A/N: A thousand apologies for the massive delay in posting any updates. I didn't abandon this story by any means, but for a bit I was stuck (the lack of Jate in my story didn't help matters either) and real life kept interrupting too. But I can at least say that while I was away for a period of time I did manage to punch out the last 3 "transition" chapters moving this story along to where I can pick up the Jate pace again! So, I'm posting the first of three and hopefully if you guys respond quickly I'll post the other in the next 24 hours….(shameful cry for reviews, I know)

As usual, don't own Lost or the characters nor do I own the song "Smile" by Lonestar. Love the lyrics and just thought they fit the tone of this chapter.

CHAPTER 36 – Smile

I still remember the night we met
You said you loved my smile
But your love for me was like a summer breeze
Oh it lasted for a while
I could hold on a little tighter I know
But when you love someone gotta let'em go

So I'm gonna smile
Cause I wanna make you happy
Laugh
So you can't see me cry
I'm gonna let you go style
And even if it kills me
I'm gonna smile

Kiss me once for the good times, baby
Kiss me twice for good bye
You can't help how you don't feel
And it doesn't matter why
give me a chance to bow out gracefully
'Cause that's how I want you to remember me

I'm gonna smile
Cause I want to make you happy
Laugh
So you cant see me cry
I'm gonna let you go Style
And even if it kills me
I'm gonna smile

I'm gonna smile so you can find the courage
Laugh,
so you wont see me hurtin'
I'm gonna let you go Style
And even if it kills me
I'm gonna
Smile

Kate stepped into the living room, having finished a shift at work, to be greeted by a teary-eyed child sporting Dora the Explorer pajamas and pigtails, carrying a stuffed rabbit.

"Mama," Emma exclaimed raising her arms up in the air.

Bending down to pick her up Kate hugged the little girl close to her and gave her a kiss on the side of her head. "Hey, Doodle Bug, what are you doing up?" she said softly.

"Don't feel good." The little girl whimpered burying her small face in the crock of Kate's neck.

"She was having trouble falling asleep," Claire said as she looked up from the couch. "kept asking for you."

Nodding Kate cuddled her daughter closer and kissed her again noticing the warmth of her skin. "She feels like she's still got a temperature."

The other woman nodded in agreement. "I took it earlier and it was a little high. I gave her some children's Tylenol along with the medicine for her ear." She explained referring to the ear infection Emma had been fighting for the last couple of days.

"Ah, the advantages of living with a nurse." Kate joked as she lowered herself onto the chair near the couch careful to reposition Emma as she sat.

Claire laughed. "I'm not one yet."

"Oh please, you graduate in two weeks." Kate retorted. She was looking forward to Claire's graduation ceremony, almost feeling as if it was a signal of a fresh start for her friend. The divorce, not contested by Charlie, was made final the previous month and with school almost done and the chance at a new job Claire was getting her life back on track.

For her part Claire felt like a new person. Her only recent disappointment had been the lack of success she had in finding her father. Her Aunt Lindsey was still putting her off but Louise had promised to talk to her and see if she could convince Lindsey to talk to Claire about it.

"So, how was work?" Claire asked putting down her textbook – last minute studying for the nursing boards.

"About the same. We were a little busier than usual with an anniversary dinner, but it wasn't bad." Kate looked down at Emma who was sucking her thumb, her eyelids starting to get droopy, content to be in her mother's arms, and gently stroked her hair.

"I did get asked out on a date." Kate revealed almost shyly.

"Really? One of the club members?"

"Yeah, he's been there a few times before."

"Cute?" Claire asked with a smirk.

"He's not bad." Kate admitted, thinking back to the blonde-haired, blue eyed man who had flashed her a perfect smile before asking her to join him for dinner.

"So, what did you say?" Claire asked before noticing the look on Kate's face. "You turned him down, didn't you?"

Kate shrugged her shoulders. "Well, I'm not exactly available." She pointed out.

"Well, technically, you're not taken either." Claire replied slowly.

"Claire…"

"I'm just saying, you don't know what's going to happen. I mean, look at me and Charlie?"

Kate held back reminding her friend that Jack was not some musician using drugs and hanging out with groupies. She knew Claire was still dealing with the after effects of the divorce and realizing she and Charlie weren't forever.

The blonde noticed Kate's silence and watched her cuddle her daughter…her reminder of the man she loved. "I'm sorry," she said softly. "I shouldn't be dumping my baggage on you."

"That's okay." Kate replied as she gently brushed Emma's bangs, the child finally having succumbed to sleep. "I know it's been a tough time for you."

"Still…but…I guess what I was trying to say is that there's nothing wrong with going out and enjoying yourself…enjoying the attentions of a good looking man once in awhile. It doesn't have to turn into anything."

"Yeah…I suppose." Kate replied slowly not sounding very convinced. She pushed herself off of the couch careful not to disturb a sleeping Emma. "I'm going to go put her into bed and jump in the shower."

"Okay." Claire pointed in the direction of the dining room. "Your mail's on the table. You got a letter of sort."

"Oh, okay." Kate headed towards the kitchen and picked up her mail on the way to her and Emma's room. Kicking off her heels she padded over to the corner where Emma's toddler day bed, a recent purchase, was and gently laid her child under the covers. She then placed Emma's favorite toy her stuffed bunny, Snuggle, under her arm and wrapped her little arm it and smoothed down the covers.

Watching the child enjoying a peaceful slumber Kate realized just how much of a blend of her parents Emma really was. She had the dark, wavy hair of her mother, her mother's nose and her father's smile. And she was starting to acquire a light spray of freckles across her nose. Her eye color seemed to be the perfect blend of dark brown and green and they definitely sparkled when she was feeling mischievous. But as she grew Kate could tell her personality was more like her father – an almost intense and serious side to her and she definitely was stubborn – not one to give up easily.

"I suppose you got that from both of us." Kate whispered as she bent down and kissed Emma's forehead.

Deciding to take a shower and slip into sweats and a t-shirt it wasn't until 30 minutes later that she got to her mail. Shifting through a couple of bills, a catalog and some junk mail she found the letter Claire was talking about. The handwriting was a little messy but Kate immediately recognized it as Jack's. Smiling she slid open the envelope with her nail curious that he had written. Her smile quickly disappeared and tears came to her eyes as she read the contents of the letter. He was letting go…Jack was walking away. Kate felt like someone had sucker punched her in the stomach. The tears came down as her body racked in silent sobs as she clutched the letter. This couldn't be happening, she told herself. He promised he'd wait…that he would see this through. He promised they'd be together again. She looked down on the night stand at the charmed bracelet he had given her; the symbol of their love – a reminder that they were going to find their way back to one another. And now all that was erased by a letter. Trying to catch her breath she stumbled out of her room and made her way to the living room, the tears obscuring her vision slightly.

"Claire… "She choked out.

Claire turned and quickly jumped off the couch greatly concerned when she spotted the mess her friend was in. "Oh my God, Kate, what's wrong?" she asked startled. "What happened?'

"It's…it's…J-Jack." Kate sobbed still clutching the letter.

"Jack? What happened to Jack?" Claire demanded immediately thinking the worse. "Is he okay? Did something happen?"

"H-he b-broke it off." Kate managed to get out before falling into Claire's arms. "He doesn't want me anymore."

Kate stayed in bed the following three days. She felt like her whole world had come crashing down around her. Jack had called it quits…and had done so in a letter. Something she never thought him capable of. He didn't even want to face her and tell her they were done. Had he moved on? Had he fallen back in love with Sarah? Deep down Kate had feared there was a chance, even remotely small, the old feeling could come back the more time Jack spent with Sarah. But she had told herself that it wouldn't happen, that she and Jack were meant to be together. She had held on to that every day. Then the letter came and Kate was shattered.

For her part Claire did the best she could to be a supportive friend as Kate had been during her divorce. She felt bad for her friend. And she couldn't believe that Jack actually walked away. Everything about this couple had made Claire believe Jack and Kate were "It". A couple fated to be together…and now it looked like it was over. So Claire did her best to make sure Kate ate and got rest and she and Louise tried to keep Emma occupied telling the little girl that 'mommy was sick'.

A couple of days later Kate emerged from her room still upset over the break up but determined to get back to her job and back to being with her daughter. If Jack didn't want her fine, she would find a way to get over him and move on too.

Claire's graduation ceremony went smoothly with the exception of an appearance by a gift bearing Charlie who was first spotted by an excited Aaron. Kate quickly interceded and after noticing the red rimmed eyes and jittery movements she asked him to leave – her tone firm. Charlie was reluctant to leave, especially after seeing Aaron. He begged Kate to just let him give Claire his gift and congratulations. Seeing how happy the little boy was to see the man he still considered "daddy" Kate made him a deal. If he left now without incident he could meet up with her and the children during one of their treks to the park later that week. Charlie agreed and quietly slipped out.

Once receiving her nursing degree Claire was able to accept a position with Seattle Memorial – the hospital where she had done her student training. Claire's classmate and friend, Wendy D'Antoni, had also gotten a job at the hospital and had come to know the kids and Kate as well.

Claire embraced her nursing job fully and felt as if she had finally found her niche in life. It gave her a rewarding and satisfied feeling to help people – she wondered, at times, if that was something she might have inherited from her father. He had told her he was a doctor in California. Now she wished she had asked his name.

As the girls settled into their routines they discovered because of their offsetting schedules they only got a couple of nights off together during the week. It was on one of these nights that Claire and Kate decided to do something fun. At Wendy's suggestion the three decided to go to the opening of a nightclub that Wendy had heard about through the hospital grapevine.

Leaving the kids in the capable care of Aunt Louise the three arrived at the club just as the place was starting to fill up. They managed to snag a small table and quickly settled in, ordering a round of drinks from the busy waitress. Wendy soon spotted a few friends and was shortly after joining them out n the dance floor. She even managed to drag Claire out there telling her she was divorced, not dead. Kate begged off joining them happy to watch from the table sipping her long island iced tea.

"Kate?" She felt a tap on her shoulder and turned to find herself facing a blonde haired man, a member of the club she worked at – the one that had recently asked her out for a drink. Her face reflected her surprise. "Phillip? Hello."

He broke into a smile and slid into the empty chair next to her. "I thought that was you. How are you?"

"I'm fine, thank you." She gave him a small smile as she took a sip of her drink. "Kind of surprised to see you here."

"Really?" Phillip cocked his head to the side admiring the pretty brunette. "And why's that?"

Kate shrugged her shoulders. "I don't know. I can't imagine most of the club members would be hanging out a night club." She looked around. "Not exactly the place to make deals."

Phillip smirked and leaned in a little towards Kate. "You'd be surprised." He teased in a low voice. "Actually, I have to confess, I am here more on business than social pleasure."

Kate arched an eyebrow. "Oh really?"

"Yes ma'am. I'm one of the investors in this club." He revealed.

Again Kate was taken by surprise. "You're kidding? Really?"

He nodded. "A buddy of mine from college offered me a chance to invest. I was looking for an outside venture, so, one thing led to another and here I am."

"Wow."

"So, tell me, what'd you think of the place?" He asked happy to keep Kate engaged in conversation. At the club he didn't seem to have much of a chance to chat with her as she went about her duties as a hostess and at times bartender.

"Well, it seems…nice." Kate said as she looked around. "I've never been one for really hanging out at dance clubs, so, I don't think my opinion would help much."

"Have you tried the food yet?" Phillip asked.

"I didn't know there was a menu." Kate replied as she glanced over to the dance floor looking for her friends.

"Oh, most definitely. Mainly appetizers, burgers…but you've got to try the pizza. It's gourmet and it's great. I stole the chef from a restaurant on the eastside." He flashed her another smile and Kate laughed.

"Well, then, I guess I'll have to check that out later."

"So, you're here alone, I hope?" Phillip asked in a hopeful tone.

Kate shook her head and pointed out to the dance floor. "My friends are out there dancing."

He followed her finger and smiled widely. "The two blondes?" he confirmed, relieved she wasn't there with a date. "Great, so looks like we can have that drink then." He announced signaling to the waitress and ordered fresh drinks.

They chatted another minute or so before Claire and Wendy came off the dance floor and back to their seats. Introductions were made quickly and it wasn't long before Phillip had the ladies convinced to come and join him and his friends at their table in the back. He ordered champagne and some pizza and showered Kate with flirtatious attention, which Kate couldn't help but enjoy. Phillip Weiler was witty and charming and at 6 feet with blonde hair, blue eyes and a cleft on his chin he was easy on the eyes as well. The three ladies enjoyed their evening out and were quite impressed when Phillip arranged for a limo to take them home. When he called the next day to ask her to dinner Kate agreed to go.

The next few weeks Kate continued to see Phillip on a regular basis. She enjoyed having the attention of a man and being wined and dined. And while she enjoyed his company Kate had put off getting physical with Phillip at the start of the courtship. She explained to him that she had come out of a long term relationship and wasn't ready for that step and he had been understanding though he was not without putting a bit of pressure on her to see where it would get him.

It was about five weeks into dating Phillip that Kate finally took that step and slept with him. Feeling confused and uncomfortable Kate had gotten out of bed and dressed shortly after explaining to Phillip that she needed to get home to her daughter. And so the pattern began – when Kate and Phillip had sex she would get up after, showered and go home to sleep in her own bed. She didn't invite Phillip to stay over at her and Claire's place and Phillip didn't push. She had introduced Emma to Phillip telling her daughter that he was a "friend of mommy's" and while the child accepted that description Emma did not take to Phillip very well. She was shy and unsure around the man and wasn't very happy when her mother would leave with him on a date.

Claire was happy to see her friend going out and enjoying herself though she knew that the brunette still missed Jack, still thought about him and was still in love with the handsome doctor – even if he had broken her heart. On more than one occasion she had been tempted to call up Jack and find out just what the hell compelled him to break it off with Kate the way he did, but then just as quickly talked herself out of it. This was between Kate and Jack and it was best to stay out of it…especially if she wanted to keep both as friends. Besides Claire had enough to keep her attention with Aaron and his growing curiosity about everything and everyone.

"Aaron, sweetheart, you need to stay in your room and take your nap." Claire had instructed one Sunday afternoon. "You can play later."

"But mommy…" the little boy started to protest.

Turning on her heel Claire grabbed her son by his shoulders and steered him back to his room. "It's time for your nap Aaron Littleton, no excuses." Pulling back the covers she helped him hop in the bed and a moment later he was tucked in. "One hour…at least." She instructed before walking out the room and pulled the door almost shut behind her.

Walking back into the kitchen she found Kate standing there drinking a glass of water. She looked very preoccupied.

"Hey, Kate, I didn't know you were coming home so soon. I put Emma down for her nap about 10 minutes ago." The blonde chatted.

"Ah…thanks." Kate mumbled. "No problems?"

"Are you kidding? She's fine. It's my monster of a son who feels the need to argue the concept of a nap." Claire laughed. "He always seems to forget how cranky he can get if he skips it."

Kate nodded but didn't say anything so Claire studied her friend for a moment. "Kate, is something wrong? Did you and Phillip have a fight?"

Kate shook her head and sat down at the kitchen table. "No…not a fight."

"Then what's wrong?" Claire asked sitting down in the chair next to her friend and touching her arm gently.

Kate looked over at the young mother and gave her a small smile. "Phillip asked me to marry him." She announced in a tiny voice.

"What?!"

"Phillip asked me to marry him." She repeated. "He proposed over lunch."

"You're joking?" Claire responded in surprise.

"Shaking her head Kate reached into her pocket and pulled out a 3 carat square cut diamond ring. "Does this look like a joke?" She asked holding out the ring to Claire.

"Oh my gawd!" Claire exclaimed grabbing on to the ring "He really proposed. And look at this ring. It's what? Two..three carats? I can't believe he proposed after just a few weeks…I mean, it's not far fetched he would ask after a short time, people have fallen for each other in just days, but still…"

As she babbled she noticed that Kate had not said much. And then it dawned on her, Kate had pulled the ring out of her pants pocket, not off her finger. But before she could say anything she spotted Aaron's little head just outside the kitchen doorway. She jumped up and walked over to that direction. "Aaron, this is the last time I am going to tell you to take your nap." She scolded the little boy and grabbed his arm. "Next time, young man, you lose some playtime privileges."

"Is Auntie Kate getting married?" Aaron asked as Claire escorted him back to his room.

Claire let out a tired sigh. "What did I tell you about spying on people?" She asked.

"That it's wrong." Aaron replied dejectedly.

"That's right." Claire put him back in his bed. "You need to stay out of other people's business." She lectured. "It's rude to listen to other people's conversations."

"What's rude, mommy?" Aaron asked sweetly.

Kissing him on his forehead she pulled the covers tight around him "Rude is when you're not being nice." She said trying to keep the definition in terms the almost five year old could understand. "Now, go to sleep."

She returned to the kitchen and found Kate still sitting at the table. "Sorry about that." She said.

Kate smiled. "He really doesn't like taking his naps, huh?"

"You seem to have better luck at it than me." Claire poured herself some milk. "What's your secret?"

"I take him to the park and tire him out. Then he has no choice." Kate laughed.

"So…" Claire started. "About the ring…I take it since you're not wearing it you didn't say yes?"

Kate let out a deep sigh. "I said no." She confessed. "It's too soon and I don't feel…" She sighed again. "It's too soon. I mean we've only been seeing each other for a few weeks and Emma's still getting to know him."

"Then…" Claire pointed at the ring.

"Phillip insisted I hold on to it. Told me to take some time and think about it and then put it on when I'm ready." Kate explained with a slight furrow of the brow. "He doesn't take no for an answer very easily."

"Think you'll ever be ready?" Claire asked carefully knowing that Kate was not anywhere close to thinking about marrying another guy.

The brunette shrugged her shoulders. "I like him. I mean, he's handsome and charming and he's successful…and he seems to be okay with Emma. "She rattled off. "And he treats me really good…"

"But he's not Jack." Claire said guessing at the turmoil her friend was experiencing.

"Jack doesn't have anything to do with this." Kate retorted sharply. "This is between Phillip and I and I just think it's too soon."

Claire nodded slowly, not convinced that the handsome doctor was the main reason behind her not considering the proposal. "Are you in love with Phillip?" She asked in a straight forward manner.

"I'm still getting to know him. I think it's too soon to think I'm in love with him." Kate replied as she twirled the ring between her fingers.

Claire stood up. "Especially when you're still in love with someone else," She said softly. "It's a good thing to wait."

Before Kate could reply the front doorbell rang. Looking for a distraction from the conversation Kate told Claire she'd get it. Opening the front door she came face to face with…Sawyer. She broke out in a big grin.

"Hey, Freckles." The southerner greeted cheerfully.

"Sawyer, oh my gosh…" She reached over and hugged the man warmly. "What are you doing here?"

"At the moment growing roots standing in the doorway." He joked.

Pulling him inside Kate shut the door behind them and led him into the living room.

"Nice digs." He commented as he looked around the space.

"Thanks. It's really Claire's place." She replied modestly.

"Where is the mamacita?" He asked with a smirk.

"Right behind you." Claire said as she came into the room. Before Sawyer could say anything more the young woman reached up and pulled him into a hug. "Hi." She said softly.

For some reason Sawyer felt himself blush a little at her greeting. "Hey, Claire." He said with a touch of bashfulness. "How are you?"

"Just fine, thanks." She gestured for him to sit. Kate sat next to him on the couch and Claire on the chair to the side.

"So, where are the rug rats?" Sawyer asked looking around as if he expected to be ambushed at any moment by energetic little children.

"Taking their naps." Claire laughed. "It's not normally this quiet around here."

"So, what are you doing in town?" Kate asked happy to see her friend again after all this time.

"Actually, I got a transfer up here." Sawyer explained. "Company had an opening and seeing how I was fed up with the heat and desert I took it."

"You're moving to Seattle?" Kate asked taken by surprise.

"Moved," he corrected. "I'm suppose to be at the job site tomorrow morning."

"Did you want something to drink? Soda? Water?" Claire offered.

"You got any beer?" Sawyer asked.

She shook her head. "Fresh out."

"Soda'll do."

Claire jumped up to get the drinks while Kate continued their conversation. "So, did they set you up with an apartment? A house?"

"Ah…idiots at the home office had a mix up. The place they were originally going to put me up at ended up having some major water damage after one of your last storms. They're looking at getting me an apartment, but so far I haven't heard anything." He stretched out his legs. "I just got into town this morning, drove most of the night."

Kate smirked. "So, you thought you'd look us up and see if you could crash for a bit, huh?" She guessed.

"Well, I don't want to put you out Freckles…" He replied.

"You wouldn't be putting us out. You're welcome to stay." Claire said as she re-entered the room with three cans of soda. "We have a guest bed in what use to be the den. You're welcome to stay there."

Sawyer looked from Claire to Kate who nodded her head. "Sure, take the pull out. It's pretty comfortable."

"Stay as long as you want." Claire offered.

"Well, they said it'd be a few weeks before they would have the house fixed up…" He started to say.

"Okay." Claire and Kate said at the same time then laughed.

"Thanks." Sawyer stood up. "You mind if I bring my gear in?"

Both ladies shook their head before he left the room to get his luggage out of the truck.

"You sure about this, Claire?" Kate asked. "He can be a little trying at times."

"Please, he's got nothing on Aaron." She joked. "It's fine."

As Kate stood up preparing to go show Sawyer where he would be sleeping she grabbed on to Claire's arm. "Do me a favor. Please don't mention the proposal or the ring to anyone…especially Sawyer."

Claire gave her a quick smile. "My lips are sealed."

Kate showed Sawyer to the den and the pull out couch. She suggested he could hang some of his clothes in Aaron's closet and offered up the guest bathroom for his use warning that he'd be sharing with Claire and Aaron. A short time later she left him to take a nap and made her way to her room to check on her daughter.

Claire was on the evening rotation at the hospital so she quickly showered and changed and after spending a little time with Aaron left for work.

When Sawyer woke later he found himself disoriented for a moment before remembering where he was. Slipping his boots back on, he threw on a t-shirt over his jeans and wandered out of the den.

The noise of the television drew him into the living room with he found a blonde headed little boy sitting on the floor with a couple of trains around him watching a cartoon and playing with the toys. The child looked up at the sound of the foot steps and looked at Sawyer.

"Are you my mommy and Auntie Kate's friend Sawyer?" He asked as he pushed one of the train engines around in front of him.

"They told you about me, huh?" Sawyer replied with a smirk amazed at how much Aaron had grown since he last saw him; No longer a baby, but now a little boy.

Aaron nodded. "Ah huh. Mommy said I had to be quiet 'cause you were taking a nap." He tilted his head and looked at the southerner out of the corner of his eye. "I didn't know that grown ups took naps." He commented with innocence that only a child could possess.

Sawyer chuckled. "Sometimes we do when we're really tired."

"So, you won't be cranky later on?" Aaron remarked remembering the reason his mother always gave him for having to take a nap every afternoon.

"Yeah, so we won't be cranky later on." Sawyer looked around briefly. "So, kid, where's your mommy and Auntie Kate?"

"Mommy went to work. Aunt Kate's in the kitchen making dinner." Aaron replied with a smile. "Wanna watch cartoons with me?"

"Maybe later, Shorty," Sawyer returned the smile. "Right now I gotta go check out what's for dinner."

"She's making macaroni and cheese." Aaron reported as Sawyer started out the room. "It's really good."

"I'm sure it is." Sawyer made his way into the kitchen fully intent on razing the brunette on her kitchen skills. Stepping through the archway he could hear clinking and clanging coming from the kitchen to his left, but his attention was quickly captured by the little figure sitting at the kitchen table crayon in hand drawing on what appeared to be a coloring book. She looked up as Sawyer came in stopping him in his tracks.

Her hair up in two curly pigtails fastened with pink ribbons. Her pixie face held the same light coloring as her mother and from where he stood Sawyer swore he could see a small trail of freckles already across her button nose that was definitely Kate. Her hazel eyes weren't quite the same as Kate and Sawyer figured they were probably more like her father. In fact as the child scrutinized the strange man standing before her Sawyer could definitely see an expression that he had seen worn before…on her father.

"Mommy…" She called out continuing to look at Sawyer definitely not reacting to him the same as Aaron had.

Kate stepped out of the kitchen wiping her hands. "What, Doodle Bug?" She asked before noticing the southerner standing at the far end of the table. She squatted down next to her daughter. "This is my friend, Sawyer that I told you about, remember?"

"Ah huh." Emma replied in an almost whisper leaning in closer to Kate. "Is he like Phillip?"

Kate quickly shook her head. "No, sweetie, Sawyer is an old friend of your mommy and Aunt Claire. He's going to be staying with us for a little while."

"Why?" Emma asked with a serious look on her face.

Kate glanced up at a silent Sawyer and smirked before returning her gaze back to the little girl. "Well, he needs a place to sleep, so he's going to stay here, is that okay?" Kate explained giving the child a little tickle under her ear.

Emma giggled and squirmed. She looked at her mother who was still smiling and gave her a smile of her own. "Okay, Mommy..." She replied before returning her attention to her coloring.

Feeling satisfied Kate stood back up on her feet and looked over at Sawyer.

"Well, glad to see Little Freckles approved my stay." He commented sarcastically.

"You lucked out." Kate replied walking back into the kitchen and motioning for him to follow.

"What's for dinner, honey?" Sawyer joked as he looked over at the stove.

"Homemade mac and cheese and chicken nuggets." Kate announced as she broke up some lettuce for a small salad.

Sawyer made a face. "You're kidding, right?"

Kate shook her head. "Nope, not kidding." She bent down and opened the oven door to check on the nuggets. "Quit looking at me." She directed in a stern voice knowing Sawyer was probably leaning back on his heels checking out her backside.

The southerner chuckled having been caught. "Can't help it Freckles, I've missed that view."

Shutting the oven door and standing back up, she shot him a warning look. "Keep that up and you're going to find yourself sleeping out on the lawn."

"Alright, alright…" He held up his hands in mock surrender. "No need to make threats."

Pulling out some plates and utensils she handed them to the blonde haired man. "Why don't you earn your room and board and set the table?"

A few minutes later she sent the children to wash their hands before all four sat down to eat. While Aaron sat next to Sawyer and peppered their guest with questions Emma didn't say much. She seemed to be studying him looking at him at times with the same look that Kate used to wear on the island when she was trying to figure out if Sawyer was bullshitting her or not.

"You know she looks a lot like you." Sawyer told Kate tilting his head in Emma's direction. "A Lil' Freckles."

"I was wondering how long it'd take you to come up with a nickname." Kate laughed.

"Just a matter of time, Freckles." He replied with a smirk.

After dinner Kate gathered up the kids for their baths and left Sawyer to do the dishes much to his dismay. 'Earn your stay' she had told him before retiring to the bathroom. By the time he was done with the dishes the three had reappeared in the living room – the children freshly showered and now in their pajamas. Settling in front of the television it wasn't long before Emma was curled up in her mother's lap asleep and Aaron looked about ready to follow.

"Okay, time for bed." Kate announced standing up and drawing a sleeping little girl in her arms and looking over at Sawyer. "Can you please put Aaron to bed?"

Sawyer looked at her like she had two heads. "You want me to what?"

"Put Aaron to bed" she repeated. "It would be a big help and he looks about ready to crash."

"Freckles, I don't know nothin' about playin' daddy." He retorted.

Drawing her free hand onto her hip she stared him down. "I'm not asking you to play daddy. I'm asking you to pick up a sleepy little boy and walk him over to his bed and put him under the covers. I think you're capable enough to handle that."

"Fine," Sawyer stood up and reached over for Aaron who suddenly opened his eyes. "Let's get you to bed, Shorty."

"But I'm not tired." He protested trying to stifle a yawn.

"Yeah, well, Auntie Kate says its bed time." Sawyer pulled the child into his arms and was rather surprised when Aaron wrapped both his arms around his neck and his legs around his waist and laid his head on Sawyer's shoulder. Refusing to acknowledge Kate's amused smile he followed the brunette down the hall and let her point out where Aaron's room was while she retired to her room.

"Alright, get under the covers." Sawyer instructed the little boy as he pulled back the quilt.

Aaron jumped into his bed and as he settled in he looked up at the blonde man with a hopeful look on his face. "Can I have a story?"

"What?" Sawyer replied not prepared for such a request.

"Can you tell me a bedtime story?" Aaron asked again, an almost pleading tone to his voice. He loved bedtime stories.

Sawyer was about to push off the request when he looked at the small little face in front of him. The blue eyes reminding him of the child's mother; there was an accepting and trusting look in them that made Sawyer melt. "What kind of story?" he finally asked, giving in.

"One with pirates and trains." Aaron announced excitedly.

"Pirates and trains, huh?" Sawyer said amused as he pulled up a small chair next to the bed. "You do realize those two don't normally go together?"

"Use your magnation." Aaron told him with a firm determination.

Sawyer rubbed his chin and chuckled. "Mangation, huh? Okay, okay, let's see…There was once this…"

Aaron shook his head and interrupted. "No, no…you gotta start it right. Once upon a time…" He told the older man with a look that made Sawyer feel like he really should know this.

"Alright, don't get all worked up." Sawyer threw his hands up. "Once upon a time…there was this pirate named…ahum…Brutus…"

A short time later Sawyer joined Kate back out in the living room giving her a 'what?' when she greeted him with a smirk and a raised eyebrow. "So, you don't play daddy, huh?" She teased. "Looked like you were doing a pretty good job there…Brutus."

Sawyer shrugged his shoulders and sat next to her on the couch, grabbing the remote in the process. "The kid wanted a story about pirates and he gave me that looked that reminded me of his mama…"

Kate affectionately jabbed him in the ribs with her elbow. "It's okay if you're a big softee, you know."

"I ain't no softee, Freckles," He retorted as he flipped through the channels. "And what about you? You looked pretty comfortable being a little mother there."

Kate broke into a sweet smile. "Best job in the world." She admitted. "I can't believe how much I really like being a mom. And Emma…she's the best little girl. She's beautiful, well you've already seen that…and she's smart and she loves to draw."

Sawyer looked over at the brunette in wonderment as the young woman gushed about her little girl. This was definitely a different Kate than the one that once helped him track down that cranky boar back on the island. This Kate seemed to get more enjoyment from coloring with a 2 year old than she did trekking through the jungle in search of fruit trees.

"Well, she certainly seems to have gotten your spunk." He commented flashing back to earlier in the evening when he was scrutinized by the little girl.

Kate nodded in agreement. "She definitely has spunk…and she's tenacious…like her father."

Sawyer laughed. "That's one word to describe him." He thought about his next question a moment before broaching the subject. "Speaking of Doc, I take it you haven't told him anything since I don't see him around here."

Kate quickly shook her head and reached back over for the remote. Sawyer waited for her to say something but she remained silent.

"Or…you did tell him and he didn't care." Sawyer guessed, trying to figure out what happened.

"I didn't tell him." Kate replied softly keeping her eyes fixed on the television screen. She really didn't feel like getting into this with Sawyer…especially on his first night here. She had been enjoying his quips and banter up until now. Sawyer, unfortunately, had other ideas.

"Why not?"

There it was. The question she knew had been coming. And no real wait to answer it without getting into all that had happened before his arrival.

"Come on Freckles, give it up." He pursued. "It was strange enough accepting you not telling him you were pregnant, but now here you are still holding out on telling him he has a daughter. What kind of crock is that?"

Clicking off the television she stood up and started to walk away. "This really isn't any of your business." She replied hotly.

Standing up he temporarily blocked her path. "I'm making it my business." He replied smugly.

Kate drew her hands to the side of her waist and stood defiantly in front of him. "Oh really, and what's that?" She demanded.

"Because I stepped aside…I gave the hero a clear path so it is my business." He justified crossing his arms in front of his chest.

With that Kate reached over and shoved him hard onto the couch. Catching him by surprise he fell easily.

"What the hell…"

"You arrogant son of a bitch…just what makes you think if you hadn't 'stepped aside', as you put it, you would have had a shot?" She replied harshly. "Jack wasn't by default! I fell in love with him!"

The hurt Sawyer felt at her words flashed briefly in his eyes before he spoke. "Look, Freckles…"

"Don't okay?" Kate replied, her breathing a bit ragged. "I'm not in the mood to fight with you."

"Sure could have fooled me." He retorted grumpily. He studied her for a moment before an idea hit him. "You two broke it off, didn't you?" He deduced. "That's why he ain't here playing daddy. You called it off."

She shook her head, her voice reflecting the defeat she felt over the whole situation. "He's the one that moved on." She said softly.

"Doc broke it off?" Sawyer asked in disbelief. He never would have pegged Jack as the one to walk away. He was as best Sawyer could tell 'Mr. Commitment'. "Why? What happened? Did he fall for the ex?"

Kate took a couple of deep breaths trying to hold on to her composure. She had shed so many tears over this whole thing when it first happened that she didn't want to shed anymore. "I really don't feel like talking about it, Sawyer." She firmly told him.

The southerner nodded, not wanting to push her anymore on the subject. "Sure, Freckles."

She nodded grateful for his compliance. "I'm going to go ahead to bed. I'll see you tomorrow."

TBC

Next Up: More Transition…and closer to Jack finding out the truth.