The Miami Diaries Book 6

Chapter 4

T/W: Mentions possible loss of an infant and losing someone.

****

Steve

I receive a semi alarming text from Lex, letting me know she wasn't feeling the best earlier and if it was possible, could I get home a little earlier. I call her.

"You sure you're feeling okay?" I ask worriedly.

"Yeah," Lex replies. "Just an upset stomach."

"Did you go on your walk today?" I ask, knowing full well what she'll say.

"Yes."

"You might wanna start holding off on those," I suggest.

"Yeah, I probably should," Lex agrees, which surprises me some.

"I'll try to get home early anyways," I say.

"Thanks, Stevie. I love you." I smile.

"I love you, too, Lexie."

***
Saturday morning dawns sunny and warm. Luckily it's that time of year where it's not as hot out. If it were, there's no way I'd let Lex wander around the zoo. Ari's already hyper, jumping around her room.

"Zoo, zoo, zoo!" Ari sings while I get her dressed. I chuckle. I wonder if my daughter will be a singer when she grows up.

"Yes, sweetie," I tell her. "We're going to the zoo."

"Yay!" Ari wriggles out of my grasp. "Knox?"

"Yes," I say. "Knox is coming, too." I stand up, heading out of Ari's bedroom and downstairs, Ari following behind me. Lex is already downstairs, packing Ari's diaper bag.

It never ceases to amaze me how much shit a little kid needs. Diapers, wipes, extra clothes, Ari's sippy cup and some snacks.

"You should bring along some stuff for you as well," I remind Lex.

"Don't worry," Lex says. "I will." There's a knock at the front door. I hurry to see who it is, although I'm pretty sure I know who it is. I reach the door and peek out.

Knox.

I quickly unlock the door, open it and greet him. He steps in.

"Thanks for letting me come along," Knox says.

"Sure," I say. Ari comes racing in and  proceeds to trip over her own feet.

"Whoa, baby!" I exclaim. "Be careful." Ari doesn't even cry. She just pops back up, running over to Knox and throwing her arms around his legs.

Knox chuckles, leaning over to pat Ari on the back. She grins up at him. Lex joins us. I discreetly study both her and Knox, seeing how they act around each other.

"Hey, Knox. So glad you could join us today," Lex says, setting the bags aside.

"I appreciate your invite," Knox says, smiling. I see Dave, Cass and Aaron pull up.

"All right!" I say. "Who's ready to go to the zoo?"

"Me!" Ari shrieks.

"Let's go!"

***
Lex

So far, things are going pretty good. Although I've caught Steve and Dave exchanging a few Looks, they're behaving themselves quite nicely.  They've even included Knox in some decent conversations. I comment on this to Cass.

"They know if they don't, we'll kick their asses later on," she replies, grinning.  I laugh. Both Aria and Aaron are  pointing at the penguins, who are diving into a large, water tank.