—-~*~—-
Eight weeks later, CJ ventured out with her friends for brunch, each of them towing their little ones. This was the first get-together with all her friends since Savannah's arrival, and CJ was both excited and nervous. While her friends had visited her at home, going out on her own with Savannah felt like a big step. Still, they all gathered at a cozy bistro in Georgetown for Saturday brunch, the chatter of their children adding a lively backdrop to their reunion.
Katie and her two daughters, Bonnie and Ginger with their toddlers, Donna with her two little ones, and CJ with Savannah filled the table. The scene was chaotic but heartwarming, a testament to the bonds they shared.
"So, CJ," Katie began, sipping her mimosa, "what did your doctor say at your checkup?"
"Clean bill of health," CJ replied, smiling as she adjusted Savannah in her arms. "There's some light scarring, but she's positive I'll heal in time."
"So, you and John are already thinking about another one?" Donna asked, her tone laced with concern. CJ's delivery had been difficult, and her recovery had been slower than expected.
"I mean, in about a year or so, yes," CJ said, her voice thoughtful. "I want to give Savannah all the attention she needs for as long as possible."
"She's a doll, CJ," Ginger chimed in, reaching over to gently squeeze Savannah's tiny foot. "Absolutely precious."
"Thank you," CJ said, her smile widening.
"How are the boys doing with their baby sister?" Bonnie asked, her toddler squirming in her lap.
"Good, most of the time," CJ replied. "Since Virginia left, Cody's been stepping up. I was surprised at first because he didn't hold her much in the beginning, but that changed as soon as we brought her home. He's been up with her at night, and sometimes I find her in his bed when I go to check on her."
"Aw, that's sweet," Katie said, though her tone carried a hint of melancholy. "You're lucky to have such a support system."
CJ knew Katie's situation was tough. She and Danny had split up, and while the official status was "separated," Danny had moved out, leaving Katie to navigate the challenges of raising two young girls on her own. Arlyn and Crystal were wonderful children, but juggling an infant and a toddler without much help had been overwhelming for Katie. Danny, who traveled frequently for work, had been more absent than present even before the split. CJ felt a pang of sympathy for her friend, more than she had expected.
"You know, if there's anything I can do, please let me know," CJ offered, her voice sincere. "The boys have been great. If you need a few hours to yourself, just call me."
Donna, Bonnie, and Ginger exchanged surprised glances. The old CJ would have never voluntarily offered to babysit, especially not for Katie. Their relationship had been tumultuous in the past, but CJ had clearly changed in many ways. Donna reached under the table and gave CJ's hand a grateful squeeze.
"Thank you," Katie said, her voice soft but appreciative. "I will."
As the food arrived, the women dug in, juggling bites of their meals with tending to their little ones. The conversation flowed easily, filled with laughter and shared stories.
After brunch, CJ headed to Donna's house. Donna laid down Eva and Ana for their naps while CJ fed Savannah. When Donna returned, CJ was burping the baby, her movements gentle and practiced.
"The girls down okay?" CJ asked, glancing up.
"Yes, Ana went out first," Donna replied, smiling. "How long are you planning to breastfeed?"
"Six months, I think," CJ said, her voice thoughtful. "I'm going back to work in a few weeks, and I have to admit, I'm scared to leave her."
"At least she'll be with her brothers and not in daycare," Donna pointed out.
"For the first few weeks, yes," CJ said. "But then John and the boys are heading to Houston for the summer."
"So, what are you going to do? Daycare?" Donna asked, her brow furrowing.
"John wants to take her with them," CJ explained. "I can go down on the weekends, but I don't know. I don't want her to go, but what's the alternative? Stick her in daycare?"
"Take her to work with you," Donna suggested nonchalantly. "Talk to Cynthia. Explain the situation, I'm sure she wouldn't mind. Savannah's a good baby."
"You think?" CJ asked, her eyes lighting up. "I mean, that would be ideal and I could still go down on the weekends."
"If she says no, then you can come up with an alternative plan," Donna said. "But you're an executive, CJ. They should make accommodations. They don't want to lose you."
CJ nodded, considering the idea. "How's things on the marital front?" Donna asked, her tone teasing.
"Great," CJ said, her smile turning dreamy. "John is wonderful."
"Have you two… you know…" Donna trailed off, raising an eyebrow.
"No," CJ said, her cheeks flushing. "I just got the all clear yesterday. John's coming home from Texas tonight."
Donna let out a full-bellied laugh. "So, don't call you tonight, then," she teased.
"Or tomorrow morning," CJ added, both women dissolving into giggles.
"I gotta say," CJ admitted, her voice low, "these last few weeks have been just like when we first got together. I'm excited." She could barely contain her enthusiasm.
Three weeks prior, CJ had started to feel the stirrings of desire, and John's longing had been in overdrive. One night, they had come dangerously close to giving in. CJ had been about to rip his pants off when John gently held her hands steady.
"John," she had whined, her voice thick with want.
"I want you all healed up," he said, his voice firm but tender. "So when I ravish you, we won't have to worry about you being hurt." He had tilted her chin up, his eyes locking with hers. "All pleasure, baby, no pain." The deep kiss that followed had left her flushed and breathless.
"Are you on any birth control?" Donna asked, pulling CJ back to the present.
"Yes, why?" CJ replied, laying Savannah in her car seat.
"I'm just concerned," Donna said, her tone gentle. "I know you guys are going to try again, but I also want you to finish healing and take care of yourself. Katie had a difficult time with her second pregnancy. Arlyn was only three months old when she got pregnant with Crystal. I'm just looking out for my sister," Donna added, reaching for CJ's hand.
"Thank you," CJ said, her voice earnest. "I appreciate it."
—-~*~—-
After a series of hugs and goodbyes, CJ carefully secured a sleeping Savannah in her car seat and headed home. The drive was peaceful, the quiet hum of the car a stark contrast to the lively chatter of her friends and their little ones. As she pulled into the driveway, Cody came running out to meet her, his face lighting up as he spotted his baby sister.
He unbuckled Savannah's car seat and lifted her out, cradling her gently as he turned to head back inside.
"Um, hello? How are you?" CJ called after him, feigning hurt.
"Oh, sorry, Mama," Cody said, doubling back to kiss her cheek before sprinting up the steps with Savannah in his arms.
Over the last few weeks, Cody had started calling her "Mama," following Ryan's lead. It was a small but meaningful shift, and CJ couldn't help but feel a swell of pride and affection. For Cody, hearing Ryan use the term had made it feel safe, like it was okay for him to do the same.
Noel greeted her at the door as she stepped inside. "Mama!" he said, his voice bright.
"Hello, baby boy," CJ replied, ruffling his hair. "How's everything?"
"Ryan and Aiden are fighting again," Noel said, his tone matter-of-fact.
CJ sighed, her shoulders slumping. Ryan had been distant lately, his interactions with the family growing increasingly tense. While he still spent time with Cody and doted on Savannah, he seemed to find an argument in everything else.
She decided to check on Aiden first. Knocking lightly on his door, she pushed it open and found him lying on his bed, staring at the ceiling. She stepped inside, closing the door behind her, and sat down in the desk chair.
"I heard there was a fight," she said, her voice calm but firm.
"Ryan's a jerk," Aiden muttered, tossing a baseball into the air and catching it repeatedly. "He thinks just because he's eighteen now and graduated, he can do whatever he wants."
"I'm gonna need more of an explanation than that," CJ said, leaning forward.
"Gabbie was here," Aiden explained, his tone frustrated. "I reminded him that there's no company allowed when you guys aren't home. He told me to mind my business, so I left. After Gabby left, he came into my room and started yelling at me, saying I embarrassed him and to keep my nose out of grown folks' business. It pissed me off, so I punched him and told him to get out of my room. Cody broke up the fight. He's just been such an asshole lately."
"Okay, first of all, no cursing," CJ said, holding up a hand. "Second, I don't care what he was saying or how he was saying it, you don't put your hands on your brother. We don't fight in this house. Both of you are going to be in trouble when your father gets home in a few hours."
"Yeah, I know," Aiden said, his voice resigned as he continued tossing the baseball.
"Stay in your room until he gets home," CJ instructed, standing up. "And put some ice on your lip."
"Yes, Mama," Aiden replied, his tone subdued.
As CJ stepped out into the hallway, she called down the stairs, "Noel!"
"Yes?" came the immediate reply.
"Turn off the TV and get up here to clean your side of the room. I told you to do it before I left. And bring your laundry downstairs."
"Yes, ma'am," Noel said, his voice tinged with reluctance.
Inside Aiden's room, CJ heard him mutter, "I told you, stupid."
"Hey," CJ said, poking her head back in. "Not nice. Don't call your brother names."
"Sorry," Aiden said, though his tone suggested he wasn't entirely sincere.
Closing the door, CJ sighed. Aiden was fifteen now, and his attitude was starting to show. While he was still sweet most of the time, moments like these reminded her that he was navigating the tricky waters of adolescence.
Next, she crossed the hall to Ryan and Cody's room. Knocking once, she pushed the door open. Cody was on the bed, playing with Savannah, while Ryan sat at his computer, clicking away at a game of Free Cell.
"Cody, do me a favor and give us a minute," CJ said, her tone gentle but firm.
Cody nodded, scooping up Savannah and leaving the room. CJ sat on the edge of Cody's bed, her arms crossed.
"I talked to Aiden," she began.
"Yeah, did he tell you he punched me?" Ryan asked, not looking away from his computer screen.
"Yes, he did," CJ said, her voice steady. "After you came in there yelling at him. He's in trouble, and your father will deal with it when he gets home. Ryan, look at me."
Ryan swiveled his chair around, his expression a mix of defiance and guilt.
"We have rules for a reason," CJ said, her tone firm but not unkind. "No one is allowed in the house when we're not home for a reason."
"CJ, I'm not a kid anymore," Ryan said, his voice tinged with frustration.
"I know," CJ replied, her gaze steady. "And I came in here to talk to you as an adult. But if you intend on arguing with me, I can treat you like a child."
Ryan lowered his head, his shoulders slumping. "I'm sorry," he muttered.
"I know you're grown," CJ said, her voice softening, "but we still have house rules. If you'd like us to consider changing them for you, you need to ask us beforehand—not just do whatever you want and damning the consequences."
"I'd like to have Gabbie come over and hang out with me, even if you guys aren't here," Ryan said, his tone more measured now. "We're about to start college, and we won't see each other on a regular basis anymore."
"I'll talk to your father about it," CJ said, nodding. "But Ryan, part of being an adult is knowing how to control your emotions. There was no reason for you to confront Aiden the way you did. You're older and stronger than he is. Either one of you could've been seriously hurt."
"Okay," Ryan said, his voice quieter now. "I'm sorry, Mama."
CJ stood, leaning down to kiss him on the forehead. "You're a good kid, Ryan. Remember that."
She left the room, her heart heavy but hopeful. As she passed the nursery, she peeked in and saw Cody reading, The Very Hungry Caterpillar, to Savannah in the rocking chair. The baby seemed to be paying attention, her tiny eyes fixed on Cody as he animatedly turned the pages. The sight warmed CJ's heart.
"I'm going to lay down for an hour or so, then start dinner," CJ said, poking her head into the room. "Let me know when she's hungry."
Cody nodded, his attention still on Savannah, and CJ headed to her room for a much-needed nap.
—-~*~—-
John arrived home just after dinner was finished, his anticipation palpable. CJ had called him Friday after her doctor's appointment to let him know she'd been given a clean bill of health. Tonight marked the end of her abstinence, and the thought had been on his mind all day. As he stepped inside, the house was bustling with activity. Cody and Ryan were clearing the dishes, and Noel was glued to whatever show he was watching.
"I'm back," John called out, dropping his briefcase and suitcase by the door before shrugging off his coat. CJ practically ran into his arms, smothering him with kisses. His arms wrapped securely around her waist, pulling her close. She had already returned to her pre-pregnancy weight, except for her breasts, which were fuller now, a change John certainly wasn't complaining about.
"Why, hello, Mrs. Hoynes," he whispered, his lips breaking away from hers just long enough to speak.
"I want you," CJ murmured, her voice low and urgent as she kissed him again. Just being close to him made her nerves tingle, her excitement for the night ahead bubbling over.
"Yeah?" John smirked, his hands sliding down to squeeze her rear. "Later, baby," he said, his tone teasing.
Cody cleared his throat loudly, holding Savannah in his arms. "Kids in the house," he reminded them, his tone dry.
CJ let out a laugh, her arms still wrapped around John as she stepped back slightly. John walked further into the house, taking Savannah from Cody.
"I've been gone for a week, and she's already so big," John said, kissing the baby's neck. Savannah's face seemed to etch out a smile, her tiny hands reaching for his face.
"Well, she has an excellent appetite," CJ said, smiling as she watched them.
"How's everything, Cody?" John asked, his attention shifting to his son.
"Good," Cody replied. "I'll take her back now, she needs to be changed."
"I'll do it, Cody," CJ said, stepping forward. "You've done enough." Cody looked a little disappointed but nodded, heading into the living room with Noel. John handed Savannah to CJ, who carried her upstairs. "There's a plate in the oven for you, John," she called over her shoulder.
"Thank you, baby," John said, heading to the kitchen. As he warmed his plate in the microwave, he ran into Aiden, who was lingering nearby. John's eyes narrowed as he noticed the split on Aiden's lip.
"What happened to your lip?" John asked, his voice sharp.
Aiden backed away nervously. "Ryan and I got in a fight. Mama already talked to us."
"Go to your room, now!" John shouted, closing the microwave door shut. His voice was so loud that CJ heard it upstairs.
Aiden bolted up the stairs, slamming his bedroom door behind him. John was right on his heels.
"You don't slam doors in this house!" John roared, his voice echoing through the hallway. The noise startled Savannah, who began to cry. John's expression softened as he glanced toward the nursery, guilt flickering across his face.
Cody, ever the helper, ran up the stairs, passing an angry John and slipping into the nursery. "Mama, I got her," he said, taking Savannah from CJ. He finished changing her diaper and then rocked her gently, shaking her rattle to distract her. CJ closed the nursery door behind her and stepped into the hallway.
"John," she said calmly, nodding toward his office. Inside, she explained the situation.
"I don't know what the hell is going on with them," John said, his frustration evident. "I leave for a week, and they lose their minds. Aiden took the first swing?"
"Yes," CJ said, her voice steady. "They're good kids, John, but they're also boys going through puberty. They're going to clash sometimes."
"This is the second physical fight they've had in two weeks," John said, pacing the room. "I have a mind to rip Aiden a new one. Slamming doors, fighting, cursing—what's next?"
"That won't do anything, and you know it," CJ said, her tone firm but gentle. "I say we ground him until we leave for Texas in two weeks."
"Grounding isn't enough for this," John said, his jaw tight. "And Ryan, what's going on with him?"
"I talked to him as an adult," CJ said, stepping closer to John. "He's going to work on his temper. He also asked if we'd reconsider letting Gabby come over even when we're not here."
"No," John said firmly, his tone leaving no room for argument.
"John—" CJ began, but he cut her off.
"No, Claudia."
She sighed, then slowly walked over to him, sitting in his lap. Despite his anger, the small action was enough to soften his expression. Leaning down, she kissed him, her lips gentle but insistent. John responded enthusiastically, one hand cradling the back of her head while the other slid up her shirt, lightly cupping her breast.
"You're trying to distract me," he murmured against her lips.
"Is it working?" she asked, her voice playful.
"Yes," he admitted, kissing her again.
"John," she sighed as his lips trailed down her neck.
"Hmm?"
"Take off your pants."
CJ stood, locking the office door before doing the same. John moved to the leather couch, his eyes never leaving hers. CJ straddled his lap, sinking slowly onto him. "Oh, God," she whispered, her body adjusting to him again.
"Easy, baby," John coached, his hands gripping her waist. "Take it slow."
They remained still for a moment, their lips locked in a slow, deep kiss. But it was John who broke the stillness, his hips driving upward as he struggled to hold back. Their lips still fused, he swallowed her cries, his hands guiding her movements. Her body felt like it was on fire, and soon she was moving frantically against him, her hand braced against the wall for support.
"John," she panted, her voice a whisper.
"Yes, baby," he replied, his eyes locked on hers. He had missed this connection, this intimacy, more than he realized.
It wasn't long before he spilled into her, their bodies trembling as they clung to each other, hearts racing and breathless. After a moment, they started laughing between kisses, the tension of the day melting away.
"I'm hungry," John said, his tone light and teasing, making them both laugh harder.
"I missed you," CJ said, her voice soft as she rested her forehead against his.
—-~*~—-
John and CJ left the office together, their steps in sync as they made their way to Ryan's room. CJ knocked lightly before pushing the door open. Ryan sat up on his bed, his expression a mix of curiosity and apprehension as he waited to hear what they had to say.
"Your father and I talked," CJ began, but she felt it was important for John to deliver the news himself. She stepped back slightly, letting him take the lead.
"Gabbie is allowed to come over even if we're not here," John said, his tone measured, "but it's on a tentative basis. We're giving you this privilege because we trust you, but it can be taken away if you abuse it."
For the first time in a long time, Ryan smiled, his relief evident. "Thank you," he said, his voice genuinely happy.
"But," John continued, his tone firm, "I want the physical altercations to stop. Do you understand me?"
"Did Mama tell you that Aiden threw the first punch?" Ryan asked, his voice defensive.
"Yes, she did," John said, his gaze steady. "But I also noticed you seem unscathed. As the adult in the situation, if an unruly child hits you, you have to know when to stop." He paused, his voice calm but firm. "I'm not saying to let someone abuse you, but when you approach someone unhinged, these kinds of things happen. You're accountable for your actions and reactions. Aiden will be punished accordingly."
Ryan nodded, his expression thoughtful. "I understand, Dad. And I'm sorry for fighting with him. I'll work on myself going forward."
CJ was impressed by both father and son. John and Ryan had come a long way in their relationship. Ryan had even chosen to attend John's alma mater, despite their altercation earlier in the year. While CJ may have had a hand in encouraging that decision, the growth on both sides was undeniable.
After their conversation with Ryan, John elected to eat before speaking to Aiden. He and CJ sat at the table, the undercurrent of sensuality between them still lingering from earlier. Their earlier encounter had been just a prelude, and both were acutely aware of what was to come later.
As he ate, John broke the comfortable silence. "I took a couple of meetings when I was in Texas," he said, his tone casual but with a hint of significance.
CJ looked up at him, John took a lot of meetings, but the way he brought this one up suggested it was serious.
"Oh?" she said, her curiosity piqued.
"One with the chair from the DNC," John continued, his voice steady.
CJ's eyes widened slightly. "It's happening, CJ," John said, his tone a mix of excitement and gravity. "It's just talks for now, but beginning next year, I think we'll be able to announce."
"Announce?" CJ repeated, her voice barely above a whisper. "You mean—"
"Yes," John said, his gaze locking with hers. "I'm going to be running for president next term."
A wave of concern washed over CJ's face, and John read it instantly.
"We're two years out," he said, his voice reassuring. "A lot can happen in two years."
"I know," CJ said, her voice soft but tinged with worry. He reached for her hand, she covered it with her own. Her smile was soft, but John could see the unease behind her eyes.
"We'll be okay," John whispered, pulling her close for a gentle kiss. His lips lingered against hers, a silent promise of reassurance.
"I know," CJ said, standing to clear his plate. As she moved around the kitchen, John sat at the table, his heart full of both joy and concern. The news of his potential run was exhilarating, but the worry in CJ's eyes weighed heavily on him. He knew the road ahead would be challenging, but he also knew they would face it together.
—-~*~—-