--~*~--
March 1996
"Mrs Hoynes, Mrs Lyman, I can take you back now", the spa attendant advised holding the door open them.
"How wonderful was it for John and Josh to get us these for Valentine Day."
"Its the least they can to, we are carrying their daughters."
Everything was going perfectly minus the usual pregnancy irritation for both of them, Donna just turned eight months and CJ was six.
The family was told at Christmas after the wedding of her pregnancy. Donna however was told immediately after CJ and John celebrated the news together. At first Noel was worried by the news but together his parents explained that their love for him would never be lessened. This conversation spurred another between John and CJ later that evening while preparing for bed.
"John?", she asked climbing in the bed.
"Yes my love."
"What would you say if I want adopt the boys?"
"Is that something you want? Did someone say something?"
"No. I love the boys. Aiden and Noel call me Mama and I want them to understand that I am going to be that forever just like our baby."
John moved over her on the bed and kissed her.
"I think that's a wonderful idea, but-", he added lifting her gown over her head. "How about we will talk to boys about it then go from there"; he finished by placing another kiss on her lips then moved to her already peaked nipples.
--~*~--
"Are you finished picking out her name?", Donna skillfully inquired while they were relaxing on the lounge chair in a freshly dressed revitalizing face mask with cucumber slices covering their eyes.
"I'm not telling you! Name thief." The two woman laughed. "What about you?"
"I've narrowed it down. Sticking with the whole three letter thing its, Mia or Eve."
"I like both. I think Eve would have more depth to it. So Eva and Eve or Eva and Mia. Let Josh have the deciding factor or is he still sulking over the sex?"
"Nope the last ultrasound made him get over that. Wait until you see the 3-D ultrasound CJ. The technology has advanced so much since Eva."
"I think Im going to wait until I see her, you know when it's real", she said absentmindedly rubbing her protruded stomach. "John did this in purpose. I've been so worried I was stressing him out and he has so much going on at work."
"CJ everything is fine. You surpassed the last couple of times-"
"I know. The science is there but I literally lie awake thinking about it. My mind screaming, 'it can't happen again!' I won't be able to-"
"Stop, I know where this is going and I can see why John is stressed. Can you feel her move?"
"Yes"
"Then she's fine and you go to the doctor quite often they will tell you if anything was wrong. You are making yourself crazy. We need to channel that energy- why don't we have a baby shower!"
"No, with my history, I'll wait and do a Sip and See like Katie."
"Boo!, Oh speaking of guess who's pregnant again?"
"Katie? No!"
"Very much yes."
"Why didn't I know!"
"Cause you and John have literally been all up under one another since the wedding", Donna smirked playfully.
"Shut up!"
"We found out right after our anniversary. Danny isn't happy."
"Why not? He loves Arlyn."
"Yeah but they aren't really in love with one another. I will say they don't argue like you guys used too, they just don't talk to one another."
"How do you know?"
"I ran into Katie not too long ago and we went out for lunch. She told me. He was out on assignment for six weeks, that's why he wasn't at the wedding, and when he came back he unpacked his things, showered, and left until eleven that evening. When he came back he climbed in the bed and went to sleep."
"Damn that's sad."
"She thinks he's cheating on her."
"Well I know first hand that when he comes back he has to go to the office and type it all out but usually we had sex first. And Danny isn't a cheater. Josh talk to him?"
"Not since that night a few weeks ago. Now Bonnie and Ginger-"
"You got all the dirt Donnatella!"
"I'm on maternity leave. All I do is take care of Eva, watch TV, eat, and sleep."
"That's not all you are doing Mrs Lyman", CJ teased knowingly.
"Oh my gosh!", she shouted with a blush. "Yes that as well. Hell we minus well put these hormones to use and get it in. After this one is born we have the six week dry spell. Besides I know you aren't talking Mrs Hoynes, you and John have sex almost every night."
"Yep with out a break. For 45, 46 this year old the man's stamina is amazing. Sometimes twice. You would think between working all those hours and the boys but every night without fail he is hard as a rock ready to go. I think we have sex more now than before we were married."
"That sounds exhausting."
"Right now its fun. Now tell me about Bonnie and Ginger."
"Well..."
--~*~--
Later That Afternoon
"I'm back!", CJ announced coming in the door. To her disappointment no one answered. Johns car wasn't in the garage so she knew he wasnt home but the boys should have been.
"Hello? Boys?", she called while placing her bags down in the table. Walking further into the house to the kitchen she looked for a note, there was none. "Boys?" Walking up the stairs hastily she heard music coming from her bedroom. Opening she found John laying on the bed half naked wearing red silk boxers. A grin appeared on her face.
"I thought you were gone. What's all this?"
"This is part two to your day of relaxation. Donna called when you left lunch and I had Ryan take my car and his brothers out. We have three hours all alone."
"Great I could use a nap thanks", she smiled flirting with her husband.
"Get over here."
"So, my best friend and husband in cahoots huh?", she said slowly removing her clothes while walking toward the bed. John was practically drooling. "What am I going to do with you?"
"I have a few things in mind."
"Share", she encouraged climbing into their bed with only panties on. Once securely in his arms John placed an encompassing kiss on her lips.
"You are so sexy and beautiful. You're glowing baby", John's hand gravitated down her frame settling on her belly. "How'd our baby girl do today?"
"Wonderful and thanks to her father her mother is too. Thank you for today John."
"Your welcome, I love you."
"I love you to. Kiss me?"
"You never have to ask."
--~*~--
Hours later when the boys came back. John was in his office working and CJ was still sleep.
"Hey Dad."
"Everything okay with the car?"
"Yep. I hung the keys up on the hook."
"Thanks. Cody, Aiden kitchen. You're in prep. Ry, Noel clean up."
"Yes Sir." Everyone left except Ryan.
"You need something son?"
"I think I want to go to University of Texas at Austin."
"My alma mater. Good I'm proud of you son."
"But Gabby wants me to go to NYU with her."
"Ryan I know you love Gabriella right now but you have to make the decision that best fits your future goals. What if you guys break up? Then you are stuck at a school you don't want to be at."
"That's why I got her this", he handed his father a blue velvet box. Opening John found a small sterling silver ring with their names engraved in cursive wrapped an infinity symbol. After looking at it for a minute immediately understanding the implications it would cause John closed the box.
"Do you know you are promising her with this ring?", he asked handing the box back to Ryan.
"Yes. I love her, like you love CJ."
"Ry there are so many things you don't understand about our relationship. For one we are grown and married. You are only 17." He sighed deeply. "Look why don't you take some time Ry and think about what you are about to do."
"I have that's why I got this."
"I think this is a mistake son. When you go to college it opens a whole new world. New experiences and opportunities, new people-"
"You mean new women."
"That too. This ring as expectations, it's impossible to effectively be in a relationship thousands of miles away."
"You and mom did it."
"Ryan I don't want you to limit yourself or stress yourself out worrying about what Gabriella is doing in New York while you are in Texas. The choice is yours but I think its a mistake."
"Then I'm going to New York with Gabby", Ryan said leaving out of his fathers office.
--~*~--
All during dinner Ryan was quiet, CJ noticed and addressed it.
"Ryan you're awfully quiet this evening. Everything okay?"
"Swell, just swell", he responded without looking at her while pushing his mashed potatoes around on it plate with his fork.
"It doesn't sound that way, how was the mall?"
"It was the mall", he responded in a clipped tone. "CJ can I go over to Gabby's after dinner?"
"I don't see why not, take my car-"
"No, you're on clean up with Noel and it's a school night", John interrupted.
"I wasn't asking you", he mumbled continuing to play with his food. Cody kicked him under the table earning him a glare.
"What did you say?"
"John-"
"No Claudia, Ryan obviously has something to say so say it son." Ryan didn't answer instead he sat quietly with his head hung.
"Aiden help with dessert?", CJ jumped in.
"Ryan let me talk to you in the living room while they do that."
"John can it wait?"
"I don't want to talk to you", he mumbled a little louder.
Aiden who was seated between his father and Ryan stood and ran to CJs side out of the way as John stood.
"Ryan living room now! and this is the last time I'm asking nicely", he belted in an authoritative tone.
He stood in a rush knocking the chair into the wall behind him jarring the table knocking over his drink before storming off in the living room. Where shouting immediately ensued.
CJ asked Noel to get the dessert with Aiden while she went into the living room to act as mediator hoping to help assuage the flaring tempers.
'You are behaving like a spoiled brat and I'm sick of it! Anytime you disagree with what I say you have an instant attitude! I'm so sick of this, In fact you are grounded for two weeks!"
"I have a date with Gabby Friday night! I'm going to be eighteen in four months, you can't control my life!"
"How about I ground you until then! Give me your phone and credit cards now!"
"Here!", Ryan threw the objects at Johns face earning him an immediate slap.
"John!", CJ walked in observing John strike the seventeen year old.
"I hate you! I'm leaving when I turn 18!", he shouted and ran past CJ up to his room. A loud slam of his door echoed through the house.
"Honey?"
"Not now CJ", John walked past her up to his office.
Entering the dining room saw the boys had already cleared the table and were hiding out in the kitchen.
"Hey you guys okay?", CJ asked entering the kitchen wanting to check on the boys. She'd never seen that kinda display between the two. Sure she'd witnessed the boys being disciplined before but nothing to this extreme.
"Yeah. They do this", Cody explained as Aiden and Noel stayed quiet behind him while cleaning the dinner plates. "Its been a while though." CJ nodded in understanding.
"Why don't we have our dessert in here then I'll help clean up with you Noel."
"It's okay CJ", Cody said, "Aiden and I will help. Go sit and relax."
CJ caressed his face. She knew Cody was being brave besides the fact that he was a week from sixteen and he didn't need to be babied, "thank you sweetie. I'll take my pie and watch some television. Let me know if you need anything."
The boys quietly finished cleaning up and went to bed, CJ fell asleep with the television on. John came looking for her since she wasn't in bed as it was approaching midnight.
"Hey baby, wake up."
"Huh?", she stirred rubbing her eyes. "Hi, how are you? Earlier I've never seen you that mad before."
"Can we talk about it later?"
"John,"
"I promise. It's late and you need to rest. This couch will have you all achy in the morning."
"Yeah", she held out her hand and he pulled her up.
Once in bed CJ snuggled her rear into his groin as he came behind her. It never failed, John was ready to go even after their mid afternoon session. He lifted her leg over his and came in behind her as they were spooning.
Tonight he was a little rough, harder than normally but nothing that they havent had in the past. But what really was concerning is that he was quiet. From the very beginning John was a vocal lover. His dirty talk was superb and CJ had come to love that part of their love making.
"John! Oh God! I'm coming!"
She shouted, finally earning a response.
"Yeah? I'm making you come baby?"
"Yes! Yes! John!"
"Yes baby! You like it? Tell me what you like!"
"You! John! Oh!"
She tightened around him making prematurely burst into her.
"Fuck CJ!", he panted is face in her hair as he let go of her leg. "Damn you were feeling so good. I'm sorry. Did you come?"
"You couldn't feel?"
"I wanted to make sure", he kissed the side of her head as the slipped out of her. She turned to her husband.
"Talk to me John."
"Ryan was upset because I told him giving Gabriella a promise ring was a mistake. So he wants to go to NYU because that's were she is going. Tonight I don't know what happened. He was being a jerk. I lost my temper when he threw his phone and credit card at me. I mean we have bumped heads before but I never hit him."
"I think you should give it a little time but definitely talk to him. Hes in love. You can't fault him for that. If he's anything like you then he knows who he wants."
"It's different. We are grown. We've loved before and made mistakes. I just feel deep down that this is a mistake."
"Well if you push him too hard he will do it to spite you and if it doesn't work out he will resent you for being right. Trust me."
"Speaking from experience?"
"And then some. Trust me John."
"I will. Thank you."
"You're welcome."
"Get some rest Claudia."
"You too John."
--~*~--
Two days later CJ found herself walking into The Washington Post.
"Afternoon Maisy", she Greeted walking into Danny's outer office.
"CJ!", the young woman jumped up and ran around the desk hugging her. "Oh My what do we have here? Or should I say who do we have here?"
"Well she still has about three more months until her grand appearance."
"A girl! I'm so happy for you."
"Thanks", she smiled rubbing her belly.
"You want Danny?"
"If its not too much trouble."
"He's on a call let me pop in and let him know."
As Maisy left CJ took the opportunity to look around the outer office. Everything was still the same besides a few more literary awards and new articles. Danny always kept the ones he was particularly proud of.
"CJ?"
She spun around to meet him. They hadn't seen each other since the barbecue in November. A pleasant smile appeared on her face. Seeing him after so long felt good it warmed her soul more than she thought.
"Hi", he hugged her. "I wasn't expecting you, how are you?"
"I'm great."
"So I see. May I", he asked requesting permission to put his hand on her stomach.
"Yeah!"
As his hands felt her round stomach CJ felt flushed for some reason. They were cheated of this experience.
"She's moving", Danny said with overwhelming wonder.
"She must like you."
"Come in sit', Danny escorted her into his office closed the door and sat next to her on the couch. "So what brings you by?"
"You. How are you?"
"So I'm assuming you heard."
"Yes. I heard other things too." Danny averted his eyes. "It's true? Danny-, How could you? Oh God!", she exclaimed thinking back to their marriage. "Did you.. cheat on me?"
"No, never CJ. We had our problems but I would never do that to you."
"Then why Katie? What has she done to deserve that Danny? My God...I don't know you", she snatched her hand away from him.
"It was an accident. The first time. I was in Germany on assignment. I drank a little too much- she reminded me of you. She was tall beautiful smart, we started talking and laughing next thing I know I woke up in the bed with her the next morning."
"And the next time?"
"A photographer I knew in Cleveland. I ran into her before me and you we used to get together on occasion. Theres been a few more since."
"Danny I told you when you came to my apartment to tell me that Katie was pregnant that you didnt need to get married to be a good father. But you did anyway."
"I know CJ, I know."
"What are you going to do?"
"Tell Katie the truth and hope we can work it out."
"If that doesn't work?"
"Try to be the best damn father to my kids. I fucked up CJ. I fucked up so bad", he cried running his hand through his hair.
"I know and now you have the monumental task of trying to clean up all that shit", she reached for his hand and when his eyes met hers she smiled. "I'm here as a friend if you need me."
Danny leaned forward quickly catching her off guard and kissed her. Surprised CJ didn't push him away immediately. Shock then confusion set in. Then shockingly there was a moment of pleasure. Remembering how wonderful if felt to be on the receiving end of one of his kisses.
Feeling her lean into the kiss Danny moved his arms around her locking her in an embrace. Feeling his arm lightly brush against her hardening nipple her eyes flew open and she pushed him away. Out of no where a slap followed stunning Danny.
CJ stood grabbed her purse and stormed out of his office.
"CeeJay!!!" Danny yelled behind her as she left out the door straight past Maisy.
--~*~--
That evening CJ elected to remain in her room instead of eating with the boys since John had to work late. She didn't want them to see her panicked on edge.
It was almost ten when she heard him arrive going straight into his office. After pacing and thinking out loud to herself she went into the office.
"John-", she started walking in the room. "I kissed Danny today."
"Excuse me?", he said looking up from his papers. Observing his six month pregnant wife fidget and pace in front of him.
"Oh God John please don't be mad. It was an accident I promise. He was upset about everything going on with him and Katie, I said I'd be a friend and he leaned over and kissed me. Then I immediately left."
"Why should I not be mad? You kissed him Claudia!', he said standing from his desk.
"No he kissed me! John I'm sorry!"
"Why are you so nervous? Where you flirting with him?"
"No! How could you think that! Im nervous because of your reaction!"
"Okay, no reaction. I'm going to finish up here then come to bed."
"Are you really okay?"
"Yep", he said dismissively sitting back behind the desk. CJ didn't believe him. Her gut told her John was peeved.
"John,"
"Claudia. I need to finish this."
"I guess I'm going to bed then. Good Night."
"Night."
That night although she pretended to be sleep when John came to bed. However John knew she was still awake and the stirrings behind her that she's felt every night since they were married didn't happen.
On this night John did not make love to his wife.
The next morning he woke and took Cody, Aiden, and Ryan to school without saying a word to her or a kiss good bye. CJ dropped off Noel on her way out an hour later. Everything was not okay.
--~*~--
"Five days! Five days! You don't go from every night without fail to nothing for five days!"
"What did you expect CJ? Him to throw you a parade?"
"No! Argue then go fuck it out!"
"John is not Danny. Did you really want that again anyway? And sit your pacing is making me crazy."
"No", she said sulking as she sat on her friends couch.
"How do you and John resolve issues?"
"I don't know we never really fight. This is the maddest I've ever seen him besides when he and Aiden got into that fight."
"Well I for one think you need to talk to your husband. The longer you let this rift go on the worse its going to be."
"What if-"
"Nope!", Donna interrupted her friend, "let's not do that and by that I mean sit here running through what if scenarios. Go and get your man."
"Fine", CJ and leaned down go kiss Donna's cheek. "Thank you honey, see you later."
"You're welcome, I'm sending you my bill", she smiled at her friend.
--~*~--
"Hi, where is everyone?"
"Noel had a birthday party to go to, Cody took Aiden to his baseball game, and Ryan's out with Gabriella", he replied staring at the papers in front of him.
"I thought he was grounded. Did you two talk?"
"No. I believe the official lie is that he's at the library."
"Look at me John."
He gazed upon his wife, CJ looked in his eyes and was saddened.
"I'm sorry John. I will never hurt you like this again."
"You let him kiss you didn't you? I know you."
"Yes for a brief moment it took me back. It did feel nice but when he put his arms around me and accidentally brushed against my breast I pushed him off of me ending with a slap before I got the hell out of there."
"You slapped him?", he questioned incredulously.
"As hard as I could."
A small smile appeared on Johns face but quickly faded away.
"Baby", she slowly approached him walking further into his office. "I'm sorry, please forgive me so that we can go in the other room and make love."
"CJ do you still harbour any feelings for Danny?"
"Of course, I love him but I'm in love with you. From our first date I think. When you broke us into the exhibit at the Botanical Gardens." He smiled thinking back. "Hands down my best first date. I mean it's not every date you commit a misdemeanor."
John laughed.
"I love you baby", she said now in his arms seated on his lap her lips inches from his. She could feel his cock hard against her ass her body naturally started to want. "I love you", she said again this time John kissed her with such a force she start to rock on his lap as she moaned into his mouth. "Please baby, I need you", she pleaded softly in his ear. Between her begs and the warmth emitting from her rear in his lap she completely unraveled her husband.
"Oh Claudia, Claudia, Claudia...", he spoke in his wife's ear and in a deep wanton breath he ordered, "Bedroom Now."
Pushing her off his lap she quickly wobbled down the short hall to their bedroom with John right behind her both removing clothes with haste.
Opting not to spoon John bent her over and came in swiftly thrusting throwing his wife into a frenzy.
"John! John! Oh God John!"
Her cries fueling him down to his primal core. As it had been five days he quickly came and they fell onto the bed next to one another out of breath panting. He was sure CJ didn't come yet which was something he planned on remedying in about fifteen to twenty minutes.
"I'm jealous of Danny."
"What? Why?"
"Remember when we went to that coffee shop before our first date", she nodded cuddling around him. "I said why are you still with him. You said the sex, then you said he was really good at it. You told a complete stranger that your ex husband was great in bed."
"John,-"
"And after our first date when I showed up for an impromptu barbecue you said my ex was really good at it. But you've never said anything about us."
"John, how can you say that. From the first time in your luxury tree house until now you have always satisfied me and", she stressed, "I stuck around so you must be doing something right. But for the record you are a better lover than Danny. What he and I shared was good for then but what I have right now is ten times better than I could have ever dreamed of. You satisfy me in ways I never knew possible."
"Like what?"
"Like when you put your hand here", she moved his hand between her legs eliciting a moan.
"Right here?"
"Oh yeah."
"He never touched you here?"
"Nope all you baby."
"Where else?"
She slipped one of his fingers further back down lower. "Here."
"Oh no not here." She nodded biting her lip as his finger rimmed her anus. "Then he missed the sweet spot. Because you love it here. Don't you baby?", he asked his voice heavy with arousal and knowing that Danny never had this type of sex with CJ made him instantly harder.
"Yes", she said in a whimper. "John", she moaned out as he inserted a finger opening her there once again. Adding another he started pumping. Harder and deeper.
"That's it baby come for me, your pussy is going to be so wet."
And it was.
Moments later after bringing her to orgasm John slid into his wife again took her on the ride of her life spilling into her just as they heard the garage door open.
Mindful of her stomach John fell onto CJ laughing.
"I love you."
"I love you too CJ."
--~*~--
John was the first to recover as CJ had fallen asleep. In is tee and pajama pants he threw on he strolled in search of fuel and hydration.
"Hi Dad", Noel strolled into the kitchen.
"Hey how was the party?"
"Awesome! Grants mom rented him a gaming bus."
"Gaming bus?"
"Yeah its this huge bus that has two big screens and four small screens with all the latest games and you go inside and play videos games with your friends."
"So basically you just played video games over your friends house."
"Yeah but, in the bus, can I have that for my birthday?"
"We'll see."
"Dad,"
"Aiden how was the game?"
"We won."
"Score any runs."
"No but I got to second twice-"
"His team sucks", Cody came in opening the refrigerator. "If it wasn't for that one kid, Nixon you guys would lose."
"Dad", Aiden tried to get his attention again.
"Hey Dad can you fix me a sandwich too?", Cody said cutting him off.
"Hey asshole I'm trying to talk to Dad here!"
"Hey language and Aiden was talking to me first have some manners. Here", John handed him the knife, "make your own sandwich."
"Sorry."
"Aiden what do you need?"
"Can I spend the night over Thomas house?"
"Who's Thomas?"
"His gaylord teammate."
"Hey shut up man!"
"What? Dude is gay as shit!"
"Cody! Watch your mouth!"
"Sorry gosh!"
"What's gay as shit mean?", Noel innocently asked.
"That's when a guy likes to suck-", Cody started but John smacked up side the head.
"Ow!"
"Nothing Noel and watch your mouth young man, go watch TV. Aiden come in the dining room with me. Cody we will talk later."
John sat down with his turkey sandwich and a bottle of water.
"Aiden is there something I should know?"
"Like what?...No Dad! I'm not gay."
"Aiden you know I'd love you either way. It would take an adjustment on my part but-"
"I'm not gay"; he restated.
"Is this Thomas gay?"
"Yes."
"Then why are you hanging around with him and want to spend the night over his house? Do you know what that implies?"
"I don't care what it implies. Thomas is a friend. He's a nice guy and he gets picked on a lot at school."
"Aiden- Son you have a brilliant mind and a kind heart and I admire that but you never want to put yourself in a position of vulnerability. I have no problem if you want to hang out with Thomas or be his friend but I do have a problem with you sleeping over his house, in his room. So my answer is no."
"But why?"
"Because I don't want any lines to get crossed."
"He knows I like girls!", Cody vehemently explained.
"My answer is no", his father replied unwavering.
"God!", Aiden stood and left out the room immediately returning. "Well can he spend the night over here?"
"Yes. But you sleep in the family room."
"Okay, tonight?"
"No your mother and I are going out. Next Saturday."
"Thanks Dad."
Not five minutes after he left Noel ran in, "Dad can my friend spend the night too?"
John rolled his eyes, "Yes only one."
"Thanks Dad!"
"Cody! Get in here!"
After giving Cody a stern talking to highlighting his inappropriate language, age appropriate topics in front of Noel, and his insensitivity toward homosexuals, John put his plate in the sink and grabbed another water and a cut up apple and orange for CJ before heading back up. They needed to leave soon.
Entering CJ was still sleeping so he turned on the lamp on his side of the bed. She opened her eyes and smiled.
"What time is it?"
"7:15. We should get dressed. The car will be here at 8:30. I brought you some fruit and water. I had a turkey sandwich."
"That sounds good."
"Well I needed to refuel after earlier", he leaned in for a kiss after making her smile.
"Earlier was nice."
"Very."
"How are the boys?"
"Fine. I swear I'm going to start a swear jar and Oh as of right now we are going to have two extra people here next Saturday."
"What's happening next Saturday?", she asked eating an apple as John pulled out his tux.
"Aiden and Noel has a friend coming over. One each."
"Oh goodie. I'm already out numbered. Victoria and I are definitely in the minority."
"Are you going with Victoria?"
"I'm not a hundred percent yet. I'm trying it out."
"If you are doing the 'V' thing Virginia is nice."
"I'm not naming her after your mother."
"What about Charlotte?"
"What's with the southern city/state name tour?"
"Her Daddy is from the south."
"I want something classic but unique."
"Like Penelope or Gwyneth or Sofia. Damn Donna for stealing my-"
"My name!", John shouted from the closet then poked his sticking his tongue out.
"John!", she threw a pillow at him. "She did!"
"I'm sure that you will think of something, come on honey lets get dressed."
They descended the steps fifty minutes later.
"You two look sharp!", Cody commented.
John wore his white ties while CJ sported an off the shoulder white wrap around dress that proudly showed off her recent enhancements nicely.
Where to tonight kids?", CJ kissed his cheek.
"Fundraiser. Mom already ordered a couple of pizzas and paid for them. Here's the card", he handed Cody his Gold MasterCard. "Once he's gone lock up. No one in or out unless there's an emergency and page me of you have any problems. Not even your girlfriend Cody. Nichole is not to be here when we aren't understand?"
"Yes Sir, I remember", Cody nodded.
Not too long ago there was an incident when CJ came home early from work only to find Cody hiding Nichole in his closet wearing only her bra and tap shorts. That led to a phone call to Nichole's parents and a very lengthy and uncomfortable conversation with his parents.
"Where's Ry?"
"Room."
"Okay", John briefly glanced at CJ who arched her brow in his direction. He knew her thoughts. Tomorrow he would sit down and have a frank talk with his son, this had gone on too long. Although still grounded Ryan had withdrawn from the household and taken to staying in his room avoiding everyone.
"The car is here Daddy!", Noel shouted.
"Alright boys behave." CJ took the opportunity to kiss all the boys goodbye.
"Claudia, you will see them again", John said reaching for her hand.
"Fine, Bye!"
"Bye Mama! Bye Daddy!", Noel called while watching them get into the black towncar as the chauffeur held the door open.
--~*~--
Entering the room what felt like droves of people surrounded the popular couple. Before they knew it CJ had somehow winded up with the women and John with the men. This seemed to happen quite often in social functions like these. CJ for one was surprised yet thankful Donna was there. As the evening pressed on both throughly pregnant ladies found themselves needing to use the restroom at the same time, there they finally found the opportunity to steal a few minutes to themselves.
"I'm surprised you came. How are you feeling?", CJ asked stepping out of the stall to wash her hands.
"Pretty good. I just needed to get out of the house more than anything. Well?"
"Well what?", she asked absently while reapplying her cherry red lipstick.
"You look much better than you did this morning. So? All is well in the Hoynes household?"
"Yes", she resounded knowing Donna wanted the all details but she wasn't divulging anything right now. Instead she said, "Everything is okay. In fact better than."
"Good. So you talked?" Donna pried.
"And then some. Now that's all you are getting out of me", CJ said with a smile as they re-entered the bathroom.
When they returned CJ found herself at Johns side. With his right arm wrapped around her backside she leaned into him drawing his attention. Excusing himself from the conversation he stepped outside on the terrace with his wife.
"Are you okay?"
"Yes. Tired."
"We can leave after I speak with a few more people."
"I'm fine John."
"You just said you were tired."
"I'll sleep in tomorrow."
"I'll sleep in with you."
"Yeah?"
"Yes", he stole a quick kiss.
"I guess I'll mingle then for-?", she kissed him again.
"An hour"
"Then 23 Skidoo", John laughed as they walked back in together where he stood for a moment observing her backside as she walked towards a group of ladies. He let out a chuckle when she turned her head to smile at him knowing full and well that she knew he was watching. CJ knew her husband was always watching.
--~*~--