Slowly the Palmer family had settled into their new routine. They worked out appointment times and doctor visits. Gracie slowly adapted to having to attend some of the appointments. She had even begun helping Noah with his exercises. Noah was doing great physically but mentally was a different story. He had nightmares every night and would scream if Jimmy or Breena left him. Going out was impossible. They may be able to leave Gracie if need be but Noah was not ready to be left alone just yet. The road ahead was long and they had barely even begun the journey.
It was a relief to finally have Tony out of the hospital. Tali and him were staying with Gibbs until he was cleared by the neurologist. Tony was a pain in the ass as a house guest but still better behaved than he was as a hospital patient. Tali helped keep him in line. Jethro had considered keeping Tali at the McGee's to make things easier but she really did keep Tony in line. Jethro wished this girl had been around for Tony's past injuries and illnesses. There would have been a lot less tears and heartbreak on both sides.
Jimmy was lying on the bed with both of his children by his side. Breena had gone grocery shopping and he was the one who stayed home with the children. Noah was lying on his chest and Gracie in his arm. He was glad the children were getting along. He had noticed that Gracie had opened up now that Noah was around. She had gone from apprehensive and frustrated, to eager to help Noah with his exercises. As much as Noah loved and clung to his parents. He responded best to Gracie. Whatever she did. He would do as well. It was hands down one of the most beautiful things that Jimmy had seen is his entire life.
"Grey, Grey" Noah called.
"What is it, Noah?" Gracie asked.
"Love you." Noah cooed.
"I love you too." Gracie whispered.
Breena felt guilty but she was really appreciating having some time away. She loved her children and was grateful to have them but Noah's needs were getting to her. She struggled to juggle his appointments and she really struggled having him scream any time she left the room. She just wanted her son to be happy. She just wanted her family to heal.
Jimmy cooked dinner and Breena took over with the children. Cooking dinner was Jimmy's escape. He had it easier than Breena. He got away for a few hours a day to go to work. Breena was not so lucky. She had to stay home all day every day. She could not return to work until Noah was recovered enough to attend daycare or to be left with a sitter.
"What are we having for dinner?" Gracie asked as she poured herself a glass of juice.
"Fried chicken, mashed potatoes, and vegetables" Jimmy replied.
"No broccoli right? Because I hate broccoli." Gracie commented.
"Mixed vegetables. You have to eat two pieces of broccoli to get your desert." Jimmy replied.
"What's desert?" Gracie asked.
"Chocolate chip cookies from Noah's physical therapist." Jimmy replied.
"I guess I can eat the broccoli." Gracie sighed.
"That's my girl. Now do me a favor and set the table." Jimmy instructed.
Gracie had gone to help Jimmy with dinner. It was just Breena and Noah. As frustrated as she got, Breena adored these moments. She loved having her son close to her. She loved the way he cooed and blew little bubbles. He was two but in a lot of ways he was still a baby. Sometimes it was as if she had the tiny baby she yearned for.
"Mama" Noah cooed.
"I'm right here" Breena assured.
"Love mama." Noah cooed.
"I love you, too." Breena agreed.
The Palmer family had gathered around the table. Jimmy and Breena were at either end. Gracie sat beside Jimmy and Noah was by Breena. Gracie reluctantly ate her two pieces of broccoli. Breena carefully cut Noah's food and fed him. He could eat on his own but it was easier and actually faster to feed him.
"How was your day, Breena?" Jimmy asked.
"It was good. I went by the office on the way back from Noah's appointment. Then I ran into my friend Karen at the grocery store. How was yours?" Breena explained.
"It was pretty good. Ducky is going to visit tomorrow." Jimmy replied.
"That was excellent!" Breena cried.
"Yeah he is getting a day pass from the home. He has recovered enough to get the occasional day pass. I am going to take him out one weekend." Jimmy explained.
"I am sure that he will love that." Breena commented.
"When can I meet Ducky?" Gracie asked.
"If your are comfortable I will take you to the nursing home next time I visit. If you cannot handle that I will let you meet him the day I take him out." Jimmy explained.
"No I am fine with the nursing home." Gracie replied.
"How was your day, Gracie?" Breena asked.
"It was good I got an A on my spelling test and then Noah told me that he loved me." Gracie explained.
"He really does care for you. I think it's because he knows you were hurt too." Breena explained.
"Maybe" Gracie commented.
Breena had gone to get Gracie to sleep. It was just Jimmy and Noah. The Palmer's had moved Noah's toddler bed in their room until he improved. While Breena was gone. Jimmy had climbed into the toddler bed with Noah. He loved moments like these. Just him and his son. He rarely got time where it was just him and Noah. Always either Gracie or Breena were around. This was a truly special moment.
"Daddy" Noah called.
"What is it, Noah?" Jimmy asked.
"I love you, daddy." Noah cooed.
"I love you, too." Jimmy replied, he loved how much Noah was talking now.
A/N: At least Noah is beginning to adapt. New chapter will be up soon. Thanks for reading and please review.