"Let me take a look at your head." Angela immediately walks towards the fridge grabbing an icepack. "Come on, sit down." She helps him towards a chair.

After sitting down. Angela immediately starts looking at the back of his head.

"It's fine Angela, you didn't break skin." He says.

"Just let me put this icepack on the back of your head, so you don't get a big bump." Carefully putting on the icepack at the back of his head.

"Thank you, Angela." He would never admit it, but he enjoys when she takes care of him.

"Tony?" He hears the same caution undertone in her voice as he heard in Jonathan's.

"Hmmm." He hums in agreement.

"Did I hear the phone?" He knows she's heard the phone.
"Yeah. You did. Here let me hold that." He takes the icepack.

"Was it for me?" Angela has a hard time to directly ask.

"Angela, it was Jonathan." He feels his heart clench as she watches her face drop.

"He didn't want to talk to me?" The sadness was about to overtake her.

"Honestly, I think he called without Michael knowing." Angela raises her eyebrow at him. Tony is immediately reminded of Sam. "I heard Michael asking why Jonathan was on the phone."

"Did he sound angry?" Angela asks.

"He didn't sound happy." Tony looks at her. "Jonathan called to check if we will still be there tomorrow. I think he worries we might not be there." Angela smiles.
"My sweet boy. Always worrying.." She ponders. "Were you able to reassure him?"

"Of course I did!" Tony sounds a little insulted.

"I am sorry Tony, I didn't mean to.. insult you. I know you care just as much about Jonathan as I do. But I need to know my baby was reassured." She slumps back in her seat.

"I reassured him Angela. I told him we won't let him leave the East side without a goodbye. I promise you Angela, I did all I could to reassure him."

"Did he sound reassured?"

"Ang?" She just looks at him, she nods. "What is this really about?" He blurts before his mind has time to think. She looks at him in shock. "Or is this about the expectant mother and her baby? Heather and Michael's baby?"

"Is this wat you're worrying about?" Tony wanted to press harder but knew she'd turn away from him. Angela quickly gets up.

"I do not want to talk about this with you Tony." He doesn't know if she is angry, hurt or sad.. ~probably a mixture of both. Dammit, I should have kept my mouth shut.~ "All I want to know, is if you were able to reassure my son!" Angela is about to get up.

"I'm sorry Angela.. I didn't mean to upset you." He tries to grab her hand, but she pulls away. He feels a strange sense of hurt.

"I'll be in my office." She turns towards the door.

"Com'on Angela, you have to talk about this!" He pleads. She immediately turns around.

"Why Tony?" She fiercely says. "Why do I have to talk about it? Why do I have to talk about my ex-husband having a new baby with his young new wife? Please tell me why." Angela shouts.

"Becau.." He tries to start.

"Is it because my son might enjoy the couple of weeks he gets to spend as an actual family? With a normal mom and dad? A dad, I might add, he hasn't seen for 2.5 years and who he has always idolized, even though the man does not deserve it. Is it because babies bring families together? Is it that they might want to take MY son away from me?" Tears have just started to flow as she rants on. "Or is it that my asshole of an ex is willing to stick around for this child, while Jonathan and I weren't good enough for him to stay with us? Tell me Tony.. why do you want me to talk?" She leans on the back of a chair, tears just flowing. "I don't want to lose my baby, Tony. I can't lose Jonathan." She looks him straight in his eyes. "That would kill me." Tony gets up, throwing the icepack on the table, and grabs her in a tight hug. She gives in to his embrace and starts crying uncontrollably. "Sam will come back, she is just away with Bonnie, they will bring her back." She cries. "But Jonathan, Tony.. what if they convince him he is better of with them." Tony wants to say comforting words, he wants to sooth her in any way.. but he doesn't know how. He knows her fears are legit. Angela pulls herself out of his embrace to look at him. "Michael has tried to take Jonathan from us before. Yes, he pleaded for split custody, but what if he wants sole custody. Especially now that Heather is pregnant, she'll have to learn how to deal with a baby.. Jonathan is older now, much easier to deal with than a newborn." Tony remembers when Michael went for split custody, also remembering her saying that Jonathan needs his father as much as he needed his mother. "Tony?" There was something new about how she says his name this time, there is such a heavy sadness in her tone.

"Yeah?" He carefully treads.

"What if Jonathan wants to stay with Michael and Heather?" Her heart had never felt heavier than it did right now. Tony looks at her with an open mouth.

"Jonathan would never.." He starts.

"You can't know that Tony! The Californian sun, a father and a stepmother at home and a baby brother or sister to boss around and play with if he wants to. The perfect happy home." Tears just kept streaming. Tony looks at her, desperately trying to find the words to comfort her. "Tony.." Her voice breaks. "I'm petrified.. I am truly petrified of losing my boy." He pulls her into another hug, this time as close as humanly possible.

"I don't know what to say, Angela." He starts. "But you know Jonathan, he'd never turn his back on his family." Angela pulls loose again as she looks at him.

"Michael is his family too." Her voice keeps cracking.

"Michael is his father, it takes more to be a family." Tony reiterated.

"Well Michael has a couple of weeks to be playing a family with Heather, their baby and our son." Angela snaps. "I'm sorry I shouldn't snap at you."

"Don't apologize Angela.. I get it. I get where your fear is coming from." He feels the same knot in his stomach growing. "But for now.. you and I need to have faith in our son." She looks up in shock. "I mean your son. Of course. We need to have faith in that we raised him right. Because I know we did, I know he loves our family very much." Angela keeps staring at him. "Have trust in him." Tony gives a small smile. "I have." Angela forces a small smile.

"I'll try." She pulls loose and steps back. "I'll just.." she points towards the door. "You know.. work."

"Before you go back, what would you like for dinner tonight? It's just going to be the two of us tonight." He thinks for a bit. "Or maybe your mom will join, I honestly never know with Mona." Angela smiles at his last remark.
"I really don't care Tony.. I'm not really hungry." She turns to leave.

"Yeah.. that's what's worrying me." She spins back at his remark.
"I'm sorry.. when I am depressed or feel low about myself, I eat. When I worry, I can't eat."

"Have some faith Angela. It will not help Jonathan if you stop eating. It will not help if you don't have the energy to work. You need food, you need energy." He is done hiding his worrying.

"I know Tony.. don't think I don't. Just the thought of eating.." She cringes her nose. "I just can't."

"You want me to make an easy pasta for tonight? Fettuccine Alfredo?" He gives her a hopeful look. "Maybe with a small side salad?"

"That does sound lovely." She honestly replies.

===XXX===

Tony spend extra time, preparing the meal as best as possible. The side salad was simple, just adding some small pieces of mozzarella and adding a balsamic vinaigrette.

After going into her office Angela dives into her work, outlining every potential new clients desires. The condiment and juice companies are the easiest, ideas flooding her brain. As she writes each one down, she makes sure to make separate notes for each company. She finds the tech company to be a real hassle, her knowledge of technology was limited as was her experience with tech companies. The last file was the one that she had even more doubts about, not that she lacked experience in advertising wardrobes.. she did lack experience in advertising underwear.. and these were the types of

underwear her mother would wear on one of her many dates. And even though she'd probably wouldn't admit this to a living soul, she liked the lace. This was quality underwear that was also quite sexy. She was flipping through the small catalogue the company had send her. There are many colors, designs and sizes, one pair caught her eye. A beautiful off white set, the lace was embroidered with a fine, golden thread. ~Imagine wearing that?~ Her mind starts wandering. ~One would feel so sexy wearing this.~ Her mind wanders even further, to her deepest and darkest desires. ~Imagine if I could wear this.. and show Tony.~ She starts blushing at her own thoughts. ~I wonder if he would like something like this… on me.~ She feels the flush rising from her chest to her cheeks. She can't help her mind wandering even further as she imagines him slowly taking it off of her body. A knock on her office door brings her back to the catalogue in her hands. She slams it shut.

"Please come in." She hoarsely says.

"Hey Angela.. dinner is served." He grins from ear to ear. "Are you okay? You look like you have fever." Angela turns a new shade of crimson.

"I'm fine." She smiles. "No fever, just working hard." She nearly loses it when she looks at Tony's gullible yet confused face.

"Oh okay.. well I hope all that work made you hungry." Angela has to bite her lip not to start roaring.

"I am actually quite peckish." She says in both their surprise.

"Good! Let's eat then!" He extends his hand towards her. Angela takes off her glasses, looks up at him and takes his hand. There was something in the way she looks at him that has him weak in the knees. A slight, nervous chuckle escapes his mouth.

"Always a gentleman." She says standing inches away from him.

"Yes.. ma'am." He nervously says. She realizes that she made him nervous.

~Did I just make you nervous..~ The smile still on her lips. ~Good..~ The tease in her thinks.

"Are we eating in the dining room, kitchen or in living room?" She steps closer and passes him. She hears him swallow. Somehow her little fantasy has made her a little bolder. "You okay Tony?"

"Uh.. yeah.. Fine.. I set the table in the kitchen, seeing as it's just the two of us." ~Just the two of us.. shit..~ he repeats in his head, his palms feel sweaty.

"Okay!" Angela's mood has seemed to changed, she sounds so chipper. "Let's eat!"

Once they were in the kitchen Tony pulled out a chair for her, she takes the seat with a small smile. There were no words needed between the two of them, both knew that. Without saying anything, he puts the food on their plates, the salad sitting in a bowl between them.

"Chardonnay, madame?" Tony tries his best French accent.

"Ah.. très bien." She chuckles as he pours them both a glass. He then takes his seat.

"This looks and smells amazing, Tony." Her eyes twinkle before her mouth can smile.

"Thanks.. buon appetito!" Tony holds up his glass. Angela clinks her glass to his.

She didn't realise how hungry she was until she started eating.

"Oh Tony, this is really good." She takes another bite.

"Isn't it always?" Tony smirks.

Angela shrugs as she takes another bite.

"Isn't it?" He dreads her answer. He watches her take another bite.

"Would I keep eating like this, if it isn't a great dish." She says after finishing her bite.

"Still doesn't answer my question.." He teases her.

"You know your food is always amazing." She sits back and cocks her head. "Are you really that insecure about your food? The always overconfident Italian chef." ~If he can dish it, he should be able to take it too.~ She glares at him, almost taunting him.

"Ouch Angela.." He laughs, knowing she loves teasing him as much as he loves teasing her. "But yeah.. you're right.. I know I am a fantastic chef." His lips curl as he watches her reaction.

After their banter, they finish their meal in silence. Secretly stealing glances of one another when they think the other isn't looking. Their unspoken connection had grown so much stronger after the last couple of months.

"A cup of tea?" He shortly asks.

"Living room?" She answers with another short question.

"After cleaning up." Tony was already half way through cleaning.

"I'll put the kettle on." She grabs and fills the kettle.

They quietly do their tasks, like a well-oiled machine they move back and forth without ever interfering with the other's task.

After filling the cups, Angela takes them in. Tony is right behind her. They both take their seat on opposite sides of the couch sipping their tea.

"So.." Tony starts.

"So?" Angela feels where he is going, but she isn't quite ready yet.
"You nervous about tomorrow?" He asks. Angela takes another sip.
"Yes." She knows she has to be honest with Tony.

"Me too." His honesty surprises her. "Angela.. You might not have noticed it.. but I worry just as much as you." He takes a sip. "I know what Michael did 2.5 years ago, I know what he is capable of and last time you.." He stops, knowing his next words will hurt her. Angela's head shoots up, tears brimming her eyes.

"I what Tony?" She clenches her jaw, knowing what he is hinting at.

"You were ready to split custody Angela." He releases those words in one sigh.

"You don't know I know that? But I did not do that for me. I did that for Jonathan. You saw how he idolised Michael, how much he enjoyed hanging with Heather.. I could not take my son's father away from him."

"You're right.." Tony finishes his tea as she looks at him in surprise. "I couldn't imagine ever losing Sam or not seeing her daily. I know you were trying to be a good mother to your son. And I know I was hard on you that day.. It came from a place.."
"Of fear." Angela adds.

"No, well yes, but not only fear. It was mostly out of selfish reasons. But those reasons do stem from fear." He looks at her. "I'm sorry I gave you a hard time then." Angela smiles.

"I know where it came from, even back then." She places her mug on the table. "And I don't blame you Tony, I felt the same fears you had."
"You just acted like a mother who had her son's best interests at heart." Tony just looks at her.

"I always act in the best interests of my family." She smiles.

"Even at your own expense." Tony knows she is the least selfish person he knows.

"Even at my own expense. My family's happiness goes before anything and anyone. Even myself." He feels the love radiating from her.

"That's why I love.. we.. we love you so much." Angela's heart flutters.

"Thank you Tony." She softly touches his hand. He takes her hand in his, they just sit there for a little moment, looking at each other. Anyone who would have seen the scene at hand, would have thought this was a couple very much in love.

"I think I'll be okay tomorrow, Tony. As long as I have you by my side, I can face anything." She softly squeezes his hand. He picks up her hand and softly kisses the top.
"I will not leave your side, not even for one moment. I promise." He looks her deep in her eyes. "You believe me don't you?" She just nods, she knows if she tries to speak, she'd probably cry again.. she did not want to cry anymore.

===XXX===

When Angela woke up the next morning, she has a strange feeling of peace within her. "You will be okay." She says to herself. "Your family will be okay." Like a mantra she continues. "We all love each other too much… we will be okay. All of us."

She quickly takes a shower and gets dressed. She knows Tony is already downstairs, waiting for her with a cup of coffee. The thought alone gives her butterflies.

~Why does something so simple give me butterflies? Hasn't he always done this?~ She contemplates for a moment. ~I know I love him.. I know he loves me.. why can't I just tell him?~ She dabs some perfume on. ~Because we risk losing everything.. but isn't love worth the risk? Oh stop it Angela! You are driving yourself crazy!~

"Let's go downstairs." She softly, yet sternly orders herself.

When Angela comes down, she waits in front of the swinging door. She hears Tony singing, plates and mugs clattering. ~Come on Angela, you just have to get through this day.. you've got this.~ She pushes through the door.

"Good morning, Tony." She chipperly says.

"Mornin' Angela!" Tony tries to act as happily as he can, knowing this will be a hard day for her. "Coffee and juice?"

"Yes, please." She notices the orange juice on the table and watches him place a mug of steaming coffee next to it. "Thank you."

"You're very welcome." Tony turns back. "Are you sure you don't want anything to eat?" He has to try. He hears Angela chuckling.
"You know the answer to that." She says in a playful manner.

"Ay.. you can't blame a guy for trying!" He turns towards the table with his own plate in hand and sits down. "Have a good night of sleep?" He takes a bite of his toast.

"Yes.. I had a better night than I had in a couple of weeks." She blows on her coffee. "I think I should thank you for that." Tony gives her a confusing look, he wants to ask why, but he had already taken another bite. "I think it was your pasta last night. I don't think I've eaten that much in days." Tony grins after swallowing his food.

"I'll take that compliment." He takes a sip of his coffee. "Thank you Angela."

"No thank you, thank you for taking care of our family.. of me." Before he can respond the back door opens.

"Morning." Mona says in a cranky tone. "Coffee?"

"Good morning Mona!" Tony's tone way too lively. Mona growls at him. "Of course I'll get you your coffee." The smile still plastered on his face.

"Can you not do that.. it is way too early." Mona gives him her early morning look.

"It's not that early mother." Angela interjects.

"Stay out of this Blondie!" Mona bites.

"Here's ya coffee." Tony puts the mug in front of her. "And Angela is right. It's already 9:00."

"Well you didn't go to bed at 4:00.. did you now?" She barks at him.

"No, I'm smarter than that." He is quick on his feet. Angela has to stifle the laugh she feels coming on.

"Traitor." Mona snarls, looking at Angela.

"Oh come on mother. It's not that bad. And both Jonathan and I appreciate you coming to the airport." She places her hand over Mona's, Mona follows the gesture. "Thank you." The muscles in Mona's face soften.

"Yeah.. yeah.." She says before drinking her coffee. "And you're not smarter than I am." Mona was too tired to really fight Tony.

"Oh.." Tony grabs his chest, taunting her.

"I think it's best you leave mother alone." Angela gets up and puts her glass and mug in the sink. "We have to be at the airport at noon. They fly at 3." Angela starts cleaning the mug and glass.

"You pay me to clean those." Tony jokes, Angela throws him a look.

"Whoa.." Mona says in shock. "You messed up Tone." Tony swallows.

"Yeah.. I did Mone." Mona laughs.

"Thanks kids, I need that laugh." She downs her coffee. "Here Angela, another mug to clean." She puts the mug in the sink. "I'll be on the couch, wake me when we leave."

Angela keeps cleaning, she will not allow her mother to get under skin today. ~Not today mother, not today. I've got this.. I am calm.. ~

"Angela.." Tony tries to get her attention. "Yo Angela.." He tries again. "Yo ANGIE!"

"Angie?" She gives him a surprised look. ~I like it.~ She feels goosebumps.

"Yeah.. uh.. I'm sorry, I was trying to get your attention." He apologetically says.

"Well.. success I guess. You've got it." She bites her lower lip.

~Oh God, please don't do that.~ He swallows at his thoughts.

"So what is it?" She leans back into the counter.

"What?"

"Why did you need my attention?"

"Oh.. yeah.." he shakes his head. "You don't have to do the dishes. First of all, we have a dishwasher and secondly relax.. we have to go soon, just take your time. Maybe have another cup of coffee?"

"Well seeing as mother is now sleeping on the couch.. maybe we can just hang here?" She nervously asks.

"Yeah sure. Please stop doing the dishes and take a seat." He winks. "The paper is on the counter over there if you want to read."

Angela relents, grabs the paper and unfolds it. She blankly stares at the front of the paper, the letters seem to dance in front of her eyes.

"What time do you want to leave." She folds the paper back up and places it on the table. Tony looks at the clock.

"It's a little over an hours drive to JFK. But if you'd like, we can leave around 10:00 so we will be on time." He sits opposite of her. "Your call."

"I think 10:30 will be fine." She looks at him. "Is it silly that I'm nervous?"

Tony leans back. "This will be the first time Jonathan will be flying somewhere without you." He places his hands behind his head. "I think you have every right to be nervous. I guess you and I are also growing up with our kids."

Angela thinks about his words for a couple of seconds. "That is actually true. I guess letting go is part of the growing older.. together. As parents and kids. Eventually we will have to let them go, let them grow into adults…" Tony looks at her and cringes his nose. "Doesn't mean we have to like it Tony." She cracks a smile. "But I do think we're doing a great job in raising those two. So I do think they'll become good adults."

"The greatest." Tony adds.

"The greatest." She smiles.

"You bet ya. I know why you worry Angela. But I do think you'll feel better after seeing Jonathan. He will probably reassure you. That boy loves you more than anything. And I can't blame you, you're a fantastic mother."

"Thank you." She doesn't know how to respond, she feels some reassurance at his words. "You know Jonathan looks up to you, don't you? In the last 2.5 years you've become like a father to him." She looks him in his eyes. "You were more like a father than Michael has ever been."

"See.. no need to worry, Jonathan loves us. He loves our family." They share a knowing smile.

"Wake up mother." Angela softly touches her shoulder.

"Do I have to?" Mona moans.

"No, you don't, but Tony and I will be going to JFK now." Mona sits up.
"I'm coming, I'm coming. Don't worry." Mona stretches her back. "I will not let my grandson down." She slowly gets up. "But I will take a nap in the car."