Jordan was at the Mannings', watching Michael. She put Michael down with some toys just as the phone rang. It was Charlie.

"Guess what? I'm getting out.", he told her happily.

Jordan was relieved.

Don was at his desk. He'd been meaning to call Alan all morning. He was getting ready to call, when his cell phone rang.

"Eppes."

"Donnie! I'm going to pick up your brother. Come over for dinner tonight. I'm making lasagna." Alan's voice sounded excited.

Don laughed. He promised to come over as soon as he got off. He hung up, and looked over at Megan. "Charlie's getting out of the hospital." Don smiled at her. "Dad's going to pick him up now."

"Oh I'm glad to hear that." Megan smiled at him.

Mary Manning pulled into her driveway. She walked into the front door, and found Jordan eagerly waiting for her.

"Are you in a hurry Jordan?" She grinned. Her nanny was glowing. Mary was sure she knew the reason why.

"Umm.. yes, if you don't mind me going." She grinned. "Charlie is home."

Mary laughed. "I can tell. See you tomorrow."

Charlie was so happy to be home.

He took a long shower, and the hot water felt wonderful. He knew his Dad was downstairs planning the big dinner. Charlie smiled. It was so good to be home. He pulled on sweat pants, a tee shirt, and a pair of socks. He carefully eased himself down the stairs.

Alan saw Charlie and insisted that he lie on the couch and have a nap before dinner. He was pretty tired. Charlie laid down, and fell asleep almost immediately. Alan covered his sleeping son with one of Margaret's handmade blankets.

That afternoon...

Charlie was awake, watching the game on tv. Alan had insisted on giving him ginger ale. Charlie accepted it, and was thankful it wasn't jello. Though he suspected Alan had it in the refrigerator for later.

The doorbell rang. "I got it." He called to Alan, and started for the door. He opened it. There stood Jordan.

She grinned up at him. He smiled and reached for her. He pulled her into his arms and held her close. He closed his eyes and breathed in. There was that smell. Baby powder. He smiled. He put his hand under her chin and tilted her face up to him. He kissed her. He could feel her arms around his neck and her fingers in his hair.

Alan came around the corner to see who had come in. He saw his son and Jordan with their arms around each other. Alan stopped in his tracks and went back around the corner, out of their sight. He listened. He was grinning.

Don walked in the front door. "Hello?"

"In the kitchen." Alan called.

Don walked into the kitchen. "Hey Dad. Smells great. Where is Charlie?"

"Outside showing Jordan how to feed the koi." Alan grinned at Don.

"Uh huh. And what are you grinning about?" Don raised an eyebrow at Alan.

"Oh nothing." Alan said, trying to keep his face and voice straight as he looked down at the tomatoes he was slicing. "Let's just say that when she came in the door, no words were used to say hello." Alan looked up at Don to see his reaction. Alan was rewarded. Don looked startled. Then Don started laughing.

"Obviously he's feeling better." Don said, swiping a piece of tomato and popping it into his mouth.

Alan grinned. "Obviously."

THE END.