I can feel my body trying to drag me from the relaxing state it's in. I fight it for as long as I can but finally lift my heavy eyelids. I reach out for Tobias but his side of the mattress is warm but empty, meaning his exit wasn't too long ago. I get out of bed and go to check on Tessa but she's not in the bassinet either. I find my robe and put it on as I go downstairs.
"Do you want your Mommy, Pebbles?" I hear Tobias say before I reach the landing. I hear her whining and realize he must be trying to feed her. Sure enough he's sitting in the club chair, Tessa cradled in his arms, trying to give her a bottle that she is refusing.
"Good morning," I say at the same time there's a knock on the door.
"Good morning, love," he says. "Can you get the door? It should be Will with Tessa's medicine. I asked him to go get it so I wouldn't have to wake you up." I make sure the belt on my robe is tightly fastened and open the door.
"Hi, Tris," he says.
"Good morning, Will," I say then try to hide a yawn.
"Here's Tessa's medicine that Four asked me pick up," he says, handing me the package. "How is she feeling this morning? You guys had us worried last night when you took off like you did." I never thought to let our friends know how she was.
"Honestly, I just woke up so I really don't know how she is but at least she's not crying," I say. "Did Four tell you she has double ear infection?"
"Yeah," he says. "Poor girl."
"I'm really sorry for not letting you and Christina know how she was doing last night," I say. "I really wasn't thinking."
"It's alright," he says. "I'm glad she's going to be okay and that it was nothing too serious. Well, I better get home."
"Thanks for getting her medication for us," I say. "We appreciate it. Tell Christina hi and kiss Liam for me." I lock the door behind him and sit on the end of the couch. Tobias gets up and hands me Tessa then I give him the package Will gave me. "I think we're supposed to give her another dose now if I understood Isobel correctly." He opens the package and reads the instructions.
"You're right," he says. He carefully measures out the antibiotic and puts the dropper in Tessa's mouth after I sit her up a little so she doesn't choke. She makes the exact same face she did when Isobel gave it to her.
"How are you feeling this morning?" I ask her as she eats. Once again it takes me quite a bit of coaxing to get her to latch on but once she does, nothing is going to stop her. "You look better than you did last night. You have a little sparkle in your eye. You probably just want to go to the park and that's why you're acting like you feel better. Tobias, would you call Mom and Dad and check on Tyler and let them know about Tessa?"
"I did about five minutes before you came downstairs," he says. "Your parents are sad to hear of Tessa's ear infections and sorry they didn't call sooner last night. I assured them that it wasn't their fault. Tyler's apparently upset because she's sick and he's not with her. They offered to bring him home but he really wants to go to the park."
"I know Tyler loves his sister but this proves he loves the park even more," I say with a chuckle and Tobias laughs with me. He sits down beside me with his arm on the back of the couch.
"Did you sleep well?" he asks. "We had a very busy day yesterday. How are you feeling?"
"Sleep was refreshing but short. I feel great though, except my back is bothering me a little bit," I say with a sigh.
"What is it, love?" he asks.
"The aches and pains are only going to get worse unless some miracle happens and the third trimester is my best," I say. "We both know that's not going to happen. Then there's the birth. The pain scares me to death. I've learned I'm pretty strong but I'm not a masochist. I don't like pain."
"If I could take all your pain away, I would," he says. "If I could switch places with you and get us through the labor and delivery, I would do it in a heartbeat. I don't relish the thought of you suffering because of something I did."
"We did," I say. "We made this baby together." He smiles his brilliant, heart stopping smile and kisses my temple.
"Yes, we did," he says. "Tell me, love, what would you like for breakfast?"
"French toast, eggs, bacon, and apple juice," I say. I've come to really appreciate apple juice.
"You've thought about this, haven't you?" he says with a chuckle.
"Maybe," I say, looking down at Tessa. "Mommy's really, really hungry."
"I'll get right on it," he says. He gives me a quick kiss then heads into the kitchen.
"Hi, little one," I say as I caress Tessa's cheek. "I see that you wouldn't take the bottle for Daddy either. Does that mean I'm going to have to leave my initiates so I can feed you? I'll let you in on a little secret, I would rather spend my time with you than a bunch of new recruits. I sure would." When she finishes, I continue holding her close. She coos a little but I can tell she's not 100% herself. I get up off the couch and sit down at the island. "Baby, I'm not sure I should take her to the park. Maybe I should stay home with her."
"If that's what you really want to do, I'll understand," he says. "I think everyone will be disappointed but her health is what matters."
"I know," I say. I look down into her beautiful face and see that her eyelids are fluttering. I catch Tobias' attention and put my finger up to my mouth letting him know that she's trying to fall asleep. He nods in acknowledgment. I put her in the bassinet and pull up the sunshade so the light stays off her face so she can sleep in peace then eat the delicious breakfast Tobias fixed for us. He insists that I lie down on the couch while he cleans up the kitchen. I finally relent and lie down but I can't fall asleep. I close my eyes and try to turn off my brain for a while but nothing happens. When, I open my eyes, Tobias is sitting on the floor in front of me, gazing lovingly at me.
"Hello," he says.
"Hi," I say. "I can't sleep." He furrows his brows at me, confused.
"Love, you've been asleep for the last two hours," he says. I have? Hhm.
"Tessa?" I ask starting to get up.
"Calm down," he says, gently putting a hand on my shoulder. "She's right here." He nods to where she is lying on the floor next to her Daddy. She's on her tummy, head held high looking all around. When her eyes meet mine, she smiles a brilliant smile and coos at me.
"Hello, little one," I say. "Is it my imagination or are you actually feeling better?" She flops down on her belly and rolls over then rolls the other way and smiles at me. "Are you Mommy's little show off? I think we can take her to the park. We'll just have to stop by the boutique for a hat that will cover her ears though."
"I had the same thought," he says. "I tell you what, let me go and pick out something for her."
"Okay," I say. "How about I take a quick shower then you can go."
"Alright," he says. I get up off the couch being careful of our little one who is now mobile on the living room floor. I take a quick shower then throw my robe back on. When I return to the living room, Tobias has Tessa in his arms telling her about the new apartment. "You'll have your own room and bathroom that you won't have to share with anyone else. There's enough space that one of the rooms can be a playroom. I bet you, your brother, and sister would like that." She laughs at her Daddy as he peppers kisses on her cheek.
"How are two of my most favorite people?" I ask as I sit down on the couch.
"We are wonderful," Tobias says, looking my way. Then he looks at Tessa and says, "Do you want your Mommy?"
"Of course, she wants me," I say holding my arms out to him. He gives me Tessa, kisses us both, then goes upstairs to get ready. We lounge on the couch until he comes back downstairs.
"I'm going to go pick out the cutest hat I can find," he says. "I'll be back as soon as possible. Love you both."
"We love you, too," I say, waving Tessa's arm at him as he heads out the door. "Let's go find something for Mommy to wear today." I get up off the couch and carry her up the stairs. I stand in front of my closet and stare at the black and gray contents, longing for a little color. "That's something that's awesome about your clothes, Tessa, they aren't all black and gray with the tiniest amount of red. You get pinks and greens and yellows and blues and purples. Dear God, I'm jealous of my 11-week-old's wardrobe. Go figure." I roll my eyes at my absurdity. I see a shirt Christina gave me, and I think this will be the perfect time to wear it. I lie Tessa on the floor and put on a pair of dark gray maternity shorts and a black fitted tank top that says "[bump] baby under manufacturing process" in dark gray faux jewels on the front. I sift through my shoes and pair the outfit with comfortable 1 inch open toe leather mules. "Are you ready to go back downstairs and wait for Daddy? Wait, I have a better idea." I pick her up off the floor and head to her bedroom, giving her kisses along the way. I sit in her rocking chair and snuggle with her. We rock in silence, our eyes locked on each other. I expect hers to shut soon but they're wide and alert.
"There you are," Tobias says from the doorway. He holds up a sack and says, "I got her the cutest little hat. Give her to me, and I'll get her ready. I want it to be a surprise."
"Okay," I say. He takes her out of my arms and eyes my shirt.
"You look beautiful, Tris. That shirt's cute," he says. "Is it new?"
"New to me," I say. "It was Christina's, and she only wore it once. I thought it would be comfortable for today. I'll leave you two alone to get ready." While I'm patiently waiting for Tobias and Tessa to come downstairs, I pack her diaper bag. When I turn around Tobias is holding Tessa who is dressed in a new matching romper and bonnet set with large pink, orange, and fuchsia flowers and green leaves on a black background and her black Mary Jane's. She looks absolutely adorable. "Oh! You are the cutest baby."
"I couldn't pass it up," he says. "I could have gotten her ten different hats but this was well worth the point I had to pay for it." I look at the hat and it's not only stylish, cute, and charming but since it's covering her ears like Dr. Wilson ordered, it's functional also.
"She's got you wrapped around her little finger," I say placing my lips to his for a soft kiss then kissing her little cheek. Tobias puts her in my arms, and she starts sucking on her fingers. I glance at the clock and know that she shouldn't be hungry under normal circumstances but this ear infection has turned her eating schedule upside down. "I'm going to feed her then we can go. Will you call my mom and tell her we'll be a few minutes late. I don't want anyone to worry about us." I sit down and nurse Tessa again after giving her a second dosage of antibiotics and watch Tobias gather everything we prepared for the barbeque this afternoon. He digs the picnic basket out of one of the cupboards and double checks its contents and then packs it and the cooler.
"Your mom told me that Tyler's been playing on the swings at the park for over half-an-hour already," Tobias says as we walk out to the car, which he parked on the curb after he bought Tessa her outfit. "He apparently asked to leave early so he could get extra time playing."
"My parents have changed so much since Tyler and Tessa came into their lives," I say as I buckle a sleeping Tessa into her car seat. "I never remember getting to play at the park. I know you went through hell in your childhood but I envy the time you spent with Evelyn at the Navy Pier just being a normal kid." He tenses at the mention of his mother but quickly relaxes. "I remember playing games with Caleb on Saturday mornings but about the time we turned four and five, they made us quit. Then our lives were all about putting other's needs above our own." I sigh as I remember my upbringing. It wasn't bad, it was just … different. "It wasn't a bad childhood, don't get me wrong, but I want so much more for our kids, and I'm thankful that my parents are allowing our son to be a little boy right now and not imposing their rules on him." I'm quiet for a while, staring out the window, watching the buildings fade into greenery on our way to the park. "I'm sorry if I made you think about your parents. That wasn't my intention."
"I wasn't," he says. I give him a skeptical look. "Okay, maybe a little but don't feel bad about it. Remembering where I came from reminds me how far I've come."
"You have such a wonderful attitude," I say. I reach over and clasp my hand with his. "I'm looking forward to today. How about you?"
"I've been anxiously awaiting today since we made the plans with your parents and brother," he says. "I'm glad we invited Jeffrey and Laurel also. I can't wait to get to know them better."
"I'm happy that you found your brother and sister," I say. "I look forward to getting to know them also." We pull into the sizeable park and drive to the prearranged meeting spot and park the car. I see Tyler playing on the playground equipment but he hasn't seen us yet. I look around and see Mom and Cara lounging under a big oak tree, which seems like the perfect spot to escape the heat of the midday sun.
"Why don't you take Tessa over with your mom and Cara and I'll unload the car," Tobias says. I'm about ready to argue when I see Dad and Caleb heading our way.
"Okay," I say. I unbuckle Tessa from her car seat and gently ease her out, trying not to wake her and I succeed. I lay her against my shoulder, making sure both her ears are still covered.
"Hi, Beatrice," my dad says as we pass. Caleb gives me a smile but says nothing.
"Hi, Dad, Caleb," I say. "Can you help Four unpack the car? I would but I'd like to get Tessa out of this sun. How is your shoulder, Caleb?" I know his gunshot wound is healed but I still worry about him.
"I'm back to my old self," he says, flexing the muscles in his upper arm. "Thanks for asking. I can't believe how big she's getting or you for that matter. Go. We'll talk later." I'm almost to the tree when Tyler sees me.
"Mommy, Mommy," he yells running my way. He runs into my legs, nearly toppling me over.
"Sshh," I whisper, ruffling his hair. "Tessa's not feeling very well so she's asleep."
"Sowwy," he whispers, full of remorse. He takes my hand, and we walk the rest of the way to the large blanket spread beneath the stately oak tree. I lie Tessa down and sit with my back against the tree then pull Tyler into my arms and hug him close. "How's my boy? I sure missed you last night. Did you have a good time with Grandma and Grandpa?"
"Yep!" he says. "Can I play?"
"Of course you can … after you give me one more hug," I say. He hugs me tightly and surprises me with a big kiss. "I love you, Tyler. Go play but be careful and stay where Mommy and Daddy can see you."
"Otay!" he says as he runs toward the slide. If I could figure out a way to put one of those in his bedroom, he would be in seventh heaven.
"Hi, Tris," Cara quietly says.
"Hi, Cara," I say. "Hi, Mom. Thanks for keeping the kids last night. And I'm sorry for not saying hello sooner. I just needed to talk to Tyler for a minute."
"The kids were fine last night until I couldn't get Tessa to calm down," Mom says. "Nothing like that has ever happened to me before."
"That must have frightened you," I say.
"It did," she says, looking a bit distressed. "I'm sorry I had to call and interrupt your evening but nothing I did would calm her."
"She was hungry, mad, and not feeling well, which is quite a combo for my little girl," I say caressing her back. "It takes quite a bit to get her to eat, and she won't take a bottle. The doctor gave her an antibiotic, and she's had three doses now. When she's awake, her spark is back but she sleeps a lot."
"That's such a cute outfit," Cara says.
"Four bought it for her," I say digging a lightweight blanket out of the diaper bag Tobias just sat down next to me. I drape it over Tessa, making sure that the breeze doesn't make her sicker than she is. "The doctor said it was fine to bring her today if she was feeling better and if we put a hat on her. Unfortunately, we didn't have a hat. Four volunteered to go to the boutique for one, and he came home with an entire outfit."
"She'll never want for anything," Tobias says as he sets up the travel sleeper but I leave her next to me for now.
"How are things with you, Cara?" I ask. "Have you been to see Will, Christina, and Liam since the hospital?"
"I haven't," she says, sounding sad. "I wanted to make some time to see them before initiation starts but time got away from me. Caleb had to practically drag me here today but I'm glad he did. I need some downtime, and it's nice spending time with you guys." I find it hard to believe that there was a time when I thought ill of my brother's girlfriend. Every time I saw her I wanted to punch her. Thankfully, that urge has subsided. "You're involved with your initiation process, aren't you?"
"Yeah, Four and I both are and Christina as well," I say. "It's going to be a very trying nine weeks but I'm looking forward to the challenge." We talk about Choosing Day and initiation for a while longer. I find that I like talking with Cara. She's definitely smart but she doesn't flaunt it like most Erudite do, and I don't have a problem keeping up with her, which I owe to my divergence. Tessa wakes from her nap and is a little cranky. I pick her up and snuggle her close but she continues to whine so I get up and walk to the slide, trying to get her earlier good mood to return. When she sees Tyler on the slide she laughs at him.
"Is Tess laughin' at me?" he asks as he comes running to me.
"Yes," I say. "She can't wait to play with you."
"Tess feeling good?" he asks.
"She gets to feeling a little bit better each time Mommy and Daddy give her the medicine the doctor gave her," I say.
"Is anyone hungry?" Tobias asks as he comes up behind us. I look at Tyler who nods his head vigorously up and down. "I'll put the meat on the grill then. We'll eat soon. Tyler, why don't you rest before lunch and you can play afterwards." I can tell that he wants to argue but he doesn't. He holds his hand up to me, and I take it and lead us back to the blanket. We sit in the shade drinking bottles of ice water watching Tobias man the built-in charcoal grill beside the concrete picnic tables. I see Jeffrey, Laurel, and their little brother, Aaron, approaching from the west.
"Who that?" Tyler asks, carefully watching their approach. How to explain this.
"Cara, would you like to hold Tessa?" I ask. I was going to give her to my mom but this will make Cara feel included.
"Yeah, I'd love to," she says. I place her in Cara's arms, and Tessa just stares at her then smiles. Caleb sits down beside them and starts talking to Tessa.
"You are the cutest baby I've seen," he says and she smiles at him. My girl likes compliments.
"Come here, Tyler," I say. He scrambles onto my lap and listens carefully. "The older two are Jeffrey and Laurel Walsh. They are Daddy's brother and sister. The younger one is their little brother, Aaron." He turns his head and watches their slow approach. "Jeffrey is your uncle and Laurel is your aunt just like Caleb is your uncle."
"What about Uncle Zeke and Wiah?" he asks, somewhat confused.
"They're your uncles because they are really good friends of Mommy and Daddy's not because we're related," I say.
He smiles his brilliant smile and says, "Otay!" I put my arms around him and kiss his cheek. "Oh, baby kick me."
"She sure did," I say rubbing my belly where Peanut just connected with what felt like a knee or elbow.
"Hi, guys. You made it just in time for lunch," Tobias says as our guests reach us. "I'm almost done here then we can sit down for a nice meal." I move Tyler off my lap and he sits down next to Caleb, Cara, and Tessa. I get up and help Mom put red-and-white check linen tablecloths on the side-by-side picnic tables. I unpack the food while she puts plates, utensils, and glasses from the picnic basket at each place setting.
"Everything looks wonderful," Dad says as we all sit down to eat lunch. "Before we begin I would like to say grace." Everyone bows their heads then my father continues. "Bless the food before us, the family beside us, and the love between us. Amen. Let's eat." The conversation at the table flows easily just like the fresh squeezed lemonade and apple juice. We learn so much more about one another. I know I for one am appreciative of this time with my family and extended family. I hope we can continue to have gatherings like this in the future.
After lunch is over we can't keep Tyler off the playground equipment. He tries to enlist everyone to join him but only my dad takes him up on his offer. I watch as Dad follows him over the swinging bridge, up the stairs to the tall tower, then they fly down the slide, Tyler sitting on his lap. I see Aaron eyeing them longingly. I want to tell him to go play but it isn't my place to. Laurel is holding Tessa, who is laughing at her aunt while Tobias sits next to them being the protective father he is. Jeffrey is making small talk with Caleb and Cara. This day couldn't get any more perfect.
"Where are you going?" Tobias asks when he watches me get to my feet.
"To play with our son," I say. "Will you check Tessa's diaper? It's been a while since she's been changed." I walk over to the jungle gym and watch Dad and Tyler on the slide. I sit down on one of the swings and Tyler comes running over.
"I push you," he says. He gets behind me, and I feel his little hands on my backside, pushing me. Before long he has me swinging at a pretty good clip.
"You're doing such a good job pushing Mommy," Tobias says. "Why don't you jump on the swing next to her, and I'll push you both."
"Otay, Daddy," he happily says.
"You hold really tight, Tyler," I say. "I don't want you to get hurt."
"Otay, Mommy," he says then he squeals as Tobias starts to push him. He alternates between pushing me two or three times then he gives Tyler a soft push. "I go high, Mommy! Watch me!"
"I see you," I say as a wave of nausea washes over me. "Four, I think you need to stop pushing me." I drag my feet along the ground and hurry toward the bathroom but by the time I get there the queasiness vanishes. I take advantage of an alone minute and freshen up. When I come out Tobias and Tyler are standing there, matching worry on their faces.
"Awe you otay, Mommy? You sick like Tess?" Tyler asks. I drop down to my knees and wrap my arms around him, longing to hold him.
"You are so sweet," I say, kissing his cheek. "I wasn't feeling very good for a minute but I'm fine now. I'm sorry that I worried you."
"Wowwy Daddy, too," he says. I kiss Tyler's cheek again then get to my feet.
"So I worried Daddy, too, huh?" I ask. "It was nothing. Peanut and I are fine. We just had a moment of nausea."
"You're pale, love," he says. "I think I should get you home."
"Me, too?" Tyler asks looking back and forth from Tobias to the playground equipment.
"You haven't had a nap yet and Avery is coming over to watch you and Tessa tonight," Tobias says. Avery texted me this morning saying it's alright with Stella and Zander that she watches the kids tonight but we decided to surprise Tyler with the information.
"Avey! Yeah! I miss hew," he says, clapping his hands together. "But I not sleepy." He says this with a wide yawn making Tobias and I laugh.
"I think I'll pack up the car while you say goodbye to everyone," Tobias says.
"No, we'll all say goodbye," I say. "Jeffrey and Laurel came to see you not me."
"Don't let those two fool you," he says with a chuckle. "They came to see Tyler and Tessa." I really can't argue with that. They've spent most of their time with them. He picks up Tyler who rests his head on his shoulder. "Not tired," Tobias softly scoffs, probably not aware that he spoke out loud.
"We're going to take off," I say. "The kids need a nap."
"And so does their mother," Tobias says, kissing my temple. "She's exhausted and not feeling 100%."
"Are you alright, Beatrice?" my mom asks, worry anew on her face.
"I got nauseous earlier but I'm feeling better now," I say.
"I wish you didn't have to leave so soon," Caleb says. He gives a nervous smile to Cara who nods her head. "I've been trying to find a way to say this all afternoon but it never seemed like the right time."
"We're engaged," Cara says. My eyes slide to her left hand where a solitaire diamond sits atop a white gold band. How did we not see that?
"Oh!" my mom squeals and wraps her arms around Caleb and Cara. "I'm so happy for the two of you." I wipe the tear out of my eye and hug Caleb tight.
"Congratulations, big brother," I say.
"Thanks, sis," he says. "I'm glad you took our announcement better than I took yours and Four's."
"That's water under the bridge, Caleb," I say. "I hope your marriage is as happy as mine is." I let him go and am pulled into an embrace by Cara.
"I know you haven't always liked me and maybe I'm making unfair assumptions right now that you do but I love your brother very much. He makes me a better person on every level," she says.
"We may not have seen eye to eye when we first met," I say.
"If I remember correctly, you threatened to rearrange my face," she says and I cringe.
"If I never apologized for that, I am really sorry," I say. "I guess you could call me a little overprotective of those I love."
"I should apologize to you also," she says. "I was raised a certain way and until Caleb opened my eyes, I looked down on those who came from Abnegation. I was rude not only to your mom but to you, too."
"Like I just told Caleb, that's water under the bridge," I say. "I'm so happy for you both. Let us know when you have a date set, and if you need any help planning, please let me know. I'd be happy to do what I can. Do Will and Christina know?"
"Not yet," she sighs. "That was another reason why I wanted to see them but I'm going to call him this evening. We don't have a date set but we're leaning toward a Christmastime wedding. It's always been a dream of mine."
"Are you going to be at the Choosing Ceremony?" I ask.
"As a matter of fact I am," she says.
"So is Will," I say. "Maybe you can give him your news in person after all."
"Thank you so much, Tris," she says, hugging me once again. "I'm going to hold off until tomorrow." I look around for Tobias and the kids when Caleb and Cara turn their attention to my dad and find them saying goodbye to Jeffrey, Laurel, and Aaron.
"I'm glad that you all could make it," I say as I reach Tobias' side. "It's been a lovely day."
"We had a wonderful time also," Laurel says. "I'm so glad I got to hang around with my niece and nephew and you and Four, too. Can we do this again sometime?" I can see that Jeffrey wants to scold Laurel for appearing selfish but he hesitates and eagerly awaits Tobias' answer.
"I would love nothing more than to spend as much time as I can with both of you," Tobias says. "Once things have gotten back to normal after initiation is over, we'll make plans to meet at Andrew and Natalie's house. Okay?" Laurel grabs ahold of Tobias in a big hug, startling him for a second before he returns her embrace.
"I'm so glad we found you, Four," she says. He lets go of her and kneels down so that he's more on her level.
"You have no idea how happy I am that I found you," he says, emotion thick in his voice. "I lost sleep worrying if you were okay. It was hard knowing you were out in the city someplace and that I couldn't know anything about you, your faction, your name, if you were being well taken care of. I'm so thankful for your Mom and Dad who love you so much. Knowing that you are happy is one of the best gifts anyone has ever given me." When he finishes his speech, I wipe tears out of my eyes as does he and Laurel. After she hugs him again, he straightens up and looks at Jeffrey.
"Thank you for coming and bringing Laurel and Aaron with you. You're a great big brother," he says. "There's something you might not know, Evelyn told me about Laurel, Tyler, and Tessa but she never told me about you. I don't know why. I wanted to confront her about it but with the situation as it was, I didn't want to put Tessa into any unnecessary danger. I thought I would ask her about a lot of things after Tessa's birth but then … she died. I didn't learn about your existence until the day of Robert's interrogation. I was shocked to say the least but I'm thankful you've been there for Laurel. It makes me worry less about you two knowing you have each other and Aaron of course."
"We have you, Tyler, and Tessa now also," he says.
"Jeffy, we better get home," Laurel says. "It's a long walk."
"Let Cara and me take you home," Caleb says, graciously offering his help.
"We can't let you go out of your way," Jeffrey says.
"It's not out of our way," he says. "My fiancée and I are going to my parent's house to talk about the wedding. It's no trouble whatsoever."
"In that case, we accept your offer," Jeffrey says. "Thank you very much."
"Thanks, Caleb," Tobias says. We say our goodbyes to everyone then watch Caleb, Cara, Jeffrey, Laurel, and Aaron drive off, waving as they disappear. I buckle Tessa who is once again sleeping and Tyler into their car seats and help Tobias get everything situated in the trunk before we go.
"I wish we could take you home but we just don't have the room," I apologetically say to my parents.
"We already talked this over with Caleb and Cara," Mom says. "We're happy to take the bus. It was the least we could do so the Walsh children didn't have to walk home. They are lovely."
"Yeah they are," I say. "Well we have a sitter coming at 8 p.m., and the kids need naps and supper before then so we really need to get going."
"We had a wonderful time today," Mom says. "Your father and I are proud of the woman you've become. I can't believe how much all our lives have changed in one short year." We hug each other again then Tobias and I finally get in the car.
"Today was great but I can't wait to get home," I say. Everyone agrees with me.
"Bye," Tobias, Tyler, and I say as we drive away, waving.