A/N: Thanks for reading. Enjoy!
"Annie, look at how big you're getting." My dad smiles down at my bump which is prominently on display in my beige knit sweater dress. "I didn't mean that in a bad way. I only meant that you've gained more weight." I giggle as he stumbles with his words. "That didn't come out right either."
"I know what you meant, and yes, I'm getting bigger by the day." Christian scurries out of the study and greets my dad with a hug.
"Ray, it's good to see you."
"It's good to see you too.", my dad replies as the three of us settle in the living room. "Not that I don't enjoy coming to Escala, but how's the house remodel coming?" Christian places his hand on my knee and sighs. "Uh oh."
"That was actually a good sigh.", Christian laughs. "Ana and I were finally able to decide on the kitchen and now only have to wait on the workers to finish up which should be in the next two weeks or so."
"And then we can move in!", I squeal. "Sorry for my loud outburst, but I'm excited about finally moving into our dream house. It's going to be nice having all that room for our growing family."
"I had a dream the other night in which Oliver and I were tossing a baseball back and forth in the backyard. He looked like me a little but had his mom's blue eyes and smile that out shined the sun." I don't remember feeling tears form, but the sound of sobbing erupts from my body. "Ana?"
"I'm just emotional and happy and emotional." My dad reaches for the tissue box that's placed on the end table. He hands the entire box to me with sympathetic eyes. "Thanks. Little things set me off, but anything in relation to Oliver turns me into a complete mess."
"It's because you're so happy.", my dad points out. "You and Christian have been through the ringer and are finally getting to a good place."
"One aspect of my happiness is the happiness of those around me. I truly believe all of my loved ones are getting to their own good place even Mom. Bob bent her, but she's strong and is going to come out even stronger than before."
"Like I've said, your mom is tough. I wish things hadn't gone the way they did."
"Enough of this.", Christian says. "We need to talk about positive things and not give a damn about Bob. Ray, is there anything you'd like to do during your visit?"
"Nothing particular. Ana told me about a marathon that Kate's covering for the magazine. It might be fun to check out. Who knows, I might even enter myself."
"I recall you being in a few when I was younger.", I smile in response. It was always fun cheering on the man who's been one of my biggest cheerleaders. "You even won one or two."
"Two but who's counting.", he chuckles. "You're not the only one who was younger during that time. I still run around the block, but I'm not in as good of shape as I was all those years ago."
"Kate was only going to cover the marathon, but now she's also going to be keeping an eye on Daniel who's running. They've got a bet going on whether he come in at a decent spot. The loser has to buy the winner lunch for a week."
"My money's on Daniel.", Christian smirks as his arms tighten around me. "The guy is in tip top shape and works out. He's also the kind of guy who achieves what he puts his mind to." I tilt and shake my head.
"You also want to see Kate pouting over her loss."
"There's that too."
"I had no idea so many people were interested in my article.", Kate mutters. She's just returned from talking with the marathon's organizers and is now waiting with the rest of us. Elliot comes up behind her and places her sweater on her shoulders. "I really didn't want to bring this sweater, but all of my clothes are in disarray at our place."
"I like hearing you say our place.", Elliot tells her with adoration flowing. "But back to the clothes being in disarray comment...My clothes are the ones in disarray. I'm the one who has lost over half his closet space."
"Would you rather have me living with you or that other half of the closet."
"Oh.", Audrey says from her chair.
"No contest. I'd rather have you babe.", Elliot sighs. He looks down at his watch and then at the runners around us. "When are they beginning?"
"In a few minutes.", Kate answers. She waves at Daniel who's stretching a few feet away. "I'm looking forward to having my lunch bought next week."
"I wouldn't get too cocky if I were you Kate.", Christian laughs. Kate scowls at him before aiming her eyes at me.
"Don't look at me like that.", I scoff while sitting down in the chair next to Audrey. "I'd like to see Daniel finish in a good place. Anyway, the important thing about today is money is being raised for a worthy cause." All money from entry fees and concessions is going towards the construction of two new homeless shelters.
"Ana's right.", my dad adds. "Although every person running wants to win or finish at a decent time, the important thing is the money being raised for the shelters."
The lead orgainzer of the event Harold Moss stands before the entrants and gives a play by play of what to expect during the course of the marathon. He notes that water stations will be scattered to help keep everyone hydrated. Then, the moment arrives and the starter pistol is fired, sending everyone on their way. Kate's moved to a better spot so she can take a few quick shot with the camera she borrowed from Ethan. He had planned on helping her but had a last minutes photo session come up.
"This is exciting!", Audrey yells.
"Christian, are you going to help me move the rest of Kate's things later?", Elliot asks. "The dresser isn't heavy or at least I don't think it's heavy."
"My shoulder isn't as bad as it was, but it's still a little tender.", Christian answers while rubbing my shoulders. "Ask Max."
"He's already agreed to help, but I figured having you also would help speed things along. Dad's holed up in his office with some case work."
"I can help you.", my dad says. He instantly sees the uncertainty on my face. "Like he said, it'll get done faster with more people."
"Hey guys.", we hear from our right. All heads spin and see Mia standing with a fold up chair in her arms. "I've been looking for all of you."
"Hey Mia. We didn't know you were going to be here today.", I say. She grins and sets her chair on the other side of mine. I talked to her on the phone last night and told her we were going to be at the marathon, but she didn't say anything about being here as well.
"I was going to surprise you and also introduce you to Nicholas." Both Christian and Elliot go into protective brother mode and start scanning the crowd for signs of Nicholas.
"You wanted to introduce us with a lot of people around.", Elliot nods. "Where you really that afraid of how Christian and I would react to this new guy?" Mia reaches up and swats Elliot on the arm. "What the hell?"
"Elliot, don't you dare cause a scene here.", Kate snarls. She grits her teeth and turns back to the marathon. With less hostility, I glance at Christian.
"The same goes for you."
"I'm being good.", Christian smirks. "But Mia, where's this Nicholas?"
"He's running and before you assume he's running from you, he's in the marathon. Ana, I wanted to tell you last night over the phone, but I thought it would be better finding out this way. I'm here to provide support for him."
Two hours later, we're still waiting to see the first runner, but so far, we've seen nothing. The time has been spent snacking on food and listening to the banter between Elliot, Christian, and Mia. I've also enjoyed talking with my dad and hearing about his relationship with Rebecca. The sound of cheers breaks out nearby, alerting us to the possibility of the first runner returning. Kate stretches her head and tries to see if it's Daniel, but her pleased grins says no. Mia, however, is jumping up and down with joy.
"Nicholas is crossing the line." She points to a tall, dark haired guy dressed in a pair of black running shorts and blue tee with the number one twelve on his shirt. Nicholas is congratulated by a horde of people. Once they begin to disperse, Nicholas gradually makes his way to us. "You placed first."
"I did.", he replies as he catches his breath. "I've done marathons before, but this was my first win. It feels good." "Nicholas Grant, I'd like for you to meet my brothers Christian and Elliot. My sister-in-law Ana and her dad Ray.", Mia waves to each of us. "Also, this is Elliot's girlfriend Kate and our friend Audrey. Her boyfriend Daniel's also in the marathon."
"It's nice to meet all of you."
"It's nice to meet you too.", Christian says. "Congratulations on your win."
"Yeah, congrats.", Elliot mutters. "I was going to enter today, but I thought I'd give others the chance to win."
"You weren't going to enter.", Kate sighs. "Congrats Nicholas. I'm doing an article on the marathon for my work and would like to interview you if you have time."
"Sure.", he answers, watching two more runners cross the line. "You said Audrey's boyfriend Daniel is running? Maybe he'll be here soon."
"There he is.", my dad laughs. Clearly drained, Daniel's staggers past the finish line. He takes a water from a volunteer and then eases into a relaxed walk towards us. Kate's eyes appear as though they might roll out of her head.
"I was told by that volunteer that I came in fourth which I believe is a pretty good place. So...Kate...it looks as though you're buying my lunch for a week."
"I have to hand it to you. You surprised me and did great. I will indeed buy your lunch."
"Speaking of lunch, how about all of us go and get some food?", I suggest as Christian helps me out of my chair. "We can celebrate."
"You're not stuffed from the popcorn and nachos you had?", Audrey asks.
"Not really."