Stef went inside to find her Mom was trying to calm Brandon down. She motioned to her that she had things under control. "Buddy, come here. What's wrong?"

"I'm sorry Mommy. I don't want a party. I'm really sorry." Brandon sobbed.

"Aww baby. You come here." Stef picked him up and carried him over to her bed. "You have nothing to be sorry about. Nothing's your fault. And no one blames you for anything."

"Daddy's so mad." He got out before he broke down sobbing harder.

Stef held him until they subsided. "Shush baby. Listen to me. You can't control how your Dad feels about things. Things are changing for all of us. And that's not always easy. Your Dad may be upset for a while. And that's okay. But, it will get better."

"Now come on. Be a big boy for Mommy. You're messing up your Spiderman face."

Brandon had quieted down to light sniffling but he giggled as his Mom tickled him and the last of his tears dried up. Stef kissed him and held him for a while. Then, she helped him into his pajamas and put him to bed. "Good night little man. Sweet dreams."

Xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

Lena and Gretchen carried Callie upstairs to Lena's old bedroom. Callie had fought sleep for the past half hour, not wanting to miss anything before she had to give up the ghost. They got her undressed and in her nightgown. They both kissed her good night and then went back down to the party.

The parents of the kids at the party were long gone with their families. Even though it was Callie's birthday party, Lena's Mom, Dana, had also managed to combine it with a get-together with her and Stuart's colleagues, friends and associates. So there were still a lot of people left long after the kids were gone.

People were still lined up at the game booths and with the kids gone, the grownups were playing like little children. Everyone was laughing and having a good time.

Lena's phone rang and she smiled as she saw the caller ID said Stef. She stepped away to a quiet spot to take it. "Hi baby."

"Hello, my love. You still partying?"

"Well, yea. There are a lot of people here. You could leave Brandon with your Mom and come back ya know."

"Naw, I can't. I wish I could though, my love. Mike that jackass got him really upset before he left. I figured he's going to need a little extra Mother son time in the morning."

Gretchen chose that moment to walk by. "Hey, baby. I'm going to get another drink you want me to bring you something? Cheese, crackers, some of those little sandwiches?"

"No, I'm fine. I ate earlier."

"You're eating for three baby. And your morning sickness is back. I'm going to get you something light and be right back." She kissed her on the cheek before Lena could move away. She heard Stef suck in her breath.

"She's just helping babe."

"I know. I hate that I'm here and she's there. Lena, we should move in together." Stef was a little surprised that the words had come out of her mouth but, she did enjoy the sound of them. Yeah, Lena was her forever. Why shouldn't they move in together?

"Well, how about we talk about that at a less emotional time."

"You don't want to move in with me and Brandon?"

"It's just a really big step honey. I don't want you to make it because you're jealous of someone else. Gretchen is my kids Mom. She will always be there in one way or another."

"I know that Lena. I also know that you're my forever. And if you're getting sick, I want to take care of you. If you need anything, I want to be the one to give it to you. Girlfriend is such a childish word. I want to make sure everyone understands we belong together. Like one of those domestic partnerships that Jenna and Kelly have."

"Well, they had a domestic partnership because it was illegal for them to be wed. But, they are legally married now."

"Fine. Let's get legally married then."

Lena was totally stunned at this. She loved Stef more than she had known it was possible to love someone else. She had never felt this way with Gretchen or any other woman she'd been with. But, marriage, this early, she knew she had to keep her wits about her. "I want to marry you too. One day. But, let's start small. We move in together. We pick a date and just do it."

Stef was a bit disappointed. She really did want to marry Lena now. She would do it today if she could. But, even in California, the divorce would take 6 months go through from the date that they filed the paperwork. She figured that was enough time to save up for a ring and ask Lena properly. "Okay, my love. We move in together. That should be good for now." She emphasized the for now part.

Gretchen was headed toward Lena with a full plate so Lena thought it best to disconnect. "Well, babe, I really am famished. I'm going to eat and probably talk with my family, then go up to bed. I love you."

"I love you baby, always and forever." Both women were smiling as they disconnected the call.

Lena was going upstairs trying to help with some of the clean up when her sister Lisa was going downstairs. They met on the landing and stood around enjoying the view. They had both enjoyed the party and even though it was starting to get late, they were fending off sleep not wanting it to end also.

"So, how're things with you and Gretchen?" Lisa asked. She had been married to her high school sweetheart for years and Lena's life seemed so filled with Hollywood glam compared to hers.

"They're fine. I guess. We're just trying to find our new normal. Doesn't stop her from hitting on me despite me telling her I'm with Stef."

"And how are things with her?"

"Nice. We're taking it slow. She was acting weird this week because she's been jealous of Gretchen. We've talked about how much change is still to come but, I think she's going to be fine. She says she loves Callie and she loves the babies and wants to be there. Even at their birth. We're even talking about moving in together."

"How's that going to work with Gretchen?"

"I have no idea. I guess we can only take it one day at a time."

"But, you love her?"

"I love her with everything in me. She makes me happy. She makes me laugh. I'm a nerd and she's a goofball. We're a perfect fit." Lena shook herself out of her funk, "Come on. It's a party. Let's switch to nicer things."

They were chatting and going over the day's events when all of a sudden there was a lot of commotion from inside the house.

They turned as the doors flew open. Mike came flying out like a charging bull. His face was red and you could smell liquor on him. He strode over to Lena and starting bellowing in her face.

"You!" He said with a voice filled with venom. "You stay the hell away from my wife and my family."

Lena was taken aback. She shook her head in disbelief. Her first reaction was to get angry. But, she saw that he was in no state of mind to be reasoned with. Instead she decided to try and walk away. "Excuse me. I have no idea what you're talking about."

By this time the people who were downstairs had heard the commotion and everyone was closing in around the stairs. Lena saw Timothy, her father Stuart, Lisa's husband Rich, and Oz rushing toward them.

"You heard me, you bitch. You stay the hell away from my wife and my son. My wife is not a damned lesbo like you and doesn't want anything to do with you. You have no business trying to break up a home. You better listen to me loud and clear. Stay the hell away from me, stay the hell away from my son, and stay the hell away from my wife." He drew back his fist and slammed it right into her face. She fell off balance and went down the stairs with a thud.

He looked as shocked as everyone else was when Timothy, Stuart, Rich and Oz managed to subdue him. Dana, Lisa, and Gretchen had all rushed down to Lena. She was out cold and bleeding from more than one place. Radha had some medical experience and she rushed over to be of assistance. There were a few other doctors who also came to her aid.

The police responded quickly and within 15 minutes, Lena had been placed in an ambulance and was on her way to the hospital and Mike had been taken into custody. He seemed as stunned as his fellow officers were to see the situation. As they gathered witness statements from the guests, a few of the officers tried speaking with Mike but were getting nowhere.

"Mike. This is bad man. Look. Is there somebody we can call for you?"

"Call my wife. Tell her to come quick." Mike gave them the number and the officer promised to make the call as Mike was driven away.

Cococococococococococo

Sharon and Stef were enjoying some tea and quiet after putting Brandon down for the night.

"That was a great party." Sharon said.

"Yeah," Stef chuckled. "I don't see how we're going to top that one. I can't believe how fast they're growing up. Callie was such a little thing when I met her."

"Growing is what kids do. Can't stop it no matter how much you may want to." Sharon took a long sip. "So, you and Lena are alright?"

"Yeah, we're going to do something with the kids tomorrow. I guess I was just being silly being jealous of Gretchen. She's her ex. Mike's my ex and she definitely has nothing to worry about there. It's just… the trust thing is hard."

"Well, being cautious isn't silly. Especially with so many kids involved. You do realize you're about to be a parent to 3 other children right?"

"Yes Mom. And I'm also going to have someone there helping me. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't nervous, but I already love Callie. And I'm sure I'll love these babies too. They will be a part of Lena. And I don't think it's possible for me to love her any more than I do now. That's why we're talking about moving in together now so that I can be there to help her out more."

"Lena's a good one. You'll be fine." Sharon kissed Stef's temple and went to put her cup in the sink when the phone began ringing.

Stef checked the caller ID and saw that it was a blocked call. She thought about not answering it thinking it was Mike but then she remembered Mike would just come up as Mike. She answered the phone tentatively. "Hello."

"Is this Stefanie Foster?"

"Yes, this is she," Stef said shrugging at her Mom's questioning look. "Who is this?"

"This is Officer Freemont. Your husband asked me to call. I'm calling to tell you that there's been a serious incident."

"What? What's going on?" Sharon could hear the alarm in Stef's voice and she came closer trying to hear.

"Ma'am, I'm sorry to have to tell you this but, you're needed down at the police station. Your husband assaulted a woman at a party. And, it's really serious. You should get down to the station as soon as you can."

Stef's could hear blood rushing in her ears. Her heart was pounding fast and her hands were sweating. She didn't want to know but knew she had to ask. "What woman did he assault? Is she okay?"

"The victim was taken to St Mary's Hospital. They don't know what's going on with her or the babies. But, your husband is going to need bail and –"

"What woman?!" Stef was shouting and crying by now although she already knew the answer. "What's her name?"

"The vic's name is …. Lemme see…. Oh, here it is. Ms. Lena Adams. It seems – hello? Hello?"

Stef had already hung up and was looking for her keys. "I have to go. Mike assaulted Lena. She's at the hospital. I have to see her."

"Honey wait!"

"Mom, I have to go!"

"I know. I just think maybe you should take a couple of breaths. You don't want to get into an accident getting there. Now tell me what happened."

Stef took a few deep breaths and then tried to start over. "All I know is that Mike went after Lena and now she's in the hospital and I guess Mike is in jail. Now, I have to get to the hospital, Mom. I'll call when I know something." Stef took off running and jumped in her car and drove off.