Sorry for the wait. I know it's been an even longer wait for "A Night To Remember" but I should have an update for it in the next week. Just a quick note: there is no flashback in this chapter. I think for Sam's flashbacks, I'm going to do them every other chapter. His flashbacks are so close to the current timeline of the story, it's hard to write one for every chapter. However, I still want people to get an idea of how he's feeling and/or what he's dealing with when Naomi isn't around. Anyways, I hope you like this chapter. And as always, thanks for reading :) XOXO

Chapter Twelve

"A penny for your thoughts" Charlotte offered as she walked into the practice kitchen where Naomi was sitting alone. She looked sad and depressed, more withdrawn than usual as she stared into her mug of tea.

Naomi looked up and shook her head, smiling solemnly. "No deal" she said as Charlotte sat down at the counter next to her. "My thoughts would only get you locked up in the crazy house. I don't think Cooper would like that".

"They haven't driven you crazy" Charlotte pointed out.

"Oh, I wouldn't be so sure about that" Naomi said, staring at her tea again. She felt so out of it. Staying up half the night crying did that to you.

Charlotte shifted slightly, uncharacteristically unsure of what to say. She and Naomi had never been close, but over the last few weeks, Charlotte had come to genuinely care about her. The way she'd handled all the ridicule and cold stares was admirable; especially considering she didn't deserve at least half of it. But the look on Naomi's face indicated she was growing dangerously close to cracking. Why did she insist on hiding her emotions; it was clearly starting to work against her. Hoping to open Naomi up a little, Charlotte decided to keep talking; maybe a consistent conversation would subtly encourage her to let go. "So, I heard you brought Isaiah to work yesterday".

"Yeah, I did" Naomi responded succinctly.

Charlotte tried again. "So, how did it go"?

How did it go? That's all Naomi had been able to think about. If she hadn't fallen asleep or had insisted Pete come back on time or maybe even met Pete at the park…she could've said it was good, no, a great day. It hadn't been perfect. Violet and Amelia had still treated her like a leper but that was becoming a normal daily routine for her. On the good side, Isaiah had been very active but well-behaved. Her patients had loved holding him and playing with him while she went over their charts. Late in the day, Pete had come and unexpectedly apologized. Not only had they mended their friendship, but Pete had taken an interest in her son. That was the one aspect of the whole situation that hurt Naomi most. People were so busy blaming and punishing her, they'd never even stopped to acknowledge Isaiah; except when they were using his existence against her. Pete had done the opposite; and if her day would have ended on that good note, her day would have ended in high spirits. But it hadn't ended there. Instead, Naomi's world had been crushed. Ugly was too kind a word for she and Addison's fight; and that was before her former best friend had revealed Sam never loved her. The real kicker though…having to spend the first night away from her son in a couple of days. Though Sam's reasons were valid, Naomi felt she had been bullied into agreeing with him. She wasn't ready; in many ways, Naomi had become just as dependent on Isaiah as he was on her. How was she going to survive without him?

"Naomi" Charlotte said concerned after getting no response.

Snapping out of her daze, Naomi apologized. "I'm sorry. I guess I'm more tired than I realized. As far as yesterday goes, I'd say it was a mixed bag".

"How so"?

Naomi sighed and blew out a shaky breath.

"I'm sorry, I don't mean to overstep. Forget I asked" Charlotte backtracked, thinking her plan wasn't such a good idea after all.

Instinctively, Naomi reached out and placed her hand over Charlotte's. "No, you're not overstepping at all. As a matter of fact, I've been meaning to thank you. I'm sorry for not doing it earlier; I just wanted to let you know how grateful I am for your kindness and neutrality. Despite everything that has happened, you haven't acted cruelly towards me or given me special treatment. You've treated me like I'm the same person I've always been. That means a great deal to me. I don't know how I will ever be able to properly thank you".

Charlotte smiled warmly. "You just did. Besides, how could I treat you any differently? You're human just like the rest of us; we all make mistakes. Not to defend the others, but I think they care about you so much, their hurt feelings have blinded them from seeing that".

"Maybe…maybe not. I'm just glad I've got you in my corner; maybe we could hang out sometime" Naomi suggested nervously. She didn't want to appear needy, but she desperately needed a friend right now. And over the past few weeks, Naomi had begun to see Charlotte in a whole new light. Regardless of her difficult circumstances, Naomi was confident that a friendship between them would have blossomed anyway.

Sure, that would be great" Charlotte responded without hesitating. It would be easy for her to assume that Naomi was using her to replace the friends that weren't talking to her, but Charlotte didn't think that was the case. Naomi's face looked genuine. Truth be told, she needed a friend too. Though she was cordial with everyone at the practice, Charlotte had never grown particularly close to anyone besides her husband. Half the time, she felt the rest only put up with her because was married to Cooper. It would be nice to have that feeling change.

"Great! Maybe we could…" Naomi was about to suggest hanging out on Saturday when Pete walked in and interrupted them.

"Hey, how's it going" Pete asked casually, grabbing an apple from the fruit basket on the counter. Biting into it, he leaned against the back counter and stared at them.

"I take it you two are on speaking terms again" Charlotte surmised.

"Yep" Naomi confirmed. "Pete came to my office and we had a really great conversation. He even took Isaiah to the park yesterday afternoon so I could concentrate on work". Naomi turned back to Pete. "I hope Violet wasn't too angry when you got home".

Pete shrugged. "Nothing I can't handle. She won't admit it, but when she met us at the park yesterday, it took all of her strength and energy not to gush all over Isaiah. That kid of yours has charm for days. All the mothers in the park wanted to hold him".

"Tell me something I don't know". Naomi's smile was fractured. Again, Isaiah was suffering because of people's anger at her. She felt extremely guilty.

"Well, that seems like a great day. Why did you say it was a mixed bag" Charlotte asked.

Pete stood alert and really peered at Naomi for the first time. Her eyes were red and sunken in. "Sam and Addison; what happened"?

"Sam and Addison? They were at St. Ambrose all day, same as me" Charlotte said.

"They stopped by the office last night. I had fallen asleep on my couch waiting for Pete to bring my son back" Naomi explained.

"And I didn't want to wake you, so I left Isaiah with Sam" Pete finished. But obviously, there was more to the story. "What happened" he repeated.

Naomi sighed. "Let's just say Addison and I avoiding each other works much better than speaking. After last night, staying out of her way will actually be easier for me. Though I must say our conversation was very informative" Naomi admitted when she thought about Sam not loving her. "And as far as Sam goes, he's finally decided to start speaking to me again…just in time to demand Isaiah spend the weekend with him".

"What" Charlotte" exclaimed.

"Yes. I felt backed into a corner so I agreed. Sam's picking him up Saturday morning. I don't know what I'm going to do. I've never spent a night away from him". Naomi's voice cracked; tears leaked from her eyes.

Charlotte reached out and rubbed Naomi's back. "I know it's hard, but you'll get through it".

Pete grasped her hand gently. "I'm not trying to rub it in, but you know Isaiah needs to spend more time with his father" he said softly.

Naomi nodded her head and wiped her tears away. "I know. I know. It's just the way it all went down. I thought I would have more time to prepare. I'm going to lose my mind this weekend".

"Distract yourself by staying busy" Charlotte suggested.

"I don't suppose you would want to hang out this weekend" Naomi asked.

"I would love to and I would be there in a minute if I could, but I can't. Cooper and I already have plans".

"I understand. Maybe next time" Naomi smiled, though she was disappointed.

"Why don't you call and see if Jake is available" Pete hinted, smiling mischievously.

"Pete" Naomi shouted.

"Jake Reilly" Charlotte asked, surprised. "He asked you out"?

"Months ago".

"He's hotter than the fourth of July in Alabama. Why the hell didn't you say yes immediately"?

"Because as I told Pete yesterday, I'm not interested in dating. I don't care how hot he is" Naomi defended as the butterflies in her stomach started swirling again.

"Well, you need to make an exception for Jake. Besides, I'd hate to think you spent the weekend all alone crying" Charlotte said.

"And like I said yesterday, you need to get a life. So come on Nae, call him, live a little" Pete pushed.

"A guy like him probably has plans" Naomi hedged.

"You won't know until you call him" Charlotte pointed out.

"Let me rephrase. A guy like him always has plans" Naomi reiterated.

"But you still won't know for sure until you call" Charlotte fired back. "Just call him; you're not scared are you"?

"No" Naomi answered too quickly.

"Why Naomi Nicole Bennett, I do believe you're nervous. Now, why would that be" Pete asked coyly.

Because she liked him; but Naomi could barely admit it to herself, let alone say it out loud. The fact that Charlotte and Pete kept harking on Jake made this conversation way too uncomfortable.; Naomi nervously glanced at her watch. "Would you look at the time. My next patient should be here in five minutes. I should get ready. See you guys later". Getting up from her seat, she quickly escaped from the kitchen. Though Pete and Charlotte were kind enough to refrain from calling after her, Naomi could still feel their impish grins on her back. She got the impression they knew she was more interested in Jake than she was letting on. A small part of her smiled too. The camaraderie she'd just felt had drastically improved her mood. There were still people in her life who cared.

And then there were people who couldn't give a damn Naomi thought as the soothing warmness of Pete and Charlotte's friendship vanished at the sight of Sam and Addison. By the to-go bags in their hands, they must've just returned from lunch and were talking to Violet in the hallway…blocking the path to her office. Naomi paused briefly, then took a deep breath and forged ahead. "Excuse me. I need to get to my office" Naomi said cordially. This was still a place of business.

Sam, Addison, and Violet looked at her with varying degrees of tension on their faces. However, also remembering this was a place of business, they slowly moved and let Naomi pass.

"Thank you" Naomi said as she walked by them.

"I'll be at your house at 8 a.m. sharp Saturday morning to pick up my son" Sam abruptly called after her.

Naomi turned around, her face unreadable. "He'll be ready".

"Thank you" Sam said diplomatically before he and Addison walked away, leaving her and Violet standing alone.

Violet was about to walk away too but on a whim, Naomi stepped in front of her, blocking her retreat. The rift in their friendship was killing her. "Violet, are we ever going to get past this? I'm truly sorry for hurting you but I had to put Isaiah first. Please understand, please forgive me. I miss you. You're one of my closest friends".

Staring Naomi hard in the eye, Violet declared "We're no longer friends", and walked away leaving Naomi so stunned, she felt like she'd been slapped across the face.

…

"I've packed double everything he needs. If he gets too fussy, just give him his teddy bear, Mr. Blue. It usually calms him down immediately. Oh, and I hope you don't have too many sharp edges or small loose objects. He's starting to crawl and pull himself up on tables and chairs. He gets into everything" Naomi rambled on and on, not wanting to face what was next.

"He'll be fine Naomi" Sam said, slightly impatient. "Between Maya and Olivia, I have plenty of baby experience". He held out his hands.

"You're right, I'm sorry". Naomi handed him the baby bag. Looking down at Isaiah in her arms, she squeezed him tight and gave him kisses all over. "All right Isaiah, be a good boy for daddy. Mommy will miss you but she'll see you tomorrow okay? I love you so much". She gave him one last squeeze then slowly handed him over to Sam. Moisture began collecting in her eye sockets. "Oh wait" she shouted, right as Sam was starting to turn away. "I forgot his car seat, let me go get it".

"I bought one yesterday" Sam said calmly. "And I turned one of my guest bedrooms into a nursery. "Calm down and relax Naomi. I've got all my bases covered. It's just one night. I wouldn't let anything happen to our son".

Whatever difficulties they were having, Naomi knew he was telling the truth. He'd always been a great father. Plus, Isaiah looked excited. She didn't want her poor mood to affect him; so for his sake, she smiled. "I know, have a great time. Bye Isaiah, mommy loves you" she managed to get out before Sam walked down the walkway with Isaiah to his car, Addison waiting inside. She closed the door before she lost all her resolve and went and snatched her son back. Leaning against the door, she closed her eyes and wondered what she was going to do now.

…

Naomi sat on the couch and stared at the business card in her hand. She was going stir crazy and running out of options. Since Sam had left with Isaiah, Naomi had gone for a five mile morning run, paid her bills, talked with her mother, talked with Mama Dee, and video conferenced Maya and her granddaughter in Spain. All three of them had assured her she was doing the right thing by letting Isaiah spend time with Sam. Naomi didn't doubt them but it left her in an anxious state. Even with all her busy activity since Isaiah's departure, it was barely noon and she had a whole day and night to get through. If she didn't find something to occupy her time, Naomi knew she was going to lose it; hence, the business card in her hand. Before she lost her nerve, she picked up the phone and dialed the number.

"Hello, this is Jake Reilly".

Naomi's heart began to beat wildly. "Hello Jake, this is Naomi Bennett".

"Well, hello gorgeous. I was beginning to lose hope I'd ever hear from you. What can I do for you"?

Naomi blushed, even though there was no one around to see it. Clearing her throat she said, "I know this is last minute, but I was thinking maybe you'd like to grab a cup of coffee with me today". Her foot began to bounce nervously.

A slow grin spread across Jake's face. "When and where"?

…

Naomi whipped out her credit card when she and Jake approached the cash register at the coffee shop. However, before she could hand her card to the cashier, Jake interceded. "Whoa, what do you think you're doing"?

"I'm paying" Naomi said.

"No, that's my job. I've got this covered" Jake informed her.

"I insist. Please let me do this Jake. Consider it a thank you for the kind gesture you made when my son was in the hospital".

Jake looked into Naomi's persuasive brown eyes and caved; he couldn't refuse her when her beautiful eyes were holding him captive. "Fine. I'll make an exception this one time. But every date after this is on me".

Naomi handed her card to the intrigued cashier, who had been eavesdropping on their disagreement, and smiled up at Jake. "Who says there'll be more dates" she teased.

"I do" Jake said confidently, as they picked up their coffee orders at the end of the counter and found a table outside to enjoy the perfect sunny breezy day.

Staring down at her latte, Naomi admitted "I'm actually surprised you agreed to meet up with me today".

"Really? Why? I've wanted to go out with you since the moment I laid eyes on you" Jake said, not ashamed to divulge his feelings. There was something about her that drew him in; he couldn't quite put his finger on it. But whatever it was, Naomi had his full attention for the foreseeable future.

More butterflies; something about Jake unsettled Naomi. She could never seem to get rid of the nervous energy his presence and memory created. Rubbing her neck, she raised her head and tried to focus on answering his question. "For a couple reasons; the main one being, I assumed you would already have plans".

Jake shook his head. "I'm afraid my reputation is misleading. I more or less like to spend my weekends in solitude. I won't deny I've dated more than my fair share of women, but I'm not the playboy everyone assumes I am".

"So basically I disturbed you from your solitude" Naomi asked playfully.

Jake laughed. "Now don't go putting words in my mouth. I simply meant, in recent months, there has been nothing or no one to peak my interest; except for you".

"Does your sweet talking come naturally or did you take a college course on it" Naomi asked abruptly, feeling hot all over. Even the simplest answers had the most profound effect on her.

Jake laughed again. "Since I'm going to pretend I have no idea what you're talking about, it must be natural. But enough about me; what was your other reason for being surprised".

"Because of how rude I've been. I should have call to thank you weeks ago for the gifts you had delivered to the hospital".

"Don't worry about it. You were obviously under a lot of stress having a sick child to worry about and take care of. I must admit though, I was surprised to learn you have a baby".

"You and the rest of the world" Naomi sighed. "I'm sure you've heard my sordid story through the hospital rumor mill. As a matter of fact, that's another reason to be surprised. Why would you still want to go on a date with me after everything you heard"?

Jake sat up straighter and leaned over the table towards Naomi. "I would be lying if I said I hadn't heard anything, but why would that keep me away from you? I want to get to know you on my own terms, not by making assumptions on what people think they know about you. As far as I can tell, you made a decision in the best interest of your son. It might not have been the right decision but I don't believe for a second there was malice or ill will behind it. Looking at you, there's an inner glow that shines through. There's not an evil bone in your body".

Naomi's breath hitched. "Jake…thank you". Finally, someone understood without her having to explain her plight to them. Jake was turning out to be a completely different guy than she had expected; maybe it wouldn't hurt to let go and get to know him better.

"No thanks needed, it's the truth". Jake hesitated for a moment; there was a nagging question in the back of his head he wasn't sure if he should ask. "Do you mind if I ask you a personal question"?

The serious nature of Jake's voice make her apprehensive but Naomi nodded. "Sure".

"First of all, let me just say I feel dumb. I had no idea you and Sam used to be married".

"Even though we share the same last name and work at the same practice"?

"It never clicked".

Naomi laughed. "What's your question"?

"Why did you sleep with him? I like Sam, he's a cool guy, and Addison is a beautiful accomplished surgeon but what they did to you was wrong. If she was truly your best friend and he truly cared about your feelings, they wouldn't be dating. Most people don't see it that way, but that's how I see it. So why sleep with Sam again"?

The smile on Naomi's face instantly died. That was one question that only her immediate family knew the answer to; she had no intention of telling him the real answer. Did it really even matter? It wasn't like she was in love with Sam anymore. But Naomi found herself not wanting to lie to Jake either with her half truths about being drunk. Shrugging, she answered "I guess old habits die hard".

"And has this bad habit finally died or are you still trying to break it" Jake asked slyly. Naomi's answer had been evasive and her eyes had clouded over with memories. Was there something still going on between her and her ex-husband? Jake hoped not; he wanted a chance to get to know her.

Naomi had moved on a long time ago but learning Sam had never loved her had been the missing nail in the coffin. If at any time she wavered, that nail would always bring her back to reality. "Definitely dead and buried. He's my least favorite person right now" she responded assuredly.

Jake silently breathed a sigh of relief. "Why is that"?

"Because while I realize he has a lot of time to make up with his son, and it's my fault, I didn't appreciate the way he bombarded me into taking him for the weekend" Naomi explained, a little anger seeping out. She took a sip of her latte to calm her nerves. "Speaking of which, I have a confession to make".

"What"?

"The real reason I asked you here today is so I would be distracted. I've haven't spent one night away from Isaiah since he was born and I was afraid I'd lose my mind if I sat in the house all day staring at the walls. Going to sleep without him tonight is already going to be hard enough".

"So you called trusty ole me" Jake asked, grinning.

"Yeah, I did. I hope I you don't mind".

"Not at all. I'm actually quite honored".

Naomi shook her head at him. "Who are you? Despite everything you've learned about me and everything I've said, you're as cool as a cucumber. Most men would have run for the hills by now".

"I'm not most men. And you're not most women. Give yourself some credit Naomi. You're beautiful and captivating. If anything, you've entangled me further into your magnetic web".

Blushing, she looked away. Words dripped off his tongue like hot honey. He was dangerous. Yet, Naomi was becoming more enthralled by Jake by the second. Looking back at him, she said "Thank you for the compliments and thank you for being so understanding".

"Thank you for calling me to keep you company. And since you don't want to be alone right now, I have an idea. Why don't we make a whole day of it? Let's hang out and get to know each other better".

"Oh no Jake, I don't want to waste your whole day" Naomi exclaimed.

"You wouldn't be wasting my day. I think we could have fun" Jake insisted.

Naomi was warming up to the idea; it's wasn't like she had anything to look forward to but misery. "What did you have in mind"?

"I don't know. Let's make it up as we go along. Let's be spontaneous and go where the wind take us" Jake suggested, reaching out and touching her hand. The spark he felt when their hands touched rushed through his central nervous system.

She felt it too; her nerve endings were tingling all over. "How poetic of you" Naomi smiled. "Okay, let's do it"…

They wound up getting into Jake's convertible and driving up the California coast, taking the scenic route, stopping at little beachfront shops along the way. Naomi couldn't believe how easy and fun it was to talk to Jake, laugh with him, and get to know him. The wind whipping through her hair as they drove massaged her soul; Naomi couldn't remember the last time she'd felt so relaxed and carefree. But after a day of pure delight, Naomi felt her apprehension growing again as they drove back down the coast towards home. Looking out over the ocean and watching the sun set over the horizon in bright oranges and deep purples, she sighed. Though she couldn't wait to get Isaiah back, the day had been so great, a tiny part of her wished it wouldn't end.

Jake was dreading the moment when he would drop Naomi off at her car as well. He wanted a little more time with her. "How about dinner? I know this great seafood restaurant coming up in a few miles".

Naomi smiled. "That sounds great"…

But when dinner ended, they still weren't ready to say goodbye. "How about a movie" Naomi suggested. "I love movies but I can't remember the last time I went to one. Babies and theaters don't exactly mix".

Jake grabbed her hand as they walked to the car. "Sounds like a plan to me"…

By the time the movie let out and Jake had begrudgingly driven them back to the coffee shop where their day had begun, it was well after midnight. Getting out of the car, he went around and opened Naomi's door.

"Thank you" Naomi said as Jake walked her around to her car. Hesitant to get in, she leaned against the side of her vehicle. "Today has been the best day I've experienced in a long time and I owe it all to you".

"Same here" Jake said, his voice growing husky. He stepped into Naomi's personal space. "We'll have to do this again soon".

Naomi swallowed the lump in her throat as Jake's body neared hers. "Definitely".

"Well, until then" Jake whispered, throwing caution to the wind and grabbing Naomi around the waist.

"Until then" Naomi gasped, her eyes locked on Jake as his lips closed over hers. Closing her eyes, she sighed in pleasure. The kiss was slow and sensual, exciting yet comforting. If felt like being wrapped up in a soft fluffy cloud on a bright sunny day. When Jake ended the kiss, Naomi was almost tempted to grab his face and pull him back in. Opening her eyes, she smiled warmly at him.

"Goodnight Naomi". Jake opened the door for her.

"Goodnight Jake" Naomi said, kissing his cheek before getting into her car and driving away.