They arrived at the cafe. Adam ordered for Kim and himself while she found a seat. This was hardly an easy conversation but it was long overdue. She probably should have been honest about it in the first place though at the time it wasn't an issue. But apparently it was again. When Adam returned with the coffees he placed one in front of her and then held her other hand. Using it to her the strength she needed to speak. She took a sip and smiled taking a moment to figure out where to start.

"So I guess in college I was working full time, in school full time and drank with my friends often. Never more than alcohol. I never did drugs. But it was also never one or two drinks. It was five, six, I don't even know. Some mornings I woke up at home with no idea how I got there. My car in the driveway. I was lucky I never got caught or hurt anyone but it was definitely stupid. Then one night I ended up at a bar I hadn't been to before. It was a friends 21st birthday party. There was this local celebrity, radio DJ, who followed me around. Daiquiri girl is what he called, based on the drink in my hand. At one point he had a carrot sticking out of his pants following me around. Thought it was funny, it wasn't. Anyway at some point he decided we all needed to go shots for my friends birthday, Gold Schlager, it was disgusting! I started to feel dizzy after that. The room was spinning and I couldn't walk straight. I made it to the bathroom before running outside to hide. It was November and super cold but I didn't care because it was safe. I was only 23 maybe and sobered up real quick after that night. I was clean till I became a cop. A social drink every night. But I would drink hard after a bad case. Obviously since Jackson is here. I was so drunk that night. Worse than last night. I do regret it only because it was Roman you know. When I found out I was pregnant I got sober again and stayed sober till last night. It wasn't hard this past time. It didn't hurt. I didn't have withdrawals, I just moved on. Went to meetings and told those around me to stop me if I did something stupid." Kim found courage in hands Adam wrapped around hers. The ability to say things no one else knew. Things she wasn't proud of.

"Darling I love you. And I'm so proud of you for getting sober twice now. Soon to be three times. I am so thankful that nothing bad happened during those years of drinking and I'm horrified that you had been drugged. But thankful you were smart enough to leave and get somewhere safe. That shows how strong you are. We will be okay. I will support you through this. But I have to ask why did you go to Molly's if you knew they wouldn't serve you normally?" Adam poured love into his voice. Made sure she could hear the concern and love he had for her. "I went because I knew they would tell me to pull my shit together and go home. They would stop me even though I wanted it they would prevent it. But I guess he was new and didn't care as long as the cash was flowing. I didn't want to come home sad and drunk but I also wanted to be drunk to forget. That probably makes no sense." Adam just kissed her hand. They sat in silence for awhile as they finished their coffees. "You need to talk to Dawson. He will tell you it's not your fault. He would hate to know your blaming yourself for what happened. Please?" Again concern and love flowed in his voice. She nodded.

They went briefly after that to get Champ. They decided to go to the park for some fresh air. Adam knew fresh air and exercise was good for you but especially during recovery. He had done a little research to help make this easier for her. Little did Kim know that Dawson was going to join at one point, they needed to talk. Kim was throwing a ball with Champ when Dawson arrived. "Hey man. How is she?" He asked while taking a seat next to Adam. "Um better today. Still blames herself for you getting shot. Spinning the what if's. We went to a meeting this morning and it seem to help some. In private she spoke a lot about her past with drinking. I think it was just a slip up and she will be fine but she needs to talk to you." Adam was slightly vague about the answer. Not wanting to share something that was meant be a secret. "I truly don't blame her. It happens and she got the guy. Made sure that everyone knew we needed back up without saying it out loud. She didn't tip off the offender that she was calling for backup. She was by the book. I was and am proud of how she handled the situation. I'm gonna head over there." Antonio got up and started to walk towards Kim, Champ seeing him and running for him. Loving hugs from people he knew. Kim was shocked to see him but shook her head knowingly. This was planned, damn Adam. Dawson just hugged her and let her cry he knew she needed it. "I don't blame you Kim. And I'm okay. I couldn't blame you when you did everything right and by the books. I'm proud of you for how you handled it. Not the drinking part but everything before. I'm damn proud you are my partner. I love you Kim, you are my sister but don't tell Gabby. She will be pissed thinking I replaced her." They both laughed. This was healing. They talked and played with Champ for another hour before they all headed home.

"Thank you. I really needed that. How about me and you go play for awhile? I'm thinking twister? What do you say?" Adam laughed before grabbing Kim and carrying her upstairs. They still had a few hours before they needed to get Jackson and planned to make the most of it. After several hour they lay naked wrapped in each other, neither speaking just simply existing. Blissed out but content. Secretly they both hoped it would always be like this. Kim chose to be the first to speak. "I truly am sorry for last night and thank you for not running when things got hard. I promise you I have no urge right now and haven't all day. I also promise to continue to go to meetings and go back to therapy. I want to be the best version of me that I can be. Not just for me but for you and our kids. Our family." Adam just smiled and kissed her. It wasn't rushed, just slow and full of all the love he had for her. He was healing in a way. Knowing without words that he would always be there for her and them.

They both needed a shower after all they had just done and really needed to wash the sheets too. While Kim started her shower Adam striped the bed and started the wash before joining ?Kim in the shower. They were short on time now so they really did just need to shower and get dressed again. They headed out to get Jackson hand in hand feeling better than they had all day. They were happy and in love. They both knew this was forever. Adam knew he needed to step it up in finding a ring soon. He wanted to propose sooner than he had originally planned. Partly because he loved her with his whole heart and partly to prove that he isn't going anywhere. He had an idea of what he wanted to he just needed to find it, maybe have it custom made? He would loo into that.

At Nadia's Jackson ran to the door when he heard it was them. Excited to see his mom feeling better. "Mommy! Are you feeling better now?" He asked while on his fathers hip. "Absolutely. Thank you for being so quiet this morning. I really needed that." He just smiled at her. Amazingly he was starting to smile just like Adam, sly and lopsided. They weren't related but they definitely acted alike. And Kim loved. "Are we ready to head home? Maybe grab a pizza on the way? We really need to plan the thanksgiving menus so I can shop ahead of time." Kim knew it was early but it was only two weeks away. "Sure let's head out. Bye Nadia thanks for today. Bye Grace. See you tomorrow." They left with Jackson holding one of each of his parents hands. Swinging him the air every so often, the sound of his giggles egging them on. It was a nice family moment. One she wished was on film.

They picked up pizza from Kim's favorite place on the way. Jackson telling all about his day. He was just so excited that his mom was feeling better and they both picked him up from Nadias. They ate dinner and then took Champ outside for a bit. They knew he needed to pee and he needed to tire out a bit. And Jackson needed to burn off the energy from the day. Once Jackson was asleep Adam and Kim sat down to plan breakfast for thanksgiving for when Adams family comes over and then plan the desserts to bring to Voights and to serve at their house when Kim's family comes over. It was a lot to do and it would be a busy day but they just hoped that everything would go well. Family issues were not wanted or needed on the holidays. Kim's family was not staying with them because it was not time for the families to meet yet. Not till they worked out all the issues first. Last thing they needed was for the families to fight. It's not worth it.

Two weeks later it was Thanksgiving. They all got up early to start preparing for the day. The desserts had been made the day before so it was one less thing to do. The French toast casserole was in the oven, the fruit was being cut and placed in a bowl. The table was set, coffee was prepared and the bacon and eggs would be last. Kim made sure there was something everyone would eat or drink on the table. Kate and Sammy arrived first knowing it would help to be a buffer once Bob got there and well Bob was late. Arriving 15 minutes late for breakfast but he did bring champagne so that was lovely. It was opened right away. Everyone enjoying a glass except for Kim. She had been sober for two weeks again and not finding it to be all that difficult. It seemed she just fell right back into it and Adam couldn't have been more proud or supportive. When asked about she simply said "need to be sober in case I get called in." That handled it quick without raising suspicion.

It had actually been a lovely morning. Everyone got along and the kids played together in the leaf pile. Kim didn't care that they would need to take it again as long as the kids were happy. Kim went outside with the boys to give the family time to talk. She could sense it was needed. It was awkward at first. The conversation was stilted. No one knowing what to say. Finally Bob shocked them both with his words "Adam I have really have never seen you look so settled. So happy. Being a dad looks good on you. I know I never really say it but I'm proud of you. I need you to know that. And as much as I don't like Voight I'm glad that he has done such a great job with Kim. She's a good person and I'm happy you two are together." Adam was almost in tears as he hugged his dad. Kim watched from the outside smiling. Soon it was time for them to go. Kim and Adam needed to clean up and then head out themselves.

When they walked into Voights house they could hear the whole team laughing and having fun. Adam wasn't sure what to expect since this was his first year here. And it's much different than Thanksgivings of the past where there was tons of yelling and tears. No one getting along. 5 minutes in and he was already enjoying it. "Hey everyone sorry we are late. We brought dessert." Kim says pretty loud so she could heard over the loudness. Everyone turned to greet them sharing hugs and hand shakes. The kids ran off to play together while the adults settled around the tv to watch the football game. "How's the game going out here?" Kim asked as she walked with a drink for Adam. "It's great Darling. Thanks for the drink. Come sit with me." Adam pulls her down to sit on him. It was comfy. Erin soon joined them and the girls ended up leaving the room to have girl talk. The boys had no interest in hearing any of it. In reality they were planning Christmas ideas for the boys. Neither really needed anything but the girls still wanted to get them something. "I was thinking about taking Adam away for a trip. He could go anywhere or do anything you know. It's hard to buy for someone who's famous. But I thought a getaway for our family would me nice." Kim rambled a little. "I think that's great idea! That's all he wants is to spend time with you two. Do it! I know Jay would love tickets to a hockey game or football. Maybe both?" Erin replied. "Agreed. He would love those both." Kim giggled.

Dinner was ready and they all moved to sit around the table. The passed the food around and as they started to eat they decided to say what they were all thankful for. Voight was thankful for his family, all of it including those he worked with. Erin was thankful for her family and her health. Jay was thankful for his family and his job. Dawson was thankful for his kids. Rixton was thankful for the new family he found by joining Intelligence. Kim was thankful for her family and the love she found in Adam and Adam was thankful for Kim and Jackson as well as his career. He was also thankful for the improvement in his relationship with his dad. The conversation continued as everyone ate. Laughing and joking and even taking photos to always remember this day. They spent hours sharing stories about the past learning more about Erin's childhood when she lived with the Voights. Hank even got out some pictures of a bleach blonde Erin with pink streaks in her hair. It was amazing. Around 6 Kim, Adam and Jackson packed up to head home for dessert with her family. They thanked Voight for having them over and again telling him great the food was.

Dessert was served at 7 when Kim's family arrived. Her parents and her sister and niece game to visit from out east. Kim made a pumpkin pie and pumpkin cheesecake. They also served coffee and tea. The conversation was tense. They hadn't seen Kim's family since she was in the hospital. And it was tense then too. Kim tried to bring up safe topics but it always seemed to back fire. "Mom, Dad, Nicole Look you are my family. And I love you all but I can't keep having this tense vibe between us. I'm trying here and Adam opened up our home to you all so drop the attitude. I don't want to cut you all out completely but I will if we can't have a healthy relationship. You guys need to make peace with this is my life and what I have always wanted. You should be thrilled that I have a stable job, I'm in a secure relationship, we have our own home and Adam has stepped up be Jackson's father. We have a great life. That should be all you want for me and for us." Kim needed to vent some. It seemed that nothing they did was right. How is that even possible. They were happy, healthy and in love. What more could they want? "We don't want to lose you Kim. You are our daughter. We just don't agree with your life. Maybe we could try harder to understand your life and accept this life. We have a.ways wanted you to be happy. That is the most important thing to us. Maybe we lost sight of that." Denise spoke. It was the most honest and open she had been. "Mom that's all I want. We are happy. I have never been happier. I can't wait to spend the rest of my life with Adam, Jackson and what ever other kids we add. We want you a part of it too but we will need to see change for that to happen. And Nicole you need to go back to therapy. Bashing all men because your ex husband is a douche isn't fair to Adam. He's done nothing wrong." Kim added before changing the conversation again. By 10 her family had left and Kim and Adam were exhausted. Jackson feel asleep around 8:30 while resting on Adams chest. The bond between them still blew Kim away daily. Even Kim's parents commented on the bond they share. Maybe one day they will come around completely but time will tell.

The next day they all slept in. Needing a day to just sit back and relax. Starting the day with breakfast at a local diner before heading to the park. It still hadn't snowed so they were enjoying all the time outside they could. Champ came with them to get some exercise too. He loved playing fetch at the park with Jackson and Adam. When the word park was said he would rush to the door and bark till they opened it. He was a great addition to the family. They spent time on the swings, slides and even the hanging bars which Adam held him as he "climbed" from bar to bar. Jackson wasn't strong enough yet to do it alone but he would someday with Adams help. "Hey baby what do you want to do for your birthday this year?" Kim asked as his birthday was only 6 weeks away and a Christmas was 4 weeks away. "Um can we do a super hero theme? I think that would be fun." Jackson asked. "I think that sounds like a great idea. Who do you want to invite?" Adam asked him, loving the super hero idea. It sounded fun. "Well all my friends and all my aunts and uncles." Jackson says. "Well okay. I will get the invites and start planning tomorrow." Kim was happy with this theme. It would be easy, thank Goodness.

By the time they made it home it was nap time for Jackson. After they laid him down with Camp they headed back downstairs to figure out what they needed to buy for Christmas and for who. Especially Jackson, they wanted to do something special for him. It's his first Christmas with him having a father. They also needed to decide what to do for his birthday present since it's two weeks after Christmas. "Kim what do you want for Christmas?" Adam asked smiling and kind of laughing a bit knowing where it would lead. "You!" She said before running up the stairs towards their room. It was exactly what he wanted to happen. Planning and shopping were not his thing. He would rather do anything else. Maybe later than can discuss it again. But for now this was more fun.

An hour later they jumped into the shower to clean up before heading back downstairs before Jackson woke up. Kim started a Pinterest board with ideas for Jackson birthday to make it easier to get all her ideas together. Adam wanted to get him a skateboard since Adam loved skateboarding as a kid and they agreed on a bike as well. But they still needed more ideas for him for both holidays. Through out the day they both created a list of who they needed to shop for Kim's list being longer than Adams but neither cared. Though Adam hated shopping he would gladly do it if it meant Kim was happy. And she was. They finished the night in front of the tv with Jackson watching a movie before they all headed to bed. Still exhausted from yesterday. They had a lot more exhausting days ahead but they couldn't be more happy about it.