Jack wandered around Kate's backyard in amazement. Kate had managed to transform her entire backyard into a Crayola world. There were different art stations set up, balloons everywhere and large paint pallets holding cupcakes with bright icing.

"Kate... I can't... I mean..."

"You think he'll like it?"

"If he doesn't like it, I'll take it as my own birthday party."

"You don't have to say that," Kate glanced down to try and hide her blush.

"No, I don't." Their eyes met and for a moment neither spoke; neither needed words to express what they were feeling.

"Umm..." Kate shook her head, smiling at how tongue tied he made her. "I should probably finish setting up." He watched her saunter off, unable to stop staring at the way her skinny jeans hugged her curves and ass. Her hot pink tank top showcased her sculpted arms; having a small braid on each side tucked under her curls fully exposed her face and all the freckles that seemed to multiply in the sun.

"Kate?" Jack grabbed her arm, squeezing her hand. "Thank you for all this. This is amazing. You are amazing." There was so much more Jack wanted to say but the glassiness of Kate's eyes silenced him. He couldn't do that to her. Not here. Not yet. She offered a sad smile and squeezed his hand as if she also had so much more to say.

"You think he had a good birthday?" She asked, her side leaned against the doorway. She glanced back into the kitchen where Jack was finishing the dishes. She returned her gaze to Aaron who slept soundly on a porch swing.

"I think he had the best birthday," Jack stood behind her. One hand wrapped around her waist and he buried in the crook of her nose. He reveled in the warmth of her skin and the familiar scent of her perfume. "You know, today I forgot that we weren't together for a little. It was nice."

"I did, too." Kate breathed a sigh of relief as if a weight was lifted from her shoulders. "Do you think Aaron did?" She finally asked in a tiny voice.

"I'm not sure how much he understands about you and I," Jack admitted. "He knows we both love him but he's happier when we're a family. I'm happier when we're a family."

"Jack," she breathed, feeling her willpower dwindling.

Jack brushed her hair to one side and kissed her neck as he tightened his grip on her stomach. "You always say my name like that when I try to talk about us," he whispered.

"Not here," she whimpered. One arm was outstretched so she could stroke his cheek. Her arms were covered with goosebumps at the thrill of his touch, no matter how innocent. Her knees felt like they could buckle at any minute; her brain was just as vulnerable, ready to send her crumbling into his arms. "I should put Aaron to bed," she whispered breathlessly, searching for an excuse to run.

"Go ahead," Jack released his grip, freeing her. "But I'm not leaving, Kate. Not yet. Not this time."

"Do you want to help put him to bed?" She finally asked, surprising herself and him at her reaction. She wasn't going to let herself run this time. She knew she needed to explain the brochure. Whether or not he went through her things, she owed him an explanation.