Sorry for the delay with the chapter, everyone. This story will probably have a couple more chapters and then an epilogue... enjoy!=)


"Leo sweetheart, I'm home," Maura stated as she went through the door and set her things down.

"Mommy!" Leo came running through the foyer and crashed into Maura. "I missed you!"

"I missed you too, sweetheart," replied Maura, kneeling down to give her son a hug and kiss hello. The two walked into the dining room together.

"Hello, Mrs. Johnson. How was this little one today? Did he behave?"

"Hello, Dr. Isles. Leo is a perfectly behaved little boy; it is a true pleasure to teach him."

"Thank you, Jane and I try to raise him as best we can."

"You're doing a fabulous job. Leo, would you like to go over with your mommy what we learned today?"

"We started working on equations today mommy! I love math!"

"You did? That's wonderful news! My, you're learning so fast! What do you say to Mrs. Johnson?"

"Thank you for teaching me today, Mrs. Johnson."

"You're quite welcome Leo; thank you for learning!"

Once the tutor had gone, Maura prepared lunch for her son. He continued going over the things he'd learned that day, mostly excited about the math part of it. If Maura didn't know any better, she'd say she had a future scientist as a son.

"Leo, mama is going to come home late today because she has a very difficult day at work. I thought that maybe you can invite your friend Andy to come play for a while, and then you and I can make mommy something extra special for dinner. How does that sound, sweetheart?"

"Yay! I want Andy to come play, mommy! Can we make cannoli just like nonna makes for when mama gets home?"

"Of course we can. How about we call Andy and invite him to come over and play. Then you and I can make enough cannoli for you two and for mama when she gets home. That way, you and Andy can have a treat."

"Ok mommy."

Once the call had been made and Anne had promised to take Andy a little later in the afternoon, Maura set about making the dessert her son had requested. She used him as her little helper, with him helping to pass ingredients and helping measure things out. Once the cannoli was finished, she realized she still had a bit of time before their visitor's arrival, so she sat with Andy and worked on the beginnings of a puzzle. Jane had bought him a puzzle of the United States, with each piece being a state. It had the names of capitals as well, so it was a fun and entertaining way for him to learn his U.S. geography.

"I know all the state capitals now, mommy."

"You do?"

"Yes, they were in a book Mrs. Johnson gave me. I've been studying them."

"How about a mini quiz? If you get them right, then we'll talk mama into taking us out for ice cream tomorrow."

"Yay!"

One by one, Maura quizzed her son on the states and capitals of the U.S. and wasn't surprised in the least when he got them all correct. Not only would he give an answer, he would also tell her where on the map each place was.

"You got them all right, sweetheart! You're such an intelligent boy. I'm very proud of you, and I know mama will be too!"

"Mommy?"

"Yes, sweetheart?"

"Can I get a puppy?"

"That's something that we have to talk about with mama, together. Do you know what kind of puppy you want to get?"

"Andy has a yorkie. I want one too, mommy."

"A puppy is a lot of work, sweetheart. It's a big responsibility and it's for big boys. We'll talk to mama and see what she says, ok?"

"Ok, mommy."


Jane had come home completely exhausted soon after Leo's play date had ended. It hadn't taken much coaxing from Leo for her to agree to a puppy, though she said that it would be good for him to decide on a breed once they'd reached a pet store. Maura and she had actually already discussed getting him a pet, and since Maura was spending more time at home, they weren't as worried that it wouldn't get the proper attention or care. After Leo and Maura went over the day's activities and Maura proudly stated Leo's geography accomplishment, Jane agreed to take them out to ice cream the very next day with a promise to go puppy shopping during the coming weekend. Leo was bathed and tucked into bed, and the two women went through their night routine.

"I really think a puppy is a great idea. There are no pets here; I think it's great if he grows up with a pet. Being an only child sucks, or at least it looks like it does." Jane stated.

"You're right, Jane. Being an only child is very lonesome, and perhaps a puppy will give him company. I know Leo is a good boy, he'll be responsible with it. I'll help him, we both will."

"You know Maur, I was thinking… I mean, Leo is already 6, so the difference in age would be a big one, but… what if we had another baby?"

"Jane – we've never talked about having another child before… I thought Leo was going to be it. Do you want to have another baby?"

"I think we should at least consider it. Leo would have some company, someone to have there for him when he's older. I know they probably wouldn't get along as well the first few years because of the age difference, but look at me and Tommy; we get along alright."

"It would be good for him, I think… to have someone else around. Don't you think we should talk to him? Get some input?"

"We have a good kid Maur, he's going to say yes. I just know it!"

"So we're going to try for another baby?"

"We're going to try for another baby." Jane said, kissing Maura and bringing her against her body, thinking about anything but sleep.


What's Leo going to say about another baby? Will he be excited or get jealous? I'd love to read what you guys think!