On My Doorstep [Editing]

Chapter 9

I laughed, realizing I do know. I remembered how it was helping out with my young cousins when I was a teen. Handfuls, that's for sure.

"She's sleeping now," Gil adds.

"Okay. I'll be back in a couple of hours. Sorry for calling again. I just-"

"I know, hun. I have kids too. Don't apologize. See you soon."

"Bye, Gill."

******

"Do you understand the point of a pseudonym?" I asked Olivia. We were meeting at Moxie's for lunch to discuss her books. Everything was going well, as I'd told her, despite the risk I took with publishing a second manuscript. The one thing I couldn't understand is the name she wants to use.

"Yes, I do. That's why I've said my last name for publishing, is Malcolm, not Haydon."

I laughed, finding Liv's simplicity amusing. She'd always been like this. "So, how are the kids? How's Rob? How's the family?"

It was her turn to laugh at me. "You could have just asked how the family is."

"Yeah, I could have. But you already know that would've meant the whole family, not just your boyfriend and kids."

"Everyone's great," she responded, taking a sip of her water.

I eyed her with suspicion. There was clearly something she wasn't telling me, because she loved to give details about everything, this cousin of mine. She'd say something about what she and Rob talked-or fought-about, the kids doing something new, what Britney was up to, and then maybe mention Amanda.

"Well," she started, putting down her glass, "Rob and I kind of got into it."

"What was it this time?"

"He was trying to convince me to get some help, like a nanny or private daycare. All because I said I was tired."

I smiled, "you know, it's not that bad." I held my hand up in defense as soon as she opened her mouth to retaliate. "I know you had a bad experience. Or experiences. And I'm not trying to convince you to hire one. I'm just saying it helps me. Maybe he suggested it because of the books?"

She looked down, then back up. I knew exactly what that sheepish look meant.

I gasped, "Olivia-"

"Shh," she waved her hands in front of my face. "If I tell him, or anyone and it gets back to him, I'm definitely getting a nanny. I don't want that."

"Maybe you can have them and your nanny, if you get one, come to my place sometimes."

"What? Are they gonna hold hands while they crawl?" Liv asked, laughing.

"Oh, right. Ami can't walk yet... Look, I can see where you're coming from, but... Anyway, enough about that. You coming to Maddi's wedding on Saturday?" I asked her.

She nodded, "yeah. I'm ninety percent sure Rob is coming, too. Are you bringing him?"

"Trent?"

"Yeah."

"He does have a name, you know."

She shrugged, stabbing her fork into her pasta, "I'm not his biggest fan."

"You've made that clear," I told her. "Just make sure you're there on Saturday."

"I will be."

"Good."

******

Man, I'm hungry. I should've had more than just a salad when Liv and I had lunch. But if I did that, I wouldn't have an appetite for dinner. And I'm tired...

"You okay, Fawn?" Trent asked, giving Ami's cheeks a little pinch as she's laying on me. The most relaxing and sleep inducing position, I found, was when I was on my reclining sofa with Ami. Well, when she's calm. When she wants to play, mommy has to play.

I looked at him through my half-closed eyelids, "yes... What time is it?"

He looked over at the clock on my living room wall, "6:30 pm. Your mom is expecting us in fifteen. We should head out."

"Okay," I said, getting up with Ami and getting ready. Well, I prepared everything half an hour ago, so that it wouldn't take forever now. "Why are we going out for dinner, again? Trent?"

With a sigh, he came over to me from the front door and gave me a kiss, "because we need to be a couple and spend some time together."

"Right..."

"Thanks again for watching her," I said to my mom as I got up from my sister's couch, putting down my cup of tea.

"Of course! How could I say no to this bundle of joy?" Talia asked, smiling at Ami.

It's nice to see Ami so comfortable around my sister, and Trent. We were her family, at least for a bit longer, so it really warmed my heart. Gave me purpose in a way.

I gave my sister and Ami a hug, then called for Trent, who was in deep conversation with my brother-in-law, so that we could leave.

"See you soon. Love you!" I told Talia, and Ami air kisses as I headed out behind Trent.

"Love you, too! Bye," Talia responded, waving until the door closed.

"So," Trent started, as we got into the car, "Italian?"

*********

A/N

Looks like Fawn is gonna be having an awesome dinner!

Hey Everyone! It's been a while!

I don't have much to say, other than thank you for all of your continued support. I will try harder to update once a week from now on!

Don't forget to vote and/or comment if you enjoyed this chapter!

Love from me to you!!

-HanaMay