Disclaimer: The Mummy, and The Mummy Returns does not belong to me so there.

 

Author: Eviefan

 

Summary:  This is a story that stands on it's own.  It's about Alex, and his life from beginning and beyond maybe.  This is going to be a series, and this is also about Rick and Evelyn as parents, so I'm going to try and take my time with this and make it fairly in depth.  Enjoy.

 

 

Life with Alex

 

 

Chapter 1: The new arrival

 

 

It was quiet in the O'Connell house, and Rick found himself up early despite the long two days he had gone through with Evelyn while she was in labor with Alex.   Now he lay in their bed, watching Evie sleep, smiling at the look of peace on her face. It was still so unreal to him, that less than four hours ago he had been holding Evelyn in his arms as she endured the final stages of labor, pushing their baby into the world, and in that moment when the doctor had laid the wet wailing infant on her chest, their son, their lives had forever changed.  He looked over at the clock on her her bed side table, and knew he needed more than four hours of sleep in order to make it through the day, but he just could not.  After watching his wife for a few more minutes, he eased out of bed, and stretched, then went over to the swinging cradle that Alex was in.  The cradle was suspended held up on two posts and eventually he guessed they would actually put it to use, but not right now.  He looked down at Alex who was wrapped in a light weight creme receiving blanket, still content to sleep.  The Doctor had told him that both Evelyn and Alex would spend the next few days sleeping, and Alex most likely would sleep more than anything through out the week.  After another few moments there, he went back to bed, and as he slid in Evelyn opened her eyes.

 

"Did I really have a baby?"  she asked softly.  He reached out and stroked her cheek.

 

"You did, and he is still asleep."  She smiled and yawned.

 

"I feel sore all over,"  she admitted.  Rick could well imagine that she did.  In the end when she had been pushing him out, she had been so tired that she couldn't managed on her own, so the doctor had instructed him to push above where the baby was whenever she had a contraction.  He reached out and rubbed his hand over her stomach which caused her to flinch.

 

"Sorry,"  he said, and started to pull his hand away.

 

"No It felt good once you started to rub there.  I'm just tender,"  she said so he put his hand back, and gently massaged it.  Her eyes closed, then she opened them again.

 

"Rest,"  he said.

 

"Only if you hold me,"  she replied.  He grinned and scooted closer to her, and eased her into his arms so that he lay on his back and her cheek rested against his chest.  Gently he rubbed his hand over her back, and it wasn't long before she went back to sleep.  He was about to join her when he heard a squeak coming from the cradle, just one, but he had never heard Alex do that, so he managed to get away from Evelyn and went over to him.  Rick looked down at Alex and found him starting to move about, and he made more of those squeaking sounds.  It was up to him to either calm him down, or get him to Evelyn so he could be fed, and he guessed more than anything their son was ready for his second meal.  For a moment Rick tried to remember what the nurse had told him about holding Alex, and what he recalled was to support his head and neck.  He slid his hand under the bottom part of the blanket, then his other hand under the upper part, then lifted Alex out.  It was a bit awkward at first, and Alex made more noises that were starting to sound like cries as Rick tried to get the hang of holding him.  Then he held Alex in the crook of one arm secure.

 

"There that wasn't so bad,"  Rick said softly, as he swayed with the baby.  Alex relaxed for a moment, then made a face, sort of wrinkling everything up and let out a fairly loud cry.

 

"Shh, she's over here."  His cries woke Evelyn, and she winced as she had to move on her own.

 

"Do you want to sit up or lay down,"  Rick asked over Alex's cries which were getting louder.

 

"Sit up,"  she said.  Rick managed to help her do that, propping pillows behind her, then when she was ready gave her their son.

 

"Shhh,  mummy has you,"  she said.  The sound of her voice, and her touch worked to calm him down, though it wasn't until he had what he wanted, which was her breast that he completely calmed down.  Alex was getting better at eating, and she was more comfortable this second time.  Rick settled beside them and she leaned against him.

 

"I still can't believe he is here,"  she said not taking her eyes from him.  Rick also watched him and wrapped his arms around her, helping her hold him as he nursed.

 

"Neither can I,"  he said.  It didn't take long for Alex to get his fill, and Evelyn was half asleep as he finished.  It was his weight being taken from her that woke her, and she relaxed when she realized Rick was just taking him to burp him.

 

"Your so well wrapped in this blanket I'm not sure were going to get a burp,"  Rick said softly, as he got Alex unwrapped, then lifted his small body to the shoulder he had the burp cloth draped too, and started to rub and pat his back.  There was something about that, which Alex didn't seem to like, and he started to squirm, so Rick stood and walked around the room.

 

"Should I tell you about how your mum and I met?"  Rick asked as he kept up his pacing.  Alex was starting to relax so Rick continued.

 

"Before I met your mum I was pretty scruffy guy, and I was in a prison which is where scruffy guys go when they are as your mother puts it 'naughty',"  Rick said, as he settled in to the rocking chair.  As he talked, and rocked he kept patting his son's back, wondering if his baby would ever give him a burp. 

 

"Now I told your mum not to read from the book, and guess what she did Alex,"  Rick said softly.  Alex responded with a good burp, and Rick chuckled.

 

"I think you get that from me,"  he said and eased Alex away from his shoulder finding that he was awake.

 

"Did you wake yourself up?"  He asked his son.  Alex tried to follow the voice that he knew, fairly alert for all he had gone through.  Rick smiled and lifted Alex close to his face, and kissed his little nose, then cradled him in his arms. 

 

"Should I continue?"  Since Alex was content, Rick continued his story.

 

"Your mum read from that book, and unleashed plagues on Egypt, and a mummy,"  Rick said.  Alex yawned, then got restless, and Rick guessed he was ready to finish his meal. 

 

"I'll finish my story when its time to get another burp, how does that sound?"  Rick asked, as he carried Alex back over to the bed.

 

"I heard you spinning tales to our son,"  Evelyn mumbled.

 

"What tales?"  Rick asked, as he helped her sit up, and gave Alex to her.  Again he went right to his meal, leaving mum and dad to talk.

 

"I was merely trying to learn about history, and I didn't know reading from a book would do all that it did.  You do realize that if I had not read from that book, we likely would have gone our separate ways, and wouldn't be sitting here with Alex,"  she said leaning down to kiss his soft head.  In all this time Rick had not looked at it that way, and realized that as cursed as that book was, it had severed a good purpose, which was bringing them together.

 

"I guess your right,"  He said.  She smiled.

 

"Alex, mummy is always right, don't ever think otherwise,"  she said yawning.  She leaned her head against Ricks chest, and this time when Alex finished, she had fallen sound asleep as had he.  Carefully Rick took Alex back into his own arms, and eased Evelyn against the mattress, then went back to the rocking chair and settled down with his son.

 

"Your mum had a good point, so It wasn't so bad of her to read from the book,"  Rick said.  Alex gave two small burps, and continued to sleep, and Rick just held him rocking him.  It wasn't long before the new father fell asleep holding Alex secure in his arms.

 

 

 

 

It was when Evelyn rolled over and didn't feel Rick beside her, that she woke up.  She looked around the room, and smiled when she saw him asleep in the rocking chair with Alex against his chest.  Slowly she managed to sit up on her own, though it was very painful.  She turned and put her feet to the floor then stood slowly, and closed her eyes.  It hurt to even stand, but she wanted to go to her husband and son, and after a moment she took one step and then another, and the more she walked the less it hurt.  When she got to the rocking chair, she leaned in and kissed the top of Alex's head, then Rick's lips which woke him.

 

"Hey,"  he said stretching but keept his hands on Alex, then he came fully awake when he realized she was out of bed.

 

"Honey you need to stay in bed,"  he said softly.

 

"I know, but I wanted to come over here with you two,"  she said.  Rick looked down at the baby in his arms.

 

"I didn't intend to stay here,"  he said softly

 

"I just got tired and before I could think otherwise, I fell asleep,"  he said.  She smiled and he moved his hands letting her take Alex who stretched and grunted until he was against her shoulder.

 

"I've never felt so much love for one little person,"  she admitted as he stood up, and steadied her.  They walked over to Alex's bed together, and Evelyn gently placed him on his side while Rick got his blanket and they tucked it around him without so much as a peep from him.

 

"I think I want to eat,"  she said, leaning against him heavily.  He turned her and lifted her into his arms.

 

"You rest, and let me get our lunch,"  he said, and placed her back in their bed.  She let him go do that and closed her eyes starting to go to sleep when she heard Alex start to cry.  She got up a little easier, though she was ready to fall over and go to sleep, she wouldn't let him lay there crying.

 

"Alex, shh," she said softly, and reached in, and like it had been with Rick at first it was awkward trying to hold him, then she found a good way and carried him to the bed.

 

"Shhhh,"  she whispered as she settled with him.  She tried getting him to nurse but he was getting more and more upset, and she was getting more afraid.  Relief washed over her face when Rick came in.

 

"He won't stop crying,"  she said, panic clear in her voice.  Rick was less panicked, and came to them. After setting the food down, he sat beside them and she let him take their unhappy son.

 

"Hey Alex, what's got you so unhappy?"  he asked as he lifted him to his shoulder rubbing his back.

 

"Lets see, he's been fed, and burped, maybe we should check his diaper,"  Rick said, and Evelyn nodded having forgotten that part.  He put Alex back in his mothers arms, and went to get a few things they would need.  When he came back to the bed he laid out a blanket, and Evelyn let him take Alex who was not very happy at the moment.

 

"Shh, we will get you all cleaned off, then you can have more to eat,"  Rick said as Alex cried even louder.  He wasn't very fast at getting the diaper off of him, or cleaning him, and that only made his son that much more angry, but he did get him into a clean diaper, and once that was accomplished Evelyn took him and in a moment he was nursing, content to be back at her breast.  Evelyn leaned back against the pillows and closed her eyes.  She was exhausted, and hungry, but Alex's needs would come before hers.  She felt Rick settle beside her, and felt a glass against her lips. She drank from it tasting the milk which she downed in a hurry, then let him feed her which very quickly filled her stomach, and by then she was ready to fall asleep.  Once Alex had finished his meal and was asleep, She felt Rick move her against the mattress, and let sleep take over.

 

 

 

 

The next few days were like that, then slowly she was able to regain her strength, and by the end of the fourth day, she was able to be up, and life as a wife and a mother for her, and a father and a husband for Rick began in full swing.

 

More soon.

 

Chapter 2: Sleepless Nights.

 

 

 

It had been a week since Alex joined them, making them a family, and Rick Evelyn and Jonathan were slowly getting used to having him around.  Today had been his first outing to the museum in Cairo, and he had slept most of the day in his harness that Evelyn wore around her middle.  Now as they approached the house he was crying very loud about something. 

 

"Shhh, were almost home baby, then I'll take you out of here, and you can stretch out,"  she told him as she rubbing his back.  As she approached the door, it opened and Rick came out.

 

"I heard your approach,"  he said as he lifted Alex from the sling, and settled him against his shoulder. Then  he took her hand, and they went inside.  Even in his fathers arms, Alex wasn't very happy, and when the got in the Parlor Rick laid Alex on the quilt that he liked to stretch out on, but he only cried harder.

 

"Hey there Alex,"  he said, as he lay next to him rubbing his belly.  Alex lifted his legs and kicked them out, angry at something, so Rick sat up and held him again rocking him.

 

"It's okay daddy's got you,"  he said rubbing his back.  His voice, and the rocking did the trick, and in a moment Alex had calmed down.  He lifted his head looking around then rested it against daddy's shoulder.  Alex was strong, and curious, which the doctor said was good.  Again Rick tried to lay him on the blanket, and this time he didn't get upset about that.  Rick lay next to him and called out for him, and Alex looked in his general direction.

 

"Did you have a good time at the museum?"  he asked his son.  Alex yawned at that, and Rick chuckled.

 

"I know exactly what you mean,"  he said, then yelped as a pillow hit him.

 

"Hey no throwing things at me when I'm so close to the baby,"  Rick said teasing her.  Evelyn came over to them and sat down behind Rick.

 

"For your information, Alex had a very good day.  He got to see some of the displays, and met several of the guests,"  she said, letting her baby hold her finger.  He looked around moving his arms and his legs, getting his exercise for a little bit, then he started to get fussy.  Rick reached over and got one of his little soft toys that had beads in it which rattled when shook, and tried that, and Alex settled down, following the sound with his eyes.  Evelyn smiled and took his tiny hand helping him hold the rattle, shaking it and his eyes got big as he heard it rattle.  He was entertained by that for a little longer. Then he got fussy again, and Evelyn knew it was time to get him ready for bed.  They both stood and Rick lifted him into his arms.

 

"Are you ready for a bath with your daddy?"  Rick asked his son.  Alex rubbed his face against his fathers shoulder fussing more, hungry, but he needed a bath. So, both he and Evelyn went upstairs to the bathroom.  While Evelyn drew the bath, Rick sat in the rocking chair, and got Alex out of his little shorts outfit. Then he took his diaper off, as Evelyn came back.  She held Alex in her arms and he fussed more wanting to be fed.

 

"Not yet baby,"  she said swaying with him.  Once Rick was undressed and in the tub she handed Alex down to him.  Rick had his legs raised a little and laid Alex on them taking the washcloth and covering his penis so that daddy wouldn't get sprayed.  Baths always relaxed their baby,  and Alex found his fist sucking on that while Rick got the mild soap and cleaned him.  Once he was all clean Evelyn came with a towel and took him while Rick settled back in the water sighing.  He loved his life, and he didn't have anything about it that he wanted to see changed.  It was the sound of clothing falling to the floor that made him open his eyes, and Rick smiled as Evelyn undressed, then settled in the water between his legs.  He got the wash cloth and dribbled water over her stomach, and then over her breasts.  She sighed leaning her head against his chest. Both of them had missed their long nights of love making, and that would have to be put on hold for a while until her body was healed enough to handle that kind of rigorous activity.

 

 

"I miss us,"  Evelyn told him, moaning as he rubbed his hands over her stomach, then higher to cup her breasts.  He squeezed them gently rubbing over them, then moved his hands back down to her stomach, and was about to do more when they heard Alex start to cry.  Rick slid out from behind her, and grabbed a towel rubbing himself dry, then went over the cradle.  Alex had rolled onto his back and was not very happy.

 

"Hey, hey Alex,"  Rick said placing him back on his side, and propping the blanket behind him.  He knelt down, and rubbed a hand over his side swinging the bed just a little.  Alex continued to fuss, so Rick lifted him out against his shoulder, and settled down in the rocking chair.

 

"Shhhh,"  Rick said as Alex cried louder rubbing his face against his shoulder.

 

"All right, lets see if dad can figure out how to make you feel better,"  Rick said as he laid Alex on his lap.  His son continued to fuss despite his efforts, the Evelyn walked out.

 

"Mum to the rescue,"  Rick said with a smile on his face, and stood up letting her take a seat. When she was ready, he gave Alex to her, then just like a magical spell Alex was quiet content nursing at her breast.

 

"I think he is going through a growth spurt, he has wanted me all day,"  she informed her husband as she rocked their baby.

 

"Hmm well I don't think I blame him,'  Rick replied and got smacked for that.

 

"Hey what did I say?"  he said.

 

"Your being naughty,"  she told him.  He sighed.

 

"But you know you like me that way,"  he told her.  She smiled at him, and nodded.

 

"I wouldn't have you any other way Mr. O'Connell,"  she replied,  and looked down at her baby who was asleep again.

 

"If you will burp him, I will put on my slacks and top and we can go for an evening walk,"  Evelyn said letting Rick take him.  Out of the two of them Rick was the champion burper, and in a moment got a good burp out of Alex. 

 

"Now lets get your little sweater put on you,"  Rick said, and put the soft knit sweater on his son, pulling the hood over his head and got little grunts from him as he did so.

 

"Now lets get daddy ready, and we can got for a walk."  Rick took him to their bed laying him on his tummy, which relaxed him, then went to get dressed.  As he did,  Evelyn came out from the bathroom dressed, and went to her closet slipping on the harness.

 

"Why don't you let me carry him,"  he said.  She smiled and nodded adjusting the harness to fit him, and when they were ready she helped Rick get Alex situated, then they left for their walk.

 

 

 

 

They lived on the outskirts of Cairo, and their walk took them a little away to a favorite spring fed off of the Nile. Rick held Evelyn's hand and kept one hand under Alex supporting him.

 

"I love our night walks,"  she said resting her head against his arm.

 

"I love them too,"  he said.

 

"It's so quiet at night, and peaceful.  I always feel more at peace with my life at night,"  he admitted as the arrived the small oasis.  Evelyn spread out the blanket they had brought then they sat down.

 

"Do you remember the first time we came out here?"  he asked as he held her close to him.  That time had been magical for both of them.

 

"Hmm I do. It was a month after our honeymoon, and I was already showing a little.  You told me you had this wonderful place to take me to and kept me blindfolded the entire trip.  When I saw this I was amazed by it," she said.  He nodded.

 

"I remember how beautiful your hair looked in the moonlight, and our time in the water.

 

"We could do that now,"  she said.

 

"But we didn't bring any towels,"  he told her.  She stood up, and he watched her take off her blouse, then her brow.  When she took off the rest of her cloths he lifted Alex out of the sling and gently place him on the blanket putting his jacket over him then got undressed and went down to the water with her.  She had already stepped in and he soon followed her, going under and then came back up pulling her into his arms.  When his hands started to stroke down her wet back she shuttered and began to rub her cheeks against his chest.  He closed his eyes and continued to work his hands over her back then lower to her bottom. 

 

"Oh Rick,"  she said, as he moved his body against hers, as she felt his erection rub between her legs.  His lips went to hers and he kissed her hard moving his tongue into her mouth and pushing her head closer.  Their teeth raked together and he was starting to feel really good when they both heard a sound they didn't want to hear in the heat of passion.

 

"No no,"  Evelyn said holding him still.  She reached up and pulled his head back down to her and he kissed her one last time. 

 

"We need to see about Alex,"  he said.  Evelyn knew that, and she loved her son but she missed being in his fathers arms.  They walked back over to the Blanket and Evelyn pulled her slacks on chilled then took Alex into her arms as he cried harder. 

 

"Are you being grumpy?"  she asked as she kissed his little cheeks and his nose.  She tried him at her breast and he latched on.

 

"You know if he keeps eating like that he's going to be taller than both of us,"  Rick said as he held her against him dressed in just his pants.

 

"I know, but I think most of it is just wanting to be held, and reassured,"  she said as he seemed to have stopped nursing for the moment.  She looked down at him and smiled because he was watching her.

 

"Did you get lonely?"  she asked.  He was too young to respond and closed his eyes after a moment.  Once Rick was dressed, she let him take Alex then pulled on her own cloths, and they headed back to the house ready for bed.

 

 

 

 

 

Three sleepless nights had passed, and Rick was awake pacing with Alex in the parlor.  The Doctor had reassured them he was healthy, and said some babies were more fussy at night, and Alex happened to be one of those babies.  Right now he was quiet resting against his fathers shoulder as Rick carried him around.

 

"What should we talk about tonight?"  Rick asked as he patted Alex's back gently and turned his head kissing his son.

 

"Well how about girls?  The only one in your life right now is your mum, and she is a very good friend to have.  But one day when your older you will meet other girls, and I bet at first you will think they are icky,"  He said as he turned and paced the other way. 

 

"But some day you will find a girl who makes your heart stop beating.  You will think your in some sort of dream, and you will say really stupid things and wonder how in the world she ever decided to love you, but if you find a girl, a woman Like your mother then you need to hold on to her and not let her go,"  He said  At that Alex lifted his head trying to find his daddy, and Rick smiled and cradled Alex in his arms.

 

"Hey buddy daddy's right here.  Are you going to let me get some sleep tonight?"  He asked.  The light was dim downstairs but Rick could still see his son's face.

 

"Do you like these talks?"  he asked his son.  Alex was content and just watched his father trying to figure things out.

 

"Well I don't know about you, but I like this time.  However I would like one night in bed with your mum, so maybe we can work out an arrangement,"  Rick said as he carried Alex back up to their room.  When he arrived, Evelyn was sitting up in bed with tears in her eyes. 

 

"Hey whats wrong?"  he asked as he came to the bed and placed Alex in her arms.  She kissed her baby and then her husband, and let Alex nurse as Rick settled beside them.

 

"I came downstairs and I heard what you told Alex," she admitted.

 

"I bet you didn't think I had a soft side,"  he teased, then held he close.

 

"Evie, until I met you I was a selfish...well you pick the word but I was, and  the day you walked into that prison was the best day of my life, Minus getting hung but you saved me in more ways than one and you gave me a reason to live, to better my life,"  he said, and held her close kissing both of them.  Once Alex was asleep Rick put him back in his cradle then lay in bed holding Evelyn.  She turned onto her stomach and propped her chin on his chest. 

 

"Make love to me,"  she said.  He smiled at her.

 

"Your still healing,"  he reminded her.  But she didn't seem to hear him as she lifted up and covered his mouth with  hers in a tender passionate kiss, one that started both of their bodies in wanting more.  He lifted up her nightgown and prayed that once, just once, Alex would let them have this time together. Gently, he eased her away long enough to get her undressed, then he lifted his hips and pulled off his boxers, the only article of clothing he wore at night, and pulled her on top of him crushing her against him as he kissed her more passionately.

 

"Rick I want to be a part..."  He silenced her with more kisses, and turned them over so that she was under him.  The feel of his hands against her body made her moan out, and she covered her mouth trying not to make any noise so Alex would stay asleep.  When his lips traveled down to her breasts, she shook her head back and forth lost in the sweet rapture of his kisses against her sensitive flesh.

 

"Evie,"  he whispered, and then covered her breast with his mouth suckling her there, taking in her milk which was for Alex, but right now for him.  He drank a little from each breast, then left them, and slid down further on the bed.  Evelyn took a pillow, his pillow, and bit down on it screaming into it, as she felt his lips cover her belly.  He licked over her belly button, then dipped his tongue into it.  That caused her to kick her legs, and he held them still so she wouldn't hurt him or wake Alex.  When he moved lower to her soft thatch of curls, Evelyn thought she would pass out from the shear pleasure he was giving her.  He parted her lips with his forefingers and started to lick over the soft skin there, licking over her clit, and then down the walls leading to the opening of her Vagina.

 

"Rick please,"  she gasped out, forgetting about Alex, who seemed for once content to sleep on his own.  Rick answered her cries, and dipped his tongue in to her soft flesh being gentle as he pleasured both her and himself.  She cried out and put the pillow back into her mouth as he moved his tongue faster and faster into her flesh. After a minute of that,  felt the muscles inside of her warm body wrap around his tongue spasming.  He lifted himself over her and eased just the tip of his penis in to, her and at the same time both of them orgasmed.  He moved the pillow away from her mouth, and kissed her lips as she moaned into his mouth and he moaned into hers  Once their bodies had relaxed he eased away from her and rolled them to their side.

 

"Did I hurt you?"  he asked, concerned that he had.  Her response was to shake her head. 

 

"You gave me pleasure, just pleasure,"  she breathed.  He held her closer to him and pulled the cover over them both.  Soon sleep took over and for once Alex allowed his parents to have one night at least with just them.

 

 

More soon

 

Chapter: 3 Acceptance and a Move

 

 

 

Since she had gotten back from Hamunaptra, Evelyn had been working very hard to get the Bembridge Scholars to accept her work, sending them document after document of corrected bits of history she had worked hard to fix.  With Alex to take care of, as well as her job at the museum in Cairo, she had not thought about them in a while.  Alex was now 3 months old and getting bigger by the day it seemed.  Now at the breakfast table she looked over a few things she had written down last night while she ate, and while Alex nursed.  Rick had finished his breakfast and was getting together the load of wash he would take in to town to be cleaned. Though now he had finished that, and came to the table.

 

"I think he's finished,"  he said, as Alex had drifted to sleep with his little mouth puckered.  At his words she looked up destracted.

 

"Alex is finished,"  he said again, and leaned in, kissing her lips.  She smiled, and let Rick take him, then got up taking her dishes to the sink, and rinsing them off before she turned back to him.  He was watching her, and she blushed a little. 

 

"Why are you looking at me?"  she asked.

 

"Well if you don't button up your blouse, you will half of Cairo looking at you,"  he stated, as he worked on burping their son.  She looked down and found that she had not pulled her bra back down over her breast, and really blushed hurrying to do that.  Rick just smiled at her, then got a good burp from Alex who woke up, and lifted his head from his fathers shoulder.

 

"Hey there Alex,"  Rick said laying him on his lap.  Lately Alex had started to grin at them and laugh, not quite a laugh but it sounded that way.  He found his fathers face, and gave him a big toothless grin.

 

"Are you ready to go out with your dad and take your messy diapers to be cleaned?"  he asked.  Alex smiled more, then heard his mother, and looked in the direction of her voice.

 

"There they are,"  she said picking up her reading glasses.  She put them in her satchel then came over to her guys and gave both of them a kiss.

 

"I will see you two around lunch,"  she said and left.

 

"I think your mum has not been getting enough sleep,"  he said as he lifted Alex to his shoulder and stood.  About that time Jonathan walked in, looking a little beaten up.

 

"So who did you managed to make mad this time,"  Rick said.  Since becoming a father he had learned not to cuss so much around his son, and took that seriously.

 

"Oh just some poor old chap,"  Jonathan said plopping down in the chair and resting his head on the table.  Rick sighed and left him going upstairs to get Alex dressed.  In Alex's room,  he went to the Oak dresser and got out a clean diaper and wash cloth, socks a short sleeved shirt, and a pair of short overalls.  Alex bounced in his arms ready for action, and Rick was thankful that he hadn't figured out how to move around though he knew that it was only time before that happened.  Once he had him dressed as well as himself he got the bag of dirty laundry, and also put Alex in the sling. Then they left, to run their daily errands.

 

 

 

 

 

At the Museum, Evelyn sat having a better start to her day.  For once a shipment from a dig in South America had come in on some ancient people there, and she was having some younger men set that up.  Under her care the museum was flourishing and that was very good for her.  As she was finishing her work on notes she would send to England to the Bembridge Scholars, someone knocked at her door, and she looked up to see an older gentleman with rounded glass on his face.

 

"May I help you?"  she asked.

 

"Yes are you Mrs. O'Connell?"  Evelyn nodded, wondering what this person wanted.

 

"Yes I am,"  she said standing.

 

"I'm Herman Woodward from Oxford Ma'am.  I represent the Bembridge Scholars."  At that news she nearly passed out. 

 

"Yes please come in and sit down,"  she said.  He nodded and took off his coat and his hat and sat down.

 

"We have reviewed your work and your findings, the treasures you have sent us, and have found they are real, and that we have misjudged you Mrs. O'Connell.  We would like to move you to London to run the Egyptian section of the British museum.  It means you will be under the watch of Mr. Alfred Havez, but he knows that you come highly respected, and that you have say over what goes in that part of the museum.  We haven't had much luck attracting tourists there, and after the success you have had with this museum we have confidence that you will help bring new people to our museum,"  he said.  She swallowed.

 

"Will you give me time to discuss this with my husband?"  she asked praying he would.  He smiled at her.

 

"Most certainly.  We will provide you with a home, if you need that."  She stood up.

 

"The home is not a problem, my father has an estate there, it will need some work, but we would live there,"  she said.  He nodded.

 

"Then I will come back in two days,"  he said.  She led him out of her office and once he had gone she ran to her desk and got a few things together, then went to find Azize.  He was in the library cataloging a few things.

 

"Azize, I need to go home for a bit will you please watch over things for me?"  He nodded and she left heading for their house.  When she arrived Rick was making lunch and Alex was asleep in the harness.

 

"Your home early,"  he said as they kissed.

 

"I know.  Rick a man stopped by the museum, he is from Oxford.  He represents the Bembridge Scholars.  Oh Rick they have finally taken my work seriously. They want us to move to England,"  she said, then she held her breath in afraid he would tell her he didn't want that.

 

"See I told you never to give up."  She hugged him around Alex which woke him up, and he grinned at her.

 

"Alex do you know where we are going to go?"  she asked as she lifted him into her arms. 

 

"We get to go to England baby,"  she said kissing his chubby little cheeks.  He screeched then rubbed his face against her shoulder, telling her in his way he was ready for his lunch.

 

"All right baby,"  she said, and settled at the table unbuttoning her blouse to let him nurse.  As he started to do that, Rick came to the table with their lunch and they talked about moving.

 

"My father has a large estate that he kept for us there, and had a fund set up to keep that up.  We would have to see what kind of repairs needed to be done, but if you didn't mind we could live there.  It's outside of London fifteen minutes away,"  she said.

 

"Evelyn all of this is fine with me, but are you sure you want to do this, leave Egypt,"  he said.  He knew how much she loved living here, and wanted to make sure she grasped what this meant.  She sighed looking down at her son, then back at him.

 

"I know I've always loved living her, despite the curse, but I do want go Rick this is a chance to really make a name for my self, and give Alex something to be proud of."  With that comment he stood and came to her kneeling down. 

 

"Evie Alex would be proud of you no matter what you did,"  he said kissing their son's head.

 

"I know but I want to do this for me as well,"  she said.  As Rick stood back up, Jonathan walked in looking much better than he had when Rick last saw him.

 

"Hello old mum,"  he said as he settled at the table. 

 

"Jonathan how do you feel about moving back to England?  You don't have to if you don't want..."  He cut her off.

 

"No I want to, the change of pace would be good, but why?"  he asked looking a bit confused.  She explained to him about the visit from Mr. Woodward, and after she finished Jonathan came over and hugged her.

 

"I'm proud of you baby sister, and Mum and father would be just as proud,"  he added.  That made her heart flutter.  She hadn't thought of their parents in a long time and she knew they were looking down on her from their place in heaven, smiling.

 

 

 

 

Two days later, when Mr. Woodward returned he had with him signed papers to prove who he was, to make sure she knew he wasn't doing this as a joke and they held a phone conversation with several of the members.

 

"Once you arrive we would like to have a formal ceremony to induct you into our group,"  one of the members told her.  After they got off the phone Mr. Woodward took his leave and they would meet in a month to induct her into the group.  After that things happened fast.  She, Jonathan, and Rick packed up the house and had just a few things they would take with them, as the Manor was already furnished with everything they would need.  As they got ready, and at night,  Alex's sleep got messed up.  His little life was not as secure and he didn't understand all the changes going on which made him naturally fussy.  One night in particular, their last night in Cairo, he was up quite a bit, something he had stopped doing after his first month of life.  Now Evelyn sat with him in his room Rocking him as he looked up at her.

 

"I know this is all new to you baby, but you still have daddy and mummy, and Uncle John,"  she said as she kissed his little head.  He yawned getting sleepy at last.  Gently she lifted him to her shoulder and rubbed his back singing to him, which got him to sleep After she put him into his bed, she went back into the room she and Rick's shared, and as she settled into bed he reached out and eased her into his arms.

 

"I think he is finally going to let us sleep,"  Evelyn said.  He nuzzled her neck then placed a kiss there, and she turned over.

 

"I love you," she told him.

 

"Likewise," he said and they shared a gently kiss before going to sleep.

 

 

 

The next morning, fairly early, everyone was awake, all but Alex who wasn't used to waking up that early.  The adults sat around the breakfast table enjoying one last meal in Cairo before they set out for the port.  From there they would travel down to Alexandra, then board a plane for a four hour flight to London, a trip that would take them three days at the most.  After finishing breakfast, Evelyn headed upstairs to get Alex up for their trip.  His room was all packed up all but his crib, and that would stay there for they had another one for him in London.  When she walked in his was laying on his side awake looking at his bear.

 

"There's mummy's beautiful baby,"  she said.  He looked up at her, and grinned as she lifted him out of the crib.

 

"Are you ready to go on a trip to your new home?"  she asked, as she draped the burp cloth over her shoulder and settled down in the rocking chair.  She let him nurse and sighed.

 

"Mummy is going to miss being here, but I think we will have a good time in London, and I will show you all the places I liked to play with your Uncle John,"  she said watching him.  He was looking at her, however he was focused on getting his breakfast, and stayed at that task.  Rick came in then, and got what they had laid out for him to wear, a pair of shorts and a little shirt to go with that.

 

"How's our son?"  he asked as he came over to them.

 

"In a good mood,"  Evelyn said thankful for that.  Once he had finished and had burped they got him dressed, then headed downstairs.  Jonathan for once had helped, and taken their luggage out to the Taxi having stored away his car for when, and if they ever came back.  Evelyn stopped and took one last look at the house, and Rick pulled her against him.

 

"We'll be all right,"  he reassured her.  She nodded, and got into the car and they headed for port and their new home.

 

 

 

 

It was four days later, and chilly, when they arrived at the Airport in London.  Evelyn wore Alex in his sling, and he was dressed in warm cloths, and had a blanket around him to keep him extra warm.  Now she waited with the taxi as the guys got their luggage, and had Alex against her shoulder.  He was content too look around at all the new sites and listen to all the new sounds.

 

"What do you think baby?"  Evelyn asked.  He yawned and rubbed his face against her shoulder then rested his head there.  It had been a long trip with him, especially the plane ride to London.

 

"I think we have it all,"  Rick said, as the cab drive helped him load in the luggage.  All three of them got in the back, with Evelyn in the middle holding Alex on her lap bouncing him a little as he watched his daddy talk to his Uncle John.  Rick noticed, and smiled at him.

 

"Hey buddy what do you think about all this?"  he asked.  Alex grinned at him.

 

"Can I hold him for a little bit?"  Rick asked.

 

"Of coarse,"  she said and handed him over.

 

"Are you ready to see your new home?"  he asked kissing his son's soft cheeks.  It wasn't long before the driver pulled them into a long driveway at the end of which stood a huge house.

 

"Holy..."  Rick said as they got out of the cab.  Evelyn took his hand in hers and as the walked to the door it opened and a short rounded woman came out.

 

"I'm Marie,"  she introduced. Evelyn had set up people to prepare the house so that would be one less thing they had to contend with upon their arrival.

 

"Hello Marie.  I'm Evelyn, and this is Jonathan, my brother, and My husband Rick,"  he said.  She smiled and led them inside helping with their luggage.  Rick whistled, amazed at how big their new home was.

 

"Your dad  had good taste,"  Rick commented as they were led into the Parlor.  That was even more spectacular, the room was well furnished, with oriental Rugs on the floors, and beautiful furniture.  There were books shelves lining the walls, and the ceiling went on forever.

 

"I think I am going to like this,"  Rick said as he shifted Alex from his shoulder to over his arm. Alex liked to face out, to be able to see things, and looked around a bit himself.  A gentleman came out from the kitchen area, and Marie introduced him as their gardener.

 

"The gentlemen arrived with your horses,"  he said.  Evelyn smiled, and Rick looked at her.

 

"Horses?"  he asked.  At his question, Jonathan nodded.

 

"Evelyn and I have horses from when we used to live her. Mine is Echidna, and Evies is Amunet,"  he said.  Rick was very impressed, and liked this whole deal more and more.  He looked around and then Alex started to cry, and that brought Evelyn.

 

"Are you ready for a nap?"  she asked, as she took him from her husbands arms.  She walked up stairs, and Rick followed her.  She led them down a hall, to a set of rooms, and turned to the first room on the right.  It was huge, bigger than his room in Cairo, and there were several empty shelves waiting to be filled with his toys and his books, and a huge fireplace on one of the sidewalls with a fire already lit.  His crib was against the far wall and above it was the window.  The crib itself was made out of a deep rich cherry wood, and it looked hand crafted.  There were already sheets on the mattress, and some blankets.  Not far from his crib was an old Victorian style rocking chair with soft velvet padding on the seat and the back.  Evelyn sat down and laid Alex on her lap untieing his hat.

 

"Shh, mummy will be fast,"  She said as he started to fuss, and rub his eyes.  Marie came in with his suitcases and left them, and Rick went to one and opened it, getting out a burp cloth and his little bear.  After he gave the burp cloth to Evelyn, he put the bear in the crib running his hand over the rail.  It was much nicer than the crib he had ordered when they found out they were going to be parents, and on each end carved out where little poles with different colored beads on them so that when he got older he could play with those.  The rest of the end pieces were solid, and the area with the poles was like a little window of sorts.  He spun the beads around then looked up as Evelyn came to the crib with Alex half asleep in her arms.  Gently she laid him on his side, and he cried out.

 

"Shhh,"  she whispered and rubbed his back, and in a few minutes he was sound asleep.  Once he was, she took Rick's hand, and led him out, and down the hall to the end room.  They walked inside, and again Rick was in shock.  The room was massive, as they walked in there were doors at the side of the end wall that led out onto a balcony.  On the left side was a huge four post Canopy bed with a white lace canopy, and curtains that could be drawn around it.  The bed was made out of the same rich cherry wood as Alex's crib and dresser.  On the other side wall was their fire place with a fire lit to keep the chill away.  There were two dressers on the far wall away from the door and a huge desk, all made of cherry wood.

 

"Oh Evelyn this is fantastic,"  he said looking around.  She smiled glad that he liked their new home, and felt odd because this room had been their parents growing up, and now she and Rick were the parents.  Their Luggage was already waiting for them, and they decided to unpack later, as Evelyn took him on a grand tour of the house.

 

 

 

 

A few nights later they were all ready to go to the induction ceremony. A young girl, whom was the daughter of some friends Evelyn had introduced Rick to, was there to baby-sit Alex.  Now Cara sat on the floor in the parlor shaking his rattle for him while everyone got ready.

 

"Do you like that?"  she asked as he grinned at her and cooed.  She looked up as she heard voices coming downstairs seeing it was Rick and Evelyn and Jonathan who was complaining about having to wear a tux.

 

"Oh Jonathan it's just for one evening then you can take it off,"  Evelyn said, then came to where Cara was settled.

 

"All right.  We shouldn't be gone too long.  I have a bottle for him in the refrigerator should he need it, and the number to the hotel where we will be is on the kitchen counter,"  she said.  Cara nodded, and after kissing Alex they left.

 

"Okay Alex what should we do?"  she asked as she picked him up.  He bounced in her arms and she giggled.

 

"You are a funny little baby,"  she said and took him up to his room.  There she got out some of his toys, and settled with him on the floor playing with him, keeping him happy.

 

 

 

 

At the hotel the ceremony was over, and everyone was mingling.  Jonathan had found a pretty woman to talk to, and Rick held Evelyn's hand as the talked to Mr. Goodson.

 

"Well I think its about time we let you in,"  he was telling them.

 

"I think we have all realized that you, as well as any other woman is perfectly capable of handling themselves in the field,"  he said then he left, and another couple came to talk to them.  It was late when the party finally ended, and now on the ride home Evelyn was half asleep.

 

"I hope Cara is all right,"  Evelyn said realizing that they had stayed out much later than they thought they would have.  When they pulled up to the house Jonathan got out of the car, and opened the door for his sister, then they all went inside.  It was quite which was a good sign, and in the parlor sat Cara reading a book she had brought with her.

 

"I'm sorry about being so long,"  Evelyn said as Cara stood.

 

"Not to worry, Alex was a good baby.  He got mad about having to take the bottle, so I got him to sleep without it,"  she said.  Evelyn went up to check on him, and Rick helped Cara with her coat, then led her outside to take her home.

 

 

 

 

Up in his room Alex was awake sucking on his fist, which she could hear as she entered his room.

 

"Did you give Cara a difficult time?"  she asked, and his response was to cry.  She lifted him out of his crib and took him to the rocking chair and settled down to feed him.

 

"Now thetas all better,"  Evelyn said as he relaxed, his eyes already closed.  She sighed.  Their life in England seemed final now and she was happy for that.  She was ready to be a part of this life, be a part of a place her parents had both loved almost as much as Egypt, and show Alex and Rick the wonderful life that awaited them.

 

 

More soon.

 

Chapter 4: Only Alex

 

 

It had been a month since the move to London, and for Evelyn life never seemed to slow down.  The job at the museum was more responsibility than what she had in Cairo as the curator, but she loved what she did.  The other thing she liked was being able to take Alex with her, and despite the Curators dislike of that, the Scholars had no problems as long as she got her work done.  For Rick his life consisted of staying at home, or going out with Jonathan, though lately he had been considering running a business as an appraiser of treasures, a job he knew he could get a great deal of money off of, but he hadn't made that kind of decision. 

 

 

 

 

Mornings were typically busy, and the one at hand was no exception.  After spending the early hours making love, both Rick and Evelyn got up, Evelyn heading for the bathroom for a bath, and Rick to get Alex ready for his day at the museum.  Their son was now 4 months old, and able to role over from either his back to his stomach, or the other way around.  This particular morning as Rick walked in he heard the familiar lips smacking as Alex sucked on his fist, and smiled.

 

"Hey buddy are you ready to head out the museum with your mum?"  Rick asked as he moved to the crib.  After he lowered the bar he lifted Alex out giving his little cheeks kisses, before he carried him over to his dresser to get out what he would wear.

 

"Lets see what should you wear,"  Rick said as he held Alex facing out.  Alex kicked his legs, ready for action and Rick chuckled knowing they would have a lot to deal with when he got older.  Today Rick picked out a little jumper outfit Evelyn had gotten for him, one that would keep him warm, and a navy blue shirt to match it as well as blue socks.

 

"Here we go,"  Rick said as he laid Alex on the bed, and unsnapped his sleeper.  Alex tried to role over and when dad didn't let him he started to fuss.

 

"Hey Alex let me get you dressed first,"  Rick said, and handed him the socks, which got his attention so Rick could dress him.  The worst part about changing his son was the messy diapers and Rick still made faces at that, but he was good at this, and got him cleaned up and in a new diaper fairly quickly.  Once he got the navy blue shirt on his son, Rick picked him up and carried him to the rocking chair, with Alex still holding the socks, and sat down.  He pulled the jumper on fitting his son's legs into the pants part of the jumper, then pulled it up and over, pulling the straps over his shoulders and buttoning both to the front part of the jumper.

 

"All done.  Can Daddy have those?"  Rick got one sock away, and found it wet so he went to the drawer and got another pair and put those on his feet as Evelyn walked in.  As she always did she took his breath away.  Today she had on a dark blue skirt, and a creme colored top, with her locket hanging down.  Her hair was done up, proper, in a bun, and Rick found his heart beating a little faster.

 

"Why are you looking at me that way?"  she asked as she took Alex from him.  He got up from the rocking chair and moved away as she sat down to nurse him.

 

"Because I enjoy looking at you,"  he said and grinned at her, leaning down to kiss her as she nursed their son.

"I sometimes wonder what it would be like to have another baby,"  she said suddenly, and looked up at him.  He was rather surprised by that.

 

"We would be knee deep in diapers," Rick pointed out, as he knelt in front of her.

 

"I know, but I look at how fast Alex has grown, and a part of me craves having another baby inside of me, to let it nurture there, and even giving birth again."  That really surprised him beause giving birth to Alex had not been easy on her.

 

"When exactly do you want to start trying?"  he asked.  She smiled at him looking down at Alex who was watching her intently.

 

"Not right away, I don't want to have to stop nursing him, but maybe after he has turned one,"  she said.  Rick took her hand in his and kissed it, then stood.

 

"I think it would be nice for him to have a brother or sister,"  he said agreeing.

 

"Eggs and toast?"  he asked.  She nodded and he left to get that.

 

 

 

 

A little later in the day, before lunch,  Rick was sitting in the study reading a book, Moby Dick, he had found in the small library in the back of the house.  It was a quite day, and he wasn't expecting any calls or visits.  Marie was at the house, fixing lunch and dinner, and he was content, thinking about what Evelyn had said about having another baby.  Alex had been a surprise for them, and though he was a nice surprise, in a way he felt it would be nice to actually be prepared for having another child.  As he finished that thought the phone wrang, and he got upr going over to the small table that it sat on.

 

"O'Connell Residence, Rick O'Connell here," Rick answered.

 

"Mr. O'Connell, My name is Dr. Simons.  I work at Saint Frances Hospital,"  he said.  Thinking it was a donation call Rick just about hung up.

 

"Listen sir, doctor, my wife and I have made our donations this month..."  The doctor cut him off

 

"Mr. O'Connell your wife and son were in a pretty bad car crash.  Your son is doing well all things considered he had a nasty cut on his forehead that we stitched up but the fact that he was in his bassinet in the back seat of the car kept him safe.  Rick sat down hard.

 

"What about Evelyn?"  he asked as Jonathan walked in, noticing that he had gone pail.

 

"Your wife is in surgery right now.  She has sever enjurys to her lower body, her legs were both broken, and her stomach and womb were damaged. The surgeons are repairing that now."  He said.

 

"I'll be right there,"  he said and got off the phone.

 

"Jonathan get those bottles of milk Evelyn froze,"  Rick said and ran upstairs to get cloths for Alex.  When he came back downstairs Jonathan had what Rick asked for. 

 

"Evelyn and Alex were in a car crash,"  Rick told him. 

 

"Let me get dressed,"  he responded, and ran the other way.  Rick went out to his car and got in and let it warm up and three minutes later they were on their way.

 

 

 

Saint Frances Hospital was the best around, and when Rick arrived he was sent to the Surgery ward, and found a nurse.

 

"I'm Rick O'Connell,"  he said and she smiled

 

"Your wife is still in surgery, but your son has been very upset."  Rick took a breath and made Jonathan stay put in case word about Evelyn came through, and went with the nurse to another floor, a childrens wing, and was led to a small room. As they approached he heard Alex's loud crys and ran in.  Another nurse was walking with him, and turned.

 

"I'm his father,"  Rick said, and she gave Alex to Rick and left him.

 

"Shhhh, daddy's right here buddy,"  Rick said as a tear slipped down his cheek.

 

"It's all right now,"  Rick said, and sat in the rocking chair.  Alex calmed down and closed his eyes and was soon asleep.  He wasn't sure how much time passed but Jonathan came in with the bags.

 

"She's out of surgery, and they want to see you,"  he whispered.  Rick nodded and got up letting Jonathan take his seat, giving Alex to him, then went back down to the surgery floor, and met Dr. Simons.

 

"She came through the surgery much better than we had hoped, and we expect her healing to be in full.  It will take a long process,"  He said.  Rick nodded, and thought about what he and Evelyn had talked about that morning.

 

"What about other children?"  The doctor had started to walk off, to lead him to Evelyn, and turned back to him.

 

"We had to remove her ovaries, they were crushed.  I'm sorry Mr. O'Connell,"  he said.  That was a tough blow, and he knew it would hurt her, but he would wait until she was doing better to tell her that.  The Doctor led him to another small room, and let him go in alone.  What met him was not what he had expected to see.  Evelyn looked so pail and fragile, not the woman so full of life he knew, and she had an IV running from her arm, and a tube running out of her nose to a container.  Slowly Rick walked to her bedside and sat down in a chair close by taking her hand in his.  He kissed her there rubbing it gently, and her eyes fluttered, then opened.

 

"Ri.."  she managed.

 

"Shhhh,"  he whispered and stood leaning in to kiss her lips.  Her ran his hand against her cheek and fought to stay composed.

 

"Alex,"  she whispered.

 

"Jonathan is sitting with him.  The doctor said that having him in the back of the car saved his life.  He had a cut on his forehead that they had to stitch up,"  Rick said.

 

"Feed him,"  she said, though she was less alert, slipping back to sleep.

 

"Jonathan and I have the bottles you froze,"  he said and kissed her lips again.

 

"You sleep,"  he told her and didn't get a response.  He sat back in the chair and lay his head against the mattress letting silent tears fall.

 

 

 

 

In the Children's Wing, Jonathan was having a time trying to get Alex to take the bottle.  He had never had one, and even though it had Evelyn's milk in it, it wasn't what he was used to.

 

"Come on Partner, Uncle John will buy you a new horse,"  Jonathan said as Alex continued to cry.  Then Rick walked in.

 

"Oh thank you.  He won't take the bottle,"  Jonathan said as he let Rick take him.

 

"Sit with Evelyn, she wanted me to stay here with Alex,"  he said and Jonathan left to do that.

 

"Okay big guy, I know it's not mum, but we have to do things this way to let her get better,"  Rick said as he settled in the rocking chair.  Alex cried louder, pushing the bottle out of his mouth as Rick tried to feed him.

 

"I know buddy shh,"  Rick said as he lifted Alex to his shoulder.

 

"It's okay Alex,"  he reassured, and rubbed his back rocking him.  After a few minutes, Alex stopped crying, and Rick gave the bottle another try but Alex refused it and cried himself to sleep.

 

 

 

 

Night fell over London, and Evelyn was awake talking to Jonathan about what had happened.

 

"We must have hit a slick spot, because one moment we were on the road and the next thing I know Rick was holding my hand."  She was so tired and drained, and sore, but alive and she was thankful for that.  Both of them looked up when Rick walked in with Alex.

 

"I'm going to get a lot of grief for this, but he won't take any of those bottles, are you up to try nursing him?"  he asked.

 

"Yes, but you'll have to help me hold him,"  she said.  Rick gave the sleeping baby to his Uncle then slipped off his shoes and eased into the bed beside her easing her up gently and slowly until he sat behind her.

 

"Does this hurt you?"  he asked.

 

"A little, but I'll manage."  she said, and she would, she was glad that Alex wouldn't take the bottles and with Rick's help she let him nurse.  They had just gotten started when one of the nurses walked in.

 

"He's not supposed to be in here,"  she said.

 

"He was hungry, and I want him here, so go away,"  Evelyn snapped.  She looked stunned and walked out, and Rick chuckled.

 

"Thats my girl,"  he said, and she sighed resting her head against her husbands chest.

 

 

 

It was two weeks later that Evelyn was allowed to go home, and Rick hadn't had the heart to tell her about their future of having children, or in their case not having any. Alex had been staying at the house with Marie and Jonathan, and was brought to the hospital when he needed to eat, though they had gotten him to take the bottles, so the last week Evelyn had been pumping her milk so that he didn't have to be out so much.  When they arrived at the Manor, Rick stopped the car in front, and got out.  He went around to the backside of the car and opened it up easing her out then into his arms.

 

"Oh I'm so glad to be home,"  she said as he carried her to the house.  He kissed her lips gently.

 

"I'm glad your home,"  he said. As they walked in Jonathan brought Alex who cooed when he saw them.

 

"There is my beautiful baby boy,"  she said.  They all went upstairs and once Evelyn was settled Jonathan gave Alex to her.  He was ready for his mum, and she gladly let him nurse.

 

"Mummy missed you,"  Evelyn said, and he reached his hand up touching her lips something he had never done. She smiled kissing his baby fingers.  When Rick came back in she sighed.

 

"Lets try for another baby now,"  she said looking at him.  He sat down.

 

"Honey we need to talk about that,"  he said, and she shook her head.

 

"No we don't, being in the wreck made me realize how fragile life is, and I want Alex to be close to his baby, I'll nurse both of them,"  she said.

 

"When you were in the accident your ovaries were crushed, they had to take them out honey,"  he said.  She closed her eyes.

 

"Noo,"  she said and she started to cry.  Alex thankfully was asleep, so Rick took him and put him on his side of the bed then lifted Evelyn in his arms.

 

"Evie I'm sorry I didn't tell you until now, but I didn't want to hurt you anymore,"  he said.  She clung to him and sobbed.

 

"OH Rick I'm sorry I should be thankful for Alex, and I am, but I wanted more babies,"  she said.

 

"I know honey I know,"  he said rocking her.

 

"We just have to make our time with Alex count,"  he said after a moment.  She nodded.

 

"Make every moment count,"  she added and then relaxed in his embrace.  The next few weeks marked improvement.  Her casts came off and with Rick's help she regained strength in walking, and doing things on her own.  Though everything else had healed in two months time, the fact that they would never have any other children weighed heavy on Evelyn's heart, but with time all things heal, and she learned to take every day she had with Alex as a gift, and a blessing.

 

MORE SOON

 

Chapter 5: Going Going Gone

 

 

 

The weekends were times to relax, time for family.  In the large parlor of their manor house, Rick and Evelyn sat at the chess board, with Evelyn trying to teach her husband how to play the game of chess. 

 

"You do realize that I thought this was going to be easy,"  he commented, as he tried to think of a move.  Through out this first game, Rick had learned the hard way that his wife was very good at playing chess.  His comment made her smiled.

 

"Why did you think that?"  she asked, as she waited for him to make his move.

 

"Well, being in the legion we were put on missions where we had to figure things out strategically, and I figured chess was just as easy,"  he said knowing now that he was wrong.  She only smiled at him.  As they played their game,  Alex who was now 7 months old lay on his blanket on his stomach looking ahead of him at a toy he wanted.  He knew how to sit up on his own, to roll over from his stomach to his back, but he didn't know how to move, and he was determined to try.  Now he managed to raise up on his hands, something he had learned to do over the past few weeks, but was stuck with that.  He reached one are out, then put it down and lay back down on his tummy getting frustrated.  Jonathan walked in about that time and went to him letting Rick and his sister stick to their game.

 

"Hey there partner,"  Jonathan said helping him sit up.  Alex looked at his Uncle then at the toy, and reached out for it. He lay back down on his tummy, and raised up on his hands again.

 

"I see. Well now you need to figure out the rest of that,"  Jonathan said as he helped by lifting Alex's bottom half up.  Alex fell flat on his face, unprepared, and started to cry hard.

 

"I'm sorry Alex,"  Jonathan said picking him up as Evelyn walked over.  Alex was angry and pushed away from his uncle.

 

"Are you ready for a rest?"  Evie asked as she lifted Alex into her own arms.  He pushed away from her struggling to be put down, but she didn't listen.

 

"It's past your nap time,"  she said as she held  him facing out.  He kept crying as she took him up to his room, leaving Rick and Jonathan to themselves.

 

"Trying to learn Evie's game?"  Jonathan asked.  Rick looked up from the game.

 

"Yeah. I don't think I stand a chance in hell at beating her,"  he said as he sighed.

 

"No one beats her at this game.  My father taught her to play when she was five, and after that she even learned to beat him.  I don't know how she is so good at this but she is,"  he said, and left to go get some lunch.  Since Evelyn was occupied with their son, Rick decided to take a rest, and walked to the back end of the large house, to the small study.  The room was lined with book shelves, and more books than he could count.  Evelyn had told him that it was her fathers own personal office, and that it rarely got used.  There was an old Mahogany desk off to one corner, dusty, and he decided to clean up.  Going back out of the room, he made his way down the hall to the kitchen where he found Marie making their lunch, and Jonathan snacking. 

 

"Marie.  Do you know where I can find some old rags, and some furniture polish?"  he asked.  Marie nodded, and led him to her storage closet and got the things he had requested, then he headed off to do some cleaning.

 

 

 

 

 

In her son's room, which was now decorated with all of his toys, and several childrens books on the book shelves, Evelyn was seated in the rocking chair with him cradled against her nursing, while she read to him from Kipling.  Today it was 'The Elephants Child'.  As she finished the story she felt his mouth fall away from her breast and smiled as she found him asleep.  Alex had decided to have a fuss before letting her feed him, which meant she had waited too long in putting him down for his nap.  Carefully she stood, and went over to his crib, gently placing him on his tummy, his preferred position of sleeping.  Alex stretched out lifting his arms over his head, and Evelyn smiled, placing his soft quilt over him, then left to go see if Rick was still sitting at the chess table trying to figure out his next move.  When she got back downstairs to the parlor, he wasn't there, but Jonathan was, playing solitaire.

 

"Jonathan have you seen where my husband went off to?"  she asked her brother.  He looked up at her.

 

"Hmm I think he went to the back library,"  Jonathan said getting back to his game.  She sighed and took the short walk to the back of the house, and found the door to her fathers Library open partially.  When she walked in she gasped, and Rick turned from dusting off the desk.

 

"I hope you don't mind,"  he said.  She shook her head.

 

"No its wonderful Rick,"  she said.  He had dusted off most of the shelves and had the books in piles.

 

"If you don't mind I would like to use this as my office,"  he said.  She walked over to him, and he pulled her into his arms.

 

"I think that is a good idea.  So you spoke with Sam?"  she asked.  Sam was Rick's buddy from the Legion who he and Evelyn had bumped into one day at the park, and both of them had decided to go into business for themselves in dealing with Antiquities.

 

"Here I'll help you,"  she said.  She tried to pull away, but he wouldn't let her go, and when she looked into his eyes, she saw lingering desire there.

 

"Hmm I think maybe you have more on your mind than just the books,"  she said lifting her finger up to his lips and tracing over them.  He was quick, and sucked it into his mouth which caused her to gasp.  She wiggled it around then pulled it out, and at the same moment put her hand up against the back of his head and pulled it down to meet her lips in a powerful kiss.  It seemed they never got enough of one another, so for a while at least the cleaning was put on hold to satisfy their need for one another.

 

 

 

 

Upstairs Jonathan just happened to be milling around in the spare room, looking for his lucky deck of cards he had left up there a long time ago when he heard Alex start to babble. 

 

"Oh well who needs them,"  he said, and left that room, and went across to Alex's.

 

"Hey partner,"  Jonathan said walking over to the crib.  Alex was laying on his back holding his bear up in the air talking to it, in his baby talk.  Once he heard his uncle, the bear was forgotten.  Jonathan lifted him out and made a face.

 

"Why is it that you..."  before he could finish, Alex had grabbed his nose.  Jonathan talked in a nazzly voice and yelped as Alex tried to rip off his nose. 

 

"Easy there partner, that has to stay on Uncle John's face,"  Jonathan said as he got the other things they needed for him to change his diaper.  Once he had what he needed, he laid Alex on the bed, and got his cloths undone, then the diaper and held his nose while he tried to wipe, but Alex was active and got away making more of a mess.  Jonathan had to strip him down after that, and finally got him wiped clean but not before Alex squirted him.

 

"I was never meant for this,"  Jonathan complained as Alex started to fuss. 

 

"How about a hand,"  Rick said, having noticed the door open, as he and Evelyn passed by to clean up after their loving in the Library.

 

"Yes." Jonathan gave the baby to Rick and left to get cleaned up.

 

"We need to teach Uncle John the cover trick,"  Rick said as he got Alex into a clean diaper and cloths.  Once he had done that, he put his son on the floor with a few of his toys, then set about cleaning off his diaper, putting it with the rest of the soiled diapers which the diaper service would collect on the following Monday.  While he was gone, Alex had propped himself up on his hands again, and slid his knees under him, lifting up on his legs, ready to crawl.  He rocked back and forth, for a moment, then pushed one leg forward and one hand out, and moved.  He rocked back and forth once more, and then moved again, this time a little more confident.  He made his way out the door and started down the hall toward the stairs.

 

"All right Alex lets..."  Rick stopped as he realized their son wasn't in the room and frowned.  He walked out of the room and looked toward his and Evies room, then the stairs and his jaw dropped.  Quickly her ran to Alex.

 

"Hey big guy you did it,"  Rick said kneeling beside him.  At that moment Evelyn came from their room.

 

"What did..." she stopped as he started to crawl again and ran over to them. 

 

"Your such a big boy," she said as she lifted him into her arms.  He pushed away from her, so after she gave him a kiss, she put him back down, and he rocked for a moment, then crawled more.  He was not fast, careful as he moved, and once he got to the steps he stopped and lay down on his stomach.

 

"That was a long way for you,"  Evelyn said as she picked him up.  They took him downstairs, and for most of the day he practiced crawling.  It didn't take him long to figure out how to really move fast, or how to sit up on his own,from the crawling position, and after that, they had to do some baby proofing, With Jonathan's help, Rick put up gates to keep their son safe, and in one spot.

 

More soon

 

Chapter 6: What's wrong with Alex

 

 

It had only taken a few weeks for Sam, and Rick to set up their business, and at first things were going slow, then all at once everyone was coming to them ready to sell things, or buy things, or have things appraised, and the two friends couldn't be any more happy.  The thing Rick liked about running his own business was his own hours, and the fact that most of the time, unless he had a face to face meeting, he worked from home so that he could take care of Alex.  Evelyn was working at the museum full time, though she still made it home for lunch time so that Alex could still nurse, and the rest of the time he took her milk from bottles. Alex, who was now nine months old was a happy healthy little boy.  He had not had any sort of sickness, or cold, and both parents were thankful.  Right now he was in his playpen banging two blocks together while Rick tried to work on a proposal for a man wanting to sell a Tiffany Lamp, a limited addition.  He kept loosing his train of thought and finally gave up on getting any work done, and went to the playpen.

 

"Hey buddy lets try a nap,"  Rick said, knowing full well Alex wouldn't go down unless Evelyn was there to rock him, and nurse him to sleep. As his father lifted him out, Alex bounced, ready to play, and Rick decided to just spend time with his son, and save his proposal for later.  He settled on the couch and set Alex on his lap facing him, then covered his face with his hands, which got laughter from his son.

 

"Alex where is daddy?"  he asked.  As a response Alex took his hands and grasped Rick's thumbs pulling, and laughed when he found his daddy.  Then he put his own hands to his face, though he didn't quite cover his eyes, but it was still their game.

 

"Where is Alex?"  Rick asked.  His son kept his hands over his face.

 

"Is he under here?"  Rick asked and eased his hands away.  Alex laughed again, then waited for his father to hide his face, and about that same time the telephone wrang.

 

"Oop, there is the telephone, lets go see who wants to talk to us,"  Rick said as he lifted Alex into his arms and went to the phone.  He picked it up and said his usual greeting, and smiled as he heard Evelyn's voice on the other end

 

"Oh we are doing fine,"  he said in response to her question.

 

"Good. I hate to do this to you, but there is no possible way I can get away from the museum.  Would it be too much trouble for you to bring Alex by and let me feed him here?"  she asked feeling bad that she couldn't make it home.

 

"Sure, we need to get out of the house anyway, so we will be there shortly,"  he said about to hang up when Alex grabbed the receiver.  Rick chuckled and held it to his ear.

 

"Evie say hi to your son,"  he called out, and watched as Alex gave the phone a funny look then let it go.

 

"I don't think he understands that quite yet,"  Rick said as he took the receiver back to his own ear.  Once they got off the phone,  Rick carried Alex upstairs to his room, and made sure he had a clean dry diaper on him, and packed another clean diaper, and an outfit just in case.  When they were all ready, he carried his son out to the car and got him put in the back seat with some of his toys, then got in the front of the car and headed off to the museum.

 

 

Working at the Museum was sometimes wonderful, sometimes not so wonderful, and currently Evelyn was working on notes for a meeting she was having with the other members of the staff of the museum, by request of the curator.  She jotted down a few more notes then looked up in time to see Rick and Alex come in to her office.  Rick shut the door with his booted foot, to give her some privacy while she nursed their son, then walked to her.

 

"There are my to men,"  she said as she came to greet them, giving Rick a kiss first, before taking Alex who immediately went for her locket.

 

"Careful Alex,"  she said as she held it so he wouldn't be able to yank it off of her neck.  Rick got a blanket out of the satchel, he had packed, while Evelyn got settled and once she had him nursing draped it over them.

 

"Tell me about your day,"  she said always eager to know what the two men in her life had been up too.

 

"Well Alex and I took a walk out to the field to see the horses, and Amunet actually let him pet her,"  he said.  She smiled.  Her horse was not the most trusting of animals, and really she only liked Evelyn around her, and was not at all fond of Alex, or for that matter Rick

 

"Maybe she is relaxing in her older age,"  Evelyn said as she leaned against her husband, Alex still having the first part of his lunch.  He ate solids too, strained vegetables that Marie was good enough to prepare for them, but he also still took her milk whenever he needed to.

 

"Then I tried to work on that proposal, but Alex decided he wanted to be a part of a band, and was banging his blocks together, so I gave up on that idea, fairly fast, and we played a good game of find daddy,"  Rick said. 

 

"Sounds like you two had a busy morning,"  she replied as she switched her baby to her other breast.

 

"Busy is right.  He finds more to get in to, and I'm not sure how he figures out how to get past me.  I hate keeping him jailed in his playpen, but there is just no other way,"  he said.  That was true, they had debated about ordering one, and after Alex had almost fallen down the stairs one day, they had decided to get one.

 

"So what about your day?"  Rick asked, kissing the top of her head.

 

"Oh don't ask me that,"  she said, and he frowned.

 

"I'm sorry, its just been one problem after another, and Mr. Havez finds everything wrong with my work lately,"  she said.

 

"Maybe you should have a talk with Greg,"  he said.  Greg was one of the Bembridge Scholars, the one who had come to Egypt to offer her the job in London.

 

"I do think about that, but I feel like I should be able to handle it on my own,"  she said.  One thing about Evelyn, which Rick loved, was her zest for life, and her determination to do things on her own, and fight for what she wanted.

 

"Well don't let him get to you,"  he said.  He himself was not all that found of the curator, but he couldn't do anything about it either.  When Alex finished nursing, he was half asleep and fell asleep against his mum's shoulder while she and Rick talked about evening meal.

 

"Well we will let you get back to work.  Eat what I brought you,"  he told her as she placed their son in his arms.

 

"I will,"  she said and they shared a gently kiss before he headed home with Alex.

 

 

 

 

 

Once Alex had gone down for his nap, Rick was able to draft out the proposal, and called Sam, who had met with the gentleman who wanted to sell his lamp.  Once he got done with business, he moved out of his office and decided to go lay down himself.  He had come a long way from his day's of adventure, and though he still missed that, he loved the life he had now as a father, and a husband, and wouldn't trade that for anything.  Once in his and Evie's, room he lay in bed, and took a picture off of her night stand.  It was one he had taken of her feeding Alex, secretly, in the bathtub, and though he had gotten grief for it, she had forgiven him and it now sat on her night stand.  He smiled and put the picture back in its place, then closed his eyes and went to sleep.

 

 

 

 

 

 

It was a little before dinner when Evelyn finally got away from the museum, and as she entered the house she heard Alex crying.  Quickly she put away her coat and her satchel, and headed for the parlor, and found Rick buttoning his sleeper, a dirty diaper next to them, and a bowl of water.

 

"Whose so sad,"  she asked as she came to them.  Alex was rubbing his eyes, and she lifted him into her arms getting more unhappy cries from him.

 

"Shhh,"  she said softly as she walked with him over to the Piano.  She sat down, and settled him on her lap and played a few pieces that she had learned over the years.  She was no Mozart, but she wasn't bad at playing either.  The music had a soothing effect on Alex, who relaxed after a moment pulling at his ear, which Evelyn didn't really take notice too.  Rick came over to them and Alex struggled to be put down.

 

"Wow I didn't know you could play that,"  he said.  She smiled

 

"My father taught me,"  she said.  He sat beside her on the bench.

 

"Teach me something,"  he said.  She thought a moment.

 

"The easiest one to learn is chip sticks,"  she said and proceeded to play that in its entirety, then she showed him the first part, and in a moment he played that part while she did the more difficult part.

 

"We should take this show on the road,"  Rick said, and looked behind them at Alex who was sitting on the floor chewing on one of his rattles, for once staying put, which was good.

 

"Well my dear, dinner should be ready,"  he said as he stood, and took her hand in his.  They got Alex, then went into the kitchen.  While Evelyn put their son in his high chair.  Once he was strapped in, Rick brought their food, and as they were about to start Jonathan came in from his long day of sleep.  Whenever there was food around, Jonathan was always present.

 

"So how was your game last night?"  Rick asked as he spooned some strained peas into his son's mouth.  Alex was also eating pieces of Banana that Evelyn was putting on his tray.

 

"Let's just say that I didn't have the best of nights,"  he said as he started to munch on the fried chicken that Marie had made for them.  When Alex finished most of the banana he started to fuss, not wanting to eat anymore peas or carrots, so Rick gave him his little silver rattle to play with. For a few minutes he shook that banging it on the tray then it dropped to the floor and he started to cry.

 

"Hey buddy, hold on a moment,"  Rick said, and wiped his hands and face, then lifted him out.  Usually Alex was content to sit with dad, but tonight he was being especially fussy. 

 

"Hey Alex where's daddy?"  Rick tried, but Alex wasn't in the mood to play that game, and pushed away from him sliding down, so Rick set him on the floor.  He was still crying as he crawled over to his mummy, who scooted out her chair and lifted him into her arms.

 

"I think you, need to go to bed,"  she said as he rubbed his eyes calming down now that he was in her arms.  He rubbed his face against her shirt, his way of telling her he wanted her milk, so she lifted it up and in moment he was nursing, which allowed her to eat her dinner.

 

"He has been like this all day,"  Rick commented now that he was calm.

 

"Did he have a good nap?"  she asked as she ate a bite of beets.

 

"Not very long no,"  Rick commented, and she guessed that was why he was so irritable.  It wasn't long before he was asleep, and while the guys did the dishes,  Evelyn took Alex up to his room and put him down for the night, or until two which is generally when he woke up for his night time feeding.  Once he was down, she headed to the master bedroom, and decided a nice relaxing bath was in order.  In their large bathroom, Evelyn started the water in the large porcelain bath tub, then turned and got out her favorite bath oil, and poured that in.  After that she removed her work cloths then settled in the warm water closing her eyes.  She loved a good warm bath, and most of the time that plus the love of her husband washed away any bad day she might have had.

 

 

 

 

 

It was Alex's cries which woke Rick first, and he felt Evelyn sound asleep beside him.  Sometimes if she had a long enough day, and including the fact that they had spent a few hours making love, that was usually enough to ware her out.  He slipped from the bed and pulled on a pair of boxers, then walked out of their room to Alex's.

 

"Hey Alex,"  Rick said.  Alex's cries were loud and piercing, and Rick hurried to him.

 

"Hey shhh,"  Rick said as he lowered the bar to his crib.  He lifted him out of his crib, and as he did, he felt heat radiating off his body.  Alex cried against his shoulder rubbing his face back and forth.

 

"Okay Shh, daddy will get you to mummy,"  Rick said knowing Evelyn could likely get him more calm than he could.  As he turned she came in.

 

"What's  wrong?"  she asked, and when she took him she felt what was wrong.

 

"Call DR. Brigman,"  Evelyn said.  Rick nodded, and went downstairs to the phone there, and dialed the doctors number.  It took a few rings but then the Doctor answered, and Rick told him who he was, and about Alex's fever, and also the fact that he had never had a fever.  Once he got off the phone with the doctor, he hurried back upstairs finding it quiet, which was a relief.  He walked into Alex's room finding Evelyn rocking their son while he nursed.

 

"He's on his way," Rick whispered softly.  He walked over and knelt down leaning in to kiss Alex's head.

 

"I'm afraid Rick,"  she said.

 

"I know honey, me too, but we will help him through this,"  Rick reassured, then went back downstairs and waited for the doctor.  It was ten minutes later that the Doctor, a man in his 40s arrived.

 

"Is there anything more than his fever?  Any coughing, runny nose?"  The doctor asked as Rick led him upstairs.

 

"Nothing, he just woke up crying,"  Rick said.  The Doctor nodded, and when they walked in, Evelyn had Alex asleep against her shoulder still rocking him.

 

"I'm sorry about this Daniel,"  Evelyn said.  He had been her doctor since the day she was born, and now that she was an adult she called him by his name.

 

"Not to worry, lets see whats causing his fever,"  he replied as he got out a few things.

 

"If you'll hold him cradled against you I want to listen to his heart beat.  I can do that hopefully without too much fuss,"  he said.  Evelyn nodded and eased him from her shoulder to rest cradled against her chest, and Alex merely sighed, remaining  asleep.  Gently Evelyn unbuttoned his sleeper just the first few buttons, and the doctor listened to his heart not hearing any flem build up as he breathed which was a good sign.

 

"I'll need to take his temperature,"  the doctor told them.  Evelyn nodded and carried Alex to the big bed, where they changed his diapers, and gently placed him there.  As she unbuttoned his sleeper the rest of the way, he woke up, looking at her with tired eyes.

 

"I know baby,"  she said as she unfastened his diaper.  Alex rubbed his eyes then pulled at his ears, something that the doctor took notice of.  Once his diaper was off, Evelyn laid him on his stomach, and let the doctor get his temperature which made Alex very unhappy.  He had a major fit trying to roll away from the doctor, but Rick who had settled beside them kept him still.

 

"Shhh, it's okay buddy,"  Rick said.  Once the doctor was finished Evelyn took him back in her arms and swayed with him. 

 

"102.3,"  he said.

 

"I want too look in his ears,"  he said.  Evelyn had settled back in the rocking chair letting Alex nurse which always calmed him down.

 

"Just hold him still,"  she nodded and in moment the Doctor poked an instrument with a light on it in her babies ear which got more cries.

"He has an ear infection,"  the doctor said.  He found it present in both of his ears.

 

"I'll call in a prescription for you to give him, and Rick you can get it tonight at the Apothecary,"  he said.  Rick left with the doctor, while Evelyn got Alex back in his diaper and his sleeper, then carried him into their room and snuggled in bed with him letting him nurse until he fell asleep.  She closed her eyes rubbing his back, and it was only when she heard the rustling of Rick's jacket being removed that she woke up.

 

"We have two forms of medicine one his antibiotic, and the other is drops,"  he said pulling out both bottles.

 

"Will you go get a glass?"  she asked as she sat up.  He nodded and left to do that.  Evelyn knew that Antibiotics most of the time had a nasty taste, and that it was doubtful that Alex would take it without a fit, so she had a plan.  In a few minutes Rick came back with what she had requested, a small glass, and Evelyn hand pumped some of her milk into the cup, just enough to cover the bottom, and a little above.  Once she had done that, she had Rick put in the amount they needed mixing the medicine in the milk, then drew up some in the dropper, and Alex took it without any problems.  When she finished she found Rick smiling at her.

 

"That was a good idea,"  he said as he settled in bed on his side, after removing his cloths.

 

"Mums have to have all the good ideas,"  Evie told him.  The next part was not as easy, and when they put the drops in Alex woke up and cried.  But it only lasted for a moment or two, then they snuggled together with Alex between them, and all three of them fell asleep.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The next morning was the same as far as the medicine went.  Alex took the antibiotic with ease, and had a fit when they put the drops in his ears.  His fever was down, which was good, but he was not in the best of moods.  Evelyn called in to the museum and informed them that her baby was sick, and that she wouldn't be in that day.  Now in the parlor, she sat at her desk working on her story, while Alex, who was in the harness, slept in her arms.  Rick had gone to a meeting with Sam and their new client, and Jonathan was in bed so it was fairly quiet.  Outside it was cold a blustery, and she was glad for the warm fire burning in the large fire place. 

 

"All right Alex, I think mummy has done all she can do for today,"  Evelyn said softly, and gently stood up.  He sighed, but remained asleep, and as she started up the stairs, Rick came in.

 

"Oh it's nasty out there,"  he said softly.  She came back down the stairs, and after he got his coat taken off, he hugged her around Alex.

 

"How is our baby?"  he asked.

 

"Tired," she said as they parted.  Rick leaned in and gave Alex a kiss.

 

"He doesn't feel as warm,"  he said.

 

"I know I think the medicine is doing its job, and Dr. Brigman told me to put a little cotton in his ears to keep the air out, so thats made a big difference,"  Evelyn informed.

 

"I was just on my way up to see if I could get him to lay in his crib."

 

"Why don't you let me do that, and you take a break,"  he said noting that she looked tired.

 

"Thank you,"  she said.

 

"Hey were both in this together."  He took Alex out of the harness and was careful not to wake him.  Once against his shoulder Alex stretched out, but stayed asleep.  When he got to Alex's room, Rick got him down without a hitch, and added another log to the fire place, then left the door cracked open and went back downstairs to Evelyn.

 

"Down and out,"  Rick said as he settled beside her on the couch.  He pulled her into his arms and they shared a passionate kiss.

 

"Mmm thank you Mr. O'Connell,"  she said as they parted.

 

"Why don't we go upstairs and have a little rest ourselves?" She agreed to that, and for a while all that existed was just them.

 

 

 

Over the next few days Alex had a pretty rough time with his ears, but slowly the medicine began to work, and by the end of the week, he was back to himself, crawling around, and getting into most of the things he was not allowed to get into, and things were back to the way they should be.

 

MORE SOON

 

Chapter 7: A trip to the Park

 

It was a sunny, brisk, fall day, and Evelyn and Rick both decided a trip to the park with Alex was a great way to spend their Saturday.  While Evelyn got things ready, Rick sat on the rug in the parlor playing with their 11 month old son.  Right now daddy was busy building him a block tower, while Alex chewed on one of his bears.

 

"All right Alex what do you thing?"  Rick asked, and looked at his son who put the bear down, crawled over to the tower,  and toppled it down, then laughed.

 

"Ahh Alex Daddy worked hard on that tower,"  Rick said lightly.  That didn't matter to Alex who scattered the blocks about them, then crawled over to the coffee table and pulled himself up going for a book that was there.

 

"I don't think so,"  Rick said standing, going over to his son.  He lifted Alex into his arms getting loud protest, but books were a big no no.

 

"Sorry buddy,"  Rick said as Alex started to cry when his father wouldn't put him down.  It was then that Evelyn came downstairs with Alex's satchel.

 

"What happened?"  she asked, as she came over to them, and took her son into her own arms.

 

"He wanted your book,"  Rick informed, as they walked toward the front entry of their large home.  Now that mum had him, and was always the case when daddy put his foot down, Alex was calm and happy.  At the front entry, Rick got Alex's red coat, and while Evie held him, he put it on, followed by his warm cap, since it was windy, and a bit chilly.  Once Alex was ready, and Rick had on his leather jacket, he took his son tossing him in the air before he could let out a fuss.

 

"Oh I need to get the picnic basket that Marie packed for us,"  Evelyn said and left to do that.

 

"Are you ready to go have some fun?"  Rick asked his little boy.  Alex babbled a response, and Rick chuckled.  When Evelyn came with the basket of food, Rick took that and gave Alex to her, then they went out to the car to make their trip to the park.

 

 

 

 

It was crowded at the park, and just off from the small lake there, Evelyn and Rick had spread out a large quilt.  While they had their lunch, Alex sat playing with his little toy truck.  He hadn't gotten the idea of having it roll around, and was more interested in chewing on it, as he was with most things because of teething.

 

"This was a wonderful idea,"  Evelyn said as she finished off her salid, and sipped at her tea.

 

"Yeah, it was good of you to think of it,"  Rick commented.  Not far from them a younger woman spread out a blanket, and beside of her was a little girl with spiraling red curls, and dark green eyes.  She had on a long corduroy dress and stockings, and little black shoes.  When she spotted Alex she ran to them. 

 

"Dat a baby,"  she said of Alex.  Evelyn looked at her smiling.

 

"Yes this is Alex,"  she said.  About that time the woman came over. 

 

"I'm sorry,"  she said worried that Megan was being a bother.

 

"Oh don't worry, she can sit over here with us if she wants,"  Evie said standing.  "My name is Evelyn O'Connell, and this is my husband and my son,"  she said.  The Nanny smiled.  Evelyn liking the idea of Alex meeting children close to his own age.  Right now however he was into his blocks and didn't pay the girl any attention.

 

"Well I'm not sure.  I'm her nanny,"  the woman said. 

 

"It's up to you,"  Evelyn said as the girl had already made herself at home playing with Alex's trucks.

 

"I guess it would be all right.  Megan you behave,"  the woman said then went over to her blanket and sat down taking out something she began to sew on.

 

"I like tucks,"  she said and made it vroom over to Alex.

 

"Awek you pay wif tucks,"  she said and put one in his lap.  He looked at her, and grabbed one of her curls.

 

"Ouchie,"  she said and sat still while Evelyn got his hand away, then lifted him into her lap. 

 

"Alex that was naughty,"  Evie told him and he started to cry.

 

"He not hurted me I trong girl,"  she said, then ran over to be with her nanny.  Alex continued to cry even with Evelyn rocking him.

 

"Why don't we take a walk?"  Rick suggested as he stood up.  Evelyn handed Alex up to him, then they left their blanket hand in hand walking over by the lake showing Alex the ducks, which he loved.

 

"See that buddy, they like to swim in the lake almost as much as you like to swim in your bath tub,"  he told his son.  It was about then that they heard a splash, a big splash, and a scream.  Megan's Nanny ran to the dock, and Rick looked over to see the little girl struggling to stay up. 

 

"Hold Alex,"  he said, and ran to the end of it, and jumped in just as she went under.  He pulled her up and over to the side, and she coughed up a lot of water starting to scream and cry.

 

"Megan Robertson you never do that to me again,"  the nanny yelled pulling her out of the water and into her arms.  Evelyn came with an extra blanket and gave it to the woman and the sobbing child, then brought the big blanket for Rick.

 

"I'm terribly sorry she wonders sometimes,"  the nanny said, then walked off.

 

"Remind me not to get a nanny for Alex," she said, and they decided to call it a day from the park, making sure that the woman and little girl were truly all right before they left.

 

 

 

A few days passed, and Rick was reading to Alex who was drinking a bottle of milk as he went to sleep when Marie came in.

 

"A man is here to see you, Mr. Richardson."  Right away Rick recognized the name, and stood with Alex still drinking his bottle, and went to the front of the house.  The man was a little shorter than Rick, and had on a suit, and next to him was his little girl.

 

"Will you come in?"  Rick asked.

 

"I don't really have time to do so.  I found out from my nanny about the accident at the park, and knew your name from the post articles of you and your wifes contribution to the museum, as well as her work there.  I called and asked her if it was all right if I came to thank you in person so thats how I knew how to find you,"  he explained.

 

"I'm a widower.  My daughter is all that I have in this world, and that Nanny has been fired for her lack of care for my daughter.  I live not a five minute walk from your house, and any time you want your son to come stay with my other nanny, Catherine who has worked for me since Megan was born, then please bring him by,"  he said.

 

"Thank you,"  Rick replied not sure about leaving Alex with anyone accept he Evelyn or Jonathan. 

 

"I should be going.  I'm Paul Richardson,"  he said, and the two shook hands then he left.

 

"Well Alex I think maybe you found yourself a friend,"  Rick said as he headed upstairs to put his son down for a nap.

 

 

 

 

When Evelyn arrived home that evening Alex was washed and ready for bed, sitting on Rick's lap at the Piano allowing his father to help him play chopsticks.  She smelled and put her bags down and walked behind them leaning in and nuzzling the back of Rick's neck.

 

"Hmm you do that and I might just have to take you upstairs and make love to you,"  Rick said.

 

"That doesn't sound too bad.  I'm sorry I missed dinner,"  she said as Rick stood.

 

"We missed you.  Did you even eat?"  he asked as he let Alex go to her, since he was already reaching for her to hold him.

 

"Not yet,"  she admitted.

 

"Well why don't you get him down, and I'll bring up a tray for you." 

 

"That sounds good to me,"  she said, and after a kiss took her baby up to his room.

 

"You know what Alex,"  she said as she settled with him in his rocking chair.  He smiled at her and reached up patting her cheek as she undid her blouse for him to nurse.

 

"We are lucky that we found a man like your daddy,"  she said settling down, and starting a gently rocking motion.

 

"Now tell your mummy what you and daddy did today,"  she said.  He kept his hand at her mouth and grinned as she nibbled his little fingers.

 

"Did you get to see Megan?"  she asked as he pulled his hand back down and rubbed her shirt starting to get tired.

 

"Megan's mummy was my friend once, and her daddy too."  Alex responded by pulling away and ahhed at her.

 

"She did.  Well I think you two need to get to know one another,"  Evelyn said and Alex cooed a little more then went back to nursing.  Eventually he finished and was still awake so Evelyn lifted him to her shoulder making sure his bink was in place then started to sing to him.  He lifted his head trying to look at her fighting sleep, but finally the battle was lost and he did go to sleep.  After tucking him into bed she went to the master bedroom and found Rick there with dinner.

 

"Paul stopped by today,"  he said as she stripped out of her work cloths, and pulled on a soft silk robe.

 

"Good.  I actually grew up with his wife, and she was just starting to date him when Jonathan and I moved to Egypt,"  Evie said.

 

"He told me that she died when Megan was born."  Knowing how death frightened his wife, Rick walked over to her and settled beside her.  She leaned against him and took a deep breath.

 

"I just worry sometimes about me dying or you dying, and how we would cope."  she said.

 

"Evelyn you can't let that worry you.  We just have to make the best of the time we have here and now, and not worry about what may or may not happen,"  he said.  As always he made her feel better, and after she finished dinner, they shared in a very intimate dessert.