After Alex was released, Mort helped her to his car, and drove her to her sister's house.  Alex had become groggy from the pain medicine she was given, so not much was said other than directions.  They reached the house and Mort helped Alex to walk.  More of her muscles were stiffening than she expected.  She rang the doorbell and her sister, Karen, answered.

Karen immediately noticed the bruise the seatbelt had left across her sister's neck and chest.  "Alex?  What happened to you?" 

"Car accident."

"I've been worried sick!  Why didn't you call?"

Mort spoke up.  "That was my doing.  She told me about the baby and I told her she didn't need to bother you."

Karen smiled.  "And you are?"

"Morton Rainey."

Not being an avid reader of any sort, the name didn't ring a bell with her.  "And you know Alex…?"

"She rear ended me – but, only because the ass behind her got her first."

Alex blushed.  "He came to the hospital to make sure I was all right."

Karen's eye lit up.  "I just finished with dinner, how about you come in, Morton?"

"I don't want to impose," he said, feeling suddenly shy.

"It's not imposing, you took care of my baby sister.  Come on."  Karen stepped aside and motioned for Mort to come in.  Alex smiled and nudged him – he walked inside.

"How was she for you today, Karen?" Alex asked.

            "Her usual easygoing self," Karen laughed.  "I think she really missed you today though.  She should be waking up from her nap."

            Alex smiled and looked at Mort.  "Would you like to meet her?"

            For some reason, Mort found himself surprised that Alex had asked him that question, however, he smiled and nodded.  "I would."  He followed Alex into what appeared to be her daughter's home away from home.  His breath caught when he saw the baby.  You were supposed to have one of your own.  He heard the tail end of that thought, but shook it away.

            "There's my angel," Alex said sweetly.  The baby seemed a bit groggy, but a smile appeared on her chubby face.

            Mort's eyes lit up when he saw that smile.  "She's beautiful," he said softly. 

"Thank you," Alex said, blushing.

Makes you wonder, doesn't it?  What yours could have looked like if she hadn't lost it…  Tears came to his eyes, but he blinked them back before Alex could see them.  He watched as Alex attempted to pick up her daughter, but it was obvious that the pain in her neck and back was a bit too much for her to bear.  The baby began to cry softly.

Alex sighed.  "She wants to be held."  She bit her lower lip.  "I, um, I feel funny asking, and you certainly don't have to, but I'd really appreciate it if you could help me get her to the living room."

"Of course," he said sweetly.  He picked up the baby and her cries turned into coos.  The child trusts you…  The voice other began to laugh.  If she only knew what you've done.  Mort couldn't hear it – all of his attention was focused on the baby.  "What's her name?"

"Julia," Alex answered softly. 

Mort's mind flashed back to nearly four years ago…

"Amy, I put off the story for a few days – the publisher can wait, other things are more important.  I started on the nursery today.  They were out of the paint that you wanted, but I really think that you'll like what I…"

"Mort, I…"

"No, really, it's great and…"

"There's no baby, Mort…"

"Of course there's a baby, Amy…"

"It's…I lost it…"

"What?"

"I'm so sorry, sweetheart, I…"

"Mort?" Alex's voice broke through his thoughts – he couldn't have been happier about that.

"Sorry, I…I was thinking about…"  Willing to let her in so soon? 

"Are you all right?"

"Yeah, I'm fine."

Alex smiled.  "Julia never takes so well to people she doesn't know, she must like you."

Mort chuckled.  "Oh?"

"Mm hm."

Feeling oddly confidant, he asked.  "And what does her mother think of me?"

"She'll let you know," Alex said, still smiling.  Mort couldn't help but take that as something positive.

Mort stayed for dinner and the voice was either quiet or Mort was unable to hear it.  Alex didn't ask him a single question about his writing, which was more than refreshing for him – though part of him wondered why it was that she didn't ask at least a little something.

Maybe she wants to know you as a person, not as a writer.  Mort smiled at the thought. 

Alex had made arrangements to stay at Karen's house for the weekend – hopefully by Sunday she'd be back to herself again.  She was thankful that her school had a long weekend – it was closed on Monday.  Mort kept trying to get up enough nerve to ask Alex if he could see her again, but his mind wouldn't let the words form once he opened his mouth.

You're meant to be alone now – you know that.  We have done too much…

No, it wasn't my fault – they pushed me until I broke.  I'm different now, I've changed.

You'll never change because I'll always be here.  You need me to survive.  However, if you want to kill again…

Leave him alone, Shooter! 

Would have turned himself in if he was fine – just like I said I would.

"Stop," Mort said softly.

"Pardon?" Alex asked.

"Huh?"  He was beginning to panic, his mind hadn't acted up like this in so long…and he could hear all of it now.  "Um, nothing, I should get going."

"Oh," she seemed a bit unhappy with his answer, but tried not to let on to it.  "I never really thanked you for today – I said sorry a lot, but not thank you…"  She took a deep breath and kissed his cheek.  The moment her lips touched his skin, everything inside of his head stopped.  "…so, um, thank you."

"You're welcome," Mort said – his voice sounded distant.

"In case you were wondering about Julia's mother," Alex added, blushing, "she likes you too."

"Can I see you again?" Mort blurted, sounding almost frantic.  Alex's eyes widened a bit.  "I'm sorry, I didn't mean for it to just come out like that.  I wanted to ask for the last hour or so, but I just couldn't get it out – nerves I guess."

"Nerves?"

"I, uh, haven't seen anyone in quite some time."

Finding that very hard to believe, Alex gently crossed her arms over her chest.  She had a playful flare in her voice as she said, "Well, I don't know, my schedule's pretty full…"  She watched Mort's face twist into one of defeat.  Unable to resist, she put her mouth next to his ear and whispered, "I'd love to see you again."  She'd never wanted to kiss someone as badly as she wanted to kiss the man in front of her…not since her husband had passed.  What she couldn't believe was that she had only just met him.  She trusted him enough to take her home, to hold her child.  What is it about him?  She let her body stay close to his, hoping that he would make a move.

Go on then, she wants to be touched…

Take it easy, don't scare her – she makes him leave you.

Mort closed his eyes and softly pressed his lips to Alex's.  He only let himself linger for a moment before pulling away.  For Mort, it was almost like a test – for Alex, pure romance.  "Sunday?" he asked, unsure.  "If you feel up to it, can I take you to dinner?"

Alex smiled.  "I'll be up to it."  She couldn't tear her eyes away from his.  "Sunday.  You can pick me up here."

"I'll…"  You don't need to say anything, it's O.K.  "…see you then.  Goodnight."

"'Night."