Generations: The Long Game

The Cook Off: Vivian's Turn

After her nap the day before and a full night sleep Vivian was feeling renewed energy and went straight to work on her brunch. She had to set herself apart from Winter yesterday who had given them a stellar start to the weekend.

She cut fresh fruit for a salad, and Mia kept stealing her strawberries. "Mia if you don't stop, I will chop your fingers off next," she chided. Mia just laughed and walked away.

Winter was reading his book again. Self isolation or a really good book? Reece wasn't sure, but he was going to find out. He didn't want to see him go down that road again. "Wint, you alright?"

"Reece, I am. I know what you are thinking, but I am not isolating. This book is my homework from my therapist. When I said I would miss today's session, he handed me this." Reece looked down at the book.

"Is it helping? I mean are you finding it helpful?"

"Reece, I am not going to run off on Aut again. You set me straight. I am grateful, but you needn't worry."

"He better not have to worry! I am still not sure I shouldn't throttle you!"

"Mia!"

"No, Reece, it is okay. Mia you probably would have if she had sent you, and I am not sure that I wouldn't have deserved it, but your sister has forgiven me and that is all that matters to me."

Mia rolled her eyes and walked away. She wasn't ready to make nice even if Autumn was.

"Don't let her bother you, Wint. She is just looking for anyway to be snarky with someone."

Winter just looked up at him and gave him a closed lip smile. As Reece walked away, Winter smiled in earnest. He was glad his love had such protective siblings, but he didn't really want to end up on either of their bad sides. He was fully aware that if he landed there again, they would end him.

Being stuck in one room was starting to get to Reece. His energy level was too high. Right on cue almost as if she sensed his rising anxiety Marjorie swung the door open with Emery on her hip.

As soon as he wrapped his arms around them the calm settled over him. They settled into a cozy corner Char had set up just for the cook off. He pulled her on to his lap and snuggled her and Emery in. "This is just what I needed."

"To be squashed by your huge wife?"

"Marjorie!"

She laughed which caused Emery to giggle. His life was a happy one. He couldn't even imagine what sort of life he would have without them, and he didn't want to. They sat there all snuggled up for quite a while before she spoke.

"Reece, are you going to do it?"

He knew what she meant but decided to play dumb as payback.

"Do what?"

"Help them, Reece. Are you gonna be their donor?"

"Yes, I told them I would."

She screamed louder than he had anticipated. She was so happy for her friends, and she could barely contain her excitement.

"Should I be concerned by how excited you are that I am about to help two women make another child?"

She playfully slapped him. "I love you."

"I love you too!"

Viv was just about done when she heard Marjorie's scream. She knew he must have told her. A smile crossed her face. They were truly blessed to have such good friends.

"Time to serve."

Reece hated that they had to leave their little bubble, but knew he should help. "Duty calls, gorgeous." She placed a quick kiss on his lips and left the kitchen ahead of them.

Viv had made pancakes complete with a strawberry compote similar to something Reece served at the restaurant. It was enough to confuse many of them. Almost the whole group was convinced this was Reece's meal. So far it looked like no one would get it right in the end.

Or was there one among them that would figure it all out?