Later that night when sleep had taken over their younger children and study the older, Sam and Cassie sat on the couch holding each other close. Like many winter evenings, they cuddled together watching an old movie. This particular evening it happened to be one of their favourites, a romantic comedy starring James Stewart and Kim Novak. Sam particularly liked the fact that Stewart's character started as a neighbour to his love interest, just as he had. Whereas Cassie felt a certain kinship with the shop owner portrayed by Novak. They both loved the title of the film: Bell, Book and Candle.

"So, you didn't name the shop after the film?" Sam asked with a slight smirk, as he did every time they watched the movie.

"No, Sam," she answered, as she did every time, giving him a slight nudge at the jest. "I did not."

"Ok, but I am still not quite convinced," he chuckled. Cassie, simply shook her head at her husband's regular joke. Turning more serious he said, "Oh, I, uh, literally stopped in my tracks today at Grey House when I thought I heard my ex-wife call my name." Cassie feigned a look of innocent surprise. "Turns out, it actually was her."

"I didn't tell you she was staying next door?" She asked innocently.

"No. You didn't." He deadpanned.

"Oh, I meant to, but must have forgotten with the shop being so busy, you know," she responded.

"Ah, ok, right" Sam answered, knowing what she was doing. "Well, I was certainly surprised."

"You spoke with her then?"

"Yes," he answered. "A full conversation which didn't end with me gritting my teeth, but actually, uh…forgiving her."

"You've forgiven Linda," Cassie exclaimed, genuinely surprised. She hadn't seen that coming and loved how Sam could surprise her in just about every way.

"Yeah. How many years ago was it now that you told me I should," he asked rhetorically. "Can't say I didn't listen to you," he said smiling. "Granted, it wasn't to her face, but it still happened and I can admit that it actually feels good."

Cassie put her arms around her husband. "I'm glad and I'm proud of you," she said giving him a peck on the lips.

"My wife is proud of me," Sam smiled. "What more could a husband want?"

"To finish one of our favourite movies in each other's arms?" she suggested.

Sam simply nodded and hit 'play' on the remote. Cassie, listening to Stewart and Novak and wrapped in her husband's arms, could only hope her step-son wouldn't take as long in forgiving his mother.

The light of the early morning crept through the curtains of Sam and Cassie's room and the language of a one-year-old came through the baby monitor, waking a mother and father from their slumber. Sam felt his wife begin to move. "No, no, no, I'll go," he said unravelling himself from her, and slowly making his way towards the children's room.

Elizabeth had woken up and was sitting up in bed holding a conversation with herself while her twin continued to sleep soundly.

"Hey princess good morning, let's go see Mama so you won't wake your brother," he said taking her out of the crib and going to the kitchen where he knew Cassie would be before heading to Grey House to serve breakfast.

He reached the kitchen, their daughter in his arms, and Cassie making coffee, tea and a bottle. She grinned knowing her husband and younger daughter were heading her way. Their family morning routine had begun.

"Good morning, my love," Sam said taking the coffee in one hand, while still holding their daughter in his other arm. Cassie pulled him in for a morning kiss.

"Good morning, handsome," she said after their lips parted. "And, good morning, my sweet pea," kissing their daughter on the forehead. Taking Elizabeth, she put her in the high chair and gave her a bottle and bits of a banana.

"So, Cassie," Sam said in between sips of coffee. "I'm sorry, but I won't be able to help out at Grey House this morning because it is the only time we could schedule a meeting with all the department heads at Hillcrest."

Since the beginning of their marriage Sam helped her with breakfast preparation for Grey House guests; a way to make up for all the food he ate while they were dating, he had said jokingly. Cassie suspected it was just another way to for him to spend time with her and, really, she loved working together with her husband—in any capacity.

"That's alright. I think I'll be ok," she said, a particular look forming on her face.

Sam poured himself another cup of coffee and sat down next to his daughter, urging her to eat. Grace walked into the kitchen, Nick not far behind her.

"Good morning Mom, Sam," Grace said cheerily, passing by her parents. "Good Morning, little sister," giving her a shake of her small hand.

"Morning Dad, Cassie," Nick said sleepily. Clearly not quite awake yet. "Morning little Lizzie."

Sam and Cassie looked at each other, silently amused by their older children. "Hey, can either of you help Cassie out at Grey House this morning?" He asked.

"Sam…" Cassie interjected after reading the looks from Grace and Nick.

"Uh, sorry," Grace quickly answered. "I've got an 8am biology class. Can't miss. Gotta go." Giving a quick peck on the cheek to each of her parents and sister, she headed out the door.

Nick's eyes shifted between his father and step-mother. "Ok," he said slightly reluctant. "What do you need, Cassie?"

A cry rang out from down the hall. "I'll get Alex," Sam volunteered.

"Thank you," she said caressing his arm as he passed. Turning her attention back to Nick, "All I need is for you to set everything up. George is there to help after he goes to the Bistro. As soon as your Dad and I get the twins ready, I will be there."

"No problem."

"Thanks Nick," Cassie said as Nick headed toward the front door and Sam entered with Alex in his arms.

"You think that was a good idea," he asked his wife as he set Alex next to his sister.

"And whose idea was it?" She retorted, wrapping one arm around him and caressing her son with the other.

"Yeah, I've been around you way too long," he grinned.

"And, I couldn't be any happier," she answered, kissing him quickly before they both got back to feeding their kids.

Nick made the short trip to Grey House. Walking through the backdoor of the kitchen, he saw George. "Hey there, Nick!" George exclaimed.

"Hey," he answered.

"Are you helping your Dad and Cassie out this morning?"

"Actually, I am filling in for my Dad. He's got something at the hospital early this morning."

"Ah, well, I am making a trip to the Bistro for pastries and muffins. I'll be back," he said taking his coat and heading out the door.

Nick smiled and opened cupboards to gather the dishware for guests. Plates, glasses, mugs, cutlery were all soon set out ready for use. He stepped back to admire his work; he was actually enjoying what he was doing. Deciding to continue, he went to the refrigerator to gather the items Cassie had placed there the night before and began to cut fruit just as he had seen her do many times before. He had just set out a bowl of melons when he turned around to find himself face to face with his mother. "Mom, what are you doing here?!"

"What do you think, Nicky? I am here to see you. We need to talk."

"No. No, we don't. You have said enough. I…I can't even…" Not even finishing his thought, he stormed out of the house

Back next door, Sam was saying good-bye to his wife and the twins for the day. "Sorry, I can't help you with breakfast."

"That's ok, Sam. It's not like meetings like this happen every day."

"No, they don't. Not if I can help it," he grinned, kissing his wife and kids good-bye. Just as he was about to get in the car, Nick stopped in front of his parents.

"You knew," he said, looking back and forth between his father and step-mother. "You both knew. How could you? Both of you."

Watching Nick head towards the house, Sam and Cassie sighed heavily. "Now I am really sorry I have to go," Sam said, his voice full of regret.

"Don't worry. Let him cool off. He always does," Cassie said as he got in his Jeep.

"Yeah, you're right," he agreed. "Have a good day. I love you."

"Love you more."

"Love you all the most," he smiled, waving at Cassie, Alex and Liz as he drove away.

,

"Come on, you two," she told her kids. "Let's go to Grey House."

"Howse!" they both replied happily.

George had returned from the Bistro a few minutes after Cassie arrived at Grey House, Elizabeth and Alexander contently playing together around her. "Nick was here earlier helping out," he said.

"Yeah. Sam and I saw him head back to the house," she said, a bit deflated.

Just then Linda walked in with an empty plate of food. "Linda," Cassie said.

"Cassie."

George knew his cue to let the two women talk. "Um, Cassie, I'll just take the tykes upstairs to the sitting room and read them a story."

"That sounds perfect, George. Thank you." Cassie turned back to Linda. "Sam and I ran into Nick outside."

"Yeah, I came downstairs for breakfast. He wasn't happy to see me. You and Sam didn't tell him I was here, I take it."

Cassie shook her head. "No, we didn't. We actually hoped he would run into you and you might be able to talk."

"Thank you, but it didn't work," Linda said disheartened. "Now that he knows, he will certainly avoid Grey House."

"Well, don't you avoid him."

"Right, yes. Sam mentioned his university courses."

"Yeah," Cassie said getting a look in her eyes, completely missed by Linda.

"I think I will take a wander around town today. I have to know what to say once I have his attention."

"I've always found the truth is the best place to start," Cassie suggested.

"I'm not sure that will help."

"You never know," she said with a knowing look. "Well, as all is set down here, I'd better help George out. Alex and Elizabeth can be a handful."

"Cassie," Linda interjected as Cassie began toward the stairs. "I know I haven't always been…well, let's face it civil with you and...I'm sorry," she said truthfully.

"Linda…" Cassie began.

"No, no please. I have had a lot of time to do a lot of thinking and I know that from day one even before you and Sam were…married…you were there for Nick."

Cassie could see how difficult that had been for Linda. "Ah well, it's really no problem and it's always been my pleasure. He's a good kid and a wonderful step-son. I'm proud to have him as part of my family."

Linda nodded and managed a small smile, "Well, thank you…for being here for him."

"Sure," she said placing a hand on her shoulder as she went towards the stairs.

Linda knew from her how her son talked about his family in Middleton that they were important to him. At first she was jealous, but now she finally realised that her ex-husband and his wife were, in fact, intent on keeping the connection between herself and her son open.