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

"Happy Birthday, Summer"

Summer had gone straight to bed once she reached her room in the cottage. She was so drained from the entire week & was emotional about saying good bye to Jay at the airport. She felt at ease about their relationship. She felt she could finally trust him again.

The next morning, she was awakened by a call from Serena. Summer was shocked that Serena was awake so early. Serena said motherhood had turned her into an early bird. Serena invited Summer for breakfast & a girl's day. Summer was surprised & excited that she was able to spend her birthday with her sister. She got ready for the day & didn't even realize that she wasn't alone in the cottage. Dennis was still there & was coming back from his morning run. He saw Summer drive off as he was running towards the cottage. Dennis was supposed to leave that morning, but he changed his flight because he hoped to spend more one-on-one time with Summer. The whole week he was there, they had spent time planning & preparing for the wedding. As much as he appreciated any time with her, he wanted to spend even more time with her outside the wedding planning bubble.

Summer arrived at Serena's house & found Serena in the living room bottle feeding Miranda. Summer squealed at the sight of her adorable niece.

Summer: Goodmorning!

Serena held Miranda up & walked towards Summer in the foyer.

Serena: Goodmorning, Auntie! Happy birthday!
Summer: Aww, come here, you. She's getting so chunky, Serena! I love it!
Serena: She is filling in quite a bit.
Summer: Ooh, she's getting heavy.
Serena: Yeah, it's like a daily workout.
Summer: Well, she's got to be the cutest workout partner. Is Miranda coming with us today?
Serena: Um, actually Brian's coming over to watch hers
Summer handed Miranda back to Serena.
Summer: Brian, huh?
Serena: Yeah.
Summer: You guys dating?
Serena: No, we're just friends.
Summer: Serena...
Serena: What?
Summer: Nothing. I'm glad you're friends. It's important to get to know someone before you start dating them.
Serena: I'll keep that in mind.

Just then, there was a knock on the door.

Summer: Speaking of the angel...

Serena smiled & got up to get the door.

Brian: Goodmorning, Serena.
Serena: Goodmorning, Brian. Come on in. Hey thanks for agreeing to watch Miranda for a few hours. She should be going down for a nap soon. I just fed & burped her.

Brian laid his backpack on the couch & pulled out a couple of baby books.

Brian: I brought some books for her, I can read them to her before she falls asleep.

Summer looked at Serena & lipped the words,"So sweet."

Brian: Hey Summer. Happy birthday!
Summer: Thanks, Brian.

Brian, Summer & Serena ate breakfast that Serena prepared. She learned a thing or two in the kitchen when the aunties were in town. Summer & Brian were impressed with the meal she cooked. Afterwards, Serena & Summer headed out & Brian was holding Miranda. Brian walked them to the door & stood on the porch waving at them.

Brian: Have fun & take your time. We'll be fine.

Brian closed the door & kept his cool. He'd never been alone with a baby before. He had been away while his younger siblings were babies. He looked at Miranda who looked comfortable laying in his arms.
He reassured himself.

Brian: You got this, Brian.

He laid Miranda in her swing & got the books out to read to her. Just as Brian started to read to her, she got pretty fussy. He looked over the book & saw she was not having it. He stood up, dropped the book & began googling "why do babies cry". He read the list of possibilities & got even more confused. He decided to pick her up & tried to rock her.