T/W: Mentions minor innuendo and stalking.
****
Steve
We're bringing Timmy home today. The doctor is satisfied with his progress and I know Lex is anxious to get our baby boy home. Ari is very excited and keeps asking Lex and myself when we'll be home.
"It won't be much longer, sweetie," Lex tells her. "I know you're impatient to go home."
"Can I play with Timmy?" Ari asks, bouncing in her car seat.
"Not for a little while," I reply. "Remember, Timmy's just a baby and he needs Mommy a lot right now." Ari nods solemnly.
"Yes, Daddy." I smile.
"Don't worry, baby," I say. "Before you know it, you and Timmy can play together."
***
Lex hardly leaves Timmy. She's always holding him. And of course, Ari is usually glued to Lex's side. I love watching Ari with her baby brother.
I'm pretty sure that Ari is far more gentle with her little brother than Tim ever was with me. If I remember right, Mom used to tell me how Tim was more interested in poking and prodding me than anything else.
"Just be gentle," I remind Ari, as Lex helps her hold Timmy. Ari is positively enthralled.
"I will, Daddy," Ari tells me. I lean down, kissing her cheek. She grins at me. Lex is smiling tenderly at me. She reaches out to grasp my hand. I lean over, gently kissing her.
"Our family," Lex murmurs.
"Yes," I murmur. "It's perfect."
****
I take a little time off from work, just so Lex can have some downtime. But we also try to figure out a good working routine as well.
One day, we end up with several visitors. Mom, Dad, Shari, Jay, Grant and..Knox Marshall. I'm not too surprised when he shows up, unannounced. Thank God, though, he waited to show up until after Mom and Dad left. I don't think they would have appreciated seeing him again. I'm glad that Jay and Grant are around, though.
"I hope I'm not intruding," Knox says.
"Not at all," Lex says. "You're always welcome." Fat chance, I think, but keep my negative opinions to myself.
"How's Timmy doing?" Knox asks. I notice how Jay, Grant and Shari are all silently studying him.
"Great," Lex replies. "Come hold him." Knox goes over to where Lex is seated, holding Timmy and sits down beside her. Lex carefully gives Timmy to him.
"He's already grown since I last saw him," Knox murmurs.
"Unfortunately," Lex jokes. Knox chuckles.
"Lex, should I whip up something for dinner?" Shari asks.
"Oh, Mom," Lex says. "You don't need to. Steve can manage."
"Thanks a lot!" I make a face and everyone cracks up.
"Why don't we just order something in?" Grant suggests. "We can all chip in a little."
"I like that idea. Now you're talking," I say, grinning.
"Pizza!" Ari yells, causing Timmy to start crying.
"Oops." Knox gives Timmy back to Lex.
"Ari, ssh," Lex scolds.
"Sorry, Mommy."
"All right, pizza," Jay says and I go grab the phone book.
"I'll head out," Knox stands.
"Do you have anywhere you have to be?" Lex asks and I know what she wants.
For Knox to stay for dinner.
"Not really," Knox replies.
"Why don't you stay for a while?" Lex suggests. "There will be plenty of food."
"Oh." Knox looks uncomfortable. "I don't think I should."
"Nobody minds," Lex says. She looks directly at me. "Do you?" What can I say? If I protest or make a scene, it'll only piss Lex off. I force a smile.
"No," I say. "I don't mind." Lex beams.
"Great."
****
Lex
I know Steve is annoyed that I asked Knox to stay, although I don't understand why. Is it because Steve still thinks that Knox was indeed stalking me? Or is it more because of the fact that Knox looks like..Speed?
Or is it because Steve thinks I...want Knox? Obviously I've had those thoughts, thinking that I wanted Knox Marshall.
However, Knox said it best: I only wanted him because he looked like Speed. I didn't necessarily want Knox because he was Knox. Which not only is that unfair to Knox, I'm wanting him for the wrong reasons.
Besides, I genuinely love Steve and only want him that way. Steve's mine and I'm his. And I wouldn't want it any other way.
***
Despite Steve acting weird, things go well. Uncle Grant and Jay engage Knox in some decent conversation. Uncle Grant is especially good at this, asking Knox all kinds of questions about bring an E.M.T.
Timmy is kinda fussy, so I end up putting most of my focus on him.
"I can take a turn, baby," Steve tells me. I smile, pressing close to him. Steve's face softens.
"All right," I murmur, aching to touch his beard. As soon as Steve has Timmy in his arms, I'm touching it.
"I love you," I whisper.
"I love you, too," Steve murmurs, leaning in for a gentle kiss. I stare into his beautiful dark eyes, remembering just how happy Steve makes me. I smile softly.
"What are you smiling for?" Steve asks.
"Just remembering how happy you make me," I reply.
"Really?" I nod, pulling Steve's head down and kissing him. I'm glad we're alone (almost), in the kitchen.
"That wonderful to hear," Steve murmurs.
"Good heavens!" Mom walks in, feigning shock. "And with the baby around!" I roll my eyes, but laugh.
"We're just kissing," I retort.
"Which leads to s-e-x, which leads to...that." Mom gestures towards Timmy.
"Seriously, Mom?" I say, crossing my arms over my chest, while Steve tries to keep a straight face. "We're aware of how Timmy was made."
Steve suddenly loses his composure and snorts with laughter. I give him a Look, but smirk. It's good, seeing him laughing. That is, until Knox appears in the entrance to the kitchen.
Immediately Steve's face is shuttered. He turns away. I frown.
Is it really so difficult for Steve to look at Knox?
I realize for the first time how this must effect him.
"Just letting you know that I'm heading out." Knox addresses me. I go to him, giving him a quick hug. For a split second, just a nanosecond, I feel like I'm in..Speed's arms again. We pull apart.
"Thanks for stopping by," I murmur. Knox smiles.
"Thanks for letting me stay for dinner."
"Of course." I walk Knox out to his car. "I apologize for Steve's behavior. I guess it's hard for him to..see..you."
"Don't worry about it," Knox tells me. "I'm not offended." He climbs into his car, slipping his sunglasses on.
"I really did appreciate your dinner invite. It gets lonely eating alone."
"It was my pleasure," I say. Knox smiles again.
"I'll catch you later."
"Sure thing "
YOU ARE READING
The Miami Diaries Book 6
FanfictionIn this installment of The Miami Diaries, Lex and Steve prepare to welcome a new member of their family. Also Lex and Knox's relationship seems to be growing despite Steve's concerns about it. Steve wants to believe it's innocent, but he still strug...
