Gosh, this has taken me forever, I know. And don't expect much from this. But don't be too hard on me either. Just try to enjoy, aiight?

**
Max woke up in the middle of the night, atfirst she was confused about what had woken her. But then she remembered and carefully slipped out from under the blanket she shared with Logan. She had her legs entangled with his, and now was grateful that untangling herself wouldn't wake him. He looked so at peace as he slept fitfully on his back, one arm across his bare belly, the other on the cushion next to his face. He hardly stirred at the movement and rustling of the sheets. Max shook her head, if he hadn't been woken by the piercing screams of Emma, a little movement from her wouldn't wake him either.

"Shhh, I'm coming." She whispered and used her nightvision to safely make her way to Emma's crib. "Are you Ok, sweety?" She carefully lifted the child from her bedding and held her close to her chest. She'd seen other women calming babies that way and she was relifed that it seemed to work. "I'm here, everything's fine. Be a nice girl and don't wake Logan, ok?" She walked up and down the length of the room until Emma seemed to slumber again. She waited another minute, then put her back under the light blanket. "Sweet dreams." With one last kiss on the cheek Max left her alone and returned to the bed. Under the warm blanket she realized how cold her feet had gotten and stuck them under Logan's warm legs. Within minutes she drifted off to a light sleep.

**

Max groaned and looked at the watch on the bedstand. It's only been half an hour since she'd last been up, for the third time that night. The baby just didn't seem to feel comfortable, and Max didn't have the heart to ignore her. Not in the first night, Max told herself. She briefly wondered if it would always be like that, Logan sleeping deeply, unaware of the crying child, and she would have to get up dozens of times each night. She sighed and crawled out from under the blanket again to check on Emma. This time she decided to have a stroll to the kitchen and maybe find something to eat for herself.

She stiffened a yawn when she had finished the cookie and a glass of cold milk. She couldn't understand why she was that tired all of the sudden. Usually she could stay awake for days on end. Maybe the time over here with Logan had changed that pattern, or maybe it was just too much to be awoken every other few minutes. Maybe it was easier to just stay awake.

Emma had fallen asleep again, so Max decided to give it one last shot. "Please, emma, just sleep for two hours, okay? That's all I'm asking for." This time she didn't place Emma in her own bed, but let her slumber in her arms between Logan and herself. That way they both found some rest.

**
When Logan wheeled into the kitchen the next morning he was greeted by Max, his grandparents and his daughter. He smiled happily. Telling Max had been the right thing to do. He felt like a heavy burden had been lifted from his shoulders. Why had it taken him so long to realize that sharing those dark memories could help ease the pain? It was still there, and it stung, but knowing that there was somebody there who knew, understood and could comfort him, was a relief. But why had it been such a painful lesson? He knew the answer all too well. As Max would put it. His stupid pride, his male ego and his stubborness stood in the way.

"Morning. Did you sleep well?" Anna grinned, from Max and from her own experience she knew that Emma had been awake and screaming most of the night- but according to Max Logan hadn't even been close to waking up.

"Can't complain.Why?" He looked around, puzzled. Max couldn't help but burst out in laughter.

"Let's just say this little lady tried her best to make you cuddle with her. She gave up roughly at 5."

He raised an eyebrow. "She didn't sleep all night? I haven't heard a thing." He wheeled closer to Max and bent over to kiss her. "You should have woken me."

"No big dealio. I wasn't tired anyway," she lied. "You OK?" A concerned note laid in her voice. She knew how deep his hurt ran and how much it cost him to let it surface.

"I'm fine." He set the brakes of his chair and poured himself a cup of coffee. "Shopping?"

"I thought you'd never ask! I'll go get dressed." Max put the now dozing baby in her bed and left the kitchen.

"Did you hear her tonight?" he addressed his grandparents who nodded in unisono. "I'm getting old then I guess..." He shook his head. "Or deaf."

"You told her, didn't you?" Anna suddenly became serious.

He nodded.

"How did she take it?"

"Good. I'm glad I talked to her. Thanks for making me do it."

"She is an amazing, strong young woman."

"She is." He sipped his coffee. "I still can't believe how lucky I am."

"You deserve it, son. Don't ruin it by questioning it." Peter put a hand on Logan's shoulder. "We're really happy for you."

"I know. Thanks for everything."

Max returned, unaware of the big emotions floating through the room as she was completely focussed on the baby. "Daddy will take us shopping today, we're gonna get you lots of nice stuff." She giggled when Emma grabbed a strand of her hair and squeezed tight.

"OK.Ready? Let's go." He threw a jacket at Max."Emma can stay with Anna and Peter.

"OK." Max hesitated, looking at the child. "I thought..."

"I think this way it's gonna be cheaper, you might wanna return before dawn." He grinned and earned himself a slap over his spiky hair. "Ouch!"
Max gently kissed the baby's forehead and threw a looked at Anna who nodded encouragingly.

"Come on!" She ran out of the room, as if staying one more second would result in her staying at home.

**
The store Anna had proposed was huge and Logan felt completely lost, looking up at Max he saw the same look of confusion on her face. "Where are we supposed to start. A baby can never ever need so many different things."

Logan shrugged. "Not like I'm an expert, but I'd say we should concentrate on the basic stuff." He watched a young blond coming towards them. For one second Logan saw the same look of apprehension he was used to,but to his relief it disappeared quickly.

"How can I help you?"

Max smiled at her. "We need like everything a baby needs."

**

They returned four hours later with lots of bags and Logan wondered aloud how they would get it all back to Seattle the next day. On their way home they'd stopped at the airport to book the flight. It was time for returning home.

TBC