I stand in front of my full length mirror, turning this way and that, admiring the burgundy-colored draped-front dress Christina insisted on sending up for me from the boutique. I called her complaining that I didn't have anything to wear tonight for my date with Tobias. I tried on four dresses and nothing looked or felt good but this one is very stylish in a classic way with its V-neck and gathered empire waist that flows gracefully over my protruding abdomen. It makes me feel feminine and sexy not like a frumpy old woman. Yeah, I think this one's a keeper. I have to remember to thank her. She's amazing at her job.
This time yesterday I wasn't even sure if we would be able to go out tonight. Poor Tessa wasn't feeling well but when she woke up this morning it was as if nothing had been wrong. She was all smiles and giggles. I kept her home with me instead of sending her to daycare with Tyler just in case she took a turn but she has been her old self. She's back on her schedule, which was out of whack the past two days. She spent most of her time asleep beside me in bed yesterday while I watched surveillance video or tried to. I was too worried about my little one to concentrate so I mainly stared down at her and made sure she was okay.
After taking Tyler to daycare yesterday, Tobias spent the day in the control room, diligently working alongside Zeke, James, and Nathan going through hundreds if not thousands of hours of surveillance footage that's been catalogued on Zeke's computer. James and Nathan have been assigned all the footage from inside the compound while Zeke and Tobias have been scanning the footage from around the city. Molly and Drew have been spotted several times on the city cameras but they aren't doing anything suspicious. They're just wandering around with other factionless.
Tobias and I promised each other that we would leave all the Dauntless drama behind us tonight. This is probably the last time we'll be alone for the entire night before Peanut comes. Just thinking about her makes her kick wildly. I run my hand over my belly, and she settles down. We are so in tune with each other.
I lift the dress off over my head and hang it up in my closet then pull my yoga pants back up my body and put my t-shirt back on. I head into Tessa's room to see if she's done with her nap and find her chewing on her cute little cream-colored knit bear in a light pink sweater and mint green overalls that her daddy got her one day last week. He spoils both kids so much.
"Hi, little one," I say. She throws her toy to the side and excitedly kicks her legs when she sees me. "Well, you're feeling better, aren't you?" I pick her up and kiss her forehead, checking to see if she's warm but she's cool. "Are you hungry?" I put a knuckle in her mouth, and she grabs ahold of my hand. "I'll take that as a yes." I sit down in her rocking chair and put her to my breast to nurse her. "I'm glad you're feeling better. Mommy was really worried about you. I don't like it when you don't feel well. I don't like it when Tyler or Daddy are sick either. It makes my heart hurt." I pull her away from my breast causing her to whine and put her up to my shoulder so she can burp then put her to my other breast so she can finish. "You and your brother are going to stay at Grandma and Grandpa's house tonight while Mommy and Daddy go on a date. Grandma is really excited to see you. She loves spending time with you and your brother so much. I don't know who is more eager, Tyler or her. He's just as excited as she is. It's all he's been talking about … well, except for wanting a baby brother … or a puppy. I think he's leaning towards a dog. He's so silly. Which would you rather have, a baby brother or a puppy?" She stares into my eyes, her expression never wavering. "I bet you don't even know what a puppy is, do you little one?" She smiles then continues suckling. "Mommy loves you. You are so sweet."
After she finishes nursing, I change her into a clean diaper then look in her closet for an outfit for her to wear. It's been unseasonably cool lately, and it will be even chillier at my parent's house. I don't want her getting sick again.
"How about this outfit, little one?" I ask. I pull the three piece black and pink polka dot and lady bug outfit out of her closet. "I think this one will work well for going to Grandma and Grandpa's. How about a bath?" She laughs and kicks excitedly. As I walk into the hallway getting ready to go into the bathroom, I hear the front door close. "Looks like Daddy came home for lunch today. Tobias, we're getting ready for a bath," I call out. I expect to hear his footsteps on the stairs but instead I hear nothing. I look at Tessa and she grins at me. "Silly girl." I head downstairs calling out Tobias' name and am surprised when I find the living room and kitchen deserted. "Where did Daddy go?" I check the door and find it unlocked. An uneasiness creeps up on me. I flip the lock on the door and pick up my phone off the charger by the door.
"Hey, love," Tobias says as he answers the phone. "Is Tessa still feeling okay? Do I need to cancel our plans?"
"Tobias, I need you to check the surveillance video outside our apartment from a few minutes ago. I just finished feeding Tessa and was getting ready to give her a bath when I heard the door close. I assumed it was you coming home for a late lunch but when I came downstairs, no one was here and when I checked the door, it was unlocked. I locked the door after you left. I'm positive. Please check."
"Please calm down, love," he says, his Four mask coming through the phone loud and clear. "You probably just heard Will and Christina or Tori and Frankie going into their apartment." I hear his fingers swiftly moving over the keyboard when a sudden, chilling silence comes through the line. He says, "I'm coming home," then hangs up on me. I pull Tessa close to my tightening chest and kiss her head. She usually keeps me calm but I'm too worked up right now. A key in the door makes me jump, and I hold my breath until I see that it's Tobias.
"You hung up on me," I pout.
"I'm sorry about that," he says. "I needed to make sure you and Tessa were okay."
"What did you find, Tobias?"
"Come on, let's sit down, and I'll show you," he says. He puts his hand on the small of my back and leads me to the couch. He helps me sit down then takes Tessa out of my arms and puts her in her swing. He returns to the couch and sits down beside me then puts a removable drive in his laptop. "Try not to get worked up, love." I don't know how he expects me not to overreact when I can feel the tension radiating off his body. He puts the computer in my lap and double clicks on a file to open it causing a video of our hallway to come to life. For a time nothing happens then a darkly shrouded figure walks up to our front door. My hand flies up and covers my mouth as I watch the figure take a key out of their pocket and let themself into my apartment. Unfortunately the person is dressed head to toe in black and has a long-sleeved hooded sweatshirt on with the hood pulled up around their head.
"Who is that?" I whisper, nearly choking on my fear. I force myself to take a deep breath in an attempt to quiet my trembling.
"I don't know," he quietly says. "You know when you suggested someone was coming into our home I thought you were being a tad bit paranoid. I'll never doubt you again." I lift my unsteady hand to rewind the footage and watch it again. A sense of déjà vu washes over me.
"Is this the person we saw Molly meeting with in the Pit the morning Sam was murdered?" I ask.
"Could be," he says inching even closer to me so he can look at the screen. "Appears to be the same height and build. I still can't tell if it is a man or a woman though because of the way it's dressed. Poor fitting pants, an oversized sweatshirt, black combat boots, no visible hair color, piercings, or tattoos. I'll have Zeke do the same kind of analysis he did when he figured out how tall Cameron was. That should at least be a tool to eliminate suspects." He pulls me close and kisses the side of my head. "I called maintenance and our locks will be changed within the hour."
"I'm not sure that's a good idea," I say. He can't hide his confusion. Tessa starts whining so I get off the couch and get her out of the swing. She quiets down immediately. She must not like being ignored. "We need to find out who has been coming into our home. Seeing that video made me feel … violated. I don't like feeling this way."
"I'm sorry," he says. "I understand."
"Remember the many times we've been to the store for baby necessities?"
"Yes," he says. He runs his hand over Tessa's head.
"Do you remember seeing the nanny cams? We kind of laughed them off."
"I do remember. They come in all sorts of items – clocks, teddy bears, tissue holders, other household items."
"I think we need to get one and set it up to see who's breaking in," I say.
"Tessa, your mommy is an absolute genius," he says, kissing her squarely on the mouth. She giggles and grins widely. "First of all, do you still want to go out tonight?"
"Yes," I say. "I'm not going to let whoever this is ruin our plans."
"Are you sure?" he asks.
"Definitely." A smile brightens his face before he places his lips on mine. He kisses me tenderly until we're both breathless. He runs the back of his fingers down my cheek after he backs away.
"Will you be alright here without me?" he asks. "I'm going to go get one of those nanny cams so I can set it up before we go but if you'd rather me stay, I will."
"I'm fine," I say. "I obviously scared whoever it was off. I really don't think they'll come back right away. I'll give Tessa her bath and start getting ready for tonight."
"I love you," he says. "I better go."
"Remember Tyler needs a bath before we go tonight."
"I'll swing by the store and pick up what I need before I go get him," he says. We get up off the couch, and I walk him to the door."
"Be careful."
"Don't worry about me," he says. I narrow my eyes at him. "Fine. I'll be careful."
"I love you, Tobias."
"I love you." He kisses me passionately but swiftly then says, "Love you, too, Pebbles. You be good for Mommy." She kicks her legs excitedly as he kisses her head then starts jabbering loudly. "I'll cancel the locksmith so you won't be disturbed." He cups my cheek and I lean into his palm. I can tell by the look in his eyes that he's looking forward to tonight just as much as I am. "I'll be right back." He kisses my forehead then kisses Tessa's head. We stand in the hallway saying goodbye until he's out of sight.
"Bath time," I say as I lock the door. "Should we go upstairs or would you be okay with a bath in the sink?" She smiles and coos, letting me know anywhere is fine as long as she gets to have a bath soon. I put her in the swing, set the timer then gather everything I need and position the items around the sink. "Come on, little one." I lift her out of the swing and take her onesie and diaper off. When I sit her in the tub and start her bath, she squeals excitedly. "I've never heard that sound before out of your sweet little mouth." I lean over and give her a kiss and she fists her little hand in my hair and pulls … hard. "Owe! Boy, you have a grip on you, don't you?" I take her hand and pry my strands out of it. She looks up at me with an innocent little smile. "You've got Mommy wrapped around your finger." I continue with her bath, washing her hair and pudgy little body. After she's clean, I put a fresh diaper on her and wrap her up in her special towel and sit down on the couch with her. I hold her close, and she lies contentedly against my chest. "Do you think your little sister will have your sunny disposition? If she's half as easy going as you and Tyler are, she'll be a wonderful baby." I lie down, cuddling her close in an attempt to take a nap but I can't force my eyes to shut. Tessa on the other hand is out like a light. My mind wanders to the attempted break-in. Who is this person? What do they want? How did they get a key? I recognize my anxiety level rising with each question so I concentrate on Tessa instead of obsessing. I watch the rise and fall of her chest and soon realize I'm smiling. When Tobias comes through the door, it startles me.
"Did I wake you?" he asks.
"No," I say. "I couldn't sleep." I hear Tyler before I see him.
"Hi, Mommy," he says. When he sees Tessa asleep, he stops in his tracks and tiptoes to me.
"Hi, buddy," I say. "Thank you for being quiet for sissy. Tobias, can you help me?" He comes over to me and takes Tessa then offers me a hand. With a little tug, I'm on my feet again. "Thank you." I take Tessa back and say, "Come on, Tyler. You need a bath before you go to Grandma and Grandpa's. I'm going to put Tessa in her crib, give Tyler a bath, then I'm going to get ready for our date." I take Tyler's hand and lead him towards the stairs. "Where are you taking me again?"
"It's a surprise and you know it," Tobias says with a glimmer in his eyes.
"Thought I'd give it a shot," I chuckle.
"Can I have a puppy?" Tyler asks.
"Tyler, you know Mommy and I still need to talk about that."
"Thought I'd give it shot," he says, shrugging his shoulders.
"Tyler, be good," I say doing my best to hide my amusement. "Bath … now." He lowers his head and trudges up the stairs toward the bathroom. My eyes meet Tobias' and he rolls them toward the ceiling.
"He's your son," he says with a chuckle.
"And I'm proud of it."
I follow after Tyler, stopping to put Tessa in her crib. I run his bathwater while he gets out of his clothes. I sit on the toilet, watching him play after I wash his hair and he uses my poof with his body wash all over while running my hands over my belly trying to sooth where Peanut is kicking away. After a particularly hard kick to my kidney, I wince.
"Mommy otay?" Tyler asks, noticing.
"I sure am. The baby's just kicking," I say.
"Baby, stop kickin' Mommy," he says as he furrows his little brows. He's very protective of me.
"She doesn't mean it," I say. "You know that."
"Otay," he says.
"Are you ready to get out?"
"No," he whines. I look at the clock on the wall.
"Five more minutes then you have to get out with no whining, okay?" I sternly say.
"Otay, Mommy." He creates waves then floats his little wooden boats on them until they crash together then throws his head back and laughs hysterically. My heart warms seeing him so happy. He's come a long way in the past nine months. I get up and let the water out of the tub then wrap him in a fluffy towel. After drying him off, I help him step out of the tub and have him dry his feet.
"I laid out an outfit on your bed to wear," I say. "Get dressed then play quietly in your room until Daddy or I come to get you." He drops his towel and dashes out the door, a pale streak. I shake my head as I pick up his clothes and put them in the hamper then hang the wet towel on the bar. I close the door, strip out of my clothes and step into the stall. Even though I have the time to take a leisurely shower, I'm too excited to get my evening with Tobias started to linger so I'm in and out within five minutes. I wrap my hair in a towel then my body in another and step out into the cool room.
I stare at myself in the mirror wondering what the night has instore for us. He won't tell me a thing. The only thing I absolutely know is our plans are for outside the compound unless he intends to bring us back after we drop the kids off at my parents. I hope the dress and black ankle boots with two inch heels aren't a mistake. He really didn't give me an indication of what to wear. Not that it really matters. I'm sure we'll end up naked anyway. Muscles deep in my belly contract at the thought.
I take my time expertly putting my makeup on just like Christina taught me then style my hair with a flirty wave the way it was fixed at her wedding. I put the damp towel next to Tyler's and slather a thick layer of coconut oil lotion all over my body, concentrating on my growing belly. I slide my robe on after the lotion is dry then go into my bedroom and close the door. I slip into the sexy matching burgundy-and-cream-colored lace and satin nursing bra and under belly boy shorts that Christina sent with the dress. I have to say I like it. It beats my every day lingerie to pieces. I walk to the closet and slip the dress on being careful of my already styled hair then take my favorite pair of boots, which I polished this morning, and sit on the bed to put them on. I walk over to the mirror and make sure that everything looks good but something seems missing. I rifle through my jewelry boxes looking for the perfect necklace when I hear something behind me.
"Wow! You look absolutely stunning … so beautiful," Tobias says as he leisurely runs his eyes over me. I can't help myself and I do the same. He looks so handsome in his black sports coat, dark gray button down shirt, which has a couple buttons open, and tight faded black jeans. I see the infinity cuff I got him for our anniversary of meeting each other peeking out from under the sleeve and I smile.
"You don't look too bad yourself," I say. "I was just trying to figure out what jewelry to wear." I hold up my infinity symbol necklace that he got me for the wedding and the drop pendant he got me when I officially became a member of Dauntless.
"I'm glad I caught you then," he say, producing a small box from behind his back.
"Tobias," I censure.
"You have no idea what today is, do you?" he says. I furrow my brows at him in confusion. September 3rd. Not his birthday or mine. More than a month from my due date. No special occasion I can think of. The day before initiation finals. "You wound me." Something clicks in my brain, and I can't believe that I never gave it a thought.
"You let me into your life. You kissed me," I whisper, trying not to choke on the emotion welling up inside me. How could I have forgotten? The worry on his face turns to triumph.
"No tears," he says, kissing away the single drop that escaped my eyelid. "Open your present, Mrs. Eaton." I flip the lid with a trembling hand and find a new charm for my bracelet. "I've been looking for a while for the right charm, something that perfectly represented that moment." He runs his finger over the artistic interpretation of a man and woman kissing. "Gunner made it when I told him about my dilemma." He gets my bracelet and slides it on, attaching the charm in place then puts it on my left wrist.
"It's perfect," I say. "You are perfect. I love you so much." I throw my arms around his neck and pull his mouth to mine, practically assaulting him with my aggressive tongue but he doesn't seem bothered by my attack. As a matter of fact, he welcomes it. I can feel his arousal pressing into me, and I sway my hips in a suggestive manner.
"Hey, hey," he roughly says as he pulls away from me, his voice and eyes full of desire. "We need to quit this before we lose our heads. We've got to take the kids to your parents. Besides I don't want Tyler walking in on us again." The mention of our son clears my head from the lust-induced fog.
"You're right," I pant. "I'm sure we'll have plenty of time for that later."
"I won't go as far as to say that I planned for us to have sex tonight," I'm not sure I believe him, "but a man can hope." He takes my wedding necklace out of its box and puts it around my neck. It lays just above my cleavage and is the missing piece that completes this outfit. He takes my hand and leads me into Tessa's room. She's lying in the middle of the crib in the pink and black outfit I picked out for her earlier. "I hope you meant to put her in this," he says as he lifts her out of the crib. If I have this timed right, she should be hungry. I hope I'm not jinxing things by feeding her in this dress but the crossover top is perfect for nursing.
"Are you hungry, little one?" It's obvious that she is with the way she's sucking on his coat.
"Do you want me to give her a bottle?"
"No. If I don't feed her, I would just have to pump anyway." I sit down and he hands her to me once I'm ready. He kneels down in front of us, his eyes on our nursing daughter. I watch him as he watches her, a strong look of wonder and love in his eyes.
"You're a wonderful mother, Tris," he reverently says. "I never tire watching you feed our daughter." I'd make a smart comment but I can tell by the look on his face that he's absolutely serious. I reach out and stroke his face, and he brings his eyes to mine. We gaze at each other for a moment then he leans up and places his lips on mine. The kiss is not passionate but respectful, worshipping. It's the sexiest kiss he's ever given me. When he pulls away, his look is thoughtful. "I'm going to check on Tyler." He gets to his feet then kisses the top of my head before leaving the room.
"What were you thinking about?" I ask the empty doorway. I look down and watch my daughter as she gets her belly full. She doesn't even fuss when I burp her. When she finishes, I change her into a clean, dry diaper and put the little jacket that goes with her outfit on. "We're ready to go," I say when I reach the landing. The first thing I see is the cream colored tissue holder with a black floral pattern on it sitting on the end table closest to the door. If – or should I say when – our intruder breaks in again, it will capture his or her face.
"Everything's going to be alright," Tobias says, noticing my stare.
"I'm surprised it's as stylish as it is," I say. "I was expecting some clunky-looking box that would stand out like a sore thumb."
"Functional surveillance," he says, lightly taping on the wooden box. "The camera is tiny but guaranteed to get us the information we're looking for. Here, let me take Tessa. You'll need your jacket." He points to the black fitted leather jacket that's thrown over the back of the couch. "You can always take it off if you get warm." The double entendre doesn't go unnoticed, and I roll my eyes at him.
I double check the diaper bag to make sure I didn't forget anything then say, "Let's go."
We walk to the garage and load into the already packed car. Everyone is excited for tonight: Tessa for getting to ride in the car, Tyler for getting to see his grandparents, and Tobias and me for getting away. The ride is smooth and doesn't seem to take that long listening to the kids in the backseat. I imagine it won't always be like this. It'll get to the point where Tessa will bother Tyler and he'll want nothing to do with her. The thought makes me sad. I brush off the melancholy not wanting it to ruin my good mood.
We arrive at my parent's house a little early and start unloading the car. When we get to the door, I hesitate to knock because I hear raised voices inside. I look up at Tobias with furrowed brows. This is very unusual coming from this house. Both my parents are usually very quiet and respectful of one another. When I knock on the door, the voices silence, and after a moment, Mom opens the door wearing a fake smile.
"Is this a bad time?" I ask. Embarrassment flashes across her face, and I feel bad for saying anything.
"Of course not," she says. "We weren't quite expecting you. Come in."
"Sorry we're early," I say. "Someone was really excited to see you." Tyler steps forward with a big grin on his face.
"That be me," he says. "Hi, Gwamma. I miss you." Her face softens as she kneels before him and takes him in her arms. She hugs him to her tightly. It's obvious she's trying to collect herself.
"I've missed you, too, sweet boy," she says as she lets him go. She stands straight and her eyes land on Tessa. "This can't be my granddaughter, can it?"
"She's getting so big," I say. "Do you want to see Grandma, little one?" Tessa smiles her wide toothless grin when Mom takes her. Dad walks into the dimly lit, sterile-looking kitchen with a haggard look about him. "Hi, Dad."
"Hello, Beatrice," he says. "You are looking well."
"You look … tired," I say.
"It's all the initiation craziness," he says, a warm smile on his face. "I'm certain it's the polar opposite of Dauntless' initiation process but it's still stressful."
"I'm sure it is. You know, we don't have to leave the kids with you if you're not feeling up for it."
"I've been looking forward to this since Four called so there is no way I'm letting you leave here with them," Mom says.
"Okay," I say. "Tessa just ate. Tyler hasn't. She can sit up but has the tendency to fall over, which scares her and makes her cry. If you give her a bottle before bed, she should be able to sleep all night. Once in a while she wakes up because of a dirty diaper but that doesn't happen too often anymore. I feel like I'm forgetting something."
"Beatrice, I raised two children," Mom says, her smile finally reaching her eyes. "I think I remember how to take care of them. You and Four go and have a good time."
"Okay," I say. "Tyler, buddy, you be good for Grandma and Grandpa. Okay?"
"I be good," he says. He launches himself at my legs in an attempt to hug me and nearly knocks me over.
"Be careful with Mommy," Tobias says putting his hands on my back to keep me upright.
"I sowwy," he pouts.
"It's alright, buddy," I say. I stoop over and wrap my arms around him and pepper his cheeks with kisses. "I love you very much. I'll see you tomorrow."
"See you 'morrow," he says, hugging me fiercely. While Tobias tells Tyler goodbye I take Tessa back from my mom. "I love you, little one. You be good for your grandma and grandpa." I give her kisses and hugs and she giggles wildly at me. "You think Mommy's kisses are silly, don't you? You don't laugh when Daddy kisses you."
"She better not," he teases. "Come here, little one." He takes her and kisses her and sure enough she just smiles. "That's my girl. I love both of you, Tyler and Tessa. Mommy and I will see you tomorrow. Thanks for agreeing to watch them for us, Natalie, Andrew. We'll call before bedtime and check on them."
"Okay, Four," Mom says. He places Tessa back in her arms then puts his hand on the small of my back and leads me to the door.
"Thanks again, Mom, Dad," I say. "If you need anything, just call, anytime." Tobias opens the door and leads me out to the car. I look over my shoulder and find my parents and the kids standing there waving. We wave back then they close the door. "I'm worried."
"We can take the kids with us," he says.
"No. I'm worried that there is something really wrong with Mom and Dad. Neither one looks happy anymore." He puts his finger on my chin and tilts my head back until I'm looking at him.
"I hope this doesn't sound harsh because I don't mean it to but their marriage is their business," he says. "There is nothing you can do and worrying about them isn't good for you or Peanut."
"I know you're right. I'll try not to worry," I say. "But they've always been so much in love."
"And they still are," he says. "I'm sure it's just a rough patch. It happens. They'll be fine. Can we get back to us?"
"Yes," I say. "Where are you taking me?" He reaches into his pocket and pulls out a long piece of black silk. My stomach muscles tighten as he runs his fingers over the material.
"I told you, it's a surprise."