Disclaimer: See part 1

See Author's Note at end when finished.

"Illusions of Grandeur"
By Jaclyn Riker

One year later

U.S.S Legacy

It wasn't Deanna's empathic sense that woke her up, but her maternal one. It was time to eat yet there was no noise or little voice calling for her. Rising from the bed, she smiled and rolled her eyes when Will made a noise, reaching out for her.

I'll be right back, Imzadi.She told him through their bond and he smiled in his half-sleep.

Make sure of that. Came his voice's echo in her head. She leaned down and kissed him gently. Straightening again, she wrapped her robe around her body and crept to the bedroom door. As it noiselessly slid open, Deanna stopped short at the sound of Lily's voice.

"I know you're hungry. I'm hurrying as fast as I can, you silly goose." Lily scolded gently, walking over to the food replicator. Little 5-month-old Kyle Jean-Luc Riker cooed at his 7 year old sister, making her smile back at him.

"I love you too, Ky, but you're going to wake Mommy and Daddy if you don't shush." Lily told him in a hushed tone and blew the baby a kiss. After getting his bottle ready, warm not hot; she walked over to where he sat in a highchair-like device. Pushing a button it lowered to the floor and like an expert, she lifted him out of it and into her arms.

"Come on, My-Ky." Lily whispered to him lovingly and he laid his head down on her shoulder. She skillfully carried him over to the sofa and began to feed him. Rocking him gently and singing softly under her breath, she leaned back against the cushions. Ky watched her with dark and love filled eyes, so much like their mother's own gaze. His tiny, yet chubby infant hands lay on top of hers as she fed him the bottle. Lily leaned down to kiss his soft forehead, making Kyle grin up at her around the bottle nipple.

Deanna, who had been watching from the doorframe, smiled at the bond between her children. She smiled even wider when she felt Will's strong arms slide around her waist and his bearded chin rest on her shoulder. Deanna leaned her face against his and sighed. Together they watched the interaction in the living room.

Ky's eyes were slowly closing and his hands were going lax. His belly was full and he knew he was in his sister's loving arms. Lily watched him and gave him a sweet smile, when his eyes finally shut in slumber. Very carefully, she got up and placed him into the bassinet she had pulled from the corner to stand in between the couch and coffee table. Brushing a soft kiss on his cheek, she curled up on the sofa and listened to his deep breathing, her own eyes beginning to droop.

"Do you know how much I love you, Ky?" Lily asked, her voice low and sleepy. The baby didn't answer...at least not verbally. But a smile appeared on Lily's lips and she giggled softly. "That's right My-Ky. Forever times infinity."

The little girl's eyes closed and with a deep sigh of contentment she too fell asleep. Deanna and Will shook their heads simultaneously. After all this time they were still amazed over the bond that the two children shared. Kyle could babble extremely well for a child of his age, saying "Ma" and "Da" and "Li", for Lily, but it also seemed that Kyle could speak telepathically to his sister. Although both Will and Deanna could feel his emotions and each had brief moments were they thought they heard him talk to them, that was all for now. Lwaxana had assured them that it was normal. All parents formed a different bond with their children and it would only grow stronger in time.

Will raised his head from Deanna's shoulder and kissed her hair. Taking her hand in his, he tugged her back towards the bed. Giving him a knowing look she followed, throwing a glance back at the two sleeping children. After mentally kissing them both, she focused on her husband and the love that would keep their family together.

Forever times infinity.

THE END...but...

Author's Note: The family I invented in my mind and finally put down on paper will still not let me rest. This has turned into a series of some sort and there will be one more story involving this family. It is a Work In Progress and I don't like to post until i have it at least 2/3 of it done. So please stay tuned and stay patient with me. Thanks for reading this far.

Family Ties That Bind Series:

1. A Child's Lead

2. Illusions of Grandeur

3. Family Secrets...Coming Soon