Family part 5 of 5

It's been a few months since the time of the trial and everything has been going well for the Clyde's. Theodore sits at his desk finishing up his article. The music playing from his record player drowns out his typing from the typewriter. Looking up from his work, he looks at the picture of Rose Marie when she was around 5 months pregnant. He took the black and white photo in Cynthia's garden on a sunny day. A smile graces his lips and he runs his thumb on the frame of the picture. A brief rap on the door moves Theodore's attention to the door.

"You may enter," Theodore permits.

The door opens and Rose Marie steps inside and smiles at her husband. Moving to where he is, she leans down to kiss Theodore's cheek.

"Are you finished with your work because everyone is waiting in the garden?" she looks over the article he's written.

"Just a few more sentences," Theodore starts typing again, "Will you turn off the record player for me, dear?"

Rose Marie hums her answer and does what Theodore asked of her. The job is easy and before she can turn around Theodore wraps his arms around her flat stomach and tightly hugs her. Rose softly giggles.

"Come on, let's not make the family wait any longer," she gets out of his hold on her and leaves Theodore's study.

Theodore follows behind her and closes the door as he leaves. They both make their way out to the back of the mansion. Once outside, they move through Cynthia's garden to where everyone is waiting. Russell and Julia are cooing over a curly haired baby, Cynthia is talking to Judith about her interest in school, and Lloyd and Pauline are speaking to Eddie and Theresa about recent trips they're planning. Rose Marie and Theodore walk closer to their joined families. Theodore goes to his in-laws and Rose pulls out the two empty seats for them to sit in. Theodore gently removes the baby from Russell and Julia’s care and makes his way to his wife. Taking his seat next to Rose Marie, Theodore kisses the baby on the head.

“Hello, there handsome! Were you having fun with your grandparents from the West?” Rose speaks sweetly to the baby.

“I’m sure Vincent would like to be playing with them but Papa wants to hold him right now,” Theodore lightly bounces his leg which causes Vincent to clap his hands in excitement.

Seeing Lois and part-time staff walk closer to where they are Rose Marie gets everyone’s attention, “Please settle down as lunch is about to be served.”

Hearing this and seeing that lunch is here, everyone not sitting takes their seats. Lois and the part-time staff place the food before them to reveal their hot lunches. A pitcher of lemonade is placed at the center of the table within easy reach of everyone at the table. The staff moves out of the way and those at the table start eating. They all get through half of their lunch when the conversation starts up again. Rose Marie holds Theodore’s free hand as they both play with Vincent as he takes a break from drinking from his bottle.

Wiping his hands clean Russell turns his attention to Rose Marie and Theodore, “So when are the three of you planning on making your way out West? I’m certain Mrs. Carter would like to see Vincent in person.”

“How about around New Year’s Eve?” Julia chimes in, “I want to show off my grandchild to my friends!”

“It would be nice to have my friends out their see Vincent in person,” Rose Marie pauses, “While that’s not a bad time, the holiday rush may be too much for Vincent.”

“We could go out there before the holidays,” Theodore comments as he feeds Vincent.

They continue to discuss the matter and Theodore burps Vincent after he is done with his bottle. Seeing her nephew done with his lunch, Theresa gets up and takes him from her brother. She claims that she wants to help Judith get to know her little cousin better. Theodore rolls his eyes at his sister and lets her take Vincent from him. The staff takes away the plates before everyone and they thank the staff for their service. Rose Marie and Pauline engage in discussion as Theodore rejoins their hands. Theodore and Eddie talk about music and while Eddie is talking, Theodore brings up his and Rose Marie’s hands and places a kiss on her hand. A wide smile graces Rose Marie’s face. For Theodore, the Clyde mansion seems more like home than when he was a child and it’s thanks to Rose Marie.