"What time is your flight tomorrow?"

"Early."

Emma hugged Manny tightly and said, "I am going to miss you so much."

"I'll only be a phone call away."

"I know, but I liked having you here."

"Speaking of being here," Manny looked at Sean and said, "I'm so glad you're here and that you two are finally together."

Sean smiled and hugged her, "So am I."

Manny pulled away and asked, "Where's my godson?"

Emma said, "He is downstairs."

"I'll be right back." Manny walked down to the basement. "Hey, kiddo."

"Hey, aunt Manny. Are you leaving?"

"Yep. My flight is early tomorrow."

Drew stood up and said, "Thank you for my present."

"You're welcome." She hugged him and said, "Thank you for mine." When she pulled away, she held up her hand and smiled.

Drew smiled and said, "I hope my parents will be next."

Manny nodded, "They will be, I promise." She walked over to the stairs and said, "Happy Birthday."

"Thanks."

"Bye, kiddo."

"Have a safe flight."

"Thanks." She blew a kiss at him and walked back upstairs. She looked at Sean and Emma and said, "I love that kid."

Sean smiled and said, "He is pretty great."

Jay nodded, "He is."

Emma said, "Thank you." She hugged Jay, "Congratulations again."

"Thanks." Sean and Jay hugged, and Jay said, "I'll call you tomorrow, boss man."

"Okay."

Emma and Manny hugged one more time.

"I love you."

"I love you too." Emma said, "Call me when you land."

"I will."

Jay and Manny left, and Emma hugged Sean.

"What's this for?"

"Nothing. I just love you a lot."

Sean pulled away and smiled, "Well, it's a good thing I love you just as much."

About an hour later, Sean and Emma were together on the couch watching T.V. Drew walked up from the basement and sat on the arm of the loveseat.

Emma asked, "So, did you enjoy your day?"

Drew nodded, "I did. It was a great day. Thank you again for everything."

"You're welcome, sweetie."

"Hey dad, can you come downstairs for a second?"

"Sure, is everything okay?"

"Yeah." Drew stood up, "Everything's fine. I just wanted to talk to you about paint color ideas for my new room."

Sean smiled and stood up, "Lead the way."

Drew walked over to the basement stairs, and Sean followed him. Before he went down, Sean winked at Emma. When Sean walked into the room, Drew was standing near the bed.

"So, where is this furniture going?"

"Up to your room, I believe."

Drew nodded, "Okay." He pointed at a chair in the corner. "Can I keep this?"

"I don't see why not?"

"Cool."

Sean asked, "So what were you thinking about with the color?"

Drew walked over to the dresser, which had his framed jersey on it and said, "I like the red in the frame, but I know that having red walls would be too much."

"Well, you could do one red wall. An accent wall, and you could put your bed against it."

"Really?"

"Yep. And we can mix it, so it's more of a dark red than a bright red. That would probably look better."

Drew smiled at his dad and said, "I'm really excited about this."

"I think it'll be great."

"Yep. When can we go to IKEA?"

"How about next weekend? We can go after I get off from work on Saturday."

"Cool." Drew looked at Sean and asked, "You don't think Oliver knows how I feel, do you?"

Sean shook his head, "I don't think so."

Drew sighed in relief, "Good because I don't want to ruin our friendship."

"So, you don't think he likes you back?"

Drew said, "I don't think so."

Sean nodded. "Well, I know he likes you as a friend."

"Yeah."

"This stuff is tricky. It was the same for me when I was your age. You're never quite sure if the person feels the same about you. I knew your mom had a thing for me, but I was still afraid she'd say no when I asked her out."

"How did you know?"

"I caught her looking at me a lot."

Drew said, "I try not to stare at Oliver so much. I don't want to make it obvious."

"How long have you guys been friends?"

"Since the first day of school last year. We went to different schools before we went to Degrassi."

"So, you hit it off right away."

Drew nodded, "Yep, and then we formed our group with Ethan, Jake, and Maddie."

Sean smiled, "I like Maddie. She seems cool."

"She is."

"And she doesn't mind being the only girl in the group?"

"Nah, as she says, she gets along better with guys than with girls."

Sean asked, "So you never found out who left the rose on your locker?"

Drew shook his head. "I thought it was this girl Olivia, but she's with some guy named Travis."

"Do you think it could be Oliver?"

Drew shook his head, "He was making fun of me about it."

"Maybe he was making fun of it to throw you off the trail, so to speak."

"I don't think it's him."

"Okay. I'll leave you alone."

Drew smiled and said, "This is probably the best birthday I've ever had."

"Oh yeah?"

He nodded and said, "Because you were here."

Sean smiled and said, "Can I hug you?" Drew walked over to him, and they hugged. "I love you, kiddo."

"I love you too."

Sean pulled away from the hug and said, "I'm gonna go back upstairs, but I just thought of something."

"What's that?"

"How about you come with me to work next weekend, and we can play around with color combinations on my computer software? We can design your room together."

"I would love that, dad!" Drew asked, "Will Drake's car be there?"

Sean smiled and said, "It's possible, yes."

"This is so cool. Thank you!"

"You're welcome."

Sean and Emma were watching T.V. again when Drew finally came up from the basement.

"I'm going to bed."

Emma looked at the cable box and back at Drew and said, "It's only 8 p.m."

"I know, but I'm kind of tired. It's been a long day."

"Okay."

He walked over to his parents and kissed Emma on the cheek and hugged Sean.

Sean said, "Goodnight, kiddo."

"Goodnight." Drew walked to the stairs, stepped onto the first one, and said, "Thanks again. For everything."

Emma smiled and said, "You're welcome."

Drew walked up the stairs, and Emma snuggled into Sean. "This was a fantastic day."

Sean kissed her hair and said, "It certainly was."

"Are you going to sleep downstairs tonight, or are you going to be upstairs with me?"

"I want to be upstairs with you."

Emma smiled, "Good because I want you there with me."

"Forever?"

Emma nodded, "Yes."

Sean was in Emma's bed, waiting for her to come out of the bathroom. He was sketching ideas for Drew's room on a note pad, but his pencil point broke. He reached over and opened Emma's nightstand drawer looking for a pen. When he saw what was in the drawer, Sean said, "Whoa." He reached in and grabbed a hot pink vibrator. "Um, Emma?"

"Yes?" She walked out, crossed her arms, and asked, "Were you snooping?"

"No, honest, I was looking for a pen. I didn't mean to snoop." He held it up and smiled.

"So, you found my goody drawer."

Sean raised an eyebrow, "Your goody drawer?"

She nodded and sat next to him. "Almost every single woman has a goody drawer."

"Yeah?"

"I wasn't dating, but I needed to have some fun."

"Hey, I am perfectly fine with it." He looked at her and said, "In fact, I wouldn't mind incorporating this into our sex life."

"Oh, really?"

Sean nodded. "But only if you're okay with it."

Emma took it from him and said, "You think I'm loud now?"

Sean smiled.

"I have to be careful about using this."

Sean asked, "When did you use it last?"

Emma blushed, "A couple of weeks ago."

"Oh yeah?"

She nodded, "I was picturing you."

"And what were you picturing?"

Emma leaned toward him and said, "I was picturing you inside me."

Sean smiled, "That's pretty hot."

"You're pretty hot."

"Maybe you should have brought this to the hotel room."

Emma shrugged, "I don't know, I think the hotel room was pretty fun without it."

"That's true."

"Okay, let's put this away now." She put the vibrator back into the drawer and shut it. Sean grabbed her and pulled her on top of him. She smiled and said, "Hello."

"Hi."

They kissed, and when Sean pulled away, he said, "Today was probably one of the best days of my life."

"Really?"

He nodded and tucked a lock of hair behind Emma's ear, "Yes. I love you, and I love our son, and I'm so happy I was here today."

"We love you too."

He rubbed her shoulder and said, "I know you wanted to go to sleep, but…"

Emma smiled, "I'm getting my second wind."

"Oh yeah?"

Emma nodded.

"Lucky me."

A little while later, Sean was holding onto Emma. "We're going to sleep well tonight."

Emma smiled and kissed Sean's chest. "I sleep well every night when you're in bed with me."

"Oh yeah?"

She nodded and sat up. "Yes."

"I'm thinking about not following doctor's orders and going into work tomorrow."

Emma shook her head, "No, you're not. You are staying here and lying low."

"Oh, really?"

"Yes. I want you to be 100% before you head back to work."

"Em, I feel fine, I swear."

"I know you probably think that way, but you've been on a high the past two days, and I just want you to be careful. Please?"

He smiled and nodded, "Okay. But can I at least call in and make sure everything is okay?"

"Yes. You can do that, but I want you here all day taking it easy."

"Okay."

"Okay." She kissed him, turned around, and shut off the light. "Now, let's go to sleep."

Sean wrapped his arms around her waist and buried his face in her hair, "Yes, ma'am."

Emma giggled and said, "Goodnight."

"Goodnight."

The next morning, Emma woke up ahead of Sean and went straight into the shower. She had to drop off Drew at school and head over to the office. She had a couple of appointments booked and needed to print out some paperwork for the clients. Sean woke up while Emma was in the shower and decided to go downstairs and start breakfast.

When Emma walked out of the bathroom, she noticed that Sean was already out of bed, and she smelled breakfast. She smiled, got dressed, and got ready for work.

Sean smiled when he saw Emma walking toward him, "Good morning, beautiful."

"Why are you up so early?"

"Believe me; I slept way too much at the hospital."

Emma walked over and wrapped her arms around his waist and kissed his shoulder. "What are you making?"

"Just some eggs."

"That's thoughtful of you."

"I wanted to make myself useful."

Drew walked downstairs and greeted his parents. "Good morning."

"Hey, kiddo, would you like some eggs?"

"Sure." Drew sat at the island and looked at his parents. "You both look way too happy for a Monday morning."

Sean chuckled, "I'm just happy to be here with you both."

Drew asked, "Are you going into work today?"

"Nope. Doctor's orders. I am staying home today and tomorrow."

He nodded and looked at his mother, "You look nice, mom."

"Well, thank you, sweetie. I have a couple of appointments this morning." She sat next to Drew at the island and looked at Sean, "But my afternoon is free."

"Oh yeah?" Sean placed her eggs in front of her.

"Yep. I should be home by 1:30-2."

Sean smiled.

Drew joked, "I'm glad I'll be at school."

Sean winked at Emma, and she giggled.

Drew was at his locker when Maddie walked up to him.

"Hey there, Nelson."

"Hey."

"Did you finish Lord of the Flies?"

"I did."

"Wow," Maddie smiled, "We should write down the date, Drew Nelson finished a book on time."

"Very funny." He grabbed his binder and his copy of Lord of the Flies and shut his locker. "So, did you have fun yesterday?"

Maddie nodded, "I did."

They walked together to Mr. Del Rossi's class.

"Your dad is cute."

Drew scrunched his face, "Really?"

"Um, yes?"

"So, does that mean you think I'm cute?"

Maddie blushed and said, "Maybe."

Drew laughed, "Really?"

"Why are you laughing?"

"Sorry. I just didn't realize you thought that way about me."

Maddie nodded. "I'm the one who left the rose on your locker."

Drew turned to her and was about to say something, but the bell rang.

Maddie said, "Crap!" and they both jogged to Mr. Del Rossi's class.

Drew couldn't concentrate during class and was hoping Mr. Del Rossi wouldn't call on him. He didn't. Drew could feel Maddie looking at him, and he felt terrible. Maddie was cute, but she was a girl, and he didn't feel the same way about her.

When class ended, Maddie walked over to him and asked, "You wanna go to lunch together?"

Drew nodded, "Sure."

"Great. I'll meet you in the caf."

Drew smiled, "Okay. Give me five minutes.'

Maddie nodded and left the room. Drew stood by his desk and shook his head.

Marco noticed Drew hanging around the classroom and asked, "Drew? Is everything okay?"

He nodded and walked over to Mr. Del Rossi. "Can I talk to you about something?"

"Sure. What's up?"

Drew took a deep breath. "Someone likes me, and I don't feel the same way about them."

"Maddie?"

Drew rolled his eyes, "Is it that obvious?"

Marco smiled at Drew and said, "Yes, I notice her staring at you during class. Kind of like how your mom used to look at your dad."

Drew shook his head, "Great." He took a deep breath and said. "The problem is, I like someone else."

"Oh, well, that's never fun. Especially when you're friends."

"There's more to it."

"Oh?"

Drew nodded, "I can't like anyone like Maddie."

Marco looked at Drew and realized what he was trying to say, "Oh, I see." Marco smiled, "I was in the same boat when I was your age."

Drew nodded. "You had a husband, right?"

"Yes. I did."

"Sorry."

"It's okay." Marco asked, "Do your parents know?"

"I told them this weekend, and they were pretty great about it. They told me they were proud of me."

Marco put his hand on Drew's shoulder, "Your parents are good people."

"How did your parents react?"

"My mom was supportive, and she was worried for me. But my dad didn't want to believe it at first. I think deep down he knew."

Drew nodded. "I think my mom knew."

"I know how hard it is to come out, Drew. Some friends will be supportive, and others will be jerks. It's inevitable."

Drew asked, "Really?"

Marco nodded, "Yes. One of my friends was a real jerk about it, and it took a while for us to get our friendship back on track, but I am happy to say we're still friends today."

"That's good."

Marco nodded. "If you ever need to talk, I'm always here for you."

Drew nodded and said, "Now I have to tell Maddie I don't like her in that way."

"Just try and let her down gently."

"I'll try." Drew walked toward the door, turned around, and said, "Thanks, Mr. Del Rossi."

Marco smiled at him and said, "You're welcome."

Emma walked into the house before noon, and Sean looked surprised.

"Why are you home so early?"

Emma walked over to him and held out her hand, "One couple had to cancel and reschedule our appointment for tomorrow."

"Oh, lucky me."

"Yes, so let's go upstairs and have our fun before the child comes home."

Sean shut off the T.V. and stood up, "We have a lot of time to have our fun."

"I know."

"Hey, sorry, I'm late."

Maddie smiled at Drew, "No problem. Although you just missed Olivia yelling at Travis."

"Oh, is that why she nearly ran me over in the hallway?" Drew sat down and opened his drink.

Maddie giggled, "Yes. Travis hooked up with Becca Archer at a party over the weekend."

Drew looked past Maddie at Travis and shook his head. "Travis is a jerk anyway. Olivia can do better."

"Do you like Olivia?"

Drew scoffed, "No. I don't like anyone."

Maddie looked disappointed, "Oh."

"I'm sorry, Maddie. I really am, but I like being just friends with you."

"That's fine. Maybe it's just a dumb crush that will go away by next week or something."

"I am flattered though."

Maddie rolled her eyes and said, "Whatever."

"Hey, guys!" Oliver walked over and sat next to Maddie, "Did I miss anything?"

Maddie filled him in on the drama with Travis and Olivia, and Oliver shook his head, "I always miss the good stuff!"

Drew snickered at Oliver and took a sip of his water.

"Nelson, man, I really can't believe how much you look like your dad."

Drew laughed, "Yeah, me neither."

"He seems like a cool guy, though. You're lucky. My dad's an asshole."

"Excuse me, Mr. Hilson?"

Oliver grimaced and turned around, "Um, sorry, Ms. Kwan."

She shook her head, "I'll let you off with a warning this time. But try to keep the language clean around here, okay?"

"Yes. Thank you. Sorry again."

Ms. Kwan walked away, and Drew said, "She's been torturing kids here since my parents were students. Same with Perino."

Oliver shook his head, "The last thing I needed was another detention."

"Yeah, I'm done with those. I promised my parents I'd be better at school."

Maddie quietly ate her lunch as Drew and Oliver discussed Drew's party.

"That guy Jay seemed cool too."

"He and my dad got into a fight, and that's how they became friends."

"Really?"

Drew nodded.

"They met here?"

"Yep."

Maddie said, "Only guys would become friends after a fight. Girls would never do that."

Oliver replied, "That's because girls hold grudges longer than guys."

Drew smiled but said nothing. He kept on eating.