A/N Thank you all for your continued interest in this story. I must apologize for not including the Chelsie wedding, but I didn't want to have to write two weddings. But I did include a little scene for them in this chapter. For those of you that are not into reading smut scenes (although I think this is fairly tame), skip the last section. To be on the safe side, I'd consider that little section an M rating. I hope you all enjoy your weekend.

Chapter 24

John could barely contain himself as they drove through the streets of London in an attempt to get to A&E. His fingers strummed nervously on the dash of the car and when he had tried using Robert's phone to get a hold of Anna there was no answer.

"She probably can't have her phone on while he's being examined," Robert advised. "He'll be fine. He's made of sterner stuff."

As much as John appreciated the pep talk it didn't seem to be working. "Is it always like this?"

"What?"

"Worrying about your kids every time they get a scrape or take a fall?"

Robert gave pause to the thought, not completely wanting to spook his best friend on the ways of parenthood. In the end he couldn't find it in him to lie to John. "I'm afraid so."

John gulped nervously.

"I'd like to say it gets easier," Robert offered, "but it never really does. Although, by the time Sybil came around we were more likely to let her juggle knives than we would have with Mary." It was a poor attempt to get his best friend to laugh, but it had managed to produce a hint of a smile. "You can't exactly wrap them in cotton all their lives, but you do find yourself holding your breath whenever they break into tears or fail to make curfew. You'll get the hang of it though."

With those words, the two rode the rest of the way in silence. John looking back on how quickly Anna and Aidan had taken over his life and his heart in the most wonderful way. Robert had barely had a chance to fully stop the car when John jumped out and began rushing into the lobby looking for a directory to the pediatric wing. When he reached the second floor he immediately spotted Anna filling out some paperwork at the front desk and allowed himself to breathe normally for the first time in the past hour. "Anna…" he said softly. His voice full of emotion as she turned towards him. He didn't even give her a chance to talk, instead his arms wrapped around her instinctively and he sought solace in the crook of her neck as he kissed her over and over. "How is he?" he whispered into her ear.

"It's a small break just below his wrist. They just finished his xrays and they are getting ready to wrap his arm in a cast," she began to explain. But his eyes were staring past her, his ears not fully listening to her as his eyes sought out Aidan. "John, look at me," she said softly. She recognized that panic written face, every parent did. "He's fine. Elsie and the doctor are with him right now. They said it should heal like normal in six weeks time."

"That's good to hear.". He took a deep breath and hugged her tight. "And how are you holding up?"

"Better than you. I hate to see him hurt, and even worse, I hate when I can't do anything to fix it. Thankfully it wasn't too bad and we got here without any problems. I was freaking out internally on the car ride over, but you can't let kids know that or they'll freak out too."

"I'll keep that in mind for the next one," he said with a smile.

Anna returned the sentiment and patted his back before rubbing soothing circles into it.

"Can I see him?"

"Of course. He's your son," she said. It came out so naturally that she hadn't even thought about it. "They are in room 215, it's just around the corner there," Anna pointed out.

"Do you need help with anything?"

"No. I'm nearly done," she said. Anna looked over at John and could read the uneasiness on his face. "Would you like me to go with you?"

"I can manage," he replied sweetly.

"Of course you can."

The two shared a knowing smile before John headed off towards the examination room. He turned the corner to find Aidan sitting patiently on the examination table with his tiny legs hanging over the side. The nurse was finishing up Aidan's cast as Elsie sat there holding the boy's free hand, whispering reassurances that it wouldn't be so bad. John overheard her tell him he'd have to take it easy and sit out a few football games, but it would only be for a few weeks. He had to suppress a small cry from escaping his lips at the sight of their little man.

"Daddy," Aidan exclaimed when he noticed John enter the room. He wiggled impatiently as he attempted to greet John.

"Hey," he said with a choked up voice. A gentle smile reached his eyes and he felt himself relax instantly now being able to see Aidan. "Stay still for the nurse so she can finish up your cast." John raised his hands to calm the boy and meet him with a kiss to his forehead. "What happened here?"

"I fell trying to cross the monkey bars," he explained.

"So I heard."

"I did it once by myself. Did Mummy tell you?" Aidan asked with eager eyes.

"I think she may have. I forgot my phone today," John replied.

"Is that why you didn't come when Mummy called?"

"Yeah. I'm sorry about that mate. I'm sure you did great, but maybe you take it easy for awhile."

"Well, Aidan," the doctor began to speak. "The good news is this is a tiny break. Now if you take it easy and rest your arm, you'll be back to tackling those monkey bars in no time. How's that sound?"

"Good!"

John smiled along with Aidan at the doctor's assessment, but he was not so sure he was ready for Aidan to be tackling anything where there was a chance he could get hurt anytime soon.

The doorbell rang and Aidan immediately came running to open it. "Whoa slow down, partner," John cautioned. He caught up with Aidan and lifted him up, careful not to crush his injured arm.

"But, Daddy it's Grandpa. I can open it on my own," the boy insisted.

"Let me check first." John looked through the peep hole and sure enough it was Charlie. He unlocked the door and opened it before greeting the older man with a handshake and a smile.

"Is that Dad?" Anna called out from the other room.

"Yes, it is," Charlie boasted proudly. He turned his attention back to Aidan, "How's our boy doing?"

Aidan held open his arms to receive a hug from his granddad and John happily passed him off.

Elsie appeared in the doorway that joined the kitchen to the sitting room with a dish towel in hand, "Perfect timing. The pot roast is just about to come out of the oven." She stood on her tip toes to kiss Charles.

His lips mirrored hers and was still caught up in his train of thought. "I tried to get here sooner. There was no one to cover my shift when I got the call," Charles began to explain.

"The good news is you didn't miss much," Elsie reported. "It's been less than six hours since his injury and he's already pushing his limits by jumping off the couch, and talking about conquering the very bars he fell from."

John swallowed hard and felt his stomach recoil at the mention of it. This was a very new sensation in parenthood he was having to get accustomed to.

"That sounds about right," Charles commented with a hardy laugh. "Reminds me of Anna as a little girl. She took a nasty fall off a horse once during a riding lesson and I thought for sure she'd want nothing to do with them again. But once her tears were cleared away and I before I got my nerves back, mind you, she was begging to hop back in the saddle. Kids are resilient that way."

"You never told me you took riding lessons.". John directed his comment at Anna.

"I was resilient, not an equestrian," Anna quipped. "Turns out I loved horses but not enough to want to keep riding them."

John smiled cheekily at her.

"She was a natural," Mrs Hughes added. "But after Charles took her to the ballet one year, it was all about being a ballerina."

"Oh God. That was even worse," Anna noted. "I didn't have what it takes to be a ballerina."

"I rather disagree. I think you would have made a lovely ballerina," John complimented.

Anna blushed at his words and the sound of the timer from the kitchen indicated dinner was ready to serve.

"Go fish!" Aidan practically shouted.

"Again?" Elsie asked. She wasn't feigning her surprise either. Aidan was winning almost every hand and seemed to be getting better by the minute.

"We may have a cardsharp in our presence," Charles joked.

"What's that?" Aidan asked.

"Nothing lad," he replied.

Elsie drew her cards.

It was Charles turn to ask now, "Do you have any threes?"

"Nope. Go fish," Aidan replied with an air of confidence.

Charles eyed the boy seriously and let out an exasperated sigh. "How can I have so many cards and have nothing of use?"

"Beats me," John answered as he held up his full hand of cards.

Elsie turned over to Charles and whispered, "Are you letting him win?"

Charles eyebrows lifted in genuine surprise at the implication. "No. Are you?"

"Absolutely not," she answered back.

"You want to team up?" he offered.

"Go fish." Aidan's voice broke up their conversation as he responded to Anna's request for any jacks.

"At this point I think it's all of us against him," Elsie stated.

All the adults giggled and Charles leaned over to kiss Elsie's cheek. "I'm going to go grab some more tea and biscuits in the kitchen. Make sure he doesn't cheat and peek at my cards while I'm gone," the older gentleman teased.

"I make no guarantees He's quite the charmer," Elsie said with a wink directed at Aidan. "And what kind of Grammie would I be if I didn't help my grandson beat his grandfather in game of cards?"

"It's okay Grammie. I can beat Grandpa on my own," Aidan said without batting an eyelash.

All the adults turned to Charles with wide eyes and open mouths.

"Alright, that's it. No time for sweets. The kid is going down," Charles responded to the challenge.

They played four more rounds as Charles attempted to derail Aidan's victorious run. It was to no avail and when Anna caught sight of the time, she had to call it a night.

"Mummy, do I have to go to bed?" Aidan plead.

"I'm afraid so, kiddo."

"One more," the boy insisted.

"Sorry, son. No negotiating tonight," John said.

"It's fine. It's getting late and I have to open the shop in the morning," Elsie added.

"But I'm opening the shop in the morning," Anna said with a look of confusion.

"After the day you had? I don't think so," Elsie said. She stood up and leaned in to give Anna a hug goodbye. She kissed Aidan on the forehead and directed a pointed look at Anna. "Don't even think of coming in earlier than ten. You should spend some time with Aidan and take him to class before taking a moment for yourself to relax."

"Thank you, Elsie," Anna said, "but it's not necessary."

"Nonsense. Now, I'll see you tomorrow in time to prepare for the lunch shift. "

Anna reluctantly surrendered to her wishes. Both couples said their goodbyes and exchanged good nights. John picked up Aidan and carried him to bed with Anna not far behind him. After John kissed the boy and read him a story, he stood in the doorway watching Anna sing Aidan to sleep. It was something he had been able to bare witness to many times before, but today the sight was somehow more endearing. His role within this family was reaffirmed and solidified. While it still had some time yet to be made official, John felt every bit the parent and husband he was always meant to be today. But today was not about him. Today his heart sung with praise for the woman who had captured his heart. She had always been a great mother, of that he was not in any doubt, but today she was in her element. The Anna he fell in love with who had always held her own, had reappeared once more, stronger than ever. Anna was a fierce lioness when it came to Aidan and he loved her all the more for it.

John helped pick up some stray toys strewn about the sitting room and locked up the house. He cleared away the few empty cups and plates from their chocolate biscuits. John ate the last one before brushing off the crumbs into the trash and rinsing off the plates. When he made his way back down the hallway he saw that Aidan was already fast asleep with his bear tucked under the covers alongside him. He looked down towards Anna's room, or rather their room, and didn't see any sign of the lights being switched on. Perhaps she was in the restroom.

John closed the distance and saw the light spilling out through the crack of the door. He gave the door a gentle knock and waited for her reply.

The sound of the door made her jump. It still made her jump. Maybe not as bad as it used to, but she hated that there were some aspects that still hadn't settled after Henry came into her life. It shouldn't be that way. Not when she knew full well that it was only John and Aidan in the house. She shuttered as she exhaled slowly.

"You alright in there love?"

Anna paused for a moment, having lost herself in thought as the events of the day caught up with her. "I'll be just a second."

Anyone else would have believed her and kept on, minding their business. But something about the tone of her voice wasn't quite the same. "You're sure?"

"Positive."

"I was thinking of having another cup of tea, if you want some that is?"

"For goodness sake, John. I'm fine," she replied with a bit of snap in her voice.

"Sorry. I was only trying to help," he muttered apologetically. John nearly turned away to prepare for bed when he thought he heard a muffled sob from the other side of the door. She'd be furious at him for ignoring her wishes, but he couldn't help himself. John pushed in and Anna turned quickly, wiping at her eyes. "What's the matter?"

"I just...I needed a moment to myself," she stammered.

"My darling. What's wrong?"

"It's nothing. I'm being silly," she tried to brush it off.

But he could read her thoughts and her face told him otherwise. "It doesn't look like nothing, Anna." John approached her slowly with his arms at his side.

"I think it all just caught up with me," she guessed.

"I thought you were fine. You were brilliant today."

"I had to be strong for him, for Elsie, and for you."

"Me?" John looked around as if someone else might step forward that she was referring to.

"Yes you. Who else?"

"Why me?"

"I thought I was fine at first," she began to explain. "I didn't think the injury was that bad."

"And it wasn't."

"But I didn't know that right away. Elsie was already panicking in the car. And then when I tried to reach you and couldn't get a hold of you I was freaking out internally. You've been my support and my strength these past few months in a way I didn't think I needed...in ways I hadn't expected. And when you weren't there…"

"Oh my darling, you know I would have been there sooner if I could have." He felt horrible. John had been so caught up in his own reaction to what was happening and Aidan's safety that for a moment he had forgotten to take Anna's feelings into account. His hand reached out for hers, hoping to reconnect and demonstrate that he was there with her. That they were still in this together.

"I know. It's just...I had to rely on myself again and I couldn't let Aidan know I was scared. I had to be strong for him."

"And you were, love," John assured her. He brought her hand up to his mouth and placed a kiss between her knuckles.

Anna smiled at his comment. She looked down to where his hand held hers and found it so easy to open up to him when he looked at her with those warm, hazel eyes that crinkled with every smile. "When you arrived at the hospital I was expecting you to be able to make it all better. I don't know why. I suppose I've just gotten used to you sweeping in and being my hero."

John smiled affectionately at her, even though he'd deny he was any kind of hero to her or anyone else.

"Then I realized you were just as scared as I was and I had to remind myself this is your first time going through something like this with Aidan. We couldn't both fall apart." She looked up with her big blue eyes that nearly consumed him. There was still a hint of innocence there beneath all her years of wisdom. "I had to remind myself that it could have been worse and I could breathe easier then."

John's lips slightly pursed together as he regarded her with pure love and devotion. He motioned for her to come closer and took her in his arms. "I wish I could have been there for you...not just today...I mean for all of it."

She found herself wishing for the same thing some days. Anna breathed in his scent. A bit of cologne from earlier that day still lingered on his shirt and it calmed her. It was proof that he was real and he was there with her.

"There is so much of his life that I missed out on." He ran his hands along her back hoping to help her relax. "I don't know that I would have been able to answer half the questions on the paperwork you were filling out today."

"It's alright. You've more than made up for it."

John brushed her hair back over her shoulder and gave her arm a gentle squeeze. "I promise you this. Nothing bad is ever going to happen to you again. The same goes for Aidan."

"John, you can't know..." She wanted to say more but before she could even form another coherent thought she was being swept up in his arms and melting into his kiss. She needed him badly. Needed that reassurance that he was hers and he wasn't going anywhere. His actions pushed away the dark thoughts that had been plaguing her the past few weeks.

"I know I can't stop him from falling and I know I can't stop you from worrying." He pressed an open mouth kiss to the exposed skin between her neck and shoulder. She groaned with pleasure as his lips seared her in the most delightful way. "No more than I can stop the earth from spinning or time marching on. But I want you to know you are safe now."

"I've never felt more protected in all my life," she whispered back. Anna pushed back his loose hair and admired his profile in the low light of their bedroom.

John set her on the bed, turned off the bathroom light, and proceeded to shut the bedroom door. He half expected her to start getting ready for sleep but instead she scooted backwards on the bed, keeping eye contact with him. When she reached the headboard she curled her index finger and signaled for him to come join her with a wicked smile. He blushed under her heated gaze, though he couldn't explain why. Even though he was the one with more experience in such matters, she managed to make him feel like a teenager experiencing his first sexual encounter whenever he was alone with her. It was still so new and yet with each passing day Anna was with him she seemed to gain more confidence in herself. Anna was blossoming before his very eyes and she was no longer the bashful lover that he had first come to know. "I didn't think you'd want to tonight."

"Why ever not?" She sat up straight, looking more alert than before.

John began to undo his dress shirt and removed it to reveal his undershirt. If only he knew the way his exposed forearms and visible chest hair affected her, he would walk around like that all day. "I just thought it's been a long day and…"

"And I have the morning off," she finished his sentence. Making her way towards him in an effort to entice him to join her.

He was at the edge of the bed now and she was letting her hands explore his broad shoulders a bit more before helping him remove his under shirt. John seemed more preoccupied with the young man sleeping down the hallway. "What about Aidan?"

Her hand came to rest on his cheek to redirect his attention on her. Her smile radiant enough to be seen even in the low light.

"Why are you smiling?" he asked.

"We've made love before with him down the hall," she pointed out. She fiddled with his belt buckle now and let her lips pepper his chin before honing in on his lips.

John turned away for a moment to face back towards the bedroom door. As much as he was enjoying this, he was finding it a little hard to concentrate on the beautiful woman in front of him. "You don't think he'll need us at all tonight?"

Anna let out a small laugh and let her forehead rest against his chest. Bless him. He could be such a worry wart at times. "John Bates, you are insufferable. Are you trying to put me off?"

"No."

"He's had a long day. He'll be out for the night. And if he's not, I'll go take care of him," she insisted.

God she looked incredible and he hadn't even finished revealing her. John began to help Anna out of her shirt and set to work on the clasp of her bra. With a small snap it practically sprang to life and he marveled at the way her breast responded to their new-found freedom. His eyes darkened and his stomach muscles tightened as he felt his arousal straining against his boxers. He didn't think it was possible to love or desire her as much as he did now. Yet he was constantly surprised, with each new day John found some new aspect of her to fall in love with. Today it was her boldness as she took the lead and whispered in his ear, "Besides, right now I need you more. You wouldn't deny me would you Mr. Bates?"

His actions spoke louder than words. Without further prompting he responded with a resounding no. He could never deny her anything.

Her pants would have to go. His hands moved swiftly to remove them in one fell swoop. They slid off with ease and he took the time to kiss every inch of her milky white thighs. Her hand reached out for him, tugging him closer to her as he crawled across the mattress to lay beside her. They met with a kiss and their mouths began to claim as much of one another as they could. John's hands cupped her bottom as her legs wrapped around his middle. The proximity of their bodies and the way his hairy chest tickled her breasts was pushing her to the brink and spurning him on. John could practically feel the heat emanating from her centre as she attempted to join them. Her hips were bucking wildly and her nails nearly dug into his back as she groaned with disapproval as he continued to tease her and draw out her ecstasy a little longer. She was already so wet and when her hand desperately reached out and guided him toward her entrance he could wait no longer. Their bodies moved together, matching one another thrust for thrust. John had always been careful to keep their rhythm slow, not wanting her to have some kind of flashback. He was pleasantly surprised when she began picking up speed, her motions were almost demanding, but in the most wonderful way. In between pants, she managed to mutter, "More." And that was the only words of encouragement he needed. In a matter of seconds they were both reaching their ends and their breaths were falling back into a normal rhythm.

"That was, ummm…" John was at a loss for words as he tried to catch his breath. His heart was beating rapidly as he rolled off of Anna. He settled onto the pillow beside her and pulled the sheets up over Anna as she shivered in the cool, night air.

"Different?" she ventured a guess.

"I was going to say unexpected, but different works too. Wait different in a good way, right?"

"Definitely different in a good way," Anna replied with a chuckle. She playfully hit his chest. "Silly beggar."

John beamed proudly at her.

"It's never been like that between us," she noted. Her fingers drew lazy circles on his chest.

"I didn't hurt you did I ?"

"No. Absolutely not." Anna paused as she considered her words wisely. "I just meant there was something very raw and refreshing about it all. I loved it. I love you."

"Well, I'll be sure to try that more often," he replied smugly. John wrapped his arms around her and pulled her flush to him. He cuddled against her and pressed a kiss to her shoulder. There were a few moments of bashful pillow talk that had become a beloved pastime of theirs after moments like these. Then they drifted into a much needed sleep with what they hoped was a less eventful day ahead of them.