(Andi)
I started the coffee and set my laptop on the counter and began working. I felt the floor tremor and knew he was up walking about. A half hour later he joined me the freshness of his shower hidden behind the scent of his cologne. Leaning over my back he kissed my cheek.
"Good morning beautiful." He whispered as I listened to a client on my headset.
I muted the microphone and kissed him chasing his tongue with mine. Drew squeezed my tit and then moved before I could hit him. I felt him walk away, when I found him an hour later he was on the phone.
Drew pulled me onto his lap and kissed me firmly.
"Ashlyn is coming to take you shopping after lunch." He informed me. "You need to buy an evening dress, we're going out tomorrow night."
"Drew I'm not sure I'm ready for that?" I protested the pangs of fears immediately raced through me again.
"Lyn will be here after lunch, I expect you to be ready." Drew said ignoring my objection.
He kissed me on the cheek and then left riding away on his bike. It took all the courage I had to be ready when she got there. Lyn led me to car and we started off. The car was quiet but I could smell the distinct odor of the baby.
"Lyn is Martin in the car with us?" I asked coldly.
"He's in the car seat behind you. I dropped Karly off at Roger's moms." She said so matter of factly.
"But he can't even walk yet." I whined.
"He's almost there, but I have the stroller, he'll be fine." Lyn replied facing me. She reached over and took my hand. "Trust me Andi, you'll be fine."
Easy for her to say. She doesn't know what those creatures are capable of. They grip and grab everything, sticking fingers in places they don't belong. They wiggle and contort, I never know where to hold or not to hold. They spread slobber and drool everywhere. Runny noses and burping all kinds of gross fluids I find repulsive.
Actually having Martin in the stroller worked out better than walking with Karly. We went to a few stores when we found a dress that Lyn said was the one. Basic black she said but it was so basic I'm not sure it covered all the parts it should. Basically backless is what I called it.
We were at the counter paying for it when I caught a whiff of the cologne Drew wears. I turned quickly searching for the source but it was gone before I could hone in on the direction. Ashlyn insisted on going back to the mall to look at a few more dresses and some new bras and panties. Martin was getting a bit cranky after we bought another dress.
Ashlyn sat on a bench feeding him a bottle. It was good to sit and relax. I thought about all that had gone on over the few days. Ashlyn and Roger. Andrew and me. What we had done and what I wanted us to do. I thought about Karly, Alex and Angie. I thought about mom and dad being gone and Bert and Ernie being around.
Something was going on, I didn't know what but it scared me. They never let me in on any of the serious talk. Drew was changing all of that, but why? And why now? It was happening all so fast. We had kissed before but now it was so much more than that. I wanted more but that scared me too.
"Andi!" Ashlyn shook me.
"I'm sorry." I answered as she shook me gently.
"Will you hold Martin while I go to the restroom?" Lyn handed me Martin.
NO my brain screamed. Instinct took over and cradled the baby as she placed him on my lap.
"Lyn this isn't a good idea." I protested not caring if she knew I was terrified.
"It will be just a minute, besides he's sleeping." Lyn released Martin into my care.
"What if he wakes up?" I hissed now concerned I might be the one doing just that.
"His belly is full, he will be happy for some time." Lyn assured me. Then she was gone.
Panic didn't really set in for about thirty seconds. After a minute I was concerned. After five minutes of holding Martin I was becoming down right terrified. Every twitch he made startled me. Every coo he muttered made me think he was going to wake up. I wanted to get my phone out and call her.
I listened for any indication she was heading my way. Then I smelled that familiar smell of cologne. I didn't even think about if it was Drew, I was in the middle of a mall holding my worst fear. A baby! I just wished Lyn would come back.
"What if she was hurt? What if she was unconscious and couldn't tell them who I was and where to find me? After fifteen minutes every scenario had played out in my brain. How would I protect this baby if someone wanted to snatch him from my arms? Every shoe stepping on the pavement was a potential kidnapper!
Then he reached up and gripped my blouse. Oh God Martin was awake! The only thing that kept me from melting down right there was his happy giggle when I gave him a finger to play with. His small hand gripped my finger and led it to the one place all kids want new things. In his mouth. I couldn't tell you how long we waited after that.
"You two ok?" Ashlyn asked.
WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN? I wanted to scream. My first question from fifteen minutes ago.
"We're fine, but I think someone left a present for you." I laughed holding my nose.
"Come with me you little stinker!" Lyn took Martin from me. "Mommy needs to do what mommies do." She cooed.
"Can I go with you?" I asked surprising even myself.
There was a brief pause from Lyn as she processed what I just asked.
"Sure, but it can be a bit gross." She stuttered surprised I would offer.
Lyn cleaned up the messy part but patiently helped me spread the baby powder and showed me the little tabs to secure his fresh diaper. I could write a chapter on just this one event in my life. But I won't.
After cleaning up and shopping some more we headed home.
(Andrew)
"Are you sure you want to do this?" Roger asked one more time.
"I'm positive." I laughed. He really was concerned. "The two of you need a night alone and we need one where we aren't."
"So you think Andi is ready for this?" Roger stopped at the door turning to face me.
"Guess we'll find out, I really don't have time to be gentle about it." I sighed. "They'll be home Sunday."
We moved all the paraphernalia into the spare room. Roger shook my hand and drove off laughing. Later I watched Ashlyn pull in the drive, I looked at Karly and told her it was time to hide. She giggled and moved to the spot I showed her. I reminded her to be quiet.
I could see the strain the day had taken on Dee as Lyn guided her to the front door. I opened it and gave Ashlyn a wink. She beamed knowing what that meant.
"Drew you're home!" Andi instantly perked up.
"How was shopping? I asked kissing her cheek. I was hoping to distract her as well.
"We bought a couple of dresses and some other things you will like." Andi beamed.
Ashlyn, grinned a knowing grin as she sat down the first bags from their excursion.
"Marco!" The squeaky voice said from her hiding spot.
"Karly?" Andi asked stunned.
"Come find me!" Karly giggled.
"No cheating!" I teased them both.
"Polo!" Andi laughed.
"Marco!" Karly stood up laughing.
