Chapter Text
RoWater
¡*Ya Bebe-no esta corriendo, papa...DARIO!" [OK, Baby-don't run n here...DARIO!]
The two-and-one-half-year-old, his curls swinging wildly dashes through the home, squealing "NONONO!"
"Kev-"
"On it!" When the toddler tries to dodge between his legs Kev lifts him off the ground and covers him with kissies. "*Oija...cuando
su mama le dice que no corre NO CORRE, si?" (Listen, sir... when your Mommy says to stop running STOP RUNNING, yeah). As his
papi carries him back to the kitchen in between giggles, Dario nods his agreement.
Vanessa's annoyance disappears the instant their son puts on his 'innocent face'; she gives him tender hugs and kisses before
sending him into the upper-level bathroom to prepare for his bath. Turning to her man the Latina says "Thank the stars that
Kimmy and Hailey are handling most of the side dishes and desserts."
"Why don't you lie down for an hour or so? I spoke to Ruz; he and the fam should be here in three hours meaning...1300hrs...jay
phoned to say that they plan to leave in 90 minutes. I'll make sure that the monster doesn't kill himself."
"*Seguro? (Are you sure?) Your other 'chap' is very restless...the ham needs another two hours or so; the cornish hens go in
the oven after my nap. You're really OK, *Gordo?
"V: lie down, Hon. I've cared for a child before."
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Burzek
Makayla is fussier than usual (for a reason neither Kim nor Adam can fathom); it takes her twenty minutes to get into her jacket,
hat and gloves; when she acts like this lately only ADAM can compel her to behave: "MAC. Should Daddy drop you at Children's world?
I'll stop by and get you after me and Mommy leave Uncle Kevin's..do that or you're gonna get your winter things on?"
"I-I'll put m-my winter stuff on" the little girl replied meekly. "Sorry, Daddy." She held up her arms for a hug. "You're fine; you're ok...
but it's Mommy you owe the apology to, right?"
"Yeah...I'm sorry, Mommy." She sat on Kim's lap, sniffling. "What's the matter, Punkin Eater? Why are you acting like this with Mommy?
Hmmm-did Mommy hurt your feelings?"
"Y-You won't love me no more when you have the baby," Mac said tearfully.
"That will never happen, Baby-not ever, OK? You are Mommy and Daddy's good girl; our best girl. We might have more children but
we can never ever replace you. Right, Adam?"
Fighting to keep the emotion welling up inside him at bay Ruzek said "NEVER EVER Makayla Ruzek Burgess. We love you Kiddo and
we always will-yeah? Yeah; c'mon let's head out; you good Kimmy?"
"Good." The four-months-pregnant Kim gathered her coat, hat gloves, and knit cap before following her two favorite people out the
door to Adam's Jeep.
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Upstead
Jay, grocery list in hand, and young daughter Hillary in tow heads to the Safeway grocery about six blocks away while Hailey finishes
preparing the GIGANTES PLAKI (a dish made of large dried white beans in a rich tomato-based sauce), BRIAM (roasted potatoes, red
red onions, tomatoes and zucchini flavored with fresh garlic, parsley, and extra virgin olive oil), and BAMIES (a dish of tomatoes and
okra). In between chopping, mincing, dicing, and pureeing the vegetables for each dish Hailey feeds, bathes, and changes their other
daughter, Keile. They sit and watch Blues Clues until Jay and Hillary return; they have a light snack and once the food is done Halstead
loaded the containers into his truck. A short time later the family piled into the truck and drove to Vanessa and Kevin's home. On the
way Hailey called Vanessa to verify who had confirmed their attendance; the Latina reported that 'Burzek' was on the way; also Vinessa
and Jordan - Kev's siblings - were already there.
******
"MAK!"
"I-I don't feel good, Daddy!!!" called from upstairs.
Adam crooks an eyebrow at Kim. "She says that she's tired...the baby's crying; I'm uh...she ran past-"