Eight

Lights, Crew, Legacy

 

Leaving his dressing room, he stepped into the bustling corridor. The last of a grueling string of interviews was finally behind him, and only one thought occupied his mind—finding his wife. Navigating through the crowd with practiced ease, he made his way to the front of the house. Once there, he scanned the arena floor, eyes sweeping the scene for her familiar silhouette.

When he didn’t spot her, he raised the radio Tony had handed him earlier.

 

“Matt, do you know where I can find my wife?”

 

His brother’s voice crackled through the static. “No clue, man. Maybe she’s harnessed—look up.”

 

“Not funny, fucktard!” Jon barked.

 

Laughter echoed faintly in the background. “Sorry, bro, I couldn’t resist. Maybe Kennedy knows.”

 

“Yeah, maybe. Just keep an eye out, alright?”

 

“Sure thing. I’ll radio if I spot her.”

 

Lowering the radio, he took another sweeping glance around the arena. Just then, the static buzzed again, this time with a different voice cutting in.

 

“Hey, Boss! You looking for someone?” Cliff’s voice boomed.

 

“Yeah. You see Ari?”

 

“I’m looking right at her. We’re in catering.”

 

“On my way. Don’t let her leave.”

 

“Not a problem.”

 

As he entered the catering area, the familiar scent of warm food and coffee hit him. The L-shaped tables were lined with sterno trays, overflowing sandwich platters, and the usual staples that fueled the chaos behind the scenes.

 

It wasn’t until Cliff waved him over that he saw her.

 

She was curled in a chair, legs stretched out onto another, head tilted against the wall in exhausted surrender. Her messy bun looked like it had fought a losing battle with the wind—stray strands framed her face. Lily lay curled against her chest, fast asleep, completely undisturbed by the noise surrounding them.

 

A soft chuckle escaped him as he approached. “How long has she been out?” he asked of the man who’d been on Ari duty.

 

“Not long.”

 

He glanced over the nearby table—half-eaten sandwiches, abandoned coffee cups, and an absurd number of Froot Loops scattered across the surface like confetti.

 

“I swear I’m gonna invest in those damn rainbow-colored circles. You should think about it too.”

 

Cliff laughed. “Thanks for the tip.”

 

“Did she eat?”

 

“Yes, Mom.” Hazy green eyes fluttered open as the subject of his questions stirred to life.

 

Ariana blinked, squinting against the harsh overhead fluorescents that cast a sterile glow over the room. The low hum of industrial refrigerators blended with the occasional clatter of metal lids and distant voices barking orders. The scent of coffee and warm bread lingered in the air, mixing with the faint tang of disinfectant.

 

Lily stirred slightly on her chest but didn’t wake.

 

Jon crouched beside the chair, brushing a loose strand of hair from Ari’s cheek.

 

“I hope it was more than cereal?”

 

“As a matter of fact, I had a little grilled chicken and a banana,” she said, her voice still thick with sleep.

 

“Good.” He glanced around again at the chaos—crew members moving in and out with hurried steps, grabbing snacks, refilling cups, talking through headsets. “How are things going out there?”

 

“Pretty good. I should actually get back.” She shifted, trying to sit upright, but Lily’s warm, solid weight pinned her in place. She let out a soft grunt of frustration. “How did the interviews go?”

 

“I survived,” he said with a grin, leaning in to gently scoop Lily from her chest. The baby gave a sleepy wiggle but didn’t fully stir as Jon helped Ari upright. “If that’s what you’re asking.”

 

“What’s your plan for the rest of the afternoon?”

 

“I’m done for the day. Was hoping you’d want to head back to the hotel.”

 

“Jon, I can’t do that, and you know it.” She rubbed the back of her neck and glanced toward the door where two crew members rushed by, arguing over cable placement. “Why don’t you take Lily and go ahead without me?”

 

“You hear that, monkey?” he said, adjusting Lily in his arms as she blinked up at him with bleary eyes. “Mommy’s trying to ditch me so she can go misbehave.”

 

Lily responded with a gurgling laugh, her tiny hand smacking against his chest. The sweet, unexpected sound broke through the room’s steady background hum of conversation and clinking trays. Even Cliff, leaning casually against the table with his arms crossed, let out a soft chuckle.

 

“You’re such an ass.” Ari stood with a stretch, then bent to press a kiss to Lily’s chubby hand, her expression softening.

 

“What about me?” Jon asked, mock-offended, tilting his cheek toward her.

 

“After that comment, you’ve gotta earn one of those.” She gave him a playful wink and turned toward the door, the corners of her mouth still curled with amusement.

 

Cliff lifted his hands in mock surrender. “I got her, Boss.”

 

“Thanks, Cliff. See you back at the hotel.”

 

♱ ♱ ♱ ♱ ♱ ♱ ♱ ♱ ♱ ♱

Ari stepped onto the arena floor, her pulse ticked with anticipation. The clinking and clattering of chains echoed high above, a metallic rhythm that signaled the delicate chaos soon to unfold. The gentle hum of audio equipment blended with the quiet buzz of lights, their vibrant glow poised to bathe the space in color. Video screens blinked to life like curious eyes, waiting for the show to begin.

 

To the untrained eye, the floor was a tangled mess—cables snaking across concrete, pulleys dangling like vines, rigging equipment scattered like forgotten tools. But to Ari and her crew, it was a masterpiece in progress. Every wire had a purpose. Every beam held a promise. She made her way toward the center, eyes drifting upward to the towering grid that loomed above. Crew members moved like shadows among the beams, checking rigging points, harnessed and agile, working with the precision of a well-rehearsed ballet.

 

At the far end of the arena, the stage loomed in anticipation, casting long shadows beneath the lights. Seventy-five hands in black silently choreographed their movements with practiced gestures, readying to push the massive platform into place. A buzz of energy hung in the air—part nerves, part adrenaline.

 

“Are we a go?” Ari shouted, motioning toward the web of cables.

 

“Ready over here!” Stan’s voice rang down from his perch high in the catwalk.

 

A few feet away, Lefty threw up a hand in a lazy salute. “Good here too!”

 

“Alright, here we go!”

 

A thrill ran through her as Kennedy gave the signal, and the crew fell into their dance, hoisting the rig high above. The grinding of metal against metal filled the space, gritty and glorious. Ari’s hands itched to help—old habits die hard—but the doctor’s orders were clear. No lifting. No strain.

 

She glanced around. No sign of Cliff. Stepping backward toward the stage, she inched closer to the action. The stagehands moved in unison, a human machine as they began to push the platform across the floor. With a quiet breath, she leaned in and placed her palms against the edge, ready to help guide it along—until a strong hand landed on her shoulder.

 

“Uh-uh, Lucy.” Cliff’s deep voice was calm but firm, laced with just enough humor to soften the scolding. “You know the rules.”

 

“I was just…” She turned, feigning innocence. “Supervising.”

 

“Sure, you were.” He chuckled. “Don’t make me call the bossman on you.”

 

She sighed and stepped back, removing her hands. Cliff had always looked out for her—she’d never put him in a spot that could cost him.

 

“Moretti, is that you?”

 

The voice came from above, drawing her gaze to the moving platform. She squinted—and then grinned wide.

 

“Holy shit! If it isn’t little Sabatini. How the fuck are you?”

 

“Hey now! I didn’t call you little Moretti, did I?” He grinned and beckoned her. “Get up here!”

 

“Can I?” She grinned at Cliff, already climbing. “Promise I won’t fall.”

 

He didn’t answer, just steadied her as she scaled the frame. “I’ll be right here,” he said, fingers walking in the air.

 

Once up, she pulled the dark-haired man into a tight hug.

 

“What are you doing here?” they said in unison, then both laughed.

 

“My crew and I are working this tour,” she replied.

 

He smirked. “Some things never change.”

 

“And you?”

 

“Got the call this morning. They were short a hand.” As they ducked beneath a hanging chain, he gently guided her head down. “Wait—did I hear that right? Your crew?”

 

“Yep. I run my own company now.”

 

His eyebrows lifted. “That’s awesome. Congrats times two, I see.”

 

“Thanks.” She chuckled, patting her stomach. “Future crew member coming in July.”

 

“First?”

 

“Second. You?”

 

He held up three fingers. “Two boys and a girl. What about this one? Do you know yet?”

 

“We already have a girl, but it’s too early to tell on this one.”

 

He shook his head fondly. “I’d say I’m surprised you’re still working, but nah—I know better. Nothing could keep you away from this.”

 

Before she could respond, a tremor passed beneath their feet as the structure clicked into its final position. The metallic groan echoed through the space like a beast settling in for the night. With practiced ease, they climbed down.

 

“How’s Smoke? Still causing trouble?” she asked.

 

“Still the same stubborn old man—now with a garden,” he said with a grin. “But he misses the chaos. I think we all do, when it’s in your blood.”

 

Ari laughed. “Now that’s a sight. Maybe I should call him—offer him a job. Supervisory only, of course.”

 

“Forget him—I’ll come work for you.”

 

“Anytime. Just say the word.”

 

“I will.” He nodded toward a group of stagehands waving him over. “Duty calls. Great seeing you, Ari.”

 

“You too.” She pulled him in for another hug. “Let’s catch up again soon.”

 

As they parted, Ari turned toward the next task on her list. She still needed to check in with Kennedy and the boys. The day had been long and relentless, and her body was ready to surrender to sleep. One last stop, though—Dr. Cummings.

 

She found them lounging on gear crates, snacks scattered like breadcrumbs across the floor. Lefty, of course, had a Camel hanging between his lips, the cherry glowing faintly in the dim light.

 

“Looks like you’ve got things under control. Need anything?”

 

Kennedy shook her head. “Nope.” She gestured to the boys. “They’ve got five more minutes, then it’s back to work.”

 

Ari grinned. Watching Kennedy command the crew gave her a strange sense of pride. It was like watching a younger version of herself in action. “Alright. I’m heading out. I’ll check in tomorrow. We’ll probably be here before call time anyway, since there wasn’t a soundcheck tonight.”

 

“Aye, aye, boss. See ya, mañana!” Lefty called out.

 

“Peace,” Stan added, flashing a two-finger salute.

 

“Get some rest,” Kennedy said, giving Ari a playful shove toward a waiting Cliff.

Seven

We Built This City

 

Breakfast had ended, but the table still wore the evidence—forgotten bites of pancake, glistening trails of syrup, and soft clouds of whipped cream. The comforting aroma of coffee lingered in the air like a final note in a song as Jon checked his watch. Time to drive the kids back to the city. While he handled the drop-off, Ari and Lily would pack for the next round of shows in Toronto. Later, they'd all meet at the airport with the band.

 

He stood, kissed Ari and Lily goodbye, and turned to the others with a gentle smile. “Wash your hands, sticky fingers,” he reminded them as they darted toward the door. The car was already waiting in the drive. As it pulled away from the house, Jon pulled out his phone to check his messages, the familiar rhythm of the day settling in. From the backseat, voices rose in joyful bursts, just as they had over breakfast—full of curiosity, laughter, and talk of the new baby.

 

“Hey Dad, do you think the new baby will like pizza?” Romeo asked, eyes wide and hopeful.

 

“If he or she is anything like you, I’d say yes. Maybe even more.”

 

“I hope it’s another girl,” Stephanie chimed in. “We need to even out the teams.”

 

“God, no!” Jesse groaned, tossing his head back in mock horror.

 

Stephanie leaned forward, serious now. “What do you want, Dad?”

 

Jon caught her eyes in the rearview mirror, his tone soft. “A healthy, happy baby. That’s all I ask.”

 

The car rolled to a stop in front of the tall brick building. Without waiting, the kids leapt out and raced each other to the front door, their laughter echoing off the sidewalk. Jon told the driver he’d only be a few minutes and slipped out behind them, catching up just as the elevator doors opened. When they reached the right floor, he paused for a breath—Dorothea was already standing at the door, arms crossed, waiting.

 

“Mom! Mom! Guess what? Ari’s having a baby!” Jake shouted, bursting with excitement.

 

“Wow,” she said, voice even. “That’s big news.” The words were right, but her eyes told a different story.

 

“All right, hugs and kisses,” Jon said, stretching his arms wide. “I need to talk with your mother. I’ll see you all in a few days.”

 

Once the kids disappeared down the hall, Jon folded his arms across his chest, his expression hardening. “Go ahead. Let me hear it.”

 

“Don’t come at me with an attitude,” Dorothea snapped.

 

“You mean like the one you gave Ariana last night?” he asked with a smirk, knowing exactly where to press.

 

“Please. I’ve earned the right to have an attitude. Don’t you think?”

 

Jon raised an eyebrow. “Not really.”

 

She stepped closer, voice rising. “Let’s see. A mistress for twenty years, a baby, divorce papers, and now—surprise—another baby. And all in one year. So yes, I’ve earned every damn ounce of this attitude!”

 

He took a deep breath, trying to stay level. This back-and-forth had played on a loop for months. The bitterness, the blame—it was exhausting. They were grown adults, for God’s sake.

 

“This isn’t about us anymore,” he said, his voice firm. “It’s about the kids. Can you please just be civil for once?”

 

“Civil?” she echoed, narrowing her eyes.

 

“Yes! The kids are excited about the baby. You should be happy for them.”

 

“Oh, you think I’m going to sit here and clap while you go play house and make more babies?” she snapped, her voice dripping with sarcasm.

 

He stepped in, voice low and calm, but edged with warning. “Look at you—angry, bitter. You could be happy for them, but instead you choose to be an a—”

 

“A what, Jon?” she shot back, fire in her eyes.

 

The tension in the room was thick enough to choke on. He’d lived in this storm long enough to know it wasn’t going to pass today. Maybe not ever. But he was done standing in the eye of it.

 

“I don’t have time for this bullshit anymore,” he muttered, stepping into the waiting elevator. “Jeanie will send you the details for Friday,” he added just before the doors closed.

 

Leaning against the wall, he closed his eyes as the elevator hummed its way down. His thoughts drifted to breakfast—the laughter, the questions, the bright eyes full of wonder about the baby to come. The kids didn’t deserve to be caught in this mess, trapped in a tug-of-war between old wounds and new beginnings.

 

When the elevator doors slid open, he stepped out into the city’s rhythm. With every stride, the weight of the argument began to lift. The sidewalk buzzed with life, people rushing by, horns honking, the sun warming the back of his neck.

 

Then his phone buzzed in his pocket. A message.

 

Jon. Remember to play nice.

 

He smiled. Ari—clear, grounded, and always a step ahead.

 

♱ ♱ ♱ ♱ ♱ ♱ ♱ ♱ ♱ ♱

 

Excitement buzzed through the air as Jon and Ari stepped into the Air Canada Centre. The vast, echoing space—still empty of fans but alive with purpose—was already humming with activity. Crew members moved with focused energy, their voices bouncing off the steel rafters, mingling with the rhythmic thud of crates being rolled across concrete and the distant whir of stage machinery.

 

Lily, snug in her baby carrier on Ari’s chest, waved her tiny hands in the air as if conducting the invisible orchestra of sound around her. Music played softly from a nearby speaker, blending into the organized chaos. This was a world both Jon and Ari knew well—one built on adrenaline, timing, and trust.

 

They made their way through the backstage corridor, weaving around cables and gear cases. As they reached the spot where their paths would split—Jon heading to interviews, Ari to the crew—he caught her eye.

 

“I’ll meet you back here after the interviews,” he said, adjusting his sunglasses.

 

“Sounds good. Maybe lose the sunglasses,” she teased with a shrug.

 

“Only if you remember not to overdo it. You’ve got a team for a reason.” He leaned in and pressed a quick kiss to her cheek before turning toward the dressing rooms.

 

“Alright, Lily,” Ari said with a smile, “let’s go find the crew.”

 

She tightened the straps of the carrier, ensuring Lily was secure, and navigated deeper into the maze of activity. The familiar sounds of backstage life—laughter, shouting, metal clanging—mixed with the glow of overhead work lights and the glint of trusses high above. Her pulse quickened, the rush of show prep as familiar and thrilling as ever.

 

“Hey, Kennedy!” Ari called out, spotting her lead tech in the middle of a circle of roadies.

 

“Boss, you made it!” Kennedy grinned, eyes lighting up as she noticed Lily’s flailing arms. “Looks like someone’s ready to rock and roll.”

 

“Me or this one?” Ari laughed.

 

“Both.”

 

Ari chuckled, scanning the activity around them. “Whaddaya say we go find Lefty and Stan? This stage isn’t going to build itself.”

 

“Sure thing. They were working on the lighting rig,” Kennedy said, nodding toward a cluster of techs in the distance.

 

“Kennedy!” a voice shouted from behind them.

 

“We were just looking for you,” Ari said, turning to find Lefty approaching.

 

“Perfect timing,” he replied. The smoke from his cigarette curled lazily upward. “I was just about to track down Stan.”

 

“Lead the way.”

 

As they crossed the floor toward the lighting setup, Ari was impressed by the progress. Towering metal trusses already hung in place, gleaming under work lights, with cables stretching like veins across the floor. Techs shouted directions, their practiced movements quick and fluid. There was still plenty to finish, but the energy was good—light, confident, focused.

 

“Hey boss,” someone called from behind a scaffold, “can you hand me that wrench?”

 

“Here you go!” Ari replied, tossing it gently toward Kennedy.

 

“Nice throw! If you ever give this up, you’ve got a future in sports.”

 

“Yeah, right. I think I’ll stick to what I know best.”

 

Just then, a loud thud rang out from the opposite side of the stage, followed by a series of muffled curses. Ari couldn’t help but laugh.

 

“That has to be Stan,” she said, shaking her head. “He’s going to be the death of me.”

 

“Should we check on them?” Kennedy offered, raising an eyebrow.

 

“Would you mind?” Ari looked down at Lily, who had fallen fast asleep. “I’m going to see if I can find Cliff and put her down somewhere.”

 

“Sure thing. I’ve got Fruit Loops in my backpack if you need them.”

 

“I’m good, thanks,” Ari smiled.

 

Kennedy gave her a playful salute before heading off in the direction of the thud—either to assist or, more likely, to confirm that Stan hadn’t knocked himself out again.

 

Six

She's got a wicked smile, angel eyes

 

Jon stepped softly through the dimly lit hallway, the familiar creaks of the floor beneath his feet a reminder of the life he’d built here. Tonight’s show had been long and grueling, leaving him with aching muscles and a yearning for his wife and kids. 

 

Pausing outside Romeo’s room he peeked in and smiled at the sight of him hanging half off his bed with the dog beside him. Continuing down the hall to Stephanie and Jesse’s rooms, he noticed there was no light seeping under the doors and chose not to check on them. Passing Jake’s room, he went on to the nursery. With Meatball sleeping with Romeo, he knew that’s where he’d find Jake, and he was right. Jon slowly opened the door and found him asleep in the oversized chair while Lily slumbered in her crib. 

 

The door clicked softly behind him as he slipped quietly into their master bedroom. A soft glow from the bedside lamp cast shadows that danced across the walls. Ari laid cocooned in the sheets, her dark curls spilling from the messy bun that sat atop of her head. She was beautiful, even in the midst of all the discomfort this pregnancy brought her.

 

Stepping out of his jeans, he tugged his shirt over his head and slipped under the covers. Her body unconsciously moved closer to his as soon as he settled in.

 

“Hey, sleeping beauty,” he murmured, his finger brushing her bare shoulder.

 

Turning his way, she let out a gentle moan and greeted him with a sleepy smile as she opened her eyes. “When did you get home?” she murmured, her voice thick with sleep.

 

“Just got in.” he propped himself up on one elbow. “You should have seen the crowd. I think they missed me.”

 

“Yeah, well, I missed you more.” She stretched her body, arching before letting out a small yawn.

 

“How much more?” His fingers fumbled to adjust his wife beater she was wearing.

 

The moment his skin touched hers something electric coursed through the space. A playful grin spread across her face as she leaned in, her breath tickling his lips. “I want you.”

 

“Are you sure?”

 

She nodded, biting her lip while a glint of mischief danced in her gaze. “As sure as I was in nineteen-ninety.”

 

A deep, approving growl echoed in his chest the moment their lips met in a fervent kiss. Soft with a gentle touch at first but quickly blooming into a burning need. He could feel her fingers threading through his hair, pulling him closer as if the very act of kissing her would erase the distance of the last two nights apart.

 

“Fuck, I need you!” he moaned against her lips as his hands moved from her waist to thighs.

 

The soft, breathy laugh of his wife sent shivers down Jon’s spine.  The shivers worked their way back up again when she whispered, “What’s stopping you?”

 

“Not a damn thing.”  A wicked grin creased his cheeks, and it only grew wider at Ari’s squeak when he rolled her beneath him. “Every… part of you… I want to savor.  Slowly.” he declared while trailing kisses down her neck.  “So fucking slowly.”

 

“Jon…” she gasped, arching into him.

 

The air thrummed with heat as his lips captured hers again. Every flick of their tongues sparked a wildfire of desire. He could feel her hands move along his back, nails no doubt leaving their mark as she pressed him forward.

 

“Don’t stop!” she groaned.

 

In one fluid motion, he grasped the hem of her tank to yank it over her head. The sight of her nakedness beneath him ignited a low growl. He pulled back slightly, taking in the sight of the life they created and her faded tattoo. 

 

“You and me," he breathed, voice thick with lust. 

 

“Always.”

 

His lips found hers once more, passionately silencing her whimpers as his hands eagerly roamed. Teasing fingers slipped beneath the waistband of her boy-shorts to playfully caress her skin. One swift movement and her shorts were no more, leaving him free to lean down and kiss a trail down her body.  Slowly – so slowly – savoring the flavor of skin.

 

“Jon…” 

 

“Patience, Crash,” he whispered, using lazy lips to tease her inner thigh.

 

“Please,” she begged, the sound as raw and desperate as his own need. 

 

Unable to resist either her pleas or that driving need, he pressed his mouth against her sizzling center, tasting her with a hunger that had been building for far too long. Her body arched, pressing the heat against his tongue and causing her to gasp.  Desperate fingers tangled in his hair, twisting and tugging to the point of pain, which he might notice if he wasn’t completely lost in his favorite slice of heaven on earth. 

 

“More!” she breathed, pushing him further.

 

He lost track of time as he savored every gasp and moan. The room grew thick as black velvet with sounds of their shared ecstasy, and they reveled in both it and the distinctive harmony of pleasure that was equally familiar and exotic.

 

“Jon, I’m…”

 

“Let go, Crash.”

 

Waves of pleasure broke and shattered her beneath him with a strangled cry. As her high subsided, she pushed up on her elbows.

 

“I ain’t done with you, Bongiovi.”  

 

Ari’s gaze teemed with wickedness as she straddled his thighs to align their bodies.  She fused them together, letting gravity settle her fully onto him inch by sinful inch, her warmth embracing him like a blanket. Her reward was a prolonged growl and a firm set of fingerprints in her hips.   

 

“Buckle up, baby, it’s gonna be a bumpy ride.”

 

Her movements were deliberated and slow, savoring the intimacy of their bodies. Every swivel of her pelvis elicited a chorus of moans from both of them.

 

“Just like that!” He gripped her hips tightly, his nails digging in.

 

Losing herself in their shared rhythm she quickened her pace. “Mmm, feels so good.” She murmured each word punctuated with a deliberate change in the direction of her hips.

 

“Almost there…” he panted.

 

Green eyes locked into blue as she hoarsely ordered, “Together.”

 

With one final twirl they collectively plunged over the edge, their declarations of ecstasy echoing through the room. As she collapsed against him, each breathless and spent, he pulled her closer. The heat of her skin against his was a perfect memento of the connection they shared.

Ari hated to leave the cozy warmth of his embrace. The gentle rise and fall of his chest beneath her cheek was her favorite sound machine. Snuggled up together felt like home, but a nagging thought flickered as she felt herself drifting toward sleep. 

 

With the all the kids here, she needed to be prepared for unexpected visitors. The last two nights had turned into a sleepover of sorts with Romeo and Meatball sneakily crawling into bed with her while Jon was away. She gave a reluctant sigh and temporarily traded his body heat for cool air, reaching for his two-day old t-shirt on the chair.

 

“I like you naked.” His voice was low and sleepy.

 

Turning to face him, she wove her fingers through her wild curls, twisting them into her trademark messy bun. “Yeah, well, I need to put on something decent. Don’t want a little boy to crawl under the covers in the middle of the night and catch me looking like this. You should do the same.”

 

Laughing, he swung his legs over the side of the bed. “Good point. Toss me the shorts you were about to pilfer from me.”

 

“Catch.” She playfully threw them in his direction.

 

“Thanks.” He caught the garment and slid his feet in, standing up and drawing them up to his waist. “Hey, how did the kids find the sonogram?”

 

The memory flooding back to her. “I felt so stupid. Your mother had put it on the refrigerator after I got home from my doctor’s appointment. Forgot all about it until the kids came barreling in one by one. Romeo went straight to Meatball. Jake, well, you know who he couldn’t wait to see. Jesse…”

 

“Went straight to the refrigerator. That boy is a bottomless pit.”

 

“Tell me about.”

 

“So, he found it?”

 

“Yeah. But he thought it was Lily’s. It was Steph who connected the dots.”

 

“Of course she did. Speaking of dots, where was she in all this?”

 

“Standing right there.”

 

“Please tell me she didn’t upset you?”

 

“Oh, she tried, telling me she needed to speak with me privately.” Ari rolled her eyes. “Once we were in the living room it was the usual tit-for-tat, but I got my point across real quick and told her leave.”

 

“That’s my girl.”  He patted the empty spot of mattress inviting her to come back to bed. “Were they happy they were getting another sibling?”

 

“Yes!”

 

“Even Jake?” He raised an eyebrow.

 

“Even Jake.” She returned to bed, curling up next to him with her head on his chest, “Though I don’t think anyone could compete with his connection to Lily.”

 

Jon shifted slightly, tugging her closer. “Yeah, those two are inseparable.”

 

Her response was nothing more than the soft, rhythmic sound of snoring – a comforting melody that floated through the stillness of the night. Kissing the top of her head, he couldn’t help but smile.  

 

His Crash and this endearing gift of hers – to drift off suddenly and without a care.  It was something he loved endlessly. 

Five

Save your breath and walk away

 

February 12, 2011

New Jersey

 

 

The setting sun cast a warm, golden light through the kitchen windows, as day slowly gave way to night. Lily was in her highchair, hands and cheeks covered in sauce as she enthusiastically played with her mashed meatballs and pasta, courtesy of her Pop-Pop.

 

“Look at you!” Ariana laughed at her daughter.  “You’re making quite the mess.”

 

The mess she was creating mostly went unnoticed by her as tiny hands waved, sending the crushed food between her fingers falling to the floor. Meatball, on the other hand, was fully aware and happily lapped up anything that hit the floor.  The irony of Meatball eating meatballs made Ari burst into laughter.

 

As she rinsed off the dish, she heard the synthetic voice of the security system informing her that someone had entered through the gate. She finished loading it into the dishwasher and dried her hands with a towel. 

 

“Guess who’s here?”  

 

Lily tilted her head towards the hallway as the familiar voices filled with laughter and chatter echoed throughout the house. Even Meatball perked up with a playful bark as he bolted toward the little boy eagerly waited to greet him.

 

“Stinker-bell!” Jake exclaimed as he walked over to the highchair. “Look at you, you silly girl.” 

 

With a squeal of joy, Lily reached for her brother. He tried to clean her with the nearby washcloth but she refused to cooperate so he stopped. Lifting the tray, he unhooked her and lifted her out of the highchair.

 

Dorothea, Jesse and Stephanie were the last to join the bustling chaos.  As they stepped in, Dorothea was quick to notice the bright orange bottle of Pedialyte sitting on the kitchen counter.

 

“What’s with the Pedialyte?” she asked, pointing to the bottle, “Is Lily sick?”

 

“No. It’s for me.”

 

“Hmm. Hungover, are you?”

 

“No!” Ari snapped, reaching for the bottle.

 

“Hey, why is Lily’s sonogram picture on the fridge?” Jesse asked before pulling the door open.

 

“That’s not Lily,” Stephanie chimed as she looked closer. “Oh shit! Are you pregnant?” she turned and asked her stepmother.

 

Dot’s sharp eyes quickly landed back to Ari; this time she noticed the IV port peering out from under sleeve.  “Can I have a word in the living room?”

 

“Steph, can you keep an eye on Lily?”

 

“Sure. But you didn’t answer my question.”

 

“Stephanie Rose. Just do what was asked!” her mother spat.                  

 

A wave of frustration washed over Ari as she glanced at the refrigerator where the sonogram photo lay in plain sight. How could she be so careless?   She placed it there this morning when she came home from her appointment with Dr. Barnes after showing Carol and John, who were here watching Lily. 

 

This was not how she and Jon planned to tell the kids. The plan was to wait until tomorrow, when Jon would be home from Philly, and they would reveal the news together. Now she’s got to deal with whatever shit storm Dot was about to cause. Lord knew she had a knack for turning even the most mundane situations into chaos.

 

Pinching the bridge of her nose Ari motioned to Dorothea to start walking. Once they were safely out of ear reach of the children, she wasted no time.

 

“For someone who never wanted children, you sure didn’t waste any time getting knocked up again.”

“Really, Dorothea? I thought we were past all the childish nonsense.”

 

“Whatever gave you that idea?”

 

“Oh, I don’t know. The fact that we are actually the adults here.”

 

“Now, that’s funny.”

 

“Maybe to you.” She let out a deep breath. “What Jon and I do is no longer any of your concern, unless it pertains to those four kids inside. If we want to add ten more to the brood, that’s our business.”

 

“Oh, for fucks sake! Two kids under a year, you really didn’t waste any time making a family of your own.”

 

“Once again, what’s it to you?”

 

“You do remember I was married to the man for twenty-six years.”

 

“And your point?”

 

“In less than a year, he’s married with a baby and another on the way.”

 

“And there it is! You are worried about your image. News flash, no one gives a fuck.”

 

“My concern is for my children! Is it safe leaving my kids here with…” Dorothea nudged a chin towards the IV port in her arm. “…with your port and electrolytes?”

 

Ariana let out an exasperated breath. “Jon’s kids are perfectly safe here with me. If you must know, I’ve had unbearable nausea and dehydration.  The port is for precautionary measures.”

 

Before Dorothea could respond, Jake came rushing into the living room with his face a mix of disgust and urgency.  He had Lily dangling from his stretched-out arms, and her giggles filled the air. 

 

“I don’t do stinky diapers!!!” he declared dramatically to his stepmother.

 

Laughing, Ari scooped Lily into her arms.

 

“I believe you know the way out.” She directed to the woman who was the bane of her existence before walking out of the room. 

 

 The frustration in Dorothea’s voice as she asked Jake to go get his siblings so she could say her goodbyes put a smile on Ari’s face. 

 

Ten minutes later, she was back in the kitchen where she was met with four eager children all wanting to know.

 

“Are you having another baby?” Their eyes were wide with anticipation as they asked in unison.

 

With her and Jon’s plan to wait until tomorrow out the window, she took the sonogram photo off the refrigerator and placed it on the island in front of them.

 

“Well,” she began, “Your father and I wanted to wait until breakfast tomorrow to tell you, but yes, I am pregnant.”

 

“Annnnnnother baby!” Romeo piped up first.

 

“Congratulations!” Stephanie and Jesse chimed in unison.

 

Taking a small breath, she looked over at Jake, knowing this moment might require a more careful approach but he caught her off guard with his straightforward question.

 

“So, are we getting another sister or brother this time?”

 

“It’s still a little early to say. We’ll know in a couple of weeks.”

 

Stephanie, ever the astute one, leaned closer. “Can we ask what you have in your arm?” 

 

“Sure.” Ariana pulled her sleeve up so they could see it better. “I’ve had some morning sickness that won’t go away.”

 

“Ewww, barf!” Romeo scrunched his nose, causing laughter from the group.

 

“That’s exactly how I feel,” she replied, playfully tousling his hair. 

 

Jesse, still pondering, asked, “So, what is it for?” 

 

“It pushes fluids from a bag and helps me stay hydrated.”

 

“Like an IV bag?”

 

“Yes. That’s exactly what it is.”

 

“How long does it have to say in?” It was Jakes turn to ask.

 

“Fingers crossed it comes out when we get to Toronto. Any more questions?” she asked.

 

The silence that followed was a moment of contemplation before Romeo’s face lit up with excitement. “Can we have ice cream?” 

 

“Sure. Go get it.”

 

As she watched them rummage through the freezer, each pulling out their favorite flavor and topping to set them on the island, her phone buzzed with a message from Jon.

 

Getting on stage. Can’t wait to be home with all of you.

 

Her heart softened; she loved him so much. And even though this was supposed to be a shared moment, she knew she should let him know.

 

Me too! Oh, and the kids know. They found the sonogram picture.