Complicated

Chapter Seventy Two: Long Term

Ohhh, if there's one thing I hang onto,
That gets me through the night.
I ain't gonna do what I don't want to,
I'm gonna live my life.

Bon Jovi – Have A Nice Day

Grace was laughing when Don stepped into the apartment a few days later. He had been on earlies this week which entailed him getting into work for six am and finishing at three pm. It was rare that he managed to leave on time and he was thankful that Angell had offered to do his share of the paperwork.

Hearing the sound of her musical giggle brought a smile to his features that he couldn't control. He found himself watching his wife from the kitchen as she held Jenny gently between her delicate hands close to her face. She sprinkled their daughter's face with pleasant, light kisses as Jenny cooed and wiggled her tiny feet backwards and forwards in excitement.

"Hey." Grace greeted as she rubbed noses with their daughter. "I think we're friends again."

Jenny's baby soft palms touched her mother's cheeks with curious fingers. Her wide sky blue eyes focused on Grace's grey gaze as she let out a loud noise that sounded so joyful it made both parents break into beaming grins.

Don stepped into the room as Grace rose to her feet clasping Jenny even closer to her inviting body. The baby nestled there comfortably cooing with delight as Grace approached Don craning her neck for a kiss. Don's mouth covered her own with a tenderness he wanted his wife to feel deep down inside of her. The baby grumbled between them before the two of them broke apart.

"I think she wants to say hi to daddy." Grace said, tilting Jenny so Don could take her from her arms.

Don accepted the baby and clasped her close to his chest, his finger chucking their daughter's chin as he waved her tiny fists at him.

"Hello baby girl." he greeted his daughter.

His own eyes stared back at him from their daughter's expressive features. Her lips looked like they were curving into a smile. He knew that couldn't be true, not yet anyway but by the familiar crinkle at the edge of Jenny's eyes he could tell his daughter was happy.

"Do you mind keeping an eye on her while I go out for a little while?" Grace asked Don, rubbing her hands together.

Don recognized the expression on her face and the gesture, she was excited and anxious. She was wearing pretty ballet flats, jeans and a black wife beater.

"Jo, sort of, dropped by earlier and invited me out for what she informs me is the greatest burger of all time." Grace explained to her husband, still fidgeting.

Don shook his head frowning in confusion.

"You don't have to ask me for permission." he told her quietly.

"I know, it's just you've been working all day and now I'm dumping the baby on you." Grace said, tilting her head pointedly to their daughter.

"Your not 'dumping' her on me. The two of us have a great time together don't we Jenny?" Don asked his daughter as he shifted her so she was propped up against his shoulder with her hand in her mouth. "If she could nod or talk she'd be saying 'yes' about now."

"You sure your not too tired or anything? I could stay." Grace prompted with uncertainty.

"Go." he told her firmly. "Have fun, bring me home one of these mystery burgers."

"Go easy on the onions right?" Grace checked, grasping her handbag and slinging it over her shoulders.

She placed a kiss on his cleanly shaven jaw before planting her lips upon their baby's peach-like cheek.