Chapter 14

Despite the slightly embarrassing beginning, the dinner turned out to be light and enjoyable. And Betty enjoyed every minute of it. When they met Adam, Alexis american boyfriend who lives in France, Daniel couldn't believe his luck. He would tease her about it just as mercilessly. When Alexis groaned and thrown a napkin at him to make him stop, he easily caught it and told her that it was payback, not only for earlier but also for her always torturing him as a child.

Adam was a big American bloke. Not an overly build stature, just as tall as Alexis and a gorgeous smile. His dark brown unruly curls have a few grey strikes, which make him appear distinguished, but not old. He works in advertising and is a passionate basketball player. They crashed into each other in the park. Literally. They were both on a run and not looking where they were heading. After their first conversation they kept meeting at the park, were soon running together and one day, be on their first date. And the rest is, as Adam said, history. They were absolutely adorable together. And Betty never thought that she would see Alexis Meade blush.

Tyler was still trying to find his place in this family, but was doing so much better with Amanda at his side. They looked so cute together. And Amanda was not only more mature but very considerate of him. She wasn't drinking any alcohol, because she doesn't want for him to smell it on her breath. It was really refreshing to see both of them so in love. Amanda was telling Betty all about it. Cause like she said, Betty was missing all the fun at MODE.

'It's ok, next Friday I have hopefully my last therapy session and doctors appointment for a long time. If I get a good doctors report then, I'll be back at work on Monday', Betty squeals the last part. Can't keep her excitement at bay. She sneaks in two claps and looks up to Daniel with her most brilliant smile. He only chuckles at her, touching her blushing cheeks with his fingers softly.

'Woah, Betty, be careful. You could blind us with that smile', Alexis chuckles.

'Sorry, it's just so long and the thought of finally going back to work, doing something productive with my time? It's overwhelming, but in the best possible way', Betty gushes

'And of course the fact that you and Daniel could see each other everyday then? All the time. Whenever you want to', Amanda says sensual and is teasing them. Well, she didn't change that much, Betty thought. But she didn't care. Tease her all you want. Yes, she will be glad to be back at work and the one reason for it is Daniel.

'It is a glorious added bonus', Betty sighs dreamily.

'Stop, your making me blush, Betty', Daniel teases her, before bending down and placing a sweet kiss on her lips. Which Betty draws out a bit longer by cupping his cheek.

'I can't help it, as sweet as this is, it's still kind of weird', Alexis says, small cocky smile on her lips and attitude in her eyes.

'I could say the same about every single conversation we ever had', Betty shoots back.

'Oh, tell me one weird conversation we had?', Alexis calls out, a little tipsy from the wine.

'Our first one on one encounter, springs to mind. In the elevator? Where you told me that they don't keep 'it' in a jar?', Betty says matter-of-factly, perfectly plucked eyebrows raised.

'Oh right, sorry, our family really doesn't have a filter', Alexis apologizes.

'As if I don't know. Next thing I know is Daniel telling me about organizing a pissing contest for you two, cause he still has his penis and you don't. You are all so freaking weird', Betty rumbles, shaking her head. The wine was getting to her. She can feel it. Her head feels light, her thought process are slower then usual and her worries almost nonexistent.

'Betty, that was meant private', Daniel says shocked.

'Oh come on, that was three and a half years ago and shortly before fashion week. Gisele and Tom would've killed for half the media coverage your penis got back then', Betty says dry, amused smile on her face.

'I can't believe you just said that', Daniel says delighted. The wine she had tonight makes her adorably bolder. She wanted to enjoy herself this weekend. And she really does. They all have a great time together. Enjoying the teasing. It does feel like a family. And seeing Betty this comfortable around his family? Seeing her so bold? It's very refreshing.

'You mean the truth?'

'No, the thing about my penis, in front of everyone. Who are you and what have you done to my Betty', he said jokingly, softly poking her in the rips.

'I could say worse?', Betty says giggling.

'Like?', Alexis quips in.

'It's like meeting someone famous?', Betty says witty, eyebrows arched.

'God, it's good to have you around, Betty. You fit right in', Alexis laughs heartily.

'And it's my turn to go to bed', Claire says amused. 'Before this conversation takes a turn I don't want to witness'

'No, Claire, please. I swear, he'll behave', Betty says laughing, making everyone laugh with her, only Daniel looking slightly shocked but delighted by her confidence. A warm deep chuckle on his lips. It's a huge turn on for him, really. And he doesn't mind the jokes on his behalf. If it means everyone is getting along so well. And who could be mad at someone so gorgeous, for making one or two witty comments about his past. It's not as if she was lying. And he knows she means no harm by saying it. They're fine. And in one week, he hopes they are going to be so much more than just fine. Until then, he has patience and enjoys the view.

Waking up on Saturday was glorious. Knowing Betty was right next to him. Warm, vibrant, soft and responding. The thought alone makes him shiver. Until he realizes that something, well rather someone was missing. Stretching his arm out and padding over the other suspiciously cold bedside, he opens his eyes. Sees nothing but rumpled sheets and a small note on her pillow. Grabbing the note and rolling on his back, he rubs over his eyes before reading.

Good Morning sleepyhead,

turn to your right. Maybe the coffee is still warm. Go on, take a sip. I know you want to. It's okay, I'll wait...

Turning around to the right, he sees a cup of coffee on the bedside table. God, Betty is amazing. Sitting up, he takes the cup and sips on it. The coffee is not hot but still warm. He takes another few big sips before turning his attention back on the note.

... hey, I said take a sip, not drink half the cup. But I shouldn't judge. I'm probably already on my second or third cup. It just depends on when you are finally deciding to join me downstairs.

Come on, handsome, you know the drill. Get your gorgeous butt out of bed and find me. I miss you and want my toe curling good morning kiss.

I can't wait to see you, Daniel.

I love you

Betty

Grinning down at the note, he drinks the rest of the still warm coffee and gets ready in record time. Walking into the kitchen he founds Alexis and his mom looking out the window to the backyard, both a cup of coffee in hand.

'Hey good morning, what are you staring at?', Daniel says, walking up behind them, looking back and forth between them.

'Your girlfriend', Alexis says in awe, while showing him the direction to look with one perfect manicured finger.

'Huh?', looking up, he sees Betty outside in the backyard.

'When I told her yesterday where she could find a yoga mat, I didn't think she would really do it. I thought I tell her now, but come tomorrow she will bounce downstairs, late morning with you and just sheepishly smile at me', Claire adds.

'Betty getting up late? Never. She even has an alarm on weekends. I wanted to throw it out if the window at least ten times by now. She claims it has something to do with her mom. She doesn't want to wake up one day and feel like not having spend enough time with her loved ones. So I learned to ignore them', Daniel looks at Betty. He understands that losing her mother at such a young age was hard for her. Everyone needed to step up. And in a matter of month she became a young adult. Her playful and carefree childhood coming to an end to fast. His mom lays a hand on his arm. She understands. Of course she does. She knows through conversations with Betty herself how hard it still weighs on her. Not having her own mother around for all those great milestones she already achieved. He's grateful that they get along so well. That Betty could share it with his mother. Even though it's not the same.

'Will you look at her form, mom? How does she even get in that position?', Alexis says, tilting her head sideways to understand whatever Betty is doing there.

'Yeah, I had no idea as well, she told me a few weeks ago. She does yoga for seven years now. Said it's her way of relieving stress. It helps her concentrate and find inner peace. Her words not mine', Daniel says lightly.

'Did you ever see her do yoga?', Alexis says with a sideways glance on him.

'Nope, but I always wondered how someone so clumsy could get into one yoga position. Though through her intense training over the last months she got more and more coordinated. But thank god, sometimes she still turns around to fast and her glasses get crooked and she almost will loose her footing. It's too adorable. It would be a shame if she would loose it for good', he chuckles.

'What is she doing now? That's not yoga', Claire says confused.

'Those are her practices for her arms. She stopped to train her legs everyday. She keeps joking about them being in better shape than before the accident. But her arms she does pretty much everyday. Sometimes her wrist is still bugging her, but she manages so well', Daniel tells them, admiration dripping from every pore of his body.

'Love suits you, dear', Claire says, cupping his cheek. He smiles brilliantly at her, dips his head to place a quick kiss on her cheek. And then turning around, Daniel jogs through the dining room to the wide glass doors. Steps out into the sun. The first rays on his face are surprisingly warm. Basking in the warmth for a second, he quickly turns around and stops in his tracks. Betty has a little audience. They spoke about her accident last night. Of course. It determines her everyday life. Everything is on hold for her, because of it. Everyone was very shocked. Hearing how badly she was injured. Hearing how bad it really was. The struggle to learn how to walk again. They must've heard that she was here doing her routine. Probably just interested in what she was doing to get her strength back. Tyler and Amanda sit sideways on a lounge chair. Amanda talking under her breath about something only Tyler knows. He chuckles now and then. Gives her a loving look. Adam sits on a chair under a sunshade, while sipping his coffee and reading the papers. Every now and then he looks up to see what she does. But DJ, he was very open about his admiration. He sat about three foot away from her on the ground, watching every move she makes. Every twitch of her muscles. His mouth slightly agape, eyes huge. Small blush on his cheeks. He looks a little like a teenager with a crush. It's very adorable.

When he slowly walks over she sits down on her knees, looks up to him with a playful grin. She looks so adorable in her burnt orange yoga pants and top. Her hair made up into a messy bun.

'Hey Sporty Spice', he says joking, squatting down in front of her. She puts her hands on his thighs, scoots forward, kneeling between his legs.

'Hey sleepyhead, took you long enough to find me', she grins, Daniel dips his head low, kisses her deep, passionate. When he breaks away after a few seconds, he asks her 'That what you wanted?'

Shaking her head, she grabs his shirt and pulls him back to her. Her arms snake around his waist and neck. His hands softly glide up and down her back, before wrapping them around her shoulders and crushing her to him. When Betty moans into the kiss he gently breaks away from her, a deep chuckle under his breath. Touching their foreheads together, Betty breathes in his familiar scent. Staying a little while longer in their little bubble.

'That was so hot', Amanda gasps. Adam chuckles behind his papers, looking up to her. Welcomes Alexis with an open arm when she walks past them and sits on a chair beside him. A little tray with sandwiches placed down on the table in front of her. Short after her Claire makes her way over to the group, a tray with coffee, water and Soda in tow.

'Did you all wait for me?', Daniel says, realization hitting him.

'We didn't want to. But when Betty said that she's going to wait with breakfast for you, we thought it would be cruel of us to eat in front of her, while she does her workout', Alexis says dry.

'Why am I not surprised that you were more concerned about Betty than your own brother?', Daniel states matter-of-factly.

'Because she is so damn nice and loveable. And you are... not', Alexis says wickedly.

'Not true, I love you very much', Betty whispers into his ear, wrapping her arm around his neck to pull him a little further down to her. Placing a few hot, wet kisses along his neck. She starts sucking on his skin. Right where his shoulder meets his neck. Making him gasp. His hands planted firmly on her back. Holding on for dear life. She is so hot.

'We are trying to eat here', DJ grumbles out over a big bite of his sandwich, not even looking in their direction.

'DJ don't talk when your mouth is full', Alexis scolds softly.

Betty sucks a bit longer, before softly releasing his skin and letting her tongue soothingly lick over it. Over and over again. Soothing the most delicate pain.

'Say Ms. Suarez, are you giving me a hickey?', Daniel whispers. His hands cup her face, holding it out in front of him.

'Maybe? What if I do, Mr. Meade?', she says seductively under her breath, biting her lip and looking up under her lashes.

'I say, that's hot', he mumbles against her lips. 'And that it's my first'

'Uuh, so we still have a few firsts together. How delightful', she purrs, before kissing him soundly on the lips. She jumps up on her feet and stands above him, stretching out her hands to help him up. 'Come on, old man, let me give you a helping hand'

'Oh, you pay for that. I'll give you a five second head start before coming after you', he mock-glares at her, holds up his hand to count the five seconds down with his fingers. 'Come on, embryo in pumps, you better start running. I'll count down for you. 5..., 4..., 3..., 2..., 1...'

He takes off after her, hears her giggle. They have a huge backyard as their playground. And after a really short amount of time he easily catches up to her. Lifts her up in the air, and throws her over his shoulder. Her feet kicking in the air, trying to wiggle her way down from his shoulder.

'Let me down, Meade', Betty calls out, accentuating every word with a clap on his butt.

'Hell no, you young lady, go into the naughty corner. Til you learn your lesson', he says the last part, doing her the favour of repeating her action. Claps her butt along with every word.

'Which is?', she asks giggling.

'To respect your elders', he says mischievously. Standing on the side of the pool letting her dangle over the edge, he lets her slip an inch over his shoulder.

'Aaah', she screams. Her hands clutch his back. Trying desperately to hold on. His chuckle irritatingly light.

'Don't tell me your afraid of a little water?'

'You know, I can't swim', she calls out.

He lets her slip another inch closer to the water. Her hands are desperately fisting in his shirt.

'Daniel, I swear to god, if you let me fall into the water, I'll kick you where it really hurts. And if you think that some teen in soccer practice kicks hard, then you've been never kicked by a girl from Queens', she calls out, before he lets her plunge into the water.

'Daniel', his mother calls out panicked, is in an instant beside him, looking out for Betty. 'Aren't you going after her?'

'Why? She can swim. Mom, she was trying to wiggle her way out of it', he states, squatting down on the pool edge. Looking at a struggling Betty. 'Stop messing around, silly girl. It's not working', he grins.

'Since when do you listen to me?', she stops with her fake struggle and swims over to the poolside. 'Sorry, Claire', she smiles sheepishly up.

'You two really deserve each other. One is worse than the other', she sighs and goes back to the table.

'Why did you think, I gave you the diary with the key lock for your birthday? To shut you up. You were non stop complaining about Hilda and how she read your diary. I simply couldn't stand it anymore', he says grinning. She already pushed out of the pool and were sitting on the pool edge. Wringing the water out of her hair. She gasps and splashes him square in the face.

'And here I was thinking you'd care. I love that diary'

'I do care, but it also felt sometimes like my ears were being chewed on', he says, smile brilliant, while wiping away the water from his face.

'I see how it is. Well, maybe I should shut up for the rest of the weekend. Give your poor ears a little rest', Betty has a glint in her eyes. Mischievously chewing on her bottom lip.

'Don't. After you didn't talk to me for four days, I don't want you to ever shut up again', he cups her cheek sweetly. His thumb drawing little circles over the adorable rose tinting blush.

The weekend went over in a blur. And before everyone knew what was happening they had to say their goodbyes. Tyler and Amanda were the first to go this afternoon and were already back in the city.

Betty and Daniel stood over a little while longer. Betty knew how hard this was on him. Seeing DJ made him think about the whole fiasco. How much he wished that it was all different. And they were so good together. She could see Alexis watching them. With a somewhat regretful shine in her eyes. But thinking about it, let's Betty realize, that as much as Daniel wants DJ to be his son, this was Alexis only chance to have a biological son. And that must be something Alexis is deep down thankful for. Let's be real, Daniel still has, maybe not endless opportunities, but definitely the chance of having his own child. More than one. Which she maybe shouldn't think about. They weren't even together like that. But seeing him like that? As a somewhat father figure to DJ? She likes what she sees. Is delighted and warmed to the core. And though she never really thought about kids, and if she wanted them. Well, the little incident with Matt was... - interesting, to say the least. She couldn't picture herself with Matt and a baby. And after her pregnancy scare, she thought she doesn't want kids. Like ever. The thought to scary. But now, here with the Meades and an adorably rumpled Daniel. Who's playing, teasing and ringing with his nephew, her future seems a bit brighter. Their future seems to hold so much more.

Christmas time, a Christmas tree beautifully decorated with self-made ornaments. And an adorable Daniel sitting on the floor, a little bundle in his arms. Making silly faces and speaking nonsense. Making funny noises and being delighted in every little sound that bundle makes. Til it cries out.

'Hey Betty, I think it's your turn now', he looks up at her, loving smile on his face, brilliant shine in his eyes. He looks so happy. 'I think he's hungry'

The scene shifts and all of a sudden she sits in a park on a blanket. A little Picknick set up around her. And there is Daniel, running around with a little boy on his shoulders. Playing hide and seek, climbing up trees, kicking a ball in a little net. Scoring goal after goal. When a little cry wakes Betty out of her admiration, she turns around, sees a little baby girl nestled in a few pillows on the blanket. Their little girl. Betty picks her carefully up, and begins feeding her. Looks at the beautiful baby in wonder. Soothing her back to sleep after her lunchtime. Keeping her secure in her arms, she is not ready to let go of her yet. It's weird, she already feels attached to her imaginary baby girl in this imaginary life. A name springs to mind. It rolls from her tongue, as if she said it a hundred times already. And in this life she probably did. 'Annabelle', Betty whispers, softly stroking her chubby cheek with one of her fingers. She looks a lot like Betty. But she can see blond strikes framing her face under the little knitted hat she's wearing.

'Hey, we heard Ella and got hungry ourselves', Daniel flops down on the blanket, scoots closer to kiss their daughters forehead. Cups Betty's cheek and kisses her soft but passionate. 'The two most beautiful girls in the world. I'm so lucky'

'Daddy, I'm hungry too', their little son calls out.

'I'm on it, I swear. But your mom is so beautiful. She distracted me for a second. Isn't she beautiful, Benny?' His dreamy look is fixed on Betty. Never wavering.

'Yes, mommy is really pretty, but I'm hungry', little Ben says unruly. He drives with his little toy car over the blanket. Making the sounds with his adorable tiny voice. He looks so much like Daniel he has his bright blue eyes and the boyish charm. When he looks up and smiles at Betty, she sees the familiar lopsided grin she loves so much. But his dark unruly curls? Yeah, that's definitely her.

'Hey buddy, there you go', Daniel gives their son a little plate with Tamales. 'He was talking non stop about the Tamales. And that mommy's are so much better then grandpa's'

'Yeah, cause they are', Ben munches on a Tamale driving with his little toy car over the plate.

Daniel runs his finger over her cheek again, her blush almost a constant feature when they are together. She never seems to get used to it all. She's still blushing ferociously around Daniel. 'I love when you blush, Betty'

'Betty'

'Betty, hey you ok? What were you thinking about?', Daniel's finger softly trace the blush on her cheeks. Just like imaginary-Daniel did. She blinks a few times. Tries to come back out of this little detour. Everyone looks at her. For crying out loud, they were still around his family. How could she let herself get so carried away? She gulps down some air, opens her mouth to say something, but no sounds were made. She looks dumbfounded at him. Sees still their two beautiful kids. 'Wow, that must've been a hell of a thought. Now you really have to tell me what it was'

'Nothing, I was just thinking...', about having your babies, apparently. Woah, she should really get a grip. It's time they have their date. After that, everything is going to be better.

'Yeah..., I don't believe that, but if you don't want to tell me, that's fine', he whispers chuckling to her.

'Stop teasing her and get a move on, Daniel. She looks tired. You should bring her home so she can rest', Claire says, wiggling her way between them and hugging her fiercely. 'Thank you, Betty. This weekend was what I always wanted for my family'

'I know. I'm glad you got it. We should do it again. Whenever Alexis, DJ and Adam have time to come over again', Betty whispers.

'Yes, I'm definitely going to work on that. You have my word', Claire smiles lovingly. 'Now, go home and rest. Don't let him keep you up. You're still in recovery. At least for one more week'

'Five days, please don't stretch it out longer than it really is', Daniel says sounding a little whiny. He already said goodbye to the rest. Betty giggles and cups his cheek for a second.

'Goodbye Alexis, it was really nice seeing you again', Betty hugs her.

'Yeah, I'm glad we could work our differences out, or lay them to rest?', she asks carful.

'Yes, forgiven and forgotten', Betty smiles.

'Perfect, you have my number, right? Text me when he does something dumb or insensitive. If he hurts you, I'll make it my mission to come over and kick his butt'

'Please don't, have you seen the kind of heels she's wearing?', Daniel whispers into her ear.

'Adam, it was nice to get to know you. I'd say you fit right in. A silent observer who knows when to shut up. That's good. Cause let's be honest, this family doesn't', he laughs and gives her a quick hug.

'DJ, don't become a stranger', she smiles and hugs him.

Driving back into the city was great, because it means the new week is just around the corner. And with everything it brings, Betty can't wait. But it's sad to say goodbye. As hard as she thought this would've been. Alexis and her never really saw eye to eye. But they were able to talk about it on Saturday. It was a fairly quick talk. And Alexis was astonishingly honest about everything. Which proves again, that this family really doesn't have a filter. But it was ok. They were able to mend everything. Which was the important part.

'Hey, we haven't talked about it, but could I stay at yours tonight? I don't feel like being alone and I could get back into the city tomorrow morning with you?', Betty asks, placing her hand on his.

'Of course, I don't mind. It's quite the opposite. You know that. Are you alright though? You seem far away', he asks concerned.

'I'm alright and I promise you, when the time is right, I tell you what has my mind in a juggle. For now I tell you it's nothing to worry about, believe me'

'It's alright. I meant what I said. If you don't want to tell me that's fine. We should have a few little secrets. Makes it a bit more interesting. Enticing, you know?', he grins over to Betty, intertwines their fingers and lifts her hand to his lips. Places a small kiss on the back of her hand