Family Time

Posted on Thu Apr 18th, 2024 @ 5:38am by Senior Chief Petty Officer Fernando De La Rosa [Taylor] & Lieutenant JG Heather De La Rosa {Kelea-Salik}

Mission: MISSION 0 - History Speaks
Location: De La Rosa Quarters
Timeline: MD 9
1778 words - 3.6 OF Standard Post Measure

It had been a long shift walking in through the doors Heather kicked off her shoes and put on her comfy slippers before she headed straight to the sofa to sit down. Every muscle she had ached, as much as she wanted to go straight to picking up Cody from nursery she was in need of a rest first.

Fernando arrived several minutes later. He was whistling as he came through the door but stopped as soon as he saw Heather sitting on the couch with her comfy slippers on. She looked exhausted. "Heather?" He asked, "Is everything alright?" Even as he was moving towards her.

Heather offered a smile sensing her beloved’s concern. “Everything’s fine Imzadi, I’m just tired that’s all. It’s felt like a very long day today.”

Fernando nodded even as he reached Heather's side. "You rest Heather." He said looking around. "Cody is still at the nursery?" He gently inquired.

Heather nodded. “I needed to put my feet up for a few minutes, I plan on going to get him soon.” She sighed contented to rest against the sofa’s comfy cushions.

Fernando shook his head from side to side, "Nonsense Heather. You rest. I will go and pick Cody up. Give you a few minutes to yourself."

Heather smiled and nodded. “Have I ever told you how wonderful you are? I’d be totally at a loss without you.”

"Oh, several times." Fernando grinned. "However, I never get tired of hearing you say it again. I think I'll take Cody to the arboretum to feed the ducks. He likes that and it will give you more time to yourself."

“Don’t be too long or I’ll be asleep!” Heather joker as she looked up at Fernando.

"We won't be. I promise.' Fernando replied as he went out the door.

Smiling Heather watched Fernando go before lying back on the sofa, it didn’t take long for fatigue to kick in and she was soon snoozing nicely.

Fernando had picked Cody up and held him happily in his arms. "Well, my little man did you have a good day?" To which Cody cooed happily. "Good. I knew everything was in good hands. Let's go feed the ducks and then get back home where mommy is waiting for us."

~ A while later ~

Heather’s eyes opened at the sound of the door swishing open and Cody babbling happily at Fernando, suddenly realising she’d fallen asleep. “Heavens! How long was I asleep?”

Fernando chuckled and brought Cody over to Heather. "Have a little man who is most anxious to see you. As he placed Cody in her arms." He grinned at her, " About 30 minutes."

“Is that all?” Heather smiled as she made herself comfortable before taking hold of Cody. “Hello my little man, I’ve missed you!” She cuddled him and kissed him on the head. “It’s going to be your birthday soon, where does a year go?”

Cody cooed and laughed as Heather held and spoke to him. Fernando shook his head, "I don't know Heather. It seems like only yesterday I was bringing you both back home from the delivery room."

“Shortly after that we received our surprise news that I was pregnant! Now look at me! Seven months and bulging at the seams!” She grinned. “I wanted to try and at least make it closer to term before taking maternity leave, but I’m not sure I can manage the hours right now.”

"Surprised but welcomed news Heather," Fernando replied. Looking at her, he spoke, "I think you should go on maternity leave now Heather. Stay home, off your feet and rest and relax."

As much as Heather hated the idea she knew Fernando was right. “The downside to being a nurse is knowing when you’re getting good advice. She nodded. “I’ll submit my maternity leave papers to Doctor Sthilg in the morning.”

"Good. However as far as I am concerned your leave starts now. So, what would you like for dinner Mrs. De La Rosa?"

Heather smiled. “Mmm...I think a roast with all the trimmings! We’re going to eat like royalty tonight!” She looked down at Cody. “I think you’d like some roast dinner too huh?” She grinned as Cody played with her hair.

Roast with all the trimmings huh? Okay, can do. You keep Cody occupied and I'll get started with dinner." Fernando replied as he ducked back into the kitchen.

“Consider it done.” Heather smiled and nodded as she set Cody gently down on the floor and picked up his favourite teddy for him to play with. “Let me know if you want me to do anything okay?”

From inside the kitchen, Fernando's voice floated back to her. "Okay."

Moving to sit down on the floor with Cody, happy sounds of fun and games filled the living room as Fernando worked on the food. “That smells absolutely devine you know!” Heather smiled as she looked over to Fernando.

"I hope it tastes as good as it smells my love." Fernando replied as he continued to prepare their meal.

“Of that I have no doubt” Heather smiled warmly at Fernando. “Your food is always delicious!”

" You are without a doubt my biggest and most ardent supporter of my cooking." Fernando said with a broad smile. "You like everything I prepare. Which I am grateful for."

"What's not to like?" Heather grinned. "You're a good cook Imzadi, don't sell yourself short."

Fernando came out of the kitchen and walked over to Heather, bending down, he kissed her softly. "The day I met you changed my life forever. The day we married is the happiest day of my life. Thank you for making my life so full of happiness and joy Heather."

“You saved my life remember? Twice over in-fact, from slavery and from the overdose I took when I was fighting the addiction. Without you I wouldn’t have the life I have now.” Heather smiled. “We we’re destined to be.”

Fernando nodded, "I remember." He answered quietly. "Heather, without you I wouldn't have this wonderful life and you and Cody. What you said is so very true. We are destined to be together and I could not be happier."

Heather nodded. “Neither could I. How’s about you grab that food then come and join us?”

"That sounds like an idea I can fully get behind." Fernando replied as he ducked back into the kitchen and came back with the food for them all to enjoy. Cody even cooed happily at seeing the food, his little hands reaching to grab some. "No Cody hot. Let mommy get yours." He told their son.

“Let’s get you put in your high chair” Heather smiled as she got to her feet, cautiously lifting Cody and taking him to his seat. “There you go little man, mummy will sort your food.”

It didn’t take long before they were all enjoying their food, as always Fernando had provided a delicious meal. “Absolutely Delicious!” Heather smiled as she savoured her food.

"Thank you love. I am glad you like it." Fernando replied proudly. "It seems Cody agrees with you." Fernando said gesturing to their son who had roast all over his face. "I have a surprise for you both. Apple pie with ice cream if you have room for it."

“Ohhh you bet I have room!” Heather grinned as she gently gave Cody’s mouth a wipe. “Eating for two here, there’s always room for more!”

"Wonderful." Fernando answered, as he got up. "I will be right back with the pie and ice cream for my two favorite people."

“We’ll be waiting!” Heather grinned before wiping Cody’s hands, which were worse than his little face. “You love to be a mucky boy don’t you huh?” She grinned.

Cody giggled a reply to her as it was only moments before Fernando returned with pie and ice cream for all of them. "Here we go. Apple pie and ice cream. Dig in and enjoy."

Heather nodded, she didn’t need telling twice! She couldn’t help but grin as Cody tucked into his mushed up small portion of dessert as well.

Fernando watched Cody go to town on his dessert. "I'll say this for Cody. he isn't a picky eater. he likes everything.''

“That’s most definitely a good thing” Heather grinned as she enjoyed her dessert. “I’m going to enjoy more time at home with both of you.”

"And we are definitely going to enjoy having you home a lot more so we can spend more time together as a family." Fernando added as he took a forkful of pie into his mouth.

“We can enjoy the time we have before this little one is born” Heather smiled. “I’ve been meaning to catch up on some reading, and do some studying too.”

"Of course, Heather." Fernando agreed readily. "I will help you in any way I can."

“I know you will Imzadi” Heather smiled. “But you have your duties too, I don’t want to be getting you into any trouble.” She paused to eat more of her food.

"What kind of husband would I be if I did not help my wife? I will tell you. A mighty poor one. Do not worry Heather, I will not get into trouble." He paused and continued evenly, "I will just say you ordered me to help you." he finished before bursting into laughter.

Heather couldn’t help but laugh, Fernando always made her laugh. “What would I do without you?”

Fernando grinned at Heather, "I do not know Heather. I know I would be lost without you." He answered honestly.

Heather nodded. “Well you’ll never be without me so you won’t have to worry about that.” She smiled before sipping her drink. “Looks like Cody has finished, though a lot of his food appears to be all over his face and hands!” She grinned

"Nor you without me Heather." Fernando promised as he looked at their young son. "Cody truly enjoys his food. Perhaps he will be a gourmet chef when he grows up."

“Possibly” Heather grinned. “He’ll love learning to cook especially alongside you!”

"Perhaps." Fernando admitted, "Or he could go into medicine once he sees your love for it."

“Maybe” Heather nodded. “Whatever he chooses in his life, I will do my upmost to support. I want our children to have the best chances in life.”

"With you as their mother, how can they not Heather?" Fernando posed the question.