A/N: Chapter 19!

Disclaimer: I don't own anything!

After the angry phrase left his mouth the line went silent. He wondered for a second if it was a dropped call. The only way he knew for sure was the sound of steady breathing on the other end. Had he dialed the correct number? At this point he more than hoped so. He couldn't spend all night trying to find the right person to contact. He had to get all his cards in order so that everything went according to plan. No games. This was a matter of serious measure. How serious, was yet to be determined.

"Hello," he called impatiently. He heard a steady sigh leave the lips of the lines occupant.

"Who is this?" they asked.

"Quit playing games with me. You know who I am," he said sharply.

"Woah chill. Who took your candy without asking?" they joked.

"This has nothing to do with food!" he growled.

"Wow, what happened to you?" By now he was resisting the urge to throw the phone across the room. What was with people and so many questions? Get to the point or find a way to channel his inner anger.

"What happened to me isn't important right now. What is important is I need your help."

"I barely know you. Why would you need my help? Where the heck are you anyway? The number's blocked."

"Someone stuck me in the hospital," he said annoyed.

"Okay, where are you really?"

"I told you. I'm in the hospital. Why would I lie about something like that?"

"I don't know…maybe to make people feel sorry for you."

"I don't need anyone feeling sorry for me!"

"Alright, take a chill pill already. Why do you need me?"

"We share a common goal."

"Which would be what exactly?"

"How mad were you after your last break up?"

"Okay my love life, not your business."

"Just answer the damn question!"

"Well if you're going to blow like a volcano then I'll tell you that yeah I was pretty mad."

"Mad enough to kill?"

"Almost but not quite."

"Okay I need you to channel all that anger into a plan."

"What kind of plan?"

"Just follow my lead. I get outta this hellhole in two days. Meet me behind the bleachers" They must have agreed because the next thing he heard was the dial tone.

* * *

Ruthie woke to the feather-light kiss on her lips and smiled. She could really get used to this. She shifted with a slight grimace of pain in the direction of her new alarm clock. The peaceful smile quickly fell when she noticed Martin's eyes filled with concern.

"What's wrong?" she asked. Martin lightly ran his fingers along her cheek, making her shiver. Behind the concern she could see the blazing anger that yesterday's incident had put there. It was a wonder Ruthie had allowed T-Bone to practice driving in the church parking lot with the family car. Her current injuries were just further proof that his ability to drive anything sucked. No it wasn't bad driving. He was just mad and took it out on her. He was the one angry and she had to pay the price. She felt hot tears of anger clouding her vision. A watery smile spread across her lips when Ruthie felt Martin gently brushing them away.

"The better question is, are you okay?" he asked softly. Ruthie smiled allowing more tears to make their way down her face. The anger was clear in his face. She could see the tension building in his body. Around her it was like the flick of a switch. Martin had gone from lion to teddy in nothing flat.

"I'm fine. Just a little pain to deal with. Nothing too major."

"I shouldn't have let you anywhere near him," he mumbled. Ruthie rolled her eyes.

"Martin stop. This isn't your fault," she said gently. He rose, hovering over her protectively.

"Of course it's my fault! I'm the one who suggested you should clear the air with him! You told me you didn't want to go but I made you!"

"You didn't make me do anything. Any choice I make is ultimately mine. I knew you were right. I just didn't want to admit it. I needed to do this to clear my conscience," Ruthie said smiling.

"I let you get hurt in the process. I promised then I would protect you. I failed miserably," he mumbled. Ruthie gently touched his forearm massaging it calmly. She smiled when she realized how muscular he was. This is mine. Every single piece of him is all mine.

"Hey look at me," she demanded softly when she noticed Martin had ducked his head in disappointment. His head slowly came up to meet her dark brown orbs and instantly he felt himself relax. "None of this is your fault, okay? He's still angry with me. What better way to channel your anger than on the person who caused it?"

"He needs a stress ball," he grumbled. Ruthie giggled quietly. "What he does? Any guy would be messed up to think that causing a woman pain is the right way to go."

"Well then we can say for sure that he's gone off the deep end."

"I don't know of any therapist brave enough to take him on."

"I don't either. Simon for sure not," she smiled.

"He's not even licensed yet," he pointed out.

"Yeah well even if he was I knew for sure, it wouldn't work. He'd cause too many broken bones. He wouldn't even be able to work a full day before they suspend his license," Ruthie said.

"Why did he want to become a shrink anyway?" Martin asked. Ruthie flipped onto her side with a little bit of difficulty and snuggled into Martin.

"Have you seen this family?" she asked rolling her eyes.

"We can't be that bad, can we?" he asked.

"Grass skirts and nail polish. I'd call that the breaking point for any family."

"No wonder he quit his job. The station probably wouldn't be able to handle a cross dressing cop."

"Well his initial reason was to be a stay-at-home dad," Ruthie said.

"Yeah that was a cover," Martin laughed.

"I don't know. He's a pretty good daddy," she whispered. Martin's eyebrow went up when he registered Ruthie's sad tone.

"Hey why the long face babe?" he whispered. She sighed, drawing unknown shapes on his chest.

"I don't know. There are just some days I wish we could take it all back, you know?"

"I know. There are days I just lay here imagining what it would be like to give you that. I went against everything that I learned over a stupid slice of pizza. I still don't remember why I went up there. I was perfectly sober and let her take me. I don't know what came over me. There wasn't a single minute of it that I wasn't haunted with the fact that I hurt you. For the longest time I didn't want to come back and face you. When I finally did I felt a part of me die inside. The pain, the loss. It was all there in your face clear as day. Just one look and it felt like a bulldozer had tramped over me."

"If you'd have runaway from it there would be more than a bulldozer," she laughed.

"I didn't know how I could pull it off. I lost my Mom when I was five. The only solid rock I ever had. My dad was always away so he wasn't exactly the most dependable source out there. Your family saved me Ruth and I hurt them all immeasurably. As much as it hurt me to face them I knew you would hurt the most. That's why I told them to swear to me that they wouldn't tell you."

"You do know that's the first secret Lucy's ever kept in her entire life," Ruthie pointed out.

"It's a miracle," he laughed.

"When were you going to tell me?" she whispered.

"I was going to tell you after dinner that night. I would take you out on walk around the park and then piece by piece I'd let it fall. I figured the longer I had the less painful I could make it for you."

"It would still hurt just as much," she said quietly.

"I know," he sighed.

"You always were very impatient. And as much as I don't like her, she was really pretty. I can see how you slipped."

"You were the one for me. It all blew up in my face."

"Not all of it. You got Aaron out of the deal," she smiled, running her finger along his cheek. She smiled wider when she felt him move into her touch.

"He was one of the few good things that I ever got in life," Martin whispered.

"No Martin. Aaron's the best thing that ever happened to you," Ruthie whispered.

"You two are tied for first," he smiled.

"It's no contest Martin. He should always come first."

"He does. I have you to help me make sure of that. You're his mother Ruthie. To me that makes you equally important," he told her placing a butterfly kiss on her lips.

"I don't know how it happened but I love him. I love him like my own son," she whispered.

"That's what I was hoping for. Aaron has this way of wiggling into your heart and making himself comfortable there. The love's gonna stay for a long time. Take it from someone who knows," he whispered placing a gentle kiss on Aaron's forehead.

"She must have had a 'no trespassing sign'," Ruthie laughed.

"I don't know what happened but I'm glad it did," he smiled. "If she couldn't be bothered to stay around before she left then that's just about the same thing as having her not there at all."

"It was hard for me to watch you do it all by yourself," Ruthie whispered.

"I didn't. I had you," Martin smiled kissing her lightly.

"I had to keep you in some way. I couldn't lose you completely," she said.

"If anything her being MIA gave us a chance to bond more. I depended on you more than I ever thought I would. You took it like a trooper. He wasn't even your responsibility and you still made sure Aaron got everything he needed."

"It was probably part of the selfish act too. I think I wanted to show you what a mistake you made. That I was capable of giving you what she did. At least that's how it started tout. Then as time passed the anger died. All that was left was the need to see you, the need to be around you. I knew the only way that could happen was if I came to you."

"You've proven yourself, believe me. You've gone way beyond the call of duty. I'm going to give that to you Ruthie, I promise. One day when you're ready I'm going to give that to you. A little piece of both of us will be sitting right here," he whispered rubbing her belly calmly. "Just say the word," he said kissing the place where his fingers just trailed along her body.

"I just hope I'm enough for you," she whispered. Martin rolled his eyes and sighed.

"You're more than enough for me Ruth. Some days I don't even find myself worthy enough for you. Some days I wake up thinking that today is going to be the day you've come to your senses," he said sadly.

"Oh shut up. You're everything to me Martin. You and Aaron are enough for me to feel like I'm on top of the world."

"Your heart's just too big for words Roo. I don't know if I can live up to that," he said.

"You've surpassed it," she whispered.

"I'll be the one to give you little angels. I'll make sure of that," he promised. Ruthie smiled, chuckling when she heard Aaron let out a displeasured cry. It went to a full on laugh when she saw the look on Martin's face.

"I think you hurt someone's feelings," she said. She could only share a look with Martin when she noticed Aaron face away from him.

"Aw come on buddy, you know Daddy loves you," he said calmly. "You came first. No one can top that," he whispered.

"You'll always be our number one sweetheart," she told him gently.

"We're talking about the future buddy. When you're a lot older," he said.

"Yeah. When Mommy's ready. Right now she isn't so until then you've got us all to yourself," she whispered. Ruthie laughed when she felt him take a grip on the hem of her shirt. "Shh honey. No need to be so tense. Loosen up a little bit please. I can't breathe," she told him taking his hand away gently.

"That kid's too smart," he groaned.

"What are you so worried about. He didn't get the brains from you," she laughed.

"Wow. You're just the world's greatest moral booster ever, aren't you?" he said.

"Would you have any other way?" Ruthie asked.

"Nope. I wouldn't change a hair on your head," he whispered kissing her soundly.

The silence in their world had been shattered with Kevin's loud foot stomping. Both Ruthie and Martin sighed backing away reluctantly.

"Okay love birds. Stop doing the nasty and come down to dinner!" he called.

"And he wonders why he gets smacked all the time," Ruthie laughed.

"May I escort you to dinner," he asked with a smirk.

"Gee I don't know. I mean I had this really hot boyfriend who was going to do it but he hasn't shown up yet," she told him.

"Well, well, well. Shame for him. A lovely lady like you has to get down there at some point. Could be of some assistance?" he asked.

"Well I guess you'll have to do," she smiled. "But if he finds out about this it's on you."

"I'll take my chances," he smiled gathering her in his arms. Ruthie giggled snuggling into Martin.

"This feels so nice. Do we have to go down there?" she pouted. Martin kissed the pout away quickly and smiled.

"I'm afraid so hon. They're going to bring on a search party if we don't," he said.

"That's the last thing we need. It's happened once already and we know what a nightmare that was."

"One I don't feel the need to relive."

"Agreed."

"You want to annoy them to no end?"

"When do we not?" she asked.

"Very good point. I feel like showing off my kindergarten skills tonight though. What do you say to sharing?"

"Oh like I could pass that up. Just don't make me feed you again. That was a one time thing!"

"Can I return the favor?"

"Of course," she smiled.

"Let's go give them diabetes!"

"Fine with me." With that the couple was making their way down the stairs.

"They're alive!" Kevin shouted. Martin and Ruthie both rolled their eyes as they settled down at the table.

"Did you want an extra chair?" Martin asked.

"No your leg works just fine," she said propping her legs up on his.

"Use my chair while I go get us something," he said. She nodded while placing Aaron in his high chair beside her.

"Auntie Ruth. You otay?" Savannah asked. Ruthie smiled at the little girl and nodded.

"I'm okay sweetie. I just got a really big boo boo. I'll be good as new in no time!" Savannah nodded before taking a bight of her chicken, using a fork that was abnormally large for her small hands.

"Carlos how much do you love me?" Mary asked sweetly.

"I married you. I'd have to say a lot," he said slowly. When Mary started like that it was guaranteed she wanted something.

"Could you do me a big favor?" she asked.

"Yes. You know I do not really like the sound of this," he said.

"Could you be the best husband ever and get me the therapeutic pillow thing that the doctor gave me?" Carlos sighed rising from the table.

"I'm going to have to leave the food aren't I?" he asked. Mary nodded sadly.

"It'll only be for a few minutes. The sooner you find it, the sooner you come back," she pointed out.

"Argh. The things I do for my pregnant wife," he mumbled.

"Your baby will love you forever," she said.

"Oh well thanks. I thought I was already loved by my kids."

"You are. It'll just be more so if you make their mommy happy," she said.

"Again what to chose? Food or the wife?"

"That should be an easy one dude," Kevin said. "The f—"

"Be careful how you finish that Kevin. Be very carful," Lucy said slowly.

"What I was just going to tell him that family should always come first," he said innocently.

"Of course you were," she said rolling her eyes.

"What it's true!"

"The pillow armor if you please," Mary said on the edge of losing her patience.

"Oh right. I'll be right back," he said hastily. Just then Kevin's phone began a loud vibrate. His face clouded with confusion when he noticed a blocked number.

"Hello," he answered slowly quietly getting up from the table. All that could be heard was a crash and the hint of "we're coming" before he was met with the dial tone. Closing the phone he sat back down slowly.

"Who was that?" Lucy asked.

"I don't know. All I heard was this crash thing and the words "we're coming" and they hung up." Ruthie could feel herself gripping Martin's hand quickly. They both shared an uneasy look before returning to the food on their plates. With shaking hands Ruthie brought the fork to her lips, poking it in the process.

"Ow," she whispered. Martin squeezed her hand before feeding what had been put on her fork to her slowly. She opened allowing the piece of meat to be swallowed.

"Do you guys really have to do that?" Matt asked.

"Matt I'm shaking!" Ruthie said.

"Great excuse," Simon laughed.

"No seriously. I'm shaking," she said again. She placed her uneasy hands on the table for everyone to see that in fact her hands were trembling.

"Oh," Simon said.

"Need anymore proof?" she asked.

"No," Matt said. A couple minutes later Carlos came bounding down the stairs, big fluffy pillow in hand.

"You'll never believe what just happened," Kevin said as he sat down.

"You actually went five minutes without saying something stupid?" he asked shocked.

"Well no but I got this really weird call. It sounded like aliens or something. All I heard was this loud crash and "we're coming" before they hung up," he said.

"What, they were trying to get to you before they got to the cookies or something?" Carlos asked, a hint of a smile on his face.

"Yeah, how'd you know?" he asked shocked.

"I was the alien smart one," he laughed.

"I knew there was something fishy about you. No don't let them take me!" he cried. "Take her!" he said frantically, eyeing Lucy who could only sigh.

"Really? You want them to take your pregnant wife? Thanks honey glad to know you can protect your family. Not to mention think of them before yourself," Lucy said.

"But sweetie that's a compliment!"

"And where's the compliment exactly? You know the part that's supposed to make me feel good about myself?"

"You can fit anywhere you go. Unlike me, you have the powers of a chameleon," he said.

"So I'm a reptile thing?"

"No. I meant that in the most loving way possible!"

"Thanks, I think," she said slowly.

"No problem honey. That's what I'm here for. I was born to make you feel good about yourself."

"They're telling me they need the cookies now," Carlos said.

"Well they're not getting any!"

"Okay so what am I supposed to tell them?"

"You know this family never ceases to amaze me," Martin laughed. "I mean who would have thought we'd be getting—"

"—a show at dinner?" Ruthie finished.

"Never a dull moment in this house," Sarah said.

"My name is Kevin Kinkirk. You took my cookies, prepare to die!"

"He did not just—" Ruthie said incredulous

"Yup he did," Martin said with equal shock.

"I wonder how hard she had to work to get him to watch it," Ruthie laughed.

"It's Lucy," Martin pointed out.

"True, very true."

"Dude you do know he's kidding right," Matt laughed.

"He should know how serious I am about my cookies!" As the family entertainment escalated Aaron let out a loud screech. Ruthie sighed sliding her legs off of Martin so he could get up.

"Thanks Kevin," Ruthie groaned.

"I'm sorry buddy," Kevin laughed. "I didn't mean to scare you," he said softly.

"You know what? I'm not getting up."

"So you're just going to leave him there?" Carlos asked.

"No Kevin's going to be an amazing brother and bring him to us," Martin smirked.

"I am?" he asked. Ruthie and Martin both nodded. As Kevin made his way over Aaron let out another loud scream. "See I'm not the only one who feels the loss! At least someone is on my side," he said.

"I think he was dropped on his head as a baby," Ruthie whispered. Martin nodded taking the last of the pasta from his plate.

"Was not!" Kevin called. There was a round of sighs before Aaron was placed in Ruthie's lap. Seeing the little bit that remained on the fork Ruthie eyed Martin carefully.

"I know, I know," Martin grumbled presenting Aaron with the fork. He took to it with a clap of his small hands.

"You're learning," Ruthie smiled. Aaron opened his mouth releasing a yawn. "I think someone's getting sleepy," she chuckled.

"After a meal like that, who wouldn't be?" Kevin asked.

"Mom?" Lucy asked patiently.

"Go right ahead," she laughed. With her mother's permission Kevin was greeting again by the palm of her hand.

"Okay one of these days I'm going to file for spousal abuse, I swear," Kevin grimaced.

"We'll be right down Mom," Ruthie told her beginning rhythmic motions as Aaron closed his eyes slowly. As the three traveled up the stairs Ruthie started a quiet hum which had him out in minutes. Using the crib for support she gently placed him inside kissing the hand that subconsciously made it around her finger. "That's becoming a habit sweetheart," she giggled quietly. "I love you," she whispered. "We both love you so much," she told his now sleeping form.

"Wanna sit and chill out for a bit?" Martin asked.

"Am I getting too heavy?"

"Never," he whispered.

"You know you don't have to carry me everywhere," she laughed.

"What if I want to," he countered.

"Okay. If your back can take it," she said.

"You know they've been up there an awful long time. I think they're making you grandparents again sooner than planned," Kevin pointed out.

"Kevin? Do you want more kids?" Lucy asked venomously. They were getting pretty loud because Martin and Ruthie were silently laughing from their place in their room.

"Yes…"

"Ooh man you're in trouble!" Carlos laughed.

"Ya think?" Matt said. Those words just barely left Matt's mouth before a loud smack was heard.

"Did Kevin say something stupid again?" Martin asked.

"Yup," Lucy said.

"What's new there?" Ruthie laughed.

"I am this close to having you sleep outside!" Lucy said loudly.

"Shh," the crowd warned.

"Why?" Kevin asked now scared to face his punishment.

"Kevin, if you want to avoid being smacked all the time here's advice, don't say stupid things," Martin advised.

"But it's in my DNA! Wait I don't say stupid things!" he defended.

"Okay then why do you get smacked all the time?" Martin asked.

"Because she knows how amazing my hair feels and can't resist touching it," he smirked.

"Yeah, see what I mean?" Martin said knowing exactly what would come next.

"And you say you don't say stupid things," Ruthie laughed.

"Right," Martin and Ruthie said together.

"I just pray Savvy doesn't get your brains," Lucy grumbled.

"Naw. She's getting my wonderful sense of humor," Kevin said confidently.

"Which is probably the only reason I ever married you," Lucy said.

"But weren't you the one who told the entire congregation how hot I was?" Kevin smirked.

"You said you weren't going to use that against me!" Lucy cried.

"See that's why smacking is bad. I don't ever remember promising that," he said.

"And yet you remember when all the football games are," Lucy said rolling her eyes.

"That is so not the point," Kevin said.

"Then enlighten us oh wise one. What exactly is the point," Matt asked curiously.

"The point here is that smacking is bad!" he said

"I swear we've just gone over this," Martin said.

"Yeah are we the only ones feeling a sense of déjà vu here?" Ruthie asked.

"Yeah I have no clue what that is but I believe we've already been here," Carlos said.

"Yeah that's exactly what it is. Déjà vu is like this feeling that you've been, seen or heard something before," Mary told him.

"Thanks for the lesson love. English can be so confusing," he said.

"Okay Martin as much as I love you before you answer this think very carefully. Are you sure you want to be part of this family?" Ruthie asked. Martin looked over at her like she was crazy and laughed.

"Of course. Like what Sarah said, it's never a dull moment. You keep me on my toes," he said.

"Aw…is that your way of saying you love us?" Kevin asked wiping away a fake tear. Martin rolled his eyes and sighed.

"Yes Kevin, I love all of you. You guys gave me a home and a family that I never had," he said. Kevin smiled widely opening his arms in a hug.

"I love you too but if you break her heart...you know what will happen," he warned bringing on a serious tone.

"I know Kevin you've told me multiple times, even in my sleep. What was it? Oh yeah, jail sentence, shipped to Mexico, broken bones. Sounds about right?" Kevin nodded before stopping in his tracks.

"Wait I show up in your sleep? Do I look hot?" he asked excitedly.

"Before I answer that…" Martin started.

"Martin you dream about Kevin? Is there something you want to tell us?" Ruthie asked carefully.

"Ummm….no?" he said.

"Why did you pause?" Ruthie asked worriedly.

"I didn't pause. What are you talking about?" Martin asked.

"HE'S HIDDING SOMETHING!!!!! And I thought we were all for the open honest relationship!" Ruthie cries desperately wiping at an invisible tear. Kevin came to put his arms around her in comfort.

"Oh Ruthie it's not your fault that your boyfriend is dreaming about another guy. It's not like you made him gay. Even straight men find me irresistible," he smirked.

"Luce can I please?" Martin asked. Lucy shook her head grabbing roughly at her husband.

"Woah not in front of the family honey. Save that for home," Kevin laughed.

"One second Martin. I feel the need to smack him again," Lucy said with a devilish smile. "You're next," she promised.

"Yay," he laughed. After making contact with his head she smiled.

"What'd I do this time?" Kevin whined.

"You should know by now. Why ask?" Lucy said.

"Maybe because I like to know my wrongdoing before I get punished by losing more brain cells," he said.

"Oh but remember, you'll forget it in five minutes anyway," she reminded him.

"Which is why I have you to tell me multiple times," he said.

"Okay before this turns into a full blown fight, how about some desert?" Annie suggested.

"Oh but Mom," Carlos whined. "We were just getting to the good part!" Mary glared at her husband before following her sister's lead.

"Ow."

"Yeah ow," Mary said sarcastically.

"Now that I think about it dessert does sound better than you two duking it out," Carlos said rubbing his soar spot. "No offense," he added.

"You do know that if you say that it's offensive, right?" Kevin said.

"Yeah but I don't mean it," he said.

"And I put up with you why?" Mary asked.

"Because you love me and I'm sexy?" Carlos asked. "Did I say something wrong?" he asked worried.

"Yes and no," Mary smiled with a light blush on her cheeks.

"What did you make Mom?" Martin and Ruthie asked together.

"Why do you guys do that all the time? We all know you're capable of it. Now it just seems like you're showing off," Matt said.

"We were not," they chimed.

"You just did," Sarah giggled.

"Yes you were," Kevin said.

"No."

"We."

"Were."

"Not," Martin finished.

"Hey Luce, do you think we could pull that off?" Kevin asked.

"I wouldn't be caught dead doing that with you," Lucy growled.

"And the blows just keep coming," Kevin said.

"Come on. Let's try it. Then if we get really good we could have a contest," Kevin said excited.

"If there was a contest…" Martin said.

"You wouldn't come close," Ruthie laughed.

"Yeah, no," Lucy said. "Did you say something about dessert Mom?" Lucy asks turning to Annie.

"Its cookies tonight," she said.

"Ooh you know what goes really well with cookies?" Sarah asked.

"Ice cream," Martin and Ruthie said.

"Okay that's just getting creepy," Matt said.

"Yeah ice cream sounds amazing right now," Lucy said dreamily.

"We'll get it," Martin and Ruthie volunteered.

"Again, really creepy," Matt said with a shudder.

"I'll come too," Simon said. "I need some fresh air," he added.

"Okay you Ruth can go on one condition," Matt said.

"Which is what?" she asked.

"Don't let Martin let go of you." The two smiled widely.

"Wait what am I saying? Simon, watch them. Like a hawk," Matt ordered.

"Oh ye of little faith," Ruthie said.

"You know what we like, right Ruth?" Mary asked.

"Yup something with chocolate," she smiled.

"Yup," she nodded.

"We'll be back," they said together.

"You have got to stop doing that," Carlos said.

"Make me," they added.

* * *

"I seriously don't know how you guys do it," Simon groaned. Martin and Ruthie both turned to him questioningly.

"Do what?" Martin asked.

"How you handle these relationships? I mean sure Ruth isn't pregnant yet but she will be. How do you deal with all the demands and stuff?"

"It's not easy man. Trust me," Martin said.

"I thought you liked helping me," Ruthie pouted offended.

"Come on Roo. You know I do. There are just times when it gets to be a little too much, you know?"

"No I don't know," she said. "Tell me please. I'm dying here," she said.

"Oh geez," Martin sighed.

"It's so great to know that my husband's so willing to provide for me and my unborn child," she said sarcastically.

"Do you have to be like that?" Martin asked.

"Okay guys I really don't want to cause a fight," Simon said.

"Stay out of this," Ruthie growled.

"Oh look the Dairy Shack!" Simon said.

"Shut it Simon. I can't believe you Martin!" Ruthie cried.

"You know what, you guys work it out. I'm going to get the food so I can have children in the future." Both were so into it that they didn't even see Simon leave. When Simon returned, the walk back was dead silent. Simon walked through the back door greeted by a frantic Kevin.

"Give me the ice cream!"

"Why?" Simon asked with a raised brow.

"I need to save it," he whispered.

"Do I really wanna know?" Simon asked.

"Know what?"

"Never mind," he sighed.

* * *

"I can't believe you would say something like that Martin. After what we just talked about," Ruthie sniffled.

"Ruth you know I didn't mean it," he said.

"Then why did you say it," she asked.

"I was just trying to make him feel better. He's been through so much already," he said.

"I didn't know whether or not you were serious," she whispered.

"Of course I wasn't. I love you Ruth. Just the way you are. I don't care if you're just like this. I wouldn't even mind the late night cravings. That's just further proof that you're carrying my baby," he smiled.

"How is it that you manage to say everything to make me feel better," she whispered.

"I love you."

"See? Like that."

* * *

You'll never guess what I just saw he read off his phone.

Who? he texted back quickly.

Them hugging outside the Dairy Shack.

* * *

Kevin skidded to Eric's office holding the ice cream like a trophy he had just won. Eric looks up and laughs.

"I see you got the ice cream," he said.

"Yes. So where can we put it so they don't take it?" he whispered.

"If you eat one ounce of that ice cream Kevin Kinkirk I will make certain you sleep outside!" Lucy bellows.

"Don't think that he's the only one Carlos!" Mary calls after her. "Get back here ¡Vuelve aquí" Mary calls after her.

"I know from personal experience how much the couch hurts," Sarah said.

"I'd advise you not to make that your permanent sleeping arrangements," Annie said.

"Hi baby. I was just being a loving husband and getting you the ice cream," Kevin smiled. "Remember that sense of humor we talked about earlier?"

"Amor you know how much I love it when you speak my native tongue," Carlos said quickly.

"You know how I work on my feet all day Sarah love. It's hard enough without all the back soars," Matt tried.

"You can't be serious Annie," Eric whispered. It was at that very moment that all the boys lost just a few brain cells.

"Oh boy. What did Kevin do this time?" Simon asked walking in.

"Oh no, it's not just Kevin," Lucy said glaring at her husband.

"Somehow I'm regretting giving you the ice cream now," Simon said.

"You could have saved me man!" Kevin cried. "You know my stomach speaks before my brain!" A soft vibrate could be felt in Simon's pocket as he quickly pulled it out. Flipping it open he noticed an unread text. As he reads, his expression quickly changes.

"What's wrong Simon?" Sarah asked softly.

"I-I-I don't know," he stuttered. "I have to get this to someone. Give me a second," he said.

* * *

Martin and Ruthie are both eating their share of the ice cream that was brought up to them as they snuggled in bed. They both jumped when they felt the vibrate of Ruthie's phone between them.

"It's a text from Simon…" Ruthie whispered.

"What does it say?" Martin wondered. Not having the words to speak she handed him the phone.

Her water just broke.

A/N: You guys still with me? Good. Let me know how we did please!