An hour later Catherine and Gil headed back to Lindsey's room. As they entered Gil noticed the teddy bear in the bed next to Lindsey. The balloon was resting on the ceiling above the bed. The note rested in her lap. Her eyes were red from crying and there was a pile of tissues on her bed table. She seemed calm but she would not look at either of them.

Catherine quietly lifted the trash can toward the table, swiping the tissues into it. Lindsey watched her mother's actions with an air of detachment. Catherine smiled at her daughter before returning the trash can to its spot on the floor.

Gil watched all of this quietly from the corner. He knew from talking with Catherine in the cafeteria that she was upset about Lindsey's reaction, but it wasn't showing now. Lindsey had obviously spent the time crying and yet she was a picture of composure. The daughter had learned from years of watching her mother regroup after Eddie's abuse, lessons Lindsey had learned since the crib. Inside Gil cringed as he thought about what his daughter had witnessed and learned to hide.

Even though his head was tilted, pointing to the floor, he was watching his girls closely. He saw Lindsey's surreptitious glances in his direction. She wore a benign expression, forcing her face to reveal nothing of her inner turmoil. But she was regarding him in a calculating manner, much as he studied suspects in a case. He hoped he was measuring up to whatever standard she had set.

The three of them remained quiet, the tv on the wall droning in the background. Catherine saw Lindsey's glances at Gil also. She wanted to say something but didn't want to spark anymore fireworks, so she remained quiet. Lindsey needed time to absorb her new information. Meantime, the two people Catherine loved most were hurting and she didn't know how to help either one of them.

Finally Catherine asked, "You need anything?"

"No Mom. I'm okay."

Catherine nodded and opened her mouth to speak again when the door flew open and Lindsey's friend, Christy walked in. "Hey Linds," she smiled.

The two girls began chattering with Christy catching Lindsey up on all the school gossip. Catherine and Gil exchanged glances and then Catherine interrupted the girls. "Lindsey, we're going to head out and let you and Christy visit. We'll see you later, oaky?"

"Sure Mom." Catherine leaned over to kiss her daughter on the forehead. Lindsey rolled her eyes but tolerated the show of affection. Gil stood at the end of her bed, unsure about what he should do. Lindsey looked at him briefly, noting his hesitation. His hand covered her blanket clad toes and he squeezed affectionately. She gave him a little smile; he was at the least her Uncle Gil, after all. His return smile was shy, his eyes revealing deeper feelings.

As they drove back to Catherine's, they talked about their daughter. Gil was worried that he had forced the issue and now Lindsey would never accept him. "I disagree," responded Catherine. "I think it was a good sign that she had the teddy bear close; I'd be worried if she had thrown it across the room."

"Now that would have reminded me of someone else I know," he teased.

Catherine smiled at his teasing and then suddenly assumed a hurt look. "My feelings are hurt," she pouted.

"What…why?" His look of shock and concern amused her.

"You never bought me a teddy…"

Gil grinned. "No, you're right, I haven't. Aren't you a little old for stuffed animals?"

She considered his question briefly and then answered in suggestive tones. "True, I prefer my teddy bears to be warm and breathing," she said as her hand moved to his thigh. "Makes them much more fun to cuddle with."

"So…I'm a teddy bear now?"

"When you're not being a grumpy bear. And while we're on the subject, I really liked your grizzly bear look that you were wearing a couple of years ago. You know, the trimmed beard and all."

Gil grinned. "Really? You liked my beard? Sara hated it."

"Oh my….you looked so damned sexy with that thing, especially when you kept it trimmed. The night of the formal dinner for Ecklie…I wanted to jump you so bad, until you left with me the speech that is."

"You did?" He asked in an almost squeaky tone. "I mean, I thought I felt something going on when you were tying my tie but I had no idea…"

"Well," she paused, "that's no surprise. I mean, you generally are clueless about these things."

He turned into her driveway. "I'd like to follow up on our conversation, but I really need to go check my mail and on Hank. How about I come back later with dinner?"

"Yeah….bring Hank back; he can stay here. And Gil, don't forget your jammies," she said suggestively.

His eyes lit as a smile broke across his face. "I don't own any."

"Oh damn, then we'll just have to improvise," she chuckled as she exited his truck.

"Cath…" he called to her just as she was about to close the door.

"Yeah?" She turned back to look at him.

"Thanks."

"For what?" She asked, confused.

"For… this," he said waving his hand. "Us…being there for me, with me. Making me happy again."

She looked at him tenderly, love filling her eyes. "You make me happy too, Gil. Now, go get Hank and come back and we'll get really happy," she flirted as she closed the door.

He watched as she let herself into her house and then he pulled out of the drive and headed for his place.

Before reaching his townhouse, he stopped in one of the shops along the way. He wanted to correct his error in buying a teddy bear for Lindsey without ever getting one for Cath. He found something that he thought would be perfect and had the clerk gift wrap it. Then he headed for his place and Hank.

Checking his mail and messages, he made notes of the things he needed to deal with and tossed the rest. Gathering up some things for Hank, he loaded them and the dog in his truck and headed back to her place.

Her car was gone when he got back. He let himself in and fixed Hank's water bowl. As the boxer lapped up the cool refreshment, Gil spotted a note on the counter. Opening it, he read:

Gil,

Lindsey called and wants to talk to me, just me. I think maybe she's coming around a little. Anyway, that's where I am. You and Hank get comfortable and I'll be back in awhile….

Cath.

Feeling very pleased, he put the note down and went back to his car to retrieve the gift. Setting it on the counter, he found Hank's leash. "Want to go for a walk, fella?" Man and beast headed out the door for a walk through Catherine's neighborhood, while waiting for her to return.

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Once again I am wondering...the stats say people are reading, but reviews are slim. So, I don't know if folks are disappointed and not reviewing or what. Anyway, I'll try to post the next chapter a little quicker. Work is piling up right now, so I make no promises except that I will try.