A/N: As always, thank you for reading! Please review!
"Think we can talk about your dream, now?" Dr. Kolby asked Noah softly, looking at him over the connect four board.
Their elongated session had just about 30 minutes left, and he didn't want to send the little boy out to his father without beginning to unpack just a little.
Noah hesitated and Dr. Kolby gave a small smile. "Would you feel more comfortable calling Dr. Huang?"
"N-no… it's…" he trailed off. "It was about mom."
"Okay," Dr. Kolby said with an encouraging smile as he sat back after putting his final chip in to win the game.
"Dang… that's three in a row," Noah mused. "I always win…"
"When we're upset about something sometimes it can cloud our focus."
"I guess," Noah nodded, sitting back and taking a deep breath. "My uh… when we were doing the project that uh… Isaiah.. well that got me here," he chuckled dryly. "You know I… I googled mom and dad and I…" he voiced cracked and Dr. Kolby set down his clip board.
"Take your time, buddy."
"I uh," he cleared his throat. "Saw all the articles about mom. You know… when she was kidnapped."
"Noah," Kolby breathed out. He knew the history and the story- everyone did - and even as an experienced child psychologist couldn't wrap his mind around his young client accidentally stumbling upon it. "I… Noah, I wish you'd told us that sooner but I understand why that was so hard."
"I didn't want to get in trouble," he said, his lip quivering.
He took a moment to steady himself before sucking in a deep breath.
"I kinda remember it you know? I was 3… and Emma was 5, and I remember missing mommy and Emma being so sad and scared and Tu…" he stopped short and looked down.
"Tucker?" Kolby asked gently, and Noah nodded, his eyes welling up.
"Noah… would it be okay to bring you dad in here for this?"
"H-he doesn't like Tucker and I… I don't want him to hate him more."
"Are you afraid to talk about Tucker because of how you think your dad feels about him?"
Noah nodded quickly, his wild curls bouncing.
"Have you ever really asked your dad about that?"
The young boy thought for a minute and then shook his head. "No… guess I never have…"
He looked up to the doctor, answering the previously unanswered question with a slow nod.
Dr. Kolby offered a small smile and made his way to the door to get Elliot.
"Hey," he said, coming in and taking off his readers. "You okay little man?" He frowned, popping down beside him and putting a large hand on his shoulder.
Kolby watched the boy completely relax and melt into the protection his dad offered him with a single touch.
"We we're just talking about some information that Noah came across when he was researching the project that started things with Isaiah," Kolby said carefully. "And he told me how he saw some articles about Olivia's abduction. It's brought up some old memories and feelings, especially about someone from her past."
"Tucker?" El asked, looking down at his boy with furrowed brows and soft eyes.
Noah just nodded slowly, keeping his eyes on his hands that were in his lap. "I uh… sometimes I miss him. Like a lot."
The statement was quiet and if he hadn't been listening closely, Elliot wouldn't have heard the vulnerable and tentative admission.
Noah squeezed his eyes shut when Elliot removed his hand from his back. Tears and anxiety bubbled up to the surface until he felt the hand from his back find a new home, covering both of his.
Cracking his watery blue eyes open, Noah exhaled a sigh of relief and looked up to find an older and weathered clone of his own eyes looking back at him.
"Why didn't you tell me," he whispered, hurt in his voice at his own misdoings that led to this point.
"I didn't want to upset y-you cause I know you don't like him…"
"Noah," he exhaled softly. "Noah, Ed and I had our history and I have a lot of negative feelings about him, but, I also have a lot of positive feelings about him. Those come from how much he took care of you, mom, and your sister when I wasn't there. So you can always talk to me about him. You can always tell me if you miss him or whatever, buddy. I understand and I accept your love for him."
"It doesn't make you angry?" Noah asked softly, after a beat.
"Not at all," El promised, squeezing his hand.
The little boy went silent again and nodded slowly.
"I think this was good progress today," Kolby said gently when it was clear that Noah didn't feel like talking any more. "Can we pick up on Thursday?"
Noah nodded quickly, visibly relieved that the day's session was over.
"And is it okay if dad joins for the whole hour on Thursday?"
"Only an hour?" Noah asked, suddenly interested.
El couldn't help but smile a bit, and neither could Kolby.
"We could do two if you'd like? Maybe one without dad and one with?"
"I-I think I'd like that… is that okay, dad?"
"It's your therapy session buddy… whatever you need, okay? Thank you for even letting me in this one."
Noah leaned into his dad's side, sighing contently when he kissed his head.
"Can we get my hair cut now?" He asked softly.
Elliot laughed. "Sure buddy. Let's go."
"Hi boys," Liv said, a little too cheerfully when Noah and Elliot walked in.
"Dada… No…" a less than enthusiastic and puffy eyed Teddy said from his high chair where he was gnawing on a frozen teether
"Molars," Liv said, her voice still chipper as Noah held back a laugh and Elliot loosened his tie, both boys kicking off their shoes.
"Am I not going near him or he's gonna wanna be picked up?" El asked, just as cheerfully as Noah finally giggled fully.
"Neither of you are," she said with a wink and smile. "He juuuuust stopped crying," she sang cutely.
"Where's Emma?" They asked together, both cracking up immediately.
Liv let out a sigh of relief as her boy's improved demeanor from when she last saw him before school.
"All Emma and no mama," she feigned playfully.
"Memma," Teddy said through a sad pout as he slumped back in his chair.
"Hi momma," Noah corrected, rushing over to give her a big hug.
"Hi handsome… your hair looks great!"
"Thanks! I went a little shorter for the summer."
"I see that! I love it."
"Therapy was good," he said voluntarily with his head against her belly.
"I'm so, so glad to hear that, sweet boy. Will you tell me about it later?"
"Sure," he smiled small.
"Emma is next door with the girls, planning Dickie and Sarah's wedding. Eli said to come see him when you got home."
"Okay!" He smiled, bouncing back and rushing off.
"Waaait," she called, and laughed when he stopped mid sprint to the door and looked back to her. "Tell your sister dinner will be ready in 15."
"Sounds good!" He smiled, continuing off.
"Hmmm," El said, rounding the kitchen island and running his eyes up and down his wife.
"Don't," she warned playfully, putting her hands on her hips.
"Barefoot and pregnant in the kitchen," he mused, dodging her swat with a laugh. "You look beautiful today, baby," he whispered once he'd swerved in to kiss her.
"I feel giant, I'm constantly overheating, horny as hell, and my legs are swollen," she sighed. "When are you getting snipped?"
"After baby comes, while you're recovering and don't need my cock," he promised, kissing her a few more times.
She laughed a little at his crudeness. "Why did I let you knock me up so I'd be at the climax of my pregnancy during the heat of summer all three times?" She asked, laying her head against his chest that shook with laughter.
"I'm irresistible."
"Something like that," she agreed with a soft laugh.
"Whatcha need help with?" he asked, pulling back and looking down at her.
"Can you switch the laundry and mash up some more raspberries and blueberries for Teddy's teethers while I set the table?"
"Tell you what," he said, brushing a tendril of hair behind her ears. "How about you sit down and snuggle our sad boy and I'll do alllll of those things, plus serve dinner. Sound good?"
"Have I ever told you how obsessed I am with you," she whined in relief.
"Maybe a time or two," he winked, dropping a kiss to her nose before they went their separate ways.
"Noah did okay today?" She asked, curling on the couch with Teddy snuggling into her.
"Yeah… we're gonna go back Thursday. He'll do an hour alone and then an hour with me."
"He's opening up?" She asked, looking up at him as he dropped the clean clothes on the couch beside her so he could fold them after dinner.
"He's starting to… Kolby said he should be the one to tell you everything so I'm trying to respect it," he sighed.
"Killing you?"
"'Course. I don't keep secrets from you."
She chuckled. "Hopefully he opens up and then we can discuss over a nice, hot bath?"
"Anything my girls want," he whispered, pecking her lips, her belly, and Teddy's head.
"Eli?" Noah called from the top of the stairs after saying hi to the girls and a less than enthusiastic Beau.
"Come on down, Bud," he called, smiling when he heard his brother's quick but soft footsteps
"Hey big brother," Noah said, popping down beside him with a huff.
"Lemme see your hair," Eli said, leaning back and gently pushing Noah's head back so he could see his hair.
"Like it?"
"Love it," he smiled, ruffling it and pulling him back into his side. "How was therapy?"
"Really good actually," Noah said with a small smile.
"Yeah? Feeling better? Been worried about you all day."
"Getting there," Noah said with a small smile.
"Feel like talking?" He asked, watching his twins roll around in the floor and pulling absentmindedly at his little brothers curls.
"Been talking a lot," he said softly.
"I know," he chuckled softly.
Noah got up, plopping on the floor with his niece and nephew and quietly playing with them while Eli looked on.
"You think I'm a good big brother?" Noah asked suddenly, his eyes staying on his niece who was pinching his face.
"The best," Eli answered with no hesitation. "Best little brother, too. And Uncle."
There was another long beat of silence, and Eli leaned forward on his knees, clasping his hands. But, before he could question again, Noah offered a vulnerable admission.
"Had a dream about mommy's kidnapping. Tucker was there and left… then daddy was there and he left… and then… then he came.. and it was just me and Emma and Teddy and I couldn't protect them… no matter how hard I tried I wasn't strong enough. Just like I wasn't strong enough to fight back Isaiah… I guess I just…" he sighed softly, gently pulling Joey in his lap like it was his second nature. "I always feel safe with you. Dickie, too. Having you not around has been really hard," he admitted, his voice cracking. "When my mind went there before and I got scared I knew it didn't matter cause you'd be there to protect us. But now... I don't… I don't think I could protect us."
Eli quickly wiped the tears from his eyes, and slowly sat down beside him, placing an arm protectively on his shoulder, just like his dad did earlier in the day.
Noah melted, hiding his face on the side of Joey's head, his lips resting on her soft dark hair and a few stray tears wetting it.
"You know the thing about being a big brother," Eli said after a minute or two, "is that it's like everything else. Gets better with age and experience. You know," he said, turning to face him. "I had… not the first freaking idea what to do with little siblings when I got you and Emma," he chuckled, and Noah smiled small, finally looking up.
"Coulda fooled me."
"Faked it till I made it," Eli said with a smile. "But you? You wanted a little sibling from before mom was even considering it. The minute you met AK? You were a natural, and that only got more clear when Teddy came home. And don't even get me started on these two. It's second nature to you, Noah," he said, with an encouraging smile, nodding to Joey who was relaxed against her uncle's chest while her brother inched over on his belly.
"I just love them so much," Noah admitted. "All of them. Like it's easy cause I just love them that much."
"Funny… 's'how I feel about you. And why it makes it so easy to protect you… being your's and Emma's big brother has shown me a strength that I didn't know I had… physical and emotional and mental. And physical strength is the least important," he said, catching Noah's attention and making him look up finally.
"But…"
"Noah…" Eli said softly, "what happened to mommy? It's a one on a million situation, not to mention? He's long dead," he said as gently as possible. "And I know… I know you're gonna have to work through those feelings on your own and with mom and dad... But trust me when I tell you Noah, you're a damn good big brother and an incredible protector. And if it ever came down to it? There's no doubt that you'd handle it with incredible strength. Remember, you're a Stabler."
"And Stablers are crazy especially when it comes to protecting the people they love," came Sam's voice from behind the couch.
The four all turned, looking back with so laughter and she walked over and leaned over the back of the couch. "Dinner is ready, buddy."
"Thanks," he smiled small, nodding and gently moving Joey back to her tummy beside EJ. He leaned over and peppered their faces with kisses as they giggled and reached up for him.
Eli pulled him in for a tight hug when he finally stood up. "Thank you for talking to me today, Bud… You know you always can," he said, dropping down to one knee so he could be on level with him.
"I know… thanks, Eli."
"I'm proud of you… I hope you'll share that all with dad soon."
"I'm trying," he promised, nodding.
"Healing takes time. Trust me, I know," he winked.
Noah laughed a little and hugged his neck again before bouncing off to the front door.
"Hey Eli," he called, turning back.
"Bud?" Eli asked with a smile.
"I'm really glad you're my big brother and I'm getting to learn from you."
Eli put a hand over his heart on instinct and shot him a watery smile.
"Love you, baby brother," he choked out.
"Love you, more," Noah said before rushing out the door for dinner.
Sam walked over slowly, putting her hands on his lower abs and running them up the length of his torso to clasp around his neck.
"I really, really love you," she whispered, gently capturing his lips in hers.
"I really, really, really love you," he said between her pecks, turning them and pulling them to the couch, where he sat and brought her with him into his lap.
Her hand caressed his chest gently and his arm tightened around her waist, tongue flipping her bottom lip before sucking it between his teeth.
From the floor in front of them came a tiny squeak that made them break apart and laugh.
Eli looked around Sam, sighing playfully as their twins who had spun on their bellies to face their parents.
"Yessss?" He drawled, making Joey burst into giggles and EJ give a dopey and thrilled smile.
"We gotta put this on hold, daddy," Sam chuckled, patting his chest.
"Hmmm I see that," he laughed as she slid off his lap.
Noah was snuggled up in his bed after their evening ritual with Teddy, waiting for Liv and El to come in.
"Hey," El said, popping his head in. "How bout you come hang with me and mom for a bit? Our bed is more comfy for her."
The young boy was out of his bed and running into his parents room before Elliot even finished the sentence, making Liv laugh when he jumped up on the end and crawled up to snuggle her.
"Well hi," she cooed, leaning down to kiss his head.
"Hey guys," he smiled small, putting his hand on her belly.
"You have a nice time with Eli?"
"Yeah… yeah we had a good talk…"
"That's good… you know me and dad are here if there's things you wanna talk about," she said carefully, "but I just wanna reiterate how dang proud of you I am for opening up a little to dad and Eli."
"I knew Eli told you," Noah giggled a little.
Liv laughed, too. "Just that you guys talked and you were very open with him."
"Yeah…" he said, laying his head into his mom's chest as Elliot crawled in beside him and wrapped his arms protectively around them both.
"We don't have to talk anymore tonight if you don't want to," El said after a silent conversation over his head. "We can just snuggle, okay?"
He nodded, staying still a moment before rolling on his back. "D-dad?"
"Yeah buddy?"
"I…" he cleared his throat awkwardly. "I was wondering if we could um…" he trailed off, his eyes on the ceiling.
"Take your time," Liv encouraged softly.
"Could we go uh… see Tuck's memorial?" He asked very softly. "After therapy Thursday? Just us?"
"Of course, Noah," El said firmly. "My goodness, of course."
He spun quickly into his dad's chest, burrowing his head while Liv rubbed his back.
"Anytime you want," she reminded him, and he nodded.
He was quick to fall asleep, remaining tightly snuggled to Elliot until he tucked him into his own bed.
Liv was pacing, in a state when Elliot walked back into their room. His hand were magnets to her hips, grasping onto them and steadying her.
When she stilled, he took a few steps towards her, allowing his heart beat and breathing to act as a white noise machine and calm her the rest or the way.
"I didn't know," she whispered, finally.
"I didn't know either," he countered. "How could we? He was three."
"I… I tried so hard t-to hide it from them a-and Ed… Ed d-did too but…"
"But with his help you raised two little detectives from very early," El whispered, kissing her forehead. "And I'm forever thankful for what he did for all of you, before, during, and after."
His words made her tear up, and she sniffled several times into his chest.
"Hear that Tucker?" He said into the ether, "I'm saying thank you."
He meant it, but his goal was to make her laugh and he succeeded.
"I think looking at everything brought back some memories, you know? And I think it subconsciously has a lot to do with his separation anxiety when it comes to me and Eli."
She sat back on the bed, chewing her lip in thought and rubbing her belly.
"We promised we'd let him tell us," he reminded her.
"Yeah but…"
"Liv," he chuckled, putting his hand to his head while she called their boy.
He let out a sigh of relief when Eli didn't answer, and she let out a sigh of frustration, falling back on the bed, her legs dangling off.
"How about…. I give you something to take your mind off of everything. If after you're still awake and ready to investigate, we'll try E again."
Liv sighed softly, listening to him and watching him inch around the bed to her nightstand.
"Why do I feel like you're gonna make it so that I'm most definitely too tired to investigate?"
"Shhhh," he teased playfully, pulling out the bag with her rabbit in it, along with a bottle of lube.
"You owe me a bath," she reminded him, feigning disinterest.
"Gonna need one when I'm done with you," he smirked, rounding the bed and pulling down the soft satin pajama shorts were were resting midway up her bump.
"Hmmm," she moaned lightly, her nipples puckering under the matching shirt at just the smug look on his face.
"Ready for me, already." He chuckled, running his finger tips up her inner thigh in a feathered touch.
"Looks like I'm not the only one," she muttered, desperate to maintain a modicum of control and failing miserably as the strong outline of his cock in his grey joggers nudged her knee.
He'd just flipped on one of the vibratory when Teddy's monitor lit up with sounds of him crying.
"Fuck me," she groaned.
"I'm trying," he teased playfully, pulling up her shorts and helping her stand.
"Go get him in his swim diaper. I'll run the bath and get his teeth meds," he said, checking his watch and sighing at the fact that he definitely was due for some more Tylenol.
"Poor baby.. thank you," she said, pecking his lips.
"Bottle or breast?"
"Breast," she called, making her way to get their little guy.
El got to work, filling the bath and gathering everything they needed, including a frozen teether.
It was half full when she came back with him, his face blochy and eyes red and puffy.
"Dada…" he sobbed softly upon seeing his favorite person. He reached forward desperately, and El took him, peppering him with kisses.
"I know… I'm so sorry you feel bad," he whispered, sitting him down on the counter so he could give him a little more Tylenol and rub some Orajel on his swollen gums.
"Almost done and then you can go take a nice bath with mommy, okay?" He cooed sweetly, keeping one arm wrapped snuggly around his boy while he wiped the numbing gel from his hands.
"Mama," he whispered, reaching out when he noticed her breasts floating on top of the water.
"Alright, go see her," he whispered, passing him off and smiling to himself when the duo immediately sunk into their beautiful, bonded rhythm.
"Thank you," she whispered, laying her head back on the towel he'd folded up for her to use as a pillow.
"I'm just the medicine and bath man," he said, sitting on the edge and caressing her cheek gently. "You do all the hard work."
She smiled, leaning into his hand and remaining their until his phone buzzed.
"Eli," she chuckled, and he nodded.
"Be right back."
She watched him pad back into the adjoining bedroom before glancing down at their baby who's eyes hadn't left her face.
"You've got a good daddy… the best, actually. Don't ever forget that, okay?"
Thought he didn't remove himself from her, she knew he understood what she'd said, because the little miracle boy with the Mohawk stopped suckling for a half a beat to crinkle his nose in a smile of agreement.
Eli lay on his back, lower body tangled with a now sleeping Sam. One arm was wrapped snuggly around her while he used the other to text his dad.
E: Sorry… was in the middle of something. Everything okay?
El: In the middle of something at 9:30pm… Hm…
E: Lol shut up. Mom okay?
E: Was she trying to be nosy?
El: Always. I almost had her distracted but then someone who is cutting molars woke up
E: Noooo buddy :(
El: Yeah it's rough. I don't wish this on anyone. They're in the bath now and he's seemed to be chilling. Mama's milk and Tylenol
E: Good. Tell them I love them!
El: I will!
E: Noah talk tonight?
El: Just asked if we can go see Tucker's memorial after therapy on Thursday.
El: Everything is starting to click about his separation anxiety…. But need him to come to that conclusion.
E: He will, he's a pretty smart 11 year old. I'm really proud of him!
El: Me too!
El: So….
E: Lol. Too much to text. Meet me on the steps.
El: Okay give me a few let me get them out of the bath
E: Sounds good pops
El: Love you
E: Love you more
He set his phone down on the bed beside him and gently cupped Sam's cheek, rubbing his thumb to rouse her gently.
"Hm," she whispered, tucking her still naked body closer to his.
"Gotta go talk to pops," he whispered, lifting her hand and kissing the thin gold band on her left hand.
"Nooo," she whined playfully, and he laughed softly, untangling from her and replacing himself with a pillow. "Love you… be back in a few, okay?"
"Love you, more, baby," she whispered, and he smiled like a fool while his cock jumped lightly.
"Eli okay?" Liv asked softly when he came back to the bathroom.
"He's good… I'm gonna chat with him outside for a few minutes," he said with a guilty face.
Liv chuckled. "Go… we're fine in here okay?"
"You sure?" He asked hesitantly.
"Positive. I'll text you when I'm ready."
"Okay," he nodded, leaning to kiss both of their heads. "He says he loves you guys."
"Tell him we love him more."
Eli was waiting for him on the front steps of their brownstone when Elliot walked out.
"Jesus man, put the thing away. Do you even own underwear?" Eli groaned, handing his dad a tumbler of whisker.
"The minute you try it you'll never look back," he laughed, popping down beside him and taking the cup. "Thanks buddy."
"You're welcome," he chuckled.
"So…"
"The dream was about mom's kidnapping… said Tucker promises to not leave him but then he did, then you promised and then you did. And then he was alone with Emma and Ted when… you know… showed up and he couldn't protect them."
"Noah," El sighed, holding his chest.
"Yeah… don't tell mom?"
"She kinda knows but… I won't go into that detail."
"Just don't wanna stress her out…"
"Same," El promised. "Hopefully he'll open up more on Thursday."
"I'll keep encouraging him. You know, dad, might not be bad to get him into boxing," Eli poked gently.
"Not a bad idea if you can get mom to agree."
"Even if it's just the gym with you and me for a few hours a week? Would be good bonding, anyways."
"Bonding… now that's a way to spin it to your mom."
Eli laughed. "I'm a pro."
"You're chipper," El commented.
"Yeah I just got laid, unlike someone."
"Elliot Joseph!" El scolded, laughing. "Don't talk about sex when her like that!"
"What! Should I say what we really did?" He teased.
"Jesus Eli," El groaned, laughing and covering his face with his free hand.
"I made super intense love to the love of my life," he said. "Jeez man what did you think I was gonna say?"
"You suck," El laughed, pushing him lightly as Eli cackling.
"I did! I fucking love that girl."
"I know you do," El smiled small, squinting at his boy who'd become his best friend and a man right before his eyes. "Proud of you, son."
"Thanks pops."
Their phones buzzed together with messages from their respective ladies.
"Duty calls," Eli chuckled, standing up.
"Indeed. Love you, son," he said, kissing his head.
"Love you, too, dad," he smiled, laughing to himself that his dad waited and watched for him to get into his house.
Monday and Tuesday night were quiet, but Wednesday came with another screaming nightmare that broke his parent's heart.
At therapy the following day, Noah just didn't feel like talking. He seemed angry, almost, his little mind grappling with big feelings and realizations that had been hidden in his heart and subconscious.
They cut the session short.
Kolby had reassured Elliot that this was normal, and that they should continue with their plans to go to Tucker's memorial site.
The car ride was silent, with Noah staring quietly out the window, and the walk up to the headstone that had been placed for Ed was boarder-line painful.
Noah sat on the grass in front of the stone, hugging his knees to his chest and reading the epithet silently.
Captain Ed Tucker
1968-2020
NYPD Internal Affairs, Conviction Integrity
Beloved Tuck-Tuck, Husband, & Stepfather
Elliot's eyes welled, and he crossed his arms in an attempt to steady himself before he tried to comfort his son.
He was about to sit when Noah's voice sliced through him like a knife.
"Sometimes I get so angry at you... that you left mommy and Emma... a-and me. B-both of you."
Elliot's breath caught in his throat at his boy's slow but stead admission. His heart rate sped up and he stood frozen as Noah continued.
"I-if you just never left then I wouldn't have lost Tuck c-cause I never would have lost you. M-mommy maybe wouldn't h-have been hurt and... and neither would the big kids," he said, his voice dropping to a whisper as tears filled his eyes.
Elliot squeezed his eyes shut as Noah continued.
"I... I know it sounds stupid cause you didn't... like you didn't know but... I guess it's one of those irrational things. But I still feel it sometimes. I still feel angry at you sometimes but then I get angry at myself for feeling angry cause y-you're the best d-daddy ever."
His voice finally cracked and he finished his long-held admission through full tears.
"But I just can't help it... cause I didn't know you but I always knew you were out there. Like in my heart you know? I always knew. A-and... But it just makes me so angry that you missed all that time cause you left and I never, ever wanna lose you again, daddy."
His final word was muffled by Elliot's arms that wrapped tightly around them, the pair both breaking down as they hugged.
When they both finally called, Noah looked up at him and quickly wiped his eyes. "D-daddy I'm so sorry..."
"Don't be sorry... cause Noah, I gotta tell you? I'm angry at myself, too. Every damn day, buddy."
"I don't want you to be a-angry at y-yourself."
"But I am... it's a guilt that I'll carry with me till the day I die. And the only thing that makes it feel better is the fact that guess what? I have all that time to try and make it up to you and your mom and your sister... the big kids too."
Noah nodded quickly, scrubbing the final tears from his face. "I-I love you daddy," he squeaked, the tears winning the battle and flowing freely again.
"I love you way more, son. And I will never, ever stop."
"C-can we go home?" He whispered.
"Sure... how 'bout we stop for some flowers for your mom and sister?"
"C-can we get ice cream too?"
Elliot smiled, kissing his boy's head. "We sure can Noah."
