Chapter 31– Real Healing Begins

It had been two weeks since the rescue. Joe had just been released from the hospital and he and Kayley made their way to Frank and Callie's house. When they weren't at the hospital visiting Joe, Kayley and the others moved their things out of the rented apartment and brought them over to Frank and Callie's. There was no sense paying rent for a place no one was living in. The cousins were so happy getting to know each other and Kayley was grateful for the help and support that Callie, Frank, and Joe's parents offered while Joe was in the hospital. Joe's chest was wrapped and his movements were slow. He couldn't drive for a while yet and most likely wouldn't be back to his normal self for several more weeks. He was happier than he had been in years though and reached over to hold Kayley's hand as she parked the car in Frank's driveway. "I love you, Baby. Thanks for everything, for loving me the way you do."

Kayley's eyes quickly teared up as she reached out to stroke Joe's face. "You know Joe, we all could have lost you twice in the last three weeks, what with the car bomb and then you getting hurt," Kayley said sadly.

"I know, but you didn't and I don't plan on going anywhere soon" Joe replied with a soft smile.

"I don't know what I'd do it I lost you, I love you Joe, I can't loose you, I won't!" Kayley choked out as she started to sob.

"Hey, hey, shhhh, don't cry, Kay" Joe murmured as he reached out and gently pulled her towards him. "I love you too, but it's this love for you and the kids that makes the decision. I can't promise you that I won't get hurt trying to protect you and the kids, because I'd rather die than see one of you hurt. I love you too much to let any of these guys think they can hurt my family. I'm okay, though, Kay, I'm okay. Let's go inside and see everyone now. I am anxious to see the kids and sitting in this car isn't feeling too comfortable!"

"Oh, Joe, I'm so sorry! I wasn't thinking! Let's get you inside."

"Kayley, it's okay, I'm just kidding. I promise you, I'm okay!" Kayley got out and made her way around to the passenger side of the car. She helped Joe stand and they made their way to the front door.

"Funny, it seems so quiet. I sort of expected the kids to be running out here in a welcoming committee or something!" Joe mentioned as they carefully navigated their way up the steps.

"They have been so enjoying getting to know their cousins, Joe! It's adorable! They probably just got lost in their play." With that, Kayley reached out and opened the door.

"Surprise!" There in the foyer of his brother's home stood his entire family. A huge "Welcome Home" banner stretched across the entrance to the living room.

"Gently kids, gently!" Kayley chided as their children ran to embrace their father. Joe warmly accepted the hugs from his children, his nieces, his nephew, Frank, Callie, and his parents.

The families spent the next few weeks just being together. Joe rested and regained some of his strength and everyone just enjoyed the extended reunion. Sam and Liam had become best friends almost instantly. They had bonded over a shared experience that few suffer through, other than their fathers, of course! They talked and helped each other with their fears and nightmares. Natalie would have been jealous if she didn't find herself loving Liam so much herself. After a month of living together under one roof, the children all became very attached to one another. Joe found that the easy camaraderie that he had always experienced with Frank had not diminished at all over time or distance. They fell right back into their old roles as best friends themselves. Callie and Kayley were like sisters themselves and Fenton and Laura could not spend enough time getting to know their new grandchildren. Even Kayley's parents came and visited frequently and old hurts were buried and new relationships formed.