Adam and Roman sat at the kitchen table alone. Seth and Heath still watched the New Year's Day Parade on television in the living room. Dean, Jason, Gunner and Sam played pool down in the basement. Shawn and Hunter were still upstairs.
Adam sipped his coffee and looked up at the ceiling, something was horribly wrong. He looked over at Roman.
"Roman... do you think... someone on the force was killed?" Adam asked with hesitation. He hated to even think that, it brought Roman's job to reality.
The Lieutenant Detective shook his head. "I doubt it. If so, they would have gone right to the station. Shawn would, of course be upset, but not to the extent you described. No, it must be something else. Can't be family, he only has a couple of cousins and they aren't close..." Roman paused. He could hear noises on the stairs. "Guess we are about to find out." Roman whispered as Hunter came into the room.
Hunter's voice cracked as he spoke. "Come upstairs." Hunter looked at Roman and Adam. It was obvious that Hunter had also shed more than few tears.
Roman and Adam got up and followed Hunter. Instead of going to the nursery, he led the couple to the master bedroom. He indicated for the couple to sit on the bed. Both Adam and Roman could hear the shower.
Hunter let out a deep sigh. "We have to go down to Joliet. I don't know how long we will be gone. I'm going to count on you to keep Gunner safe..." Hunter paused. He used his Chief's voice, it rang with authority.
Roman knew that tone, but it didn't match the look on Hunter's voice. "You know we will, Hunt. What's the real problem, boss? Was...someone taken down?" He looked at Hunter. The older man's face was etched with emotion.
Hunter looked at the closed bathroom door. Shawn was still in the shower, probably sobbing his heart out. "Glenn lost the baby. She was still born this morning..." Hunter went on to tell what Shawn had told him.
"... we need to go see Glenn. I'm going to arrange for Mark to be able to visit as well. We aren't going to tell Gunner until we know more. Please, try to carry on like normal and keep this to yourselves. The more that know, the harder it will be to keep it away from Gunner. This is killing Shawn... but it's Glenn's loss first... it's going to devastate Gunner." Hunter sighed deeply. He was hurting, but he had to hold his family together as best he could.
Adam's eyes filled with tears, his hand went to his abdomen. He was startled at first when he touched flesh, Roman's hand was already there, protecting their unborn child.
"Hunt, when you guys get back, Adam and I will go to a hotel. You don't need us on top of you guys now. I'm so sorry. " Roman's voice was soft and held a slight hint of fear. It could easily happen to their baby.
"Absolutely not. You're staying right here. Hunter, tell them." Shawn spoke firmly through a crack in the bathroom door.
"You heard the boss..." Hunter leaned in to whisper. "He is going to need you and Adam. And please, Adam, if he fusses over you, just..." Hunter was halted when Adam placed a hand on his arm.
"Hunter, I'm... Gunner... he's... because of me. He is gonna blame me..." Adam cast a worried look at the older man. Yes, he and Gunner had made pace and were friends, but this could drastically change everything.
Hunter frowned. "We will talk to him. Please stay... for Shawn?" He looked with hope at the couple.
Roman looked at Adam. He would do what ever Adam wanted, even if it made Hunter angry. Adam and Baby Reigns came first, no matter what. His face told Adam the same.
Adam nodded. "We'll stay, and see how it goes. This is just... horrible... poor Glenn... and Mark. No matter what they did... nobody deserves to lost a child... nobody..." His hand rubbed over Roman's which still rested on his abdomen.
Shawn came out of the bathroom. He was tying his hair into a low pony tail. "Good. Don't worry, Gunner will be okay." Shawn managed to mask his heartbreak. It was part of why he was a great cop.
Hunter smiled softly. "Thank you. I don't know when we will be back. Just, hold the fort. Thank god Sam is here. Bed time is ten thirty, but I hope to be back well before then. Remember keep it yourselves." Hunter gave Roman a pat on the shoulder.
Everyone put on their game faces and went downstairs, no one was there. All they could be hear was the faint "click" of pool balls smacking together, then muffled talking. Hunter told the others to stay put, as he went down to the basement.
Dean was about to make a shot when Hunter came down the stairs. "Sorry, you can continue in a minute. Gunner, Shawn and I have been called out. Roman and Adam are in charge until we get back, so don't you and Sam hassle them. I know you will be good. Dean, Seth, Jason and Heath you're welcome to stay until Roman throws you out..." He paused and gave them a wink and a smile. Hunter went on. "Sorry, but you know how it goes. See you when we see you. Gunner, remember Shawn and I love you." Hunter gave Gunner's hair a tousle. They also exchanged a fist bump.
"You and pop Shawn be careful. Don't worry, Sam and I will behave, can't stress the pregnant Adam." Gunner teased with a laugh.
Hunter smiled and went back upstairs. "I just told him we got called out and to be good." Hunter explained as he and Shawn headed for the door to the garage.
Hunter opened the car door for Shawn. Shawn was almost robotic, he'd put himself on auto pilot to keep from breaking down. Hunter got behind the wheel. They were in Shawn's Chief car.
Roman and Adam watched the couple drive away. Adam's head rested on Roman's shoulder. "Poor Shawn, it must feel like when he lost his own babies. It must be the worst feeling in the world." Adam sighed.
"I don't even want to think about it. Okay baby, clear your mind, we'd better go back in." Roman led Adam back into the Helmsley's house.
They could still hear everyone down in the basement. Adam hoped the others would go home soon, not to be mean. Heath had a way of knowing when Adam was lying or upset. He didn't want to have to deal with that right now.
Roman could see the stress on Adam's face. "Why don't you go lay down for a while. You look tired and I know you didn't get much sleep with the party and breakfast. Besides, I'm better at evading questions." He gave Adam a wink and soft kiss.
Adam wanted to cry in relief, instead he gave Roman a kiss that expressed his thanks. "These are the things that I love about you, the wonderful little things. Heath will know something is wrong and I can't lie to him because he knows when I do. Call me though if you need me. I love you." He gave his promised lover another kiss.
"I love you. I'll try to move the others toward home. Thank god Hunter got that pool table." Roman kissed Adam again. Adam went upstairs to take a nap, he was tired. Roman went down to the basement. Either way, it was going to be a long afternoon and evening.
On the road to Joliet, Hunter turned the police lights on, but not the siren. He hoped to cut down the hour long drive. Even though it was New Year's Day, the traffic was fairly heavy.
"Oh Hunter, why? Why? All I've ever wanted was a baby... I knew in my head she wouldn't have really been ours...but in my heart... How could... oh poor Gunner.." Shawn was so broken he barely remembered how to talk.
Hunter reached over and laced the fingers of his right hand with Shawn's left. "I wish I could say something wise and wonderful but I can't. I was looking forward to having her too. I... for whatever reason, it wasn't meant to be. Shawn, I want to do the adoption. I know I objected, all those State biddies in our personal business, but now I don't care. Do you still want to adopt?" Hunter wasn't being rash. He'd thought about it for a while now. He wanted children as badly as Shawn.
Shawn let out a slight whimper. "Oh Hunter, of course I do, but... I'm sure... we're too old now." He quickly swiped his eyes. He felt so weak, crying constantly.
"We're only forty seven and forty nine. However, I've been thinking about something and I want you to hear me out." Hunter paused and glanced over at Shawn, the looked back at the road.
"I'm listening." Shawn assured his husband. He took great comfort in the hand that held his.
Hunter squeezed Shawn's hand gently. "I know you want an infant, and I would love that too, but let's be realistic. By the time it was a teenager, we'd be more like grandparents. You know that waiting list for an infant is long, we could still be waiting three years from now. Why don't we adopt an older child? They never get chosen once they are past the cute baby and toddler stages. Maybe an eight or nine year old. Get a kid out of the system; before we put the kid in jail. What do you think?" Hunter asked as the made the exit that would take them to Joliet.
Shawn thought for a moment. "I think you're right, Hunt. I still want to be foster parents, but I want a Helmsley child of our own. Besides, between Adam and Heath, I will get babies to hold. I will just have to be satisfied with that. Now, we have to think about matters at hand. I'll go to Glenn, you get Mark. Talk to him. I couldn't have made it though our two losses without you. Help him, Hunter." Shawn had put his poker face back on.
"I will. People tend to forget, the other parent suffers as well, not just the carrier parent. We mourned together. You let me cry too. That helped me more than anything." Hunter again gave Shawn's hand a squeeze as the castle like façade of the prison came into view.
"They were your children too, Hunt. I'm not... a failure am I?" Shawn turquoise eyes were filled with so much hurt and sadness it took Hunter's breath as he parked the car in the lot reserved for Police cars.
Hunter unfastened his seat belt and turned to Shawn. He held his handsome husband's face in his hands with a gentle touch. "Sweetheart, you are not a failure in any way. We went through all that. Shawnnie, I don't have the answer, but to use your philosophy, for whatever reason, God didn't chose us to be parents. Maybe because we needed to be free to help others, I don't know. He trusted us with Gunner and that boy is gonna need us even more now. Glenn is gonna need you, because you know how he feels. So, be my strong, faith filled boy. I love you, Michael Shawn, don't ever doubt that. I am so damn proud of you. Are you ready?" Hunter's amber eyes were filled with love for his beloved husband.
Shawn returned the look as he pressed into Hunter's touch. "Thank you, babe. I may have many doubts and questions, but your love has never been one of them. I'll get through this and I hope I can get Glenn through it as well. I wonder if Mark even knows yet?" Shawn gave Hunter a kiss. The two of them got out of the car and walked to the office section of the prison.
"If I know prison bureaucracy, no Mark doesn't know. You go see Glenn; I will go to the Warden. We will get thing done." Hunter replied as he opened the door for Shawn.
The couple split to go their separate ways. Both were in full uniform, it got them quickly where they needed to be. The nurse was relieved to see Shawn, when he arrived.
"You need to prepare yourself, Chief. Glenn wanted to hold the baby. The Doctor thought it would be good for Glenn, let him say goodbye. Sir, he won't let go of the poor little thing. We need your help." The nurse was beside herself.
Shawn had not been prepared to hear that. He too, had held his last infant, it did mean something, to hold her, say goodbye. Once he felt her lifeless little body, he knew it was over. Shawn steeled himself, this was going to be hard, especially without Hunter; his rock. Shawn prayed for the courage and words to help Glenn.
With a deep breath, Shawn entered the small, prison hospital room. Glenn was sitting up in his bed, back against a bank of pillows. He held a small, pink blanket bundle in his arms. Glenn's face was wet with tears.
Glenn looked when he heard Shawn enter the room. "Oh... you've come to take her already? I thought I was going to get to keep her for two weeks before you get her." Glenn's voice was raspy with emotion. He spoke like the baby was alive and well.
Shawn approached he bed. He couldn't look at the little bundle so he focused on Glenn's face. "Glenn..." Shawn started but was halted when Glenn looked at him then the bundle.
"No, no. She's not... she is just... sleeping. I know it... she will wake up soon..." his blue gray eyes betrayed his words. They were filled with a profound sadness.
"I know what you are going through, Glenn. I lost two babies. One during my pregnancy, and one... like..." Shawn couldn't say the awful word; stillborn.
Glenn looked at Shawn, his countenance softened. "I remember you told me... back... in... town... Shawn?" He looked at the Chief of Police in confusion.
"Yes, Glenn?" Shawn had to let the other man lead the conversation. However, Shawn also knew Glenn had to say it before he could deal with it. Glenn had to admit the baby was dead.
"She's not sleeping is she? She's... she's... dead..." Glenn barely whispered as tears rained down his cheeks. He'd let his hair grow out and a few strands stuck to his face.
Shawn reached over and brushed the stray strands off Glenn's face. When it grew out even more, Glenn would have dark brown hair with a lot of curl to it. Shawn couldn't help but wonder if the baby would have had dark hair or maybe auburn after Mark.
Shawn shook himself. "Yes, Glenn. She's an angel now. I'm so sorry. Will you let the nurse take her now?" Shawn kept his eyes focused on Glenn's face. If he looked down, Shawn wasn't sure he could handle it.
"Mark, where is Mark?" Glenn still clutched the pitiful little bundle in his arms.
"Hunter went to get him. I hope they will be here soon. He has a right to be here." Shawn spoke firmly. In his opinion, Mark should have already been there.
Glenn sniffed. "I've been asking for him for hours. Even when I went into labor. The Doctor tried, but Warden McMahon was unavailable. Oh Shawn... why?.. Everything was fine... why?" His tears began anew as he hugged the little bundle.
Shawn sighed and laid a hand on Glenn's shoulder. "I can't answer that, Glenn. I've asked the same question a million times myself. I know I couldn't have gotten through it without Hunter or my faith. I also know, this is the hardest thing in the world."
Glenn sniffed. "Yes it is... oh God... I never even... Gunner, my boy, how is my boy?" His eyes searched Shawn's. He had completely forgotten about his precious boy.
Shawn rubbed Glenn's shoulder. "We haven't told him yet. We let him have a New Year's Eve Party last night, with several of his teammates and some of the cheerleaders. It was a sleep over party. We felt we should wait to tell him, so we can be there with him. Adam and Roman are with him now. They are staying with us while their apartment is being renovated. Also, Gunner's best friend, Sam Austin is staying for a few days while his folks are out of town." He hoped that taking about Gunner would clear Glenn's mind a bit.
Glenn looked at Shawn with an unreadable expression. "You did that... for Gunner? He must have loved that. He was popular back east, but Gunner never really had any close friends. He should have been your son from the start. We let him down, so badly... but... we thought we were protecting him... we failed him. Maybe... fate decided we didn't need another child to screw up... thank you for... taking such good care of Gunner. You and and Hunter are what Mark and I should have been." More silent tears tracked down Glenn's face. This time, the tears were for Gunner.
Shawn gave Glenn a smile. "He is a good kid, that comes from you. He understands you did what you thought was right for him. All he talks about is when you get out... he can't wait for that day. Of course, the news about the baby will crush him. He worked so hard on on that cradle. Glenn, you are still young enough, can you try again?" Shawn asked with caution and hoped he hadn't put his foot in his mouth.
"Doctor said we could, but by the time Mark... it will be too late... I don't know if I could go through this again. Poor baby, oh how I wish we could be with Gunner..." Glenn's words were halted. The door to the room opened, Mark came into the room with Hunter.
Mark just stared at the sight of Glenn holding their little angel. The Doctor had told Mark and Hunter about everything once they arrived at the hospital ward. Mark had been furious when Hunter told him, especially when the Doctor said Glenn had cried for him. The Doctor told Mark he'd tried to get him, but that without the Warden's approval his hands had been tied.
Hunter caught Shawn's eye, he nodded to the door, Shawn returned the nod. He and Hunter stepped out into the hallway to give the grieving couple time alone.
Hunter was furious. "Stupid, just stupid. Warden McMahon didn't want to let Mark out to be with Glenn. Said it wasn't important, that people had babies all the time without the other parent. I had to pin Vincent's ears back a bit, remind him about a few things I know. He finally saw the light. How is Glenn?" Hunter paced as Shawn leaned against the wall and wished for a cigarette.
"Terrible. I hope Mark can get Glenn to let the baby go. Hunt, I want to... bury the child... make sure it's done right. I'll pay for it out of my savings account. It's what I have to do." Shawn spoke quietly but with a firm expression on his face.
Hunter nodded. "I agree with you... you know.. there's a plot next to... our little Mary Ann." Hunter gently caressed Shawn's face.
Shawn let out a soft whimper. "We haven't spoken her name in so long... it's wrong... we... can't forget her or our nameless angel. I know. That's what I thought of, the plot I mean. I will ask them first though." Shawn nodded toward the door of Glenn's room.
Mark sat on the edge of Glenn's bed. He reached out and stroked his lover's face. "Oh baby, I wanted to be here, so much, but there was nothing I could do. Sweetheart, you have to let her go... please." Mark's eyes were filled with emotion as he looked at the tiny bundle in Glenn's arms.
"I know... I thought... don't you want... to look at her... just once?" Glenn looked at Mark with tear filled eyes.
Mark nodded. "Of course I do, my darling. Then I will take her to the nurse." He really did want to see their little lost angel. He steeled himself as Glenn pulled the pink blanket away from her face.
Both parents sobbed as they gazed at their beautiful baby girl. It was if she was simply sleeping. A puff of dark hair covered her head. Mark placed his hand on top of the bundle and openly wept.
"I hope everything is alright at home. I fear Adam may have a reason to worry. Gunner is going to lash out and Adam is the obvious target." Hunter contemplated as he continued to pace the floor near Glenn's room.
Shawn nodded. "I know. Adam doesn't need the stress or we could have... I don't even want to think about it. We're going to have to be very careful. I'm glad Sam is there, I think it will help. Hunt, do you think Gunner and Sam are more than friends?" Shawn asked as he reached out to stop Hunter's pacing.
Hunter stopped in front of Shawn. "I don't know, maybe. Guess we need to give Gunner the talk soon. It would be nice, they are cute together. And yes, we are going to have to keep an eye on things with Gunner and Adam. I am going to give Roman a couple of days off, just in case."
Shawn nodded. "Good idea, not much going on now anyway. Thank God Madame Mayor moved her attention to another Precinct..." Shawn stopped when he heard the door to Glenn's room open. It was a relief when Mark came out of the room, the little pink bundle in his arms.
"Go to him, please?" Mark looked at Shawn with red rimmed eyes. He cast a glance at Hunter that begged for help. Hunter moved to go with Mark as Shawn went into Glenn's room.
Shawn went to Glenn. He knew exactly how Glenn felt. "They feel... so..." Glenn was interrupted by Shawn.
"Empty." Shawn knew exactly what Glenn was going to say. There was no need to make the man say the horrible word.
Glenn nodded as tears fell down his cheeks once again. "I wish Gunner was here. Will you bring him to visit soon?" He looked at Shawn with great hope.
"Tomorrow, Glenn. I will bring him tomorrow, I swear it. Do you want us to tell him? Or would you rather tell him yourselves tomorrow? He is your son, Glenn. I will do what you want." Shawn laid a hand on Glenn's shoulder once again.
Before Glenn could answer, Mark returned with Hunter. They were in a discussion. "... No that's... too much. I'm sure... our lawyer can handle it." Mark stated to Hunter.
"What's too much?" Glenn asked as Mark sat with him on the bed. The couple immediately held hands Glenn's head rested on Mark's shoulder.
Hunter gave Shawn a glance. Shawn understood and explained. "I'm sure I know. I want to take care of... the funeral. There is a pretty space by our angel, Mary Ann. I'd be honored to have your little angel next to her. Please, let me do this. You can pick... everything, but I will take care of the cost. Also, what about Gunner?" Shaw looked at the couple who sat on the bed. Shawn sat in a small chair at the foot of the bed. Hunter stood behind him, his hands on Shawn's shoulders.
"That is too much... You've done so much..." Glenn began to respond. Hunter cut him off.
"Please. Shawn and I really want to do this. It will be easier for you. Please?" Hunter looked from Glenn to Mark. Hunter knew how much this meant to his husband
Mark and Glenn looked at each other. Mark would do what Glenn wanted, no matter what. Glenn looked over at the Chief of Police. He could see the burn of sincerity in the turquoise eyes. He gave a sigh.
"That would be kind of you. I'd be glad to share a place with your angel. Thank you, I really mean it..." Glenn gave a half smile to Shawn then turned to Mark. "Shawn is going to bring Gunner tomorrow. He wants to know if they should wait and let us tell him. Personally, I think that would be best, it should come from his parents. The Warden better let you be here." Glenn spoke firmly.
"Don't worry about it. Hunter managed to get me permission to be in here with you for two days. I was going to surprise you. You should have heard him. Hunter thank you again. I wish I understood why you are so good to us... especially... well... Adam... Is he doing alright?" Mark tried to liven the conversation, to cheer Glenn or at lest get his mind onto something else.
"I was glad to do it Mark. Vince and I go way back. He knows, I know things, leave it at that. I think you're right about Gunner. I'm glad Sam is with him. Say, that reminds me. I have no idea if Sam and Gunner are more than friends or not, but, just in case, Shawn and I need to know your rules for Gunner dating." Hunter looked at Gunner's parents, brow arched.
"My baby? Dating? He's... just..." Glenn was cut off by a tiny chuckle from Mark.
"Glenn, he is almost sixteen, he's gonna be dating. I will leave it up to you two. I mean, a reasonable curfew, keeping up his grades, no R rated moves, yet. You can tell them not to be sexually active till you are blue in the face, but they are gonna do what they do. He knows about safe sex, that's the most we can hope for, unless he will need birth control. You have that permission in the guardianship papers. Guess we'd better talk him about it, and soon." Mark looked at Glenn, then to Gunner's foster parents.
Glenn nodded. "Oh Mark, he is going to take this so hard. He made her that beautiful cradle. I just can't believe she's gone... she was... fine...what happened, oh what happened?" Glenn's tears returned as his mind went back to their lost baby. Mark wrapped Glenn in his arms.
"I don't know, darling. I just don't know. We will get through this, I promise. I will be with you more, too. You're going to stay here a while longer, so at least you'll be comfortable. We will get through this." Mark held Glenn close and vowed to be there for his lover.
Hunter looked at Shawn, and Shawn nodded. "We will leave you two alone now. We will bring Gunner before noon. We will take care of everything. It will be beautiful, I promise." Shawn spoke softly as he stood to leave.
Mark didn't move, but he held his hand out for Hunter to shake. Hunter shook the offered hand. "Thank you, both of you. It means a lot to us. Thank you for getting me in here and for bringing Gunner tomorrow." Mark gave Hunter and Shawn a smile.
"Yes, thank you. Shawn... can we talk more, when I can think better?" Glenn never lifted his head from Mark's shoulder, but he gave the older couple a half smile.
Shawn simply nodded as he and Hunter left the hospital room. They stopped at the nurses desk where both the Doctor and nurse sat doing paperwork. Both looked up.
The Doctor smiled. "Thank you for all your help. We understand Calaway has two days with Jacobs. That will be better for him. We will move a cot in later. I just wish I could tell them what happened." The Doctor gave a sad sigh.
"We will bring their son tomorrow. They want to tell him. Hunter and I are going to do the funeral. Call this number and tell them it's for me. It's the funeral home. They specialize in infants and children." Shawn wrote down the name and phone number of the funeral home.
The nurse took the paper. "We will call immediately. Thank you for helping with that... issue. It is so sad, it just... he wanted that baby so badly. I'd hear him talking to her during the night. Said he wanted her to be raised to be a real lady, and that he would see to it. He feels so guilty about the life their son had... before... I've never really believed it when someone was supposedly rehabilitated, but those two have truly changed. Especially Glenn. He shouldn't be in here..." The nurse stopped when the Doctor gently cleared his throat. Sometimes she spoke too much.
Shawn and Hunter said goodbye and left the prison hospital. They went out to their car. Before he got in, Shawn lit a much needed cigarette. Hunter lit a cigar, they both leaned against the car.
"You alright, sexy boy?" Hunter asked softly as he looked at Shawn. He couldn't tell what was on his husband's mind.
"I... will be. It was... pitiful... I knew exactly how he felt. If he let her go, it would be real. I know how damn empty his arms felt. I am glad they are going to tell Gunner. It will give him space to blow if he needs to. Come on, let's get home." The couple finished their smokes and headed for home.
When the Helmsley's pulled into the drive way, they grinned. There were three snowmen standing in the front yard. It was obviously a representation of themselves plus Gunner. It made the couple happy.
Hunter and Shawn took deep breaths and entered their kitchen. They were hit with the smell of fresh made hot chocolate and peppermint. They found Roman, Adam, Gunner and Sam piled in the living room, watching a football game.
Shawn noted they all had flushed faces, they probably hadn't been inside very long. "Hey guys, love the snowmen."
Gunner looked up with a fresh faced grin. "It's us! Could you tell? It was Adam's idea. We just finished." He was happy as he spoke.
Shawn sat in his recliner. "Yeah, I could tell. You boys hungry? Hunt and I decided to order pizza." He gave the teen a smile.
"Oh yes, please." Gunner responded quickly. Then went back to watching the game.
Hunter came in with two cups of hot chocolate with marshmallows and a peppermint stick one for himself and one for Shawn. He sat in his recliner next to his husband.
Once Gunner was back into concentrating on the television, Shawn caught Adam's eye. Shawn nodded to the kitchen. "Let's go order some pizza." He stated as he stood.
"Extra cheese and pepperoni on one, please?" Gunner tossed over his shoulder as he kept his eye on the game.
"Sam, any special requests?" Shawn politely asked their guest. He couldn't help but notice as the two boys lay on their stomachs, they were connected at the hip.
"Ham and pineapple, please? Just a small one." Sam was a little shy in asking, but he smiled at Shawn.
"Sure Sam, anything you want. You sure a small will be enough?" Shawn felt Sam was too shy to ask for more.
"Get him a large, Poppa Shawn. I like Hawaii pizza, too." Gunner replied with a nudge to Sam.
"I like it too." Roman gave Shawn a wink. He watched as Adam followed Shawn into the kitchen.
The two men spoke low as they looked at the pizza delivery menu. "Everything go alright?" Shawn asked Adam as he began to write down their order.
"Yeah. Everything was fine. Dean and Jason wondered what was up, but Roman put them off. They left about an hour after you guys. We played more pool, ate a bite of lunch. Then I thought of playing in the snow. Told the boys to make the snowmen. They had a blast. So how was your trip?" Adam didn't want to be nosy but he was curious.
"Awful. Oh Adam... Glenn wouldn't let her go... Mark was finally able to take her... We will take Gunner tomorrow, they want to tell him. I hate to ask but will you watch Sam?" Shawn barely spoke, he didn't want Gunner to hear anything.
"You know we will. He can keep me company while Roman is at work." Adam smiled and chose a meat filled sandwich with Italian dressing instead of a pizza.
"Roman is getting a few days off. What with everything going on, Hunter thought it best. Now is a good time, things at the station are quiet. Okay, I will place the order. You go relax. I'll phone this in, change and join you." Shawn gave Adam a smile as he removed his Chiefs neck tie.
Adam smiled in return and gave Shawn a hug and went back to the living room. There was nothing he could really say.
Shawn phoned in their order then left the kitchen. "I'm going up to change. Food will be here in thirty." Shawn called out as he went upstairs.
Upstairs, Shawn closed the bedroom door and allowed himself to finally fall apart. He'd kept himself strong for Mark and especially Glenn, but now it was too much. He fell on his bed in a heap of tears.
Shawn remembered the pain of holding Mary Ann, her tiny body so still in his arms. And then, that horrible, empty feeling when she was taken from him. His only comfort was Hunter, right beside him.
Hunter got up from his recliner. "I'm going to change. Here's the money if the food comes." He pulled a fifty dollar bill out of his wallet and gave it to Roman. Hunter then went upstairs.
Hunter sighed when he opened the bedroom door. He wasn't at all surprised to find Shawn crying. He lay down on the bed and pulled Shawn into his arms.
"Hunt is here, baby, Hunt is here." Hunter whispered softly as he felt Shawn nuzzle closer. If Shawn could crawl into Hunter he would.
Shawn sobbed for a few more minutes, then he looked at Hunter. "I'd better go wash up. Can't let Gunner seem me like this. I love you, Hunter. I couldn't deal with any of this without you."
Hunter pulled Shawn in for a kiss. "I love you, Shawn. I feel the same. Seeing that little bundle. It was Mary Ann all over again. I'm glad she won't be alone any more." Hunter's voice was filled with as much emotions as Shawn's.
The couple held each other for a bit longer. When they heard the door bell, they got up. Hunter and Shawn quickly changed, washed their faces and went downstairs.
All they could do was deal with things. Tomorrow was going to be a long, hard day.
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