What Do I Do Now?

by wordsaremyescape

When Martin finds that Sandy has suddenly up and left, leaving Aaron in his care he goes to the only place he knows for help. Will this allow Ruthie the chance to tell him how she really feels? MARTHIE! NEW PENNAME!

25. 24: Family Fun & Funky Time

Disclaimer: I still don't own anything!

A/N: I'm so sorry guys for making you wait over half the year for an update. Things just got really hectic and it's taken me a while to get this all done. Although I know that's no excuse. Still, I'm hoping that this mega-chapter will make up in part for my snail speed update.

After the phrase of hesitation left her mouth, Meredith found it almost impossible to look the reverend in the eye. Staring intently at her lap she twiddled her thumbs nervously. What would he think of her after she finally admitted her wrong doing? After everything the Camdens had done for her and her family, this is the way she thanks them? It finally became clear to her why Ruthie hated her so much. Meredith fell easily for any way to get what she wanted. Even if that meant hurting the ones she cared about. After doing something so immoral it'd be a miracle if Ruthie even spoke to her at all. Not to mention how her family would treat her.

"I highly doubt you've done anything that bad. It's not like you would purposely go out with intention to break the law. It's just not in you." Meredith flinched, fighting to hide the gulp that shot down her throat. It was amazing that, without meaning to, he was able to hit the nail on the head. Her heartbeat picked up when she realized the extent of her actions. Due to her selfishness she had in fact broken the law. It didn't take a genius to figure that much out. She knew enough to understand that her faults weren't minor in the least. She almost felt the urge to cry when she realized what she had allowed T-Bone to make of her.

He was filled with such delusion that he wanted her all to himself in the harshest of ways. He needed a partner to get even remotely close to his goal. What better way to do it than through someone who'd suffered heartbreak at the cost of the victim's happiness? If that wasn't revenge, Meredith honestly didn't know what was. Even if she'd won her prize she knew enough to understand that Martin would have never loved her.

While they dated that short time, she could see that he wasn't completely there. He'd say all the right things when the time called for it but as hard as he tried, he never completely meant them.

Although Ruthie and he never dated (that short time they were never really counted) the on-looking crowd only saw them for what they always were, best friends. One never seen without the other. The days one walked the halls alone were extremely rare. When they weren't glued to each other, it was in his eyes. The times she called for his attention he was never entirely focused. His eyes constantly wandered past her, over her head. Meredith then had no choice but to turn around and see what kept him with such interest. The short brunette was no competition.

She couldn't help almost crying when he first let her name roll off his tongue. The minute he said it she froze. Slowly she backed away to see the shocked look on his face. Seeing her reaction, that look was met with a haste apology. Somehow, she always forgave him. It was a silent agreement that they wouldn't go very far. In the end she cut it down to the simplest reason. Even though they were friends she couldn't give Ruthie the satisfaction of letting Martin walk a free man. If she couldn't have him, neither could Ruthie. That was a piece of her never wavering jealously for her friend.

Somehow without trying Ruthie always managed to get what she wanted. Her life goal was the man she hoped would one day grow to love her. In the end, she lost. They'd both lost to Sandy James, the woman who would forever be linked to the man they loved. It angered her that again the young Camden had found a way in when all chances seemed impossible.

The day he came in to see Ruthie during her lunch break, she watched from a distance. She saw the way they played and joked. All as if the nightmare had never happened. Envy bubbled further when she saw how easily his child had taken to Ruthie. Meredith couldn't help thinking that she should be sitting in her place, holding his baby.

She jolted when she realized how deeply she had allowed T-Bone into her mindset. She was thinking revenge on his level. Not as extreme as what he'd put Ruthie through but these thoughts were exactly how he started. After tonight it was understood that if the Camdens disowned her socially it would be with extremely good reason.

"Actually…Reverend I…I…You wouldn't be too far from the truth. In fact you're absolutely right."

"What do you mean?" Eric asked curiously.

"I…I…I helped him…"

"You did what? I'm sorry I must not fully understand. Who did you help? More specifically, how did you help?"

"I was T-Bone's accomplice in this whole mess."

"So let me get this straight. You helped a troubled boy take my little girl?"

"Yes sir and it will be hanging over my head for as long as I live," she whispered. Now she could feel tears of shame rolling down her face.

"Of all people Meredith, I never would have imagined."

"I know, right? Me little Meredith helping a supposed killer kidnap a friend. I don't know what got into me," she sniffled. Eric was now pacing this office in stifled surprise. He found himself spinning in his chair mindlessly. Then it hit him. He'd once provided T-Bone a home, his home. And this is what he'd become.

"I don't exactly know how to feel right now. Part of me wants to show you to the door this very minute."

"I'd understand completely sir if you wish me to never come here again. You have all the reason in the world." Eric looked up and made another full spin before facing her again.

"The other part of me wants to thank you. Thank you for bringing her home to us. You could have let him have ultimate control over you. Yet through it all you kept your head, you knew right from wrong. It's clear that judgment was pretty foggy in the beginning but you realize what you've done."

"I'd understand if you'd never forgive me again for what I've put Ruthie through, what I've put you all through."

"Understand Meredith that the trust that was there, it's crumbled. I don't know how much of me can believe you or the words coming out of your mouth."

"I just wanted to be up front and honest with you about what I've done. Before I go though, I think you should have this." Carefully, she unfolded the crumpled note, flatting out the wrinkles with the flat of her hands. Eric eyed it with a raised brow. He'd read dozens of foreign languages. The figures scrawled across the page however, he'd never seen before.

"What language is this in?" he asked. Meredith chuckled despite the thick tension that hung in the air.

"It's not a language sir. This is his personal code, our way of communicating in this mess."

"How am I supposed to know what it means?"

"Only three people can actually figure it out. Or excuse me, two and a half," she giggled.

"Half?" he asked curiously.

"Yeah, you see he made up this code. The only tiny problem is that half the time he doesn't even remember what it means."

"Oh well that's helpful," Eric laughed. "I suppose you're one of the others?"

"I really had no choice in the matter."

"Who else knows?"

"Your daughter does sir. She figured it out faster than any of us ever did."

"How in the world did she even know where to start?" he asked surprised. Looking down at the sheet that lay in front of him he eyed the mesh of numbers and symbols.

"It's her inner detective I think. Not to mention the fact that some of these are so blatantly obvious that even Savannah could figure them out if you showed her," Meredith smiled.

"She was always the very observant one," Eric said eyeing the wrinkled sheet with a studious eye.

"That was actually the first thing he told me when we started. We had to be careful or she'd find a way to out-smart us," she said. It shocked her to realize these words were coming from her mouth. Eric was absolutely right in saying that she'd never do anything in illegal terms. Yet, here she was practically admitting to attempted murder. Or at least assisting in it. But that didn't make it any better than her actually holding the weapon herself, was it? No. When you worked as a team, you went down as a team.

"Meredith let's be honest for a minute." She almost laughed when he'd asked her to be honest. Was that not why she was here? To be completely open and truthful about what had happened to Ruthie, what she'd done to her? That's exactly what she was doing but she nodded regardless. "What possessed you to do this?" he whispered. Her heart fell when she saw the pain in the grown man's eyes. He trusted me and look what I've done. She dropped her head, not daring to meet his gaze.

"I…I loved him," she whispered. Eric's eyes almost fell out of his head. "I only hoped that this would make him love me too," she said sheepishly. He could only stare at the wall behind her, piecing together what he'd just heard.

"You…loved him?" he asked. Meredith nodded meekly. She felt tears make themselves known in the back of her throat, not daring to let them spill over.

"I only wanted to be loved back…"

"By a killer?" he asked seriously. Meredith's head shot up.

"He's not a killer Eric."

"HE TOOK MY DAUGHER! WITH YOUR HELP!" he exclaimed. "He held her against her will, took her from her family!" he growled in uncharacteristic anger. Looking into his face Meredith felt the growing urge to run. Why was she still here if everything she said only made her angrier? Carefully she rose, making her way to the office door. "Where are you going?" he asked.

"I can see I'm making things no better than they already are. I'll just leave you to get back to where you should be, to your family," she said.

"Sit down Meredith. I'm sorry for blowing my top on you. Sit and finish what you were saying please. I need some answers." Quietly she returned to her seat backing away from her original spot. She knew now she was treading on thin ice. Even thinner when he hears this part she thought.

"He would never kill Mr. Camden. It's not in him to kill anyone."

"That's the exact same thing I thought of you Meredith and look at where we are?"

"He has a child Eric." His blood boiled at this piece of information. How could someone so dangerous even consider a child? He sent a silent prayer up to the unfortunate soul and let his eyes meet hers again.

"He's a father. I can't believe this!"

"How could you not know sir? He's living in your house." The reverend's eyes widened in realization.

"Martin?" he asked. Meredith nodded. "So let me get this straight. You thought that giving Ruthie to him would bring Martin back to you?"

"Yes. It was a stupid idea. I realize that now. He'd never love me. I was naïve enough to even think I had a shot with him. If T-Bone had Ruthie then maybe, just maybe I'd have a chance with him." Meredith wanted to smack herself for sounding so selfish. But that's exactly what you want she thought.

"You do realize you're going to have to go to the police with this kind of information, right?"

"I kinda figured you say that," she said already collecting her things.

"Oh and Meredith before you go…"

"Yes sir."'

"Thank you," he whispered. She only nodded as she opened the office door.

Even with Ruthie back Aaron's tiny eyes fought sleep. If I sleep Mommy's going to leave again he thought. So instead he fought his closing eyes, just barely winning the battle every time. With all his pent up energy he wanted to move. He couldn't just lay here stone still until she woke again. But if I move I hurt Mommy. If I hurt Mommy she's going to cry. I don't want Mommy to cry. He could feel his eyes closing again as he struggled to stay awake. Carefully, Aaron brought his hands from around her fingers, reaching to play with a falling strand of hair. With a gentle tug he brought it closer to him. When satisfied with how far he'd pulled it, he watched as it bounced back into place. He cooed quietly in fascination. As he lay back down, staring at Ruthie's shadowed features; he could see them getting smaller and smaller until he saw nothing. The minute his vision was completely blocked, Aaron cried out desperately, grasping for the collar of Ruthie's shirt which he was glad to see was in easy reach. This way he didn't have to move, which meant she didn't have to hurt.

Ruthie's dreamless sleep was shattered by the sharp cry that floated to her ears. Realizing what it was, she shot up, quickly reminded of the broken rib that sat inside her body. Instantly she tensed, which seemed to intensify his discomfort. She bit her lip fighting back the cry that rose to her lips. Even so, silent tears betrayed her bravery as they blurred her vision. She felt Martin shift beside her, hearing him gasp.

"What's wrong?" he almost shouted. The almost instant flash of the bedside lamp made them all squint momentarily. Martin was first to recover taking in the sight before him. He could see by the gleam of the light that they had both been crying. His heartbeat accelerated in instant worry. "Ruthie honey, what's the matter?" he whispered gently. Her eyes traveled to the little boy who clung to her with all his strength, heartbreaking sobs passing his tiny lips.

"I woke up to him crying and kind of forgot about my little accident…" she said.

"How badly does it hurt baby?" he asked taking a clearly uncomfortable Aaron from Ruthie. This change was clearly unwelcomed as it only seemed to make things worse. The minute her body heat allowed a tiny draft between them, Aaron reached desperately for her, his breath now coming raggedly. "Not right now buddy. Mommy's hurting," he told him. Being denied, Aaron threw himself forward, using every bit of strength to break free. "No Aaron. Not yet. You're going to hang out with me for a bit," Martin said bringing him closer.

"Ma-ma!" he shouted defiantly.

"Right here sweetheart, I'm right here," she whispered using one hand to wipe away the flood of tears that continued to fall. The other was quickly found a put in an iron grip. Somehow this didn't seem to be enough though.

"Shh little man, shh. She's right there. Calm down, alright? She's not going anywhere," Martin whispered kissing his forehead. Aaron threw his head back making Martin's teeth clamp together roughly. He growled at the instant impact bringing his hand up to cradle his jaw. Again Aaron twisted, his continuous pleading making it hard for him to breathe.

Watching the little boy's struggle, Ruthie felt tears spill over again. His face was almost purple. Barely able to handle it anymore, her arms opened invitingly. Martin eyed her with concern. She just nodded her consent, her blazing eyes daring him to challenge her. Quickly they made the exchange before she decided to start her own mini war right there in the room. The minute he let go, Aaron clawed at her feverishly.

"Shh honey. You're okay," she reassured. "Breathe for Mommy, okay?" She gasped when she realized that even in his panic he'd managed not to hit anything. Almost immediately he'd settled on her good side. His cries soon lessened to whimpers, his little hands gliding up her cheek. "Martin, I think he knows." Martin looked at her curiously. "He hasn't moved."

"Uh Ruthie, are you and I looking at the same thing here? He just spent the last five minutes screaming bloody murder. In the mean time he'd gone ahead and finished his first kick boxing class. His head to my jaw was the show stopping finale," he said massaging the tender site on his face.

"Martin, look at him." Doing as she asked he eyed the little boy in her arms. It shocked him to see that Aaron sat almost frozen. His hold on her was solid but the rest of him remained amazingly still. The automatic shifting of his eyes along with his even breathing were the only things that still moved. "Once he's settled in it's like he's afraid to hurt me," she whispered. Aaron's palm met the side of her face, his whimpers surfacing when he saw her discomfort. "It's okay sweetheart," she said tenderly. "You're fine just where you are," she told him, kissing his forehead in admiration.

"It's like he can feel it," Martin noticed. Ruthie smiled kissing Martin quickly.

"Just like his Daddy," she said. He nodded watching Aaron giggle when her hair sprang back. "You like that, don't you?" she crooned. His heart tugged seeing the absent smile return.

"Her hair's not a toy Aaron," Martin chuckled. He only shot him a momentary glare before returning to his new favorite game. Ruthie smacked him playfully. She laughed when he saw feigned hurt cross his face. "Ow!' he whined. "Now I know where he gets his violent tendencies," he said rubbing his shoulder.

"Remind me again who the adult is in this situation," she said rolling her eyes. "I'm the one with broken bones," she pointed out.

"Is he putting pressure on anything?" Martin asked. Ruthie shook her head and grinned.

"He's doing just fine, aren't you big guy?" Aaron smirked triumphantly at his father who only returned his stare. He frowned, his bottom lip trembling. Quickly, he turned away hiding his face, whimpering quietly. Ruthie growled, shielding him protectively. "Don't be so mean! You're scaring him!" Martin's eyes dropped down in apology.

"I'm not. We do this all the time. It's a guy thing," he defended. Ruthie rolled her eyes shoving him. Watching the exchange, Aaron giggled. "Yeah sure, laugh at Mommy hitting me. I mean it's not like it doesn't hurt," he said sarcastically.

"I didn't even hit you!" Ruthie laughed. "Would you like me too?" she asked. "I could use my really big history book. That's been known to knock a few people out," she suggested.

"No thank you, I like being alive," he shot back terrified. As he repeated the offer in his head he felt a weight being thrown at his stomach. History. He'd been all too aware of the pain theirs had caused the two of them. The book their lives had written was equivalent to that of a dictionary in size. He could feel the physical impact just thinking about it. Just as soon as the painful memory blew through his mind, it flew right back out.

Martin eyed her lovingly, his arms itching to hold them. It scared him how close he'd come to losing Ruthie. It was a blessing that she was sent back to them practically unharmed. Sure there was the physical damage (for which Martin demanded the slime ball be dead and buried) but he couldn't touch her spirit. It was then he begged to put his world in a solid bubble. A shield of iron that left everything that mattered most to him untouched. The small hand on his shoulder brought him back to face her.

"Are you okay?" she whispered. He just smiled, letting her head rest on his shoulder. Aaron simply eyed him, curiosity clear in his perfectly aligned features.

"Just perfect," he whispered, holding close to him, the core of his existence. "As long as I have this I don't need anything else." Ruthie grinned running her fingers through Aaron's hair. It was then that she was reminded of what the two meant to her. While he had her Ruthie's sole thought was getting home to them. When she had no other choice but to wait, their memory numbed her to the point where it was minutely bearable. She loved her family, sure, but losing her boys in any way, would rip her heart violently to shreds. Feeling a gentle shift joined by a silent whimper Ruthie looked down to see Aaron chewing on his fist.

"Martin?" Taking in what he saw her eyes zoom in on, he handed her the gel. "We're not going to chew on our hands honey," she chuckled. "The gel's a much better option," she said taking his hand away gently. He whimpered at having it taken away and quickly went back for his chew toy. "Calm down buddy. We're gonna make it all better," she whispered. "Open," she coaxed quietly. He obeyed letting silent tears slip down his face. "I know it hurts," she whispered. "There we go," she smiled softly as she handed him the back up ring that Martin handed her. "You think we could all get some sleep now sweetheart?" she asked threading her fingers through his hair. Her answer came in the soft curtain of eyelashes that closed his eyes. Gingerly, Ruthie slid down into the sheets. A sharp pinch stopped her immediately. Gasping, she struggled to hold back the flood of tears that escaped.

Quickly Martin took Aaron from her, but not without some complaint on his part. Taking in her shattered face the little boy wailed deeply, his small, compact body shaking. "Ma-ma!" he cried. Almost instantly Martin was covered over her in fear.

"What's wrong?" he asked quickly. All he got in response was a string of whimpers as he watched her bite a hole through her bottom lip. The tense atmosphere made Aaron cling to his father, his head turned, not daring to look at Ruthie. "You're okay Aaron, shh," he whispered He eyed Ruthie now running his fingers through her hair. "What hurts sweetheart?" he whispered.

"I…I feel like…I feel…like someone just threw about six tons of stuff at my back," she sniffled. "I have no idea where it came from but I can't move," she whimpered. Martin came in closer, gathering her to him.

"I'm going to get the boys, okay? We need to get you to the doctor," he said kissing her temple. Slowly, he got off the bed only to have her yank him back. He turned to meet her glassy eyes filled with pain.

"Stay with me, please?" she begged. He eyed the door quickly before turning to face her again. "I need you here," she whispered.

"I'll be back in less than five minutes Roo," he promised. Reluctantly she nodded, slowly releasing his arm. Quickly he rose from the bed walking blindly in the dark. The second he stepped through the frame Aaron let out an ear-splitting cry. "Shh you're going to wake the whole house up," he said.

"Ma-ma!" he demanded. Again he fought against Martin's hold, pounding his tiny fists into his back. He eyed the darkness ahead stepping forward. The almost inaudible cry stopped him cold. She's always so strong he thought. She needs you! Go do your job. Listen to her. Listen to him his brain demanded. He suddenly hated himself. She never left me, why aren't I returning the favor? My angel's in pain and I left her. Martin spun around jogging blindly back to Ruthie.

"Quiet down little man, we're going," he whispered. As he approached, her heart-wrenching sobs increased. What could have possibly made him think to leave her like this? In seconds he had her in his arms. The minute she felt his presence she threw her arms around him. "Shh angel face, I'm not leaving," he whispered.

"You…were…going to," she cried. "It hurts so much," she whispered.

"It's sad but Aaron had to remind me what really matters before I could even get the ridiculous idea out of my head," he chuckled. With his freedom he quickly settled himself against Ruthie, his little hands refusing to let go. He eyed his father almost devilishly. "Alright, alright, I get it," he smiled letting Ruthie's head settle against his body.

"Ma-ma," he said with finality. Martin nodded playing with a draped curl that stuck to her tear stained face. Her reddened faced cracked a small smile as she gathered him to her.

"Thank you sweetheart," she whispered. "Mommy feels much better," she added softly, letting both hands settle around her fingers. Okay so that wasn't entirely true but having them there was enough to keep her sane while the knives stabbed her insides.

"Okay since my own son just showed me up here, how are we going to get you to the ER?" Ruthie rolled her eyes letting them land on the cell phone by the turned on lamp. "Oh. Why didn't I think of that in the first place?" he growled.

"Ma-ma," Aaron whimpered just below her chin. Ruthie smiled holding him as close as her stiff body would allow.

"I know buddy. Daddy's just a little bit slow."

"Here's to hoping he doesn't get my brains," he mumbled.

"That's already pretty obvious considering he's the reason you came back," Ruthie chuckled. Her face contorted as another electric pain shot through her lower back. "Ow! Okay please don't do anything stupid before we get to the hospital so I won't be forced to laugh and cause myself more pain without even realizing it." Martin nodded massaging her smaller hand with his much larger one as he waited for pick up on the other end. After a couple of rings Martin finally heard response.

"Noooo! I wanna dance with the sugarplum fairies!" Kevin mumbled.

"Kevin?" he asked struggling to hide a laugh

"Wha…? Who the hell's calling while it's still faerie time?" he asked sleepily.

"We'll talk about your fascination with faeries and Barbie dolls later. Right now I need you to wake up, get Carlos and help me get Ruthie to the hospital." Ruthie eyed him quietly as she listened in on the conversation. At this point she didn't even want to try and think about a reason as to why fairies were brought up.

"Wait what, the hospital? Is she hurt? What happened?" Martin resisted the urge to smack his head against the wall only inches from his head.

"Just get Senor Taco out of bed! I'll explain when you get in here." With that he slammed the phone shut, gently taking an already asleep Aaron form Ruthie. She looked at him with a mix of suspicion and warning. "If it's in your back, you can't handle the extra weight right now." She nodded watching Aaron carefully. As suspected he woke not two seconds later looking for her as he whimpered.

"I'm right here honey," she whispered. "You're just going to hang out with Daddy for a little while." It was clear in his face that he didn't like the idea but for once he held no struggle. Instead he reached for her hand which he took to holding. Kevin barreled in seconds later, the gleam of the light showing obvious bed head. Taking a more thorough look, both sets of eyes fell on his attire.

"Super Mutant—"

"—Ninja Turtles?" Ruthie finished in disbelief. Kevin nodded with a wide smile as he examined her for a way to transport her to the car.

"What? They're cool!" he defended. "Charlie loves them." Martin rolled his eyes.

"I'm not even going to ask how he knows about those," he sighed. "Where's his father by the way? I asked you to go get him."

"He…umm…he's a little distracted…" Kevin trailed.

"Well what the heck is he doing?" Martin asked impatiently.

"Sleeping?" Kevin said meekly.

"You're an idiot idiot. I asked you to wake him up," he said shaking his head.

"I tried," he defended. "I walked in there to see him, 'sleep dancing' the Macarena. Mary and Charlie were watching and just told me to leave him alone…"

"Of course they did! They wanted to watch him continue to make a fool of himself. We'll just go get him when we leave. What the hell is 'sleep dancing'?"

"From what I saw it's the same idea as sleep walking but instead the person's dancing to a song in their head. Mary says it's a common occurrence." Matt stormed through the open door shifting his eyes urgently.

"Stop talking and start getting her in the damn car!" he growled. Shocked at the usually calm Camden's demanding tone the room blanched. Two seconds later Kevin held her bridal style, being as gentle as needed speed would allow. Matt was quick to jump ahead, already pounding on the bedroom door as they went. "Carlos I don't know why I'm doing this but get your ass out of bed! We're going to the hospital," he yelled. The door swung open to see a disheveled Carlos blinking bleary eyed at the hasty threesome.

"I'm coming!" he mumbled. Not too far behind, having heard the commission, Charlie stood rubbing sleep from his eyes.

"Papa can I come too?" he asked. Carlos was quick to shake his head as he threw on a sweater.

"No Charlie. You stay here and help Uncle Simon look after the babies," he said quickly. Charlie nodded quickly letting himself stand a couple inches taller at his very important assignment.

"Will she be okay?" he asked softly, seeing evident tears make their way down his aunt's face. His father nodded and the three made their way down the stairs and out the door. The second the chilly air hit her, goose bumps surfaced making her shiver.

"Martin," she whispered. At the sound of his name he was there within seconds.

"I'm right here," he said softly. Opening her eyes slowly she looked at him with chattering teeth.

"I'm cold," she said weakly. Carlos came over taking the little boy who occupied his arms as they shared a look of understanding. For the first time Aaron made no complaint. "Please don't leave me," she pleaded. Now with his hands free Martin took to her other side.

"I wouldn't even think about it. We're almost there," he whispered. Up ahead, Carlos opened the back door where Kevin gently laid her across the seats. He heard her growl, and would have laughed if he didn't see the girl fighting back tears.

"Did I hurt you Ruth?" he asked concerned.

"No. Everything hurts right now," she said. As Martin settled in by her feet, lifting them gently to settle them in his lap, he felt Aaron be placed carefully in his arms.

"Is everyone ready?" Matt asked as he settled the key in the ignition. Just then the front door swung open to reveal a frantic Annie.

"Not without me, you're not!" she said.

"If you're coming with us you're gonna have to bring your own car. She's taking up the back seat," Matt hollered. Annie nodded, quickly throwing her car into drive. In seconds the two cars were speeding towards the hospital, Ruthie clinging to her ever constant lifeline.

About an hour had passed since she was admitted. Heavy sedatives had her battling the ins and outs of consciousness. The few times she was awake she could hear Martin using quiet tones to calm Aaron down. As much as it pained her to do so, she stayed quiet knowing that any indication that she was awake would send Martin into overdrive. Along with that would come her little boy's need to be held. For a while she wondered how Aaron was even allowed inside the room. Matt she realized, must have pulled some strings. Her next round of being awake brought on absolute silence. She let her eyes dart in search of Martin. When their eyes met he rose, kissing her forehead with a smile.

"Hey sleepyhead, we missed you," he whispered. Ruthie mumbled with a nod as if telling him the same. She smiled when she saw that Aaron had fallen asleep on his shoulder. The rarity that was father/son together time was a nice change to see.

"How is he?" she asked naturally. Martin smiled at how easily she'd fallen back into her role, despite being wired and confined to a hospital bed.

"He's fine. It took a little bit of explaining as to what happened to you but he's fine. Either on some level he understands or he grew too tired to worry anymore." Ruthie smiled when she saw Aaron reposition himself comfortably in the crook of Martin's neck, this time facing her. His small eyes opened slowly, not too soon after, lighting up at the sight of her. He was quick to find her hand which led him to again hold onto her finger.

"Hi my sweet boy," she whispered, words coming with challenge as they struggled past her parched lips.

"Ma-ma," he whispered, a smile playing on his lips. Ruthie kissed the small hand that wrapped around her finger and cleared her throat. Martin got up taking the iced water pitcher and cup. Carefully, he brought it to her lips where she sucked the contents dry in seconds.

"More?" he asked. She shook her head.

"Not yet. Why did they knock me out?" she asked. She knew by the serious look in his eyes that what would come out of his mouth was not going to be openly welcomed information.

"They found the source of the pain," he said slowly. Okay. That was good. The main reason they were here was to solve the problem, right? Ruthie nodded as if to prompt him to continue. His hand went for the call button which she blocked by taking her free hand and placing it in his. "Maybe a doctor should tell you what's going on..." he said slowly.

"I don't want to see a doctor right now. If they come in here and see me awake they might knock me out again. Tell me what you know. We'll call them in to fill in the blanks." Martin hesitated but sighed as he reluctantly pulled away from the button. She nodded encouragingly, urging him to go on.

"They found out where all the pain's coming from."

"Okay. I would think that's a good thing honey. They're doctors. They're supposed to know how to fix people," she chuckled. Martin's eyes shined no humor. He just ducked his head, kissing her free palm.

"I'm so sorry," he whispered. Instantly, her mind thought the worst. With negativities she couldn't even fit in a decent line floating around in her head, she gripped his hand. Had she lost the chance to have children? She remembered her torture involving swift kicks to the stomach that could cause serious damage. Could she still walk? The struggle to do so now brought tears to her eyes. It would make sense to think that the sharp pinch could have finally snapped something.

"No…" she whispered.

"I'm so sorry sweetheart. This is all my fault," he whispered. Ruthie soon grew angry. What was with him blaming everything wrong that happened on himself?

"Okay one, nothing's your fault. If anything it's my own. Two, will you actually tell me what in the world's going on so I know why you're freaking out?"

"Torn ligaments," he said. As painful as that sounded she felt herself sigh in relief. At least it's not what I initially thought she said to herself letting a smile crack despite the situation.

"Oookay," he said uneasily. "I think they gave you way too much of the happy stuff. That's not a good thing Roo. To have torn ligaments means weeks of recovery with lots of pain along the way."

"Martin I couldn't move at the house. You're reaction had me thinking the worst. Compared to what it could be. Put up against the possibilities in my head, that's nothing. I remember him kicking me into oblivion square in the stomach several times, throwing me up against the concrete floors with no mercy on my back. That could have very well caused me spinal problems, probably paralyses. I can still have children. Everything else is secondary," she whispered.

"According to the doctors recovery means a couple of weeks of intense pain," he said softly. Nothing I haven't experienced before she thought. "Are you going to be there?" she asked. He gave her an incredulous nod. As if I would ever leave her he thought. You have before the voice countered. Not anymore, not ever again he said determined.

"Of course I am. Where else would I be?" he asked kissing her lips tenderly. At the mere touch of his lips she could feel her heart beating out of her chest, equal to the first time they'd actually admitted it to themselves. Aaron giggled, bouncing at the sounds the monitor made. The chuckling of the doctor walking in as he cleared his throat, made the two of them blush.

"I'm sorry. Am I interrupting?" he asked. Aware of the new presence in the room, the two pulled away eyeing him like two guilty criminals.

"No," Ruthie whispered. "I'm sorry you had to walk in on that," she mumbled. He only laughed shaking his head.

"Oh no, that's okay. I probably should have knocked first. It's nice to see a couple so in love," he said. "I'm Dr. Yorkton by the way. I figured the knock outs would have warn off by now so I came to see how you were doing."

"As well as can be expected," she said with a small smile. The white coat nodded, quickly examining her charts. Martin and Ruthie both watched as his eyes traveled down the list. Each change of expression spiked momentary worry in both of them. Finally after a few minutes his head rose.

"Well, I'm Dr. Yorkton. I've been assigned to look over your case. It says here that you've been experiencing pinching in the lower back?" She nodded applying pressure to the side rails in an attempt to sit up further. Martin watched her carefully, cringing slightly as he watched the pain travel through her face. "It also says that you've been unable to walk for the last few days due to extensive bruising," he added thoughtfully. Ruthie smiled as she went to cover Martin's fisted hand.

"Calm," she mouthed. He raised his eyebrow questioningly letting his large hand contract rhythmically. She squeezed it gently. Almost immediately he froze. "Down tiger," she whispered chuckling.

"I was sent over from Neurology to examine your case. I'm sorry to say that tests as well as physical evidence, is showing clear signs of a liner fracture on your right tibia and humorous. Damage was also done to your left fibula, ulna and radius. You also have the joy of a sprained right ankle." Ruthie nodded and somehow found herself smiling. "Now I have to warn you that injuries like these could take up to a month heal. I highly suggest you stay on bed rest for at least one of those weeks it will take to heal. Right now your inability to walk is due to so much damage done to so many necessary leg muscles. When movement is needed do so carefully. I might write you a doctor's note to make use of one of our chairs. With so many breaks I'm going to have to cast both your legs for that month. Once you're given the "okay" at the end of those four weeks we'll start you on some rigorous physical therapy," he finished as he wrote a stack of prescriptions.

"Dr. Yorkton, is it absolutely needed? The chair I mean. I really hate to be confined," Ruthie said.

"Unless you want to be kept in one place for hours on end Miss Camden the chair is really your best option." Martin placed a hand on her shoulder when he saw her face fall.

"Could we possibly just have these splinted? From the sound of it, all of these are simply stress fractures."

"Yes they are caused by stress sir. Seeing as there are so many of them, I don't think just splinting them will do anything. If we do so it would be isolating both legs."

"With all due respect sir, can we please have a word with your supervisor?" Ruthie asked calmly. Both could see anger clouding the young man's face. From what Ruthie saw, this guy was barely out of school. This was probably his first real case. She could see out of the corner of her eye as his hands shook with nerves. The fact that he didn't go into full detail on the issue was also a clear indicator. He just wanted to diagnose and leave. Having Matt be a doctor, she knew she had options.

"I know it may not seem that way but I can assure you. I'm a highly qualified in my division," he defended. Martin and Ruthie both shared a knowing look before both turning to the young doctor again.

"I'm pretty sure you are. Your help has been great. I was just hoping to get a second opinion. I'm not doing this to you personally. I tend to want more than one doctor's view on things. Just to see how they would handle it. I like to keep my choices open." Martin smirked when he saw her paste on a sugary sweet smile. Once that was shown he saw the nervous doctor's eyes glaze over, a wide smile spreading across his own face. One of her many manipulators he thought.

"Alright Miss. If that's really what you want. I hope I was able to help," he said meekly.

"Oh of course you were. You've been wonderful," she said. "We would just like to know our options. It's understandable that you don't know all that's doable. I have a feeling you're new here?" she asked. She saw his eyes dart back and forth nervously. Martin saw him barely nod. With that he quietly shuffled out of the room.

A few minutes passed before the door gently opened again. Martin was first to see Matt make his way inside.

"You're his supervisor?" he asked surprised. "Didn't you just start here like last week?"

"No I'm not his supervisor. I just came in to see what in the world was taking so long. Anyone would have a diagnosis by now. I'm also curious as to why Yorkton looks like he's about to have a heart attack," Matt said.

"All we did was ask for a second opinion," Martin replied. Matt raised his eyebrow, confused.

"Yorkton came out the best in his class. His residency was top notch. I don't see why you can't trust his judgment," he said.

"I'm sure he does Matt. We just wanted more than one view on things," Martin supplied. Ruthie nodded in agreement rubbing her thumb along his knuckles. Discreetly she wrote out I 3 U on his palmwhich gave her the desired reaction in a smile and nod.

"Ruthie you have to learn to trust someone outside the family in the medical field. We're not always going to be here," Matt pointed out.

"I know that. It's because I have family in the medical field that I understand what can and cannot be done in this situation. You of all people should understand my dislike of being confined. He wants both of them casted for about a month. I won't even be able to last two days without going crazy," she said.

"Excuse me." All eyes fell on a tall gray haired man. "May I ask what's going on in here?" he added.

"We're kind of in the middle of a family meeting at the moment. Could you step outside please?" Ruthie asked kindly. She saw the aged man shake his head.

"No I'm sorry but I can't. I will not have shouting disrupt this hospital. I was also paged by Yorkton who looks like he's about two minutes away from crying his eyes out. May I ask why?" he said seriously.

"Umm," the three said slowly. Not too sure on where to begin.

"Well you see…" Ruthie began unsure.

"We kinda told him…" Martin took over.

"Nicely," Matt added.

"That he couldn't do his job right…" Ruthie finished. All three mumbled a quick apology. As they did Aaron woke fitfully circling the room for familiar faces.

"Shh Aaron its okay. Sorry for being so loud," Martin whispered. "You can go back to sleep buddy. We promise to be quieter," he said. Aaron shook his head, eyes quickly falling on Ruthie.

"Ma-ma," he whimpered as he struggled to reach her. Again she offered her finger which for the first time he rejected. Martin and she both shared a confused look before they both saw him fight his way out of Martin's hold.

"Not quite yet buddy," he told him as he pulled him back. The room cringed when they heard him scream his demand. "Not so loud. She can't yet," he said.

"I'm sorry sweetheart," she said. "The minute I'm ready we can do all the cuddling in the world." Still the little boy pulled. Martin sighed as he struggled to keep him still.

"Let's try something," Dr. Whitman (as they'd finally discovered his name was after reading the name tag) suggested. Martin and Ruthie looked at him curiously. "Which side is less damaged Ruthie?"

"My left side," she said.

"Set him down next to her for a minute on her right side," he said.

"But Whitman that's where all of her—"

"Just give me a minute Camden. I have to ask though, why aren't you in ER? I know you're not working but tonight we could use all the hands we can find."

"I would be, believe me but sir this is my sister," he pointed out. Ruthie hid a quiet chuckle as he saw the older man's eyes light up in recognition.

"Ah my apologies. I should have seen the same last name on the chart before," he said. "In this case you've gained family member status. I have to ask though. Why are you in uniform?"

"I was hoping to get a little help," he said. Dr. Whitman nodded as his eyes panned over to Martin and Ruthie.

"Alright son, if you would just set him on her injured side for me I'd like to see something." Still somewhat confused he gently sat him down in the empty space between the bed rail and her small frame. The doctor could see a whimper bubbling in the little boy's throat as his face wrinkled. "Alright now can you switch him over to her left side let's see what reaction we get." Martin quickly switched him over where almost immediately he laid his head on her chest. "Fascinating," he whispered.

"We already knew this," Ruthie said. "I don't quite understand it but he's done this before," she said.

"If you don't mind my asking, how close are the two of you?" he asked as he stepped forward.

"He's extremely attached to her. If he has to make a choice between us she wins every time," Martin said.

"It's actually very natural as you know, for a son to bond with his mother."

"Yeah we know that. It's just become even more so since she's gotten all the bruising and breaks," Matt said.

"Is home life alright?" he asked.

It's been…stressful to say the least," Ruthie admitted. Dr. Whitman nodded.

"Have you left unexpectedly recently?" Squeezing Martin's hand tightly she nodded.

"And how long were you gone for?"

"About a day," she said. They all saw the quick scrolling on the chart and shared an uneasy look.

"It makes perfect sense then. The super attachment tells us that he's afraid you're going to leave at any given time. His routine has been broken. As you know they're used to consistency. If that consistency is interrupted they worry that it may happen again. In constantly being with you he can assure himself that he's not losing you."

"Can you explain the one side over the other piece of it?" Martin asked. Dr. Whitman nodded as he wrote down another piece of information.

"I'm sure you understand that babies can feel when something isn't right. That's exactly what this is. He's reading body language. Aaron is aware that certain positions cause Ruthie pain through her reactions and facial expressions. He's also very in tune with the stress level everyone's experiencing right now. He doesn't understand why but he feels it as well. Much like dogs or cats they try and find a way to make things better. Has he touched your face or played with your hair more than normal lately?" Ruthie nodded looking down at the wide-eyed little boy in question. He whimpered quietly as Ruthie ran her fingers through his hair. "That's his way of trying to calm you down. We as adults really underestimate a child's ability to understand." The three nodded having a clearer understanding.

"We haven't exactly gotten the best night's sleep in a while," Martin pointed out. "We usually sleep when he's finally down for the count but lately he's been wide awake."

"How long has it been since he's actually slept?" he asked.

"A couple of days," Ruthie yawned. He nodded making quick note once again. Stepping forward he pulled out a small flashlight shining it gently in the little boy's face. Instantly he shied away from the bright light seeking the darkness in Ruthie's chest.

"Look at the nice doctor honey," she whispered. Slowly Aaron raised his head his eyes fixed on her face. Gently she moved him to face Dr. Whitman.

"Now I'm just going to shine this for about ten seconds buddy," he said as he watched the movement of his eyes. To no surprise he noticed that stayed unmoving. They were now blankly fixated on nothing. After another five seconds he nodded. "Just as I suspected. He's got a case of Acute Insomnia. Now, it's nothing to be alarmed about. Cases of Acute Insomnia are often caused by high levels of stress."

"How do we treat it?" Martin asked. He smiled sadly when he saw that even though his body begged for it Aaron refused to close his eyes. "Close your eyes little man," he whispered.

"Ma-ma," he whimpered. Ruthie ran her finger softly along his cheek and smiled kissing his temple.

"Right here sweetie. I'm not leaving," she promised. "You can go night-night now, she assured closing his eyes tenderly with the pad of her thumb. The minute she moved her hand they snapped right back open. Silently he put a death grip on her. "Loosen up sweet boy," she coaxed gently. She repositioned his hands so they sat on her chest. All it seemed Aaron's eyes could do was stay fixated as they stared ahead at nothing.

"He's actually showing signs of a severe case," the doctor said honestly. "It's nothing that can't be treated though. I think the most affective treatments for his age group can have him cured in no time at all. To get started it's going to involve a lot of patient repetitive behaviors but over time it should improve his sleep patterns."

"What can we do?" Ruthie asked.

"We've seen great results with environmental changes. Something as easy as dimming the lights and limiting noise factors are a great help. Heat is also a great sleep aid. You might want to consider raising the thermostat just a little. The mix of heat and gentle music can often lull anyone to sleep. Sleep consistency is also important. If he's put on a schedule, over time his body will grow used to go going to bed and waking up at the same time. Your body grows accustomed to sleep patterns just like a baby's. You may also want to try feeding him before he goes to bed every night. Most of his energy will be used for digesting a full meal. That should tire out his body enough to find sleep. Hopefully those will allow Mom and Dad the rest I'm sure you need," he said with a smile.

"Thank you so much," Ruthie said gratefully.

"Hopefully tonight we can try and get him to stop screaming," Matt chuckled.

"It's not his fault," Ruthie glared. Matt raised his hands defensively.

"Yeah I know it's not. No need to go all "Mama Bear" on me Ruth. Calm down. I'm just hoping we can all get some rest tonight. You especially. You're recovering."

"I just hope I don't have to wear a damn cast while I do," she sighed.

"From the extent of your injuries I don't see why these can't be splinted. If you're careful about it they don't have to be casted. You're going to need physical therapy afterwards but at least your legs won't shrink down to sticks. At least not for a few days. From what I can see, you're going to have to cast them eventually but not right away. If you feel more comfortable having them start out in a splint then we can do that. You'll just have to come in later for the pretty plaster."

"Dr. Yorkton was convinced I needed the casting," Ruthie said. She saw the older doctor laugh quietly.

"You'll have to forgive Yorkton. He just got out of the residency program. He's still trying to figure out how to clock in and clock out correctly. I'm not too surprised he went to extremes. Between you and me though I'm not too sure he's going to last. The department keeps saying to give him a chance, that over time he'll improve as a physician. I myself am not too sure how much of a shot he has."

"Aren't supervisors supposed to look out for the best in their charges?" Matt laughed. Whitman nodded. "So why are you saying he has no hope as a doctor?" Matt wondered.

"Camden there's a difference between new and ambitious and new and apathetic. Graduates come in with not only experience but willingness to learn new ways. He's been here a month and still goes by the books. No medical professional relies solely on textual education. You learn through doing. He's not only done but refuses to do as well. We'll see where he goes though."

"Such a nice guy too," Matt said sadly. Dr. Whitman nodded.

"Now let's get you splinted up Ruthie," he said enthusiastically. He smiled when he saw that Aaron remained attached to her making it hard to do anything at all. "Hey little guy. Do you think I could borrow your Mommy for just a few minutes?" he asked gently.

"Ma-ma," he whispered. He let his hand wrap around her finger which from the looks of it he had no intention of letting go any time soon.

"You're just going to make this interesting aren't you?" he asked. Aaron's only reply was moving into Ruthie just a little bit closer.

"Let the nice doctor fix me honey, please?" she asked as another shock ran through her lower back. Her instant reaction was a hiss between her teeth. The little boy tensed beside her, letting out a sharp cry. "I'm okay," she whispered playing with a piece of his hair. "Mommy's okay. Shh," she assured kissing his temple.

"With that kind of reaction I don't think we're going to have much luck in getting him to move," Dr. Whitman observed. "I guess he's just going to have to watch," he concluded. The three in the room nodded as they watched Ruthie's facial reaction shifting every five seconds. It angered Martin to see that each one mirrored a kind of pain. A pain he wished he had the power to take away.

"You gonna be okay Ruthie?" Matt asked. She nodded with a small smile crossing her face.

The shuffle of efficient feet with the gentle percussion of the rhythmic beep of staff pagers could be heard as the family waited silently for the verdict on the youngest Camden. They had only come in twenty minutes earlier, and already Kevin's foot was tapping impatiently. Already having watched this activity for the last ten minutes Annie sighed.

"Kevin…" she warned, her normally calm voice mixed with an exasperated undertone. Not used to be addressed like this, the grown man's head shot up. Annie had to suppress a tiny smile that fought its way to her lips when he met her glare in what he hoped was hidden fear.

"What?" he asked meekly. Her eyes shot down to his nervously tapping foot which, seeing her line of vision froze almost instantly. "Sorry," he mumbled. The nod with a gentle smile told him he was forgiven. "This is just taking forever," he sighed.

"We've been here twenty minutes," Annie pointed out

"It's been a long and painful twenty minutes," he groaned. "Probably the longest in my entire life," he said. "Why can't they just tell us what's wrong already? I have a dream to finish," he pouted. Annie chuckled at his childish behavior coming to sit next to him where he promptly laid his head on her shoulder.

"Wow Kevin," Carlos laughed. "How old are you?" He raised his head, having just enough strength to glare before gently laying it back down. "You've got kids of your own and you're still acting like you're five." Not bothering to move from his new pillow Kevin only growled.

"Last I checked amigo; it's rude to ask someone how old they are. Weren't you taught this in elementary school?" Carlos opened his mouth to counter his response but closed it soon after. "Exactly," he smiled. "If you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all. So what if I've got kids? It doesn't mean a man can't snuggle with his mom."

"She's not even your—" he started but quickly stopped himself. "You know what, never mind," he concluded. "I'm going to go and get some coffee. Does anyone want anything?" he asked.

"Do you happen to have a blanket," Kevin asked while gently repositioning himself.

"No," Carlos replied. "I could get you some coffee though so you don't start drooling," he suggested.

"I do not drool!" he defended. The Latino only nodded with a smirk. As he turned to leave, Kevin scoffed. "I do not drool," he repeated with a grumble. Annie cleared her throat fighting a giggle. "What?" Kevin snapped. Looking over he realized that he had in fact drooled, if nothing but a small spot on her left shoulder. "Oh…" he said guiltily. "I guess I…I'm sorry," he whispered. She smiled when she saw him shrink back.

"It's okay. The boys haven't done this in a while. They feel they're too old for it now." He shook his head in disappointment.

"A man's never too old to cuddle," he said. "There's nothing much to do besides sleep while we wait anyway," he yawned. "It's like two in the morning. A time when all good little boys and girls should be all warm in their beds and sleeping," he added.

"If it weren't for that idiot—" Carlos growled.

"—we wouldn't be here!" Kevin bellowed. Annie gave Kevin a firm shove and sharp gaze before crossing her arms. "You know its true Mom." Annie sighed having no choice but to agree with them. Sure T-Bone was the reason they were again surrounded by doctors, but all that really mattered to her was the safety of her child. As long as Ruthie came out alright, they would deal with everything else.

"It may be true," she said, "but all that really matters, is that she's alive. We'll cross more serious bridges when we get to them." Both Carlos and Kevin sighed in frustration.

Ten minutes had gone by behind the swinging doors. Seeing as Aaron's willingness to move fell to zero, the wrapping of her fractured ribs became a little bit more of a chore than usual. Martin made sure that his hands were hovering over his small body to move him only slightly as the adhesive tape came around to settle above her injuries.

"Okay Aaron, we're going to have to get you to move just a little so we can wrap around one last time," Dr. Whitman told him quietly. Martin was quick to move him only a couple of inches away, watching him take hold of her finger with a concerned look on his tiny face. When the older man finally made his last loop around her, a silent nod indicated that Ruthie's latest attachment could be put back in place. When he was finally settled back in, his head found its place in the contours of Ruthie's decorated body. She smiled when she saw that for the first time in hours, she could hear the little boy breathing peacefully.

Having watched the entire event unfold, Matt carefully took the sleeping boy to him watching his little sister shrink back into the sheets. On her way down she eyed her brother warningly. His eyebrows raised in confusion as she watched with an instinctive gleam on her face.

"Matt," she whispered. "That's not such a—" Martin could only shake his head as he saw the familiar creases in his expressions as he weaved uncomfortably in his uncle's hold. Finally, when Matt was able to reach the swinging door out to the waiting room, Aaron made his request crystal clear.

"—good idea…" Martin finished. Shifting the baby gently, Matt took to speaking to him in hushed tones.

"Just a little while bud," he whispered. "They need some sleep too," he reassured. "Mom's not going anywhere, okay?" he said massaging his back calmly. With Matt's gentle coaxing, his despair was brought down to whimpers, his fixated eyes wide and pleading on the two faces he'd grown so familiar with. Minor shock went through the couple's faces as they took in the volume change. This was much farther than anyone outside of the two of them was able to go. Martin smiled encouragingly, watching as Aaron's head fitfully fell on Matt's shoulder. "We'll just see how this goes…" he whispered.

"Good luck," Martin whispered when he finally saw his son's eyes fall closed. He nodded swiftly leaving the room quietly. "Finally some peace and quiet," he smiled. Ruthie replied with a small smile, opening her eyes slowly to redirect her attention to Dr. Whitman.

"Such a sweet little boy," he smiled. Martin's eyes shined with pride while Ruthie's barely opened ones brightened.

"Thank you," they said together. The aged man chuckled at the synchronicity. A minute passed before his face went professional once again.

"Now Ms. Camden, to ensure sufficient healing of the ribs it's necessary that you let yourself cough frequently. It's obviously going to hurt but also clears up any build up in the lungs which would lead to infection. Take pain relievers as needed to minimize general pain. Your legs on the other hand will have to be splinted as we discussed earlier. Even though your legs will be immobilized, naturally it will be treated like a casting. This is because; we're eventually going to have to go that route. As you can imagine you'll be unable to make very much use of your legs for that month long period.

"Hey, that means I can practice carrying you over the threshold," Martin whispered. A light blush painted the Camden's cheeks as she elbowed her boyfriend next to her. He grimaced in feigned pain revealing the puppy dog eyes she'd grown used to seeing.

"Not here," she said through gritted teeth.

"It's not like he hasn't seen this before," Martin whispered. Ruthie rolled her eyes, watching as Dr. Whitman only laughed at the small exchange.

"Now, I know this isn't any of my business but aren't you two a little young to be…?" Martin sighed quickly growing tired of the retelling of his premature accomplishment.

"It's a long story sir," he finally said. The doctor nodded a shine of understanding crossing his face.

"I know…" he mumbled. Ruthie and Martin met his reply in a little surprise.

"You…?" Martin asked.

"Even though it falls back to the time of the Stone Age, I've been there myself," he admitted. "I'm not pleased with my misjudgment but the final product was nothing I'd ever regret. I would just think the Camden bloodlines were a prime example to community. I can see that one can't judge a book by its cover," he concluded.

"Oh no sir, he's not…" Ruthie started.

"Aaron was my misjudgment and mine alone," Martin confessed. "His mother was never present in his life. I'm sure you remember that they took me in years ago," he filled in.

"Ah yes, son of a man in uniform," he remembered. Ruthie saw Martin cringe and took his hand in comfort.

"Yes I am. Seeing that I'm raising my son alone, the Camden's graciously offered to be extra hands in raising him."

"It takes a village," he chuckled.

"That it does," Martin replied with a small laugh of his own. "Ruthie here has played the most significant role, outside of my own," he said with an appreciative smile.

"I've come to treating him as my own," she whispered.

"Well he's a very lucky boy," he smiled. "Your family is filled with very giving people Ruthie."

"Thank you sir," she smiled.

"You're more than welcome," he smiled, catching the double meaning in her thanks. "Now you best not let this one go young man," he warned. A deep rosy blush fell on both faces. Martin only nodded, gripping her hand tighter as he said this. No one needed to know that it had happened once before. A mistake he paid dearly for and held ultimate thanks for a second chance at happiness. "You two best get some rest tonight as well. You look like you'd be able to sleep for the next week." Martin and Ruthie both nodded as they watched him leave the room.

"I liked him," Ruthie mumbled.

"He's got more than his doctoring right," Martin pointed out.

"Explain…" she prompted already having a vague idea on where this was going.

"I'm never letting you slip away from me," he whispered. "Not again," he finished, kissing her temple.

"I don't think I'd be willing to let you," she said.

"Well then we're on the same team," he said smiling.

"Aren't we always?" she asked.

"With a few exceptions…" he smirked. Ruthie only rolled her eyes and allowed herself to be kissed slowly.

"I love you," she whispered.

"I love you too," he replied.

"How long before you can spring me from this place? I wanna go sleep in our bed," she whined shifting uneasily. Martin's eyes looked over in worry when he saw her grimace. "I'm fine Martin," she sighed.

"I'm going to go check with Whitman on releasing you from this place. The smells are making me sick," he said.

"Well hey, you're in the right place," she laughed.

"I don't know how they expect us to come in feeling like crap and then go out feeling all better when they have alcohols invading our senses," he mumbled.

"Go work your magic with the attendees so we can go home," she said with a gentle shove in the opposite direction.

"No see, I think you're going to need to use that smile again to twist the doctor's arm into letting you leave," he said.

"Well whichever one you find first, we'll work with it. Tell my brother I need my son," she said, her face falling into a gentle pout. "It's too quiet in here," she added.

"Don't you want to rest?" Martin asked.

"I'll rest easier with him here," she said. He only sighed heavily while grumbling inaudible phrases under his breath as he left. He returned only a minute later with a beaming Aaron laying his head on his father's shoulder.

"Ma-ma," he smiled. Ruthie smiled widely as Martin settled him next to her.

"If I didn't know any better, I'd say the both of you are suffering from AI," he said.

"I didn't freak out when Matt took him away Martin. That right there is a drastic difference between AI and simply missing him."

"Yeah okay, I see your point. You be good for Mommy big guy," he said with gentle demand dropping a light kiss on his temple. Aaron giggled as he snuggled into Ruthie, a wide smile playing on his face.

Even though he knew that in doing this justice would come closer to be served for his daughter, Eric couldn't help letting his blood boil, if only slightly. The young woman sitting in the passenger seat of his car was Ruthie's dearest friend. Not only was she his daughter's friend, but an individual that the family had grown to trust. He remembered that not too long ago he helped the young woman find a home, a family that was gracious enough to take in not just her but her younger siblings as well so they wouldn't have to be separated. You never truly know what someone is capable of he realized. His heart went out to Ruthie. How did she handle the news that one of her own had taken her from her home to face pain, torture and possible death?

When they finally reached the station he looked down to see Meredith wringing her hands nervously. With a heavy sigh he opened his door, slowly making his way out of the car. Slightly shaking Meredith followed suit.

"Are you ready?" Eric asked. Meredith looked up with wide eyes but nodded as she watched him open the door to the station. As she slowly followed Eric's every step, her heart rate picked up as they got closer to reaching their destination. When they finally reached Sgt. Michael's office door she could feel her heart beating in her ears. She could tell by her nerves that she was nowhere near ready for this. She wasn't prepared to admitting to assisting in a felony. She was too young to even have a family yet. What made it the right time to be considered a criminal? There is no age to criminal action she realized. She was old enough to know the difference between right and wrong. In doing so she understood the magnitude of her misconduct. That still doesn't mean I'm ready she shot back to the voice in her head. You were ready the minute you convicted the crime she thought. With a deep breath she entered the officer's office.

Feeling a presence Sgt. Michaels lifted his head, a wide smile on his face. Eric mirrored his almost immediately. "Hey Eric, I hope everything's okay. Did you have someone look over her injuries?"

"Yes. Several of us are in the ER waiting on a doctor's bill of health. Thank you so much for finding her Chris," he said shaking the man's hand.

"Finding Ruthie was more than a duty Eric. I'm sure I'm not the only one on the squad pleased to see she made it out okay. I just hope we find the one who did this to her." The reverend's face quickly grew serious. As he did, Eric stepped aside, revealing a meek Meredith who stood behind him.

"That would be me," she whispered. Her eyes shifted to Eric who nodded in encouragement.

"Meredith?" he asked surprised. "How in the world do you fit into all of this?" he wondered.

"I…I kind of…helped him…" she said slowly. The officer's eyes widened in shock took a minute to absorb the single phrase confession. Meredith could feel herself shrink back again as Sgt. Michaels looked her straight in the eye. "The reasons kind of all jumble into this big long story," she chuckled quietly. Just as quickly she realized that she was the only one doing so and instantly stopped. Why she decided to find humor in the situation was yet to be determined.

"I'm sorry Ms. Davis but what seems to be so funny?" Sgt. Michaels asked, his once smiling face turned stone serious. Meredith let her eyes shift before finally agreeing on the tile beneath her feet. By now Michaels was facing her, having walked around his desk.

"No-nothing officer," she whispered.

"I thought so," he said smoothly. "As you understand, given your willingness to turn yourself in I'm going to have to keep you overnight for questioning." Meredith only nodded, not completely prepared but understanding that wrongdoing must be paid for. "Meredith Davis you are under arrest. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to an attorney. If you cannot afford one, one will be provided for you. Do you fully understand these rights?" She could only nod her head silently as a chill ran through her. She never would have imagined she'd have the misfortune of feeling metal bracelets against her skin.

"Before you take her away Chris I believe she has another crucial piece of information," Eric said. Meredith took a low breath as she watched the sheet of paper switch hands.

"What the hell does this mean?" Sgt. Michaels asked gruffly.

"It's a secret code," she whispered.

"And what, may I ask, is in this "secret code"?"

"Where we kept her," she mumbled.

"We're going to need this deciphered before closing you up for the night," he said eyeing the sheet that to him only held a mesh of numbers and symbols. Meredith nodded realizing that her job wasn't finished quite yet. Maybe if she helped find T-Bone, God would find it in him to forgive her for such heavy misjudgment. You do the crime, you do the time she reminded herself. She allowed a tired sigh as she felt herself being pulled away from the main office. "I think it would be wise to notify your folks Meredith," he added. She again nodded, hearing the drag of her feet against the concrete floors. The texture of the ground she walked on made her shiver. She didn't deserve this. How could I have been so stupid?

Simon felt himself slump back into the comfy couch cushion, exhausted. In barely being able to keep his eyes open, he noticed that lack of sleep was finally catching up with him. He'd never welcomed the comfort of a bed more openly than he did now. He now understood what parenting stress entailed. And I'm only a couple of days in he laughed. He'd never laugh at his sister's disheveled appearance again. Not after taking note of where it came from. Simon smiled when he realized that Ruthie or Martin had yet to openly complain of their sleeping schedules. So much like Mom he thought as he recalled the night the twins came home from the hospital. As he let his eyes fall closed (if just for a few seconds) the squeak of an underdeveloped cry was heard from the monitor that sat beside him.

"So much for resting," he mumbled. As fast as his tired legs would carry him, he found himself headed once again to the nursery. As he flipped on the light he heard a shrill protest. When his eyes finally adjusted to the blinding light he found Savannah sitting cross-legged about a foot from the basinet, her small hands covering her eyes that were only seconds ago, violated by the bright light of the room. "Hey munchkin," he greeted in a whisper as he took Luke to him. "What are you doing up?" he asked. Huge doe eyes met his quickly but then once again met the floor as if feeling caught in the act.

"I know I is not 'upposed to be awake," she whispered. Simon smiled coming down to her level.

"You're right. I don't think Mommy would be too happy if she found you here," he said.

"She be asweep wif the babies," she smiled. He took a second to take in the silence that surrounded them. He'd barely noticed how quiet it had gotten.

"So what are you doing all the way over here Ms. Savannah?" he asked taking the three of them to the rocking chair in the corner.

"Watchin' the baby," she said. "I don't want him to be scared ob the dawk," she whispered. "I came ober to pwotect him fwom the monstos," she said proudly.

"There are no monsters in here silly girl. They're all in your daddy's room."

"Oh," she said. With that reassurance she let her head fall back on Simon's shoulder letting the curtain of eyelashes come over her. "Uncle Simon, I can't sweep," she admitted.

"Why not?" he asked.

"Bad dweam," she whimpered. Seeing the start of a stream of tears Simon brushed her cheek with the pad of his thumb. Savannah let her arms encircle his neck as she dug her face in to find darkness.

"Shh pretty girl. What was the dream about?" he asked softly. She shook her head in refusal. "Come on. You can tell me," he coaxed. Still there came no verbal description. "Don't feel like talking about it?" The little girl nodded with a quiet sniffle. "We'll just chill out here for a few minutes then, okay?" She nodded, bringing herself to face him. Realization finally came over him and he smiled. "Did your dream have monsters in it Savvy?" he asked calmly. Her small eyes widened in surprise. She nodded, a pout building on her lip.

"Yeah…"

"They scared you, didn't they?" The three year old once again nodded.

"They said they was gonna eat me," she whispered. "I didn't want the baby to be eated too…" she added.

"That was very nice of you sweetie. Luke here isn't going to be eaten by monsters."

"He not?"

"Nope, he's just hungry," he said taking a premade bottle from the bottle warmer. Carefully he placed in Luke's tiny mouth, waiting for him to latch on.

"Are the monstos hungwy?" she asked fearfully.

"Only for socks. He thinks little boys and girls are yucky to eat," he said. He chuckled when he saw her visibly relax.

"That good. I don't wanna be eated," she said. She smiled as she rested her head on Simon's shoulder once again. Too fascinated with the tiny human, she watched intently as he ate. When he'd finally grown tired, leaving a half empty bottle, his small eyes closed and even breathing resumed.

"Now if you'll excuse me, I have to get your little cousin to bed," he said gently settling her down at his feet. After lightly placing him back in the basinet he turned to face Savannah once again. "Your turn!" he said excitedly. Smiling widely, he swooped her up making her giggle. "Shh," he said making the silencing motion with his finger. "We don't want Mommy to hear us, right?" Savannah giggled, shaking her head wildly. As he came upon his room he opened the door quietly. Slowly he pushed back the covers watching her wiggle her small body deep inside.

"Uncle Simon, why am I in your bed?"

"Mommy's asleep downstairs. Remember that big sleepover we had yesterday?" Savannah nodded. "Your parents are set up down there. Now I don't know about you, but I don't want to be yelled at for being awake when I'm not supposed to. If Mommy finds you she'll be mad. And when Mommy's mad I get in trouble. Can we keep this between us?" Savannah took to extending her pinky which Simon overlapped. As the mound of blankets met with her chin she sighed letting her eyes close.

"Good night Uncle Simon," she mumbled.

"Night munchkin," he whispered to an already asleep Savvy as he tucked in the blankets around her, dropping a light kiss on her forehead. Carefully, he tiptoed out of the room, gently closing the door behind him. Waiting a few seconds, he went back into the nursery for one last check before going back downstairs.

After an estimated ten minutes Martin was still out in search of a doctor. How hard is it to get a doctor around here? Ruthie thought impatiently. This is a freaking hospital! Sighing in frustration she finally agreed to let her eyes close. A light pull of her hair brought her eyes back open. Out of the corner of her right eye she saw Aaron start a gentle tug on a ringlet of her hair.

"Can you rest with me for a little while?" she asked quietly. Carefully threading her fingers through his hair, she let his head fall safely into her. The heat of her body, along with a long strenuous day was finally getting the best of his small body. Taking a finger on her free hand Aaron was finally able to let his eyes close. "There," she whispered. "Relax for me please sweetheart." Even though English was lost on him, her tone said enough. "I love you," she whispered before letting sleep take her.

What could only be minutes later, she woke to a presence in the room. A wide smile graced her face when she saw that Martin was sitting by her bed. He's here, just like he promised she thought. Slowly, she tried a hand at moving into sitting position. After a couple of minutes of watching her struggle, he came up next to her taking her arm in his and got her into an upright position. The shift woke a not so happy little boy from peaceful sleep. A silent whimper bubbled to his lips, his face creasing in distress. Seeing this, Ruthie tenderly placed the back of her hand along his flushed cheeks.

"Shh baby, it's just Daddy," she whispered. Being sure not to make any sudden movements Martin flipped on the bedside lamp, illuminating his face for Aaron to see. With better light he smiled when he was finally able to recognize his father. Extending his arms Aaron looked to Martin, scooting himself closer to the edge of the bed. Seeing as the rails weren't raised, the two shared a momentary fear that he might eventually fall off. Martin was fast to provide a solid blockade between his anxious son and a fall that was much too far (and painful) for his liking. "Careful there buddy. Daddy can't handle two injured people at once," he said bringing him to his shoulder. When Ruthie's anxious heart slowed she smiled. Despite the fact that it was just between the two of them she was glad he was making small strides in the separation.

Laying his head in the crook of his shoulder, small hands grazed the back of Martin's neck. Having him this close was like nothing he'd ever experienced. It had happened before but until now he didn't let himself feel it. Unlike most men he realized, Martin took the time to take in Aaron's scent of innocence. If only they could be like this forever he thought. He knew the boys would never let him live it down if they'd ever see him like this. Truth be told, at a time like this it didn't matter. He'd bask in the connection for as long as his little boy allowed. He finally realized what Ruthie meant a few days back. The rarity had to be soaked up while it lasted. And like always, she was right in the fact that he valued it so much more than he ever thought.

As Ruthie watched she felt silent tears pool in her eyes. There was something about watching a man (her man) with a baby that touched her in places that nothing else could. She smiled wider when she admitted to herself that it made her want him just a little bit more. She shook her head quickly when fantasies began painting themselves in her head. Goes to show how impatient I'm starting to get she thought. He's just so…so…"yummy," she confessed.

"What was that?" Martin chuckled. The young Camden found her cheeks catch fire when she finally took in the smirk on his face. Did I just say that out loud? Taking in her guilty expression Martin only kissed her deeply. "Yes honey, you said it out loud. Not that I'm complaining. It's nice to know I'm still attractive to you. You've also been known to say it in your sleep…"

"Somebody, shoot me," Ruthie whined. Martin's face clouded for only a second before returning to its teasing appearance. Letting a smirk spread across his face he gently moved the hair that covered her rosy cheeks.

"Now why would I do that?" he asked. Ruthie rolled her eyes at him and threw her head back.

"Things like that are supposed to be known only by me, myself, and I. You weren't supposed to hear that!"

"Oh but I did," he confirmed. "It's nothing to be embarrassed about Roo. It's just you and me in here. Ruthie was quick to point to the little person who was grabbing at Martin's hair. "Oh and him. Ruthie sweetie it's okay. He doesn't understand us quite yet. And if he did it's just family. There are no secrets between family."

"The extensions would have a party if they heard me just now," she pointed out.

"That's true," Martin laughed. "I won't tell if you don't," he promised.

"Good. When do I get to go home?" she asked. Seeing the small available space, he took to sitting next to her. Aaron made no motion of leaving but turned to face her and took her finger with a smile. "Well, don't you look comfy?" she crooned running her fingers through his hair tenderly. "That's okay. He still likes me better," she teased.

"No he doesn't," Martin countered.

"Yes he does," she shot back. "Haven't you learned not to argue with me Brewer? That somewhere deep down I'm always just a tiny bit right?" He held an argument that floated to the tip of his tongue. Now was not the time to bring up that subject. The family as a whole was a lot better off without the mention of the Camden circus' latest traumatic experience. "Were you not taught that a woman's always right? And with that a man's greatest lesson is to just suck it up and agree?" Martin sighed bringing up his feet as he held her close.

"You do have a point," he agreed. Ruthie grinned at her tiny (and somewhat pointless) victory. "You never know though. Overtime this could come out a tie…" he trailed bringing up one last argument.

"You'll see what I mean if I'm kind enough to give you a girl. Mark my words. The minute she's born she's going to have you tied around her little tiny finger faster than you're able to blink," Ruthie said.

"How do you know this?" Ruthie rolled her eyes and shoved him.

"Martin honey. What am I?"

"Beautiful, smart, kind, loving…"

"Okay besides all of those."

"The woman I love," he tried again.

"Back up. Repeat your second word again."

"A woman…" he said. It came out more like a question than originally intended.

"Bingo—"

"—was his name-o," he completed. Ruthie sighed heavily but giggled at the grown man's antics.

"Kevin is rubbing off on you," she said.

"Nooo," he cried desperately.

"That's okay. I still love you," she promised. "Now," she continued. "What are the first stages of being a woman?"

"Being a girl…" he answered. They both knew he knew what she meant but the game continued anyway.

"Yes! So what does that mean?"

"That you were a girl before becoming a beautiful lady?"

"Again. What does that mean?"

"Little girls have their Daddy's wrapped around their fingers?"

"Yes. So knowing this. What can you conclude?"

"That growing up you had Eric wrapped around your finger?"

"Which also means that I have first hand experience in this situation. This also means that I'm right again. So as the score stands: Ruthie 2 Martin: zip. What further information can you pull from this research?"

"That, girls are almost always right?"

"I knew you were smart," she smiled.

"I still say we tie," he said not fully willing to lose in their unofficial bet.

"We'll see how it goes." She agreed. "For now I just want you to hold me."

"I think that can be arranged," he said allowing her head to drop on his shoulder. "Tell me if anything hurts." Her silent sigh of happiness was enough to give him the answer he needed.

"You still haven't answered my question," she said.

"Oh you mean the one about freeing you from this jailhouse?"

"Yes that one. I'd much rather be shackled at home," she smirked. Martin's eyes widened at her little jab. He shuffled uncomfortably for a second before settling back down. Seeing his small rearrange Ruthie grinned as she added another point to the score board.

"He says you can go home at any time. Your release papers have been signed and you're free to go," he said. Ruthie's eyes glared in his direction.

"You've been keeping me in here while all along you knew I was free of this place? I can't believe you!"

"There are conditions Ruth," he said bringing a tone of seriousness to his voice. "The minute you feel too much pain or something doesn't feel right you have to come back in."

"Well that much is obvious," she grumbled. "Now give me my boy and pack," she demanded.

"Since when did I become your servant?"

"The minute you agreed to be mine until you're old and gray and can't even remember your own name or your heart stops working," she pointed out. "That's when I got someone to wait on me hand and foot. And hey, he's free!"

"Something tells me I didn't read the fine print," he mumbled.

"You know, I could always have someone else do it…" she offered.

"Who else would be able to put up with your ridiculous demands?" he asked.

"Oh I could name a couple…"

"You wouldn't dare," he said.

"Oh I could. But I won't. You wanna know why? I don't love them," she whispered.

"Well I hope not," he smiled.

"You're the only one who's been able to put up with all of us for this long too. Everyone else cracked under the insanity."

"I feel so special," he smiled.

"You should. Of all of my ridiculous boyfriends—"

"I'm ridiculous?" he asked.

"—they liked you the most."

"We never actually…dated…" he pointed out. Even though I practically dated you in my head on a daily basis he thought.

"We might as well have been. In a way, I think you did better not having to prove yourself. You were just you. Raw and unpracticed. You went on instinct rather than obligation. You showed your worth without even realizing it. I wasn't the only one who saw it. Winning a Camden's approval isn't easy in the dating field. We have very high standards. You became a part of us, elected into the family, not just because you looked out for me, but because the family as a whole accepted you as just you and not the other half of a sibling or daughter." Small hands came up in attempt to collect the tears she didn't even know were falling.

"Ma-ma 'ove Da." She saw Martin freeze as a mound of clothes fell into the open bag. He spun a 180 and ran over beaming as the words left his tiny lips.

"Yes she does sweetheart. Mama loves Daddy very much," she smiled kissing his forehead proudly.

"He…he said it," Martin whispered.

"I told you he would," she grinned.

"I love you so much," he whispered to the little boy who only looked up in confusion. He had no idea what the big party was about but he liked it.

"Ma-ma 'ove Da," he repeated. Martin's smile split wider as he hugged his son proudly.

"Yes she does son, very much, he said softly, eyeing the brunette as he kissed a laughing little boy. "Daddy loves her too, so much." A gentle shuffle alerted them to another presence in the room.

"Are we ready to go?" Matt asked as he wheeled in a chair. This only made Ruthie sigh. Seeing his sister's response to the item he added, "It's hospital policy Ruthie."

"Yeah, yeah I know," she grumbled.

"I thought I told you, you could start packing," Matt said as he took in the small amount of clothes still scattered.

"We kind of got distracted." Matt rolled his eyes. "Not that kind of distracted! We've had a vocabulary expansion," Ruthie said while she smiled as Aaron took to playing with her hair. He just nodded backing out of the room.

"You have ten minutes. Kevin and Carlos are playing racecars with the beds. I'm getting weird looks from co-workers and I'd really like to keep the job I just got." Ruthie sighed sounding disappointed. Martin looked over at her in worry. When he saw her begin to sit up he was fast to come up behind her for support. Matt quickly wheeled the chair to the side of the bed as a crash resonated down the hall. They all shared a quick eye shift before Matt made a jog for the door. "Please God. Don't let me go out there to find someone or something broken," he sighed.

"I win!" Carlos bellowed as the door opened and closed with Matt's exit.

"I'm really starting to regret wanting to go home now," Ruthie mumbled. "I think I prefer the peace of this room to the house at this point." Martin nodded in agreement. He couldn't wait to tell the family of the new set of temporary rules put in place. One of the most important guidelines was keeping some kind of peace and quiet. Something he knew the family struggled with almost daily. More so those two than anyone else.

"These new rules are going to be a slap in the face for Dumb and Dumber," Martin said. Ruthie agreed with a silent nod as Martin helped her gently into the chair. In the silence of the room (something they both knew wouldn't last much longer) soft even breathing was heard. Martin and Ruthie both shared a smile of triumph before leaving the room. The minute the door swung open again the quiet was shattered by Kevin and Carlos' childish squeals of happiness. Ruthie debated announcing her presence but soon realized she wouldn't be able to make herself heard over the noise without waking Aaron who had finally found some kind of sleep. So instead, they elected to wait out the chaos, Ruthie quietly covering his tiny ears to keep him in his slumber.

All Martin could really do was stand there as he watched the two go on like the fools they were. After watching them race their fifth (or was it sixth? He'd really lost count by now) time, he found himself humming the Jeopardy theme song under his breath. Ruthie giggled a couple of inches below him and wound his arms around her neck.

"Boys this really isn't safe!" Annie said finally voicing her opinion. The two froze mid race and looked up at her.

"Aw Mom what's a little risk taking?" Kevin whined.

"Do you want to wind up like me?" Ruthie asked. Both heads shot in her direction, wide smiles on both faces. The group found themselves circling around her, hugs going in every direction. In haste she made sure that Aaron stayed protected in the craziness. After a couple of minutes of happy celebration and complaints from Kevin about lack of sleep she directed their attention to the sleeping member. After seeing this they were quick to start speaking in hushed tones, Annie anxious to get her daughter home and away from a place they found themselves visiting much too frequently as of late.

When the exhausted group finally reached home all was expectantly quiet. Martin carried Ruthie inside being extra careful about every step. Kevin followed closely behind with Aaron. Carlos just stumbled in groaning as he did. Annie simply slipped away, shuffling up the stairs.

"Can the two of you move any slower?" Kevin mumbled. Martin turned and glared for just a few seconds before continuing up the stairs. "You Martin are slower than a freaking snail," he accused.

"Hey that reminds me," Carlos said, his tired face perking momentarily. "Tomorrow—"

"Don't you mean today?" Kevin corrected. He nodded enthusiastically and continued.

"—there's an all day documentary on snails!" he finished clapping his hands excitedly.

"Argh. You woke me up from half-sleep for that?" Kevin growled. Martin rolled his eyes when he finally reached the top of the staircase.

"Kevin the faster you move up here with the baby, the sooner you can go back to bed," he said. Suddenly he was fully awake. He found himself jogging up the stairs as fast as his tired legs could carry him. None of them having the strength to find a light switch allowed for haphazard stepping in the dark. When they all finally reached the bedroom the blinding overhead light startled them all. Kevin even had to hold a few choice words to himself while he blinked incessantly, trying to adjust.

"Just set him over there," Ruthie said as Martin settled her down gently, bringing the covers up to her chin. Kevin nodded bringing the sleeping boy into the mound of pillows that lay in the center. The three chuckled when they saw his head fall quickly to the side, finding a place in one of the corners. They both marveled at how quiet he had been since the doctor visit.

"Ma-ma," he whimpered. Ruthie let out a silent breath realizing that she'd spoken too soon on the subject. Knowing that she didn't have very much turning radius she took the pillows from around him giving Aaron a clear path to the space next to her. Despite his sleepy appearance he moved himself closer to her, finally settling his head on her arm. Knowing that this position wouldn't last much longer she eyed Martin who moved him into a much comfier situation.

"Shh big guy I've got you," she whispered threading her fingers through his hair. He sighed allowing his hand to wrap around her finger. Even though it happened every night Ruthie smiled hoping that this little habit wouldn't die off too quickly. She secretly liked having something that was just theirs to enjoy.

"Ma-ma," he said quietly. Ruthie looked down at him and smiled. "Ma-ma 'ove." Even with the phrase said backwards her face split into a wide grin.

"I love you too sweetheart," she returned kissing his temple. Martin came to join them soon after but not before tripping over something he could have sworn wasn't there when they came in. Finally seeing what he had just stepped on, (It might have helped that the object emitted a grunt) he realized that it was an unconscious Kevin who somehow found a bed in the rug on the floor.

"Kevin," he said, gently shaking him. After a couple of minutes of the repeated gesture he was finally brought into consciousness.

"Huh?" he groaned. Ruthie and Martin could only laugh at the startled look on his face.

"Your bed's downstairs, dude. As much as we love you, we weren't exactly looking for a roommate. I'm sure the girls are missing their bodyguard," Martin said.

"But it's so comfy," he whined nuzzling his sleepy head further into the softness.

"Kevin—"

"—downstairs"

"—now" Ruthie finished.

"Do you two really have to do the twin thing now?" he asked. They both laughed. In truth it wasn't like they controlled when it did or didn't happen. It just happened. Once it started they had to finish it. As much as it annoyed the rest of them, Ruthie and Martin found it quite enjoyable. Not only did they have a secret weapon to irritate people with. It was also another thread to their strong bond that they were sure not many others had. Martin and Kevin both looked up just in time to see Ruthie mouthing the words I need you. That alone had Kevin racing out the door. "Well gee, if you wanted me out so you two could do the nasty all you had to do was say so!" he said in a desperate attempt to leave the room. He hoped to do it before unwanted images started floating around in his head.

Once he'd left the couple shared a quiet victory. They both knew that they weren't actually going to go through with the mentioned plans. As they had most recently learned though, it was a quick way to get the room evacuated. Crawling into his space in the bed they shared, Martin wound his arms around them.

"I love how that always works," she said. Somehow, in putting up the act, she found herself wanting the little white lie to ring true. She knew however, that it would be a long time before she got it. Not that she wasn't ready. She'd learned early on that as long as it was with the right guy she could do it with no regrets to what she stood for. Martin could easily read the expression on her face and kissed her tenderly.

"Soon," he promised. She nodded not fully knowing when soon would be. For now though, she found happiness in what she had. Right here, right now, is what truly mattered. Safe at home with her boys. That's where she belonged and that's exactly where she was. And she found that as long as she had this, everything else would fall into place.

"I love you," she whispered.

"I love you too Ruth," he replied massaging Aaron's back rhythmically as he planted a gentle kiss on his head soon after. Soon he repeated to himself. He did this not only as a promise but as a reminder to eventually talk to her about it. He knew they both wanted it. But he also knew that he couldn't just come out and say it. Big decisions were discussed. Martin wanted to make sure that she was ready to take the step. He also had to give himself time to come to terms with everything it entailed. Would he be ready to help her take that step? Would he forgive himself for the mixed emotions of the aftermath? For now he'd sleep on it. The complex topic would be further discussed when he was actually able to think straight.

What could have only been hours later the house was woken by the droning voice of Documentary narration. Leaving a sleeping Aaron in the safety of surrounding pillows Martin and Ruthie made there way downstairs to see what in the world was so fascinating. She groaned while he rolled his eyes as they took in the sight of Carlos putting himself practically inside of the TV.

"You do know you're going to strain your eyes like that right?" Martin said. He looked up at them for only a second before returning to his new best friend. "Why do I even bother?" he mumbled as he took the last of the steps to the living room. "Are you really sure you want to hang out on the couch while I get us breakfast?" he yawned. Ruthie sighed and shook her head.

"No I've changed my mind. I have a feeling there's life in there. It's so quiet it feels like the cemetery."

"No honey I think you mean the narrator's voice could put you there," he corrected. "If I wasn't so hungry I'd be going right back upstairs to enjoy the view of the inside of my eye lids right now," he said adding another yawn.

"Hey, where's your sidekick?" Ruthie asked having yet to see or hear Kevin make his appearance. The sizzling of the pan along with his signature step (or stomp) was enough to tell them that he was behind the swinging door.

"Please, tell me he's not behind the stove," Martin mumbled.

"Let's go check. If there's any sign of fire I want to have some kind of head start," Ruthie said. With a mix of hunger and curiosity he picked up his stride.

"Hey this stuff is actually really good," Kevin said around a mouth full of food.

"I think we found him," she laughed. As they stepped in Ruthie smiled when she found easy access to the back of his head and smacked it soundly.

"Ow!" he bellowed. She only brushed her hands together with a smirk.

"Haven't learned anything?" she asked shaking her head. Kevin spun around quickly but not before jumping about two feet in the air. The look of surprise on his face sent the room into laughter.

"Hey! Where did you come from?"

"The dead," she said.

"Literally," Martin mumbled. "Mr. Sombrero's out there has himself glued to the box and has yet to move. I really don't know what's so intriguing about snails at all."

"It's on?" Kevin asked in a rush. Ruthie nodded just barely missing an arm that swung past her. "No one ever tells me anything in this house, I swear!"

"What's that tell you Kevin?" Lucy said angrily.

"That no one cares about me…" he said slowly.

"Please tell me he's kidding," Sarah said softly.

"You know what, he'll figure it out," Mary said taking another stack of egg and sausage.

"For the sake of his dwindling brain cells I hope you're right," Lucy said. "Here Ruth, take my seat," she offered. While Martin carefully set her down with a pillow she'd brought down Lucy dragged out a second chair so she could extend her legs. She smiled in thanks to her older sister and sighed in exhaustion.

"Did you two finally get some sleep?" Mary asked.

"By some miracle we all got a few decent hours last night," Martin said from the other side of the kitchen as he collected a plate for two. "Any specific requests Ruth?" he asked.

"Heavy on the sausage please," she said. He nodded stacking on three more before making his way back over. Setting the plate down, he was gentle as he lifted her legs. Pain shot through her for only a second but Martin was quick to come to her aid.

"Did I hurt you?" he asked. She shook her head giving him permission to continue. With an even slower tenderness he brought her legs up only far enough for him to slide in on one of the chairs. As he let them come back down Martin massaged them with the pad of his thumb. "I'm sorry."

"It's okay. I just can't do sudden movements like that," she said bringing a piece of pancake to her mouth. "Someone should probably—" Before she could even finish her sentence a quiet whimper came through the kitchen monitor.

"How do you do that?" Martin asked.

"Instinct," the four sisters replied. He said nothing while he put a piece of sausage in his mouth. The room chuckled when they heard Matt's less than awake reply.

"Shh I hear you. Just give Uncle Matt a second to wake up before we head down so we don't end up falling like Mommy did," he said gruffly.

"I could smack him really hard right about now," Sarah groaned.

"No, no let him be. He's the good husband," Mary said in defending her older brother. As the two got closer the whimper was quickly growing to a decent cry.

"Bottles are on the top shelf of the fridge," Martin directed as a disheveled Matt made it through the door.

"Do you not see that I just opened my eyes," he groaned. "My brain's not even turned on yet."

"Well hurry up and find the switch because you've got the hungry baby," Ruthie said.

"Why am I the one who has to do it?"

"You're standing," Martin said.

"And we're eating," Ruthie finished.

"You do the math," they added together. Matt only sighed as he double teamed his and Aaron's breakfast all while trying to stay conscious. Being a doctor this shouldn't have been so difficult. Today though, even he couldn't multi task. Seeing his struggle Lucy groaned.

"Here, I'll take him," she volunteered. Fearing for the poor boy's safety she was the one to close the gap between them, taking on the baby and bottle before she settled back at the table. A muffled cry of difficulty escaped his lips when his eyes landed on Martin. He gave a silent smile of encouragement and ruffle of his hair before going back to his food.

"Da!" he grunted. The smile on his face widened when he heard his name. The entire table broke out into wide grin hearing the little boy's newest word. They both saw Lucy hug him tightly before going off on some tangent that only Lucy herself could.

"A few minutes little man. Sit with Auntie for a minute and finish eating, okay?" Seeing Martin's hand come within reaching distance he shifted himself to be transferred. "Not quite yet. Breakfast first," he said. Aaron's tiny face twisted as tears pooled in his eyes. Martin sighed, gently lifting Ruthie's legs from his lap. "You were fine last night. What changed?" he asked knowing he wouldn't get a verbal reply to the situation while he held him close. With a saddened look across her own features, Lucy handed him the barely touched bottle.

As if the fuss never existed, the minute Martin took him he smiled laying his head against him. He let out a heavy breath, quickly realizing that it would be a long while before things were back to normal. He took in the sight of Lucy's glistening eyes and groaned when he saw them begin to spill over.

"Kevin!" Mary called. "Get in here. You're wife's having a breakdown." Within two minutes Kevin was at her side. Sarah was somewhat surprised by his speedy arrival but quickly noticed that it wasn't too hard to be overheard.

"What happened? Did one of you say something?" he asked tossing accusing looks around the room. Mary resisted the urge to smack her palm to her forehead before joining the others in shaking their heads.

"Aaron's just being selective this morning," Ruthie supplied. Lucy brushed her fingers along her eyes to stop the moisture as it fell.

"He…he didn't even want me to hold him," she whispered. "What if…what if they don't like me…?" she asked meekly. He was about to ask who she was talking about but looking at the current situation and who it involved he came to his own conclusion.

"Don't be silly honey. They're going to love you," he whispered. "You're they're mother. They have to love you."

"Kevin…."

"What do you mean they have to? Is it some sort of mother/child obligation?" she bellowed. "Are you saying they're going to feel forced to love me. Just because of the fact that I gave birth to them?" she cried. Panic shielded his face the minute the sentence left his mouth. How could I be so stupid?

"No, of course not! I didn't mean it like that," he recovered. Or so he thought.

"That's what you said!" she shot back.

"Yes Luce but you of all people should know that what I say and what I mean are more often than not, two completely different things!"

"I'm going to be a horrible mother. My kids are going to hate me," she wept. Not knowing what else to do he wrapped his arms around her. After a couple of seconds of having her in a comforting embrace she angrily shoved out of his hold on her. Kevin's pained expression was clear to everyone around them.

"Don't touch me! It's because of you that I'm in this situation to begin with! You got me pregnant with kids that will probably hate me for their entire lives!"

"They won't hate you Lucy. They're going to love you," he repeated gently. "They're gonna love their mama just as much as I do. Just as much, if not more than any of us. We all love you sweetheart and they will too. They're going to grow to love you for exactly who you are. You wanna know why? Because, you're their mother and no one can do that job better than you can."

"I mean we could all try but we all know we'd fail miserably," Martin added.

"You're going to have the most special place in their lives for simply being you. They're not going to judge you on whether you do right or wrong by them. All you can do and have done for your children is the very best that you're capable of. That's all a kid's going to look for. Parents who are able to do the best they can with what they have and unconditional love."

"This family's got a ton of it," Mary said. "Remember Luce, you're not in this alone. Sure twins are twice as challenging but think of it this way. We're all floatin' the same boat."

"Well not all of us…" Ruthie snuck in.

"Eventually you will. If the three of us can do it, you will too down the line," Sarah said.

"Oh joy," Ruthie said rolling her eyes.

"I can't wait," Martin added.

"You at least get practice," Sarah pointed out.

"So do you. We've got kids a plenty between all of us. Pick a kid, any kid and they'll give you a preview of the joy known as parenthood that you'll soon be facing!" Kevin said. Martin and Ruthie could only shake their heads.

"You sound like an auctioneer," Lucy laughed as she wiped her eyes. Her husband only smiled glad that he could prove once again that humor solves everything. Okay so it didn't solve world hunger but a pregnant wife was a great warm up act. It would just take him a while to rid the world of starving children. I could always work with the idea of world peace he thought. He cringed as flashbacks from early childhood history classes came across his mind. No, that'd be too risky he realized. Just because he was allowed to use a gun didn't mean he promoted violence. He mentally erased that of his life long to-do list.

"Hey maybe that could be my new thing!" he said excitedly. The family could only sigh and mumble a reply.

"How about no?" Ruthie suggested looking over at Aaron who (not surprisingly) had fallen asleep on his father's shoulder. In only having to watch him she felt herself yawn suddenly wanting nothing more than to follow his example.

"Getting tired?" Martin asked rubbing her thigh. She nodded running her hands along her tired eyes. "Let me go put him down real fast. I'll come right back to get you," he said kissing her forehead gently. Before he could leave she caught his arm. "Did you want something?" he asked.

"Just leave him out on the couch," she suggested. For a minute he debated the choice before he nodded in agreement. "We'll start the routine tonight. It's only going to get worse if we leave him up there by himself cold turkey."

"Honey you have to pull away slowly," he whispered. She let out a heavy breath knowing that again he was right. Secretly though, she really didn't think she was ready just yet. If the separation involved pulling him from the room she promised herself that she'd be the one to put her foot down. Pulling away was one thing; a completely different room sang a foreign tune she wasn't willing to hear.

"I know," she sighed. "Not yet," she found herself almost begging. Martin laughed at her helpless expression. "We don't have to do everything he suggested. They were after all just suggestions. Maybe we could downsize to the adjustments that work for us."

"I don't like it either Roo," he admitted. "We'll see how it goes, okay?" Ruthie smiled knowing that somewhere in that possibility laid a hidden win. Watching him leave into the next room, she rested her head on the back of the chair. She could hear her sisters chuckling and turned to glare at them.

"What?" she asked angrily. The three of them eyed her in momentary surprise.

"Nothing," Mary said quickly turning to a straight face. "We just love watching you weasel into getting your way with him," she smiled. "You Ruthie Camden have your man wrapped tightly around your little finger," she added.

"It's all in the expressions and tone of voice. I've had a lot of practice," she giggled.

"No Ruth. You had him reeled in, hook, line, and sinker within the first month. Since then he's bent over backwards just to see you smile," Lucy pointed out. Ruthie blushed, feeling slightly embarrassed now. "No need to be embarrassed. It's just cute to watch the two of you," she said.

"I…I…I never really noticed," she whispered. Mary smacked her forehead.

"Love really is blind," she mumbled.

"No Mare. I believe you mean that the people in it were. It's been written all over your faces for years!" Lucy said. "Finally you take off the blindfolds," she clapped. Ruthie sighed, tears forming in her eyes. Sarah placed a comforting hand on her shoulder.

"Ruthie honey, what's wrong?" she whispered. She raised her head and sniffled.

"How could I have been so stupid?" she bellowed. Sarah jumped back a little at her sudden outburst.

"You weren't stupid sweetie. You were hurt," Mary reassured. Ruthie growled lifting her shirt enough so only a fraction of her lower back was exposed. In the jerk of sudden movement she whimpered loudly. The three circled around her protectively, Mary tenderly re-covering the tattoo.

"You're saying that this isn't stupid! I've got a permanent reminder of how much I hurt him right there! I can't erase that, ever! I betrayed him and this is the price I pay. A heavy heart, guilt, regret all balled into one big screw up! How the hell can he still love me after everything I've put him through? How can anyone love me after I did something so moronic?"

"Don't forget sweetheart, that he hurt you first. All you wanted was a way to move past the bruising. It was a big misjudgment but you can't change what's happened. You can only move forward. Everything that's ever happened to you has made you stronger."

"Me, stronger? Are you joking Sarah? This idiocy was a sign of weakness. Instead of waiting for him like my gut begged me to do, I fell into a trap that was ten times worse than the one he'd put me in. Aaron was a mistake, sure but he's the most beautiful mistake to ever grace this family. He's given me a new sense of purpose, a belief that I'm able to do what I've always wanted. All I've ever wanted was to be a good mother. Not just any mother but a mother to his children. I've wanted to prove to him that I deserved this more than she did. And I think I have. Scratch that. I know I have.

Instead of relishing her blessing she just threw the poor thing away. What kind of mother would do that? After everything he's sacrificed for her she just turns the other cheek. She leaves him to continue his sacrifices so the poor boy has some kind of stability!"

"She's a bitch Roo, plain and simple," Mary said with blazing eyes. "I mean I'm not one to talk considering what I've done but…"

"You realized the error in your ways and came back to him," Ruthie pointed out. "He's given me so much after giving up so much of what he wanted. And how do I repay him? I get myself inked with the bastard's name in big bold lettering. I can't even imagine how much he hates me every time he sees it. I can just imagine it. 'Oh this is great. My girl's got her ex's name right there for me to see.' It's like I'm throwing it in his face!"

"I'll take you to get it removed the next minute you're able to move easier," he whispered. At the sound of his voice Ruthie fell apart anew. Taking in her shaking body Martin came up behind her holding her protectively. "Shh baby its okay," he said softly.

"No it's not okay!" she cried. "I betrayed you. I…I..." He kissed her lips desperately which affectively shut her up. In her self-directed anger she fed at him hungrily begging, pleading that he never let her go. After five minutes of their self-inflicted civil war both came up for a breath. "Please Martin. Please don't leave me. I love you. I couldn't handle it if you…"

"Why in the world would I ever leave you?" Ruthie glared at him through mounted tears.

"Did you not hear a word I just said?"

"I heard every word. And not one of them has changed my mind about you. I love you Ruthie. That means making sacrifices for the ones you love. Not just sacrifices but acceptance in knowing that they've done wrong. We've both seen it, lived it, face it. I love every single thing about you Ruthie. Your brutal honesty, you're willingness to accept me no matter what I've done. Your mistakes in comparison to mine mean nothing."

"I just want him gone…"

"He is hon. We're going to make sure of that."

"Where is everyone," she asked as she pulled away. He smiled getting up from his crouched position."

"We traded when you started really freaking out."

"You left them out there with the snails?"

"It was either that or be influenced by you to have their own breakdowns."

"They're probably all asleep," she laughed. Martin laughed along with her lifting her gently. As he swung through the connecting door he nodded when he saw that everyone accept for Carlos was sleeping peacefully. Using silent communication they both padded over to Kevin whose head lay slung over the arm of the couch.

"I thought you were watching TV," Ruthie whispered. They both smiled in satisfaction when they saw him startle into consciousness.

"I am!"

"Shh!" she snapped. "Everyone's asleep!" Ruthie openly groaned when she heard Aaron squirm in his place on the couch. "Well almost everyone," she sighed. Seeing that he'd done wrong yet again his face took on the expression of a scolded puppy. Putting her down gently Martin moved to the love seat where Aaron made it clear that he needed attending.

"Hey little man," he whispered. Hearing the familiar tone of voice he curled himself up closer to his father. Martin smiled while rubbing his back soothingly. "What do you say we go freshen up, huh?" Despite his comfort patterns the little boy whimpered, a clear sign that he'd guessed right. "We'll be right back," he called. He realized it pointless when he noticed the focused silence in the room. Ruthie, he knew was curled up and asleep by now.

When they reached the top of the landing Martin easily laid him on the changing table making quick work of a temporary clean so he could make it to the tub. Laying him on a towel he filled the tub with a couple of inches of warm water. Placing him in he could already see Aaron's eyes begin to fall heavy.

"Just a few minutes champ. Then you can go snuggle with Mommy," he promised. His eyes went wide when reference to Ruthie came. Making a quick sweep of the room his eyes welled when his search came up empty. "Shh," he said softly when he took in the look on his face. "Five minutes." He quickly realized that his son had no concept of time and sped up. "You'll see her soon," he promised covering his eyes to get the last of the shampoo out of his hair. After a quick rinse a few minutes later he lifted him from the tub but not before receiving an aggravated kick to the stomach which came accompanied with a loud grunt of frustration. It was out of spontaneity that Martin gasped. After the minor shock had passed he put on a gentle glare which quickly disappeared when he saw Aaron's distressed expression.

Quickly wrapping the towel around him Martin picked up his pace to the bedroom. Laying him down gently, preparing to change Aaron into a fresh set of clothes he tickled him softly. From him came a laugh that hadn't been heard in a while, a smile that hadn't crossed his face in days. Martin couldn't help but mirror his son's reaction.

"I keep forgetting how ticklish you are," he laughed. "Like here…" he said as his fingers crawled up his sides. Aaron almost instantly went to shield himself from the invasion "…and here…" he grinned moving down to the bottom of his tiny feet. Martin smiled even wider when he got more of a response. "…and maybe even here…" he said pensively, letting his fingers dance along his stomach. It was this reaction that truly let him squirm. He quickly realized that in just those short few minutes any sign of stress for either of them had been lifted, if only temporarily. A means of therapy for both involved. If there was anything more therapeutic it was the sight and sound of innocent laughter.

"What do you say we play a trick on Mommy?" Whether it was out of plain happiness or some form of agreement Aaron giggled. Martin took it as a clear sign to go along with his little game. Pulling off his damped shirt, he replaced it with a second look a like that he knew he had. "Let's go see if they're getting bored yet," he suggested. Bringing him up from the changing table he felt Aaron quietly laid his head on his shoulder, an evident smile etched in his features. His small little fingers settled on playing with his ear. Martin heard him giggle every time it flopped back into place. Why do I get the odd fascination? Martin asked himself.

"A snail is a common name for almost all members of the molluscan class Gastropoda that have coiled shells in the adult stage." Making his way down into the living room he couldn't help but yawn. If this voice continued any longer he could almost guarantee deep sleep in less than ten minutes. Getting closer he could see that Ruthie was once again awake. He chuckled when he saw how bored she looked. Swiftly he picked up his stride kissing her fully as he fell beside her. Ruthie turned to meet his gaze and almost instantly brightened.

"Is anyone bored out of their mind yet?" he whispered. She turned and shook her head watching Aaron make his way over to her. "You sure work fast don'tcha?" In just seconds he had eagerly made his way into her lap.

"Ooh someone smells all clean," she sang. He just smiled finding a comfortable spot to place himself. Her eyes widened when she saw that Martin didn't have a wet spot on him. "How'd you pull that off?" she asked curiously. Now for the fun part.

"I decided to take the shirt off while he was in the tub." He smirked when he saw her blush lightly.

"Why was he the only one to see you in all your bare-chested glory?" she pouted. Martin kissed her lightly in apology.

"It's not like he understands the difference babe. To him it's all the same for now. I just found it easier to handle that way."

"I still don't think it's fair," she sighed.

"You get to see it tonight," he reminded her. "And if you're good you'll get to see it every night from here on out." She felt her cheeks heat at the image it splashed in her head.

"I'll be sure to be on my best behavior then," she whispered. Martin perked significantly at her suggestive behavior. She didn't even have to look to see what she'd accomplished. "Win," she whispered so that only he could hear.

"You have no idea how badly I just want to lock you up in a room and keep you selfishly all to myself right now Ms. Camden," he growled.

"Down tiger," she giggled. "Not while we have an audience." At this point he could have been in the sight of millions and not cared at all what they saw. For a split second decency was erased as he fought the urge to run her up to a secluded area to have his way with her.

"I could very easily have my way with you right this second Ruth. Don't tempt a man when he's like this!" he groaned.

"Oh but it's so much fun!" she smiled.

"What did I ever do to deserve this?" he sighed fighting the urge to squirm.

"You put images in my head," she said simply. "I have all the right to dish it back. You know better than to think I wouldn't fight back twice as hard." He growled at her choice of wording. "I just keep rackin' up the points today, don't I?" she smirked. "First the kitchen then the image planting and word choice? Man I'm good! What's the score now? 3 1 in my favor I think."

"This isn't a contest my dear."

"Still winning," she repeated sticking out her tongue for further emphasis on the matter.

"Your maturity amazes me babe," he laughed.

"So? I'm cute and adorable and you love me," she said kissing him quickly.

"True," he sighed. For only a second his eyes wandered up to the TV in front of them. "I'm so tempted to pull the plug on that thing. How much longer do we have to suffer?" he asked as a commercial break came on.

"According to the TV Guide it's another eight hours."

"Fantastic," he grumbled.

Outside T-Bone watched in envy when he saw the family curled up together. She's mine he thought angrily. Martin left her. What made it perfectly okay for him to waltz back into her life as if he'd never left? And why did they have to look so damn happy? Upon closer inspection he saw Annie come out with a platter of something. The image sent him whirling once again as his fists curled in anger.

Rarely was he ever able to leave his personal hell hole. The few times he did, he took full advantage of the situation. Tonight was like any other night. Again his parents were fighting, the volume giving him an easy escape. Seeing how deep they were in another one of their pointless arguments (This one over the dinner menu) he knew it would be a while—if ever—before they came looking for him. The growling of his stomach reminded him that he had yet to eat something since early this morning.

He had learned early on that when all your parents did was fight, it was every man for himself. Childcare fell extremely low in their list of priorities. This made him all the more grateful that he was now old enough to take care of himself. The question was where to start. He knew a couple of usual spots he could go to. They were so hidden in darkness that no one ever saw anything. Dine and dash. Or in terms of tonight it would have to be a round up and run. He would have to get enough for two (as he usually did) because he knew Janie was at less a chance of eating anything than he was. She was meek and quiet. A quality you had to quickly throw out under his roof or else you end up with nothing.

Theodore shielded himself as his teeth chattered when wind blew by. He mentally scolded himself for leaving his coat at home on a night like this. Not that it was much of a coat at this point. It looked more along the lines of Swiss cheese but at least it provided some kind of warmth. He'd have to find a way to take a trip to Goodwill soon. Yeah like they'll ever actually let me out during daylight hours he scoffed. He'd barely made it out tonight. He cringed when he imagined the picnic his father would have if he got wind of wanting (needing) new clothes.

"What the hell do you need clothes for? You've got clothes right here in the house! I provide for you perfectly fine! You don't need strangers giving you handouts!" As he thought about the last fight they'd had over the exact topic he rolled his eyes. If anyone provided for this family it was him. Not that they ever knew about it. He mostly came back with dinner for two.

He felt tears gather in his eyes when he found himself asking the age old question. Would he ever be free of this life?

Bringing himself back to the present he took in the faces of the laughing family. T-Bone's rough exterior crumbled for only seconds as he allowed his heart to drop when he felt a stabbing pain. Why couldn't I ever get that? He smiled devilishly when he realized that yes, yes he could. He just had to fight harder. And fight he would. He'd come out the victor in the end even if it meant removing the obstacle that stood between him and his future bride.

There came a resounding crash as the cell slammed fiercely behind Meredith. So loud in fact, that she felt herself jump about half a foot. The chill of the concrete cubical almost instantly took over. She shivered making a shuffle towards the cot that would serve as what she guessed would be an uncomfortable sleeping arrangement. She immediately remembered that, that was the point. Going to jail was no vacation. Any form of luxury was out of the question. Goosebumps crawled up her arms that she struggled to fight off the chill in just a thin tank top. The box was a stark difference in temperature to the California heat. Meredith couldn't help feeling like they'd thrown her in a walk in freezer. This is going to be a long night she sighed.

Laying down in the concrete bunk a wave of sadness hit her. Almost instantly she craved the warmth of her canapé bed. Why had she gone along with such a ludicrous plan? She wanted to smack herself for realizing that he had found a way to manipulate her every move. She wanted something so desperately that she let her walls of logic crumble. She smacked her head against the concrete wall and grimaced. And this is where it got me.

Meredith felt herself begin to cry when she remembered that her one courtesy call went to the machine at home. After the beep she couldn't find it in her to get a word out, much less tell them where she ended up. Sgt. Michaels promised he'd make a house call the next morning to let them know what happened. They'd be in for the surprise of their lives.

She slid down pulling the thin sheet over her. With no idea how long she laid there just starring into nothingness, sleep finally overcame her. It hadn't even been a solid hour (or at least she thought so) before the boom of the cell guard disturbed her sleep.

"Get up Davis!" Meredith sat up, confused. Why would they need her in the middle of the night? Even the state jail knew the value of decent sleep. Unless this was some kind of spontaneous test she had no idea why they hadn't allowed her a few hours of rest. She was glad it was too dark for him to see anything because as hard as she tried, she couldn't fight the small smile that came to her lips. This isn't military school. If she found humor in anything it was the idea that she considered saluting him but refrained.

"Yes sir," she replied, in a voice she hoped was strong enough and void of how tired she actually was. The last thing they wanted her to think was that she was meek. It didn't take a genius to figure out that the quiet didn't sustain well here.

"Michaels needs you for further questioning." Now? In failing to hear a timed response he sighed. "I don't make the rules Davis; I'm only paid to take orders. Five minutes!" he bellowed. With that he turned away from her but didn't move from his spot in front of her cell. She felt herself blush when she realized that he wasn't going to move. A short wave of sadness overcame her. It was at times like these that she yearned for some kind of privacy. But just like luxury privacy would have to wait.

Clearing her throat she alerted the guard that it was safe for him to turn around again. She mentally rolled her eyes when she felt the hand cuffs get locked on her wrists. It wasn't like she was going to run off to some foreign country. She would never make it. But many people have she thought. A quiet yelp came when she felt herself bite her tongue. Thankfully, her escort didn't notice.

Again she found herself in interrogation faced with a stone-faced officer. The usually friendly uniform was anything but friendly here. She knew why and she wished with everything she possessed that at this moment his anger wasn't directed at her.

"Sit!" the guard demanded gruffly. Shaking a little Meredith did as she was told. A couple of minutes later she heard him leave. Time to face the music.

"Sorry for waking you." She knew from the way he said it that it was not her place to give a reply. "We have a few more questions for you. One of the most important is, where and when did you last see Theodore?"

"He came to me earlier today before he went out on one of his walks. He had told me to make certain that she didn't find a way to escape. I have no idea where he went off too. My best guess is that he left to further finalize his plan."

"What was his plan of action?"

"To make sure she got what she deserved. I have no clue what he meant by that though. He told me that if I was stupid enough to foil the master plan, neither of us would get what we wanted. More out of fear than anything I was eager to please. Naturally I followed orders as directed."

"Did he tell you what would happen if the plan backfired?"

"He specifically told me that if it didn't work he'd take care of it himself. I remember one of the many times he threatened me with this he held it in his hands with a sick smile on his face." For a minute Meredith saw his eyes harden in a completely different way. They fell back to their original severity. "My biggest fear sir is that it could end badly. Very badly.

"So you're saying he might…?"

"I'm sorry to say this but he very well might. He takes out his anger very violently. I'd hate to see anyone caught in the middle."

"And you decide to mention this now?" he bellowed.

"I'm sorry sir I just never thought it would be an issue."

"He's a head case Ms. Davis. We have to take all precautions. I have to call Eric, now." Meredith was left sitting there while a new wave of guilt washed over her. Why oh why had she let him play her like a puppet? She was left to ponder this drastic mistake while she was being walked back to her cell. The guard stayed silent as he slammed the cell shut, his boots meeting the concrete with authority. Again she was left to her thoughts. She wondered how long it would be before she left this place. With a heavy sigh she already knew it would be a while. She could leave this six by eight foot cell as early as tomorrow and still feel trapped in a limited space. This time she allowed a not so restful sleep take her.

By lunch time the entire house had fallen silent. All members were either deeply engaged or in deep sleep. Looking on, Martin couldn't help thinking that even though they were all bored (with exception to Kevin and Carlos who watched in wide-eyed fascination) out of their minds the quiet was a nice change to the usually boisterous residence. Watching Ruthie and Aaron sleep comfortably, Martin felt his fist curl as he again took in all of her injuries. The usually moderate chirp of his cell phone shattered the rare stillness of the room. Determined not to wake anyone he desperately fumbled for the device.

"Hello?"

"Martin! So glad I caught you. It's Sgt. Michaels. You're going to have to evacuate the house!" he said all in a rush.

"Evacuate?" he asked in clarification.

"Yes. Please just get everyone out and I'll tell you why once everyone is safely away from the area. All I'm able to tell you right now is that it has to do with T-Bone." In a split second Martin saw nothing but red. Nothing needed explaining after that was said.

"I'll call you right back!" With that he hung up already rushing to gather the small family whose sleep was so bluntly disturbed.

"Everyone, out now!" he bellowed. That did it. The house almost instantly returned to its chaotic nature. "Don't ask questions just get everyone out and anything you're able to get your hands on in the next two minutes!" The yelling and screaming reached an ultimate high as everyone fought to calm all members whose only instinct was to cry out in fear.

"Shh Aaron," Ruthie mumbled rubbing prior sleep from her eyes. "It's gonna be okay baby," she whispered. When he was finally able to settle his hand gripped her finger like it never had before. From the corner of his eye Martin saw Simon trying to soothe a freshly woken Luke. Once everyone had moved a fair distance away from the house it was then that panic really set in. It was clear that the only somewhat calm members were the men who were set on calming pregnant wives in the midst of their breakdowns. Even though he realized that he should care something in him shut everything down. All he could do was watch in deaf silence while flashing lights and Hazmat suits surrounded the house. Whether it was really good vision or instinct he knew immediately that the house wasn't safe. The blinking light of a timed explosive was also a clear indicator.

"You're coming home with me," he whispered as Ruthie only starred on in wide eyed horror. She found herself nodding to a demand that wasn't even understood. She huddled herself protectively to him, somehow thinking that the further she dug herself the less she would be able to see.

After disarming the explosive Martin walks over to a Hazmat suit, his eyes filled with concern. Feeling a light tap on his shoulder, one turns to face him.

"Excuse me sir. What's the condition of the house?"

"It should still be safe to go back in after a few minutes. We've made a sweep of the area and found that this is the only one that was set to go off. I'm asking that you be extra cautious though if you do plan to go back inside. Hearing that it was an option Martin found himself already having made up his mind. He wasn't going to be taking any chances. Not with his family at stake. He soon realized that he wasn't just talking about Ruthie and Aaron though. Doing a sweep of the yard he mentally prepared a speech to get every one of them as far away from the house as possible. Even if it means having everyone in a small, cramped space he thought. He hoped though that T-Bone was not smart enough to consider his house. Relief washed over him when he realized he wouldn't. A small part of him knew that he'd be on guard though. But again it was the family's best bet to safety.

"Oh my gosh! Where are we all going to go now?" Annie asked as she watched her home be surrounded by caution tape.

"Family meeting!" Martin called.

"Since when do we have family meetings?" Kevin asked with a look of confusion. A look that was in no way foreign to his features. Lucy only smacked him in irritated anger. The familiar grimace came over his face for a few seconds and for once that's all the reaction he gave.

As the large group circled around him his heart warmed as a realization came over him. Family meeting. Those words were said with no hesitation. The easy flow allowed him to notice that it was the first time he'd openly acknowledged his place in the Camden family. He smiled when he felt Ruthie squeeze his hand, her face telling him that she had watched and heard exactly as he had. When all eyes fell on him he instantly felt the shift in power. A position he'd never taken before.

"What's the plan boss?" Carlos asked saluting him. A heavy sigh fell over the group at the Latino's stupidity. Ruthie saw Mary shove him while a look of disappointment washed over her face.

"We're going to my house."

"Since when does he give the orders?" Kevin whispered. Lucy only glared at him.

"Right now it's logically the safest place for all of us to be. He'd never think about targeting my house. Thankfully he doesn't even know where I live. Yes, I realize there are going to be a lot of us in a small space but we're all pretty used to that by now, right?" The group chuckled and shared a nod.

"To Martin's house!" Kevin yelled.

"Forward, march!" Carlos added. Martin just rolled his eyes as he led the family to his house.

Leaving the house to the others Martin and Ruthie made their way upstairs. They agreed on Martin's room for a little bit of privacy. A location they both found to be a familiar haven. A place they could call their own. When he set her down he extended his arms out to a sleepy Aaron who had yet to find sleep again.

"He usually likes the play pen." Watching Martin's suggestion in hand motions Aaron just shook his head, his grip on Ruthie growing. "Come on big guy. It's your play pen. You love that, don't you?" Martin asked gently taking hold of him. As he gently pulled him away, the little boy's grip held, small grunts of defiance joining his battle to stay.

"Come on sweetie," she prompted tenderly. "It's okay. Mama's not going anywhere," she whispered.

"No," he said promptly. Martin and Ruthie both raised their eyebrows in surprise.

"Go on sweetheart. We'll be right here," she promised kissing his temple. Aaron snuggled himself closer playing again with the ends of her hair. Ruthie smiled taking his hand gently. "Listen to Daddy please Aaron. Go night-night for Mommy. We'll snuggle later. Right now we just need Mommy and Daddy time." He emitted what sounded like a sigh and turned to glare at Martin.

"Don't you be glaring at me." Ruthie had to silence a chuckle as she watched their facial expressions. "Is he even supposed to be able to glare like that at this age?"

"I don't know but it's funny," she giggled.

"Of course it is," Martin rolled his eyes. Picking him up, he settled Aaron in the play pen across the hall and quickly returned. Seeing that he'd lost the fight he settled on a small whimper. They're gonna leave me here he thought letting the whimper escalate to a cry. Martin resisted the urge to turn around and walk into the room across the hall. "It's gonna hurt babe but we just have to let him ride through it." She nodded knowing that even though it hurt to see it and not do anything about it they had to let him work through it. She sighed heavily laying her head on his shoulder. Kissing her forehead softly he formed small calming circles in the small of her back. She cringed as he made contact with a deep bruise. "You okay?" he asked with concern. She nodded, again relaxing herself against him.

"It's hard to watch him," she whispered. He nodded, understanding that just like his her heart was pulling painfully.

"He'll tire himself out in a few minutes babe."

"Distract me, please, so I'm not tempted to go over there and end it," she pleaded. Martin smirked, more than happy to oblige. The gentle kiss they started with turned hungry, the whole world becoming just them. After two minutes both came up for air with wide smiles on their faces. By now they could hear that his desperate wails of pain turned to begging whimpers. This time Martin didn't need to be asked. He went on to continue their distraction with more vigor than before. Eventually both came up a second time beaming from ear to ear.

This time they allowed their surroundings to return and in them a pleasing silence could be heard. Sharing victorious glances they laid back with a sigh. Ruthie found herself tracing unknown shapes along his bicep and found herself smiling again. Not just any smile but the possessive smile she wore not too long ago. This man is mine. Every part of him belongs to me.

"Ruthie honey, what's with the devilish grin on your face?" he smirked.

"Nothing," she lied.

"It's something Ms. Camden. Tell me. What's going on in that pretty little head of yours?"

"I'm just imagining a few things."

"Such as?"

"How great it's going to feel when I finally get to have you," she whispered casting her eyes down guiltily. He kissed her quickly, the gleam in his eyes returning.

"I've been doing some thinking…" he trailed. Ruthie looked up at him hopefully, trying to hide her excitement on the subject she knew they were falling into. "It's not fair to you. It's not fair for me to ask you to wait. It's not fair to either of us. I need you Ruth. I've fought the urge to be with you for my own selfish reasons. Reasons that seem so stupid now in comparison to what you've been through."

"M-Martin, what are you saying?" He tilted his head in her direction, eyes filled with nothing but love for her.

"Let me make love to you Ruthie Lynn Camden," he requested huskily. She shivered as his delivery ran deeply down her spine. She felt almost giddy. He'd finally said it, finally allowed himself to give her what she'd asked for. She bit at him roughly, fighting to find purchase under him. When she couldn't move her leg she stopped. She wanted to smack herself for her idiocy. Why did she have to have broken body parts today? Today of all days? A feeling of incompetence overtook her. Martin had already done this once. No doubt she was juvenile in comparison to her. She was a virgin for god sake. Of course she would never be good enough for him! Martin deserved so much better. Not only was she a cheater but she was also incredibly inexperienced.

"Why didn't you just run when you had the chance?" she cried. "I'm nothing like her."

"Of course you're not like her baby," he whispered brushing the tears he saw begin to fall.

"So why the hell do you bother? Look at me! I'm nothing but an amateur."

"Sweetheart you'll be fantastic," he whispered.

"How the hell do you know?"

"I know you Ruthie. You're my piece, remember? I know I shouldn't but I've learned every curve of this beautiful body, this flawless piece of art."

"No I'm not! Every time you touch me he's there. Every time you hold me, he's there. He'll never go away. I can't let you do that. I can't let you be with a cheater. I won't let you be with a stupid tramp."

"Ruthie baby, you're no such thing," he demanded kissing her tenderly.

"What do you call this?" she growled turning on an angle so he could again take in the not so small tattoo. Seeing it he fought the urge to claw the son of a bitch's eyes out. She'd done none of this. His angel had been manipulated, almost brain washed to believe that she was less than nothing.

"This, he whispered letting his fingers crawl up her back, "is the most fantastic thing that I've ever laid eyes on," he added kissing along her spine from bottom up. His trail of butterfly kisses sent her reeling. Dripping with fresh tears she allowed her eyes to roll back into her head. Ruthie groaned as his fingers danced along her thigh. "That's it baby, relax. Just feel," he whispered as he gently revealed her naked body. And feel she did. With bits of left over anger she returned the favor shredding his clothes in nothing flat. Now, it felt as though her entire body went super sonic. She could feel her every nerve tingle with his touches. Kissing him right now was more than an emotional need. It fell into that hunger that she'd felt not even two days ago. She needed him. It didn't matter what she'd have to face after her family found out that she'd sinned. Face them she would, with a gleaming smile on her face. If this is sin, it's the greatest thing I've felt in my life she thought clawing at his back.

Ruthie whimpered as she bit to the point of bleeding at his lower lip. In seconds she went to clean it not bothering to hide the smile that spread across her face as she lapped up his tiny drops of blood. Martin smiled. I knew she was the wild one but this, this is unbelievable! His entire system went into sensory overload. Every fiber of her smooth skin was felt at the pad of his fingers.

This was very easily like nothing he'd ever experienced. It was like Ruthie had allowed him full access to everything hers. In a way, she had. Here, he was able to immerse himself in everything absolutely gorgeous. Making his way down he tenderly traced her every scar laying kisses along each one. He knew who put them there and this sent a growl through his entire body. This monster had had the pleasure of touching his Ruthie, of tainting her flawless beauty. Never again would he let him so much as lay a finger on her. Making his journey through every contour of her body he received a satisfied shiver and smirked.

"Is this what I do to you love? Is this how much you yearn for me?" he growled. Ruthie could barely nod as he traveled the farthest he could. He quickly realized that his emotional need for her wasn't the only thing that had grown unbearable. He groaned loudly bringing her dainty hands to his growing pleasure. With wide eyes she ran her hand along it softly as he crawled over her tearing through the bedside table. In his rash search he finally came to what he was looking for.

"You…you…keep condoms…in….your…drawer?" she panted with a raised brow. Martin nodded throwing it into her hand. Ruthie was not one to ask at a time like this. She'd do so later when temptation wasn't literally right in front of her.

"Put it on Ruth. Please," he pleaded. She nodded in a daze, fumbling to undo the wrapping. She'd done this once before. It had thankfully been a while but she was sure she'd be able to remember. It couldn't be that hard. She smirked at her play on words when she realized that Martin was being less than patient.

"Ooh you're a big one aren't'cha?" she growled. Martin glared at her fighting the urge to rip it out of her hands and shove it on himself.

"Stop playing games with me! Put. It. On!"

"Alright, alright. So antsy!" she giggled. He'd waited four freakin' years for this! Of course he was! With agonizing slowness she slipped it on. As badly as she wanted this, watching him suffer was just a little bit more fun.

"You are going to be the death of me Ruthie, I swear to God." Seeing the "all clear" he massaged her inner thigh with feather softness. "Now, I'm going to go in really slowly. It's going to hurt but I'm going to be as gentle as humanly possible." She knew there would be pain but still she found herself shaking. "Shh it's okay. We'll go as slow as you need to," he whispered. She nodded feeling him inch inside of her. As he did, she couldn't fight the tears that slipped down her cheeks. "It's okay sweetheart, I've gotcha," he said softly. She clamped up in pain as he ran deeper.

"My god this hurts," she whimpered.

"I know baby. It gets easier," he promised. Within a few minutes he was completely inside. "I love you so much Ruthie, so much," he whispered brushing her trail of tears. "You make the calls babe. I'm only here to serve my queen."

"More," she whispered. He was more than happy to oblige, letting them finally fall into one complete person. The feeling was exhilarating. What they said about sex really was true. It was like absolutely nothing Ruthie had ever felt before. They weren't even done with the first time and she knew for certain she'd want to feel this again.

When the pain had lessened she felt herself meet up with Martin finally giving him what he'd made her feel. The touches that made her entire body go up in flames. Tracing his chest she fed into him biting with fervor at his shoulder blade. She smiled when she heard him release a growl.

"You like that," she growled. He could only nod urging her to sink her teeth deeper into his skin. She smirked, again opening a small wound that she was more than happy to clean up. The blaze ignited and slowly lessened after a full ten minutes.

When both were finally to exhausted to go on, Martin gently released himself and fell down beside her. Gathering her to him protectively, he went on to kiss every exposure his eyes landed on.

"That was amazing." She said breathlessly.

"Phenomenal," he corrected. "You were fantastic," he whispered. She trailed her fingers along his war wound and kissed it.

"I'm sorry."

"What are you sorry for love? I loved it," he said kissing her shoulder. "And now that you've bitten me it's official. You're mine forever."

"I wouldn't have it any other way," she said kissing her favorite spot on his chest. "Oh I'm so dead," she whimpered shaking her head. "When Mom and Dad hear about this I wont be able to walk out in daylight again. Then for sure I'll be a vampire." Martin hid a knowing smirk.

"But you'd be my vampire."

"I love you Martin Brewer," she whispered.

"I love you Ruthie Camden." A pinch ran down her spine and she grimaced.

"Maybe this wasn't such a good idea…" Martin looked over at her running his fingers down her chest and kissing her temple.

"Why?" She rolled her eyes bringing them down to her lower half. "I didn't hurt you, did I?" he asked putting his lips to all of her wounds. She bit her lip to keep the urge to reciprocate down far enough.

"N-no." Martin grinned when he heard her wavy reply. "I just don't think it's high on the doctor's list of things that are okay to do with immobilized body parts," she said.

"What he doesn't know wont hurt him," he said coming up to weave his fingers through her hair.

"One word, Matt."

"Matt's broken rules before Ruth. It'll be fine," he promised. She sighed knowing that somewhere in there he was right. "Speaking of breaking rules, I think we've done enough of that. We have to get new sheets on the bed before anyone notices anything." Ruthie couldn't help smiling with a twinge of worry. If they went down right now people would notice what they'd done just by the look on her face. He kissed her deeply while he rose which undoubtedly let the smile grow. Lifting her tenderly Martin set her in his desk chair. "Now you, stay here and be good."

"Oh but you know me better than that," she said wiggling her eyebrows suggestively. He let his eyes travel to the ceiling as he bit his lip impatiently.

"Don't go there," he whispered.

"Ma-ma!" Aaron called desperately. Ruthie's heart broke when she noticed that he sounded just like the last time they'd heard him.

"I'll go get him changed. You wait right here and get his bottle ready." She nodded taking one last look before he slipped on his clothes. "Hey buddy. Did you sleep at all?" he asked bringing him over to the changing table. His rosy colored cheeks were a clear indication that it hadn't gone as well as Martin had hoped.

"Ma," he cried, his entire body shaking in desperation. Taken aback by the little boy's force he quickly recovered bringing him solidly back on the table.

"Shh buddy. She's right across the hall. Give me a few minutes to get a clean diaper on you. She's got dinner waiting." One swift kick in frustration made Martin sigh. "Woah calm down Aaron its okay," he reassured stopping his leg from going out any further. "Loosen up. Two minutes champ, that's it," he sighed. He mentally groaned when he saw that he'd gone back to the clamping he'd done the other day.

"Ma-ma!" he wailed painfully. Behind him Martin heard a frustrated groan. When he saw Ruthie in the doorway, he froze.

"How did you…?"

"It's a spinny chair!" she said exasperated.

"It's not safe Ruth! You can't go from there to here without using your legs."

"It's called upper-arm strength and sticking your legs out in front of you," she said rolling her eyes. Martin only shook his head leaving Aaron to his own thing while he pushed the rest of the way. "You won't listen at all will you? Not even if your life depended on it."

"Why do you think I'm over here Einstein? If the circus wasn't so frekain' loud he could be heard across the house by everyone in it."

"Your son's crying bloody murder again."

"Oh so when he's not listening to you he's mine, is that it?"

"Is him not screaming your name enough of a clue?" Ruthie bit back a questionable reply.

"Hi Aaron," she whispered. Despite how scared for his life she'd just made him Martin smiled. She'd gone from bitterly sarcastic to feather soft in just seconds. "Give Daddy some room please," she said gently, massaging his leg with her one free hand. The other had been snatched up with no concept of being set free any time soon. Her use of soft tones relieved his tensed muscles which gave Martin the time to finish a task that could have easily been over and done with in half the time it was taking them now. "There you go. Nice and easy. We're both here with you. Shh sweetheart. No more of that. No more tears." On reflex Aaron's leg extended, a clear path to Martin's side. "Ah ah we're not going to do that," she said softly. "We're not going to be kicking people," she said sternly. Aaron only whimpered; the grip on Ruthie's finger had yet to change. Ruthie saw a slight tremor to his body.

"You can let Mommy go big guy. "She's not going—" Her hand went up to stop him mid-sentence. Ruthie kissed the bottom of his foot, skin hot to the touch.

"You're shivering," she crooned bringing both hands around the one she held keeping it in a cocoon of warmth. She saw Martin take hold on the other one while opening the sock drawer with his toe. "Martin I think his fever's back," she said worriedly when she saw that his arms were covered in goose bumps.

"Take him for a minute. I'm going to run and get the bag downstairs. Wrap him in the blanket till I get back. He's not going to let me put his clothes back on yet." Ruthie nodded letting a blanket clad baby curl into her.

"I'm sorry honey I know you're cold and in pain. Daddy's going to make it all better in a minute. Relax," she whispered. "That's it," she praised when she felt his tension lessen.

"Ma," he cried. She held him close bringing her finger down his cheek. His little body cringed at her touch. It must feel like ice to him she thought.

"I know," she whispered bringing the blanket tighter around him.

"Alrighty. Open up for me Aaron, nice and wide," he said softly. He only whimpered at his father's request.

"Nice and big for Daddy. Come on," she coaxed tenderly. Ruthie ran her finger along his jaw which gave Martin a fair two inch opening. When his fingers finally made contact with the tender foundations for incoming teeth, his jaw came back down, a muffled scream a sign of obvious discomfort. "It's okay sweetie. Almost done," she whispered. Along with his cry came a tremble as beads of sweat coursed his face. "You know, the sooner we finish with this, the sooner we get to put you in nice warm clothes," she smiled.

"One more time Aaron. I've almost got it." Again Ruthie repeated the gentle massage of his jaw which gave Martin enough time to finally finish.

"You go clean up our mess. I've got it from here," she said. Martin eyed her carefully.

"You sure? He's gonna kill your legs babe."

"Just hand me the pillow on the chair. I'll rest my legs on it. It won't take long and he's not even that heavy."

"If you're sure..."

"Would you rather get caught?" Ruthie laughed.

"Not exactly high on my list of things that make my day better," he said.

"I thought so," she laughed. "Now go before news gets out that we weren't exactly well behaved Christians." He nodded slipping the pillow under her feet and moving her to sit right in front of the changing table. "You my dear boy need some clothes." Sliding out enough she grabbed his warmest sleeper gently pulling away the large blanket. The short time of exposure made him shiver. Ruthie ran her hand along his chest once before bringing the sleeper over his feet. Standing up she could easily see the trail of his snaps. Doing so though didn't come without a sharp pain from pressure that started in her heel and traveled up her leg. Ruthie was quick to shield her pained expression because she knew that if he caught on it would be another big battle to get him to calm down.

"Are we all good in here?" Martin asked.

"Yes we are. Now I just have to figure out how I'm going to be able to shower…" she said. He stopped for a minute noticing that this was one minor detail that they'd overlooked.

"I'll go first. Matt seems to have a calming affect him. Maybe he won't freak out as much if I take him down there for a few minutes when it's your turn. Oh and the evidence is gone by the way."

"Go fast before someone decides to investigate."

"Mainly our favorite police man," Martin mumbled. "Oh and I believe someone forgot dinner in the other room," he said bringing over the forgotten bottle. Ruthie took it shooing him away.

"Go shower. We need some 'us' time," she said.

"Fine. It's not like you haven't kicked me out before," he mumbled.

"You know we love you," she laughed.

"Uh huh," he said with a tone of uncertainty as he left the room. Ruthie rolled her eyes bringing the bottle to a grim-faced baby. She frowned bringing the bottle further in gentle coaxing. Not too surprisingly given his current mood, he refused.

"You have to eat something honey. I don't want you getting sick," she whispered.

"No," he whined. She sighed again bringing it to his mouth. After three minutes of letting it sit there he finally latched onto it weakly.

"There we go," she smiled. Generally he'd take hold of it himself but today he'd taken hold of her and it seemed as though nothing was going to tell him otherwise. "Not so tight," she whispered. Aaron moaned in discomfort when his fingers were pried away latching them right back on. Ruthie sighed watching him take tiny portions. None of which were taken at will. "You should defiantly be hungry by now," she said to herself. Her only reply was a pair of pleading eyes that met hers in agony. After ten minutes of consuming almost nothing he spat it back out digging his face into her. Ruthie frowned when she saw that he'd taken almost nothing. "This is defiantly your worst one yet, isn't it?" she crooned running her finger along his flushed cheek, dropping a kiss on his temple. She decided she'd try again in a few minutes. Fighting him like this was pointless.

"Is someone not cooperating?"

"He won't take his bottle," she said concerned.

"Well it's your turn to freshen up. What do you suggest?"

"Luce was able to get him to eat last time a serious fever broke out."

"He then proceeded to throw it up all over the enemy," he pointed out.

"He's eaten nothing Martin. I'm willing to try anything here," she said bringing up the barely touched bottle for observation.

"Okay. Let's see what she can do about getting something in him. I think she'll be pleased to know she's up for redemption," he chuckled. Coming up behind her he wheeled the office chair into his room leaving it right in front of the bathroom door.

"I knew there was a reason I took the master bedroom," he said. "I'll be right back," he said kissing her quickly. He returned five minutes later with a smile on his face.

"Did it work?" she asked.

"Not just that but Lucy was almost crying with joy when I left."

"I pity Kevin and what he has to go through when she's like this," Ruthie said shaking her head.

"I'm actually surprised he took to her so easy considering how crappy he feels."

"See? Even Lucy has her special touch," Ruthie smiled.

"Okay hurry. While he's distracted!" Martin said sweeping her into the bathroom.

"You're in a hurry," she giggled.

"Kevin's already asking questions…"

"Oh good lord," Ruthie whined.

"Exactly."

T-Bone found a safe place behind the bushes and looked on. From his hiding place he had easy view of the Camden kitchen. "This is way too easy,"he whispered. Testing the flint in his lighter he smiled. When the flame flew high he cackled. Reaching over he set fire to the curtain letting it blaze. When he got the desired reaction out of the fabric his heart skipped. Tossing the lighter in the open kitchen window he backed away quickly, hints of smoke already making it to his lungs. With one round of coughing he rubbed his hands together.

"Goodbye Camdens. Thanks for nothin'!"

A few houses down Mrs. Binks watched in horror. The Camden house was burning right before her very eyes. Without a second thought she grabbed the phone making a desperate call to save the gorgeous structure.

"Hello, yes this is Gladys Binks. There's a fire at the Camden residence that needs to be taken care of right away. No sir, I'm sorry I can't hold…. Well too bad. I need a truck here in no sooner than five minutes or I'm filing a complaint! Honestly the pizza gets here faster than you all. And you're supposed to be saving lives!" With that she slammed the phone down completely disgusted. "I can't believe this," she sighed watching helplessly as the big white castle was consumed in a bed of oranges and yellows.

"Hey Matt could you get us some blankets please? It's getting chilly in here," Sarah asked.

"Got any threes Uncle Matt?" Charlie asked. Matt wordlessly handed him a three of clubs and turned to face his wife.

"Just so I don't have to make the trip a billion times how many actually need them?" Three hands went up making him sigh.

"What is with you all wanting the same things at the same time," he groaned.

"I'll help!" Charlie volunteered, more than eager to be of assistance.

"That'd be great Charlie." His curls bounced in excitement. Matt smiled when he saw that he was already half way up the stairs. "Now to go on a blanket hunt." The five year old was already fighting to reach them in the hall closet when he'd made it to the top.

"How did you…?"

"Mommy keeps them in her all the time!" Matt was about to ask but stopped himself. At least he found them. Seeing as he was much taller he placed a big one in Charlie's hands.

"Go take that to your mom, okay?" Charlie got a flustered look on his face and stopped.

"I have to go potty," he whispered as if it were a big secret.

"It's the first door by the stairs. He nodded in thanks jogging to the bathroom. In his wake he left the blanket he was asked to carry.

"Hurry up Uncle Kevin! I have to pee!" he heard him yell. Matt fought to hide a laugh at the little boy's bluntness and failed. He realized that every once and a while little pieces of Ruthie came out of these kids. He only hoped that his own did the same. A flush told Matt that he'd have to continue waiting.

"Matt!" Mary called impatiently.

"One sec," he hollered back. When Charlie finally came back out he collected his load quickly and skipped down the stairs. "Careful!" he called going down not too far behind him.

"Finally! What took so long?" Lucy sighed.

"I had to go potty," Charlie explained as if that would make it all better. The three of them nodded in complete understanding and suddenly all was forgiven. Why can't I get away with excuses like that?

"Carlos…"

"Yes?" he asked uncertainly pealing his eyes from the TV screen. The entire room groaned when they saw that the first thing he did was flip over to the Discovery Channel.

"Could you go make me a sandwich please?" He sighed knowing that if he didn't move quickly he'd miss more of the program than he wanted. Add to that Mary's impatience and it was an all around disastrous situation.

"Si amor, right away," he said already making his way to the kitchen. The minute the door closed behind him he shot back out like a bullet all while screaming at the top of his lungs.

"Why is he screaming like a girl?" Lucy asked rolling her eyes.

"La casa está en llamas! La casa está en llamas!"

"And the deal with llamas?" Kevin asked. "I don't see no llamas. Luce I want a llama for my birthday."

"We'll see," Lucy replied. Her husband smiled brightly. At least it wasn't an outright 'no'.

"The house is on fire!" he repeated.

"Carlos honey. The house isn't on fire. Otherwise there'd be smoke and the alarm would be going off," Marry spoke slowly. It felt as though she were speaking to Charlie.

"No Mare, I'm serious! The house is on fire!" He began a stop, drop, and roll routine. He realized that if words weren't working then actions would.

"Carlos dude, I don't think you need to show us. We've all been taught what to do in case of a fire," Kevin said.

"Why doesn't anyone believe me!" he cried.

"Mommy," Savannah called.

"Yes?"

"I'm hungwy."

"Uncle Carlos is making us sandwiches. Or at least he was…" She nodded going to find her place at the kitchen table.

"Mommy, Daddy, why is Gwama's house on fire?" she yelled. All eyes widened around the room and they all shot up storming through the kitchen door.

"Carlos why didn't you say something?" Mary growled.

"I did!" Whether it was hormones of over-excitement or sadness three pregnant women suddenly burst into tears.

"Home," Lucy cried.

"It's…it's gone…" Sarah said in a whisper. Kevin looked on knowing that with enough work the house itself could be salvaged. He kept quiet though knowing that in their pain the girls would only fight back getting them virtually nowhere. Suddenly a smile came across Mary's face.

"Hey Luce look. Hot men at six o'clock."

"Mare. That's a fire truck," she chuckled.

"Think sis. What usually drives the fire trucks?" Lucy's eyes widened. In just two minutes she was tearing out of the house, Kevin too slow to stop her, Mary and Sarah not far behind. Knowing Martin would face unnecessary death if Ruthie was left uninformed he sped up the stairs pounding mercilessly on the bedroom door.

"What, Kevin?" Martin called impatiently.

"Hey love birds quit doin' the nasty and get out here!"

"And why would we listen to you?" Ruthie asked.

"Unless you guys wanna be roasted marshmallows I highly suggest you get out here, stat!"

"I don't know what he's freaking out about. We'd hear some kind of alarm," Martin said rolling his eyes.

"Let's just go please him and see what the big fuss is about. He probably just tried cooking again and something started smoking. You and I both know how he exaggerates."

"Next thing you know he'll be telling us is that there's some kind of zombie attack down the street," he groaned. Ruthie giggled as she was brought up into bridal style.

"If in fact there is a fire, I can almost guarantee that she's out there flirting again."

"You won't do that to me, will you?" he pouted.

"Nah, I think once a week is enough," she said kissing him.

"You know my first passion wasn't baseball. For a while I wanted to drive the big red truck."

"Ooh sexy," she giggled.

"Aren't I?" She nodded pointing a finger to the open door.

"We should probably be going that way," she said. When they made their way down the stairs Carlos was seen huddled in fetal position. When Ruthie saw him she sighed. "I'll ask him about that later," she decided.

When they reached the house they saw that those who came to see had formed a semi circle around it. Even though she promised she wouldn't, Ruthie found her eyes wondering to her fireman.

"Ooh he's back," she whispered.

"Roo baby you promised," Martin reminded her.

"It's window shopping Martin. You know I'm yours," she smiled kissing him deeply.

"Oh I know that, but does everyone else know that?" Martin asked with a smirk.

"Hopefully not," Ruthie groaned. It's not like she wasn't raised on open honesty. She'd tell them if they asked. Since no one had really asked yet though, they'd keep quiet for as long as they could. "I want to go see how Lucy faired with Aaron," Ruthie said. Martin nodded making his way toward her. When they finally came into view Ruthie smiled. "Oh Martin look." Right in front of them Aaron was sporting a hard hat that was about three times bigger than he was which made it cover his eyes. "I so wish I had my camera," she laughed.

"Wait here. We have to get this!" With that Lucy was off to her house. Seconds later she returned snapping three candid shots before smiling widely.

"Problem solved," Martin said.

"The whole family's getting a copy of this," Lucy promised. "Thank you," she said taking a grinning Aaron from a smiling fireman she'd earlier learned was named Scott.

"Not a problem. He just grabbed for it and really, who was I to say no. That's how I started. The big yellow hat caught my eye, someone put it on and I've been fighting fires the last few years because of it. Eager hands really do start early," he said.

"Thank you so much for catching this quickly," she added.

"Not a problem ma'am. It's what we do. We'd do so even if we weren't threatened by a caller," he said.

"Threatened?"

"Yeah. Some lady called threatening to file a complaint if we didn't get her in less than five minutes," he laughed. Martin and Ruthie both shared a knowing look and chuckled.

"Mrs. Binks," they supplied.

"Yeah. She really didn't sound too happy," he said. "She also didn't give them enough time to ask if there was anyone still in the house. We ended up doing a full search just to be sure."

"Well thank you so much," Mary said.

"We found this in the kitchen window," he said pulling out a Ziploc bagged lighter. Ruthie's eyes widened which instantly shot to Martin. "Not sure who it belongs to but I figured you should know," he said. A clearing of throat alerted them to someone standing just out of eyesight.

"I'll take that and have it processed at the station," Sgt. Michaels said taking the offered bag.

"Who cold have…?" Lucy asked.

"I got a lead that it very well might belong to our previous offender. This very easily puts him in place as our number one suspect. Everything seems to add up. It's going to be put through for prints just to be sure."

"I don't know what I'd do if he comes any closer to my kids," Annie said. Those gathered around look over just realizing that Annie hadn't been there the entire time but nodded in agreement.

"We'll catch him Annie," he promised. In that agreement it went without saying that this was no ordinary case. Not only was this the most respected family in the Glen Oak community but all were close friends of the police commissioner. The need to catch this troubled boy was made his personal mission.

"Let me know when I can step in and bust the bastard," Kevin said. Lucy smacked him sending him a glare. "Sorry," he said.

"I can't have him anywhere near my family Chris," Eric said.

"I'm sorry to say Eric; we don't issue large group restraining orders. I'll be sure to send in the guys though for 24 hour watch on the neighborhood." The reverend nodded in thanks.

"Mom, I hope you don't mind but I invited a few of the guys in for coffee," Mary said. Lucy and Ruthie couldn't wipe the smiles off their faces when they saw the squad form a single file line.

"Don't look at me. It's Martin's house," Annie said. Three sets of pleading eyes looked in his direction. Why was he about to agree to this? Oh right. Lucy and Mary he could resist. It was the set of eyes looking directly at him he couldn't say no too. If he didn't know any better he'd be looking at this relationship as solid marriage already. All they needed was the over-the-top ceremony and eternal bands to show for it. He could only roll his eyes and nod reluctantly.

"One rule. You guys called it, you do it yourselves," he said. Mary and Lucy only nodded clapping their hands like little girls who'd just won over their father in getting a pony. He soon realized that were it not for the Camden's strict ruling, with enough practice these girls could work Eric into anything they wanted. "Why do I do this?" he groaned.

"Because you love us?" they all chimed. Kevin raised his brow in surprise.

"I thought only they could do that," he pointed out, clearly confused. "You know what, never mind."

"What do they have that I don't have?" Kevin asked feeling slightly offended. The minute they walked back inside the men of the house were subjected to watch their gleaming wives practically drool over the well built men. They heard them go on like it was any other group of guests but their husbands knew better. Inside they were squealing like little school girls.

"A heart," Matt suggested.

"Maybe a brain," Simon supplied.

"Ooh look at those huge muscles," Carlos whistled. Kevin turned to glare at him, not too pleased with how easily he was handling this.

"Come again my burrito buddy?"

"Kevin, look at this guy. Look me in the eye and tell me honestly. Do you have those?"

"Do you have any idea what you just said?" Kevin asked. Carlos nodded watching carefully as his wife laughed it up with her new fire friend.

"Am I the only one who feels slightly offended by these guys?"

"Yes," Eric laughed.

"I wouldn't be laughing Dad. Check out what Mom's doing to Mr. Curly Dark Complexion of there."

"She wouldn't," Eric gasped. From where he stood he could see his wife almost whispering in his ear.

"Yeah I think she is…" Matt laughed.

"What are you laughing at Doc?" Kevin asked.

"You guys are taking this a little too personally, don't you think?"

"Oh that's easy for you to say. Sarah's the good, well behaved one. You never have a problem with her."

"Don't put it past her to be thinking about a few things though," Simon reminded him.

"You guys gotta trust her a lot more, you know that? Look at your right hand. What do you see?"

"A ring?" Kevin asked.

"Exactly and who put it there?"

"Lucy did."

"Exactly," was all he said as though that's all that needed to be said. He simply took a seat watching in amusement as Kevin continued to fume with jealousy over his wife's new friend.

"Martin's got it easy," he mumbled. "He's sitting right there with her."

"Do you think that'd make Ruthie any less flirty? If you know her like I do you know that'd be a negative. Oh look he's shaking hands with the blond dude she's flirting with," he laughed. He couldn't guarantee it but planting the seed in Kevin's head was too much fun.

"You gotta loosen up bro. Live a little," Simon said.

"Easy for you. You don't have a lady fighting for their affections right in front of you."

"Okay Kevin. If we were to pack up and spend a couple of hours at the strip club down the street wouldn't you be doing the exact same thing?" Matt pointed out.

"Ew. Hell no! I don't swing like that!"

"I meant with the women dummy. Really well exposed women, with nothing but pieces of cloth to cover the north and south poles.

"Hell no! Of course I…Okay maybe a little…" he admitted.

"And why does she let you do that?"

"Because she knows she's the only woman in my life," he said confidently.

"You my friend just answered your own question. That guy has nothing on you. She's just having a little fun. I mean look at Dad. He's just watching with this really ridiculous smile on his face," Matt said directing Kevin's attention to Eric who stood behind them silently.

"Kevin?" Sam asked curiously.

"Why are they here?" David said slowly.

"And why is the really tan guy over there looking at Lucy like she's something really shiny?" they finished.

"Okay that's it! I'm goin' in!" And just like that Kevin was off to save Lucy from undeniable danger. He hoped.

"I tried to warn him," Simon sighed.

"We all did dude. He just lets his testosterone get the best of him."

"Bye-bye brain cells," Carlos mumbled.

"Hey Carlos I'm bored. Let's do something?"

"What do you suggest?" Carlos asked. Annie came up behind them with a bright smile on her face. The familiar gleam that came over her wasn't missed by Kevin. He tried hard to hide a shudder as he watched her eyes dance (somewhat evilly in his opinion) over in their direction.

"Never mind. Mom looks like she has an idea. Okay, on three we run!" he whispered. Carlos looked at him out of the corner of his eye with a raised eyebrow.

"Why?" he asked slowly. "She looks happy!" he said finally taking in the smile on her face.

"Look at the shine in her eye. I know that shine. She usually wants us to do something when she's looking at us like that."

"What in the world would she have you do? You can't even make toast without burning it. We all know this," Carlos chuckled. Kevin only glared at him.

"That was one time! It's not like I didn't have help," he reminded him.

"Hey my job was to boil water for the tea they wanted. I did that right. It was your fault we had to leave everything at the drop of a hat. All because you couldn't figure out the difference between light and dark."

"The nobby thing is confusing. It doesn't stop somewhere. It just keeps spinning. How was I supposed to know that I had turned it on Ultra? I seriously thought it was Medium!"

"Uh huh sure," Carlos mumbled. "What would she have us do anyway? The house is pretty much spotless."

"Oh I don't know! It's Mom! She'll probably have us do something like laundry."

"Oh would you Kevin? That'd be so nice of you," she said offering him a basket. He bit back a groan taking the load with a pasted on smile. "Be sure to iron out all the wrinkles too please!"

"Do what with the what?" he mumbled. When he saw Carlos smirking at him he eyed him angrily, flicking him over the head multiple times. "You got me into this which means you're helping," he whispered.

"Uh let's go with no," he said.

"But why?" he whined.

"I have more pressing matters to attend to," he said.

"Such as?"

"Finding out how I can own a pet snail. I might get Charlie one for Christmas," he said.

"You and I both know the kid doesn't want a slug with a rock on its back."

"Have you asked him?" Carlos shot back.

"He doesn't need to be asked. His dad's been glued in some kind of freakish interest since 6am watching those things do absolutely nothing."

"I seem to remember that I wasn't the only one watching in a trance," he said.

"A man can only handle snail mating for so long before he goes completely bonkers," Kevin said. "Besides, I have more important things to do."

"Oh right. Like laundry!" Carlos said. "I forgot about that. You better get on it fast before Annie comes after you with the broom she's holding," he said watching as Annie took to sweeping the main hall.

"Can you at least come keep me company?" he asked.

"I don't wanna!"

"Fine, be that way!"

"I will!" In an angry huff Kevin stomped up the stairs in search of the laundry room. Getting there he looked down at the mound confused. Threading through the clothes he sighed, defeated.

"How does Lucy do it?" he asked himself. "It was something about winter and spring. Oh yeah. 'Snow is cold so it likes to be alone. Spring grows flowers of all different colors.' Snow's just mean," he mumbled. He quickly realized that this was the little memory tool she'd taught Savannah a few months ago. With the little mantra running through his head he went to separating them appropriately. When he went to open the washer what he saw made him do a double take. His eyes did not deceive like he originally thought. Inside were freshly washed sheets. His brain went into protective mode when he realized that those sheets could only have come from one place, after having done one thing.

"Martin, Ruthie, get over here!" he yelled. Five minutes later his call was met with a pair of blank expressions.

"Yes?" they asked.

"Is this what I think it is?" he growled letting his eyes fall on the mound of dampened sheets.

"No," they said shaking their heads. Kevin nodded his head with a satisfied sigh. He waved them away as he saw them roll their eyes.

"Hold up, freeze!" he said. Martin and Ruthie half expected him to draw his gun when they finally turned back around. "Your clothes changed from this morning…Both of you," he observed. The couple's eyes met as they tried to hide their fear. "Did you….?"

"Did we what?" Ruthie asked.

"Oh god, please don't tell me that when I called you guys out during the fire that you were actually…"

"No we weren't," they said honestly. He didn't need to know that they'd done it long before then. Kevin's eyes widened when he took in the shine on their faces.

"You two are glowing like candles! I've seen that glow. I've been that candle. You guys actually had sex!" he whispered. Martin froze, his eyes suddenly wondering to anywhere but Kevin's face.

"Are you insane? Of course we didn't!" Ruthie choked. Kevin looked at her with knowing eyes and smirked.

"You don't have to lie to me honey. The sheets, the faces, the change of clothes. It all adds up. You actually went dancing. Isn't it great?" he grinned. Martin looked at him completely surprised. His biggest worry was that he'd come after him with pitchforks and flames.

"You don't look like you want me killed," Martin said confused. "Did I totally miss something?"

"Of course I'm not mad, it's me! I could careless if you guys have done the sheet shimmy. You among anyone else in this house deserve it. Remember what I said a couple days ago? I wasn't going to give you some 'I want you dead' reaction. I'm really happy for you guys." Ruthie released a breath she didn't know she was holding.

"Thanks Kevin. Can you not—"

"—tell anyone?" Martin asked. "We kind of agreed to work with the 'They don't ask, we won't tell' logic."

"Seeing as you asked—"

"—we kind of had to tell," he said.

"Oh wow the freaky twin thing. This must be serious." Ruthie gave him a 'no duh' look making Kevin raise his hands in surrender. "My lips are sealed," he promised making an invisible lock and key motion.

"Thanks Kevin. We owe you one," Martin said gratefully. He nodded wordlessly shooing them away again.

"Well that wasn't so hard," Ruthie said smiling. She stopped suddenly when she realized that Kevin was the least of their worries here. "At least not until we get to Simon…" She felt Martin cringe around her.

"I'm so dead," he mumbled as they made their way back down the stairs.

Kevin removed the sheets with a ridiculous smirk on his face after pulling out a pile of dry clothes. His little sister was playing the rebel they all knew too well. At the same time it saddened him to realize that the youngest of them all had finally grown up. She was no longer their little eavesdropper. Ruthie Camden was growing up faster than they all cared to realize.

He wondered where the other load had come from and suddenly realized it didn't matter. It'd have to be done anyway. Taking a closer look he remembered this would all have to be ironed. How do you do that? It couldn't be that hard. All he had to do was fill the iron with water, turn up the steamer and go. Pulling it out from a cupboard he filled it with water from the bathroom and returned to start working. Running it across the wrinkles for more than five minutes, they didn't come out making him frustrated. He'd worked a piece of cloth for three minutes and its form had yet to change.

"Mom! The iron thingy isn't working! I think it's broken!" Annie showed up in two minutes with an amused expression on her face. Letting her eyes travel from iron to plug she walked over calmly, taking the disconnected cord and sticking it in effortlessly.

"Wait about ten minutes before you start," was all she said before she left the room again. Kevin stood speechless twisting and turning the contraption multiple times to figure out what exactly he'd done wrong. "It has to actually be plugged in to work properly Kevin," she called from outside the laundry room.

"Oh oops. I knew I was forgetting something!" After twenty minutes of ironing he folded appropriately leaving the stacks on the drier he threw in the washer load and started the machine. He was glad he at least remembered how to do that. Brushing off his hands he left the small room with a satisfied grin on his face.

Making his way downstairs he skipped over to Annie who was getting herself acquainted with the kitchen. Feeling a presence she looked up at him. "Did you need something else done?" he asked now more than happy to assist. It really helped when he finally understood what he was doing. Her face took on a frightened expression and she shook her head. "You okay?" he asked concerned.

"Fine," she said. Kevin nodded continuing his patient stance in front of her. "No I think we're okay Kevin."

"Are you sure? I'd be more than happy to help you with whatever else you need," he said.

"That's okay. Go back to watching your snail thing. We've got it all covered," she assured pulling out an assortment of vegetables.

"Okay, if you're sure."

"Positive," she smiled.

"Well just let me know if you need me," he said walking out of the kitchen. When he was safety turned around Annie sighed with relief. As much as she loved him, he really wasn't built for house work.

Eric whistled nonchalantly into the living room. He stopped mid-whistle when he saw the majority of the family's choice in programming.

"What's going…Ooh is that opera?" he asked taking a seat next to Kevin.

"Yes now if you want to watch with us go right ahead but please keep it down. We're getting to the best part!" Eric raised his brow taking in the sluggish motions of a group of snails as they made their way across the screen. "Snails?" he asked. His eyes widened when he finally listened in.

"Courtship is a part of mating behavior in some gastropods including some of the Helicidae." The entire room gasped in horror, Carlos hurrying to cover Charlie's eyes.

"Okay I think you've seen enough Charlie. It's grown up stuff from here," he said giving him a gentle shove in the direction of the kitchen. "Go see if you can help Abuelita with something," he said in a rush. Charlie only gave him an odd look but shrugged.

"It's not me who's gonna get in trouble for watching snails have sex," he mumbled. "I'm telling Mommy!" The entire room looked over in shock while the flustered Latino could only give his son's retreating figure a look of surprise.

"I so didn't teach him that," he said.

"Does he even know what it is?" Kevin asked.

"Kevin, he's five. He's not supposed to know what it means," Simon said.

"Fertilization is internal or external according to the species of snail." Simon groaned already having had enough of snail reproductive proccess education.

"Why am I even subjecting myself to this?" Simon asked to no one in particular.

"Because it's just so fascinating!" Carlos said excitedly.

"Carlos, you've said that word a total of six times now. Do you even know what it means?" Matt asked.

"No, not really," he said. "Mr. Narrator Guy keeps saying it though," he said.

"How about you stick to words you know?" Martin suggested.

"But it sounds so cool!" he defended. Mary came over and smacked him soundly.

"Ow! What was that for?" he asked rubbing his new soar spot tenderly.

"Start acting your age!" she growled. To say Carlos was shocked would have been an understatement. Mary had never taken so harshly to his childish behavior before. Deep down he knew she even liked it. He knew however, that his smartest move would just be to nod in agreement.

The ringing of the doorbell was such a stark difference in volume to the TV that Carlos felt himself jump a little. He laughed when he remembered that he wasn't the only family idiot. As soon as the doorbell rang Kevin threw in his two cents.

"…the witch is dead. Which old witch? The wicked witch! Ding dong! The wicked witch is dead!"

"Why can't his thought process be like any other normal person?" Lucy asked shaking her head. "Go burn off some energy and answer the door," she said. Kevin nodded, jogging to the front door.

"Umm, who are you?" he asked when he saw that the occupant of the other side of the door was nowhere near familiar to him. The woman standing there raised a questioning brow at him. Seeing the exchange and fighting the urge to strangle Kevin Martin snuck out from under Ruthie and went to join him in greeting the unsuspecting guest.

"I'm sorry. You'll have to excuse him. Kevin, go sit down," he said through clenched teeth.

"Aw but we were just going to figure out who was waiting behind door number one," he whined.

"Kevin this isn't a game show," Lucy called from behind him.

"Can I help you," Martin recovered. The aged woman smiled presenting familiar features that he couldn't exactly place.

"Yes actually, you can. I was hoping you could help me find my grandson."

"Your what?" Kevin asked. Martin sighed turning to face him.

"Kevin go sit down before you embarrass yourself any further," he whispered.

"But, but…"

"Please?" he begged. Kevin smiled turning back to the couch.

"Well, since you asked so nicely I guess I could…"

"Thank you," he said. "Now who was it you were looking for?"

"My grandson."

"Ooh I have to see that again!" he heard Kevin say as he scrambled to pause and rewind. "I love On Demand."

"Do you have a name we could work with?" Martin asked.

"Oh drat. Little Cindy hasn't spoken to us in years. We never got a name…" she said sadly. Martin struggled over a lump in his throat. Cindy he thought. He knew he'd heard the name before. Going back in his memory he quickly realized why the name sounded so familiar to him. Mom. He felt his heart drop about six stories as the last memory his five year old brain could remember of her being alive flashed in his head.

"I'm…sorry. You must have the wrong house," he said. "I…I have to go…" he said gently closing the door. He knew he shouldn't have but the shock was just too much. Who was this woman and how the hell did he know his mom?

"Martin, is everything okay?" Ruthie called. She could easily see by the way his shoulders had gone slack that she'd gotten her answer.

"Fine," he said clearing his throat. Before he could turn away the knock returned. With a heavy sigh he opened the door, facing the mysterious woman.

"I'm so sorry. How rude of me. My name's Diane. Diane Montgomery." Martin could feel his face go white. No. She can't be serious.

"You can't be," he whispered. "She never mentioned parents," he said shakily.

"I'm sorry?" she asked, not completely sure she heard right.

"Mom never mentioned having…"

"Martin, are you sure you're okay? You've been there a while," Lucy said.

"Yeah, just fine Luce," he lied. He was anything but fine. Surprised wouldn't even cover it. He was plain flabbergasted.

"You're the boy she kept us from," she whispered. And just like that he felt himself being swept up into a hug. Seeing as it came unexpectedly, he stood stiffly for a few seconds before hesitantly wrapping his arms around her.

"Grandma," he said carefully. The word sounded foreign on his tongue, a taste he'd never experienced before. Without even noticing he'd allowed a few stray tears to fall. The feeling though unknown until a few seconds ago of her arms around him was one of warmth, one he'd longed for in the years growing up. His bloodlines hadn't died. He held one of the last few, right here in his arms.

"Shh," she whispered so that only he could hear.

"I never knew…" he said softly.

"Believe me; you're not alone in that dear. I've spent months hoping, praying that there'd be something left of my little girl."

"Grandma?" Kevin said confused. "Did I miss something?" he asked. Martin turned from Diane discretely wiping stray tears from his eyes and glared at him.

"Allow me to introduce myself," she smiled. "I'm Diane Montgomery. My daughter Cindy was Martin's late mother. I came looking for a grandson I wasn't fortunate enough to know hoping that after my daughter's passing so many years ago that it wasn't the last we'd see of her. She kept us away from Martin as a child, a long story for another time. Finally I had had enough so I hoped a plane right here to Glen Oak and well, here we are," she said.

"Aw Martin has a grandma!" Kevin said sweetly.

"Kevin," Martin warned.

"Shut up," Ruthie finished. "I think it's great," she smiled. "If I could get up on my own right now I'd so give you a hug," she said. Diane looked over at Martin curiously. A look that said 'We'll explain later' crossed his face and she nodded, more than happy to close the distance between herself and Ruthie.

"I'm Ruthie," she smiled extending her hand out. Diane only shook her head completely ignoring her formality. Instead she went in for a hug. A little surprised, Ruthie hesitated but quickly returned the hug tightly and smiled, offering her Martin's vacated seat.

"Ooh is this opera. I love the opera," she smiled. As soon as she saw what floated across the screen she cringed. "Oh my," she said with a shake of her head. "Is this really suitable for television?"

"According to the Discovery Channel, it is," Kevin supplied. She smiled when she saw Martin place Ruthie on his lap. Absolutely adorable she thought quietly clapping her hands. Hearing the hushed golf clap Martin and Ruthie both looked over to see where the sound was coming from. She quickly set her hands in her lap suddenly completely entranced in the vibrant colors that came off the plasma screen. With a shrug they joined her.

A few hours had passed since the family had resituated itself. They now found themselves in the kitchen working in large numbers to prepare dinner. Despite having only been recently introduced, Diane had found her niche working alongside Annie in preparing dinner.

"She's really nice," Carlos said happy to see another member added to their already large group. "Can we keep her?" he asked. Martin sighed.

"It's not like we're going to throw her out," he said. "She seems to meld well with this psych ward."

"Hey! We're not all complete mental cases," Ruthie defended. "Just, you know, a few of us," she said eyeing Carlos and Kevin subtly. "Kevin's medicated as it is. It's not like we're going to risk taking him off. They'd throw him in a cell and throw away the key," she said.

"Would not!"

"Would too!" she shot back sticking out her tongue.

"Incredibly mature Ruth," he said rolling his eyes.

"You're the one who's supposed to be setting a good example. Monkey see, monkey do."

"Monkey get in trouble too," he finished, emphasizing the last part.

"I don't know," Martin said. "Lately it's been on you two in the getting in trouble department," he pointed out.

"There's got to be a few clowns in this house. Otherwise it'd be so freaking boring."

"It's your brain cells that suffer," Simon laughed.

"I seem to remember you getting smacked a couple of times too," Matt said.

"Yeah but I don't have dents in my head from the palms of angry women," he said.

"We have got to find you a lady," Kevin said. "Luke needs a Mommy."

"Eventually I'll find him one. There's a time and place for everything guys. Right now is obviously not it."

"Whatever. You just enjoy watching us suffer."

"Well I'm not about to deny that. You two are prime entertainment."

"Hey, we should start our own sitcom!" Carlos suggested.

"To do that we'd actually have to get actors to play us. I don't think that would work out as well…" Kevin said.

"That's why they invented reality TV," Ruthie pointed out.

"Cool! I think I know a guy, who knows a guy, who knows a guy, who works on ABC. I'll give him a call to see what he thinks of the idea."

"Good luck with that," Martin and Ruthie both said. They noticed Diane smile at them out of the corner of their eye. The doorbell sounded a second time that night, prompting Kevin to take in another huge breath.

"No, please don't—" Martin pleaded.

"…the witch is dead. Which old witch? The wicked witch! Ding dong! The wicked witch is dead!"

"—sing," Ruthie cringed. Diane giggled behind them while the couple could only roll their eyes.

"I bet you twenty dollars that's my husband on the other side of the door," Diane said pulling a fresh twenty from her wallet. Kevin and Carlos both looked at each other with wide grins on their faces sharing a quick high five.

"Okay now I really like her," he said.

"Make it thirty," Carlos chimed.

"You got yourself a deal," she said going in for a sealing handshake.

"Wait, I need cash. Put me down for forty-five," Matt said.

"We have forty-five, forty-five. Do I hear fifty?"

"Right here," Carlos said raising a spoon he got out from the kitchen draw as a make-shift mallet.

"Fifty, fifty. Do I hear sixty?"

"Eighty," Matt hollered raising his mallet (which was really a spatula) high in the air.

"Eighty-five!" Carlos called.

"Oh no you don't!" Matt yelled. "Put me down for ninety."

"Oh yeah? Well I crush all of you with one hundred and fifty!" Diane bellowed.

"Woah dude I'm out. Way too much comin' out of my pocket," Carlos said with a sympathetic clap of Matt's shoulder. Quickly brushing off his sympathy the two fell into an honest starring contest. Looking dead on to the opponent, they both cracked their knuckles, pleased with healthy competition.

"One. Seventy. Five," Matt said slowly, sure to put a pause between every word.

"One. Eighty," Diane countered shooting him a glare.

"Two hundred," Matt growled.

"Hey wait for me!" Simon said finally getting back into the game. "I had to take a bathroom break. Okay go," he said more to himself than anything. He could see his call had been useless, the challenge going on as if he hadn't even said a word. As stupid as it was, those standing on the side lines watched as the intensity grew.

"Ooh this is getting good," Kevin whispered.

"Popcorn?" Carlos offered handing him a bowl of freshly popped kernels. He took a handful blindly, not daring to take his eyes off the showdown.

"Two fifty," Matt whispered.

"Three hundred and that's my final offer," Diane said. Her opponents eyes widened in shock. It was clear that he'd lost this one, fair and square.

"Three hundred. Going once, going twice to the newest member of this insanity." The entire room fell into boisterous cheer while Martin could only shake his head.

"I'll go get the door since no one here even remembered that there's someone who's been waiting there for about twenty minutes now wondering if there's anyone home," he sighed gently taking Ruthie off his lap to answer the unknown visitor.

"Oh well this sucks. All the time and energy and I don't win anything," Matt said clearly disappointed.

"Does anyone know this guy?" Martin asked. Diane pivoted in her seat, a knowing smile on her face.

"Jay!" she squealed jumping up to give him a tight hug.

"Great. The man has an owner," Martin smiled.

"I'm not a dog young man. This here's my wife."

"Wow. She must really love you man. She just put three hundred bucks on the line for you," Kevin said. Jay eyed her with a raised brow.

"That's it? "D sweetie I've taught you so much better than that. When you put your money on the table you go big or go home. You could have at least pulled another hundred out of that!" he scolded.

"Okay, Martin's grandparents so win," Carlos whispered. Kevin couldn't help nodding in agreement.

"You'll fit in perfectly," Ruthie smiled.

"Thank you dear. Now you Matthew, you owe me a circa three hundred dollars?"

"No I don't. You're the one who made the last call."

"Oh come on. Have some mercy for the elderly!"

"Honestly even if I had made the last call I don't even have that kind of money."

"You're the doctor," Martin pointed out.

"Yeah, a doctor in debt," he mumbled.

"Don't worry. I'm sure we can come up with some kind of equivalent."

"Like what?"

"Oh I don't know. I've always wondered what it'd be like to be paid in entertainment."

"Entertainment as in…sexual favors?" Sarah asked.

"That actually sounds fantastic. I've always wanted to spice things up a bit. Try something more modern, more hip to this generation."

"Oh dear lord. I cannot believe I'm actually related to these people," Martin whispered so that only Ruthie could hear. She hugged him in comfort and smiled.

"Now we're even," she said.

"Hey! Don't I get to throw in my opinion here? I sure as hell am not sharing my wife."

"What if we trade? I'll lend you Lucy for a night and Diane and I could whip something up together." Lucy smacked him forcefully turning to glare at him.

"I'm not rentable you idiot! Besides, I'm pretty sure Jay would much better like a woman he's familiar with," she smiled.

"Not to mention the fact that it sounds incredibly disturbing," Martin put in. Jay turned to him and smiled reaching out to shake his hand.

"You must be the grandson. Name's Jay."

"As I gathered," Martin grinned.

"As I remember correctly your father was a Marine." He felt himself momentarily cringe.

"Yes sir."

"Good, now drop and give me twenty!" Martin sighed but fell into push up position.

"Oh this should be good," Sarah said sitting up straighter to get a better view. Ruthie smiled proudly as he started his requested set.

"I should have guessed you were a Marine too," he said.

"Well actually no. I was in the Navy division but that's a pretty good guess." After Martin finished he rose with a salute.

"I see he taught you well," Jay said proudly. I don't think he ever taught me anything Martin thought. the only thing he'd be willing to give his father credit for were the things he learned not to do when it came to raising his own son. Still, Martin just nodded slightly.

"Jay is that—" Diane said in excitement.

"—opera music?" he finished with a wide smile.

"I love the opera!" they exclaimed.

"Not you guys too!" Kevin whined coming back into the kitchen for a small snack.

"What?" they asked confused.

"The whole talking at the same time thing," Matt filled in. These two do it all the time," he said pointing to a sheepish Martin and Ruthie.

"Don't forget the fact that they finish each other's sentences without even looking at each other," he shuddered. "It's creepy," he said around a mouth full of food.

"Sweet," he pairs said with wide smiles.

"At least now we know for sure that we're related," Martin and Ruthie said. Jay and Diane both smiled turning to find the source of the music.

"Where's the—"

"—music coming from?"

"Oh just through the kitchen door that Kevin just came through," Sarah replied.

"Thanks."

"No problem." With that they turned to face the kitchen door Ruthie and Martin not too far behind them.

"Is it just me or is this family getting a whole lot weirder?" Kevin asked.

"I like to call it interesting," Sarah said taking his half finished sandwich off of his plate. He looked down sadly at his empty plate and sighed, again pulling out the bread and condiments to make himself a new one.

"You're welcome!" he called after her. Sarah just smirked walking out to join the recently vacated quartet. "It was my sandwich," he mumbled.

"Make yourself a new one," Lucy sighed.

Martin had honestly lost count of how many times they had seen the reproductive portion of the show. He was sure it was already around six. Every time he suggested moving on, or finding an entirely new one to watch all together they'd simply take the remote and rewind it themselves. It honestly freaked him out how interested they were about it. He was sure they were both at least eighty years old. As far as Martin knew people their age would be disgusted at the sight of it.

"I'm sorry but what do you guys find so interesting about this?" Jay and Diane looked over at him and grimaced.

"This?" Jay asked. Martin nodded silently hoping that he was wrong in his assumption.

"Oh no we could care less about what's actually going on," he laughed.

"Then why…?"

"It's their use of instrumentation that's interesting. It's just so…"Jay trailed.

"…melodic," Diane said dazed. Martin saw her close her eyes and lean against Jay dreamily. For a minute he wondered if there was some kind of mix up in his relations. They way they two were acting showed clear signs of Kevin-esk personality traits. Maybe these are his grandparents. It would definitely explain a few things he thought.

At this point he had just gone to tuning out the symphony which, given enough repetition he could hum in his sleep. Just then the glorifying sounds of a whimpering baby could be heard clearly over the monitor. When they heard it both he and Ruthie shared a grateful look. Ruthie personally cursed herself for not being able to follow him.

"I'll be right back," he promised with a kiss to her temple. "You're probably the one he wants anyway," he whispered. Tearing their eyes from the screen momentarily both Diane and Jay looked over at him, their eyes in clear startled question.

"You might want to get Luke down here too. We haven't seen him in a while. It'll also make explaining situations a whole lot easier."

"Simon!" Martin called. "Could you join me upstairs for a minute?"

"Sure," he replied following close behind him. When they left the room two curious sets of eyes fell on Ruthie. She cleared her throat uneasily before starting what she could of the story she really wished didn't need telling. She knew Martin was far from ashamed of his son. It was the idea that they had to tell the story so many times already that bothered her.

"You have a great-grandson," she said with an uneasy smile. Unexpectedly she noticed Diane grinning widely.

"No one's perfect," she said. "I just wish the two of you would have waited until marriage for something like this. Ruthie visibly blushed at her assuming that Aaron was hers.

"Oh no, that's not it. I mean that is it but…"

"What is it?" she asked gently.

"I'm not his mother," she whispered. As she said it she felt her shoulders go slack. This is what she hated about telling the story. She had to admit to everyone who asked that she could lay no claim to Aaron. This angered her for some reason. She had been there for him through everything that she should have been. After everything she'd done, all the loved she'd offered him, she still couldn't call him hers without knowing that it wasn't entirely true. "She walked out on them a few days ago. Even so she was never a constant in Aaron's life. Martin's my best friend. After I found out what he did I couldn't look him in the eye without bawling. You see, there's a little bit more to this story than usual. I've loved him for years. Because Martin lived with us he couldn't look at me as more than a sister. As much as I tried to prove him otherwise he completely overlooked me.

"Then, the first time she left—doing so for extended periods of time soon became her norm—he called me over asking for help with Aaron. Partially in anger and in a desperate need to see him again I went over. It soon became a common occurrence. Even when she was home I'd find myself coming over here. When it happened too much for Sandy's liking she confronted me, told me that I had no right being anywhere near him, that he was her baby and not mine. Considering the amount of time she even spent at the house Martin and I both knew her calls were false. If she wanted to lay claim she would be doing her job as a mother, not leaving Martin to take on the role of two parents. These fights happened every time she bothered to show her face in town. Fed up, I finally just fought my way into the house and she realized she couldn't stop me. That didn't stop her from bringing up the same argument every single time I saw her though. Much to my happiness, she finally just gave up and left.

I woke up to the two of them on my doorstep. Over time I became that consistency for him. And a few things put it into perspective for the two of us and here we are," she smiled. "Even though part of me knows I shouldn't, I treat as my own son. He's even learned to address me as his mom," she laughed, tears rolling down her face. Diane came around the coffee table and gathered her in her arms. Ruthie took the offer willingly, returning the tight hug.

"Thank you," she whispered. "Although we haven't known him long—it's literally been only a few hours—I've seen that look in D's eyes myself," Jay said. "From what I can tell you make him very happy."

"He's become my life," Ruthie whispered. A smile graced her face when she saw the two of them come back downstairs. "Along with this one," she said taking Aaron from Martin. Aaron smiled wrapping his arms around her. "How are you?" she asked watching his hand take a piece of her hair.

"Ma-ma," he said softly taking a quick look at the stranger's faces and turning back to Ruthie.

"So precious," Diane whispered. Ruthie met her gaze and turned Aaron to face them.

"Diane, Jay, meet your great-grandson Aaron Brewer." The two smiled, Diane already ready to hold him. "Aaron," she whispered. The little boy's big brown eyes went up to meet hers expectantly. "This is your grandma and grandpa. Go say hi," she said handing him over to an eager Diane. Aaron met Ruthie's eyes nervously, his bottom lip trembling. "It's okay," she said softly. "They're not going to hurt you," she reassured. Still uncertain he turned to face her.

"Well hello there," she smiled. Aaron himself giggled tracing her face with his finger.

"He seems to be a pretty easy adapter," Jay said. The surprised look on Ruthie's face showed otherwise.

"This is unexpected actually. Lately he's been really picky about people. He doesn't take to new people easily at all."

"Well don't I feel special," Diane laughed.

"It must be your positive vibes D. They're just so vibrant," Jay said.

"It's all about the vibes," Diane agreed.

"Well now who's this little guy?" Jay asked as Luke and Simon walked in sitting themselves down."

"This is Luke," Simon replied. "He's another interesting story," he chuckled. "One that'll be told a little bit. It's extremely complicated."

"It's not that bad Simon," Ruthie laughed. While I'm in the mood, do you want me to continue with story time?" she asked.

"No, I guess I'll tell it," he sighed. "I guess it all starts with my ex-fiancé. We almost made it down the aisle until her ex-boyfriend showed up a few hours before the wedding. When I asked him who he was he just smiled and told me his relation to her. Part of me cringed, and wanted confront her. The other part of me was somewhat relieved.

She never took well to the family. Being raised an only child she is naturally very self-centered. Rose showed up at the door demanding that I get back together. Of course I wouldn't have it. After a solid argument she dropped the bomb that she was pregnant with her boyfriend's baby. Typically, she put it on me hoping that I could be her saving grace or something. Knowing that we were never involved I just laughed at her.

When one of us asked if she was even ready for a child she looked at us like we were all crazy. Rose said that there was no way she'd be putting herself through pregnancy and raising a baby. When I told her she really had no way out of it, she rolled her eyes at me and told me she had options. I knew what 'options' meant and I was furious. From what I gathered she wanted to terminate the pregnancy.

The idea makes me physically sick. I begged her to keep the baby. If nothing more than to term so that she could consider adoption. She fought me on it for a good hour before reluctantly accepting my terms.

When she finally went into labor I was there with her. I figured that if I had to push her into waiting the least I could do was be there when he was finally born. She didn't give me much time though. The very next day, she went into labor. Matt explained that it was one of those hidden pregnancy things.

The minute he was born she wouldn't even look at him. It broke my heart to see her go through this and not even bother acknowledging his existence. She asked me how long it would take to start the adoption process and all I could do was look at this little guy and think, 'He's going through the system.' I couldn't let that happen so I made a spur of the moment decision. I agreed to take him on and raise him. Even though he was nowhere near mine, I knew that with the help of the family I could offer him a stable home and spare him the hell of foster care."

"Oh my, "Diane whispered, tears gathering in her eyes as she held Aaron closely. "Has she tried to keep in some kind of contact?" she asked. Ruthie, Martin, and Simon almost laughed out loud.

"I take it that's a no?" Jay asked. Simon nodded letting his eyes wander to the quiet little boy in his arms. "I'm sure she'd give anything to never even consider seeing him again, let alone me."

"The woman honestly disgusts me," Ruthie mumbled. Jay and Diane both nodded.

"If she ever shows her face here again I'd personally like a word or two with the woman," she said. Ruthie chuckled.

"Diane I honestly don't know if she even can be considered anything but an immature child. You should have seen the way she presented herself to us. She's a spoiled brat who needs to be shown how to really treat people."

"Not just people who are looking to help her when they have much more they could do with their lives but people in general," Martin said.

"I'm just glad he never has to acquaint himself with anyone like her ever again," Ruthie said gratefully.

"Ruthie sweetie I doubt he'll never run into the likes of this woman in the duration of his entire existence. There are a great too many that look at life like this. As sad as it is, he's going to see it again."

"Yeah I know. I can only hope that it'll be a long while before he does. Frankly, if he could go his entire life without knowing anything about her he'd be much better off."

"This is not a perfect world love," Martin said gently. "He's going to ask questions. Aaron will too. All we can do is be honest with them, show them how much we love them and that's about the best we can do."

"I know," she sighed watching Aaron make his way back over to her. She held him closely taking in his innocent scent and closing her eyes sadly. "I love you so much," she whispered. He looked up at her and smiled, taking her finger quietly. "I don't know how she did it, how either of them did it."

"It's this well-known concept of immaturity. You can't fault them for it. Their choices are their own to make," Diane sighed.

"I'm just glad we're able to make it easier on them," Ruthie said looking over at her brother.

"If it weren't for my son I wouldn't have realized what Ruthie truly means to me," Martin admitted. Across from them they both saw Simon roll his eyes. Jay chuckled.

"You'll get there," Jay said. "Then it'll be their turn to roll the eyes at how ridiculous you sound."

"We'll help," Diane volunteered.

"Are you sure you're not related to Kevin?" Simon asked. "You know the big buff blond jester in the kitchen." Diane and Jay shook their heads and laughed.

"If that's the case then I'm starting to wonder if maybe I was adopted," he mumbled.

"I doubt it son," Jay said. "We saw Cindy pregnant."

"And I don't have any siblings…Oh well. I guess I'm just a fluke."

"There's no such thing Martin," Diane laughed.

"Even if you were, I'd still love you," Ruthie promised.

"I should probably go check with Annie to see how far along we are we dinner," Diane suggested. With that she gracefully left the room.

"You two are more than welcome to stay," Ruthie smiled. Martin laughed. Even though this wasn't her house she'd gone and taken on the role of hostess. A job he really should have taken to. As much as it would cramp the house even further he really saw no problem. It wasn't like this family wasn't already huge. What was the harm in two more people?

"Oh no, we couldn't possibly," Jay said.

"It's really no problem. The bigger the better in our opinion. We could always use more help. I think it's my turn to start my team anyway. I'm a Brewer in a horde of Camdens. A guy can only feel out-numbered for so long," he laughed.

"We told you we were sorry," Ruthie pouted. He smiled hugging her affectionately.

"Unless you know, you wanna leave…" Simon said. The two only glared at him, Martin holding her protectively.

"Nu uh, not happenin'" Ruthie snapped.

"It was just a suggestion Ruth, chill," he laughed.

"You know how sensitive the subject is," she said quietly. Simon nodded apologetically.

"I should probably get this guy upstairs and see what I can contribute to dinner," Simon said getting up from his seat. Jay nodded and proceeded to follow him. Martin sighed when he heard the doorbell sound for the third time in the last three hours.

"Next thing you know, someone's going to tell me that my dad's back and getting married or something," Martin mumbled as he shuddered. Before he could even open the door though he was surprised to hear what greeted him.

"I cannot believe you're going to stand there and tell me you stake no claim to it!" the voice it came from sounded shrill, almost witch-like.

"I'm happy with the way things are! I don't want to be the one to disrupt it!"

"Take some responsibility young man!"

"If you haven't noticed, that's exactly what I'm doing!"

"He's my son!" he snapped.

"I don't know if your itty bitty pea sized brain remembers this, but in calling him your son he is also my grandson! I know my rights!" A tap on his shoulder urged Martin to step aside.

"Would you two be kind enough to shut up?"

A/N: WOW! Over 100 pages and almost forty thousand words! Hopefully you're still with me :) I'd also like to add, that as much as I'd love to be I am in no way knowledgeable when it comes to snails. I'm only as accurate as research allows me to be.

I know it's been a really long time guys. But you know what would be amazing? If we could get over 27 reviews to try and break the record. You know how this works. Good, bad, you be the judge. Just push that little review button and tell me what you think!