Keep Me Safe

Chapter 19: Faux Family

"Auntie Spencer!" Ada Lynn exclaimed as she ran into the kitchen.

"Hey girlie!" Spencer cooed as she embraced the 6-year-old.

"Hey champ," Toby fist bumped Joshua. "What've you been up to?"

"Kindergarten!" Joshua replied excitedly.

Ada Lynn was the sporty one, and Joshua was artistic and smart, a perfect mix of his parents.

"Don't think I've formerly greeted you!" Aria chirped as she rushed to hug Spencer.

"I'm so glad you decided to come," she said.

"Oh, yeah, it was a no-brainer," Spencer lied.

"Hey, how about you two go do your homework?" Aria suggested.

"Okay!" Joshua squealed. His sister seemed less excited.

"Do you want something to drink?" Aria asked.

"Water's fine," Toby said.

"Wine, Spence?" Aria smirked.

"Sure! It's vacation!" She squealed. She was happy to be with Aria, even though she could be pushy and self-absorbed at times.

Aria poured her a glass of wine and a glass of water for herself before diving into a series of questions about the wedding.

"Do you have your dress picked out? When are we getting fitted for ours? Where will it be? Where are you going for your honeymoon?"

"I've already picked out my dress, and yours. I'll show them to you when he isn't around," she said eyeing Toby.

"And I worked it out so the five of you are getting fit the day of rehearsal. We are getting married at the Lake Geneva Abbey and going to Gino's for the reception. And we leave for New York the day after," she added, squeezing her fiancé's hand.

"New York?" Aria questioned.

"Yeah, we both love the city."

"Well, it's not my first choice, but I'm sure you'll have fun!" She responded.

Spencer rolled her eyes and took another sip of wine.

Ezra got home around 5:00 and Aria cooked dinner. The six of them enjoyed their pasta in the dining room before the kids went to sleep.

The adults headed to the fire pit to talk. They discussed the wedding, Aria's pregnancy, and work. Aria worked at a daycare and Ezra taught at Cal Poly university closeby.

They talked until the fire burned out at around 11:00.