"Darling it's time to wake up." Adam rubbed her back gently. He felt her moving slightly. She opened her eyes seeing his bruised hand. "Baby I'm so sorry!" She lifted his hand looking closer at his bruises. "Not your fault at all. He took the first swing so I'm not worried about it. Now let's forget about that and get you up and moving for the day." He kissed her softly helping her to move and get out of bed. "Can you help me with my legs?" Kim asked as she moved to the bathroom. "Yeah of course. The kids won't be up for around 30 minutes or so. So let's get you washed up and ready for the day." He moved behind her getting their underwear for the day. She turned the water on and started to brush her teeth. Adam followed behind her trying to make the best use of time. Kim stepped into the shower first starting to wash her hair. Adam joined shortly after washing his body and then helping to wash her body. He made sure to wash under her belly and then washed down her legs. Once her conditioner was washed out he started to shave her legs. He loved helping her on this job.

She hated needing help but he tried his best to make it sexy and loving so it didn't feel like a chore. He finished her legs making sure they were smooth before they both got out of the shower. She stepped out wrapping a towel around her body as she started to dry off. Adam dried her legs, feet and under her belly. He made sure she was completely dry before he started to rub lotion on her belly. He loved this part of the morning routine and missed it on days he had to work early. He helped dry her hair a bit making sure it was not dripping so she could wrap her hair up into a ponytail. In Summer Kim just let her hair dry naturally especially since it took forever to dry and exhausted her. Her thong was on before Adam helped place the KT tape in the right spots, then helped her get her spanxs on. "Are you good with me getting ready now?" He watched her nod kissing him softly. Kim finished putting lotion on and her deodorant on before she stepped out of the bathroom.

Adam was mostly dressed when she stepped out. She grabbed her bra getting it strapped on before she grabbed a dress to wear for the day. She slipped on some flip flops as she was finally ready for the day. The couple looked confused when they heard the door bells ring. They both headed to the door wondering who was there already. Kim looked out as Adam grabbed his side arm just in case. Kim opened the door shocked seeing the police at the door. "Um hey Roman. What can I do for you?" Kim knew why he was there. "Hey Kim. I'm sorry but I need Adam to step out. He's wanted for questioning in an assault." Roman felt terrible about the situation but it was the job. He was shocked when she started laughing. "Baby! Can you come to the door with your phone?" Kim laughed hard. Adam now knew what was going on. "Hey coming now." Adam laughed as he walked over. "Hey good morning Roman. So I'm not stepping out of my home but here is the video proving that I didn't take the first swing." Adam handed the phone to Roman.

Roman watched the whole video and noticed several witnesses. "Oh wow. Um let me get a copy of that video. And I will get this closed out. Sounds like you did the right thing. And only one punch which was different from his statement. Good job recording this. See you guys around." Roman handed Adam his phone back as he left. Adam just shook his head heading back inside. He texted the group chat right away letting them know what happened. It was insane but they faired well due to the video evidence. The couple went back to getting ready for the day. The kids were the next step. The headed back up the stairs to get both kids moving. Allie was already up and moving getting dressed for the day. "Hello my sweetheart!" Kim hugged her daughter as best she could. "Morning mommy! I'm going head down to take care of Tiger." Allie was happy to help out with Tiger. She loved playing with him and happy to take care of him. "Thank you sweetheart." Kim watched her head down the stairs.

Kim smiled as she headed to Ry's room hearing Adam trying to wake his son. "Buddy it's time to get up. We have a game to go to today." Adam rubbed his back watching him starting to wake. Kim watched from the door enjoying the beautiful moment. "Oh I know buddy you love your sleep." Adam snuggled him against his chest moving to the rocker. They rocked for a bit while Riley started to wake more. Kim had left to go downstairs to start breakfast. The boys enjoying the time quietly. Only once he was more awake did Adam move Riley to the bathroom. When they arrived downstairs they noticed Kim Mali g breakfast in the kitchen for all of them. "Hey thank you for starting breakfast." Adam placed Riley down to play as he walked to the kitchen. "Not a problem. It was easy enough this morning." Kim was plating the breakfast for the kids before she started breakfast for them.

Kim had chosen to make breakfast sandwiches and fruit so it was just easier on everyone. The kids sat happily eating as Kim finished up making breakfast for her and Adam. She even had yogurt with her breakfast for the extra protein. Growing a Ruzek boy was very hard on her body and she was constantly hungry. She carried turkey pepperoni stick in her bags at all times knowing hunger would come on at some point and she lived by the motto always be prepared. Adam cleaned up after breakfast letting the kids play and Kim relax. They all knew she needed it. "Babe your phone is blowing up!" Kim called out. "Okay I'm getting it." Adam hurried over to see it was the group chat as well Voight letting him know he was fine. The case had been dismissed without much fanfare. The video was all the proof they needed to close the case. Adam shared the message with Kim so she could relax a bit more.

"Thank god! The last thing we needed at this point. I just want to enjoy the last few months best I can." Kim closed her eyes relaxing with Tiger on her belly. He actually loved sitting on the top as she walked around. They all had video and photos of it. Kim loved it and knew if he got bored he could get off her safely so she never worried about it. "Now we can relax again. Enjoy your pedicure with Erin and Allie Cat. And us boys will enjoy the game." He kissed her head loving watching her relax. The family eventually made it outside to run around for a bit before lunch and game time. Everyone was meeting at the Ruzek household so they had less cars to bring to the park. The kids were playing with the soccer ball and Kim just relaxed in the shade. Adam was helping the kids learn how to kick the ball properly. It was adorable watching them try so hard to follow what they were being taught.

Around noon Kim got a text stating that the Halstead's had arrive. Kim told them to come on in and that they were in the back yard playing. They joined outside letting Drew run out to play with the rest of the kids. "Hey guys! Good day for a game. Not too hot out." Kim had gotten up to hug them before she took her seat again propping up her feet. "Should be a good time. It's Drew's first game so that will be great." Jay knew plenty of photos would need to be taken for Erin to see. "I thinks it's Riley's too. He loves sports though so I'm not too worried. I did ask Adam to pack some headphones just in case." Kim was afraid the loud noises would bother Riley but time would tell. Riley was excited about the game so for now they just let it be. Erin and Jay both started to make lunch for everyone hoping to let Kim relax but she joined them helping to cut up fruit and veggies knowing it was a must at lunch time. All dishes were brought outside for the families to sit down and eat their lunch.

"Kiddos time for lunch. Please wash your hands then come join us." Kim called to them. All three kids ran inside to wash up and then joined them at the table. Adam opened the umbrella to cover Kim best as possible. She was thankful for his support and his help. "Who popped in this morning?" Jay asked wondering who the officer was who showed up. "Ha it was Roman. He watched the video and left. He asked I share the video as evidence so it was quick. But it was just kind of funny. Kim and I laughed the whole time. How could we not?" Adam laughed again thinking about Roman's shocked face. "Yeah it was funny but annoying. It didn't need to be that way. Especially since he brought it on himself. But now we can move on." Kim sighed leaning back in her chair. Adam was watching her a bit unsure if she was okay. He watched her starting to laugh a bit.

"What's up?" He asked watching her. "Um I think I'm two steps away having an Alien moment." Kim laughed hard. "What?" He was concerned and confused. "Come here. See your son's foot!" Kim showed him the outline of a foot pushing on her skin. "Omg that's so cool." He felt it but Erin laughed next. "Um Kim the other foot is sticking out on the other side." They all laughed seeing the foot prints. "Chris what are you doing in there?" Kim couldn't help but laugh as Adam took photos of the feet pressing out. "Just the joys of being this far along." Kim sat forward to eat again. She was fine it had just been a fun moment that needed to shared. "I'm sharing this photo with everyone!" Adam chuckled as he set the photo to all the family members. He loved sharing all the good moments. And he never complained during the unpleasant moments.

He never complained when she cried for no reason. He never cared when she woke him up at 2 in the morning for a craving. He never complained when she was moody or angry. Not even when she flat out bitched him out for being so uncomfortable all because of him. He took it all in stride knowing she had every right to be uncomfortable, to be moody, to be angry. And that really she couldn't control it. This was all very normal for her given the situation. He had also heard it was normal from everyone. He kept watching her as they all continued to eat. The kids had been busy talking amongst themselves so they hadn't seen it. "Let me clean this up and then we should get the kids ready to head out." Adam took the plates through to the kitchen loading the dishwasher right away. He heard the door bell ringing so he moved to answer the door letting Kevin and Mouse in. "Hey guys! Come on in. Everyone is outside." The guys moved outside while Adam finished cleaning up the kitchen.

The two headed out to the deck seeing the two families relaxing in the shade. "Hey!" Kim got up hugging them both before sitting again. "Hey how are we holding up out here?" Kevin asked as he hugged the kids. "Good. We had an Alien moment earlier but it's been good." Kim relaxed in her chair enjoying the shade on her. "Alien moment?" Mouse asked confused as hell. "Chris was showing us his feet. They were pressed out either side of the belly." Adam showed them the photos as he just rejoined them. "Oh wow! That's crazy. But I guess that's to be expected at this stage." Both Kevin and Mouse were shocked. "We should have tried to see how big his feet are already." Kim mused as she sat there. "Yeah next time we will do that. I'm sure they will get bigger though. Hopefully not too much bigger." Adam and the team were concerned with how she was going to fair giving birth to such a large child. But Kim tried not to worry about it too much. She could only worry and control so much. And this wasn't one of them.

"Should we head out?" Adam asked picking up his son to get him moving again. "Yeah that works. I want to show Drew around a bit before the game starts." Jay hugged Erin and picked up Drew as they started to head out. "Alright my Allie Cat. Behave for your mom. And have fun. See you tonight sweetheart. I love you." He picked her up hugging her tight. "Love you too daddy!" Allie giggled as he o.aced her down. "Bye darling, enjoy the pampering. Relax and have fun. Love you wifey!" He kissed her sweetly knowing the kids didn't love it. "Love you too! Have fun at the game! Enjoy!" Kim sat with Riley getting last minute snuggles. "Bye my sweet boy. See you later love you." She kissed his cheek making a loud kissing sound as he giggled. "Love you mommy!" He smiled getting down heading to his dad to leave. The boys all left and suddenly is quiet again. "Man with the boys gone I can hear myself think again." Erin laughed knowing the boys were full on crazy together. "I was thinking the same thing!" Kim laughed as she stood up needing to pee.

Kim moved back from the deck seeing Erin and Allie ready to go. "Alright let's head out." Erin helped grab Kim's bags as they moved to the car. Allie was buckled in before Kim got herself settled in the car. She was driving less and less these days but this was just because Erin never let anyone drive. "Are we excited for this?" Erin asked as they headed out. "Yes! I really need this, so thank you for this." Kim really was excited to relax and be pampered for a bit. "Well you deserve it especially after yesterday. So let's enjoy this time." Erin wasn't into girly things but this she could enjoy. "Can we do lunch after this?" Allie asked loving eating out with Aunt Erin who let her eat more unhealthy foods. "Of course we can!" Erin smiled but Kim just laughed she was well aware what was going on. "It's fine. I'm sure I will be starving by then." Kim just smiled as Erin drove.

They arrived at the place Kim normally went. Erin had made appointments for all three of them. "Hi. I'm Erin Halstead we have appointments for manicures and pedicures." Erin checked them in as the ladies waited. "Yes let's get you all set up for manicures first." The women brought them to the three different stations. The ladies sat still while the women started to work. It was beyond relaxing. The boys were having a great time showing the kids around Wrigley Field. Adam made sure Riley didn't get lost in the chaos by holding him most of the time. If he wasn't holding him Mouse or Kevin was. No one thought a stroller would do well in the ballpark with everyone bumping into it. They found an area to sit down so the kids could eat lunch. Kevin sat with the boys while Adam, Jay and Mouse got food for all of them. Adam knew Riley would be fine with a hotdog and fries even if Kim wouldn't be thrilled. But it's a ballpark, fruit and veggies wasn't really a thing.

Adam arrived back seeing his son smiling wide at the sight of food. "Buddy you hungry?" Adam asked watching him cheer. "Alright let's get you set up with your lunch." Adam had cut up his food so it was easier to eat. Jay had gotten Drew chicken fingers and fries so both kids were happy as they ate. The adults enjoyed their own meals wishing they had done this sooner. "Next year we need to do this more." Adam mused as they continued to eat. "Agreed! Might be harder with you having another kid but we have to make the effort to do this." Kevin agreed. "I doubt Kim will let Chris come here for a few years." Mouse laughed a bit. "Oh yeah I agree. But rightfully so. It's too loud so small children and also too hot for a small child outside for long periods of time." Adam did agree completely with that. "I never understood people who bring babies to games. It makes no sense." Jay shook his head seeing one walking by. Maybe a month or two old. "That's dumb!" Jay pointed towards the people. They all agreed.

As the game got closer to starting they made their way to the seats. Riley was very excited for the game starting soon. He was antsy but being well behaved. He was cheering excitedly seeing the players taking the field. Kevin was taking lot of photos and videos to share with Kim. While she enjoyed the pampering greatly she was also enjoying all the photos she was getting from Adam. Seeing both boys excited over the game. Her husband smiling happily and her son cheering. Kim shared the videos with both Erin and Allie. Erin had been getting photos from Mouse of Jay and Drew. Kim had gotten a lighter blue color on her nails, Allie had gotten pink and Erin got black. They left the salon and headed to a local diner to get lunch. Kim,was hungry but had a snack as her pedicure was getting done. Allie was getting hangry as she hadn't wanted any of Kim's snacks. Erin was just happy to continuing relaxing with her friend.

Sweetheart what do you want for lunch?" Kim asked looking over the menu with her. "Can I do the grilled cheese with fries?" Allie asked. "That's fine but can we add some turkey to the sandwich for protein and some fruit too please?" Kim was hoping for a good compromise. "Okay." Allie was fine with that. She liked fruit so it wasn't an issue for her. "Thank you sweetheart." Kim hugged her a bit as they waited. "I think ice cream after lunch is a good idea too." Erin winked knowing they could win mom over. "That's fine! As long as you eat all your fruit." Kim wasn't upset she just wanted all the kids eating healthy. The girls are as the boys cheered on their team. Adam loved the ballpark as did Kim but this was part of Ry's birthday gift and good bonding time for the two. The pictures still coming as the ladies ate. It really had been a great day.

The ladies eventually made it home letting Allie play in the pool for a bit while they waited for the rest to get home. "So Kevin is taking Adam out tomorrow for a bit." Erin stared out of the blue but only loud enough for Kim to hear. "Um okay. Why?" Kim had no idea what was going on. "Well tomorrow we are getting up your basement for the baby shower. Kevin told us all that you guys didn't need much but that a small one for Adam would be nice. So we are doing it tomorrow." Erin watched Kim starting to cry a bit. "That's lovely! Thank you so much!" Kim was a blubbering mess. "Hey you are so welcome! We love you both so much and we really want to help give him everything he missed with Riley. And this is a big one. So tomorrow we will have a great time with lots of games, gifts, snacks and cake." The ladies hugged as Kim cried. So couldn't love her extended family any more.

"Okay so tomorrow we will be here by 11am. Party starts 1. It's set to be over by 5 so you both can rest before work on Monday." Erin explained. "That's great! He will love it so much." Kim smiled wide thinking about. It wasn't too much longer till the guys were all back still thrilled from the Cubs winning the game. Both kids talking non stop about the game and what they liked most. It was hard keeping up but they loved every minute. "Okay boys how about some splash time?" Kim asked helping the boys up to go change into swim wear. Both boys were excited to splash. "Kim let do that. You really shouldn't be on the stairs too much." Erin stopped her taking the boys inside. "Thank you Er." Kim sat back down next to Adam who still looked over joyed with the game. "How's Chris doing?" He asked letting his hand rest on her belly. "Napping right now. He was overly active an hour ago. It's kind of refreshing." Kim sighed a bit.

"I hear ya. Less than three months to go. Soon enough he will be here." He loved holding her belly but he couldn't wait for him to get here. "Did you guys have fun today?" Kim asked looking to all 4 guys. "Of course! It was great! Riley loved it. And we decided to do it again more next year. We all loved it." Adam was excited to go again even with his full family. "Yes! We need to do it again. Maybe opening day next year?" Kevin suggested. "I'm good with you guys doing that." Kim smiled knowing it would be fun but could also be cold out. The sliding door opened with both kids running out to splash around. "That pool really is great for the kids. If I had outside space I would get one too." Mouse watched all three kids playing together. "I hear ya! It is nice. Just laying in it at night after the kids are in bed. Definitely enjoyable." Adam thought it was a great purchase. "It has been relaxing and fun for everyone. Even just splashing is fun." Kim shrugged a bit.

"Maybe one day we can afford a real pool." Adam had hope that one day they would be able but for right now this worked. "That's a lot of work! Especially with three kids. Yeah no!" Kim laughed knowing they already had enough on their plates without adding a pool to it. "Fine! But you get to explain it to the kids when they get older." He tickled her side though he was serious. "I have no problem being the bad cop in that situation." She laughed knowing it would happen most likely. They all laughed knowing bad cop Kim was scary as hell. "Darling. What do you want to do about dinner? I know you are going to be hungry soon." Adam smiled at her loving how relaxed she was. "Um anything is fine. I have no craving going on right now. We all know it could change in 10 minutes but right now anything is good." She smiled knowing he was trying to keep the cravings under control. "Alright well let's get food ordered before you get too hungry." He kissed her head before ordering food for everyone.

"Your boy is crying at the door." Kevin pointed. Kim laughed getting up to go over and hug him. "I don't want you outside buddy. It's not safe and if you like it you will bug me all the time about it. Your brother was the same way." She carried him on her hip as she walked and spoke softly to him by the doors. "I think he just doesn't want you outside without him. I think it's all about you." Adam joking scratching the cat's head. He was purring loudly. "I'm sure he's hungry too." Kim watched his eyes go wide. "You don't know the word hungry little dude." Kim laughed still holding him. "He might cats are very smart!" Erin laughed since she lived through the Pierre years and knew that he understood certain words completely. "Maybe but never again am I doing people food with an animal. I can't handle that again. Too much chaos and too much crying. Remember little man climbing us to get the food. Jumping on everything to get to the food. Nothing was safe around him." The trio laughed having lived with all the craziness for a long time.

"Remember when he would lock himself in the powder room in your one rental over and over again?" Jay laughed. "My favorite was he would no longer drink out of his bowl and it had to be the yellow cups from Dickeys BBQ only. How he knew the difference I don't know but that was annoying as hell!" The whole group laughed hard. "And god forbid he saw the bottom of the bowl! The hell he spewed over that!" Erin was cracking up. "I learned early just shake the bowl to move the food around again. It worked well." Kim sighed as she headed to feed Tiger. She returned to see the kids out of the pool drying off. "Food is almost here so the kids needed to be dry." Adam smiled seeing Kim holding her belly. "That's good what did you order?" She asked as settled back down. "Sandwiches and pizza. I got the Rustic Chicken pizza you love knowing you would eat it no matter what." He knew how to get her. "Thanks babe! I do love it." Kim smiled wide thinking about it. "Any other crazy cat stories?" Mouse asked.

"One of my favorite stories was when I was trying to teach him to use his new scratching post. He would get a treat for using it. So he would wait till I was in the bathroom running over to it and sitting on the base like he used it and was waiting for the treat. After several weeks I figured out he wasn't using it at all. He was just pretending to get the treat! And when I got upset he literally touched it with a paw to get the treat! He was such a brat!" The whole group laughed hysterically. "That's a good one for sure. I do miss that cat." Erin stated. "Me too! So very much! The constant snuggles were amazing but the last few years were hard. And the last few months were some of the worst times ever. I just hope and pray this one is easier. No constipation, no fire butt, no cancer. It's too much and too hard." Kim was sad in that moment so they needed to lighten the moment. "Remember when you rushed him to the emergency room for the enema and they had to give him two. They told he was all clear and then he shit all over his cage as you were driving him home and you tried to get him out of the cage so he wasn't sitting in it. But he already had it on his legs which got transferred to your lap. The whole car smelled like shit in the August heat!" Jay laughed remembering all the gaging that day.

"That was the worst! Eric almost threw up!" Kim cracked up almost crying in laughter. "The best part about that whole thing was the sigh of relief from little man after he finally went. I didn't think cats could have that feeling or emotion but he did for sure." Kim smiled thinking about him. "He was one of a kind. And after Chris is born you can get your permanent reminder on your arm. You will never forget him even without but it's a lovely reminder." Adam kissed her head as he headed to grab the food. Jay followed to help with getting plates and napkins for everyone. "You know she still sleeps with his blanket right?" Jay asked unsure if Adam knew. "Which one?" He was surprised he didn't know. "The blue fleece one. He loved that blanket. Kim uses now." He watched Adam as he processed the words. "That doesn't surprised me at all. She still hasn't washed the green shirt she wore when he was put down. She can't wash it. It's like it would kill her more on the inside." Adam watched Jay nod almost like he knew or it didn't surprise him.

They headed back out with all the food letting everyone dig in. It had been a fun day and a fun night but the kids crashed hard as none had taken naps. Just around 7 the group broke up and the kids were headed to bed and the adult crashed for the night. Kim headed right to bed with Tiger in tow. It had been a good day but she missed her boy. Adam found her curled up with Tiger but something in her hand. He didn't recognize it but she looked tired and sad. "Too much talking about little man today." He asked unsure. "Yeah it's almost that time of year again. It still hurts. I still miss him. I still wish he was here. But I'm okay. Just need some rest." Kim smiled as she closed her eyes. "Can I see what's in your hand?" He wasn't sure how she would react. But she opened her hand giving it to him. He held it looking over the fake mouse that had clearly seen better days. "He loved fake mice. And this was his last one. He licked it so much the glue wore off in sections and the tail got lost lord knows where. I slept with it every night after he passed for months. I just needed it to help me get through." She was sure it made no sense.

"I think that honestly makes sense. And doesn't surprise me at all. How about we rest tonight and tomorrow we can move forward again." He kissed her softly handing her back the toy to hold. He was surprised she was out so quickly but he was thrilled all the same. While he loved hearing all the stories the sadness left over killed him. He hated to see her sad but this was probably a pain she would never get over. And that was okay. He fell asleep dreaming of life to come. With Tiger and all three of their amazing kids.