Author's Note: Hi, everyone! I'm back with another Newsies novel. This is the longest one yet. It has a lot of twists and turns, but I hope you all like it. Trigger warnings will be posted as the story progresses. Well, enjoy!


July eleventh, 1910...

Jack Kelly stirred to see his wife Katherine sitting up in bed. He sat up next to her, giving her a smile.

"Good mornin', Ace."

"Good morning, Jack," she smiled back, leaning closer and kissing him. "How are you doing?" she asked gently, knowing what his answer would be.

"Umm... Fine." Jack shrugged. "Nothin's ever easy, Kath. Sometimes, you just gotta accept the way things is."

For over ten years, Jack had been struggling with paresis, or, partial paralysis, in his arms and legs.

He struggled with his scars from the Refuge.

He struggled with thoughts that he was ugly, or unworthy to be married to someone like Katherine.

She scooted closer to him and wrapped her arms around him. He leaned his cheek on her hair and slowly let tears spill down his cheeks.

He cried most mornings. Katherine always comforted him the best she could, holding and soothing him, and reminding him that he was beautiful.

Katherine kissed Jack's cheek and rubbed circle patterns on his back. She didn't speak, she just held onto him.

He held onto her too, crying into her hair.

After a few minutes, Jack's tears ceased. He swiped at his eyes and gave his wife a watery smile. "Thanks, Katherine. You's my angel, Ace." Katherine smiled back, her eyes misting a bit. She loved when Jack called her his angel. Or his best friend. Or his Santa Fe.

"I love you, Jackie." she whispered.

"I love you too, baby." he whispered back.

Katherine stretched up and gently kissed him.

Jack broke the kiss with a real smile. "Want some breakfast, Fe?"

"Yes, please."

"Pancakes?"

"Yes!" she said enthusiastically.

The Kellys were definitely a pancake family, that was for sure. Katherine and her and Jack's triplets loved Jack's pancakes.

"The kids will be up any second, probably." said Jack, getting up. He grabbed his favorite blue button-down shirt and gray vest and slipped them on, not having any trouble doing the buttons on them, despite the fact that he had no feeling in his fingers.

Katherine put on her flowered blouse and silk pants, the latter something that Jack had bought her over ten years ago.

Everyone (save for a few people, including Jack) were pretty shocked when Katherine first started to wear pants; society said that women needed to wear floor-length skirts. Katherine didn't hate long skirts, necessarily, but she didn't want to be forced to wear them in, say, the burning summer sun; today was a scorching-looking day in July, and Katherine hadn't even been outside.

When they were both ready, they headed downstairs.

While Jack began to make his delightful pancakes, Katherine started to brew instant coffee for Jack and herself. "Do you have any clients today, Jack?"

Even though today was a Saturday, Jack sometimes painted for clients who wanted artwork done on the weekends.

Over the past ten years, Jack had done paintings and portraits for people all across the state of New York. Some of his paintings were even shipped to other countries- everyone wanted artwork from Beautiful, the name Jack had given to his business.

Katherine was now the head reporter and writer of the New York Sun. She also wrote stories for Jack and the triplets, too.

In Jack's opinion, she was the best writer ever.

Katherine thought he was just saying that because he was her husband, but Jack said it was true.

"No, I's don't got any work today." Jack answered, breaking his wife out of her thoughts. "I have two clients on Monday, though."

Katherine nodded, pouring the finished coffee into two mugs for Jack and herself.

"Hey, Ace?"

"Mmmhmm?"

"Would you like to go on a date soon? Just you's and me? I mean, it's been awhile since we two have gone out togetha." Jack said quietly, cracking an egg into his pancake batter.

Katherine smiled at him, coming closer to kiss his cheek. "I would love to go out with you."

"Gross." a voice said suddenly.

Jack and Katherine turned their heads to see their youngest daughter Andi standing in the kitchen entryway, already fully dressed, her curly auburn hair done up in a bun.

Yeah, Andi wasn't exactly a fan of her parents and their mushy romance.

They kissed and hugged and whispered lovey-dovey things to each other all the time. They were, what's the word?

"You two are so clingy," the nine-year-old stated matter-of-factly.

"Clingy and gross? You really don't like us, do ya, Annie?" said Jack with a smirk.

"Oh, no. It's not that I don't like you two- I love you- it's just, well, your romance is sort of stomach-churning."

Katherine furrowed her brows. "That's what all kids say about love."

"Not true; it's just what I say about you two." smiled Andi.

Jack placed a pan on the stove and turned up the heat. He stirred his pancake batter, then poured some into the pan. "Hey, Andi? Could ya go upstairs and see if you's brother and sister are awake?"

Andi nodded, leaving the kitchen and running up the stairs, none-too eager to leave her parents and their grossness.

Jack chuckled and looked at Katherine. "When she comes back, I's gonna kiss you, just to see how she likes it."

"We know by now," Katherine laughed, shaking her head. "Anyway, back to our date; should we go out next Friday night?"

"Sure." Jack agreed. "Where would ya like to go?"

"Well, you're my escort- you get to decide." Katherine joked.

Jack smiled. "I's know just the place."

Katherine opened her mouth to ask what the place was, but Jack said, "And I ain't tellin'; it's a surprise."

"Fine."

As Jack was flipping the golden-brown pancake cooking on the stove, he and Katherine heard the noise of footsteps.

Jack grinned, set down his spatula, and took Katherine's face in his hands, kissing her.

She tried not to laugh, hearing the triplets come into the kitchen.

"Ew!" Andi exclaimed.

"Um..." said Ethel, the oldest triplet. "Hi..."

"What the heck-" said Jack Jr., or, J.J., the middle child.

Katherine couldn't help smiling a bit when she heard the shouts of disgust from her children. She kissed Jack for a moment more, then pulled away. "I think they've had enough." she said, grinning at her husband.

Andi crossed her arms. "Okaaay... That was thoroughly unpleasant. Call me when the pancakes are ready." She turned to leave.

"Wait, Andi!" Katherine said. "Don't go. I promise, we won't kiss anymore right now." She eyed Jack with a raised eyebrow. "Well, I won't kiss your father anymore, anyway."

Jack chuckled. "She's right about the last part."

Andi sighed. "Well, I guess I'll stay."

Ethel, though a bit grossed out by her parents, still came up to the two of them and hugged them. "Hey, Mom. Hey, Dad."

"Hi, Ellie." Katherine smiled, hugging her daughter.

"Hey, baby." Jack said, kissing the top of Ethel's head. Then he nodded toward J.J. "Hey, Jack."

J.J. blinked, taking a second to think about what his dad had said to him. Realizing that it was a joke, he smiled. "Hey, other Jack."

J.J. came over to his father, slowly reaching out and hugging him.

Jack hugged his son back, feeling the young boy's arms tremble a slight bit; Jack held J.J. closer.

J.J. had autism. His body often moved in uncontrollable ways, or he had to take an extra minute to process what people were saying to him. He had a hard time in school, especially with reading.

J.J. wished he could have endless knowledge, like Ethel. Or be fierce, like Andi.

But he wasn't.

He was different from them.

He didn't know why God had made him that way...

But that's the way he was.

Jack carefully let go of his son. "The pancakes will be done soon, J.J." he smiled.

J.J. nodded, absentmindedly fidgeting with his fingers. "Okay."

The triplets settled down at the kitchen table, eagerly awaiting their pancakes.

When the kids weren't paying attention, Jack leaned forward and kissed Katherine again, making her attempt to laugh, but the laugh was quelled.

J.J. shot his parents a glance. "We just wanted pancakes!" he exclaimed.

Now Katherine had to pull away, because she needed to laugh.


Soon, the pancakes were made and eaten- and, as usual, everybody loved them.

Katherine still couldn't get over how much talent Jack had, not only in cooking, but also in art, and sewing, and seemingly, a bunch of other things.

Currently, Jack was sketching Katherine, who was sitting next to him on the couch. Ethel, J.J., and Andi were upstairs, playing. (Actually, Ethel, who was a major bookworm, was probably reading.)

Katherine leaned on Jack's shoulder and contentedly watched him sketch her, using swift, bold strokes of his pencil.

He was drawing her holding the triplets when they were babies.

Katherine smiled as Jack drew three little heads, three little noses, and so on.

"I might be a little biased, but they were some of the cutest babies I've ever seen." smiled Katherine.

Jack nodded. "Crutchie told me somethin' like that once."

Suddenly, there was a knock on the door.

Jack stood up. "I'll get it." he said, walking over to the entryway and opening the front door. "Mom!"

Julia, Jack's lively, kind mother, smiled brightly at her son. "Hello, Jack!"

He leaned down and hugged her, then quickly ushered her inside. "Come in! It looks hot outside!"

"It is! Eighty-eight degrees or so!" said Julia, stepping inside and stretching up to kiss her son on the cheek.

"So, Mom. What brings ya here on this fine July day?" Jack asked, leading Julia into the living room, where Katherine stood up and hugged her.

Julia smiled. "Hello, Katherine." Then she turned to her son. "I am here to tell you both something very important-"

Julia was cut off by the sound of six feet pounding on the stairs.

"Grandma!" called Ethel, J.J., and Andi, running into the living room and surrounding her.

"Hi, Ellie, J.J., Anne. What've you three been up to today?"

Ethel shrugged. "J.J. and Andi were playing. I did some reading. Actually, I just finished Oliver Twist."

"That is a marvelous book." smiled Julia. "But you know what book is my favorite?"

Ethel shook her head.

Julia glanced over at Katherine. "I'll give you a hint; it's your mother's favorite book, too."

"Little Women?"

"Yup," Julia said. "I first read it when I was eleven, so a bit older than you are now, but, it's a classic."

Ethel glanced over at Katherine. "Do we have it, Mom?"

Katherine nodded. "We sure do."

Ethel smiled at her grandmother. "I'll have to read it sometime!"

"Hey, Grandma?" Andi asked, slightly bored at all this talk of books.

"Yes, dear?"

"Would you like to go upstairs and play with us?"

J.J. nodded eagerly. "Please? Andi and me- we were just sewing new clothes for our toys."

Julia smiled. "I would love to go play with you."

The triplets ascended the stairs, Julia following closely behind. Before she disappeared, she whispered, "I'll talk to you two later."

Jack and Katherine sat back down on the couch. Jack picked up his paper and pencil and began to sketch again, but he was feeling a little distracted all of a sudden.

"Whaddaya think Mom wanted to talk to us about?"

Katherine shook her head, then laid it on Jack's shoulder. "I have no clue."

"Well, whatever it is, apparently it's real important."


The entire day passed, and Julia ended up staying for supper, as well as one of the Kellys' best friends, Crutchie, and his family, who had dropped by in the middle of the afternoon.

Everyone had a lot of fun conversing and playing; although, Jack was still wondering what his mother had to tell him and Katherine.

"We had a great time, Jack and Kath," Crutchie said currently, linking arms with his wife, Emily.

Emily smiled warmly. "We truly did."

"So did we!" Laura and Francis, Crutchie and Emily's children, chimed in.

Jack grinned, ruffling the two kids' hair. "We love havin' ya all."

Katherine nodded in agreement. "We love you guys."

"We love you all too." Crutchie smiled, opening the front door, ushering Laura, Francis, and Emily outside. "We'll see ya soon, everyone."

"See ya soon, Crutch." smiled Jack. The door closed behind Crutchie and his family.

Ethel, J.J., and Andi surrounded Julia.

"Can you have a sleepover, Grandma?" asked Ethel.

"We could play games and tell stories!" said Andi.

"And we have a whole extra bedroom just for you!" said J.J., taking one of his grandmother's hands in his.

Julia smiled. "Having a sleepover would be delightful, but..." she looked at Jack and Katherine, "We have church tomorrow morning."

Ethel nodded. "That's a good point, Grandma; we don't want to be tired for church."

"Maybe we could have a sleepover next week." suggested Julia. She smiled at Jack and Katherine. "Your parents did say they were going on a date next week."

Andi looked at her parents. "Can we have a sleepover with Grandma next week? Please?"

Jack grinned at Katherine. "If you's mom and grandma is all right with it, I am."

Julia and Katherine both nodded.

"So, it's settled, then." said Julia. "We'll have a sleepover this upcoming Friday."


A week later, July eighteenth…

"Now, be good for Grandma, kids," said Katherine, as the triplets watched her put in her special diamond earrings in the bathroom.

"We will."

Katherine smiled. "And don't forget to have fun."

"We won't."

"Do you guys think I look okay?" asked Katherine, turning in a full circle.

Katherine was wearing a sparkling blue dress, silver high heels, as well as her favorite heart locket from Jack, her diamond earrings, her engagement and wedding rings, and an old button of Jack's that she liked to keep tied to her wrist with a piece of string.

"Mom, you look great." Andi said reassuringly.

"Thank you." smiled Katherine. She turned off the bathroom light, then headed out of the room, the triplets right behind her. They all four headed downstairs to find Jack talking to Julia in the living room.

"Hey, Julia." smiled Katherine. "Thank you so much for watching the kids."

"Hello, dear." Julia smiled back. "You look splendid!"

Katherine blushed. "Thank you."

"And it's my pleasure to stay with the triplets. But, honestly, it's hardly even a task to watch your children- they're angels, and great fun to be with."

"Angels." Jack mumbled under his breath, watching Katherine. "They get that from their mother."

Katherine, upon hearing that, gave Jack a smirk, then said, "I suppose we should get going, right, Jack?"

He nodded. "Yup."

Katherine pulled Ethel, J.J., and Andi in for a hug. "I love you, honeys. See you tomorrow morning, assuming you'll be asleep by the time we get back. Unless, of course, Grandma is feeling generous, and decides to let you stay up all night." Katherine laughed and winked at Julia, who also laughed.

"I don't think I could stay up all night if I wanted to!"

The triplets looked hopeful. "Could we at least stay up until two?"

Katherine looked skeptical. "How about one."

The triplets huddled in a circle, whispering amongst themselves.

"Okay." said Ethel.

"Glad we's all in agreement," grinned Jack, hugging the kids. "Love you, babies."

"Love you too, Dad."

"Be good for Grandma and have fun."

"We will."

"All right." said Jack.

He and Katherine thanked Julia again, hugged her, then headed outside.

When they were alone on the porch, Katherine looked up at Jack. "Was that angel comment really nece- "

Before she could even finish her sentence, Jack leaned down and captured her lips in his, taking her by surprise.

When he pulled away, he whispered, "Yes; the angel comment was necessary, Ace. You's my beautiful, wonderful angel, and that ain't nothin' to be ashamed of, I's hope."

Katherine swatted at his cheek lightly. "Of course not. I just- I don't know- I just felt embarrassed."

Jack grinned. "Again; no need to be ashamed or embarrassed. I told you when we was first married, Kath, that I'd be complimentin' you a lot. And I will."

Katherine blushed.

"Speakin' of compliments, you look gorgeous," Jack said, sizing her up and then linking arms with her and heading down the porch steps.

"Thank you," she said, smiling.


Several minutes later, Jack and Katherine were riding to their date location in a carriage.

As to where they were going, the latter had no clue; but she trusted that her husband had an amazing date planned.

"You know, Ace, today's an important day," Jack said as the carriage rolled and bumped along.

Katherine thought for a moment. "July eighteenth…" Her brows furrowed as she tried to come up with the significance to Jack of this particular day. "Oh!" Her eyes lit up. "It's been eleven years since the strike!"

Jack nodded. "Mmhmm. And eleven years since I's met you, baby."

Katherine smiled. "Wow."

"I know! Isn't it weird to think 'bout? You and me. Eleven years…" Jack draped his arm around his wife. "When I tried to flirt wit' ya, and ya shot me down in a heartbeat." he chuckled.

"Well, in my defense, I hadn't exactly planned on falling in love with a stranger on the street. And a flirty stranger at that."

"True." Jack chuckled.

"And you still do it, too."

"What?"

"Flirt with me!"

"Do not!"

Katherine looked up at Jack. "I'm not saying that it's a bad thing; I'm just saying that you still do it, is all."

Jack nodded. "Okay, I's admit, I still am sort of a flirt with you. But technically, it's not really flirting, Ace, 'cause we's already married."

"Okay, if sizing me up and telling me I'm gorgeous isn't flirting, then I don't know what it is."

"It's called a compliment," Jack said, pretending to look sulky. But then, a moment later, he couldn't help a laugh from escaping his mouth. "Okay, maybe it was flirtin'!" he admitted.

Katherine laughed too. "Again, not necessarily a bad thing. You just do it a lot."

"Well, would ya like it if I didn't flirt as much?"

Katherine grinned. "No, actually I like you and your persistent flirting; it's cute. Although, cute is not the word I would have chosen eleven years ago, just to be clear on that."

Jack's brows furrowed. "What word would ya have chosen?"

Katherine tapped her chin thoughtfully. "Hmmm… obnoxious. Annoying. Creepy. Slightly infuriating-"

"All right, all right. I's get it. Well, anyway, some of my charms musta worked on ya, because, in case ya haven't noticed, we's married." Jack pointed to Katherine's wedding ring.

Katherine smirked. "Okay, so maybe ALL of your flirting wasn't completely pointless."

Jack laughed again, leaning down and kissing Katherine's cheek.


"Are you sure this is the right way to make brownies, Grandma?" Andi asked, eyeing her grandmother's brownie batter suspiciously.

Julia laughed light-heartedly. "I think so, darling. I have made many a batch of brownies in my day. In fact, when you and Ellie and J.J. turned one year old, I made brownies for your first birthday party."

"Really? That's cool," said Ethel, handing an egg to her grandma.

"Can we tell stories while the brownies are baking?" asked J.J., his eyes not meeting his grandmother's. But she knew he was talking to her.

"Certainly," replied Julia. "How about you three go put on your pajamas while I finish up here, okay?"

"Okay!" Ethel, J.J. and Andi hurried up the stairs.

Julia finished up her brownie batter, then poured it into a pan. She slipped on oven mitts, opened the oven door, then slid the pan of brownie batter into the oven. She closed the door, took off the mitts, then set the kitchen timer for forty minutes.

As Julia began to wash the dirty dishes, she heard the triplets coming back down the stairs.

"I can help you with that, Grandma," offered Ethel, gesturing to the dishes in the sink.

"No, it's plenty all right, dear. I'm the one who made the brownies, so I should clean up the mess."

"But I really want to help," said Ethel, reaching for the sponge.

"Me too." said J.J.

"Me three." said Andi.

Julia gave her grandchildren a warm smile. "You're very kind, dears."

In no time flat, the four had a smooth rhythm going; Julia and Ethel washed the dishes, J.J. dried them, and Andi put them away.

"So," said Julia, scrubbing at a wooden spoon, "what kind of stories should we tell?"

The triplets thought for a moment.

"Can you tell us about Grandpa John?" asked Andi quietly.

Julia smiled sadly. "Of course." She knew that Jack longed to know more about what his father was like; and she had tried to tell him as much as she could. Now, her grandchildren were curious, wondering what their grandpa was like.

"Your grandfather was a tall, organized sort of man. He was sort of… quiet, but pleasant. Ours was an arranged marriage, actually. But we loved each other, unlike some unfortunate couples. And your grandpa loved to read; he seemed to have read almost every book in existence. And he loved Jack. He would help me get him to sleep each night when he was a baby."

"Was he cute? Was Dad a cute baby?" asked J.J.

"Was he?" laughed Julia, handing the now-washed wooden spoon in her hand to her grandson. "Aside from you three, he was the cutest baby I've ever seen. And I'm not just saying that because I'm his mother. He had really curly brown hair as a baby, like he does now. And his hazel eyes were beautiful. And his soft little nose, and feet…" Julia sighed. "Babies are so much work, but they are also so cute."

"So we've been told," Ethel laughed.


"Here we is, Ace," Jack said, stepping out of the carriage and helping her out. He paid the driver as she stared at their destination.

"The Lunt-Fontanne Theatre, huh? I heard that this place opened around six months ago, and I've been hoping that I might get to go sometime… and here we are!"

"Here we are," repeated Jack, taking Katherine's arm and leading her up to the theatre. "We's goin' to see Hamlet."

"Ooh, I've read Hamlet! But I've never seen a stage production before!"

Jack and Katherine received their tickets from a booth outside of the theatre, then headed inside. They strolled through the large lobby, their feet softly padding on the plush red carpet.

They both gasped as they entered the huge, beautiful auditorium.

Rows and rows of velvet chairs facing a stage filled the room. The chairs were filled with chattering, excited guests.

"We're closer to the stage," said Jack, heading down the stairs of the theatre. Katherine followed him, and soon, they found their seats.

Katherine had been to many a theater before, but she was just so excited right now. The lights, the stage, the orchestra gearing up to play some dramatic-sounding music, seeing as Hamlet was a Shakespeare tragedy.

Katherine leaned her head in Jack's shoulder. "Thank you for the wonderful date." she whispered.

"The date hasn't even really started yet," he whispered back with a little laugh.

"I know," smiled Katherine, "but it's already special."


After the show ended, Jack and Katherine went for a late dinner at a restaurant nearby.

Then, they had to catch a carriage back home.

It must have been eleven o'clock by the time the two of them entered their home.

Katherine and Jack smiled to see Julia siting up on the couch, fast asleep, Ethel, J.J. and Andi surrounding her, also fast asleep.

Katherine smiled. She took Jack's arm and together they headed up the stairs.

"I guess the one o'clock plan didn't go- well, didn't go as planned." she said quietly with a chuckle.

As they got ready for bed, Katherine sighed happily. "Jack, I really did have a wonderful time tonight; thank you."

As she began to brush her long curls in front of the mirror, Jack came up behind her and slipped his arms around her waist.

"You's welcome, Ace; I hads a great time, too."

Jack smiled as Katherine's curls brushed against his face.

Her hair smelled lovely as always, and looked lovely, too; although Jack preferred the word "beautiful".

"Want me to do you's hair tomorrow, Plumber?"

"Yes, please; I would love that." she smiled, setting her hairbrush down on the counter. She smiled at her and Jack's reflection in the mirror.

She glanced at Jack's hands resting over her stomach.

"Jack, do you think we'll ever have any more kids?"

"I'm not sure," he said after a moment. "Three kids used to be a big handful, 'specially when they was babies. But now, they ain't as hard, cause they's older."

Katherine nodded in agreement. "I mean, the triplets are almost ten years old, Jack! And we're getting older-"

"Ace, we's twenty-nine. Actually, I ain't even twenty-nine yet."

"Well, still. I miss taking care of babies."

"It was excitin', that's for sure," Jack said fondly.

"But- what if- um… what if God doesn't allow us to have more kids?"

Jack looked thoughtful. "We could adopt."

Katherine nodded. "That's true."

She closed her eyes, taking a calming breath. "Only time will tell. For now, my hands are full- I've recently taken up a daunting task."

Jack raised an eyebrow. "Might I ask what this task of yours is?"

"Nope," Katherine said, much to Jack's dismay. "It's private. Whenever I'm finished with it, you can know about it."

"How long will it take you to finish your project?"

"A couple years, probably."

"WHAT!" Jack's eyes widened. "That's a long time, Ace!"

"I know- but that's the truth."

Jack frowned. "A couple years, huh?"

"Mmhmm." Katherine said. "Look, Jack, you'll forget about my project soon enough, okay? I will show it to you, all completed someday… but until that day? I need you to be patient."

He reluctantly nodded. "All right." He then turned Katherine around in his arms and kissed her.

"I love you, Katherine."

"I love you too, Jack."

"Now, care to give me a hint on what you's secret project is?"

She laughingly scoffed. "No! I can't believe you sometimes, Kelly."

"Please? Please please please-"

"Oh, just kiss me again," Katherine rolled her eyes, pulling Jack down by the collar of his shirt and kissing him.


The next morning, Katherine sleepily sat up and rubbed her eyes.

Not even two seconds later, Jack sat up, too.

"Hello, beautiful." he smiled, stretching and yawning.

"Hello, Jack."

This was usually the part where Jack started to cry and Katherine had to comfort him- but Jack didn't cry this morning.

Instead, he grinned and said, "Been workin' on anythin' interesting lately?"

"Oh my gosh!" Katherine groaned, leaping out of bed and picking an outfit from her dresser.

Jack laughed, hopping up too and getting ready for the day.

Katherine shot him an annoyed glance, which Jack couldn't tell if it was true annoyance, or fake.

"I'm sorry, Ace." Jack said, just as she headed into the bathroom and shut the door.

Jack sighed, standing there for about five minutes, waiting for Katherine to come out.

He tapped his foot on the floor, antsy.

Finally, Katherine said in a muffled voice, "Are you going to go away any time soon?"

"Nope."

There were a few seconds of silence.

"Please come out, Kath. I's sorry for pestering you about this big task of yours."

"Well…"

"Please?"

Another minute later, Katherine consented, and she emerged from the bathroom, only to be met face to face with Jack.

Katherine tried to brush past, but Jack said, "Ace, please wait. Please."

She nodded but didn't say a word.

"Ace, I's won't bug ya about your project no more, I promise." Jack saw sparkling tears in Katherine's eyes. "I'm so sorry that I's upset you, baby."

Katherine quickly swiped at her eyes. "It's just, it's a big project, and I want it to be a big surprise for you. Okay?"

"Okay." Katherine glanced down at her hands and fidgeted with her fingers for an awkward moment.

"Hey," Jack said gently, taking a finger and lifting up Katherine's chin. "I really is sorry."

"I know- and it's okay. I know you must be curious as to what I will be working on the next several years." Katherine sighed contentedly and then kissed Jack. "I love you, honey."

"I love you too, Kath." said Jack, taking her hand and leading her downstairs.

The triplets were still asleep on the couch, but Julia was awake, making instant coffee in the kitchen.

"Hello, you two- I hope you want coffee." whispered Julia.

"I always want coffee," Katherine chuckled quietly.

Jack nodded in agreement. "Thank you, Mom."

"You're welcome… So, how did the date go?"

"It went wonderfully," grinned Katherine.

"Didn't you say you were supposed to go to the Lunt-Fontanne theater?" Julia asked her son.

Jack nodded. "Mmhmm; we saw Hamlet. It was great."

"That's good." Smiled Julia, grabbing three mugs from the kitchen cupboard. She poured coffee for Jack and Katherine, then handed them their mugs.

"Thank you."

Julia nodded, then poured herself some coffee.

Jack realized that since it was just him, Katherine, and Julia, maybe he should ask his mother what she needed to tell him and Kath.

"Hey, Mom?"

"Yes, Jack?"

"I was just wonderin'-"

Suddenly, the triplets stirred on the couch, each one sitting up in turn.

They glanced over into the kitchen to see their parents and their grandmother.

Katherine glanced at Jack, knowing he was eager to hear what Julia had to tell the two of them.

Jack just supposed he could wait until later to hear Julia's news or something other.

"Hey, babies." Jack smiled.

The triplets came into the kitchen, greeting their family with hugs and cheery hellos.

"So, what would everyone like for breakfast?" asked Julia.

Jack frowned. "Mom-"

"I insist."

"But-"

"No, son. Really. I am happy to do this for you."

Jack nodded. "O-Okay."

"Good." said Julia. "Now, sit down. Sit down. Eggs, pancakes, and fruit, coming up!"


By afternoon, Julia had left. She thanked the triplets for the fun sleepover and promised to come again soon.

As soon as Julia left, Jack had started to make her cookies.

"What are you doing?" Asked Katherine, as Jack grabbed the ingredients for cookies and set them on the counter.

"I's makin' thank you cookies for Mom."

"Awww. How sweet." smiled Katherine.

"Wanna help me?"

"Only if you have a recipe I can follow," she laughed- she didn't want to accidentally burn the cookies or measure something the wrong way.

"Sure do," Jack replied.

"Okay, then." Katherine nodded. "I would be glad to help you, Mr. Kelly."

She washed her hands, then glanced at the recipe for the cookies. "I will get… The sugar."

"Good," smiled Jack.


About an hour later, Jack was on his way to Julia's apartment, a basket of cookies in his hand.

Katherine had stayed home, saying that she was going to start working on her project, but to tell Julia she said hi.

Julia's apartment was only fifteen minutes away, and soon, Jack was making his way up to the third floor.

Jack located Julia's room, 438, and was about to knock when he heard Julia's voice.

"We really have had a wonderful time together," she said.

Jack's brows furrowed. Who was she taking to?

"I know… Which is why I wanted to ask you a question, Julia dear." a masculine voice said.

Jack curled his free hand into a fist. Why was some strange man in his mother's apartment?

"Will you marry me, Julia Jane Sullivan?"

Jack's mouth dropped open.

"Oh, yes! Miles, I would love to marry you!"

Jack listened angrily to the sound of laughter, and then his mother hugging this 'Miles' person.

"Although, Julia, dear, I do have one thing to say…"

"Yes?"

"You need to tell your son- Jack- about us."

"I know… it's just, lately, every time I've tried, I was interrupted. But I'll definitely try to tell him soon."

"Good. I love you, Julia."

"I love you too, Miles."

In a mix of anger, shock, and hurt, Jack dropped the basket of cookies on Julia's doormat, then bolted.


Jack tore through the streets of Lower Manhattan, swiping furiously at his eyes as tears tried to persistently spill out of them.

In a mere seven minutes, Jack arrived home. He burst inside, slamming the door shut behind him, then shot up the stairs and locked himself in his and Katherine's bedroom.

Katherine, who was in the parlor working on her project, had heard the door slam.

"Jack?" She called but got no response. So, she jumped up from her chair, then ran up the stairs. She knocked on the bedroom door.

"Jack?" Katherine heard sobbing. "Open the door, baby. It's me."

After a moment, Jack stood up and unlocked the door, opening it to see Katherine's concerned face.

She stepped into the room, closing the door behind her.

"Jack, honey, what happened?" Katherine sat him down on the bed, then sat down beside him, comfortingly rubbing circle patterns on his back with her hand.

Jack swallowed. More tears streamed down his face. He blinked, trying to make the tears disappear; but they didn't.

"Julia…. Mom… she's found s-someone new. Someone who-who ain't Dad… a random guy… Miles…" Jack sobbed. "And Ace…. He proposed to-to her! My mom! How-How dare he!"

"Woah…. Woah… slow down… Julia… she's getting married?"

Jack nodded rapidly. "And she didn't even tell me!"

"Maybe she has a specific reason." said Katherine.

"What reason could that possibly be?" sniffled Jack.

"I-I don't know, to be honest. Maybe she just thought you would be upset so she didn't tell you."

"Well, I's upset right now." Jack mumbled.

"I know." said Katherine kindly.

Jack looked over at her. "Sorry I snapped." he apologized.

"It's all right, Jackie. It's okay." Katherine soothed. "It's okay that you're upset."

"I just… I don't understand. Why didn't she tell me?" Jack said tearfully, burying his face in Katherine's shoulder.

She held him in her arms, occasionally kissing his cheek or saying something to calm him.

After a bit, Jack swiped at his eyes and lifted his head, looking right at Katherine. "Thanks, Ace."

"You're welcome, Jack."

He leaned down and kissed her, wrapping her in his arms.

After a second Katherine pulled away, her cheeks turning rosy. "You still know how to make me blush."

Jack smiled. "A true flirt should know how to make his lady blush."

Katherine giggled. "What am I going to do with you, Jack?"

He shrugged. "What can ya do with Jack Kelly?"

Katherine sighed. "I love you, Jackie."

"I love you too, Katherine." he smiled, leaning toward her and kissing her again.


The next morning, the five Kellys went to church. Jack saw and talked to Julia, hiding his hurt as best he could, which was pretty good, considering hiding his hurt was something he'd done for years- actually, he still did sometimes.

Julia asked Jack and Katherine if she could come over later and talk to them. They said sure, of course she could come over.

As they walked home, Katherine whispered to Jack, "Are you going to pretend that you don't know what Julia wants to tell us?"

"I don't-I don't know." Jack shrugged. "Should I tell her we know? Or should we just let her tell us?"

Katherine looked thoughtful for a moment. "I think we should let her tell us and explain everything."

"All right." Jack nodded, draping his arm around Katherine, only to get a "Gross!" from Andi.


That afternoon, Jack and Katherine took the triplets over to the Pulitzer mansion to have tea with their grandparents while they talked with Julia.

"Thank you for watching them, Mother, Father." Katherine nodded as she and Jack headed out.

"No problem," smiled Kate Pulitzer. "See you two later."

"Okay."

As Jack and Katherine walked home, Jack sighed. "I's nervous, Plumber. What if it's obvious to Mom that I know? Or what if shes heard me drop the basket yesterday? What if she gets mad? What if-"

"Jack, I think everything's going to be fine. Okay? Don't worry."

"For sure?" He asked, his brows tightly knit together.

"For sure." Katherine smiled, taking his hand and weaving it into hers.

Jack gave her a smile, but he couldn't help but feel a pang of hurt in his chest when he couldn't feel his hand in hers.


Awhile later, Jack and Katherine were sitting on the couch (he was drawing her), when they heard a knock on the door.

"That would be Mom," said Jack nervously, handing his finished sketch to Katherine and standing up, walking over to the entryway and opening the door.

"Hey, Mom." Jack said casually.

"Hello, son." Smiled Julia.

"Come on in," said Jack, ushering his mother inside.

Julia nodded her thanks, then stepped inside and headed into the living room. "Hello, Katherine."

"Hello, Julia." smiled Katherine. "Have a seat."

"Thank you." Said Julia, sitting down on the couch, Jack coming in and sitting down, too.

Julia cleared her throat. "So, I have something very important to tell you both."

Katherine was ninety-nine percent sure she saw Jack shiver when Julia said that. She said, "All right," then subtly slipped a calming arm around Jack.

Julia clasped her hands together nervously.

"It's been ten-and-a-half years since I moved back to New York…. And… I'm lonely sometimes. Not that I don't love spending time with you two and the triplets and everyone else… but… having a companion… I miss it. Ever since John passed away… I've been so lonely…"

Jack felt some of his anger melt away. "I'm sorry, Mom."

Julia shook her head. "It's okay… but… well… the point is…. I have recently been courting this wonderful man… Miles is his name. I know I should've told you two sooner, especially you, son… but I was afraid you would be mad at me and think I was betraying your father."

Jack looked into his mother's chocolate brown eyes and said honestly, "I think now that Dad would wantcha to be happy."

Katherine nodded in agreement, happy for Julia and proud of her husband.

"I… I think so too." smiled Julia. Her smile then wavered a bit as she said, "Um, but… there's something else."

Though the couple already knew what Julia was going to say, they patiently waited for her to disclose the information anyway.

"We're going to get married in December."

"That's great, Mom!" Jack said, though Katherine could see just the slightest look of pain in his eyes.

"You think so?"

Katherine and Jack both nodded.

"This is wonderful, Mom." said Katherine.

"I'm so glad you both feel this way!" Julia exclaimed, throwing her arms around her son and daughter-in-law.

When she pulled away, Julia said, "Will you tell the children for me?"

Jack and Katherine nodded. "We will."

"Thank you…. Oh, I'm so happy!" Julia beamed, standing up and heading toward the door. "See you both soon!"

The door shut with a little click as she left.

Once she was gone, Jack burst into tears.


Sometime later, Jack decided to make thank-you brownies for the Pulitzers. (Katherine was sitting on the kitchen counter, watching him.)

"You do that so easily," she marveled, as he swiftly cracked an egg into his batter.

He shrugged. "Ain't much to it."

Katherine admired how Jack delicately did tasks, especially because he couldn't feel what he was doing. She wasn't going to say that, however, because that would just remind Jack of his paresis.

But he seemed to be reminded of it anyway.

His eyes misted a bit.

"Oh, Jack, I didn't mean to-" Katherine began.

But he shook his head. "It's all right, Fe." He looked at her for a second, then asked, "Can I hold you, Kath?"

Her eyebrows rose a little bit, but she didn't question. "Sure."

Jack came closer to her and moved her onto his hip, as if she was a child.

Katherine was surprised at how easily he had done that, even though she shouldn't have been, because she knew how strong he was, despite the fact that he couldn't control his muscles sometimes.

Katherine wrapped her arms around his neck, leaning her head on his shoulder. She closed her eyes and said, "I like this."

Jack softly chuckled, stirring his brownie batter with one hand, and holding Katherine with his opposite arm.


By the time the brownies were done, Jack was still holding Katherine, except now she was asleep.

He decided to let her rest and go pick up the triplets himself.

So, he crept up the stairs, walked into the bedroom, and carefully laid her down on the bed.

But as soon as he had, she burst into tears and held her arms out for him.

"Woah, Ace, woah!" Jack exclaimed, sitting down and pulling Katherine onto his lap.

She sniffled, burying her face into his chest.

"It's okay… it's okay…. I's right here… Shh…" Jack said comfortingly.

He had no idea what had just happened- he hadn't expected Katherine to get so emotional when he put her down. But he didn't want to say, "What's wrong?", because that might make her more upset.

After a couple minutes of consoling Katherine, Jack said gently, "Ace, do you wanna come wit' me to go pick up the kids?"

Katherine nodded. "Mmhmm."

"Okay," said Jack, standing up, propping her up onto his hip. "The brownies are all covered up and ready."


When Jack and Katherine arrived at the Pulitzer mansion to pick up the kids, Kate simply insisted that the two stayed for dinner, along with Ralph, Edith, and Constance Pulitzer, who were all visiting from their homes in nearby burrows.

The couple and the kids agreed to stay for dinner, and currently, they were sitting at the table eating what seemed to be… duck? It was very good, though, and Jack couldn't complain- it's not like he'd grown up eating meat, really.

"So, Constance, Edith… it's been a while. How are you three and your families doing?" asked Joseph Pulitzer.

"We're doing well, thanks, Father," said Constance.

"So are me and my family," said Edith.

Pulitzer looked over at Ralph. "Have you found yourself a wife yet, son?"

Ralph shook his head. "Nope. Work keeps too busy to court right now- but I'll find someone eventually."

Joseph nodded, then turned his attention to Katherine and Jack. "How have you two been?" He looked over at the triplets. "And how are you three?"

"We're good," everyone said, even though in Jack's case, it wasn't technically true- but he wasn't just going to pour out his whole heart to the Pulitzers, even though you could say he loved them.

"I don't know if this is a good time to ask, Jack and Katherine, but are you ever going to have any more children?" Joseph said.

Jack's eyes widened. Katherine nearly choked on the piece of broccoli in her throat. She forced it down, then said, "We don't know."

"Just curious," said Joseph with a shrug. "although, three kids the same age are probably a handful…. No offense." He smiled at the triplets.

"I don't think we're a handful." said Andi. "Are we a handful, Mom?"

"When you were babies, you were. When you were toddlers, you were. Now… not so much."

"Good." said Andi.


When the Kellys left the Pulitzer mansion it must've been nine o'clock- everyone had been talkative tonight. (Mostly, anyway- Jack wasn't really, but he talked when need be.)

As Katherine trudged along the sidewalk, holding Jack's hand and J.J's hand, she sighed.

"What's wrong?" asked her son, looking up at her in concern.

Katherine smiled. "I'm just- I'm sorry about what your grandfather said at dinner."

"Why?" asked J.J.

"Are you pregnant?" asked Ethel.

"N-No," Katherine replied. "I just… I'm sorry." She looked up at Jack. "My father made you feel pressured, Jack. I don't like that." She sighed again. "I should talk to him…"

"It's okay, Ace." Jack said.

"No, it's not. He completely put us on the spot. Also, what my father said wasn't even a question- it was practically a command. Because children are the next generation, you know? You pass on your legacy to them."

Jack thoughtfully retained this information. "I don't think he meant anythin' by it, Kath. In Joe's world, children are a sign of power, wealth. In my world, theys cute little kids that ya have to love and care for."

"Oh, Jack. That was beautiful." Katherine teared up a little bit.

Jack raised an eyebrow. "Is you okay, Plumber?"

"I'm fine," she said, rapidly blinking to make the tears in her eyes disappear. "I'm still sorry, though."

"But why? You didn't do anything wrong…" J.J. pointed out.

"I'm sorry if he made you all feel uncomfortable, I guess is what I'm trying to say."

The kids and Jack nodded.

"It's okay, Ace."


The next morning, Katherine awoke to find herself securely nestled in Jack's arms. She smiled, closing her eyes again.

Until…..

Oh no.

Katherine sprang out of bed, running out of the bedroom and down the stairs.

Jack was startled awake by the sudden action.

"Ace?" he called, but there was no response. "Kath?"

Jack hopped up, rushing down the stairs.

Katherine wasn't in the living room, kitchen, or dining room.

She wasn't in the parlor-

Jack heard the noise of the toilet flushing from the bathroom next to the parlor.

He knocked on the door. "Katherine? You's okay in there?"

Then he heard the noise of the sink running.

He waited a few more moments, then the door opened.

"Oh, hello, Jack," Katherine said, looking surprised to see him.

"Is you okay Kath? I saw you running real fast down the stairs."

She nodded. "I suddenly had to go to the bathroom, and I didn't want to disturb you."

"You wouldn't have disturbed me."

"Oh, you can't be too careful," she assured him. Then she held out her arms for him, staring him down with those fawn eyes of hers.

He smiled, lifting her into his arms. He leaned down to kiss her, but she turned her head.

Jack raised an eyebrow.

"I need to brush my teeth," said Katherine.

Jack frowned. "Fine," he said a little sulkily.

"I guess I need to go upstairs anyway, to put my other shirt on."

Jack always made sure that the kids didn't see his scars from his past. From the Refuge, from his accident over ten years ago; he always made sure that he wore shirts with longer sleeves around them.

Once upstairs, Jack handed Katherine her toothbrush with some toothpaste on it, and she began to brush her teeth.

Jack went into the main room and slowly began to sit Katherine down on the bed.

"Mm-mmm!" she mumbled desperately, stretching her hands out and grabbing his.

"It'll just be a second, Ace. Okay? I just have to put on my shirt and vest." He slipped on and buttoned up the shirt and vest as fast as he possibly could, which was pretty fast.

"See? I'm done." he said only thirty seconds later. He bent down and picked Katherine up, taking her into the bathroom and letting her spit out her toothpaste in the sink. He took her toothbrush from her, placing it back in its cup. Then he picked up his own toothbrush and squeezed some paste onto it.

Katherine laid her head on his shoulder and patiently waited for him to clean his teeth.

When he was done, Jack began to walk downstairs. He said, "What should we have for breakfast, Kath?"

"I don't know… Eggs."

"Usually, you's the one who suggests something more sweet." Jack chuckled, arriving in the kitchen.

"I know. But I want eggs today."

"Okay." he said, grabbing the egg carton out of the fridge.

As Jack cracked the eggs into a pan, Katherine somehow fell asleep.

Jack smiled as he heard her breathing gently.

But his smile turned into a frown; he was concerned about Katherine.

She wasn't acting like she usually did.

Not that he didn't like holding her, necessarily (it had been his idea in the first place). But still.

He wasn't sure that she should work today.

"This is what I meant when I said you two are clingy."

Jack turned his head to see Andi coming into the kitchen.

"Hi, Andi." he said quietly, pointing at Katherine to show that she was asleep.

Andi nodded. "Did something happen?" she asked quietly.

"It's a long story," replied Jack. "but… I don't know. You's mom needs to rest today, I think. I don't know if the two of us is gonna work today; I'll see what she thinks."

Andi nodded again. "All right… I'll go get J.J. and Ethel."

"Okay."

"And Dad?"

"Yes?"

Andi smiled. "You're a good guy."

Jack smiled as Andi left to go upstairs. He began to stir the eggs in the pan, trying not to be too loud for Katherine.

A few minutes later, the eggs were ready. Jack scooped then onto five little plates.

The triplets came into the kitchen, Ellie and J.J. informed on why Jack was holding a sleepy Katherine.

"Thank you, Dad," the triplets said, taking their plates and sitting at the kitchen table.

He nodded and smiled at them, then whispered, "I's gonna try to put her upstairs."

"Okay."

Jack softly climbed the stairs, then tiptoed into the room, bending over and gently laying Katherine down.

She didn't wake up, so Jack turned and quietly started to leave the room.

He tried until he heard her sobbing, that is.

"Jack! Wh-where are you going?"

He spun back around and came back over to Katherine, who jumped into his arms immediately.

"It's okay, Kath… I's right here…. Shh… I just thought I'd try to let ya get some sleep up here, cause the triplets and me was gonna eat some breakfast."

"Oh," Katherine sniffled. "Can I have breakfast, too?"

He smiled. "Yes, you can." Jack swiped away Katherine's tears. "You good now?"

She nodded.

"Okay," smiled Jack, looking down at her. "You know, Ace, I's never got that kiss."

"No, I guess you didn't," Katherine agreed, pulling his face down and kissing him.

When they pulled apart, Jack smiled and gently said, "I love you, Katherine."

"I love you too, Jack Kelly," she replied, once again resting her head on his shoulder.

"Ace?"

"Mmhmm?"

"I was um… I was thinkin' that maybe we should call and take the day off of work today."

"Okay." Katherine said instantly.

Now Jack was even more concerned about his wife- she had never been one to easily quit her work.

He kissed the top of her head, then walked down the stairs.

When the triplets saw their father retuning to the kitchen with their mother, they looked a bit concerned, but tried not to show it.

"Hey, Mom."

"Hi, Mom."

"Hello, Mom."

"Hi kids," Katherine said with a wave.

Jack sat down in a kitchen chair, not even bothering to ask Katherine if she wanted to sit in her own chair.

They all ate and chatted for a while, but, soon enough, Katherine had fallen asleep again.

It was seven forty-five, about time for the triplets to start walking to school.

They rinsed off their dishes, grabbed their lunches that Jack had made for them last night, then kissed their father's cheek.

"Love you, Dad."

"I love you too, babies. Have a good day at school."

Andi and J.J. started toward the entryway. Right before Ethel left, however, she whispered, "Feel better, Mommy," and kissed Katherine's cheek.

Jack smiled at her. "You's sweet, El."

"'Bye Dad," smiled Ethel, rushing after her fellow triplets.

Jack carefully stood up, balancing Katherine on his hip. He took his and her plates to the sink, grabbed a book from the parlor in case she woke up, then headed upstairs.

Jack sat down on the bed, moving Katherine so that she was leaning against him. He absentmindedly stroked her hair while he silently prayed that whatever she was going through, she would be okay.


A couple hours later, Katherine stirred. "Jack? Jack?" she said, turning her head and smiling when she realized he was holding her.

"Hello, Ace."

She twisted around a little so that she could wrap her arms around him.

Jack swallowed. He had something to say, but he needed to say it gently so that he didn't hurt Katherine's feelings.

"Um, Kath?"

"Yes?"

"I think… I's thinkin that… maybe…"

"Maybe…"

"Maybe we should have just the slightest, tiniest bit of space between us."

"What?"

"I's just… I's just noticed that for the past day or two you's been… acting, not like yourself, and I's concerned about ya."

"Why do you need space?"

"Oh, I just, I just meant… well, you won't let me put ya down for more than thirty seconds."

To Jack's horror, Katherine started sobbing.

"No, no, Kath. No. No. Don't cry. Shh, shhh. It's okay, I's sorry. I didn't mean to make you cry, Ace."

After a few minutes, Katherine calmed down a slight bit.

"I'm… I'm sorry I've been acting so weird… it's just… with everything going on…. Julia and my father and taking care of the kids and work and my new project… I'm-I'm so overwhelmed!"

"Oh, Ace," Jack said, swiping the tears off of Katherine's cheeks. "I'm so sorry… I'm so sorry…"

Awhile later, Katherine had finally stopped crying. Jack was stroking her bangs off of her forehead in a soothing repeated motion.

"Jack?"

"Yes, Ace?"

"Do you really need more space away from me?"

"No, no, baby. I love you. And I'll hold you for as long as you need me to."

Katherine looked up at Jack and smiled. "Thank you, Jack. I love you too." She leaned forward and kissed him for a minute.

When she pulled away, Jack asked, "Want me to read to you, Katherine?"

Katherine glanced over to see Great Expectations lying on Jack's nightstand.

"Sure."

Jack picked up the book and opened it up to the first page.

""My father's family name being Pirrip, and my Christian name being Phillip"…"


By the time Jack had finished reading chapter four, Katherine decided that she wanted to bake something with Jack.

"Okay- whatcha wanna bake?"

"A cake."

"Okay. A cake it is."

"A vanilla cake."

Jack stood up, holding Katherine and looking down at her inquisitively. "Did you say vanilla cake?"

She nodded. "Mmhmm. I love chocolate, but I want vanilla right now."

Jack shrugged. "Sure, Ace. We'll make vanilla."

He walked down the stairs and entered the kitchen.

"Do we have all of the ingredients we need to make a cake?" asked Katherine.

"I think so… Let's see…" Jack glanced into the icebox. "Milk, eggs, butter…"

One by one, he placed each ingredient on the counter until they were all there.

Jack opened his cookbook that was sitting on the counter up to the tenth page, where there was a recipe on how to make a great vanilla cake.

Soon, Jack and Katherine had a nice rhythm going (since Katherine actually knew how to make cake).

As she handed Jack the spatula to stir the batter, Katherine said, "Jack? Can I ask you a question?"

"Of course, Ace."

"Was I your first kiss?"

No- but Jack wasn't sure if he should say that to Katherine, because she might get upset.

"You can tell me the truth."

"For sure?" he asked hesitantly.

"For sure." she replied.

"Um, okay…." said Jack as he began to put the cake batter into a long rectangular pan. "Well, Kath, um, no. I'm sorry, Ace."

She shrugged. "To be honest, for a flirt like yourself, it's no surprise that you've kissed other girls."

"Hey, I never said girls."

Katherine gave him a pointed look.

He sighed. "Fine. Fine! Girls. There, I said it."

"How many?"

Jack waited a moment before answering, "Six." Woah- when he said it out loud, it sounded like a lot. He'd kissed six girls other than Katherine- six was more than the number of times he'd been to the Refuge (which was five).

Katherine still didn't look surprised when Jack said that, however.

"You know, you were my first kiss." she said. "And you're the only guy I've ever kissed and ever will kiss."

Jack smiled. "You's had an interesting first kiss," he chuckled, recalling the memory on the rooftop where Katherine was about to punch him, but instead, she had kissed him.

"Yeah, I did." she smiled. "It's a good thing I went with the kiss instead of the punch."

Jack opened the oven door. "Yeah." He nodded in agreement, slipping on some oven mitts and sliding the cake pan into the oven. He closed the door and tossed off the oven mitts.

Katherine looked up at Jack and smiled. "Can I kiss you?"

"Do you think I'd say no?" he grinned back.

Katherine laughed, then leaned forward and gently kissed him.

"I love you, baby, even if I wasn't your first kiss." Katherine said, her eyes sparkling.

"I love you too, Ace." Jack smiled.

Just then, Jack and Katherine heard the front door open.

"That must be the kids," Katherine said.

Presently, Andi walked into the kitchen.

Jack and Katherine gasped.


A/N: That's it for Chapter 1! I hope you liked it!