Prompt:Mary, Marshall, sundress, sparklers

Mary adjusted the shoulder strap of her sundress as she held her son Wyatt Marshall Mann in her arms while Marshall was showing Nora the proper way to handle a sparkler so she wouldn't get hurt.

A smile made its way to her face as she kept hearing Nora ask her Daddy if she was doing it right.

The pride on her daughter's face as Marshall confirmed that she was warmed her heart. It was hard to believe she was married with two children. Mark had signed away his parental rights when he realized Mary would always turn to Marshall and never to him. He was hoping that Nora would bring Mary back to him.

She had broken his heart by telling him the truth about why she even hooked up with him that night, but she thought it was the right thing to do. Her jealousy of Marshall and Abigail had led her to make a rash decision. She'd regret it if it weren't for the fact that she loved her daughter and Nora was the reason her and Marshall had gotten together.

Her mind drifted back to four years ago when she'd been struggling to balance life as a single parent, affording a live-in nanny and being a U.S. Marshal. She had leaned on Marshall so much during those times that she never thought about what it was doing to his relationship with Abigail.

Mary bounced Nora up and down trying to get her to fall asleep. When that didn't work she tried singing and then rocking in the rocking chair. It was when she went to brush her hand across her daughter's forehead that she felt the heat radiating off it. Quickly grabbing the thermometer she checked Nora's temperature. It was a 103 and Mary felt herself begin to panic. Not knowing what to do she called the only person she could think of.

"Hello," Abigail answered the phone groggily.

"I need to talk to Marshall," Mary said, unable to hide her fear.

"It's two o'clock in the morning, Mary. Is this work related," Abigail asked frustrated.

"No, just please let me talk to Marshall," Mary pleaded, and finally heard Marshall in the background.

"Abby, give me the phone. If she's calling this time there's something wrong."

"Fine, have the phone, but if you go running to her, don't even think about coming back here."

Mary closed her eyes and was about to hang up. She hadn't meant to cause trouble for Marshall, she just didn't know what to do.

"Mare? What's wrong?"

"I shouldn't have called. I didn't meant to cause you two to fight, I'm sorry."

"Mare, do not hang up the phone. Tell me what's wrong."

Mary explained and waited for his sound advice. She knew he would know what to do.

"I want you to call the doctor to see if he wants you to bring her in and I'm on my way to your house now. I'll be there in less than ten minutes."

"Marshall, I don't want to cause you and Abigail to breakup."

"Trust me, you didn't. I'll be there shortly."

Nora's laughter brought Mary back to the present. Marshall had shown up that night and stayed with her and Nora. The fever went down after following the doctor's instructions. Marshall had sent Mary to bed and when she woke up the next morning Nora was sleeping on Marshall's chest.

Mary had felt a tinge of jealousy that her daughter was able to be so close to him. It was the start of a trend. Abigail kicked Marshall out and broke off the engagement. Marshall moved in which was supposed to be temporary until he found a new home. They grew closer every day until one day Mary finally made a move.

She smiled at that thought too. The next morning Nora woke them up and held out her hands to Marshall and said her very first words. "Da da."

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Marshall smiled as he and Nora lit another sparkler. It was his wife and son that caught his attention when she didn't answer his and Nora's call. The distant look brought a smile to his face.

They had been married for four years. He was the father of two beautiful children and the husband to a woman with a heart of gold if you looked carefully enough. They had grown through marriage and parenthood.

After the sparkler went out he held his hand out to Nora.

"Where we going, Daddy?"

"To sit with Mom and Wyatt and watch the fireworks. How does that sound princess?"

Marshall's hear melted when she beamed that familiar smile and indicated she wanted to run to where the rest of the family was. Since it was only a few feet away Marshall nodded.

"Mommy, Mommy,"

"Nora," Mary smiled at her daughter's enthusiasm.

"Daddy, said the fireworks are going to start."

"Well, you best get comfortable. You're in for one great show," Mary said.

Marshall sat down next to Mary and kissed her on the check before brushing his lips near her ears.

"I promise, Mom. You'll see your own fireworks tonight."

"I damn well, better," Mary replied, as the firework display began and she relaxed in her husbands arms as they enjoyed watching the delight on their children's faces.