Disclaimer: I still own nothing!
Martin and Ruthie both shared a look of confusion before re-reading the text. This shouldn't be happening. All the pregnant women they knew of were no where near delivery. Unless of course Simon failed to fill them in on someone else entirely.
"This can't be right," Ruthie said softly. Maybe she had misread it. Yeah that's it. She didn't read it right. Looking over it again the words didn't change. The four she had gone over earlier remained the same. As she raised her head, panic set in. Ruthie had no idea why but for some reason something felt off about it.
"Maybe it is," Martin said. Again the brunette shook her head. As much as she trusted her brother, the situation itself was hard to digest. Again her heart accelerated. She wouldn't do that, would she?
"Martin you don't think she…" she whispered, tears clogging her throat. They all knew Rose was hateful but not on that high a level. Now that she thought about it, it might not be Rose at all. Just as quickly she followed her original plan. Outside of this family, Simon only knew of Rose. If it was anyone else they would know, wouldn't they?
"No I don't think so. She's a witch but I don't think she'd go against what Simon asked of her. She still respects on some really, really, super low level," he said. Ruthie smiled. Even in the most serious of situations, Martin was the only one able to put a smile on her face.
"It's not fair to the poor thing. She's not even close yet. What if she really did go through with it?" she asked worriedly, a single tear running down her cheek. Martin looked over at her, concerned. Gently, he ran his thumb down her cheek stopping to plant a small kiss on her jaw.
"I don't think she did hon. You know how much it would hurt him," Martin said reassuringly. Ruthie nodded sadly turning into Martin.
"That would give her all the more reason to do it though," she said. Martin nodded in understanding, holding her close. Letting his fingers thread through her hair he kissed her softly. Feeling this unknown urge of energy Ruthie threw herself into the kiss. She had no idea where the feeling came from but right now she needed him. Ruthie needed to feel her tongue weaving with his in a battle of love, lust, and desire. Slightly shocked Martin faltered momentarily.
"Ruth, are you okay?" She could only nod, running her fingers down his chest. As much as he wanted this to happen he couldn't. Slowly he pushed her away. Taking a staggered breath she met his eyes and frowned.
"You don't…?" Martin quickly realized what she was getting at and wanted to kick himself.
"Oh Ruthie you know I do. You're just not ready," he said. Not ready? Since when had this been about sex? And even if it were the realization of the situation saddened her. Did he not want her? Was she not good enough? Of course she wasn't. What was she thinking?
"How would you know?" she asked softly.
"I know you have heavy morals Ruthie. Don't make the same mistake I did. Keep to those morals," he said.
"You're just letting me down easy. In reality you don't really want me, do you?"
"Oh Roo don't be ridiculous," he laughed.
"What's so funny? Is it a crime for me to want you?" she asked breathing heavily.
"No of course its not. Just wait until I have a ring on your finger. Then we can be free to do it when ever you want," he said kissing her forehead.
"But—"
"No buts Ruthie. This isn't the real you talking. It'll pass," he smiled. Ruthie rolled her eyes and growled.
"Oh then what I am exactly? An alien?"
"No, you're my Ruthie," he whispered. "Even if you were of the alien species you'd be the prettiest of your galaxy," he whispered. Ruthie smiled, a light blush crawling onto her cheeks.
"You have really corny recovery, you know that?" she giggled.
"But I made you laugh," he pointed out.
"You always do. Somehow you always make me smile."
"That's the plan."
* * *
Simon ran a hand through his hair nervously. This couldn't be happening. Not yet. She had months to go before even thinking about it. At least she was keeping up with her end of the deal. The very least he could do is keep up with his end of the promise.
"What's wrong Simon?" Lucy asked noticing a desperate look on her brother's face. He looked up with darting eyes before finally landing on a room filled with concerned faces.
"Her water just broke," he sighed. They all looked up at him with questioning eyes.
"Okay I'm confused," Kevin said.
"Aren't you always?" Lucy asked.
"Yeah but that's not really what I'm getting at. Okay first off, whose water just broke?"
"I told Rose to tell me when she was going into labor," he said.
"Next question being, why?" Carlos went on. Simon sighed exasperated.
"She has no one you guys. She needs someone there. I figured that since I'm the one who made her keep it I'd be there for her during the birth."
"Okay but how do we know she's not lying just to see you?" Matt asked.
I doubt that," Simon said.
"It's possible," Lucy said.
"Forgive me but I'm confused again. Call me a little slow but didn't she say that she just started her pregnancy?" Kevin asked.
"As far as I know," Matt said.
"So unless there's some speedy fast forward button on the pregnancy cycle, why would she be giving birth now?" he asked.
"That's actually a really smart question," Mary said. "My own being how the heck did she do it?"
"And how do we get it?" Sarah added. Matt chuckled hugging his wife closely. She eyed him curiously before using his shoulder as a pillow.
"I don't think it's something that you can "get" sweetie," he smiled. Maybe she's one of the few that don't show her progression," Matt said. The three looked at him now flustered.
"Okay I'm lost," Lucy said.
"This has got to be serious. Usually that's my job," Kevin said. Lucy smacked him, rewarded with a grimace and topped her action with a cheeky grin.
"It's rare but some women don't show signs of pregnancy in any way until they finally go into labor."
"That sounds dangerous," Kevin said with a worried look on his face.
'That's because it is." Sarah said. "Prenatal care is crucial to making sure the baby is born healthy. It's also important to make sure the mother is eating well to make sure that enough nutrition goes to the baby," Matt nodded quickly rising from his seat.
"Where are you going?" Carlos asked although he pretty much already knew.
"We as a family may share an equal level of hate for Rose but I have to go make sure that the baby is delivered safely," Matt told them.
"And another OBGYN can't make sure of that, why?" Kevin asked.
"As this family knows I have experience with unexpected deliveries. Lucy will tell you I'm actually very good at it, if I do say so myself," he smiled.
"I'm just glad this one's being born in a hospital and not an elevator," Simon said.
"It wasn't just any elevator. It was a broken elevator," Kevin clarified.
"Which is why Savvy had to be delivered with such original birthing techniques," Lucy said. Simon's face instantly paled. Going back on his niece's arrival into the world made him realize what kind of position he had put himself in. He was about to go assist his ex-fiancé bring a baby that wasn't even his into this world. Suddenly feeling extremely overwhelmed he leaned himself against the nearest wall.
"Simon, are you alright?" Sarah asked. He could only shake his head slightly.
"Someone, get Ruthie," Matt ordered quickly.
"Shouldn't he lie down?" Carlos asked. "Why do we need to get Ruthie?"
"Carlos, just do it," Lucy growled.
"Alright, alright I'll get her," he said raising his hands in surrender. "Though why, I'm still trying to understand."
"She's the only one of us who can talk him down," Kevin told him.
"He's not saying anything," Carlos pointed out.
"Carlos my brother is white as a sheet!" Lucy yelled.
"Is he the soft a fluffy kind?" he smirked. Lucy rolled her eyes and glared at him, pointing a finger up the stairs. Not wanting to get anymore on Lucy's bad side than he currently was Carlos jogged quickly up the stairs. Getting there he was grateful to see the door had been left ajar.
"You're needed downstairs," was all he said. Giving a curt nod Ruthie felt herself being lifted into the arms that acted as her own legs at the moment.
"Carlos, grab my shoes in the closet please," Ruthie said quickly. He nodded knowing that now was not the time for anymore questions. As Martin grabbed his sweater, draping it over Ruthie she sighed.
"What?" Martin asked.
"We're leaving him again," she said sadly.
"He's had enough visits to the hospital sweetheart," Martin smiled.
"He's not going to like it," she said. Martin knew she was right.
"I know he won't but right now we need to focus on Simon," he said. "Ruthie nodded as he jogged down the hall. She sighed heavily when she saw her brother leaning against a wall. Wordlessly, Martin set her on her feet allowing Ruthie to use him for support.
"Simon you need to calm down," she whispered. He opened his eyes slowly, taking in his sister's face.
"I've never done this before," he whispered.
"You know you don't have to, right?" Martin reminded him. Simon shook his head.
"I promised her," he said softly. Martin nodded in understanding. Even as he did he was reminded of the noticeable difference in these two situations. He had to because Aaron was his. Simon did this out of the goodness of his heart. By the look on the weakened man's face he could see all former hatred washed away for the moment.
"Kevin, Carlos, get him to the car please," Matt ordered. "I'm driving. Who else is coming?" he asked quickly picking up the keys to the family vehicle. He got his response by the silence that fell over the room.
"I guess it's just Ruthie and I," Martin said. Matt nodded and quickly ran out to the car. As they sped down the street Martin could see Simon clenching and unclenching his hands repeatedly. Ruthie took both of her brother's shaking hands in her own looking him right in the eye. Feeling his hands become trapped Simon met his sister's calm eyes.
"Simon it's going to be okay," she whispered. He shook his head violently. "Yes it will," she said reassuringly.
"What if it's not though? What if there's something wrong with the baby?" he asked desperately.
"There's nothing wrong man," Martin said confidently.
"But what if there is?" he asked.
"There's going to be nothing wrong. Positive thinking," he said.
"She didn't have the proper care she needed. What if she didn't eat enough? What if—"
"Stop!" Ruthie practically shouted. Martin placed a firm hand on her shoulder allowing her to release a pent up breath.
"I can't help it!"
"Breathe Simon, breathe. You're turning red," Ruthie said. Releasing a deep, shaky breath Simon let his head fall back on the seat.
"Why did I agree to do this?" he whispered.
"You did this because you didn't want to see a life wasted due to her selfishness," Martin reminded him.
"No. I know why I did the first part. I just don't know why I agreed to the other one," he said.
"You have a good heart Simon. Sometimes it airs on too good but it's in the right place," Matt said.
"I'm scared," he said meekly.
"There's nothing to be scared of Simon. Just let her make your hand go numb for a little while," Martin smiled.
"That I can handle. It's the first step that's going to be the hardest."
"Why?" Ruthie asked.
"What if she doesn't want me anywhere near her?" he asked.
"Why wouldn't she? It's not your fault," she said.
"I made her keep it Ruth. I forced her," he said.
"You were looking out for the baby," she said. "You were following your moral values. There's nothing wrong with that," she said softly.
"We're here," Matt said swinging into the parking lot. Ruthie slid her small hands from inside Simon's clammy ones and slid out after Martin. Quickly he lifted her into his arms with Simon close on their tail. "Just follow me. I called ahead," Matt said. The three followed obediently with Simon still breathing heavily as they went.
"Breathe dude," Martin reminded him. Simon obeyed doing as he was told. When they reached the maternity ward Martin and Ruthie stopped. "This is our stop," he said. Brother and sister shared a look before he followed Matt inside. Ruthie could see it clearly. Don't make me go in there.
"We'll be waiting out here," she reassured him. He nodded reluctantly as the door closed behind him.
* * *
As the door swung closed the image of Ruthie was soon swallowed. Now he stood alone with the Earth shattering screams that only Rose herself could produce. Just as quickly as he stepped inside he wanted out. What was he doing here? This wasn't his place. He didn't need to be here. Just as soon as he thought this the purpose resurfaced. You promised her he remembered. Simon Camden had yet to go back on his word. It just wasn't like him to chicken out. If that was the case why did the cold, quiet halls sound so inviting?
"Don't just stand there you idiot! Get over here!" Rose growled. He was startled out of his escape plan with only one look at her sweat covered face. Hold her hand. Let her squeeze the feeling out of it he told himself. The faster the baby got here the sooner they could leave. After this he could drop all ties with her.
"You must be Daddy," the nurse smiled. Simon opened his mouth but soon closed it when he saw the look on Matt's face. Don't argue with her it read. Simon just nodded sliding in next to Rose.
"This isn't supposed to be happening!" Rose said desperately. "I'm not ready to get this thing out of me yet!"
"Just breathe and squeeze," Simon told her. Rose didn't have to be told twice. The pressure she had put on his hand made him grimace in pain. This isn't half as much as she's going through he thought. As he held in his own pain he heard her growl.
"There we go Rose. Push, push, push," Matt coached her from the foot of the bed. Simon saw her face relax as he realized the contraction had passed.
"I can't do this!" she yelled.
"Yes you can," Simon said calmly.
"This is your fault! If it weren't for you I wouldn't be feeling like a damn bulldozer ran me over!"
"I know," he said. "Breathe Rose. You can do this," he said feeling the life being squeezed out of his hand again.
"No I can't!" she wailed. He felt his heart soften at the pain he saw in her face. The face he had fallen for so many months ago. The eyes that pulled him in with no mercy. The pools of violent green he gladly drowned in. It was while she was in this state he saw in her everything he loved. The razors that cut through her almost constantly were set aside for a time.
"Yes you can!" he yelled.
"Ready Rose? We're going to push again," Matt told her. She gasped as another contraction made it clearly known. Again Rose gripped him with no mercy on his poor hand. Simon felt so helpless as he watched her beaded face turning almost purple.
"Get this thing out of me!" she cried.
"You're doing great Rose. The baby's already crowning," Matt said.
"What the hell does that mean?" she asked.
"It means they can see the head coming," Simon said.
"How much longer?" she asked with a silent tear coming down her face.
"Not much longer. Just a couple more big pushes and we'll do the rest," Matt said. Simon quietly wiped away the lone tear gently.
"I just want this to be over," she said weakly.
"I know," he whispered. "Just a little bit longer and you will be. I promise," he told her softly. He again felt all sensation in his hand disappear as another large contraction overtook her. "That's it. You're almost done," he told her brushing a stray piece of hair from her face.
"I can't believe you made me do this!" she screamed.
It's almost over," he said brushing her damp cheek. "Don't touch me!" she growled. Simon quickly swiped his hand away letting it fall to his side.
"One more big one Rose," Matt called. She sighed realizing she had no choice but to go along with it. The sooner she had this thing out of her the better. As soon as she laid her head back the entire room filled with a baby's cry. "It's a boy!" Matt smiled.
"I'm just glad it's gone," Rose grumbled. Simon narrowed his eyes at her before allowing a small smile to come over his face.
"Would Daddy like to do the honors?" the nurse asked with a wide smile as she took the newborn from Matt.
"Oh no I'm not…" Matt gave him a small smile offering him the scissors. With shaking hands he snipped the cord. Somehow the action made him smile bigger now. The feeling that filled him had become one of pride. This is really happening. He's really here he thought.
"Would you like to hold him?" Matt asked Rose. She shook her head vigorously.
"No," was all she had to say. The nurse looked confused. She was surprised to see Dr. Camden simply nod as he offered the bundle to Simon. With clammy hands, he accepted making sure to give the newborn proper support. Gently he ran his large hand through the little boy's tuft of black hair. This is real he told himself. In his own large hands he now held a brand new life. A life he had a hand in saving. The sleeping infant looked so helpless. His tiny body lay in Simon's arms like a doll. A doll so fragile he feared it would break.
"Are you sure you don't want to hold him?" he asked facing an exhausted Rose.
"I already said no," she snapped. "I haven't changed my mind since you asked me two minutes ago," she added bitterly. And just like that the walls had gone back up. It saddened him to see that she couldn't even acknowledge her son. Simon looked up from the little boy's peaceful face glad to see the nurse had gone.
"It might change your mind," he said.
"I've already made my decision," she said quickly.
"You can still go back," he said.
"No I can't. Not anymore. It's already here. There's nothing else I can do to get rid of it."
"Why would you want to get rid of him Rose? Just look at him," Simon whispered.
"I don't want to," she said.
"Just one look Rose and you'll see what I mean," Simon begged. She sighed giving the baby a once over.
"There, happy?" she growled.
"I don't know why you want to do this," he whispered. "You won't even hold him," he said sadly.
"He looks just fine where he is," she said. Simon only shook his head turning his attention to the little boy in his arms. He turned just in time to see his eyes flutter open.
"Hi," Simon whispered. "Welcome to the world." His small eyes quickly squinted closed again when he took in only seconds of bright lights. "Too bright, huh?" he asked softly. He could have sworn he saw him nod. His heart lurched when he felt his finger being taken in a gentle grip. It was at that moment he felt a sense of protectiveness overcome him. Somehow he'd find a way to keep this little boy safe. An unintended bond was formed with just the squeeze of a finger.
"I'm gonna have to take him back now. Just to run some tests to make sure everything's running smoothly," Matt said coming up to his brother. It was then that reality set in. What if there was something wrong? This little boy deserved none of the unimaginable.
"Be careful," Simon whispered.
"You know I will. It's my job Simon," he laughed.
"Still," he said, reluctant to let the little boy out of his sight.
"He'll be just fine," he promised. As he saw his brother leave Simon sent up a silent prayer.
"When can I sign away my rights?" Rose asked. Simon was shocked she could be so blunt about it. After having just given birth she was already set on handing him over to some stranger.
"You don't have to," he said. "There's open adoption. You can still be a part of his life," he told her.
"No. I don't want anything to do with him," she said. Simon could feel tears building in his eyes.
"So quick to give him up!" he yelled.
"You said I could! You told me that as long as I carried him to term I could give him up," she said.
"It's always about you isn't it? An innocent baby who's barely had a taste for life is being so quickly thrown away! I thought you had a heart Rose! I can see now that I was wrong. Dead wrong!"
"What does it matter to you? He's not yours!"
"You're right. He's not and still I find it in me to have some kind of compassion!"
"Yeah well good old Simon always doing right by the world! What a surprise!"
"An innocent little human being Rose. You won't even touch him," he whispered.
"That's my choice to make. In the options you gave me I made my decision."
"So you're just going to give him up? Just like that?"
"That's the plan. Someone in the system will take him in. It's out of my hands now," she said. The idea hit him like a ton of bricks. Barely able to see the world and he's already being thrown into the system. Who knew where he'd end up? Would he go to a good home? Somewhere he was loved and cared for and given everything he needed and wanted? Or would he be simply thrown to the dogs? Simon shook his head. He couldn't let that happen. He couldn't.
"No they won't," he said.
"He has to go somewhere," she said.
"I'm not letting him get put through the system," he said.
"Again it's not up to you. It's up to me."
"I won't let you do it," he said.
"You've already made a choice for me. This one's mine and mine alone," she said.
"I'm not going to let you stick him in foster care! He doesn't deserve that! To be given to a couple of strangers. All because his mother was too self-centered to give him two minutes of her attention.
"I let him live! I think that's a pretty far stretch."
"That's just the beginning," he said.
"It's not like you're going to take care of him," she pointed out. Then Simon realized that yes. Yes he could. It would ensure that the child was safe and protected. Protected like he silently vowed only a few minutes ago.
"What if I want to?" he asked. Rose gasped but just as soon shook her head.
"No," she said.
"Why?" was all he asked.
"Because…"
"Because why? Give me one good reason," he demanded.
"I just don't want you to," she said.
"Wow Rose, really? All because I wouldn't marry you. You're putting your destroyed dreams to blame and because of that you look an offer in the face without even considering it."
"I did consider it!"
"Right. In the thirty seconds that just passed you went over all the possibilities. Of course what am I thinking? You were always quick on your feet," he rolled his eyes.
"FINE!" she growled. "You wanna take him so bad then take him! I don't care. Just don't make me look at him or touch him!"
"What? Are you scared you're going to change your mind?" he asked. Her face fell. That was always a possibility. The fact that she wanted nothing to do with him in the beginning won though.
"No. I just don't want to, alright? I've already called my lawyer and he's had the papers drawn up. They should be here any minute," she said. Just then they were interrupted by a knock on the door. They both looked up to see a tall man in a black suit walk through the door.
"Someone at the nurse's station directed me here," he said. "The papers you requested Ms. Johnson," he said handing her a file.
"Yes, thank you," she said taking the large file in her hands. In just seconds her well written signature sat on the appropriate space that allowed her to wipe away all ownership she held to her son.
"Now is he going through the state or do you have someone already in mind?" he asked.
"That is yet to be determined," she said.
"Well when you're ready I have the appropriate paperwork," her lawyer said.
"Do you think we could hold on to those?" Simon finally asked.
"Sure thing. Just have someone drop them by my office when the final choice has been made."
"Thank you," Simon said taking the thick stack of papers from the man.
"You two have a good day now," he said walking through the sliding door.
"So what do we do now?" Rose asked.
"For now I'll take him home. I'm calling my lawyer tomorrow to see how we'll get this done. I'm not going to let him go into foster care Rose. I can't," he whispered. "If you won't take the sweet little boy—who by the way has done absolutely nothing to you---then at least let me see what I can do," he pleaded.
"He's yours now," she said. "Do with him what you will." Just then Matt came in rolling a sleeping baby into the room.
"He's all cleaned up. A nice weight of six pounds exactly. He's perfectly healthy," Matt smiled. Simon released a breath he didn't know he was holding. He was fine. This little miracle was perfectly fine.
"When can I take him home?" he asked. Matt looked up slightly surprised.
"You're taking him home?"
"Yes."
"But what if…" he trailed off pointing to Rose.
"She's already made herself perfectly clear," he growled. Rose glared at him.
"When can I go home to take all this useless weight off?" she asked.
"We just want to make sure things are okay. You can go home as early as tomorrow afternoon," Matt said trying to hold in his pent up anger. So quickly she had given it all up. Given it all up and put all responsibility on Simon. Knowing his brother though, he had volunteered. That was Simon. Always ready and willing to help. Looking out for everyone around him. Matt sometimes envied the size of his little brother's heart.
"Can I let them in? They've been waiting outside for a while now," he said.
"Yeah, send them back here please," Simon whispered taking the little boy in his arms again. "Welcome back," he whispered. His heart fluttered when he saw deep chocolate eyes staring right back at him. His small face contorted in discomfort as he let out a mouse-like cry. "Shh," Simon whispered running a finger along his cheek. Somehow the simple touch had calmed him. Simon was glad to see that his small features were once again calm and peaceful. Feeling a presence his head slowly rose.
"Hi," Ruthie whispered.
"Hey," he smiled. "Look who's finally here?" Martin and Ruthie both smiled at Simon's beaming face.
"You gave us quite a scare little guy," Ruthie laughed.
"I think we all know his favorite game now. He's going to be one heck of a hide and seeker," Martin laughed.
"That he is," Simon smiled.
"Does he have a name yet?" they asked together. Simon rolled his eyes but shook his head.
"Well he can't go around without a name," Martin laughed.
"I don't know what to call him though," Simon said.
"He looks like a Lucas," Ruthie said.
"You guys have been watching Star Wars again, haven't you?" Simon asked. They both eyed him innocently shaking their heads.
"Yeah right," he grumbled.
"It wasn't up to me. He wanted to watch for the light savers," Ruthie defended.
"Hey! Those things are awesome!" Martin shot back. "I mean the lights, the pointiness…"
"Don't forget the cool sounds they make," Simon added.
"Exactly!"
"I still don't get why she watches it," Simon laughed.
"Have you seen Skywalker?" she asked.
"Yeah, your point?" Martin asked.
"He's, he's well…hot," she said simply.
"Hotter than me?' he smirked.
"Maybe…" Ruthie laughed.
"Oh well gee. Thank you so much for the confidence boost Roo. It really did wonders for my ego," he said.
"You know I'm kidding," she giggled.
"Okay, okay. Before you guys engage in a tonsil hockey tournament who wants to hold him?"
"Ooh I do, I do!" Ruthie said childishly. Simon and Martin both chuckled as Lucas was placed in her arms. She gently ran a finger along his cheek. "Hi sweetie," she said softly. "I'm your Auntie Ruth. You're very handsome," she smiled. Luke looked up at her momentarily before closing his eyes again.
"I think he just said thank you," Martin said.
"I'm sure he did," Simon said rolling his eyes.
"I can't believe she's actually doing it," Martin said turning serious now.
"Me either. She wouldn't even touch him," he said turning to see that Rose was now asleep.
"He's not going through the system, is he?" Ruthie asked.
"Not if I have anything to say about it," Simon said.
"So what do we do in the mean time?" Martin asked.
"I'm taking him home," he said.
"Do Mom and Dad know?" Ruthie asked.
"They will."
"What's going to happen to him," Ruthie asked softly.
"I want to make him mine," Simon said.
"Are you sure?" Ruthie asked uneasily.
"I've never been more sure of anything," he said.
"You're still in school," she pointed out.
"I'll move back if I have to. I can't let him go off somewhere. He's barely been here an hour—if that—his mother's totally disowned him. It'll be a challenge but I'm going to give him a home," Simon said.
"If that's what you want," Ruthie said.
"We'll help where we can," Martin said.
* * *
Feeling a weight being placed on him he quickly sent another text. He could feel her. She was here. Somewhere in this hospital Ruthie Camden stood. He had yet to find out where and why but right now that was of little importance.
They're here. Swiftly he pressed the send button and tiptoed out of the room. Before he opened the door the phone in his pocket buzzed.
Who's where? He sighed, exasperated. Who the hell else would he be talking about?
Them!
Again who's them!
Who else would I be talking about?!
The ice cream man and Santa. Now who's there? Where is "here"?
Martin and Ruthie are at the hospital! Emergency meeting!
It's past visiting hours.
Just tell them you're my sister or something. I don't care what you have to do. Just get here!
Alright, alright. Chill already.
Just come quick.
On my way
Turning off his phone now so it wouldn't buzz he quietly made his way out of the room. He'd tell them he needed air. He needed a walk. Anything to get him to wherever the heck they were. Now where they were was still a mystery. But he had to find them. Somehow he had to track them down and apologize. He had no idea where he was going but somehow his legs had led him to the maternity ward. His confusion only deepened but he allowed his legs to carry him. Letting out a sigh he advanced towards them. They look way too comfortable he growled. His eyes blazed with anger when he saw Ruthie laid her head comfortably on Martin's shoulder. As he got closer he could see Ruthie's once smiling face fall.
"What do you want?" she growled. T-bone glared at the arm that draped over her protectively.
"I just came to apologize," he said.
"Yeah and I'm dying to get back together with you," she said sarcastically.
"Really?"
"No,' she snorted. His easy in was now a slammed door. He had to find another way.
"Can we…at least…you know…be friends? I mean I know it's never going to work between us but…"
"Yeah call me back in about a million years. Maybe then I'll say yes," she shot back.
"Way to shoot a guy way down," he grumbled.
I've lost every ounce of respect for you I ever had," she said.
"Okay well it was worth a shot," he said sadly. Just as quickly as he had come he had gone. Way too easy Ruthie thought. Her heart sank when she realized there could be more. Something much worse.
* * *
"She shot me down," T-Bone growled. After everything I've done for her she's not even considering anything."
"Well can you blame her?" his partner asked.
"Who's side are you on?"
"Yours."
"Then here's what we're going to do…"
* * *
"He'll be ready to go home in the morning," Matt said. Simon nodded with a smile of thanks.
"Can we go home?" Ruthie yawned. Martin nodded eyeing the other two.
"We'll be back to pick him up in the morning," Matt said. Ruthie yawned snuggling into Martin.
"Someone's tired," he whispered.
"Let's go please. I don't want him to realize we're gone. It's just going to be a repeat of a couple of nights ago and I really don't think we need that," she said.
"No we don't. Chances are though that he's woken up at least once."
"I can't wait till he starts consistent hours," she sighed.
"Yeah that won't be for a while," he laughed.
"Or at least sleeping through the night," she groaned
"We've got a long way to go until then."
As they walked through the door Martin and Ruthie were surprised to walk into a house that had fallen to complete silence. They must have gone to bed he thought. In the darkness he caught two silhouettes and smiled. Another slumber party he thought. Slowly he tiptoed upstairs with Matt and Simon quietly following his lead.
"Goodnight," he whispered.
"Night," the both grumbled in reply as they went to last night's sleeping arrangements. Careful not to trip and send them both flying Martin cautiously made his way inside the room. He gasped silently when his foot met another one. The owner of the other foot chuckled shifting on the bed.
"What are you doing here Kevin?" Martin hissed.
"Someone's been up and just fell back to sleep. Hi to you too by the way."
"Hi," was all Martin said.
"Hey Aaron guess who's home?" he whispered.
"Kevin he's asleep don't—" Just as Ruthie said that Aaron called out to her.
"—Wake him," Martin groaned.
"Too late. Someone wants to see Mommy though," he said.
"Martin, turn on the light please. I can't see past my fingers," she said holding one hand up. Martin quickly turned on the light and both were greeted with a toothless smile. Coming over to the bed Martin set her in his lap.
"I'll leave you three alone. I think I'm gonna call it a night. That living room by the way is becoming strangely comfortable."
"Yeah, yeah. We'll see you in the morning," Martin said shooing him away
"Thank you Kevin," Ruthie said.
"No problem. It took a little convincing but after a while I think he got used to Uncle Kevin," he smiled.
"Since when do you talk in third person?" Martin asked.
"I really don't know…."
"Goodnight Kevin."
"Night." Once he had left the room Ruthie slid toward the head board laying herself down comfortably. Aaron sleepily laid himself on top of her sighing happily when he found her beating heart.
"Were you good today?" Ruthie asked with a smile. He cooed happily, playing with the hem of her shirt.
"Are we letting him snuggle tonight or are we going to be putting him in his own bed?" Martin asked.
"I think he deserves a snuggle night," she said.
"You know with you around we might as well just put the crib back in the attic," he laughed.
"Or just give it to Simon," Ruthie said.
"I think we might have to," he said.
"I can't believe she wouldn't even look at him," she whispered.
"I know. Somehow I don't think she's going to go back on her word though. I could see it in her face when she came here. She couldn't even stand the thought of him," Martin said sadly.
"Such an innocent little boy met with so many twists and turns and he hasn't even lived a day," Ruthie sniffled.
"Hey, what's the matter?" Martin asked concerned.
"It's just so unfair," she whispered.
"Simon will do right by him," Martin said kissing her forehead gently.
"It scares me how much love he has to give," Ruthie said. "The little boy's nowhere near his and he's willing to take him."
"Remember what we said about blood?" Martin reminded her.
"I know. The fact is though that this is his ex-fiancé. Blood of a woman he despises."
"It doesn't matter who he comes from. What matters is who's there to love him. Camden hearts keep finding room," he said.
"I'm just scared for Lucas' sanity when he learns to understand English," Ruthie laughed.
"You and I both," Martin smiled.
"You sure this is a family you want to get involved with?" she laughed.
"Do I really have a way out this late in the game?" he asked.
"Not really but you could always find a way…"
"I'd never dream of it," he said seriously.
"Good because I don't think I could handle losing you again."
"You won't have to," he promised.
"I love you," she whispered.
"I love you more," he replied. Aaron cooed loudly, playing with Ruthie's fingers.
"Yes sweetheart we love you too," she giggled.
* * *
Early the next morning there was a ring at the Camden's door. Groggily Ruthie rose placing a still asleep Aaron beside his father and surrounding him with pillows. Martin shifted reaching a hand out to nothing but air.
"Don't…go," he called sleepily. Ruthie giggled pecking his lips quickly before she hobbled over to the door. "No…" he whined.
"Sorry honey. Someone's at the door."
"Let them stay outside for a couple more hours," he suggested.
"Yeah I'm that mean that I'm just going to let them freeze outside," she laughed.
"I need sleep…."
"So sleep. I'll be back in a few minutes," she promised.
"You know how I work. No Ruthie, no sleep," he said.
"Try. I'll be back before you have time to miss me," she whispered.
"Doubtful." She stiffly turned toward the hall, using the rail on the stairs for extra support. Going through the kitchen she saw a familiar head of black curls. Now she wanted nothing more than to leave him to freeze outside. What the hell does he want? With her face set in a grim line she swung the door open and crossed her arms, leaning against the door for support.
"Get out," she growled. Completely ignoring her he held out a velvet box. Getting down on one knee he opened it. She gasped and just as quickly slapped him across the face. Rubbing his cheek with his free hand he tried again.
"Ruthie Camden will you—"
A/N: What's the big question about to be asked? More importantly, how will she answer him? Until we find out…leave me a review please! How'd we do? Good, bad, let me know please!