A/N sorry this took so long to get up. I tried to update yesterday but for some reason had problems. I don't know if it was a issue or on my end. I finally thought to try something and was able to update this.

Eileen and Andrew stepped off the plane and looked around the airport for her future son in-law. Spotting him she ran to him worried. "How is she," she asked in a shaky voice.

"She's in serious condition but a drug induced coma," he said.

"Oh God," she gasped.

"She's strong mom, she can pull through this," Andrew said wrapping an arm around her.

"Come on, I'll take you to the hospital," Jason said.

The trio walked down to gather their luggage before heading out to Jason's rental. "How was the flight," he asked conversationally in an effort to sooth Eileen's frayed nerves.

"It was fine," She said taking a deep shaky breath. "Thank you for the tickets," she said as Jason held the passenger door open for her.

"I didn't want you to worry about that," he replied.

Eileen looked at her future son in-law with tears threatening to fall. She threw her arms around him pulling him into a tight hug. Finally pulling back from the hug she sat in the car.

The trio silently walked through the hospital towards ICU. Eileen continued to fight back tears. As she walked into ICU she spotted Albert holding vigil beside their daughter's bed. Unable to say anything she placed a shaky hand on her ex-husband's shoulder.

Albert looked up at the touch to find his ex-wife standing beside him. Not finding his voice he stood and pulled her into a tight embrace. "How is she," Eileen asked in a shaky voice.

"There hasn't been any change," he said in a husky voice.

"She's a fighter, she'll pull through," a quiet voice said.

The couple pulled apart and Albert took in the sight of the new comer. Eileen wiped her tears away as she said smiled. "Andrew," Albert said seeing his son for the first time since he left.

"Hi dad," he said giving his dad a small smile.

Albert stepped up to his son and pulled him into a hug. When the hug ended he looked his son up and down. "Very handsome wouldn't you say," Eileen said. Albert smiled "He was quit the heartbreaker when he was younger," she added with a smirk.

"How are you doing? Staying clean I hope," Albert asked.

"Yeah been clean for a few years now. Tasha's really been helpful with that," Andrew replied. Fatigue and jet lag were starting to hit, causing him to yawn. "Sorry,' he mumbled.

Albert took a good look at his son and Eileen noticing how tried they were, "Come on why don't we all get some rest," He said ushering his family out of the room. Eileen took one last look at her daughter before turning to join the others.

At the sound of footsteps Jason looked up to find the reunited Stroller family walk in, "We're going to leave now," Albert told the young man.

"I'll drive I have their luggage in my car," he said joining them.

Once in the car Jason asked Albert where they were going. He looked at his family and without hesitation said, "My place."

Jason nodded and proceeded to follow Albert's directions to his flat. "You're welcome to stay at my place too," he said.

Jason glanced at the older man out of the corner of his eye as he continued to drive, "Thanks but I have a feeling I'm going to have to get back to work soon."

Albert gave him an odd look, "You're not going to stay," he asked.

Jason looked at him apologetically, "I'm sorry; I don't have a lot of freedom with my job. If I can I'll stay but I have a feeling I'm going to have to report back to duty soon."

"Report back to duty," Albert repeated, "Are you in the military?"

"No, but I am in law enforcement," he replied, and mentally added 'You could say.' This was one of those sticky situations he found himself in at times. He couldn't announce that he worked for the FBI, yet he didn't want to stray too far from the truth and tell his future father in-law a lie.

Once the luggage was inside Albert's flat the Jason said, "I'm going to go back to the hospital and sit with her. I'll call if there's any change."

"Are you sure," Eileen asked.

"Yeah, besides I can't sleep," he replied.

Eileen threw her arms around him and pulled him into a warm embrace, "Thank you," she murmured.

When the hug ended Albert walked Jason to the door. He placed a hand on the young man's shoulder momentarily stopping him. "Thank you for everything you've done," he said. Jason nodded as he walked out of the flat.

The next morning Albert woke early unable to sleep well despite his former wife lying next to him. Not wanting to wake her he slipped into his robe and silently left the room. On his way to the kitchen he paused to check on his son, sleeping soundly on the couch. He hoped Andrew didn't have any problems sleeping. Not wanting to wake the young man, he quietly began to prepare breakfast for himself.

"Morning dad," spoke the voice of his son from behind him.

Albert looked at him surprised; he didn't hear Andrew walk up to him, "Morning son, did you sleep well? I hope the couch wasn't too uncomfortable."

"Don't worry about the couch I've slept on much worse," Andrew replied. Seeing what his father was making for breakfast he said, "Is that all you're eating? Here, let me make breakfast."

Albert raised an eyebrow, "What are you going to make, a bowl of cereal," he teased.

"No really I can cook, sit down and let me do all the work," Andrew said. He went about familiarizing himself with the kitchen as Albert sat behind the table and watched.

"You could just ask where everything is," he teased.

"A good chef always does his own leg work," Andrew said as he made coffee.

Eileen walked into the kitchen to find Albert sitting behind the table drinking coffee while Andrew was busy cooking. "Morning sweetheart," She said to Andrew, "Did you sleep well?"

"Morning mom. I could ask you the same question."

Not wanting to burden her son with her overly stressed emotions she gave him a hug and said, "So, what's on the menu today?"

"French toast and cheese omelets," he said plating his creations. He walked to the table and placed a plate in front of his mother and then his father. "I was limited to what dad had on hand," he apologized as he walked back to the stove for his own plate and the carafe.

"I'm sure it'll be great," Eileen said giving her son a smile.

"This is very good," Albert said impressed.

"Thank you," Andrew said in between bites.

"Do you cook often," Albert asked.

"He didn't tell you," Eileen asked her former husband. At the shake of his head she continued "Our son is a chef."

"Is that so," Albert said.

"It was part of my recovery pact with Tasha. My last time in rehab I went through a program on a farm in a remote area, we all had to pitch in. I tried everything but the only thing I was good at was helping out in the kitchen. When I got out I signed up for culinary school and Tasha helped me out with tuition and a place to stay. I had to stay clean though, one screw up and she would have kicked me out. We got an apartment together and she made me have random drug tests. As long as I pass, I can stay with her," he said.

Albert was amazed hearing about his son's recovery. When Natasha told him of the random drug tests he couldn't believe she'd be that cruel to her older brother. But hearing Andrew tell the story, it no longer sounded cruel. From what he could gather, it seems as if his son is happy with the arrangement.

After breakfast Andrew shooed his parents out of the apartment knowing how much they wanted to spend as much time sitting with Natasha as possible. "What about you? Aren't you coming," Albert asked.

"No you go, I'll go later," he said.

"Are you sure," Albert said.

"Albert," Eileen quietly said placing a hand on his arm, "Let's go."

Albert looked at her unsure and she gave his arm a gentle squeeze. He nodded and followed her out the door.

"He's not comfortable in hospitals," Eileen said as she stepped into the cab.

"Because of his addiction," Albert asked. At her nod he took her hand in his.

The couple walked into ICU to find Jason sleeping in a chair next to Natasha's bed. Albert cautiously eased himself onto the bed careful to avoid all tubes and cables. Eileen stood behind him placing her hands on his shoulders. "It's all my fault," Albert said quietly.

"It's not your fault, its mine," Eileen said in a shaky voice.

"It's no one's fault," came the groggy voice of Jason. He cleared his throat as he sat up in the chair. "Playing the blame game won't change things. What's done is done, there's nothing we can do to change things."

"Did you sleep well," Eileen asked.

"You know how it is, the chairs discourage anyone from staying," he replied stretching.

"Why don't you get something to eat, we'll stay with her," Eileen said.

He nodded and asked, "Would you like me to bring anything back for you?"

"We're fine thanks," Albert replied.

After Jason left Eileen sank into the chair and placed a shaky hand on her daughter's hand. "I can't lose her," she said.

Albert walked to his ex-wife and placed a comforting hand on her back. "We won't lose her. From what I've heard she's a fighter. She won't give up," he said placing a kiss on the top of her head.

Later that day Jason walked back into ICU after going back to the hotel for a shower and shave, "I have to go back to work," he said frustrated.

"When do you have to leave," Eileen asked.

"Not until tomorrow," He sighed. "I wish I could stay but things are a bit busy at work right now," he said.

"That's ok, she'll understand," Eileen said.

"Sometimes I really hate my job," he replied.

"Why do you say that," Albert asked.

"At times like this when I want to be with family I can't," he said throwing his hands in the air. "My job won't let me have life," he growled in frustration.

"Hey," Eileen said moving to wrap her arms around Jason. "You do good things at work. Sometimes that means you can't be with the ones you love. Your sacrifices mean we're safe," she said in a soothing tone.

Albert stood silent; Eileen's words hitting him hard. He left his family because of an addiction to gambling. His greed for money pushed him away from his family ultimately leading him to London. Albert missed out on seeing his children grow up, their first day at school, graduations, first dates, college, everything. Over the years he had fun and made money but he missed his family.

Eileen refused to follow a life of crime, always on the run. That was no way to live especially with children. Once he settled in London he sent word with his address and it was then that she filed for divorce. They still loved each other but she refused to accept any money for child support. She didn't want stolen money for their children. Suddenly feeling overwhelmed Albert ran out of the room.

Eileen looked up in time to see Albert run out of ICU, worried she ran after him. "Albert," she called after him. "Where are you going?"

"I need some air," he said not looking at her.

"Running away won't change things," she said. He stopped but didn't turn around. "You ran away from this family once, I won't let you run away again."

Finally turning to face her he said, "I have no right being here."

"You have every right to be here, you're her father and she needs you whether she'll admit it or not. I know how much you loved her when we were all together. I don't need to read your journal to know you still love her and how much you've missed her over the years. She's mad I know, but right now she needs you just as much as you need to be with her." She placed her hands on his arms "This is your chance to redeem yourself to her," she said.

The recent death of his friend had unnerved him. He fell into a depression wondering about life; missing his family and wondering what had become of his children. Now he had a chance to rectify things with them and he was about to throw that all away. Albert looked at her amazed at her strength, here he was falling apart and his ex-wife was standing strong. "I love you," he quietly said.

"I know," she smiled.

Stacy walked through the halls of the hospital in search of Albert. She spotted Albert and Eileen in an embrace, each clearly comforting each other. She stood waiting for them to part to speak to Albert. The younger woman watched as Albert wrapped his arm around Eileen's shoulder and led her back to ICU. Suddenly feeling like an outsider she turned to go back home.

In the days following Albert and Eileen spent as much time at the hospital sitting with their daughter as they could. Andrew still uncomfortable in hospitals spent as little time visiting as he could stomach. When not at the hospital he spent his time exploring London seeing the city for the first time. In addition to sight seeing he planned and prepared meals for his parents.

One night during dinner the recently reunited family decided a much needed break from the endless hours at the hospital was due. As he had done since arriving, Andrew made his parents dinner. "Andy you really should consider opening a restaurant," Albert commented.

"I've been saying the same thing since he started cooking," Eileen said. "See you're father agrees with me, now will you please listen to me and open a restaurant?"

Andrew laughed at his parents; he had been considering opening his own restaurant dare he tell them? "Mom dad," he began laughing, "I've been thinking about it lately. Now will you please stop pestering me about this?"

"Sure sweetheart," Eileen laughed.

"What do you say we go out tonight, my treat," Albert said.

Eileen and Andrew stiffened momentarily and did not go unnoticed by Albert. It shouldn't surprise him because of his chosen profession. "I'll pay, honest," he said. When they relaxed he stood from the table with his dish and said, "Now come on we'll start with dessert and go from there."

Andrew and Eileen followed suit; they cleaned the kitchen as a family for what must have been the first time ever. As they were getting ready to leave Albert's phone rang. He looked to see who it was before letting it go to voicemail. "Are you going to take that? You've been avoiding your friends all week," Eileen said.

Albert contemplated letting the call go until Eileen said, "You can't avoid them forever just take it. We'll wait."

He walked into the bedroom as he answered the phone. "Albie? Are you all right, I've been trying to call you all week," Stacy said.

"I'm fine," he sighed. "I've just been spending a lot of time at the hospital. Look this isn't a good time we're on our way out. We need a break from the hospital. I'll call you when things have settled down," He said snapping the phone close before replacing it into his pocket.

Later that night as the family walked around Jason observed his parents. From the looks of them you'd never guess they divorced years ago. They still loved each other, it was the life of a grifter that she couldn't live with or subject their children to. "Why don't you two sleep in tomorrow and I'll sit with Tasha," Andrew said.

"Are you sure," Eileen asked.

"Yeah," he replied.

"I get the feeling we should say yes before he changes his mind dear," Albert said.

Eileen smiled "Ok, what do you have in mind then," she asked Albert.

"Well why don't we start by sleeping in," he purred.

"I don't need any visuals people," Andrew teased.

Eileen playfully swatted Andrew. "Behave young man," she playfully scolded.

The next day Andrew sat next to his sister's bed telling her all about his experience in London. Unseen by Andrew Natasha's eyes fluttered open and she looked around confused. "Andy," she said in a hoarse voice.

"Tash," Andrew said sitting up in his chair.

"Andy what are you doing here," she asked.

"You were hit by a car and mom and I came out as soon as we heard," Andrew said as he eased himself onto the bed.

"YOU'VE been sitting here all this time," she asked surprised.

"No mom and dad have been sitting with you, I'm still not comfortable in hospitals," he replied.

"Where's Jason," she asked.

"He had to go back home a couple days after we arrived. Hey you can't avoid it, dad was here the whole time," he said. Not wanting to listen to her brother, Natasha turned to face the window. "Hey, you can't run away from me Tash dad cares and he spent everyday sitting next to your bed holding your hand. He cares Tash. Mom and dad both have been here everyday. They'd get here in the morning and leave when visiting hours were over."

Not wanting to listen any longer and unable to walk away Natasha said, "I'm tired."

Andrew looked at her suspiciously wondering if she truly was tired or just wanted him to leave. Deciding to give her a reprieve he said, "Fine, I'll be back later."

When she heard the door close Natasha stared at the ceiling, tears streaming down her cheeks. Once started she couldn't stop crying her pain finally flooding out.

Later that day Albert walked into Natasha's room unsure if she'd accept him or not. When Andrew called earlier to tell his parents that Natasha had finally woken up, they both breathed a sigh of relief. Eileen urged him to pay Natasha a visit alone. He wasn't sure despite her insistence. Now the usually confidant, dapper con artist walked into his daughter's hospital room hesitantly.

Natasha turned to face her father and he gave her a warm smiled. She looked at him unsure what to do or say. "Hi," Albert said when Natasha remained silent.

"Hi," she replied quietly.

"How are you feeling," he asked.

"I'm ok," she quietly said.

Silence fell over the room as father and daughter both sat unsure of what to say next. "Did you really sit with me every day," she asked meekly.

Albert smiled she seemed to be accepting him. "I sure did sweetheart," he replied. Albert eased himself onto the bed and brushed her hair away from her face. It warmed his heart when she didn't pull away or flinch. Encouraged he pressed on, "I was so scared when I heard the tires screech after you ran out of the pool hall. I feared the worst when I saw you lying on the street not moving. Jason's a great kid, he really loves you just like I love you," Albert said.

A tear streamed down her face as she replied, "Then why did you leave?"

Albert brushed the tear away as he replied, "I'm sorry sweetheart, I never meant to hurt you. I like to gamble and I liked it so much that I came here to feed that addiction. Once I settled here I called home so all of you could join me, but your mother wouldn't come. She filed for divorce and for some unknown reason she never said anything to me about you and Andy. I've missed both of you so much."

Tasha's eyes filled with new tears as she listened to her father's heartfelt words. Impulsively she threw her arms his and let the tears fall. Albert wrapped his arms around her and comforted her as long as she needed. When her tears finally ended she pulled back and Albert could see the healing had finally begun.

Later that day Albert walked into his apartment with a renewed spring in his step. "I haven't seen you look that happy in ages," Eileen observed.

"That's because our baby girl is beginning to heal," he said smiling.

Eileen wrapped her arms around Albert, "I'm so glad."

"So does this mean you two are getting back together," Andrew teased.

"Oh shut up," Eileen replied playfully swatting her son. "I have something for you Albert." Eileen walked to the coffee table and picked up a large box. "I asked Jason to send this it's something I've been working on lately," She said handing the box to Albert.

Albert smiled, "What is it," he asked.

"Just open it," she replied.

Albert sat on the couch placing the box on the coffee table. Digging through it he found 2 photo albums. As he flipped through the pages he found one to contain pictures of Andrew throughout his life. The other was the same except with pictures of Natasha. Eileen eased down on the couch next to him, snaking an arm around his back. He sat speechless enjoying the precious gift his ex-wife had given him.

Unable to say anything Albert gave Eileen a kiss on the cheek. "You're welcome," she murmured.

Not wanting to interrupt the tender moment between his parents, Andrew scribbled a note leaving it on the kitchen table before quietly leaving the apartment.

"I've had a lot of time to think today and I've decided to go back with you," Albert said.

"That's great," Eileen exclaimed. "Isn't that great," she turned towards where Andrew was. "Andy," she called out.

When she received no answer Albert went in search of the young man. "There's a note," he announced finding the note in the kitchen. "It seems our son has run off and given us a little privacy."

"Run off to where," she asked walking to Albert.

"It doesn't say, he just said he was going out so we could have a little time alone."

"Sounds like he wants us to get back together," Eileen commented smiling.

"Is that so bad," Albert asked wrapping his arms around her waist.

"Only if you continue to con people," she said. "I'm sorry but I just can't live a life on the run while you continue to steal from people." Albert began to pull away but Eileen held him strong. "No, listen Albert. I love you and I would love to spend the rest of my life with you but not if you con people. You're addiction to gambling ruined our family once, now we have a chance to change things and be the family our children missed out on."

Albert hung his head as he mulled over her words, could he leave his lifestyle behind and go home with Eileen and their kids? In recent years he had been putting money into a pension account and there was enough money in there to live off of. He once said he wanted his pockets filled with money when he died. If he quit grifting now he wouldn't be that rich but he would be rich in other ways. Rich with the love of a wife and his children, children he hadn't seen in 30 years.

"I don't know," he said barely audible. "I don't know if I can walk away from grifting;" he said finally looking at her. "I love you and I love the kids, but I also love what I do. I'm sorry but I don't know if I'm ready to walk away from it." When Eileen began to pull away it was Albert's turn to stop her. "I didn't say I wasn't going to try though. I will come back with you and the kids but I can't make any guarantees."

It was Eileen's turn to mull over what Albert said. Could she live with his indecision? What if he decided he wasn't ready to retire? Could she still live with that? Would that be the breaking point for her or would she continue to love him despite everything? As she continued to struggle with her thoughts Albert cupped his hand under her chin, lifting it to look into here eyes. His kiss was successful in breaking through her thoughts. When the kissed ended she smiled up at him and said "You always did play dirty."

Albert smiled innocently and said "I don't know what you're talking about."

She knew that look all too well, it was the same one he gave her over 30 years ago when they dated. She leaned into him resting her head on his shoulder and sighed. "What am I going to do with you," she asked.

"Take me back," he teased only to be rewarded with a playful swat.

The next day Albert called Mickey to set up a time to meet. Not wanting to see anyone else from the crew Albert chose a location different from Eddy's bar. Albert left for his meeting hoping Mickey would understand.

"I'm going back to the states with my family," he told Mickey.

Mickey remained silent unsure of what to say. He wondered if this was temporary or if Albert was retiring "For how long," he finally asked.

"I don't know. Tasha's finally starting the emotional healing process. She's getting married and I want to be there for that too. I'm sorry but I can't turn my back on my family again," Albert said.

Mickey mulled his mentor's words over; he couldn't blame the older man. Nor could he force Albert to stay and continue to work with him. It would be rough not having Albert to help with their cons but they'll manage. He took a deep breath before replying, "Alright then if you're sure. "

"I'm sure," Albert replied.

"Then take all the time you need," Mickey replied.

Albert was surprised at the comment he didn't think he'd every hear Mickey say that. He quirked his eyebrows in response and Mickey said, "We'll manage there are plenty of people I can call if we need help. You have a chance to do something we don't get, to spend time with your family." Without saying another word Mickey turned and walked away.

Some time later Mickey walked into Eddy's bar preparing himself for the announcement he was going to make to his friends. Upon seeing them in their usual booth he strode up to the booth and said, "Albert won't be coming back for some time."

The group was shocked to say the least. "What, why," Danny asked.

"He's going back with his family," Mickey replied.

"How long will he be gone," Stacy asked.

"He doesn't know he said his family needs him now," Mickey said.

Ash listened as Mickey went on to answer the questions his friends had. He silently eased out of the booth and made his way to Albert's apartment.

At the knock on the door Andrew opened it allowing Ash to walk in. "Ash it's good to see you," Eileen said walking to greet their unexpected guest.

"Hello Eileen, it's good to see you too," Ashe replied. "How are you?"

"I'm getting better," she replied giving him a small smile.

Albert walked into the living room "Ash what are you doing here," he asked.

"I just heard," Ash said.

Eileen turned to her son and said, "Why don't you and I go pick up something for dinner."

Andrew looked at her then to his father who gave him a small nod. "Ok mom," He said waiting by the door as Eileen picked up her purse and walked out the door.

"Mom," Ash questioned after the door closed.

Albert smiled, "That was Andrew."

Ash gave Albert a grin, "Looks like you," he observed.

"It seems he takes after me," Albert commented. "He battled an addiction to drugs for years but finally kicked the habit."

Ash nodded in understanding, "So I hear you're going back with them."

"Yeah things are at a sensitive time with Tasha and I can't risk ruining it. She's finally accepted me and I don't want to lose that," Albert said.

"You don't have to condone your actions to me. I understand better than anyone else about family obligations. If you need anyone to talk to.." he let sentence hang.

Albert placed a hand on his friend's shoulder, "Thank you." Albert paused a moment when a thought struck him. "Why don't you stay for dinner?"

"Are you sure," Ash asked uncertain.

"Yeah, besides Andrew is a chef," he said beaming.

Ash smiled he was being treated to a side of his friend he'd never seen before, proud papa. "Is he any good," Ash teased.

In the days that followed Natasha continued to regain her strength. Finally she was released from the hospital and allowed to travel. Not wanting to make her any more uncomfortable than she already would be, Albert secured travel arrangements back to the U.S. for the next day. Albert helped her into his apartment and to the couch. As he took a step back she grabbed hold of his hand and said "Wait."

Albert turned to look at her as she pulled down on his hand urging him onto the couch next to her. "Is something wrong," he asked worry grabbing hold of him.

"No," She said as he sat down. For days she wrestled with her thoughts and emotions regarding her father and his reasons for leaving 30 years ago. After hearing what he had to say she felt bad for the way she'd acted towards him earlier. He left but he did want the family to join him. It was her mother that didn't want to move, her mother that filed for divorce and her mother that ultimately made a poor decision to not talk about her father much. She couldn't be angry at her mother for all she did for her and Andrew or all she went through when Andrew was struggling with his addiction.

"I'm sorry daddy," she finally said.

Albert pulled her into his embrace and she began to cry, "That's ok sweetheart," he said in a soothing tone as he gently rubbed her back. When her sobs subsided she remained in his embrace not ready to leave the security of her daddy's arms.

It warmed Eileen's heart as she watched the scene play out in front of her. Andrew walked up behind her snuggling up to her as he rested his chin on her shoulder. She reached up and affectionately ruffled his hair.

Andrew placed a kiss on his mother's cheek just before he said, "Hey ugly, I'm making your favorite dessert."

"Andrew," Eileen said as she swatted him.

Andrew smiled mischievously as he ran into the kitchen to make dinner.

"Try not to poison me stupid," Tasha called after him.

"Natasha," Albert admonished.

Eileen laughed; it felt good to see her family having fun. It had been too long since her family was all together and having fun. She walked to the couch and sat next to Albert wrapping her arm around him.

"Are they always like this," Albert asked.

"Pretty much," Eileen responded still smiling.

The next day the family prepared to go back to the U.S. Albert helped Natasha out of the cab and through the airport. Albert was close by as they walked onto the plane. Right before she sat in her seat Natasha gave Albert a hug and murmured, "Thank you."

Albert smiled, "You're welcome sweetheart."

She gave him a kiss on the cheek and then sat in her seat.

Albert smiled as he sat in his seat next to Eileen. "Looks like things are moving quickly between you two,' Eileen said.

"Yeah looks like it," he replied. He entwined his fingers with hers, "We have great kids," he said.

"Yeah we do," she said.

Fini