Go Baby Grow

Chapter 66 – Family Bonds

Friday, June 26th

As afternoon flowed into early evening, the Caldwell family gathered in Adam's office. Soon, they would be at the base chapel with the chaplain.

"Daddy, I want to give you this before we leave," Hannah stated with tenderness. Her eyes were filled with love as she handed Adam an envelope.

"Snickerdoodle…" Adam cooed as he grasped Tessa's hand. "No gifts necessary – we told you that."

Julie thought, Thanks for making me look like loser, Sis.

"Oh, this gift is very necessary," Hannah nodded as she resembled a cherub.

Adam glanced at Tessa and carefully opened the large flat envelope. Inside, he found calligraphy written on high quality paper. He began to read aloud, "Dear family and friends, we are gathered here today in the sight of God to witness this exchange of vows, and see the love that these two dedicated, loving people have for one another." He paused and gazed at Hannah as his shoulders lowered and his head tilted to the side, "Snicks…Did you speak to the Chaplain? Are these the words of our ceremony? We can frame this and display it. You're so creative."

Patting Adam's upper arm, Hannah insisted with a sly grin, "Keep reading."

Adam continued, "Adam, do you take Tessalie as your wife and fellow officer to dwell together in so far as the Department of the Navy will allow?" He paused and chuckled with the mention of the Navy, then continued and slowly broke into hysterics, "Do you promise to not become jealous of her retired status on days you dread your post? Will you love her and show that love through regular e-mails, letters, and phone calls during deployments? Do you promise to communicate your department telephone number so she won't bother the Messenger of the Watch? Will you attempt to provide more than 24 hours advance notice that you will be pulling out for two weeks or more? And, lastly, will you endeavor to live by the Honor Code of Marriage as long as you shall serve?"

"You read this part," Adam suggested as he roared with laughter and handed the paper to Tess. She snickered as she read, "Tessalie, will you take this Captain as your wedded husband? Do you promise to take part in established Navy traditions even though you had hoped to avoid them in retirement? Will you be nice to all Admirals' wives, even if any are annoying, intrusive, or unlikable in any way? Realizing and knowing from personal experience the reality of a Captain's work, do you promise to refrain from providing unsolicited advice? Do you understand that your life with Adam may include more moves than you can count? When he is deployed, will you mail his favorite cookies often? And if you bear a child, do you understand without a doubt that Adam's presence can only be guaranteed via Skype?"

"You read the Chaplain's portion, Kiddo," Tessa stated as she handed the paper to Julie. With a smile, Julie stated, "Adam, the Navy hereby issues you this lovely, dedicated, independent woman, knowing that she'll be an asset not only to your marriage, but also to the mission of the United States Navy. Shower her with more attention and care than you give to shining your shoes and maintaining your dress uniforms. You are expected to offer her only your left arm when escorting her in public so that your sword may be easily drawn in order to protect her from drunken sailors, spiteful former colleagues, and wayward children. You are advised, despite current directives to the contrary, to refrain from inscribing your Department of Defense service number on this precious person.

And Tessalie, the United States Navy has entrusted you to this competent and fully trained Naval Officer. Instill humility in him by requiring that his assistance around the home meets or exceeds alpha inspection expectations. Encourage him to maintain his uniform ironing skills rather than ironing for him. Remind him that by accepting the position as your husband, he does not have veto power or the final say simply by virtue of his naval rank or his gender. And lastly, continue to admire him by remembering to swoon whenever you see him in uniform with a chest full of fruit salad."

"Fruit salad?" Julie questioned.

"Ribbons and medals," Hannah explained.

Adam stepped toward Hannah and embraced her in a strong hug, stating, "Once again, your wit and humor make my day, Snicks."

Then he hugged Julie and commented, "Itsy, I'm honored to have your steady, serene presence by my side today."

He widened his arms and the four embraced in a huddle as Adam gushed, "I love you all to the depths of the sea and the outer reaches of the unlimited sky."

"What's up, Mom? Anna said you wanted to see me," Olivia inquired as she stretched out along Amelia's body. Livie's eyes were heavy and pink and her movements were slow.

Wrapping her arm around Olivia and resting her head on a pillow, Amelia explained, "Jot down July 7th at 11 a.m. I was able to make an appointment for you to see the doc for a checkup."

"That's the most ridiculous idea ever," Olivia scoffed when Amelia shared the news. "I'm fine. Why in the world do I need to see the doctor?"

"You're growing and in the throes of puberty," Amelia commented. "Now is an ideal time to establish your baseline numbers."

"But the pediatrician, Mom? I'm not a little kid anymore," Olivia protested. "I'd feel really weird seeing him."

"You've always loved having him as your doctor, Olivia," Amelia reminded her daughter.

"Yeah, when I was five and his assistants would give me stickers," Olivia huffed. "He's definitely not examining my whole body."

"Would you prefer a woman?" Amelia inquired, realizing she hadn't even considered the procedures unique to a woman's body.

"Duh," Olivia emphasized, "but I still don't understand why I have to see anyone right now. You have enough going on, Mom. You really want to deal with taking me to the doctor the day before Ria's surgery?"

Ignoring Olivia's repeated question, Amelia proposed, "Let me call Dr. Robbins and see if she is willing to do the exam."

"That's at least better," Olivia yawned. The mother and daughter snuggled in silence until a few minutes later when Olivia confessed, "Mom? I need to tell you something."

"What's up, Pup?" Amelia chirped with a grin.

"I really don't want to go to Annapolis. Can I stay home with Lissa?" Olivia requested.

Amelia frowned sadly. "I know Dad is hoping that we'll all go. Besides, you'll already be next door when Dad and I take the Littles to the waterpark when we return from the East Coast."

"I'm fifteen. The next oldest kids are ten. Hanging out with them and, no offense, my parents for a week in the hot, humid, sticky weather doesn't sound too exciting," Olivia admitted.

"Let me speak with your dad," Amelia stalled. "I promise I'll think about it."

"Thanks," Olivia smiled softly before standing up, slightly losing and quickly regaining her balance, and heading upstairs.

"Are you ok, Livs?" Amelia questioned.

"Just stood up too fast and got a little dizzy," Olivia explained with a small giggle.

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"Liss? Shorty, come here," Nolan hollered with joy as he returned home early on a Friday afternoon.

"Shhh," Lissa advised as she tiptoed toward the Living Room. "The girls are napping, Trems."

Nolan scanned the space and listened. "I think we're clear. Do you hear anything?"

"You're lucky," Lissa smiled as she hugged her husband. "So what did you want to show me?"

With great pride, Nolan announced, "I spoke to the car broker and brought home a new van for you to try out. I know it's not a sports car or a Tesla, but it has all the amenities and works with the girls."

Drawing her eyebrows toward the bridge of her nose, Lissa inquired, "Why did you call the broker, Trems? The van we have is fine."

"It's old," Nolan complained. "We can have Becca use it, but I want you to have something better."

"That's sweet, Nolan, but I like my van. It meets our needs. I don't need anything fancy," Lissa attempted to explain without disappointing her husband.

Slumping, Nolan's bottom lip jutted out ever so slightly. "Lissy… I want to buy you new cars and other surprises. Come out and take a look. Once you see it, you'll be sold."

With a resigned smile, Lissa followed Nolan to the driveway. As he announced and celebrated the leather seats, extended sunroof, and back up camera, he stated with glee, "And both side doors are automated. The seats can fold down, and you can control almost everything using the buttons on the steering wheel."

"That's pretty sweet," Lissa commented with a fully unimpressed tone of voice. Despite all the wonderful features, she was still unconvinced that she needed a new van. "It's too pristine for the girls. I can just imagine the first container of Cheerios getting ground in to the carpet."

"No worries," Nolan celebrated as he displayed another feature. "There's a vacuum integrated into the van, Liss. Can you believe it? There are also separate heat and a/c controls for the passengers and, get this, 13 cup holders! Thirteen!"

"We have three children," Lissa pointed out dryly.

Not willing to allow Lissa to rain on his parade, Nolan pointed out with a playful retort, "Then each of you can have up to four drinks in here at any given time."

"Mmm…" Lissa groaned. "I can imagine the spoiled milk smell now."

Nolan leaned against the frame of the van and soberly said, "Lissa, you're stealing all my joy."

With a chuckle, she repeated, "Nolan, I don't need a new van. Our current van meets our needs. Some of these features are impressive, but I don't need them."

"But I want you to have the best of the best. I love you, Babe," Nolan whined.

"Oh, Nolan," Lissa sighed. "I love you too, but my love for you has nothing to do with fancy vans or a beautiful house. I'm in love with you."

"I want to provide anything and everything for you," Nolan persisted, still not fully understanding how Lissa was not jumping for joy.

"And as dorky as it might sound, you're my anything and everything, Trems," Lissa reiterated as she hugged her husband.

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When Owen returned home late Friday afternoon, he parked in the garage then walked out to the driveway. Lucas and Anna were playing soccer on the front lawn. Considering himself more skilled, Lucas coached his opponent and pointed out ways that she could improve each and every movement.

"Lucas," Anna finally protested, "Are we playing or are you trying to make this a serious soccer game?"

"I'm trying to help you, Anna," Lucas emphasized.

"Hey guys," Owen offered with a smile. "How about you two versus me?"

"It's not fun anymore," Anna expressed as she danced her way into the house. "You two can play."

"I hate it when she gives up. When's Ria gonna be able to play soccer again?" Lucas inquired.

"Hopefully in the fall," Owen answered. "I'm going to grill for dinner. Want to help me?"

"I guess," Lucas sighed with disappointment.

The two walked into the house and saw Anna providing an impromptu recital for Amelia. Ryder was springing down the stairs and greeted them as he headed into the kitchen.

"Ryder! Ryder! Will you play soccer with me?" Lucas begged.

"Oh, buddy… I'm packing for DC. Maybe after dinner," Ryder suggested as he drank a large glass of water.

"How can we have all these people in the house and nobody to play with?" Lucas griped.

Amelia turned and suggested, "Come cuddle with me, Cutie Pie."

"Mom… I'm not a little kid anymore," Lucas emphasized with protest.

"I'll snuggle you, Mia," Owen cooed as he bent down and kissed his wife who was sprawled out on the sofa.

"I'd love that," Amelia chuckled.

"Mom, have you seen those new crew socks?" Ryder asked before returning upstairs.

"I asked Livs to run them through the laundry before you packed them," Amelia mentioned. "The boxer briefs and t-shirts should be in the same load."

"Thanks," Ryder responded as he popped up the stairs.

"Don't forget that your cell and the charger need to be in a separate plastic bag with your name on it," Amelia reminded him.

"On it," Ryder confirmed as headed to the laundry room. The load was in the washer and had been left there overnight. With a groan, Ryder re-ran the washer and made sure his calculator, razor, and running shoes were next to the duffel bag in his bedroom. He grabbed a shoe-sized box and carried it downstairs for Amelia's review.

As he walked down the stairs and toward his mom, he recited, "The care package box has gold bond, granola bars, fruit snacks, alarm clock, bleach pens, a small flag, blister pads, safety pins, sock liners, bug spray, and spray sunscreen. What am I forgetting?"

"Burner phone?" Owen teased, knowing it would be confiscated.

"Yeah, that's a great way to get fried right away," Ryder laughed.

"I think you've covered it all, Baby Bear," Amelia confirmed. "What about compression shorts? Are those packed?"

"Yeah, they were in a load of laundry I did yesterday," he shared. "Oh! Cash. I need some cash."

Owen reached into his wallet without delay, "How much?" The Littles, all nearby, turned their ears to hear how much money Ryder would receive.

Ryder reached for his wallet and opened it, "I have twenty-three bucks."

"How much do they suggest you bring?" Owen asked again.

"$100, but more never hurts," Ryder grinned.

With a glance out of the side of his eyes, Owen grinned and handed Ryder some bills, "Here, but it's for after I-Day, not for this weekend or the airport."

"Thanks, Dad," Ryder hooted as he arranged the bills and counted the $136.

"You're welcome," Owen nodded.

"I want money, too," Lucas called out, with the twins piping in immediately afterward.

"And what are you all doing that needs money?" Owen snickered.

"I'm having surgery," Ria announced, providing the most credible response.

"I don't have anyone to play soccer with me," Lucas reiterated.

"If they get money, I want some too," Anna emphasized.

Owen glanced at Amelia and inquired, "And what about you, Gorgeous?"

"I'm having a baby," Amelia giggled.

Pulling out the last bill from his wallet and showing everyone the empty bill section, Owen handed Amelia a $20 bill and declared, "Mom wins. It's all that's left and it's hers." Amelia winked and slipped the bill into her bra.

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