Disclaimer: The characters are property of Janet Evanovich and I am not making any money from this story. The story line is mine.

The Upside of Down

Part Six

By, Elissahara30

"I think I've forgotten what its like to be happy." I cried, Morelli pulled me to him and held me close. I needed to barrow his strength right now. He sighed into my hair, and just rocked me back and forth offering that life line.

I felt soft little hands stroking my face, and when I opened my eyes I found myself looking into the most impossibly big hazel eyes I ever saw. A delighted little smile played across soft little pink lips. "Mommy, you're awake." The little boy said happily.

"JACK!" called Carlos as he rushed in the bedroom. I was lying on my back with the little boy I supposed was Jack sitting on my chest. Carlos came in and plucked the boy off of me, "What did I tell you," Carlos said sternly to the little boy.

"Sorry, Daddy," the little boy said solemnly. "I just missed Mommy so much."

I looked between father and son and felt my heart beat faster. In the time I had been dreaming not once had I seen my imaginary children. Jack and Ingrid. I watched the little one who was Jack as he laid his head on Carlos' shoulder; he had dark wavy hair and brown skin. A shade lighter than Carlos' skin tone. He was such a beautiful little child, and I found myself drawn to Jack.

"It's alright Carlos, I would like to get to know Jack again." I smiled at the concerned look that crossed Carlos' face.

"Are you sure?" He asked me as he carefully set Jack down next to me. The little boy scampered up into my lap and burrowed his head on my shoulder. I put my arms around the boy and closed my eyes and a smile touched my lips. I could not put into words what I was feeling at this moment.

When I opened my eyes again and looked up at Carlos, I witnessed the emotion swimming there. Our eyes met and I felt that familiar longing creep up to me. I rested my head and top of Jack's and said, "We'll be just fine."

"I'll be in the other room if you need me Babe." He bent down and kissed my forehead and walked out the room.

Jack looked up at me again with his big serious eyes, "Daddy said you hurt your head badly, and that you don't 'member too well."

I touched Jack's sweet little face and truly wished he were mine, I tried to fight the tears that wanted to fall and I sighed against the sadness, "Yeah, Mommy doesn't remember like she used too."

He nodded his head in that same serious manner, as he wrinkled his little forehead in concentration, "Did you forget me?"

For a few seconds I was at a loss, it stabbed at my heart to see such truth and honesty on such a little face. What was I supposed to say to him? I closed my eyes and fought the tears that wanted to overwhelm me. Why? Why was my mind playing such cruel tricks on me? "Oh, Jack," I said softly, and I touched his cheek, and my finger smoothed the wrinkles on that little brow. "You're just going to have to help me remember that's all."

He tilted his head ever so slightly and whispered, "I love you."

My resolve to not cry broke and I found the tears streaming down my face. It was almost too much, "I love you too, Jack." I'm not sure how long we sat there holding him. For each minute that passed I felt my self begin to calm and Jack quietly waited for me to calm down. I marveled at such patience in someone so little, he reminded me so much of Ranger.

I took one calming breath and then smiled at the little boy in my arms, "So, Jack tell what is your full name."

He gave me a brilliant smile that reflected so much of his father's features that I had to work hard not to start my tears anew. "My name is Antonio Jackson Manoso and I am four years old." He stated proudly.

"That is a very nice name Jack." And over the next hour Jack told me stories about himself and his favorite things. I learned that his favorite color was blue and that he loved to eat pepperoni pizza, he could ride a two wheeler all by himself and that he can recite his abc's. He had a pet hamster named Rex, that I had given him last year, and that he wanted to grow and be Batman.

That last part made me giggle, and I told him that I had wanted to grow up and be Wonder Woman. That led to an explanation who Wonder Woman was and I couldn't help the simple joy that Jack brought to my heart. I started to tickle his tummy and he had such a bright rich laugh that it made me laugh along with him.

I looked up and saw Carlos leaning against the door jam smiling at us, and I couldn't help the smile that burst even further on my face. "Come on Daddy," I said through my laughter, "why don't you come and play with us."

Carlos approached the bed and he grabbed Jack and started to blow raspberries on his check and the little boy squirmed and laughed louder. I sat back and watched them play and for the first time in months I felt a lightness I hadn't felt in a long time. I longed so much for this to be real, and I worked hard at keeping the sadness from creeping up on me again. I was determined to enjoy the moment and be content to just exist for in this brief space of time.

I was surprised when Carlos bent down and kissed me joyfully, and I let myself wonder at how lovely it was to be here. He pulled back with the laughter still in his eyes, and I couldn't help but fall away and feel the love for Ranger transpose on my imaginary husband. I reached out my hand and touched Carlos' face and tried to convey the feelings that were in me now.

And I closed my eyes and said, "I love you."

TBC . . . . .

A/N: Thanks for all the reviews, I love them keep them coming.