Kayla unlocked the apartment door and held it open as Steve brought a sleeping Stephanie inside. The impromptu welcome home party had finally wrapped up at her parents' house and she was ready to be back in her own bed. But it was not just her bed anymore; it was theirs. She smiled at the thought.
She flipped on the light and quietly led Steve into Stephanie's room. She watched as he tenderly laid their daughter in the crib and softly kissed her goodnight. As he stepped back, Kayla stepped forward and gave their daughter her own kiss. Taking Steve's hand, Kayla led him back into the living room.
"Well . . . this is it," she said, looking around the apartment. "I know it's not our old house, but hopefully it will feel like home soon."
"Any place you and Stephanie are is home to me, Sweetness," Steve said, cupping her face in his hand.
Kayla smiled and leaned up for a kiss. When they separated, she sat down on the couch and pulled Steve down to sit beside her. Steve opened his arms and Kayla snuggled in beside him, laying her head on his chest.
"I guess we gave everybody quite the surprise tonight," she said softly. "Too bad Marcus is out of town at the medical convention. I think he and Roman were about the only ones not there."
"I'll see them both soon enough," Steve said. "I can't wait to see Homey's face when he gets back to town."
"He's missed you a lot, Steve. Almost as much as I did I think." Kayla smiled as she thought about how many times she and Marcus had sat together and talked about Steve.
"I've missed him too," Steve said. "I don't think I realized how much I missed everybody until I saw them all again tonight."
"You're probably going to have to endure a few more welcome home scenes over the next few days," Kayla said, thinking of all the friends that still did not know the truth.
"Well, since Jack will probably have the news on the front page tomorrow, it shouldn't be too big of a shock for anybody else," Steve said with a smile.
"Good point," Kayla replied. "I guess that does make it easier."
They sat in silence for a moment. Kayla closed her eyes and inhaled his scent, loving the feel of him holding her in his arms. She felt his fingers brush her hair and the softness of his lips as he kissed her forehead.
"I think I could stay like this forever, Sweetness," Steve said, echoing Kayla's thoughts.
"I know what you mean," Kayla said, looking up and stroking his cheek. "But we should probably get to bed. We have to be up early to meet Jack and Jennifer and go see Jo."
Steve nodded and Kayla sat up. Steve stood and helped Kayla up from the couch. Holding her hand, he smiled and said, "Lead on, baby . . . I'm not even sure where it is."
Kayla chuckled and led Steve to the bedroom. She turned on the lamp and the room was bathed in a soft glow.
She turned back to Steve to find him staring at the picture on the nightstand. It was from their first wedding. Slowly, he lifted the picture and traced his finger along the edge. Kayla walked up behind him and put her arms around his waist, leaning her chin on his shoulder.
"That was always my favorite picture of us," she said quietly. "I would look at it and somehow I could feel you with me."
"I'm sorry you had to go through all of that, Kayla," Steve said. "I would give anything to take that pain away from you, baby."
"I know, Steve. But that's over. We're home now and I don't need this picture to comfort me. I have the real thing." Kayla tried to lighten the tone.
"Aside from the day Stephanie was born, I think that was the happiest day of my life," Steve replied, still staring at the picture, the emotion clear in his voice. "I remember thinking how lucky I was and wondering what I ever did in my whole life to deserve your love. . . . Sometimes I still wonder."
Kayla stepped back from Steve and turned his shoulders so he faced her. "You are a strong, brave, and wonderful man. You have a big heart and you would do anything to make Stephanie and me happy. You would do anything to protect your family. You have given me more love and support than anybody could ever ask for. Don't ever doubt that."
"Oh, baby," Steve said softly. "I'll never understand how I got so lucky to find you." His fingers traced slowly around her lips
"I think maybe we both got lucky," Kayla said, savoring his touch. She took the picture from his hand and placed it back on the nightstand. Returning to stand in from of him, she slowly began unbuttoning his shirt, placing soft kisses on his chest along the way. When she was finished she pushed the shirt from his body and traced her tongue around the dagger tattoo as his fingers worked the buttons on her blouse.
Kayla slowly stroked his chest, loving the feel of his muscles beneath her fingers. She raised her head from his chest and leaned in for a soft kiss. No words were necessary as he slowly lowered her onto the bed. As Steve began to make love to her, Kayla knew the most important thing. They were finally home.