The Monroe Legacy - G.2. Chapter 15 - Expect the Unexpected

Hallie and Cai returned from their honeymoon to family life with huge smiles on their faces at the idea that they might have another baby on the way. Every morning Hallie woke up expecting the familiar sickness, it had been so easy with Violet, and was surprised when month after month she found herself not pregnant.

Cai was sympathetic, reassuring her as summer arrived that their family would grow when it was meant to and distracting her with stolen kisses and whatever adorable thing Violet had learned to do. Hallie's frustration brought a new edge to her art and she began to make a name for herself as a painter and sculptor to watch.

One evening as Hallie was painting a portrait of Violet to hang in her nursery, Cai came upstairs clutching a pile of papers and grinning nervously. Hallie was curious, her husband was never nervous.

'I think this is the one Hal,' Cai said. 'I think this is the book that will make our name.'

Hallie took the wad of paper and scanned the front page.

'Violet and the Smile Thieves. I'm assuming this isn't another satire?!' She asked.

'No, I wrote a kid's book. I don't always want to be that sarcastic guy who hates the world, I wanted to write something we could read to our children. Will you read it?' Cai asked, seeming really nervous.

Hallie bit back a smile, she could never believe how unaware her husband was of his own talents. 'Of course I will', was her answer.

That night she rocked Violet to sleep in the rocking chair and began reading, the pages sped by and Hallie found herself laughing aloud. He really had done it! Hallie had always thought Cai was a good writer but this was a truly great book! A sweet, funny story dealing with all sorts of issues that families need ways to talk about.

When she crawled in to bed after turning the last page Cai was doing his very best impression of being asleep, Hallie could always tell because he was too still.

'Cai honey, it's brilliant. I'm so proud of you' she whispered, watching him smile and open his eyes. 'Though you do have me to inspire you so really it's not surprising' Hallie teased.

Cai's eyes narrowed and he pounced on her and started tickling her mercilessly. Hallie responded by bashing him with a pillow and before long they were rushing around the room and cackling like children. Hallie almost had him when Cai pinned her to the bed and demanded she beg for mercy.

She bit her lip and refused so he flipped her on to the bed with a wicked twinkle in his eye. 'I'm in the mood for a little inspiration' were his last words before he covered her mouth with his.

Summer became Autumn and Cai's book was making waves with his publisher, he was in New York most weeks, meeting the head honchos and creating a buzz with the press. 

One Friday he returned to tell Hallie that Violet and the Smile Thieves had been optioned for a movie. He pulled out a bottle of champagne but before he could pop it Hallie stopped his hand.

'What's up Hal?' Cai looked confused.

'We can celebrate, but we'll have to put the bubbles on ice for the next 9 months'. Hallie grinned as realisation spread across her husband's face.

'We're having a baby!' Cai yelled, picking Hallie up and spinning her round. Life really couldn't get any better.

Winter brought Violet the role of the angel in her nursery nativity play which went perfectly until the end when she got bored and pulled her dress all the way over her head and did the hip shaking dance that she and Luna loved to do together. As Cai chased down the wayward toddler, Hallie looked daggers at Luna who was too busy laughing with the rest if the audience to notice!

They celebrated their first wedding anniversary with a trip to the doctors that confirmed that Violet's requested brother was indeed on the way. Violet was much too preoccupied with the tree and her presents to really understand what was happening but she did like to feel the baby kick.

Spring saw the publication of Violet and the Smile Thieves which was an immediate critical success though it didn't sell in the numbers the publishers had hoped. Cai didn't have time to be disappointed as Hallie was now in her final month of pregnancy and they still didn't have a name. Hallie wanted to continue the theme of colour names but Cai was arguing for Cai (Caius) Junior.

As the day arrived and Hallie's labour was reaching it's end she clutched his hand, mopped her brown and said through gritted teeth,

'Caius is vetoed and I swear if I hear a word in protest I will never let your woohoo parts near me again' Cai barely had time to nod, before Hallie screamed and had to push again.

Gray Sebastian Monroe was born at 2.22 in the morning and as soon as his daddy held him he could see just how well the unusual name suited him. Gray had a peaceful demeanour and big blue-grey eyes which would focus on unseen things miles away and made him seem absent minded.

Violet seemed a little jealous of the baby at first but as it became clear he was a bit of a loner and she could still be the centre of attention the two got along fine! Life continued pretty quietly until the time came for Violet's birthday and Luna arrived clutching a glossy magazine.

'Have you seen this?' She asked, waving it around so much that Hallie couldn't have seen it if she'd tried. When she finally got a look at it it was an article about the President's family.

'Apparently Violet and the Smile Thieves is THE PRESIDENT'S favourite book to read to his kids!' Luna exploded, unable to let Hallie read it for herself. 'AND Dakota Fanning and Brad Pitt are tipped to be starring in the movie. Can you believe it? You're going to be famous!'

Hallie was gobsmacked and Cai was speechless when she told him. He had thought the movie project was dead but sure enough as they stood and discussed it an email pinged in from his agent  announcing that universal were scheduling the project.

They could have talked for hours about all the possibilities if a very demanding toddler hadn't stamped her little foot and asked for, 'Presents now pleeeeease!'

As Violet blew out her candles Hallie found herself wishing that nothing would change for her little family, no matter how big the book became, she wanted success for Cai but the attention that could follow might change everything.

Blissfully unaware, Violet wished to be 'A pincess', before growing in to a very pretty little girl. After the skirt incident at Christmas, Hallie had decided to keep Violet away from skirts and bought her a cute little sweater outfit.

Luna finally tired the birthday girl out with snowball fighting and tucked her in as Hallie and Cai settled little Gray. 

As they said goodnight the grown ups wondered at how much things can change in a day.

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Things continue to blossom for Cai and his writing but the success carries a weighty price tag.

Read it now - Chapter 16 - The Circus Comes to Town