Author's note: As always, reviews keep me going. I appreciate them. I'm so impatient as a writer. I have a few story arcs that you guys will love, and I can't spoil them now. At least two are 'years' in the future. Story years that is. Sometimes, writing gets slow due to life or depression hitting like a ton of bricks. I'm trying though.

(The kids)

Charlie was on pins and needles as they got ready to leave. She couldn't wait to see the bunker.

Kate hadn't slept well the previous night as her brain was busy thinking of solutions to problems. She still felt responsible for the freaks. Maybe they weren't her fault but they were her responsibility. She needed to find a way to get rid of them before more people got hurt. She overheard John talking to Bobby about a few hunters that had gone missing. It was the same story periodically but three had gone missing within a week of each other.

Taylor asked John if he could ride with him.

Dean smacked the back of Taylor's head. "Kiss ass."

"Dumb ass," Taylor said and rubbed his head. He dodged Dean's arm and jumped over the back of the truck to be on higher ground.

John jingled his keys. "Get out of the back. I have a few places to go before stopping at the bunker."

Taylor eyed Dean. "He's going to hurt me."

John sighed and shook his head. "Both of you act your age. Dean, get the girls. Taylor, get in the truck."

Dean smirked. "The girls are all ready to go. Taylor just needs to follow orders."

John cleared his throat. "Dean, leave your brother alone." He chuckled. "It was different with Sam since he was only four years younger."

"Dad, he is part angel. He can handle it." Dean said.

"If you come over here I will shock you." Taylor said.

Dean threw his hands up and walked away. It felt really good to banter. He had always play argued with Sam and the others but it was more fun now that John had joined in. He was peeved over the skunk prank and still trying to accept that his own father betrayed him like that.

Kate got in the car and started drawing. Sometimes, she just needed to put pencil to paper in order to think straight.

Charlie yawned and pulled a blanket over her. "Why so early?"

Kate looked up. "Dad and Dean like to be awake before the sun. Road trips start at ungodly hours. Might be why they are always grumpy."

Dean reached his hand back and flicked Kate's knee. "We are grumpy because you kids are a pain."

Kate shrugged. "I keep him awake on long trips and all he does is complain."

Charlie groaned and leaned her head on the window. "You guys have fun with that. I'm going back to sleep."

John told Dean to just head straight to the bunker unless he needed to stop to eat. There was no need for Dean to follow him around and sit in the car all day.

Taylor thought about the coming weeks. They seemed boring and mundane. He was preparing to go back to school instead of preparing a panic room. "Do you think I'll get on the team?"

John turned his music off. "I would be surprised if you didn't."

"I'm nervous either way. I don't know what to do if I do get on the team. That is a time commitment and I can't burden people with that." Taylor said.

"Bobby and Karen are home most of the time. If Bobby is busy, Karen won't be." John said.

Taylor sighed. "Isn't it kind of stupid though? I mean, I am not totally human. We have an important job to do so joining a football team just feels dumb."

"It isn't stupid. I have an important job. Your job is to be a kid." John answered. "If nothing else, it helps you blend in."

"I guess hiding away at Bobby's house looks weird for a kid my age," Taylor said.

"I'll encourage Kate to do the same," John said.

"It is kind of unfair though. I can run further and faster than everyone else." Taylor said.

"You could do that before. It is fair as long as you keep it on their level. You'll be out there with a bunch of other kids. One perfect player won't win a game."

"Oh, I forgot to teach Andy how to play baseball," Taylor said, palming his head.

"It isn't baseball season. You'll have time."

Kate drew a portrait of Dean's face. She felt like something was off about him but couldn't figure it out. She memorized faces. She could tell if someone parted their hair differently or got a new freckle. Dean looked like Dean but then again he didn't.

Dean got out onto the interstate and coasted along. "What is bugging you?"

Kate held up the drawing.

Dean looked in the rearview mirror. "I am bugging you?"

Kate sighed. "No. I haven't had any strong visions but I've been having dreams. This is you but maybe it isn't."

"Well, I don't think I have a twin out there," Dean said.

Kate smirked. "Would he be the good twin or the evil one?"

"The evil one, brat." Dean said with a scoff. Dean was happy that she was over her moody week. He figured that another would pop up but he'd be content with normal Kate until then, even if she tormented him.

(April and Caleb)

Andy rolled over in his bed when Riot whined. "Do you need to go outside?" He looked around the room that he shared with Ian and noticed the door was cracked open. He didn't hear Ian cry so he didn't think his mom or dad came in and picked him up.

Ian was in the kitchen looking for snacks.

Andy rubbed his eyes. "Oh no, you made a big mess."

Ian was sitting on the floor munching on an apple. He had spilled rice and cans were scattered across the floor.

Andy didn't want him to get into trouble. He put the cans back and got a broom to sweep the rice up. He heard Riot whine again and frowned. He couldn't let him outside because that would break the salt line. It was early in the morning and he didn't want to wake up his parents. He looked at the door for a long moment but decided to get his dad.

Caleb got up and let Riot outside. He looked at the floor. "Where did the rice come from?"

"Ian kinda spilled some. I was trying to clean it up but Riot had to go out." Andy said.

"Did he wake up and come down here?"

Andy nodded. "I didn't hear him."

Caleb swept up the rest of the rice and put away a stray can. Due to Ian's climbing abilities and sheer stubbornness, he didn't doubt that the toddler could get himself into a dangerous situation if left alone for too long. He didn't think a baby gate would hold Ian back but they needed something to make sure he didn't escape and get downstairs by himself.

Ian opened the door and started to go outside but he was pulled back in by Caleb.

"Too early." Caleb said.

Ian looked at the door and then at his dad. He started crying and went limp.

Caleb handed him a peeled banana and sat him at the table. He thought about having a doggy door installed but Ian would go through it. That would also leave them vulnerable to anything that could get by the warding. He chuckled to himself. His luck, a skunk would follow Riot back into the house.

(John and Taylor)

John left Sioux Falls far behind and drove toward his first destination. "Taylor, how well can you drive?"

Taylor blinked. "I drove my grandpa's truck around."

"What about on the roads?" John asked.

"Not roads like this." Taylor said.

John stopped the truck. "Swap seats."

"Uh, are you sure?" Taylor asked.

John walked around and opened the passenger door. "Scoot."

Taylor got into the driver's seat. "What are we doing?"

"There won't be another car for miles. I want to see if you can keep it on the road." John said.

Taylor gave him an awkward grimace. "I just fixed the headlight though."

"You aren't old enough to get your license but I need to know that you can operate a vehicle, safely," John said. "Dean and Sam both knew how to drive long before it was legal. In case of emergency, I want you to be able to get yourself and Kate to a safe place."

Taylor adjusted the seat. "Kate's not going to like that."

"She can teleport. Get back on the road. We have ground to cover." John said.

Taylor drove for an hour, white-knuckling the steering wheel the whole time. He knew how to drive but the truck was big and he was driving on blacktop. Rod's truck was also big but there wasn't a lot of damage to be done in the middle of a hayfield.

John told Taylor he could stop. He had been able to look through notes as Taylor drove. There was no way he'd wait until disaster struck to make sure Taylor could drive under pressure. "The headlight survived. Once we get back to Sioux Falls, Dean is going to work with you and Bobby on a few plans."

Taylor like plans. "I could drive myself to school."

John chuckled. "You'll have to wait at least another year. I don't think Jody could convince the whole police department that you should be allowed to drive."

"It's a shame we didn't change my birthday when we signed those papers" Taylor commented.

"You'll get a fake ID so that your age is 16 on the ID. You will only get that for emergencies. I swear if you try to use it for anything else.."

Taylor cringed. "I think I learned my lesson on being reckless and irresponsible."

"I'd hope so."

(Dean and the girls)

Aside from one stop to get food and stretch their legs, Dean was able to drive straight to the bunker. The girls had been working on something in the backseat but he was assured it was harmless.

Kate shook Charlie excitedly. "We are here!"

Dean started to pull around to the garage but Kate stopped him.

"We have to go through the front door first for the full effect," Kate said.

Dean stopped the car. "Alright, I'll help get a few things inside and then pull around."

Charlie looked around. There was a door surrounded by brick. It didn't look like much at all. She put her backpack on her back and shifted from foot to foot. She hoped that it was as amazing as she pictured.

Dean unlocked the heavy door and held it for Kate and Charlie.

Kate flipped the light switch and leaned on the railing.

Charlie got close to Kate. She immediately saw a large table and shelves of books. The architecture was old but grand.

Kate grinned. "Come on, there is so much to see!"

Dean shook his head. "Kate, I'm going to move the car. Try not to blow anything up."

Kate scoffed. "Don't give me any ideas."

Charlie gasped as they hit the bottom of the stairs. Just that one room seemed to be endless and the shelves of books extended to each wall with several rows between them.

Kate pulled her arm. "I'll show you the rooms."

Charlie whined. "But it is so pretty." She stumbled as Kate pulled her. "The books though."

"We will come back to those," Kate said. She opened one of the bedroom doors. "This can be your room. It is right next to mine."

Charlie put her backpack down. "Did a lot of people live here?"

"We aren't sure. We know at least a few were here but I don't think all the rooms were ever filled."

Charlie got the normal tour and was delighted when they returned to the library. "I could live here."

Dean stopped in the doorway. "You'd get bored, trust me."

Charlie turned around. "No way. This is my dream setup. I'd just need internet and snacks." She looked at the card catalog system and smiled. "They were very organized. This would be no trouble at all to load into a database."

Dean lost the girls to the books. That was fine by him. He finished bringing things inside and checked the food rations. They wouldn't be there that long but it had become protocol. He saw a jar that contained one of Marie's pies and sat down at the table to eat it. He remembered that John was working on a weird case and he wanted to work with him. He got up. "Kate, do you have the list that dad gave you?"

Kate stepped into the hallway, "Yep."

"Can you see what you can find on that?" Dean asked.

Kate retreated back into the library and pulled the list out. "On it!"

An hour later, Dean decided to go get a few things from the store. John would be rolling in pretty late and he didn't think he would want to stop again. He found Kate and Charlie with a small stack of books, leaning over the table with their heads close together. "Are you sharing ideas?"

Kate picked her head up. "What?"

Dean motioned to their heads. "You know, putting your heads together."

Kate gave him an annoyed look. "Horrible pun."

Dean grinned. "I thought it was funny. Kate, can I talk to you for a minute."

Kate followed him.

"I need to run to the store. Will you be okay here?" Dean asked.

"Yes," Kate said.

"I trust you. I just really need you to keep making good decisions." Dean said.

Kate smirked. "As soon as you are gone we are going to break out all the books on time travel."

Dean crossed his arms.

Kate put her hands on her hips. "I will not go behind your back. We are looking for what dad is hunting. Charlie is brand new to this stuff and has no defensive skills. Even if we did come up with some evil plan, I wouldn't do anything with her or with her around."

"Hannah didn't have any skills," Dean said.

Kate playfully shoved him. "I taught her how to defend herself. That took a few weeks. I think you're fine to go get groceries. I can't teach Charlie anything in that length of time."

Dean smiled. "Is there anything you want from the store?"

"Nope. I packed well."

Dean headed back to his car. He called John once he got on the road. "Hey, dad. I'm getting a few things at the store. Is there anything you need?"

John gave him a shortlist.

"That is very motherly of you, Dean." Taylor said.

Dean snorted. "Shut up, Taylor."

(Sam and Jess)

Jess stopped outside the door to her childhood home. She was shakey and had a lump in her throat.

"You don't have to go in." Sam said.

Jess sighed deeply. "I need to get it over with."

Sam opened the door. He took Jess's hand and gently led her inside.

Ross met them at the door. "Oh, good, you're here."

There were boxes lining the wall and the place felt empty. That made Jess anxious.

"Are you moving?" Sam asked.

Ross had a few workers moving things around. "Yes."

Jess's eyes filled with tears.

"I will remain in the area but in a more sensible house. If there is anything you would like, you may keep it." Ross said. He stopped talking. "Jessica, I am sorry. I know you may miss your mother. This is all a bit much, isn't it?"

Jess accepted his hug, although it felt a little awkward. "I don't think I've had a chance to cope."

"I see. Perhaps you will now that you are back. I had a few things to discuss with you." Ross said. He motioned to his office and told Sam to join them.

Sam kept a tight grip on Jess's hand, trying to offer her a sense of comfort.

"As you know, I made a few choices that strained our finances. Those are nearly taken care of now. Your mother owned some rather expensive items that I would like to offer to you." Ross said.

Jess furrowed her brows, "Dad, what am I going to do with it?"

"Sell it. I can host an estate sale as well but the proceeds from Martha's belongings will go to you." Ross explained.

That made Jess feel a little better about having school paid for. "Oh, thanks."

Sam helped Jess look through things but knew she was dwindling. "We could come back another day. I don't know what is worth selling. We could make a list and do some research."

Jess was happy for a way out. "Okay, let me tell him."

Sam waited for Jess to return and hugged her when she collapsed into his chest. He kissed her head. "I'm here. Just let it out."

Jess didn't feel like walking as the tears fell. The ground rippled and moved under her.

Sam opted to give her a piggyback ride. They had walked over, partially so that it would take longer to get there. He effortlessly carried her back to the apartment and unlocked the door.

Jess let go of him and slid down his back.

Sam locked the door behind him. "That went better than I expected."

"I guess. I could really use some greasy food and a trashy movie." Jess said.

Sam smiled. "Desert too?"

Jess nodded.

Sam ordered food and flipped through channels on the TV. "We may have to order a movie."

Jess put her head on Sam's leg. "We can skip the movie."

Sam just alternated between playing with her hair and rubbing her shoulder. He hated that she was hurting. "Do you want to talk about it?"

Jess looked up at him. "Not until I'm sick and regretting the pizza."

Sam snorted. He brushed the hair from her eyes. "Do you want me to run a bath too?"

Jess curled up in a ball. "No. Only bad food."

Sam stayed with her until the pizza arrived. He got it and paid the driver.

Jess sat up. She pulled her hair back and reached for the box. "You got the super greasy kind."

"I got what you asked for," Sam said. "The other place is far too healthy."

(John and Taylor)

Taylor was in the truck waiting for John to finish his conversation with another hunter. His cellphone buzzed a few times and he answered it. "Hello?"

Nate was hyped up and talking fast. "The first roster came out."

Taylor sat forward. "Did you make the team?"

Nate looked at the list. "I did."

Taylor swallowed. "Did I?"

Nate paused for effect. "You son of a bitch. You not only made the team but I think you're first string. Coach will probably call John."

Taylor whipped his head toward where John was standing. "Why would I be first string?"

"Your name is on the same paper with all of the juniors and seniors," Nate said.

Taylor didn't want to think too far ahead. He made eye contact with John and put his palm on the window. "I'll call later. I don't think he has gotten any phone calls."

John returned to the truck. "Alright, we are going to go to the bunker. Let Dean know."

Taylor had an odd look on his face.

"Why aren't you breathing?" John asked.

Taylor clasped his hands together in a tight grip. "I think I made the team."

John's phone rang. He looked at the number but didn't recognize it. He answered and let the person on the other side introduced himself.

Taylor could hear bits and pieces but the man's voice was deep so most words were lost.

John started the truck. He briefly looked at Taylor and then back at the road. He put his phone on speaker. "He's in the truck with me."

Taylor cleared his throat. It was the high school coach and he was trying to not sound like his voice was in the awkward phase where it cracked on every other word.

Coach Stanley was impressed with Taylor's performance and explained that he needed to fill in for the other quarterback. He said that Taylor outperformed him but he had seniority. However, it was likely the other guy wouldn't be back in the game the entire season.

Taylor lowered his voice. He thanked the coach and waited until the call was over to let out a huge breath of air.

John glanced over at Taylor. He chuckled. "Let it out."

Taylor slid down in the seat and screamed into his hands. He sat back up with a huge grin on his face. He blinked and his face changed. "Oh, crap. I need gear."

John clapped him on the back. "You'll get it. Congratulations."

Taylor spoke nonstop for the rest of the drive. He was excited and proud of himself. He was flattered by being allowed to be on the team but also because the spot he earned was so coveted. "I hope no one gets mad at me. I don't want to start the season with the other guys hating me."

John shook his head. "They may wonder until you get out there and then they'll understand."

"Don't tell anyone. I want to tell them."

John nodded. "It is your news to tell."

Taylor called his grandparents first. He was beaming and his voice had risen an octave.

John was happy to see Taylor so happy. It was a good look on the kid and he figured he needed a boost of confidence. He got to the garage doors and had Taylor open them. "I don't know how, but just assume Kate and Dean will give you hell."

Taylor jumped out of the truck. "I don't even care!"

Dean was putting away groceries when he heard the doors open. He walked down to the garage and waited at the door. "Took you long enough."

John gave him an unamused look.

Dean held his hands up in defense. He tilted his head. "Why does Taylor look like that?"

Taylor slung two duffles over his shoulder. "I'm happy."

Dean cringed. "Why are you that happy?"

Taylor tossed another bag to Dean. "I made the team AND I'm the quarterback."

Dean rolled his eyes. "Oh, just the quarterback." He grunted as Taylor's elbow connected with his ribcage. "Congrats, dude. You'll be a regular prep now."

"At least I won't be wearing a onesie," Taylor said.

Dean smacked the back of his head. "Maybe Kate will do cheer this year."

Taylor dropped the duffles off in the appropriate location and found Kate so that he could share his news. "Guess what?"

Kate crossed her arms. "What?"

"I made the football team and I'll be the quarterback."

Kate hugged him. "Congrats." She saw Dean's face. "I am not being a cheerleader!"

Dean looked shocked. "How did you know what I was going to say?"

"You looked smug," Kate said.

Charlie congratulated Taylor as well. "That means you'll be throwing the ball?"

"Getting tackled," Dean said. He stumbled as Taylor ran his shoulder into his stomach. He pushed on Taylor's back with his elbow. "Easy there, Princess. If you're the prized quarterback you can't be getting hurt."

Taylor wrapped his ankle around Dean's and pulled. "I heal. You're old and break a whole lot easier now."

Dean grunted. He arm-barred Taylor. "Not old yet."

(Caleb and April)

April had Caleb bring a bassinet into their room. "See she can sleep in this and you won't squish her."

Caleb had been worried about rolling over and smothering the baby. "What if she doesn't sleep in it?"

"She will. She doesn't have to be held while she sleeps. She may sometimes but not all the time." April said.

Caleb made a mental note of that. Ian was the youngest baby that he had any kind of experience with and he did sleep in his own bed. Thinking of that, Caleb rubbed his face. "Ian woke up and Andy found him downstairs this morning."

April sighed. "He is too busy for his own good."

A quick trip to the hardware store produced a temporary solution for Ian's early morning excursions through the house.

Andy eyed the gate. "How do I get out?"

Caleb showed him how to work the latch. "I don't think a normal baby gate would keep Ian in for long."

Ian frowned as he faced the solid wooden gate. He pouted and looked up at Caleb.

"I'm sorry. We want you safe." Caleb said.

Ian held his arms up so that Caleb would pick him up. He gave the gate one last disgusted look then pointed to the door. "Walk."

"You want to take Riot for a walk?" Caleb asked.

Ian nodded and clicked his tongue, looking down at Riot.

Caleb thought that John may be right about how much Ian understood. He told Andy to get Riot's leash and slipped Ian's shoes on his feet.

Ian took a few steps and stopped to mess with the string on his shoe. He glanced up at Caleb and decided to leave them alone.

Andy clipped the leash to Riot's collar and waited by the door. Once they got outside, Riot jumped around, trying to get the offending leash off. Andy laughed and gave him a treat to distract him.

Caleb helped Ian down the steps. He turned and waited for April to join as well. The evening was warm but the wind was cool. It was the perfect day for a walk.

Ian stepped on his own toe and tripped. He looked at his foot. "Uh oh."

Caleb put his shoe back on and dusted his knees off. "All better."

Ian showed Caleb the tiniest scratch on his hand and then held his hand out to April.

April sat down on the steps and kissed the palm of Ian's hand. "Is it okay now?"

Ian grinned and held his hand to his chest. "Beh-er!"

Andy looked across the street and pulled a face. He groaned and pulled on Riot's lead. Jimmy had been gone most of the summer and that suited Andy just fine. Andy closed his eyes. He was going to need strength to put up with someone that annoying.

Caleb heard something skid across the street and stepped away from the steps. He saw a stick in the middle of the road and followed Andy's eyes to see Jimmy on the other side.

Jimmy saw Caleb and ran inside.

Andy turned around. "He threw a stick. I bet he wanted us to get run over. I hope he isn't in my class again because I am gonna punch him."

"I can call the school and ask. Given the issues you two had, it would be a good idea to keep you in different classes."

April walked over with Ian. "Is Jimmy already causing problems?"

Andy nodded. "I bet I could stop him."

April patted Andy's head. "Let's just let the adults handle it."

They walked down to the park and met up with Owen and his family. The boys could run each other until they were tired and Riot could chase them around.

Jody leaned her head on Sean's shoulder. "Is Andy excited about school?"

April laughed. "Not at all."

"Owen isn't either," Jody said.

"Maybe they could have a sleepover before they go back," April said.

"At our place. The two of you need some time to yourselves. Ian is welcome." Jody said.

"Ian is discovering the terrible twos," Caleb said with a snort.

"That's okay," Sean said. "How about this Saturday?"

Caleb looked over to Andy and saw him talking to a girl. The girl looked hurt and then grabbed his hand. He nudged April. "Any idea what that is about?"

April shook her head.

The girl hugged Andy and kissed his cheek. She waved at him sweetly and then ran away. She spoke to another girl that looked equally as sad for a moment and then they both left.

Caleb waved Andy over. "So, uh, what was that?"

Andy blushed deeply. "Kayla and Emma both liked me. I talked to Dean for advice because he has all kinds of lady troubles."

Caleb swallowed a laugh. "Oh, really?"

Andy sighed. "Yeah, they both said I was their boyfriend but I don't even want one girlfriend. Dean said to tell them I had a baby brother and new baby sister coming and to say I had to give them all my attention."

Caleb bit the inside of his cheek. "What did they say?"

"Well Kayla was not happy but she said babies were cute and needed a lot of work. She said it was okay and kissed me." He wiped his cheek and crossed his arms.

Owen lightly shoved Andy. "I just told them girls are gross and they didn't try to make me be a boyfriend." He tagged Andy. "You're it!"

Andy ran after him with Riot on his heels.

"Oh my goodness. They are only seven." April said with her palms on either side of their face.

Caleb cracked up. "He went to Dean for advice on girls and it was actually good advice."

Sean shook his head. "At least he was respectful. Owen may one day realize girls aren't gross and they'll just remember him saying they were in first grade."

Ian ran his toy car up and down a slide.

Caleb watched him. He made eye contact with Ian for a moment and then groaned.

Ian took off running with a huge grin on his face.

Caleb caught him and held him upside down. He tickled him and then let him go.

Ian loved being chased. He looked toward the road and then back at Caleb.

"No road. Run on grass." Caleb said.

Ian patted the grass and then looked back at Caleb. He got a nod and took off running again, giggling like a maniac.

Jody smiled. "Oh, Owen was so sweet at that age."

April rubbed her stomach. "He is sweet until he isn't."

"Oh, aren't they all."

(Sam and Jess)

Jess ate her greasy pizza and let Sam put the leftovers away. She rested her head on the back of the couch and looked at the pattern on the top of the walls.

Sam returned and patted her leg. "So now are you ready to talk?"

Jess was quiet for a while. "You know, when we first met, my family was the normal one and yours was the one that was messed up."

Sam twisted so that he had his back to the arm of the couch. He pulled her to his chest and wrapped his arms around her. "Mine is still messed up."

"They are fun messed up though. I know your dad wasn't great when you were little but look at him now." Jess said.

"Your dad tried a tiny bit." Sam said, lightly.

Jess leaned her head back so that she could feel his heartbeat. "I think, I'm sad because my mom turned out the way she did."

"How was she when you were younger?" Sam asked.

"She was okay. Looking back, she was always catty. I just didn't notice it when I was young. When I was around 13, she started complaining about my weight and how I looked. She wanted me to always look my best." Jess said.

Sam ran his fingers down her arm. "You are perfect."

Jess smiled. She wasn't necessarily self-conscious but she felt perfect with Sam. She did worry about weight but what 20 something-year-old woman didn't. Maybe the bad pizza was another way to annoy her mother, although she wasn't around.

Sam listened as Jess told him little things about her family. His heart broke for her. Becoming an adult and seeing the damage that your parents had done was painful.

"I guess, we looked really good on the outside but behind closed doors, my family sucks," Jess said.

Sam squeezed her. "My family is your family now."

Jess turned to look at him.

"Kate loves hanging out with you. Dean has told me I'd be an idiot for not keeping you around. Dad approves. Bobby approves. If we ever broke up they'd ditch me for you." Sam said.

"You know, they love you too." Jess said.

Sam smiled. "I know but one day you'll share the name too. Until then, you're just as much a part of the family as I am."

Jess kissed him. "I suppose marrying you would be the less awkward way of getting the name."

Sam laughed. "I don't think dad is going to be adopting anyone else. Kate and Taylor are his limits."

Jess grinned. "Kate is precious and Taylor is sweet."

"I think Dean would disagree. When we are a little older, we will get married. I promise. However, we have to plan it really well because I am going to ask Dean to be my best man and I want to force him to wear a suit." Sam said.

"It has to be a cheap tux. I think he could pull off a tailored suit." Jess said.

"We could even make one of the colors pink just to mess with him."

Jess got up and pulled his hand. "So the entire wedding is just to mess with Dean?"

Sam lifted her into a hug and kissed her. "Among other things." He put her on her feet and followed her to their bedroom. He held the pendant of his necklace in his hand and felt warmth wash over him. He thought about the ring that he had in a safe place. The pendant grew warmer. He smiled. Although his mom wasn't around, he knew she would love Jess just as much as the others did. He let go of the pendant and swept Jess into his arms. "You know what I like about Stanford?"

Jess giggled. "What?"

Sam shut the door behind him with his foot. "Privacy."