Our weekend with JJ and the family flew by and before we knew it, the start of a new school year was only a few days away. Andrew and I had vowed to make the last weekend before the start of sophomore year fun for Keely but sweet Stella had come down with a cold, which while ironic for the summertime, put a hitch in our plans. Keely and I still went out and did some monetary damage getting some new clothes for the year and Kee got her hair done before we both got manicures.

The night before school started, it was tradition for Keely to choose where she wanted to eat dinner which was then following by ice cream. Keely assured us she was fine grilling out at home this year, not wanting either Andrew or I to have to stay home with Stella but I insisted Andrew at least take her out for ice cream after, not wanting the tradition to be ruined entirely.

I was on the couch when they returned home from the outing, holding Stella up against my chest to help her breathing. The poor thing was so congested and had only been able to sleep if held upright. "So, what comes next on the night before school tradition?" I asked as they walked into the living room.

"Movie time." Andrew informed as he sat down beside me.

"Oh, and what is your pick Kee?" I asked, turning to face her.

"Clueless." Keely replied, a wide grin on her face as Andrew groaned. "Hey, we suffered through Airplane on your last movie night pick."

"That movie is a classic." Andrew defended.

Keely shook her head. "That movie is stupid."

"Em, back me up babe."

"Sorry love, not happening."

Andrew huffed out a breath playfully. "Fine. I'll go make the popcorn."

"You guys just got back from ice cream." I noted.

"And?" Andrew and Keely replied simultaneously, making me laugh. The mood was light as we all settled in on the couch to watch the movie. When it was over, Keely reluctantly put together her backpack for the morning and went upstairs to change into pajamas.

"What do you want for breakfast tomorrow?" I asked as she came back downstairs for a quick glass of water before calling it a night.

"Hmm, ooh can you make your breakfast quesadillas?"

"Absolutely." I replied, kissing her brow as I passed her and headed to bed myself. "Sleep well."

"You, too."

Doubtful, I thought, knowing I'd be up and down with Stella all night again. I just hoped Keely would be able to sleep through it.

####

Rolling over in bed sometime early the next morning, I was surprised to find Andrew's side empty. A glance at the clock told me it was far too early for him to up for work yet or even a morning run. He let me sleep, I thought, not having recalled hearing Stella cry since I was last up with her around 1am and it was nearing 5am now. There was no way she had slept four hours straight.

Rolling out of bed, I grabbed my robe and slid into a pair of slippers. Walking into the living room, I found Andrew on the couch, eyes closed, feet stretch out to rest on the edge of the coffee table. He was shirtless, wearing only a pair of pajama pants, with Stella asleep against his chest and a soft blanket draped over the both of them. They were a beautiful sight, so peaceful and content.

I quietly made my way over to sit beside him, Andrew's eyes fluttering open with the shifting of the cushions and he smiled. "Good morning. How did you sleep?"

"Surprisingly well." I replied, curling into his side as he wrapped an arm around my shoulder. I sighed contentedly, letting my head fall against his shoulder. "You didn't have to get up with her. You have work, you need your sleep." I whispered quietly, reaching over and gently cupping the back of Stella's head, rubbing my thumb soothingly over her soft curls.

"You've been up with her the past two nights. Besides, I'm quite enjoying the cuddles. She's growing so fast. They both are." I hummed my agreement and nodded gently before my eyes drifted close again, the feel of Andrew's fingers running up and down my arm putting me back to sleep.

####

I'm startled awake again by the sound of a plastic cup falling in the kitchen. Andrew woke as well but stayed still as Stella was still blessedly asleep. I stood from the couch, making my way into the kitchen and ran a hand over Keely's shoulder as I walked directly toward the coffee maker.

"Sorry." Keely spoke softly. "I was trying not to wake you guys yet."

"Oh, that's sweet but you don't have to worry about that, kiddo." I smiled. "I'll get breakfast going."

"Thanks, mom." Keely pecked my cheek before running upstairs to get dressed.

Keely was still getting ready when I finished breakfast, so I covered the quesadillas with tinfoil to keep them warm and walked back over to the couch where Andrew was still sitting with Stella. "You're going to be late if you don't start getting ready."

Andrew frowned. "This is the longest stretch she's slept in a few days. I'm hard pressed to move now."

I smiled. "I know but she'll be ok and your other daughter is counting on you for a ride to school."

Andrew sighed but passed Stella off and moved to the bedroom to shower and change. A little while later, Andrew and Keely were off for the day with hugs, kisses and well wishes for a good first day back.

####

It was a bit of an odd morning, the first in weeks that I was on my own with Stella. I found myself looking forward to the one-on-one time I would have with my little girl during the day and was especially enjoying the extra cuddles I was getting today since she still wasn't feeling 100%.

I was just getting ready to prep some lunch when I heard my phone ringing. Looking at the caller ID, I got a bad feeling when I saw Steve's name, one of Andrew's coworkers and a good friend.

"Steve." I answered.

"Emily." I could hear it in his voice immediately, something was wrong.

I closed my eyes, taking a deep breath. "What happened?"

"He got hit by a car trying to stop a suspect. He's on route to St. Luke's now, he was conscious when they left but he got roughed up real bad and medics were worried about internal bleeding."

"Oh god." I whispered; my voice thick with emotion as I tried to hold back tears. "Ok, ok I'm leaving now. I need… Keely she's…"

"I can call Lana. If you're ok with it, she can pick Keely up from school and meet you at the hospital." Steve offered.

"Thank you."

"Anytime. And Em," he paused. "He'll be ok. He has to."

Damn right he does, I thought as I quickly grabbed the diaper bag and keys.

A/N: It may be a week or two before I can get the next chapter up but rest assured that Andrew will be ok. I've been feeling a little angsty lately with everything happening in the world right now and so it came through in my ideas for this storyline but I like happy endings so don't worry, I'm not going to jeopardize that.