Chapter Text
"Ready for some sun?" Elliot called out, peeking his shaved head around the corner of the sliding glass door. His blue eyes gleamed with excitement. Olivia looked up from her book, a slight smile playing on her lips.
"Sounds heavenly," she replied, setting the book down on the wicker table beside her. She stood and stretched her arms, the fabric of her red two-piece swimsuit straining slightly against her skin. Elliot's gaze followed her as she stepped out of her sandals and let her cover-up fall to the ground. The heat of the sun kissed her skin, and she felt the first beads of sweat form at her temples.
Olivia walked towards the pool's edge, her eyes on the clear water reflecting the blue sky above. She took a deep breath and dove in, the coolness enveloping her instantly. Elliot watched her graceful descent, feeling a surge of affection for the woman who had been his partner in both life and parenthood. When she emerged, her chestnut brown hair slicked back and her eyes shimmering with laughter, he couldn't help but feel a sense of pride.
"Your turn, Elliot!" she called out, her voice echoing slightly in the quiet backyard. He took off his flip-flops and strode towards the pool, the muscles in his legs flexing with each step. With a playful grin, he did a cannonball, sending a spray of water in Olivia's direction. She squealed and splashed back at him, the tension of the week dissolving in the joy of their shared laughter.
"So," Elliot began, as he surfaced and swam closer to where Olivia was treading water, "how was your chat with Ophelia about starting preschool?" His bald head glistened in the sunlight, droplets of water clinging to his lashes.
Olivia's smile softened as she thought about their four-year-old daughter. "She's so excited," she said. "But she keeps asking if Noah is going to be there too."
Elliot chuckled, swimming to the side of the pool to grab a towel. "I don't think they're quite ready to let go of each other yet," he said, wiping the water from his face. He climbed out and sat on the edge, his blue swim trunks darkened by the water.
Olivia nodded, her eyes following the ripples she created in the pool. "Noah's been asking for another sibling," she revealed, a hint of hesitation in her voice. "I think he's feeling a bit outnumbered."
Elliot leaned back on his arms, the towel draped over his shoulders. "Another one, huh?" His eyebrows shot up, and he couldn't help but let out a low whistle. "That's a big decision."
Olivia nodded, her eyes still on the water. "I know," she said softly. "But watching Ophelia grow up so fast... it makes me want to freeze time."
Elliot leaned forward, his gaze intense. "And what about you?" he asked. "Do you want another baby?"
Olivia took a moment before answering, her mind racing with the thought of adding another little person to their family. "I do," she said finally, looking up to meet his eyes. "But it's not just about what I want."
Elliot nodded, understanding the weight of the conversation. "We'd have to think about it," he said, his voice measured. "We've got enough on our plates as it is."
Olivia climbed out of the pool, the water dripping from her hair as she made her way to the lounge chair. She laid down, her skin immediately warming against the cushioned fabric. Elliot's eyes followed her movements as he got out of the pool and joined her, a towel slung low around his waist. He sat at the edge of the chair and began to rub sunscreen onto her legs, his strong hands moving in slow, deliberate circles.
"What are you doing?" Olivia asked, a hint of amusement in her voice as she felt the tug at the bottom string of her bikini.
"Don't worry," Elliot said with a smirk, his eyes never leaving hers. "I've got it." With one swift motion, he pulled the string free. Olivia squealed and slapped at his hand, but he was too fast. The string fluttered to the ground.
"Elliot!" she exclaimed, trying to cover herself. "What if the kids come back early?"
He leaned in, his voice dropping to a whisper. "They won't," he assured her, his gaze locked on hers. "And if they do, I'll be quick." His hand trailed up her thigh, sending a shiver down her spine. Despite her protest, she felt a thrill at his boldness.
Olivia swallowed hard, her heart racing. "Okay," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "But you better be."
Their playful banter was interrupted by the sound of the gate opening. Both their heads snapped in the direction of the noise. Noah and Ophelia's laughter filled the air as they ran towards the pool, their little feet pattering on the concrete. Elliot jumped to his feet, wrapping the towel around his waist in a flash, as Olivia quickly readjusted herself.
"Surprise!" Noah shouted, a wide smile on his face. Ophelia followed closely behind, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "We finished our errands early!"
Olivia's cheeks flushed, and she couldn't help but laugh nervously. Elliot quickly recovered, turning to the kids with a broad smile. "Looks like we've got some extra pool time," he said, ruffling Noah's hair.
"Mommy, can we go swimming now?" Ophelia asked, her eyes wide and hopeful.
Olivia took a deep breath and sat up, the surprise of the moment dissipating. "Of course, sweetie," she said, her voice a little shaky. Elliot looked at her with a knowing smile, the tension between them palpable.
"We'll continue this later," Elliot whispered in her ear, giving her butt a light smack before standing up. Olivia couldn't help but giggle, the playfulness of the moment bringing a blush to her cheeks. She watched as he grabbed a couple of towels, handing one to her and wrapping the other around his waist.
"Come on, you two," he said to the kids, who were already peeling off their clothes in anticipation. "Let's not waste this beautiful day!"
Ophelia giggled and took off running towards the pool, her tiny arms flailing as she tried to untangle herself from her sundress. Noah followed, his laughter mingling with hers as they both jumped in. The splash was huge, and Olivia couldn't help but feel a bit jealous of their carefree abandon. She took the towel Elliot had handed her and wrapped it around her waist, standing up.
"You're going to have to behave now," she warned him, a mischievous glint in her eye. "We've got an audience."
Elliot chuckled, his eyes dancing with amusement. "I can behave," he said, raising his hands in mock surrender. "For now."
They spent the afternoon playing games with the kids, their laughter and the sound of water splashing filling the air. Olivia's earlier tension had melted away, replaced by the joy of watching her family interact. Noah tried to teach Ophelia to swim underwater, while Elliot threw a beach ball for them to catch. The sun grew lower in the sky, casting a warm glow over the scene.
As the shadows grew longer, Olivia felt the first pangs of hunger. "Who's ready for dinner?" she called out, her voice carrying over the noise.
"Me, me, me!" Ophelia squealed, bobbing up and down in the water like a buoy.
"Alright, alright," Elliot said, scooping her up into his arms. "Let's get you two dried off and into some clean clothes."
The kids protested, not wanting the fun to end, but Olivia promised them ice cream if they behaved. That did the trick. Soon enough, they were all inside, the kitchen buzzing with the sound of the kids chattering about their day while Olivia started preparing dinner.
After the meal, Olivia sent the kids upstairs for bath time, and she and Elliot were finally alone again. The moment hung between them, heavy with unspoken desire. He approached her from behind, his hands on her hips, and she leaned back into his embrace.
"So," he whispered into her ear, his breath tickling the sensitive skin of her neck. "Where were we?" His fingers traced the line of her bikini top, sending shivers down her spine.
Olivia turned in his arms, her eyes locking with his. "I believe you said we'd continue this later," she reminded him, her voice low and husky.
Elliot's grin grew wider, and he leaned in for a kiss. "Later has arrived," he murmured, his hands sliding down her body.
Olivia's heart skipped a beat as she felt the heat of his touch. She knew what the rest of the evening held, and she was ready for it. The promise of passion and connection, just the two of them, was more intoxicating than any wine or dessert. They had the whole house to themselves, and she was eager to explore every inch of it with him.
But as they moved towards the stairs, the sound of a door creaking open stopped them in their tracks. They both froze, listening intently. It was Ophelia, her tiny footsteps padding down the hall.
"Mommy," she called out, her voice sleepy. "I had a bad dream."
Olivia sighed and turned to Elliot, who nodded understandingly. He kissed her forehead. "Duty calls," he said with a wink.
"Just for a bit," she whispered back. "We're not finished yet."
With one last lingering glance, she headed to comfort their daughter, the promise of what was to come later burning in the back of her mind. Elliot watched her go, his smile never fading. He knew that when the kids were finally tucked in, their own adventure would begin. And it was a night that neither of them would forget.