"I booked us a table at that new Japanese restaurant we kept saying we want to check out," Stephanie stated as she stepped out of the steaming bathroom. Sauntering across the room she took a seat at her vanity table. "It's set for tonight at eight. You can make it after work right?"

Alexander rolled over in the bed and tossed his covers aside. Sitting up he gave a small nod of agreement. To be honest he had already made plans to take Teddy and the girls out for dinner. But he couldn't exactly deny Stephanie this one small request. He had finally been allowed back into their bed and she had appeared to be much more understanding about the situation as a whole. He didn't want to ruffle the women's feathers.

This meant he would need to cancel on Teddy. But he was hopeful she would understand about it. She knew pieces of how hard it had been for him. Just the other day they had been chatting on the phone and he had accidentally let it slip that he was sleeping on the couch. He was sure she couldn't blame him for accepting Stephanie when she reached out.

"That sounds great babe." Climbing out of bed he made his way over to wrap his arms around the women from behind. He planted a gentle kiss on her cheek. He held her for a moment longer than usual. So much had changed over the last couple weeks, but one thing he hadn't expected to change was the way his wife would fit in his arms. It always seemed as though she was a perfect fit to him. His arms would hold her and she could fit right into his chest like puzzle piece. But lately this seemed to be a struggle to get comfortable. Not matter how he tried it felt awkward now holding her boney body against his.

Kissing the top of her head he stepped away from her. "I'll be here to pick you up before than," he promised her. Grabbing his change of clothes he headed towards the bathroom. A last second he grabbed his phone. He needed to call and cancel on Teddy.

The curvy, short blonde women had been occupying his thoughts lately. She seemed to fit into his arms with ease. Her body was warm and full. It felt like hugging a pillow. He couldn't resist thinking about the way she nibble her plump lip when nervous. Or how she preferred to have her hair down with a headband sweeping it back from her face. This was the woman that was carrying his child. It was natural to think about her right?

Speaking of the child on the way. He needed to tell Stephanie about the newest arrival. Of course the child wasn't here yet. But he wanted to be fully involved this time around and its not like he could keep a secret baby from Stephanie. The timing just hadn't been right.

Despite not telling his wife his thoughts would still continuously drift to the thoughts of this baby. He was wondering what the baby would look like. Charley and Joey had their mother's bright hair and looked like a mini version of her. Was it wrong of him to want this next child to resemble him a little more? He wanted a little twin of himself walking around. He thought about the larger picture, how he wanted to be there physically to support the family. He wanted to be around for all the changes and midnight feedings. And of course he would be there for the birth. His mind also pulled at the thoughts of a name for the little one. As tradition goes his first born in the Daddario family was to be named after himself, he was technically Alexander the third. But Teddy might not be interested in naming her child that.

Turning the shower on, he left the water running loudly as he took a seat on the counter. Typing into his phone he gave Teddy a call. He realized how terrible this was of him. He was clearly hiding this from Stephanie. He failed to inform her that he was going for a visit and now he was hiding out in the bathroom as he made the call to cancel.

"Don't tell me you are going to be freakishly early again" Teddy answered the phone with a clear giggle lining her voice. "I thought we had moved past that. Besides you aren't supposed to arrive until dinner. So if you're going to tell me your right down the street than we are going to have a serious problem considering I am still in pajamas."

Alec chuckled lightly and gave his head a shake. He had a feeling one day this woman was going to be a playfully annoying thorn in his side. "Actually I'm calling to cancel," he stated softly.

"Oh" Teddy answered him softly. "Did something go wrong?"

"Its nothing like that" Alec reassured her. "Nothing bad of course. Stephanie finally let me back into our bed last night and she's insisting on going out tonight. A date night I guess you could say. I suppose I could tell her no, but it's been a while since she and I have had any time alone. "

"Oh I see" Teddy stated gently.

"I hope it isn't any inconvenience" Alec apologized. "I really am sorry that it was such short notice. I just feel terrible about cancelling. But I really don't want to deny this small request for my wife."

"Of course" Teddy said. "You're wife will always come first."

Alec sighed, "It isn't like that Teddy. You know I would never put one of you over the other. To me you are all family. And I wouldn't abandon my daughters. Do you think they are going to be okay with this? I mean if they really will have a hard time with me breaking this promise than I can change my plans with Steph."

Teddy sighed through the phone. "No. You don't need to change things with your wife. I honestly understand it. You need to have time to date with her still. You guys are a couple after all. Trust me I understand. And the girls will too."

"They wont be too disappointed will they?" Alec asked softly. "I wouldn't be able to handle if I upset them."

"No" Teddy answered carefully. "They'll be alright I swear. It wont is a big deal."

"Okay great" Alec smiled slightly. "We will reschedule right?" he asked. He wasn't going to pass up on a chance to see his daughters. If he's missed out on spending time with the girls of course he is going to plan another night out with them. "I can come by and take you guys out for dinner later this week. Or we can head out to the park one afternoon."

"Yeah we will definitely find another date to get together," Teddy agreed. "I am sure the girls will love it. Text me when you're free."

"Alright" Alec said. "Thank you for understanding."

Teddy said farewell and hung up the phone. This left Alec alone and time to now grab his quick shower before getting ready for work.

Teddy was disappointed in Alec to say the least. For weeks all he wanted was to spend time with the girls, and now he was canceling. What was she suppose to think of that? She couldn't really blame Alec could she? Sure she was upset by it. But he hadn't made other plans. His wife had forced this on him. And he couldn't say no.

Although she wished he had turned her down. She had been excited to see him – just as the girls were. Over the past couple weeks she had actually grown attached to the man. Now she felt her heart drop slightly at the let down of not having the man come around tonight.

A part of her mind couldn't help but to think was it possible that Stephanie had done this on purpose. The wife had never seemed entirely supportive. From the short time Teddy knew the women it seemed what she wanted she easily got. If she wanted the night alone with Alec, than she was probably going to throw a fit until she got it. So Teddy understood where Alexander was coming from.

But she was disappointed that she was going to let her little girls down. She didn't want them feeling forgotten. Alec had promised them he was going to come over today and now she needed to be the one that lets them down.

Putting off the news for the day the women put her focus into work. She was doing some spring-cleaning of organizing the books and clearing out the clutter. Charley and Joey were tucked away in the corner and playing with their dolls. Going through boxes Teddy struggled with focusing on the task. Continuously she glanced towards her daughters. She had yet to tell them about Alec being their daddy and she hadn't even brought up the pregnancy yet. She couldn't very much continue hiding the baby bump. It was already a struggle. And with the weather getting hotter sooner rather than later she would need to change out of these wooly sweaters.

So many changes were coming this way for those girls of hers. She wanted to keep something normal. And giving them as much of her free time was at the top of her list.

"Momma" Charley beamed running towards her mothers legs and giving them a warm squeeze. "Alec coming?"

Reaching down Teddy stroked the blonde curls softly. She smiled slightly and took a kneel.

"He comes?" Joey asked coming up behind her sister with a large smile.

"Alec can't come today" the mother answered softly "and he's really sorry." She took each of her daughter's hands. "But I'm going to take you out for dinner instead okay little ones?" just because Alexander couldn't make it doesn't mean her girls should miss out on having a night out. Of course going to the local diner might not be that fancy – but it was something at least.

"Ice cream?" Charley asked showing her toothy grin.

Teddy couldn't help but chuckle. She gave the little one a tap on the nose. "Ice cream for dessert. Dinner first."

"Okay momma" Charley nodded in agreement. How did Teddy get so lucky to have daughters that so understood? Another child might have thrown a fit about Alec cancelling or not getting ice cream for dinner. But not her girls. They were always so calm.

"Let me close up." She grabbed the boxes she was going through and set them under the counter, she could finish the rest of her work later. Dimming the lights she headed to the door and grabbed their jackets, which hopefully in a few weeks they wont need to bother with these anymore. Sitting on the floor she helped Joey into the clothing first, slipping on the jacket and pulling on the girls shoes. Moving on to Charley she made quick work of getting them dressed. "Okay ready" she smiled tugging her own jacket. Locking up the store she took a hand of each of her daughters and started walking down the street.

The sun was out low in the sky today. The season was finally starting to look up and get a little warmer. The grass was clearly green and the buds of flowers were starting to pop. That reminded her that she would need to get started on her gardening. But aside from that she would be able to take Charley and Joey out more often – even just to play in the backyard.

The town was also busy preparing for the upcoming holiday. Easter was just around the corner and the bunny was sure to arrive soon. Everyone was setting out chocolates for sale and little trinkets of toys. Charley was giggling and excitedly pointing at the stuffed animal of a cute little toy. Teddy put the thought to the back of her mind considering it as a gift for the Easter baskets.

Coming to the diner she got the girls settled into the seat nearest the window so they can watch outside. Teddy taking the seat between them both grabbed the colouring pages and crayons from the centre of the table. She gave the girls each a page and kept one for herself. She might as well enjoy the night.

Sticking her tongue out slightly she was concentrating on the picture. Not that it was hard or anything. But she wanted to stay perfectly inside the lines – she was a little bit of a perfectionist. She was so focused on the page that she hadn't noticed the glances she was getting and the whispering taking place behind her back.

But her daughters noticed it. "Momma" Joey said tugging her mother on the sleeve. "Why they pointing?"

Teddy frowned slightly and glanced over her shoulder. At the moment people were pointing but it was clear to see that they had been watching her. Swiftly looking away they had made the gaze obvious. What were people doing staring at her? She wasn't that obviously along in her pregnancy yet.

"I don't know sweetie," Teddy answered with a forced smile. She had her guesses though. This was probably something to do with Alec – or the lack of him. She still hadn't introduced him around the town. But people had noticed him. And when one person notices something different in town, it quickly spreads to everyone else.

Her suspicions were confirmed when the server arrived at the table to take the order. She the elderly mother has the diner owner, and the local gossip. It was the only reason the older women still worked at the diner. She was able to be one of the first to get the dirt on everyone coming through her door.

"Welcome back Teddy" Bernadette stated with a smile. "I see it's just the three girls tonight. That young man of yours didn't make it this time?" she was being subtle at least – or trying to be. But Teddy knew this woman. This was a struggle for her to hold back the questions and remain professional.

"Yeah he was busy" Teddy answered back simply with a small smile.

"Alec busy" Joey added to the conversation, not wanting to be left out of the conversation.

"Oh Alec is his name?" Bernadette asked. "That's such a nice classic form of Alex. Nice choice. "

"Yeah I suppose so," Teddy answered. It wasn't like she named the man. "So I think we will get the chicken-"

"It's nice to see him around town with you and the girls. They deserve to have a father figure," Bernadette stated thoughtfully. "And you should get some help around that shop of yours now. Having that man around to help will give you more free time for your daughters. It was a very wise choice of yours Teddy. The people of the town were starting to get worried about you."

"Worried about me?" Teddy's eyes widened slightly. What were these old women talking about? Why would people be worried about her? And why in the world were they talking behind her back?

"Yes. About you spending your life alone or eventually a man coming along that could take advantage of you." The women paused for a second. "This guy isn't taking advantage of you is he? Is he a good man?"

"Good man" Charley nodded her head quickly in agreement.

"Good, I'm glad to hear it" Bernadette smiled wide. "Alright what can I get for you guys?"

"Um" Teddy, now flustered, glanced at the menu. "Charley will have the chicken stripes and fries, Joey the grilled cheese and fries. And I'll take the chicken wrap with fries." When the server finally walked away to fill the meal orders Teddy let out a sigh of relief.

But the break didn't last long as another person approached the table. This time it was a man a few years older than Teddy. He wasn't exactly Teddy's type, but he had insisted on taking her for a couple dates a few years back. Even back then he was balding and had a round beer belly. He wasn't exactly a horrible date, just not the date for her and she was sure somebody would value him one day.

"Saw you with that new date" Frank stated sticking his hands in his back pocket. "So I see you finally got over me eh? Its too bad things had never worked out."

Teddy nearly dropped the glass of water she was holding. Her? Getting over him? Excuse you, she was the one that had called things off and he was begging her to stay. "Yeah it's too bad" Teddy answered with a small shrug. Whatever if this man wanted to believe Alec was her date than so be it. At least that was one problem off her shoulder.

"Hopefully he'll be able to clean to rain gutters of yours" Frank added. "It takes a real man to get down and dirty like that. And with him in those tight jeans that hug in all the wrong places I wouldn't put a lot of money on his abilities."

She wasn't completely sure he was talking literally about rain gutters. There seemed to be a dirty under tone to the comment. And she didn't know how jeans could possibly hug anywhere wrong. "Yeah well Alexander does just fine."

"Leave the women alone Franklin" Bernadette stated coming back balancing the plates of food along her arms. "She's just not that into you."

Teddy snorted slightly as the man left in a huff. She grabbed the plates thankfully and smiled. "Thanks." Her focus was now able to return to her little girls. Although she was aware that everyone was still watching her with curious eyes and wasn't being disturbed. Cutting the chicken into smaller pieces for her daughters to share she took a bite of her own food. When her phone buzzed she pulled it out to see a message from Alec. Smiling slightly she opened it.

"Sorry again about tonight" the message from the man read.

"It's fine. Don't worry about it" Teddy answered her reply. She then put the phone away and playfully stole a fry from Joey's plate.

"My fries" Joey pouted stuffing several in her mouth at once.

"Oh its so nice to see you out" a female voice cheered. It seemed teddy just wasn't going to get any luck with her meal tonight was she? Everyone wanted to talk to her. Standing before her was the local popular mom. She was in her early thirties with three kids, all under the age of six. She had her thumb over every event the town held or organized.

"Its nice to see you too" Teddy forced a smile. This was starting to take its toll on her. This was why she never went out. Why she didn't bother volunteering or getting involved within the community. Everyone had something to say or gossip about.

"Since I saw you here I thought I thought I'd give you a heads up. We usually hold a fathers day picnic in the park for the entire daddy's and their little ones. Usually us mothers will get together to organize it. It's a very special day for the kids. Hopefully we will see you at the next meeting" Tiffany stated.

"I've never been invited to the fathers day picnic before" Teddy said in confusion. She had known well enough about the picnic. The women cooked for the men and gave them a special night out for their children. But with the twins not having a father Teddy had never been asked to participate before.

"Well the invite is not for you silly" Tiffany giggled. "Its for that man of yours I've seen you go around with. How you got a man as attractive as that is beyond me. But anyways. Of course as an acting father figure to your girls he is more than welcome to join in. I'm sure it'll help him to feel closer to the town and get to know a few people."

"Okay thanks. But Father's Day is like three months away" Teddy argued.

"We like to plan in advance" the women glanced at the twins and mumbled "not that you know anything about planning."

"Gee thanks for the invite Tiffany" Teddy stated. "But you know I doubt we will be able to make it. Thanks anyways." She turned in her seat so her back was facing the women. Who did she think she was coming in here and saying this stuff to her face? And even if Alexander did want to attend this picnic thing she sure as hell wasn't going there to wait on the guys hand and foot.

Once the women left Teddy was able to finish off her meal. Tugging her wallet free she paid for the meal once everyone was finished. She then proceeded to assist the girls in getting their jackets on.

"Ice cream time?" Charley asked with a big smile.

"You're not too cold?" Teddy asked raising an eyebrow.

"Not cold" Joey insisted.

Teddy couldn't resist giving into the two girls. She smiled slightly and gave a small nod. "Ice cream it is then." Taking their hands they headed out of the diner and went towards the park – where a small ice cream stand stood. "How about you girls go play for a little and then we can get our desserts?" she suggested ruffling their hair slightly.

"Okay momma!" the two girls cheered before heading off to the slide.

Taking a seat Teddy sighed softly. She rested her chin in her hands and watched the girls playing. Soon there would be a third little one to play with them. Sure it was going to be a lot. But Teddy could handle it right? And this time around she would have Alec occasionally. He had let her down today but that was only a one time thing right? He wasn't going to do that every time they made plans.

"Is this seat taken?' a husky voice asked from the edge of the bench.

"All yours" Teddy answered not glancing the man's way.

"Thanks Teddy bear" the voice stated with a slight chuckle.

Teddy's head snapped up. No one would dare call her that – especially not a stranger. "Who the hell-" she froze mid sentence when she locked eyes a pair of piecing blue ones and ruffled shaggy dark hair. "Alexander?"

"In the flesh" Alec chuckled and smiled. "Glad you can still recognize me in my suit." He was dressed completely different than she was used to viewing him. Gone was the relaxed pair of jeans and a t-shirt or sweater. And in came the slick dark suits with designer shirts. The tie was removed and stuffed in his pocket, but she noticed it sticking out.

"What are you doing here?" she asked stunned that he had made it after all.

"I made a promise to you and the girls" Alec explained. "I felt terrible all day about cancelling, so I left work early and decided to drive out here." Glancing at his watch he sighed "but I gotta leave in twenty minutes. I still gotta be back in the city by eight to take Stephanie on that date I agreed to."

"You drove over two hours just to get twenty minutes in with your daughters?" Teddy was even more stunned than before. She was thinking he cancelled or something. But to drive so far to only stay for a few minutes was insane.

"Of course I did" Alec gave a cheeky smile. "I couldn't miss out on a night with my girls" he playfully shoved his shoulder against Teddy. "All of my girls."

Teddy gazed at him with her mouth open slightly. All of his girls? Did that include her? Why would he consider her as one of his girls? "Do you mean..."

"You?" Alexander turned slightly in his seat and faced her easily. "Of course" he stated softly. Reaching up he rested his cold hand against her warm cheek. This was maybe a little too close for comfort. But neither of them wanted to pull away. "I made a promise to come see you too. So here I am."

The man was moving so close to Teddy that she could smell the peppermint gum off his breath. Feeling his body shifting even closer she longed to close her eyes. "Here you are," she stated softly. Alec's thumb rubbed soothingly against her cheek. This action was drawing her nearer to the man. Both of them were leaning in with their eyes drifting shut.

For an evening that had started off so terrible, with dozens of people watching her and gossiping, to those her came to the table. Her night had clearly not been one of the best. But being surprised in the park by Alexander, knowing that he had come all this way for her and Joey and Charley, it made her feel a certain way she hadn't felt in many years. It gave her an all over warm and cuddly sense of belonging.

Reluctantly Teddy had snapped free from the daydream just as she felt the breathing on her lips. Snapping back away from him she cleared her throat. What the hell was she thinking? Was she about to kiss him? Sure maybe she was caught up in the moment. It had been a long time since a man had reached out to her in this way. Since somebody had given their time up for her. It had made her feel special for a second. But this wasn't the man for her. There would be too much drama with them sharing children together and the fact that Alec was currently married. Then why did she long for that kiss so badly?

"Maybe it's best you go play with the girls" Teddy awkwardly suggested.

Rubbing the back of his neck Alec gave a small nod and stood. "Yeah you're right. Sorry about... you know. Everything."

"Its fine" Teddy waved him off and shifted in her seat. "Just go be with the girls. That's why you came here after all."

"Teddy" Alexander had wanted to say more but thought better of it. He firmly shut his mouth and gave a nod. Turning on his heels he sauntered over to the twins. And just like that their almost moment was behind them.