The Fourth Catch

Chapter 2: The Engagement Party

Melanie glanced over at the clock as she had been starting to get a few things prepared for the guests. Since Anthony had asked Melanie to marry him and since they had been back from Washington. The two of them had yet to tell their friends of the engagement. Except for the other day when Victoria was here with Jonathan. They hadn't gotten to hang out the four of them in awhile. The two of them of course wanted to tell them. But they wanted to tell Victoria and Levi together. This evening was one of the rare few evenings Victoria didn't work the night shift. Levi mostly worked during the afternoon. So it had been hard to get all four of them together at once. Plus, Melanie had prolonged it when Anthony suggested. Due to the fact that they weren't really marrying given the fact they loved each other. Even though the two of them had finally admitted. Melanie still had it in her head that they were only doing this for Beth's sake. Staying together for Beth. It was only five o clock and the party would start at seven. Since Bethany had decided to take a nap, Melanie decided that she should get a few of the snacks prepared.

Once Melanie had finished getting the meat and cheese tray set up, she made her way into the nursery to make sure that Bethany was still doing okay. Hearing a knock at the door just as she had exited out of the room. She narrowed her eyes slightly as she wasn't expecting any company till dinner. Melanie knew that Anthony as well would be at work till then. She slowly opened the door to see Levi. Giving him a smile as she opened the door. "Levi hey!" She stepped aside so he could come in. "I assumed that you weren't going to be coming over till closer to seven along with Vic and Jon." She said. Looking a bit curious. As she had been aware from visiting with Victoria that he was staying at home today to watch their son. "Speaking of. Where is he?" She asked. Levi laughed a bit as he stepped inside. Seeing Mel's face trying to look serious. "Relax. I didn't leave him all by himself."

Melanie let out a small sigh. "I should hope not!" Levi grinned as he closed the door. Looking back at Melanie. "But that was what you were thinking wasn't it?" He slightly teased. Melanie gave a small smirk back in return. "Of course not.." Levi laughed. "You're a horrible liar." Melanie laughed. "Aright. I can be. But I wasn't. Don't worry. I know that you wouldn't leave him alone." She stepped forward to give him a hug. "How are things going? Is everything alright?" She asked suddenly a bit worried. Knowing how Jon's first few months had gone she was always going to be worried about her godson and her two friends. Levi wrapped his arms around Melanie to give her a hug in return. "Everything is perfectly fine. Jonathan is getting a bit stronger each day. He still has some struggles, but he's getting there." He smiled. Melanie slowly pulled back to glance at her friend nodding. "How is everything going here?" Levi asked. "Things are going good. Better." She smiled back.

"How are you?" He asked glancing over at her once he was inside. Melanie gave a small smile. "I'm.. Doing better." Levi gave a smile back in return. "I am really glad to hear that. I am sorry I haven't come by as often. I planned on stopping by a few times before.. With Victoria, but things sort of got busy." Melanie shook her head. "No need to apologize. We have been quite busy ourselves. Even when Anthony isn't working. As Beth sure does like to keep us on our toes. Now that she is able to crawl." Levi chuckled. "I am sure that she does. Jon can be quite demanding himself. So on days I work Vic stays home to watch and if Vic works I watch him." Melanie nodded. "Well, if you two ever need a getaway. You know that Anthony and I would love to watch him." She smiled. Levi nodded. "I know you guys would. Victoria and I have talked about that a few times. We just need a day off where neither of us are working." "Surely things will settle down in time." Melanie stated. "I'm sure it will. They have been a bit short staffed with nurses lately." Melanie glanced at him remaining quiet. She had used to work at the hospital along with Victoria. They were on different teams and floors. But due to an incident that happened, Melanie had been let go, and she went freely since she would've been taking time off anyways as she had been a few months pregnant at the time. Levi studied her closely noticing the quietness. "You miss working there don't you."