Chapter 3:

"Nick?" Sam asked.

"Dad, Cassie," came Nick's voice from the phone. Sam let go of the breadth he hadn't noticed he was holding. "Nick it's good to hear your voice," Cassie began. "We're worried about you." Her use of the present tense not going unnoticed by Sam. "Nick, where are you? What happened?" he continued.

"I'm on my way home and I really don't want to go over this on the phone though I am sure Mom called you."

"She did and I want to hear your side," Sam replied. Nick was grateful that his Dad didn't make any snap judgements. "Ok Dad."

"Uh, Nick," Cassie interjected. "Wouldn't you want to stop at a hotel and continue the journey tomorrow morning?" Sam perked up. "Yeah Nick. Cassie is right. You shouldn't be driving at night."

"Dad, Cassie, I appreciate the suggestion, but I am pumped up on coffee now and really just need to be home." Sam, Cassie and Grace all looked at each other. His last statement hadn't been lost on them. "OK," Sam said reluctantly. "But give us a call when you're an hour outside of town, got it?"

"Yes, and drive safely," Cassie added.

"Ok guys, I will. I promise," Nick replied. With that Grace picked up her phone again and placed it on private mode. Sam and Cassie went to put a sleeping Lizzie back to bed. "Ok, Nick. It's just me. What happened?"

Nick chose his words carefully. "Let's just say I've seen my mother in a new light and understand why my Dad always becomes 'Mr. Gritty-teeth' when she's around." Grace couldn't help but crack a smile at Nick's description of his dad, but she knew that whatever he had learned had fundamentally changed his feelings towards his mother.

"Ok, well I'd better let you get back on the road. Be safe Nick."

"Thanks, sis. See you soon" And, with that, the line went blank.

Cassie came back out just as her daughter had finished her conversation. "Sam went to get ready for bed. He's drained, emotionally and physically. But, Lizzie and Alex are good; sleeping peas in their pods." Grace smiled, but her Mom read more on her face. "What?"

"Mom, there's more to this story."

"I know. Things have changed. Nick's not a boy anymore, but when he's with his mother that changes." Grace nodded, "Nick the adult, the one we know, is not necessarily the one his mom knows."

"There we go. You're on the right track," Cassie said. Grace was understanding. She'd be there to help her step-brother. This time she wouldn't mess it up. With her new found sense of confidence, her mother kissed her goodnight.

Cassie Nightingale entered her bedroom to find her husband in bed behind the latest copy of The Lancet. "Happy New Year, handsome," she said. The journal lowered to reveal a face that was tired, but at ease. "I can't sleep," he said. "I don't think I will until he's safe at home."

"Of course," she said slipping into her side of the bed, snuggling up close and kissing him softly. "Then why don't we stay up together." That first night of the new year Cassie and Sam stayed up together talking, taking care of their kids, and simply being with each other.

Nick continued his way on the quiet interstate, a million thoughts going through his mind. He thought back to the first time he took this road, with his father, what seemed like an eternity ago. On that trip, he was angry: at his dad for leaving without warning, at Noah for leaving him behind at the beach house, and at his mother—suddenly, it like a ton of bricks it hit him and he pulled over to the side of the road. He was angry at his mother for letting him go. He knew Geoffrey hadn't lied that night when, having had a bit too much to drink, he blurted out to Nick that his mother took a job in London rather than stay to work out custody all those years ago. It was his mother who had lied; his father had never 'stole' him from her as she had claimed. His father, he thought, had not been truthful either when he said that they had come to the conclusion together. His mother never fought for him, he realised. Tears began to well up in his eyes. He couldn't stop it. He didn't stop it and the tears fell.

Like her parents, Grace hadn't been able to sleep. She was worried about her stepbrother; she was impatient to talk with him again, but figured another phone call would only irritate him. Instead, she got up to make tea and met her mom in the kitchen, who had had the same the idea. "Can't sleep either," she said getting another cup for her eldest. "No, I can't help thinking about Nick," Grace said taking the cup and pouring the hot water into the Brahmi tea leaves. "I can't shake the feeling that he's hurt." Her mother looked concerned. "Not physically, Mom. We both know there is more than one way to get hurt." She knew Grace had a connection with her siblings and Nick was no exception. "You are a good sister to Nick. You always have been." Grace smiled, "Thanks Mom. He's always been there for me too, even though he won't admit it." And with that she kissed her mother and went back to bed. "This I know," Cassie said smiling and returned to her husband.

The sun and the Radford twins had been up for a couple of hours when Nick pulled into the familiar street and finally into the driveway. The basketball hoop that he had spent uncounted hours in front of in high school looked as alone as he felt, but he was happy to be back in Middleton. He walked into the quiet house, and looked around. He had never noticed the slight changes that Cassie made upon moving in: the red decorated mugs and baby bottles drying on the dish rack, the painting of Grey House and the family done by the painter that had stayed at the B&B, teas and spices scattered about the kitchen for Cassie's delicious culinary crafts, and family photos: his Dad and Cassie's wedding, himself with Grace and the twins, holidays with just the four, then six of them, and all the family. This house had certainly become a home. Knowing his dad, he guessed his parents hadn't slept much that night either and he went to the fridge to grab some juice. Turning around, there stood Grace with their little brother in her arms. He shook he head, "I still don't know how you do that, but I gotta say always cool." She smiled while Alexander reached for his brother. "You want your big brother now," Nick added.

"He's glad he's home," Grace finally spoke up.

"I'm glad he's home too," said Nick taking the boy into his arms and giving him a hug. "Hey, little bro, I missed you." He headed toward the couch with his one-year old brother firmly in his arms. Grace followed with a bowl of plain Cheerios for all of them. Nick sat, obviously exhausted, but he played with Alex while munching. "So, ready to talk," Grace queried. Nick took a breath, "Yeah, I finally think I am."