T/W: Minor alarm over pregnancy issues

***
Lex

Cass calls me, checking in and seeing if Aria, Steve and me are interested in going to the zoo this weekend.

"Sounds fun," I say. "I'll ask Steve when he gets home."

"It would be fun," Cass says. "Aaron loves seeing the animals."

"Ari, too." I look over at Aria, who's currently putting all her stuffed animals and baby to bed.

"It wouldn't be too difficult for you, would you?" I smile. Cass has been an amazing friend to me. I'm so grateful for her.

"I think I could manage for a few hours," I joke. "And if I get too worn out, we'll just go home."

"All right." Cass pauses to help Aaron with something. Hard to believe he's over a year old now.

"Bet you wish this one would hurry up, huh?" Cass asks.

"I do. But hopefully time will speed up some," I reply.

"You'll certainly have your hands full once the baby does arrive," Cass says.

"No kidding. But I'm sure Mom will be more than happy to help." Cass laughs.

"Oh, I'm sure! Well, if you get too overwhelmed, just let me know. I'm happy to help as well."

"Thanks," I say. "It's much appreciated."

"Of course," Cass says.

****
"You really wanna walk around the zoo for a few hours?" Steve looks skeptical when I ask him about going to the zoo.

"Steve, I'll be fine," I tell him. He thinks for several minutes.

"I guess if you're really feeling up to it. Ari would enjoy it."

"She will." I give Steve a mischievous grin. "So will you." Steve chuckles.

"I will."

"Oh, maybe we could invite Knox," I suggest. Steve immediately looks wary.

"Why?"

"Because," I say. "I think it'd be good for him. He doesn't have much of a social life."

"He might be uncomfortable," Steve says, looking uncomfortable himself.

"Only if certain people make him uncomfortable," I retort. Steve sighs.

"You can ask him," he says. "But I doubt he'll accept your invitation."

***
The next morning, when Knox accompanies Aria and I on our morning walk, I ask him if he'd like to come to the zoo with us. Knox looks extremely taken aback.

"You'd really want me to...come?"

"Yes," I say. Knox stares straight ahead, Otto's leash slack in his hands. Since he's wearing his sunglasses, I can't tell what he's thinking.

"Wow. That's very thoughtful of you," Knox murmurs.

"Why shouldn't I ask you?" I say. "We are friends."

"Yeah. It's just..." Knox trails off.

"You mean because of my husband?"

"Yeah."

"He knows and understands that we're friends," I say. Knox doesn't say anything for several minutes.

"Thanks, Lex," he says. "I'll have to let you know. I might be on call."

"No pressure," I tell him. "You can definitely let me know." Knox finally smiles.

"Will do."

***
Steve

One of the things I love about Lex, is that she's very empathetic and genuinely cares about those she loves. She also just has this way of connecting with people.

Normally I don't mind when Lex tries to make people feel seen, I guess is a good word for it. However, sometimes I feel with certain individuals, such as Knox Marshall, she bends over backwards in an attempt to be friendly towards the guy.

Okay, I get that Lex really likes him and to my knowledge, the guy hasn't done anything to harm Lex or Ari. Yet there's just something about the guy that puts me off. Maybe it's because he chose to look like my late brother.

Who does that? It's so bizarre. Why in the hell would someone do such a thing?

I push Knox out of my head. I don't want to be wasting perfectly good brain energy on someone who's clearly delusional.

****
"She wants what?" I give Dave a quick call, letting him know we'll be joining him, Cass and Aaron on the outing to the zoo this upcoming Saturday and casually mention that Lex wants Knox to join us.

"Yup," I say. "You heard me correctly. Lex wants Knox Marshall to come along."

"Why?"

"Because he's a pathetic loser, who has no social life and Lex feels sorry for him."

"Oh man!" Dave groans. "This is so weird!"

"You're telling me."

"Dude, no offense, but Lex is off her rocker."

"No shit."

"Maybe he won't be able to come," Dave says, trying to sound optimistic. "He could be working."

"I sincerely hope he is," I reply. "Otherwise, both Lex and Cass will be on our cases the entire time to make friends and play nice."

"Just what I want," Dave grumbles.

"You and me both, man," I say. "You and me both."

***

"Knox thinks he'll be able to join us," Lex informs me a few days later. I inwardly cringe.

This will be fun.

"Great," I say flatly.

"Steve," Lex says warningly.

"I'll be polite," I say.

"Knox is a decent guy." Lex has her hands on her hips, eyes narrowed.

"I never said he wasn't," I say, a sense of weariness overtaking me. "Baby, let's not fight about this."

I move to Lex, wrapping my arms around her. She stiffens some, but only for a few seconds. Lex finally relaxes into my embrace. I hug her.

"Do you promise to behave yourself?" Lex asks softly. I kiss the top of her head.

"I promise, baby." Lex wiggles of my embrace, pulling my head down and gently kisses me. I smile tenderly at me.

"I love you," Lex murmurs.

"I love you, too."

***
Lex

I've been feeling edgy today. I almost call off the walk, but I decide the exercise will be good for this edginess.

Knox ends up coming to the house even before I get Aria out the door.

"I swear," I say.  "It takes me longer everyday to do anything." Knox laughs.

"I sure don't envy you." Ari goes to climb into her stroller and Knox jumps in to secure her.

"Thanks," I say gratefully.

"No problem. Would you like me to push Aria's stroller today?"

"What about Otto?" I ask. "Think you can manage both?" Knox laughs.

"I'm a bachelor," he replies. "I've learned all kinds of tricks." I grin.

"In that case, be my guest."

***

Our walk goes well even though Knox has to stop a number of times to untangle Otto from his legs. I finally take ahold of Otto's leash, allowing Knox to push Ari's stroller.

It refreshing not to have to pushing Ari since I'm eight months pregnant. Aria certainly doesn't seem to mind that someone besides her parents is pushing her,

She's actually quite social when it comes to people. That's probably because she's been exposed to so many people since she was a baby. Of course, I suppose that could have gone in the opposite direction.

"Luckily it's not so hot out today," Knox comments.

"No kidding," I agree. Although I know Steve feels weird about Knox accompanying Aria and I on our walks, I like it because I'm not as easy of a target for perv's. It's nice having a big, strong guy along. Not that I've really had too much trouble, but it makes me feel safer anyways.

By the time we get back home, I feel a little winded. Knox immediately switches into E.M.T mode.

"Are you having chest pains?" He asks briskly. I shake my head. Knox takes me by the arm, gently leading me to the couch.

"My stomach just feels a little upset," I tell Knox.

"Do you have any 7-Up?" Knox asks. I nod and he dashes off to the kitchen. Aria is wide-eyed and hurries over to me. I help her climb up next to me.

"You okay, Mommy?" Aia snuggles into side and I put my arm around her.

"I'm just fine, baby," I murmur, stroking her hair. Knox returns with the 7-Up.

"Sip it slowly," he cautions me. I nod, sipping a little. After a few minutes, my stomach begins to settle.

"Feeling any better?" Knox asks. I note how calm he is, yet ready to spring into action should the occasion present itself. I nod, smiling and reaching out to touch his hand.

"Yeah. Thanks." Knox's face relaxes into a grin.

"Happy to help." He grabs Otto by the leash, checks on me once more, telling me if something feels off, don't hesitate to call 911.

"Will do. We'll see you Saturday?" Knox gives me a thumbs up.

"Sure will."