It's been two weeks since Adam left for spring training. Kim was now 18 weeks pregnant and was headed the O'hare to catch a flight to Florida. While this would normally not be a hard task Kim was stressed out with it today since she had a suitcase, a car seat, a four year old in a stroller and her pregnant self to maneuver through the air port. Luckily Erin had offered to bring them to the airport and help her with taking things to baggage claim. They couldn't wait to get to Florida. It was the beginning of March so the warmth of Florida would be a welcomed change for them but also they would be face to face with Adam again. Talking daily through FaceTime wasn't enough for any of them. As they navigated through the airports Kim was laser focused on getting to see Adam for a whole week. He would have practice and games but they at least would have the nights together as a family. They all missed family time and couldn't wait for the distance to end.
Upon landing in Florida Kim quickly exited the plane with Jackson in tow. She had gate checked the stroller so it was waiting for them as soon as they exited the plane. Once Jackson was secure again Kim started to move towards baggage claim where Adam was waiting for them. It was a crazy busy airport, tourist from all over the world descended on Florida for the warm weather, beaches and Disney. Kim hated Disney with a passion but agreed to take Jackson when he was older so he could actually enjoy it. She never understood why people took two year olds to a Disney. They can't ride the rides and they won't remember it so why bother? Her thoughts were interrupted by the sound of Adams voice calling to them. Kim ran as fast as she could with Jackson to get to him. No words spoken just the embrace, the long awaited embrace. The kiss long, full of pent up emotion. The love, the longing, the passion spilled out into the kiss. They broke only for much needed air.
They moved quickly to grab the bags and car seat so they could start the ride to Adams apartment. Jackson had fallen asleep so they tried to stay quiet so he could nap. Life felt pretty perfect again and they exited the airport hand in hand. Once everyone was secure they started the ride to their home for the next week. It was quiet still only passing glances and giggling li,e school children. It had been two weeks and both needed a release. They knew they wouldn't have much time or privacy this week so they needed to make the most of each time Jackson was sleeping. The ride ending quickly enough before heading into the apartment. It was nice enough, two bedrooms, two bathrooms. Just enough for when they came to visit. It also had a small kitchen so they didn't have to eat out every meal. Once Jackson was settled into his bed Kim and Adam made a run for the shower. Tossing clothes along the way. It was hard, fast and ended to quickly but it was exactly what they needed.
"That was amazing and long awaited." Adam laughed as they got dressed again. "You are a mess! But I love you!" Kim laughed as she kissed him again. "I love you too darling! So I couldn't help but notice you seemed extremely stressed out the last few days. What's been going on?" Adam knew this probably wasn't the best time to ask but they were still alone so it was worth a shot. Kim sighed long and hard. She walked to the couch and Adam followed. After he sat she curled up into his side. "It was just a really bad week. The case was horrible. Cases with Kids are always bad but this was something I never want to see again. And it caused us to have to do things we have never done before. In the end we closed the case, Voight is requiring us to have at least one visit with Dr. Charles and we were required to go to meetings yesterday before doing something healthy for ourselves." Kim finished and Adam just stared at her taking in her words.
"Kim I don't even know what to say. I know you always see the worst cases but this must have been beyond horrible for Voight to require meetings and counseling. I know you can't discuss details about cases but I'm here for you. So by meeting I assume you mean an AA meeting and by doing something healthy I assume he meant working out?" Adam asked gently. "Yeah I went to an AA meeting, Erin NA, Jay and Mouse went to a PTSD support group, the others just went to the boxing gym since they don't have our issues. After the meeting I went to the GBA to dance for an hour. It's the only workout that forces me to shut my mind off all together. Then I went to Voights house to pick up Jackson before heading home to pack to come here. My appointment with Dr. Charles is later today so I'm sorry in advance for taking his call during our time together. I'm just so happy to be here now with you, you always know how to center me." Kim sat there quietly again as Adam tightened his hold on her. Everyone once in awhile Adam would kiss her head. He had no idea what she saw but thankful that Kim was open to support and was at least talking to someone about what they all saw.
"I'm proud of you for going to the meeting and working out instead of falling apart. Going to the dance academy was an interesting choice considering the past you have there but it was still something good to do since you were able to shut out the case. Well hopefully tonight you will have fun. We have a family dinner event with all the families tonight. I don't know what the entertainment is going to be but it's normally pretty good." Kim smiled as Adam spoke. Knowing she made the right calls yesterday. They held each other a little longer til Jackson found them. "Daddy!" He yelled as he ran across the room to jump into his lap. "Jackson! I missed you so much!" Adam held Jackson tight, knowing he had missed his son too much over the last two weeks. "Should we head out to get some lunch and then go to the park?" Adam offered knowing they would love the warm fresh air of Florida. "Absolutely. We are hungry! So let's go." Kim got the stroller and the diaper bag. While Jackson was toilet trained she still brought it with extra clothes, snacks, a drink and other items they might need while out. It was super helpful and advice that she had gotten from Dawson.
They headed to a local deli to get some lunch. They ate at a small table outside enjoying the sunshine. Lunch was filled with small talk but mostly Jackson telling Adam everything from the last two weeks. They were distracted several times by fans taking pictures of their favorite sports star. It was frustrating since Adam had asked several times on social media and on the Jumbotron at Wrigley Field asking for privacy when with his family. He loved spending time with his family and this was invasive. After finishing lunch they moved to a park that was close by the apartment knowing that Kim would need to head back to the room for her call with Dr. Charles. The boys ran around for quiet away before Kim excused herself to make the call. She was dreading it, not wanting to mention the horror they has seen. But at least it was private and nothing that was being said would get back to anyone. And Kim liked Dr. Charles. He was a good listener, provided good support and never made them feel like they were crazy for having a hard time after a nasty case.
Kim sat on the couch with tissues and a bottle of water knowing she would need both. She got comfortable just as the phone began to ring. She took a deep breath as she answered knowing what was to come. "Good Afternoon Dr. Charles. How are you doing today?" Kim answered as she waited. "Kim lovely to talk to you. I know this is a mandatory session but I hope you will find it helpful in dealing with what you all saw this past week. Can you talk to me about your experience on this case?" Dr Charles knew time was limited so they needed to jump right in. "Okay well we were called to a scene where a child was found beside two other kids that were deceased. The little boy didn't speak English at all but was able to tell us where he came from so we could get a translator. Turns out he was adopted and then given away to another family because the women he lived with couldn't handle him. After we found her it turns out she was re-homing the kid with an agency which turned out to be a fake. It took awhile to get leads knowing more kids were out there not knowing if they were getting food or water. It was hard you know? Anyway after a couple of days we found out the kids were being sold on the dark web as exotic animals. It was disgusting. As we were trying to find the holding location I spent time buying the children so they wouldn't be sold to traffickers or pedophiles. I bought children! I know it was for the best but that's just something I can't get over. I know they are safe now since the team rescued them but how do they get over that? How do I get over this?" Kim mused. She knew they did the right thing buying the kids but it still felt dirty.
"I don't know how you actually get over this Kim but you all did the right thing to protect the kids. If you hadn't bought them where would they have ended up? What horrible situation would have landed in? I know it feels dirty and wrong but you saved their lives, all 7 of them. These kids won't be raped now, sex trafficked or be in child porn. Just try to focus on that, focus on the good lives these kids can have now. The loving homes they can now find being with loving families that actually want them, who are willing to help them overcome their troubled past. I know you spent a lot of time with the kids after the rescue can you talk to me about that?" Dr Charles asks hoping to shed some light on her from pushing forward.
"Yeah um we took the kids to med. All of us paired up with a kid to protect them and get the details of their health issues. Um I noticed my kid was dirty and his clothes were not clean. He was under weight. I texted Platt asking for some food for this child, the doctor suggested something light to start since we don't know when they ate last. I also put in an order for clothes for all the kids so we could get them into something clean. I also texted Severide for cots for all the kids so they could sleep on something at the district. Um once we got them all back to the district we got the kids in the showers and into clean pajamas before giving them some food and water. Once they all got settled into bed I stayed close till they all fell asleep. I stayed with them when they had nightmares and in the morning helped them change and brush their teeth. Jay bought them breakfast. After breakfast we interviewed the kids and then DCFS came to take them. It was exhausting and sad." Kim recalled the events with tears streaming down her face.
"Kim this proves that you are a good person. You provided comfort and support for those kids even though they weren't yours. And since you feel bad for buying those kids, this should prove that you are a good person. This should prove to you just how amazing you are with children and victims. You are strong and an amazing mother. Kim I'm going to be honest here, if you didn't feel this way I would be concerned. Everything you feel is normal and your reactions are normal. Give it a few days and you will see. You need rest and a break. And if you feel like you are falling then call me or go to a meeting. I'm confident you will be fine." After they spoke for a few more minutes they hang up. Kim feeling better, lighter.
After freshening up Kim headed out to find her family. Once in the lobby she saw the most beautiful site, Adam holding their son on his hip both with the biggest smiles imaginable. She couldn't help but match their smiles. Jackson got down so he could run to her. "Did you have fun with daddy?" Kim,asked as she held onto her son. "Yes we played a lot! It was so much fun!" Jackson shrieked in her ear. Kim just smiled. "How did your call go?" Adam asked as he caught up to them. "It went well. Heard things I needed to hear. Told me to stick to talking and seeking meetings when needed so I don't fall into old habits but how I was feeling was normal. That he would be more concerned if I hadn't felt the way I did." Kim replied still holding onto Jackson who was getting antsy. "I'm glad he could help. You look lighter, like a weight was lifted. How about we head to the dinner event? We can talk more later." Adam offered. Knowing talking about work in front of Jackson was not something Kim wanted to do. "Alright let's go." They walked hand in hand, just enjoying each other's company. Every so often bumping into each other on purpose, making them all laugh.
They got to the dinner at a near by stadium that was small enough for this event but not big enough for sporting events. But they took over the field with tables and a dance area. The food was a plated dinner which would be easier for the guests to enjoy the night. They found their table quickly and got seated as they waited for the main event. Every so often Adam would introduce his family to his team mates and their families. Kim loved hearing him call Jackson his son. It hasn't even been a year but it still makes her heart sing every time he says it. Kim noticed she didn't have much in common with the other wives who all seemed to not have jobs, trophy wives was more like it. But to each their own. The mention of Kim being a cop was a turn off to most of the wives anyway but Adam was proud of her and that's all that mattered. The team president came out to speak, thanking the team in advance on the upcoming season before introducing the entertainment.
"Good Evening Chicago Cubs! We know you are probably home sick so we thought some action from home would be appreciated. We are the Chicago Bulls dancers here to preform for all tonight. And from our team to your a Congratulations on your Championship last year and we wish you luck in bringing home another one." The dancers took their places as they started to dance. The energy was electric and got everyone excited to start off the year. Kim secretly knew all these dancers but wasn't forthcoming with that information. She only hoped they didn't see her. They danced for a few different songs before taking a break for dinner to be served. The table was eating quietly when Kim heard her name being yelled across the field. They all turned just in time to see several girls running at Kim. She could only laugh and get up to hug them all. The rest of the dancers came over as well to greet Kim. Leaving everyone else shocked.
"So team this is my fiancé Adam Ruzek and our son Jackson." Kim introduces. Adam stands to shake their hands, still shocked by the scene in front of him. "It's lovely to meet you all. I'm confused but still lovely none the less." Adam says laughing slightly. "Kim you didn't tell him that you helped choreograph our numbers and that you helped train the dancers before getting pregnant?" Becca laughed confused by why Kim would hide that. "I didn't tell anyone because dancing is something I don't talk about. I only just told Adam about it a month ago. It's still painful. Working with you guys is fun and I love it but it does hit close to home you know? It's why I try so hard to encourage and not tear down dancers. That's important to me." Kim explained and Adam knew exactly what she meant. "Okay but please do a number with us! It would be so much fun to dance together again. Please?!" Becca begged. "Fine!" Kim gave in, shaking her head.
Dinner ended and the dancers were taking the floor once again with their special guest dancer. Kim couldn't believe she was doing this, it had been years since she performed. To say she was nervous was an understatement but she was doing it. Adam and Jackson had moved closer to they could get a better view of Kim doing something she loved. She had changed into a different outfit and different shoes so she matched the other dancers and it was easier to move in. The music started and Kim started to dance. Each move, each step looked like she did this every day. You would never know she wasn't one of them. Each kick, each hip shake, each booty shake she got more into it and the smile got bigger. She didn't even realize that Adam was filming the whole thing. And she didn't realize they were up close. She was totally in the zone. The dance was soon over much to Adams disappointment but Kim was hugging the team and thanking them before heading off to change.
When she returned Adam pulled her in for a very long passionate kiss. He couldn't believe how much her dancing turned him on. The shower would definitely see some action again. They took their seats again to enjoy dessert but also enjoyed the other players telling her how well she did and at home she looked on the dance floor. She would take the compliment but was conflicted because of her past experiences with dance. Maybe she could find a happy medium once the baby was born. It was something to think about for sure. Kim was holding a sleeping Jackson as the night was coming to an end. They said their goodbyes and headed back to the apartment. They made small talk in the car before walking hand in hand back inside. Adam carried Jackson this time. "I missed this Kim. I love feeling him sleeping on me. It probably sounds strange but it brings me peace. It's comforting. I can't wait to do this more often again. This has been a long two weeks." Adam sighed as he placed Jackson down and found his jammies. Adam did the night time routine as much as he could since Jackson was sound asleep. But he enjoys it all the same.
When Adam returned to his room Kim,was lying on the bed in one of his shirts. He truly thought he never saw her look sexier than in his clothes. He slowly approached the bed grabbing her ankles to drag her down towards him. Kim squealed as she moved closer to him. She got up to move closer in the embrace but moved his hands down to her belly as she stared into his eyes. No words spoken. Adam was confused as to the sudden chance but a small bump hit his hand. He thought he was crazy but it happened again. Very lightly, almost nothing. He would have missed it if he hadn't been silent staring at Kim. His eyes glazed over with tears as he also saw Kim was crying too.
"Hey little baby! I can't believe I just felt you for the first time. This seems so real now. I can't wait to hold you for the first time. I love you so much already!" Adam was crying ugly tears after feeling the baby kick for the first time. "I always wanted this moment. I never had it the first time around. Seeing the love in your eyes for our baby was everything I could have ever wanted. I love you both so much!" Kim's hand were on Adams face by this point pulling him in for a kiss. She pushed him slowly towards the shower to celebrate this magical moment.