"I'm sorry for what I said in there," Bobby told Abby as soon as they stepped outside. "I didn't mean to upset you."
"I know," Tasha hugged Bobby's arm closer. "Abby and I talked it out. She made me feel better. If I excuse myself at odd times around Nate, I just need a break. It will get better."
"It'll take some time," Bobby's boots crunched on the fallen leaves. "It was hard for me to see my extended family with all the kids and babies after Loretta. I had to learn to open up again and let the little ones into my life. I'd had so much fun playing with them in the past and yet I'd closed myself off with my pain. Once I let them in, I felt a little more like me."
"Once I get to know Nate, I'll feel better. Looks like he's going to be a cutie."
"A charmer, too, if Dean has any say in it," Bobby laughed.
"What did you do when you lost the baby, Bobby? Was it a situation where you were able to hold it?"
"No," Bobby thought back. "We buried a bundled blanket in Loretta's arms."
"So you had something to represent your baby. I wish I would have had that."
"I want to show you something," Bobby took her to an area he hadn't shown her. It was his family plot. "Here's where we buried Loretta," Bobby stopped and brushed some dirt off the headstone.
Tasha stood there silent.
"If you put down roots here, or, even if you don't, we could put something here for the babies that you're missing," Bobby cleared his throat. "It's not something you have to make your mind up about anytime soon. It's just an offer, no deadline."
"Thanks, Bobby," Tasha choked out the words as she leaned her head on his shoulder. "It means they existed for you, too."
Bobby drew her in close to him. "They always did, darlin'. If I would have known that offering a piece of land and stone would make you feel better, I would have told you much sooner." Tasha cried for the babies she never had the chance to hold, the baby Bobby never got to see, and the daughter that Abby lost.
Bobby ran his fingers through her hair, and felt that they'd had enough sadness in their lives. Now the boys were married, Nate was going to be filling the house with joy and Tasha, well, she'd be seeing better days, too.
Tasha was built small, like Abby. Bobby felt like he could curl himself around her tiny frame to protect her. He couldn't save her from her past. But, he could make sure that happier days were ahead.
Tasha sniffled and wiped her eyes on her sleeve. "I'm sorry, Bobby. I made a mess on your coat and--"
"No worries," he smiled at her. "Are you feeling any better?"
"A little tired, but I don't have it all bottled up inside anymore," Tasha didn't want to look up at Bobby. "I know I'm a huge mess and we're supposed to be on a date."
Bobby laughed. "Darlin', I like that you wear perfume when we go on our dates, but all you really need to bring is you. I already know what you're like and just want to know more about who you are and what you want to do in the future."
"So I don't need to try to impress you?" Tasha asked quietly.
"Already impressed," Bobby told her in that gravelly voice of his. "Do I need to impress you?"
"Nope."
"Good. I have no idea how I'd do that anyway. I'd have to ask Dean for pointers and then who knows what the hell I'd end up like."
That made them both laugh and eased the tension. They walked around a little before going back to the house and sitting on the porch swing.
"This is my favorite part of the evening," Tasha said.
"Seeing the stars come out?"
"No, Bobby. Just sitting here with you."
Bobby sighed as she moved in closer and he rested his head on top of hers.
"I'm partial to this, too."
"Look at that grip of his," Dean had worked his finger into Nate's little fist. "He's going to be a strong one."
"I've known that with the kicks and punches he was giving me," Abby told him. "I swear he wasn't going to wait to be born, he was going to break himself out."
"He just wanted to get out into the action. He's not a sidelines type of guy," Dean was still engrossed in the tiny face looking back at him.
Nate's eyes were open, unfocused, and his lips were moving as if he could reply to his uncle.
"I wonder what he's thinking," Dean said.
He made faces at the baby that Kylee was holding. Kylee laughed at the two of them. Nate put his fist in his mouth for a few seconds. Then, Nate turned toward Kylee and tried to find where he could get something to eat.
"Whoa, there, Nate," Dean laughed. "Wrong lady for that one. You won't be getting any milk from there."
Kylee gave Nate to Abby, who was on the couch.
"Here, honey," Sam gave her a baby blanket from the other chair. "Dean and I will go to the library. Yell if you need something."
The guys disappeared and Kylee watched them go as she heard Abby rustling behind her.
"We're presentable now," Abby said and smiled when Kylee looked her way. "He always picks the most inopportune time to be hungry."
"He's growing. He needs all the nourishment he can get. So, what is being a mom really like?"
"So far you mean?" Abby thought for a moment. "Tiring, but great. It's more than I thought it would be. I knew I'd be happy and feel so much love for Nate, but that still doesn't even come close to what it's like. If you're wondering if motherhood is something you'd like, I guess I'm recommending it."
"Even with how sick you got?"
"The sickness and labor pains seem to vanish once you see their little face. I don't know how it happens, it just does."
"So have you changed into a dad now?"
"I don't know, Dean. Have you changed into an uncle?"
Dean laughed. "Okay, I get your point. Nate isn't up to playing catch yet, so you don't get to do many dad-like things. He and Abby are attached at the moment, you don't exactly get to participate in that. I suppose you get to cuddle and change diapers, though. How is that treating you?"
"I wouldn't change it for anything," Sam sighed. "You should try it sometime," he punched Dean in the shoulder. "Make me an uncle. I dare you."
Dean laughed. "Someday, Sammy. Someday."