Halley and Carter woke up the next morning, smiling as they remembered the night's events. 'Good morning Mrs Carter' Halley giggled and said 'It's a very good morning.' Carter wrapped his arms around her and kissed her, savouring the smell of her hair. Halley got up and Carter said 'And where do you think you are going?' 'I miss Joshua, I wanna get dressed so we can go pick him up.' Carter smiled and said 'Ok, I missed him last night as well, although I think you made up for most of it.' Halley laughed and through some clothes at him and said 'Get up lazy, or there will never be an action replay of last night.' Carter got himself out of bed and they both got dressed.
They were both on the way to Carter's Grandparents mansion to pick up Joshua. Carter was driving, but he kept stealing glances at Halley. He looked at her as she stared at the forest surrounding the mansion, thinking just how beautiful she was, and smiled to himself as he realised yet again how lucky he was. He squeezed her hand and she looked at him, her eyes full of love.
They arrived at the mansion, and Carter's Gamma was waiting at the door with Joshua in her arms. Halley and Carter got out of the car and rushed towards him. 'Hey there how's my special boy? Were you good for Gamma Carter?' Gamma replied 'He was very well behaved; he slept for most of the night. Are you going to come in for a drink?' They both nodded and they all went inside.
Halley and everyone else sat down in the lounge while Joshua played with his toys on the floor. Carter's grandfather came in and said 'Ah, good morning you two, I trust you both got a good nights sleep last night.' Carter choked on the coffee he was drinking and Halley just went bright red, and they both glanced at each other.
Later on Halley and Carter got in the car to go home with Joshua. As soon as they were out of the sight of Carter's grandparents they both burst out laughing, still thinking about Carter's grandfather's comment. As soon as they both calmed down, they would both take one look at each other and burst out laughing.
A few months later, Halley was in work. Carter was due in a few minutes with Joshua, who had to go up to day care. Carter came in with Joshua in a baby carrier on his front although Joshua was starting to get a little bit too big for it.
Halley looked at Carter; she loved watching him interacting with Joshua. The way he talked to him, the way he played with him, and just the way he loved him. Carter looked at her and smiled. 'What are you looking at missy?' Halley smiled and said 'Just observing father and son' Halley got up and kissed Carter and then kissed Joshua. Carter said ;I'll take him up to day-care.' Halley nodded and said 'Bye bye Joshua, Mommy will come and see you later.' As Carter started walking away, Joshua reached out to Halley and said 'Mama'
Halley and Carter stared at Joshua as he said 'Mama' again. Halley and Carter both kissed Joshua and hugged him. Halley looked at Joshua and said 'Joshua, can you say Dada?' She pointed to Carter and said 'Say Dada' Joshua looked at Carter and said 'Da, Da, Dada.' They both kissed him again, overjoyed that their son had just said his first words.
'Mama Mama Mama' Halley and Carter both laughed as Joshua babbled on while Halley was trying to feed him. Halley gave Carter the food and said 'Here, you try and feed him.' Carter sat in front of Joshua and said 'Open wide Joshua.' Joshua pushed the spoon aside and said 'Dada dada dada dada dada dada dada.' Carter put the spoon down and said 'Joshua you are exactly like your mom, once you start talking you never stop.'
Carter ducked just a little too late as Halley smacked him around the back of his head. He laughed and said 'Hey!' 'Don't give me that John Truman Carter, I'll kick your ass next time you little punk!' Halley wagged her finger at him in mock annoyance.
Carter laughed and pulled Halley down towards him and kissed her. When they pulled away from each other Carter said 'Forgive me?' Halley sighed and said 'I suppose so'
Joshua started banging on the tray on his high chair. Carter rolled his eyes and said 'Hungry now Joshua?' Carter put the spoon towards Joshua and he finally started eating. 'Thank god for that.'
TO BE CONTINUED