Chloe cleaned her quarters like she was nesting. Since she was pregnant it could have been the urge to nest or the fact Nathan was coming over. Chloe had to present the image that she was able to handle things by herself. Why she felt this way, Chloe could not put into words. Nathan had come home numerous times having to high step over the toys and mess like it was a minefield back in Massachusetts; however, that was before. Unlike what he remembered in the past, this home was spotless almost to a holozine level. No corner contained dust or grime because often Chloe had trouble sleeping. At 0200 hours with two sleeping babies, all you could do was clean.

The interior was classic Connecticut with cool white walls, furniture, and light floors. Punches of navy and light blue stood out as the accent colors. The decor left one feeling as if the beach was immediately through one of the closed doors and all food and drink never made it out of the kitchen. Chloe moved about the room to adjust stacks of books and twisting knick-knacks more out of nerves than due to needing it. Nathan would be here any moment so everything had to look perfect to eliminate questions or concerns about life in her home. The ding of the oven indicated that the food was finished. Moving to the kitchen, Chloe removed the tray from the oven and called out to her kids. “Dinner is ready. Wash your hands and come to the table please,” she said in an upbeat tone. Another ding rang out and Chloe looked at the stove again confused for a brief second. It was then she realized the door was now calling for her attention instead of the over. Finger combing her hair, she made her way to the door knowing who was on the other side but not how the evening would go. She was strangely calm compared to yesterday. The day was tough but this was more a 180-degree shift in temperament and tone.

Chloe

Across the door Nathan couldn’t help but feel his stomach churning as he stood there looking like some delivery boy. He had what felt like dozen items in his arms, flowers along with three presents all stuffed in his arms. Nathan himself has his normal look, which he often called unkempt chic. His hair always had this impression that he never took care of it, the reality was far from the appearance as Nathan often took great pride in looking like he did nothing by spending more time than some women in the mirror. Today above all days he did, wearing his charcoal dress pants and crimson dress short with a sharp charcoal jacket to match. Nathan always seemed to have a look to him that made it seem he belonged more in a rock band than behind a desk counseling people.

As the door opened Nathan found sights and smells beyond what he had ever hopped. It had been so long since he truly had something to look forward to as he stared at Chloe with a wide smile as she stood before him. “Hey doll face…” he said softly as she stepped aside letting him in.

“I’m glad you could make it,” she said a bit formal. Any other times she would have broke out laughing at how nervous they both seemed for a couple that very few secrets. “And brought gifts,” she gestured to the items in his hands. “You didn’t need to do that but,” she smiled at him, “you did keep the street-side flower sellers in business back in Boston.” A long moment stretched as she and Nathan stood just inside the door like some awkward first date. Chloe would never be able to say thank you for Nate letting her set the pace. “You are just in time,” she eventually said. “I was setting the table.” In an odd way the conversation between them was more strained now than in his quarters. There they had a topic. This was forcing a topic. Chloe reached up finding a lock of hair near the base of her neck. Pulling it forward she twirled it trying to think of something to say.

“I wasn’t sure if I was supposed to bring wine, then I remembered you can’t drink it… and I figured this wouldn’t be a pot luck… but I did bring you this.” Nathan said as he handed her the flowers and a small present from the other arm as he kept the two with him. It was clear these were not for her, but his children. “You look… stunning.” he said softly with a large smile as he looked her up and down as he leaned in to kiss her cheek.

Nathan Harland

“In my yoga pants and your old sweatshirt,” she added the fact it belonged to him only to herself. If he remembered correctly, a lot of his clothes ended up in her closet especially when she became pregnant. “You are the one that looks amazing,” she put a hand on his sports jacket palm flat like it was something special to touch. “Are you playing music again? The local watering hole is looking for someone. You should check it out. You were always happiest in the field or on the stage.”

Reaching out she took the flowers and small gift savoring the gesture. Even before things when to purgatory in a handbasket, it had been a long time since she received a spur of the moment gift from her soon to be ex-husband. The scent of the wildflower medley mixed all her favorites: the peonies were aromatic but not sickeningly heavy like roses could be at times. Lavender and vanilla scents rounded out the bouquet of colorful flowers. “These are so beautiful. Thank you, Nathan.”

“Daddy,” came an inquisitive voice the grew louder the second time it was uttered. “Daddy,” Mara toddled over as fast as her feet could carry her slipping along the way on socked feet still sporting the uniform of the Waldorf Academy private school. She was only two but attending the preschool program as her brother attended the kindergarten program. Barreling towards him like a bullet, Mara plowed into his leg full forced with arms up eager to held. It had been months since she had seen him not on a console screen. “Daddy,” she suddenly looked at him with a worried expression. “Daddy I misted you. I misted you alot,” she looked at him with a look of pure innocence and trust. Throwing her arms around his neck she curled up on his shoulder and closed her eyes.

“I misted you too… so very much.” Nathan said as he picked her up as he spun her around, holding tightly as if she was would vanish in a second as he let every second feed his need for his family. He loved them all so much, and after everything he needed this more than anything.

She loved the feel of how he held her. His arms were so big and strong. They were like a blanket that was warm and cozy. She didn’t say another word but listened to his voice with a surprised wide eyed expression like she still could not believe he was here. “Don’t go ‘way ‘gain,” she said softly placing a thumb in her mouth as her head rested in the perfect spot almost under his chin.

Chloe

“I am not going anywhere little one, never again…” Nathan said softly as he looked over at Chloe as he took a deep breath. He meant that, even if she said she still wanted a divorce he would do all he could to leave and follow. He wasn’t about to let all this vanish again. He had fought so hard to find a balance and he wasn’t going to let it slip away. Patting Mara on the back of her head he kissed the top as he gave her love as he moved to the couch as he sat down as he just wanted some time with his youngest.

Nathan Hatland

Chloe’s chest tightened watching what was transpiring between her husband and Mara. One rarely thought about how unfortunate life was for the littlest Harland. She was too young to remember the events of that day but had to live with the consequences of it. Her mom changed and her Daddy left one day and never came back. She didn’t know enough to cry or tantrum over it. All Mara Harland knew was there was a new normal and she had to make the best of it.

“Pom is,” she rubbed her nose to his as he carried her to the couch. She was so happy to see her Daddy and had a strong suspicion that he was going to stay for a bit and not just stand in the door like he had been doing. As they sat down on the couch Mara resisted Nathan’s attempt to let her snuggle up next to his side. She liked being held by him. Clinging to his neck like it was a ring swing, Mara did not let go nor let Nathan place her anywhere else on his body. Once they finally settled on the couch, Mara was sitting in a Santa clause style on his lap.

“I promise… I am where I need to be, more than ever before and I don’t want to miss any more with my little snuggle bug.” Nathan said as he kissed the top of her head once more as he just felt complete and happy in that simple moment with her

“So,” she looked up at him wide-eyed with a color that mirrored his wife’s deep brown, “do yous gots presents for me,” she clasp her hands together like she was praying. Her eyes darted from his to the table almost like she was trying to hint at something. A little butt wiggle on his leg indicated Mara Harland was not going to sit still for much longer.

“I do, I got something for you and Logan… speaking of which.” Nathan looked around, his oldest wasn’t here as he gazed around. He wasn’t sure what to expect most from him. Everything had been so dark and scary for him, Chloe and his father told him

Chloe put her fingertips to her lips covering her mouth. It was so hard to see Nathan and Mara together. Things hadn’t been right in her life for so long yet even the simpliest act seemed to make her light up with love and happiness. Chloe might have commented or joined the conversation if Logan had not suddenly appeared from a bedroom. Chloe looked at the stark shock on her son’s face. “Logan, your daddy is here,” she stated the obvious not sure what else to say. A few tenative steps forward by the young boy resulted in a faster and faster pace until Logan broke into a solid run slamming into his Dad on the couch.

“Hey Wogan,” Mara yelped out as her brother bowled her over and off his dad’s lap. Sliding off Nathan’s thigh into the thick pillows came a reprimanding tone once again. “Wogan I’s stuck id.” The position in which Mara was doubled over in a pike position meant she could not right herself without help.

Nathan said nothing as his arms wrapped rightly around Logan. It had been so long and he knew his son needed some sense of normalcy. The tight squeezing let Logan know he wasn’t going anywhere, and just how much Nathan had missed him too.

Logan did not care about his sister’s plight. Right now his arms were wrapped around Nathan’s neck so tightly the elder Harland might pass out due to the sleeper hold. Logan buried his face deep into the crease of where your neck met your shoulder. There he paused closing his eyes waiting to wake up. This had to be a dream. His Dad always put down on their shared calendar the day and times he would either see Logan or talk to him. So many nights, curled under his overs, Logan would open the calendar and stare at the dates counting the days or minutes until Nathan appeared. At six there was only that and silly games to use his personal communicator for. He was one of the youngest kids to have a personal communicator so it was not like he could talk to friends even if he were able to.

Hot breath escaped his nose in heavy streams as Logan pressed his entire face and body into his father’s. It’s so hard being the man of the house. I try Daddy I really do but I don’t know how to do it. Please don’t make me, he carried an entire conversation on in his head as the embraced lasted longer and longer.

“Mama I is stuck,” Mara called out. Her tone was indicating she was none too pleased with the current turn of events. “Wogan is sittin’ on me’s and I’s can’t giddup.”

While this might cause an issue, at times, as a mom you had to make decisions. Mara might be thrilled to have Nathan here but Logan needed Nathan here. Needs always came first so Chloe walked over to the couch extricating her pretzled daughter from among the cushions. Hoisting her on her hip, Chloe helped Mara sort out the long strands of hair from her face. “Hey can you help me get dinner on the table,” she kissed her cheek. “I made your orange chicken?”

“I want Daddy,” Mara reached out for Nathan with the utter trust one had at that age never assuming she could fall from Chloe’s arms.

Logan’s gripped tightened and he began to shake his head still buried into his Dad’s body. He wasn’t ready to share Nathan. Mara could talk and chat which would ut Logan out of anyone to one contact. He needed his father right now. Mara had their mother. Hopefully, his Dad would just give him a few more minutes of love before he had to assume the role of man of the house.

Chloe

Nathan heard Mara, and normally her small cries would make his heart melt more but he knew he had to try and fix what was wrong right now. Logan wasn’t grown but he was old enough to know when thinks had been off. “I’m sorry I wasn’t here sooner.” Nathan said softly in his sons ear as he didn’t let go, keeping a hard grip he felt like if they ever separated this might all wake up as a dream.

Nathan Harland

“Mara stop,” Chloe’s tone became slightly sharper as she juggled the squirming toddler making her way to the kitchen. “Daddy is coming. You got to see Daddy and now it is Logan’s turn.” Setting down Mara in the booster seat, Chloe began to pull various items from the replicator and cooler unit.

“Come on Logan.” Nathan said as he placed Logan on the ground before offering his hand for his son to grab onto. He wanted to make sure Logan understood he wasn’t going to be leaving as the two walked over.

Logan gripped Nathan’s hand like a vice. There was no way he was going to let go. If his Daddy was leaving, Logan was going with him.

Slumping in her seat, Mara slouched so that her eyes were level with the tabletop and glaring at her mother. Now that Nathan was on the outpost with them, time was not necessarily of the essence. After finishing setting the table Chloe sat down and called the boys over. Reaching the table Nathan would see the meal was very different than what he remembered. While Chloe had said she made orange chicken, the reality was not the chinese entree but literally a piece of chicken that was dyed orange. This chicken breast was surrounded by orange colored green beans, mashed sweet potatoes, and bread the color of bright orange hazard cones.

“Uhmmm…” Nathan said as he looked at the meal as he eyed Mara then Chloe. “It’s… orange chicken.” he said as he nodded his head slightly at the sight of the meal. “I don’t remember this recipe…” Nathan said we a bemused chuckle as he pulled the chair for Logan as he let go of his hand before moving next to him as he pulled out the other chair meant for himself.

Logan looked at Nathan concerned for a second before locking eyes on his father. It was a hard stare making sure the man was not going to suddenly break for the door like an escaping criminal.

“Mara will only eat orange things so I have the replicator dye everything orange so that she will eat it.” Chloe stated matter of factly as if this was the most logical thing in the world. Picking up her fork, she pierced a bite of chicken and began to chew it.

“I like orange,” Mara said still slumped in the chair but now stabbing the chunked chicken with her baby fork. The food looked good except for the potatoes and green beans.

“That you do little one.” Nathan said as he took his seat, feeling a sense of peace and easiness as he settled into the table.

“Baby, sit up please,” Chloe said pouring Logan’s and Mara’s milk.

Chloe

Nathan Harland

Relaxing some, Logan leaned over whispering something in Mara’s ear. Her eyes got wide and then she wrinkled up her nose. “I like red too,” she announced looking at her brother.

“Logan likes red foods,” Chloe began to guess what the children were talking about. Mara let out a huge giggle shaking her head. Logan sighed deeply and looked at Chloe with an expression of pleading to understand. “Logan wants strawberries,” Chloe stood up ready to get what he wanted. She paused not sure if this was correct learning by experience a smorgasbord of food didn’t mean you might get it right. The laughter from Mara indicated that this family dance was still not right. “Logan wants apples? Spaghetti? Tomatoes,” Chloe rubbed her forehead as a small headache was starting to form above the bridge of her nose. She needed tonight to be perfect and right now her stress level was starting to peak.

“I want apples. Orange apples,” Mara sat up looking excited.

“Honey we have dinner and I was wondering if you could tell me what Logan want’s,” Chloe asked again as Mara scooped up a chunk of chicken. Chewing it slowly, Chloe waited counting in her head. Mara was little and it was unfair that she had to constantly translate for Logan however the therapist had assured Chloe it could be worse and Logan could speak to no one in the family. Wracking her brain, Chloe began the daily guessing game when it came to communicating with her son. Looking at Nathan, Chloe looked like she was about to get emotional. The last thing she needed was for Nathan to see how hard it was managing the kids now. Taking a deep breath she opened her mouth to give her husband an explanation before Chloe’s face lit up. “Daddy’s shirt,” she pointed at Nathan looking at Logan with a smile. “You like Daddy’s red shirt,” Chloe repeated. Logan responded this time with a large grin. The tooth he lost in July just starting to grow back. He turned to face Nathan smiling as he gave Chloe a thumbs up. “I like his shirt too. Red is nice,” Chloe smiled happily at her son.

“So how was your first day,” she tried to start an adult conversation like they had in the past?

Logan moved his chair closer to Mara and again whispered in Mara’s ear as she poked at a green bean. “I watch TB mommy,” Mara asked looking at Chloe. This statement brought a confused look from Chloe and caused Logan to toss an orange green bean at his sister’s head.

“You or Logan,” Chloe looked between her kids. A second later she shook her head. “No just because Daddy is here doesn’t mean we aren’t eating dinner,” Chloe said gently.

Mara looked at Chloe and then Nathan. It was clear that even though she was a child, Mara knew how to take in a situation. “I watch TB daddy,” she changed the intonation of her voice to be more high pitched and question like.

Logan sighed and tossed another orange green bean at his sister drawing a scowl from Mara. “Mommy Wogan,” she pointed a finger at her brother in a pout. Closing her eyes and sighing, Chloe picked up her drink and chugged several large swallows using the time to think of a reply.

Chloe