*sneaks in* I'm SO sorry for the long delay in getting this next chapter out. I'm really not sure what happened, I hit such a mental block editing this story. (It is almost fully written.) I think it's because I've been working within this same set of storylines for almost five years- I first posted Where You Least Expect It in August of 2012- and maybe my mind needed a break from it to focus on other things. I'm going to do my best to prevent that from happening again. I may alternate chapters of this story with other writings, but it shouldn't be months long breaks between chapters again.

Thank you so much for being so patient. :-)

Jack closed the door to his and Rachel's room and sighed in relief. Both Calum and Milo were taking their naps. It was rare that they went down at the same time, but it was a treat when they did. He especially needed it today. Evan had been rather withdrawn since finding out about his mother's latest round of legal troubles- hardly ate dinner last night, stayed in his room, and then barely touched his cereal this morning. Rachel had accompanied Nina to a friend's birthday party and Jack promised he'd try to talk to Evan. He'd been outside most of the morning, sitting on the back porch swing with a book and a Gameboy. He'd found the old game system in a box and asked if he could have it. "Hey, buddy. You mind if I sit," he asked, gesturing to the other side of the swing.

Evan shrugged and mumbled, "Whatever."

He took a seat and debated whether or not to start talking or give Evan the chance to open up. When some time passed without even a glance thrown his way, Jack knew he had to be the one to start. "It's okay to be mad at your mom. It's even okay to need some quiet and time away from everybody to think about it, but you-"

"She's not my mom!"

"Okay, your old mom, I'm sorry."

"I hate her."

"Is it her that you hate or do you just hate what she's done?"

"I hate everything. Kara isn't a good person."

He was thrown by Evan using her name. He's never done that before. "Kara's a human being who has made a lot of mistakes. That doesn't mean she's not trying to do good stuff, but she's an addict, Evan."

"I know that."

"Addiction...it doesn't excuse anything that she's done, but it's a very hard thing to overcome. People spend years battling it. Even when they're in a good place they still have to be aware of what can send them back into that bad behavior."

"She could stop if she really wanted to."

"It's not always that easy. I have an addiction," Jack added without thinking.

Evan finally looked up from his video game. "You drink and do drugs, too," he spat out, horrified.

The look of betrayal on the boy's face had him second guessing where he'd decided to go with this conversation. "No, it's not drugs and alcohol." Witnessing Chet's drunken behavior when he was a young child was enough to make him very aware of what drinking could do to someone's personality. When Shawn experimented with alcohol and showed those same bad traits it scared him. While Jack wasn't exactly a teetotaler, he was very careful when he drank.

"What else is there?"

"I had a gambling problem when I was younger. You see, it started when your Uncle Eric went through a period of having some good luck with guessing lottery numbers. We won a little bit and it wasn't enough for me. I wanted more. I'd hound him for the next winning numbers. I even hit him to get the numbers out of him." He decided to leave out the fact that he hit Eric's head against a dumpster.

His eyes were wide. "You hit somebody?"

"I'm not proud of it. I wish I could go back and change things so that it never happened, but it did."

"And Uncle Eric forgave you?"

"He is a very forgiving person."

"Was that the only time you did gambling?"

Jack shook his head. "Unfortunately, no, I had problems with it off and on. If I won a little it wasn't enough. I had to have more. And when I lost I kept playing to try to win back the money, plus a little extra. There was a few times where I lost an entire paycheck in one night."

"Do you still do it?"

He dug into his pocket and pulled out a medallion. He gave it to Evan. "In July it will be five years since I gambled. That medallion means I've gone four years without. Every morning when I wake up and get dressed for the day, it goes into my pocket to remind me how far I've come. Assuming I don't gamble at all before next July I will get another one for my fifth year."

"What made you stop?"

"Rachel was going to leave me. I didn't realize how big my problem was until then." They had been planning a trip for their anniversary- nothing especially fancy, just a little getaway for a few days- and he blew through all the money they'd set aside for it in less than an hour. And that had been in addition to his paycheck. Jack had initially tried to smooth it over by saying he could just get the money from his step-dad. That was how he got out of it before, but she wouldn't stand for it. She said it was her or gambling. While the choice was easy, keeping his promise was rife with challenges. "I don't think she knew how big my problem was until then either."

"Mom made you get better?"

"No, she inspired me to get better. You can't force someone to be better unless it's what they want."

"Does that mean Kara doesn't want to get better?"

How was he supposed to answer that? "I think she does sometimes. The last time mom and I saw her in the hospital when she let us adopt Calum it really did seem like she wanted to change. She was excited about the rehab facility in Minnesota. But it's hard. Addiction is hard."

"What makes people be addicted to things?"

"I don't know. I think if we knew there would be an easy way to fix it."

"What do you do if you feel like you want to gamble again?"

"I go to a meeting where I talk to other people who had problems gambling."

"And that helps?"

"Most of the time, yes."

"What do you do when it doesn't?"

"I come home and take the dogs on a long run to clear my mind. If that still doesn't work I play either Tetris or Solitaire on my computer until I beat my highest score. This way I can feel like I won something. I don't know if it's the healthiest way to deal with things, but-"

"Is that why you were at your computer all day last week?"

He frowned. "When last week?"

"Friday. Mom told you lots of times that dinner was ready and to come eat. You kept saying just one more minute."

Damn, the kid noticed everything. "Yes," he admitted with a nod. "I was having a bad day on Friday."

"Oh."

"But it was the first bad day I'd had in a while. Luckily I don't have them too often anymore."

"The next time you do have a bad day maybe I can help."

"Really? How?"

"We could play video games and I would let you win."

He ran a hand across Evan's head and mussed his hair, almost laughing when the boy immediately smoothed it back to its already disheveled state. Jack made a mental note to take him for a haircut sometime this week. "That sounds like fun, only you won't have to let me win. I'm pretty good at video games."

"You mean you used to be. I beat you all the time."

"Maybe I let you win," he challenged humorously.

Evan smirked. "You don't."

"Sure, not the new games, but if we're talking Mortal Kombat, Donkey Kong, or Super Maris Bros. I would kick butt."

"I still think I would beat you."

"Oh, yeah? Let's go see. We'll take advantage of Milo and Calum taking their naps."

"Can we eat lunch when we play?"

He hesitated momentarily. Rachel…he and Rachel tried to keep a strict eating at the table policy unless it was popcorn in the living room for movie nights. She was scarred by memories of her and her brother being lectured by their parents for spilling juice and staining a new couch and carpet when they were small. "Maybe just this once."

"Cool! Last one to the couch is player 2!"

/

/

"When does Angela get back?"

"Late tonight."

"Between this weekend and her working Fashion Week, you've become a certifiable Mr. Mom."

"Hey, I don't mind it, even if I am so tired at the end of the day I'm lucky I can remember my own name. Angela manages it most of the time when I'm at work. Plus it's given me an appreciation for single parents. Besides, she really needed to see her dad." Eric couldn't help but laugh when Georgia squealed and kicked her legs in excitement as he moved the swing back and forth. "You like that?" While she was still a bean pole, his daughter was finally able to fit into the baby swings at the park. "Mama will be happy to get these pictures." He frowned. "Ooh, do you think I should've waited for Angela?"

"Waited for what," Max asked.

"This is Georgia's first time on the swings here. We've taken her for walks around the park, but this is the first time she's used the equipment."

"Given the amount of time you guys are going to be spending at the park in your lifetime- she'd be crazy to be upset."

"But it's still a first."

"So don't tell her about today and come back later in the week. It can be her first all over again. Lucky for you, Georgia's doesn't have the language skills to rat you out yet."

"I'm not going to lie. Besides, I already sent a few pictures."

"Then what are you complaining to me for?"

"I'm not complaining, just thinking out loud." His phone buzzed, indicating a text. He grumbled when he saw the number. "Now I'm gonna complain."

"What?"

"My dad has texted me for about a million times to not forget to drop off his drill. He left it at my house yesterday when he took over baby-proofing. I already said I'd drop it off after the park."

Max detected a certain annoyance that wasn't normally there when Eric discussed his dad. "You guys having a fight or something?"

"I have no idea. If we are, dad didn't fill me in on what he's mad about. All I know is he's treating me like I'm stupid and don't have a clue how to care for my kid."

"What did he say?"

"It's not so much what he's saying- though that is annoying- it's what he does."

"Well, have you tried-" He trailed off when he realized his son was nowhere to be found. "Where's Leo?"

Eric looked around. "I don't…he was just here a minute ago."

Max's panic was momentary. He heard another child shouting and had a feeling his kid was the culprit. "Leo, don't climb up the slide like that! No, I don't care if you didn't want your turn to be over. It's the next kid's turn. It doesn't count as still your turn even if you didn't put your feet on the ground yet. No…no, it doesn't." He shook his head. "Can you keep an eye Tess for a second?"

Eric's gaze fell to his friend's daughter who, unlike her twin brother, was playing happily with a few other kids in the sandbox. "Sure." He wondered which model of kid Georgia would be as she got older. Would she be content to sit and play, whether by herself or with other kids like Tess? Or would she be like Leo- climbing on whatever was there and trying to steal turns on the slides from other kids? While he hoped for the former scenario, if Georgia was anything like him she was sure to be a climber and slide stealer. He was brought back to reality when the baby in question squawked at him. It seemed she was displeased that her swing was no longer moving. "What? Is daddy slowing you down?" He moved it back and forth, never taking his hand off of the seat. "I know what you're thinking: 'dad, I could fly a lot faster if you'd let go.' Well I've got news for you, little girl: I'm not letting go for a very long time- maybe never. What do you think about that?" He got a big grin in return, though he knew that had more to do with his silly voices than his actual words. "Cool, wait until I tell mama you're never moving out and leaving us. I don't think she'll mind."

"Nope, I don't care." Max had his son over his shoulder as he walked back to the swings. "You don't steal turns and try to push kids off the slide. And you definitely know not to run away from me."

"Having fun?"

"Get that smirk off your face. Just wait until Georgia is mobile enough to try and dart into traffic."

"Thanks, now I know what I'll have nightmares about tonight."

"Just spreading the misery around." He struggled to hang onto his squirming son. "Tess, we're going to go home and get some lunch, okay?" He smiled slightly when she immediately began to gather her toys. She wasn't always this agreeable, but at the moment it was a relief to not have to wrangle two hyper kids. "Lunch and then naps," he whispered. "Naps for everybody. And maybe a beer for dad."

Eric was almost envious. "Man, a beer and a nap definitely sound better than trying to talk to my dad right now."

"Make up with him and then you can both have a beer."

"How can I make up with him when I don't even know what's wrong?"

"You know, I'd love to discuss this further, but unless you want to trade places with me, I need to get him home and settled."

He looked back and forth between Georgia and Leo. "No, thanks."

"Chicken. You need a ride back to your house?"

"It's two blocks away. We'll be fine. See you at work tomorrow."

"Yeah, I'll be the one in the straitjacket repeating myself over and over again."

/

/

"…and I promise I will call you myself just to make sure you do know everything."

Angela watched her aunt at the sink, doing the breakfast dishes. She tried to tell her she'd be fine with a bowl of cereal or a Pop Tart, but she insisted on preparing a big meal. She supposed it was a distraction from dealing with her dad's illness. That's probably why her aunt was also washing by hand instead of tossing things into the dishwasher. "Thanks, Aunt Trish. I want to trust that he'll tell me everything, but his need to protect me tends to get in the way of giving me the facts."

"It's a battle against his natural instincts, honey. He's been hardwired to protect you from the moment he knew you existed. I'm sure you feel the same about your little girl."

"Yeah."

"How are you holding up after last night?"

After their tea together Angela was about to go back to bed when her father was suddenly overcome with severe nausea. She tried to help him to the bathroom, but then dizziness struck. She'd had to leave him sitting on the floor in the hallway to go get her aunt to help. By the time they returned he had already gotten sick. After that it seemed the more she tried to help, the more agitated he became. He eventually ordered her to her room. She almost called Eric in tears, but was afraid she would wake Georgia. "It's so hard to see him like that."

"I know."

"How do you keep it together when he's sick and angry?"

"I remind myself that's not my brother and not your father talking. It's not us he's really angry at. It's the cancer, the chemo, himself."

"Why himself?"

"His body betrayed him by getting sick in the first place. So, it is misdirected anger, but the outbursts are something he at least has a little bit of control of. Even then his feelings are exacerbated by treatments so it's more an illusion of control. And to someone like your father that loss of control is probably the scariest part."

She stared into her full coffee cup. "I tried to imagine Georgia seeing me in a situation like that and…I understood a little his need to shield me."

"It still doesn't justify the boneheaded way he's gone about things."

"I know. There were so many ways he could've better handled the situation."

"Ah, I thought my ears were burning," Alvin said in a sarcastic- yet exhausted- manner as he slowly walked into the kitchen. "I'm guessing I'm the bonehead?"

Trish smiled at her brother. "You always are to me."

"I'm too tired to think up an appropriate come back, so I'll take it as a begrudging compliment." He fell into a chair beside his daughter.

"How are you doing, dad?"

There was no question he'd grown to hate more. "I haven't thrown up in four hours and made it from my room to the kitchen under my own power. So, I'm good."

"Can I fix you something to eat?"

He grimaced and recoiled at his sister's words. "No, no food."

"Just a little bit? You should try something to keep your strength up."

"Patricia, no, I can't right now."

"How about a shake or a smoothie?"

"Fine," he said, knowing it was the only way she would quit. "I will try a smoothie- banana. I make no promises."

"You just need to try." She rummaged through the kitchen to gather the ingredients. "Darn it, we're out of bananas."

"That's fine."

"No, it's not. I'm going to get you bananas."

"Patricia-"

"Call or text me if you need anything else."

Alvin shook his head as his sister practically flew out of the house, knowing she didn't want to hear any further arguments. "Your aunt worries too much."

"I can't blame her. What would you be doing if your positions were reversed?"

"Probably making a fuss just like her," he admitted with a chuckle. "Look, Angela, about last night-"

"It's okay, dad."

"No, it's not. I shouldn't have snapped at you like I did." He drummed his fingers along the tabletop. "Accepting help isn't something that comes easily to me. It doesn't matter if it's from you, Trish, Joyce, even the doctors and nurses at the hospital…I hate it. I used to command troops. I set up embassies. I survived wars. And now I consider it an accomplishment that I was able to get from my bed to the kitchen by myself. That is a very difficult and depressing reality to accept."

"I'm sorry. For what it's worth I think you'd be able to inspire troops into battle. Like I said last night, you may not be as physically strong anymore, but your inner strength is off the charts. You still command respect. Hell, when you ordered me to my room I listened," she finished with a chuckle.

"That certainly was a nice surprise compared to your teen years…at least the years before you went to your grandmother."

"Dad you did what you thought was best at the time. I did need more supervision than you were able to provide."

"I don't know. Perhaps I should've retired years ago when it was clear my lifestyle was interfering with my ability to be there for you the way you needed. At this stage of my life those years seem like more wasted time that we could've spent together."

"Hey, aren't you the one who always told me that life can't be lived looking back," she reminded him as she reached for his hand.

He smiled sadly and blinked back tears. "Yes, well, when you're not sure how much more life you have in front of you sometimes it's impossible not to look back."

"Stop it." Her dad almost never cried and it was all she could do to keep her composure. "You're going to be around for a long time. Who else is going to laugh at me when I'm whining about Georgia's terrible twos? Or when she's an impossible teenager and tell me that it's karma?"

"I hope so, baby. I have a lot to make up for."

"Just keep looking forward. There's so much good ahead for both of us." Angela held up her phone. "You want to see pictures of Georgia that Eric took a little while ago in the park?"

"That sounds like the perfect remedy for the day." He took his daughter's phone and scrolled through the images. Georgia was grinning in every photo. "Someone is certainly proud of her new teeth."

"Yeah, she loves putting them to use smiling and unfortunately biting. I swear everything goes into her mouth."

"That will be outgrown eventually," he reassured. "She has your smile."

"You think?"

The last couple pictures had both Eric and Georgia. In one they were looking at the camera and in the last they were staring at each other. He could only see Eric's profile, but the baby was looking at her father with happiness and complete adoration evident in her eyes. Alvin remembered when Angela looked at him like that, like he was her whole world. "Yes, that is unmistakably you."

She leaned her head against his arm. "Thanks, dad."

/

/

Eric listened to the happy babbles coming from the back seat as he pulled into the parking lot of the wilderness store. He looked into the rearview mirror and, from the reflection off the car seat mirror, could see Georgia happily playing with and gnawing on her toy. He'd hoped that she would fall asleep on the drive. This way he'd have the perfect excuse to not hang around at the store. He got out of the car and went to the back seat, his mood lifting a bit when Georgia saw him and dropped her toy so she could reach for him. He made quick work of the straps and had her in his arms within seconds. "What do you say, you want to go back into the sling or should I just carry you? Huh, good point. Grandpa is going to want hold you. And if I can hand you off right away, you will distract him with your cuteness and make him forget whatever else he thinks daddy is doing wrong." He kissed her cheek. "Either that or you start to cry and force me to take you home. Whatever works for you, kid."

/

Alan had just wrapped up a customer's transaction and was debating what to do for lunch. He glanced towards the door when the aforementioned customer said something, but saw that he was talking to someone outside. Seconds later his son and granddaughter appeared in the door. He often forgot that Eric was a local celebrity after doing the weather for so long. People sought him out, whether it was for a quick hi or an in depth discussion on the weather. This time the conversation was kept short, probably because of Georgia, Alan figured. "Wow, she's not screaming her head off coming in here. That's a nice change."

"What?"

"The last few times Angela has brought her in she's been grumpy and crying," he explained, holding out his hands to the baby. "I was starting to take it personally."

Eric handed her over. "She's been in a happy mood all morning. We'll see how long that lasts now that it's almost naptime." He placed the case containing the drill on the counter. "We spent a lot of time at the park so hopefully she's worn out enough to sleep instead of crying and trying to fight it."

"The park? Isn't it too cold?"

He rolled his eyes. "It's in the forties and she has a hat."

"When does Angela get back?"

"Late tonight."

"How's her dad?"

"I'm not really sure. I tried to call Angela this morning, but it went to voicemail. She sent me a text saying we'd talk later. Yesterday she said that the chemo was hitting him harder this time than in the past."

"That's a shame. Hopefully he pulls through this." He laughed when his granddaughter tried to remove her hat. He took it off and handed it over to her when she seemed to grow frustrated. It made him smile at how it took so little to make her happy. "Look, I was just going to go around the corner and get some lunch. You and Georgia want to join me?"

"No, thanks, that's okay. We'll head home. I'll feed her there without feeling guilty about the mess she'd make. Plus, like I said, she should be ready for a nap soon."

"Oh, okay." Those were valid reasons, yet Alan felt like there was something more going on. "Son, is there something on your mind?"

"Not really. Why?"

"Lately you seem…you've been very distant with me. Did I do something wrong?"

"Did I?" At least he wouldn't have to think of a clever segue to have this conversation.

"What do you mean?"

"I don't know, it just seems like you've been treating me like an idiot so I must've screwed up somewhere."

"I haven't been-"

"When you came to help with the banister guards you went on a rant about how baby proof experts didn't have a clue and you thought I was stupid for wanting to follow their directions."

"That's because zip ties are-"

"And there have been all your little comments. Like questioning mine and Angela's decision to do baby led weaning and let Georgia feed herself."

"I just don't want her to choke."

"And we do?"

"Well, no."

"When I was talking about her bath you didn't want her to splash and you started quizzing me on water temperature."

"I did?"

"And today you questioned my judgement having her at the park. Lately it seems like I can't do anything right as a dad in your eyes."

"I'm sorry. I didn't realize I was doing that."

"You were doing it in Angela's third trimester, then you stopped for a while, but now you're starting again." He shoved his hands into his pockets and stared at his daughter, who seemed oblivious to the conflict around her. "Do you think I'm a terrible father or something?"

"Eric, of course not! You are a wonderful father to Georgia."

"Then what's going on?"

"I'm not even sure. I suppose lately the only times I've felt able to give you advice or help on things is in the little comments."

"What?"

"I guess I thought you'd come to me more, that you'd be looking to me for advice and parental tips and wisdom."

"I do come to you."

He shook his head. "Lately it seems like you've been going to your mom, not that there's anything wrong with that. Your mom's great."

"I'm sure she'll be thrilled to hear that."

"What I mean is it seems like whenever you need something mom's your first choice. That used to be my spot. And yes, I realize how irrational this sounds."

"You're jealous of mom?"

"She was the one you called when Georgia hit her head."

"I wasn't thinking. I just picked up the phone."

"And instinct led you to call your mother."

"I don't know what it was. That morning is such a blur. Later though…forget it."

"No. What is it?"

"Once we knew Georgia was going to be okay, I did wonder what you would have to say and if you'd blame me for it."

"Eric, it was an accident. I wouldn't have blamed you."

"You've gone judgmental for a lot less. I didn't know what you'd do if you saw the giant bruise on Georgia's head."

"I'm sorry if I made you feel like you couldn't come to me. That's the last thing I want."

"I don't want it either."

"You and Angela can come to me with anything at any time."

"I know, thanks. And thanks for talking to Angela about her dad."

"You don't have to thank me for that. She's family. I know she's going through a rough time."

"Still, thanks. You seemed to help more than I did."

"It's all about perspective."

"Yeah, that's what Angela said."

"I just…I don't want things to be strained or weird between us."

"Me either."

"You know my dad died before I was married and a father so I didn't have to deal with judgement from him…at least about being a dad. He certainly judged me for everything under the sun so I can only imagine what he would've said about fatherhood."

"Yeah, you've talked about him a little before."

"I'm sorry if I made you think I was judging you or that you weren't a good father. You are a great father. You definitely seem to have a better handle on things than I did when you were Georgia's age."

"Thanks."

"And I guess my comments were an attempt to pass on little tips. It wasn't a judgement. We just hardly ever see each other and since you've been calling on mom I was taking the chance to give you advice whenever I could. But I'll try to watch it…or at least pay more attention to the way I say things."

"And I could let you know when you're being a know-it-all pain in the ass," he responded with a smirk.

"Nice. Not to be critical, but if Georgia's first word is ass, we'll know where to look. Granted, I was responsible for your first swearing outburst, so…"

"Really? What did I say?"

"You greeted my boss at the company picnic by asking if he was the son of a bitch I hated."

He snickered. "Oops."

"My co-workers loved it- and you. They fed you cotton candy until you got sick."

"Angela's got all the bad words covered though. Have you ever driven with her? She's getting better, but she'd still make a trucker blush." He noticed that Georgia was rubbing her face into her grandpa's shoulder. "I think she's getting tired."

"Oh, okay."

"We'll definitely make plans for lunch later, okay? Or dinner even. It might be a little easier to do dinner during the week since I get a break when we're not on the air."

"Great." He ran a hand over the baby's head. "Is it almost naptime, huh? Hey, you didn't tell me she was finally growing hair."

"Because she's not. Trust me, if she was I'd be shouting from the rooftops. But she's still my little baldy."

"Eric, this child has hair on her head."

He took a closer look and, lo and behold there was a thin layer of peach fuzz on Georgia's head. "Oh, my, god, she has hair!" He threw his hands up. "Ha, ha!"

Alan shook his head. "You didn't notice?"

"Dad, trust me, I check her head every night. That was not there last night. Georgia, this is so exciting." He got his phone out of his pocket. "We have to send mama pictures. Oh, no wait, I know, we'll surprise her."

He couldn't help but laugh at his son's enthusiasm. "It's just a little bit of peach fuzz. If the hair wasn't so dark I doubt you'd even be able to see it."

"Hey, she's had nothing but eyebrows for almost seven months. This is just the beginning. Let us have our moment."

"You're insane."

Eric took Georgia and held her high above his head, making her laugh. "You have hair! You're not daddy's little baldy anymore." He tucked her close and kissed her head. "Yeah, we have to come up with a new nickname. Wooly mammoth?"

"Right, that's every girl's dream nickname. Why not go with Cousin Itt?"

"Please, dad, like anyone would get an Addams' Family reference nowadays."

/

/

Milo was asleep, Nina was asleep, and Rachel was giving Calum a bottle. That left Evan. Though the light was off, Jack had his suspicions that Evan wasn't really sleeping. "Why are you still awake?" The lump under sheets froze. "I can see the light from the Game Boy."

He uncovered his head and sat up. "I just wanted to get to the next level. Then I'll go to bed. I promise."

Jack laughed and walked further into the room. "Famous last words."

"Huh?"

"Save the game and then go to bed."

"But-"

"You have school tomorrow. And sorry, but 'Please excuse Evan for being tired today. He was up late playing games.' is not an acceptable note for school. No way would your teacher buy it."

He sighed before handing over the game system. "Fine."

"You can bring it in the car and play on the way to school and when I pick you up."

"Can I play it during my lunch?"

"No, no games at school." He patted his leg. "Go to bed."

"Can I at least pretend I'm playing the game in my head when I try to fall asleep?"

"Sure, go for it." He headed for the door, but turned back. "There's one more thing."

"What?"

Jack took a seat on the bed. "I want you to hang onto this for me."

He looked at the object placed in his hand. "You're giving me your medallion?"

"Yes."

"But don't you need to carry it with you so you don't gamble?"

He shook his head. "I just need to know where it is."

"But what if I lose it?"

"I trust you to keep it safe for me."

Even though he was only eight, Evan understood that this was a big deal. "Really?"

"Really. I might ask for it back every once in a while if I'm having a bad day."

"If you ask for it back, we can go run with the dogs or play video games," he said, remembering their conversation from earlier.

"That sounds like a good plan. Now, come on, get to bed before mom yells at me for keeping you up," he joked.

He stuck the medallion under his pillow before lying back down. "Good night, dad."

"'Night, Evan."

/

/

The house was dark and quiet when the cab dropped Angela off at home. She hoped that meant Georgia was sleeping instead of grumpy and crying at all hours. The again, if the baby was awake at least she'd be able to soak in some much needed cuddles.

Thor greeted her when she entered the bedroom and, after a few pets, dashed off to sleep in the rocker. She immediately went to Georgia's crib, but it was empty. She was confused, not having seen her or Eric downstairs. Before she could panic, she saw the bed and couldn't help but smile at the sight before her. Eric and Georgia were both asleep. She decided to change in the bathroom so as not to wake them. Still, no matter how quiet she tried to be, Eric was stirring when she came back. "Hey," she whispered. "Sorry, didn't mean to wake you."

"That's okay. How's your dad?"

"Okay…I think. For now anyway."

"What does that mean?"

"We'll talk in the morning." She knelt down beside the bed and gave him a quick kiss. "I missed you."

"Ditto."

"So, can you explain something for me?"

"If it's short- sure."

"If you're Mr. Anti-Co-sleeping, why is Georgia in the bed?"

"I'm not anti-co-sleeping, but I just didn't want to roll on her or something. But this is the only place she would settle and sleep since you've been gone. Don't worry, I read up so we do it safely. Not that I want this to be a regular thing, but…"

"I get it. Desperate times and all that." She moved to go to the other side of the bed, but Eric held her arm. "What?"

He scooted back towards the edge of the mattress. "Sleep between me and her. The websites said the baby shouldn't sleep between adults and that next to the mother is best if possible, at least that's what most of them said. There was some disagreement there."

"Wow, you did do your homework."

"When Georgia is involved, yes." Once they were settled again he wrapped an arm around her waist and hugged her to his chest. "I have the most exciting news."

She closed her eyes, totally content feeling Eric's heartbeat against her back. "What's that?"

"Georgia's got hair. It's not a lot, more like peach fuzz, but it's there. It's dark and matches her eyebrows, too, looks like it'll be closer to your hair color."

Angela opened her eyes and gazed at her daughter in an attempt to see her head, but it was too dark to make anything out. "Congratulations, babe, told you she wouldn't be bald forever."

He yawned, too tired to think of a funny comeback. Instead he kissed Angela's shoulder. "I love you. And no more separate trips."

"I love you, too. And no arguments here."