"From This Day Forward (Part 3 to One Night Stand)"

"What Are We Waiting For?"

Antonio & Manny were waiting in the car for Serena. He was keeping Manny occupied by playing the radio for him & singing along. Serena tapped on the window & Antonio unlocked the door for her to come in.

Antonio: Hey, what'd Dr. Welling say?

Serena remained quiet as she sat in the car. Antonio looked at her face & she was pink & her eyes looked as if she had been crying.

Antonio: Everything ok?
Serena: I'm sorry. I didn't think I was going to cry. I think it's all the hormones. These are happy tears.

Antonio let out a sigh of relief.

Serena: She's coming home tomorrow. I get to finally bring my baby home. Miranda's coming home..,

All the tears welled up in her eyes now streamed down her face. Antonio grabbed her quickly to hug her.

Antonio: I'm so happy for you. This is such great news, Babe.

Serena pulled away from Antonio.

Serena: Babe?
Antonio: Oh... It just came out.

Serena smiled.

Serena: It's ok. I like that.

Serena leaned over & kissed Antonio. He caressed her face & wiped her last tear away & then looked back at Manny who had fallen asleep.

Serena needed to get home to make sure things were prepared for Miranda's arrival tomorrow, but Antonio's grandparents insisted she stay over for lunch before she left. She accepted their kind invitation. They had grown to love Serena & wanted to get to know her better since she was becoming a part of their grandson & great grandson's lives.

Serena: You wanna come in?
Antonio: Are you sure?
Serena: Yeah, come on in...

Antonio followed Serena in her house.

Serena: Grandma?

There was no reply.

Serena: Hmm, I guess she's out... again.
Antonio: What do you need to prepare before tomorrow?
Serena: Just a few things. Her crib, her outfit. That's it I think.
Antonio: Do you need any help?
Serena: No, but I'll take the company...

Serena brought Antonio upstairs & walked past the nursery.

Antonio: Isn't the nursery that way?

Serena sat on her bed & pulled Antonio close.

Antonio: Serena, what are we doing?
Serena: Shh...

Serena started kissing Antonio's neck.

Serena: We have time...

Serena took off her jacket revealing her low-cut blouse. Serena kept kissing Antonio's neck & then removed his jacket & then moved down to unzip his pants. Antonio would be lying if he said he didn't enjoy the kissing. But he knew it just wasn't time to be intimate with Serena.

Antonio: Serena, wait...
Serena: What's wring?

Antonio zipped his pants back up & held Serena.

Antonio: I can't do this...

Serena looked upset.

Antonio: Please don't be mad at me.
Serena: You called me babe today... I thought we were progressing in our relationship.

Serena crossed her arms & moved away from Antonio. She was embarrassed & read the signals totally wrong. Antonio tried to hug her, but she just moved away.

Antonio: I'm sorry, Serena. Now is just not the time.
Serena: But don't you want to?
Antonio: Is that even a question? Hell yes, I want to. I mean look at you. My god... Sometimes I lay awake in bed & I have a hard time falling asleep because I can't get you off my mind. My head is racing with things I want to do with you & things I want to do to you...
Serena: Really?
Antonio: Yes...
Serena: What are we waiting for?
Antonio: The perfect time.

Antonio signaled for Serena to come to him. She knelt up facing him & wrapped her arms around him & they kissed one last time before they began preparing for Miranda's arrival.