Chapter 20: The Baby

A few days later

Tommy and Zeke sighed as Kimberly was in another wallpaper store in the nursery's section trying to figure out what wallpaper for baby would work with purple walls. It was late in the evening, though the store was a good hour from closing. Zeke was laying his head against his father's arm, so tired since they had been shopping for the past 6 hours now. First day after Aisha moved out, Kimberly, Tommy and Zeke spent the day inside the house getting over not having Aisha in the house. Once they, Kimberly mostly, realized that truth, Tommy knew they would have to hurry if they wanted the nursery done before baby Oliver number 2 was born.

"I still don't see why we can't repaint the walls, we have the time."

"I love those purple walls!"

"And what if it's a boy?" Tommy asked.

"Which is why we have to find the perfect wallpaper border to go with it."

"Seriously Kim, my son should not have to suffer with purple walls," Tommy said. "He'll have issues."

"Oh, hush, he'll be fine with the purple walls."

"It's not fair."

"You are not suffering with my walls. They are pink!"

"It's not a girly pink!"

"And Aisha's walls are not girly either!"

"It's purple!"

"Oh hush! We are not painting over the walls, so just drop it." Tommy knew the reason why Kimberly refused to paint those walls. Tommy found Kimberly in the empty room yesterday, touching the walls. If they re-painted the walls, it would be like everything Aisha had was finally removed from the house and Kimberly didn't want that. "I really like this baby animal border."

"Fine, let's get it."

"Then again, these alphabet letter paper would be great too. And this aqua safari wallpaper will go with the purple better…"

"And nothing says baby room like Winnie the Pooh." Kimberly looked back as Aisha appeared with a smile.

"You came? Finally!" Aisha laughed.

"Great to see you too Kim. You fellows go on, we'll finish this."

"Oh thank God," Tommy said lifting Zeke up. Tommy kissed Kim's cheek and left.

"So, not going to paint the walls?"

"It would take too long and the baby will be here soon," Kimberly said holding up another wallpaper border.

"Like that baby is coming anytime soon."

"Hey! This baby will be on time just like Zeke."

"Zeke was late."

"Just a day."

"Still…" Kimberly smiled.

"So Winnie the Pooh?"

"It would work." Kimberly nodded.

"You could have saved us, 6 hours," Kimberly said walking over to the counter to purchase the wallpaper Pooh border and wall décor.

"And miss Tommy and Zeke suffering through your shopping spree. What else did you buy?"

"Just some things for the baby."

"You didn't get enough at the shower?"

"Well, for after the baby." Kimberly smiled.

"Oooh." The ladies continued on shopping until the mall closed, and even took in a movie together, good old fashion girl time.

About a week later

Kimberly had yet to go into labor. She was overdue 3 days now, and was trying to do anything to go into labor. Adam made her spicy Korean foods, but that didn't work. She took bubble baths, nothing. Tommy and Kimberly had fought through the baby naming game enough to past the hours. They even took up dancing to help Kimberly got into labor. Kimberly did yoga with Aisha at the house, and walked for hours around the mall with Aisha for the first time in years and didn't buy anything. But any and all the remedies didn't work on Kim. And even though the sex with Tommy was great, there was still no baby. Kimberly felt she would have to be induced if it lasted any longer. She wanted her baby! She was tired of being fat, crabby and pregnant!

Kimberly had thrown herself into her artwork, but was too frustrated to truly paint anything inspiring. Kimberly was happy Mr. Hansen was not pressing for some new work. The Art Gallery was moving along nicely with no need of Kimberly. She didn't have to come into work there, though she wanted. Mr. Hansen was just fearful Kimberly would spring a leak in his Gallery, so always told her to stay home until the baby was at least 1 month old.

As a treat to take some stress of the welcoming of a new baby, Tommy's parents invited the family over for a nice dinner at the old house in Angel Grove. It was a Sunday afternoon in early May, when the dinner date was made. Kimberly was happy, she was tired of fast foods and Tommy's cooking as great as he does, a change and Mrs. Oliver's home cooking would be great. But what was supposed to be a quiet dinner of 5 turned into the Oliver family get together. Kimberly gasped when she found the house filled with more than Tommy's parents. His uncle and his family, a few cousins, Tommy's brother David and grandfather Mr. Trueheart were there.

"Oh welcome, welcome, you look ready to burst." Mrs. Oliver placed her hand Kim's large belly after kissing her cheeks.

"Oh, I am," Kimberly said walking into the house carrying her big baby Zeke. Tommy was right behind them. Zeke had been cranky the entire ride from LA to the house. Kimberly thought he was maybe getting sick or something, but Tommy knew his son was just acting like a big baby because he felt his days as the only child were numbered.

"Now, why are you making your mother carry you?"

"Because I have a big baby," Kimberly said shifting Zeke on her hip.

"Zeke, get down," Tommy said sternly after kissing his mother on the cheek. Zeke pouted, but slid down Kimberly and landed on his feet. "What's going on here?"

"Well, you know when you tell your Uncle Steve something, he can't keep it quiet."

"I heard that Jane."

"I see," Kimberly said. "Is everyone here?"

"Not everyone, but the important ones. Come on in!" Mrs. Oliver led Kimberly around the room.

"Come help your Nana with some appetizers." Zeke whined about not wanting to.

"Go," Kimberly warned after hugging and giving kisses to Tommy's brother David. Zeke took his grandmother's hand and walked into the kitchen.

"How are you feeling?"

"I'm good."

"Good." Mrs. Oliver came back with a nice tray of something, as Zeke was carrying another smaller tray.

"I made a nice cheesy spinach dip with vegetables."

"Oh, sounds great."

"Tommy dear, go get the drinks I left." Tommy nodded. After chatting for a bit, Tommy's father offered Zeke a chance to help cook dinner since the dinner was moved outside to the backyard.

"Come on, I know you love grilling with your father." Zeke smiled.

Kimberly and Tommy were up in Tommy's old room after sneaking away from the stress of Mrs. Oliver, the baby name drama and the rest of the Oliver-Trueheart family clan.

"This room looks just like high school, nothing has change, well, the red walls..." Tommy smiled as Kimberly walked around his old bedroom.

"Yeah, Mom didn't change much after I left for college. I don't think she will ever. Something about the only child mother syndrome." Tommy sighed, dropping to his bed on his back in a big plop.

"What's wrong tiger?" Kimberly asked sitting on the bed next to him slowly to get comfortable while stroking her large belly. Kimberly started stroking his hair.

"I don't know. I just feel like… Why haven't you gone into labor? Why can't we figure out what to name our baby?" Kimberly smiled, caressing Tommy's chest now.

"Well, when an egg and sperm connect, the baby gets half from the mother and half from the father. The baby's got your tardy gene." Tommy smiled.

"Yes, because that gene exist." Kimberly laid down, her head against Tommy's shoulder with her hand on his chest.

"What's really wrong?"

"Nothing. Absolutely nothing." Tommy wrapped his arm around Kimberly and kissed her forehead. Kimberly planted a short kiss on Tommy's lips.

After a short while, those short kisses turned into long passionate ones. Tommy slowly pulled Kimberly over and on top of him. Kimberly caressed up Tommy's arms as she sat up from their passionate kiss.

"I love you."

"I love you too Beautiful." When Tommy went to sit up, Kimberly pushed Tommy back to the bed. She slowly started unbuttoning his black shirt and worked on his belt. "What are you doing Beautiful?"

"What does it look like?"

"It looks like you are undressing me."

"Ha, that means the baby will have more than just my brains." Tommy laughed with Kimberly.

"I meant, why are you undressing me?"

"Do you really need me to answer that tiger?" Kimberly asked as she kissed the top of his chest where his tank didn't cover. She slowly pulled his tank from his pants, not content with rubbing his chest through the top. Tommy groaned when Kimberly bent down and took a hold of one of his nipples and bit it. Tommy gasped of the bite from her, Kimberly was never this aggressive.

"Hey!" Kimberly smiled after she bit the other nipple. "We have a house fill of family and guests…" Kimberly caressed Tommy's face with one hand.

"Then I suggest tiger, for once you be the loud one." Tommy moaned when Kimberly took him by the lips and kissed him passionately. All the incentive needed for Tommy.

Tommy's hands no longer idly, pushed her dress from her knees higher and higher until his hands were at the side of panties. With a quick flip, Kimberly was on her back with a giggle, her panties sent to the floor.

"Shhhh!" Tommy said to Kim's loud giggles.

"Make me." Tommy kissed her to hush her pouty smart lips. Kimberly unlocked the pants button, sliding her hands around to gripping Tommy's delicious firm buttocks. Tommy slightly jerked against her. "Easy tiger." Tommy kissed Kimberly hard again, as she squeezed and caressed his butt. Moans and groans escaping those kissing lips with each turn. With Tommy's tank completely tossed aside, Kimberly took hold of his nipples again, this time sucking and nibbling kindly, as she too helped pull Tommy's pants and boxers off his hips and down his legs. Sucking on Tommy's nipples was a clear way to make him lose his mind. Tommy pulled Kim's head up and cupped her face as he kissed her overwhelmingly, causing Kimberly to feel that pulse, that ache for more in her lower region. Tommy was stroking, caressing and fingering her wet sex. He knew pregnant women were horny, but this… wow, about blew his mind. Tommy pushed the top of Kim's pink dress down enough as he bent down and took her large left rosy nipples into his mouth over and over. Kimberly moaned loudly, crying out slightly. Tommy had to slid a finger, a thumb into her mouth to keep her quiet. He didn't want to draw attention to them before they had even started the real fun. Tommy licked and sucked hard on Kim's right engorged pink nipple. It wasn't long afterwards Tommy and Kimberly were making love with just a few arches of Kim's waist as her legs clung around Tommy.

Mrs. Oliver looked around the backyard and found the couple had disappeared. She quietly climbs the stairs to find her son and wife making love. At first, Mrs. Oliver stood unable to move as she watched the site before her. Tommy and Kimberly were making love with the door slightly open.

"Tommy… oh!" Kimberly gasped, crying out. Being quiet long forgotten with the great sensation of being inside the one you love.

"Beautiful… beautiful…" Tommy thrusted softly and lovingly into Kimberly. He took Kim's lips into countless kisses. Mrs. Oliver closed the bedroom door as quietly as possible, before returning down the stairs.

"What's going on, where are they?" Mr. Oliver asked bringing more steaks outside from the kitchen.

"Uh, just examining the old bedroom."

"Oh, well, dinner will be ready soon."

"They'll be down."

Tommy and Kimberly were clinging to themselves on their sides, hugging after that amazing sex. Tommy didn't even bother to cover up, completely naked though Kimberly looked discreetly better with her dress around her, though her panties were on the floor near Tommy's clothes. Tommy right now didn't care if anyone, well, maybe Zeke, walked through the door. He had his arms filled with the most beautiful pregnant woman on Earth. He couldn't move if he wanted to anyways, not without soaking up more of this loving feeling. Tommy rubbed Kimberly's belly, while kissing her cheek. He laid his cheek against her cheek. He always felt so filled with love after making love to his wife. Like nothing in this world could compare.

"I can't believe we never made love in this room on this bed before. This is a nice bed." Tommy laughed at Kimberly. They had napped together many times in high school on this bed, many times Tommy found himself awake with Kimberly in his arms after a hard battle against Rita, or Zedd, or both, but they were always clothed.

"Well, I did try."

"Once."

"But I tried."

Few Days Later

Kimberly was sitting on the couch with Zeke on the floor playing his Playstation game against Tommy who was lounging his head across Kim's lap. She was twisting his short locks, trying to get a spikier look.

"Oh Daddy, you suck!"

"Hey, what did I say about that word?" Kimberly looked sternly at her son.

"Sorry Mommy."

"What's pretty sad, it's true," Tommy said looking up at his wife. They shared a smile. Kimberly bent down and kissed him on the lips. Tommy tried and tried to beat his son, but was failing miserably. "Let's do something fun tomorrow," Tommy said.

"Like what?"

"Disneyland." Zeke's eyes went wide with happiness. He even paused the game to make sure he wasn't hearing things from his father's lips.

"Disneyland?" Kimberly repeated.

"It'll be fun!"

"We can't go to Disneyland!"

"Why not?"

"Yeah, Mommy, why not?" Zeke asked with pleading eyes.

"I'm pregnant duh!"

"You said it so yourself last night, the baby doesn't look like it'll be coming for a while."

"Still…we can't."

"Yes, we can. We leave like 7 in the morning, spend the whole day there, have some fun."

"But it won't be fair."

"Why not?" Tommy asked sitting up.

"I can't go on any rides!" Tommy laughed.

"But I haven't been to Disneyland Mommy!"

"You have been to Disney World, same thing."

"No, it's not," Tommy said. "Disneyland is way better." Zeke smiled. "Welll…"

"Well what?"

"Can we go Mommy? Can we go? Please, please, please?!" Kimberly groaned.

"Don't 3 please me…"

"Pleeeaassseeeeeeeee!" Tommy and Zeke pleaded to Kimberly.

The Oliver family took the 3-hour drive down to DisneyLand to spend the day at the greatest place on Earth. Tommy's parents joined them, along with Kim's mother and stepfather, Aisha and Tim. It turned out to be a great Ranger reunion as well, when Jason, Rocky, Katherine, Tanya, Adam, Billy, Zack and David trekked the trip to the park as well. Katherine, Billy and Zack were in California on business for the first and stuck around, waiting on the birth of the baby.

The morning in Disneyland was great with everyone walking around with their Mickey Mouse ears on. They had been able to keep the family and friends together and avoid those brutally long lines. They headed to Toon Town first for Zeke. Kimberly got to watch everyone smiling enjoying the rides. They had Billy, the master of mapping out a plan of action to attack the park for the rides. But Kimberly was having the best time on the sidelines. She wasn't too much of a thrill seeker any more, not that she could. Her days in her flying zords were probably the reason. And Zeke wasn't too much of a thrill rider unlike his father. But Kimberly did punished Tommy by his wallet with the shopping. Poor Mr. And Mrs. Oliver were stuck carrying the many stuff animals, Kimberly made Tommy win for her.

And then the afternoon came, bringing a mad dash and rush of confusion and joy. Kimberly was exciting, going on the Dumbo ride with Zeke.

"Oh, that was so much fun! Can we do it again?" Zeke asked as they exited the Dumbo Ride again. They had rode it twice already.

"Of course baby, but I thought you wanted to see the Buzz Lightyear Adventure show?"

"No! Dumbo again!" Zeke whined. Kimberly sighed, knowing to just let the whining go for her big baby.

"Okay, we should get back in line before…" Kimberly gasped. Her legs went shaky. Tommy felt the vibe and caught Kim's expression. He quickly dropped everything he had to rush over to his wife.

"What's wrong Kim? What's wrong Beautiful?" Kimberly gripped her stomach. She reached out to hold Tommy's arm and hold herself up. Tommy quickly took her by the waist and back when Kim's legs went weak and she all but collapsed against him.

"My water just broke."

"What?" Everyone looked at Kimberly.

"What did you just say?" Tommy asked concerned.

"She dropped some water?"

"No, her water broke!" Aisha yelled. Tommy quickly picked up Kimberly into his arms.

"Her water broke, well let's get her another bottle then," Rocky said. Aisha hit him.

"Not that water, silly!" Katherine yelled hitting Rocky as well. Kimberly groaned in pain as her first contraction all of a sudden hit as Tommy was rushing them out the park.

The hospital went from quiet to a madhouse when it became filled with about 20 people rushing into Blue Cross Christ Emergency Room. Tommy was carrying Kimberly with Zeke holding the overnight bag. Kimberly was having a lot of pain from the contractions.

"Woo, woo, slow down sir!"

"My wife, she… she… the baby…it's…"

"Sir, slow down!"

"She's having my baby!"

"I can see that Sir, but you need to calm down." Tommy had never been so out of control with fear, excitement, and joy.

"Sorry. My wife, her water broke in DisneyLand."

"DisneyLand? Who is her OB/Gyn Doctor?"

"White? Maggie White," Kimberly groaned.

Kimberly and Tommy were the only ones allowed in the delivery room once Kimberly went to active labor, besides, not many would want to be in the delivery room with a screaming woman in pain that can't be helped. Zeke was sitting on Aisha's lap, as the grandparents wore a path in the hallway in the family waiting area. It had been a while since anyone got any fresh news on Kimberly or the baby. They were down the hall away from the rooms. Jason had returned with rounds of coffees and waters for everybody. Zeke took a sip of water from Aisha's bottle and a bite of her apple.

"Auntie Aisha…"

"What's up baby?"

"How will they get the baby out of Mommy's stomach?"

"Remember that nice lady doctor?" Zeke nodded. "Well, she's going to help your mother with the baby and take him or her out."

"Will it hurt?"

"Oh, baby, everything will be fine. Those screams you heard, were… well, were happy screams." Tim smiled. He remembered the first time around with Kim. He always was told the second time could go easier or be the worst thing imaginable. By the look of Kim's face in the car, it was tilting toward worst.

It only took 11 hours. Only 11 hours of labor, but it was the longest 11 hours of Kim's life. She couldn't believe the pain. It was worst this time around with the second baby than with Zeke. But she did it. She gave birth to her second son born May 8th 2003. And she couldn't believe Tommy through everything, it was a classic father's face, filled with fear, pain, and happiness.

"Well…" Aisha jumped up as Zeke jumped from her lap when he saw Tommy came from the room somewhat out of breath from the run.

"It's a boy!" Tommy yelled with a huge smile. "Oh, a beautiful boy!"

"Congratulations!"

"Yes!"

"Cough it up," Rocky yelled holding his hand. He had a bet going with the sex of the baby. Jason slapped Rocky's hand and went to hug Tommy. "That's not 5 bucks!" Everyone went on congratulating Tommy on the birth of the second son.

"Come on buddy, you can see your baby brother first." Zeke was lifted into Tommy's arms and carried back inside. Kimberly was looking very tired and almost asleep when her boys came back into the room. She smiled when Tommy took Zeke right over to the newborn in his cubicle. The nurse was dressing him after a wipe down.

"He's so tiny!"

"You were that little I bet."

"Mommy, I was?" Zeke asked looking back at his mother.

"Oh yes baby, tinier."

"Wow."

"Let's take baby Oliver back over to Mommy," a nurse said lifting the baby after he was fully dressed in his blue suit, blue hat, wrapped in white blanket. Kimberly smiled as she held the baby again. She will never forget Tommy's face as he held their son for the first time. Tommy was amazing in the delivery room. He was cheering Kimberly on, taking her screams, her bone crushing handholding and foul language. Kimberly couldn't believe how helpful Tommy was, way better than Tim, who was very busy filming. Tommy had handed the camera over to a nurse, because he wanted to be apart of it more than just filming. Tommy got the honor of cutting the baby's umbilical cord and took the baby from Dr. White and placed his hollering, bloody, but very beautiful son over to Kimberly. He had tears in his eyes, much like Kimberly. Their short sweet kisses to the baby and one other were unbelievable. It was unlike any joyful feeling ever experience before. Here in front of them, their baby, their son created from their love. What a magical thing.

"So, what's his name?" Zeke asked. Tommy and Kimberly fight over the baby name throughout the early labor hours, deciding that the baby's name would come to them after the birth. Kimberly wanted Samuel Aaric, but Tommy loved the name Thomas Charles, Charles after his real father's name. It would make his son the 5th Thomas in his family, honoring his grandfather and father.

"I think… welll…"

"Charles…" Kimberly said softly after kissing the baby again. Tommy looked at her. Kimberly was willing to name him after his real father. "Charles is a wonderful name, besides, we have enough Thomases in the family. Why not try something new?" Tommy smiled. He wiped away a tear from Kim's cheek.

"Charles… he looks like a Charles," Tommy said. "Charles Aaric Oliver."

"Yes, Charles Aaric Oliver sounds like a great name," the nurse said. Kimberly and Tommy exchanged a sweet kiss.

"Why don't I welcome some more guests into the room, but remember, not too long," Dr. White said after cleaning her hands. Kimberly nodded with a smile.

Everyone came to see the baby finally with balloons and flowers. Everyone ooohed and awed over Baby Oliver 2.

"Oh, what a cutie pootie!"

"Well done son, well done!"

"Thanks Dad."

"So, what's the little one's name?" Adam asked looking over Aisha's shoulder since she was holding the baby next after the grandparents. Baby Charles seemed to just enjoy and soak up all the love from everyone.

"Charles Aaric Oliver."

"Wow, what a great name," Katherine said.

"Very strong." Zeke was sitting on the bed holding his brother for the first time without help from Tommy as everyone took pictures.

"But why doesn't Charles have Mommy's name too?"

"Well, because Mommy and Daddy are married son now." Tommy patted his head.

"Do I still have to keep Mommy's name?"

"Not if you don't want to," Tommy said.

"I want to."

"Well then you can keep it baby," Kimberly said.

"Can Charles have Mommy's name too?" Zeke asked looking up at his father while holding his baby brother. Tommy and Kimberly shrugged. Kimberly took the baby and held him again since he was fussing a bit.

"Why not." Kimberly smiled. "I'll fix that now," Tommy said. He went to make sure the baby's name was changed to Charles Aaric Hart Oliver just because Zeke wanted it.

"Well, we should give Mommy and baby some alone time," Kim's mother said. "You look tired."

"Oh, I'm fine."

"I want to hold the baby!" Kimberly looked at Rocky. "What? I need practice for when Rocky Junior comes around…"

"Like that's ever going to happen," Aisha muttered.

"And why not?" Kimberly slowly handed baby Charles into Rocky's arms.

"That poor mother, the baby would be eating constantly!" Everyone laughed.

"Man, he's handsome, good work Kim." Everyone laughed again.

Tommy and Kimberly enjoyed the first few nights home alone with baby Charles. Tommy was amazed how much baby Charles looked like Zeke's baby pictures. Same brown eyes, same facial features, though his cheeks were chubby, Kimberly could tell he was going to look just like Tommy but with her lips. Tommy was in nursery fixing the letters of Charles's name on the wall with blue tassels. Kimberly had save a spot on the wall just for that, so the baby will always be able to recognize his name. And Zeke was so helpful when he was around, taking the diapers down to the trash, so the stinky poo didn't stay in the nursery room. Zeke was quick to help change the baby unlike Tommy, though Kimberly knew it was an honor for Tommy to change his son's diaper, seeing how he missed that with Zeke. Kimberly was in the rocking chair with the baby, since he refused to go to sleep. Kimberly had changed his diapers, feed him, but he wouldn't fall back asleep. Baby Charles seemed to be still hungry.

"He sure eats a lot," Zeke said as Kimberly was breastfeeding the baby. It was like 3 in the morning.

"Zeke honey, shouldn't you be in bed asleep?"

"I'm not sleepy."

"But honey, it's 3 in the morning. You still have school tomorrow." Zeke's first year in kindergarten didn't end until the last week of May. Kimberly had taken him out of school here and there for the past week because of the baby, but Zeke was so smart he hardly was missing much. The schools wanted to push him to past first grade straight on to second grade, but Kimberly choose not to. And Billy made her feel better about that decision since he could have easily skipped many grades, but chose not to and he turned out alright.

"But I'm not sleepy." Tommy stood in the doorway. He looked tired, having lost a lot of sleep, along with Kimberly taking care of the baby, who was on his own schedule.

"You should be son, come on, let's get some sleep." Zeke followed his father as Tommy went to tuck him back into his bed. "How's he?" Tommy asked having returned.

"Refusing to sleep." Kimberly felt the baby pulling away, knowing his belly was way beyond filled.

"He just wants his Daddy." Tommy took the baby and burped him. "Go, get some sleep."

"You sure?"

"Go, Beautiful." Tommy kissed her on the lips as Kimberly rubbed the baby's back. Kimberly smiled and walked back to their bedroom. Tommy rocked his son.

"Hey little guy. Not sleepy." Tommy patted his back. "You need to burp." Tommy walked around. "Gosh, you are so handsome. Like your brother, you are going to be a wonderful handful. You already have enough of your mother's stubbornness. I mean, look at you, already putting your will in place. And boy, you are so gorgeous." Kimberly stood beside the nursery doorway with a huge smile. "I can't wait to watch you grow up, watch you crawl, take your first steps, talk!" Tommy laughed. "You won't have wonder where is your father, because I'm going to see you through everything! You are going to be so sick of me. I'm going to be the best father that you and your brother will ever have or ever want, because with me around, you will not want for anything. You think your mother is going to spoil you, you haven't seen anything yet." The baby made noise like a couch and sneeze. "Wow! What was that?" Tommy lifted his son, who he could have sworn smiled at him. Tommy patted the baby's back. "How about a little story? How about the first time I asked your mother on the date? Now everyone, including your uncle Zack and uncle Jason will tell you how much a loser I was, being all nervous around Kim, but I'll let you in on a little secret. I was not worried." Kimberly covered her mouth with a snort.

Tommy finished his daddy and son talk with the baby. And once the baby burped and fell asleep, Tommy laid him down in his crib. Tommy gave the baby several kisses before turning on the mobile.

"Goodnight my son." Tommy touched his back and head before he walked out the room and was somewhat surprised to find Kimberly standing there smiling. "Hey."

"Nice little bedtime story."

"You heard that?"

"You're such a liar." Tommy smiled.

"I was not worried! I knew a kiss would win you over."

"Riiight. You were so happy and relieved I said yes, you picked me up and twirled me around!" Tommy laughed with Kimberly.

"I was happy. Like I am tonight." Kimberly held her hand out for Tommy.

"Come on, my handsome, lying tiger hubby…" Tommy laughed again. "Let's go to bed."

"I love how you think wife." Tommy took her hand as they kissed passionately on their journey back to the bedroom.

Tommy and Kimberly got a full month of un-interruptions from Dr. Mercer. Tommy had earned the right to join the Anton Mercer Industry. It was his chance to get more experience with Dr. Mercer especially with the dinosaur bones they discovered over the past year. Tommy had earned the head resource job at Mercer Industry. He had been fighting for that position with Terrence and Alexis. Terrence was so sure he earned that, having worked with Dr. Mercer over several digs, but that honor went to Tommy after the past year's work. Tommy was happy to be getting more experience and more door opening by working another program with Dr. Mercer. Kimberly was happy because it was something Tommy had been working for and dreamed of. But she didn't like how demanding the new job title came with.

Tommy was about to leave for work on the island. The island is just a short 4 hour flight, off the coast of California. His first true job working with dinosaur DNA. Their goal, the only goal was to synthesize and creating a real live dinosaur. Kimberly hated his paleontology job, leaving for weeks, some times a month at time. It was bad enough during her pregnancy, Dr. Mercer had Tommy working so much and he wasn't even qualified with just having earned his degree in Paleontology. But now, those visits will be nothing compared to what will happen now that he's apart of the Industry.

Few Months later

Tommy was able to stay home and get to bond with his son until July. There he would be heading to newly constructed Island, Dr. Mercer had created for his Industry. This way, Dr. Mercer could do the research he wanted without much restrictions from the States. Though the company would not be back into form until August, Dr. Mercer wanted Tommy as a head resource manager there to organize things with him. Dr. Mercer wanted his company to start the research of DNA recombination on those dinosaur bones. Kimberly had gotten used to Tommy being away from home again. She had gotten into the schedule of welcoming him on his weekend stays when he did instead of sulking over the fact that Tommy wasn't here much and she was missing him. Kimberly practically quit working at Mr. Hansen's Gallery, working from her house after the baby was born. She would send in painting and works of art to the Gallery, but had to quit helping around. Plus, she wanted to concentrate more on the shop, since sells have been increasing significantly since the merger with a big company name. Aisha was close to having to open a newer and much bigger shop, needing a big space for the summer coming up, or the place would be too cluttered for shopping come next summertime.

Tommy was home for the Thanksgiving holiday break. Tommy had moved up in Anton Mercer's Industry. He was working on the dinosaur DNA sequence to perhaps in the somewhat near future be able to recreate and synthesize a living dinosaur. It was just a few days before Thanksgiving, where they would be heading over to Tommy's parents house for dinner. Kimberly was rocking the baby. Baby Chuck as Zeke calls him, was fighting his nap. Kimberly had feed and changed him. He should be sleeping, but being fussy this afternoon. Tommy was going through the mail. He got a letter from Alexis. Kimberly looked up from her seat on the couch as Tommy gasped.

"What's wrong?" Kimberly asked.

"Smitty… he's gone."

"What?"

"There was an accident on a site, he didn't get out." When Terrence went on another paleontology dig when Dr. Mercer didn't offer him the job at the Industry. He went off to Africa. Tommy was surprised to read that on that very mission, Terrence went missing during the mission and was presumed dead.

"Oh man, I'm so sorry Tommy."

"Maybe I should…go help, maybe I could find him."

"That's a great idea." Tommy took baby Chuck from Kimberly's arms.

"Wait, I can't leave you and baby…it's almost Thanksgiving, my parents and…"

"We're fine. You have a few days, just check things out and be back Thanksgiving mornig. You're parents will understand."

"But Zeke, he would be upset if I left so soon again. I promised I would be here for him the whole week."

"He'll be fine too."

"You sure?"

"Go. Your friend needs your help."

"No, I can't leave you guys, no soon after I was gone for almost a month."

"Tommy, we're okay. I can hold down the fork until you get back."

"I'll just go see if I can be any help, but I'll be back on Thanksgiving." Kimberly smiled. They kissed.

"You call the airlines, I'll pack a bag for you," Kimberly said.

"And find my passport please."

"Sure." Kimberly went upstairs. Tommy did make it back Thanksgiving morning and the family was happy though Terence was still lost. Tommy felt a bit guilty about that, but looking at his family, his beautiful wife and sons, reassured he needed be thankful for what he did have, not what was lost.

Tommy came home in March for Zeke's birthday. Zeke would be turning 7 now tomorrow. Tommy had been home for Christmas and New Year's of course, but since then, nothing. He wasn't able to leave the Island. Kimberly hated how close he was, with being just off the coast of California, unlike Australia and yet seemingly farther away. Tommy came home barring many gifts knowing Zeke would be very happy about that.

"Sorry, I tried to come back earlier to help out, but…. It's my work, there's nothing much I can do about..."

"Yes, there is. You can quit." Tommy dropped his suitcase, not believing the words from his wife's mouth. His dream job, and she thought quitting would solve this. Their problems did occur after he took the job, and progressively has gotten worst, but Kimberly can't seriously be blaming the job.

"It's not that easy Beautiful."

"It is."

"No, it's not. Where's Thomas?"

"Don't change the subject, he's with your mother and father. You have a family Tommy. And you are never here to see them!"

"It's my job, Kim."

"Yes, and your job is going to ruin our lives."

"Zeke, you and the baby are fine. Everything we have is because of this job! Our home! Our cars, our..."

"We don't have you."

"Yes you do! Just because I'm not here constantly everyday doesn't mean you don't have me! I love you! I love you all 3 of you! This job has brought my family and me everything in life we need."

"We need you!"

"I'm not gonna do this with you right now. Zeke will be 7 tomorrow, we have a party to set up and…"

"Tough, because I am! You may not see it, but we are not fine. Our family is falling apart!" Zeke came into the house with his grandparents.

"Daddy!" Zeke ran to Tommy. Tommy picked him up. They hugged. "Mommy, why are you crying? Are you happy Daddy's home?"

"Of course baby, excuse me." Kimberly walked away. But Tommy knew their fighting wasn't over, it had just begun.

AN: Thanks everybody! Next chapter, The Spiderman Sense, what's that tingling down Kim's back, more Dr. Evil vibes.