A/N: I've been wanting to get this update out for the past two days, but life has been busy and stressful lately. One of the great things about fanfiction is meeting people from all over the world. One of the people who I've been fortunate enough to meet along the way is glory2bee who wrote Laters, Baby; Laters, Angel; Laters, Peach; and Shades of Valentine. She's an incredibly gifted writer who has released her debut novel. Please check out Floured by Lane Martin. As always thanks for reading. Enjoy!
"I'm guessing our room isn't going to be simple.", I tease Christian while waiting for him to slide the key card to our room at the Omni Hotel in San Diego. He glances over his shoulder and grins. Once the door is unlocked, we step into the room which as I predicted isn't simple.
"Technically it's a suite.", he shrugs as I take Oliver from his carrier and start walking around the suite which has a full kitchenette as well as separate living and dining areas. I walk into the bedroom which is spacious. "I had them bring a crib in for Oliver."
"Christian, this is great." I walk over to the doorway where he's standing. "Where are Taylor and Sawyer staying?"
"The sofa in the living area pulls out into a full size bed, and I had a rollaway bed sent up as well. You've got to see the best part of the suite." He places his arms around my shoulder and leads the way back through the living area and to a balcony. "Look at this view." Before us is the stunning sight of the San Diego Bay.
"Wow.", I sigh, looking down at Oliver whose eyes are focused ahead. "It seems OIiver likes it too."
"I'm glad.", Christian says as we go back inside. "The fridge is stocked with various snacks, and the room service menu is on the counter." Sawyer and Taylor finally arrive in the room and set their things down. "I told Ana that the sofa pulls out into a bed, and I also had a roll away bed brought up. Is that ok with you two?"
"It's fine with me.", Taylor answers.
"Me too.", Sawyer replies, walking towards the balcony. "You weren't kidding when you said the view was nice. I'm going to call Olivia to let her know we're here."
"And I'm going to call Gail. I won't be long, and then I'll be ready to go exploring the city if you all are."
"Actually, since it's late, would it be ok if we waited until tomorrow?", I ask, glancing at Christian. "I know you've got your meeting, but maybe afterwards we can look around."
"I was about to suggest the same. We're tired from the trip and need some rest. How about we relax a while and then head downstairs to dinner? They've got a restaurant, McCormick & Schmick's, that has seafood, pasta, steaks, and a lot more."
"That sounds good to me."
"How's your chicken?", Christian asks. I take another bite of my parmesan crusted chicken and smile. "It certainly looks tasty."
"It's delicious.", I say after placing a piece of the chicken on my fork and holding up to Christian. "Here comes the choo choo." He grins and accepts the bite. "Good, huh?"
"Very. How about you try some of my steak?" I happily move forward in my seat and take his offered piece of steak.
"Mmm. Delicious." Oliver lets out a small cry from his seat. "Aww. I'm sorry little man. You can't have any of this. You can have more of your oh so good squash puree." I dip his spoon in the baby food and then feed him a small bit. "What time are you meeting with Eric Stanfield?"
"Nine. We can get some breakfast before I go."
"Ok.", I reply while pushing my plate back. "I'm so full. I had planned on getting a slice of the key lime pie I saw on the menu, but there's no way I could eat it."
"Then get a slice to go. You and I both know you're going to want a snack later on.", Christian smirks. "It's cute though."
"I hate it when you're right.", I sigh. "I got some rest, but I'm still tired."
"I can tell. You're eye lids are heavy. I'll order your pie, and then we can go back to the room."
"So...how's San Diego?", Kate asks. With the phone to my ear, I gaze out at the beauty of the San Diego Bay and smile to myself.
"We haven't been out to look around yet, but the hotel is amazing. I'm sitting out on the balcony and enjoying a view that belongs on a postcard. I'll take a picture and send it to you. We're going to explore the city when Christian gets back from his meeting."
"Any idea where you might be going?"
"Definitely the zoo and who knows where else."
"Be sure to bring me back a souvenir.", Kate laughs. "I'm only teasing, by the way."
"We're going to bring everyone back a little something. It might only be a keychain, but it'll be something.", I tease back.
"A keychain will be fine. I've got to get back to work, and you've got to get back to enjoying your view. Call me later and tell me what you did."
"I will. Bye." I end the call and set my phone down on the small table next to my chair only to have it ring. "Hello."
"Hey baby. I'm almost finished here, and I'll be back at the hotel. Are you and Oliver still up for going out?"
"Yep. He's napping but should be awake soon. I'll get him dressed and then change myself."
"Welcome to Balboa Park.", Taylor announces as he parks the rented SUV. He and Sawyer climb out the front while Christian gets Oliver out of his car seat.
"Hold on.", I say, reaching into my bag and grabbing Oliver's sunglasses and hat. "I want to keep him protected from the sun."
"Good idea.", Christian replies. I put my own sunglasses on and slid out of the vehicle. I walk over to Christian who's placing Oliver in his stroller.
"This place is huge.", Sawyer says in awe.
"It holds many of San Diego's biggest attractions. There are several museums including the San Diego Museum of Art, the San Diego Automotive Museum, and the San Diego Natural History Museum. It also has several gardens. Of course there's also the zoo which we'll be seeing."
"Isn't there a railroad that goes through here?", Taylor asks.
"I believe so.", Christian nods with a grin.
After walking past a stunning rose garde, we arrive at the railroad Taylor mentioned. His eyes flicker with excitement while he runs over to a sign.
"It says the miniature railroad train takes a three minute, half mile ride through four acres of the park. I'm all for going on a ride. Who's with me?"
"I'm going to pass but will watch from the sidelines with Oliver.", I laugh. "You guys go and have a nice little train ride."
"No. I'm going to stay here too.", Christian tells me.
"Christian, I noticed you had almost the same amount of excitement as Taylor. The ride won't be long, and I'll be fine here. Go." He debates for a bit before nodding. "Sawyer, you too."
"Actually, my stomach isn't feeling too well. I think it's from overdoing it at lunch. The last thing I want is to get on that train and loose all of my stomach's contents. I'll stay here."
"We'll be right back.", Christian says. He kisses Oliver and me and then follows Taylor to the mini train which soon fills up with other park goes. Oliver's eyes follow the train when he pulls away from the station and heads away.
"Sawyer, if you're not feeling well, we can go back to the hotel.", I say.
"I'm not letting my small stomach issue put a damper in your day. I'll feel better as long as I stay away from any more greasy foods."
Almost three minutes later, the train returns to the station, and Oliver smiles when he sees his dad hop out and head towards us. Christian picks up the baby and kisses his cheeks.
"That was a lot of fun.", Taylor says. "I used to love anything train related when I was younger so that brought back a lot of memories."
"Let's go and see some of the zoo's animals.", Christian tells us. "Oliver, do you want me to carry you?"
"I'll push the stroller if you want to hold him.", Sawyer suggests. "It's not a problem, and I'll be pushing one soon anyway."
"I'll push it so you can get to feeling better.", Taylor says. Pushing the stroller, he leads us to the zoo entrance. The first place we stop is the panda enclosure.
"Oliver, look at the pandas.", I say. "They're like the toy one your Grandpa Ray got you, but these are real." The three pandas are resting underneath one of the trees. "Aren't they cute?" Christian pulls out his phone and snaps a photo of the pandas before we to the grizzly bears.
"This sign states the two grizzly bears are brothers, Montana and Scout. Look how they seem to be playing with each other.", Christian laughs. Sure enough, the bear brothers are rolling around and playing. "I still wouldn't want to cross one of them."
"You and me both.", Sawyer murmurs. "I'd probably have an accident on myself while trying to get away."
Next, we go to see to the bird area where I see a creature I've never heard of, the laughing kookaburra. On the outside, it looks like an ordinary bird, but the description tells another story.
"They vocalize in their family groups at dusk and dawn. The loud call sounds like a variety of trills, chortles, belly laughs, and hoots. It starts and ends with a low chuckle and has a shrieking "laugh" in the middle.", I read.
"That's kind of cool.", Christian replies as he stands next to me. "It's their way of advertising their territory."
"I've never heard of this bird until now but am amazed by it.", Taylor sighs. "I'm learning a lot of new things."
"Ana, you seem to be having a nice time. Are you learning a lot?" I scan around me and let out a deep breath.
"I have learned a lot of interesting facts. Most of all, I've had a wonderful time."
"And that's all I wanted.", Christian smiles.