Something Old, Something New

by Astara Valentine

When things break you can’t always fix it no matter how much you try. ***New Chapters Added 3/2025***

12. Summertime

—-~~—-

June 1997, Hoynes Family Ranch, Texas

CJ bustled around the house, her seven-month-pregnant belly leading the way as she made the final preparations for Savannah's first birthday party. The excitement in the air was palpable, friends and family were flying in from all over to celebrate in Texas, and CJ was determined to make it a day to remember.

For CJ, the nesting phase had hit hard. With the sonogram revealing they'd be welcoming another baby girl in August, her focus had shifted to preparing their home for the new arrival. John was over the moon at the news, already envisioning Savannah and her little sister growing up as best friends. CJ, however, had secretly hoped for a boy. She loved her stepsons—Ryan, Cody, Aiden, and Noel—as if they were her own, but there was a part of her that longed for a son who was entirely hers. When she finally confessed this to John, he understood completely, his reassurance easing her guilt.

Still, as the days passed, CJ's excitement grew. Two little girls of her own—it was a dream she hadn't realized she'd wanted until it was within reach. Virginia, John's mother, was equally thrilled. With David's side of the family being all boys as well, Savannah had already claimed the title of family princess. Now, with another granddaughter on the way, Virginia couldn't contain her joy.

But CJ's nesting instincts came with their own set of challenges. Their house in DC was already at capacity, and fitting another crib into Savannah's room required some creative problem-solving. After hours of calls and research, CJ managed to find a new crib that matched the now discontinued set they already had. Cody and Aiden, ever the helpful duo, assembled the new crib and set it up in Savannah's room. But the space felt cramped, so CJ decided to remove the loveseat and ship it to Ryan's new apartment in Austin.

Ryan, now entering his sophomore year of college, had been granted permission to move off-campus into a student apartment complex. CJ had guided John through the decision, though John remained uneasy about the newfound freedom Ryan would have. His concerns only grew when Gabbie, Ryan's girlfriend, visited for two weeks with plans to stay until school started. CJ tried to ease his worries, but they both knew the risks of uninhibited access. Still, Ryan had proven himself responsible—he'd made the dean's list his freshman year—and John eventually relented, albeit with strict conditions: Ryan had to maintain his grades, and no one was allowed to move into the spare bedroom without parental approval. Ryan wasn't thrilled, but with John footing the bill, he agreed.

Back in Texas, CJ had more space to work with and set up a dedicated nursery for the new baby. She purchased a new baby suite and hired professionals to assemble it, much to Cody and Aiden's relief. A crib they could handle, but a full bedroom suite was another story. Once everything was in place, CJ breathed a sigh of relief—but her attention quickly shifted to the upcoming party.

Ryan was coming home for a week to celebrate his and Savannah's birthday, and he was bringing Gabbie with him. CJ made it clear that they would not be sharing a room, a rule that Ryan tried to argue against but was swiftly shut down. Cody's girlfriend, Kayla, was also visiting for the summer, and CJ suggested she could share a room with Gabbie.

Aiden, meanwhile, had hoped to invite Thomas, his boyfriend, but Thomas's parents were far less accepting than John and CJ. His father's disapproval had created a rift, limiting the boys' interactions to brief phone calls and school hours. The strain on their relationship was evident, and CJ's heart ached for Aiden, though there was little she could do to ease his pain.

John's campaign kept him away most of the time, and the separation weighed heavily on both of them. But true to his promise, John made every effort to stay connected. Early morning phone calls and late night conversations became their lifeline, often veering into playful or not-so-playful flirtation. CJ joined him in Illinois for the primary, but the victory went to the dark horse, Josiah Bartlet, leaving the Hoynes campaign in a somber mood. John took the loss hard, but the time he and CJ spent together offered a small silver lining.

By the end of May, CJ tendered her resignation at work. Her boss, Cynthia, was saddened by the news and tried to convince her to take a leave of absence instead. They even offered accommodations for Savannah and the new baby, but CJ knew it wouldn't work. Savannah was walking now, demanding more attention, and the thought of juggling a newborn and a toddler while working in the office felt impossible. For now, her mind was made up, her family would come first.

—-~*~—-

Four hours Later

The Lymans were the first to arrive. Josh stepped into the main house, his eyes widening as he took in the grandeur of the space. Georgia quickly whisked their belongings away to their room for the week, leaving Josh and Donna to marvel at their surroundings.

Josh's gaze swept across the grand antebellum staircase that dominated the foyer, its polished wood gleaming under the soft light. High ceilings and arched entryways led to various rooms, each more inviting than the last. Through the large windows, he could see the sparkling pool outside, its waters glistening in the sunlight.

"Damn, John," Josh whispered to Donna, who stood beside him, equally awestruck.

Eva, their daughter, was the first to break free from her parents' stunned silence, darting off to explore. Ana, her younger sister, followed at a slower pace, her eyes wide with curiosity.

"Donna!" CJ's voice rang out as she appeared, her face lighting up with a warm smile. She pulled Donna into a tight hug before turning to Josh and embracing him as well.

"The house looks amazing," Donna exclaimed, her eyes still scanning the room.

"Yeah, we didn't get the full tour when we came for the wedding reception," Josh added. "This is… nice."

CJ grinned, clearly pleased with their reaction. "That's exactly how I felt the first time I came here," she admitted.

Josh hurried after the girls, leaving CJ and Donna to catch up. "Josh, they can play with some of Savannah's toys in the family room!" CJ called after him.

"Got it!" he shouted back, already disappearing down the hallway.

Donna turned to CJ, her eyes softening as she took in her friend's appearance. "You look good," she said, noting how much more relaxed CJ seemed compared to her first pregnancy but the bags under her eyes told a different story.

"I feel good. Tired but good", CJ replied, looping her arm through Donna's as they began to walk toward the kitchen. "I have to tell you, I finally understand how you felt."

Donna raised an eyebrow, puzzled. "How so?"

"I tendered my resignation last month," CJ confessed.

Donna's eyes widened in surprise. "You didn't! Seriously?"

"Yep," CJ said with a nod. "Cynthia wasn't thrilled. In fact, she told me to take a leave of absence instead. She even assured me they'd make accommodations for the new baby, but Savannah's already so active. I can't imagine juggling both of them and trying to work."

"So you've made up your mind," Donna said, her tone understanding.

"Yep," CJ replied, rubbing her stomach with a smile. "It wasn't as hard as I thought. I fought hard for my job, but these kids need their mother."

Donna nodded, her expression thoughtful. "Tea?" CJ offered, turning the teapot on.

"Sure," Donna said, moving to place the tea bags in the cups. When CJ reached for the cups, Donna gently swatted her hand away. "Sit down. I've got this."

"Are we the first to arrive?" Donna asked as she prepared the tea.

"Yep," CJ replied. "Katie should be here in about an hour, and Bonnie and Ginger will be here later this evening."

"So, full house," Donna remarked.

"Yep, but we've got the space," CJ said with a laugh. "John's cousin, Christina, from Dallas is driving down tomorrow morning. She should be here sometime in the afternoon."

"How is she?" Donna asked.

"I've only met her twice, once at the wedding and then during Thanksgiving last year," CJ explained. "She seems nice enough. She has a son who's twelve and a daughter who's three, so Noel will have someone to play with."

Just then, Rosette, one of the staff members, entered the kitchen. "I'll get the tea for you, Mrs Hoynes," she said kindly.

"Thank you," Donna said before CJ could respond. "We'll be in the family room."

"Yes, ma'am," Rosette replied with a nod.

As they walked back to the family room, Donna leaned in and whispered to CJ, "You need to be resting as much as possible. It's her job, let her do it."

CJ chuckled, shaking her head. "You're worse than John.

Their laughter was interrupted by Josh's voice booming from the family room. "You guys have satellite TV?"

CJ and Donna burst into laughter, the sound echoing through the grand house as they joined Josh and the girls, ready to enjoy the festivities.

—-~*~—-

Like Josh and Donna, Katie was picked up from the airport in a spacious black town car and brought to the house. Her bags were whisked away by the staff as she stepped inside, her eyes widening as she took in the grandeur of the estate. Unlike Josh and Donna, Katie hadn't attended the wedding, so the sheer scale and beauty of the property left her utterly captivated.

CJ went to greet her at the door, her face lighting up as she saw her three year old goddaughter, Arlyn, spinning around in the middle of the foyer, her laughter filling the room. But CJ's smile faded the moment she looked up and saw who was standing behind Katie.

Danny.

She hadn't seen or spoken to him since the incident in his office, and the sight of him now sent a surge of anger through her.

"I don't remember extending an invitation to you," CJ snapped, her voice sharp and bitter. "You have some nerve showing up here!"

Arlyn, startled by CJ's tone, ran to hide behind her father, her small face crumpling with confusion.

The commotion drew Donna and Josh to the door, their expressions shifting from curiosity to concern as they took in the scene. Cody stood midway up the staircase, holding Savannah, while Aiden hovered a few steps behind him, his eyes wide with unease.

"I didn't come to fight—" Danny began, but Katie cut him off, stepping forward and taking his hand.

"I invited him," she said softly, her voice steady but tinged with nervousness. "We've reconciled." She glanced up at Danny, who gave her a small, tentative smile in return.

An awkward silence settled over the room, thick and heavy. Josh, ever the peacemaker, stepped forward, breaking the tension with congratulatory hugs for both Katie and Danny.

Savannah's cries broke the stillness, her little arms reaching for her mother. "Ma ma!" she wailed, her tiny voice piercing the air. Cody brought her to CJ, his eyes filled with concern.

"You okay, Mama?" he asked quietly as he handed Savannah over.

"Yeah," CJ murmured, securing the restless toddler on her hip. Savannah instinctively reached for her mother's breast, fussing when CJ gently redirected her.

"No, baby," CJ said softly, but Savannah burst into tears, her cries escalating. CJ sighed, adjusting her grip on the squirming child. "I'll be back," she said to no one in particular before carrying Savannah upstairs.

Donna shot Danny a glare before following CJ, her protective instincts kicking in. The boys dispersed, leaving the adults to navigate the awkwardness that lingered in the air.

Upstairs, CJ settled into the nursery, nursing Savannah to calm her down. Donna knocked lightly before entering the brightly decorated room.

"I thought you were weaning her," Donna said, her tone gentle but probing.

"I am," CJ replied, her voice tinged with exhaustion.

"Just because she throws a fit doesn't mean you have to give in," Donna pointed out.

"Donna—" CJ began, exasperated.

"Okay, okay," Donna said, holding up her hands in surrender. Now wasn't the time for a lecture. The silence between them grew heavy, the only sound the soft suckling of Savannah at her mother's breast.

Finally, CJ broke the quiet. "Did you know they were back together?"

"Yes," Donna admitted, her voice low.

"And you didn't think to tell me?" CJ's voice rose, causing Savannah to startle and cry again. CJ quickly switched sides, rocking her daughter to soothe her.

"I didn't think you would care, honestly," Donna said carefully. "I thought you'd be happy that Arlyn and Crystal have their mother and father back together. It's been hard for Katie. And Danny… he seems to be really trying to get his life in order."

"I am happy if it's true," CJ said, her tone softening slightly. "But a heads-up would've been nice. He's going to be here for a week! How do you think John is going to react when he sees him? Or how I would react?"

"I hoped you'd remember that Danny is a friend," Donna said gently.

"A friend who shoved his tongue down my throat the first chance he got!" CJ shot back, her anger flaring before she quickly reined it in, not wanting to upset Savannah again.

"I know," Donna said, her voice filled with regret. "I'm sorry I didn't tell you. And honestly, I didn't know he was coming today."

CJ sighed, leaning back in the rocking chair. "Can I have a minute?" she asked after a long pause.

"Of course," Donna said, standing up. "I'll rejoin the others."

After feeding Savannah, CJ handed her to Cody for a while and retreated to her bedroom to call John. She held the phone close, steeling herself for the conversation ahead.

John answered on the first ring. "I'm boarding the plane now, baby. I'll be there tonight. I promise," he said, his voice warm but distracted. In the background, CJ could hear the chatter of people likely John's campaign staff.

"Is everyone coming back with you?" she asked.

"Just the senior staff," John replied. "Don't worry, I know the house is packed. They're staying at The Hilton. Only family and friends."

"And I still get you for three whole days?" CJ teased, her tone light and flirtatious. She could practically hear John's smile through the phone.

"And then some, baby," he replied, his voice dropping slightly. CJ laughed, the sound easing some of the tension in her chest. "How goes the homestead, Mrs. Hoynes?" John asked.

"Good," CJ said. "The vendors are set to show up on time. Ryan and your cousin will be here tomorrow."

"Who's there now?" John asked, his tone casual but with an edge of curiosity.

"Bonnie and Ginger are coming tonight, but Josh and Donna are already here. Also…" CJ hesitated, her stomach twisting.

"What?" John asked, his voice sharpening.

"John, don't get upset, but Katie's here… and she brought Danny."

The line went silent.

"John?" CJ pressed, her heart pounding.

When John finally spoke, his voice was low and dangerous. "Did you just say what I think you said?"

"Yes," CJ replied, her voice trembling.

In a dark, measured tone, John said, "I do not, are you listening to me?"

"Yes, John."

"I do not want that man spending the night under my roof. Do you hear me?"

"Yes," CJ said quickly. "But just so you know, I didn't invite him. I only invited Katie and the girls."

"Claudia Jean," John said, his tone cutting. "I do not want that man spending the night under my roof."

"Sir, I need you to turn all devices off now," a stewardess interrupted in the background.

"I have to go," John said, his voice clipped. "I'll see you soon."

"I love you—" CJ started, but the call ended before she could finish.

—-~*~—-

CJ rejoined her friends in the family room, where they were gathered around the television, marveling at the extensive channel lineup offered by the coveted satellite TV. The mood was light, but CJ's expression was serious as she asked for a moment to speak with Katie alone. The room fell silent, everyone exchanging curious glances as the two women stepped into the neighboring great room.

Before CJ could say a word, Katie spoke up, her voice tinged with regret. "I'm really sorry I didn't tell you about me and Danny getting back together or about bringing him today. It was still in the early stages, and I was uncertain how things would go."

"But you told Donna," CJ countered, her tone firm but not unkind. She took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. "Look, I didn't call you in here to rehash that. Please, have a seat."

The two settled on opposite couches in the grand room, its high oak-beamed ceiling and massive stone fireplace creating an atmosphere that felt like something more out of a magazine. The space was breathtaking, but the tension between them was palpable.

"I'm not sure if Danny told you," CJ began, her voice steady, "but he kissed me when I was pregnant with Savannah."

Katie nodded, her expression apologetic. "Yes, he told me. He also mentioned you slapped him. Which was only right."

"Yes, it was," CJ said firmly. She paused, choosing her words carefully. "John and I are honest with each other, and I told him what happened. I'm sure you can imagine how he feels about Danny being here."

Katie's shoulders slumped, but she remained silent, waiting for CJ to continue.

"Katie, I like you. A lot. I consider you a friend, which is why I need to be honest with you. John does not want Danny spending the night in our home. We won't bar him from coming over for the party but he cannot stay here overnight."

Katie's face hardened, and she stood abruptly. "I understand. But if he's not welcome to sleep here, then neither am I."

"Katie—" CJ began, rising from the couch with some effort, her hand braced against the armrest for support.

"No," Katie said firmly, cutting her off. "We'll take our things and go to a hotel."

CJ sighed, her frustration evident. "Katie, please don't be rash. I invited you and the girls, and I've already booked and paid for a hotel room nearby for Danny. You have to understand our position."

"I do," Katie said, her voice steady but laced with defiance. "But you have to understand mine. If John wasn't welcome somewhere, would you stay and leave him on his own?"

CJ met her gaze, her expression unwavering. "John would insist that I stay, especially if he knew I was with friends. He's a grown man who can take care of himself. And let's not forget, this is the consequence of his actions."

Katie's eyes flashed with anger. "Well, maybe I'm not as strong as the great and powerful Claudia Hoynes," she said, her tone biting as she turned and walked out of the room.

"Katie!" CJ called after her, but it was no use.

In the living room, Katie spoke quietly to Danny, who immediately began gathering their things. The girls, sensing the tension, clung to their parents as they moved toward the door.

"Our things, please," Katie said, her voice cold as she refused to meet CJ's eyes.

"Georgia!" CJ called, her voice sharp. The maid appeared promptly, her expression concerned.

"Yes, ma'am?"

"Please bring the Concannons' bags. They will not be staying here."

As Georgia hurried off, CJ stepped closer to Katie, her voice low but softened. "You are strong enough, Katie. And you have more power than you think."

Katie looked up at her, her eyes filled with a mix of jealousy and hurt. "Easy to say when you have a rich husband," she shot back.

CJ's glare was piercing, but she said nothing as Georgia returned with their bags, setting them by the door.

"I'll have the car take you to the hotel," CJ offered, her tone clipped.

"No, thank you," Katie replied coldly. "We'll call a taxi. And cancel the reservation, we'll find our own hotel."

With that, the Concannon family turned and left, the door closing behind them with a finality that echoed through the house.

"CJ?" Donna's voice came from behind her, tentative and concerned.

CJ turned, her expression stormy. "You still didn't think telling me was a good idea?", she snapped, her voice sharp with frustration. Without waiting for a response, she headed up the stairs, leaving the house in a heavy, uncomfortable cold silence despite the warmth of the summer day.

—-~*~—-

Bonnie and Ginger arrived, their energy immediately filling the house as Cameron, their seven-year-old, darted off to explore. Josh swooped in, grabbing the little boy and tossing him into the air, eliciting peals of laughter that echoed through the grand foyer.

As their host, CJ, was nowhere to be found, Donna stepped in to greet her friends, who were already marveling at their surroundings.

"Hey, guys! How was the trip?" Donna asked, her smile warm and welcoming.

"Any trip with Cameron is an event," Bonnie joked, rolling her eyes playfully as she set down her bag.

"Where's CJ and Katie?" Ginger asked, glancing around.

"Come on in, and I'll fill you in," Donna said, leading them further into the house. "Oh, and just leave your bags there the maid will take care of them."

"Maid?" Ginger whispered to Bonnie, her eyebrows raised in amusement.

Donna called out, "Rosie, can we get some cool drinks for our guests?"

"Of course, ma'am," Rosie replied promptly. "We have fresh-squeezed lemonade and freshly brewed sweet tea."

"Lemonade, please," both Bonnie and Ginger said in unison before following Donna into the family room.

As they settled onto the plush couches, Ginger couldn't help but comment. "Damn, CJ and John are living large. I need to come back here just for a getaway."

Bonnie laughed, leaning over to kiss Ginger's cheek. "Same. This place is incredible."

"Yes it is. Okay, let me update you," Donna said, sitting down and launching into an explanation of the drama that had unfolded earlier. Josh, meanwhile, took the kids outside to play, giving the women some space to talk.

When Donna finished, Bonnie was the first to speak. "Well, CJ's right. And I know that's hard to say because she's so often wrong, but she is. Fuck, what a mess."

"Katie really took him back?" Ginger asked, her tone incredulous.

"Yep," Donna confirmed. "And honestly, that's her business. He's the father of her children, and they're technically still married."

"But he cheated on her several times and kissed her friend," Ginger pointed out, her voice laced with disbelief.

"Yeah, but showing up with him like that was tasteless," Bonnie said, shaking her head. "She could've at least called first."

"I think she's jealous of CJ," Ginger said thoughtfully.

"Of course she is," Bonnie replied without hesitation. "She always has been. Danny loved CJ to death, and still does, so not only is she jealous that but then CJ ended up with John, who's practically a billionaire. She's always made little sly comments too. I'm surprised CJ didn't claw her eyes out. Verbally, of course."

The group burst into laughter, the tension easing slightly.

"It's nice to hear the cackling of my friends," CJ said as she entered the room, Savannah in her arms.

"Hey!" Bonnie said, standing to give her a hug. "You're about to pop any minute, aren't you?"

"Yep, any day now," CJ replied, rubbing her belly as she accepted a hug from Ginger.

"Hello, princess," Ginger cooed at Savannah, who immediately wriggled out of CJ's arms and ran to her toys, scattering them across the floor.

"You're not wrong, you know," Bonnie said, her tone serious as she looked at CJ.

"I know," CJ replied with a sigh. "It still sucks, though." She glanced around the room. "You guys thirsty? Hungry?"

"Nah, we ate on the plane, and we already had some lemonade," Ginger said, sitting back down. "Sit," Bonnie offered, patting the spot next to her on the couch. Savannah toddled over, handing out her toys to the adults as if they were prized possessions.

Ginger ruffled Savannah's hair affectionately. "So, what's our itinerary this week?" she asked.

"Tomorrow's a free day," CJ explained. "You can enjoy the amenities. There's a cookout tomorrow night when everyone's here, and Wednesday is the birthday party. After that, do whatever you want."

"I'm going to be in that pool," Bonnie declared, her eyes lighting up.

"We get it you were on the swim team in college," Ginger teased, nudging her partner.

"I'm throwing you in the deep end just for that," Bonnie shot back, leaning in to kiss Ginger on the lips.

The friends spent the rest of the evening talking and laughing, the earlier tension fading as they enjoyed each other's company. The house, once filled with awkwardness, now buzzed with warmth and camaraderie, a testament to the strength of their friendship.

-—~*~—-

John arrived home around ten, just as everyone was winding down. Most of the little ones were already in bed, and Cameron was on his way, curled up in an oversized chair with his Uncle Josh, who was gently patting his back.

CJ greeted her husband at the door with a warm hug and a tender kiss.

"I'm sorry it took so long—" John began, but he stopped mid-sentence, his eyes softening as he took in the glow of his very pregnant wife. "Hello, beautiful," he murmured, pulling her in for a lingering kiss.

"You're home," she said, her voice sweet and filled with relief.

"I am," John replied, his smile warm and wanton. "Where is everyone?"

"The adults are outside," CJ said, gesturing toward the backyard. "Mostly drunk. And all the kids are down except Cameron."

John's expression shifted slightly, his tone more serious as he asked, "Where's your ex-husband?"

"At a hotel with his wife," CJ replied. "It's uncertain if they'll be back."

John cupped her face, his eyes searching hers. "So you've had a day," he said softly. "I'm sorry."

"It's okay," CJ said, leaning into his touch. From the background, the sound of laughter drifted in, a reminder that their friends were still enjoying the evening.

"I'm going to shower and change," John said, pressing a quick kiss to her lips. "I'll be back."

"Okay," CJ replied, watching as he headed up the stairs.

Once he was done, John rejoined everyone outside. Josh had finally laid Cameron down in bed and was already three drinks in when John stepped onto the patio.

"The future Mr. President!" Josh announced boldly, raising his glass in a mock toast.

"Stop it," John said with a laugh, shaking Josh's hand and patting him on the back before leaning down to kiss Donna's cheek. "How's it going? Enjoying the libations?"

The group erupted into laughter, raising their glasses in a cheer for their host. John stayed outside, chatting with their friends for about an hour before finally calling it a night. A single glance between him and CJ said everything that needed to be said.

"Okay, guys," CJ said, standing up. "I'm heading up too. It's been a long day. Feel free to hang out, but none of you go swimming, you hear me?"

The group broke into more laughter. "In fact," CJ added, "I'm leaving Donna in charge. She's only had one drink tonight. So behave."

"Yes Mom", Ginger said laughing.

While shaking her head and laughing at the group, CJ walked towards the house, "Good Night, Love you guys."

"Love you," they all chorused in unison as CJ disappeared into the house for the night.

She checked on Savannah first, peeking into the nursery to make sure her daughter was sleeping soundly. Then, she quietly entered the master bedroom, closing the door behind her.

As soon as the door clicked shut, John was on her. His kisses were ardent, his hands moving quickly to remove her clothes.

"John," CJ gasped, her breath hitching as his lips trailed down her neck. "Oh God!"

He turned her around, pressing her against the wall as he gripped her hips. Without hesitation, he entered her dripping core, his movements were swift and desperate.

"John!" CJ cried out, her hands pressing against the wall for support as he drove into her. It had been too long for both of them, and John's control slipped. "Fuck!", he spilled into her with a ragged groan, his body shuddering against hers.

Their breaths came in heavy gasps, the air between them thick with heat and longing. John's body slumped against hers, his forehead resting on her shoulder as he tried to catch his breath. She could feel his heart racing against her back, a testament to the intensity of their reunion.

"My God, baby," John muttered against her skin, his voice rough with emotion. "I have missed you."

Losing his legs, he pulled her to their bed, sitting down as he leaned forward to kiss her stomach. "We're almost there," he whispered, his voice filled with awe as he felt their unborn daughter kick for the first time. CJ sat beside him, her hand resting on his as they marveled at the life growing inside her.

"How are you feeling, baby?" John asked, lying back on the bed and pulling her down next to him.

"Tired, more than anything," CJ admitted, her voice soft. "But I've missed you too."

"The doctor said everything's okay?" John asked, his hand resting protectively on her belly.

"Yes," CJ reassured him. "I'm going to my regular checkups, and all is well."

"Good," John said, leaning over to kiss her softly.

"I'm also tired of missing you," CJ said, her words hanging in the air like a quiet plea.

John turned to her, his expression sincere. "I know," he said, his voice steady. "It won't be much longer. I promise you. But you call me anytime. If I can't talk that minute, I'll call you back. Understand?"

"Yes," CJ whispered, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "I love you, John."

"I love you so much, baby," John replied, his voice thick with emotion. "We have three days. Let's enjoy the hell out of them together with our family and friends."

A smile broke across CJ's lips as John leaned over her, deepening their kiss. The two spent the rest of the night reacquainting themselves with each other, their connection as strong and passionate as ever.

—-~*~—-

Early the Next Morning

The room was bathed in the soft, golden light of dawn, the air thick with the warmth of shared intimacy. Four palms were firmly braced against the headboard, fingers gripping the wood as ragged breaths filled the space between them.

"That's it, baby," John murmured, his voice low and husky, his eyes focused on their joining. "Set the pace. It's all yours."

CJ moved slowly but deliberately, her body swaying against his with a rhythm that was both tender and intense. At seven months pregnant, her movements were more measured, but the connection between them was as electric as ever.

"Shit, Claudia," John exhaled, his voice barely above a whisper. "It's all yours. Take it."l

Their hands remained firmly planted on the headboard, a playful yet challenging game they often played. Both on their knees, they took turns driving the pace, their hands forbidden from moving. John, known for his lack of restraint, often lost this game, his hands instinctively reaching for her hips. But in moments like this, the question lingered, was there really a loser when the outcome was this intoxicating?

CJ's breaths came in shallow pants, her body trembling with the effort. "John," she sighed, her voice breaking as she neared her peak.

He could feel her exhaustion, the way her movements slowed just slightly. They had spent much of the night wrapped in each other, their passion reigniting after weeks of separation. By two in the morning, they had collapsed in a tangled heap, spent and content. But now, in the quiet of the early morning, their desire had flared again, burning just as brightly.

Unable to hold back any longer, John's hands slid to her hips, his grip firm as he took control. His thrusts grew wilder, more urgent, driving them both toward the edge.

"John!" CJ cried out, her voice a mix of pleasure and surrender as her climax overtook her. It was earth-shattering, her body shuddering against his as waves of ecstasy rolled through her.

John followed her over the edge, his own release crashing over him as they clung to each other, their breaths mingling in the stillness of the room. For a moment, time seemed to stand still, the world outside their bedroom fading away as they basked in the afterglow of their connection.

"You owe me," CJ said, releasing a breathy laugh as she collapsed onto the bed beside him, her chest rising and falling as she caught her breath.

"Yeah?" John teased, his voice warm and playful. "It was so worth it, though." He turned his head to look at her, his grin widening as she laughed. "So, what's my punishment for losing this little game of ours?"

"Oral, of course," CJ replied without hesitation, her tone light but mischievous.

John chuckled, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "You always pick that. I must be doing something right." He leaned in, stealing a kiss, his eyebrows arching suggestively.

CJ eagerly responded, her lips meeting his in a soft, lingering kiss. When they finally pulled apart, John's expression turned thoughtful.

"I have a proposal," he said, his voice dropping to a low, conspiratorial tone.

"Okay…" CJ replied, her grin widening as she turned toward him, curiosity lighting up her features.

"How about we play a little hooky from being hosts today?"

"John, we can't!" CJ said, though her playful tone betrayed her excitement at the idea.

"Why not?" John countered, his voice full of mock seriousness. "Today's a free day, right? So let's stay in our bedroom until this afternoon, just enjoying being with each other on the eve of our baby girl's first birthday. What do you say?"

CJ hesitated, her mind racing. "Okay, but what about Savannah?"

"I'll bribe the boys," John said with a shrug, as if it were the most obvious solution. "What's that new gaming system they want?"

"The Nintendo 64," CJ replied, "but only Noel wants that. They already have a PlayStation."

"So I'll take them to the game store myself before I leave and let them pick out more games," John said, his tone confident. "It's a win-win."

"You're such a politician," CJ said, shaking her head but unable to hide her smile. She leaned in, stealing another kiss. "Okay, if they go for it, I accept your proposal. But whatever will we do with the whole morning to ourselves?" she asked, her voice dripping with flirtation as she nipped at her bottom lip.

John's eyes darkened with desire as he inched closer to her. "Well, I believe I have a score to settle," he said, his voice low and husky. "And then, Mrs. Hoynes, let's give in to our deviant minds." He closed the distance between them, capturing her lips in a blistering kiss that left them both breathless.

When they finally pulled apart, John eagerly stood, throwing on his pajama pants. "I'm going to tell the boys," he said, pointing a finger at her in a mock-serious but playful tone. "Don't you move."

CJ laughed, watching as he headed out of the room, her heart swelling with affection for the man who always knew how to make her feel cherished. She leaned back against the pillows, a smile playing on her lips as she waited for him to return, already anticipating the morning ahead.

—-~*~—-

John passed the nursery first, but when he peeked inside, Savannah wasn't in her crib. A flicker of alarm shot through him, and he quickly made his way to Cody's room. Pushing the door open, he found his youngest son lying on his bed, Savannah fast asleep on his chest. Cody's arm was draped protectively over her, his breathing slow and steady.

John's heart swelled at the sight, but a pang of concern quickly followed. Cody was only seventeen, a teenager who should be sneaking off with his girlfriend, Kayla, or enjoying the carefree days of summer. Instead, here he was, taking on the role of caretaker for his baby sister.

"Hey," John said softly, not wanting to startle Cody or wake Savannah. "What's she doing in here?"

Cody stirred slightly, his eyes blinking open as he registered his father's presence. "She started crying early," he explained, his voice hushed. "I didn't want to wake Mama, so I fed her a bottle and brought her in here with me."

John stepped further into the room, sitting down on the desk chair across from Cody's bed. "Your mother and I are sleeping in this morning," he said, keeping his voice low. "I need you and your brothers to watch Savannah for a few hours."

"Okay, no problem," Cody replied, his tone easygoing. "But what if she wants Mama to, you know… eat? She barely took the bottle earlier."

John's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "She's not weaned yet?" he asked, his voice tinged with disbelief. CJ had mentioned starting the weaning process months ago.

"Not really," Cody admitted, shifting slightly to adjust Savannah's position. "Every time Mama tries, Savannah throws a fit. Mama's too tired to fight with her, so she just feeds her."

John nodded slowly, filing that information away for a later conversation with CJ. "I don't care how much of a fuss she puts up," he said firmly. "Don't bring her to your mother, understand?"

"Yes, sir," Cody said, his voice steady as he settled back against the pillows, careful not to disturb Savannah.

"As a reward for watching her this morning," John added, a mischievous glint in his eye, "I'll take you guys to FuncoLand. You can each pick out a few games."

Cody's eyes lit up, his earlier drowsiness vanishing. "Even Final Fantasy VII and Tomb Raider II?"

"Sure," John said with a shrug, though he had no idea what those games were. His nonchalant tone only made Cody's grin widen.

"Great! Thanks, Dad!" Cody said, his excitement barely contained. "We've got Savannah covered."

John chuckled, ruffling Cody's hair before standing up. "Good man," he said, heading for the door.

Downstairs, the kitchen was already bustling despite the early hour. Rosette, the family's longtime cook, was flipping pancakes and frying sausages, the rich aromas filling the air.

"Morning, Rosette," John greeted, giving her a quick half-hug as he swiped a sausage from the tray.

"Morning, Mr. John," Rosette replied, swatting at his hand in mock annoyance.

"How's Peter?", he asked referring to her husband.

"He's good," she said as he dodging her hand and popping the sausage into his mouth. He winced as it burned his tongue but grinned anyway.

"You ought to be ashamed," Rosette scolded, though her eyes sparkled with amusement. "A forty-something year old man stealing sausages like a child."

John laughed, opening the fridge to grab the orange juice. "Good for you," Rosette said, sliding a cup his way as she flipped another pancake.

"CJ and I are sleeping in this morning," John said, a grin spreading across his face. Rosette mirrored his expression, her eyes twinkling with understanding. "Can we get a tray?"

"I'll have one sent up in twenty," Rosette replied, her tone warm but no-nonsense.

"Thank you, Rosette," John said, leaning in to plant a playful kiss on her cheek before heading back upstairs.

Rosette watched him go, a fond smile on her face. She'd always held a special place in her heart for the Hoynes family, especially John and his brother, David. To her, they were like her own sons.

—-~*~—-

John entered the master bedroom to find CJ wrapped in a blanket, fast asleep. This wasn't exactly part of his plan for the morning, but he knew how exhausted she was. Deciding to let her rest for at least another hour, he stripped down to his nude frame and climbed into bed beside her. The slight movement was enough to rouse her.

"I'm sorry," he whispered, pulling the blanket over himself. "Go back to sleep." He kissed her forehead, and she nodded, her eyes fluttering closed as she drifted off again.

John hadn't realized how exhausted he was until his head hit the pillow. He fell asleep almost instantly to the quiet rhythm of CJ's breathing.

He was startled awake by a soft knock at the door. Groggily, he reached for his pajamas, pulling them on quickly before making his way to the door, careful not to wake CJ.

Opening the door, he found Isa standing there with a breakfast tray.

"Thank you," John said, accepting the tray from her. He set it down on the floor momentarily to take the pitcher of freshly squeezed orange juice. "We're not to be disturbed for the rest of the morning, okay?"

"Of course," Isa replied with a warm smile. She had seen how much CJ had missed John during his absence, and she was happy to see them taking some time for themselves.

As John shut the door, CJ stirred, her voice soft and sleepy. "Please tell me that's food."

"It is," John said with a grin, placing the pitcher on the nightstand before setting the tray in the middle of the bed. As CJ sat up, the sheet slipped, exposing her nudity.

"I'm gonna need you to cover up if you plan on eating this morning," John said, his tone was serious yet playful.

CJ smiled, reaching for her robe. "Pass me my robe, then."

John tossed her a pink silk bathrobe, which she quickly slipped on before joining him on the bed. Both of their appetites were enormous they'd burned a lot of calories the night before and that morning, and they needed to refuel.

"I'm getting spoiled, John," CJ said between bites of a pancake.

"How so?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Well, we have two maids and a cook here, but nothing in DC," CJ replied. "I'm not going to want to go back."

John laughed. "We don't have the space for staff in DC, but if November turns out the way I hope, we'll definitely have some extra help." He paused, then added, "Speaking of help, what do you say to hiring a nanny?"

CJ's expression shifted, her tone defensive. "I honestly never thought about it. I don't really like the idea of someone else caring for our child. Besides, the boys are usually around, and they don't mind looking after her."

"And that's my point," John said gently. "They're just kids themselves. When I went to talk to Cody this morning, I checked on Savannah first. When she wasn't in her crib, I almost panicked. But then I found her in Cody's room, asleep on his chest."

"Yeah, he gets her sometimes at night," CJ said, her voice rising slightly. "What's the issue? He loves her, and I never asked him to, John."

"Claudia, I know you didn't ask him," John said in a calm tone, his words steady feeling the energy shift in the room. "And I know he loves her. But Cody needs to be a kid. When you guys go back to DC, he's going to be at school, playing lacrosse, going to practices and games. He has a girlfriend, so that means dates on Friday or Saturday nights. He's a senior, he's got Senior Skip Days and Prom. Aiden will have school and baseball. Their schedules will be packed. They don't need to be her babysitters."

CJ's eyes welled up, and she looked away. She didn't want to feel like less of a mother, but the truth was, she was exhausted. With her second pregnancy, things had been harder as she was constantly tired, and Cody had been a constant source of help.

"We'll find a nanny during the summer and work on housing," John said, his voice softening. "I'll help as much as I can. Send me an email with the information. I'll look at it and make my recommendations, but you'll do the interviews. I trust you to pick the best person for the job. It'll also help with weaning her," he added, leaving the thought hanging in the air.

"No," CJ said, shaking her head. "I have it under control."

"No, you don't," John said gently but pointedly. "You can't give in to her just because she cries, CJ. Christ, you told me she was being weaned two months ago."

"No!" CJ stood, pacing the room. "You can't come home for three days and just order me to change everything! It's a process, John!"

"Claudia, stop yelling and sit down," John said, his voice calm but commanding.

"Don't tell me what to do!" she screamed, hot tears rolling down her flushed cheeks. She collapsed onto the couch, sobbing.

John could sense there was something deeper going on. He stood and walked over to her, sitting on the ottoman in front of her. Reaching out, he took her hand, his touch gentle.

"Baby," he said softly. "Talk to me. What's going on?"

"I'm so tired all the time, John," CJ admitted, her voice breaking. "I won't be a good mother if I hire a nanny. None of my friends have one. Katie did it all by herself. What does it say that I can't? Feeding her is the last thing I can do for her."

John took her both hands in his, his eyes filled with compassion. "First of all, Katie had to do it and you saw her struggles first hand. Danny moved out. If something happened with me, I'm a hundred percent sure you could do it too. Second," he said, his tone lightening, "you're old."

CJ swatted his arm, a small smile breaking through her tears.

"Seriously," John continued, "it's hard on you because of the issues you've had in the past and your age. I'm not saying you can't do it, you know, girl power and all, but that's why we decided to have the baby now instead of waiting. It's okay to need help. If you could do it all at work, you wouldn't need Carol, right? Why should home be any different? Especially since we can afford it."

He paused, then added, "And third, Savannah will be fine. You're never going to lose her. Well, maybe in her teenage years, but I'm positive she'll circle back because you are a great mother. Even if you don't know how to cook or make ice cream from scratch—, Ow!" John shouted as CJ hit him several times with a throw pillow. "Spousal abuse!"

He grabbed her arms, pulling her down on top of him. Their lips met in a tender kiss, and when they finally pulled apart, John gently brushed a stray tendril of hair behind her ear before wiping the tears off of her cheek.

"You're a wonderful mother and wife," he said softly. "Never forget that. Okay?"

CJ nodded, her tears subsiding as she laid her head on his chest. John wrapped his arms securely around her, and they stayed like that for a while, basking in the comfort of arms.

—-~*~—-

Downstairs, the house was coming to life as everyone gathered in the formal dining room. The room was nothing short of magnificent. One wall featured a stunning accent design with an off-white/cream colored base with bold geometric lines in gold, creating a striking visual contrast. The opposite wall was lined with floor-to-ceiling windows that offered breathtaking views of the lush landscape outside. In the center of the room stood a massive table that could comfortably seat thirty people. While it was perfect for occasions like this, it could feel overwhelmingly large and lonely on quieter days.

Rosette, with the help of Georgia and Isa, had laid out an impressive breakfast spread in the middle of the table before discreetly leaving the guests to enjoy their meal. The three gathered at the breakfast table near the kitchen to enjoy a comfortable meal of their own.

"Good morning, guys," Donna greeted as Cody walked in first, holding Savannah in his arms. Aiden and Kayla followed close behind.

"Good morning," they chorused in response, their voices blending together.

"Morning," Josh chimed in as they found their seats before leaning forward and snagging a crisp piece of bacon from the table.

"Where are your parents?" Ginger asked, her eyes scanning the room. Everything looked delicious, and she was eager to dig in.

"They're sleeping in this morning," Cody explained as he secured Savannah into her booster seat. "So we don't have to wait for them."

Ginger glanced at Donna with a curious smile, and the two women exchanged a knowing look before breaking into quiet giggles.

"Where's Bonnie this morning?" Josh asked, noticing her absence.

"Still asleep," Ginger replied, her tone soft but thoughtful as she fixed a plate for her son. "She was up all night throwing up. We probably should've eaten something more substantial last night before consuming massive amounts of alcohol." She paused, then added, "I'll save her a plate for later in case she feels like eating."

As the group settled in, the doorbell rang. Georgia answered it and entered moments later, showing Katie, Danny, and their daughters into the dining room before quietly excusing herself.

The room grew eerily quiet, the tension palpable. Once again, it was Josh who broke the silence.

"Hey, morning, guys. Welcome back," he said, standing to greet them with a hug. The gesture seemed to ease the tension slightly. Eva, now three and a half, climbed down from her chair and went over to Arlyn, offering her a sausage with a grin.

Donna smiled, ruffling Eva's beautiful brown hair, another trait she shared with her father.

"Well, I guess she's saying, 'Grab a seat,'" Ginger chimed in, her lighthearted comment helping to relax the mood a bit.

Despite the attempt at levity, Cody and Aiden's expressions remained stony. They didn't know the full history between Danny and their mother beyond the fact that he was her ex-husband, but they hadn't liked what they'd seen the previous afternoon.

"Where's CJ?" Katie asked after a moment, her tone polite but firm. "We'd like to talk to her."

"My parents are sleeping in this morning," Aiden said sharply, his voice carrying an edge of protectiveness. It was then that Danny noticed the cold, guarded expressions on the boys' faces.

"I'm sure they'll be down later," Donna said, her tone soft and inviting, trying to diffuse the tension.

"Morning," Noel greeted as he wandered in, oblivious to the undercurrents in the room. He found a seat near his brothers, his cheerful demeanor a stark contrast to the tension hanging in the air.

—-~*~—-

Upstairs, lost in their own world, CJ and John drifted off to sleep, still cuddled together on the couch. The quiet intimacy of the moment was shattered, however, by the sound of the front doorbell ringing.

CJ woke first, her sleepy haze giving way to a soft smile as she looked down at John, who was still dozing. The pressing urge to pee finally forced her to move, and she slowly slipped out of his arms. The movement was enough to rouse him, and he instinctively reached for her, pulling her back against him.

"I'm just going to the bathroom," she whispered, her voice warm and affectionate. "I'll be back."

"Hurry," John murmured, shifting to his side as he watched her wobble to the bathroom, his lips curving into a sleepy smile. In that moment, he was overwhelmed with a profound sense of joy and contentment. He had never imagined he could feel this way about anyone else.

Though his love for Suzanne had been real—she had been his first crush, his first love—those memories now felt distant, almost faded. What he had felt for Suzanne now paled in comparison to what he felt for CJ. She was everything and more.

After washing her hands, CJ stole a few grapes from the breakfast tray and made her way back to the couch. She sat down, draping her legs over John's, and popped a grape into his mouth.

"I'm glad we did this today," she said, her voice soft and content.

"Me too," John replied, his hand moving to massage her feet. He sat up slightly, his expression turning serious. "Claudia, do you know how much I love you?"

CJ looked at him, her eyes filled with a mix of adoration and curiosity. "How much?" she asked playfully, though her heart quickened at the intensity in his gaze.

"So much," John said, his voice steady and sincere, "that if you asked me to quit the campaign right now, I would."

CJ's eyes widened in shock. "What?" she uttered, her voice barely above a whisper. If it hadn't been for the stoic determination in his expression, she would have thought he was joking. "No, John. I would never ask you to do that. Why would you say that?"

"Because you need me," John said, his voice thick with emotion. "You need me to be a husband and a father, and I don't ever want to lose you." His eyes glistened with a depth of affection that was almost overwhelming. "You are my light in the darkness. You are the beat in my heart. You are the air in my lungs. How is it fair for me not to be yours?"

Tears streamed uncontrollably down CJ's cheeks. They had said 'I love you' countless times before, and she had always known he meant it. But the rawness of his words now made her heart swell with a love so profound it was almost unbearable.

John placed her feet on the floor and moved to embrace her, pulling her tightly against his chest. With her head pressed against him, she couldn't see the tears in his eyes, but she could feel the way his body trembled with emotion.

"I do need you," CJ said, her voice muffled against his chest. "But you are destined to be president. Even when we rekindled our affections that evening in my apartment, I knew this was just a stop on our journey together. And yes, I was frightened it would drive us apart, but you reassured me it wouldn't. Of course, the fears still resonate within me, but what I've come to rely on is faith. I'm here, John, for the duration. As long as we communicate, we are unstoppable."

She leaned up, her tear-streaked face meeting his. "I'm going to need you to do the same."

John kissed her slowly, his lips tender against hers, before pulling her back into a tight hug. In that moment, he never wanted to let go.

—-~*~—-

Bonnie rejoined her friends downstairs, feeling slightly better after her rough night. The group was scattered throughout the house and property—some exploring the expansive grounds, others changing into bathing suits to take advantage of the pool on a hot summer day. And then there was Josh, firmly planted in front of the television, a bowl of snacks in his lap as he raided the pantry for more.

"Are you going to do anything else but watch TV this week?" Bonnie asked jokingly, sinking into an oversized chair. She was still in her pajamas that consisted of boxer shorts and a tank top. Her hair was pulled back in a slightly messy ponytail from sleep.

"Oh, hey," Josh said, turning in surprise. "How are you feeling? Ginger told us you had a rough night."

"Yeah, I'm better, thanks," Bonnie replied, leaning over to steal a few chips from his bowl. "What's on?"

"Arsenal and Manchester United," Josh said, turning up the volume slightly.

"You watch soccer?" Bonnie asked, raising an eyebrow.

"I do if I have satellite TV," Josh replied with a grin.

"Where's everyone?" Bonnie asked, glancing around.

"Donna's dressing the girls to go swimming," Josh said, gesturing vaguely toward the stairs. "John and CJ are sleeping in this morning." He added air quotes, earning a snicker from Bonnie. "Cody, Kayla, and Ginger took Savannah, Cameron, Arlyn, and Crystal to see the animals at the farm—"

"Arlyn and Crystal?" Bonnie interrupted, her eyes widening. "Katie's here?" she asked incredulously.

Josh nodded. "And Danny."

"You're shitting me!" Bonnie exclaimed. "And John and CJ don't know?"

"Nope," Josh said, popping a chip into his mouth. "Expect that explosion later. Katie said they wanted to speak with CJ."

"Well, she better hope I don't see her first," Bonnie said, her tone sharp. "You know, I really tried to like her, but she irks the hell out of me. Did you know they were fucking the day after he and CJ separated? That tells me she's always been there, lurking, waiting for the second he was free."

Josh frowned, his brow furrowing. "How do you know that? You didn't even know her back then."

"No, but she made it a point to tell your wife," Bonnie said, her voice dripping with disdain. "She's using your friendship with Danny and Donna to get close to us, to CJ. Because she's jealous of her. We all know Danny was still in love with CJ even after they signed the divorce papers and so did Katie. She also got pregnant on purpose both times. I'm not excusing Danny for what he did, but I don't like her, Josh. Where are they now, anyway?"

"Mmm," Josh said, swallowing a sip of soda. "Horseback riding."

Bonnie stood, stealing another chip from his bowl. "I'm gonna help Donna with the girls," she said, heading for the stairs.

"Thanks, Bon," Josh called after her, though his mind was no longer on the game. Everything Bonnie had said lingered in his thoughts. She was the most honest and trustworthy of all his friends, and if she believed it, it had to be true. But what puzzled him most was whether he should tell Danny. He didn't want to destroy his reunion with Katie. And regardless of how it happened, his daughters were here now.

-—~*~—-

CJ moaned softly, her head tilting back as she sat on the couch, her body trembling with pleasure. John knelt on the floor in front of her, one of her legs draped haphazardly over his shoulder while he hooked the other around his arm, pulling her closer. His mouth worked tirelessly, his tongue flicking and teasing as he held her in place, refusing to let her squirm away.

"John," she gasped, her voice trembling. "Don't stop!"

She was teetering on the edge, her climax within reach, but she needed more. "Fingers, please," she whimpered, her hands gripping the edge of the couch.

John smiled devilishly, his eyes dark with desire as he deliberately ignored her plea. Instead, he continued to focus on her clit, his tongue relentless as he prolonged her agony. He loved watching her unravel like this, it was his reward, his prize.

"Baby," she panted, her breath coming in shallow gasps. "Please," she begged, her voice breaking.

Finally, he relented, inserting one finger, knowing it wouldn't be enough to push her over the edge. He sucked hard on her clit, his movements deliberate and precise, and CJ's body arched off the couch as if she might levitate. Her heart raced, the finish line so close, but she needed more to reach it.

Just as she thought she couldn't take it anymore, John withdrew, only to insert two fingers, pumping rapidly as he returned his mouth to her. The combination was too much, and CJ's climax hit her like a tidal wave, her body shuddering as she cried out.

John released her leg, sitting back on his heels as he marveled at her, his chest rising and falling with his own labored breaths. CJ was spent, her body limp against the couch, her heart still racing as she threw him a satisfied, lazy smile.

He leaned forward, capturing her lips in a deep, lingering kiss, relishing in her unique taste. "You taste so delicious, baby," he murmured against her lips. "Did you enjoy your prize?" he asked, his smirk knowing and self-satisfied.

"You know I did," CJ replied, her voice soft and sated. She leaned in for another kiss, her arms wrapping around his neck. "I love you."

"And I love you, Claudia," John said earnestly, his hands resting on her hips as he helped her stand. "You know I'd love nothing more than to spend the whole day like this, but it's already two. I think we should shower and make our way downstairs."

"Only if we promise to make it an early night," CJ said, stealing another kiss as she wrapped her arms around him.

"That we will do, Mrs. Hoynes," John replied, his voice warm and affectionate as he kissed her forehead.

—-~*~—-

The doorbell rang, and Georgia answered it almost immediately.

"Georgia!" Ryan greeted her with a warm hug. She hadn't seen him since Thanksgiving, and he looked radiant, his smile lighting up the room.

"Good to see you, Mr. Ryan," Georgia said, her voice warm and welcoming. "Let me take your bags."

"No, we've got them," Ryan said, stepping aside to introduce Gabbie. "You remember Gabbie, don't you?"

"I do," Georgia said with a kind smile. "Good to see you, miss."

"Nice to see you again too," Gabbie replied politely. She'd only been to Ryan's Texas home once before, last summer, and she was still in awe of its grandeur.

Cody came running downstairs with Kayla, greeting Ryan and Gabbie with enthusiasm.

"Ryan!" Cody said, pulling his older brother into a hug. "Damn, you've gotten taller. You might even be taller than Dad now." He turned to Kayla, introducing her proudly. "This is Kayla."

Though their relationship was only seven months strong, Cody and Kayla were happy together—unlike his on-again, off-again relationship with Nicole, which always seemed to be fraught with drama.

"Nice to meet you," Ryan said, gesturing to Gabbie. "This is my girlfriend, Gabbie."

"Nice to meet you," Kayla replied with a smile.

"So, where's everyone?" Ryan asked, glancing around. "Is Aunt Christina here yet?" Though she was technically their cousin, Christina was a year older than their father, so the boys had always called her "aunt."

"Nope," Cody said. "I thought you were her. Uncle Edward called from a payphone at the gas station—they said they're about an hour away."

"Cool," Ryan said, handing his bags to Cody. "Take these to my room, please. I'm starving."

"I'll take yours to our room, Gabbie," Kayla offered.

"Okay, thank you," Gabbie said as the two dashed away.

"She seems really nice," Gabbie remarked as she and Ryan walked toward the kitchen.

"Yeah, I guess," Ryan said with a shrug. "But I've got the best girl on my arm." He gave her a quick kiss, his hand holding hers as they entered the kitchen, where Rosette was already preparing dinner for the barbecue later that evening.

"Mr. Ryan!" Rosette exclaimed, dropping everything to give him a huge hug. "How's school? Did you bring your dirty laundry?"

Ryan laughed joyously. "School's great—I made the dean's list." Rosette looked like she was about to tear up, she was so proud of him. "And no, I haven't. I've got a washer and dryer in my apartment now."

"Oh, look at you, all grown up," Rosette said, her voice filled with affection. She turned to Gabbie.

"Oh, Rosette, this is Gabbie."

"Yes, I remember. Hello, dear. How are you?"

"Great, thank you," Gabbie replied.

"You in school too?" Rosette asked.

"Yep, I go to NYU," Gabbie said proudly.

"Oh, that's terrific," Rosette said. "Are you two hungry?"

"Yes, ma'am. Starved," Ryan admitted.

"Go sit. I'll fix something," Rosette said, already moving toward the stove.

"It's okay," Gabbie said, not wanting to trouble her. "We'll just make a sandwich."

"No, you will not," Rosette replied, as if the suggestion were an insult. "I'll fix something, and I'll let you know when it's done."

"Thank you, Rosette," Ryan said, his tone grateful. Gabbie echoed her thanks as well.

As they walked away, Ryan whispered to Gabbie, "She takes it as a personal insult if you don't let her feed you. Once you learn that, you'll be in good with her forever."

Gabbie smiled, cuddling closer to Ryan as he led her upstairs to show her where she'd be sleeping.

As they reached the top of the stairs, CJ and John were exiting their bedroom.

"Ryan!" CJ called out, rushing to hug him.

"Mama," Ryan said, hugging her snugly but carefully, mindful of her stomach. CJ held on tightly, as if she never wanted to let go. When she finally pulled away, she cupped his face in her hands.

"I miss you, boy," she said, her voice thick with emotion.

"I miss you too," Ryan whispered. Just then, the baby kicked, and CJ laughed.

"Someone else missed you too," she said, taking Ryan's hand and placing it on her stomach so he could feel his baby sister's movements.

"Ry," John said, interrupting the moment.

"Dad," Ryan said, turning to hug his father with a wide smile.

"You look good, son, and taller," John smiled genuinely said, clapping him on the back. "How's the apartment?"

"Great, thank you again," Ryan replied.

John nodded, then turned to Gabbie. "Gabriella," he said, acknowledging her with a warm smile.

"Hi, Mr. Hoynes," Gabbie said, hugging him as well.

"You guys just get here?" John asked.

"Yep," Ryan said. "We beat Aunt Christina. Cody said Uncle Edward called a while ago and said they're about an hour out."

John nodded. "You guys hungry?"

"Yeah, Rosette's fixing us something now," Ryan said.

"Good," John replied. "We're gonna head downstairs."

Cody, meanwhile, was in his room, engrossed in a video game while Kayla sat on his bed, flipping through a magazine. CJ poked her head in.

"Where's Savannah?" she asked.

"Pool with Mrs. Donna and Mrs. Bonnie," Cody replied without looking up.

"Where's Aiden and Noel?"

"Outside, I think," he said.

"Okay, door stays open, you two," she added, glancing between Cody and Kayla.

"Mama, we're not even doing anything!" Cody shouted, finally looking up from the game.

"Cody," Kayla said, trying to calm him down. "Don't argue."

"Don't raise your voice to your mother," John said, stepping into the room. "The door stays open. Understand?"

"Yes, sir," Cody replied, refocusing on his game.

"Yes, sir," Kayla mimicked, earning a small smile from CJ.

Though the spat was short-lived, CJ was proud that Kayla seemed to have a level head. All the Hoynes men had a bit of a hot streak at times, and it was refreshing to see someone who could keep Cody in check.

CJ took John's hand, pulling him away from the kids to head downstairs. Softly, she spoke. "You know I could've handled it."

"I know," John said with a nod. "But I can't just stand by and let him talk to you any kind of way."

"John—" CJ started, but he cut her off.

"I know, I know," he said, placing his arm around her shoulders and kissing the side of her head.

As they entered the living room, they found Josh fast asleep on the couch. The soccer game he'd been watching was long gone, replaced by an old Wimbledon tennis match. They laughed at the sight before turning their attention to the splashing sounds coming from the pool.

Walking outside, Savannah instantly spotted her mother and began reaching for her. "Ma Ma!" she cried out, kicking her legs in her floatie, trying to propel herself toward CJ. Bonnie moved her over to the steps, helping the little girl out of her floatie.

"Hey, guys," Bonnie said with a knowing smile. Between the goofy grin on Johns face and the glow on CJ's it was obvious that they had a very pleasurable morning.

John scooped down to pick up Savannah, kissing her cheek but she reached for CJ's blouse, fussing.

"No, baby," CJ said softly, but when Savannah threw a tantrum, wriggling in John's arms, he stepped in.

"Stop it, Savannah," he said in a commanding tone, securing his hold on her. When she cried louder, John moved her away from CJ, off to the side.

Donna looked at CJ with a raised eyebrow. The same scenario had played out yesterday, but CJ had given in to the child's tantrum. This time, CJ rolled her eyes with a smirk, determined to hold firm.

Just then, CJ noticed Arlyn and Crystal by the pool. After their trip to the farm, Ginger had changed Arlyn into one of Brianna's swimsuits and had given Crystal one of Eva's potty-training panties and an undershirt to swim in. It was one of the many benefits of having girls around the same age. After dropping the rest of the kids at the pool, Ginger had gone to lie down, exhausted from staying up most of the night nursing Bonnie, who had been dry-heaving into the toilet. Thank goodness their room had an en-suite bathroom.

Bonnie noticed CJ's gaze and gave her a subtle nod, confirming what CJ had just realized.

CJ immediately went to John, quietly informing him of what she'd just learned. His face darkened, though he kept his composure. Despite his anger, Savannah's tantrum took precedence.

"I'm putting her in her crib," John said quietly yet firmly just for her to hear. "Do not give in, Claudia. If she cries, let her."

CJ nodded handed him a towel before watching as John carried the angry little girl back into the house. She waited by the pool, her heart heavy but resolute.

John took a bottle from the fridge, and placed it in the bottle warmer before heading upstairs. He passed Ryan and Gabbie, who were eating at the breakfast table.

"Dad, what happened?" Ryan asked, noticing the determined look on his father's face.

"Nothing," John replied dismissively. "Enjoy your food."

Savannah cried the whole way upstairs. Cody came out of his room to see what the commotion was about.

"Dad, I can get her," Cody offered, reaching for Savannah.

"Codie!" she cried, reaching for him.

"Dad—," Cody started, but John cut him off.

"No," John said firmly. "She's going in her crib. Do not get her. She has to stop this behavior every time she doesn't get her way."

Noel walked out in his swim trunks, taking in the scene but wisely deciding not to get involved. He kept walking, heading downstairs.

John deposited Savannah in her crib, where she immediately stood up, screaming and crying. Aiden came out of his room, rubbing sleep from his eyes.

"What's up?" Aiden asked, his voice groggy.

"I don't know," Cody explained. "Dad said to let her cry."

"That's some bullshit, I was only sleeping," Aiden muttered, turning back into his room and slamming the door shut.

John returned with a warm bottle of milk, trying to give it to Savannah. She threw it down on the floor, but John picked it up and tried again. When she threw it down a second time, John picked her up, placing the bottle in her mouth. She pushed it away, crying.

"We can do this all day, Savannah," John said firmly in a no nonsense tone. "This is how you drink. No more MaMa."

The little girl stopped fussing, looking at her father with defiant eyes. John's resolve was weakening, but he held steadfast. The more they tried, the sooner she would learn to accept the bottle. But the more they gave in, the harder it would be to wean her.

He tried again, placing the bottle in her mouth. After a while, she started sucking.

"That's my good girl," John said, rocking her gently. Eventually, she finished the bottle and began to doze off. He kissed her cheek and placed her in her crib covering her with a light blanket before leaving the door cracked open as he walked out.

Cody instantly came into the hall. John showed him the empty bottle.

"She took it?" Cody asked, incredulous.

"The whole thing," John said. "No more breastfeeding. She can do it, you just can't give in to her."

Cody nodded, returning to his room. "Your father is great," Kayla said, smiling.

"Yeah," Cody admitted reluctantly. "He can be."

Outside by the pool, John held up the empty bottle like a trophy, a wide grin on his face.

"You actually did it," CJ said, her voice filled with relief.

"See?" Donna said, grinning.

"Oh shut up," CJ said, laughing.

Through it all, Josh remained fast asleep on the couch, oblivious to the chaos around him.

—-~*~—-

CJ sat on the edge of the pool, dipping her feet in the cool water near the steps as she chatted with Donna and Bonnie. Suddenly, her face winced in pain, and she instinctively placed a hand on her stomach.

"What's wrong?" Donna asked, instantly alarmed. Bonnie swam closer, Brianna floating nearby in her little floatie.

"Just these Braxton Hicks contractions," CJ replied, her voice calm but slightly strained.

"You sure?" Bonnie asked, her brow furrowed with concern. "How long have you been having these?"

"Yes, and for about two weeks now," CJ said, forcing a smile. "They're irregular. I already told my doctor. It's normal, guys." She was grateful for her wonderful friends, who cared so much about her, but she couldn't help adding, "But just because they're normal doesn't mean they're fun."

"Okay, well, make sure you're timing them," Donna said, her tone soothing but firm. "And if you need to lie down for a while, do it."

"Will do, Mom," CJ teased, earning a playful eye roll from Donna.

"You're only older than me, but sure, let's go with that," Donna shot back, making the group laugh.

"Speaking of moms," Bonnie chimed in, "where's your mother-in-law?"

"She wasn't feeling well the last couple of days," CJ explained. "So she didn't want to come around me or Savannah. She said she'll stop by tomorrow for the party if she feels better."

"Yeah, let her keep that over there," Bonnie said, earning another round of laughter.

Just then, John walked out with his cousin Christina in tow.

"Hi, Christina," CJ greeted her warmly, trying to stand up.

"Hey, look at you," Christina said, her face lighting up with a smile. "Sit down, don't get up for me." She bent down, giving CJ a gentle hug.

"Hey, CJ," Edward said, following behind Christina.

"Hi, Edward," CJ replied. "How was the drive?"

"Long," Edward said with a sigh. "Karli got sick, so we had to stop a couple of times. It's her first road trip."

"Aw, poor baby," CJ said sympathetically. "Where is she?"

"Upstairs with Cody," Edward replied. Just as he spoke, their twelve-year-old son, Alex, ran past them, heading straight for the pool. He jumped in, splashing water everywhere, and Noel immediately swam over to him.

"Uh, Alex," Christina called out as soon as he surfaced for air. "Your Aunt CJ is right here. Don't you wanna say hi?"

"Oh, hi, Aunt CJ," Alex said quickly before turning back to Noel.

"Hi, Alex," CJ said, laughing at the two boys.

"So, have you beaten Zelda yet?" Noel asked, his tone eager.

"No, I can't get past the ice dungeon," Alex admitted.

"Oh, you need the fire wand," Noel said. "I'll show you later."

"Cool. Race ya!" Alex suggested before swimming off.

"Cheater!" Noel shouted, chasing after him.

The adults smiled, giggling at the boys' antics. "At least we know they're excited to see each other," Christina remarked.

As they stood in pleasant conversation, Danny and Katie walked up the path to the house coming from the stables. The conversation came to an abrupt halt, an uncomfortable silence settling over the group. Christina didn't know what was going on, but she froze all the same, sensing the tension. The look on John's face was striking—his jaw tightened, and his eyes narrowed.

"CJ, John," Katie began, her voice tentative. "If you have a moment, can we talk?" Danny stood behind her, silent and tense.

"Hi, Mommy and Daddy!" Arlyn called out, waving to her parents from the pool.

"Hi, pumpkin," Danny said, forcing a smile. Katie waved too, her smile equally strained as she tried to appease her daughter. But it was Bonnie's stony gaze that cut through the awkwardness, her expression sharp and unyielding.

John leaned down to help CJ up, handing her a towel to dry her legs before they stepped back into the house, heading to the great room.

After they were out of earshot, Christina and Edward looked to Donna and Bonnie quizzically, "What's that all about?"

—-~*~—-

The two couples filed into the Great Room, the air thick with tension as they settled onto opposite couches, facing each other. John's stoic expression was striking, his anger palpable as he stared at Danny. CJ sat beside him, visibly upset, her glare fixed on Katie. Danny held tightly onto Katie's hand, his grip a silent show of solidarity.

With a deep breath, Danny spoke first.

"John, CJ," he began, his voice steady but laced with regret, "I'd like to start by saying that I apologize for my actions and for any discord I may have caused between you two. I was in a dark place during that time. CJ, you came to me as a friend, and I disrespected that when I kissed you. I've regretted it every day since. John, as a man, I disrespected you, and for that, I apologize. But in a way, when you slapped me, it was a wake-up call. I was honest with Katie, and we separated. During that time, I realized my mistakes and worked on myself. My daughters and Katie are my sole priority now. I am nothing without my family and friends."

He paused, his gaze shifting between John and CJ. "I'd also like to apologize for coming here unannounced and uninvited. I should have come to speak with you both a long time ago, but I was a coward in many ways. I deserve your anger and more. But I hope that, in time, you can see the changes I've made within myself and understand how truly sorry I am."

He glanced at Katie, giving her hand a gentle squeeze of encouragement.

Katie took a deep breath, her eyes meeting John's and then CJ's. "CJ, I owe you an apology as well. While we were separated, I was struggling to juggle a newborn and a toddler. You were a friend to me. You even kept the girls a few times so I could have a break, and I appreciated it so much. My behavior yesterday was abhorrent. Instead of listening to the words of a friend, I lashed out and said some ugly things, all of which were uncalled for. For that, I apologize. I hope that, in time, you can forgive me."

Before John could respond, CJ leaned forward, shifting her position. He didn't interrupt; he knew the look in her eyes. She was focused, her words deliberate and unwavering.

"Danny," CJ began, her voice steady, "your actions caused a rift between my husband and myself. Nobody", she emphasized the word, her tone sharp, "Nobody is allowed to do that, and nobody is worth that. It was an insult to us. You know me, I take the commitment of marriage seriously. For you to interrupt that was an egregious and selfish action. But I'm glad that me slapping you made you wake up and get your life together. I eagerly look forward to seeing your self-improvement because those beautiful little girls of yours deserve no less and Katie deserves no less."

She turned to Katie, her gaze piercing her to her core. "Let me be honest with you, Katie. I didn't like you at first because I knew about your infatuation with Danny. I also knew that he was in your bed shortly after our separation before we were even divorced while he was still trying to win me back. We were playing out our on-again, off-again at a relationship, and all that time, he was still fucking you. And you knew he was still fucking me."

CJ's words hung in the air, her eyes locked on Katie's. "But I stepped out of that equation after I met John. Even when John and I initially went our separate ways for those few months, I never went back to Danny because he told me he chose you and your unborn baby to commit himself to. I respected you were his choice, even when he came to my apartment and tried to kiss me. With Donna's encouragement, I let you into my circle of friends, and over time, I actually began to like you. I fell in love with your daughter, my goddaughter. But yesterday, you showed me who you really are, confirming my initial gut intuition about you."

"Ceejay—" Katie tried to interrupt, but CJ cut her off.

"No," CJ said sternly, her voice rising slightly. "I'm talking now." Her words were steady and precise. "Danny was and still is very much in love with me, and you know it. That knowledge somehow has turned into jealousy. You used his friendship with Josh and Donna to weasel your way to me. And the only reason you came back here today is because of Danny. Because he wants this connection. You look at what I have and crave it. I look at who I love and cherish it."

CJ's although tone softened slightly, her words remained cutting. "What you said to me about not being as strong as 'the great and powerful Claudia Hoynes', that was a slap in my face. Let me tell you something, I was 'great and powerful' as CJ Cregg and CJ Concannon. I don't need a man on my arm to validate who I am. I chose to have a good man, this man", she pointed to John, "by my side. I've worked for and earned everything I have. And if I woke up one day and said I wanted to be president, I would be. And that's not hubris, that's a fact. But instead, my husband wants it, and so he will be. And when we get into that White House, we'll run that shit because that's what we do, and we'll do it together."

John listened intently, his face impassive, but his chest swelled with pride.

"Even after all you said yesterday," CJ continued, "I still tried to be a friend. And what did you do? You threw the fact that John has money in my face. If John lost all of this tomorrow and was penniless, we would still make it. Because we both work hard and are determined to take care of each other and our children."

CJ moved to stand from the couch, and John immediately rose to help her up.

"Katie, you and I are through," CJ said, her gaze locked on Katie. Katie's eyes began to pool with tears as she sat on the couch, looking up at the couple. "The only Concannons I give a damn about from this point forward are those two little girls. They, along with Eva and Ana, are my goddaughters, and I will not abandon them. I will tolerate your presence for their sake. They will also be welcome at my home and at Savannah's party tomorrow. A car will take you back to your hotel and then to the one I booked for Danny at The Hilton. I don't care if you stay together or divorce, your problems are no longer my concern, nor are mine of any concern of yours."

CJ stepped toward the archway, but John didn't follow immediately. He seemed momentarily stunned, his heart brimming with pride and admiration for his wife.

"John," CJ called, standing in the doorway.

"Yes?" he said, snapping to attention.

"Bedroom. Now," she said, her tone urgent and commanding, though her eyes glinted with something else, need. She needed him. She wanted him.

Without hesitation, John followed her out of the room and upstairs to their bedroom.

As they passed, CJ heard Bonnie say proudly, "Well damn, Claudia Jean!"

-—~*~—-

The two lay in their oversized bedroom, basking in the sweaty, post-coital bliss of their shared intimacy. Their chests rose and fell in sync, their fingers entwined. John lifted CJ's hand to his mouth, pressing a gentle kiss to her knuckles.

"You, my dear, are magnificent," he said, his voice calm but filled with admiration.

CJ smiled at the simple words, which carried a powerful, dual meaning. They were a testament to her strength, her resilience, and the depth of their connection.

"Was I too harsh?" she asked after a moment, her voice laced with a tinge of regret as clarity settled over her.

"Not at all," John assured her, his tone firm but gentle.

"It's going to make things awkward," CJ said, her brow furrowing slightly. "They work for the press. We need them on our side."

"We'll deal with it," John said confidently, his hand tightening around hers.

"I meant what I said about us in the White House," CJ added, her voice soft but resolute.

"I believe you," John replied, his lips curving into a smile. "I will say, it was refreshing to hear. I know the difficulty you've had believing we'd be okay, but I also know that you would make an excellent First Lady."

CJ turned onto her side, facing him, and leaned in, resting her head on his shoulder. John looked down at her, his heart swelling with affection. CJ was a paradox, powerful yet delicate, fierce yet tender. She was everything he had ever wanted and more.

"You are wonderful, baby," John said, his voice filled with warmth. "Every day, I learn more about you, and every day, I fall more and more in love with you. I love you, Claudia."

"I love you too," CJ whispered, her eyes glistening with emotion.

John leaned down, capturing her lips in a deep, lingering kiss. In that moment, outside their bedroom ceased to exist. It was just the two of them, wrapped in the warmth of their love, their connection unshakable.

—-~*~—-

While John and CJ were upstairs, Katie and Danny returned to their hotel, taking only Crystal with them. Arlyn, however, stayed behind, enjoying her time with her friends. At just three years old, she was already a social butterfly, happily playing with Eva and Brianna. Despite the tension between Katie and Danny, neither wanted to deprive their children of the chance to build relationships with their friends. Josh assured the couple that he would keep an eye on Arlyn and bring her back to the Hilton later that evening since he wasn't sure if she'd feel comfortable sleeping at the ranch, given how young she was.

Downstairs, the evening was in full swing. John entered the kitchen to grab the food Rosette prepped, then headed outside to start up the grill. As dusk settled, the first burger hit the flames. Ginger turned on some music, and the downstairs transformed into a mini club for the adults. Most of the children were in their rooms, playing with toys under the watchful eyes of Kayla and Gabbie. Meanwhile, the brothers and their cousin headed to the basketball court to show off their skills. Cameron tagged along too, to hang out with the big boys.

Josh stepped outside, handing a beer to John and Edward before cracking one open for himself.

"So," Josh began, leaning against the patio railing. "How's CJ?"

"Sleeping," John replied, flipping a burger. "I'll wake her when the chicken's done. She's been tired a lot lately. You remember how draining those last months of pregnancy can be."

"Oh yeah," Edward chimed in. "After Karli, we called it quits. I got a healthy boy and girl, and Christina was wiped. She was forty-five when she had Karli. At least CJ's thirty-nine."

"Yeah," John said with a nod. "But still, I'm glad she's not working anymore."

"CJ resigned?" Josh asked, raising an eyebrow. "I never thought I'd see the day when she'd stop working."

"It was a lot," John admitted. "Her job made accommodations for Savannah, but taking her to work every day was draining. I couldn't imagine doing that."

"Why didn't she hire a nanny if she didn't want to put her in daycare?" Edward asked. "Christina did, and it was the best thing for us."

"I don't know," John said with a shrug. "First-time mom, I guess. You can never really trust your kid with anyone else. I talked to her though, she's going to hire one before they go back to DC for school." He gestured to the burgers. "Edward, can you take these in and grab the chicken? The ribs need a little while longer."

"Sure," Edward said, setting his beer down and grabbing the pan of burgers before heading back inside.

With Edward gone, Josh seized the moment. "So, that was something earlier. You know, with Danny and Katie."

"What do you want, Josh?" John asked, his tone direct. He knew Josh was tiptoeing around the subject, and he wanted to get to the point.

"Danny's a longtime friend of mine," Josh said, pausing to choose his words carefully. "You think CJ would be mad if we continue to hang out with them? Donna loves CJ like a sister, and I don't want things to be awkward between them because we'll still hang out with Danny and Katie from time to time. I'm the girls' godfather, after all."

Edward returned, handing John the pan of chicken. Sensing he'd walked into a delicate conversation, he grabbed his beer and made an excuse to head back inside.

"To answer your question," John said, his tone measured, "no, I don't think CJ would be mad. He's your friend, and that's his wife."

"Cool," Josh said, visibly relieved. "Thanks, man. Oh, they're doing shots inside. You want one?"

"No, I'm fine with my beer," John said with a smile. Josh headed back inside to join the fun. John never disclosed to anyone else besides his wives that he purposely stayed away from hard liquor. He even limited his beer intake. His history with alcohol being anything but resolute.

Bonnie stepped outside to take in some fresh air but smell of barbecue was overwhelming and intoxicating at the same time.

"That smells delicious," she said, walking over to John. "Ribs almost done?"

"Another thirty minutes," John replied. "Staying off the alcohol tonight?" he asked, teasing her.

"Just a beer," Bonnie said with a laugh. "I learned my lesson last night and this morning."

The silence between them grew thick, and after a moment, Bonnie spoke again. "You okay?"

"Yeah," John said, his tone neutral.

"CJ okay?"

"She will be."

"I'm sorry," Bonnie said, her voice soft.

John closed the lid on the grill and sat across from her. He took a swig of his beer before speaking. "And why, may I ask, are you apologizing?"

"Because I know how important this week was for CJ," Bonnie said. "I know she really did start to care for Katie, and I know she loves Danny. Don't get me wrong, I was proud of her standing her ground and calling out Katie on her bullshit. But I know this isn't what she envisioned."

"No, it wasn't," John admitted. "But it's what happened, and she handled it with some restraint. It's done. All we can do is support her and make the rest of the week enjoyable. You've been a great friend to her, and now to us, Bonnie. You have nothing to be sorry for."

"Thanks," Bonnie said, her smile warm and genuine.

After the ribs came off the grill, John went upstairs to wake CJ while Edward went to round up the boys. Donna, Christine, and Bonnie set the food out in the formal dining room, while Ginger went to gather the girls and kids.

"CJ," John called softly, rousing her with a kiss on the cheek. "Food's ready."

"Hmm?" CJ murmured, her eyes fluttering open. Just then, her face contorted as she clenched her stomach, wincing in pain.

"What's wrong?" John asked, his voice urgent.

"These damn Braxton Hicks contractions," CJ said, breathing through the pain.

"Are you sure that's all it is?" John pressed.

"Yes," CJ said, her voice strained. "I already told my doctor about them. It's normal, John."

"Do you want me to bring a plate up for you?"

"No, just give me a second," CJ said, shifting onto her back and taking measured breaths. But when another contraction struck, this one more intense, she cried out.

"Nope, this is not normal," John said, standing up and heading for the door.

"John," CJ whined. "It's fine. They'll stop. I've been timing them."

"Claudia, I don't like this," John said, his tone firm. "Let me call Donna or Ginger, at least."

"No," CJ insisted. "We've had enough upsets, and the week just started. They will subside."

"Okay," John said, sitting back down on the bed and taking her hand. "Tell me what you need from me."

"Just lay with me for a second," CJ said, her voice softening.

John kicked off his house shoes and climbed into bed next to her. "If they continue, we're calling the doctor, Claudia."

"It won't," CJ said. "Now hush. Let's just relax."

"One more thing," John said, a smile tugging at his lips. "What if I grab two plates, and we eat up here together? We'll watch an old Murder, She Wrote episode and enjoy some more quiet time."

"I'm not gonna talk you out of this, am I?" CJ asked, grinning.

"Nope," John said. "So just say okay."

"Okay," CJ said, her smile widening as John leaned in to kiss her cheek.

John rushed downstairs, where everyone was already gathered around the table. "Hey, guys, don't wait for us. Dig in. We're going to eat upstairs. CJ needs to relax."

"Everything okay?" Donna asked, her brow furrowed with concern.

"Just those Braxton Hicks contractions," John said, forcing a smile. "She tried to come down, so this is a compromise." The adults exchanged worried glances, but the kids were already digging in.

"Make sure you take her some water, John," Ginger said. "She's not drinking enough."

"I got it. Thanks," John said, grabbing two plates and loading them up.

"You need help with those?" Christine asked.

"I'll do it," Donna offered, stepping in. "You sit and enjoy your meal." She smiled sweetly at Christine before following John upstairs.

"So, how is she, for real?" Donna asked as they walked.

"In some pain," John admitted. "But she insists it's just Braxton Hicks. I'm going to watch her. If it doesn't stop, I'm taking her to the hospital kicking and screaming if I have to."

"Good," Donna said. "Sometimes you have to stop her from herself."

After they ate, CJ drifted off to sleep during the second episode of Murder, She Wrote, her plate empty and two bottles of water finished. John placed the plates on the dresser and turned off the lamp on her side. Basking in the glow of his own lamp, he lay there, staring at her. She was one of the strongest people he knew. She was his life, his everything. Moving a stray strand of hair from her face, he placed a soft kiss on her lips and then on her stomach before covering her with a blanket. Turning onto his side, he turned off his lamp, plunging the room into darkness. He said a quiet prayer before succumbing to sleep himself.

—~*~—-