a/n: First of all, my apologies for the long delay. I didn't have much time to write and with the heat and all I didn't feel like sitting at my computer. But the result was that I lost my grove which you will notice at the beginning of this chapter. Since many people are still not sure if Alex could live outside NY I haven't made the decision final yet, though you can read which way I'm probably going to go. If you have any ideas or suggestions for the next chapter that would be appreciated. I'd like the three to do something fun. Maybe even with Carolyn and Mike. Not going to promise when there's going to be a new chapter. I'll try not to make you wait this long again...

Chapter eleven

Watching the look of contentment on Alex's face as they stepped into her apartment Bobby wondered – and not for the first time- if staying in Rhode Island was a wise thing to do. Alex belonged here, he saw it and knew she missed New York. She was only thinking about Abby and forgetting herself in the process. Maybe it was up to him to put Alex first.

Looking at Abby he thought that Abby could be happy here. The child was still young and seem to be dealing well with the loss of her mother .Sometimes he heard her and Alex talk about Jenny. He was glad they were talking. Alex had the tendency to keep things bottled up. But with Abby around she couldn't do that. Helping the two ladies settle in Bobby went back to his own place. They agreed to meet later in Central Park. Carolyn and Mike were going to join them there.

At the park, Alex and Abby were already seated at a large picnic table when Carolyn showed up. She was the first to arrive. She and Alex had talked on the phone ever since Jenny's death. Carolyn knew what was going on, not only with Alex and Abby, but also with Bobby and Alex. She was happy that something good was coming out of the loss Alex had to deal with.

"Alex, good to see you again." Carolyn greeted her friend with a hug.

"Carolyn, this is Abby. Abby meet Carolyn." Alex introduced the two. Abby politely shook Carolyn's hand. Carolyn joined the two at the table and they chatted cheerfully while they waited for the two men.

On the other side of the park, Bobby and Mike had a moment to talk. Walking slowly Mike was curious to hear what Bobby had to say. "How's Alex dealing with everything?"

"She's doing good. It hasn't been easy on her, but she's doing well."

"How are you two doing?"

How to describe his relationship with Alex? He didn't know. "We're taking things slowly."

"So you finally told her you have a thing for her, huh?" Seeing Alex, Carolyn and Abby in the distance Mike stopped. "How are things going with Abby?"

"Good. Abby's a sweet girl and she loves Alex. Ales is still somewhat insecure, but they are going to be fine."

"And you and Abby? Are you prepared to be a father to her?"

"Yes." The answer was simple. He wanted to be a father figure to the little girl that had captured his heart. He'd never pictured himself as a father, but since Alex ahd entered his life that had changed. And now with Abby… he had to admit it was a role he would like.

"Bobby!" Abby had spotted Mike and Bobby and started running towards them.

She jumped into Bobby's open arms and he swung her up. Watching the tall man with the little girl, Carolyn commented. "Those two are good together."

"Yeah." Was Alex's soft reply, her eyes focused on the two. "He's always been good with kids."

"It's more than that. He could be her father, he might even want to." Seeing the wishful look o her friend's eyes Carolyn knew enough.

"Look who I found aunt Alex!" Abby yelled from Bobby's arms.

At the table Bobby leaned over and kissed Alex on the cheek. Alex, who was surprised by his display of affection in front of their friends, turned a soft shade of red.

"Can I go to the swings, aunt Alex?"

"Sure." She was about to ask Bobby to go with the little girl when Mike interrupted.

"Why don't Carolyn and I take her?"

Watching them walk away, Bobby put his arm around Alex. Accepting his gesture she put her head against his shoulder. Leaning forward he tried to catch her eyes and succeeded. "Didn't know you'd miss it this much?" He asked, seeing her feelings in her eyes. "Promise me you'll talk to Abby at the end of the week. She can be happy here. Can you be truly happy in Rhode Island? You happiness counts too. It's not all about Abby."

She knew he was right. Being in New York again felt so good. She had missed her apartment, being surrounded by her own things. Maybe she had to rethink some things.

Closing her eyes for a moment her mind settled on the man who had his arm around her. He'd been caring and sweet to her the entire week. He was more touchy feely then she'd expected. He would seek out her hand when they were walking or put his arm around her shoulder. He didn't seem to care if Abby was going to react to the change in their behaviour.

One evening after she'd put Abby to bed, Bobby had surprised her with soft music. They had danced in the middle of the living room. For some reason, as if he thought she would break, he was so gentle with her. She wanted his arms around her at night. She'd dreamed about that.

Hearing Abby's loud laugh she watched how Mike pushed her higher and higher. Maybe Bobby was right. Abby could be happy here, but could she truly live without New York. She didn't know. Maybe she'd been too quick with her decision.