A Special Connection

by Sam1

AU with Jeff raising Scott, twins John and Samantha, Virgil, Gordon, and Alan. Set the year after Lucy died as the Tracy family moves to Tracy Island and continues to the start of IR. Final chapter posted.

34. Chapter 34

Disclaimer: I don't own the TBs or the Tracy family with the exception of Sam and Alex.

Warning: There are scenes with sexual content contained in this chapter. May not be suitable for younger readers.

Chapter 34

She sat on the blanket and sipped her water as she watched her brothers and husband playing volleyball on the beach. She alternately cheered for each side so she couldn't be blamed for favoritism. Scott scored the winning point for his team that included Virgil and John. Gordon, Alan, and Alex were on the other team.

"Nice try, guys, but you have to get a lot better to match your elders," gloated Scott. Gordon and Alan looked at each other and suddenly rushed towards Scott and tackled him into the sand.

"You may be older but age has slowed your reflexes down quite a bit," laughed Gordon as he stood up and pulled Alan to his feet. Scott glared up at his baby brothers who were definitely not babies anymore. At seventeen and sixteen, respectively, Gordon and Alan had developed into muscular and tall young men. Like their older brothers, they were around six feet tall. Sam was now officially the shortest of the siblings at five feet and seven inches. Alex was even taller than her at six foot and one inch.

Alex flopped down on the blanket next to Sam and took her water. He drank half of it in one gulp.

"Help yourself," said Sam as Alex handed the nearly empty water bottle back to her.

"If you say so," he said as he pushed her down on the blanket and began to kiss her. She giggled and shoved him off of her. She jumped to her feet and ran off down the beach with Alex right behind her. Even with his long legs, he couldn't quite catch up to her. Her years on the cross-country team had given her a faster pace and years of chasing her younger brothers had given her determination. She slowed up just a bit to let him catch her. He grabbed her around her waist and together they fell to the sand. They were out of sight of her brothers so he didn't hesitate to roll on top of her and kiss her as the water quietly lapped up on the beach next to them.

"I'm not letting you go so it would be pointless for you to argue," he teased as she wrapped her arms around his neck and her fingers played with his hair.

"I have no desire to argue," she said softly as she looked up into his eyes. He lowered his head and kissed her. "Let's go out tonight."

"Um, Sam, we're on an island," he said. She laughed at him and pushed him off of her so that she could sit up. She stared out over the ocean. Alex sat up next to her and took her hand in his. He idly played with her wedding rings on her finger.

"We can have a date right here on the beach," she replied. "I can prepare a light dinner and we can walk down this way and sit on the beach and have a romantic dinner by starlight." He nuzzled against her neck and breathed in her perfume.

"Sounds like a wonderful evening to me," he whispered as he turned her face towards his and began to kiss her again.

"Aww, man, they're at it again," cried one of her brothers. Sam looked over at her five brothers walking towards them. All of them were grinning at the young couple on the sand.

"You're just jealous that nobody kisses you like that," quipped John. Alan turned bright red. Gordon, Virgil, and Scott laughed at their youngest brother.

"Just came down to make sure that you two were still alive," joked Virgil. Alex stood up and then reached down to help Sam to her feet. She looked up at her brothers and husband with a mischievous grin on her face. As a precaution, all of them backed up.

"I'm kind of tired from all that running, Alex," she teased. "I think that one of you owes me a piggyback ride since you're all much taller and stronger than me." She rubbed her chin as she contemplated all of them. Each of them was wearing their swim trunks and sneakers but no shirts. They were all muscular and well-proportioned men and most girls threw themselves at them.

"She's your wife, Alex, you give her a piggyback ride," said Scott.

"She was your sister before she became my wife," he retorted. Sam opened her eyes really wide like she saw something behind her brothers. All of them except for John turned around to see what she was staring at. She took the opportunity to hop up on Virgil's back.

"You're the lucky one, Virg," she said as she draped her arms around his neck. He grabbed her legs to support her as their brothers laughed at them. "Geez, I can't believe that you all still fall for that trick. Heck, it's older than Scotty."

"Watch it, little sister," Scott growled as he took a step towards her and Virgil. She stuck her tongue out at him. He tried to give her the big brother look but she kept making faces at him and he gave up.

"Let me down, Virg," she said. He let go of her legs and she slid down to the sand. She shrieked with laughter when Alex suddenly scooped her up in his arms. She wrapped her arms around his neck as he lowered his head down to kiss her. He began walking towards the house with her in his arms. The rest of the boys followed behind them and each privately wished for a relationship like the one that their sister had with Alex. Sam looked in Alex's eyes and smiled at the love she saw radiating from them.

"Hey, Scott, when are you supposed to report for basic training?" asked Gordon.

"Not going to basic," he replied. "I have two college degrees, so I get to bypass that and go straight to Officers Training Academy."

"How long are you going to serve?" asked Alex.

"Just a four year stint," he answered. "I want to get more experience flying fast planes and make a living of my own for awhile. Besides, it will look good on a resume."

"Like we have to worry about resumes," Virgil snorted. "Our dad owns a billion dollar business, I'm sure that he can find a position for you that you can qualify for."

"Mail clerk," piped up Gordon. Everyone laughed as Scott chased Gordon up the path. They all heard a splash and a sudden shout.

"GORDON COOPER TRACY!"

"Well, sounds like Scott had the honors this year," John said.

"What honors?" asked Alex. Sam laughed at the memory of the Tracy tradition that she started.

"Each time we come home, one of us gets thrown into the pool. Normally, it's cus someone was being a brat," she explained.

"So, how often were you the lucky one?" he teased.

"Not as often as you think," she said. "I was normally in a cast. I had a tendency to break my legs and arm quite a bit."

"Broken leg and arm at twelve," said John.

"Broken leg, skull fracture, and bruised ribs at twelve," added Virgil.

"Broken leg in two places at sixteen," added Gordon and Alan at the same time.

"Be quiet, all of you," said Sam. Alex shook his head as he looked at his wife.

"I can't believe how accident prone you are," he said. "Not to mention all the times that I saw you at school with bruises and the like. I remember how bad you looked one year at the start of the semester. You looked like someone had beaten you up."

"Um, that's cus, I was beaten up behind the boys' dorm," she admitted. "Scott's ex-girlfriend had a group of girls beat me up in the little park. I had made a promise to my dad not to fight anymore after he had to physically pull Scott and me apart once when we were fighting. I was held up by another girl while her friend beat me up. Catie was being restrained by a few other girls. I was lucky cus Scott had his window open and heard Catie scream. They would have kept going had it not been for Scott and the dorm monitor showing up."

"You stood there and took it?" he asked incredulously.

"I promised my dad," she repeated. Alex shook his head at his wife's sense of values. Her dad had raised each of his children to be strong but with morals and values.

They reached the pool deck but didn't see Scott or Gordon. Alex set Sam down and held her hand as they walked towards the kitchen.

"Grandma, can I have some veggie sticks?" asked Sam. Her grandma handed her a container with carrot sticks in it. "Thanks, I'm hungry."

"Dinner in just a little while," Grandma replied.

"Grandma, can Alex and I have our meal to go?" she asked. "We want to have a romantic dinner out on the beach." Her grandma looked at her with a knowing smile.

"It will be ready for you in just a bit," she said with a small smile. "Alex, you better make sure that she eats. She's much to thin for my liking but then she always has been."

"I promise, Grandma," he replied with a grin. "Remember, I promised to take care of her before we were married and I don't intend to go back on my word."

"I know you won't, Alex," she said. "A blind man could see how much you love her." Alex leaned down and kissed Grandma on the cheek.

"I love Sam more than I thought possible but our family is pretty special, too," he said. "I'm relieved that you have all included me in this family."

"You are part of this family because our Sam chose you to have in her life," she said as she shooed them out of the kitchen. They went up to their apartment and sat down on the couch to watch a movie. Sam munched on her carrot sticks until she noticed Alex staring at her.

"What's wrong?" she asked. She set the container of carrot sticks on the table next to the couch.

"Sam, we've been married for a year and a half now," he said slowly. "I just wanted to let you know how much I love you. The past eighteen months have been the best of my life because you've been by my side. I'm so glad that we didn't wait to get married. I would have waited but I'm happier that I didn't have to." Sam's eyes got teary at his words. He leaned towards her and kissed her tears and slowly moved to kiss her lips. "I love you, Samantha." He pushed a button on the stereo and soft music began to play in their living room. He stood up and held his hand out to her.

"May I have this dance?" he asked as she took his hand and stood up. He put his hands on her waist and she draped her arms over his shoulders and laid her head against his chest. They danced in the middle of their living room and relaxed in the comfort of each other. They murmured little words of love to each other as the music played softly in the background. Alex leaned his head down to kiss Sam gently on her mouth. He began to ache with the need to be with her. He scooped her up and carried her to their bedroom and closed the door behind them. He slowly undressed her and then himself as they continued to dance to the soft music that they could still hear. He kissed her along her neck and shoulders. He brushed her long hair back to that he could nuzzle her soft spots along her neck. His hands lightly touched her breasts making her moan softly. She was lost in the feelings that he was causing in her. He lowered his head to her chest and kissed his way down.

"Alex," she whispered as he raised his head to kiss her lips again. "I need you." He led her to their bed and laid her down. She looked up at him with a look of unconditional love in her eyes. Her piercing blue eyes held no secrets from him just pure love. He made sure to take precautions and then continued to kiss her. Their desire for one another was intense and consuming both of them. Alex moved in between her legs and slowly and gently pushed against her. She cried out as she felt him begin to rock slowly and gently within her. As their desire reached new heights, he moved faster at Sam's quiet urgings. His pace picked up again as they both released at the same time. He moved a couple of more times before lying down on Sam. She wrapped her arms around him to keep him from moving away from her. They began to doze off and Alex rolled over on his side of the bed and pulled Sam next to him. She laid her head on his chest and they both fell asleep. A short time later, Sam felt someone staring at her. She opened her eyes and looked up at Alex.

"I love you," she said as she reached up to rub her hand along his jaw.

"I love you, too, and Sam that was amazing," he replied. "I hope Grandma fixed something hearty because I'm starving."

"I think I know why I've stayed so thin the past year and a half," said Sam.

"Why's that?" asked Alex.

"I'd say it's because my husband's appetite is insatiable," she said with a straight face. He looked down at her and grinned.

"It most certainly is and I can't wait for seconds," he said as he ran his hand along her leg and up to her neck. Sam groaned at his touch and quickly responded. She pushed him on his back and straddled him. He fumbled with his protection as she leaned forward and kissed him. He groaned as she moved onto him. Each movement that she made caused intense feelings to shoot through his body.

"Sam, oh gawd, Sam," he moaned as she brought them to completion. Sam stretched out next to him and lazily ran her hand over his chest. He smiled sleepily at her as a sudden thought came to him.

"Do I get dessert later on the beach?" he asked. Sam laughed at his question as she slid out of bed and headed for the bathroom.

"Most definitely, Mr. Murphy," she responded. "Though, I'd strongly recommend you taking a shower before we go downstairs." He got out of bed and joined her in the shower. Within fifteen minutes, they were both out of the shower and dressed for their date on the beach. Sam grabbed a large beach blanket as they left their apartment. They went out onto their balcony and followed it around to the front of the house and took the stairs down to the pool deck. Sam laid the blanket down on a chair and then she and Alex went into the dining room to let Jeff know where they were going. Grandma told them that their basket was on the kitchen counter. Gordon and Alan whistled and promptly stopped at a glance from their dad. John, Scott, and Virgil traded knowing looks. Alex went and got the basket from the kitchen and then he and Sam went out to the pool deck. Sam grabbed their blanket and they followed the path down to the beach. They walked until they were at one of the furthest points from the house so that they were assured of their privacy. Sam spread the large blanket out and Alex set the picnic basket down on the edge of the blanket. They sat down on the blanket and watched the sun slowly sink over the horizon. Not long after the sun went down, the stars began to light up the summer sky like tiny little jewels. The moon and stars together gave the young couple plenty of light to see by. Sam opened the basket and chuckled at her Grandma's thoughtfulness. Alex looked at her questioningly. Sam held up a bottle of chilled wine and two glasses. Alex took the bottle and opened it. He poured each of them a glass and handed one to Sam.

"I think a toast is in order," he said as he looked at her. "To my beautiful wife." He raised his glass to hers and they both drank a bit.

"My turn," she responded. "Alex, you are a wonderful husband and I love you more now than I'd ever have thought possible. I've been so happy the past year and a half. I love lying by your side as we fall asleep and wake up each day. You are more important to me than what you'll ever comprehend." He smiled at her words and they drank the rest of what they had in their glasses. He held her glass as she pulled their food out of the basket. Grandma had fixed them grilled chicken and steamed vegetables. She had included some finger foods for later if they needed them and a huge slice of chocolate cake with chocolate frosting. Alex refilled their glasses and handed Sam hers as they began to eat their dinner. When they were finished Sam put the dirty dishes in the bottom of the basket and set the containers with finger foods on the top of the basket. Alex refilled their glasses for a third time. Sam unwrapped the cake and fed a bit to Alex and then took a bite herself. He leaned back on his elbows and let her feed him the cake bit by bit. When the cake was gone, Sam set the dish aside and held her glass out for Alex to refill.

"To us," she said as they touched glasses. Sam set her glass down on the basket and Alex set his next to hers. They laid back on the blanket and looked up at the stars. Sam pointed out the various constellations for Alex. He looked over at her and stared at the starlight reflecting in her eyes. He leaned down and kissed her softly on her lips. His tongue pressed against her lips until she opened her mouth. He explored her mouth as an intense heat flooded through their bodies. Alex hurriedly undressed her and himself. He began to make love to her in a frenzied need. Sam was driven over the edge with his desire. She gasped as he moved harder and faster against her.

"SAM!" he cried as he shuddered in his release. He sighed as he fell against her totally spent. Sam held him as they both gasped for air. He sat up next to her and chuckled.

"Honey, that was without a doubt the best dessert I've ever had," he said as he refilled their glasses. Sam sat up next to him and took her glass from his hand. She grinned at him and made another toast.

"To my husband and his insatiable appetite," she giggled as she drank her fifth glass of wine. Neither she nor Alex had ever drank alcohol before and it was starting to get to both of them. They each had one more glass that emptied the bottle. Sam got up and walked down to the water. Alex watched her as she stood in the shallow water, unclothed. The moonlight caused a beautiful and ethereal glow around her as she looked up in the night sky. Alex swallowed hard when he suddenly thought that the woman before him had given herself to him wholly and unconditionally. She loved him for who he was and wanted nothing else in return but his love. He stood up and walked towards her. She heard him coming and turned to face him.

"Aren't they beautiful?" she asked as her gaze returned to the heavens above them.

"Yes, you are," he answered as he pulled her against him. "Sam, you are…I mean you mean…shit. What I want to say is thank you."

"For what?" she asked.

"For making me the happiest and luckiest man in the world when you married me," he answered. Sam leaned her head against his chest as he stood behind her. His arms circled around her waist and rested his chin on the top of her head. They stood in the shallow water for just a bit longer until Sam shivered slightly when the cool ocean breeze hit her bare skin. Alex led her back to their blanket and gently pushed her down. He lay down next to her and pulled part of the blanket over them as they snuggled next to each other and gazed at the stars. Sam's eyes slowly began to close as she relaxed in his arms. Both of them fell asleep with their arms around the other. They slept through the night and neither of them stirred until early the next morning when the sun shown in their eyes and the sounds of the waking jungle behind them began. Alex looked down to see Sam smiling softly in her sleep.

"Sam, it's time to wake up," he said quietly. Sam opened her eyes and her smile got bigger.

"We should do that more often," she said. "That was our first really romantic dinner on the beach and it was wonderful."

"I agree with you but we should think about getting back to the house," he replied. He handed her clothes and then grabbed his own. Trying to remain under the blanket and get dressed at the same time was a bit challenging but they managed. Alex gathered up all of the containers and glasses and put them in the picnic basket. Sam folded up the blanket and they walked back to the house. Gordon was already doing his morning laps when he saw his sister and brother-in-law walk towards the kitchen. Alex put the dirty dishes in the sink and threw away the garbage. He and Sam then climbed the outside stairs until they reached the third floor and followed the balcony to their own. Alex opened the door for them and locked it behind him. He and Sam went into their room and fell into their bed.

A few hours later, Sam got up and fixed breakfast for her and Alex. She carried it to their room on a tray and served her husband breakfast in bed. She sat down next to him and ate off of his plate. When he was done she took the tray back to the kitchen and washed the dishes before going back to their room. Alex was up and in the bathroom. Sam sat down in one of the chairs in their room and waited until he came out of the bathroom.

"Join me in a hot shower, Sam?" he asked when he poked his head out of the bathroom. Sam grabbed her clothes and followed him into the bathroom.

As soon as they were finished, they went downstairs to the lounge. Jeff was sitting at his desk and reading over paperwork. John and Scott were reading the newspaper and Virgil was playing the piano. They all looked up when Alex and Sam entered the room.

"Are you all available for a few hours?" asked Jeff. He looked around at each of them as they each responded with a simple, "Yes, Sir." Jeff saw that Gordon and Alan were in the pool so he quickly led the others to the door in the laundry room. Virgil made sure that it was locked behind them.

We've had a bit of a setback with TB5," Jeff informed them as they walked towards Brains. "The life support systems keep shutting down and we haven't been able to pinpoint where the malfunction is." John perked up at this bit of news.

"May I look at it?" he asked. Jeff told Brains to give John the readout from 5. John leaned against the desk and began reading through the data. Jeff motioned the rest of them to the simulator.

"I want you all to practice more," he said. "You have all done okay so far but that isn't good enough when the lives of my children are at risk. I'm including you in that group, Alex. I want each of the craft to be easy for you to handle in case the main pilot is incapacitated." Alex, Sam, Scott, and Virgil glanced at each other as they realized that it was a possibility that one of them could get hurt helping someone.

"Virgil, I want you to pilot TB2 in the simulator with Sam as your copilot," he ordered. Sam and Virgil climbed into the simulator and began going through different scenarios that Jeff put them through including landing the huge transport ship. Sam and Virgil worked in tandem and successfully completed each scenario except the one that had wind gusts that kept knocking them off course and inevitably to crash into a mountain. They climbed out of the simulator with identical looks of disgust on their faces.

"Not bad and now we know what you both need to practice on," their dad said as he noted the results on the computer. "Scott, I want you to pilot TB1 and then Alex, I want you to copilot TB2 with John as the pilot. After that, Sam and John, you are to pilot and copilot TB3." Scott climbed into the simulator and began maneuvering TB1 through various hazards and conditions that Jeff thought that he may encounter. His biggest challenge was landing TB1 in a vertical position within the parameters of the lower swimming pool. He climbed out of the simulator with sweat pouring down his face.

"That's a lot harder than what I thought," he remarked as Sam handed him a paper towel to wipe his face with. John and Alex took their turn and seemed to work well together until Alex warned about the proximity of a building that was in a blind spot of John's vision. A sudden thump let them know that they had hit something.

"John, I warned you about the building and now it's caving in," said Alex from within the simulator. Sam looked at her brothers and winced for the blow-up that was sure to follow.

"I can see, Alex, so thanks for the update," snapped John. He climbed out of the simulator with a dark scowl on his handsome features.

"Calm down, John, he's not saying anything out of line," said Jeff. "This is to prepare you for the real thing. I'd rather something happen here than out there for real. Sam, you and John, will be piloting and copiloting TB3 and then I think we can call it a day. Tomorrow, those that want to come will be flying to Arizona to take Scott to report to the Air Force." As expected, Sam and John worked exceptionally well together and had no problems with TB3. Their landing through the Roundhouse was the only rough spot that they had. They climbed out of the simulator and grinned at each other.

"That was so cool," they said together. Alex, Scott, and Virgil laughed at their remark.

"You two are total space cadets," said Scott. Sam ran a hand over her face and wiped some of the sweat out of her eyes.

"Dad, if that's all we're doing, I'd like to go take a shower," she said.

"That's all," he said as he dismissed them. John had the data for TB5 in his hands to study later. Sam and Alex went to their apartment and everyone else went to their private rooms.

Sam picked out one of her swimsuits and a pair of shorts and went to take a shower. Alex sat on the couch and watched television while he waited to take his shower. After she was dressed, Sam sat down in her favorite chair and started reading a book. Alex took his shower and came out into their room to see that Sam had fallen asleep with her book still in her hand. He gently removed it and marked her page. She turned a little in her sleep and curled up somewhat in the corner of the chair. Alex covered her with a small throw blanket. He brushed her hair out of her face. He glanced at her as he went to the kitchenette and got a glass of water. He turned the stereo on and soft music filtered through the sound system. He opened the balcony door and leaned against the railing. He lost track of time as he gazed out over the ocean. His thoughts about IR were bothering him. He knew that IR would be a great thing to have around but he didn't like the idea of his wife at risk. He smiled when he felt her arms go around his waist and she leaned her head against his back.

"Penny for your thoughts," she said as he gripped her hands within his own.

"Sam, I'm not sure that I like the idea of you putting yourself at risk with IR," he said tentatively. "I don't think that I could handle it if something ever happened to you." She waited to see what else he would say.

"When John and I were in the simulator earlier and we hit the building and it caved in, my first thought was that my wife could have been in there helping someone and we just destroyed the building." He turned to face her with a troubled expression on his face. Sam reached her hand up to gently caress his face.

"Alex, I understand your concern because I have the same worries about you and my brothers," she said quietly. "I've seen first hand how someone you love beyond all comprehension can be ripped away from you in a heartbeat. I watched my dad face all the important holidays alone with six children. I cried for the loss of my mom on their anniversary because my dad was so sad and alone even though he tried to hide it from my brothers and me. I can't promise that I won't get hurt when IR finally comes about but I believe in this and I have to do it." Her eyes pleaded with him to understand. He leaned down and rested his head on her shoulder and sighed.

"I know but I can't help but worry about you," he whispered as she ran her fingers through his hair. He relaxed at her touch and lifted his head as his lips hungrily sought hers. He picked her up and carried her to their bedroom. His desire was inflamed by his worries and need to be as close to her as he could. Sam was surprised at the intensity of his need but matched him move for move. When he calmed down, he fell asleep with his head on her chest. Sam ran her fingers through his hair as she gazed down at him with a soft smile playing on her lips. He muttered in his sleep and his hand moved around as if he were searching for something. Sam slid her hand into his and he quieted down again. The phone on the bedside table began to ring and Sam snatched it up before I woke Alex.

"Hello?" she whispered.

"Sammie, Grandma wants to know if you guys are coming down for dinner tonight," Gordon said.

"We'll be down," she whispered. "Bye." She replaced the phone on its cradle. Alex didn't wake up and Sam went back to running her fingers through his hair. A short time later, he began to wake up and realized that he was lying partially on his wife and holding her hand. He felt her fingers in his hair and he sighed.

"I'm sorry, Samantha," he said as he sat up. Sam looked at him with a puzzled expression on her face. "I just need to be close to you and reassure myself that you are here for me." She pressed her finger against his mouth, silencing him.

"You have nothing to apologize for," she stated firmly. "I am here for you always and forever, Alex. You are just as much a part of my as I am of you. My desire for you was just as inflamed as yours was. Didn't you notice that?" He looked in her eyes and nodded his head.

"Oh, Sam I love you so much," he whispered as he took her hand in his and kissed it.

"I hate to say this but we need to get dressed and go down for dinner," she said. Alex climbed out of bed and pulled his boxers on and then his shorts and t-shirt. Sam stared at him as he dressed with a big smile on her face.

"I want dessert later when we get back here," she said. Alex burst out laughing at her comment. Sam slid out of bed and went to their dresser and pulled out some underclothes and a t-shirt and got dressed. She picked up her shorts and slid those on and tossed her swimsuit on the bed. Alex had watched her dressing and smiled at her.

"Yes, Mrs. Murphy, dessert when we get back here," he said as they laughed together.

At dinner, Jeff asked who would be going to see Scott off in Arizona. All of the Tracy siblings and Alex raised their hands. Sam and Alex were going back to Boston early and John was going to fly to Denver with Virgil and then catch a flight to Boston from there. Sam and Alex planned on picking him up at Logan Airport.

The next morning, the siblings and Alex flew the prop plane to Arizona and Jeff and Grandma were in the other plane. Jeff had two limos pick the family up at the small airport and take them to their hotel. They all spent the day together because the next morning Scott had to report for duty.

The morning that Scott had to report for duty was an emotional day for Jeff. His oldest child was following in his footsteps. Scott promised to call everyone when he got a chance and got on the bus that would take him away from them all for awhile. Sam and Alex also told the family goodbye as they had decided to fly back to Boston early with a stop in Indiana to see his parents.

A couple of days later, Sam and Alex began to settle back into their home. They still had a month to go before school started. They enjoyed going out on dates and having the house to themselves. John joined them a couple of weeks before school started and went out on a few dates with some girls that he had met the previous year. Sam and Alex were surprised to see one of them come out of John's room one morning wearing nothing but one of his sweatshirts. John didn't look much better when he came down for breakfast.

"Don't say a word, Sam," he warned. Sam shook her head and went back down to the family room.

School started and Sam, John, and Alex began their final year at Harvard. In October, Sam and John celebrated their twenty-first birthday. Alex had turned twenty-one the month before. Luckily their birthday was on a Saturday because all three were hung over when they woke late in the afternoon on Sunday. They lounged around the house and did nothing more involved than reading the Sunday newspaper.

In mid-December, they flew back to Denver to pick Virgil up and then went to Colorado Springs to pick up Gordon and Alan. They were in their senior and junior years of high school and Gordon was getting closer to competing in the Olympics. A couple of days later they were all in the game room on Tracy Island playing pool and goofing off.

Sam noticed Alan and Tin-Tin off to the side of the room softly talking to each other. She watched as Alan gently held Tin-Tin's hand in his and when he thought nobody was looking he kissed her on the cheek. Sam smiled and nudged Alex. He had noticed the two also. Unfortunately, so did Gordon.

"Aww, isn't that sweet?" he cooed. "Alan's got a girlfriend right here on the island. The girls at school will be heartbroken." Tin-Tin and Alan turned bright red and Sam whirled around to face Gordon. Gordon backed away from her when he saw the blue eyes of his sister glare into his own. She reached out and grabbed him by the ear like she had done when they were younger and pulled him out of the room.

"Ouch, Sammie, that hurts," he cried as she tugged harder. She pulled him into the lounge and pushed him on the couch.

"Gordon, that wasn't necessary and I'm really irked by your behavior," she snapped. "I know you have been enjoying the company of various young and not-so-young women in Colorado. If you know what's good for you, you'll knock it off before I give Grandma the heads up and you get the sex lecture from her and a box of condoms." Gordon's face reddened at her comments.

"I won't say anything else but how did you know about, um, that?" he asked.

"You should tell your 'friends' not to answer your phone when a girl's name pops up," she replied.

"You were the reason that they refused to go out with me again?" he asked.

"Yep," she answered. "Hi, Grandma." Gordon turned to see their grandma in the doorway. She motioned Gordon to follow her.

"I know what's in store for you so have fun," whispered Sam as he passed her. Sam went back to the game room. Alan walked over to her.

"Thanks, Sam," he said. "Where'd Gordon go?"

"He is in Grandma's room," she replied. Virgil and John looked at Sam and instantly knew that Gordon was getting his 'talk' and 'gift'. They burst out laughing as Alan and Alex looked at them confused.

"I'll tell you later, Alex," Sam said. They went back to playing pool. Sam and Alex won and then they all went to the dining room for dinner. Gordon was oddly subdued at the table. It didn't escape anyone's attention especially Jeff's.

"Are you feeling alright, Gordon?" asked Jeff when he watched Gordon push his food around on his plate.

"I'm fine, Dad," he answered. "Just not hungry right now. May I be excused?"

"Yes," Jeff answered as Gordon took his plate to the kitchen. Sam got up and followed him to the kitchen despite the look she got from her dad.

"That wasn't funny, Sam," Gordon said as he scraped his plate.

"Now you know how others feel when you make a wisecrack," she said. "Most of the time you're really funny but you have to remember how people especially Alan feel when you tease about something as serious as a relationship. Just because you're sowing your wild oats right now doesn't mean everyone else is."

Gordon looked up at her and thought about what she was saying.

"I didn't mean anything by it," he said. "I was just goofing around."

"I know that, Gords," she replied. "But it made them feel uncomfortable. Oh, before I forget, I totally knew that Grandma was standing there the whole time." She grinned at him as the realization that she set him up dawned on him.

"SAMANTHA MICHELLE TRACY MURPHY!" he yelled as she ran out of the door and onto the pool deck. He was right behind her as they sped off down the path to the beach. The rest of the family jumped up and looked out at the scene before them.

"Sam's in for it now," said Virgil. Alex and John shook their heads.

"Not so, Virgil," Alex replied. "Gordon may be an athlete but he's a swimmer and Sam's a runner." A few minutes later, Gordon and Sam came back up the path and up to the dining room door. Neither of them entered the house, they just stood there. Everyone at the table laughed at the two of them. Sam was soaked and Gordon was just as bad.

"He caught up with me," she said as Alex came out to the pool deck. "I'm going upstairs to take a shower and wash the salt water off of me." He kissed her on the cheek as she turned towards the outside stairs and jogged up to the third floor. Alex sat back at the table and finished his dinner. He helped Virgil clear the table and Kyrano loaded the dishes in the dishwasher.

On December 20th, Sam and Alex celebrated their second wedding anniversary. Sam cooked them a meal in their apartment and they ate at their small table by candlelight with a special cd that Virgil had made for them. It had the songs that played at their wedding and some of Sam's favorite pieces that Virgil had written and played on the piano.

"Here's to us," said Alex as he toasted them at the start of their meal. After they'd eaten. Alex asked her to dance. As the evening progressed, they found themselves in their room and in pure, unadulterated bliss. They fell asleep holding each other tightly. Christmas came and went and they all flew back to their schools.

In February, Gordon turned eighteen. Alan turned seventeen in March and Scott turned twenty-three in April.

Jeff, Virgil, Grandma, and Scott flew to Boston in May for Sam, Alex, and John's graduation ceremony from Harvard. They stayed at the townhouse for a few days and then they flew back to Tracy Island. Sam, Alex, and John stayed behind to pack up their stuff in the townhouse. Jeff hired a moving truck to move everything but the furniture and appliances to Florida. Sam and John had already been hired and accepted into NASA's astronaut program. They had applied for and taken the necessary steps during Spring Break. Two weeks after they graduated, they drove to Florida. John drove the SUV and Sam and Alex drove the car. Jeff decided to keep the townhouse in Boston for any of them to use when they were in that area. He bought a four bedroom condo for Sam, Alex, and John to use while they were living in Florida. It was situated right on the beach which made Sam happy. She loved having the windows open and hearing the surf. It reminded her of being on the island. Alex got a job as a chemical engineer within NASA and he started working the same day Sam and John did.

Two months after they had started their careers at NASA, John and Sam were given their first assignment.

"We've done it," said Sam. They were all sitting on the deck of their condo eating dinner. Alex and John had decided to grill steaks for dinner while Sam prepared a salad and baked potatoes.

"Did what?" asked Alex. Sam and John looked at each other and grinned.

"John and I were selected to go to the moon," she answered. "We'll be up there for a month doing repairs to the communications systems and installing some new computer software that we designed." Alex swallowed hard and tried his best to smile. Sam noticed the change and looked at him nervously. "Are you alright, Alex? This is what I've worked so hard for." Alex stood up and motioned her to stand up also. He hugged her to him and sighed.

"Samantha Murphy, I am really proud of you. I just know how much I'm going to miss you," he said. "This will be the first time we've been apart since we've been married."

"I know and that's the part that sucks but I have to put my training to use and you know why John and I are doing this," she replied.

Three months later, Sam said her goodbyes to her husband and she and John were in a spaceship destined for the moon. Three days later they were allowed to call down to someone. Sam called Alex to let him know that she was fine and that she loved him. John called their dad and updated him on the mission that was okay to be told. Their first mission was a success and then they were Earth side and back with their family. Alex met Sam at the gate as soon as she had been cleared to leave. John was right behind her. Alex looked at both of them and noticed how pale and thin the two of them were. Sam fell into his arms with a huge smile on her face.

"I've missed you so much," she said as he leaned down to kiss her. John saw their dad off to the side and did a double take.

"Dad, what are you doing here?" he asked.

"My only set of twins finally follows in my footsteps and you ask why I'm here?" he teased. "I wanted to make sure that you were alright and to let you know that Gordon…" His sentenced was cut short when his red-haired son barreled into John.

"Hey, Johnny," he cried as he clapped his older brother on the back and hugged his sister. He had a gold medal around his neck and a huge smile on his face.

"You did it, Gordy," cried Sam when she saw the medal. "How come no one told us?"

"I wanted to surprise you," he answered. "We're all going out tonight to celebrate if you two are up to it. I only have a couple of days before I report to WASP." Out of the corner of her eye, Sam spotted her other three brothers.

"Scott, Virgil, and Alan," she said as they all hugged her and John.

"You didn't think that we wouldn't show up when the space cadets finally completed their first mission, did you?" asked Scott. He had the rank of first lieutenant in the Air Force and had flown on quite a few missions and tested new craft. He had saved his vacation time to be around the time that Sam and John landed in Florida.

"Come on," said Jeff. "These two need to go home and change and then I'm taking my family out for a nice dinner." He led the group to the SUV and car. Alan and Gordon carried Sam and John's duffel bags and put them in the trunk of the car. Scott drove Sam's car and Sam and Alex sat in the backseat. Virgil sat in the front seat next to Scott. Jeff drove the SUV and the rest of the family rode with him back to the condo.

Alex wrapped his arm around Sam and held her close to him. He had missed his wife more than he'd have thought possible and was relieved that she was safe in his arms again. She looked over at him and pulled him towards her. With a passion born from missing him so much, she kissed him and ran her fingers through his hair.

"I missed you," she whispered as she leaned her head on his shoulder.

"I missed you, too," he replied. "But I am so proud of you." Scott and Virgil grinned at each other when they heard the whispered conversation. Scott parked the car next to the SUV and he and Virgil grabbed their brother and sister's gear out of the trunk. The family entered the condo and none of them noticed the strange car parked across the street or the evil looks that the driver was giving them.

"It feels so good to be home," said Sam as she looked around her home. Alex led her to their room so that she could take a shower. Her brothers and dad looked at each other and knew exactly what Alex had in mind.

"Sam, I missed you so much and I know now how much you really mean to me," Alex said quietly as he slowly undressed her. She quivered under his sensitive touch. Once she was undressed he led her to the bathroom and turned on the shower and undressed himself. He pulled her into the shower with him and kissed her all over. She leaned against the wall and moaned as he entered her. Soft cries escaped her lips as he made love to her for the first time in over a month. When they released, he leaned his head against hers and sighed. Sam had a nagging thought in the back of her mind but pushed it aside as she held her husband.

They joined her family a short time later and they had a wonderful dinner and then went back to the condo. Sam and John both fell asleep on the drive back to the condo. Alex scooped his wife up and carried her to their room and lay her down on the bed. He shut their bedroom door and stripped down to his boxers and then pulled Sam's shoes off and slid her dress slacks off. He then covered her up and lay down next to her. He breathed in the soft scent of her perfume and sighed as he dozed off with her snuggled against him.

The next morning, Scott, Virgil, Gordon, and Alan were flown back to Colorado by Jeff. Alan and Virgil had to return to school and Scott had to get back to his base and Gordon had to report for his WASP training in Hawaii. John and Sam had a month off so they relaxed around the condo and went scuba diving a couple of times while Alex was at work.

A few weeks after Christmas, John asked Sam if she wanted to go shopping. He wanted to get some new reading material. They hadn't been selected for any new missions so John ended up at the bookstore every couple of weeks for new books.

"No, thanks, I think that I'm just going to read for a while and then go to the grocery store. I'm fixing dinner tonight and need to get a few things," she said. John left by himself and Sam thought nothing of it when he didn't return home for a couple of hours. Alex came home from work and Sam started to worry. She called John's cell phone and didn't get an answer. She paced around the living room and repeatedly called the cell phone. Finally, his number popped up on the caller id around eight o'clock that night.

"Hello? John, where are you?" she asked. Another voice replaced John's.

"Hello, Samantha, it's nice to talk to you again," said a deep voice. "I have John right here with me and we've been having some fun but I don't think he's enjoying himself as much as I have."

"WHERE IS MY BROTHER?" she yelled. The man on the other end of the line laughed.

"You can find him in the bookstore parking lot in one hour," he replied. "I wouldn't take any longer than that, though." The phone clicked and she knew that he'd hung up.

"ALEX! He's got John," she cried. They ran out to the car and Alex drove them to the bookstore that John frequented. They found the SUV and his body slumped in the front seat. Sam opened the passenger door and promptly turned her head and threw up. Her brother had been beaten up and was unconscious. His arm was bent at a weird angle and he had burn marks on his bare legs where his shorts ended. Sam gently cradled his head in her hands as Alex called 911. The paramedics carefully pulled John out of the SUV and rushed him to the hospital. Sam rode with him and Alex followed in the car. Sam gave the medics John's medical history and warned them about his medication sensitivities. He was rushed into surgery and Sam paced the waiting room while Alex called her dad and brothers. The police came and Sam gave them a report and told them about the stalker in Boston and how she was sure that it was him because he knew her name. The doctor came out and spoke with Sam and Alex.

"He's going to be alright," he said as Sam leaned against Alex. "He has a broken arm and second degree burns on his legs. He was beaten and his face is cut up and swollen but other than that he's fine. I can show you to his room if you'd like."

"Thank you," said Alex as he helped Sam to her feet. They went up to the floor that John was assigned to and followed the doctor to his room. Sam went to his bedside and grabbed his hand in hers.

"I'm here, John," she whispered. "You're going to be alright." He turned his head towards her and slowly and with great difficulty opened his eyes.

"Sammie, it hurts," he whispered. "Tired…so tired…" Sam tenderly brushed her fingers through his hair like their mom used to do.

"Go to sleep and I'll be here when you wake up," she said softly as she kissed his forehead. His eyes closed and he fell into a deep sleep. Sam hurried to the bathroom and threw up. Alex came up behind her just as she wiped her face on a towel. A short time later Sam was dozing in the chair next to her brother's bed when she heard him moving.

A groan from John's bed drew her attention. Sam looked down at her brother as his eyes fluttered open. Sam saw the pain in them as she grasped his hand in hers.

"Sammie, it was him," he whispered. "I couldn't get away before he knocked me out. Said if he couldn't get you then he'd get the one thing closest to you." His eyes closed again as he fell asleep. Sam turned to Alex and cried into his chest.

"I need to have security posted outside of this room," she said. "I don't want to take a chance with John getting hurt any worse. Alex, call Dad again and tell him that we need him here." She went out to the nurse's station and requested security be posted outside John's room.

"I don't want anyone coming into that room without my okay and that includes medical staff," she said. Her tone and demeanor left no room for arguing. She went back into her brother's room just as Alex hung up his phone.

"Your dad is on his way and Grandma is coming with him," he told her as he made her sit down in a chair next to John's bed. Sam pulled out her phone and called hers and John's commander.

"Sir, I wanted to let you know that John will not be reporting for duty for a while," she said. "He was attacked and has suffered a broken arm and second degree burns on his legs. He's in the hospital right now for observation. I'll keep you updated about John's condition." She hung the phone up and stared blankly at the wall. Alex knelt down in front of her and it took a moment until she realized he was there.

Sam leaned down and kissed him. She knocked him off balance and they both fell to the floor. He caught her and held her against him as they laughed.

"Geez, don't you guys ever quit?" said a soft voice. Sam looked up and saw John looking down at them.

"Johnny, are you alright? You scared me," she said as she stood up.

"I'm fine just hurting a bit," he answered as he closed his eyes again. Alex sat down in a chair and pulled Sam down on his lap and held her close to him. She dozed off until she heard the door open and saw her dad walk in the room. Grandma was right behind him. Sam stood up and joined them at John's bedside. Alex stood right behind her.

"He's woken up a few times and answered questions," she said. "He told me who did this and that's why I have security posted. Dad, it was that creep that stalked me in Boston. He followed us down here. He saw that both John and I were astronauts with NASA." John opened his eyes and focused on his dad's face.

"Hi, Dad, nice of you to visit," he said. "Hi, Grandma. Has Sam told you the news?"

"She told us who did this to you," answered Jeff. "I've hired a private investigator to track him down and the police are looking for him."

Grandma went and straightened up John's blankets and checked over his wounds. She sent Alex and Sam home so that Sam could get rest. She and Jeff stayed with John and brought him home the next morning. Sam was sitting out on the deck enjoying a cup of hot tea when they got to the condo. Alex let them in and led them out to the deck.

"Good morning," Sam said as they all sat down at the table. Grandma set about fixing breakfast for her family. They ate at the table on the deck and watched the sailboats in the distance. John sighed and winced as the burns on his legs started to hurt.

"I'm going inside and try to read and take my mind off of the stupid burns," he said irritably. He went to his room and stayed there the rest of the morning. They didn't see him again until Sam checked on him around lunch time. She knocked on his door and listened for his okay to enter.

"Come in Sam," he called. She went into his room and sighed when she saw his legs.

"Looks about as bad as it hurts," he said. "Damnit, Sam, what does this guy want? What if you'd been with me and he would have hurt you, too?"

"I'm sorry this happened. Maybe I should have just given him the interview," she said as she helped John rub some of the burn ointment on his wounds. John gripped her hands in his.

"It wouldn't have mattered," he said. "He wants something more than the interview. He has something else planned or in mind for you." He accepted her offer and grabbed her hand to help him stand up. He winced when his movement irritated his burns. They walked out to the dining room for lunch. Grandma and their dad planned on leaving later that afternoon. Alex drove them to the airport while Sam stayed with John. John fell asleep on the couch in the living room while Sam tidied up around the condo. She had just looked out the window when she saw a strange car parked across the street. She activated the alarm system and made sure all of the doors were locked. When Alex pulled into the drive way, the car drove off. Sam deactivated the alarm to let Alex in and then reactivated it when she shut the door.

"What's that all about?" asked Alex.

"There was a strange car across the street that just gave me a funny feeling," she tried to explain. John turned in his sleep and Alex winked at Sam. She giggled at his implied message. He scooped her up and took her to their room. He turned the television on and put a movie into the DVD player. He quietly closed and locked their bedroom door before turning to Sam. She had closed the blinds in the windows and locked the door to their balcony. They made love to each other, slowly and tenderly. Sam fell asleep with a slight nagging feeling because Alex hadn't used any protection but she was positive that everything would be fine because she was on birth control.

Six weeks later, John's cast came off and he was released to go back to his regular duties at NASA. He and Sam received another mission and they were scheduled to leave in three months. They started their medical evaluations that included a pregnancy test for Sam. The morning before she was scheduled for her physical, Alex heard her getting sick. He opened their bathroom door and checked on her.

"Honey, are you okay?" he asked. Sam shook her head and slid down to the floor and leaned her head on her knees.

"I've been throwing up for a few days now for no reason," she said as she took the cold cloth that he handed her. She held it to her forehead and suddenly lunged towards the toilet again. Alex held her hair back while she was getting sick.

"Sam, do you think that you're pregnant?" asked Alex.

"I don't know," she answered truthfully. "I haven't thought about it. Alex, I haven't been to my doctor's office since I got back from the moon."

"I'm going to go down to the corner market and getting a pregnancy test for you," he said. "Until I get back, please, lie back down incase you're getting sick." He left and quickly returned with the test. Sam went to the bathroom and followed the directions.

Fifteen minutes later, Sam came out of the bathroom with a dazed look on her face. Alex looked up at her and waited for her to speak.

"Alex, we're going to be parents," she said. Alex jumped up and hugged her to him. "I guess I should resign from NASA cus I won't be allowed to fly anymore and after the baby comes I'll be too busy." Tears leaked from her eyes as she stared up at her husband.

"I don't care about NASA," said Alex as he kissed his wife. "We're going to be parents. Samantha, I love you and nothing else matters except you, our baby, and our family."

She and John went the next morning for their physicals. They ran into their commander as they headed to the medical wing. Sam swallowed nervously and asked to speak to him in private. John looked bewildered but he went ahead for his physical. Sam and their commander stepped into an office and closed the door.

"Sir, effective immediately I am resigning from my position in NASA. I'm pregnant and I know the policies. It has been great serving with you but I must take care of my baby and myself," she said in a determined voice. Her eyes gave nothing away as she maintained direct eye contact with her superior.

"I'm sorry to hear that but I appreciate your honesty," he said. "You and John made a great part of our group and you'll be missed. John isn't resigning is he?"

"No, Sir, he doesn't even know that my husband and I are expecting," she answered. He dismissed her and she headed to the medical wing. She informed the staff that she wouldn't need a physical but asked for a moment to speak to her brother. She was shown to the little exam room where he was waiting in his running shorts and a t-shirt. He was shocked to see her still in her street clothes.

"Shouldn't you be getting ready for our physical?" he asked. Sam shook her head and swallowed nervously.

"John, you're going to be an uncle," she said. "I had to resign from NASA. I know the policies and I'm grounded to a desk job and that is not what I was hired and trained for. After the baby comes, I'm going to busy with him or her."

John looked over at Sam as the first tears streaked down her face.

"Sammie, you're really pregnant?" he asked. "I'm going to be an uncle?"

"Yes, we found out yesterday," she answered. "You are not only going to be an uncle but I want my bestest brother to be the baby's godfather. If that's alright with Alex."

"Congratulations, Sam," he said as he hugged her. "I'm going to miss you when you leave here."

"Alex and I have decided to stay here until after the baby is born," she replied. "You're not getting rid of me that easy. Besides, my doctor is right here and I trust her." Sam looked around the room and sighed. "I'll pick you up later, just give me a call when you're done or I can call Alex and you can grab a ride home with him."

"I can just ride home with Alex," he said. Sam gave him another hug and left the room. She went to her desk and cleaned out her personal belongings and then cleaned out her locker. She pulled her NASA jacket with her last name embroidered on it out of her locker last and sighed when she realized how much being an astronaut meant to her. She left the room and turned in her badge to security and was escorted to her car. She drove home in a slight daze. She carried her stuff into the house and armed the alarm without thinking about it. She took her stuff up to her room and put them into the closet. She hung the jacket on a hangar and closed the closet door. With nothing to do the rest of the day she read a book and waited for her husband and brother to come home. She had dinner waiting for them when they came home.

"Wow, now this is the way I always pictured my wife," teased Alex. "Waiting on me with a home cooked meal." Sam swatted at him as he ducked. John laughed at the thought of Sam waiting on anyone.

"Alex, I'd like John to be our baby's godfather if that's alright with you," she said. "Especially since he's my bestest brother."

"I can't think of a better godfather than my beautiful wife's bestest twin brother," he teased. Sam hugged and kissed him in gratitude.

"I'd be honored to be my niece or nephew's godfather," John said as Sam hugged and kissed him next. "When are you going to tell Dad?"

"I have a doctor's appointment tomorrow for confirmation," she said. "After everything is settled, I'll call him."

"I'll take tomorrow off to go with you," said Alex. Sam smiled at him and began to clear the table and wash the dishes. She surprised them when she brought an apple pie and ice cream to the table for dessert. "I had time to bake and thought that you might like a home baked pie." She watched as John and Alex devoured the pie in next to no time. They smiled at her sheepishly when they cleared the dessert dishes from the table. Sam shook her head and went out to the deck and sat down in a chair. She watched a little boy with blond hair run into the surf and listened to him giggle as the water splashed up on his little legs. He kind of reminded her of her and John when they were little. She sighed and closed her eyes as she suddenly felt tired. She'd had an emotional day with giving up her dream job and knowing that she and Alex were going to be parents. She stood up and went into the house. She locked the door behind her and went to her room. John and Alex were watching the news with extreme interest. Sam paused on her way to the stairs.

"Sam, they caught the guy again," said John as he saw his attacker's face. "He had targeted another family like he did us."

"I'm glad and this time I hope he doesn't get by with what he did last time," she said. Alex looked up at her and saw how tired she looked. "I'm going to bed." She went upstairs and took a shower and changed into her pajamas. She closed the curtains and locked the balcony door and crawled into her bed. She was asleep when Alex came up a little bit later. He took his shower and changed into some pajama bottoms and crawled into bed next to his wife. She moved closer to him in her sleep.

The next morning, they went downstairs and Alex began to cook breakfast for the three of them. When the first smells of cooking food hit Sam, she bolted for the bathroom and heaved. She came out a few minutes later and apologized. She fixed herself a mug of hot tea and sipped on it while averting her eyes from the food on the table. John stood up and told them bye before heading off to work. Alex and Sam went to her doctor's appointment.

"Mrs. Murphy, we're going to draw some blood for lab work and ultrasound you to see how big the baby is," her doctor explained. The nurse drew the blood and then a tech came in with an ultrasound machine. Sam laid back and grimaced when the gel was placed on her belly. She and Alex stared at the monitor as the doctor pointed out their baby. Alex tightened his grip on Sam's hand.

"It looks like you're about seven or eight weeks along," the doctor informed them. "I'd say that puts your due date at the beginning of September. It says here that you're an astronaut. Sorry, but that is not a career for you at the moment."

"I've already resigned my post," Sam said as Alex wiped the gel from her belly. His hand lingered just a moment over the spot where their baby was. Sam noticed his tenderness and smiled at the doctor. The doctor wrote a prescription for prenatal vitamins and gave her a list of do's and don'ts. They made their next appointment for the next month.

"Alex, I want to stay here until the baby comes," she said on the way home.

"That's fine with me," Alex said. "I just want to make sure that you're fine and that how baby is safe." He leaned over and kissed her. They held hands and walked into the condo. She and Alex went into the little office and called Jeff on the vidphone.

"Dad, Alex and I have something important to tell you," she said as Alex held her hand. Jeff waited to hear what was going to happen next for his family.

"Dad, you're going to be a grandpa," Sam informed him. A soft smile lit up Sam's face. She already was beginning to have that glow that some pregnant women had. Alex had wrapped his arms around her and had rested his hands protectively over her abdomen.

"I'm going to be a grandpa," he repeated. Grandma had walked into the Jeff's office about that time and heard his comment.

"It's about time," said Grandma. "When are you due, Samantha?"

"My due date is the beginning of September," Sam told them. "Alex and I are staying here until after the baby is born.

"I'll let your brothers know," said her dad. "I'll be there after the baby is born especially since I just bought the condo next door. We'll have more room for everyone."

"Dad, we'll talk to you later but I need to take this beautiful woman to get her prescription filled," Alex said as they finished the conversation. They all said goodbye and hung up. Alex placed his hand on Sam's belly and rubbed. "Our baby is right here and I'm going to make sure that you two stay healthy. Now let's go get some lunch and your vitamins." She stood up and he got up and suddenly pulled her to him. He kissed her lovingly on her mouth and couldn't resist putting his hand on her belly again. Sam sighed at his touch.

"We're going to be parents in about seven months," she said quietly. She sat back down and looked up at him. "Are we ready for this?" Alex chuckled at her expression and leaned down to kiss her again.

"Samantha, we are going to be great parents," he said. "Both of us come from great homes and have lots of support. We love each other and are committed to each other." He pulled her up and led her to the living room. She grabbed her purse and her car keys. Alex activated the alarm and they hurriedly locked the door behind them. Alex drove to the pharmacy and they waited for the prescription to be filled. They had lunch at a little beach side restaurant. Sam asked if they could stop at a baby furniture store. They looked at the displays of cribs. They agreed on the one that they liked and went ahead and bought it. They made arrangements to have it delivered to their condo with the matching dresser and changing table. Alex bought Sam a rocking chair to go into the nursery. She smiled at his thoughtfulness. They passed by the baby clothes but Sam felt it unnecessary to buy clothes yet since they didn't know what they were having. She looked at the bedding and bought sheets and baby blankets in neutral colors. She picked out bright colors for the crib padding and comforter. Alex saw a mobile that had space ships on it and bought it. They loaded their purchases in the car and drove home. Alex carried everything into the house and put it into the room across the hall from his and Sam's room. It would be a perfect nursery. He and John painted it one day while Sam promised to stay downstairs and away from the fumes. When the paint dried, Alex and John set up the crib and arranged the room the way Sam wanted it.

A month later, John went up to a space satellite for his second mission. Sam watched her brother's ship lift off and wiped away the tear that fell from her eye. She had noticed that she was weepier than normal. She was about at the end of her first trimester. She spent her days at home waiting for Alex to get home. She did a lot of reading and talking to her brothers when they had a moment. She missed John the most since he was a part of her everyday life. She and Alex were waiting on John when he came home from his mission. He grinned at his sister when he saw her. She had really started to show in the month that he'd been gone.

"Sis, you look beautiful," he said. Her eyes glowed with an inner peace that he hadn't noticed before. Alex drove them back to the condo and Sam cooked a nice dinner for her brother and husband. They talked late into the evening on the deck. John finally told them goodnight but that he was exhausted. He went upstairs to his room. Alex and Sam sat out on the deck for awhile longer and then locked up the house and armed the alarm before retiring to their room. Alex closed the door and followed Sam into the bathroom. She took a quick shower and dried off. Alex loved looking at her as her pregnancy progressed. She pulled on one of his t-shirts and a pair of panties. She had turned to brush her teeth when he came up behind her and placed his hands on her belly. He nuzzled his face in her hair and kissed her neck. She leaned back against him when she was done brushing her teeth. His hands moved up to her breasts where he could definitely tell the difference. She moaned when he touched her just right. He pulled her back to the shower and took her clothes off again. They stood in the shower with the hot water cascading over them as Alex took her right there and then. She loved everything that he did to her and after three years of marriage and over six years of being together, he knew exactly what to do. He helped her dry off when they were done and even helped her get dressed in his t-shirt again.

"Don't put the underwear on again," he whispered in her ear. "They just get in my way." She blushed at his remark but left said garments off. They crawled into bed together and fell asleep. True to his word, Alex woke up later and began caressing her until she woke up. He positioned her on top of him and she was soon crying out in ecstasy. The pregnancy had made her more sensitive to their lovemaking. Alex was glad that John's room was on the opposite side of the house as Sam's pregnancy progressed.

"Alex," she cried as she released, her head was thrown back and his hands roamed all over her body as he felt himself climax. Sam moved off of him and rested her head on his chest and fell asleep. Alex wrapped his arm around her and put his other hand on her belly. He felt a slight ripple and thought that it was his imagination until he felt it again. He wondered if he'd felt the baby. He fell asleep thinking about their baby.

The months went by and Sam got bigger. By the end of her eighth month she had to have Alex tie her shoes and she had a constant back ache. Her doctor started having her come in every week. She thought that Sam's dates might be off. Alex and John took turns cooking dinner so that Sam could rest more. She had trouble sleeping because she couldn't get comfortable. More often than not, Alex woke up alone and Sam was asleep in her favorite oversized chair.

A few weeks later, Sam woke Alex. She'd been awake most of the night with slight contractions but they'd gotten stronger.

"Alex, it's time," said Sam as she felt the contractions becoming more intense. He went to get John so that he could drive them to the hospital. Hours later, Sam was pushing as hard as she could and suddenly a cry was heard was heard and the baby was moved to the warmer.

"Just the afterbirth now, Sam and then we're done," said the doctor. "Nurse, bring me another delivery cart." Sam cried out in pain when another contraction washed over her.

"Push for me, Samantha," ordered the doctor. Sam pushed again and Alex looked down to see another baby being born. His eyes got huge and Sam noticed.

"What's wrong, Alex?" she asked. She struggled to sit up and gasped when she saw the baby and then looked over to see the nurses working with another baby. The extra nurse in the room took the second baby to the warmer and soon both babies were cleaned and swaddled.

"Congratulations, now we know why you got so big," said the doctor. The nurses brought the babies to Sam and Alex. "She was hiding behind him." The nurses placed a baby in each arm. Sam looked down at her son and daughter and smiled through the tears. Alex looked down at his wife and children. He gently kissed her on the top of her head. He gently lifted his daughter and looked her over as Sam looked over their son.

"Samantha, can we name her Lucy Michelle Murphy?" asked Alex as he gazed down at their sleeping daughter. "I think it's a perfect name for our daughter and a way to remember your mother."

"Yes, Alex, and thank you," she said. Their son was smacking his lips as if he was hungry. Sam positioned him so that he could nurse. After a few attempts, he latched on and began sucking. His eyes widened as she watched him with a soft smile on her face.

"Alex, I'd like to name him John Alexander Murphy," she said hesitantly.

"Sounds like a good strong name for our son," he agreed. "Um, Sam, Lucy is searching for something that I don't have." Sam sat up a bit more and the nurse helped her to position each twin to nurse. Both babies fell asleep and Alex carefully picked them up and placed them in their separate cribs. Lucy began to cry when she was separated from her brother.

"Geez, they're just like John and I were," said Sam. "Put her in the crib next to John." Alex did as she requested and Lucy quieted down and fell asleep. She and John had their heads facing each other. The nurse helped Sam to the bathroom so that she could take a shower and use the restroom. While she was in the shower, the nurse put clean sheets on her bed and made sure that they had enough diapers for the babies. Sam walked out of the bathroom awkwardly. John had joined Alex in the room and was staring down at his niece and nephew.

"How are you feeling?" he asked as Alex helped her back to bed. Sam smiled tiredly.

"Honestly, I'm exhausted and happy," she answered. Alex brushed her hair back and watched her as she fell asleep. He covered her up with the sheet and joined John in looking down at the twins.

"We named them John Alexander and Lucy Michelle Murphy," Alex said softly with a hint of pride in his voice.

"I called Dad," said John. "They're flying out as we speak. They should be here in a few days. That way you and Sam will be home with the babies." Sam moaned in her sleep and drew their attention. Alex went over to her as she woke up.

"Alex, ask the nurse for something for a headache," she whispered. The nurse had just come in when she asked for something for a headache and brought her a couple of aspirin. Sam smiled in gratitude and swallowed the pills and sipped some water. The nurse brought her dinner tray and Sam picked at it more for Alex and John than actually wanting to eat. She carefully walked over to the crib and picked up Lucy. She smelled something and grinned at Alex.

"Honey, your daughter needs you," she said as Alex took her and then realized that Sam had tricked him with a dirty diaper. The nurse came in and showed them how to change diapers and bathe their son and daughter. Sam looked down at her son and smiled when she saw him staring around him. She gently picked him up and talked to him.

"Hi, there little man," she said softly. "Seems as though you were hiding your sister from us. Watching out for her already, huh? My big brother did the same for me and I'm sure that he'll be teaching you the fine art of protecting your twin." Little John's eyes never left hers until she stopped talking. He smacked his lips and wrinkled up his little nose. Sam sat down in the rocking chair next to the crib and began to nurse her son again. Alex handed Lucy to John and retrieved a little blanket to place over Sam to shield her as she nursed their son. He'd noticed how John had begun to fidget when Sam started nursing Little John.

"Hey, Lucy," he said softly as he looked down at the baby girl in his arms. She tried to focus her little eyes on her uncle's face. She dozed off as she watched him. Alex took Little John from Sam and changed his diaper and laid him back in his crib. John gently handed Lucy to Sam so that she could nurse her. When she was done, Alex put her in the crib with her brother.

"Come on, Sam, back to bed," Alex said softly as he helped her to her feet and tucked her in. Within minutes she was asleep. Alex and John sat down watched the small family sleep.

Two days later, John drove them home. He had gone out and bought a new car seat for Lucy and a crib. Everything was ready for the babies when they got home. Alex had a top of the line alarm system installed in the condo complete with motion detectors and sensors for all of the windows.

Jeff and Grandma arrived shortly after Sam and Alex got home with their son and daughter. Alex had put a bassinet in their bedroom for the twins to use. It also made it easier for Sam to get to them in the middle of the night to nurse them.

Sam had taken advantage of the twins' nap and laid down to rest before her dad and grandmother arrived. She had just fallen asleep when Grandma came into her room. Grandma looked down at her great grandchildren and smiled. Sam turned in her sleep and peeked open one eye. She screamed when she saw someone standing over her son and daughter. Her grandma turned around and stared at her. Alex came running into the room with Jeff and John behind them. Sam sat up and began breathing hard. Lucy and John had started crying when her scream woke them up.

"What's wrong, Sam?" asked Alex as he came into the room.

"I didn't know that anyone was in here and then I peeked my eye open and saw Grandma standing over the twins," she tried to explain. Jeff and John each picked up one of the crying babies and brought them over to Sam and Alex.

"I'm sorry, Grandma," she said as she leaned back against the headboard of her bed. "I just saw someone standing there. My mind didn't register that it was you." She looked down at John and kissed him. "It's okay, little man, Mommy didn't mean to scare you." His cries tapered off and he closed his eyes and went back to sleep. Sam continued to look down at his tiny features. Alex got Lucy back to sleep and gently placed her back in her bassinet. Sam handed John over to him and Alex put him to bed next to Lucy. Sam climbed out of bed and hugged her grandma before going to the bathroom. Alex waited a moment and followed her into the bathroom. Sam was leaning on the counter, crying.

"Hey, what's with the tears?" he asked as he lifted her chin.

"I'm so embarrassed," she answered. "I scared our children and myself."

"Sammie, you said it yourself, you didn't expect anyone in our room," he said gently. He wrapped his arms around her as she cried. "All better now?" He asked when she was quiet. She nodded and gave him a small smile.

"I want you to finish your nap," he said as he led her back to their room. She laid back down and he drew the blanket over her. He kissed her forehead and ushered everyone out of the bedroom.

"I want her to get some sleep," he said as they left the room. Sam fell asleep and didn't wake up again until she heard the twins stirring in their bassinet. She got up and picked John up and carried him to her bed and then picked Lucy up and brought her to her bed. She laid Lucy next to John and then sat down and stacked the pillows in a way that she could nurse both her son and daughter at the same time. Alex came into the room half way through the twins' feeding.

"Need any help?" he asked quietly. Sam yawned but shook her head.

"Just diaper changes after they're done," she amended as she caught a whiff of a dirty diaper. Alex picked John up when he was done and gently patted his back until he burped. Sam had done the same to Lucy. The new parents carried their son and daughter to their room and changed the dirty diapers and took them downstairs to meet their grandpa and great-grandma.

Jeff's face lit up when he saw his new grandson and granddaughter. Grandma sat down and Alex carefully handed Little John to her. She checked him over as he stared up at her with green eyes. He just gazed at her as if he were studying her. Sam handed Lucy to Jeff and she screwed up her little face and screamed. Jeff smiled at his granddaughter.

"You are definitely your mother's daughter," he said as he handed her back to Sam. Instantly, Lucy calmed down and stared at her mother. A knock on the door startled the babies and they cried for a moment and then quieted down. John answered the door and gave a shout of surprise. He backed up and Sam gasped as their brothers filed into the living room.

"You didn't think that we wouldn't show when our sister had her first baby did you?" asked Virgil. Nobody had told them that there were two babies. Their eyes widened in surprise when they saw a baby in Grandma's arms and another one in Sam's arms.

"Twins," said Alex. "Guys, I'd like you to meet John Alexander and Lucy Michelle Murphy. John is the one in Grandma's arms and Sam has Lucy." Gordon started laughing when he saw the hair color of his niece and nephew.

"Looks like they take after their Uncle Gordon," he said. "It's about time we have some more redheads in this family." Sam handed Lucy to Alex and then went to each of her brothers and hugged them. She couldn't stop the tears that fell from her eyes. Alex handed a sleeping Lucy to Jeff and wiped Sam's tears away and held her against him. He led her to the little office so that she could calm down. Her brothers could be heard fussing over their niece and nephew.

"I'm sorry, Alex," she cried as she tried to stop the tears. She leaned her head on the desk and tried to calm down. Her grandma came into the office and took one look at her granddaughter.

"You'll be fine in a day or so," she said. "You're hormones are trying to get back to normal and that is what's causing the tears. Alex, have patience with her because she's going to need you as much as those babies will."

"I'm always going to be here for Sam and our children," stated Alex firmly. "This is my family and I plan on being right here." Sam looked up at him and smiled though her tears. Alex looked down at her and wiped her tears away. She stood up and they went back to the living room where her brothers took turns holding the twins. Both of them were awake and staring up at their uncles. Virgil walked to the kitchen when he saw Sam go in there.

"Are you alright, Sis?" he asked.

"I'm fine, Virgil," she answered. "Just hormonal right now but I'll be fine in a few days."

"Congratulations on the babies," he said. "Of course with the red hair, Gordon is going to be impossible to deal with. They are like Gordon all over again. Red hair and green eyes but lovable all the same." Sam laughed at the comparison though she agreed. She opened a cabinet to make sure that it was stocked with formula. She intended to nurse but reality was sometimes a bottle was necessary. Grandma came bustling into the kitchen and shooed them out.

"I have dinner to prepare for my family," she said as Virgil wrapped his arm around Sam and led her back to their family. Alex was holding John in his arms and Scott was holding Lucy. Both of them had fallen asleep. Virgil made Alan stand up and made Sam sit down in the now vacant chair. She was feeling a little tired and she was grateful to relax in her chair. Jeff knelt down next to her.

"How are you feeling?" he asked. Sam put her hand in his and smiled.

"I'm tired, Daddy," she answered. "But I'm happy because my family is here with me. Alex and I have a new son and daughter and a solid marriage. I may have given up my dream career but I have something even better."

"Remember our conversation before you got married?" he asked. "This is what I meant." He kissed his only daughter on her cheek and stood up. She looked around at her brothers, husband, and babies. This was a good place to be...