A/N: I can't believe that it's been that long since I last updated. I am so sorry. It will go quicker from now on. For one thing, I just realized I started this story before I became pregnant w/ my youngest and he's gonna be two a few months. Poor Tess has had a very long pregnancy. And I really need to get them out of Toledo and back to NYC. Besides poor Flack needs a little cuddle. Even though it's in my AU and the other will never happen here. Mean, evil TPTB.

If anyone is still out there hanging on, thanks. Please R&R, that's my addiction. - B

ps: the chapter title should have a familiar tune, although not the familiar verse.

Don reached for the doorknob of the waiting room. He paused a moment and looked through the window. Tess was curled up on one of the couches asleep. Don grinned slightly and shook his head. He quietly opened the door and slid inside. He crouched down next to Tess. A man sitting on the far side of the room bent his paper down.

"She came in and almost immediately curled up."

Don flashed a wry smile. "She's pregnant. Her ma's busted up down there. It's been a rough coupla days for her."

The man glanced at his watch and folded up the paper. "Sorry about her mother. Congrats to you two."

"Thanks." The man nodded, pushed himself up out of the chair and left. Don ran his hand over Tess' hair. She didn't stir. Don just stayed there fingering Tess' hair. He picked up a burnt honey lock and let the strands slowly drift down. He kissed her forehead. Tess' eyes opened slowly. Don smiled at her. "Hiya, Sleeping Beauty."

Tess rolled her eyes. "I'm no pampered princess."

"Pampered? No." Don picked up her hand and kissed it. Tess sat up, tugging on Don's hand. He slid up onto the couch next to her. Tess laid her head on his shoulder. Don bounced their joined hands on his leg. "But I jus' talked to someone who certainly thinks yer a princess."

Tess ducked her head. "Daddy can be…"

"It's okay, Tess." Don squeezed Tess' hand. "He loves ya. Can't fault him for that. And for him wantin' to protect ya. I'm afraid he's doesn't like our city much." Tess groaned and her head fell back. "I didn't even talk sports. Well, that's not entirely true," he admitted.

"Don…"

"Hey, I'm in one piece. Not even a good tongue lashing." Don slid his arm around Tess. "Maybe that comes later. Joe said he wants ta talk some more later."

Tess tilted her head up at Don, an amused smile lighting her face. "Joe, is it?" Her smile deepened. "He likes you."

Don smiled back and relaxed. "Ya think?"

Tess laughed. "You were scared. The big, bad New York detective was scared." She punched Don lightly in the shoulder.

"Hey. Don't." Tess moved to punch him again. Don grabbed her wrists and pinned them. "Ya think yer so funny, Sweetheart." Don took a deep breath. "Yeah, talkin' at yer dad scares me. Wonder why?"

Tess leaned forward and kissed him lightly. "I love you." Don groaned and let her go.

"Yer jus' plain crazy, Sweetheart. Ya know that, right?" Tess just grinned at him. Don shook his head. He pulled Tess close again.

"So you actually brought up sports?"

"Not really. Yer dad was explaining how you were a gift. That yer folks hadn't been expecting to have ya." Don looked down at Tess and ran a finger along her cheek. He looked back out into the room. "He started talkin' 'bout the first time ya smiled. I started talkin' about seein' ya watchin' the game in the bar and…" Tess made a small noise. Don glanced over at her. Tess' eyes were damp. "What?"

Tess shook her head. "You didn't really fall for me that first time in the bar?"

Don looked away. "Well, no. That's just crazy. But if the Yankees hadn't been blowin' the game I probably wouldn't have noticed ya…"

"Well, thank God for the Yanks losing." Tess grinned. "Although…"

"What?"

Tess rocked her head back and forth. "If they hadn't lost you wouldn't be here sitting with your pregnant girlfriend, visiting her mother in a hospital in Toledo."

"Right now, I wouldn't trade a win for that." Don squeezed her hand. He reached out and wiped away the tear trickling down Tess' cheek.

"I'm sorry. …"

"Hormones." They both said at the same time grinning. Tess yawned loudly. Don sighed and wrapped his arm around her, pushing her head down on his shoulder. Tess relaxed against him, then suddenly sat back up.

"Were we supposed to go back in and talk with Daddy?" Don shook his head. "Oh." Tess curled up next to him again. Soon Don heard her breathing become more relaxed and he felt her slump next to him. Don slowly rubbed his hand up and down Tess' arm and carefully shifted into a more comfortable position. He looked over at the TV quietly running in the corner. Jaguars leapt from branch to branch.

A few minutes later the door opened and Stephanie and John came in. Stephanie looked over at Don and her sleeping sister and gave a small wave.

"Good." She mouthed. Don nodded slightly. Stephanie and John sat in chairs across from Don and Tess. Stephanie watched Tess breathing slowly. "I'm glad she's finally getting some sleep. I could kill Adam."

Don shrugged. "It wasn't a big…" He glanced over at Stephanie who had an eyebrow raised. "OK. So it was kinda a big deal. I don't really mind being here though."

Stephanie peered intently at Don's face. "Daddy must like you. No wounds or nothing."

"It went okay." Don sighed a little. "It's yer brother I'm not lookin' forward to seein'."

"I think you can take him."

""I'm not lookin' to do that." Don shrugged. "I can't really blame him. I'd feel the same way if Tess was my sister."

"And now you know why I moved across the country. Having your family try to run you life is a drag." John chuckled. Stephanie shot him a nasty look. "What? You can't have an opinion. You don't have any family."

John grinned at Stephanie and squeezed her hand. "Why do you think I kept chasing you? I didn't want to die all alone."

Stephanie tried to put on a serious face. "That can still be arranged you know. Now stop it. We don't need to be putting on a drama for whoever comes in." Stephanie glanced at the door as if someone was staring in, watching them. Don stifled a snort. Tess shifted and slowly opened her eyes. She blinked at Stephanie and John.

"When'd you get here?"

"Hours and hours ago. You snore, Tessie," teased Stephanie.

"Do not, Steph," grumbled Tess rubbing her eyes.

Don kissed the top of her head. "I'll keep you anyhow, Sweetheart."

Tess glared at him. "Look who's talking, Donald."

Stephanie burst out laughing. "She's calling you by your full name. She's ticked."

"I wonder why I'm not in the best mood. I finally get some sleep and you come in here and stir up the place," Tess dropped into Hungarian to scold her sister.

"Tess, we're all a little tense. I was just trying to lighten the mood." Stephanie shot back.

"Hey, fight in English you two. There's no subtitles available," protested Don.

"Quit picking on the tired, hormonal, pregnant woman," growled Tess.

Don hugged Tess' shoulders and rubbed her arm. "I'm sorry, Sweetheart. We only pick because we care." Tess glowered at Don. Don kissed her forehead. "Your face is gonna freeze like that."

Tess rolled her eyes and her lips twitched. "I'll remember that, Grandpa."

"Hey, don't get ahead of yourself. We haven't even had this kid yet. I don't wanna even think about him havin' kids."

"What if it's a girl?"

"She ain't goin' out until she's thirty."

"That didn't help," deadpanned Tess. Don looked at her strangely and then it dawned on him. He burst out laughing and gave Tess a hard quick kiss.

"That's my girl." They grinned at each other. Tess leaned against his shoulder.

Stephanie rolled her eyes at them. "Get a room. Oh, wait. Been there, done that." Tess and Stephanie burst into giggles.

Tess felt Don tense up next to her. She looked at the door and saw Adam scowling at them through the glass. She laid her hand over Don's clenched fist. She looked out at Adam and got up.

"Tess…," Don's voice held a warning note.

Tess turned back. "What? I have to go to the restroom. You stay here." She left the room, ignoring Adam as she brushed past him. Adam disappeared and shortly after voices could be heard arguing. Don swore under his breath and started to get up.

"Don't. You'll just make matters worse." Stephanie grabbed at Don's sleeve. He pulled away and rushed out the door.

Tess was backed against the wall with her fists balled on her hips. Adam was waving his arms around, his face deep red.

"Leave her alone," growled Don as he approached. Adam spun and caught Don in the face with his fist. Tess gasped and grabbed her brother's arm. Don just stood there and eyed Adam warily. He could feel his eye starting to swell. "Happy now?" Tess looked from one to the other. "Are you both happy now?" she spat in disgust.

Adam cradled his hand. "Oh, God. I think I hurt my hand."

Tess glared at him. "Serves you right." She looked from Adam to Don. "You finally got him to punch you. Feel punished enough? Idiots." Tess walked away from the two of them. Stephanie came out of the waiting room just as Christine stepped off the elevator. Stephanie shook her head. They all waved off the nurse that came to investigate. Stephanie glared at the two men.

"Are you boys done now? Don't we have enough drama going on?" She looked from Don to Adam. "Let's get you both ice. Where did Tess go?"

"She walked off," mumbled Don.

"I don't blame her." Stephanie glared at her brother. "Nothing Daddy or I said this morning penetrated that thick skull of yours, did it?"

"I…," Adam yelped as Christine manipulated his hand. Christine glowered at him and moved his fingers again.

"Very smart, Adam, you may have broken your hand," she stated. Christine sighed heavily. "You make your living with your hands. Why would possess you to do that? Your sister's a grown woman. It's her business."

"Well, how was I supposed to know…?"

"Don't even," warned Christine. She looked over at Stephanie. "Tell Jozef, we're sorry. I'm taking him downstairs to see if we can get someone to look at his hand." She led Adam away, mumbling about the stupidity of some people. Stephanie looked at Don.

"I should…," he started to say.

"What are all of you up to? I have a nurse come in and say my children are out here fighting…" Joe strode up to Stephanie and Don. Don tried to hide his face, but Joe caught sight of it. "Did Adam do that?" He demanded in Hungarian.

"I'm sorry, sir. I…" Don shook his head.

Joe sighed heavily. "Never mind. Where is Adam?" he asked in English.

"Christine took him downstairs. She's afraid he broke his hand."

"Bolond," spat Joe through clenched teeth.

"Mindketto, Daddy. Mindketto." Stephanie looked over at Don and shook her head. "Daddy, go on back to Mama. I'll get some ice for this one, then we'll try and track down Tess."

"And your John?"

"He's staying well clear."

"Smart man."

"I dunno, Daddy. He insists on marrying me."

Joe grinned at his daughter. "Like I said, smart man, mezem." Joe looked at Don and shook his head. He headed back down the hall.

Don looked sheepishly at Stephanie. "So I'm an idiot." Stephanie raised an eyebrow. "No, I don't suddenly speak Hungarian. But I speak 'angry and annoyed' very well."

"Not well enough to steer clear of Adam."

"Well, they don't usually hit me. Something about not assaulting a police officer usually does the trick."

"Self-righteous, over-protective brother trumps off-duty, out of jurisdiction cop every time."

"I'll keep that in mind." They stopped in front of the nurses' station. Before either of them could get a request out the nurse handed Don an ice pack. "Um. Thanks," he mumbled.

Don followed Stephanie back to the waiting room. She practically pushed him down into the seat next to John.

"Make sure he stays out of trouble. I gotta go track Tessie down."

Don started to get up. "Let me…"

"No. You stay here. Ice your eye. I'll find Tessie. Hopefully, she'll have cooled down enough by the time she gets back here. Otherwise, you may get a verbal assault to go with the physical one Adam gave you."

"I can handle Tess," protested Don.

Stephanie stepped up close to Don and stared him down. "I'm sure you can, and probably deserve to be yelled at by her. However, I think she has had enough today. Don't you?" Don leaned his head back and draped the ice pack over his eye. "Good choice. I'll be back."

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Stephanie found Tess sitting near the front of the chapel. She slid quietly in next to her. Tess finished praying, crossed herself and slid up onto the seat.

"How did you know where to find me?"

"I tried the cafeteria first. Then I remembered that when you were pissed at Adam this morning you asked to be dropped off at St. Stephen's. I took a chance." They sat silently for a couple of heartbeats. "Christine is worried Adam broke his hand."

"Bolond."

"Daddy said the same thing."

"Both of them."

"I said that."

"And Don's eye?"

"He's icing it. He'll have a lovely shiner."

"He's been looking for one ever since…" Tess sighed. "Well, now that one of my family has defended my honor maybe we can go on with life." Tess looked over at her sister. "Where did you park him?"

"John's keeping track of Don."

Tess pushed herself up. "Good. Let's hit the cafeteria and get some coffee and something to eat. I'm tired and hungry."

"Being pregnant hasn't made you give up caffeine?"

Tess raised her eyebrows at her sister. "You are kidding me, right? Me give up caffeine?"

"Okay, it was a long shot. I blame your addiction on Nagyanya Zsuzsu."

Tess' eyes widened. "Stephie, are you calling our dear, sweet nagyanya a pusher?"

Stephanie rolled her eyes and shook her head. "Only of coffee." Stephanie looked seriously at Tess. She reached out and gently touched her shoulder. "Maybe you should have Don take you home and you can eat some of the scads of food being delivered and get a nap."

Tess shook her head. "I'm not that tired." She stifled a yawn. ""I don't want…"

Stephanie wrapped her arm around Tess. "Come on, Tess. You need to get some rest. You have a cell phone. Don has a cell phone. There's nothing going on here." Tess laid her head on her sister's shoulder. "I promise to call if anything happens. Go home. Sleep."

"Okay. I'll just go up and talk to Daddy. Then I'll go home for a little while." Tess yawned again.

"Are you gonna make it that far?"

Tess rolled her eyes. "I'm not that tired."

"Coulda fooled me. Come on. Let's say 'see you later' to Daddy and then you go get some sleep."

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Tess and Stephanie got off the elevator to find Don punching at the button. Tess glared at his black eye.

"Never mind that now. Did John find you guys? Have ya seen Adam?"

Stephanie gave him a funny look. "Noooo. What's up?"

Don grinned. "Yer ma. She's up. They brought her out of sedation." Stephanie started to race down the hall. She turned back toward Tess. Tess waved her on.

"Go on. Let's not overwhelm her. I'll be there in a minute." Stephanie nodded and practically ran down the hall. Tess turned to Don. He tried to avoid her eyes. Tess took his chin in her hand and turned his head so she could get a good look at his blackened eye. She sighed heavily. "The red of the broken blood vessels really sets off the blue."

"I'm sorry, Sweetheart," he mumbled.

"No you're not. You've been dying for this to happen. Are you satisfied now? Now that you have physical evidence of the beating you've been giving yourself, are you satisfied?"

"Tess…"

"Don, you've got to stop this. You are not at fault. We both did this. It happened. You've got to get past it. We've got to move forward."

"Are you past it? Are you moving forward? Have you stopped with the 'what if's'?" Blue eyes locked with chocolate ones. Tess looked down at the ground. "That's what I thought. Don't be makin' big speeches if ya don't believe it yerself." Tess sighed. She kept looking at the toes of Don's shoes.

"I'm so tired, Don. I want to go see, Mama. Just for a little bit. Just to let her know I'm here. Then I need to go home and sleep. I'll tell her everything else tomorrow. When she's a little stronger. More awake."

Don pulled Tess into his arms. She relaxed against him. He rubbed her back and kissed the top of her head. "We'll talk to her tomorrow. Both of us." Tess looked up. Don gave her a reassuring smile, his eyes twinkling. "Team's only strong as its weakest player. We're a team, right?" Tess just blinked. "We gotta start practicing. Otherwise, our kid's gonna be playing the 'But Mommy said it's okay game' and we won't stand a chance."

"She's gonna have you wrapped around her pinkie," protested Tess burying her head back into Don's chest.

Don kissed the top of her head again. "Not gonna happen. I already got a girl who's wrapped me around her finger." Tess snorted but gave Don a squeeze. He kept his arm around Tess and led her down the hall. They stopped before her mother's room. "Go on in and talk ta yer ma. I'll wait out here."

Tess shook her head. "You can come in."

"Howabout I wait until tomorrow? Yer ma doesn't need the drama today. She needs to know her family is all here for her. Me, our news, all that can wait for tomorrow. Trust me."

"If you're sure…," she started doubtfully.

Don squeezed Tess hand. "I'm not ditchin' Tess. It's just gonna be too much all at once. Tomorrow'll be fine." Tess nodded and went into the room. Don hung back and watched through the window as Tess carefully hugged mother. She sat down on the opposite edge of the bed from Stephanie and held her mother's hand. Don stepped away and headed down the hall to wait for Tess.

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