Andy now has full custody of Elizabeth, and they're finishing their first tour with her along with them. As the tour comes to an end, Joe and Andy decide to enroll Libbie in a high school near them, which Libbie is less than thrilled about. She gets...
As I helped pack Max's diaper bag while Libbie changed him into different clothes, my mind wandered. It had been a few days since we all talked with Gage, welcoming him into our home, and today was the day that we were going over to talk with his parents. I had only met them a few times, and to be completely honest, I wasn't sure if they would be on board or not. They seemed like outgoing guys, but Gage has told us otherwise, at least about one of them.
I'm pretty sure Libbie is just as nervous as the rest of us. Though it's only been a few days, she already loves motherhood, even if it means getting up at three in the morning to feed or change Max. She's been doing a great job, although calming him down is a trick in itself. Max has kept us all up for a few hours throughout the night, but it's a small price to pay to see your daughter really finding herself.
Gage has been over at our house every day since he talked to his parents, just like he said he would. We all appreciated it, and seeing the two of them together taking care of Max was really heartwarming. I can't express how glad I am to see those two still together, even after all of this and everything else they've had to go through. They're truly strong people, even if they're only sixteen.
"There! I think we're ready," I said, zipping the bag shut.
"And I got him changed! Look how cute he is!!" Libbie said, holding little Max up. He was wearing the cutest fox onesie I had ever seen!
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
I helped Libbie carry everything out to the car, then we took off towards Gage's house. Summer came home two days ago, but once again, she was dropped off at Pete and Patrick's house, where she was when everything with Libbie happened. Pete and Patrick still haven't come to see Max, but they said they'll come by in a few days. We're all excited for them to meet the newest family member!
-
As we pulled up to Gage's house, Libbie unbuckled Max's carseat. He became a little fussy, but Lib was soon able to calm him down as we walked to the front door. Joe knocked and Gage soon opened the door, giving us all a smile, and Libbie and Max a kiss. He invited us in, and his dads stood in the hallway, smiling at us, shaking our hands. Gage's dad's, Kim, face instantly lit up when he saw Max. This was the first time since being at the hospital that they've seen Max. Libbie laughed, handing Max over to Kim. Gage's other dad, Chad, looked over Kim's shoulder and smiled down at the small baby in his arms.
"Aw! I remember when you were this small, Gage!" Kim laughed, making Gage blush.
As the baby talk died down, Kim led us to the living room. Joe and I took a seat on the loveseat, while Kim and Chad sat on the couch. Libbie and Gage sat on the floor near the window, keeping Max occupied while we started talking.
"So, as you can imagine, we're still all adjusting to the big change!" Kim chuckled, we nodded in agreement. "So Gage told us that you think it would be best he moves in so he can also take care of Max?"
"We really do think it's best, considering the baby is already at our house and neither of them are old enough to rent an apartment," Joe said. "We only think it's fair that both parents be involved equally in their son's life."
"I understand completely," Kim said.
"I do have one question, though," Chad chimed in. "Why not our house?"
"Well, I guess neither of us had really thought of that," I said. "I guess we both feel as though it would be easiest at our home because the crib is already there, the changing table, and everything else. Joe and I have talked it over a little more, and both Gage and Libbie feel very comfortable in our home, and we'd certainly welcome the two of you whenever you'd like to stop by for dinner or to see your grandson."
"It's not like I would never see you, dad," Gage chuckled from the other side of the room. "It's just to help raise my baby and to help my girlfriend."
"I know that," Chad chuckled. "I worry about you, is all. You rush into things a lot, Gage, and I just want you to be sure this is what you want."
"Dad," Gage stood up, walking over to him. "Of course this is what I want. I love Libbie and our son with all of my heart, and I've come to love her family too. I've met some amazing people through her, and I don't think I'd change a thing about that. I know you're worried I'll just up and leave, but I promise you'll see me way more than you think. Like Andy said, you're always welcome over whenever you'd like to come, and we'll be there with open arms, just like they'll be for me."
Chad sighed with a smile on his face, then pulled Gage into a hug. Kim smiled beside them, then rubbed Chad's back. The two of them let go of each other, and Gage sat back down by Libbie and Max, who was now fast asleep. Kim and Chad exchanged looks, then nodded at one another.
"Well, Gage, I think I speak for both your father and I when I say," Kim paused. "it would be perfectly fine for you to move into Joe and Andy's home."
