Sorry about the delay in posting. would not let me login for two days.

Thanks to everyone who has commented. All of your thoughts and feedback are greatly appreciated.

#

#

#

#

"Good, Papa," Kayla heard as she slowly opened her eyes.

"Shh," she heard next. "We don't want to wake up your mama."

Kayla smiled to herself and deciding not to reveal that she had awakened for the moment. Instead, she happily listened to the quiet sounds of her husband and daughter. There was no better way to wake up on a Saturday morning.

As she listened to the two of them playing together, she could not resist rolling over, though she still kept her eyes closed. She heard Steve whisper something, but could not make out the words.

A moment later, the bed moved slightly. That was followed by a soft and sweet kiss from her daughter's tiny lips.

Kayla opened her eyes and saw Stephanie's beautiful face looking down at her. "Mama," Stephanie said, smiling broadly.

"Good morning, baby doll," Kayla said as she pulled Stephanie in for a hug. "What are you and your daddy up to this morning?"

Stephanie looked from her mother to her father and then answered, "Papa playing," as Steve chuckled behind her.

Kayla laughed and reached over to pick up one of the many toys on the bed. "So I see." She looked up at Steve. "Maybe we need to get Papa a toy box too."

Steve smiled down at her. "Sorry to wake you up, baby. Stephanie woke up early and I thought maybe I could get her back to sleep in here with us. But that didn't last long." He looked a little guilty. "I probably should have taken her into the living room, but . . . I just wanted to enjoy the morning with both my girls."

Kayla smiled and let go of a squirming Stephanie. As Kayla sat up against the headboard, her daughter quickly returned to her stuffed animals and other toys in the middle of the bed.

"Don't be sorry." Kayla leaned over and gave Steve a soft kiss. "I just wish I'd have woken up earlier. I hate missing any family bed-time."

Steve smiled and opened up his arms. Kayla scooted over next to him. Together, they sat and watched Stephanie playing, each joining in the fun now and then.

It was not long before Stephanie grew tired of her toys and began climbing over Steve. Kayla giggled as she watched, knowing Stephanie saw Steve as the biggest and best toy of them all. And clearly, Steve enjoyed the game just as much.

For a moment, Kayla remembered the days after Steve's supposed death when every moment with Stephanie was both a comfort and a reminder that Steve would never see his daughter grow up. But then she quickly pushed those thoughts from her mind. She and Steve had promised to focus on the blessings they had now and the future they would share together. And that was what she wanted to do.

Another squeal of laughter from Stephanie caught Kayla's attention. Steve was on his hands and knees, growling like a bear and crawling towards his daughter.

"Uh oh," Kayla called out. "Papa Bear is going to get you."

Stephanie squealed again and began scrambling towards Kayla. Kayla's giggles mixed with Stephanie's squeals and Steve's growls as Stephanie sought protection behind her mother. Soon Steve was looming over both of them.

Before Steve could finish his bear attack, the fun was interrupted by a knock on the front door. Kayla glanced at the clock and then glanced at Steve.

"I guess your Pop was bored this morning," Steve said as he sat back on his knees.

"Looks that way," Kayla sighed. Climbing out of bed, she put on her robe and headed for the living room. Steve trailed behind, carrying Stephanie.

Kayla reached the door just as another knock was heard. She quickly opened the door, not wanting her father to wake the rest of the building.

"Hi, Pop," she said as she opened the door.

"Kayla." Shawn walked in the door, pausing to kiss her on the cheek. "Steve," he said with a nod. He then promptly took Stephanie into his arms and kissed her forehead. "How's my little granddaughter this fine morning?"

"She's fine, Pop." Kayla glanced at Steve, who shrugged. "Uh . . . what brings you by this morning? Is everything okay?"

"Sure everything is fine," Shawn replied, giving Kayla a curious look. "Why would you think otherwise?"

"Well Pop, it's a kind of early. . . ." Kayla's voice trailed off.

"Early?" Shawn looked at his daughter in surprise. "Why it's nearly nine o'clock in the morning. Half the morning is already gone."

Kayla gave up and looked over at Steve, who was watching it all with a bemused look on his face. Paying no attention to either of them, Shawn sat down on the couch and began humming a song to Stephanie.

Shaking his head, Steve headed for the kitchen. "I'm going to get some coffee going," he said as he left. Pausing at the doorway he asked Shawn, "Would you like to stay for breakfast?"

"Just coffee for me," Shawn replied. "I had my breakfast already."

Kayla heard Steve grumble something under his breath and tried to stifle a grin. Sitting down next to Shawn, she again asked, "So what does bring you by this morning?"

Turning to her, Shawn smiled broadly. "Do I need a reason to visit my beautiful daughter and her family on a fine Saturday morning?"

"Of course not, Pop." Kayla hesitated. "It's just been awhile since you just stopped by for a visit, I guess."

"I know, darlin'," Shawn's expression grew serious. "Sometimes even an old man needs a reminder about what is really important. When you and Kimmie were gone, well. . . ." He stopped for a moment as if trying to control his emotions. "I just want you to know how much I love you."

"I know, Pop." Kayla smiled as a tear slipped down her cheek. "I love you too."

Shawn put his arm around Kayla's shoulders, pulled her to him, and kissed the top of her head. Then he released her and stood up, still holding Stephanie. "Now . . . I'm going to go see what is taking that husband of yours so long with the coffee."

Kayla chuckled and nodded, then watched her father head into the kitchen. When he was gone, she leaned back against the back of the couch. She knew this was her Pop's way of trying to apologize for the harsh words they had exchanged after Shane's arrest. She was equally certain that, in his own way, Shawn was currently apologizing to Steve as well.

Sighing, Kayla stood up and moved to join her family in the kitchen. Maybe it was not how she expected to spend this Saturday morning, but she had her family around her and that was really all that mattered.