"Here Without You"
Chapter Thirteen
Ecstatic that she was back in his arms, he directed her to Ian's room. Her family was just as ecstatic as Bobby was to have her back with them. Her parents latched onto her. Bobby stepped back, letting parents and daughter have their reunion all to themselves. As observant as he always was, he sat back in the chair next to Ian's bed and watched them.
He twirled the wedding ring around his finger, grinning every time that he made the right decision. She was his equal, his peace at mind. Now that she was here with her parents and small family, he felt whole again. Growing up in his screwed up family, Bobby never had the chance to know what family love meant. Of course, he knew the concept of it from watching Alex interact with her parents. The reassured hand from her mother to her arm gave Bobby the sense that was the sign to relax, that things were all right.
They would be for a while.
He absent-mindedly rubbed a finger against Ian's cheek. The toddler was starting to stir with the interruption from his mother and grandparents. This was his sign to Ian that he ought to relax. Daddy would take care of everything.
At the sound of rustling sheets, Alex looked over to Bobby and Ian. She saw the wide-eyed boy stare at her with studying eyes. Her heart sank when she realized that he didn't recognize her. Her mother-son bond was no longer established. He rolled to his side, facing his father and reaching his hands as an indication that he wanted up.
Bobby's eyes met hers, and he knew instantly what the problem was. He did the only thing that came to mind. He quieted their son by picking him up and carrying him to his mother.
Ian looked at the blue-eyed woman with curiosity, but hesitation lingered. He trusted his daddy; so when Bobby handed Ian to the woman, Ian went to her. He didn't know who she was, for the most part. He remembered that he had once been with her, in a hospital but he was younger. Her hand went to his chin and he caught a glimpse of the same golden circle that his daddy had. Instantly, his hand went to that finger to study it.
That's when he knew. He was in Mommy's arms.
"Mama," Ian said with a goofy grin. The adults let a relief out, and Ian saw a tiny tear threaten to drop at her eyes. He didn't want that, so he lay against her with his head just under her chin and settled against her.
"Yes. I'm your mama," Alex said as she kissed his crown and let the tears start to flow. Her baby boy was in her arms and it made her feel whole again. She looked to her husband, who now was seated in his normal seat watching the two of them. "Nothing will keep me away from you ever again."
Ian felt safe; just like he did when he was in his daddy's arms. He watched the adults interact with each other, and soon he was drifting back to sleep.
Ross was sitting at his desk, looking over paperwork when Detective Mike Logan tapped on the opened door, poking his head in.
"Cap, can I come in?" Mike asked.
Ross nodded. Mike entered the small office. "What is it, Detective?"
Mike sat in the chair, getting relaxed. This wasn't a typical fill-in. Ross didn't want to have a personal conversation with the detective. He was more concerned about his case, and the fact that his best detective was at the hospital with his son.
"Where's Goren? I believe we need him on this." Mike asked with a curious look.
Ross looked down, rolling his eyes. Mike was always the nosy one. "He's out for the day."
"I know that, but what else aren't you telling me?" Mike narrowed his eyes. Bobby and he were good friends. He knew something was wrong when Bobby didn't show up without telling him. Mike didn't particularly like being in the dark.
"Look, Mike, I can't tell you. Ask Bobby if you're so concerned." Ross didn't want to breach Bobby's trust in him. He knew that it took a lot for Bobby to trust anyone; so when Bobby finally confessed to him about Ian and his current marriage status, Ross took it personal.
"I can't get a hold of him. He won't answer my calls." Mike informed. He was frustrated that his boss wasn't telling. "Can't you just call him and see if he's all right?"
"No!" Ross responded quickly. "He called me a while ago and said that he was fine. End of story. Get back to your case!" He barked.
Seeing the defensiveness that Ross showed, Mike looked at him stunned. He was speechless as he got out of his chair and left the office to return to his own desk.
Ross watched his detective sulk back, and this brought on a small smile at the fact that he spooked Mike speechless. He wasn't planning on letting the entire squad know about the Goren-Eames news. He wanted to wait for a perfect time and also with Goren and Eames' permission – or rather the Gorens' permission.
I gotta get used to calling Eames by her married name. Oh God…this is going to be a disaster once everything has passed. Ross thought, hoping that the secret he shared with Bobby wouldn't backfire on him.
A/N: I can't decide whether to end this chapter here or add a little more. Let me know what you think. Once I know, I can always change it and put it back on. Thanks all!
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