Forever And Always

Chapter 129

A new morning had arrived on a Friday, Callie woke up to Sweet Pea sound asleep, and he had her back toward her. Callie had started to let Sweet Pea be in the same bed as her; he was more than happy to be off the couch.

"Mama," Grady greeted as he walked into the room; Sweet Pea's eyes opened as Grady went to Callie. 

"What are you doing up so early, little bug?" Callie asked taking his hand.

"I have a coloring project due today," Grady answered; Callie sat up swinging her feet around.

"It's not going to finish itself," Callie said as she picked up Grady walking out of the room. Sweet Pea couldn't help but watch the two leave the room. He laid in bed for another ten minutes before going out to find Callie helping Grady with his project. "Can you go wake Lottie?"

"On it," Sweet Pea answered; he kissed the top of Grady's head before heading into the room decorated with Hello Kitty stickers on the wall. "Lottie." He shook her a little. "Lottie, it's time to get up." The little girl's eyes opened, still very sleepy. 

"Pea," Lottie greeted as her eyes closed again. "Is it Friday yet?"

"Football Game Day Friday," Sweet Pea added; Lottie opened her eyes again and she smiled a bit. "Time to get up, sweetheart." Lottie sat up; holding up her arms, Sweet Pea picked her up, then carried her back toward the other two. "She's a bit sleepy."

"I have a very important job for you, Lottie," Callie said as Sweet Pea sat at the table. "I need you to go hang out with Ms. Toni for a bit. Can you do that for me?"

"I like Ms. Toni," Lottie said as she faced the table. "Why hasn't she been coming to the school?"

"Toni's baby is getting ready to be delivered," Sweet Pea answered. "Could be here any moment."

****

Later that night, Callie was at the football game with Veronica Grady, and Lottie; Sweet Pea was running the bar. The Bulldogs were losing as they have been for the past couple of games. Cheryl walked away with the cheerleaders and the mascot. 

"Lost again," Veronica said.

"Perhaps they just need an incentive?" Callie suggested.

"What's that?" Lottie asked as she climbed onto Callie's lap.

"Motivation," Callie answered. "Encouragement."

"Such as?" Grady asked as he looked back.

"Such as brushing your teeth every time I don't have to tell you to do so allowing you to stay up later on the weekends," Callie answered.

"Do the bulldogs need to be told to brush their teeth?" Lottie asked.

Veronica got to her feet. "As a matter of fact, they do Princess Lottie." 

Lottie tugged on Callie's sleeve. "Can we go see Ms.Tabitha now?" Callie looked at Veronica; with a nod, the two went their separate ways.

"Hey, Tabitha," Callie greeted as she walked into the shop.

"Let me guess two small strawberry milkshakes---" Tabitha began.

"And a basket of fries to go with," Callie finished as her kids found a table. "The fact you have it memorized."

"Makes me a good owner," Tabitha smiled. "Oh...a strawberry and vanilla milkshake for Toni?"

"You are a blessing," Callie said as she put her hands together. 

"Tell me," Tabitha began as she began to get the milkshakes together. "Why are you helpful toward Toni with her pregnancy? It's not because you're a mom as well is it."