Epilogue

It had been two months since the horrible morning at the Rayburn house.  Steve still suffered from some residual feelings of guilt over how the entire incident had transpired.  He no longer blamed himself for the death of the baby but he still felt that he had not handled the case as well as he should have.  The constant reassurances of his father and his friends were a soothing balm that had helped him come to terms with those feelings.  They were a part of him but they didn't control him.  He had been back to work for a little over two weeks and the time spent working cases with Cheryl had been a key part to his recovery.  His thoughts were interrupted by his father calling his name.  He took one last look in the mirror.  "Coming, Dad."

He ran up the steps to find his father waiting expectantly in the foyer.  "You don't want to be late," Mark stated.

"I know, Dad, I just got distracted.  I still have plenty of time," Steve responded.

Mark twinkled and Steve's face turned a crimson red.  No matter how old he got his father could still make him blush like a sixteen year old.  "Dad," he all but whined.  "Don't look at me that way."

Mark's response was somewhat muffled by the laughter that tried to escape him.  His adult son stood squirming in front of him like a teenager heading out for his first date.  "I'm sorry, Steve.  So where are you and the lucky lady heading tonight?"

Steve smiled.  "We are going to Dinardo's.  I thought it was a good place for a first date."

Mark had to suppress a smirk.  He knew that Amanda had suggested the location.  His joy that his son was finally getting back to normal knew no bounds.  Jesse had teased him unmercifully about tonight's date.  That alone was a testament to the progress Steve had made.  The other indication had been when Steve had broached the subject of pursuing a date with Miranda Keating.  Mark thought back to the day in her office when he had noticed the mutual attraction.  The fact that Steve could separate his attraction to her from the reason for their initial meeting was a true indicator of where he was at in his recovery.  "Well have a good time and don't be out to late."  Mark's voice was full of barely suppressed humor.

Suddenly suspicious Steve looked at his father.  "Dad, Jesse and Amanda aren't hiding outside somewhere to follow me are they?"

Mark laughed.  Though it would have been like them, Steve's love life or lack of one was the topic of many discussions.  A date always generated more interest than it probably should have.  "No, Steve, as far as I know they are both working."

Steve released a sigh of relief.  "Good I don't need any help scaring off women.  I'd like to at least make it through the first date with her."  "Goodnight, Dad."

"Goodnight, Son.  Have a good time.  I'll see you in the morning," Mark responded.  As he watched his son's broad shoulders disappear through the door Mark reflected for a moment on the events that had brought them to this evening.  Sharon Rayburn would never stand trial, she was quite obviously insane.  She would be institutionalized the rest of her life.  The senior Rayburn's had expressed an interest in adopting Kendra.  Though they were concerned with her overall mental health they felt they could not abandon her.  What had happened to her was not her fault.  The entire incident would forever be etched in Mark's memory not only for the tragedy of a family lost, but more importantly for the fact it had nearly cost him his son.

The End

Author's Note:

Thanks so much for your encouragement and acceptance of my first story.  It has been a rewarding and incredible experience.  I once again want to thank the wonderful lady who has become a special friend.  She gave me the confidence to do this and I will always be grateful.