It's been two weeks since the Cubs won the World Series, life was going well for Kim and Adam. Though he was bored. The off season was always tough for him. Not having enough to do. He was spending more time with Jackson and a Champ going to the park every day. He and a Champ went running together every day but it was enough for him. Kim was off today and they decided to head to the aquarium but she wanted to also talk to Adam. She had an idea that might just help him. They were in the car heading out for the day. Adam was driving. "Hey baby. I wanted to suggest something that I think you might be interested in." Kim started, watching to see if he was paying attention. "What's up? What are you thinking about?" Adam was curious what she was thinking about. Especially if she brought it up with Jackson in the car. "Well I thought maybe while your off maybe you could head to college? Like study to become a licensed personal trainer. You used to be a trainer at a gym to help pay the bills while in the minors. What do you think?" Now Kim was nervous. He was silent. It took a few minutes but he finally spoke. "It's an interesting idea. I mean it would help me stay in shape and help others. And I could continue it after I'm done with baseball. It's definitely something to think about. Thanks for thinking of me." It did catch him off guard that she was planning something like this but it was actually a good thought. Studying would keep him busy and he loves working out. But how would it all work. Going to actual classes or online? He would think about it more later for sure.

They spent two hours enjoying the aquarium. Jackson running all around checking out all the different tanks and pools. He was starting to get sleepy so they heading back home for nap time. While Kim was putting him down fir his nap, with Champ in toe, Adam was still thinking. Not in a bad way but thinking how it would work. Was it even realistic to go to college at his age and with his career. He needed to talk it out and not just with Kim but Kevin. Kevin has known him longer and in charge of his business, his career. Would it look bad for him to further himself in the off season? Would he take away from his career? Where would he work? He never even heard Kim come downstairs. He only realized he wasn't alone when she sat on him.

"What's going on Adam? I know your upset with me. I'm not sure why though. Can you please talk to me?" Kim knew something was up. He had been quiet since the car ride to the aquarium. He was great with Jackson but a little cold to Kim. "I'm frustrated. I was caught off guard earlier in the car. I'm not sure how I'm supposed to take that. Do you think I'm not good at my career? Do you think less of me because I don't have an education?" Adam was stern and maybe harsh in his tone. "Baby I don't think less of you at all!" She tried to take his hand but he pulled back, it hurt her but she knew something deep down was going on. "Baby look at me! I love you so much! You are an amazing baseball player but your 31, you have maybe 10 more years to play and then what? I can't imagine you being a full time dad. I was just trying to think of the future. That's all. I get you are mad at me but I don't think it's me. I think it's something else. You need to talk about it. But if your not ready that's fine but this attitude needs to end because I don't want that around my son." Kim got up and left. She only moved to the kitchen to get a drink. She needed a breather from their first fight. Adam sat a moment longer before following her. He came up behind her and just wrapped his arms around her. Sighing and kissing her head.

"You are right and I'm sorry. Both my parents thought I was a disappointment and failure by not going to college. It's why I don't talk to my mom. I guess I haven't really dealt with it and took it out on you when you were just looking out for me. I'm so sorry baby. I'm such an ass! I should have known better and I will do better." He never stopped hugging her while he spoke. She could feel a wet spot on her head but didn't mention it. She just turned in his arm and wiped his cheek before kissing him deeply. "Babe I get it but you need to let me in. That is how this works. How we work. But how about you think about it more and let me know what you think later." Kim didn't want to push too much. This was a lot to begin with. "Nope we are talking about it now. I have questions about all this you know. And I need to figure it out before I can make a decision. Like would I go to actual classes? Would this look bad for my career if I do this? I think I need to loop Kevin in and see what he thinks. I don't want to diminish the hard work I have done so far to get where I am. I hope that makes sense to you." He was rambling but his head was spinning right now. "Okay So first you can do online classes for this. Second it shouldn't look bad for you because it's not like it's something that would interfere with Baseball or shine in it a bad light. And if it makes you feel better then talk to Kevin. I'm sure he will agree with me. But if you don't have any interest then don't do it. I just don't want you to be bored all the time. That's all." Kim tried to be supportive and assertive. She didn't want him to misconstrue anything she was saying. He nodded and pulled her into a hug again. He would continue to think on it.

After Jackson got up his nap they decided to head to the park and they brought Champ to let him run around with Jackson. Adam was running behind them, Kim watching from a bench. Enjoying the sound of laughter coming from her boys. Adam eventually took a phone call from Kevin while Kim started to chase the boys. It was such a fun afternoon in the warm sunshine before the harsh fall and winter sets in in Chicago. They were almost to the car Jackson being held by Adam on his hip and Champ following close behind when they heard a voice calling out to them. It was voice they knew well. "Hey pops! What are you doing here?" Adam had avoiding his dad for weeks now. Not wanting to get into it again. They always argue over the same crap. "Can't a dad just say hi to his son." Bob smiled at them. "You mean hi to me and my family right?" Adam stated as Champ sat next to him growling. It didn't have too much bite to it yet. "Can you call the dog off son? I mean you no harm. I just wanted to see my boy." Bob still didn't acknowledge that Kim and Jackson were even there. "Pops look he is a military dog and he can feel the tension here. I know you mean me no harm but you still don't see I have a family now. I have been avoiding you because the last time we had you over you insulted Kim and her boss who quiet frankly saved your life and job. I'm willing to talk but on my terms and not in front of my family. They don't need to see the ugliness. I will call you dad. Come on guys let's go. Champ to the car!" With that they left.

When they got home Adam started to make dinner for his family. It was his way to focus on something else. He could hear laughter coming from the living room it brought him such joy. This was what he wanted every day. He planned to start ring shopping this week. "Dinners ready." Adam was proud of the dinner he created tonight. "We're coming!" Kim lifted Jackson up and carried him to the table. "Looks amazing baby! Thanks for cooking!" Kim leaned up to give him a kiss. Once they were seated and started to eat Kim figured it was time to ask about the call with Kevin. "How did the call with Kevin go earlier? You seemed happy while talking to him." Adam nodded "Yeah it was a good call. He agreed with you like you said. But suggested I continue to think about it. Not make a rash decision. You know? But he also said that having a back up plan wasn't a bad idea especially getting injured. I was lucky that it was career ending. That made it hit home that that one hit could have been the end and I don't have a plan. So I'm glad I have time to make a plan now. He also suggested maybe trying to get an endorsement deal to get some more money to set aside for a rainy day. So we are going to work towards that." It was a lot to discuss but it was a good thing. The support was amazing, he never felt this way before. "I'm glad baby! That all sounds like a good step forward. I'm proud of you." He smiles and squeezed her hand before continuing with dinner. Bob wouldn't be discussed with Jackson in the room. After dinner they had family movie night till Jackson fell asleep.

"Okay do you want to talk about your dad? What would you like to do about it?" Kim wanted to talk about it before he blew him it again. "I don't want to deal with him. But I will call him and try to work this out because he is my dad. I just want to keep him at arms length. I don't want him to hurt our kids like he did me. He let me down so many times. By not showing up to anything. He was too busy working and gambling. I just wish he would have showed he loved me more. You know? I know he loved me, he put a roof over my head and food on the table but one little game, one assembly, one thing you know? It's just hard. I don't want our kids to feel like that. Ever. I want them to know they are loved. I promise I will be at as many things as possible even when I'm traveling. I promise you." Adam cried as he spoke about the relationship with his dad. He needed her to know he wouldn't be like his dad. He would be better for them. "Baby I know! Jackson knows how much you love him. The fact that you call him every night you are not home to read him a bed time story. That's more than a lot of dads do. You gave him a room here before we moved in. You allowed him to get a dog. You give him everything he wants. He feels that love everyday. You are not your dad. You learned from his mistakes. That's why we love you! That's why we are here with you. That's why we would do anything for you." Kim held him so tight. She could feel his pain radiating through him. She held him long after the tears stopped flowing.

The next day Adam called his dad while Kim was at work. They decided to meet for breakfast after Adam dropped Jackson off at Nadia's. Even with Adam being off from work Jackson still want to Nadia's everyday. They didn't want to interrupt his routine. And it was nice for him to play with Grace all day. They got along really well and been together since they were born. Plus it allowed both Adam and Kim to get things done on their days off. And the bonus it helped Nadia pay for college so it was a win win for everyone. The diner Adam was meeting Bob at was close to Nadias so it worked with the time frame Bob had set up.

"Adam my boy! Glad you agreed to meet me. Didn't expect this place for a meet up but it will do." Bob had a way of expecting the best now that Adam was famous but he was still super down to earth. Money didn't change him. "Well you set the time and it's close to Jackson's sitter. Kim and I don't want to throw off his routine too much so this had to work. You said you wanted to talk. So talk." Adam was already frustrated and it wasn't even 8:15am. This was a bad start to the day. "Look I just wanted to check in. See how you are doing. I know your team won the World Series but I haven't seen you." Adam knew there was more, he also noticed he didn't congratulate him on the win or say he's proud. "We are doing well. I love my little family. I didn't realize how much I wanted that till I met Kim and Jackson. I still can't get over him calling me daddy. It's surreal. I've never been happier!" He gushed about his family. He had no idea he was missing all this. "Adam are you sure about this. Dating a cop who has a kid? Especially a cop who works for Voight? He's not exactly a model cop." Bob hated Voight. And he had problem with everyone knowing it. "Pops look first Voight is a good man who saved your ass. He is also a grandfather figure to my son, a father figure for Kim. I love Kim and Jackson. I have never been more sure about something. Jackson's father is in jail now for a felony after trying to extort Kim and myself. I am 100% sure that this is what I want. If you can't accept this then we have nothing to talk about. Kim wanted to keep you involved in the holidays but if you can't be supportive be can change that plan. It's up to you." Adam wasn't going to pull any punches. "I don't want to be out of your life so I guess I will try to make it work." Bob didn't like it but he wasn't really given an option. "Good to hear that. Thanksgiving you are invited over for breakfast and you can come over for Christmas Eve. We are trying to split all the holidays three ways to be fair to everyone." Adam told Bob exactly how it would be. No room for argument. "I guess I will take it. If that's all your offering." Bob was annoyed but he wasn't going to fight. "That's it for now. You need to work up to getting more time with me and my family. You hurt me too much as a kid to just let you back in fully. I definitely don't want that for Jackson." He was honest with Bob. He knew nothing would change without it. "Okay well I have shift soon so I need to go. I will talk to you soon." As Bob was leaving he looked back to say congrats on the win. Adam just nodded before finishing his coffee and paying the bill.

After breakfast Adam headed over to Michigan Ave to start looking for a ring for Kim. He was thinking about proposing around New Years. He didn't want to do it at Christmas, it was too cliche and he didn't want to wait longer than January. Really the sooner the better but he didn't want to rush finding the perfect ring and planning the perfect proposal. He also needed to ask for permission to marry Kim. He would need to call Voight soon but for now shopping was in order. He knew she wouldn't want something to large but he wanted it to be a decent size. To let everyone know Kim was the love of his life, his soul mate, the mother of his children. He wanted something special, not cookie cutter. One of a kind like her. Hopefully it won't take long to find the right one.

Later that night the family was sitting around the dinner table eating take out Kim had brought home after work. Talking about their days. Adam was in a decent mood all thing considered. Kim hadn't been able to talk to Adam all day she was busy all day work. The case was insane and left them running all day. She had been concerned all day about their visit. She wanted to call several times but got a lead every time. It seemed she didn't need to be concerned. He was in a surprisingly good mood. All three boys playing outside when she got home from work. After dinner Adam put Jackson to bed so Kim could shower before settling into the talk about Adam breakfast with Bob. Kim was enjoying her hot shower when she heard the door open and Adam climb in with her. After playing around in the shower for awhile they finally made their way to the couch to talk.

"So I laid it all out for my dad. Not changing my mind about you and Jackson. No more complaints about your boss or your job. And that he will only get whatever time we are willing to allow and that needs to earn more time with us. I was harsh and probably cold but he said he will take what we are offering because he wants to be in my life. So he's willing to try." It was the short version but it worked. And it was the truth. "I'm glad to hear that. I hope it all works out. Hopefully all our families will come around to our relationship and careers. Only time will tell. But what's most important is how we feel about each other. No one matters. Just us always." Kim held him as she spoke. She truly hoped things got better with their parents but wouldn't allow it effect them. "You ready for bed? It's been a long day and after our workout and emotional conversation I'm ready to crash?" Adam just nodded and followed her to bed. They were going to fine. They were on the same page. He truly was happier than ever before.

It was now Halloween night. Jackson was going to be a baseball player for Halloween. Kim and Adam were dressing up as well. The Halstead's were coming over so that kids could trick or treat together. Grace was going to be Elsa from Frozen. They couldn't have been cuter. The two families set out at 6 going house to house for candy. It was cold so both kids weren't going to last long but they were having a blast. They only made it to a dozen houses before the kids wanted to head home because they were cold. Luckily Kim planned ahead and had a Halloween cartoons and kid snacks ready to go at home. They changed the kids into jammies before letting them watch the shows. By 8:30 both kids were passed out and the parents were going through the candy haul to look for their favorites. The kids couldn't have that much candy so they wouldn't know the difference. They decided to watch a scary Halloween movie while the kids were asleep. It had been a great night.

While Kim and Erin were upstairs with the kids Adam asked to talk to Kay privately. "Man I know your Kim's family and your opinion matters more to her than her biological family. So I um I want to marry Kim. I want adopt Jackson. I love them so much. I can't imagine my life without them. So I guess what I'm asking for is your permission? Mind you I also plan on talking to Voight and Dawson, but since you are here I figured I would start with you." Adam was nervous. Maybe they wouldn't approve, maybe they would think it's too soon? "I have never seen either of them so happy before. We are all elated that you have stepped up with Jackson and made him a priority in your life. Not just Kim but you made him know and feel love. That's all we ever wanted for them. So yes you have my permission to marry Kim and adopt Jackson. When are you going to do it?" Jay pulled Adam into a man hug. He was happy for them but curious. "I don't know. I was thinking maybe New Years. I want it to be special. But not stereo typical or cliche. I'm just not sure yet." Adam didn't have a plan yet but he would. "She will say yes no matter what. Don't sweat it. It will be special because it's you." They got quiet when they heard footsteps on the stairs. They all said good night as quietly as possible as Grace was sound asleep against Erin's shoulder. Afraid to move her into Jays stronger arms for fear she would wake up. Kim watched as they made it their car and once they left she locked up for the night.

They were headed upstairs to get into bed when they heard a knock at the door. They both look at the other confused as to who would be here now. Thinking Jay or Erin left something behind Adam moved towards the door to open. Though it was neither Erin or Jay behind the door. "What are you doing here?" Adam sounded pissed. Kim moved from the stairs to come closer. "Babe who's at the door?" Adam opened the door wider to reveal an older women. She kind of looked like Adam but she wasn't sure. "Darling this is my mom, Ellen. Not sure why she is here though." Adam was pissed off. He hadn't spoken to her in years at this point. "Babe it's cold let her come in so we don't freeze. Hello I'm Kim. I'm Adams girlfriend. Nice to meet you. I'm going to head up or would you rather I stay?" Kim wasn't sure what she should do. It was tense that's for sure. "Please stay. It's nice to meet you too. I just want to talk. I heard you had breakfast with your dad a few weeks ago so maybe we could talk too. I know I made mistakes but I would like to fix them." Ellen was a little on the loud side and Kim and Adam were concerned. "Mom we can talk but you need to lower your voice. We don't want you to wake our son. It's been a long day for him and he needs sleep." Adam was trying to talk quietly since they heard movement upstairs. But it was just Champ going to check out the extra voice. He sat next to Kim and growled. "Champ it's okay. Calm down, lay down" Kim spoke calmly and he laid beside her not taking his eyes off Ellen.

"I have a grandson? When can I meet him? What's his name?" Ellen was excited for another grandson little did she know she may never meet him. "Mom we have a son. It's still to be determined if you have a grandson son. Like I told pops, I don't want this negativity around my children. Not happening. I never want him to feel like I did growing up. I want him to know he is always loved, even if I don't agree with him. He will never be a disappointment. I'm sorry I can't do this right now. Kim I'm heading up to bed. Come up when she's gone. I love you darling." Adam left after that, Champ hot on his trail. "I'm sorry this has just been a lot for him. Dealing with his dad wanting back in and then you showing up at of the blue. Look I don't know you but if you're looking for money you won't get it. If you are looking for forgiveness you need to wait and prove your worth. He's been hurt too much by you two and he kills himself everyday to prove love to our son, my son. He treats my son like his own flesh and blood. Never turning a back on us. That's love. You have a lot to learn and to prove but for now you need to go. He will call when he's ready. Goodnight." Kim walked her out not letting her get a word in edgewise. Adam heard the whole thing and couldn't wait for her to make it upstairs. He was definitely going to have to thank her by loving her right all night long. It's the least he could do for the love of his life.