Chapter Text
August 1990
It was the end of a beautiful summer and Alex was once again visiting Ellen from New York
Alex and Ellen decided to go out for a dinner date. They went to the Luigi's in Lealand. "This is the best Italian we can get in Lealand, I am imagine that in New York there is much better" Ellen blushed. "I'll have to visit you in New York sometime" he squeezed his leg to show her support
Alex smiled and squeezed her leg back. "No Ellen this is great, brings back lots of happy memories for me back. Before our poker games we would grab a pizza from here before we played, this place has any place in New York beat by a mile" he laughed just happy to be in Ellen's company. They both order the meat ravioli
"This is delicious" Alex said while finishing his plate off although he got some sauce on his cheek, Ellen giggled and wiped it off "You were always a messy eater" she teased
"Yeah I can't help myself" he replied. Alex sighed realizing that he had to head back to New York in the morning. "It's hard to go back to work and I miss you in the city. It would be great if you could visit. You can stay in my bedroom and I can sleep on the couch" "That would be great, I would love that" Ellen blushed avoiding Alex's eyes and she fidgeted with the napkin nervously.
Alex sensing her frayed nerves leaned in and wiped a strand of hair that was draped around her eyes. He held her hand "Is everything ok? It was such a great evening"
Ellen's smiled but her eyes betrayed her and tears began to well up. She built up the courage and finally revealed what had been on her mind all evening. "Alex there is something I need to tell you.... I am pregnant and it's yours" she smiled realizing she was actually happy and a sense of joy filled her.
Alex at first in shock smiled back at her and embraced her in a big hug "That's amazing! Gosh I am going to be a dad that's amazing! My parents will be overjoyed" he moved his hand and ran it through his hair. "I guess we need to figure out what to do in terms of our living arrangements then and we should probably move in together" always the one to get to business he continued "I can talk to Josh, we actually have a sister office here in Columbus that I could transfer to"
"I don't want you to leave your teaching job that you love and it will be nice to have my family close by to help out. Mallory and Nick are close by and would be great babysitters, plus between my parents and Andy there is always someone home"
Ellen felt relief but was worried at the same time "I am glad your parents and siblings could help out, my dad isn't around much and he would not want to deal with a kid. Are you sure you want to leave New York?, how can we afford it? I am barely getting by even working a second job at Kohl's. Teaching salaries aren't too great and I still have my student loans"
Alex nodded the surest nod yes he could "Yeah I do, I am tired of the hustle and bustle of the city. Honestly it's hard to save money when rent is half my income. Plus I would like a small backyard to play catch or dance lessons" he was already envisioning a future. "We don't need anything fancy to start out, we could rent a small townhouse and with our combined income we can save some money for a house. It's tough now since the economy is slowing. Besides I won't miss the 9 hour drive between New York and Columbus" he stopped realizing he was overwhelming Ellen
She hugged him tight "I am happy we are on the same page, I was worried you would be hesitant and would have regrets down the road, but I am relived that we are on the same page. Besides we don't have to stay in Lealand or Columbus for the rest of our lives. It's just that we are starting our careers and I enjoy my school and all"
Alex hugged her back "I just want you to be happy and that's the beauty of mortgage sales is that I can work anywhere I want too. Plus I miss my friends... Skippy, the poker guys, the baseball guys. I haven't been gone that long it'll be easy to pick up those friendships again"
They left the restaurant on a giddy high, after Alex dropped Ellen off at her house he drove back to the hotel and called his parents. He told them to put it on speaker phone. He told them the news and they were thrilled
"That's amazing news Alex, it sounds like you and Ellen have a great plan and I am so happy you are moving back closer to us. We will be glad to babysit anytime" Elyse said practically jumping off the couch to get the crib set up. "I am happy for you Alex, I can help out with any renovations that you will need at your new rented house" Steven said smiling
"I can knit some baby clothes and Nick can paint some portraits for you guys as a wedding gift" Mallory ever the resourceful and supportive sister said.
Alex knew he was making the right decision as he closed his eyes and let his tired body rest before the long journey back to the city in the morning