I feel like I'm constantly apologizing for delays, but real life and work have just been busy and hectic and making me feel very blah and run down lately. But trust me, I'd much rather be writing.

Thanks for the feedback to the previous chapters and for your continued patience of saints. :-) It is very much appreciated.

"Are Uncle Shawn and Aunt Nomi really gonna be here when I get out of school?"

"Yes, Nina."

"And then me and Aunt Nomi will make my flower girl dress?"

"Yes, Nina."

"Can she sleep here in my room with me?"

Rachel suppressed the urge to roll her eyes. It wasn't that she didn't appreciate the girl's enthusiasm, but there were only so many times you could be asked the same questions before you started to worry for your sanity. The entire week leading up to spring break had been the same. "No, she and Uncle Shawn are staying in a hotel, remember? There aren't enough beds here."

"But Aunt Nomi could sleep in my bed and Uncle Shawn could sleep on the floor."

"Well, honey, I'm sure Uncle Shawn would love that suggestion, but they already made a reservation. But don't worry. They will spend lots of time here." She made sure all the snaps were fastened on Calum's clothes before turning her attention back to Nina and had to choke back a laugh. She may only be five years old, but the attitude coming off of her was from that of a fifteen year old. "Go put your shoes on. We leave in ten minutes."

"But, mommy-"

"You only have a half day today, remember? Then no school for a week." Rachel was tempted to tell her that Shawn and Naomi would be the ones picking her and Evan up today, but decided to keep that a surprise. It would only launch a brand new round of twenty million questions.

"Mommy-"

"Nina, I'm not going to tell you again. I want you to have your shoes on and to be waiting on the back porch with your back pack, ready to go, when the clock says 7:45."

She stomped her feet. "Fine. But I shouldn't get to go to school on a day when Uncle Shawn and Aunt Nomi are coming to visit because of it being a day of specialness. It's not fair."

"Life's not fair, kiddo," Jack chimed in as he came into the room with Milo in his arms.

"I'm a little bit mad at you both," she stated, hands on her hips.

"That's okay, but you still have to put on your shoes and go to school." She and Jack managed to hold in their laughter until Nina was out of the room. "So, this attitude she woke up with...what the hell is going on?"

"I don't know. I was going to ask you. You're the girl."

"I'm the girl?"

"You know what I mean. I didn't know if it was a girl thing or a five year old hopped up on so much excitement she turns into a little bit of a butthead thing."

"And those are the same thing in your mind? Being a girl equals butthead? Because in my experience butthead was always more of a boy thing."

"Can I just take back the last three minutes? Today's a good day and I don't want to spoil it." He smiled at Calum and pulled on his foot. "Yeah, you're going to hear us today, buddy. I can't wait. Hey, Rach, we never did decide who's going to talk to him first. It doesn't matter to me. Do you want to hold him and talk or work the camera?"

Rachel took a deep breath. She was as optimistic as anyone, but she also had to be a realist. Calum was born with severe to profound hearing loss. There was no guarantee that even the strongest of hearing aids would help him. Yet every time she turned around it seemed she had to remind Jack of things he was afraid to face. She was gentle about it, but still. She would've expected this from Evan or Nina, not Jack. It was definitely a switch. Normally he was the one who had to bring her back down to earth with realism. "Hon, remember what the audiologist said. He won't know if it's successful until-"

"-until they're in. I know. But come on. How many videos did we watch on youtube of those cute little babies hearing their moms and dads for the first time? Tell me those weren't cool and made you cry."

"They did, but those babies aren't Calum. Their diagnoses are different."

"I know that. And trust me. I'm keeping my expectations in check." He gave her a quick kiss. "I'm going to buckle Milo in. Diaper bags are by the door?"

"Yeah."

"Evan, Nina," Jack called out as he walked through the house. "Let's move. Time for school."

"Time go cool," Milo shouted, mimicking his dad.

Rachel laughed at the toddler's copycat routine. It seemed everyday he turned more and more into a mini-Jack. Next her gaze fell to the baby and she smiled when she saw him poking his finger into the eye of a stuffed bear. She put her hands on his legs to get his attention and melted when he gave her a gummy grin. Angela had warned her about those. They were a parent's kryptonite. "Are you ready to go in the car, Calum?" She spoke slowly and also used signing, unsure of what or how much he could understand. They were just trying to communicate the best they knew how. He seemed excited and kicked his legs and let out little coos. "Okay," she said as she picked him up, "let's go." She kissed his cheek and, though she knew her words would be lost to him, whispered, "I love you, hearing or not, perfect boy."

/

/

"You're crazy. He was not flirting with me. Georgia, tell daddy he's crazy." Angela looked in the backseat and caught the baby's sleeping reflection in the mirror. "If there's one thing I love about swim class it's that it almost always leads to a nice, long nap."

"Come on, it's okay to admit it. Who doesn't like knowing that they've still got it even after they get boring and have a baby?"

"Are you calling me boring?"

"No, but to the outside world our lives seem boring. I think our lives are cool. Before we started these classes I can't tell you the last time I spent Friday morning swimming. Of course there were babies, floaties, and probably pee in the pool, but-"

She hit his shoulder. "Oh, gross!"

"Hey, trying to drive here."

"Why did you have to say that?"

"I'm sorry. You're right. I'm sure the babies totally obey the 'I don't swim in your toilet, don't pee in my pool' signs. They are considerate little creatures."

"You are seriously weirding me out. We were in that water, too, you know? Georgia's bodily stuff I can deal with. Those four other babies though? They're just little strangers."

Eric didn't even bother to try and hold in his laughter. "They're babies!"

"Creepy little weirdo stranger babies," she corrected.

"I thought you liked babies."

"I love our baby and would spend every day with her. I'd happily torture, maim, and kill for her in a heartbeat. I like the kids of friends and family just fine. Stranger babies? I mean, if they were in trouble or in the way of a moving car? Yeah, I'd help them and make sure they're safe and I care about their general well-being as fellow humans, but otherwise they can stay way the hell over there." She made a grand waving gesture. "And keep the noise down."

"And stay off of your lawn, grandma?"

"Pretty much."

"Huh."

"What?"

"Nothing."

"No, that wasn't a nothing huh. That was a loaded huh. What is it?"

"I just…I didn't realize that you…that you weren't a kid person."

"You knew I wasn't a kid person. It's not like I spent a lot of time around kids. Even when I was a kid I was mostly around adults. I was an only child, I never babysat, I didn't-"

He put his hand on her knee. "Calm down."

"Before Georgia I wasn't sure I even wanted children because of my family situation. I don't see how this is a big surprise to you. I still don't technically think of myself as a kid person," she continued. "I'm a Georgia person. In fact, I may as well be president of her freaking fan club I love her so much."

"I'm sorry. It wasn't an attack."

"Well, it was starting to feel like one."

"I just never heard anyone call a baby a…how did you put it, 'creepy little weirdo stranger?' Did I get it right?"

"I guess it does sound nuts to hear someone else say it."

"What if one of the other parents said that same stuff about Georgia?"

She whipped around to look at him. "It would be the last conscious thought they had before hitting the ground." She sighed and leaned back in the seat. "Fine, maybe you have a point. But some of those parents though-"

"Oh, the parents are nuts. No doubt. And will you finally admit Jacob's dad was hitting on you? Has been hitting on you since classes began? If anyone is a creepy, weirdo stranger, it's him."

"Is that why you "accidentally" knocked him into the deep end of the pool today?"

"Yeah, sure, accidentally. We'll go with that," Eric muttered. "It's not my fault he's clumsy and tripped over a pool noodle."

Angela laughed and ran a hand through his slightly damp hair. "Maybe next week you can help him into floaties if he's going to be so clumsy."

"Yeah, the floaties can go right over his big, dumb, stupid face."

"Maybe I'll do the same thing to Olivia's mom," she grumbled, "though she certainly has a couple of her own personal flotation devices."

"Me-ow."

"What? She was totally throwing herself at you." She cleared her throat before starting to speak in ditzy, breathy tone. "Like, you don't think my glittery string bikini is too much, do you? It was all I could find to wear. And can you believe my husband is out of town again? It's so lonely. Do you ever get lonely? Oh, wow, Mr. Matthews, you look so much bigger and more handsome in person than you do on TV. Is that your paycheck in your pocket or are you just happy to see me?"

He chuckled and rubbed the top of her thigh. "We just have to face it. We are the hottest parents in swim class. They want us, but can't have us."

"You know if we're gossiping about them they're probably doing the same about us right now."

"I can only imagine. Did you see Georgia's mom? How dare someone look that hot seven and a half months after having a baby," he said in a squeaky voice. "And the way she kept her hand on Georgia's dad's ass when they were leaving…wait a second," his voice returned to normal. "You did that for glittery bikini lady, didn't you?"

"No, at least I didn't do it just to get at her. I happen to like your ass."

"Glad to hear it. I don't hit the gym at work just for me. Squats suck."

"Who do you think you have to impress? Not me." Angela leaned over and kissed his cheek as he pulled into the garage. "You know, we probably should try to make friends with some of them. It would be nice to have more parent friends to commiserate with." Some of the moms in her yoga classes were all right, but she hadn't really clicked with anyone yet. It was so hard to make friends as an adult. Well, it had been hard for her to make friends at any age. Moving around constantly made it challenging in the past.

"Not Jacob's parents. Or Olivia's."

"Duh. Sophia's mom seems pretty nice though."

"Yeah, and Logan's dad is cool. He's a sports agent and his wife is a publicist. I think I've actually run into them before at a few parties when I was with…." He trailed off.

"With Hollie?" He said nothing. "It's okay. We have pasts and have had relationships with other people. We've never shied away from that fact before. Why now?"

"We did spend the whole drive home talking about petty jealousy."

"No, we were talking about people who were blatantly disrespecting our relationship by openly making passes at us…not to mention disrespecting their own relationships, and all of this in front of our babies. I think that's something different."

"I guess you're right." He peered into the back where Georgia was still passed out in her seat. "What do you think the odds are of us getting her out of there without waking her up?"

"You probably have a better shot than I do. Lately it seems like if she had her way, she'd still be attached to me via umbilical cord."

"Yeah, she is turning into a clingy octopus with you again."

"And if you get her to the crib successfully, I'll set up a quick shower for two before you go to work. How's that for motivation?"

"Really?"

"We can't have you showing up at the station smelling like the pool. After all, you're the one that pointed out all those babies probably peed in it."

He scrunched up his face. "You're really killing the shower for two mood."

"It's your fault for planting the pee in the pool idea in my head."

/

/

"Aunt Nomi! Uncle Shawn!"

She grinned as she watched Nina race down the school steps despite her teacher's warnings not to run. Naomi thought she was prepared when the five year old ball of energy flew at her, but she was still nearly knocked off balance. If not for Shawn she would've crashed to the ground. "Careful, if you break me we can't make your dress."

"I thought you were coming at dinner time."

"We wanted to surprise you."

"This is my most best surprise in a long time."

"Gee, I guess you don't have a hug for me, huh," Shawn moped, doing his best to sound sad.

She squirmed free from Naomi and threw her arms around Shawn's legs. "Hi, Uncle Shawn."

"Hi, Nina."

"I like to see you, too, but right now I am more happy to see Aunt Nomi because we can make my dress and you don't know how to make a dress. Do you?"

He looked at his fiancée and tried not to laugh. Nina was nothing if not honest. "No, I can't make a dress."

"But when you read me a bedtime story then I will be happier to see you tonight."

"Well…wow…thanks. That's special."

"I know."

Naomi scanned the schoolyard when she heard a second bell ring. "Where's Evan?"

"He comes out of that door over there." Nina pointed. "That's for the bigger kids. When I get to third grade I can use that door, too. There he is."

Though Evan kept a neutral expression on his face as he walked closer, Shawn caught his look of surprise and quick, almost-smile when he first spotted them. He wasn't sure if Evan was playing it cool in front of his friends or if it was an automatic reflex that came with years of having to keep expectations in check to avoid disappointment. Either way, he was quite familiar with both reactions and decided to respond in kind. "Hey, Evan."

"Hi."

"Good day at school?"

He shrugged. "It was okay. The best part was no more school for a week."

"I get that." He jumped when a car laid on the horn. The area was suddenly more packed then it had been just a few minutes ago. Where did these extra parents and cars suddenly come from? "Why does it look like the Indy 500 out here?"

"Dad usually waits by the curb right there and we run to the car. He never parks in the lot."

"Oh."

"Yeah," Nina chimed in, "sometimes he gets really mad and says other mommies and daddies need to get off their phones and stop driving like ass-"

Evan put his hand over his sister's mouth. "You don't get to say that word. Ow! Don't bite me."

"I was just saying what daddy says."

Naomi looked to her fiancé and sighed, knowing he wasn't going to corral them to order, at least not right now. He was still in wannabe cool uncle mode. He'd be ready to tell them what to do and be less fun in a day or two. "All right, Nina, no swearing and don't bite your brother. Evan, we'll tell her what to say or not say. Everyone get into the car. We have to go pick Milo up from your grandparents' and then we're getting lunch."

"Can I get a happy meal?"

"Can you behave the rest of the day?"

"Uh-huh. I promise."

"Evan?"

"I'm too old for a happy meal."

"You're not too old to behave."

"Fine."

/

"Aunt Nomi, look!" Nina held out her happy meal toy.

"Oh, wow. I didn't know they still made these. Talk about a time warp."

"What," Shawn asked. He was helping Milo remove the "yuck" parts of his chicken nuggets. That seemed to be most of the breading. Shawn thought that defeated the purpose of ordering chicken nuggets, but Jack had told him to just order them and remove the breading anyway. Toddlers couldn't be reasoned with.

"Seriously? It's Strawberry Shortcake." She brought the toy up to her face. "Yep, still smells the same."

"The toy has a smell?" Moments later the pink doll was being shoved under his nose. "Huh. Artificial strawberries."

"How do you not know Strawberry Shortcake?"

"I didn't have a lot of toys growing up and that definitely wasn't one of the few I did have. It looks sort of familiar. Maybe Morgan had it? I don't know. It doesn't seem like something Topanga would've had back then."

"I think my Spiderman is cooler," Evan piped in. When he realized the toy for boys was his beloved Spiderman, he suddenly changed his mind on being too old for a happy meal.

"Yeah, I'm with you: Team Spiderman. What do you think, Milo?" Shawn knew he probably wouldn't get a real answer, but sometimes it was amusing to hear the things Milo's little brain came up with. Instead of answering the question, he lined up his fries across his high chair tray before smashing them to bits with his own Spiderman toy and cramming them into his mouth. "Let's see your little Strawberry Banana Bread do that."

"Mommy and daddy are home," Nina exclaimed, pointing at the window.

Naomi watched as they slowly approached the house. She knew they were getting Calum fitted for hearing aids today and judging by their expressions it didn't go as well as they hoped. "Guys, why don't you put your jackets and backpacks in your rooms?"

"But I want to show mommy and daddy my toy."

"You can do that in a few minutes. I'm sure they'll like it even better if they're not tripping over your stuff."

"But-"

"Nina, I wasn't asking. Go put your stuff away. You, too, Evan."

He waited until Nina had a head start to her room before asking, "You think something went wrong at Calum's appointment, don't you?"

Damn, Rachel said the kid was perceptive. "I'm sure things are okay. But things will be even more okay if they don't trip over your bag on their way in the door."

"Okay."

"He didn't buy it," Shawn said as Evan disappeared down the hall.

"Gee, you think?" She smiled awkwardly when Jack and Rachel came in through the back door. "Hey guys."

"Da," Milo garbled out through a mouthful of French fries, "Da!"

"How did things go," Shawn asked nervously. Rachel shook her head in response.

"Oh. That sucks."

"No, nothing sucks," Jack jumped in. "There are still a few more hearing aids that Dr. Bailey said he could try. I'm not giving up until we try them all. Right, Calum?" His heart broke when the baby looked blankly around the room as if he didn't hear him, because he hadn't. That wasn't supposed to be what was happening. He was supposed to be responding to his name. Jack had been anticipating spending the next several days reminding the kids to keep the noise down while Calum adjusted to the sound. It wasn't supposed to be just like any other week.

"But Jack-"

"I'm going to change and take the dogs on a run."

"Jack-"

"They only went on a quick walk this morning," he continued to talk on his way to the bedroom. "They need to get out before they go crazy." He slammed the door, effectively ending the conversation.

"So Jack has a heavy case of denial going on," Naomi asked.

"You heard him," Shawn jumped in. "There are still other hearing aids to test. Right, Rach?"

"He's ninety-eight percent in denial land. The hearing aids we tried today are the strongest out there. The doctor said there are one or two more we could try, but if the ones today didn't get results…"

"Shouldn't you wait before you completely kill the guy's hope?"

"You don't think I wanted Calum to hear? I did, I wanted it more than anything."

"I know."

"But it didn't happen and we don't have time to wallow and mope around wondering what if." Rachel groaned. "I guess you're the wrong person to give Jack the pep talk."

"What pep talk?"

"I was going to send you on the run with him to talk him down."

Shawn shook his head. "No, I'm not going to do that, at least not right now."

"Why?"

"You think he doesn't know the reality of the situation? Trust me, Rachel, he knows. I could tell from the look on his face."

"Then why won't you talk to him?"

"Because sometimes reality sucks! Sometimes it sucks so bad the only thing that helps is sticking your head in the sand for a while to hide. And if Jack wants to hide for a little bit I'm not going to stop him."

"But-"

"Look, if it goes past a day or two I'll say something, but right now, no, he needs space."

"You think?"

"I know."

/

/

"Now, Eric, are you sure you can fit my walnut credenza in your vehicle?"

"Trust me, Feeny, if it can handle carting all of Georgia's Christmas presents home in one shot, it can handle your desk." He crouched down and lightly shook the sides. It didn't budge. "Sturdy."

"What are you doing? This has survived over one hundred years before reaching you."

"Really?"

"Yes, as I stated a few weeks ago when I asked if you and Angela wanted it: my grandfather crafted this. Actually, he made several of the pieces that occupy this house. He was considered too sickly to join the military and he considered himself too foolish for school, but he was good with his hands. So he continued the family business in lieu of high school. I believe he made this when he was fifteen."

Eric whistled. "Wow. When I was fifteen I was…not making furniture."

"Nor was I. My family made many things: furniture, jewelry, pottery, lamps, cars-"

"Why didn't you go into the Feeny family business?"

"Because my father realized when I was very young that if he let me work with my hands I would have no hands left with which to work."

"What do you mean?"

"I destroyed our shed when I was six and playing with my chemistry set. Then when I was eight I nearly cut off two of my fingers trying to assemble a soapbox car. After that my parents decided to strongly encourage my love of reading."

"I can't picture you being young. In my mind you've just always existed in teacher mode. You're kind of like God that way."

The elder man chuckled. "Now, I'm not sure where I stand on the subject of theological studies, but I'm quite certain I'm not God."

"But you guys were probably in the same graduating class in high school, right?"

He shoved Eric's shoulder. "I suggest we get to work removing the drawers before I'm tempted to get my high school buddy on the phone and give him recommendations on where to send you."

"Ouch, nice insult, Feeny." A few minutes later they were working on the last couple of stubborn drawers. "Can I ask you something?"

"Eric, you can ask me anything."

"Why are you getting rid of so much of your stuff all of a sudden? You and Dean Feeny don't teach anymore, but you can still get use out of a desk. "

"Yes, but we're getting older. It's getting more difficult to maintain the house and keep things clean. I love this desk, but I have probably spent more time dusting it the past five years than I have actually using it for its intended purpose. I haven't needed it since I retired and ceased grading papers." George was wistful as he looked around the room. "I'm feeling the need to downsize and simplify things in my life."

"That's not a secret code language for saying you're retiring to Florida, is it? Because you know I won't let you leave. I'll lie in front of your car if I have to."

"I know you would, but, no, no Florida."

"Good. Because if I didn't get in front of the car I'd just chase you down and become your neighbor again." He tugged on the last drawer. "This one is stuck."

"Oh, yes, be careful with that one. It always gets like that when the humidity is high."

After another minute and some moderate elbow grease, the drawer came flying out. They both heard a rattling noise and looked around to see if a screw came loose and fell to the floor. "I don't see anything." Eric held in up and inspected it and realized the rattling was coming the drawer itself. "Maybe I'm crazy," he began, shaking the drawer, "but I don't think that's normal."

"There may be a hidden compartment."

"Ooh, like in a spy movie?"

"My grandfather was paranoid and often built pieces with hidden drawers so others could conceal their most precious belongings." He thought he and Lila had cleared checked all of the hiding spots.

He felt along the inside and found the latch that revealed the small corner of the compartment was a false bottom. "Missing any jewelry?"

"Jewelry?"

"Wow."

Eric stared at the rings that were now in the palm of his hand. The rings of today paled to amount of work and craftsmanship that went into one of these. They were in desperate need of a good cleaning, but they were stunning. He held one up and admired the way the swirl of rubies and diamonds shimmered in the light. "Someone in your family made these?" He examined the band next. It also had rubies and diamonds and was engraved with flowery details.

"Let me see?" He accepted the rings and immediately recognized them.. "Oh, yes, my great-grandfather gave them to my great-grandmother. And they were passed on until they got to me."

"Why didn't you give them to Dean Feeny? Or your first wife?"

"My first wife, Lillian, she was a florist and worked with her hands. She loved the rings but was so afraid of something happening to them and wanted something simpler. Lila also wished for something less…"

"Sparkly?"

He chuckled. "Yes. She's not exactly the sparkly type. They each received rings from my family, but minimal sparkle." George watched as his former student continued to study the rings. His eyes hadn't left them since they came out of the drawer. "Angela, however, she likes a bit of sparkle, doesn't she?"

"Yeah, I guess, why?"

He simply placed the rings in Eric's palm and closed his hand. "Give them to her."

"What?"

"I know you've been searching for an engagement ring."

"But, Mr. Feeny, I can't give her these."

"You told me just a few weeks ago that no ring has seemed right. Judging by the look on your face, you just saw the right one. And may I say that the other would make for a lovely wedding band."

"No, I can't accept the rings."

"Why not?"

"I don't know a lot about jewelry, but I know these are worth a lot. You could get some serious money. People will pay."

"Do you think I've hung on to them for their potential monetary value? If that were the case I would've sold them years ago when struggling on a teacher's salary. They are a small part of my family's history. The metal in these rings is platinum not because my great-grandfather was trying to show off and be extravagant, but because his intended had a nickel allergy and couldn't wear gold."

"What about the rubies?"

"Red for the passion he felt for her. And he chose the unique design instead of a more traditional look because he felt she deserved to stand out. Unfortunately this meant she couldn't wear it together with the wedding band he designed, but both rings were treasured. And after they were married her engagement ring was worn on her right hand for special occasions."

"But Feeny, I'm sure you must have some relative somewhere who would want these."

"Want them? Yes. Appreciate them…that I'm less sure of. The last thing I want is to see these sold off and melted down, picked apart for maximum financial gain. I wish I could say I trust blood relatives with that, but sadly that is not the case."

"Bummer."

"Yes."

"And you're sure you'd want to give them to me instead of family?"

"But don't you see? I am giving them to family."

For one of the few times in his life Eric Matthews was speechless. "Thanks," he croaked out once he was sure he wouldn't lose his composure. "I mean…really, thank you."

"You're quite welcome."

"Will you at least let me give you some money for them?"

"No."

"But-"

"Again, money is not my primary concern."

"But these rings are still worth a lot and I feel funny taking them for nothing."

"Tell you what, whatever money you would've paid for an engagement ring, put it towards something special for you and Angela: wedding, honeymoon, spur of the moment present…something fun."

He laughed. "Fun? I thought you'd say use it for Georgia's college fund or something responsible like that."

"Life is not all education and responsibility."

"Can I get a recording of you saying that? Because now I have truly heard it all."

/

/

Milo and Evan were in the living room playing with Legos, Nina and Naomi were at the hotel working on her flower girl dress in secret, Rachel was…well, Shawn wasn't sure where Rachel had gone, but he found Jack in the backyard with Calum. They were sitting in the grass looking at a book. "Hi."

He didn't look up. "Hey."

It had been a couple of days since the disappointment at the audiologist's office and Jack's attitude hadn't seemed to change much. "He really likes that book, huh?"

"I bought this last week. I wanted to have a special book for us to look at after the appointment on Friday."

Shawn took a seat beside his brother and smiled and waved when the baby looked at him. "What do you mean special?"

Jack pushed one of the tabs on the side and music played. He hit the tab below that and people cheered. "It's an interactive book. As you read along with the story you hit these little things. I really wanted to see his reactions when he heard them." He sighed. "Hell, I just wanted to read him a story and know he heard me."

"Sorry."

"I really thought it would work, you know? Even though they told us not to get too excited I thought it was just a bunch of bull they had to tell to other people. This was going to work for Calum. It was supposed to. Why else would they put all those videos on youtube of those cute babies hearing their parents for the first time?" He blinked back tears. "We were supposed to have that moment. I feel robbed, robbed for myself and robbed for him.

"I just want him to be a normal kid and have a normal life."

"Why," Shawn scoffed.

"What?"

He leaned over so he was in Calum's line of sight and held out his hands. When the baby moved forward to go to him he picked him up. "Normal is overrated. There are enough normal people out there putting the world to sleep. Why would you want Calum adding to that? Now he gets to be different and leave his own mark on the world. Hell, think of all the people he'll get to amaze and prove wrong along the way."

"Shawn, language."

"Hey, I'm considering that one bonus. You don't have to worry about him picking up bad words."

"I suppose." Jack laid back and stared at the sky. "But life is hard enough for people with all their senses intact. You think kids are going to be kind to a deaf kid?"

"I don't know."

"A few nights ago before bed, Nina came running into the room to tell me and Rachel her newest knock-knock joke. Is that something Calum will be able to do?"

"His ears are broke, not his sense of humor."

"I prepared for adoption. I wasn't prepared for this."

"What are you saying? Are you saying if you knew Calum would be deaf you would've told Kara no, that you wouldn't take him?"

"No, of course not. I love Calum, but…it's hard. He can't hear bedtime stories or lullabies. He doesn't know how the dogs sound when they get so excited they all start barking at once. He can't hear his own brothers and sister. He doesn't know I love you," he added in a whisper.

Shawn was quiet, trying to decide the best way to answer. Calum was indeed happily oblivious to the drama around him, but that was because he was a baby and had nothing to do with his hearing. "Yeah, fine, maybe Calum will never know what I love you sounds like, but he knows what it looks like. He sees it every day. Sure, he can't hear the stories and lullabies, but that doesn't stop you guys from talking and singing to him. You play with him and hold him when he cries. That's all he knows and what he cares about. He might be just a baby, but he gets what love is."

"You think?"

"Trust me. It's one thing to hear I love you, but if it's not backed up with actions it's meaningless. You guys show you love him every minute of the day. It doesn't matter if he can hear it or not."

"Thanks, Shawn." He heard the familiar sound of the garage door opening and sat up. "It's really early for Rachel to be coming home."

"How did she get stuck working a Saturday?"

"She's required to work one Saturday a month." Moments later his wife came running out with a huge grin on her face. "Hey, what's going on?"

"Did Naomi get back here with Nina yet?"

"I don't know. Why?"

She was practically bouncing up and down with excitement. "It's best to wait for when we're all together."

A couple minutes later they were all gathered in the living room.

"Why do we have to sit here, mommy?"

"Yeah, Rach, what's going on?"

"Shawn, Naomi, do you think you could fly back here May 21st?"

"For Milo's birthday? I'm not sure I could get the weekend off for his party because of the time I'm taking in June for the wedding and honeymoon," Naomi answered.

"No, not his party that weekend, just that Friday. It's his birthday that day, but that part is coincidence."

"Rachel, what are you talking about?"

She pulled a piece of paper out from behind her back. "We have a court date."

"Really?"

"That's right: Friday, May 21st at ten in the morning."

"Are you kidding? Of course we will be here," Naomi exclaimed. "Even if I can only fly in for a couple of hours- I'm not missing this."

"I'll bring my best camera."

Evan got up and slowly approached Rachel and took the paper from her hands. He skimmed it over, trying to understand all of the words in front of him. "Is this real?"

"Yes, it is."

"The judge is going to say we're a real family and no one can take us away from you?"

She nodded. She had been given the option of not having to go to court and having the adoption approved quickly and quietly- by the end of the week- but it seemed importantly to the kids, Evan especially, to have it done officially by a judge. "That's right. This family is forever."