Adam woke up feeling exhausted. He had been doing physical therapy after work for about a week. He barely wanted to get up and get ready but he knew he had to for he had planned an exam for his students in class that day. He got, more like dragged himself, out of bed and got dressed. He dressed in his usual suit and went downstairs. When he got downstairs, he heard whispers. He went into the kitchen catching the tail of the conversation between his wife and children.

"… remember, you can't tell your father." Belle said.

"Can't tell me what?" Adam asked walking into the kitchen. Everyone got quiet. "Can't tell me what?" He asked again.

"That I got my girlfriend pregnant." Bae said. Everyone turned to him with an expression that said 'really?'.

"See I would believe that except I know that you don't have one, Bae." Adam said. "I'm too tired to care so keep your secret until I'm well rested." Adam said putting two eggs in the pan on the stove.

"Papa, you okay?" Bria asked.

"Yes sweetheart, just really tired."

"Well, maybe you should stop staying late at work and come home for once. It's been a week Papa, it was bound to catch up with you." Lucas said.

"Don't talk to your father with that attitude, Lucas." Belle said. Lucas sighed and got up. "And so it begins. He does have a point thought, Adam."

"You know why I'm doing this." Belle nodded and turned back to her breakfast. "Belle, please don't be upset with me."

"Kids go get ready for school."

"Are you guys going to fight again?" Hannah asked.

"Go." Belle said sternly. The kids filed out of the kitchen and Belle turned to her husband. "I'm not upset. I just wish you wouldn't over work yourself. I know you want them to be- go upstairs!" They both heard hurried footsteps go up the stairs. "Both that's the last thing that's going to happen if you land yourself in the hospital." Belle got up and went over to him. "Adam, I almost lost you once. I don't want to relive that." Adam wrapped his arms around her and pulled her close.

"I'm sorry. I don't mean to worry you. I just want this to be special."

"I know that. We still have a little bit of time before the story ends. Maybe you should take a break, just a couple of days."

"I did that last time and it took twelve years to go back."

"But this time you have so much more to work for." Belle told him with an extra sparkle in her eyes.

"What were you and the kids talking about this morning?" He asked quickly changing the subject. Belle smiled wider.

"Something wonderful."

"Do you want to tell me?"

"Of course, just not now. You'll be late for work. I'll see you tonight." She quickly kissed him and went in the direction of the stairs. "Whoever's not down here in five seconds is walking!" Adam smiled and went to the door. He opened it and almost fell over. At the door, there was a young woman with a pre-teen girl at her side with her hand raised about to knock.

"Ashley?"

"Hi Adam." He smiled at her and offered his arm to hug her. She gladly accepted it and hugged her old professor and boss. "I guess you still work at the school."

"Well hard to leave when you went to college to become a professor. How are you it feels like I haven't seen you in years."

"I've been good but Lexi keeps me busy. Come here sweetie, there's someone I want you to meet." She said to the preteen. She came and stood next to Ashley. "Lexi, this is Adam. You probably don't remember him since you haven't seen him since you were seven."

"This is little Lexi? Little Lexi who used to hang onto my leg and have me drag her around when she was three?" Lexi blushed at Adam's comment.

"I know I can't believe she's grown up so much either. Since we were on our way to school and Hannah and Lexi are in the same class, we thought we'd stop by and say hi."

"It's good to see you again Ashley. What are you doing with your life now?"

"I opened a fashion store a few blocks away. Those classes I took really helped and your class helped me a lot with how to care for Lexi. However, you didn't cover the 'why' phase in your lessons."

"You never would have had her if I had. I know, I have four children and they all went through that phase. A little tip, when they ask why ask them why not and they'll think about it." Ashley laughed and shook her head.

"Teaching in and outside the classroom I see."

"Of course."

"Did Neal leave for school yet? I'd really like to see the young man I took care of when he was a baby."

"He's here still and we changed his name to Baelfire, Bae for short. It was his middle name but after everything with you know who, I decided he should have the name he was supposed to be born with." Ashley nodded. Just then, Bae came over to his father telling he was leaving. Ashley covered her mouth with her hand. "Bae, do you remember Ashley? She used to be your babysitter when you and Hannah were small before I met Belle."

"I kind of remember her. It's been a while since I was small."

"I know. I can't believe how much you've grown. You're a man now. I can't believe it."

"Right, well Dad I need to go or I'll be late. See you. Bye Ashley."

"Bye N-Bae." Bae nodded and walked out the door while Lexi watched him.

"Mommy, I'm going to school. Bye, I love you." Lexi rushed out as she grabbed her backpack and took off… after Bae. Ashley groaned and rolled her eyes.

"I think my daughter likes your son."

"It would appear so." Adam agreed. The rest of his kids came running down the stairs along with Belle.

"Did Bae leave?" Belle asked.

"Yes, he just did actually."

"He forgot his lunch money again. Oh well, I'm not bringing it the school this time. He can go without lunch, that will teach him to remember money." She looked up and smiled wide. "Oh my goodness, Ashley Boyd?"

"Belle French?" They rushed to each other and hugged. They used to be best friends but fell out of touch when Ashley dropped out of college and hadn't seen each other since. The fact that Lexi and Adam met was merely a chance meeting in the park. Ashley had no idea that Belle had married Adam. "What are you doing here?"

"I live here. I married Adam about twelve years ago."

"Seriously? You married your professor."

"What can I say? It was just meant to be. What about you? How's the baby, did Sean come back, did you guys get back together?"

"Yes Sean showed up after Lexi was born and proposed the following Valentine's Day. We got married six months after that. The baby isn't such a baby anymore; Lexi and Hannah are in the same class. When I got the class list since I'm a homeroom mom, I never put the last name together with Adam. You guys had more kids?"

"Yes, it took a little while but I had twins, Bria and Lucas, about nine almost ten years ago."

"Wow, you really made a life for yourself. We need to catch up sometime."

"Of course, but right now I have three kids to get to school and Adam has classes to go ruin- I mean teach."

"You're hilarious sweetheart." Adam said dryly.

"I try. Here, give me your phone and I'll put my number in. Text me when you have a free minute and we'll talk about meeting up."

"Of course." Ashley gave Belle her phone and she quickly added Belle's contact information and handed it back. "Okay, I'll see you guys later." Ashley bid everyone a good bye and left.

"Okay, we are all going to be late so let's go." Belle told everyone as they rushed out the door.