Disclaimer: Dick Wolf owns them, and I in no way profit from my stories:

Parenthood.

I wanted to thank everyone for your reviews I have had a few requests to do a follow on story for 'His Worst Nightmare' I hope you enjoy.

CH.1

Washington Heights.

5 years later.

There was a time when he hated any kind of a holiday. He always volunteered to work shifts for the detectives who had families.

His whole life had been turned around, and the reasons were now happily chasing around in their backyard. He smiled as he watched Alex and Gwen trying to catch Spot, an 8 month old Dalmation- mix, they had adopted from the local dog pound. To this day, 3 months after getting him, they still couldn't decide what the other half of Spot's parentage was.

Everybody had made guesses, he definitely was unique. Instead of being white with spots his fur was gray with black spots, his ears took turns in standing erect and he had one blue eye. At eight months of age he was already as big as a German shepherd and judging by the size of his paws, there was going to be a lot more growing.

The day they went to the pound with Gwen 3 months ago. Alex and Bobby had decided to get a nice small breed of dog; Gwen however had seen this gangly puppy that sat in the far corner of the kennel, he was in with his siblings. It was love at first sight and Alex still laughed at the way Bobby couldn't refuse Gwen's wishes.

Since his arrival Spot had turned their entire household on its head. He had developed an appetite for Bobby's and Alex's shoes and chewing on random objects in his quest to alleviate the discomfort of his teething. They had bought him bones and chewing toys, all of which he paid no interest to. In the end all they could do was ensure he had no access to their clothing or their bedroom.

In spite of all the mayhem he brought, it was worth it all when they saw how devoted he was to their daughter. He had long since given up banning him from her bedroom as she always let him back in when he wasn't looking. One morning he nearly choked on his orange juice when she had asked Alex if daddy snored like Spot. He followed Gwen everywhere and he was not happy when she had to leave for Kindergarten. He would sit by the door and refused to budge until she came back home.

Bobby was brought abruptly back to the present when he felt a wet tongue on his face and heard Gwen giggling. He had 'zoned out' again. He grabbed the stick that Spot had laid on his lap and threw it for him and watched as Gwen tore after him laughing.

Alex was too tired to run after her and decided to sit herself down on the grass beside Bobby, who didn't hesitate to pull her into an embrace.

"I think I no longer need to go jogging Bobby, she definitely gets her energy from you. I'm exhausted!"

Bobby smiled at his wife and unable to resist any longer he leaned over and kissed her. It was rare for them to spend a pleasant day together, uninterrupted by phone calls. Since Alex had taken over as Captain at Major Case, he had developed a new respect for her. He certainly hadn't been leading an easy life, as he had been consulting, not only Major Case but all the other Departments also. Right now he had been called in by the Special victim's squad, who were after a rather nasty serial rapist. Bobby had helped them to break down their list of suspects to 5. He would be glad when they managed to get this Perp off of the streets. It was getting harder and harder for him to get into this man's head.

The reporters had dubbed him the 'West side Ripper' he used the same MO as Jack the ripper, with an evil twist, he disemboweled them pre mortem, after he had sexually abused and tortured them. He needed this day with his family to clear his head.

It was Memorial Day and it was a warm and sunny in the mid 90°F. The rest of the Eames clan was currently frolicking in the pool and John Eames, was flipping hamburgers in the grill and being soaked by his grandkids water pistols. He had never dreamed of being so content and surrounded by such a supporting family. Life was good.

Catching Alex unawares, he threw her over his shoulder and carried her towards the pool, ignoring her wriggling and threats, he jumped into the water he spent the next few hours being used as a jungle gym by all their nephews and nieces. Sometimes it was hard work being the tallest member of the family, but he loved every minute of it.

After everyone else had left to go home he carried their sleeping daughter up to her bedroom, followed by Spot. Their family BBQ had completely worn her out and with Alex's help he tucked her in and gently kissed her cheek. Spot curled himself up at her feet; he too was completely worn out.

Alex placed Gwen's favorite teddy bear next to her pillow and also gave her a goodnight kiss then followed her husband into the master bedroom, intent on enjoying a peaceful carefree night. Tomorrow it was business as usual, but tonight she would make love to her husband and fall asleep in his arms.

T.B.C…..