"Natasha!" Bobby chanted her name from the base of the staircase. Natasha was in her final stages of getting dressed which still meant she'd need up to another 10 minutes.
It was the Fourth of July and Bobby wanted to visit his grandparents' house for their annual cook out. Natasha was excited to see all of his family again. She hadn't seen his extended family in well over 4 months. If she hadn't had Isaac, it wouldn't have seemed that long. But he had already outgrown most of his clothes. She hated to feel like they were missing too much of his growth. Bobby enjoyed spending time with her family and friends but she knew he'd like to be around his own too.
Natasha was scurrying around the master bedroom trying to finish gathering her last minute necessities. Her duffle bag was laid open wide on the bed and she continued to throw in more things at the same rate she was taking things out. They'd be staying at Bobby's grandparents' house for 3 days and Bobby's cousin Elizabeth had something planned for them each hour. Natasha was surprisingly grateful for the rigid itinerary though. Bobby's grandmother could press her nerves after a few too many seconds in her company.
She looked over herself in the mirror one last time.
Her outfit was simple with crisp white capris and a camel colored round-neck halter top that made breastfeeding quick and easy. Her sunglasses pushed her hair back out of her eyes and she wore comfortable tweed flip flops with gems along the thongs. She turned off the lights and made sure her flat iron was unplugged before descending the stairs.
She rounded the hallway corner with her hand on the bannister, her eyes cast downward on her family. She smiled at Isaac as he smiled at her. Bobby did the hard task of dressing him in the outfit Natasha picked out. She typically hated themed outfits on adults, but thought they were always cute on kids. She asked Bobby to dress him in a pale blue striped button down and dark red shorts embellished with blue anchors. Bobby moisturized Isaac's coils thoroughly as well as his face but he seemed to have gone too far. Isaac's face was glistening to the point of reflection, but Natasha found him even more adorable.
"Hi Isaac." She cooed to him, gradually getting closer with a bright smile on her face. His excitement grew as her proximity did. He turned his head when Natasha raised her hand to tickle his blushing cheek. She put her hand on Bobby's arm so that she could steady herself and raised onto her toes. She nuzzled into Isaac's neck when he wasn't looking and elicited a loud squealing sound from him. Bobby laughed lightly while he watched the exchange.
Natasha pulled away right before she ran a hand over his crown.
Bobby wore his infamous Miami Heat cap. The bill was rotated backward and gave him a youthful prep boy look. Although his strong arms almost made his tee seem a size too small and his short beard aged him even more. Plus, his growing pot belly added some years on its own but it wasn't anything Natasha was complaining about.
"Ready?" She asked Bobby. Their suitcases were loaded into the car and the only thing left was her small carry on/diaper bag. Natasha looked around while trying to remember anything they might have missed. She opened her phone to look at the list she had put together the night before.
Bobby watched Natasha smack sexily on her gum while browsing on her phone. He took a step in her direction and pretended to give her a one armed hug, only to roughly slap his widespread hand against her bottom. He chuckled at her expression.
"Let's go." He commanded. Natasha recognized the tone and knew he was * really * ready to go.
*
"Nana," Bobby called for his grandmother after using his key to open the front door. Natasha hoisted Isaac up her hip with a grunt. Bobby was successfully juggling their bags for which she was thankful. The house felt like she wasn't in much of a house at all. Every window and blind was pulled open as far as it could and it let in large amounts of natural light as well as naturally cool air.
"My baby!" She was heard well before she was seen. Natasha loosened her hold on Isaac, prepared to give him up to his great-grandmother.
Gina was an extremely healthy 80-year-old woman. She went walking every day and hardly ever ate anything that might take a few hours off of her life. She wore a plain navy linen dress with her red toes on display; matching the 4th of July theme. She waddled over and outstretched her hands for Bobby.
"Aw, look at my boy." Isaac was a little groggy from his nap so he looked at her curiously. Bobby put their bags down at the door so his arms were free to hold his grandmother. She showered him in kisses and hugs. He coiled an arm around her midsection and kissed her lightly on the cheek.
"Hi Nana." He said into her neck. She kissed him in return.
"You are so handsome, love. You look well fed—maybe a little too well fed." Both Bobby and Natasha snorted out laughs. Everyone who knew them seemed to comment on Bobby's weight gain. She took it as a compliment; her husband loved her cooking and she loved his warmth at night, so it seemed to all work out.
Gina caught sight of Isaac from over Bobby's shoulder and immediately forgot about her grandson's presence. She rushed over to grab her great-grand right out of Natasha's hands. She gave him up, pulling the back of his shirt down as she did. Natasha watched Gina shower him in kisses from where she stood.
Bobby and Natasha exchanged glances.
Gina and Natasha had definitely repaired their relationship over the years. Gina seemed to hate her less than she did when she and Bobby first met. Although, Gina was a naturally petty and overprotective woman. So Natasha didn't take it to heart that she wasn't greeted.
"Nana, can you acknowledge Natasha please?" Bobby sounded touchy. Natasha sported a bored expression as faux remembrance played over Gina's face. She opened her eyes wide and parted her lips to convey that she had simply "forgot". Natasha didn't buy it. She wasn't looking forward to dealing with her this weekend.
"I'm so sorry Natasha! How are you, darling?" She leaned in to give her a half body hug and a peck on the cheek.
"It's fine. I'm well, thanks." Gina was wandering down the hall with Isaac before she could get her last word out. Bobby advanced toward her sporting an apologetic expression. He coiled an arm around her hips and buried his head into the crook of her neck.
"You're being a good girl." Natasha laughed.
"I'm trying. I don't know how much longer I can keep it going." She whispered in reply.
"As long as you can. If you need a break, I wouldn't mind us going somewhere for a few hours." He backed away to look into her eyes. "We could go to dinner or go to a bar—a date or something." She could see the seriousness in his face. He was so considerate.
"I know, baby. I'll be fine." Natasha raised her manicured fingers up to his cheek and stroked it gently. He nuzzled into her palm and kissed it gently—she loved when he did that. "Let's go take the bags upstairs." She suggested.
"No, I got them. I'll meet you on the deck." Natasha wandered down the hall and into the dining and kitchen area. Elizabeth was wiping off her hands after washing a few dishes. Natasha almost forgot how she looked when she wasn't carrying a baby in her womb. She smiled bright when she laid eyes on her good friend.
"Natty!" Elizabeth engulfed her into a big, full and caring hug. Natasha chuckled as she hugged her back while simultaneously taking a piece of her hair off her lip. They pulled away and Natasha tucked that same loose lock of Elizabeth's hair behind her ear.
Elizabeth held a brief look of shock and turned behind her for a moment. She faced Natasha again with two large wine glasses and a bottle of white wine dripping condensation. Natasha smiled at her mischievously.
"As soon as I walk through the door, huh?" Luckily, Natasha pumped and stored her milk for the entire weekend, so she was free to drink if she wanted. Elizabeth giggled.
