Luke felt a sense of peace as he placed the salad bowl on the table and took his seat beside Laurie. There was warmth in the room that hadn't been there for a few months now. As Luke passed around the lasagna and the garlic bread he couldn't help but marvel at how nice it felt to laugh again. There was much chatter going around the table as everyone filled their plates and sipped from their glasses. Laurie and Robbie filled everyone in on their school day, while James and Reid struck up a conversation about medicine and the brain; a subject both loved deeply. Luke was inclined to just listen as he kept an eye on Lucas who still didn't seem to like using utensils. Georgie and Landon were asleep in the nursery, though Luke kept the baby monitor within reach just in case the boys stirred during the meal.

Reid surprised himself with how comfortable he felt in this setting. Usually not one for small talk, he was finding it effortless to talk to James, just as earlier it had been easy to speak with Luke. He didn't mind the questions he was being asked and actually found that he liked the psychologist. As he enjoyed his food and listened to the conversations around him he began to think that this move had been the right one.

"How does it feel to be back in the states?" James asked drawing Reid's attention back to the conversation. He helped himself to another piece of lasagna, and took a bite, chewing thoughtfully before answering James question.

"I have to admit it's almost like being in another world, or another time," He said sincerely. "Sometimes we don't realize how good we have it here in America until we see how desolate it is in the third world countries. Things that are luxuries to us such as food, water and shelter aren't even options for others in war-torn countries or places hit by disaster. It's definitely an eye opener."

The table grew silent as Reid spoke about his experiences overseas working with Doctors Without Borders. He spoke about the floods in Nigeria, and the breakout of Chlorea across Africa. Food was forgotten as he spoke of the violence and the fear that seemed to run rampant throughout the villages, and it broke Luke's heart to think that even with all this organization did there were many who were left untreated. There were so many stories of casualties and triumphs…so many tales that needed to be heard.

"Wow," Luke said when there was a break in the conversation. "Your stories are incredible…I think everyone should hear them. People need to know what it's like; they should know why this is important and what they can do to help."

"That's a good idea, Luke," James piped up. "Maybe you should write a book, or film a documentary or both. You can use Reid's stories as your basis."

"I don't know," Luke shook his head as he stood to begin clearing away the plates. "I don't think I'd be able to do it justice."

"Are you kidding," Robbie added his voice to the discussion. "I agree with Jimmy, it's a great idea and you are the perfect one to do it Luke. You have such a beautiful writing style and you feel your words."

"You write?" Reid asked his interest piqued.

"Yeah," Luke admitted with a shrug. "It's no big deal…I actually haven't written much lately. Not since…the accident," he said his voice soft as he spoke."

"Which is more reason why you should do it," James replied his voice just as soft. Reid watched the exchange thoughtfully; it was obvious to him that there was a connection between these two men. He was further convinced when Luke just nodded and disappeared into the kitchen with the empty plates.

"I'd be willing to do it," Reid said upon Luke's return. "If you're up to it. Maybe it could be therapeutic for both of us."

"Well," Luke shrugged his shoulders hesitantly. "I don't know. I'm not that good of a writer…not for something like this."

"I don't think you give yourself enough credit, Luke," James said taking a sip of his drink. "It's been a while since you wrote anything just for you…and as you pointed out Reid's stories are the perfect outlet for you."

"And like you said, the stories need to be told," Laurie added. People should know what all the doctors give up to go over there to these countries. It's life altering for sure."

"You inspired me to write, Luke," Robbie told him sincerely. "I can only hope that one day I will write as good as you do."

Luke smiled at his family's attempts to get him back into the writing game. He appreciated their support, and he was touched that they had so much faith in him. He had spent so much time in the last few years writing for Noah that he wasn't certain if he could write anything else.

"Can I think about it?" he asked turning his attention to Reid.

"Of course you can," Reid said with a shrug of his shoulders. "It's just an idea, nothing is set in stone yet," he said smiling gently at Luke.

"If you don't like the idea, it's alright," James piped up. "I don't want to pressure you into anything, Luke."

"No, no it's not that, James. It's a great idea. I just need to think about it a little. I'm not saying no…just give me some time."

James nodded a smile touching his lips. A baby's cry could be heard through the baby monitor at that moment, and Luke and James headed into the nursery to check on their respective child.

"You guys ready for dessert?" Luke asked returning to the dining room with Baby Landon in his arms.

"Sounds like a plan to me," Reid said patting his stomach. "You know if you cook like this all the time I could really be urged to stay."

Everyone chuckled as Luke settled Landon in his chair and disappeared into the kitchen to warm a bottle and bring out dessert for everyone. During the latter part of the evening Reid continued to tell stories about his trip abroad, mesmerizing everyone with his tales and adventures.

"Okay I think that's our cue to leave," James said noticing the time as Lucas crawled into his lap and promptly fell asleep. "It was a pleasure meeting you, Reid," he said standing and extending his hand to the doctor who gladly took it.

"It was nice meeting you too, James. And you as well Robbie."

Robbie smiled and hugged Laurie good bye before gathering baby Georgie into his arms. "Good night, Luke…I'll see you guys tomorrow."

"Dinner was great," James said giving Luke a lingering hug. "You okay?"

Luke nodded, kissing James and Lucas on the cheek before stepping away from them. "I'm fine. Thanks for coming."

James held his gaze for a long moment before nodding and turning to leave. While Luke tended to Landon, Laurie and Reid walked James and Robbie to the door, each of them carrying a sleeping child in their arms. By the time they returned to the living room Luke was humming softly to Landon as he rocked him to sleep.

"Tonight went well," He said smiling at Laurie and Reid even as his hand rubbed circles along his baby's back. "I'm glad you could come, Dr. Oliver."

"Please, call me Reid," Reid smiled as he watched the man with the baby. "Thank you for opening up your home to me, Luke. I hope it's not too much trouble."

"No…not at all," Luke admitted with a smile. "I think Landon and I are going to head off to bed though…it's been a long day."

"Good night, Luke." Laurie said coming forward to pat Landon on the back. "Good night little brother," he said kissing the infant on the head.

"Don't stay up too late, you have school tomorrow," Luke warned.

"I won't," Laurie smiled and hugged Luke close. Landon let out a laugh as he was squished between

His daddy and his big brother. "Alright alright I can take a hint," Laurie laughed stepping back. "Thank you, Luke…for everything."

"You don't need to thank me," Luke smiled tired. "See you in the morning."

Laurie watched Luke walk off singing to the baby as he headed to their bedroom. Reid stepped up beside him and placed a hand on his shoulder. "Tired yet?" he asked giving Laurie's shoulder a squeeze.

"A little," Laurie admitted. "But I don't want to go to sleep."

"Why not?"

"Because I'm afraid I'll wake up and you won't be here after all."

"I'm here," Reid said turning one side of his mouth up. "We won't lose touch again, Laurie. I won't let it happen. You have school tomorrow…and I have to sleep off some jetlag if I can."

"Okay, good night, Uncle Reid."

Reid smiled easily as Laurie wandered off to his bedroom. He turned out the remaining lights and retired to the guestroom. It didn't take him long to shed his clothes and fall into bed. The jetlag was indeed catching up with him, and he was out before his head even hit the pillow.

Reid was already up and moving by the time Luke made it to the kitchen, intent on preparing a bottle for Landon. Luke leaned against the doorframe momentarily to watch him sitting at the island drinking a cup of coffee while reading the morning paper. He wasn't quite sure what to think of this man, or the fact that he just seemed to fit. He hadn't really known what to expect upon meeting Laurie's uncle, but he had thought there would be some apprehension or hesitation about having another man in his home. As it turned out that wasn't the case, not even a little bit.

Standing there watching him he could at least admit to himself that the man intrigued him. He was curious about Reid, and his life overseas. He wanted to know more about the man who gave up his position as a world renowned surgeon to help those less fortunate in countries torn apart by disaster and war. The stories Reid shared over dinner had touched Luke deeply, and he did really think the tales needed to be shared with others.

"Good morning?" Reid's voice drew him out of his thoughts and he glanced up to see that Reid was looking at him. "How did you sleep?"

Luke smiled as he moved further into the kitchen setting Landon down in his bouncer seat. "I slept well, thank you," He said as he moved to pull down a mug for coffee. He fixed it the way he liked it, aware that there were eyes watching him as he turned to take a sip. "Did Laurie get off to school okay?" he asked putting his mug down and moving to grab a bottle out of the fridge.

"Yes he did. And James wants you to call him when you get a free moment. He took George and Lucas to their grandparent's house. Lucas isn't feeling well today it seems."

"Oh," Luke said frowning. "I would have looked after them."

"When I told James you were still sleeping he decided you needed your rest," Reid explained taking another sip from his mug. "Besides I'm sure you have your hands full already with this little guy," he nodded towards Landon who was trying to move his head as if he could somehow locate his daddy that way.

"He's a good baby," Luke smiled fondly as he looked at his son. "He actually let me sleep last night, didn't you little man?" Landon smiled, his bright blue eyes shining as he looked at his daddy. Reid hid a smile behind his coffee mug as he admired the scene unfolding before him. He wouldn't admit it but there was something endearing about watching Luke interact with the kid. He was reminded of a time almost eighteen years ago, when his nephew was small. He had doted on the little guy, never feeling burdened when his sister and Brother-in-law wanted a break. Laurie had been a good baby, sleeping though the night and never causing a fuss when Reid needed to study. He remembered those days fondly.

"I'll do it," Luke's voice pulled Reid out of his thoughts.

"What?" he asked not sure what Luke was referring to.

"The project," Luke clarified as he sipped on his coffee. "It's been a while since I wrote anything strictly for myself, and I think your stories are a great foundation. I won't even have to use your name if you would rather I didn't. I can create a fictional character that would just personify you. Wait..." he stopped suddenly noticing the amused smile on Reid's face. "Are you laughing at me?"

"No," Reid chuckled, "I'm not laughing at you, Luke."

"Well, you're not laughing with me, because I'm not laughing," Luke said crossing his arms across his chest.

Reid slipped off the stool and stood in front of Luke, placing his hands on either of Luke's wrists. He uncrossed Luke's arms taking down his defenses. He let go of his wrist, placing one hand beneath Luke's chin, lifting his head slightly to make eye contact.

"I would never laugh at you, Luke," he said sincerely. "And I understand that you're scared and unsure. But know this; I've got your back. I'm not going to let you fall, Luke," his hand touched Luke's back as if to make his point. "I've got you." He stepped away to give Luke room to breathe but still kept his gaze locked on him. "I just think it's adorable…your enthusiasm for this project, even though I know you're also scared and apprehensive about it. I think it will be good, how can it not? James, Robbie and Laurie were all very free with their praise last night, and with me telling the stories…well needless to say I think we'll make a great team."

Luke was taken aback by Reid's admission. He was also conflicted with his feelings. Up until today there were only two men who could calm him in such a way as Reid did; Noah and James. Why did this man have such an effect on him? He tried to dismiss the thoughts invading his mind, but every time he looked into Reid's eyes he was sent into a tailspin.

"I'm sorry."

"About what?" Reid smiled allowing Luke to know that all was forgiven.

"So…It's a go then?"

"It's a go."

Before Luke could utter another word Landon let out a cry as if to remind the men that he was in the room too. Luke and Reid looked at each other and chuckled, Reid taking a last sip from his coffee mug as Luke went to tend to the baby. Reid leaned against the island and watched as Luke took the baby into his arms. He immediately started to pat the baby's back, his hand moving in circular motions as he started to walk around the island. Reid poured himself another cup of coffee and moved around the kitchen to make Luke something to eat. There was a comfortable silence in the kitchen, broken only by Landon's occasional sounds and the clinking of dishes. Luke found it very comforting, and he wondered again how it was possible that it was Reid Oliver, a relative stranger, who brought out these feelings in him.