Chapter 24
Ted noticed Vanessa watching Rayne with Dani, Randy and Sierra and could tell that something was bothering her. Ted wrapped his arms around his wife and placed a kiss on her forehead. Vanessa gave him a weak smile.
"What's wrong honey?" Ted asked.
"I want what they have." Vanessa answered.
"What?" Ted asked.
"I want a baby that Rayne will get excited about." Vanessa answered.
"You know, green is not your best color. Hon, I want a baby with you when the time is right. Rayne will be a year old next month, and then maybe we can start trying for a baby." Ted responded.
"Alright. I'm sorry. It's just hard to see her so excited about having a baby sister and it's not my baby." Vanessa stated.
"I can understand it, but you need to let it go. I want a baby with you and we will have a baby and Rayne will be just as excited as she is now." Ted responded.
"Thank you." Vanessa stated.
It wasn't too much longer before everyone was asked to leave so that the new parents and the baby could get some rest and bond with each other. Dani was thankful that she was able to nurse Sierra right away and Randy was just in awe of his wife and new daughter.
Dani and Sierra were released from the hospital a few days later and Dani couldn't wait to get home and sleep in her own bed. Once they were home, Randy took Sierra up to the nursery while Dani showered and changed.
"Feel better?" Randy asked as Dani joined him in the kitchen.
"Much better. I no longer smell like a hospital." Dani answered. "Did she fuss at all?
"That's good. Nope. She went to sleep right away." Randy answered.
"Good. What do we have in the fridge for dinner tonight?" Dani asked.
"I have no idea. I think everyone was going to come over and bring food." Randy answered. "I really don't feel like cooking, do you?"
"No. That's fine. I think a nap in my own bed sounds great right now. Plus Sierra will be up in two hours for another feeding." Dani responded as she yawned.
"Sounds like a plan." Randy agreed.
It didn't take Dani and Randy long to fall asleep. Randy's parents were the first ones to arrive and thankfully they had a key as Randy slept through the doorbell. Elaine and Bob headed into the kitchen and started getting things ready for dinner while Becky and Nathan headed into the living room. It wasn't long after they arrived that Stephanie and Paul with their younger daughters arrived. Vince and Linda were the last to arrive.
Dani didn't hear anything going on downstairs until Sierra woke up from her nap. Dani and Randy rolled out of bed and went straight into the nursery to tend to Sierra. After changing her and nursing her, Dani and Randy brought her downstairs and noticed that they had a houseful.
"Where's Nessa?" Dani asked as she handed Sierra over to her mom.
"She's upstairs with Rayne. She hasn't been feeling good all morning." Ted answered.
"Who? Rayne or Nessa?" Randy asked.
"Nessa." Ted answered.
"Ok. I'll go up and see what's going on." Randy stated as he headed upstairs and found Vanessa and Rayne in the bathroom. "How are you feeling?"
"Sick. I hate feeling like this." Vanessa answered as Rayne played with a roll of toilet paper. "I'm starting to feel better though. I just hope that I can make it through the party."
"I hope so too." Randy responded.
It wasn't much longer before Randy, Vanessa and Rayne came downstairs. Stephanie and Dani were sitting in the kitchen and when they saw Vanessa, they both exchanged looked and smiled. They didn't want to say anything just yet as the guests started to arrive.
As the party went on, everyone was having a good time. Dani, Stephanie, Elaine and Randy helped out as much as possible. Dani wouldn't let Vanessa do anything to stressful or lift anything to heavy. Ted was starting to get suspicious, but didn't say anything just yet.