Mitchell's Power Play

Kennedy

SAMMY

Jackson was the one that opened the door to Ken and Nash's apartment when I got there right after work.

"Hey, Sammy, what goodies did you bring this time?" he asked, his eyes focused on the box in my hand.

"Pastries and cookies," I responded, and handed him the box so I could take off my coat and shoes.

"I'll put it in the kitchen. There is food left from lunch if you're hungry."

I was hungry, but I wanted to see both Kennedy and baby Ethan before I did anything else.

"It's just sandwiches and salads," Jackson continued. "You can eat when you're ready."

"Sounds good, thanks, Jackson."

He flashed me a wide smile and disappeared around the corner into the kitchen.

I found Kennedy stretched out on the lounger side of the sectional couch. Baby Ethan slept in a bassinet right next to her. Nash's mom sat on the other end of the couch and Kennedy's mom, Cindy, stood in front of the window talking to her husband and Nash's dad.

"Hi Sammy," Kennedy smiled when she saw me and attempted to get up.

"Don't," I said and hurried over there to hug her. I was so used to doting on her I sometimes forgot that she wasn't pregnant anymore and could do whatever she wanted. 

"I'm fine," she said and got to her feet.

She looked surprisingly well. Happiness poured out of her and she had none of the black circles I'd gotten used to seeing under her eyes during the last couple of months of her pregnancy. Motherhood was treating her well, so far at least.

I said hello to both Kennedy and Nash's parents. They were very obviously all over the top in love with little Ethan. Just like the rest of us.

I gave Kennedy a big hug and held her a little tighter and a little longer than normal. It was good to have her back to her normal petite size. Or almost. Her boobs were a lot bigger, but the belly was gone. Well, what used to be in her belly was now sleeping peacefully with his little fist curled tightly by his face.

"He's so damn cute, Kennedy."

"Isn't he?" she beamed. "I still can't believe that he's mine."

"Oh, yes he is," Nash's mom, Liz, chimed in. "You did a wonderful job."

Kennedy laughed.

"What's funny?" Jackson asked as he strolled into the living room with a cup of coffee in his hand.

"Nothing." Kennedy waved it off with her hand.

"Is there more coffee?" Liz asked.

"Yeah, do you want me to get you a cup?" Jackson offered.

"No, I'll go get it."

"There're pastries too," I offered.

"Sammy," Kennedy groaned. "I have to lose weight now, not gain anymore."

I laughed because she looked like she'd lost most of it already. But I also got what she was saying, she couldn't just eat whatever she wanted anymore and blame it on the pregnancy.

"Don't worry, sweetie," Howard - Nash's father - said to her after he hugged me hello. "I'm sure we can take care of all the baked goods."

"Oh, I love these cookies," Liz almost moaned from the kitchen as she bit into one.

"I might have to try one of those," Cindy said with a smile and turned to the kitchen.

"You should," Liz agreed, "but you better hurry before they're all gone."