—-~*~—-
March 1996
As the spa attendant held the door open, she announced, "Mrs. Hoynes, Mrs. Lyman, I can take you back now."
CJ smiled at Donna as they followed the attendant. "How wonderful was it for John and Josh to get us these for Valentine's Day."
Donna chuckled, resting a hand on her eight-months-pregnant belly. "It's the least they can do; we are carrying their daughters."
Both women were glowing, despite the usual pregnancy irritations. CJ, at six months, had shared the joyous news with the family during Christmas, shortly after their wedding. Donna had been the first to know, right after CJ and John celebrated privately.
Initially, Noel had been upset by the announcement, fearing it might change his parents' love for him. Together, CJ and John reassured him, explaining that their love would only grow with the addition of a new family member.
Later that evening, as they prepared for bed, CJ broached a subject close to her heart.
"John?" she asked, climbing into bed.
"Yes, my love?"
"What would you say if I wanted to adopt the boys?"
John looked at her, surprised. "Is that something you want? Did someone say something?"
"No," CJ replied, shaking her head. "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 closer, kissing her tenderly. "I think that's a wonderful idea," he murmured, lifting her gown over her head. "We'll talk to the boys about it and then go from there."
He placed another kiss on her lips, then moved to her already peaked nipples, his touch filled with love and desire.
--~*~--
As CJ and Donna settled into their spa chairs, Donna teased, "Have you finished picking out her name?"
CJ laughed, "I'm not telling you! Name thief."
They both chuckled before Donna continued, "What about you?"
"I've narrowed it down," Donna replied. "Sticking with the three-letter theme, it's either Mia or Eve."
"I like both," CJ mused. "But I think Eve has more depth. So, Eva and Eve or Eva and Mia. Let Josh have the deciding vote. Or is he still sulking over the baby's sex?"
"Nope, the last ultrasound helped him get over that," Donna said with a smile. "Wait until you see the 3D ultrasound, CJ. The technology has advanced so much since Eva."
"I think I'll wait until I see her in person," CJ responded. "John did this on purpose. I've been so worried, thinking I was stressing him out with everything he has going on at work."
"CJ, everything is fine," Donna reassured her. "You've surpassed the previous milestones."
"I know. The science is there, but I lie awake thinking about it, my mind screaming it can't happen again. I won't be able to—"
"Stop," Donna interrupted gently. "I can see why John is stressed. Can you feel her move?"
"Yes."
"Then she's fine. You go to the doctor often; they would tell you if something was wrong. You're 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!" Donna pouted playfully. "Oh, speaking of, guess who's pregnant again?"
"Katie? No!"
"Very much yes."
"Why didn't I know?"
"Because you and John have been inseparable since the wedding," Donna smirked.
"Shut up!"
"We found out right after our anniversary. Danny isn't happy."
"Why not? He loves Arlyn."
"Yeah, but they're not really in love with each other. They don't argue like you guys used to; they just don't talk."
As CJ and Donna continued their conversation, Donna shared, "I ran into Katie not too long ago, and we went out for lunch. She told me that when Danny returned from a six-week assignment—that's why he missed the wedding—he unpacked, showered, left until eleven that evening, then just went to bed."
"Damn, that's sad," CJ remarked.
"She thinks he's cheating on her," Donna added.
"I know firsthand that when he comes back, he usually has to go to the office to type up his reports, but we always had sex first. And Danny isn't a cheater. Has Josh talked to him?"
"Not since that night a few weeks ago. Now, Bonnie and Ginger—"
"You've got all the dirt, Donnatella!" CJ teased.
"I'm on maternity leave. All I do is take care of Eva, watch TV, eat, and sleep."
"That's not all you're doing, Mrs. Lyman," CJ teased knowingly.
"Oh my gosh!" Donna exclaimed, blushing. "Yes, that too. We might as well put these hormones to use. After this one is born, we'll have the six-week dry spell. Besides, I know you aren't talking, Mrs. Hoynes. You and John have sex almost every night."
"Yep, without a break. For a 45, 46 this year, the man's stamina is amazing. Sometimes twice a night. You'd think between working all those hours and the boys, but every night without fail, he's ready to go. I think we have more sex now than before we were married."
"That sounds exhausting."
"Right now, it's fun. Now, tell me about Bonnie and Ginger."
"Well…"
The two friends continued their conversation, finding comfort and support in each other's company.
--~*~--
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 flirted.
"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 had 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 my girlfriend 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 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."
"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 playing 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! 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 John earning him a 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.
"John?"
"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 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 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 burst into her.
"Fuck CJ!", he panted is face in her hair as let go of her leg. "Damn you were feeling so good. 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 Gabrielle 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. The familiar buzz of the newsroom greeted her, but her mind was elsewhere. She made her way to Danny's outer office, where Maisy, his assistant, sat at her desk.
"Afternoon, Maisy," CJ greeted, forcing a smile as she approached.
"CJ!" Maisy jumped up, her face lighting up as she rounded the desk to hug her. "Oh my, what do we have here? Or should I say, who do we have here?" she teased, eyeing CJ's baby bump.
"Well, she still has about three more months until her grand entrance," CJ said, her hand instinctively resting on her stomach.
"A girl! I'm so happy for you," Maisy said, her enthusiasm genuine.
"Thanks," CJ replied, her smile softening. "Is Danny in?"
"He's on a call, but let me pop in and let him know you're here," Maisy said, disappearing into Danny's office.
As Maisy left, CJ took the opportunity to look around the office. Everything was still the same. The same cluttered desks, the same faint smell of coffee and printer ink. The only differences were a few new literary awards on the shelves and fresh articles pinned to the walls. Danny always kept the ones he was particularly proud of, and CJ couldn't help but feel a pang of nostalgia.
"CJ?" Danny's voice broke through her thoughts.
She spun around to face him. They hadn't seen each other since the barbecue in November, and the sight of him brought a rush of emotions. A pleasant smile appeared on her face, though it didn't quite reach her eyes. Seeing him after so long felt… complicated. It warmed her soul more than she expected, but it also stirred up old feelings she thought she'd buried.
"Hi," Danny said, pulling her into a hug. "I wasn't expecting you. How are you?"
"I'm great," CJ said, her voice steady despite the turmoil inside her.
"So I see," Danny said, his eyes dropping to her stomach. "May I?" he asked, gesturing toward her belly.
"Yeah," CJ said, nodding.
As Danny's hands gently rested on her rounded stomach, CJ felt a flush of warmth spread through her. It was strange, this moment of connection. They had been cheated of this experience during their marriage, and now, here they were, sharing something that felt both intimate and bittersweet.
"She's moving," Danny said, his voice filled with wonder.
"She must like you," CJ replied, her tone light but her heart heavy.
"Come in, sit," Danny said, guiding her into his office. He closed the door behind them and sat next to her on the couch. "So, what brings you by?"
"You," CJ said, her gaze steady. "How are you?"
Danny sighed, running a hand through his hair. "So, I'm assuming you heard."
"Yes," CJ said, her voice soft but firm. "I heard other things, too."
Danny averted his eyes, his guilt written all over his face.
"It's true?," she asked, her voice barely above a whisper. "Danny…" CJ's voice broke, her disappointment palpable. "How could you? Oh God," she exclaimed, her mind racing back to their marriage. "Did you… cheat on me?"
"No, never, CJ," Danny said quickly, his eyes meeting hers. "We had our problems, but I would never do that to you."
"Then why Katie?" CJ asked, her voice rising. "What has she done to deserve that, Danny? My God… I don't even know you anymore." She snatched her hand away from him, her anger flaring.
"It was an accident," Danny said, his voice desperate. "The first time, I was in Germany on assignment. I drank a little too much, and she… she reminded me of you. She was tall, beautiful, smart. We started talking and laughing, and the next thing I knew, I woke up in bed with her the next morning."
"And the next time?" CJ asked, her tone icy.
"A photographer I knew in Cleveland," Danny admitted, his voice heavy with shame. "I ran into her before you and I got together. We used to… get together on occasion. There've been a few more since."
CJ shook her head, her disappointment turning to anger. "Danny, I told you when you came to my apartment to tell me Katie was pregnant that you didn't need to get married to be a good father. But you did anyway."
"I know, CJ," Danny said, his voice breaking. "I know."
"What are you going to do?" CJ asked, her tone softer now.
"Tell Katie the truth and hope we can work it out," Danny said, his eyes pleading.
"And if that doesn't work?" CJ pressed.
"Then I'll try to be the best damn father to my kids," Danny said, his voice firm despite the tears in his eyes. "I fucked up, CJ. I fucked up so bad."
"I know," CJ said, her voice gentle now. "And now you have the monumental task of trying to clean up all that mess." She reached for his hand, and when his eyes met hers, she offered a small, sad smile. "I'm here as a friend if you need me."
Danny leaned forward, his emotions overwhelming him, and before CJ could react, he kissed her. Surprised, CJ didn't push him away immediately. Shock, confusion, and then for a brief moment pleasure. She remembered how wonderful it felt to be on the receiving end of one of his kisses, and for a split second, she leaned into it.
Feeling her response, Danny moved his arms around her, locking her in an embrace. But when his arms brushed against her breast, CJ's eyes flew open, and she pushed him away. Without thinking, her hand flew out, slapping him across the face. The sound echoed in the quiet office, stunning them both.
CJ stood, grabbed her purse, and stormed out of the office, her heart pounding.
"CeeJay!!!" Danny called after her, but she didn't stop. She marched straight past Maisy and out the door. Her face flushed with anger and embarrassment,
--~*~--
That evening, CJ elected to stay in her room instead of eating with the boys. John had to work late, and she didn't want them to see her panicked and on edge. The weight of what had happened earlier that day gnawed at her, and she couldn't shake the guilt. She paced the room, rehearsing what she would say to John, but no matter how many times she ran through it in her head, it never sounded right.
It was almost ten when John finally arrived home. He went straight to his office, his mind clearly still on work. CJ hesitated outside the door, her heart pounding. After a few deep breaths, she pushed the door open and stepped inside.
"John—" she began, her voice trembling. "I kissed Danny today."
John looked up from his papers, his expression unreadable. "Excuse me?" he said, his tone sharp
CJ fidgeted, pacing in front of his desk. "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, and I said I'd be a friend. He leaned over and kissed me, and I immediately left. I swear, it wasn't—"
"Why should I not be mad?" John interrupted, standing from his desk. His voice was calm, but the tension in the room was palpable. "You kissed him, Claudia."
"No, he kissed me!" CJ insisted, her voice rising. "John, I'm sorry! I didn't want this to happen."
"Why are you so nervous?" John asked, his eyes narrowing. "Were you flirting with him?"
"No!" CJ exclaimed, her voice breaking. "How could you think that? I was nervous because of your reaction!"
John sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Okay," he said, his tone clipped. "I'm going to finish up here, then come to bed."
"Are you really okay?" CJ asked, her voice small.
"Yep," John said, sitting back down behind his desk. He didn't look at her, his focus already shifting back to the papers in front of him.
CJ didn't believe him. Her gut told her John was more than just peeved, he was hurt, and she hated that she was the cause of it. "John," she said softly, taking a step closer.
"Claudia," he said, his voice firm but not unkind. "I need to finish this."
CJ hesitated, then nodded. "I guess I'm going to bed, then. Good night."
"Night," John replied, his tone flat.
That night, CJ lay in bed, pretending to be asleep when John finally came to bed. She felt him slip in beside her, but the usual warmth and comfort of his presence was absent. The stirrings behind her that she'd felt every night since they were married—the gentle touch, the whispered words, the reassurance of his love—didn't happen. John didn't reach for her, and the silence between them felt heavy and suffocating.
John did not make love to his wife that night.
The next morning, CJ woke to an empty bed. She heard the faint sounds of John and the boys downstairs, but when she went to the kitchen, John was already ushering Cody, Aiden, and Ryan out the door to school. He didn't say a word to her, didn't kiss her goodbye, didn't even glance in her direction. CJ stood in the doorway, watching as the car pulled out of the driveway, her heart sinking.
An hour later, she dropped Noel off at school on her way to work. The silence in the car was deafening, and Noel, sensing his mother's mood, stayed quiet. As she drove, CJ replayed the previous night in her mind, the guilt and worry gnawing at her. Everything was not okay, and she didn't know how to fix it.
--~*~--
As CJ paced Donna's living room, her frustration was palpable.
"Three days! Three days! You don't go from every night without fail to nothing for three days!"
Donna, seated calmly, watched her friend with concern.
"What did you expect, CJ? For 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."
CJ sighed, sulking as she sank onto the couch beside Donna.
"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 Ryan got into that fight."
Donna leaned forward, her tone gentle but firm.
"Well, I think you need to talk to your husband. The longer you let this rift go on, the worse it's going to be."
"What if—"
"Nope!" Donna interrupted. "Let's not do that. No 'what if' scenarios. Go and get your man."
CJ managed a small smile, leaning down to kiss Donna's cheek.
"Thank you, honey. See you later."
"You're welcome. I'm sending you my bill," Donna teased, smiling back.
--~*~--
As CJ entered the quiet house, she called out, "Hi, where is everyone?"
With his eyes fixated on the papers in front of him John replied, "Noel had a birthday party to attend. Cody and Ryan took Aiden to his baseball game."
"Look at me, John."
He lifted his gaze, and CJ saw the hurt in his eyes, which saddened her deeply.
"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 and slapped him before I got the hell out of there."
"You slapped him?" he asked incredulously.
"As hard as I could."
A small smile appeared on John's face but quickly faded.
"Baby," she said softly, approaching him slowly. "I'm sorry. Please forgive me so we can go into the other room and make love."
"CJ, do you still harbor 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 at the memory.
"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 arousal against her, and her body responded instinctively. "I love you," she repeated, and this time John kissed her with such force that she began to rock on his lap, moaning into his mouth. "Please, baby, I need you," she pleaded softly in his ear.
Between her pleas and the warmth of her body against him, John felt his resolve crumble.
"Oh, Claudia, Claudia, Claudia…" he murmured into her ear, his voice thick with desire. "Bedroom. Now."
He gently pushed her off his lap, and she quickly wobbled down the short hall to their bedroom, with John right behind her, both hastily shedding their clothes.
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 three 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 a 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 slipped his finger in 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 screamed out as he inserted two fingers and started pumping her.
"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 in 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 John."
"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 Aiden, 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 Isabella. 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.
--~*~--
As they entered the room, a throng of people immediately surrounded the popular couple. Before long, CJ found herself amidst the women, while John was swept away by the men—a common occurrence at social events like these. CJ was surprised but grateful to see Donna there.
As the evening progressed, both visibly pregnant women felt the simultaneous need to visit the restroom. There, they finally seized a few moments alone.
"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?" CJ replied absently, reapplying her cherry-red lipstick.
"You look much better than you did this morning. So? All is well in the Hoynes household?"
"Yes," CJ responded, aware that Donna wanted all the details but unwilling to divulge them just yet. Instead, she added, "Everything is okay. In fact, better than okay."
"Good. So, you talked?" Donna pried.
"And then some. Now, that's all you're getting out of me," CJ said with a smile as they exited the restroom.
Upon returning, CJ found herself by John's side. With his right arm wrapped around her waist, she leaned into him, capturing his attention. Excusing himself from the conversation, he led her to the terrace.
"Are you okay?" he asked.
"Yes. Just 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 said, stealing 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. He paused for a moment, admiring her as she walked toward a group of ladies. She turned her head to smile at him, fully aware that he was watching.