Pillow Talk

Danielle finally emerges from the bathroom.

"There you are.  I was getting a little worried about you."  (Rod)

"Sorry honey.  I needed an extra long shower tonight."  (Danielle)

"Well, we got mom off today with only a short airport delay.  Julian tried to be a big boy, but I could tell he was sad to see her leave."  (Danielle)

"I'm so sorry I couldn't be there to see her off."  (Rod)

"Honey, she understood.  And Ian was there, so she was more than elated."  (Danielle)

 

"So how was your first day back?"  (Danielle)

"Long and lonely without you."  (Rod)

"Awww, that's so sweet.  I missed you, too."  (Danielle) 

"Honey, I would have done that for you."  (Rod)

"You can do it next time."  (Danielle)

"I guess I should get the lights."  (Danielle)

"Not yet." (Rod)

"So honey, yesterday my mom and I happened to be watching The View.  Would you believe their whole show was about blended families?"  (Danielle)

"Really?"  (Rod)

"It was as if I was getting a message.  Judge Judy was on there and she had a lot to say because of her own experience having a blended family, and all the crap she sees in family court.  Bottom line is, I no longer want to confront Melanie.  We are all intelligent adults and we are going to figure out how to make this blended family thing work." (Danielle)

"This is one of the many reasons why I love you."  (Rod)

"I haven't figured out the details, yet, but we will bring her up to our level.  We will not stoop to hers."  (Danielle)

"By the way, do you know what everyone was asking me at work, today?"  (Rod)

"What?"  (Danielle)

"About the baby."  (Rod)

"What baby?"  (Danielle)

"Apparently, the one we are supposed to have as a newly married couple."  (Rod)

Danielle pauses for a few minutes.

"I'm sorry honey, I didn't mean to catch you off guard.  Just looking into your eyes and hearing you talk about our blended family, it just sort of came out."  (Rod)

"Goodness, we have never talked about having more kids."  (Danielle)

"And you know what, we don't have to talk about it right now.  Whenever you are ready to have that conversation, we will."  (Danielle)

Danielle sinks back into Rod's arms.

"Thanks.  With all the Melanie issues, and the renovations.  Have you seen our kitchen?  It's a wreck!  We still have to finish our bedroom, and Nicole's room.  Where on earth would a nursery go?"  (Danielle)

"Shhh.  Relax honey.  It will all get taken care of.   We have time.  I'm going to turn off the light."  (Rod)

Rod returns and holds his bride in his arms until she falls asleep.  He passed on telling her about the dinner that was in the planning stages for his father and all the grandkids.  Maybe he would tell her that news tomorrow.

EPILOGUE

While I was laid up sick, I did watch a show dedicated to blended families on The View.  Judge Judy was there and after seeing the episode, my whole approach to handling the Melanie issues did change.   The details have yet to be worked out.  Stay tuned!

Vanessa Gives an Update on her Sickness

"Hello everyone.  It's me, Vanessa, reporting to you from my bed.  Yes, I am still sick.  I've been trying to do the right things to get better.  Not much seems to be working.  Maybe it will just need to run it's course."

"This is my nightstand which is filled with some of the things I've been using.  I've also been eating chicken soup and plain broth."

"My poor nose is tired of being blown."  

"My husband and kids have been real troopers.  Well Alicia, hasn't been quite as understanding, but Tyler is being very helpful around the house.

"Tyler brought in his goldfish to keep me company.  I had to move him across the room.  The way the tissues were flying, I didn't want him to become a casualty.  Look at that dust!  Sorry, I haven't been able to houseclean since being sick.  Amazing how quickly that dust accumulates."

"I've been trying to get a little work done, but every time I wake up, my laptop is missing.  That's my dear husband who thinks I should do nothing but rest.  We work-a-holics don't get better by completely resting.  We have to work in between resting.  But I understand his concern.  After about 15 minutes of doing something, I need another nap.  Just getting this room ready and this night gown on to talk to you wiped me out."

"So I'm going to take a quick nap, so I can go find my laptop.  I'm sure someone from Morristown will be talking to you again tomorrow.  Me?  I will most likely still be laid up in this bed.  Have a wonderful day!"

The Day After: Part I - The Taylor Home

It's the morning after the wedding.  Rod and Danielle made plans for Nicole to spend the night with Nikaya.  Danielle's mom is taking care of the boys until their parents return.  Rod and Danielle spent the night at Hotel Monaco.  They will be back home later in the evening after dinner.  Their official honeymoon won't begin for a few weeks.

The girls have been up a little while talking.

"I wish Jessica could have stayed the night, too."  (Nikaya)

"Good morning, ladies. Did you sleep well?" (mom)

"YES" (unison)

"Mommy, who was that man at the wedding last night?" (Nikaya)

Antoinette sat down on the bed.  After a long discussion with Freeman last night, it was pretty clear that he wanted to be a part of the family again.  They made plans to have a family dinner soon and introduce him to the kids. 

"Well that man is both your dads father.  So that makes him your grandfather."  (Mom)

"I kind of remember him." (Nicole)

"I don't." (Nikaya)

"Will we see him again?" (Zahara)

"Yes, you will meet him very soon." (mom)

 Upcoming scene for the next post.  The Dance Studio has been built!