Chapter 11

Alex awoke early, as always, and took a moment of comfort in the closeness of him. He'd come home after midnight, she knew, because that was when she'd called it a night. She knew things were a mess between them, and she had no idea how to fix it. Honestly, she didn't even know how broken they were. At least he always came home. Eventually, Bobby always came home.

As she pulled on her jogging clothes, she ran her gaze along his profile. She could see the dark circles under his eyes, even in his restful sleep. His lips were soft and inviting, centered between the sharp and harsh whiskers that surrounded them. His hair was getting unruly, and she realized between work and caring for her and Katie, he hadn't had time to get it cut.

She ran a hand through her own hair and thought the same thing about herself. Then she stepped out to check on Katie before she went out for her run.

Katie was sleeping hard, a good sign that she was on the mend. Alex stroked her curls and kissed her, then went back to the bedroom to find her phone.

He rolled over onto his stomach when she came in, and the sheet slipped down off his back. He was getting older, but his strength had not waned. Alex found herself admiring his powerful back and shoulders, and with a last glance at the clock, she realized there was time: time for them.

Alex crawled onto the bed and straddled him. She gently ran her hands over his bare skin. Her husband sighed and opened his eyes. He started to turn over, but she stopped him with a word. "Don't. Stay put."

Bobby smiled, then, and she realized just how much she loved to see him smile. She massaged his neck and shoulders gently, and then lowered her head and kissed her way across his neck.

"You won't have time for your run," he warned her.

"I'm not running today," she replied, and pressed her body flat over his.

Bobby turned himself over in spite of her. Alex toppled off him and landed just beside him. He pulled her back toward him, kissing her eagerly, his hands working their way under her spandex tank.

For a moment, they forgot their troubles.

"Uncle Mike!" Katie yelled, and ran down the school hallway to leap into his arms. He caught her easily and pecked her cheek. "Where's Andy? Are you lost? I can show you around," she offered.

"I'm fine, Katie. He's in the classroom with Aunt Carolyn and his teacher."

Alex smiled and shook her head at Mike. "Already sent to the Principal's office, Logan? I thought you'd grown out of that."

He smiled at her remark and set Katie back on her feet. "No, I had to go to the library. Somehow Andy managed to lose a book already. It cost me $17!"

"Mrs. Wells!" Katie shouted. "You're Andy's teacher!"

Mrs. Wells smiled and gave Katie a gentle hug. She greeted Alex and then spoke again to Carolyn and Mike. "He's really a delight to have in class. You have a wonderful young man, there!" The Logans beamed at her, and at Andy. Mrs. Wells went back into her classroom, and the group wandered down the hall.

"Where's Bobby?" Mike asked.

"He's working tonight. He and Battista are closing in on a suspect." She pointed in the direction of the cafeteria. "The PTA always serves ice cream at these things," she said.

Cheerfully, the little group headed for the school cafeteria together. When they thought no one was looking, the Logans stole a kiss. Alex smiled to see them so happy together.

Alex awoke instantly, summoned by her pitiful cry. She threw the covers aside and ran to Katie's room, where her daughter was curled into a ball and crying. Alex registered that she was feverish and wrapped her arms around her just in time to get vomited on.

"Again?" Bobby asked, breathless and trying to shake off the thick sleep he'd been in. He got up and put Katie in the bath while Alex took a quick shower of her own. Bobby wrapped her in a towel and carried her to his bed. He laid her down and threw some covers over her. "You stay warm and I'll go find you some pajamas," he instructed. As an afterthought, he asked, "Are you still feeling sick?"

She shook her head.

"You're not going to throw up?"

Again she shook her head. "No, Daddy."

He kissed her wet curls. "All right, I'll be right back."

Alex emerged from the shower and hastily threw on a pair of sweats and a t-shirt. She paused to check on Katie, and then went to get a dose of Tylenol for her.

Bobby returned and tossed the clean underwear and pajamas to his wife. Then, without a word, he went back to Katie's room to clean up the mess.

By three a.m., they were all asleep together in the master bedroom.

This time, Alex was able to stay home with Katie, at least for one day. She'd gone in only long enough to retrieve some paperwork, and then settled in for the day while Bobby went to the office.

Katie was miserable. It was strep throat again. Alex watched her daughter listlessly watching movies on the couch, and tried to concentrate on her work.

At noon, Bobby called. At 1:00, Carolyn called. At 2:00, Alex's sister called. Only it wasn't about Katie.

"Goren," he said into the phone.

"Bobby, it's my Dad!"

He could barely understand her, but he got the gist of what she was saying.

"Bobby, I have to get over there. I have to know…"

He pressed his fingers into his closed eyes. "I… Let me talk to Ross. I'll be there as soon as I can. Can Mike or Carolyn help with Katie?"

"She's got strep, Bobby! They won't want Andy—"

"You're right. Okay. I'll… I'll get out of here as soon as I can."

He barely walked in the door and she was in his arms. "Go, Alex. Call me."

She kissed him quickly and hurried out the door.

Bobby gave Katie her medicine and put her to bed. As he started to clean up the apartment, he was surprised when Alex walked in. He stood still, both hands full of dirty dishes.

"He's… he's okay for now," she said. "They told us all to go home." When she moved close enough, he kissed her cheek. "How's Katie?"

"Miserable," he said. "I just put her to bed."

Alex went to her daughter's room and Bobby finished with the dishes.

"I'm sorry, Bobby. I didn't intend to leave you with… everything… again."

Bobby pulled her close. "Knit together," he whispered.

"What?" she asked, pulling back far enough to search his eyes.

"Your Dad. He said that to me once, that families were 'knit together.' I guess this… I guess this is how it happens. One needle point at a time."

Slowly, she leaned forward, her head resting against the steady beat of his heart. The anxiety was set aside, and secure in Bobby's arms, she found solace.