A/N: Hang in there guys this is a nice long one. Hopefully this makes up for my absence. Enjoy the fluffy goodness! :)

Disclaimer: Still own nothing.

The next morning Ruthie was woken up by the chirping of her cell phone that laid on her night stand. Grabbing tiredly she reached for the object that had disturbed her peaceful sleep. Feeling extra weight on her chest she gasped quietly while Aaron squirmed into consciousness. Hearing him babbling to himself Ruthie put a calming hand to his back trying to settle him so he wouldn't wake martin who was out cold from the night before.

Rubbing the sleepiness from her eyes she read the incoming text from Lucy:

Out to breakfast this morning. Dogs wouldn't wake. You know where the key is.

-Luce

Oh joy she thought. She would have the fun of dog duty at-she checked her alarm clock-8am. Well at least that was an improvement from the night before.

"Hey Aaron, wanna go see some puppies?" she asked him while he only looked at her seeming to make no objection to the offer. "Let's leave Daddy a little note and let him sleep some more," she decided taking a post-it off her desk.

Went to check on Luce's dogs. Took him with me so you could sleep. Back in a few.

-Ruthie

After she threw on a sweater the two headed next door. Turning the lock on the door they were greeted by the protective barking that came from the two-now very much awake-dog. Startled by the volume Aaron whimpered nuzzling protectively in the crook of her neck.

"Shh it's okay buddy. They're not gonna hurt you," she soothed rubbing his back gently. Timidly the little boy looked over at the animals. Their tongues lolled lazily as their tails wagged happily at the prospect of making a new friend. When Samson's wet nose came up to meet the small hand in greeting Aaron laughed.

"See? There's nothing to be scared of," Ruthie smiled squatting down to pet a very much shorter Delilah. Samson then went on to lick his new friend's hand which made Aaron giggle. "Samson loves giving kisses. Don't you big guy?" she said scratching the large animal behind his ear. Samson barked happily as if in understanding.

"Now who wants breakfast?" she called walking into the kitchen. The two dogs went into a sprint at the idea of food. Resettling Aaron on her hip Ruthie went to replace their bowls. Her eyes fell on the treat jar. "Here Aaron why don't we give them a treat?" she smiled handing him a biscuit. The little boy smiled, eyes sparkling. "Now, can you guys sit?" holding their rewards in her closed palm. Delilah immediately went into the desired position barking excitedly. "Oh good girl Delilah," Ruthie praised opening her hand. The terrier took her award licking her palm in thanks. "You're very welcome," she smiled petting the dog gently.

Noticing that Ruthie no longer had treats to give her she averted her eyes to Aaron yipping pleadignly. "No Dee we have to share," Ruthie scolded. Seeing the look on her face and sensing she had done wrong the dog dropped her head and tail sadly. "Now can Samson sit?" she asked the larger dog who stood waiting patiently. "Now open your hand like this buddy," Ruthie instructed opening hers so he could mimic the action (with a little help). When he managed the little boy giggled happily, pleased with his accomplishment. "Good job!" Ruthie smiled. "Can you sit for us one more time Sam?" she asked. The mutt gladly obliged giving a single happy bark. "Oh good boy," she praised lowering Aaron and herself to let him offer the treat for a job well done. "Let's give him his treat now, okay?" she said putting her hand under Aaron's and guiding it to Samson's mouth. He took it between his teeth chewing it down quickly. Seconds later his large tongue lapped at the smaller hand that had offered the cookie thanking him. Aaron laughed at the tickling sensation. A full belly laugh and Ruthie smiled. "He tickles huh?" she laughed along with him.

Seeing that they wouldn't hurt him and knowing Auntie was right there Aaron extended his small hand petting the dog on the head. Noticing he was getting more attention Samson nuzzled himself against Aaron's hand, tail wagging in the process. "I think you made a new friend sweetie." Aaron smiled when his whiskers pricked his hand.

Jealous her friend was getting all the attention Delilah trotted over barking excitedly. "Hey there Delilah. You come to get some love?" Ruthie asked petting her silky coat. It looked as though she was nodding her head in agreement. After playing with the dogs for a few more minutes Ruthie stood. "I think it's time to go home big guy. Your dad's going to come looking for us soon," she said smoothing his hair. "Sorry guys but we have to go now," she told the dogs sadly. As they moved further away Aaron extended his arms reaching for the dogs that followed them to the front door. "I know you like the puppies sweetie. We'll come visit again though. Right now we have to go back to Daddy." At the mention of his dad Aaron's head looked up searching for him. "I know. You'll see him in a minute," Ruthie promised. "Bye guys!" she called closing the door.

Getting through the back door there sat Martin with a small smile on his face. "Up before me. That's a first," he laughed. Ruthie rolled her eyes good naturally. "I blame Lucy," she grumbled. Seeing Martin sitting there Aaron called out to him.

"Hey bud. You didn't give Auntie any trouble did you?" he asked taking him.

"Nope. He was good," she smiled. "Did you enjoy sleeping in?" she asked taking a seat at the table.

"I didn't get a chance. I tried but couldn't," Martin said sitting next to her with Aaron laying his head on his shoulder.

"Were we too loud," she asked.

"No I just had this feeling you left the room before I read the note you left me. Couldn't sleep after that," he said. Ruthie felt her heart skip a beat. He couldn't sleep without her there.

"You hear that Aaron? Daddy missed us," Ruthie smiled.

"Of course I did. I woke up and my two favorite people were gone," he said as if it went without saying. Hearing the sound of approaching footsteps, three sets of eyes met those of Annie as she entered the kitchen.

"Morning Mom," Ruthie called.

"Good morning guys," she called yawning. "Breakfast anyone?" she asked.

"I've got it Mom," she said already heading to the counter. "Pancakes anyone?" she asked.

"I don't know. Can you make them and still leave the house standing?" Martin teased. Ruthie's rolling of the eyes only made her laugh.

"Seriously Martin. When have I ever threatened the structure of this house when cooking?"

"What? I'm only looking out for my health here," he smirked. The sight of it made her knees week. Maybe I should sit down she thought but just as quickly regained composure."

"You and your big ego at it again," she sighed. You have got to work on your trust issues," she said starting up the stove.

"Who says I have issues of trust? I just don't like eating charcoal for breakfast. Not that I've ever actually tried it but from the way it smells it can't be good. Let alone healthy," Martin smiled. Annie could only watch not daring to interrupt the two. This was the happiest she'd seen her daughter in months.

"Martin how long have you known me?"

"About four years," he answered. In all honesty he couldn't remember exactly. He couldn't recall a day without the curly haired brunette who currently had batter splattered on her cheeks and nose.

"And how many times have I put you in the hospital?" she asked exasperated.

"None," he replied.

"Exactly. So do me a favor and let me make breakfast," she said sweetly. Martin groaned. He knew he couldn't fight those eyes. Brilliantly sparkling orbs that could make him give her the world if that's what she really wanted. But one more wouldn't hurt.

"There's a first time for everything you know."

"Martin Brewer you are going to let me make these pancakes in peace, you hear me?"

"Ruthie-"

"Oh no you don't. Now go feed the poor guy before he-" Ruthie was cut off by Aaron''s desperate wail. Martin raised his brow in surprise. How did she know- he only shook his head as he prepared Aaron's bottle. Minutes later the hungry boy lay drinking his bottle, the earlier fit long forgotten.

"Ruth?"

"Yes Martin," she asked him sweetly.

"Just thought I should let you know that you have some batter on your nose," he told her. She grinned and seconds later sneezed. "Bless you," he said.

"Thank you," she replied trying to clean said batter off her nose.

"You missed a spot," he chuckled.

"A little help Brewer?" she asked in mock irritation.

"I'd be more than happy to," he said stepping around the counter. Once there he carefully cleaned off what remained with his finger lapping it up slowly. Ruthie rolled her eyes. "Yummy," he smiled.

"So glad you approve," she said sarcastically. "You can go put him down while I finish up here," Ruthie suggested flipping a pancake. Martin ventured into the living room laying a sleeping Aaron on the couch surrounding him with pillows.

"You can put him upstairs. The baby monitors are in the nightstand drawer," Annie said.

"No it's okay. This will be easier. He's closer to get to," he said. Ruthie however, had a god feeling it was more than just proximity. Last night Martin had been given the scare of his life with the little boy. Having him only a few feet away would give him peace of mind. She herself was still trying to get over the shock. Aaron had come to mean a great deal to her. More than she ever thought possible. Maybe it was because he was a part of Martin. She wasn't exactly sure yet.

"So what are your plans for today after service?" Annie asked taking the stack of pancakes Ruthie offered.

"I was thinking we could take him to the park and hang out in the sun for a bit," he said looking over at Ruthie. Again she didn't miss the "we" which made her heart pick up again.

"Okay that sounds good," she said handing him an already prepared plate knowing the way he liked them. He again raised his eyebrow questioningly. "Don't worry I'm not going to poison you," she sighed, exasperated.

"I know you're not. You know I trust you. It's just that yet again you remembered exactly how I like them," he smiled.

"And they say I don't pay attention," she laughed. Martin was utterly touched. Ruthie was the only person who ever took to heart all the little things about him and his likes and dislikes. Not many knew about his love for blueberry pancakes with extra whip, toped with strawberries.

"Oh my gosh Ruth these are amazing!" he exclaimed after swallowing a delicious morsel.

"I try," she said modestly.

"I haven't had them like this in so long. I don't even remember the last time I had decent breakfast like this," he said forking up a large piece.

"Not that caring for Aaron and making sure he gets all that he needs gives you very much personal time," Annie reasoned. He had to agree with her. Since Aaron Martin barely had time for the basics anymore. Sandy was gone most of the time and left him to care for their son. What irritated him most was her schedule was rarely filled with school necessities. Her free time usually involved Jonathon. When he called her on it she would give him a valuable enough reason to let her go. Before she left each time, she promised it would be the last. It became a continuous game between them until she finally left for good two days ago. It saddened him to see that she had never set her priorities straight.

"The door has always been open to you Martin you know that," Annie said. Martin looked up at her sadly.

"Oh I know that and I'm thankful for it. I just can't seem to find the time anymore."

They were then interrupted by a cry coming from the living room. Martin had set down his fork and was getting up but Ruthie quickly stopped him.

"What did we just finish talking about?" she asked.

"Personal time." It came out as more of a question.

"Yeah and how you're lacking it. Sit and eat. I'll get him," she said already out the swinging door. "Look who I have?" she said in a sing-song voice. The other two smiled. Martin looked on amazed at the bond they shared. Taking a sneak peak at Martin's empty plate she momentarily frowned. "There's nothing left?" she asked sadly. Martin looked up at her confused.

"That was the point wasn't it?"

"Yeah but I thought you would at least share a little bit."

"With who?"

"Us," she said pointing between herself and Aaron.

"Oops," he said innocently.

"Seriously Martin. What kind of morals are you trying to teach him?" He only shrugged.

"We have to teach Daddy to share don't we buddy?" Ruthie said to a giggling Aaron as she headed towards the fridge pulling out a fresh strawberry. Then she bit off half offering the rest to an eager little boy. "Those are some pretty good strawberries aren't they?" Ruthie took it as a yes when he opened his mouth grabbing for what remained of the fruit. Martin chuckled shaking his head.

"You spoil him, you know that?" he laughed.

"Is it really that big a problem?" she asked narrowing her eyes at him.

"Kind of. Do that enough and he'll think he can get whatever he wants," he said.

"Martin it's a fruit. Really I'm actually helping you out here. The sooner you introduce healthy eating habits, the better."

"Ruth he's not even two."

"So? There's no harm in having him taste it, is there?" she said.

"Sweetie you haven't even eaten yet," Annie said worriedly. She herself had long since finished her stack, clearing the table with Martin's help.

"I'll be okay Mom," she said seriously.

"All this talk about healthy eating habits and you're not taking your own advice Ruthie," Martin reminded her.

"I'll eat something when I get back before we go to the park," she said still holding onto the strawberry that Aaron continued to enjoy. I still have to get ready." Marin set the used dishes in the sink before taking Aaron from her. Seconds later he began complaining about his snack being taken away. "Here you go big guy. Daddy will help you finish it," she told Aaron handing it to Martin. He only rolled his eyes which were met by Ruthie's glare. He had no choice but to sigh in resignation.

Twenty minutes later Ruthie returned and they left. Annie took the family van. Out of habit Ruthie found herself leaving with Martin. Once buckled in all made their way to church.

***

After mass Ruthie saw Matt and Sarah emerge from the crowd giving her a knowing smile. Matt came up behind his mom tapping her on the shoulder. Annie gave a startled jump turning around. She gasped instantly hugging her son tightly.

"Oh my gosh Matt, Sarah it's so good to see you!" she smiled; now taking Sarah in a hug.

"Nice to see you too Mom," Matt said. The two turned to Martin and Ruthie noticing Eric coming up behind the two.

"Matt, Sarah what a nice surprise," Eric said smiling.

"Hi Dad," they replied together. They turned around and were met with a fuming Lucy; Kevin and Savannah following close behind.

"How come this is the first I hear of you guys coming down? Her brother chuckled.

"Nice to see you too Luce. The only reason that you weren't the all knowing one as you so often demand to be is because that's the definition of a surprise sis. Now if we told you what was going on then it wouldn't be that much of a surprise now would it?" Lucy only glared at her big brother not even bothering to answer that in any way.

"She knew, didn't she?" Aware of exactly who Lucy was referring to both nodded. "Who else was in the loop I was so kindly left out of?" she asked. Martin raised his hand timidly. If there's one thing he learned while living with the Camdens it is this. The family lives by one basic rule. Never by any means get Lucy angry. He shuddered at the idea of being faced with the woman's wrath. "Well Ruthie makes sense. How did Martin…?"

"It's a long story," was all Ruthie said.

"Calm down Luce. It's not the end of the world if you're not the first to know something," Kevin said placing a hand on her shoulder. At her husband's touch Lucy had no choice but to calm down a little bit.

"How long are you guys here for?" Annie asked. The two smiled, nodding to each other.

"Well seeing as we just finished buying a couple doors down from Mr. and Mrs. Kinkirk here-"

"Not to mention the really well paying jobs…" Sarah finished.

"So what that means is…" Eric started slowly.

"That means you're moving back," Annie smiled.

"That's exactly what it means," said Matt with his own smile. Lucy now took her turn at giving them both a hug. Matt took one look at Martin slightly confused.

"Aren't we missing someone?" he asked. Ruthie shook her head praying her brother wouldn't pry further.

"It's kind of another long story. We'll explain later," Martin told them. We seem to be getting a lot of long stories these days Ruthie thought.

"You're joining us for lunch aren't you?" Eric asked.

"Of course we are. Since when have we ever passed up Sunday lunch? Why would we think of starting now?" Sarah said.

"Okay then. Lunch as always will be served around 2 o'clock," Annie said.

"We'll see you at 2 o'clock," Matt confirmed. One more round of hugs was shared before they all went their separate ways. Getting to their respected cars Ruthie was again reminded that she had yet to eat when her stomach growled loudly. She could feel a blush climb up her cheeks in embarrassment of how loud it was. Martin saw the light pink her cheeks had become and smiled to himself. A blush for Ruthie was rare. When it came it was the cutest reward. At the moment he was doing all he could to keep from touching her. He knew if he did he would lose all focus. The last thing he wanted to cause was an accident.

"Look's like someone's finally hungry," he laughed.

"Yeah kind of," she agreed.

"And now would be the perfect time to say 'I told you so' but I won't," he said.

"You just did," Ruthie chuckled.

"I guess I did," Martin smirked giving her a wink. Again the blush appeared. She could hear her heart in her ears it was beating so loudly. Ruthie silently prayed for it to stop. The continuous looks Martin was giving her really were not helping.

"Can you please stop giving me that face?" she practically begged.

"What face? I'm not giving you a face," he said innocently.

"Yes you are and you know it!" she said accusingly. Aaron gave a yell in protest from the backseat.

"What's up buddy?" Martin asked playing with is foot. The little boy gave another yelp trying to join in what he thought was a fun game they were playing. But he soon realized they were yelling at each other. He could tell by the volume they were talking in. Aaron didn't like it when his auntie and Daddy got mad. Especially when it was at each other.

"I don't think he likes the yelling," Ruthie said.

"I wasn't the one yelling," Martin said pointing a finger at Ruthie. He did have a point but she refused to let him win.

"But you started it with the looks," she argued.

"It's called karma Ruth," he said. "It's your punishment for not listening to me earlier." In all honesty this was the best punishment she had ever gotten. But Ruthie refused to give him the satisfaction of knowing he'd won. "We're home. Now go eat something before you faint," he ordered.

"Yes Dad," Ruthie replied snidely.

"Hey don't use that tone with me," he called from behind her. She smiled. Fatherhood had really made him more responsible. Martin chuckled as he pulled open the back door to take Aaron out. "Auntie's funny isn't she Aaron?" His son smiled wrapping his arms around Martin's neck.

Ruthie gave them a suspicious smile when they entered making Martin wonder what the heck she was up to.

"Ruthie, what are you planning?" he asked cautiously. Ruthie smiled much too sweetly proving him right.

"Nothing. Why do you always assume I'm up to something?" Ruthie asked.

"Because I know you Ruthie. And because I know you I recognize that look in your eyes."

"What look?" she asked batting her eyelashes.

"That look that's reserved for the sole purpose of suspicious activity," he said knowingly. "Now what is it?" he asked.

"I might just be having strawberries for lunch," she said carefully. Martin rolled his eyes. He looked over at Aaron to see him staring intently at the plate. He grudgingly took one from her biting off a piece and offered it to his son who took to it happily.

"This is your fault," he grumbled. "Now hurry so we can get him to the park before lunch," Martin said.

"Gee what happened to 'please'?" she asked, a look of disgust crossing her face.

"Okay how about this. Ruthie will you please hurry so we can get to the park?"

"Why yes Marin I'd love to," she smiled cheekily dropping her plate in the sink.

"I win," she whispered close to his ear. Martin restrained from gasping at how close she had just been. For a minute he couldn't find speech. She laughed at his reaction. "Payback sucks doesn't it?" he giggled running out the front door.

"Come back here missy," he ordered. "Hey I've got a baby!" he called after her. She turned around to face him giving her a nice view of her tongue. He sighed exasperated; finally catching up. "Oh yeah real mature Camden," he hollered. "Now get back in here so we can go please," he said. Ruthie returned slightly flushed. Martin averted his eyes discreetly wanting nothing more than to be able to touch her face or run his fingers through her hair.

"Let me grab the bread crumbs and we'll go," she said going back into the kitchen. Seconds later she brought out said bread crumbs and they were on their way.

Ten minutes later they had arrived and stationed themselves at the closest bench.

"So where to first Aaron? The swing or the slide?" Ruthie asked tickling him, emitting a giggle from the little boy's lips.

"Let's start slow for now and go with the swing," Martin suggested. "How's that sound bud?" Martin asked heading for the swing set. After he set Aaron down Ruthie began a gentle rocking motion. He giggled happily as the swing swayed back and forth. Ruthie felt her heart leap at the joy it brought him. She never imagined such a small person could bring her so much of her own happiness. It wasn't just about Martin anymore. This little boy had wiggled his way into her heart with no effort at all. The idea of almost losing him the night before made her realize just how big a part of her he had become.

After swinging for a few minutes and a couple rounds of the slide they went on to feed the birds. Aaron squealed along with the birds as they squawked when swooping down to retrieve their snack between their beaks. Ruthie took Aaron from Martin and squatted down putting a handful of crumbs in his tiny hands.

"Now throw it sweetie so the birds can eat it," she instructed taking his hand in hers helping him toss. After throwing it and watching as the birds munched on their snack the little boy giggled. "Good job!" she praised. "Now watch," she whispered to him taking a seat in the grass and taking him in her lap. Both looked up, Aaron cooing to himself and pointing up at the flying objects.

"Yeah buddy those are birds. They're pretty cool huh?" Martin said coming up behind them. Ruthie found herself leaning against him feeling the perfect contours of his chest. He now took the opportunity to run his fingers through her curly locks absentmindedly. Ruthie sighed contentedly watching the clouds take shape above her. If only she could lie like this forever.

A crow's loud calling shook the peacefulness around them. Aaron sat up excitedly, patting Ruthie's leg repeatedly.

"What honey?" she asked sitting up now. He only continued pointing at the birds reciting gibberish to himself.

"You wanna feed them again?" she asked getting up now. "Here take this and toss it," she directed. Knowing he had yet to understand a word of what she had said she went through the motions with him. As a swarm of pidgins came down one of them nipped Aaron's finger. Almost instantly he let out a wail rushing to burry himself against Ruthie for protection. "Shh sweetheart it's okay," she whispered holding him closely while rubbing his back comfortingly. "Shh honey I've got you," she continued to whisper kissing his hair. Martin came over gently taking him from her.

"You're okay buddy. Let Daddy see," he urged taking his hand and observing the nip on his pinky. Taking in the tiny scrape he kissed it tenderly. "There all better." Apparently Aaron disagreed when he hadn't calmed down in the slightest. "Let's go home and Daddy will put a band-aid on it, okay?" His cries were now silent whimpers. "Shh," Martin whispered. "Daddy will make it all better," he promised.

Getting home he pulled out a tiny band-aid from the upper cupboard. Setting Aaron on his lap he tore it open putting a dab or cream on the injury. Ruthie came over running her fingers through his hair, whipping the tears from his reddened face.

"You okay sweetie?" she asked. Aaron sniffled putting a pudgy hand on her lap. Ruthie picked it up and kissed it tenderly hugging him to her. "See Daddy fixed it. You're okay now." Aaron hiccupped putting his face in her chest.

"I think he was more scared then anything," Martin said.

"Yeah I think he'll be okay," she said. Ruthie soon began a gentle rocking motion humming softly. She gasped when her phone buzzed in her pocket making her jump. Seeing that it came from T-Bone the adrenaline rush kicked in. With shaking hands she opened it eagerly. She felt her heart dribbling like a basketball in her chest.

"What is it Ruth," Martin asked.

"He's awake!" she exclaimed.

"That's great!" Martin said silently fuming inside. "Let's go," he said already getting up and heading for the car. This was solely for her benefit. He didn't want to be the one to rain on her parade. He knew what would come of this. A big old helping of sadness and grief on her part and he would be left to pick up the pieces of her already broken-on-more-than-one-occasion heart. Getting over the excitement now she finally read the message.

We need to talk. As soon as her eyes ran across those four words she felt her heart drop six floors.

A/N: Whew! Wow that was a long one. Hopefully you guys enjoyed this big dose of Marthie. About 11 ½ pages of it for your enjoyment. This is my longest chapter ever! Yay me. Heh. Anyway you guys know how this works! Let me know please! Hit or miss?