I swear I didn't forget about this story...sometimes life gets busy and the fall/winter is my busiest time. I promise as long as there is interest in the story I will keep writing the ideas I have and are shared. Read, review and enjoy!

PIPERS POV

"Good morning sleeping beauties," Cal smiled from the kitchen.

"What's good about being woken up with all your banging and clanking…what the hell are you doing," I grumbled so not a morning person?

"Making everyone pancakes…and I figured you would already be up…I mean I heard plenty of banging coming from your room," he shot back.

I could feel my cheeks flush a little. It was true last night Alex and I…and we made a little noise, I just didn't think we were that loud.

"At least someone around here is getting some," Alex joked.

"Heeeeyy I have a girlfriend."

"The blow-up kind doesn't count," she laughed.

"Buuuurn damn going low and so early in the morning…try and keep the gloves up," he smirked.

I just sat back and watched the banter between my brother and girlfriend. I took equal parts pleasure from them getting along and Alex picking on him like a true big sister would. Sure I wasn't thrilled with Alex and Cal getting high, but there could have been worse things…they could have hated each other.

"Since when do you making breakfast anyway? Last I remember you had a mixing bowl of fruity pebbles for breakfast."

"Hellllloooo since I got a girlfriend duh…chicks dig that stuff."

"And who the hell are you making breakfast for," I asked knowing making breakfast implied someone stayed the night?

"Blow up dolls don't have stomachs stop playing kid…I'd watch out or that 6pack will turn into a dad bod and chicks def don't dig that," Alex laughed patting Cal's stomach.

"Man a guy was just trying to be nice and make pancakes," he playfully pouted.

"And I will gladly apologize when I see some giant chocolate chip pancakes in front of me…lets see what you got Bobby Flay," I smack him on the back and go sit at the table.

Cal gets to work finishing up the pancakes and Alex puts on a pot of coffee. She keeps begging me to get Keurig but I keep joking with her that only my rich girlfriend can afford one of those, I'm still a lowly servant. Truth is when I first moved it was a luxury item to me and only recently did I feel financially secure enough to splurge on some items…I would have to pick one up soon. I look into the kitchen and see Cal and Alex sword fighting with a spatula and wooden spoon and can't help but laugh…today was going to be a good day.

"Wow Cal…these are really good," I said actually impressed by his skills.

"You're welcome."

"Thank you," I roll my eyes taking another bite. "Thank you for also using every dish I own."

"Hey I cook you clean."

"Since when is that the deal."

"Since I am the guest."
"Ok children lets be on our best behavior please," Alex cut in, "we will handle the clean-up. Where are we heading first?"

"Statue of Liberty," Cal shouted looking at me hopeful.

"Ok, we can do the Statue of Liberty and then the 9/11 memorial…that should take up most of the day."

I suddenly felt sorry for my mom…or the nanny that was charged with getting three kids out of the house for school as getting Cal and Alex out of the house was nearly impossible. First, I had to get them to stop bickering long enough to get ready and then we had to go back thirty seconds after leaving because Cal had to go to the bathroom. I sarcastically ask if anyone else had to use the restroom when Alex decided she did. I swear they both did that just to annoy me.

"Here," I said handing Alex and Cal their ferry tickets as we stood in line.

"How long is the ferry ride," he asked looking as the boat we were about to get on?

"Only about 15 minutes…think you two can manage not to throw each other overboard," I asked eyeing them both up?

"It will be a challenge but I think I can keep my hands busy with something else in the meantime," Alex smiled kissing my check and wrapping her arms around me from behind.

"Did anyone ever tell you, you two are insufferable," Cal said rolling his eyes.

Alex just laughed and kissed my neck pulling me closer. I loved being held like this, I felt so protected…so loved. We got on the boat and within a few minutes were headed to Ellis Island. Cal looked around and I thought he was just taking in the sights, seeing the city from a different perspective. However, he took off towards the front of the boat without warning.

"CAL WAIT," I called after him.

Alex and I rushed to catch up to him. We arrived just in time to see him acting like a fool.

"I'M THE KING OF THE WOOOOOORLD," Cal yelled throwing his arms out wide.

As embarrassing as he was, I couldn't help but laugh at my brother being a total goofball. I am glad he was having fun and enjoying his time in New York.

"Give me your hand Rose," Cal said holding out his hand.

I had no idea what he was talking about but Alex took his hand.

"Close your eyes," he instructed and to my surprise Alex followed. "Hold onto the railing…now step up."

Was I in the twilight zone? What the hell was going on?

"I'm flying," Alex giggled.

Giggled? My girlfriend didn't giggle…well unless I was nibbling her neck.

"Rose I love you."

"I love you more Jack."

Before I could respond both tumbled back to the deck in a fit of laughter. Now that I knew what was going on I had to admit it was funny.

"Thanks for the Titanic reenactment but I wouldn't quit your day jobs."

"Oh come on that was totally on point."

"You missed one very important detail," I inform him.

"What's that?"

"Give me your hand Rose," I smile turning to Alex.

I pull Alex to the very front of the boat but bypass having her on the rails. I wrap my arms around her and she leans back into my touch allowing me to kiss her. Neither of us seemed to care we were on a boat as she turns in my arms to deepen the embrace.

"Oh god get a room," Cal yells at us.

We both laugh breaking the embrace.

"Besides I doubt either of you wanted to witness or participate in that scene," he added.

"True story," Alex smirked.

"Oh man this is going to be the longest day ever," I roll my eyes as the boat comes into dock.

While Cal and Alex goofed around from time to time they knew when to reign it in and respect the area we were exploring. They behaved themselves while in the Statue of Liberty but the second they got to the park area Alex punched Cal in the arm and yell he was it and took off with Cal hot on her heels. I was silently wishing they were like toddlers that would wear themselves out with all this running around.

As much as they were enjoying the day, all joking stopped when we visited the 9/11 memorial. In fact, I am not sure a word was spoken between us for a solid 30 minutes as we just took in the experience. We were mesmerized by the memorial and saddened by the loss of life and attack on not only the city we loved but the country. There were certain events that happen in which you will never forget where you were when they happened…this was one of them and I was in school. I was immediately pulled from school and brought home to wait on news of my father, who was working in the south tower.

"That was the longest three hours of my life," I mumble mostly to myself.

"What are you talking about," Alex asked confused?

It's not something anyone in our family talks about much, but if there was ever a time to reflect on that day it was right now.

"Our father was in the south tower," I admit out loud maybe for the first time.

"Oh my god," Alex reacts pulling me to her.

It happened 16 years ago but in this moment, it feels like just yesterday. Tears fill my eyes threatening to fall as I remember the confusion of what was happening and the fear of not knowing where our father was.

"I was young and really shouldn't have understood what was going on but somehow I just did. I think my mom forgot I was there and the news was just playing everything on repeat. My dad brought me to his office a handful of times, the most recently a week before it happened so I knew the towers. I'm not sure I knew if my dad might be dead but I knew something very, very bad happened."

"Pipes, I can't even imagine…you were what six?"

"I was 7 or 8…Cal was just a baby. My mom had tried calling our dad so many times but it kept going to voicemail. I don't know why but my mom was upstairs…maybe getting Cal from a nap or something, but she wasn't in the room at the time. I just remember feeling scared, terrified really kind of knowing what was going on but not really comprehending everything…then dad just walked in the door. I remember screaming daddy and launching myself into his arms never wanting to let go."

Alex just hugged me as the memory took over.

"I love you" she whispered in my ear.

I pulled back slightly and wipe at my eyes.

"We got lucky that day…so many people weren't," I said looking around at the memorial.

We spent a little more time walking around the memorial before we headed down to Battery City Park. The memorial is spectacular but it can also be overwhelming. It had been a good day some parts heavy, others lighthearted and I wanted to end on a high note. Knowing my brother and Alex didn't need much to be entertained we headed down to the waterfront.

"Man, I would love to live here someday," I said as we walked along the path.

"Really," Alex genuinely was surprised?

"Yeah, I mean look at these views. It is not every place you could wake up in the morning and have a view of the Statue of Liberty…and for the low, low price of $2 million it could be mine," I laugh knowing it's a dream.

"I don't know I kind of like being in the city…sure you could have view of Lady Liberty but does Phoo Chang's deliver at 3am with the best Chinese in the city?"

I couldn't help but laugh at her reasoning.

"Good point…great now I want Chinese food."

"Let's head back soon and get some."

"Excellent idea."

ALEX POV

"Ugh I feel so gross I just want a shower," Piper announced walking into the apartment.

"Ohh want some company," I asked with a smirk?

"God, you two really are like rabbits," Cal intervened.

"Jealous much," I laugh before kissing Piper.

"Hmm as much as I would like to continue this in the shower you know it would be nothing short of an hour and I am also starving. Can you and Cal figure out what to order for dinner."

"Sure," I pout.

Piper gives me another kiss before heading into the bedroom. I head into the kitchen to get some take out menus before joining Cal in the living room.

"Any thought on dinner," I ask him?

"I'm not picky…pizza is fine."

"You're in New York…anything can be delivered."

"Whatever is fine."

I was getting a weird vibe from Cal. We had a great day together, at least I thought we did, but now he seemed a little standoffish.

"I'm not sending you back to Connecticut with just eating pizza…you cool with Chinese food? I know Piper is craving it."

"Yup."

"Anything in particular?

"Nope."

"Ok then."

I go into the kitchen to place an order of way too much food but enough to get a good sampling. I pour myself a glass of wine and grab a beer from the fridge before heading back into the living room. Cal was still in the same position seemingly lost in thought…clearly something was weighing on his mind.

"Beer," I offered?

"Thanks."

"Everything ok Cal? You had a good day today right?"

"Huh…oh yeah today was a blast," he said momentarily showing signs of excitement.

"Ok, so why are you acting like I just kicked your puppy?"

Cal just sat there for a moment gathering his thoughts. I had no idea what to expect, I really thought today was amazing.

"Piper loves you," he said like it was some new epiphany.

"Umm yes she does," I said a little confused as to where this was going.

"Like really loves you…not some puppy love crush…but loves you like she wants to spend her life with you."

That took an unexpected heavy turn. I remained silent not sure if he wanted me to respond to that.

"I have known my sister for 20 years and I know her better than anyone. I know she loves lightning storms but gets scared when the thunder rolls in. She wants a French bulldog who she plans on naming tank. She says she gives my parents the finger but still seeks their approval. She is terrified of failure but doesn't let that hold her back from anything except for matters of the heart."

Some of these statements from Cal I was already aware of, while others provided new information. I still wasn't sure where he was going with this. Was he suddenly jealous of me? I could absolutely assure him, he had no reason to worry. I would never stand in the way of their relationship.

"I have seen her experience her first boyfriend, high school sweethearts and college relationships. I have watched her transform herself ever so slightly with each relationship into someone she thought she should be…someone she thought she was happy with. She doesn't do that with you."

"And that's a good thing," I summarily question?

"For the first time my sister is her true self…she is not defined by a relationship. She is thriving because she can be herself and you support that. I'm not going to sit here and be the tough guy saying you break her heart I'll break your face…first I don't hit women and second I'm a lover not a fighter," he smiled.

I couldn't help but chuckle.

"Ok so you're not going to threaten me bodily harm that's good to know."

"I am going to tell you that my sister…she loves hard and with her whole heart. She has never loved someone the way she loves you Alex and because of that I know you have the power to destroy her…that's a scary thing for me. She has had some tough break ups before but she could bounce back from them because they only captured a small piece of her…but you hold everything. There is no bouncing back from you."

I understood what Cal was talking about because everything he was telling me about Piper was reflected in what I felt for her.

"There would be no bouncing back for me either Cal. My dating history isn't typical, I never really wanted something long term…until I met Piper. She is different, she is everything I never knew I wanted."

"I like you Alex but I know life gets messy sometimes. Whatever happens just please remember how you feel about Piper in this moment and don't hurt her."

"I can't see into the future but I CAN promise you one thing…I will never intentionally hurt Piper, I love her."

Cal smiled. I was glad he was able to get that off his chest and feel like he did his brotherly duties.

"I know I am not the typical girl you would bring home to mom, but I do love her Cal. I can't imagine a life without her in it."

"So, when are you going to put a ring on it…I like my sister but we all know who the cool one in the relationship is," he laughed.

And just like that the deep brother hopeful sister-in-law was done and he was back to being the goofy kid. I picked up a pillow and threw it at his head.

"Money is on the counter if the delivery guy arrives…I am going to check on Piper," I say hearing the water turn off in the shower.

I walk back into Piper's room and through to the bathroom. By the time I split in she is already wrapped in a towel brushing her hair.

"Hey babe," she smiled looking at me through the mirror.

"Good shower," I asked walking up behind her?

"Hmm so nice…just missed you."

"Next time," I say kissing her bare shoulder. "I love you."

Maybe it was the look on my face or the tone in my voice, but something set the alarms off for Piper.

"You ok," she asked turning in my arms?

"I have never been better," I smile knowing my future was resting in my arms. "I never thought I would say this but hurry up and get dressed the food should be here any minute," a said kissing her one more time.

"I am sure Cal is used to us being delayed by now," she smirked.

"Oh god babe don't tempt me right now…I have almost no willpower but Cal is leaving in the morning and we should spend some more time with him."

"You really like him don't you."

"Don't sound so surprised…he is a pretty cool…you know for being a guy."

"I love that you get along."

"I love that you love that we get along…I am glad you're happy."

She pulled me into a heated kiss before pushing me away.

"Get out of here before I lose all my willpower too…I will be out in a minute."

"Fuck it he has the money…I am only hungry for one thing."

I knew I could be quick and that's what microwaves were for after all…reheating food that got cold because you prioritized sex over nutrition. Cal would understand our delay, after all we were tight now…and my girlfriend was smoking hot I was foolish to think I could keep my hands to myself. Oh the sacrifices I make.