When Danny brought the boys home, he wasn't sure what to expect.
"Moooooooooommy....we're home.
Running down the hall, the boys ran into their Uncle Gary.
"Uncle Gaaary....you are here. We missed you Uncle Gary. You never come here anymore, to let us play with our cousins."
"Well...you know what James?"
"What Uncle Gary?"
"That's all going to change. You will be seeing your cousins alot more. All the time, even."
"Yeah....yeah...you hear that Jimmy. We get to see our cousins again."
When Danny see Don, he wondered where Claire was. Then looking down the hall, he seen the tears in her eyes as she stood there not sure whether to move..and as Danny held open his arms she ran into them sobbing.
"I'm sorry Uncle Danny. I'm so sorry for hurting you. I love you...I love you so much."
"Now that's my brat....welcome home...I've missed you too."
..................................................................................................
After their tearful reunion. Danny and Gary headed home, while Don stayed behind to help Claire with the boys.
"Mommy...we seen papa today. Then he got really sick...so nana had to take him to the Hospital."
"I know Jimmy J. Uncle Gary told me. But he also told me grandpa is doing a little tiny bit better."
"Can we see papa...mommy?"
"Not today guys...okay. Papa needs time to feel better, before he has company. Uncle Don you should head home...I'm sure Aunt Jess is waiting for you."
"Don't worry about your Aunt Jess...she's fine. I think after dinner, we should help your mom get your rooms in order...right?"
"Yes Uncle Don...we know."
......................................................................................................
Back at the Hospital, Gary stopped in to see his dad.
"Hey mom...how is he?"
"About the same son. How's Claire?"
"She's Claire again. It took alot...be we got her back."
"Oh...look at your eye and lip."
"If you think I look bad from Claire's flying fists. You should see poor Uncle Don...he's got a lovely bruise right across his cheek bone...and an aweful sore set of...."
"Gary...don't you dare..." she smiled.
Walking up to the bed, he bent down, and brushed his dads hair with his hand.
"Hi dad...it's Gary...I came to see how you're doing."
Opening his eyes, he looked up at his son.
"I swear dad...you keep yourself here because you like to see those Nurses, in those tight outfits."
Mac tried to smirk...closing his eyes again...he fell back into sleep. Watching his dad, caused Gary to tear up. He looked so far away...almost like he was lost somewhere else.
"What did the doctors say, mom?"
"They said it was another ischemic clot. Very small...but just as dangerous, to your dads health."
"So what now mom?"
"If he improves over the next twenty-four hours, he'll be started back on low doses of asprine. They've also discussed changing his meds."
"But he's going to be coming home, right?"
"Yes Gary...try not to worry son. You know your dad. Hospital's are not an option for him. So you have Don bring Claire up tomorrow. I think if Mac sees his baby girl is back....it may help him fight harder."
Nodding his agreement...he kissed his mom, and headed home to his family.
...........................................................................................................
The following morning, Don showed up to take Claire to the Hospital.
"You ready, kiddo?"
Don could see her shaking...he could see the fear in her eyes, that her dad may not accept her for all she's done.
"It's going to be okay, Claire. Honest...let's go."
............................................................................
When they arrived at the Hospital, Claire stood outside her dad's door.
"Uncle Donnie...can we wait a minute? I can't stop my tears. I don't want to upset daddy more."
Sitting down, Claire placed her head between her knees, as her mom walked out.
"Ooohhh...Claire bear...Claire bear is that you?"
"Hi mom...I'm sorry...I'm sorry I hurt you and daddy. I"m sorry....please say you still love me...please mommy."
Stella couldn't catch her breath. She couldn't see through the tears that were blinding her. Could it be true...had her little girl come home to them.
"Shh...oh Claire bear....you have nothing to be sorry for...nothing. Oh I've missed you so much. Just let me hold you for a few minutes. God you feel so good, Claire bear. So good."
Squeezing her mom tight...they sat together in a chair...neither wanting to let the other go."
"I'm going to see Mac, Stel. I'll be back out."
Nodding yes...she continued to hold her little girl.
"Hey Mac....you awake?"
Leaning over the bed, Don seen they had turned him on his side, with mounds of pillows behind his back.
"So... when are they springing you from here?"
*Shrugging*
"Alright...what's the matter Mac? This isn't like you. You're a fighter...what are you doing? Giving up?"
Closing his eyes, he pretended to sleep.
"Okay...I'll see you later, Mac. Though before I leave I've brought you a visitor."
Walking back out, he took Claire's hand, and led her into the room. Nearing her daddy's bedside, she cautiously touched his cheek.
"Daddy.....daddy it's your Claire bear. Please daddy...it's Claire bear."
Opening his eyes, he thought he was dreaming. It couldn't be his baby girl. His baby girl was angry with him...with all of them. But why did her hand feel so warm...so real.
Seeing her tears fall onto his cheek, where her hand had been, he tried to speak...only nothing came out but slurred words, that couldn't be understood.
"Is he okay? I thought you said he was okay, Uncle Don...get a nurse...there's something wrong."
"Shh....listen Claire...there's nothing wrong. Your dad is fine."
"No...no he's not. Please daddy....I'm sorry...I'm sorry I hurt you...I love you daddy. I never stopped loving you. I didn't daddy. Oh please daddy...daddy say you forgive me."
The more upset Claire became...the more Mac became aggitated. Making his speech all the harder to understand.
"Mac....focus....I need you to focus, Mac. Breathe...just focus and breathe. That's it...breathe."
Focusing on his wife...he began to relax.
"That's it Mac...deep even breath's. There we go."
As the nurse came running into the room, she asked them all to leave. Sitting out in the hall, Claire cried against her moms knee.
"I'm sorry mom...look what I've done to daddy. Look what I've done to our family. I destroyed us all."
Shaking her daughter, she cried with her.
"You listen to me young lady. You did nothing wrong. Nothing. It was that bastard husband of yours. Understand that Claire...know the difference else this family will never heal. Now say it...say it young lady now."
"It's not my fault...it's not. It was Jimmy...I'm sorry I let him destroy us. I'm so sorry."
Running from her moms arms, she took off out of the Hospital.
"I'll get her Stel. You stay with Mac."
"I'm sorry Don. I just don't want her blaming herself. God I hate that bastard. God forgive me...but I'm glad he's dead."
.......................................................................................................
When Don got outside, he found Claire sitting on her knees, on the snowy grass. Sitting beside her, he stroked her long hair.
"Hey kiddo...I know it's tough to see your dad like that. But you need to remember something, Claire...your dad suffered another stroke. I seen his eyes...he was trying to tell you not to cry...he was trying to tell you that he loved you, too. All you had to was listen carefully."
"I'm sorry Uncle Don....I know I panicked. I couldn't help it. He looks like he's in so much agony. I'm sorry I got so confused. I seem to be saying sorry alot now...and I'm sorry...but I can't seem to stop."
"That's okay Claire. Let's just take a few minutes to gather yourself. Then we'll go back up, and see your dad again."
Snuggling into her Uncle's warm neck. She closed her eyes, and prayed for God to help her be strong this time.
...........................................................................
Once the nurse had Mac settled down, Stella went back into the room.
"...I don't think I need to tell you again. Please do not allow your husband to get upset. It's not good for him."
Stella teared up. Normally she would give the nurse a piece of her mind. But with all the stress of their family, she wasn't thinking straight. As the Nurse tucked in the last sheet ,Mac gripped her hand with his right one.
Looking into the Nurses eyes, he slurred out....
"Oooooon't eeeeeeever eeeeeell mmmmy iiiiife."
Releasing her hand, the Nurse looked at Stella, and said....
"I'm sorry . I didn't mean any disrespect."
Leaving the room, Stella sat on her husbands bed..leaned down, and stroked her fingers across his cheek.
"I love you Mac....so much..."
Sliding her whispered lips to his...she softly kissed him...just holding her lips to his...letting him know, that his touch still had the sensual warmth to set her soul on fire.
Mac could feel her warm breath...he could feel the passion building where it mattered....letting him know, that not all his nerves had been affected by this stroke.
"Uhh...hm...she whispered against his half smile, that slowly curved up..."Mac Taylor...you devil."
Looking up into his eyes, she could see the heated glare of his hypnotic stare come to life.
"Stop that Mac....behave. Your daughter will be back up in a minute, with Don."
Making a writing motion, Stella understood he wanted a pen, and paper. Placing the pen in his right hand, he seen his daughter come back into the room.
"Hi daddy....I'm sorry..."
Placing the pen, on the paper he began to write
My little Claire bear....You have nothing to be sorry for. Nothing....I don't want you to blame yourself ,for the suffering you were forced to live with.
Showing his daughter she said....
"Yes I do daddy please...."
Not letting her explain, he wrote again as she watched...
I need you to know I have never stopped loving you...caring for you...worrying about you or my grandbabies. Please don't cry anymore my little Claire bear...for when you cry, it makes me cry too.
Tearing up, Claire tried to say something else but her dad slurred out no, as he continued writing...
I know you are in alot of emotional pain right now...I understand that. But you need to understand that my love, or your mothers love is unconditional...and no matter what happened in the past ,we will all forget and begin to heal together as a family.
"Okay daddy....I'm still so sorry...I love you so much...never stopped, daddy. I never stopped."
Writing again....
Just know, that I know, you love me....I know you love me, so much...as much, as I love you, and more.
Seeing the teardrop fall from her daddy's right eye, she leaned down and carefully nestled into his neck like she did when she was little. And as Stella and Don watched...Mac closed his eyes... brought up his right hand slowly... laying it to rest, on his daughters hair as she cried.
......................................................................................................
Two weeks later....Going Home
As Mac took one last look in the drawers to make sure he had everything, his son walked in.
"Hey dad...look at you. You have almost all your control back in your left side. This is great. How do you feel?"
"Better....I'm begining to think it was the medication. Sinice I've started the new dose, I feel so much more alert...stronger."
"You know dad. Just because you feel stronger...doesn't mean you can run marathons.... that includes in the bedroom." He winked.
"Been talking to your mom...haven't you son?"
"Well...let's just say if I have your stamina when I hit fifty three...I'll know who to thank."
"Smarty pants. How's your sister doing? Have you seen at all?"
"Almost everyday dad. She's doing much better. Though she sold the home. Her and the boys, have an apartment now. It's right beside the kids school."
"That sounds great. What's been happening at work?"
"Don't worry about it dad. Enjoy your retirement. The lab, and team are doing great."
"How about Janice...she must be ready to give birth soon?"
"I hope so dad. If she gets any bigger, we won't be able to get her through the door."
*Laughing*
"Let's go son. I'm looking forward to my own bed....and your mothers lovin."
....................................................................................................
Once they arrived at home, Gary helped his dad with his bag.
"Mom...we're here."
"Hello son...ouch....that eye still looks sore."
"It's fine mom. Don't worry. Anyways...I should leave you two alone. I believe dad said he had plans for you."
"Did he now. We shall see. Let's go Mac Taylor...bed."
Embracing his son he whispered....
"I told you she'd give in son. No woman can resist a Taylor."
"Good bye ,dad. See you Sunday, mom."
"Okay son. Say hello to Janice, and the grandbabies."
With Gary gone..and the house quiet ,Mac gave his wife one of his sensual looks.
"Forget it Taylor....bed."
Raising his eyebrows....his smile turned completely sinister.
..............................................................................................................
Over at Claire's new apartment, her and the boys were putting things away when she heard the buzzer.
"Hello..."
"Hey brat...let me up."
"Uncle Danno...hold on."
Buzzing him in, he headed upstairs. Opening the door the boys attacked him.
"Uncle Danny....Uncle Danny...."
"Ouff...easy boys...your Uncle is old."
*Giggling*
"Come and play a video game. Mommy bought us a Wii. We have Animals crossings."
"You do....that is one cool vid game. How bout you boys go play. While I visit with mom."
"K Uncle Danny."
"Where's the coffee, brat?"
"In the kitchen...help yourself. So are you here to check up on me, for Uncle Donnie?"
"No....I'm here on my own. Can't I miss my little brat?"
"Of course you can. How's daddy? I haven't had a chance to see him. But Gary said he's doing great."
"Then you should go see him."
"I plan to Uncle Danno....tomorrow, when the boys are in school."
"Good...I don't want to have to chase you down, and spank you for not going."
Smacking a kiss on her Uncle....he sat down to his coffee.
.......................................................................................................
With Mac settled in bed Stella tried to leave the room.
"Sweetheart...can you fix my pillow before you go."
"Yup..."
Bending over her husband, he enjoyed her beautiful view.
"Is that better?"
"Almost..."
Bringing up his hands, he pulled her down onto his chest.
"Stella my love....let me love you...I need to feel you. It's been so long."
"Mac...it's only been three weeks...I don't want you pushing yourself."
Looking at her with hurtful eyes, she knew he was going to win. Always they needed each others touch, caress, or whispers. It had become their daily routine, to give each other all the passion, and love they had.
Showing each other, that over their years of marriage, nothing exsited stronger, then what they had with each other. Leaning in ,she lowered herself to his lips...just a whisper away ,as they felt their warm breath, caress within each other.
Whispering now...she could hear his passionate plea....
"Kiss me Stella...take me back to yesterday."
Softly touching their lips they could feel their souls merge...they could feel the shivers...the fever begin, and as she felt his finger dance along her flesh...she cried out in the purest of desire..."Maaaaaaaaaac...."
Losing control, Mac carefully flipped her under him. With fingertip caresses, he seductively removed her blouse...brushing her skin into endless shivers of love. Building her soul to begin their lovers dance, once more.
.................................................................................................................
Over at Gary's his wife had just recieved a call from her brother Anthony who was coming in for Christmas to see the boys. Such excitment as Gary walked through the door into her waiting arms.
"Gary....guess who's coming for Christmas?"
"Hmm...let me see...your mom and dad?"
"No...guess again?"
Gary had never seen his wife so alive with excitement.
"I don't know love...but your excitement is encouraging, that it's someone good."
"My brother...Anthony....he's coming for Christmas...isn't this wonderful. It's been five years since I've seen him. He's back from his expedition and is dying to see his nephews."
Gary had never met her brother. When they got married, he was on his expedition.
"Well...this is wonderful...when is he coming?"
"Tomorrow...he'll have to stay at a Hotel. But he's use to that. God I can't wait."
Embracing her husband tighter...Gary couldn't help but feel his child kick.
"Whoa...you feel that love?"
"I did. You see....even our unborn child is excited."
Gary laughed...he understood his wife's happiness. But he really wished, she'd calm down. Especially with being due any day now.
....................................................................................................................................
Once Claire had the boys off to school, she headed over to her mom and dads.
"Mom....dad...I'm here."
Not getting an answer. She walked down the hall, and heard the giggling coming from the room.
"Mom? Dad....are you two decent in there?"
"Claire bear....ahhh...hmmm...just a minute love."
Scrambling off the bed, Stella helped Mac into his pajama bottoms, and robe. Then straightening her hair, she opened their door.
"Hi sweetheart. How's my Claire bear?"
"Hi mom...dad....I know what you two have been up too. I remember daddy's grin all to well. I thought the doctor said no stress daddy?"
"I wasn't stressing myself, Claire bear...honest. Your mom was just giving me my massage.'
"Uhuh..."
"Never mind that...come give your daddy a hug. I've missed you love."
Running to her fathers side, she laid down beside him ,and snuggled into his good side.
"Daddy? How are you truely feeling? Are you still numb?"
"Just a little love. But it's getting better everyday. I don't want you to worry. How are the boys?"
"They're good. Uncle Don comes by all the time to check on me...and Uncle Danno uses the excuse that he was in the area."
Mac smiled...leave it to his boys, to take good care of his little Claire bear.
"Daddy....I'm still really sorry, I never meant to hurt you or mom...honest. I know I was wrong to run off with Jimmy. I should have listened to everyone....but no..I had to be stubborn, and instead, destroy our family."
"Shh...come on sweetheart....I want you to stop this now. It's in the past. All we have to look forward to now, is our future together. Rebuilding the strength, warmth and love around us. All I know is that my baby is home.... and anything else just doesn't matter."
Snuggling his little girl in closer he kissed her hair, inhaled her scent that had long been forgotten in his heart.
......................................................................................................................
Meanwhile....
Don and Jess were waiting the arrival of Donna, and their grandbaby Jessica. She was supposed to be coming home today, for Christmas. As they waited, Jess held her picture close to her heart. It had been a long year since they seen their little grandbaby. Too long...as far as their hearts were concerned.
Hearing the arrival of the plane, they looked towards the tunnel, hoping to see her coming.
"Where is she Donnie...she should be here by now."
While they continued to watch, Donna snuck up behind them with Jessica..."Booooo..."
"Donna.....oh....look at you...look at my grandbaby....she's gotten so big. Aww...let me see her."
Picking her up in her arms, she cooed and cuddled her. While Don embraced his daughter.
"Give her a minute honey....she's just missed, Jessie."
"I know daddy. I would have been here sooner, but Laurence had to stay behind for the holidays. Though he sends his love."
"Aww...welcome home Donna Dee...I've missed you so much."
"Me too mom. But I'm starving....can we eat? And before I forget...how's Uncle Mac...I heard he had another stroke."
"A very mild one honey. He's home now. They've adjusted his meds."
"Good....I'm so happy. I can't wait for our huge Christmas dinner with the family. I've missed everyone."
"They've missed you too honey. Let's get you, and our little Angel home."
"Home....that sound so wonderful mom."
Wrapping his arm around his daughter, they headed home.
....................................................................................................................
After Claire spent the rest of the morning with her mom, and dad, she headed over to her brothers to see her nephews. As she walked up the driveway, some idiot almost smacked into her.
"You stupid jerk...what the hell you doing?"
"Me...how bout you....who the hell walks on a driveway?"
"I do...you should be more careful. You give alcholics a good name."
"Huh...you're one of those God damn, New Yorkers...think the road is a sidewalk."
Gary and Janice could hear the arguing outside. Opening their door, they seen their brother and sister arguing.
"Hey! That's enough of that. What's going on, sis?"
"Mr Indian Jones, thought he was still riding on the damn horses. He almost killed me."
"What!! Indian Jones? You need to talk, mouth."
"That's Mrs Mouth, to you."
Grabbing his sister around her waist. He held her from flailing her fists.
"Janice, take your brother inside. I'll be in shortly."
When they got inside, Janice tried not to laugh. Never had she seen such sparks fly between two people.
"God that girl boarders beyond rude. Damn New Yorkers, and their dirty mouths."
"Hey!!! You were a New Yorker too."
"Were, being the operative word. Who the hell is she anyways?"
"That is Gary's sister, Claire. The man you walked by outside, was my husband."
"Good God sis....he's built like a damn tank. Those damn eyes look right through you. Like he knows your every thought."
"Aww...if you were a female, you'd love them. They're so hypnotic. You should see his fathers. Damn....he makes me lose my every thought. They are a very handsom family."
"As long as he treats you good. That's all that matters. Now where are my nephews?"
"In the Nursery sleeping. Come have coffee....we'll catch up."
.............................................................................................................
Back outside, Gary finally had Claire calmed down.
"Better now sis?"
"Yes....who the hell was that. God he looks like a bad impression of Indiana Jones."
"That was Janice's brother. He just got back from his five year expedition."
"Yeah....he needs to take five more years. Maybe then he'll pick up some damn manners."
"Him....what about you. Your mouth is like a sewer. You need to curb that temper of yours too. Now how is dad?"
"Same as always. Hot for mom. I swear those two never grew up. I'm surprised they didn't have more kids then us. They're still like rabbits. Sterile...but rabbits all the same."
"Claire...what makes you think they're sterile."
"Come on bro...dad's fifty three and mom....well...we won't say. So they just have to be."
Gary hugged his sister. He was so happy she was back to herself. He had missed her, and her spunk.
"You going to come in, and see the boys?"
"Maybe tomorrow. I don't think I can handle another confrontation, with Indian Jones. I love you bro."
"I love you too, sis."
.....................................................................................................................
Walking back into the house, Gary introduced himself to Anthony. He could see he intimidated him. Which he found funny, cause his sister was twice as strong as him. Tiny or not...her punches packed iron.
"Hello...I'm Gary...Janice's husband."
"It's nice to meet you. I'm Anthony."
Anthony looked around to see if his sister was with him.
"She's gone home. She don't like you." he smirked.
"Well then that's perfect. For she's very rude. How does her husband handle her?"
"She's a widow. Her husband was a Detective. He died in the line of duty."
"Oh....I'm sorry. Does she have children?"
"Two boys. Twins...James and Jimmmy. They're almost six. Anyways....I'll let you two get reaquainted."
Kissing his wife on the lips, he left the room.
"Why did he leave?"
"Cause you insulted his sister. The Taylor's are a very close nit family. They protect each other, love each other, and never turn their backs on each other. Once you get to know them better, you'll understand. They are very passionate, giving, and understanding. But if you hurt one of theirs, they will be on your backside without a second thought."
"So... I don't have to worry about you?"
"No Tony, you don't. I'm very happy, very healthy, and very loved."
"I'm happy for you sis...and I can't wait to meet the rest of the family."
"Aww...I'm so happy you're home. I've missed you."
"I've missed you too, Janice. Now introduce me to those handsom boys."
....................................................................................................................................
After meeting his nephews, Anthony decided to find an apartment instead of living at a Motel for the two months he was in New York. Question was...who the hell rented apartments without a lease.
Crossing the street, he seen Gary's sister with two boys. Guessing they must have been hers, he smiled...they both looked like her. Now what the hell was her name again?
Not wanting to look like an idiot in front of her, he turned the corner, and waited for her to disappear. As he watched her, he seen her enter the apartment. Walking over he noticed the sign...Apartment for rent...no leasing required.
"Hmm..bonus." Walking in, he knocked on the Supers door.
"Yeah...what is it?"
"I'm interested in the apartment you have for rent."
"It's a one bedroom. Unfurnished...pay your own heat and hydro. Eight hundred a month. First two months up front."
"Perfect...I'll take it."
"Come in then...let's get the reciepts in order."
Anthony was happy. This was perfect. He was in town for two months. He had found an apartment for two months, without a lease. Life couldn't be better. Or so he thought.
...........................................................................................................
Meanwhile....
Jimmy decided to sneak out, and play across the street with his friends. Oh... he knew he wasn't allowed out, without someone with him. But he didn't care. He just wanted to play.
Opening the door, he ran out, down the stairs ,and smacked right into Anthony.
"Ouff....hey....watch were ya goin, mister."
Anthony raised an eyebrow. He knew right away it was Gary's nephew. But by God his accent was unique.
"Well....I'm sorry young man. So...do you live here?"
"Listen mister I can'ts talk..I gotta go. See ya."
Opening the front door, he ran right into his Uncle Danny.
"Whoa....hold it kiddo....does mom know you're runnin the streets?"
"Damn Uncle Danno....don't tell, man. Mom will freak."
Anthony laughed. he found this child adorable. Danny looked at him with a... what are you looking at look.
"Sorry...I'm Anthony....I'm Janice's brother."
"Huh....ya she mentioned ya. So what are you doin here?"
"I just rented an apartment, for the two months I'm here."
"Hmm...have you met Claire yet?"
"Claire...that was her name." he whispered to himself.
"Briefly...at my sisters place. We kind of bumped heads."
Danny laughed...."If you bumped heads with our Claire...you wouldn't be standing."
"I almost wasn't. But her brother showed me some mercy, and held her down."
"Lucky you...did you see his eye?"
"I did....oh no way. His sister did that?"
"She did...you should see her other Uncle....he's all bruised up too. She's a tough one, our Claire."
"Thanks for the warning."
Claire noticed Jimmy was missing, and the door was ajar.
"Jimmy J...get yourself in here now."
Looking out her door, she seen Anthony.
"You have got to be kiddin me. What the hell are you doin here?"
"That's my cue to leave. Nice to meet you Danny."
"Yeah man. You too. See ya."
Bringing Jimmy J up the stairs with him, he hid behind his Uncle.
"Get out from behind your Uncle, and into your room. You're grounded."
"Aww...come on mom. I'm sorry."
"Bed now!!!"
Walking to his room, he kicked the chair.
Did you want coffee, Uncle danno?"
"Sure brat. So...I understand you...."
"I don't want to talk about Indian Jones wanna be."
Danny smirked. "That's good brat....I like that."
"The guy is an idiot...he almost ran me over this afternoon. Then he called me one of those God damn New Yorkers....oh...and a dirty mouth."
Danny was listening very closely. What sounded like anger to Claire...sounded more like an interesting development to him.
"So... did you knock some sense into him?"
"I tried Uncle Danno...but Gary wouldn't let me."
Now... Danny knew there was something there. For Claire could take down two men, maybe even three. So if she really wanted to sock one on Anthony..she would've.
"Hmm...well...you may still get the chance."
"How's that...."
"He's moving into your building, for the two months he's here."
"What....like bloody hell. I don't want him here."
Oh yeah....there was something here alright. Danny could see the sparkle, in his brat's eyes.
"Mooooooommy....I come out now...I'm really sorry."
"Yeah....go play with your brother in the other room."
"Thanks mommy."
"You're a great mom, Claire. No matter what that bastard did to you. You never let him turn you against your boys."
"I try Uncle Danno...though it's hard sometimes. Especially with Jimmy J. He's so much like Jimmy. It's getting harder to keep him down."
"You'll get through it brat. I have faith in you."
..........................................................................................................................................
Meanwhile....
Stella was setting up dinner, when Mac walked into the kitchen.
"Hey handsom...look at you...almost all moblie on that left side. How are feeling?"
"I'm great love. Really great."
Stella could tell he still looked tired...but healthy. She knew it would be a while, before he was fully back to being himself. Reaching in the fridge he took out some orange juice. Opening it...he couldn't get the lid to turn.
"Here Mac...let me help."
Opening the lid she poured him a glass. As she smelled the orange it made her a little queazy.
"You okay, love?"
"I'm fine Mac. Though I may be coming down with the flu. I've been awful tired since this morning, and nauseated."
"Sit down, and rest then love. You've been on the move since our Claire bear left this morning."
Grabbing her water, she sat at the table and tried to think of something to take her mind off her nausea.
.........................................................................................................
After Danny left, Claire got the boys ready for bed.
"Let's go guys. Bath time. School in the morning."
"Aww...come on mom. Just five more minutes...please?"
"Five minutes. Then bath...promise?"
"We promise mommy. Thank you."
Walking out into the kitchen, Claire heard the banging up the steps. Opening the door, she seen Anthony dragging up a huge trunk.
"Must you make so much God damn noise? Why don't you have someone helping you?"
"Cause I don't know no one in New York, Mrs."
"Oh for crying out loud. Move...."
Getting in behind the trunk, she pushed as he pulled.
"Holy Jesus...slow down...who are you Hercules?"
God the woman was strong. She was pushing it like it was nothing.
"No...I'm Claire. Now shut up, and push."
"Claire....knock of the mouth..."
"Ahhh...bite me . Go back to your porn."
Slamming his door, the Super swore one of these days, he was going to kick her ass to the street.
"Do you always mouth off everyone? Or just those that piss you off?"
That did it. With one last full angry forceful push...Claire sent him flying backwards.
"Goodnight Indiana..."
Slamming her door, she left him on his ass.
"God damn girl gives new meaning to the word annoying. Oww...my butt."
.........................................................................................................
Over at Don's, Jess and Donna were getting dinner ready. When Don came in overhearing...
"Hey mom...have you and dad thought about having another baby?"
"Are you crazy? We're to old. It's unheard of?"
"No it's not. My friend's mother is 51, and her husband is 54...they just gave birth to a healthy baby boy. So if they can do it....you and dad can do it. You aren't even in your fifty's."
"Forget it....and don't go giving your father any ideas."
Don smiled....he had never really thought of another child. Always thought he and Jess were to old. Boy was he wrong. Wiping the grin off his face he walked into the kitchen.
"There's my girls...now where's my grandchild."
"Snoozing it dad. Oh dad....mom wants to have another baby."
"Donna...."
"Sorry mom...you only tell on the ones you love."
"Say goodnight, Jess."
Dragging his wife by the hand, he took her into their room, and slammed their door.
"Go get em, daddy."
With her mom and dad playing in the bedroom, Donna finished up supper, and slipped it into the oven to keep it warm. Then picking up her daughter she snuggled her.
"It's so good to be home sweetpea. I just wish I knew how to tell daddy we got a divorce. How am I supposed to tell him that Laurence cheated on us, left us behind, and I plan on staying in New York?"
Snuggling her daughter close in her arms, she cried.
...............................................................................................................
Several hours later, Don came out of their room, with a more then a satisfied smile on his face.
"Hey daddy...that good huh? Where's mom?
Smirking at his little girl, he sat down beside her.
"Let me see that little angel. Come here love...come to papa."
As Don reached for her, placing his granddaughter over his shoulder, he kissed her little fingers, while noticing her daughters tears.
"Donna...are you okay? Why are you crying sweetheart?"
"I'm fine daddy....just happy to be home."
"God Donna...she's so sweet, and beautiful. I've missed you both so much."
Snuggling into her daddy's arms she closed her eyes, and held back tears.
"We've missed you too, daddy. So... is Uncle Danny coming to see Jessica and I, tomorrow?"
"Yeah...he said he'd be here about ten. Then I think your mom is taking you, and Jess over to see your Uncle and Aunt."
"Dad...how is Uncle Mac? Is he disabled...or is he umm..."
Don knew his daughter had trouble seeing others in pain. She was alot like her mom. Very sensitive, when it came to those she loved.
"He's almost back to himself, sweetheart...he still moves a little slow, but he's got all his functions. Trust me Donna...it's going to be fine."
"I know daddy....I just love Uncle Mac, and Auntie so much. Seeing them in pain is very hard on me..cause I know I can't help them."
"Donna...just by being there with them is enough. They have been looking so forward to seeing you, and Jessica again.
Snuggling in closer to her dad, she whispered for the second time that day....
"It's so nice to be home daddy."
Kissing his daughter sweetly on the mouth, then his grandaughter, he just couldn't agree more. But deep in his heart...he knew something was wrong.
"Mmm...I'm starving....is diner ready sweetheart?"
"It is mom...my you look like a contented cat. Daddy must have made you purr good?"
Laughing, Jess walked into the kitchen and dished out dinner.
..................................................................................................................
With the boys finally in bed, Claire had time to herself. Making a coffee, she curled up on the couch and watched the news.
*Knock...knock*
"Who is it?"
"It's Indiana...."
Claire tried not to giggle.
"What is it?"
"I don't mean to pester you....but could I possibly borrow some coffee till tomorrow. I haven't had time to do shopping."
Hearing the lock click....and the chain being removed she opened the door. Trying to catch her senses she stared. He looked damn different without his hat. Plus he had the bluest eyes she had ever seen.
"Umm...the coffee?"
"Huh....oh...yeah...come in for a minute."
Going into the kitchen, she brought out a container with some coffee, and a mug already made up.
"Here...enjoy...night."
Practically pushing him back out the door, he sighed.
"God...why did you make women so difficult?"
..............................................................................................................
As Don, Jess, Claire and Jessie sat down to dinner. Jess had fun feeding her granddaughter, little chunks of chicken.
"Is that good Jessie? You like nana's chicken?"
Givng a wide grin Jessie said..."nana."
"That's right sweetpea...I'm nana...and who is that? Who is that Jessie?"
"Papa"...she giggled.
"God Donna she's so beautiful. You and Laurance must be so happy?"
*Crying*...No....we're not mom. We're not happy at all. We're divorced. Have been for the last three months."
"Aww...sweetheart. Why didn't you tell us?"
"I don't know mom. I was embarassed. I mean he cheated on me. To make it worse, he left Jessie and I behind with nothing. That's why I came home...because home is the only place you are truely loved."
Don could feel his temper boiling. There was something about Laurance, that always bothered him. He knew he was a player.
"Where is he now Donna? Where is the bastard hiding?"
"Please daddy. Don't worry about it, I'm home now. That's all that matters."
"Fine Donna....I'll let it drop for now. But if he ever shows his face in New York...he won't be leaving with it the same way."
"I know daddy. Let's change the conversation. How's Gary doing? I haven't seen him since he married Janice. I believe they had twins, that are the same age as Jessie?"
"He does sweetheart. They also have another on the way...and he's still a Detective."
"Wow....some things never change."
"Like your love for him, Donna?"
"Daddy...don't."
"Why not Donna. If you hadn't of left Gary for that two timing loser, you'd be happy right now."
"That's in the past daddy. What Gary and I had, is over."
"You listen to me sweetpea. Love like you two had doesn't go away. It builds over the years. You were together all the way through high school. This is one time I wish I could turn back the clock."
She knew her dad was right. She had always loved, Gary. Just as Gary, had always loved her. But it was after she left he had married Janice, always leading her dad to believe he did it out of anger for losing Donna.
Getting up from the table, Donna cleared the dishes. She needed something to take her mind off of all her mistakes. Watching her dauhgters shoulders shake, he got up and wrapped her in his arms.
"I'm sorry sweetpea....I didn't mean to upset you. I love you so much. It just hurts to see you so sad."
"I know daddy. I know I've made mistakes. But I'm trying to move past them."
"And you will sweetpea. With your mom and myself to help you. You and our grandbaby will find happiness again.
tbc...