Author: Shelby

Rating: PG

Summary: How does life change once Alex is born. This story is a continuation of my Married Life story, and is after they return from Egypt, and what Rick and Evie must face as parents.

Disclaimer: The Mummy Movies do not belong to me. They belong to Stephen Sommers and Universal Studios and as such are not mine. Anyone you don't recognize probably belongs to me so no steeling.

Living Loving and Learning

Prologue

After Alex was born, Rick had sent Jonathan back to England to get things ready for their return. One thing he had requested was for Jonathan to find them help in way of getting a nanny, which he had done, finding Nannie, who had been his and Evelyn's nanny when they were growing up. With her help, Jonathan had gotten the Nappy service started, and Nannie, or Nanna as they called her had a clean stack of nappy's ready for when Alex arrived. She had also put clean sheets in both the crib in Alex's room, and sheets in the swinging cradle in the master bedroom. Everything was ready to go, and all they needed was the rest of the family

Chapter 1: Arrival in London

While it was a sunny day in London, as Jonathan awaited the arrival of his sister, Rick and the new baby, the day was icy cold. Something that he missed about Egypt was the year round warmth, though at times not having a change in the weather pattern was dull. Two weeks had passed since Alex's birth in Egypt at the Med-jai Village, and it had almost been that long since Jonathan has seen his new nephew. He had his car running and had blankets to keep everyone warm. Nanna had gotten a basket bed ready for Alex to ride in while the family journied back to the house, and Jonathan had just added an extra blanket.

"What's taking so bloody long," Jonathan said as he rubbed his gloved hands together. As if god knew he was ready to go home to warmer climbs, Jonathan heard the whistle of the ship and sighed relief. He watched it dock, then moved past the crowd of people to the ramp some of the crewmen were pushing up the ship, and spotted O'Connell and his sister bundled up against the cold, and in his brother-in-laws arms was Alex wrapped in a warm knit cream blanket.

"Welcome to the cold," Jonathan said as they approached him. He took notice of how frail Evie looked, and frowned a bit at that. She stood on her own two feet, but leaned against her husband.

"I have the car waiting, um why don't you get settled, and I'll get someone to help with your things," he said.

"Thank you," Evie said. They moved slowly away, and Jonathan made quick work of finding the help he needed. Once the car was loaded with their luggage, and them, Jonathan hopped in the drivers seat and started home, deciding not to tell Evie that Nanna was at the house ready to help them with Alex.

~*~

It was almost an hour later when Jonathan pulled the car up to the front of the house, and as he turned he found Evie asleep, leaning against Rick.

"If you can get Alex, I'll get her," Rick said softly. Eshe had told them both that it would take Evie a while to recover, and the trip home from Egypt for both of them had been a tiring experience. In the basket bed, Alex slept without a care in the world, and after Rick got out with Evie asleep in his arms, Jonathan thought about how to get his nephew out, then decided just to take the whole bed with the baby and all. As he walked, Jonathan took slow careful steps mindful not to jostle the baby, and as he stepped inside Rick was waiting without Evie. At Jonathan's questioning look, and as Rick took the bed, he told him that Nanna had gone up with Evie to help her change into some more comfortable cloths. Now in the parlor, with the bed on the coffee table, Rick sat on the couch closing his eyes.

"Look if you want to you can go up and sleep with Evie. Nanna and I can take care of Alex," Jonathan offered. It didn't take much for Rick to agree, and as he started up the stairs Nanna was walking down, informing him that Evie wanted him to be with her. Since the attack on her, both in London and in Egypt prior to Alex's arrival, Evelyn had not wanted to be away from Rick, and he felt the same way about keeping her safe.

"Now let me have a look at this new little life," Nanna said as she walked to the bed. Taking notice that aside from being wrapped in the heavy knit blanket, Alex also had on a cap, Nanna carefully unwrapped him, unbuttoning the knit sweater he wore with a hood, which roused him.

"Shh, let me take this off of you, then I'll wrap that blanket back around you," Nanna said softly. Having helped raise Evie and Jonathan, and a few other children, nanna was quick, and once she had Alex wrapped in his blanket he was content. Knowing his nephew was in good hand, and tired from his night out the previous evening, Jonathan left to go have his own rest.

~*~*~

In the comfort of their room, and on their bed, Rick lay on his back with Evie asleep against his chest. It had been an interesting two weeks with the birth of their son, and before Alex, Rick had been uncertain how he would fit in to their active life style. It was the first time he had held his son, in his arms, that Rick knew everything would be all right, and though things such as changing the babies nappy or clothing was still foreign to both of them, they were beginning to adjust. The trip back from Egypt, Rick had been the one to do most of the things, such as getting Alex dressed and undressed, giving him his first baths, and getting him to sleep. Evelyn had also helped, but she tired easy, and for that reason, Rick was glad they had Nanna. Just as Rick was about to drift into sleep, he became aware of the approaching cries of their son, and felt Evie stir.

"Hey Beautiful, our son I think needs you," Rick said softly as he rubbed her back. The knock on their door and the louder cries confirmed what Rick had thought, and carefully he got up and opened the door to Nanna.

"I think he may be ready to feed," Nanna said as she let Rick take him.

"Thankyou," he said, then went to the bed where Evie was laying.

"Do you want us to try a bottle?" Rick asked

"No, help me," she said. Holding Alex in the crook of one arm, Rick was able to help her sit up and once she was ready gave her their noisy baby. Once Alex was nursing he relaxed.

"How do you feel now that were back home?" Rick asked as he held both of them close.

"Better. I'm glad you and Jonathan got a nanny for us, and that we found nanna again," Evie said as she watched her baby. Alex had a light covering of dark hair, and his eyes were shut. His tiny hand grasped around her finger, and one of his tiny feet stuck out from the nightgown he was wearing. Rick grinned and took hold of his foot.

"I still can't believe he's ours," Rick said kissing the top of Evie's head then leaning down to kiss the tiny foot he held.

"I know, but he won't stay small for very long, he already seems to weigh more," Evelyn commented. Once she had done her part, Evie gave her husband the burp cloth, then Alex and let him do the honors while she stood to empty her bladder. The small trip to the bathroom felt like a walk around Bishops' park, but Evie made it. Once she had finished, and had gotten back in bed she was ready to sleep again. As Alex nursed from her other breast, both of them went back to sleep, and once his son had a full tummy, Rick put him to bed in his cradle, then crawled into bed with his wife to get some rest while he could.

Chapter 2: Family Routine

The quiet of the night was broken once again by Alex’s loud cries, and once again Rick got up to tend to him. On the ship, he and Evelyn had let him sleep with them, and the new father guessed his son wasn’t happy about sleeping on his own.

“Hey Alex,” Rick said as he leaned over the cradle and lifted his son in his arms. For a moment Alex continued to cry, then once secure against his father’s shoulder, the baby settled.

“Now, I know your not hungry, because you ate ten minutes ago, and you should still be dry,” Rick said as he walked over to their bed. Evie was sitting up, and took him from Rick. That transfer from father to mother agitated Alex, but only for a moment until he was resting against her shoulder.

“Maybe we should just let him sleep with us,” Evie said as she rubbed a hand over his back. Alex was content where he was, and hearing him cry made Evie want to cry. Settling beside her Rick gently pulled them against him.

“Well we could, but there is going to come a time when we want to do certain things, and then what?” he asked, trying to get her to see to their own needs. Having not thought of that Evelyn sighed.

“I hate it when he cries,” she admitted. Rick kissed her cheek.

“I know honey, I do too, but I think the sooner we can teach him he’s all right sleeping in his own bed, the better off we will all be,” he replied. They remained cuddled together for a few more minutes, then Evelyn got up and walked to the end of the bed where Alex’s cradle was and gently placed him on his left side. Alex whimpered at the loss of contact from her warm body, and Evie knelt down rubbing his back.

“Shhh, mummy and daddy are here baby, and we won’t leave you,” she said softly. When he became more restless, Evie placed a hand on his side then gently pushed the bed, causing it to swing gently.

“Hush a bye don’t you cry go to sleep my little baby. When you wake you shall find all the pretty little ponies. Black and white Dapples and Grays all the pretty little ponies,” Evie sang. The song she used was one her father used to sing to her nights when her mother wasn’t there, and the gently swaying motion of is bed, plus her song calmed Alex and soon sleep came. Once sure he would stay asleep at least for a little bit, Evie gently stilled the bed from its swinging motion, then stood, feeling herself gathered into her husbands arms.

“I think he liked that,” Rick whispered in her ear as he kissed her there. Evie sighed and smiled, then turned in his arms.

“We need to sleep. I need to sleep,” she said softly. Without hesitation, Rick lifted her into his arms, and carried her to their bed placing her on the soft mattress, then lay next to her. It didn’t take long for either of them to fall asleep, and at least for a little while all of them slept without a care in the world

~*~*~

Breakfast that morning was quiet. When Jonathan arrived home, he was used to finding both Rick and Evelyn all ready eating morning meal. This particular morning only Nanna was there.

“What happened to everyone?” Jonathan asked as he settled down at the table. Marie came and served him Eggs Bacon and toast as well as a glass of juice, then poured more tea for Nanna.

“I think Alex kept them up last night,” she said having heard his cries more than once. It was when Jonathan had nearly finished his breakfast when Rick and Evelyn arrived with Alex asleep in his mother’s arms. Jonathan noted with relief that his sister looked better, and guessed that had to do with being home.

“Come have a good breakfast, and let me take care of that sweet baby,” Nanna said as she walked over to Evelyn. Willingly, Evie gave him up, knowing he was safe with her, then settled at the table with her husband.

“Well if you will excuse me, I need to get some sleep,” Jonathan said as he got up from the table. Once he was gone, both Rick and Evelyn began to eat and talk about what they wanted to do for the day.

“I want to go in to town and get some new cloths,” Evie announced. Surprised that after one night of sleep back at home, and not a very good one at that, Rick looked at her.

“Rick, don’t look at me as though I were made of glass. I know I’ve been through a great deal, but I’m in between sizes now. Most of what I wore when I was carrying Alex within my belly is to big, and the things I have that I wore before I was carrying him is still to tight.” She said as she took a few drinks of milk.

“So do I get to go with you?” Evie smiled and nodded.

“Nanna, will you keep Alex so he won’t have to go out in the cold?” Evie asked looking over at where she sat talking quietly to him.

“I would love to do that,” she replied. Once they finished their breakfast Evie took Alex into the Parlor and got him to nurse, hoping he would be all right until their return, then once he was finished she and Rick got ready for their trip into town, and left.

~*~*~

Despite the cold January day, the people of London were out in full force. Already in the past thirty minutes, Rick and Evie had been to five different stores, and Rick was amazed that Evie had enough energy to do so much in such little time. Now he sat in a chair outside of a curtained dressing area while she tried on some skirts.

“Well what do you think?” she asked as she stepped out. The skirt she had on was a black lambs wool skirt, with a gold button in front.

“Well that’s good if you want to go to the museum, but well, go try on some other things, and let me see if I can find some things. Evie nodded and left to do that and Rick went to where the cloths were hanging on a rack and began to look. Knowing that he was getting starred at Rick shook his head, wondering how Evie had managed to change him from a rough tough Legionaire to a softy. He did have a purpose in mind which was to get her into some things that didn’t make her look so formal all the time. After looking through three racks of cloths, Rick finally found some things he liked. One was a black dress with straps. The front of it was low cut, and it was simple, but he knew she would look great in it. He picked out a few more dressed in that same sort of style then found her some more casual things, slacks and tops mostly, and went back to her dressing area.

“All right Mrs. O’Connell, prepare to be a changed woman,” Rick said. Evie stuck her head out and looked at all he had, having her doubts but for her husband she would try on anything. The first thing she tried on was the black dress, and when she stepped out Rick had a difficult time not taking her in the middle of the store with people watching.

“I’m not sure Rick,” she said looking in the mirror.

“Evie trust me when I tell you that you look beautiful in that.” Evelyn nodded and went to try on the rest of the cloths. All of it was purchased and once they had done that the two headed for lunch.

~*~*~

While mum and dad were away, Alex had gotten hungry and was now having a major fuss as Nanna tried to appease him. Nanna had tried everything she could think of to get him calm, but she knew he was hungry, and since Evelyn was the only one who could feed him, they were just going to have to wait. Now in his room, Nanna was seated in the rocking chair with him over her lap rubbing his back.

“Shhh, they will be home soon,” Nanna said as she lifted him against her shoulder. His cries subsided, and he was soon asleep, however Nanna stayed where she was knowing that he was likely to wake up if she tried to move him. As she was trying to decide whether or not to try laying him down in his crib Evelyn came in looking radiant, and Nanna was glad for that.

“Jonathan said he was having quite a fuss,” she said looking worried.

“Not to worry a little crying won’t hurt him, and I do believe he is hungry,” Nanna said as she stood. Evie took the burp cloth she had then her baby who was awake instantly.

“Now now, you have to be patient,” Evie said as she unbuttoned her blouse. It took three trys, but she did get him to nurse, and smiled as his eyes opened.

“Did you and Nanna have a good time?” she asked. Alex was focused on filling his tummy and after a few moments his eyes shut. Evie took his tiny hand and kissed him there.

“Mummy and daddy had a good time, but I think we might do well to take you with us the next time, because I missed you,” Evie said. Being so focused on her son, Evie didn’t see Rick watching her from the door not until he walked in.

“How’s our buddy?” Rick asked.

“Hungry, he seems to have an insatiable appetite,” Evelyn said. Rick grinned.

“Or he likes where he is,” He said. Evie reached out and smacked his arm, and Rick gave her a hurt look

“Hey what was that for, its the truth you know. I know I like it there,” he said.

“Honestly Rick, this is very natural and you are making fun of a beautiful process,” she said, though she wasn’t really mad at him.

“Well as long as he shares,” Rick said as he leaned in giving her a kiss.

“So why don’t you show me again how to play chess,” Rick said as he stood.

“If you don’t mind I want to try and take a rest,” she replied. Not minding Rick waited for her and once Alex as fed and burped, they went to their room. After putting him in his bed, Rick settled in bed with Evie and drifted into a light sleep, enjoying being with the woman he loved.

Chapter 3: Rick’s Day with Alex

When Evelyn had decided to spend time at home with her baby, the museum had hired someone to work in her place, a young woman named Amelia, who was about the same age as Evie, and studied Egyptology, but didn’t have near as much experience as Evelyn. It wasn’t even a week after their return from Egypt, that she called the house upset because the Curator was trying to get her to do more than what she was supposed to, so Evie decided to go help her out, and have a talk with Mr. Havez. Nanna was not with them this particular day, because she was taking care of a sick friend, which left Rick with Daddy duty. Having always had Evie to help him with things, even though he was pretty good at caring for their baby, Rick still had his reservations about doing things on his own. Now as she got ready to go to the museum, Rick paced.

“Evie, are you sure you need to go?” he asked. Evelyn zipped the back of her skirt.

“Rick, it’s all right. If he gets hungry just bring him down to the museum and I’ll feed him,” she said not worried about his ability to handle things on his own. Since she had been feeling better, Evelyn had been keeping Alex with her, most of the time letting him ride in the harness she wore around her middle, which kept him content.

“Okay but what if he has one of those really messy nappys. You know the ones where it goes all the way up his back?” Rick asked. Usually if that happened, either Nanna or Evie assisted, and doing that alone had Rick worried.

“Just lay him on his stomach and undress him that way,” she said as she went to the cradle and lifted her baby out. Alex stretched grunting, and then relaxed once she was rocking him and letting him eat.

“I guess we can manage,” Rick said watching her as she fed their son. He was attracted to her more so when she nursed, loving to see her as a mother, loving to see her care for their baby. When Alex finished, Rick took him and got him to burp then cradled him against his chest.

“Well pal it looks like its going to be you and I today,” Rick said still uncertain of things on his own. Alex just slept on oblivious to what his father was saying. Once Evelyn was ready, they walked her to the door and after kissing her, and letting her give Alex a kiss, Rick watched her go, then went into the parlor.

“Now lets see if you will lay in your bed while daddy cleans this rifle,” Rick said. He was going to a gun and rifle show in a week, and the rifle he had he was hoping to sell, as he was hoping to sell most of his guns, with a select few to keep. Evie had mentioned that once Alex had gotten older keeping weapons like that in the house was too dangerous, but for now Rick wasn’t worried about that. When he put Alex in the basket bed, there was a brief moment when Rick thought he was going to stay content, but Alex let him know fairly quickly that he didn’t like laying there.

“Okay, okay,” Rick said as he held him once more. Alex was awake and continued to cry, so Rick sat down and laid his son on his lap.

“Alex,” Rick called out. After a few more times of calling his name, Rick got him to stop crying. Trying his best to find his dad, Alex starred up at him unfocused.

“I think you have us where you want us pal,” Rick said letting his son hold his index finger. Alex just watched his daddy, or in general direction of where his face was.

“Now, do you think we can work out an arrangement? I need to get these guns cleaned, and I know you can lay on your own because you do it for your Nanna all the time,” Rick said. He lifted his son up and gave him a kiss on his forehead and his nose, then placed him against his shoulder as he stood. Deciding against the basket bed, Rick managed with one hand to spread out a blanket on the floor and laid Alex on his stomach, which he didn’t like until Rick started singing to him some of the songs he sang when drunk in a kazbah. As he sung he cleaned out an old rifle, not his favorite one the legion had issued, but another one he didn’t like all that much.

“Bottle of Wine that I place to my lips, make me forget what the Legion has taught. Make me more of a man...,” he sung, grinning because his son was looking almost straight at him.

“I know pal, daddy’s songs aren’t nearly as sweet as what your mum sings to you, but we can keep this between us,” Rick said. Alex started to fuss again, so Rick sang more, and once again there was quiet.

~*~*~

When she arrived at the museum, and to her office, Evelyn found Amelia close to tears, and was now calming her down.

“Listen to me. That man has no control over who is hired here or let go. The Bembridge Scholars obviously thought you were qualified for this job, and they will keep you here. I see you got most of what I left for you to do complete, and thats a good start,” Evie said. After talking to Amelia, Evelyn went to seek out the Curator and give him a piece of her mind. It didn’t take her long to track him down, and Evie corned him

“Just who do you think you are? She didn’t have to come to this museum, she was qualified to do the curator Job in Egypt but wanted the chance to come here. If you want someone to push around then go look someplace else. I’m sure the Bembridge Scholars would love to know how you think you run this place as a dictator, and I will be the first to tell them,” she said. The little man was pushed up against the wall.

“Mrs. O’Connell, I assure you that I don’t intend to bring them here for something such as this. Please don’t worry yourself. I will make sure Amelia only has to do things in the Egyptian department,” he said. Evie turned and left him and he stormed to his office highly annoyed with her.

“One day Mrs. O’Connell you will learn who not to push me around,” he said as he settled at his desk.

~*~

As he had feared, Alex decided to make quite a mess in his nappy, and now Rick was left to change it on his own. While he got what he needed Alex was laying on the bed having a fit.

“I know pal, I know,” Rick said as he got the wash basin, a clean washcloth and a clean nappy as well as a clean gown for him to wear.

“Hey Alex lets try a song,” Rick said and began to sing another one of his bar songs as he turned Alex on his stomach. Alex cried louder, and Rick gave up on the song part, rolling the gown up and pulling it up as far as he could. Rick managed to get it off of his son, but got the mess on his head, which meant Alex would need a bath.

“I know, shh,” Rick said as he left Alex to go run water in the tub.

“Evie it would be nice if you would walk in right about now,” Rick said as he hit his head against the wall. While letting the water run, Rick got undressed, then went back to the bed and his irate son, getting him the rest of the way stripped, and managing to get sprayed in the face when he turned Alex over on his back, after cleaning off the mess.

“Just wait till your old enough to blackmail,” Rick grumbled. He wiped his face with the clean side of the washcloth then lifted Alex against him and carried him into the bathroom. Once in the water, Alex relaxed, letting his dad get him clean.

“I think next time I’m putting you in here cloths and all,” Rick said as he kissed his son’s wet head. The two of them stayed in the water for a little bit then got out.

~*~*~

It was almost four hours later when Evie returned home, and she hurried inside expecting to find her son irate for having to wait so long to be fed. When she walked in, she found everything quiet. In the Parlor, everything was as it should be, though no Rick or Alex was to be found, so she went upstairs, and in their room found a heart warming sight. On their bed dressed only in his boxers, Rick lay on his back with Alex, who was only in his nappy, resting continently on his fathers chest. On the end of the bed, was evidence of a dirty nappy, and quietly Evelyn took the soiled cloths to Alex’s room to rinse them out, amazed that Alex was asleep without having a fit for not having been fed in such a long time. When she returned to their room, Evelyn got out of her work cloths and into a soft cotton dress, then eased into bed. The slight movement on the mattress was enough to wake Rick who turned his head to face her.

“How did things go at the museum?” he asked having a difficult time staying awake. Evie turned on her side facing them, gently rubbing Alex’s back.

“I think Mr. Havez will think twice before he picks on her again,” she said. Rick nodded his head, and Evelyn smiled gently easing Alex from his arms, and placing him beside her. He grunted, smacking his lips then she placed him at her breast and he relaxed as he always did when he was nursing.

“Did you make daddy a nervous wreck?” Evie whispered. Alex didn’t respond other than to nurse, and Evie sighed content to be where she was with the two people she loved most in the world at her side.

Chapter 4: A Night on the Town


Being a father was proving to be one of the most rewarding jobs Rick had ever had. He loved their son, loved watching him experience life for the first time, but as the weeks began to pass by, he was realizing how little time he and Evie had without him, and though he loved his son, Rick wanted time with his wife. For Evelyn, being a mother was something she had let consume her. Every waking moment she spent with her baby, nursing him, singing to him, telling him about Egypt and all the adventures, both good and bad that she and Rick had experienced. Since the one time Angela had called her from the museum, Evie had not thought of that or her return, and Rick knew he wasn’t going to have an easy time trying to get her to go out with him. Now on his own, Rick was at a dress shop, and had selected a evening gown for Evie, and picked up the tux he had ordered. Always in the past she had tried to get him to go see a play with her or to hear an opera, and always before, Rick had refused that. Now he wanted to do something nice for her, and had hopes to entice her out of the house with tickets to see Shakespeare’s a Mid Summers Night Dream, as well as take her to a fine Italian Restaurant. After spending most of the morning getting the things he needed, Rick’s last stop was at a flower shop. There he purchased a dozen white and red roses, and once satisfied he went home.

~*~

On the homefront, Evie was helping Nanna chop vegetables for her beef stew, while Alex slept in his sling. He was almost three months old, and very content as long as he was being held.

“I’m still not sure how you find the patience to do all of this,” Evie said as she finished chopping up a carrot. Nanna smiled in response.

“Well my dear, you must remember I have been cooking, and taking care of your family for a long time now, and I really do like to cook,” she said looking past Evie, and smiling as she saw Rick approaching. Evie turned and gasped when she saw the roses.

“Oh Rick their beautiful,” She said as she got up from the table. Quickly Nanna filled a white vase with blue flowers painted all over it, with water, and helped Evie put the flowers in there, then set them on the table. The two shared a kiss, and Rick smiled giving his son a kiss.

“What is the occasion?” Evie asked of the flowers.

“Well I wanted you to know how much I love you, and I also want to take you on a date tonight,” he said. When thinking things through as far as getting her out of the house, Rick had decided the best way was just to give her last minute details, and hope she didn’t back out on him. Already he saw the troubled look in her eyes.

“Rick, I love the flowers, but I just don’t think Alex is ready for us to be away from him,” Rick walked to her and put his hand against her cheek.

“Evie, trust Nanna. She has taken care of Alex and you as well as Jonathan, and Alex will be just fine for a while without us,” Rick said. Nanna usually kept out of their business but on this she stepped in.

“If you are worried about him getting hungry, you can express your milk for him, to have in a bottle,” Nanna said. Evie looked down at her baby and shook her head.

“I’m sorry Rick I can’t go, not yet,” she said then hurried out of the kitchen. As Rick started after her Nanna stopped him.

“Watch over my food, I think its time I had a talk with her,” Nanna said. Rick nodded and sat down at the table resting his head against the surface.

~*~

In the master bedroom, Evelyn sat in the rocking chair with Alex laying on her lap very much awake. He could now focus on her face, and watched her as she sang to him.

“Your mother used to sing that to both you and Jonathan before putting you to bed,” Nanna said as she entered the spacious room. Evie looked up.

“Evelyn, I know you love Alex, and as young as he is he knows you love him as well, but you need to take time away from him to be with your husband. Doing that is not abandoning him not by any means what so ever,” Nanna said as she stood beside Evie placing a hand on her shoulder.

“I know this is absurd Nanna but I feel like I’ll miss something if I go,” she said.

“All new mothers have that feeling, and Alex has you for the rest of his life, for everything that is important. I can’t make you go out with Rick, but I think for the two of you the time spent together alone would be good,” Nanna said, then left her to think. As they had talked Alex had watched both of them and now Evelyn looked at her baby, and knew what Nanna had said was right. She missed time alone with her husband, and knew that they both needed that time to show their love for one another.

“All right little one, you get to have an evening with your Nanna,” Evie said as she lifted him to her shoulder. Alex started to get restless, so she opened her shirt and let him have his lunch.

~*~*~

When she came downstairs, Evelyn went to the kitchen and gave Alex to Nanna, then sought out her husband, knowing that Rick was outside chopping fire wood. Times when their relationship strained he would go chop wood, and at the side of the house she found him hard at work.

“RICK,” she called out. He looked up surprised to see she didn’t have Alex with her. After setting down his ax, Rick went to her.

“I think you are right about us. We do need to get out, and I’m sorry about being so involved...” She never got past that word as Rick’s lips pressed firmly against hers. When they parted he kissed her nose and forhead.

“Don’t be sorry for being a good mum to our son Evie, if anything I’m the one who should be sorry for not being with Alex enough. I guess I’ve gotten too caught up in this idea Sam has for us starting a ship building firm.” Evie shivered against the cold late February wind, and Rick took her hand leading her inside to the kitchen which was empty of Nanna and Alex. He led her to the table and had her sit down.

“If you don’t mind I want to take you out to dinner at Bella Notte. Then I want to take you to see the first showing of a Mid Summers Night Dream,” he said. Evelyn nodded her head and they kissed again.

“I guess we should get ready,” Evie said as they parted again. Rick smiled and traced his fingers over the soft skin of her cheeks then lower to her neck.

“Yes we should. I bought you and Evening gown,” he said as she stood. They went to their room and Evie gasped as Rick took the gown out of the bag. It was a deep burgundy color, two layers, and long with a cut up the side, and sequence on the lacy fabric.

“OH Rick its beautiful,” she said as she held it up to her slender body.

“I thought so too,” he said as he got out his tux. They had a while before they would need to get ready, and after putting the cloths in the closet the two decided to go for a walk in the vast meadows they owned.

~*~*~

As evening drew nearer, Evelyn had gotten the knack of hand expressing her milk, and though it took forever she managed to get two bottles for Alex throughout the day aside from nursing him. Those she stored in the ice box, and now as she sat in the bath soaking in her favorite scented oils Rick sat on the bed with Alex watching him as he reached for a rattle in front of him.

“How about a hand,” Rick said as he put it within his reach. Alex rested his head on the bed for a moment then lifted it again and got the rattle, then began to fuss.

“Hey I thought we were doing pretty good there,” Rick said as he lifted Alex against his shoulder. For a moment Alex cried a little more then relaxed.

“Now you be good for Nanna. No reading ancient books filled with curses, and no talking to strange men in black robes,” Rick said as he moved over to the rocking chair and settled in it. He cradled Alex in the crook of one arm smiling as his son watched him.

“What do you think pal?” Rick asked as he took one of Alex’s little hands. Alex wrapped his hand around his fathers finger in a strong grip and watched as his dad told him about a time long since past when he lived in the orphanage at Cairo.

“When you get older, your mum and I might take you back there,” he said, then looked up as Evelyn walked out wearing just a black lacy Camice.

“Your turn,” she said as she walked over to them. Before Rick could get up, Evelyn leaned in and gave him a kiss on his lips nuzzling his lower lip before pulling away.

“Your playing with fire Mrs. O’Connell,” Rick said as he stood and let her have his seat. Once she was ready he handed their son to her, then went in to have his bath, and to shave. As soon as he was in her arms, Alex began to fuss, ready for her to feed him which she did. Evelyn was feeling very emotional about going out this night. On the one had she was excited to be going to a play with her husband, but on the other hand having to leave her baby was not easy.

“Tonight before you got to bed, Nanna will feed you from a bottle,” Evie said as she stroked her hand against his soft head. For a little bit Alex watched her, then as his tummy filled, he fell asleep.

~*~

At Bella Notte, Rick had the matradie lead them to the back, and now he and Evelyn sat at a private table sipping some red wine, and eating fresh baked bread while waiting for their meal to arrive. Evie smiled as she found her husband looking at her again.

“Rick you see me everyday,” she said. Rick reached out for her hand and took it in his.

“And I don’t get tired of looking at you. Ive missed time like this Evie, where both of us can focus on one another,” he admitted. Despite her earlier reservations, Evelyn was glad she had come on this date, and agreed with what he said about them being able to focus on just them. When the main coarse arrived, Angelhair pasta with a red wine oyster sauce, they let the server fill their plates then Rick took time to feed her bites of pasta, kissing off anything left on her lips or chin.

“You do relize your not getting food this way,” Evie said after he kissed her again.

“I will eat later,” he said as he gave her another bite of pasta. They finished off what the server had brought them, and by then it was time for them to go to the Theater to see the play.

~*~*~

While the parents wined and dined, Alex was not having such a good time. Nanna had tried the first bottle after giving him a bath, but he didn’t want to have anything to do with it, irate for her even trying.

“I know this isn’t your mum,” Nanna crooned as she paced with him. He let out a loud long cry, and Nanna gave up on trying to give him a bottle, deciding instead to take him for a walk outside. First she bundled herself up, then wrapped the wailing infant in a thick blanket and walked outside. Snow had begun to fall, not heavy but it was beautiful at any rate. Being outside had helped Alex to calm down and Nanna smiled as she showed him different things. The walk had the desired effect, and Alex fell asleep as she walked inside, greeted by Jonathan who helped take care of Alex while she got her coat off.

“Maybe I should go get Evie, so he will eat,” Jonathan said. Quickly Nanna responded.

“You will do no such thing, they need time for one another, and when Alex is ready he will take from the bottle,” Nanna said very matter of factly. Jonathan grinned as she left, feeling like he was 10 again instead of 33.

~*~

Having never attended a play, Rick was finding that it really wasn’t all that bad. The premise of the play was humorous and he found himself laughing with the rest of the audience at certain parts. Evelyn held his hand elated that her husband was enjoying himself, and that he had made the effort to do something she wanted. The play ended it seemed all to soon, and Evelyn found that she wasn’t ready to go home. As they drove she told him that.

“Rick I know we should be getting back, but I need more time with you,” she said. Passing the road that they turned on to get to their house, Rick drove them far into the countryside into a meadow where he stopped the car. Surprised Evelyn turned to him, then saw the passion burning in his eyes and caught on quickly to what he wanted. Cloths were quickly removed, and hands found and made pleasure for both. Rick made love to his wife for the first time since Alex had been born and after held her in his arms content to do so.

“I never thought of using a car for more than just driving,” Evie said as she lifted her head. Rick grinned at her.

“We should put it to good use more often,” he said as he kissed her again, then felt wetness where her breast was pressed against his chest, and both knew they needed to get home to their baby.

~*~*~

When they pulled up to the house all was quiet. Rick moved to the passenger door and opened it helping his wife out, then they went inside finding more quiet. In the parlor Nanna was knitting something, and in his basket bed Alex slept soundly. He still slept with them, not liking nights, and it was only for Nanna that he slept in his bed at all.

“How was your night?” she asked as she put her things away. Evelyn smiled as Rick took her coat.

“Wonderful. How did Alex do?” she asked. Nanna smiled.

“At first I didn’t think he was going to take his bottle, but he finally did, and is just fine. I fed him the second bottle about an hour and a half ago,” Nanna informed. She bid them goodnight, then went upstairs to go to bed. As Evelyn started to lift Alex from the bed to take him upstairs, Rick stopped her, and lifted the entire basket bed.

“Lets see if we can keep him in here for a while longer,” Rick said, and it was obvious to her, that he had more he wanted to do, something that she didn’t mind. In his room, Rick put the basketbed in the crib, and both of them kissed Alex goodnight, then before she could move Evelyn was lifted into her husbands arms and carried to their room for more of what they had started in the car at the meadow.

Chapter 5: Family Get Together

It was a quiet Friday afternoon. Evelyn had just fed Alex, and put, him down for a nap when Nanna walked in.

“Your Aunt Maggie is in the Parlor,” she said quietly. Aunt Maggie was Evelyn’s favorite Aunt, and she smiled placing a soft blanket over Alex then headed downstairs to see her Aunt. Howard Carnahan, Evie’s father had two siblings. Margaret, who was in her late sixties, and Claira who was in her early fifties. As Evie walked down the steps Maggie stood from where she was on the couch talking to Rick, and walked over giving Evelyn a hug.

“Where is that sweet baby nephew of mine?” she asked.

“Asleep for now. What brings you by, I thought you and Uncle Harry were going to Paris for a while,” Evelyn said as she settled beside Rick on the couch. Maggie sat down on the couch across from them and took a sip of tea from the fine china cup that had once been Mariah Carnahan’s Evie and Jonathan’s mother.

“We were, but Edward and Genevieve are coming in to town for a visit. They have two children now you know,” Maggie informed them. Edward was Maggie and Harry’s Eldest son, who had a four year old girl named Lilly and a two year old son named Robert.

“Oh thats wonderful,” Evelyn said as she held her husbands hand then looked past her Aunt as Nanna came downstairs with Alex who was breathing heavy from a fit.

“I’m not certain he was ready for you to leave him so soon,” Nanna said as she gave him to Evelyn. He snuggled against her shoulder, then started to cry more.

“Shh, I’m sorry I left you,” Evie said as she rubbed his back. He relaxed when she sat down on the couch and talked, and as she talked he went back to sleep.

“Why don’t you and Rick bring Alex and come for dinner on Saturday? I’m sure Edward and Genevieve would love to see you, and to meet Rick,” she said. Evie looked at Rick who nodded his head, and they decided to go have dinner.

“Well I better go, I have plans to make,” she said as she stood. Both of them walked her out the door and as they walked Alex woke up once again fussing. Once she had gone Evie and Rick went to their room and she settled on the bed letting him nurse, smiling when Rick settled with her.

“So tell me what Edward is like,” Rick said not so sure about meeting anymore relatives. Thus far it was only Maggie and Claira he had met, and Claira was enough to drive anyone crazy. She was a gossip queen, and neither of them liked that part of her personality.

“Oh you will love him. He usually has too much to drink, though he holds himself far better than Jonathan ever has,” Evie said as she rested her head against her husbands chest.

“What about his wife?” Rick asked as he slid his arm under hers to hold his son. Evie smiled and eased her arm out letting him be a part of her time with the baby, always glad when they had time for that.

“Well she is quiet. Edward is really good to her, but the rest of the family, Jacks side, Claira’s son criticized her for being too quiet. So Edward and I always defend her. The children I’ve never met, well Lilly I met when she was a few weeks old, but Robert was born while we were in Egypt,” Evelyn said smiling as Rick lifted Alex away from her, and placed him at his shoulder. Alex remained asleep as his father rubbed his back and in a few moments burped, remaining asleep. Evelyn put herself back together then settle against Rick.

“Well hopefully Claira’s part of the family won’t be there,” Rick sad softly. Evie hoped so too. Jack was not someone she liked, nor for that matter did most of the family.

~*~

The evening of the family get together arrived, and while Evie got ready father and son were having a bath.

“Now we are keeping this washcloth over you so you won’t spray your daddy in the face anymore,” Rick said as let Alex sit on his stomach supporting him with his hands at his back and head. Alex looked at his daddy with a serious expression.

“When are you going to start smiling for your daddy?” Rick asked as he sat up and cradled Alex in his arms getting his hair wet. Alex smiled for Evelyn all the time but only for her. Rick Nanna and Jonathan had yet to see one of his smiles. After getting his son clean, Rick called for Evie who walked in wearing a long dark blue dress simple but pretty. She got a soft towel and while Rick held Alex up she wrapped it around him then leaned in giving dad a kiss before she took Alex to get him dressed. In their room Evelyn had a dark green outfit for him to wear with a little color on the front of it that had a hand knit Frog on it. As soon as he saw her face he reached for her mouth and smiled at her has she kissed his hands.

“Are you going to share your smiles with daddy?” she asked as she got him dried off. Alex gave her more teethless smiles as she got him ready, then she laid him in his cradle and wound up the little lamb that played Go to sleep, and put that on his chest knowing he would start to fuss in a matter of minutes. Until then, she needed to finish getting her makeup put on and finish with her hair. It was just as she was getting to her hair that Alex started to fuss, and Evie smiled as Rick walked out of the bathroom in his boxers ready to help out.

“Hey Alex,” Rick said. As soon as he saw daddy he quieted and for the first time he gave him a smile

“Evie he smiled,” Rick said feeling on top of the world. Hearing the happiness in his voice brought a smile to her own face, and Evie watched as Rick interacted with their son. It amazed her how good he was with Alex, but then again Rick was a big kid himself, and under his rough go get them exterior was a gentle carrying man, the man she had fallen in love with.

“I think this will have to do,” Evie said as she stood up. Her long black hair fell in waves down her back, and all Rick could do for a moment was look at her, until Evie scolded him. She got the warm sweater she had put out for Alex and put that on him then a little cap to keep his head warm. Once she had done that they left for Aunt Maggie’s home.

~*~

By the time they arrived everyone was there including Maggie’s youngest daughter Katelyn who was in her early forties and older than Edward. Alex had been asleep but as soon as the walked in and everyone came to greet them he woke up and started to cry. He knew his Aunt Maggie rather well and when Rick gave him to her she took him to a less noisy area of the house.

“Aunt Evie can I hold Alex?” Lilly asked as Robert hung on her arm.

“If your Grandma will allow that,” Evelyn said. Maggie was a bit of a baby hog and once she had a baby she was reluctant to let anyone hold him.

“Evie,” Katelyn said as she came and hugged her. Evelyn got along with her as well as she did Edward. Rick hung her coat up then they all went into the parlor where the rest of the family was sitting including Jack. Maggie was busy showing Alex pictures of people, and at least for the moment he seemed content.

“Well don’t you look pretty,” Jack said. Rick eyed him and Jack shut up fast. He had always been the one to tease Evelyn and make her cry, when they were younger, and now Rick wouldn’t allow that, and he had learned to keep his mouth shut. Rick made fast friends with Edward and learned that he and Genevieve lived in Connecticut in the United States.

“If you and Evie ever come down that way let me know. We have a beachfront home with plenty of rooms,” he said. While the guys talked, Evelyn Katelyn and Genevieve sat talking about various things.

“Mother has been after me for ages to get properly wed, but I haven’t found a gentleman whom I like.

“Aunt Evie Grandmama says Alex is hungry,” Lilly informed. Evelyn excused herself and followed Lilly upstairs hearing Alex’s cries.

“I brought her Grandmama,” Lilly said. Maggie was just finishing chaging his nappy, and Alex wasn’t happy.

“Oh your in good hands baby, Aunt Maggie used to take care of all of us,” Evelyn said to her son as she picked him up. Alex was sleep and rested his cheek on her shoulder as Evie settled in the rocking chair.

“Lilly lets give Aunt Evelyn privacy,” Maggie called.

“She may stay if she wants,” Evelyn stated. Maggie nodded and closed the door taking Robert with her.

“Now tell me what you have been doing?” Evelyn asked.

“Well I’m going to be in grammar school next spring. And Robert is learning how to say his ABCs. Aunt Evie what is he doing?” she asked, never one afraid to ask Questions. Evelyn smiled and explained about nursing him, and Lilly nodded her head.

“Robert has a bottle he takes,” she said. Once Alex had finished he was still fussy, so Evie asked Lilly if she minded leaving and she politely did so
Once she was gone Evelyn rocked him and sang to him and that got him to sleep then she laid him on the bed and put pillows around him hoping he would sleep for a while.

~*~

When Lilly walked back downstairs she found her daddy still talking to her Uncle Rick and approached.

“Daddy May I sit here please?” she asked. Edward smiled and made room for her and she sat listening to her Uncle talk about something called a Legion.

“Excuse me,” she said. Edward smiled at her as did Rick

“Yes my lady,” Edward said which made her laugh.

“Uncle Rick may I come to your house someday?” she asked. Rick smiled at her and agreed that she could then she left to go tell her mummy. It was then as well that Claira arrived with her husband Lou who was hard of hearing and always shouted things at people. Rick and Edward went over to them and said their hello, then Edward took Rick to the back of the house where he could smoke his pipe without getting scolded by his mother.

~*~

It was late when they arrived back from Maggie’s and Alex had nursed in the car and gone to sleep. When they walked in Nanna took him letting them have time alone, knowing that generally after seeing the family they needed that, and now they walked out by the fence lining the field where the horses were grazing.

“I really had a good time this time around,” Rick commented as he held her hand in his.

“I’m glad. I was glad actually that Jack passed out on the couch in Maggies sitting room in the back of the house. I think if he would have said anything more to me about my full figure. I would have done the very unlady like thing of busting him in the nose,” Evie said, which made Rick laugh.

“You don’t think I could do that?” Evie asked facing him.

“I remember the time you tried to do that and you ended up in my arms,” Rick said as he kissed her.

“Well I had a bit much to drink that night,” she defended as she pulled out of his arms.

“So you are saying you could lay a good punch because you are sober?” Rick asked hardly believing she could.

“I most certainly could,” she said and without warning she ball up her fist, expecting her husband to be ready for her and threw her punch aiming for the groin area, and yelped as Rick groaned when her fist made contact.

“Ohhhh,” Rick said as he leaned forward and held that area.

“Rick I thought you would defend yourself. I’m so sorry,” she said. Suprised at first, and very much in pain Rick moaned some more then he started to laugh and laughed so hard he fell on his bottom against the wet grass.

“What’s so funny?” Evelyn asked confused, then screeched as she pulled her down to sit with him.

“Oh Evie I never thought you had it in you, and the look on your face when you did that,” Rick said laughing harder. Evie laughed with him and it was a while before either of them could compose themselves enough to stand up.

“I really am sorry,” she said now serious.

“I may make you show me just how sorry,” he said as he pulled her against him. Evelyn reached out and Rick winced as she touched him and as he started to get hard.

“In the house,” He said and they both made fast tracks for the house in their room for some tender loving care.

THE END FOR NOW

Any Ideas for Alex let me know

SHelby