"Mama!" Ben shouted, hopping down the stairs.

"What's up Ben Ry?"

"Something is majorly wrong with sissy!" he explained, grabbing her hand and pulling her towards the stairs. "She looks like she got attacked by a huge army of mosquitos!"

Knowing exactly what's going on she followed him upstairs and into Avery's room where she found her daughter sitting on the bed with the definite marks of childhood illness. For a moment she tried to remember if any of the kids had chickenpox yet but she came up empty, 0 for 6.

"Hey sweetie. Itchy?"

"Not much. What is wrong? Was it a skeeter attack? We need to gas this place."

"No sweetie, it's just chickenpox," Lindsay assured, pulling her phone out to call Austin and warn her of the germs.

"Oh no a chicken attack?"

"That's just the nickname for it."

"What is the real name? Roosterpox?"

"Varicella zoster virus."

"Oh. I like chickenpox better."

"It's nothing to worry about, but you can't scratch, okay?"

"So I will just look ugly at gymnastics?"

"No gymnastics, kiddo."

"Forever?" Avery asked warily, wincing as she looked at herself in the handheld mirror.

"A week or so, that's all."

"Will I get sick too, mama?" Ben asked, hovering by the door.

"Probably. Lift up your shirt, it usually starts on your belly."

He obeyed, his face paling at what he saw.

"I got it too! Hey Cole, wake up! We're infected!"

Colton sleepily stumbled into the room, his bare chest covered with the telltale marks.

"Well this is sucky. Mama, do you got it?"

"Nah, daddy and I both had it when we were little. We won't get it again."

"How long have I been full of germs?" Avery asked, scrunching up her nose.

"About two days, sweetie," Lindsay answered while the voicemail picked up.

"I infected Daniel!" she wailed, throwing her hands in front of her eyes.

"Just how did you do that sissy?"

Waiting for the answer, Lindsay inconspicuously held the phone out so the conversation would be captured for Austin to laugh about.

"I said, how did you infect my best buddy?"

"Well last night… I kissed him clear on his lips!"

"WHAT?!"

"He was so handsome!" Avery defended, crossing her arms over her chest. "What was I supposed to do?"

"Aves, what got into you?"

"I just liked how his face looked and how he is nice so I kissed him. That is right boys, I kissed Daniel. Okay?"

"So that's why you were both actin' so weird when I came back from pooping!"

"But-"

"I've been betrayed! This is so gross! Now I know how Ron Weasley felt when Harry and Ginny was in love."

"I am NOT in love with Daniel. He just gots softish lips an' most nice eyes."

"Aves, you can't just go around kissing boys."

"What should I kiss then, Coley? A fire hydrant?"

"You don't have to kiss anyone!"

"It is a way to show love, Coley. Just like how mama and daddy kiss us and how I kiss Thomas. But this time I kissed Daniel like in the movies because he's 'tractive."

"This is a gross conversation, sissy," Ben sighed, shaking his head and scratching his chest. "I don't even kiss Charlotte and I am in love with her like a crazy person."

"You kids are so weird," Colton sighed. "Trying to grow up too fast."

Lindsay moved into the other room to leave the rest of the message for Austin, and then calling Jess because all the kids had been together a lot the last several weeks and Teagan and Liam had probably been exposed too.

"I bet we got Isa sick on accident," Ben sighed heavily. "Because we all hugged her a lot on account of her coming back from that California place."

"Yeah, I'm glad she's back, but she seemed a little quiet. Like not herself."

"I told that to daddy and he said it might just be the time difference."

"She hugged me so, so, so big," Avery said with a smile. "It was the most big hug she ever gived to me and even she kissed both my cheeks and said that she loved me."

"I'm just glad she's back. Even if she seems different, I really missed her."

"I did too," Ben agreed. "She's the only one who laughs at my puns."

"Alright kiddos, go ahead and line up so I can take your temperatures."

They obeyed Lindsay's instructions and she gave each of them their own thermometer, having found it easier to have three instead of one that she constantly had to disinfect. They all beeped nearly at the same time and she found the kids all with very low fevers, but enough that she needed to get them back to bed and hydrated.

"Mama where's daddy?"

"He went in to work after you went to bed last night. He'll be home in a bit."

"Oh, okay. I just want to make sure he is here to help you take care of us sickies."

She smirked and went into the bathroom for the calamine lotion. Avery insisted that she wasn't itchy at all, but the boys had already started to scratch at their chests, so she administered the pink liquid liberally and had them put on light t-shirts.

"Want to take a bath, Averylin?"

"I suppose I would like a luxurious soak," she said with a nod. "Put mine hair up please?"

Lindsay quickly braided her hair and turned the water on, then went downstairs for some oatmeal.

"Wait, I could have breakfast in bath?" Avery laughed when she saw the canister of Quaker Oats.

"Not exactly. This will help your skin to stay soft and not itchy."

"Mama, are you sure you know what you are doing?"

"Yes, I'm sure Averylin. Hop in."

"I never done had a chunky bath before. This feels real funny. And kind of slimy. But kind of nice!"

"Sit there and have your soak while I go get some juice for everyone."

Avery nodded and swirled her fingers in the water while Adam came in the front door, calling out to let them know he was home.

"We are upstairs!" Ben hollered, poking his head out the door of his room. "Afflicted with the chickenpox."

"Oh great," Adam chuckled, ruffling his son's hair. "That's about the best sickness you can get. You get to lay around and do nothing but you don't even feel bad."

"Yep! So far so good. And seein' as how we are sick and cooped up, it is a good time for you to buy me and Cole another video game!"

"We'll see. How are you feeling Colton?"

"The way I figure it, this means I get to lay in bed and read for a week. Chickenpox are practically vacation."

"Don't forget about me, daddy," Avery reminded, standing up in the tub. "I am the creature from the oatmeal lagoon!"

"You look a dream," he laughed, taking her hand and helping her to sit down again. "How's that bath?"

"It's pretty good. Did you ever take a bath like this?"

"Yep, I had chickenpox when I was your age and Gigi gave me an oatmeal bath every day."

"Oh. I miss Gigi. I am happy to hear stories 'bout her though. Are you going to go upstairs and sleep now because you were workin' all the night long?"

"Nah, I'll help mama get you guys settled first."

"Would you like to rock me, daddy? In the chair when I get in fresh jammies and when I am all cozy?"

"I would love to, sweetie."

"That would be great. I think that is just what I need."

"Me too, Tink."

"Ben come back here!"

"But mama I was just-"

"Benjamin, I have this pink crap all over my hands because I'm trying to put it on you. Now come over here and get some itch relief."

He sighed and stood before her, holding his arms out so she could adequately cover every itchy spot with the temporarily soothing lotion. He didn't like being covered in such a girly color but it would have to do for now.

"You know, I wish we would have got sick during school instead of summer. We can't even go to the pool or nothing right now!"

"I know."

"Are you almost done? The Messers are on skype, I wanna compare dots with Junior."

Lindsay snorted and nodded, sending him off into the other room while she washed her hands. It wasn't surprising that their counterparts had come down with the illness on much the same schedule, but because of her trip, Isa was still spot-free.

"Alright, they all have new sheets and all the pajamas are in the wash," Adam reported, coming out of the laundry room. "What's next?"

"We need some Drano for the tub. Avery pulled the plug before I could strain the oatmeal out."

Adam chuckled and shook his head, enjoying all this family time even if the kids were technically under the weather.

"I'll head to the store then. Anything else?"

"More medicine. The box is on the counter so you can take that in and just get the same thing. Maybe a different flavor though, they're tired of grape. And popsicles… should I write you a list?"

"That might be handy, unless you want to go and I'll stay here."

Lindsay glanced into the other room where the kids were crowded around the computer seemingly fine for now.

"Yeah, I think I'll get out of here. Thanks."

She started to leave but he pulled her into his arms and kissed her deeply until she clutched at him for support, wondering how in the world he could still make her knees shake.

"Dude," she chuckled, when they finally broke apart. "What?"

"I just want to make sure we have an understanding."

"We might have an understanding twice."

"Sounds good to me."

She smiled and grabbed her keys and phone before heading outside and into the car. The kids being sick didn't have her worried too badly, their fevers were manageable and none of them seemed to be in low spirits. The thing that had her biting her bottom lip in concentration was the way Isa had acted last night during family dinner. She'd been gone for over a week, so it was certain that her enthusiasm at seeing everyone would be high, but once she'd said hello, she remained quiet for the rest of the night. Lindsay had at first attributed it to the time difference and jet lag, but then Isa had crawled up into her lap and silently stayed there for almost half an hour. It wasn't like her at all. Usually she gave an explanation for her need to cuddle up with someone at it hadn't lasted that long since she was a baby. Maybe it was a hormonal thing; she was definitely getting to the age where her body chemicals would start working against her. But that didn't sit right in Lindsay's gut and she made a note to have a talk with the pre-teen once the chickenpox were thoroughly fought.

Finding a spot on the street, she walked into the bodega, grabbing a basket at the door and heading to the back where the medicines and first aid supplies were kept. A bag of cotton balls, more calamine lotion, Neopsorin and two boxes of fever reducer joined together in the basket before she walked through the rest of the store, looking for other things they might need.

"Hey Linds, fancy meeting you here."

Lindsay grinned and looked up at her best friend, finding her laden down with similar supplies.

"Hey. How goes things at camp Messer?"

"Isa's locked in her room, saying she doesn't want germs. Daniel is no worse for the wear, and Sarah has been painting in the kitchen all morning."

"Wow, pretty low key."

"How are things on your end?"

"About as you'd expect. The only time Colton has left his book is when your kids called on Skype and even then, I don't think it's going to last long. Ben and Avery seem pretty indifferent to the whole thing."

"I asked Daniel about Avery kissing him. He just rolled his eyes and said "Ma, that girl is nuts." But he blushed too, so we'll see about that."

"I had to explain to her that she can't just kiss everyone on the lips like that. She wasn't happy but I told her that cheek kisses are okay with permission and she seemed to take the deal. I didn't tell Adam though, I don't want him to have a heart attack."

Austin snickered and tossed some Twinkies into her basket while Lindsay reached for fruit pies.

"How's Isa since she's been back?"

"Hormonal. I think she's about to be graced with the Red Dawn."

"Poor girl."

"Which means that Sarah is probably going to start not far behind. I think I might send the boys to a hotel one week a month."

"That might be best for their safety."

They continued to shop the store and chat about the kids until they'd both acquired just about everything they could possibly need over the next few days. Laden down with two bags each, they parted at the front door and both headed for home.

"Mama could daddy please take off his beard?" was the first question out of Avery's mouth when Lindsay came home later.

"What?"

"Me an' Ben wanna know what he would look like!"

"Why are you asking me?"

"Because daddy says you like his beard so he keeps it, just like you keep your hair longish because he likes it. So's he said we gotta ask your permission."

"Adam," Lindsay sighed, moving from the kitchen into the living room. "Are you seriously considering this?"

"I wouldn't mind taking it all off and starting over."

"Okay you can do that but I ain't gonna kiss you until it grows back."

"I thought we had an understanding."

"We'll see how I feel."

"I don't know kids, mama says she won't love me if the beard goes. Is it still worth it?"

"We wanna see, daddy!" Avery pressed, clasping her hands together. "It will be a learning experience."

"Guess I can't argue with that."

He headed upstairs and Lindsay sighed, knowing that it wasn't a big deal but only partially amused anyway.

"Alright kids, time for medicine. I got bubble-gum flavor."

They lined up dutifully and took the pink chewables, all wrinkling their noses at the taste.

"I think I like grape better," Colton said, sticking his tongue out. "Wow, that's pretty gross."

"Sorry. Hopefully you won't need it much. You three want to get some fresh air?"

"That means play outside!" Avery whooped. "I would love to!"

"Yeah, I need to go check on our garden anyway," Colton nodded. "Want to come help me pick some stuff Ben?"

"Sure! I've got a cravin' for some homegrown tomatoes."

The kids headed off outside while Lindsay put the groceries away and went upstairs.

"Oh babe," she laughed, seeing Adam's face covered in shaving cream. "Really?"

"It'll grow back and it will make them laugh. Win-win."

She stood in the doorway and watched him shave for a minute, then took the razor from him to finish up the job.

"You will do anything to make those kids laugh, won't you?"

"Absolutely."

She shook her head and rinsed the razor off in warm water, then grabbed a towel off the rack to wipe off a few spots of left over cream.

"So, what do you think?"

"You look hilarious. But it's not as bad as the first time you did this."

"Thanks a lot."

"Hey, I still love you, I'm just not gonna kiss you."

"Oh come on."

"No way man. I feel like I'm cheating on you with your evil twin or something."

Cocking an eyebrow up, he gently pushed her against the counter and kissed her, even as she giggled through it, tossing her arms around his neck.

"Gonna change your tune?"

"If he kisses like that I might leave you for your evil twin."

"You want to see what else he can do?"

"Not with the kids still awake."

"Party pooper."

"They'll crash early. Or I'll make them crash early, either way."

"Don't forget."

"I won't, not any time soon."

He smiled and kissed her again while she ran her hands gently over his chest.

"You know, the kids are playing outside. And I'm sure they'll be occupied for a while," she started, eyes going big and round.

"And the second we find ourselves in a compromising position, one of them is going to come looking for us."

"Want to change the locks on the house real quick?"

"I love you too babe."

"Alright then. Why don't you go downstairs and show them what their curiosity has done."

He chuckled and they went downstairs, joining the kids outside.

"Oh daddy!" Avery squealed, running to him. "You're so handsome but you don't look like my daddy."

"I don't?"

"Nope. I like your beard. It makes you look like a daddy not a young man."

"Oh I see."

"Know what?" Ben started, cocking is head to the side in observation. "I just seen what I will look like when I am an adult. It's like starin' into my future, except I will still wear glasses and have brown eyes like mama. Otherwise I can see me!"

"Is your curiosity satisfied then?"

"Yep!"

"Should I let it grow back or keep it this way?"

"Daddy, it needs to be back," Avery decided with a nod. "It is so weird with no whiskers."

"Alright, I'll grow it back."

She nodded and lifted her arms so he would pick her up, which he did, pressing a kiss to her hair.

"You're so silly for doin' this daddy."

"I like to do silly things sometimes."

"Yes, I know. That is why you love our family so most because we are silly."

"This is very true."

"Shall we eat dinner now? The boys picked much veggies for a salad."

"Yeah, it's about that time."

They gathered up the two baskets of various vegetables and made their way inside where the phone was ringing. Colton ran for it and made it first, answering happily.

"Oh hi Miss Shelly. Want to talk to mama or daddy? Both of them? Okay. I hope you have good news about us getting Rebecca. Here, you can talk to them now. Bye!"

He handed the phone over and joined Ben and Avery in the kitchen while Adam and Lindsay moved to the couch and put the phone on speaker.

"Hey Shelly, what's up?"

The social worker cleared her throat a few times before speaking, but both of them were sure what might be coming.

"I have some bad news."