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As Ruthie brought her head back and forth one last time, she gasped when she felt her body being jerked forward. She whimpered when she felt her legs give way from under her. Ruthie could feel her head begin to spin as she felt the heat of his breath on her skin. The feeling that would have at one time sent her stomach fluttering now sent a chill through every bone in her shaking body.

Allowing sweat beads to trickle down her temple she quietly struggled against his hold on her. Taking a minute to glance up T-bone saw Ruthie's forehead had taken on a shining glow of moisture. Quietly he brought his left hand up while continuing his iron grip on her hand. She grimaced as what felt like sandpaper met her face. Seconds later, she regretted it when she noticed the stone-hard gleam in his eyes.

"There we go," he whispered. Another chill coursed her tiny body when she heard the edge in his voice. "Now be a good girl and give your boyfriend a kiss," he said softly.

She knew better than to think he was asking. Even in her state of panic, she could hear the demand in the simple phrase. By now, she could scarcely feel her wrist. His hold was so strong that the static-like tingle was making its way through.

"Stop it T-bone, you're hurting me," she whispered. Even though he had her trapped, she had promised herself she would keep the fear from her voice. However, her lips betrayed her as they passed wavering words.

"What did I say?" he demanded angrily. Their battle had been so quiet that Ruthie felt herself jump at the multiple octaves his voice rose. She whimpered as her calf gave way to obvious pain. Ruthie barely had enough time to allow a soothing breath before she felt a foreign object trample its way down her throat. It took her a second to realize that the moisture was in fact coming from T-bone's tongue which had forced its way in. Oh god what would Martin think of me now? Ruthie thought as she allowed a couple of tears to travel down her cheeks. There was no way he'd ever want her back now. Not after committing, the most painful act placed upon her not once but twice. She had to find a way out of this. Ruthie Camden was not nor would she ever be a cheater. Even more so when it came to Martin.

The one man who from day one held her tender heart in his own hands. As she struggled from her captor, self-hatred built in her very soul. Martin Brewer had taken her beaten heart and healed it with the tenderest love imaginable. I can't do this to him. Before she could consider her third attempt at escape a gasp left her throat as he thrust her toward him. The shock grew when she felt something metallic against the thin fabric of her nightgown. Okay he's even shallower than I thought she laughed. How could he think that a bigger rock could change my answer? And why is he holding it against my—Ruthie soon realized that the circular object she felt rubbing up against her was something completely unrelated to a ring. In fact, it would never be in the same realm. The sure sign of panic set in when her heartbeat picked up again. This time she realized with a pang of sadness that it wasn't the same track it ran when Martin kissed her lovingly. This pattern stemmed from fear. Fear that if she didn't think fast he would do more than run her over with a wheelchair.

"KEV—"

"Shut up you little bitch!" he growled. "No one can save you now. It's just you and me. The way it was supposed to be."

*~*~*

Savannah was startled out of her peaceful sleep by the banging of doors and to her, what sounded like screaming. For a minute, she thought they were having a party. Just as quickly, she was saddened by the idea that she wasn't invited. As the screams continued though, the little girl realized that there was a problem. Daddy had always told her that if there was a problem, she was supposed to call someone. People would help solve the problem. At the moment she couldn't remember who those people were. Daddy hewped people all the time! He's a, a pow…pow…powice man!

Savannah smiled to herself when she finally remembered this crucial piece of information. She was supposed to call for help. Quickly ambling out of her big girl bed, she sped down the stairs and into the kitchen. With a small grunt, she reached up to the cordless phone, her little heart bounding with the angry voices in the next room. Slowly, her small fingers dialed the three crucial numbers.

"Hewwo, Mr. Powice man? I needs help. My daddy's getting' attacked by a stwange man."

"Okay honey can you tell me where you are?"

"I is at home."

"Do you know your address?"

"No," she said sadly.

"Is there anyone else there with you?"

"My mommy and the baby."

"Has the bad man hurt you?"

"No but he is in the libing room hurting my fambly," she admitted, her little voice shaking.

"Okay sweetie. Help is coming soon."

"Tank you," she whispered. As she hung up, Savannah jumped a little as she heard Kevin enter the room. Her small eyes darted back and forth in fear that she had been caught being bad.

"Savvy who was that on the phone?" he asked with the hint of a smile. In the silence that fell on the house, he could hear her rattling off information to the police.

"Nobody…" she said unsure. Kevin narrowed his eyes at his little girl, a firm look on his face.

"Ms. Kinkirk what have I taught you about lying?" he asked slowly.

"It's okay to do it sometimes…?" she said carefully. Kevin raised his eyebrows at her and frowned. He realized that she was right. In secret, he had told her that getting away with a few little white lies never hurt anyone. His daughter had used his own words against him. She listens way too well for a three year old.

"What has Mommy taught you about lying?" he asked, rephrasing his question.

"Not to do it eber," she admitted with a drop of her head in shame.

"That's right. Now tell me who you were talking to," he said firmly.

"You and Mommy said that if I thought there was trouble I should call 9-1-1. I heared yelling and…"

"Did you call the police?" he asked.

"Yeah. I was only trying to help," she thought sadly, as a small tear came down her cheek.

"Hey sweetheart why are you crying?" he asked gently.

"I did somethin' without you or Mommy knowing. That means I is in trouble," she said.

"No baby girl. You're not in trouble," he said proudly.

"But I bwoke a wule," she said. "I BWOKE TWO WULES!" she shouted in horror. "I talked to a stwanger." All Kevin could do was laugh as he picked her up. "Pwease don't tell Mommy!"

"Honey Daddy used to work with them. They're my friends. Do you know what that means?"

"They're not stwangers?"

"No of course not. You did good Savvy. You did real good."

*~*~*

The minute Martin's call ended, he ran out fuming. The only thing stopping him from committing murder was the fact that he knew his family would need him. Personally, he would live day in and day out in a stone cold box if it meant T-Bone would never see the light of day again.

"Touch her again and you're dead where you stand," he seethed. Martin could see his Ruthie tremble as he was met with an icy smirk. If his blood was boiling before, the look on his face allowed Martin the need to physically rip Ruthie from his grasp. Giving Kevin one last look of confirmation as he again entered the foyer, he gently released her from the snake's grip and took Ruthie almost instantly to him.

"Okay buddy. What did I tell you about stepping on my property?" Kevin asked roughly while taking out his handcuffs and slapping them on. "Take her upstairs Martin. Get her away from here and tell them to stay upstairs with the kids," Kevin ordered. Lifting his girlfriend into his arms, Martin nodded as Ruthie clung to him. Before Kevin could lock the cuffs, T-Bone made a run for Ruthie ripping her away from Martin and standing her on her own feet with an icy stare. Fear kept her from uttering a word.

"LET HER GO!" Martin shouted, fighting to keep his hold on her.

"I don't think so. I do think that Ruthie's allowed to make her own choices though. Why don't we let her decide?" The couple shared a knowing look before—against his better judgment—he let go of her. When the cold breeze of open space flew near by, Ruthie shivered. Martin watched sadly, as she struggled to keep warm. He didn't miss the desperate plea in her soft brown eyes to save her. Within an instant, Martin surrounded her again.

"Now I know why she gave up on you," he laughed. "You smother her!" he said sharply. He smirked when he saw Ruthie jump again.

"Let her go bro. I've gotta do this," Kevin said. Martin looked over at Kevin in shock. He was just going to let him walk out with his little sister, kicking and screaming…nothing was making sense.

"See even the ex-cop agrees with me!" he laughed. "Now why don't you be an even better girlfriend and come with me." Meekly, Ruthie nodded, allowing him to take hold of her arm. Martin's mouth was still glued to the floor at this turn of events. Before T-Bone had turned her around, Martin saw her mouth "I love you" to him and felt his heart plummet to his feet.

"I wouldn't do that if I was you!" Savannah shouted angrily causing T-Bone to whip around.

"I'm sorry. What was that?" T-Bone asked laughing.

"I would do what she said Theodore," Kevin said with an equally angry glare. Ruthie gasped as she whipped around fully in her captors hold.

"Oh really? Since when do I listen to a baby?"

"Watch your mouth," Kevin growled. "My daughter has more intelligence than you could ever find in a lifetime. She was actually smart enough to call a couple of my friends over."

"To do what, watch the game?"

"NO. They're coming over to haul your sorry a—butt off to rot in a cell," he said with a quick change of term when he remembered Savannah was standing right next to him.

"Ooh I'm so scared. I'm shaking in my boots," he bit off sarcastically. "Come on Ruthie, let's get out of here," he said continuing his drag out the front door.

"Kevin, do something!" Martin shouted. "You're not going to let him take her are you? He's a psycho!"

"Shh Uncle Martin you is not helping!" Savannah whispered.

"Your Daddy's crazier than I thought," Martin mumbled.

"Just wait. Daddy will make everything better," she promised. Coming from a three-year-old, Martin wasn't so convinced. Yet he did as he was told and he could only watch as his life was dragged further and further away with each passing second.

"I would let her go if I were you," Kevin said with deadly calm.

"Yeah. I think I'm going to go now. With my girlfriend!" he declared as he took her the last two feet to the front door. As he jerked the door open, the sound of sirens could be heard. "Shit!" T-Bone shouted angrily as he dropped Ruthie's arm as if it had just caught fire.

"Daddy, Mr. Bad man said a bad word! He has to go in time out now!" Savannah said disapprovingly.

"Oh don't worry honey. He'll be in time out for a long time. See there's a big difference between us Theodore. I never lie," Kevin smirked.

"Damn you actually called the cops?!"

"Actually my daughter did. I would really appreciate it if you didn't use that kind of language around her."

"What? You don't want me to swear? Well how about this then? Fuck you! And you Ruthie, you will be seeing me sooner than you think," he whispered so only she could hear.

"That's three strikes buddy," Kevin said.

"You know what that means," one of the approaching officers said.

"You're outta here," Sgt. Michaels said bringing his arms behind his back and slapping on the shiny bracelets. This time leaving no room for escape. Or so he thought. In a split second, Ruthie was kicked to the ground as T-Bone made a run for it. Quickly jogging up to Ruthie, Kevin saw her staring into space blankly.

"Ruthie, are you okay?" Kevin whispered. "Did he hurt you?" he asked gently.

"I…I…I..."

"What?" he asked quietly.

"Martin…"

"I'm right here Ruthie," he whispered. Carefully he sat her up placing her in his lap. Again, she took hold of him desperately. "Shh baby. It's okay now. He's gone. I've got you. Shh," he promised her as he kissed her forehead tenderly.

"Stay with her. I'll go see if I can go give Michaels my statement." Martin nodded gently, rocking his crying girlfriend.

"He's gone sweetheart, you're safe," he whispered. No, he wasn't gone. She knew that deep in her gut. This wasn't the last of her nightmare. He'd be back. The question was how long? How long before she had to fight him off again?

"Don't leave me. Please," she begged.

"I'm not moving an inch," he said brushing a strand from her wet cheek. A sharp wail startled the couple as the quickly looked up the stairs. "Okay well maybe I am," he chuckled. "I'm going to go sit you with Kevin for just a minute while I go get him, okay?" She nodded as she felt herself leave the ground.

Both of them looked up as they saw the two enter the room. Kevin wordlessly opened his arms, allowing Ruthie to be set in his lap. He frowned when he felt her violent shaking against his body.

"I'm going to go get him real quick," Martin told him. Kevin nodded holding her close.

"Ruthie, can we ask you a couple of questions?" he asked. Ruthie shook her head leaning against Kevin.

"Let's just wait for Martin to get back," Kevin said. Sgt. Michaels nodded, leaning back into the couch. A few minutes later, Martin returned with a less than happy Aaron. The tension in the room only made things worse when his little eyes zeroed in on Ruthie.

"Ma-ma," he cried.

"Shh Aaron. Not right now. Mama's not feeling good," he told him. As if Aaron could actually understand him, the new piece of information made him even more upset. As the two came closer, the little boy struggled for reach. Seeing him out of the corner of her eye Ruthie allowed a hint of a smile as she used a piece of her remaining strength to sit him in her lap. Kevin and Martin both shared an uneasy glance at the situation.

"Do you really think—?" Kevin said. Martin made a slashing motion against his throat and directed his look at the two of them. They were shocked to see that her shaking had stopped and a gentle smile had graced her face.

"Shh sweetie," she said softly with a slight crack in her voice. "Mama's fine," she told him running a hand along his back. This next part wasn't such a shocker but considering the circumstances both were a bit surprised. Aaron's shattering wail was now lessened to a mere whimper as his small hand circled her finger. The other ran along her face with ghostly softness as he worked to wipe her tears away. "Thank you baby," she whispered. Quietly, he placed his head on her chest. Within seconds, his breathing was matched to her beating heart and he was out.

"Trade you?" Kevin suggested. Martin nodded when Kevin carefully stood allowing Martin to sit in his vacated seat. Being careful not to wake him, he took Aaron with him as he quickly left the room. Martin and Ruthie both smiled at the shocked look on the officer's face.

"How did--?" he asked seeing that Ruthie's hands had gone back to shaking. Noticing this Martin took hold of them both as he turned to face her. It wasn't even two minutes before Kevin returned. As his uncle tried to calm him, the little boy wouldn't see reason.

"Ma-ma," he cried. Kevin looked at the three apologetically as he moved in next to them. Being closer seemed to help but Aaron didn't see calm until he got what he wanted. Again, he reached out and Ruthie took him against her quietly. Two seconds of shock passed the sergeant's face as he saw that this small detail had ceased the Camden's shaking. For a second time in less than ten minutes, the little boy's eyes were closed as his breathing began to even out.

"Picky aren't you," Kevin mumbled. Ruthie and Martin chuckled before turning their attention to the uniform. "I'll take him off your hands in a second," Kevin promised.

"No, he can stay," Sgt. Michaels finally said.

"I doubt you want him here during questioning boss." The policeman smiled at Kevin's minor slip but didn't correct him.

"Look at her hands Kinkirk," he demanded. "How are they?"

"Not shaking sir," Kevin said.

"Exactly. She's calm. That's what we need. If holding him keeps her that way, the baby stays."

"Yes sir." Making a quick sweep of the room, Kevin finally sighed. Getting up off his spot on the couch, he stood awkwardly. "Well I can see that my services are no longer needed. I think I'm going to go tell the ladies what happened." As soon as he said this, fear sheeted his face at the idea of being trapped in the kitchen with a crowd of pregnant women who would soon be informed of the chaos that just ended.

"Kevin, why do you look like you've just seen a ghost?" Sgt. Michaels asked. Even in her current state of pain, Ruthie was still able to share a smirk with Martin. They knew exactly what Kevin would be facing the minute he went through the swinging door.

"Umm you see sir…." The pause the frightened man created was used to take a subtle gulp. "I have to go tell three pregnant women what just happened."

"From the look on his face he doesn't think he'll make it out alive," Ruthie chuckled quietly. Kevin turned to glare at Ruthie who was now shifting to find a comfortable resting spot. The glare quickly softened when he saw a flash of pain in Ruthie's face.

"You okay?" he asked. Giving a soft grunt, Ruthie nodded. "I'm going to go get some ice while I'm in there. Maybe if I stay busy they won't ask questions," he established.

"Stay close. I might need you to go looking for this bozo," Sgt. Michaels ordered. Kevin froze for a second with a bit of surprise. He didn't work for the department anymore. Why would they put him on a case? "I'm temporarily assigning you. With your expertise, we'll be able to track him faster. Not only that but I can see it in your eyes how badly you wanna finish this guy off," he finished with a small smile.

"Oh no sir I...I don't actually want to kill him I…"

"You want justice to be served," he added. Kevin could only nod in response. "Who knows? If you're good, I might even let you be the arresting officer," he bargained. That did it. The hanging agreement was like cheese to a hungry mouse. Excitement blazed in the grown man's eyes. Just the mention of an opportunity to throw the twerp's sorry butt in jail was enough to almost make him jump for joy right there in the living room. And to be back on the field wearing that badge. It wasn't so much the idea of going out with a shiny badge and holding such heavy importance. It wasn't even the idea that he would be driving a squad car again. Although the flashing lights were always the best part, he thought.

"Kevin," Martin called. It sounded like his voice was coming from far away. "Kevin…Kevin!" He could now feel himself floating back to reality. The yelling of his name came as a shock to his ears. He shot Martin a glare as he allowed the real world to surround him again. He smiled when he saw him grimace in pain when Ruthie's elbow met his gut. A gleam of satisfaction shined in his eyes when he saw the reason Martin was temporarily doubled over in pain. It had clearly gone much too loud for the set of more sensitive ears. The little boy's deep cry of discomfort was a clear indication. "Crap," he mumbled.

"Nice job," she grumbled.

"You know for someone who's injured you can throw a heck of an elbow," he whined. As Ruthie worked to calm down Aaron, again a subtle clearing of the throat was heard. Both raised their heads and blushed lightly.

"Sorry," he apologized. As they both brought themselves back up from their duck of shame, Ruthie saw a small smile form on the man's face.

"Oh sorry. Just pretend I'm not here. Feel free to carry on," he said quickly covering his eyes.

"Nothing like a cop to kill the mood," Kevin chuckled.

"Martin how would you feel about redeeming yourself?" Ruthie asked sweetly.

"Already on it," Martin smirked throwing a pillow that hit Kevin squarely in the face.

"Great now this once gorgeous and flawless face will never see Hollywood," he frowned.

"Uh guys? Is it safe to…?" Sgt. Michaels asked. Just as he uncovered his eyes, a pillow flew into the left side of his peripheral vision. "Nope, still not safe." He then proceeded to re-cover his eyes and turn around allowing the three their privacy. A minute later, he felt brave enough to turn around not seeing the pillow that hit him just past the shoulder. He whipped around glaring at the three potential throwers. "That's it! Who threw that?" he growled. Martin and Ruthie pointed their fingers accusingly at Kevin.

"KEVIN!" Lucy called.

"Why does everyone hate me?" he cried dropping to his knees. "I have good karma, I swear! I was a cop for goodness sake. I saved the world from all the bad guys! And that one time I stopped the old lady from speeding. THAT WAS ONE TIME! I had good intentions!"

"Daddy was a stuper-hero!" Savannah called excitedly plopping down in his lap and promptly snuggling into him.

"I'm still waiting on that cape they promised me but I'm patient."

"You, patient?" Martin and Ruthie snorted together.

"It can happen," he shot back. "I mean how do you think I've stayed married this long?"

"Love?" Martin and Ruthie asked.

"That was part of it," he agreed.

"Son being married gives you the patience to see past flaws. That patience is supplied by the love you have for someone," Sgt. Michaels supplied.

"Wow Sarge. When did you get so deep?" Kevin asked with a grin.

"Really think about it Kinkirk. If you didn't love her as much as you do today would you still have that ring on your finger?" he asked directing Kevin's attention to the band that sat on his finger. "Think about your last big fight. What was the first thing you said after the words 'I'm sorry'?"

"I love you," Kevin said.

"I'm married and I'm just not that into you," Sgt. Michaels admitted. Ruthie was shocked he could say so with a straight face. It took all her willpower to keep her composure just then. She could see that Martin was fighting the same battle. "And don't call me Sarge," he demanded.

"Sorry boss," Kevin said.

"Better."

"Kevin Kinkirk, get your sorry butt in here before I put you on restriction!" Lucy called angrily. The three adults smirked at his bug-eyed expression.

"If you'll excuse me gentlemen and ladies, I have to go meet my death now. If I make it out alive. I might convince her to go dancing with me," he said quickly getting up off his place in the armchair.

"Oooh dancing is that what you call it?" Martin laughed.

"You learn to substitute," Kevin said.

"Oooh Mommy and Daddy are going dancing!" Savannah said excitedly. "Can I come?" she asked eagerly.

"NO!" Kevin blurted before he could process. The three other occupants looked up at him shocked. Several feet down Savannah's eyes began to water with a trembling lip.

"Kevin!" Ruthie hissed. Regret instantly fell on him when he saw the pained look in his little girl's eyes. Within seconds, he was knelt down in front of her.

"I'm sorry princess. Daddy didn't mean it like that," he whispered. She shook her head instantly averting her eyes while shuffling away from him. The pain in the older man's eyes deepened when he felt his little girl pull away. He stayed dead silent as he watched her shuffle over to the couch and snuggle into Martin. He shot Kevin an apologetic glance before taking her close. Heavy-hearted he left the room to attend to his wife.

"I should probably go…" Sgt. Michaels said slowly.

"I'm sorry," Ruthie said.

"That's perfectly fine. I'll just come by tomorrow."

"Thank you." When the door finally closed Savannah's composure broke. Snuggling in deeper to Martin, she sniffed loudly, allowing tears to soak his shoulder. In silent communication, Ruthie slid off freeing up his lap.

"Come here honey," he said softly, taking her into his arms. She didn't have to be told twice. Quickly Savannah crawled into his lap wrapping her small arms around him.

"Daddy don't love me no more!" she whimpered.

"Of course he does," he whispered.

"No he don't. He mad at me," she cried.

"He's not mad sweetie. He just got excited. Remember when he bought you your first bike?" She nodded still refusing to look up. "You were really excited right?"

"Yeah. It went really, really fast!" she smiled.

"You were really happy to get that bike, weren't you?"

"It was the bestest present eber! Even better than the ones from Santa!"

"Did you let any of your friends try the brand new bike?" he asked.

"No ob course not! It was brand new and special!"

"Why was it so special?"

"'Cause Daddy got it for me," she said.

"Did you share that bike with anyone?" he asked.

"No. It was just for me. Daddy said so."

"That's right," he smiled. "The reason Daddy said no so fast wasn't because he was mad at you Savvy. He was excited and didn't know what he was saying. You know those times when you just say some things because you're so happy?"

"Yeah."

"That's what he did. He and your mommy go dancing because it's special for them. It's a time they can be together. They don't mean to not include you."

"But he yelleded at me." she whispered.

"He didn't mean too sweetheart. He was just really happy."

"But when the new baby comes Daddy wont spend time with me no more," she sniffled.

"Honey just because there's going to be a new baby doesn't mean they're going to love you less. When a mommy and daddy want to have another baby that means they want to give more love. Sure you'll have to share but you're good at that right?"

"Yup I share my cwayons all the time!"

"Exactly. And not many girls get to be big sisters either. That's a big job. A very special job. You think you can do it?"

"Yup! I'm going to be the bestest big sister eber!"

"I'll hold you to that Ms. Kinkirk. Do you promise?" She nodded with a wide smile. "I don't believe you. You have to really promise me."

"I pinky swear!" she smiled linking her much smaller finger with his.

"Wow, that's really important. Pinky swearing is serious."

"I know which is why I did it."

"Okay then. Auntie Ruthie and I will be watching you," he said.

"I be good."

"I know you will be."

"Tank you for making me feel better," she said giving him a tight hug.

"Anytime Savvy. Anytime."

"I love you Uncle Martin."

"I love you too Savvy, very much." She smiled before coming over to whisper in his ear.

"Tank you for making Auntie Ruth smile again." Martin nodded eyeing the woman in question as she sat next to him and taking her hand silently.

"Are you going to go say you're sorry?" Martin asked. She nodded and quickly slipped off the couch.

"Shh try and be a little quieter please," Ruthie whispered. Her little feet turned a light pitter-patter as she went on into the kitchen. Ruthie turned to face Martin with tears in her eyes. The red flag in him shot up.

"Are you in pain?" he asked quickly. Ruthie only shook her head and smiled.

"Watching you with her…reminds me of certain things. It kind of makes me resent her a little bit," she whispered.

"Roo she's three," he laughed.

"Not Savannah. As much as I love him, Martin I wish…I just wish…I can't help imagining what it would have been like if it was me. The selfish side of me wants to think that she had no part in it. It's like a constant shadow. This little voice in my head, telling me that I have no right to call him mine."

"Your parents would have my head on a stake," he pointed out.

"They love you Martin. Regardless of what you did they would forgive you."

"What's wrong Ruthie baby? What's with all the insecurity? There's nothing to be afraid of. We've been over this."

"Legally she has every right to take him. She could swipe him out from under my nose in two seconds flat."

"I'm his father Ruthie. I have just as much right to him as she does."

"I can't lose this."

"You won't Ruthie I promise you."

"Please think before you answer this."

"Okay, what?"

"I need you Martin. More than anything."

"You've had me from day one Ruthie nothing's going to change that," he whispered.

"I know that. I need you Martin now more than ever.

"How in the world can I show you, you mean everything to me? I show you that every day. If I'm not telling you enough than I'll keep saying it. I love you Ruthie Camden. I always have and always will. Nothing is going to change that, ever."

"Prove it," she whispered.

"How can I show you how much my world revolves around you?"

"Make love to me," she said softly.

"Ruthie I…I can't."

"You can't or you won't?" she bit back.

"Roo you know I love you. You're just not ready yet."

"How can you prove that? Can you read inside my head, tell me my every thought. My every want. If you could you would know how ready I am. How ready I have been for years to show my love to you in every way."

"The time will present itself."

"What if that time is now? What if now is the opportunity and your good moral standards are too heavy to see that?"

"Let me put a ring on your finger first," he pleaded. In reality he was nowhere near ready to do that to her. As much as he loved her, he couldn't take her just yet.

"What if I died today? What if in fact I could fight him off and let him take me away? Far enough away that you'd never see me again? What if he forced me?"

"He will NEVER take you away from me. I promise you. That gift is mine to unwrap. Just not yet."

"Please Martin. I can feel it. He's not done yet. When he held me, close enough that I saw him…he had something. I don't know what it was nor do I want to find out. If Savvy wouldn't have of called the police, if Kevin wouldn't have continued talking to him he could have done something bad, really bad. If he tries again. I at least want to know I loved you in every way that I could."

"He won't hurt you. I won't let him." Ruthie nodded silently. "You can't tell anyone, please. I don't want Dad to have another heart attack over this."

"What exactly was it?" he asked.

"I don't know Martin. I was shaking too much to really pay attention. The idea of the unknown, the possibilities of what he capable of scares me to the point of no return. I can't take it anymore. Knowing I didn't accomplish something I've been waiting so many years for just because it's never the right time for you doesn't really seem fair. I'm ready Martin. I can't keep looking at you hoping that any minute you could pull out a ring and drop to one knee. I don't need that. All I need to know is that you love me."

"You know the answer to that one. You always have. I love you Roo, unconditionally."

"Then show me, please," she begged.

"I can't. I will though. I promise."

"When?"

"I don't know yet, but soon."

"I can't keep waiting Martin. It physically hurts me to play the waiting game when you're right here."

"You have no idea how hard it is to keep myself in control around you," he whispered with a husky edge to his confession.

"Don't," she said softly.

"I have to," he defended.

"Martin you don't have to do anything," she snapped. "You don't even have to be here! Why are you here? To show me what I can have and dangle it in front of me? Dangle it high enough so that I can't reach until you're gracious enough to bring it into my reaching range? I hate that game Martin!"

"Shh baby," he whispered running his fingers through her hair. "This isn't a game. Believe me, I want it just as badly as you do maybe even more so but I want your first time to be special."

"I don't care when as long as it's with you. We can go do it now and I'd be just as happy. It doesn't need to be extravagant. I just want to love you fully and completely," she whispered. To see tears in her eyes almost broke Martin's resolve. He had always promised her he'd do anything to make her happy. The one thing she wanted most he couldn't give her. Not that he physically couldn't because they both knew that eventually he would. He just wasn't able to give it to her right this second and that sent a pang of regret deep inside. Why did I have to go see Simon that summer? As soon as he thought this his eyes zeroed in on the little boy who sat snuggled against the woman he loved. The woman who held every meaningful piece of his existence. He's a blessing Martin reminded himself. There's a reason he's here. He's loved and accepted by your family no matter how he showed up.

"Don't make the same mistake I did Ruth. This is a gift that should not be taken lightly," he reminded her.

"I almost gave myself to him Martin. Pain shielded any logic and I was seconds away from offering myself to a monster. With him, it would have just been the unwrapping. He wanted that gift simply for the ability to say he took it from me. There was never any love. I just wanted to feel like I belonged to someone. I wanted to feel like I mattered to someone. I didn't even care who it was. I just needed to get you out of my head. I had to pull out the band aids before the pain bled out, before I lost myself completely."

"Selfishly I'm glad you didn't. I would never be able to forgive myself if he hurt you in anyway. Do you know how hard it was to let you get pulled away from me? Do you know hard it would be on me if I never see you? My heart was being violently ripped out of my chest. To see him put his hands on you…," he confessed in a whisper as he took her wrist gently in his, kissing it tenderly. He looked up with concern clouding his eyes when he heard her whimper quietly.

"I'm so sorry. This is my fault," he said dropping his head. Taking a deep breath, she ripped her hand out of his. Martin looked up slightly shocked. He saw a glare narrow in his direction through her tears of pain.

"Will you stop blaming yourself?" she growled.

"I can't help it. If it weren't for that summer…"

"If it weren't for that summer Martin, he wouldn't be sitting here," Ruthie pointed out holding Aaron closely.

"It's still because of me that he's done this," he said. "If I wouldn't have left you, if I would have just let my heart overpower my brain we could have skipped all of this. We could have just eliminated the heartbreak and you wouldn't be sitting here shaking in your boots," he said.

"As much as it hurt Martin, it happened for a reason. This reunion has made us stronger, opened our eyes to just how much we mean to each other. I've never been one to break the rules—"

"Yeah right," he chuckled.

"Okay so there were a couple of slip ups," she admitted. "Overall I've done pretty well. I don't think He'd frown on just one more bend. Especially after he sees how much we love each other."

"Do you trust me Ruthie?" he asked. She only rolled her eyes and sighed. Martin smiled and came in closer. "Just a little while longer, that's all I'm asking."

"Why is it always what you want?" she snapped. "Just because you're older doesn't mean you make all the decisions."

"Calm down sweetheart, I didn't say that," he said patiently.

"Then what are you saying?"

"I'm not ready to put you through that," he said sheepishly. A fresh pool of tears clouded her vision. These ones weren't of anger or frustration. Instead, she smiled and snuggled into him.

"You always did look out for me didn't you?" she said.

"I never stop," he said softly.

"I'm sorry," she said almost inaudibly as he played with a lock of her hair.

"What in the world do you have to be sorry for?"

"I've been overly emotional and yelling at you about everything," she said.

"You have every right. Considering what just happened, you have all the right in the world to be a little out of it," he told her kissing the crown of her hair.

"Hold me," she pleaded quietly. "I'm so scared," she added.

"That's what these arms were made for. No one else fits well enough, remember? You're head goes right…here," he said directing her a little further left. In the peaceful silence that fell over them, Ruthie could just make out the rhythmic beating of his heart; the single organ that kept her world alive.

*~*~*

As soon as Kevin entered the kitchen, he tensed. Starring him down were (no surprise here) Mary, Sarah, and Lucy. As much as he loved her, Lucy scared him most. It might have had something to do with what he knew she was capable of doing. Mary's grimace was also nothing new. Sarah on the other hand just looked at him sweetly. He felt a wave of relief come over him when he saw that someone wasn't scaring the grown man out of his skin.

"You rang Luce?" he asked a bit shakily.

"They called us about ten minutes ago," Matt, pointed out.

"Unlike you, we actually showed up on time," Carlos added with the familiarity of a slight accent.

"Simon?" he greeted with a small smile.

"Someone needed to take your spot," he said.

"Slacker," Lucy growled.

"I love you baby," he smiled coming in for a soft kiss. Rolling her eyes, she shifted away from him so he only got her cheek. What is with all the rejection today? First his princess, now his wife. What exactly had he done?

"Don't you 'I love you baby me,'" she snapped.

"Okay…I did something…," he said unsure of where exactly he had gone wrong.

"Oh yeah. You did something alright," Mary told him narrowing her eyes.

"I would think that since you've been through this before Kevin, you'd understand that a pregnant woman needs certain things. I'm eating for three. Three. Can you count with me? One, two, three," she recited slowly.

"Lucy I don't think he can count that high," Carlos laughed. Kevin crossed his arms glaring at his brother-in-law accusingly.

"Can too!" he shouted childishly. And I actually know my numbers in English. I can't always say the same for you amigo."

"I know how to count in two languages so ha!" he shot back sticking his tongue out.

"I honestly should have considered bringing popcorn," Matt pointed out. He felt a shove to his left side and smirked when he saw Simon with a fresh bowl of popcorn and drinks.

"And to think this is free! From what I can tell it'll be ten times better than Pay-Per View."

"Well no duh, it's live. We'll actually get to see the blood and hear the bones cracking and everything," Simon said sticking a handful of popcorn in his mouth. He stopped mid-chew when he saw Sarah swipe it out of his hands and shield it protectively against her to share with the two other forms of estrogen.

"Hey! We were…"

"We're pregnant!" they shot back together. The three boys jumped back in surprise at the volume in their voices.

"You know they do have a point…" Matt agreed. He saw Sarah smile around her mouthful of food.

"I knew there was a reason I married you," she said sweetly.

"So you're saying it wasn't for the fact that you actually loved and cared for me?"

"Well…"

"Ummm can you guys pause the Love Connection episode here and sit down. There's something I think you all should know…"

"Besides the fact that you're an idiot?" Lucy asked. "Well we'll spare you the grief of telling us because we've all known that for years now."

"No it's about Ruthie."

"Oh my god what happened? Is she okay? Is she hurt? Were you actually stupid enough to let him touch her?" Lucy asked frantically. It was no surprise to Kevin that she was capable of saying this all in one breath.

"I'll explain what happened if you'll let me. Ruthie is fine. She's not badly hurt. And maybe I let him touch her—"

"YOU DID WHAT?" the entire room chorused.

"Let me explain!" he defended.

"Well you better start in the next three seconds or I swear to everything holy that you'll be seeing divorce papers within the next twelve hours. Start talking!"

"When I turned around to ask for the cuffs he had found an opening to get close to her. He pulled out a ring, and everything just went down hill from there."

"How bad was it?" Simon asked.

"He had her by the arm. He then demanded she try on the engagement ring he got for her. How he could afford it, I still don't know. When I got back into the room, she was shaking. T-bone was whispering to her something I couldn't quite understand. From what I could see on her face though it wasn't his undying love for her that much was obvious. By the time I stepped in, he refused to leave without her."

"Its official Luce, our little girl has your brains," he continued. He sighed when he saw a small smile come across her face before it once again became serious. "She heard the noise and called 9-1-1. The poor thing thought she would get in trouble for saving all of us. It took me about five minutes to convince her that what she had done was a good thing. When we got out there, Martin had already threatened to kill him if he didn't let go of her. I would have done that very same thing myself but little people were in the room. T-bone actually laughed when he didn't believe that a three-year-old was the one who called the cops, not me. While he had her in his hold I had to let him take her."

"You did what?" Mary growled.

"Let him finish amor. This actually sounds like it worked. This doesn't happen often. Let him have his moment," Carlos whispered. His wife's body was still tense but she restrained from strangling him as she so desperately wished to do in that very moment.

"I had to convince him that he was actually going to win. That's what we do with armed arrests. We call for back up and then talk them down so they don't put up a fight. Martin couldn't believe I would actually let him take her. The guy looked at me like I had just flown the cuckoo's nest," Kevin chuckled.

"That's because nine times out of ten you have," Sarah said.

"Anyway…" he sighed. "Reluctantly he let her go while at the same time glaring daggers at me. I can guarantee you they had one of their famous lovebird moments before T-bone dragged her to the door. Only seconds later Sgt. Michaels showed with backup. While going in for the arrest, the jerk found an opening and ran. Before he ran, he dropped her like a sack of hot potatoes and gave her a swift kick before he left. I swear to god it was right then and there that I wanted to abandon all moral value and club the guy over the head. I made sure everything was okay—or as okay as they could be given the situation—and with no surprise the first thing out of her mouth was his name. Also not shocking was the fact that Martin was standing right over us as she called to him."

"Where are they now?" Simon asked letting every word he had just heard sink in slowly. He personally wanted to run this idiot down with his car. Not just once but twice. If he wasn't dead by then he'd take matters into his own hands.

"Out in the living room resting," Kevin said. Simon nodded opening the swinging door.

"If Luke decides to wake up can you bring him down? I'd like to talk to Ruthie with as little interruption as possible." The group nodded. As Simon stepped in, he heard nothing but peaceful silence engulf him. Good. This is exactly what she needs he thought. "Ruth?" he whispered. Martin and Ruthie both began to stir at her name being called. Simon looked a little further down the line to see that the entire little family was lying out on the couch. Gently he unraveled her encircled arms from around Aaron and lifted him quietly. The minute he felt a shift in surrounding Aaron's eyes popped open. "Hey big guy," he whispered. "Why don't we let them sleep for a little bit while you come hang out with Uncle Simon?" he suggested. He could have sworn he saw him shake his head as his forehead wrinkled. "Shh don't—" In seconds he let out a heart-wrenching sob.

"Ma-ma!" he wailed. That jerked both of them up instantly. Rubbing her bleary eyes frantically Ruthie reached to swipe at the disturber. Her lips formed a hard line when she saw who had taken him from his happy place.

"Right here baby shh," she whispered glaring at her big brother. The minute he handed him back Aaron clung to Ruthie with every bit of strength his small body possessed. "Shh sweetheart. You can loosen up a little. I'm not going anywhere," she promised rubbing his back gently. In a couple of minutes he was calm but, much as Ruthie suspected wouldn't let up on his grip.

"I was just going to take him up to give you some peace and quiet," Simon explained.

"He was just fine here," she said. "We were all resting peacefully until we got interrupted. What did you want Simon?' she asked leaning back on Martin again who's arms wrapped around her.

"I just wanted to check on you," he said. "I wanted to make sure you were okay."

"Considering what just happened I'm not exactly there yet but I think I'll be okay."

"Just let me know if you need anything, alright?" Ruthie nodded with a small smile.

"I just need some time with my boys," she whispered.

"Well don't forget your brothers are here too, okay?"

"I know. I just need to lose the shock value before I actually talk to anyone right now," she said.

"I understand," he said softly. Simon however, couldn't help feeling a little bit hurt. When they were kids she'd come to him for everything. He smiled sadly to himself as a memory of fighting the monsters under her bed flashed across his mind. She has someone else now he reminded himself. "I love you," he told her kissing her forehead lightly.

"I love you too," she smiled. "Thank you."

"Anytime," he grinned. "Are you sure you don't want me to try settling him down upstairs," he asked.

"No man we'll be okay here. He's been screaming like the apocalypse at having a mere two inches separate them. I think he can feel something's up," Martin said.

"Babies are incredibly tuned into your emotions," he said. Just then, a cry of discomfort was heard on the baby monitor he had permanently attached to his hip as of late. "Duty calls," he chuckled.

"Thank you big brother, for everything," Ruthie said softly.

"Let us know if you need anything," he smiled before he made his trip up the stairs. As Simon made his exit, Martin settled back down in the cushion.

"Did you want to go upstairs to our room?" he whispered. Our room Ruthie thought with a smile. It had a nice ring to it. Taking Aaron in closer, she nodded allowing the two of them to be carried up. Coming to their door Martin opened it slightly with his foot before settling them down on her side.

"Join us," she mumbled. Martin smiled bringing her closer. "Mhm this is nice," she sighed. "I love you Martin," she whispered while nuzzling him.

"I love you too, both of you, so much," he smiled kissing them both lightly before taking her in close enough so that nothing separated them. Nothing ever will he thought. He made that his silent vow, his soul promise. His little family would stay right here in his arms where they belonged.

*~*~*

It was still pitch black when he shot out like a rocket after hearing the cops squeal up to the house. He had to run, and run far. As his breath came in and out sporadically, he smiled to himself. No wonder his mom hated them so much. They were all so stupid. Who would get arrested for wanting to marry the woman they loved? Sure he wasn't as gentle about it as all those other sorry excuses of a boyfriend that roamed the earth. Like that idiot Martin Brewer he thought as his fists became solid beside him. He wasn't a man, he was a kitten. A real man would fight for his girl. That's exactly what T-bone had done (and would continue to do) and now they were sending the police after him. It didn't make sense.

He coughed violently when he felt all breath leave his body. He had to keep running. If he just sat there and waited he would give them the satisfaction of knowing that they had won. I'm not going to risk sitting in a jail cell for the rest of my life! He soon felt light-headed and the ground beneath him fell on a tilt. Keep going, you can beat them. He took one big breath and pushed himself as far as he could go. After the stretch was run, he collapsed letting his knees hit the pavement. Two minutes isn't going to let them catch me he reasoned. With the decision made, he sat himself down on the sidewalk and took a rattling breath of air.

He held his spinning head quickly. It gave him the feeling of riding the Disneyland tea cups. Not that he'd ever ridden them before. He remembered wanting to so badly as a kid. He remembered asking them every Christmas if that year would be the year they made his dream come true. Every year just as they had done the last they denied him. The excuses they came up with ranged from not having the money to just not wanting to go. His mind flashed to their last denial and he felt his heart drop.

'Why would you want to waste our money on a day of riding and eating ridiculously expensive foods when we have it all right here?' his father bellowed. His little body shrunk back in horror at his father's hardened face. His little eyes darted left and right searching for the woman he knew would be his protector. With no such luck he opened his mouth slowly.

'Daddy I..I' he said not able to get his words out. Jonathon glared at him crushing an empty can and dropping it to the floor. Theo shook with a trembling lip and legs that felt like jelly.

'Out with it boy!" he growled. "And don't you 'Daddy' me. Big boys don't need their daddies. You're a big boy right?" he said gruffly. Theo could tell there was something different about the way his dad spoke. This wasn't his daddy. He never spoke like there was a big ball of cotton in his mouth. He didn't yell at him either. Maybe it's the can. The magic can is making Daddy act all funny he thought. Maybe if I pick it up and throw it away like a good boy the spell will be broken he added. A small smile played on his lips as he reached down to pick up the discarded can. With trembling fingers it was just barely out of his reach. 'What the hell are you doing?' he bellowed. 'Drop that can and tell me why you want to spend all my hard earned money on stupidity like Disneyland!'

He opened his mouth to say that his mom made all the money around here, that none of it was his but stopped himself. That'll just get him madder.

'Everybody goes,' he whispered. That answer only made Jonathon frown deeper, his eyes blazing.

'Well you're not everyone, are you?' he grunted. Not trusting himself Theo only nodded. 'Are you?!' his father bellowed.

'No sir,' he said meekly. Satisfied with his answer his father shook him one last time before dropping him to the ground.

'Get up boy!' Slowly he balanced himself and stood. 'Pick up the can and go get me another one, now!' He nodded wordlessly doing as he was told. When he returned with what his father asked for he gave it to him with shaking hands. 'Now go play in your room and shut up.' He wanted to tell him that he hadn't said a word but decided against it. As he trudged up the stairs, dodging cans as he went, it was then that even 8 year old Theo knew that things would never be the same.

As the present surrounded him again, T-bone could feel tears gather in his eyes. 'Real men don't cry!' his father's voice echoed in his head. Instantly he stopped putting a determined look on his face. Real men also went after what they wanted most. This is for denying me Disneyland he thought. When he felt levelheaded, he rose again quickly dialing the phone as he reached a tall tree. Tapping his foot impatiently, he wanted for the other end to answer.

"Hello…" came a groggy voice.

"Hey it's me. We have a problem."

"What kind of problem can't wait until the sun is up?" they grumbled.

"What the hell are you still doing in bed?"

"It's this thing called sleep. It's a natural occurrence of the body when it loses all its energy and has to regenerate. Most of this happens when it's dark outside," they said with an eye roll.

"Don't play smart with me," he growled.

"Okay I'll play stupid," they decided.

"Shut up and listen!" he snapped.

"Okay, okay don't get your boxers in a twist."

"I have a plan and I need your help."

"Of course you do. Can't this wait?"

"NO! I'm being chased by the friggin' cops! There's no time. Now listen."

"If I must," they sighed.

"Okay you know I got her the ring right?"

"Yeah."

"We're going to need that and some persuasion."

"What do you need me to do?"

"I need you on the inside."

"I am inside. I'm in bed in my house."

"I mean I need you to get closer to her, make her trust you."

"That shouldn't be so hard. We were friends before. Not that it'll be all that easy for her to trust me again after what happened…"

"Just do it!" he demanded.

"Alright, alright. Take a few deep breaths would you?"

"Kinda hard to do when I'm running for my life!"

"Well keep running. I don't have the money to bail you out."

"No shit."

"I'll do it. Just give me a chance to put a plan together."

"Well hurry up, we don't have much time."

"So impatient."

"You won't regret this I swear."

"I'm already afraid I'm starting to." With that, the line went dead.

*~*~*

A frantic pounding on the door startled the entire household. Martin gently shifted himself away from his cozy spot and trudged down the stairs. Opening the door, he starred at Mac bleary eyed.

"What are you doing here?" he mumbled.

"You called for back up," Mac reminded him.

"Yeah like two hours ago," he yawned.

"Sorry I kinda got held up. Now, who do I need to kill?" he asked taking on a prepared stance.

"Too late, he's gone."

"So I came all this way at 4 in the morning just to be told I wouldn't have to do anything?" he asked.

"Yup. If you don't wanna go all the way back, you can take the couch. I'm gonna go back upstairs. Goodnight." With that, Martin turned his back coming up the stairs again.

"Who was that?" Kevin asked gruffly coming out of his room.

"Mac."

"At 4 in the morning?"

"Yeah I called him for a little help a couple of hours ago and he just showed up."

"Wow, talk about bad timing," he chuckled.

"Yeah he asked who he needed to kill with this prepared superhero stance or something."

"He should really watch what he says. Michaels was here a while ago. Imagine what he would have thought."

"That's my thinking."

"Maybe you should let him know how it all went down," Kevin suggested.

"Why does it have to be me?" he whined sleepily.

"You're his friend, duh."

"So are you," Martin said.

"Yeah but you're wearing pants," he pointed out. Martin was about to ask what he meant when his eyes drifted down further. Instantly, he shielded his eyes and looked away.

"Okay I so didn't need to see that," Martin said.

"I didn't exactly tell you to look," he defended.

"I swear if tonight doesn't give me nightmares, seeing you like that defiantly will."

"Oh come on! It's Batman!"

"You're maturity level continues to surprise me," he said.

"You're the one who's whining," Kevin said.

"Kevin, do me a favor."

"What?"

"Look out that window for me. Do you see the sun?"

"No…it's dark," he said.

"And what does dark mean? Dark means sleep. So please let me go back to bed. We'll tell him in the morning."

"Where is he?"

"On the couch. He was actually sane enough not to walk back and just crash here."

"Why don't we just get this over with," he suggested.

"Fine but you're doing most of the talking. No wait all of it."

"Well then what are you going to be doing," he asked.

"Sleeping,"

"Come on Brewer. They'll be fine for a few minutes. I'll put the body guards in with them."

"Kevin you don't get it."

"What's there to get? You're gone for ten minutes. The dogs will keep them safe. Have you seen Samson? The guy's huge! Delilah's small but she's a yapper. The fact that she's female makes her even scarier."

"I almost lost her. The fact that he's out there makes me wanna hold onto her even tighter. I lost her once out of my own stupidity. I almost lost her again to a lunatic. I can't let her out of my sight. I need her Kev. I need her like I need the air in my lungs to breathe. Having to let her go today was the hardest thing I've ever had to do. I was breaking my promise to her. My undying promise that I wouldn't let anything happen to her. That I wouldn't let her world crash around her."

"It's ten minutes. They'll be fine."

"Fine. Go put pants on. You're telling him. I'll be right back," Martin said. Even in darkness, he could feel Kevin rolling his eyes.

"Please don't roll your eyes at me."

"Creepy how you knew I was doing that," Kevin chuckled. Going back into his room, Martin heard a quiet ruffle of the covers. Hearing a quiet moan, he jogged over to the bed.

"Ruthie, what's wrong?" he whispered.

"He's putting pressure where he kicked me," she grunted. Gently he shifted Aaron over relieving the pressure. With change in position came a whimper.

"Hey buddy its okay," he whispered. "We just had to move around a bit. She's still here," he added kissing his forehead lightly. Aaron let out a peaceful sigh while he took Ruthie's finger tightly. "He's really getting clingy," he sighed. "He actually has to be touching you to feel remotely calm."

"He's fine. This is good for both of us."

"If you're sure," he said uncertainly.

"Of course. He gives me a reason to stay calm. I don't try to be, it just happens. This bed's getting really uncomfortable though."

"Shall we move back downstairs?" he suggested. Ruthie nodded as her stomach growled. Martin smiled lifting his load carefully. "I think we'll get something for you to eat too. He needs a bottle soon anyway." She nodded taking the covers off gently. "Tell me if I touch anything that shouldn't be touched."

"I trust you," she smiled kissing him lightly. Martin took to her lips and kissed her passionately. "Okay unless you plan to unwrap right now let's stop, before we get sidetracked."

"Alright, up we go," he said with a small grunt.

"Too heavy?" she asked.

"Nope, just hold on." Being careful not to wake the rest, Martin tiptoed down the stairs.

"Oh so now he decides to come down," Kevin smirked.

"He has to feed us," Ruthie groaned rolling her eyes.

"Uh huh," he laughed. Mac cleared is throat directing both pairs of eyes on him. "Would someone mind filling me in here?" he asked impatiently. "Why is Martin carrying her as if she can't walk on her own two feet?"

"That's because she can't," Martin snapped.

"What exactly did this idiot do?" he growled.

"Things I should have killed him for," Kevin said. "And I'm the cop here," he added.

"Do I even wanna know what he's done to you Ruth?" Mac asked carefully. She shook her head and sniffed. "That's it, this guy's dead! Please Kevin do me a favor, consider this a blessing to society when I kill him."

"Trust me; I'm right there with you. I'll run it by Michaels just to be sure but I'm almost positive he's on board with us."

"Ruth what has he done to you?" he whispered.

"Mac I can't…"

"I won't touch them Ruthie. I just want to see what I'm killing him for."

"Mac she's been through enough," Martin growled.

"Alright I'm not going to push her."

"Martin put me down please."

"Are you sure?" he asked.

"Go feed your son. I'll sit with Mac for a little bit," she said.

"You don't have to…"

"I want to. Now sit me down and go," she demanded gently.

"Yes ma'am."

"Thank you. And while you're at it you can make me a sandwich."

"Of course," he said gently kissing her forehead. Setting her down carefully, he removed his sweater letting her use it as a footrest. "Push her Mac and I swear I'll kick your sorry but into the middle of next year," he whispered to his best friend.

"Down tiger," Ruthie giggled.

"Rawr," he replied huskily giving her a light nuzzle. A light blush tinted her cheeks as she quickly turned away, a gentle breeze brushing at her cheek.

"Are you sure Martin didn't do this to you. From the way you guys are acting there's bound to be some action going on…" It was at that precise moment that Mac suffered a double smack.

"Ow."

"Watch your mouth!" Martin snapped.

"Sorry," he mumbled.

"Mac, think. Would Martin ever even consider doing all of this to me?" she asked indicating her very well colored body.

"I'd kick him half way to Alaska if he even thought it," he admitted with shock.

"Exactly. Please be careful how you say things," she whispered. "He grabbed my wrist forcing me to wear a ring he bought me. He's convinced that with enough persuasion he can get me to marry him. When I said no he did this," she said indicating her darkened wrist. "A couple of days ago he rammed into me in the hospital and gave me this," she continued pointing down to her casted leg. "When the cops came he ran but not before kicking me to the ground. You really don't want to see that one. I don't think Aaron would let me show you," she giggled softly letting Mac see that the little boy was in fact snuggled right up against her stomach. Any possibility of moving him was seen nowhere in the nearer future.

"Alright, here's breakfast," Martin said coming up behind them. Ruthie smiled thankfully shifting Aaron just enough so she could sit comfortably. "You eat I'll go try feeding him," he said.

"What do you mean try?" Mac asked. Sighing together, Martin gently lifted Aaron from her lap. Again feeling the change in environment he whimpered, not too pleased.

"Shh Aaron, its okay. Daddy's got you," Martin whispered. "Let's eat something first, alright? She has to eat too. Mommy's superwoman but she needs both hands."

"I'll eat as fast as I can, okay honey?" she said gently.

"We'll stay here, okay? Look she's right there," he pointed. Aaron shook his head, thrusting it back and forth letting a string of sobs escape.

"Okay I missed something."

"He can feel something's not right and refuses separation," Ruthie explained.

"Not that. I meant the other part. Did Martin just refer to you as…?"

"Oh yeah that's another long story. Cognitively that's what I am to him. He knows nothing else so that's his only explanation. I've been here from day one so it makes perfect sense."

"I swear these two are like magnets," Martin mumbled. "It's been made even worse in the last couple of days."

"Sorry to break it to you dude but from the looks of it your son's become a complete Mama's Boy."

"Yeah I know. It really scares me to think about how it's going to go when she's well enough to go back to school," he said.

"I'm not," Ruthie confessed.

"You're not what?" Mac asked.

"I'm not going back to school. I've graduated early anyway. The only reason I even went back was to have something to do."

"Soon enough you'll have someone to…You know what never mind."

"He learns fast," Kevin laughed.

"Well since my superhero gig has been cancelled I think I'll go back to Jenny."

"Who's Jenny?" Martin asked. "Don't tell me you named the flat screen again."

"No I haven't. Jenny's actually a girl. More than just any girl actually she's my girlfriend."

"You."

"Have a…"

"Girlfriend?" Kevin finished incredulous.

"Yes. I. Do," he replied. "Why does that shock everybody?"

"I'm just trying to figure out who would be insane enough to date you," Martin said.

"I could say the same thing about you man, the exact same thing," he shot back.

"Hello, supposed crazy person sitting right here," Ruthie said waving her hand with an eye roll while trying to swallow the last bite of her sandwich.

"You are a brave, brave woman Ruthie Camden," Mac smiled.

"Hey!" Martin shouted insulted.

"I'm just sayin'" Mac laughed.

"If any girl's insane it's Lucy. Kevin's not exactly the brightest bulb in the chandelier, are you Kevin?"

"I have my moments," he defended.

"Rarely," Ruthie and Martin said together.

"How do you guys do that?" Mac laughed.

"Telepathy," they replied.

"I'm going to go home and try that with Jenny," he said.

"Good luck. Not very many couples can do that."

"I'm just glad you guys have accepted that you're together now. You were the blindest two people on the face of this earth," he said rolling his eyes.

"Good luck trying to get her to dance with you," Kevin added.

"Oh in time she will," Mac smirked. "I have a feeling she's a pretty good Tango dancer," he added.

"Okay I am officially scarred for life," Martin mumbled.

"Now you know how we feel," Kevin laughed.

"Unlike you we don't talk about dancing!" Ruthie laughed.

"You don't have to," Kevin said.

"Your eyes tell all," Mac finished.

"Why do I call you my best friend?" Martin asked.

"Because your world would be dark and gloomy without me?" he laughed.

"No, that can't be it," Martin said shaking his head.

"Oh right you found your light," he grinned eyeing Ruthie carefully.

"Please Mac leave before I reconsider my alliance with you," Martin said through gritted teeth.

"I'm gone!" he shouted charging for the front door.

"Watch out for that—" Martin warned.

"Ow!"

"—door," Ruthie said grimacing.

"I'm okay…I think."

"Goodbye Mac," Martin said with an eye roll.

*~*~*

A few hours later, the little family was back in the comfort of the couch. Their hectic night had turned into early morning and Martin blinked as the sun slowly began to rise. He groaned, blocking out the intrusion and tossed violently to his left. Feeling something that was nowhere near a couch cushion his eyes snapped open. Seeing Ruthie lie against him made him sit up quickly. Her whimper of pain made him take her up in his arms running his finger along her cheek gently.

"I'm sorry angel face. So, so sorry," he whispered. Carefully Martin pulled her further up as she began to slide. Throwing her head back and forth, she threw her arms up barely missing his face. "Careful Ruthie," he said softly. "I've got you."

"Don't…let him take—" A sharp intake of breath cut her sentence off.

"Shh I won't let him take you, I promise," he whispered.

"Martin!" she sobbed.

"Ruthie," he coaxed gently, taking her arms. "Wake up for me. Come on open up. RUTHIE!" With a jolt she woke taking in a shaky breathe.

"Martin," she whispered clinging to him.

"It's okay Roo, he's done. He won't lay a finger on you," he soothed.

"Ma-ma," Aaron whimpered.

"Good morning my boy," she greeted. He looked up at her cooing loudly, taking a ringlet of her hair in his hand. "Gentle sweetheart," she whispered. His small hand met her cheek and brushed it tenderly. "Ooh careful. Mommy's got an owie right there," she said softly, cringing as his tiny fingers crawled along the right side of her face.

"How he manages to be conscious at this hour still surprises me," Martin said.

"He slept through everything," she laughed. "Didn't you Aaron?" he asked tickling him lightly, smiling wider when a giggle escaped his lips. "I think that's a yes," she chuckled. It still surprised Martin how calm she seemed. Only hours ago she had been ravaged by a monstrous man who told her he loved her. Despite all of her pain, she smiled. Regardless of all the hurt his son was able to put the light back in Ruthie's eyes. He had to admit it wasn't her brightest but it was still there.

"Yeah because you had him the whole time. I swear that kid's got you super-glued to him," Martin grumbled. He soon regretted the silent argument when he felt a swift flick on the head.

"Be nice," she chuckled. "We just have a very special connection don't we buddy?" she crooned.

"I really don't know how he'd survive if you decided to go back to school," Martin admitted. "If you decide to change your mind though, feel free to go back," he said kissing her forehead.

"No, I'm going to tell them I'm drawing back out. School isn't for me anymore. This is my place, right here with my boys," she whispered. "My family."

*~*~*

A sharp stench wafted through the house making Lucy scrunch her nose as she can into the kitchen. She was met with Carlos' wide, terrified eyes. Eyeing the black stone carefully she picked it up, holding it at arms length. Her eyes narrowed in his direction when she realized what the stone really was.

"Carlos, what is this supposed to be?" she asked slowly.

"Ummm toast," he replied carefully.

"This is supposed to be toast?"

"Yes?" he said meekly.

"It's supposed to be edible. I doubt I can even get my teeth through it! Not to mention the fact that the smell is absolutely horrendous!"

"Wow Kevin wasn't kidding when he said you were bossy," he mumbled.

"What was that?" she asked sweetly.

"Nada," he blurted.

"Uh huh. Fix it," she demanded.

"Right on it," he said quickly setting to work on another set of breakfast foods. Hoping that this time he would remember to take it out before it became a health hazard. Mid process, he turned around to see Kevin with a smirk playing lightly on his lips. "What are you laughing at?" he asked.

"You know I just love it when she's yelling at someone who isn't me. It's a nice change. Not to mention extremely hot," he said.

"You do know that if you were in the room she would have been yelling at you like she always does, right?" Matt pointed out as he walked through the door.

"Yeah but she wasn't. I'm safe. She's got a new verbal punching bag now. I think she realizes what an asset I am to her life and can't stand the thought of taking it all out on me," he added.

"You know I love seeing my Sarah pregnant. In order for me to see that more than once I'm not going to risk commenting at all."

"On which part. The 'She's extremely hot when she's mad' argument or the punching bag part of it?" he asked.

"Okay one, she's my sister. Yes our genes were incredibly kind to us and made us all—if I do say so myself--not too painful on the eyes of the opposite sex—two, you agreed to the punching bag role the minute you said 'I do.'"

"Sometimes I wonder if you even realize your own stupidity," Carlos laughed.

"It just takes him a little longer than most," Matt whispered.

"What? Wait a minute…," he said slowly. It was like a light bulb went off in his head and realization dawned on him.

"There we go. There's that nice bright light bulb," Matt said.

"I was supposed to be down here, wasn't I?"

"Yes," they chimed together.

"Great now any plans of even sleeping in the same room are on the chopping block," he said sadly. "Why didn't you guys fill me in on this?" he asked. "You're suffering my pain. You know how it feels."

"You're a big boy. You can figure it out," Matt said.

"Carlos you could have burned the house down!" Lucy screamed.

"I know!" he replied. "I'm very sorry Lucy," he added.

"We could all be dead from inhaling smoke!"

"Yo sei," he said.

"Well then if you knew why weren't you watching?" she snapped.

"I got distracted," he admitted.

"No you didn't. Distracted is when something or someone takes away all your focus. Speaking of which it would have been great to have the fire department here again to safe us but I'd be using them as nothing more than great I candy—"

"Love you too Luce."

"The point is," she went on, not bothering to answer Kevin. "You have to pay attention. Now this time there are three of you. Someone's bound to get it right. And get it right you will because if you don't I'm going to share with Sarah and Mary how big a group of slackers you all are and I'm sure they'll be more than happy to join me in not taking you dancing tonight. Are we clear?"

"Yes Lucy," they all chorused. As a steaming left the kitchen, the three frightened husbands shared a panicked look.

"Okay I don't know about you two but I really like dancing. Not just with anyone but I like dancing with Mary. When she says no she means it and with all the pent up anger in this house I need a little bit of stress relief. So, I'm begging you guys to help me get this right. If you think Lucy's bad, imagine Mary. She's a tornado ready to take no mercy on anything she crosses."

"Okay so in order to save all our skins we have to make it up to them."

"Ya think," Kevin said sarcastically.

"Toast can't be that hard, can it."

"No it's toast. All you need to do is pop it in the toast making thing—"

"You mean a toaster?" Matt asked.

"Yeah, that thing."

"Someone just has to make sure it doesn't happen again."

"Got it," Matt said.

"And don't you even think about throwing that away Kevin," Lucy called just as Kevin opened the trashcan to dispose of it.

"What am I supposed to do with this?" he whispered.

"Give it to the--"

"Nor are you letting the poor dogs suffer!"

"She just get's creepier by the day I swear," Kevin mumbled. He turned around and smirked at Matt who just stood there laughing.

"Hey Matt, you hungry?" he asked offering him what sat on the plate.

"No I'm good. With my luck, I'll more than likely break my teeth on it anyway."

"Come on Matt, help a brother out," Kevin pleaded.

"No I like my teeth thank you very much."

"Fine then." Hearing a quick pace in footsteps, they turned to see Simon coming down the stairs.

"Hey Simon, want breakfast?" Kevin asked.

"Yeah thanks man, I've been swamped with wake up calls," he said gratefully taking the object from him.

"No dear brother, thank you," Kevin sighed.

"I'm so happy I could kiss you right now. You know what screw it," he said. Before anyone could say anything, he came up planting a quick kiss on Simon's cheek.

"Awkward…." Simon said slowly.

"What I can't thank you for saving my sex life?" Kevin asked.

"I saved your what?"

"Never mind," the three said quickly.

*~*~*

"Is everything ready yet?" T-bone asked impatiently. The sooner he could get this done the sooner he could have her. The sooner he could show her how much he meant to her. Only then would she see that Martin was nothing for her. He was too soft, too lenient. He didn't fight for her. She was just allowed to run ramped on the world. A man kept his woman in control. He would show her what it really meant to be in love.

"I haven't even gotten there yet, hold on!"

"Well hurry up already," he snapped.

"Someone's getting a little nervous I see."

"Just do it!"

"Alright, alright I'm here. Take a chill pill or something. Better yet, take a Benadryl. That way you can take a nice long nap while you wait."

"I don't sleep on the job."

"Whatever just wait a few okay. I'm already here."

"Well go do what you're supposed to do."

"No I think I'll stop for some ice cream first."

"Why you little—"

"I'm kidding, gosh."

"I don't kid. As I've learned," they mumbled.

*~*~*

"Will someone get the door?" Kevin hollered from the living room.

"And you can't get up off your lazy butt and do it yourself because?" Lucy asked.

"The game is on!" Matt, Carlos, and Simon said with him.

"I swear Martin's the only sane one of all of you," Lucy sighed.

"He's just as bad when baseball's on," Simon pointed out.

"Yes but when he's two feet from the door he's actually nice enough to answer it instead of making a pregnant woman waddle her way over to do something you're very capable of," Lucy said.

"I love you," he sang.

"Uh huh," she said rolling her eyes. With a firm, flat look, she advanced towards the front door. Opening it with a less then pleasant expression, she was presented with two large pizzas.

"Is this the Camden-Kinkirk residence?"

"Yes," Lucy replied.

"Two large pepperoni pizzas," he recited offering the pizzas, "that'll come to $20."

"Finally!" Mary sighed almost ripping the pizza out of the innocent man's hands. He looked up momentarily, shocked but smiled.

"How much of that is for you guys?" he asked the game watching trio.

"All of it," the chimed.

"Yeah right. Think again. Make some toast. This is for us," Sarah said opening the box and inhaling the delicious aroma.

"You know I might very well lose my job for this but you guys seem like you're going through enough right now. Pizza's on the house. Don't let that slip to my boss or I'm toast, no pun intended."

"But then what do we get?" Simon asked.

"It's a cruel world out there gentlemen. It's every man for themselves," he said.

"Meaning?" Kevin asked.

"He means we have to ask them how much of it we can have," Matt said.

"How do we do that?" Kevin asked.

"Our super smooth talking. It might also help that we're amazingly sexy," Carlos said.

"Okay I'm not here. In fact, I think I'm gonna go now. Have a nice day," the poor pizza man said leaving without risking a look back.

"Great. Look what you did," Mary said through a mouth full of pizza. "You scared the poor guy away. And he was actually really nice," she said smacking Carlos once.

"Ow!" he whined.

*~*~*

The shrill ring of Ruthie's cell phone interrupted the tender kiss shared between them. Both Martin and Ruthie separated, glaring at the object in question.

"The small window of time we have where he's not permanently attached to you," Martin moaned. She clung to his lips for three long, luxurious seconds before opening the phone.

"Yes," she snapped.

"Hey Ruthie. Are you okay? You seem kind of on edge or distracted. Should I call back another time?"

"Oh hey! No, it's fine. What did you need?" The last piece came out breathily seeing as Martin was sending butterfly kisses up her neck.

"I just, I was wondering if I could get your help with something."

"Sure. What did you need help with?"

"Well Adams just makes math so confusing. I sat in class all day today trying to figure it out but I just don't get it. You're the math genius. Do you think you could unconfuse me and show me how you're supposed to do it?"

"Sure can you wait twenty minutes? I'm kind of busy doing my own thing right now."

"Can't she just come here? That way you don't have to move," Martin said.

"No she can't. Stop distracting me Martin," she giggled.

"Okay I defiantly called at a bad time. I'll just call back later.

"Thank you for understanding," Martin said kissing Ruthie lightly.

"No stay, its ok. Martin behave," she growled smacking him lightly.

"You know how much I love it when you…"

"Excuse me for just one second. Martin! You know I can't focus when you do that! She needs my help. Now quit distracting me and behave yourself!"

"But I—"

"I love you too. Just give me five minutes."

"Fine," he pouted.

"Thank you," she smiled kissing him softly.

"Just hurry. I need you," he groaned. You have no idea how much that idea's reciprocated she thought.

"Okay I'll meet you there in about a half hour. I need to shut him up so he doesn't wreak havoc on my family while I'm gone," she teased.

"Hey!"

"Okay I'll see you soon. Meet me at the Dairy Shack."

"Got it." With that, she disconnected, turning back to Martin. "Now where were we?" she asked.

"I think…we were…right here," he said between kisses.

*~*~*

"Alright Theodore. The plan is in motion."

"Great, thanks for the help. I'll see you in a half hour."

"No problem as long as the end result gets me what I want."

"Oh it will. Believe me it will."

*~*~*

"Martin I love you but will you stop freaking out?" Ruthie asked impatiently. They had been standing in the living room, Ruthie already ready to go. They'd been at this for about ten minutes now and Ruthie was at her wits end.

"I'm sorry but considering what's happened I don't know if it's the best idea that you leave on your own yet. You can barely stand on your own," he argued. As if to prove his point, she fell forward uneasily as he caught her. "See what I mean? I can't stand the idea of you being hurt, especially when he's still out there."

"I'll be in public honey. No one would be stupid enough to do anything with witnesses. I'll call you the minute I get there, alright?"

"Alright. Just give me a minute. The screamer's going to have my head if he doesn't get to say goodbye." Five minutes later, Martin descended with a disgruntled Aaron in his arms. "Someone was asleep," he whispered. Ruthie nodded taking him gently.

"Hey buddy shh. I'm sorry we woke you," she whispered. Hearing Ruthie soft tones he froze looking up at her. "Hi. You can go back to bed in just a second. Mommy just wanted to say goodbye before she left. I know you wouldn't like it if I left without telling you, huh?" Taking his small hands in a mass of her hair he smiled bringing himself close to her. "I love you," she whispered. "Take care of Daddy while I'm gone, okay? And you work on being a good boy for me okay? I won't be long. I'll be here to tuck you in, I promise," she whispered kissing him tenderly on the forehead. "And I love you Mr. Grizzly," she chuckled. "Both of you be good, you hear?" she said kissing Martin passionately.

"Oh get a room!" Kevin boomed.

"Shut up!" they yelled.

"I'm just sayin'.

"Kevin, leave them alone!" Lucy hollered.

"Yes ma'am," he said weakly.

"Be safe. Call me the minute you feel uncomfortable," he said.

"I will. Ready?"

"Yeah. Leave fast. It's less painful for him." Gently, she handed a sleeping Aaron over to Martin and bolted for the door. The minute she closed it behind her she let herself cry. Not for herself but for him. Despite hearing him call out for her, she couldn't go back. She had to leave. The faster she left, the faster she'd get back.

"Ma-ma!" he wailed.

"Shh buddy, she'll be back in a couple of hours," she could hear Martin say over his protest. Placing her hand on the knob, she turned it. No I can't she reminded herself. Pulling away but not without struggle, she walked down the driveway making her way to the Dairy Shack.

"Okay this is the perfect time to plan," Martin said over the screaming.

"Plan for what exactly?" Kevin asked.

"I never gave her a real birthday. I was thinking we could surprise her."

"Ooh I love surprises," Kevin said grinning and on the verge of jumping up and down. Martin rolled his eyes but went on.

"Go start planning. I'm going to go try and calm him down," he said. Getting upstairs, he settled in the rocking chair beginning a gentle swaying motion. "Shh Aaron its okay. Mommy will be back soon," he whispered. "I know you miss her. I do too, so much. She'll come back though. She promised remember. Mama never breaks a promise. Come on fall asleep for Daddy," he pleaded.

"Ma-ma," he cried tearing at Martin's already frantic heart.

"I know," he said gently. Seeing that no coaxing was working he brought out his index finger letting him wrap his hand around it. It stayed like that for about five seconds before he shoved it away crying harder now. "Not Mama's hand is it?" he asked disheartened. After ten minutes of struggle, Aaron's little eyes finally closed. Sighing with relief Martin shuffled to the large bed surrounding it with pillows. When he tried putting him down he let go to no avail. "Come on son. Time for some sleep," he whispered.

"Ma-ma," he whimpered.

"She'll be back big guy. Just wait a couple of hours." Aaron shook his head frantically not liking the wait. He wanted her now. "If you sleep now she'll be here when you wake up." When his crying ceased momentarily, Martin risked putting him down, again with no success. Despite the situation, he just clung to him harder. "Come on, down we go," he said gently. The wail only increased. "You're not going to let me go are you?" he sighed. Covered in tears Aaron dug his face in the crook of Martin's neck gripping him for dear life. With Mommy gone there was no way he'd let Daddy get taken too.

"I'm not leaving Aaron, not ever," he said gently. "Shh. We'll just lay here for a few minutes," he finally said.

*~*~*

"Okay," Kevin declared cracking his knuckles in preparation. "Everyone, living room now!"

"What?" Carlos asked frantically.

"We were assigned planning committee. Therefore, we must plan. Start planning!"

"What are we planning?" Matt asked.

"The end of the world," he said sarcastically.

"Oh god!" Simon said.

"No, you're sister's surprise party," Kevin clarified.

"Oh," he said, sighing in obvious relief.

"Where are Sam and David?" he asked.

"We're here!" they called.

"Anyone have any ideas? Anyone, anyone?" In the dead silence of the room, it was Kevin's turn to sigh. "Oh come on. We're Camdens! There has to be something we could do!"

"I've got an idea," Lucy finally said.

"See I knew you were smart," he said. "Now what is this fantabulous idea?"

"Well I was thinking…"

*~*~*

As Ruthie fought the chill, her teeth chattered. She now wanted nothing more than to be wrapped in Martin's arms. He was right as always. She really shouldn't be out here but there was no turning back now. Hobbling through the open door she was met with Meredith's smiling face.

"Hey Ruthie!" she called

"Hey! I haven't seen you in the longest time."

"I know. It feels like forever ago since I saw you last. I guess that's what happens when you're the next Einstein and end up graduating a whole year early."

"I have new priorities now," Ruthie said.

"I bet you do. Opening your own fundraiser and everything."

"Oh no. I haven't done that yet though it's not completely off my list of things to accomplish," she laughed.

"Knowing you, you'll be the very best," she said.

"Thanks," Ruthie said blushing.

"From what I hear you and Martin are doing not too bad yourselves." Ruthie's cheeks again turned a light pink.

"Yeah, great actually. We kind of got carried away," she chuckled.

"I had a feeling it was a bad time to call," she smiled.

"No you saved us actually. I think we would have gone a little too far."

"Glad I could help. I think," she said digging through her messenger bag. "Oh shoot!"

"What?"

"I left my Trig book in my car. Can you hold tight for a minute while I go get it?"

"Sure."

"Did you want me to order you anything?"

"Just the usual." Ruthie nodded as she saw the door swing closed. As soon as she left the chill returned. It wasn't from the gentle breeze. No, something was off. She felt like she was being watched. Whipping her head around, she was met with nothing but the usual clanking of trays and dishes. Thinking nothing of it but not taking down her guard, she hobbled to the counter on the other side of the store. Being careful not to trip she felt arms encircle her.

"Hey," she gasped. "Please don't do that, you scared me," she laughed. The grabber was silent as they directed her to the front door. "Wait I was just about to order," she laughed. Still they continued and Ruthie felt her heart pounding a million miles in the confines of her chest. "Let go of me!" she screamed when they finally reached the outside.

"I'm not letting you go. Not now, not ever!" And just like that she knew her nightmare had returned. She kicked him swiftly only letting him pause momentarily. "Oh no you don't!" he growled.

"Oh yes I am!" she growled. Finding enough room to spin around she clubbed him with her fist clawing mercilessly at his face.

"You little bitch!" he snarled.

"Call me what you want but you sure as hell aren't taking me anywhere!" she shot back.

"Oh yes I am," he whispered stuffing a gag in her mouth and throwing her over his shoulder. It was then that Ruthie began kicking violently with no mercy. "Let me go!" she yelled. "Nope sorry, no can do," he said. With that Ruthie was tossed loosely into the backseat. "Now get comfy, it's going to be a long ride," he laughed. With streams of tears coursing down her face the faces she loved flashed before her eyes. Kicking at the door harshly she fought to push it open. After ten minutes of struggle, she sighed. Having little to no strength left she let her eyes fall closed.

My boys

*~*~*

"We need something unforgettable," Kevin said pensively.

"What, our planning wasn't up to par for you?" Lucy laughed.

"I didn't say that. I just mean there has to be a 'wow I'll never forget this' factor."

"One of us could always pretend to go into labor," Sarah said.

"Yeah that could…wait could we actually use that?" he said second guessing his reply.

"You can't read sarcasm if it bit you in the butt," Matt laughed.

"It could work. Can we Luce, please?" he begged. "You're my favorite wife in the whole wide world," he pleaded.

"Kevin I'm you're only wife," she said rolling her eyes.

"But still. Can we, can we?"

"You know the mad dash to the hospital only to find out that it's a false alarm," Simon said.

"Ooh can I be the siren thingy?" Kevin asked excitedly.

"Why am I not surprised," Lucy grumbled chuckling to herself.

"So are we in agreement? Mission Fake Labor?"

"I guess," Lucy sighed.

"Yay," he smiled. A mad dash down the stairs was heard and all eyes fell on Martin's disheveled hair.

"You look lovely bro, just absolutely beautiful," Matt laughed.

"Have any of you heard from Ruthie?" he asked quickly smashing down his pointed hair.

"No, why? Was she supposed to check in with her cuddle muffin to make sure she made it and didn't talk to strangers on the way over?" Kevin laughed.

"No she didn't. She told me she'd call me when she got there but never did. I tried calling her when I woke up but she wouldn't pick up. I can feel it. Something's wrong. She never goes without answering her phone," he said close to panic.

"Okay stay calm," Kevin said getting up off his place on the couch. "We just need to go find her. Martin and I will go down to the Dairy Shack—"

"I'm coming with you," Simon said.

"Okay the rest of spread out. Sarah, Mary, Luce, you stay here and call Michaels and watch the kids. Carlos, keep them as calm as you can. The last thing we need is to put any of them in distress. Martin, keep calling. She might have dropped it somewhere along the way. Let's go!" With that, the three made a mad dash for the ice cream store. Getting there they continuously called out her name but with no such luck.

"Ruthie!"

"Ruth!"

"Ruthie honey can you hear me!" Martin called the most frantic of them all. With shaking fingers he continued calling but continued getting no answer. All he needed was to hear his sweet angel's voice on the other side of that line. He had to make sure she was okay, that nothing had happened to her.

"Split up!" Kevin hollered. Reaching the parking lot, Martin called yet again. This time he heard a faint ringing on the pavement. What he saw scared him almost more than anything in the world. His frantic search was met by nothing but an abandoned phone that played they're song. Picking it up with shaking hands he let it play once, twice before letting it drop.

"Ruthie," he whispered. He opened her phone to see that there remained one unread text. Clicking the button shakily it splayed across the screen.

Having fun yet?

A/N: Calm down guys. We're still alive. Thank you to all those who have waited patiently (I know for some it was just barely possible) for us to get this out to you. You're constant encouragement has pushed us to do better and better each and every time. It's because of you that we've done it again, bigger and better. You wanna know what the best Christmas present would be for us? A swipe across the board. Let's try and beat 27 shall we? We know you're capable. You've done it before!

We'd like to wish all of you a very warm, love-filled holiday. Look out for the first chapter of the New Year over the next couple of weeks.