect." She licks her lips as she meets Ted's gaze. "I um…"
Ted reaches up, trailing his fingertips over Kelly's cheek. He leans in and kisses her softly. Kelly gasps but doesn't pull away. Instead, she reaches up, resting a hand on the side of his neck. Ted pulls back after a moment and smiles.
"Goodnight, Kelly," he says.
Kelly smiles widely. "Night, Ted." She turns and heads upstairs. She sits down on the edge of the bed, unable to stop smiling. She's not sure what this means now, but his lips were amazing. She can still feel the gentle touch of his lips against her own. She wonders if she could feel it again tomorrow. She certainly hopes so.
