Chapter 9

Back at the house, Gwen was getting things ready for Cole's return. She figured that Phoebe had stayed at the hospital, and would be home as soon as they released him. She thought about the things that she and Cole talked about in the hospital, and she hoped things would go as Cole and Phoebe wanted them to. After all, people could change a lot in three years, and she knew Phoebe was different. She knew how she was so intent on bringing Cole home, and even how excited she was to start over, but was that enough? Cole was different as well. He had terrible things happen to him in the time he was held hostage, and he might be dealing with his inner demons for a long time. He would have insecurities and issues that only Phoebe could help him with. They could only do it together. But on the other hand Cole and Phoebe had a special love, a love that couldn't be broken no matter how hard Abe and Levi tried. Their love was inspirational to Gwen and she could see the chemistry they had between them. Sometimes it was annoying to live with them. Gwen would find them all over the house, and she woundered if they remembered she lived there too. She had seen Cole naked so many times, she thought of him as a brother instead of Phoebe's husband. They were like one big family, but Gwen would have appreciated a little modesty from the two sometimes. Gwen chuckled to herself and shook her head, at the thought of this. Then the memory came to her, like rain on a parade. She remembered the day, the day that they got the news. And the day Phoebe gave birth without Cole by her side, like he promised.

Gwen saw the car pull up to the house. She shook her head from the bad memories and ran to the door. Phoebe was helping Cole out of the car, and Gwen ran to them and took Cole's other arm. He hesitated when they got to the door. He looked at the house and then at Phoebe with a worried look. Phoebe just smiled sweetly and gently kissed his cheek.

"It will be ok baby, I am here with you, and we are home." Phoebe said softly.

He felt slightly better by her words, but he was still nervous. He took a deep breath and let it out before they walked in. The inside was a little different, but he felt good standing there. The smell of the house was familiar, and it made him felt warm inside.

"I'll be back baby, just sit on the couch, and Gwen will get you some hot tea." Phoebe said as she started to walk away. Cole grabbed her arm and pulled her back.

"Where are you going?" He said in a trembling voice, as he looked up at her.

"It's ok Cole there is someone I want you to meet." She said, putting her hand on his gently.

"Phoebe, I…"

Gwen could see that they needed some time alone, so she went in the kitchen to prepare some tea. Phoebe watched Gwen and then sat on Cole's lap and wrapped her arms around his neck, kissing his clammy forehead. "Cole, listen to me, we are together now, and anything from here on, we will do together. Nothing will ever drag us apart again."

He kissed her lips softly and smiled at her. He was so proud of her and he missed her so much.

"This is so strange to hold you on our sofa again Phoebe." He whispered laying his head on her chest.

"It feels good, doesn't it?" She said staring ahead, almost in a trance.

"Yes it does, I missed it so much Phoebe." He said in a trance himself.

"Me too Cole…" Phoebe said, as she was interrupted by a little voice.

"Mamma?"

Cole's stomach dropped and he started to slightly shake. Phoebe got up and went to her daughter. Cole stood up and turned around to see a little someone standing behind Phoebe. He saw the long black curls from around Phoebe's dress, and his heart melted. He could feel the tears rising in his eyes and he came closer to Phoebe. Phoebe held the little girl's hand behind her and smiled at Cole. Tears started to run down her face as Cole stared into Phoebe's eyes.

"This is your daddy, baby, the one in the picture." She said in a teary voice, still staring at Cole.

Cole walked around Phoebe and met eyes with the little girl that was smiling at him shyly. He dropped to his knees and carefully reached for the little girl's hand, then kissed it. Dallas let out a small giggle, and she came closer to him. Cole's heart raced, and he couldn't believe how beautiful she was. She looked so much like him, and he suddenly felt the feeling of a proud father.

"You look like me." Dallas said as she put her small fingers on Cole's face, feeling it.

Her voice was like sunshine that filled up inside of Cole.

"I sure do baby." He said as his voice cracked, trying to hold back the flow of tears, but they ran down his face anyway.

She touched his eyes and nose and lips and then she wrapped her arms around his neck and laid her head on his shoulder. Cole let out a sob and shut his eyes, then picked the little girl up and pulled Phoebe to them. Cole and Phoebe stood there sobbing and so happy to feel like a family. Then Cole carried Dallas into the living room with Phoebe behind him, and sat on the sofa. The little girl was still hugging him tightly, and Cole held his family in his arms. Gwen was standing in the doorway of the kitchen with her hand on her mouth to cover her sobs, as she watched a family reunite. Phoebe saw her there and motioned her over. They all sat on the sofa, hugging like there was no tomorrow. It felt so good to all of them to feel whole again.