Love You Enough

Precious One

Stevie's doctor gave them strict orders- Bedrest. One week, no lifting, no going out. Thankfully there was no bleeding but the experience scared them enough to listen. Christine would be staying in the guest bedroom for the week to help out. Stevie and Lindsey were so grateful since Leo had started to crawl and he was so very curious.

Just as Stevie suspected, Leo's hair began to curl but it stayed fairly light. Such a handsome boy he was, the light of their life. His laughter was just as infectious as his mother's and the week spent in bed without him was pure torture as she could hear how much fun they were having downstairs. She was beginning to gain weight and she was looking so beautiful. Just like with Leo, she became healthier and stronger. Her face began to fill out and her shape was becoming more womanly again. She was feeling more positive and hopeful for the future as the small bump appeared. She burst into tears when she noticed, so happy to know the baby was indeed growing and healthy.

"I love you, precious one" she whispered. She heard footsteps on the stairs and she called out for whoever it was to come to her room. It was Christine, who decided to stay even after she got off bed rest. She rushed in, breathless when she found her friend.

"Did something happen? Are you okay?" The tall English blonde asked.

"I'm fine" Stevie tells her, trying to calm her.

"What's wrong? What's with the tears?" Christine looks her over, trying to read her. Stevie lifts the sweatshirt she wore over grey short-shorts. "Oh my goodness, look at you!" She reaches out a hand but stops mid air.

"Go ahead. Touch." Stevie says with a smile.

"Oh!" Christine says, making contact with her soft skin. "You really do have a baby in there, haven't you?"

"I do. I'm so very happy"

"Me too! You look so much better, Stevie. I love seeing you like this."

"Thank you"

"Would you like me to get Lindsey?"

"Can I come down and be with you guys?"

"You don't have to ask us, we would love for you to join us. I know you're being cautious but the baby is obviously doing just fine"

"I miss everyone. I stay up here a lot"

"Like a princess in her tower" Christine jokes.  

"Not anymore" Christine leads her friend downstairs and out into the living room where the boys are playing. As the weeks flew by, Leo was getting to be quite adventurous. He was pulling up and cruising along the furniture, no doubt he would walk soon. Stevie delighted in his evolution, taking in everything about him. She watched him clapping as he showed pride in the things he accomplished. He stacked cups, sitting on the the floor and was so happy and smiley. It made her cry to think about all that had happened. Without Leo, she was so empty and now she practically burst with joy. She hated Carol but she was also grateful to her for not letting any harm come to her beautiful son. The thought of Carol was never far from her mind. Sometimes she would wake up from a terrible dream about her, or she would think she saw her even though it was impossible. She was convicted of multiple counts of kidnapping, child endangerment, attempted murder and various drug charges. She wouldn't see the world for a very long time.

Lindsey sat next to her on the floor and wrapped an arm around her shoulders. "I love you" he said, kissing her temple.

"I love you too"

"What are you thinking about? You seem far away"

"Carol" she says

"Stephanie, don't torture yourself"

"I'm not. I'm making peace, I think"

"After all she's done?"

"She didn't hurt him. She loved him and I'm thankful for that. It could have been so much worse. I could have never..." Stevie began to cry and Lindsey kissed her again.

"Don't think about it"

"I want to see her again."

"And say what?"

"Thank you"

Christine overhead and her head shot up. "Excuse me, you want to thank her?"

"She gave him back. She fed him, clothed him, put his happiness before her own. She really was like a mommy to him"

"I think you've been in your room too long. You're not thinking clearly."

"Think what you want but like to told Lindsey, I'm just so happy he's home and safe"

"Honey, I doubt Carol wants to see you. She's hurt and very disturbed. You're showing now and if you think she went nuts before..."

"Okay, I won't see her but I might write her a letter"

"That's better" Christine tells her.

"Am I the last to know?" Lindsey asks.

"Know what?" Stevie asks.

"She got to see your bump and I didn't" He feigned hurt and Christine laughed.

"You mean to tell me you spend every night in bed with this beautiful woman and you don't have a little look-see?" Stevie blushed at the comment.

"Well, damn Chris. Eying my woman?" Lindsey jokes.

"If you aren't going to, I will" Christine gives Stevie a look and she laughs.

"Don't worry, Lindsey. You won't get rid of me that easily. No matter how much I love Chris." Stevie told him, giving him a peck on the cheek.

"That's it, you guys aren't getting left alone ever again" Lindsey and the women started laughing. Stevie of course couldn't stop and every time Chris would give her a look she'd start up again.

"You're making my sides hurt!" she moans.

"Then stop" Christine says.

"Have you ever known that to happen?" Lindsey asked.

"Good point"

"I'm getting hungry" Stevie announced, trying to gain her composure by biting her lip to stifle wild giggles.

"Work up an appetite?" Lindsey smirked and she nodded. "What would you like?"

"Can we go out for lunch? Mexican?"

"You're craving Mexican?"

"Like you wouldn't believe!"

"We've got a little Stevie in there I think." Lindsey says, giving the bump a little rub.

"Uh-oh. Double trouble" Christine says and they start laughing all over again.