Go Baby Grow
Chapter 58 – Here's the Deal
Tuesday, June 23
Readers – please note that I re-posted Chapter 57. The last scene, with Amelia and the Tremblay boys, was changed.
After lunch, Amelia and Ryder left the restaurant and headed to her appointment at the hospital. As she drove, she sought to confirm that he actually wanted to go with her to the OB.
"You're not just being nice, are you?" Amelia questioned.
"When am I not nice, Mama Bear?" he joked, adding quickly, "Seriously, it'll be cool to see the little dude in 4-D surround sound. Do I get to wear special blue and red glasses like we do at the movies?"
"You are so not funny sometimes that you're hilarious," Amelia laughed. She reached over and pushed his shoulder.
"JJ warned me that I'll need to know when to joke around and when to be serious this summer," Ryder mused.
"Perhaps a life lesson, dear boy," Amelia smirked. "Although you're fairly adept at navigating that distinction."
"At home, maybe," Ryder stated as he stared out the front window. Amelia noticed out of the corner of her eye that he was wringing his hands. "Plebe Summer will be different." He reached into his pocket and grabbed his phone, beginning to type out a message to Julie.
Run away with me, Ryder wrote.
Julie, Adam and Tessa were sitting on the back porch of the Caldwell home. As Adam sketched out some sort of diagram, Tessa weighed in with her feedback. Meanwhile, Julie read a magazine Tessa had brought home from the grocery store. Having a woman in the house had its perks. Hearing her phone buzz, Julie gazed at the text and laughed when she saw the message. She typed back, WTH?
Seriously. We're almost out of time. James and Jana are in. Come with us. Let's go to the beach for a few days, he proposed.
Tessa's friend is coming in for the wedding on Thursday, Julie pointed out.
Then we'll leave today and be back in 48 hours, Ryder promised.
Julie typed her thoughts, You really think my dad will allow this?
Are you still living in denial that you're a big girl now who can make her own choices? Ryder challenged.
Yes. Yes, I am, Julie laughed as she typed.
"What's so funny, Itsy?" Adam inquired curiously, distracted by her giggles.
"Ryder," she explained. "He wants to go to the beach before we leave and wants me to go."
Sternly, Adam inquired, "Just the two of you?"
"No, Sir. Some of his friends from St. Frances are going too," Julie reported.
"Hmm," Adam grumbled.
"I know, Dad," Julie affirmed. "It's impromptu."
"I think it would be a wonderful mini-vacation before the Academy," Tessa stressed.
"I'm not keen on you being away overnight," Adam interjected quickly.
"Dad, I wasn't even asking. It's Ryder and another one of his crazy ideas," Julie explained.
Under the table, Tessa kicked Adam. They had recently shared their concerns with one another about how hard the summer would be on Julie and Ryder, especially if they weren't placed near one another.
"Go," Adam mumbled as he glanced at Tessa. "Go and have fun."
"What?" Julie's eyes widened. "Are you… are you serious?"
"Go," Adam repeated. "As long as you're home early Thursday afternoon, it's fine. Now, go pack before I change my mind."
Julie bounced up from her seat and ran for the stairs, texting as she hurried to her room. As she departed, Adam called out, "But I need 30 minutes with you before you leave, got it?"
"Yes, Sir," Julie responded with glee.
Within minutes, the plans were set. The foursome would leave at 4pm and return late morning on Thursday. They were headed to Rialto and would stay at Jana's family cabin.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~'
"Surprise!" Nolan hollered loudly as he threw open the front door at 1:45pm. Music was blaring through the speakers and Lissa was swaying with Emmy in her arms. Molly hopped, danced, and moved enthusiastically, dressed only in her diaper. Her clothes, taken off piece by piece, were strewn on the floor. Lizzie gazed up at Becca with a wide smile as Becca twirled slowly to the music.
"Dance party!" Lissa bellowed with a smile.
Molly ran to her daddy at full speed and he scooped her up after slipping off his jacket. The duo walked to Becca where Nolan kissed Lizzie's forehead before proceeding to Emmy and Lissa. With outstretched hands, Molly grasped the bouquet in Nolan's hand and sniffed the flowers.
Wrapping his free arm around his wife, Nolan brushed his cheek along hers and whispered in her ear, "I'm home."
"I see that," Lissa responded softly. "And you brought flowers."
"And another surprise," he cooed.
"What's that?" she inquired.
"Me. I'm all yours until Thursday morning," Nolan said as he pulled back and looked Lissa in the eye and set Molly down.
With a giggle, Lissa replied with gathered brows, "Oh really?"
Nolan nodded at Becca, who stepped over after setting Lizzie down. Freeing Lissa's arms, Becca cradled Emmy and outstretched her hand to grasp Molly's hand in hers.
Glancing at the nanny, Lissa challenged, "You knew…" Becca smiled sheepishly as she headed into Molly's room.
"I had to make sure she was willing to run the show for a couple days," Nolan explained. He led Lissa into their bedroom. After closing the door, he wrapped her in his arms and kissed her. Easing her onto the bed, he ran his hand under her t-shirt and onto her skin.
"Is this where your plan ends – throwing me onto the bed and having sex?" Lissa questioned with a giggle between kisses.
"Kind of," he smirked proudly. "I'm all yours, Babe. What we do is your call. We can sleep in, go hiking, runaway to a deserted island – what's your pleasure?"
"This doesn't dismiss our talk about balancing your time," Lissa warned as she ran her finger along Nolan's jawline.
"I know," Nolan nodded. "I wouldn't expect it to." The two stared at one another with love and he added, "But I want you to know I'm committed to making this work. You're my world, Liss."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~'
Julie could barely stand still as she reviewed the clothes she'd set on her bed. Going to the beach was exciting, but the mere spontaneity of the adventure filled her with glee.
"Can I come in, Itsy Kit?" Adam asked gently as he knocked on Julie's open door.
Julie smiled widely, "Thanks for allowing me to do this, Dad."
Adam shrugged and folded his arms. Peering down at her bed, Adam pointed out, "You'll need a sweatshirt and a raincoat."
"Right," Julie nodded as she headed toward her closet.
"And this…" Adam stated as he held out a handful of $20 bills.
"Thanks," Julie smirked as she grasped the money.
"Don't lose it," Adam warned.
Julie lowered her shoulders and cocked her head to the side, choosing to say nothing.
Understanding her response, Adam confessed, "Sorry, Itsy. You know that." He put his arm around his daughter and suggested, "Let's sit down for a minute."
Tentatively sitting, Julie looked at Adam with anticipation. Adam said, "I want to tell you something and I need you to hear me out before responding." He pressed his lips together and looked in Julie's eyes, "Part of why I approved this trip is because you might not want to be around me after I tell you this."
Leaning her head backward, Julie lowered her brows and commented, "I doubt that, Dad."
Adam grinned uncomfortably and began, "I'm going to be direct. There's no use sputtering and stammering. Your mother and I… our marriage was difficult. We struggled a great deal. We… uh… well, we married because your mom was pregnant with Sam. We did the right thing. It was the right choice to make." He paused before resuming, "Our families, actually our fathers, insisted and we obeyed. That's how we'd both been raised. We made it work, your mom and I."
"Before I dated your mom, Tess and I had been pretty serious – definitely heading toward engagement. It's a long and complicated story I'll tell you another time. Tess and I were deeply in love, but we'd decided to take a break and I met your mom, and, well…"
"Anyway, a couple years before you were born, your mom and I considered divorcing. The state required a legal separation first, and we proceeded with that. I was stationed in DC and so was Tessa. She and I… we dated. We planned to marry as soon as the divorce was final."
"When my father-in-law and father, both Admirals, found out about the divorce plans, they tore into me something fierce." Slightly embarrassed, Adam shook his head and admitted, "I really thought my father might come after me physically. He was livid. Members of the Caldwell family simply didn't divorce. Claire's father threatened to end my Naval career and ordered me to reconcile with your mom. She agreed to do so and suggested we have another baby… that was you, Itsy Kit. You were your mom's hope and dream, and I was happy to oblige."
"What neither my father-in-law nor Claire knew was that Tess was pregnant. Tessa's sister lived in Annapolis, and she was able to find a stateside post there. My father squared away concerns about paternity, and Tess gave birth to our daughter, Hannah. She's a year older than you, Itsy."
Julie exhaled loudly and blinked repeatedly as her head spun. Her seemingly straight-laced, by-the-book, rules-are-rules father had disclosed quite the past. "Umm…" Julie hesitated. "Does Sam know? Does the other daughter… does she know about me? About Sam? About you? Does she know you're her dad? Did Mom ever know?"
"Hannah has known me as her father since she was a baby. I visited when I could and tried to be a part of her life. When Hannah was sixteen, we told her the whole story. She was furious. I didn't handle her reaction well – she and I had a falling out but have since smoothed that all over. Your brother knows, but has been sworn to secrecy until I was ready to tell you." Adam stared at the floor as he confessed, "I'm not the upstanding man I hoped to be, Itsy. I've made some terrible decisions, but I've also fathered three amazing children whom I love dearly. I apologize for turning your world upside down with this news."
Slowly, Julie placed her hand on Adam's forearm, "It explains why you've struggled with anger. Your life hasn't been your own."
With a soft chuckle, Adam agreed, "I suppose you're correct. That sounds an insight Claire would have shared."
"I don't hate you, Dad, and I still love you," Julie assured him.
"You're gracious," Adam smirked. "You've always been the gentlest and most insightful of the three kids."
"Gentle won't get me very far this summer," Julie laughed. "I'm tough too, aren't I?"
"Very," Adam grinned as he wrapped his arm around his daughter. "Tenacious, focused, brilliant, and beautiful. You have it all, Itsy."
With misty eyes, Julie uttered softly, "Thanks, Dad."
"And Tessa's guest…" Adam added.
Julie interrupted, guessing the answer, "Is Hannah."
"Right," Adam nodded. "She's an incredible young woman, JJ. Very sharp and enthusiastic. She's a determined, hardworking person and is about to leave for her youngster cruise."
"She attends the Academy?" Julie popped off with shock.
"She's a Caldwell," Adam stated plainly.
"Is… is that her last name? Hannah Caldwell?" Julie sputtered wondering how obviously connected the two would be.
"Hannah Brooke Caldwell," Adam clarified.
Julie didn't have the courage to tell Adam that Hannah's presence at the Academy had just become one of her worst nightmares. How could she remain anonymous with an older sister running around? Would Hannah ignore her or haze her? She hadn't even met Hannah, but Julie was already imagining an older sister who would make her life hell as a plebe. Would she be expected to follow in the footsteps of a sibling she'd never known?
"See… you need a break from me now," Adam commented as Julie remained silent. "The beach will be a welcome respite."
"Yeah," Julie answered blankly. She gazed up at her father and said sincerely, "Thank you for telling me all this."
"I figured you'd want to know some details before we introduced you to Hannah on Thursday," Adam pointed out. "Take some time to let this all soak in, Itsy Kit. If you want to talk when you return on Thursday, we can make that happen." Adam kissed Julie's temple as he hugged her from the side. He ended their conversation gently with the words, "I'll give you some space."
As he left, Adam closed the door. Julie fell back onto her bed, unsure how she felt. She wondered what Claire had known and how she'd reacted. Once again, Julie missed her mother deeply.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~'
"Check out the tiny toes," Ryder said with awe as he leaned toward the screen. Amelia beamed as she held one of Ryder's hands and watched his wonder appear. "Mom… look at him!" Ryder celebrated.
"Him? He might be a she, Ry," Amelia reminded her son.
"It's a boy. I can tell. He looks just like me," Ryder insisted.
"Naked and moving non-stop?" Amelia teased.
"Handsome, buff, well-endowed," Ryder retorted.
Arizona huffed with a smile, "You haven't seen anything but the baby's feet."
"Yeah, but I can tell," Ryder joked. "And confirm it for me, Dr. Robbins – the baby is a boy, right?"
"Your parents won't let me disclose the gender," Arizona sighed.
Ryder patted Arizona's shoulder and sympathized, "You can share the secret with me. I won't tell anyone."
"Right… and tick off the Chief? Not happening," Arizona quipped. She turned to Amelia and confirmed, "Everything looks fantastic. I'm make sure the steroid shots are ordered and send them down to Owen. Go and have a wonderful time. No worries about the big trip, Amelia."
"That's why she brought me along – if you'd said she couldn't go, I was going to flash my best puppy dog eyes," Ryder laughed.
"Those wouldn't work on me, Mister," Arizona laughed. "Instead, your job is to make sure she stays hydrated and well-rested in that heat."
"Aye aye, Doctor," Ryder saluted.
"Wow! A salute?! My father is a retired Marine colonel," Arizona pointed out. "Next time he's in town, I'll have to introduce you to him."
"Marines are badass," Ryder nodded. "Props to him."
"Ryder, you might want to head over to PT if you want to see Ria," Amelia reminded him. "I'll meet you over there."
He headed down the hall and let himself into the PT room. Owen was proudly standing along the wall and Ryder stood next to him.
"She seems to be doing great today," Owen whispered. "She was able to take a few steps unassisted."
"What a rock star," Ryder commented.
"Ryder!" Ria yelled from the other side of the room when she saw her brother. He responded with a subtle wave and a wink, prompting Ria to add, "Come over."
After catching the PT's eye and receiving a nod, Ryder walked over and knelt down as Ria stretched her body along the top of her outstretched leg. "You should exercise with me so you're ready for your summer camp," she suggested. Humoring his sister, Ryder copied her positioning and asked her to coach him through each stretch.
The PT took the opportunity to stroll over to Owen and mumble her concerns, "I know she took a few steps, but the rest of the session has been concerning. Surrounding muscles are beginning to tighten. I'm concerned there might be some twisting or potential twisting. She'll need to be in a wheelchair throughout your trip."
Answering while barely moving his mouth, Owen groaned, "She'll be disappointed. She's been determined to avoid that."
"I know," the PT sympathized. "I'll pull her aside and emphasize that her situation isn't due to lack of effort."
"Tell her with her brother beside her – he'll soften the blow," Owen suggested.
The PT returned to her patient and announced, "Great stretching, Super Ria! Let's go over to my office before your daddy steals you back."
"Can I walk?" Ria begged.
"With your walker, yes," the PT responded, always attempting to avoid saying 'no.'
Ria, trying to prove her walker was unnecessary, hurriedly stepped along with her hands clasping the walker handles.
"Slow down, Speed Demon," Ryder urged. "I can't keep up with you."
Gazing up at her brother with disbelief, Ria managed a forced grin. She flopped into a chair in the PT's office and stared at her therapist with doubt. Somehow, Ria knew the news before it was spoken. She'd experienced this routine before, and recognized the expression on the PT's face.
"Ria, your surgery is right around the corner," the PT began. "Remember how we've talked about the recovery? How strong muscles will help you heal?"
"Yes," Ria nodded as she paid careful attention to each word. She reached over and grasped Ryder's hand tightly, revealing her fear. Ryder wrapped his fingers around her little hand.
"The best way to take care of those muscles right now is to do your exercises, rest them, and not walk on your own," the PT announced.
Slumping down, Ria studied her leg as she swayed it back and forth. "Sometimes I hate my leg," she admitted sadly.
"I know," the PT affirmed. "Once we tackle these muscles in the OR and work on healing, you won't feel that way anymore."
"Promise?" Ria asked naively.
Ryder was tempted to stand up and press the assertion as well. Are you really going to let my little sister count on that? he thought.
"We're all going to try our very best, Ria. You've tried so hard. Everyone is so proud of you," the PT stressed.
"Ree? Here's my angle," Ryder offered. "You've done all the exercises and now you need to rest. If I could get away with not having to walk all over Washington, DC, I'd see it as a bonus."
"Right," Ria groaned, unconvinced. "Can you carry me to the car? I don't feel like walking with my walker and having everyone look at me."
"Climb on my back, Mini Mia," Ryder encouraged with a wink. "I'm all yours, Chickie."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~'
"Hey, Livs," Amelia called out as she sat on a stool and prepared dinner. "I need a hand."
With a dramatic sigh, Olivia plodded toward the kitchen. She'd just taken a valium and the effects were beginning to wash over her. She was planning to stretch out on a lounge chair outside and sleep before dinner.
Yawning, Olivia asked, "What do you need?" She leaned awkwardly against the counter, setting her forearms down and sinking her weight onto them.
"What's wrong?" Amelia inquired curiously. "And hand me the milk, please."
"Nothing is wrong, Mom," Olivia insisted with an edge as she retrieved the milk. She slightly lost her balance and giggled slightly as caught herself.
"I've been meaning to talk with you," Amelia noted. "Remember a couple weeks ago? I wanted to chat before you apologized to Ryder."
"I did apologize," Olivia argued with frustration.
"I know," Amelia agreed. She handed Olivia a wooden spoon and pushed a mixing bowl toward her daughter. "Here, mix this while we talk."
"What do we need to talk about? I apologized and you know I did. I suffered for two full weeks. Now there's more?" Olivia complained.
"Your tone, Olivia. That's what's more," Amelia pointed out. "I've been fifteen. I've felt like the whole world was working against me. When I lived it, I was mouthy and argumentative… unfortunately, you're beginning to remind me of that phase of life."
"So now what? You're telling me again how imperfect I am?" Olivia retorted defensively as she blinked for a full second.
"I've never disciplined you for being imperfect, Livs," Amelia insisted. "Perhaps you've faced consequences for making poor choices or breaking rules. That doesn't mean you were punished for imperfection."
"Whatever," Olivia grumbled under her breath.
"Look at me, please," Amelia ordered firmly. When Olivia gazed over with anger and frustration in her eyes, Amelia continued, "Listen, Olivia. I wanted to talk to you because I wanted to share my experience. I made a ton of mistakes in my teen years and I'm hoping I can spare you some of the same challenges. I want to talk to you because I love and care about you."
Olivia slid onto a stool and placed her arms on the counter. Her head sleepily fell onto her forearms and her extended blinking continued. "Fine," Olivia sighed. "I'm listening."
"What's up, Livs? You're dragging. Do you feel ok?" Amelia asked as she placed her hand on Olivia's forehead and studied her face. Soon, Amelia's hands wandered to examine Olivia's glands.
Flinching and pushing away Amelia's hand, Olivia complained, "I'm fine, Mom. Don't treat me like a baby."
"What's with the sass?" Amelia challenged. With a glare, Olivia stared at her mom without responding. "Long story short, Olivia Elise, I simply want to warn you to be intentional about your decisions and actions. At your age, it can be tough to remember that you are in charge of your attitude and words. Even if your circumstances suck, you still have a choice about how to react. Be wise, Olivia. You are a smart, perceptive, and fun-loving person. Don't let your hormones take over and make you into someone full of sneers, contempt, and arguments. I did that, Livs, and it led me to drugs because I was so desperate to escape the pain."
Amelia gazed up from the vegetables she was slicing, hoping to make eye contact and emphasize her point. When she looked over, Olivia was sound asleep.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~'
As of June 21
Nolan and Lissa, 22
Molly 15 months
Emily and Elizabeth (born 3/15) 3 1/2 months/14 weeks
Ryder 18, Julie 18
Olivia 15
Ria and Anna 10
Lucas, almost 9
Baby Hunt – due October 25. 22 weeks gestation.