Hello everyone. I hope everyone on the eastern seaboard is safe and sound. So, we hope you like this chapter. I would love some replies. Did I mention it's my birthday?
-d-d-d-d-
Alexis frowned when she heard Kevin's voice mail message yet again having called to check on things went at the emergency room. She clicked the off button before letting herself into her apartment. Her dad had sensed her distraction during the boys' camp performance and offered to take all three children back to the loft for the night. The kids enthusiastically agreed.
"Men never do what they're told," Alexis tossed her belongings on the hall table and kicked off her shoes. "He's probably out with Javi, having beers and shooting pool. Never mind he was in a serious car crash and could barely breath earlier in the day. Stubborn pain in the ass."
She bypassed the kitchen, and headed for her room, deciding a hot bath would help her calm down. She stepped into her room and froze. Her bed was occupied.
"I was told I needed someone to watch over me throughout the night because I might have a slight concussion. I figured the best place to rest would be the bed of the sexy doctor I'm seeing," he explained his presence. "I'm hoping bodily harm will outweigh what a jerk I was this morning when we last really spoke."
Alexis fought a smile and sat down beside him, "You weren't that much of a jerk. You had some valid points."
"Yes, but I also said some things I shouldn't have," he grasped her hand and brought it to his lips, "I know you had an impossible decision to make when you left nine years ago. I shouldn't be throwing it back at you in the heat of the moment."
"Agreed, but I did run away from you…us," Alexis nodded. "I broke both of our hearts."
"We're both trying to mend them," he added, "I'm sorry for what I said. I was just frustrated."
"Sometimes, I wonder why you put up with me," Alexis smiled a little. "Kev, I want a future with you, but at the same time, I can't help feeling a little disloyal."
"I'm not ever going to attempt to replace Chris," Kevin began, "I know the two of you had a good life together. I am both grateful and a bit jealous...a lot jealous. I don't need sole possession of your heart. I know a large hunk of it will always belong to him. I just need you to be honest with me. Is there room for both of us?"
Alexis sighed shakily and nodded, "Truth is, you've always been there. It's part of why I made Dad come visit me in New Orleans all these years. I knew what running into you could do to both of us, all of us. The only time I came to New York was when I found out about your dad and even then, I never let anyone know I was in town."
"If you need more time or you think the children need more time, I'm okay with waiting to move in together," he added, "I just want to know we're not standing still, that we're moving forward…together."
"Why don't we see what our kids think first? They might not be ready to live together."
"Probably a good idea," he nodded, "When they are ready, we're going to have to figure out a rooming situation, perhaps even find a different place altogether."
"Hunter has a scholarship to a private school," Alexis confessed. "He's set to go to school in the city next year. Cade and Maggie made some friends, but they were in their school for six months. Sarah Grace has been going to school with the same people for what - five or six years? It makes more sense for us to move to a place where she can stay in the same school. Not to mention, I took this place because it was a gift from Dad. I've always wanted a yard and an actual neighborhood like I had in New Orleans."
"Are you saying you'd be willing to move to Brooklyn?" he asked.
"Yes," Alexis nodded. "I just have to convince Dad and Kate to do the same."
"Good luck with that," Kevin laughed until he winced from the pain.
"Did you get any pain meds?" Alexis asked.
"Yes," he nodded, "I didn't want to take them until you and I talked. They're supposed to make me drowsy."
"Let's get you into some pajamas, and then I'll get you some water. If you want, Dad gave me his latest manuscript to proof. I'll read until you fall asleep."
"You mean I finally get a preview of one of his masterpieces before it goes to print," Kevin's eyes lit up in excitement.
"The upside of it is, you'll probably not remember a word of it," Alexis chuckled while glancing at the prescription bottle, "Boy, your doctor wasn't messing around with these meds. You must be in some serious pain."
"I am. Can I get some assistance getting into my pajamas?"
"Yes," Alexis nodded. "Come on, sit up…slowly."
"How about I just sleep in what I'm wearing?" Kevin suggested an alternative, "Everything hurts right now."
Alexis nodded but she took off his tie, belt, and shoes.
"Can you sit up long enough to take your shirt off?"
"I'll give it a whirl," Kevin sat up slowly and allowed Alexis to peel away the fabric as quickly as possible.
"It's much easier when the guy is dead and I can just cut away the clothes," Alexis confessed, "However I think I like you a whole lot better alive."
"That's sweet. Thanks, Babe," Kevin smirked.
"No problem," Alexis smiled. "Let me get you some water."
"And those pain meds," his head bobbed.
"Yes," Alexis smiled.
Kevin lay back to wait for Alexis.
Alexis returned with the glass of water but no medication. "Where'd you put those pain meds?"
"Um," Kevin motioned to the nightstand.
"Almost bit me, huh," Alexis laughed, suddenly recalling she'd already looked at the prescription.
"Almost," he nodded, accepting the water while Alexis worked open the childproof cap.
"You're gonna be out pretty fast after you take this," Alexis noted. "Anything else we need to talk about before you zonk out?"
"Is there something else we need to talk about?" Kevin raised a curious brow.
"You know I love you?"
"I'm aware," he smiled.
"Then I'm good."
"We'll figure everything else out," Kevin assured her, "I love you too much to ever give up on us."
Alexis climbed over him and got under the covers, having put her pajamas on before getting him some water, "Okay, take your pill and then lie down all the way."
"I'll give it a whirl," he nodded.
Alexis reached over to set the timer on her phone to go off a few hours later, so she'd remember to check up on him and his concussion. Once she was all situated, she began to read her father's book out loud. Kevin likely didn't hear more than a few paragraphs, as he conked out.
-d-d-d-d-
Kevin heard his name being whispered into his ear.
"What is it?" Kevin forced his eyes to open.
"It's morning," Alexis smiled. "How do you feel?"
"Like I was run over by a Mack truck," he groaned, "Was I?"
"No, it was a 4x4," Alexis said. "You sore?"
"Everything hurts," he nodded slowly.
"My dad is taking all the kids to Coney Island today. They're picking Sarah Grace up on the way. You get to stay here all day."
"So long as you don't make me move too much, you have yourself a deal," he agreed.
"No problem," Alexis smiled. "You hungry?"
"A little," he nodded, "Have you heard anything on Javi? Is he okay?"
"Is he not supposed to be?" Alexis was taken aback by the question, "You look the brunt of the impact, didn't you?"
"I did," Kevin nodded. "He was still in the car."
"I'll call for an update after I make you breakfast. What sounds good to you?" she asked.
"Nothing that requires a lot of movement."
"Do you want me to whip you up a smoothie?" she asked, "That would only require you holding the glass and sucking on a straw."
"Peanut butter and banana?"
"You got it," she smiled.
Kevin moved to get out of bed, but Alexis stopped him.
"Just stay here," Alexis suggested, "I'll bring breakfast to you."
"Bless you," he sighed.
"What are you, my priest?"
"Curse you?" Kevin teased.
Alexis couldn't help but snicker as she left the bedroom to whip up his breakfast.
Kevin waited in Alexis's very comfortable bed. Just as he closed his eyes, his phone rang.
"Hey, Partner, how are you feeling?" Javi's cheerful voice greeted him when he answered.
"Sore, so very sore," Kevin groaned. "Why the hell are you so happy?"
"The sun is shining and the birds are chirping. It's going to be a good day," Javi responded.
"Maybe for you," Kevin groaned.
"Did you and Alexis work things out last night after I dropped you off at her place?" he asked.
"We're getting there. Are you at work?"
"Yeah," Javier confirmed, "Doing the paperwork for the insurance agency. Gates is not happy. Apparently there is more paperwork for her when the accident happens while we're on official business. She's especially not happy because this is the second time she's had to fill out the forms for an accident we were in."
"Neither of them were our fault," Kevin said. "That should count for something."
"It was the weirdest sense of déjà vu though," Javier responded.
"Yeah, but last time this happened I didn't get to go home to Lex."
"There's a silver lining here," Javi chuckled, "You get Alexis to tend to you this time."
"She has a hell of a bedside manner," Kevin smirked.
"Too much information," Javier groaned.
"Payback, Bro," Kevin responded, "You said the same thing to me last time in reference to Lanie."
"I hate you…so much," Javier told him. "You want me to stop by later?"
"To rub in my nose how you're not injured?" Kevin snorted, "No thanks. By the way, I'm driving for the next decade."
"You drive like a little old lady," Javier complained.
"But we've never been in an accident with me at the wheel," Kevin countered.
"No, but a uniform on foot patrol stopped us."
"You're making crap up," Kevin scoffed.
"I am not," Javier insisted.
"Kev? Breakfast," Alexis held up the smoothie when she walked in.
"I'm hanging up on you," Kevin told his partner before ending the call abruptly and accepted the drink Alexis held out for him.
"Was that Javi?" Alexis asked, "How's he feeling?"
"Oh, he's fine," Kevin shook his head. "Hardly has a scratch on him. Lucky bastard."
"Are we feeling a little resentful?"
"He's able to breathe without pain. You're damn right I'm resentful," Kevin groaned.
"You feel up to a soak in the hot tub? I'll help you get in."
"Sounds like a good idea," Kevin slowly got out of bed.
"Do you have to visit the facilities first?"
"Nah, I'll just go in the hot tub," he gave her a Cheshire grin.
"You'll do nothing of the sort," Alexis turned his shoulders to steer him in the direction of her bathroom.
"I'll go take care of things while you get the hot tub ready," Kevin said.
"Holler if you need assistance," Alexis called after him.
"I will," he promised.
Alexis went to turn on the jets after she stripped off her clothes and slipping into a satin role and then waited patiently for Kevin to emerge from the bathroom.
"Can I get some help getting undressed?" Kevin asked from the doorway.
"Of course," Alexis approached him and helped him out of the undershirt he'd slept in.
"Damn this hurts," Kevin winced.
"I bet, but you're alive," Alexis lightly traced a bruise.
"You have a point," he winced under her gentle touch.
Alexis pulled her fingers away, "Sorry."
"It's okay," he assured her, "I'm willing to endure any pain at your hand if it means you're touching me."
"Hmm," Alexis put her arms gently around his neck. "I'll touch you anytime you want."
"How about dropping these pants for me and then helping me into the hot tub?" he requested, "Maybe these stiff muscles will loosen up."
"Subtle," she nodded with a smile as she undid his belt and opened his pants to slide them down along with his boxers.
Kevin moved slowly until he found his way into the hot tub. Once he was seated, Alexis climbed in behind him. "Are you ready for the jets?"
"Yeah, I think so," Kevin tipped his head back to rest on Alexis's shoulder.
"If it's too much, let me know," Alexis flipped the switch.
Kevin inhaled sharply and then relaxed. The water felt good against his muscles.
"I didn't like getting that call yesterday about you getting into an accident," Alexis confessed, "Try not to make a habit of it."
"I'll do my best," Kevin smiled. "I never want to scare you."
"How'd Sarah Grace handle the news of your accident?" Alexis asked.
"She was a little upset, but I think she's okay," Kevin nodded.
"She's already down one parent. She's likely not keen on losing another," Alexis agreed. "Things like make you think. Have you updated your will? Have you planned on what would happen to her if something happened to you in the line of duty?"
"Is this the single parent in you coming out?"
"It's not easy to realize you're all your kids have," Alexis told him.
"Is your will updated?" he asked.
"Yep," she nodded, "I updated it a few months after Chris died."
"Lex, there is something we need to talk about," Kevin said slowly.
"Hunter," Alexis nodded. "Kev, I don't want to split my children up."
" I get that, but he's my son," Kevin responded.
"Would you be willing to take them all?" Alexis asked.
"I don't know," he frowned.
"Okay," Alexis nodded. "How about living with my dad and Kate?"
"That sounds like a recipe for disaster," he replied.
Alexis sighed, "We'll figure it out."
"Hopefully we never have to," he added.
"Hopefully," she nodded and then motioned around them. "How's this working for you?"
"Still sore, but the muscles are being to loosen up," he responded.
"Good," she smiled and turned his face to hers. She gave him a light kiss.
"Looser still," he dipped in for another kiss.
-d-d-d-d-
Alexis sat sideways on the couch, her feet propped on a pillow as she read a book. Kevin was on the other side of the pillow, watching TV while his hand rested lightly on her ankle.
"What are you thinking about, Detective?" Alexis felt his fingers tense slightly.
"Nothing," he shook his head.
"No, not nothing," she looked up. "Talk."
"I got a request yesterday," Kevin admitted.
"From?"
"Jenny," Kevin said.
"What does she want now?" Alexis signed and set her book aside.
"To see Sarah Grace," Kevin leaned back and rolled his head to look at her.
"Have you talked to Sarah Grace about it?" Alexis asked.
"Haven't exactly had the time," Kevin replied.
"Something like this? Kev, you know you have to make the time."
"I was a bit busy getting crunched by a car," he reminded her.
"When did she call?"
"Before the accident," Kevin stated.
"Okay," Alexis nodded, "And before you had the accident, what were you planning to do about the request?"
"I was still mulling things over," Kevin responded.
"And now?"
"Still mulling," he sighed.
"You can't mull forever," Alexis scolded him.
"I know. I just don't know what I want to do about this," Kevin admitted.
Alexis scooted closer and put her legs over Kevin's lap, "It's not just your decision, you know."
"I know," he nodded, "I know Sarah Grace should have some say. I'm worried what kind of effect visiting a place like prison will have on her. They aren't exactly cheery places."
"I know," she picked up his hand. "Jenny's going to be there for a while and no matter what she's done, Sarah Grace deserves some kind of relationship with her mother."
"How about one at a distance?" he suggested, "They could be pen pals."
"Be serious," she scolded him.
"I am," Kevin frowned. "I don't think Sarah Grace should be subjected to that place."
"I know," Alexis nodded. "We want to protect our kids from things we don't think are good for them."
"Are you seriously going to take Jenny's side after what she did to you?" he asked.
"No, I'm taking Sarah Grace's side."
Kevin frowned at her.
"I know it sucks, but it's not just your decision," Alexis said.
"Why should I let Jenny have a vote?" Kevin asked.
"I'm not talking about Jenny, and you know it," Alexis frowned at him.
"She's ten years old," Kevin responded, "Why should I put her in such an impossible situation?"
"Because it's her mother," Alexis reminded him. "My mom sucked as a parent, but Dad always let me decide if I wanted to see her. You gave me great advice about her and my kids. You should use the same advice with Jenny and Sarah Grace."
"I never would have given you that advice if I knew you'd throw it in my face now," he frowned.
"You tell Jenny that she has once chance at this," Alexis told him. "Remind her that Sarah Grace will have other people in her life now, and she's not allowed to make her daughter feel guilty for liking them."
"Yes, because that wouldn't backfire or blow up in my face," Kevin responded sarcastically.
"Hey," she scolded him with a look, "You're a good guy, Kevin. Jenny made a whopper of a mistake, several of them in fact, but Sarah Grace needs to find a way to make peace with her mother, for her own benefit…not Jenny's, not yours, but hers. Be the bigger person, Kevin. Let Sarah Grace decide what is best for her, and be supportive no matter what she decides. If you can't do it, I'll take Sarah Grace to the prison myself."
"If it was Chris, would you take Cade?"
"Yes, I would," Alexis said after a moment. "If Cade wanted to go, I'd take him."
"And Maggie?" Kevin challenged her.
"Once she was old enough, yes," Alexis nodded. "I doubt they'd let a four year old into the prison."
"Good point," Kevin conceded.
"At the end of the day, after the visit, I'm there if you want to talk."
"Fine," he sighed deeply, "I'll talk to Sarah Grace, but if she doesn't want to see Jenny, I don't want you talking her into it."
"I just want her to make the choice," Alexis smiled. "You're doing the right thing, Kevin."
"We'll see about that," he grumbled.
"I'm proud of you," she nudged him with a smile.
Kevin continued to grumble under his breath while Alexis grabbed her book and continued on where she left off.
