Fic: Trial by Fire Logan/Veronica PG-13
Title: Trial by Fire
Author: MetChick01
Pairing/Character: LoVe, Keith, Cliff, and others
Word Count:2736
Rating:PG-13 for now; NC-17 in later chapters
Summary: What if the one thing you knew for sure was wrong?
Spoilers: AU S3 mid way through "Show me the Monkey"
Warnings: Some bad words here and there,also some Piz bashing in future parts...
Disclaimer: I do not own or claim to own any thing or character from VM.
Here is part 3, SO SORRY for the long wait but It's finally here. Big BIG thanks to my beta frozenmolasses!
Part 3
“Well, the kids are the most important. If you want, I can deal with the house and her classroom. I think I know what the kids might want when they’re old enough to understand. You have to remember that Ethan will remember their Mother, but Emma won’t, so it’s important that she has things to remember her by,” Ally told him.
“I agree,” Logan said, “I don’t have much left of my mom’s, because of the fire, but what I do have is precious.”
“I’ve tried to put all the day to day child care stuff on a scan disk for you so all you have to do is point and click. The Basic’s are bed, food, baths and diapers for Emma, and Ethan is very easy going. I have his school work since he's out school until you find him another elementary school. He’s been pretty quiet since the accident, but you can draw him out, just have patience. He, uh, likes television, music, and videogames of course. He also likes the outdoors, though.”
“Good, we have things in common,” Logan joked.
“He was going to start little league in the spring, so you might want to think about it. Also, are you going to find a house now?”
“Yeah, Cliff and I discussed it and I called a realtor before you arrived. We’ve also gone over my school schedule and I think I might have a nanny lined up.”
“Good, good. Trust me you’ll get the hang of this, and I’m always just a call or text message away.”
“When do you have to go back east?” Logan was suddenly getting nervous. Was she leaving already?
“My flight is at 11pm,” Ally stated.
“What?! 11pm tonight?” Logan was officially freaked out.
Sensing Logan’s nervousness, Ally tried to take the soothing approach. but he was wearing her patience. Doesn’t he understand how hard this is for me. He acts like I want to leave them high and dry.
“I thought Cliff told you, I’m a nursing student and I’m almost finished, which means I intern at the local hospital. I can only have so many absents and my teachers have been really understanding so far, but I can’t start over again. I promise I won’t leave you hanging. Okay?”
Cliff took this moment to re-join the conversation.
“I’m sorry Ally,” he said. “It was a bad connection when we talked and all I got was ‘hospital’, so that’s my fault.”
“It’s alright. Listen the kids are probably going to wake up soon, so why don’t we sign the documents and then Logan and I can finish up the details on how this is going to work.”
“Sounds like a plan,” Logan offered.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Logan walked Cliff to the door, shook his hand and with that Cliff was gone. Documents had been signed and it was time for the real work to begin.
Ally was still sitting on the couch, busily looking around the suite.
“Impressed?” He said, interrupting her observations.
“More like depressed. I can’t believe you live here and for as long as you have. What is this décor? Fishing cabin chic?” Ally asked in a light tone.
“I prefer Northern California esc, “ Logan snarked back.
“Oh, my mistake,” she said returning his smile.
All kidding aside they had business to attend to.
“So I’m going to wake up the kids,” she looked at her watch “ It’s 4:30 now, so hmm… Food first, then we’ll settle them in. Can you call the front desk to have their bags sent up?”
“Sure, do you want me to call room service, too?”
“Yes please, I’m starved and I’m sure Ethan is too, but wait until he’s awake so he can pick out what he wants.”
“Of course,” he said.
“Are you ready for this?” Ally asked
“As ready as I’ll ever be.”
----------------------------------------------
Ally opened the guest room door and quietly went to the bed to wake Ethan. She kissed his forehead and gently touched it to awaken him.
“Ethan, baby, it’s time to get up,” she said softly. He opened his eyes and looked around with a hint of confusion in his gaze.
“It’s okay, we’re at Logan’s house now,” she stated trying to answer his unvoiced question.
“We’re in California?” he asked quietly while cuddling in Ally’s embrace.
“Yes, and your cousin Logan is very excited to meet you.”
Ethan looked away from her and She could tell a pout was about to appear on his face.
“I don’t understand why can’t we stay with you? I’ll be good and I can help with Emma and...”
“I know honey, but your mommy wanted you to meet Logan and spend time with him.”
“But I wanna stay with you.”
“I know that you’ll be good. You always are, Bud. Don’t think this is happening because your did something. You didn’t, okay?”
Ethan looked her in the eyes and nodded.
“You know I love you and your sister, and GiGi loves you, right? You know we‘ll always be there for you, right? But it’s time for you to get to know Logan.”
Ethan nodded again and hugged her back.
“I bet your hungry, I know I am,” Ally told him, hoping to get a positive response.
“Yep! Emma’s probably hungry, too,” he said.
“You know, I think your right,” Ally felt some relief instantly, she had successfully defused the situation. “Why don’t we wake Emma and then we’ll get some food, okay?”
“Okay, Ally.”
-----------------------------------------------------------
Logan busied himself around the suite while Ally woke the kids up. He called the front desk, and was currently rearranging the throw pillows on the sectional.
He picked up Ally’s bag and what he guessed was a diaper bag, quietly setting them on the large ottoman, he went to get the room service menu for them. God, I need a drink, he thought pensively. Quickly he thoughts returned to Cliff earlier advice. I guess I do need a better coping device. He shook his head. He did have a better one, but she was currently in the arms of a Pez dispenser, so some much for Veronica. Not that she would be much help. She would probably run away screaming, he smiled ruefully. What was her saying? Oh yes, she and kids were non-mixy.
With that thought Ally re-entered the room. She was carrying a small bundle that was Emma and Logan could see Ethan peeking out from behind her back.
“Logan, I’d like you to meet Emma and Ethan.”
Logan approached the group caution, with Ally’s nod he got down to Ethan’s level.
He spoke softly “Hi, Ethan I’m your cousin Logan.”
Ethan peaked out at him and, taking a breath, looked up at Ally. She nodded at him to encourage him. Ethan then shocked both Logan and Ally.
He offered his hand to Logan to shake , “Hi, I’m Ethan and that’s…” he said pointing to his sister “Emma.”
Logan returned his shake with a sigh of relief. “Pleased to meet you.” First hurdle down.
------------------------------------------------------------------
Ally brought them to the couch to sit and get the diaper bag.
“Ethan, why don’t you and Logan decide on dinner, and I’ll change Emma, okay?”
Ethan nodded, sitting next to Logan on the couch, as Logan reached for the menu.
“So, Ethan what would you like to eat?” Logan asked.
“Do they have chicken nuggets?” he asked.
Looking through the menu, Logan spotted what Ethan was asking for.
“Yeah, do you want some?”
“Yep and I want fries.”
“Sounds good, I think I’ll have the same.” Logan returned
“You like them, too?” Ethan sounded surprised.
“Come one, who doesn’t? Fries are my favorite.” Logan sent a smile down at Ethan, which he returned.
Ally saw their exchange and flashed Logan a thumb’s up while she finished Emma's diaper duty.
Encouraged, Logan continued his conversation with Ethan. “What are your favorites?”
Ethan pondered that for a second and the replied “Pizza, pasta, mac and cheese, burgers, oh and hot dogs. And sandwiches.”
“Wow, that’s a lot. Any sweets or desserts you like?”
“Ice cream, and Cake and I really like sundaes,” Ethan finished his list.
“Really, you do?” Logan feigned surprise. With Ethan’s nod, he offered up “Why don’t we order a sundae and we can share?”
Ethan nodded again eagerly and he turned to Ally for permission. “Ally, can I?”
Ally finished fixing Emma’s clothes and smiled at him. “Sure, Bud.”
Ethan’s face lit up and both of the adults in the room started to breath a little easier.
“What are you going to have, Ally?” Ethan questioned.
“I don’t know, can you and Logan see if they have a chicken Caesar salad?” Ally replied, encouraging their bonding.
“Logan, do they?” Ethan said looking at the menu with his cousin.
They both looked over the menu together and they quickly found her order.
They looked over at Ally and Ethan answered “Yep,” to her question.
“Ok, why don’t you and Logan call the order in and can you have them bring up a kettle of hot water and some bottled waters?” she asked, directing her request at Logan.
Logan nodded and he got up to retrieve the phone. He handed it to Ethan, “Okay, hit 9 then when someone answers hand it to me.” Ethan set about his task while Logan put away the menu and grabbed the remote for the TV.
Ethan handed back the phone and Logan quickly gave their order. Ethan moved to sit by Ally and was grabbing his sister’s hand.
“40 minutes, and the food will be here.”
Ally looked up at him. “Good,” she said, “I think now is the perfect time to start Baby 101.”
She stood up and handed Emma to Logan. Emma looked up at him and studied his face. Logan studied her as well. She had blue eyes, like Ethan. but her downy hair was blond and she had the cutest full cheeks he had seen. Her mouth was hidden by her pacifier, he reached to take it out but was stopped when both Ally and Ethan gave a firm “Don‘t!”
Ally started, “Emma loves her binkies, so just leave it for now. And by the way, always keep them on hand.”
“Binkies, check. Got it,” Logan said, suddenly feeling nervous yet again.
Sensing this, Ally offered “You’re doing fine; she really is a great baby. Just remember the three rules…” Ethan joined her by echoing her and held up three fingers. “1. Always have a binky, 2. Always have “Winnie the Pooh”, and 3. Always remember her lullaby CD.” They both smiled at Logan and Emma and Logan’s heart melted. Emma, sensing the excitement, beamed a smile at Logan from behind her binky then she turned to Ally and Ethan, smiling at them as well.
Ethan reached into Emma’s diaper bag and grabbed the other items on the list of ‘what keeps Emma happy’.
As he reached up to give them to Logan, Emma reached for her Pooh Bear, which Logan handed to her. Logan then looked at the CD that Ethan had presented to him. “Metallica? Metal lullabies?” he said with utter confusion, looking at Ally for the answer.
“They’re my favorite band and when I saw it I bought it as a gag gift for Laura’s baby shower, but as it goes, Emma loves it. Put that on and she’s soothed.”
Logan had to laugh at that, who would have thought little Emma was a Metal head?
“Okay, uh, so what else does she like?”
“Bottles, funny faces, sleeping, and her diaper changed,” Ethan said in a matter of fact tone of voice.
“He’s right. See. Logan, there’s nothing to it.” Ally agreed. “Hey, Bud, why don’t we find some cartoons to watch on Logan’s TV, then I’ll show Logan how to make Emma’s bottle.”
Logan handed the remote to Ethan. He and Ally set out on trying to find something for him to watch. Looking down at Emma, he felt oddly at peace. For the first time in a long time, he belonged to something, and the feeling was awesome.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ally showed him how to prepare a bottle, and really, there was nothing to it. Measure, pour, and warm. She taught him how the bottle warmer worked and how to test the temperature. Logan hoped everything was as easy as this. He was currently giving Emma her bottle and watching Ethan start to settle in. From the sounds, he was watching some Disney movie. Ally had excused herself to the restroom, leaving him with the kids. This was how it was going to be from now on.
Knock, knock.
Thoughts interrupted, Logan managed to get to the door without disrupting Emma’s meal.
The waiter helped him sign the bill and Ethan pushed the cart further into the suite.
Thinking on his feet, Logan went into the guest bedroom to retrieve Emma’s stroller. Pushing it next to the table, he placed her into it.
In the meantime, Ethan quietly placed the silverware and cloth napkins on the table. When he noticed Logan’s gaze, he proudly stated “It’s my job.”
Ally came out of the bathroom and helped Logan finish setting everyone’s dinner on the table. Once the table was set and Ethan settled into his seat, she made her way over to the diaper bag to get Emma’s dinner, sitting down between Logan and the stroller.
“Since you’ve mastered Bottles, let’s move onto cereal,” she said, showing him the box and Emma’s eating utensils.
Logan watched Ally mix some of the hot water and some of the cool water into the white mixture. Thinking what she was making resembled paste, he simply watch and hoped his appetite would return. She moved Emma’s stroller into a sitting position and placed her bib around her neck. Finishing her tasks Ally handed the bowl to Logan and turned Emma towards him. “Have at it.”
Logan started at the mixture and back at Emma, how babies could eat this stuff was anyone’s guess. Cowboy up, Echolls! Taking a deep breath, through his mouth mind you, he gave Emma a spoon full. Luckily, she seemed to like it. Another lesson learned.
----------------------------------------------------------
The kids bags were delivered shortly after the group had finished eating. They didn’t exactly travel light. Ally went about separating the bags for each of the kids and Ethan went with her to set up in the guest bedroom. Logan watched as she worked. She moved the crib into Logan’s room and started placing Emma’s bags in his room.
“I’m moving her to your room, so if she wakes up in the middle of the night, she won’t wake Ethan up,” she explained.
Ethan came out of his room a short while later and took his place next to Logan and his sister on the couch. Already knowing how to control the remote he turned the TV back on. Logan felt a little guilty for sitting around while Ally did all the work, but he knew he would be more of a hindrance than a help to her, so he sat and played with Emma.
“So, what do you like to watch, Ethan?”
“Cartoons, and other stuff,” he said.
“Do you have any favorites?”
“Disney channel, Toon Disney, and Cartoon Network.”
“Those are the channel’s you like?”
“Yep.”
“Okay, do you watch anything else?”
“Yep,” Ethan said simply not offering anymore information.
Ally came back into the room with Emma’s play pen and set it up quickly. Taking her from Logan, she place Emma into it. Waving a toy for the baby, Ally then sat next to Logan.
“I’ve set up a makeshift changing table for you and I put away some of her things. In a little bit we’ll do bath time then the bed time routine, okay?”
“Sounds good, thanks for all your help,” Logan said sincerely.
“No problem, I’m doing it for them,” she nodded towards Ethan. “So, hmm, who’s the girl in the picture?”
“What?” Logan was play coy, not wanting to discuss Veronica at this time.
“The girl in the picture by your bed? She’s your girlfriend? The Veronica Mars?”
“Ex, and before you ask, it was a pretty recent break up.”
Sensing that Logan didn’t want to talk about this subject, she let it drop.
“You want to learn how to change a diaper?” she asked
“Yeah, alright.”
TBC....
FEEDBACK PLEASE!!
Author: MetChick01
Pairing/Character: LoVe, Keith, Cliff, and others
Word Count:2736
Rating:PG-13 for now; NC-17 in later chapters
Summary: What if the one thing you knew for sure was wrong?
Spoilers: AU S3 mid way through "Show me the Monkey"
Warnings: Some bad words here and there,also some Piz bashing in future parts...
Disclaimer: I do not own or claim to own any thing or character from VM.
Here is part 3, SO SORRY for the long wait but It's finally here. Big BIG thanks to my beta frozenmolasses!
Part 3
“Well, the kids are the most important. If you want, I can deal with the house and her classroom. I think I know what the kids might want when they’re old enough to understand. You have to remember that Ethan will remember their Mother, but Emma won’t, so it’s important that she has things to remember her by,” Ally told him.
“I agree,” Logan said, “I don’t have much left of my mom’s, because of the fire, but what I do have is precious.”
“I’ve tried to put all the day to day child care stuff on a scan disk for you so all you have to do is point and click. The Basic’s are bed, food, baths and diapers for Emma, and Ethan is very easy going. I have his school work since he's out school until you find him another elementary school. He’s been pretty quiet since the accident, but you can draw him out, just have patience. He, uh, likes television, music, and videogames of course. He also likes the outdoors, though.”
“Good, we have things in common,” Logan joked.
“He was going to start little league in the spring, so you might want to think about it. Also, are you going to find a house now?”
“Yeah, Cliff and I discussed it and I called a realtor before you arrived. We’ve also gone over my school schedule and I think I might have a nanny lined up.”
“Good, good. Trust me you’ll get the hang of this, and I’m always just a call or text message away.”
“When do you have to go back east?” Logan was suddenly getting nervous. Was she leaving already?
“My flight is at 11pm,” Ally stated.
“What?! 11pm tonight?” Logan was officially freaked out.
Sensing Logan’s nervousness, Ally tried to take the soothing approach. but he was wearing her patience. Doesn’t he understand how hard this is for me. He acts like I want to leave them high and dry.
“I thought Cliff told you, I’m a nursing student and I’m almost finished, which means I intern at the local hospital. I can only have so many absents and my teachers have been really understanding so far, but I can’t start over again. I promise I won’t leave you hanging. Okay?”
Cliff took this moment to re-join the conversation.
“I’m sorry Ally,” he said. “It was a bad connection when we talked and all I got was ‘hospital’, so that’s my fault.”
“It’s alright. Listen the kids are probably going to wake up soon, so why don’t we sign the documents and then Logan and I can finish up the details on how this is going to work.”
“Sounds like a plan,” Logan offered.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Logan walked Cliff to the door, shook his hand and with that Cliff was gone. Documents had been signed and it was time for the real work to begin.
Ally was still sitting on the couch, busily looking around the suite.
“Impressed?” He said, interrupting her observations.
“More like depressed. I can’t believe you live here and for as long as you have. What is this décor? Fishing cabin chic?” Ally asked in a light tone.
“I prefer Northern California esc, “ Logan snarked back.
“Oh, my mistake,” she said returning his smile.
All kidding aside they had business to attend to.
“So I’m going to wake up the kids,” she looked at her watch “ It’s 4:30 now, so hmm… Food first, then we’ll settle them in. Can you call the front desk to have their bags sent up?”
“Sure, do you want me to call room service, too?”
“Yes please, I’m starved and I’m sure Ethan is too, but wait until he’s awake so he can pick out what he wants.”
“Of course,” he said.
“Are you ready for this?” Ally asked
“As ready as I’ll ever be.”
----------------------------------------------
Ally opened the guest room door and quietly went to the bed to wake Ethan. She kissed his forehead and gently touched it to awaken him.
“Ethan, baby, it’s time to get up,” she said softly. He opened his eyes and looked around with a hint of confusion in his gaze.
“It’s okay, we’re at Logan’s house now,” she stated trying to answer his unvoiced question.
“We’re in California?” he asked quietly while cuddling in Ally’s embrace.
“Yes, and your cousin Logan is very excited to meet you.”
Ethan looked away from her and She could tell a pout was about to appear on his face.
“I don’t understand why can’t we stay with you? I’ll be good and I can help with Emma and...”
“I know honey, but your mommy wanted you to meet Logan and spend time with him.”
“But I wanna stay with you.”
“I know that you’ll be good. You always are, Bud. Don’t think this is happening because your did something. You didn’t, okay?”
Ethan looked her in the eyes and nodded.
“You know I love you and your sister, and GiGi loves you, right? You know we‘ll always be there for you, right? But it’s time for you to get to know Logan.”
Ethan nodded again and hugged her back.
“I bet your hungry, I know I am,” Ally told him, hoping to get a positive response.
“Yep! Emma’s probably hungry, too,” he said.
“You know, I think your right,” Ally felt some relief instantly, she had successfully defused the situation. “Why don’t we wake Emma and then we’ll get some food, okay?”
“Okay, Ally.”
-----------------------------------------------------------
Logan busied himself around the suite while Ally woke the kids up. He called the front desk, and was currently rearranging the throw pillows on the sectional.
He picked up Ally’s bag and what he guessed was a diaper bag, quietly setting them on the large ottoman, he went to get the room service menu for them. God, I need a drink, he thought pensively. Quickly he thoughts returned to Cliff earlier advice. I guess I do need a better coping device. He shook his head. He did have a better one, but she was currently in the arms of a Pez dispenser, so some much for Veronica. Not that she would be much help. She would probably run away screaming, he smiled ruefully. What was her saying? Oh yes, she and kids were non-mixy.
With that thought Ally re-entered the room. She was carrying a small bundle that was Emma and Logan could see Ethan peeking out from behind her back.
“Logan, I’d like you to meet Emma and Ethan.”
Logan approached the group caution, with Ally’s nod he got down to Ethan’s level.
He spoke softly “Hi, Ethan I’m your cousin Logan.”
Ethan peaked out at him and, taking a breath, looked up at Ally. She nodded at him to encourage him. Ethan then shocked both Logan and Ally.
He offered his hand to Logan to shake , “Hi, I’m Ethan and that’s…” he said pointing to his sister “Emma.”
Logan returned his shake with a sigh of relief. “Pleased to meet you.” First hurdle down.
------------------------------------------------------------------
Ally brought them to the couch to sit and get the diaper bag.
“Ethan, why don’t you and Logan decide on dinner, and I’ll change Emma, okay?”
Ethan nodded, sitting next to Logan on the couch, as Logan reached for the menu.
“So, Ethan what would you like to eat?” Logan asked.
“Do they have chicken nuggets?” he asked.
Looking through the menu, Logan spotted what Ethan was asking for.
“Yeah, do you want some?”
“Yep and I want fries.”
“Sounds good, I think I’ll have the same.” Logan returned
“You like them, too?” Ethan sounded surprised.
“Come one, who doesn’t? Fries are my favorite.” Logan sent a smile down at Ethan, which he returned.
Ally saw their exchange and flashed Logan a thumb’s up while she finished Emma's diaper duty.
Encouraged, Logan continued his conversation with Ethan. “What are your favorites?”
Ethan pondered that for a second and the replied “Pizza, pasta, mac and cheese, burgers, oh and hot dogs. And sandwiches.”
“Wow, that’s a lot. Any sweets or desserts you like?”
“Ice cream, and Cake and I really like sundaes,” Ethan finished his list.
“Really, you do?” Logan feigned surprise. With Ethan’s nod, he offered up “Why don’t we order a sundae and we can share?”
Ethan nodded again eagerly and he turned to Ally for permission. “Ally, can I?”
Ally finished fixing Emma’s clothes and smiled at him. “Sure, Bud.”
Ethan’s face lit up and both of the adults in the room started to breath a little easier.
“What are you going to have, Ally?” Ethan questioned.
“I don’t know, can you and Logan see if they have a chicken Caesar salad?” Ally replied, encouraging their bonding.
“Logan, do they?” Ethan said looking at the menu with his cousin.
They both looked over the menu together and they quickly found her order.
They looked over at Ally and Ethan answered “Yep,” to her question.
“Ok, why don’t you and Logan call the order in and can you have them bring up a kettle of hot water and some bottled waters?” she asked, directing her request at Logan.
Logan nodded and he got up to retrieve the phone. He handed it to Ethan, “Okay, hit 9 then when someone answers hand it to me.” Ethan set about his task while Logan put away the menu and grabbed the remote for the TV.
Ethan handed back the phone and Logan quickly gave their order. Ethan moved to sit by Ally and was grabbing his sister’s hand.
“40 minutes, and the food will be here.”
Ally looked up at him. “Good,” she said, “I think now is the perfect time to start Baby 101.”
She stood up and handed Emma to Logan. Emma looked up at him and studied his face. Logan studied her as well. She had blue eyes, like Ethan. but her downy hair was blond and she had the cutest full cheeks he had seen. Her mouth was hidden by her pacifier, he reached to take it out but was stopped when both Ally and Ethan gave a firm “Don‘t!”
Ally started, “Emma loves her binkies, so just leave it for now. And by the way, always keep them on hand.”
“Binkies, check. Got it,” Logan said, suddenly feeling nervous yet again.
Sensing this, Ally offered “You’re doing fine; she really is a great baby. Just remember the three rules…” Ethan joined her by echoing her and held up three fingers. “1. Always have a binky, 2. Always have “Winnie the Pooh”, and 3. Always remember her lullaby CD.” They both smiled at Logan and Emma and Logan’s heart melted. Emma, sensing the excitement, beamed a smile at Logan from behind her binky then she turned to Ally and Ethan, smiling at them as well.
Ethan reached into Emma’s diaper bag and grabbed the other items on the list of ‘what keeps Emma happy’.
As he reached up to give them to Logan, Emma reached for her Pooh Bear, which Logan handed to her. Logan then looked at the CD that Ethan had presented to him. “Metallica? Metal lullabies?” he said with utter confusion, looking at Ally for the answer.
“They’re my favorite band and when I saw it I bought it as a gag gift for Laura’s baby shower, but as it goes, Emma loves it. Put that on and she’s soothed.”
Logan had to laugh at that, who would have thought little Emma was a Metal head?
“Okay, uh, so what else does she like?”
“Bottles, funny faces, sleeping, and her diaper changed,” Ethan said in a matter of fact tone of voice.
“He’s right. See. Logan, there’s nothing to it.” Ally agreed. “Hey, Bud, why don’t we find some cartoons to watch on Logan’s TV, then I’ll show Logan how to make Emma’s bottle.”
Logan handed the remote to Ethan. He and Ally set out on trying to find something for him to watch. Looking down at Emma, he felt oddly at peace. For the first time in a long time, he belonged to something, and the feeling was awesome.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ally showed him how to prepare a bottle, and really, there was nothing to it. Measure, pour, and warm. She taught him how the bottle warmer worked and how to test the temperature. Logan hoped everything was as easy as this. He was currently giving Emma her bottle and watching Ethan start to settle in. From the sounds, he was watching some Disney movie. Ally had excused herself to the restroom, leaving him with the kids. This was how it was going to be from now on.
Knock, knock.
Thoughts interrupted, Logan managed to get to the door without disrupting Emma’s meal.
The waiter helped him sign the bill and Ethan pushed the cart further into the suite.
Thinking on his feet, Logan went into the guest bedroom to retrieve Emma’s stroller. Pushing it next to the table, he placed her into it.
In the meantime, Ethan quietly placed the silverware and cloth napkins on the table. When he noticed Logan’s gaze, he proudly stated “It’s my job.”
Ally came out of the bathroom and helped Logan finish setting everyone’s dinner on the table. Once the table was set and Ethan settled into his seat, she made her way over to the diaper bag to get Emma’s dinner, sitting down between Logan and the stroller.
“Since you’ve mastered Bottles, let’s move onto cereal,” she said, showing him the box and Emma’s eating utensils.
Logan watched Ally mix some of the hot water and some of the cool water into the white mixture. Thinking what she was making resembled paste, he simply watch and hoped his appetite would return. She moved Emma’s stroller into a sitting position and placed her bib around her neck. Finishing her tasks Ally handed the bowl to Logan and turned Emma towards him. “Have at it.”
Logan started at the mixture and back at Emma, how babies could eat this stuff was anyone’s guess. Cowboy up, Echolls! Taking a deep breath, through his mouth mind you, he gave Emma a spoon full. Luckily, she seemed to like it. Another lesson learned.
----------------------------------------------------------
The kids bags were delivered shortly after the group had finished eating. They didn’t exactly travel light. Ally went about separating the bags for each of the kids and Ethan went with her to set up in the guest bedroom. Logan watched as she worked. She moved the crib into Logan’s room and started placing Emma’s bags in his room.
“I’m moving her to your room, so if she wakes up in the middle of the night, she won’t wake Ethan up,” she explained.
Ethan came out of his room a short while later and took his place next to Logan and his sister on the couch. Already knowing how to control the remote he turned the TV back on. Logan felt a little guilty for sitting around while Ally did all the work, but he knew he would be more of a hindrance than a help to her, so he sat and played with Emma.
“So, what do you like to watch, Ethan?”
“Cartoons, and other stuff,” he said.
“Do you have any favorites?”
“Disney channel, Toon Disney, and Cartoon Network.”
“Those are the channel’s you like?”
“Yep.”
“Okay, do you watch anything else?”
“Yep,” Ethan said simply not offering anymore information.
Ally came back into the room with Emma’s play pen and set it up quickly. Taking her from Logan, she place Emma into it. Waving a toy for the baby, Ally then sat next to Logan.
“I’ve set up a makeshift changing table for you and I put away some of her things. In a little bit we’ll do bath time then the bed time routine, okay?”
“Sounds good, thanks for all your help,” Logan said sincerely.
“No problem, I’m doing it for them,” she nodded towards Ethan. “So, hmm, who’s the girl in the picture?”
“What?” Logan was play coy, not wanting to discuss Veronica at this time.
“The girl in the picture by your bed? She’s your girlfriend? The Veronica Mars?”
“Ex, and before you ask, it was a pretty recent break up.”
Sensing that Logan didn’t want to talk about this subject, she let it drop.
“You want to learn how to change a diaper?” she asked
“Yeah, alright.”
TBC....
FEEDBACK PLEASE!!