Author's Note: Here is the next chapter. Please, let me know what you think. Reviews feed my muse (and/or ego).
DISCLAIMER: I own nothing.
It is common to find Evelyn in the study reading. Sitting on one end of the sofa, a blanket wrapped around her, feet tucked beneath her as she reads is normal occurrence. What isn't normal, is the domesticity that greets James as he enters the room. Adrian sits on the other end of the sofa also reading, his free hand absentmindedly resting on Evelyn's calf. Evelyn has barely tolerated being in the same room with him, yet all of a sudden she is perfectly content just sitting mere inches from him? That doesn't seem right to James.
Since Evelyn announced her pregnancy, James has expected the two would share moments. It is only natural for parents-to-be to bond over their child. Even if she wasn't pregnant, Evelyn and Adrian have shared many years together. From time to time they will gravitate towards each other for no other reason than that is just who they are. Still, James' interest is piqued.
"Oh look dear, the Reverend is here," Adrian mentions, his gaze never leaving the book.
"I told you not to call me that," Evelyn responds distractedly, currently lost in what she is reading.
Adrian smirks to himself then places his book down. He is rather glad James has walked in on this moment that is so reminiscent of how they used to spend time together.
James ignores Adrian, aware of what he is trying to accomplish. Instead of rising to the bait, James walks over to Evelyn. He makes sure he isn't obscuring her view of the book then places a kiss on her cheek. This draws her attention away from the book, her eyes landing on his face. She smiles up at him adoringly causing Adrian grimace.
"I'm glad everything went well at the doctor's," he tells her, placing against to her forehead. He takes a seat on the arm of the sofa and pulls her closer.
"Thank you," she hums, the happiness and lightweight feeling that settled over her in the doctor's office remains.
"Would you like to go out for dinner?" James asks, glancing over at Adrian who continues to sit beside Evelyn, making faces at everything James says.
"Oh, she can't," Adrian announces a bit too happily. Evelyn turns to glare at him but doesn't argue. James is surprised by this. He really expected her to begin verbally assaulting Adrian for saying what she can and cannot do.
"As much as I despise it," Evelyn begins through gritted teeth, "Adrian's right. Doctor Greely wants me to rest this evening."
Evelyn digs her bare heel into Adrian's thigh when she catches the smirk he shoots James' way. Adrian isn't the least bit phased.
"Is everything ok?" Adrian and his smug attitude no longer matter to James. His eyes fill with concern as he looks at Evelyn, relieved she doesn't appear upset. She appears a bit tired, but that seems to be her new normal. Whatever is going on, it can't be too serious, or so he hopes.
"I'm fine," Evelyn assures him, wrapping her fingers around his wrist. "My blood pressure was slightly elevated so she wants me to take it easy for the evening."
Adrian nearly gags at the love sick display unfolding before him. The looks and gentle touches are nauseating, but the way James brushes a stray lock of hair away from Evelyn's face is too much. Adrian can't stomach any more of them, standing to his feet and heads to the bar. With Adrian off the couch, James drops down into the vacated seat. He brings Evelyn's feet into his lap. Adrian decides to make his drink a double. He is going to need it if he's going to stay in the study with those two.
"It was only a juvenile prank," Evelyn tells James, his hands beginning to gently massage her feet. Whether she will admit it or not, the heels she prefers to wear are already starting to bother her.
"That seems like more than a prank. Whoever did that killed an animal; mutilated it. And if that wasn't enough, they placed it in your mailbox. That just seems rather elaborate to only be a prank." James shakes his head at Evelyn. It is obvious she is in denial.
"That's what I tried to tell her," Adrian pipes up from the bar. He doesn't have to like the other man to agree with him. "She's convinced It's the neighborhood teenagers." Adrian rolls his eyes at the mention of the hoodlums that live down the road. Maybe James will be able to convince her to reevaluate her stance on the 'prank'.
"Those monsters hate me," Evelyn tells both men. Then to Adrian, "You know very well I anger them every Halloween."
"Ah yes," Adrian chuckles. "Two years in a row she's refused to give candy to anyone over the age of five,"
"Twelve," Evelyn corrects.
"And then she called the police on the Ashby twins for what I don't know." Adrian never has been able to figure out her dislike for the two children.
"They're hellions," Evelyn insists, cringing at the thought of those brats.
"You really think this is just early Halloween hijinks?" James isn't so sure.
"Probably," Evelyn shrugs then picks up her book. She is finished with conversation.
"Evelyn enjoys throwing a Halloween party ever year," Adrian explains to James. "And every year there is heavy drinking, usually so much so that dear Evelyn likes to harass the trick-or-treaters."
James stares at Adrian, unsure of what any of this has to do with the ravaged remains of the feline recovered in the mailbox. Adrian and Evelyn might be convinced it's a premature Halloween prank, but James doesn't think so. There are less cruel, more annoying pranks to play on one's neighbors.
"I suspect this year will be different," Adrian almost whispers, a smile tugging at his lips. He is already imagining the costume Evelyn will wear considering she will be five months pregnant by then.
"Hopefully," Evelyn mumbles, the word barely audible.
Adrian tries to offer her a reassuring look, but her eyes remain focused on the book. There is still so much that could happen. James isn't sure of how to respond. Instead of trying to offer words of comfort, he pats her leg, hoping she understands that no matter the outcome of the pregnancy, he will be there for her.