Kayla put Stephanie down in front of the door to her parents' home. She smiled at Steve and then knocked on the door.

A few seconds later, the door opened and Shawn smiled down at his granddaughter. "Well what have we got here?"

Stephanie giggled and pointed up at Shawn. "Gan-pa."

Kayla knelt down and whispered in Stephanie's ear, "Remember what mama told you?"

Stephanie nodded and held out the plastic pumpkin bucket in her hand. "Twick or tweat."

Shawn laughed heartily and reached out and picked up Stephanie. "You already got this Halloween thing figured out, don't ya, little girl?" Reaching into a bowl of candy by the door, he picked up a handful and put it in Stephanie's bucket. "There are some treats for the sweetest little cowgirl I know."

Kayla took Steve's hand and followed her father and daughter into the house. Inside she could see that Roman and Bo and their families had already arrived.

Roman and Marlena were in the kitchen while Bo and Carly stood in the living room. In between, Kayla could see Eric, Shawn Douglas, and Sami busily playing. Eric was dressed as an army soldier and was shooting his pretend machine gun at an imaginary enemy. Shawn Douglas, dressed as an Indian, responded by shooting his bow and arrow. Sami was a beautiful princess trying in vain to order her brother and cousin around.

As Steve took their coats to the back room, Kayla watched as Shawn put Stephanie down in the middle of the other children. The boys barely said hi before going back to their adventure. Sami, on the other hand, clearly realized she now had a proper subject to boss around. Kayla laughed as Sami quickly took Stephanie by the hand and dragged her over the little table that had been set up.

Within a few moments, Sami had a tea party set up, and was patiently instructing Stephanie on the proper way to drink her pretend tea.

Glancing across the room, Kayla caught Marlena's eye and they exchanged a smile at the antics of their daughters. Kayla could not blame Sami for taking advantage of her younger cousin. She had been the only younger girl in the family for a long time.

"Looks like somebody got all settled in."

Kayla turned to Steve. "Yeah, I think Sami is enjoying having somebody to play with tonight. She's been waiting for Stephanie to grow up for awhile now."

"I'm sure she has." Steve looked over to where Bo and Carly were still talking. "I'm going to go say hi to Bo."

Kayla nodded and then walked towards Roman and Marlena. Things were still a bit awkward between Roman and his siblings. Kayla knew he was still upset that they had not immediately believed him and, even more, that they continued to consider John part of the family.

"Hi, Roman. Marlena," Kayla said as she approached.

"Happy Halloween, Sis," Roman replied, giving Kayla a hug. Marlena followed suit.

"How . . . how are things going?" Kayla immediately felt foolish for the question.

Luckily, Marlena rescued her. "We're doing okay." She smiled at Roman. "It's all been a big adjustment for the everybody - especially the kids. But we're working on it."

Kayla nodded and turned back to where the kids were playing. "They seem to be having fun tonight."

"It was nice of Ma and Pop to put this together," Roman said, also watching the children. "I still can't believe that I have nieces and nephews running around here."

Kayla slipped her arm around Roman. "Well, now you have lots of time to get to know them."

Roman nodded and put his arm around Kayla's shoulders just as she heard a knock at the door. She looked over to see Shawn answering and handing out candy to Andrew the pirate and little Jeannie in her cat costume.

Andrew quickly joined Eric and Shawn Douglas in the imaginary battle taking place between the kitchen and living room. Kayla watched Kim put Jeannie down with Sami and Stephanie, but then she heard a battle cry from a familiar voice. She shifted her gaze to find her husband and younger brother conducting a sneak attack on the boys.

The sounds of squealing and laughing drowned out all other noise while Steve and Bo finished off their attack. As Kim joined the group in the kitchen, Eric, Andrew, and Shawn Douglas began their counterattack.

"I don't know who's more dangerous," Kim said, between greeting Roman and Marlena with hugs. "The soldier, pirate, and Indian brave or the two big boys in the middle of them."

Kayla laughed and hugged Kim. "I'm pretty sure it's the big boys. The little ones are easier to control."

Carly made her way to the group. "It's getting a little dangerous over there. I think they might be plotting an attack against the entire family."

There was more laughter at that remark, but Kayla could not help but notice that Roman's laugh did not match the expression on his face. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw how he was watching Bo and Steve playing with the boys. There was a wistful look that made her heart clinch.

Kayla was about to say something when she saw Marlena lean over and whisper something to Roman, nodding towards where the boys were playing. In response, Roman just shook his head. Then he stepped away from the group and walked to the other side of the kitchen where Shawn was standing.

Kayla felt bad for her brother, but had no idea what to do. It was obvious that he wanted to go join the fun with the children, but apparently he did not feel comfortable enough to do that. Turning, she caught Kim's glance and could see her sister had picked up on the same thing.

The four women looked at each other for a moment. Then Marlena smiled and shrugged sadly. A peal of laughter caused them all to turn back to the roughhousing boys in the room. Kayla smiled as she watched her husband be attacked by a pirate and brave. At least the kids were having a good time, she thought. Even the big ones.