Kim bolted upright just around 3am, she had a nightmare. She was breathing heavily trying to calm herself. "Kim darling are you okay?" Adam asked waking from the movement. "I dont know. I just had a nightmare. Im freaked out." Kim looked back seeing Adam sitting up to hold her. "Was it about today?" Adam asked holding her tight. "Yeah. I think its going to happen for a bit. Just uncomfortable and being pregnant makes it worse. I just need to bring my pressure back down." Kim sat on the edge of the bed trying to steady herself. "Give me a minute. We are going to try the sour trick again." Adam ran down the stairs to the kitchen grabbing the bag of candy running back to their room. "Okay baby just try this." He handed her a couple watching her try them. He watched her coming down a bit. "Better?" He asked. "A little bit. Not like the other day but somewhat better." She took a deep breath leaning back on her pillows.
They heard a knock on the door. "Come in?" Adam answered confused. "Hey just heard the commotion. Everything okay?" Eric asked seeing the two on the bed. "Yeah just a nightmare about today. Trying to get calm again. How the hell did you even hear that? You sleep through hurricanes literally." Kim laughed a bit. "I was up using the bathroom. Otherwise you are right I wouldnt have heard it. Im glad your coming down again." He stood there a bit awkwardly unsure what to do. "So our daughter gets that from you? Huh." Adam laughed a bit. "And the morning person thing. Its all him." Kim rolled her eyes knowing she loved to sleep in. "Agree on that. You hate mornings. You would sleep till noon if we let you." Eric laughed. "So very true." Kim laughed. "Alright. Try to get more sleep. I will see you in the morning." Eric left the room again.
"You think you can sleep again?" Adam asked. "I would like to try at least. Not sure what will happen but lets try at least." Kim moved back down to lay on the bed with Adam putting pillows under belly again. "Okay just rest at least. You are on bed rest all weekend. So you can always sleep later too." He held her tight feeling her relaxing but also their son kicking. It wasnt too hard but he was still active which meant Kim can't sleep. But she laid still just breathing calmly with her eyes closed. Adam had fallen back to sleep exhausted from the day. And Kim would sleep when she could again. When Chris was asleep again. It was around an hour before Kim was asleep again. She really did need to get sleep. Adam had woken around just around 7 seeing Kim awake again. But she was still resting comfortably. Just enjoying the quiet time. She was still overwhelmed from the day before. Adam didnt want to scare her so he rubbed her belly gently letting her know that he was awake as well. "Hey morning." Kim smiled a bit.
"Hey how are you feeling this morning?" Adam asked unsure of where her mind was at. "Um Im Okay I guess. Still pretty tired overall. Still shaky but I know it wasnt my fault. I did nothing wrong. But it happened. I have been in situations with guns before but never pregnant and unarmed. With a traumatized child. Did you get your weapon back?" Kim asked completely forgetting about it. "Yeah Kelly had it. Its locked up safe again. Last of my worries but at least we dont have to worry about it in the wrong hands. As for how you are feeling, it all seems normal. Especially given your situation right now. And of course it wasnt your fault. You were in the right place at the wrong time. We both know it happens. How about we snuggle up for a bit longer before we get up. And if you fall asleep again, thats fine too." He kissed her head holding her tight. She was calm, relaxed and steady at the moment.
Adam felt her drifting off to sleep so he stayed still letting her sleep again. He was thrilled she was sleeping once more. He waited till just about 8 before he got up leaving Kim to sleep. He heard Allie downstairs with Eric so he moved to Rileys room to get him moving for the day. Adam moved into Rileys room seeing Riley slightly awake snuggled with his blanket. "Hey buddy! Good morning." Adam watched his eyes light up. Sitting up to get hugs. "You want to rock some?" Riley nodded so they moved to the rocking chair for snuggles. While both were awake they were just happy soaking up the cuddles. Riley always loved these moments with his parents. But the bond he had with Adam was most special always. They only moved when Riley needed to potty. Adam let Riley run off to the bathroom following behind knowing he was steady on the toilet. Adam helped Riley wash his hands and then helped him change his outfit for the day.
The boys headed down the stairs to see Allie playing as they has eaten already. "Morning." Adam said as they entered the room. "Morning daddy, Riley!" Allie ran for hugs before going back to play. "Morning. Kim still sleeping?" Eric asked. "Back to sleep again. She cant sleep long as it is with Chris going nuts but yesterday was rough. She said she would have been better if she had been armed. I agree with her completely. It would have been different completely if she had been armed and not pregnant." Adam shrugged moving to the kitchen. "I agree with you both. But from what I heard on the news she helped get a girl to safety." Eric had heard the news a few times. "Yeah as soon as she heard shots fired she had the girl lock up the room, turn off the lights and hide in the closet as Kim called it in. Fire department got the girl out through the windows. But Kim couldnt fit with her belly. A fire lieutenant stayed behind with Kim giving her a shield and my sidearm. Kelly begged for them to get Kim out since she was on the verge of a panic attack. He was afraid she would go into labor. 8 swat members entered the building to get them out. It was insane. Im just thrilled she's okay, they are okay." Adam sighed as he worked to make breakfast for himself and Riley.
"Agreed. She did the best she could considering the situation. She will bounce back like always. Shes got this." Eric knew they would be fine. "Definitely. She just needs to rest this weekend. I just hope this doesnt prevent her from going back to volunteer again. This what she needs to doing for herself. To show victims they can be survivors. That this life is possible if you trust the process and work the program." Adam wasnt sure how much Eric knew about Kims therapy life. "Might just need to go with her staying outside the room to keep her safe. Maybe more letting her know shes safe. She is going to be fine. This was just a really bad moment in time." Eric patted Adams shoulders then headed back to the kids. The boys sat eating breakfast together as they all waited for Kim to wake again. Adam cleaned up the kitchen after eating while Riley played with Allie and Eric. "Should we head outside for a bit?" Adam asked the kids. Both ran for their jackets to head out to the yard.
With everyone outside it allowed Kim to rest more quietly. The whole family having fun kicking soccer balls around the yard. Adam was taking videos to show to Kim later. He knew she would hate to miss out on all the fun. Kim awoke feeling Tiger laying on her chest. She smiled softly but knew that meant Adam was up already and so was the rest of the household. She looked at her watch seeing it was 10am already. She was shocked but thrilled she got some sleep. She really did need it. "Tiger buddy I need to get up and pee." Kim picked him up moving him from her body. He was not happy at all but fell asleep on the bed after see left it. She used the bathroom and then grabbed a jersey knit dress to throw on. Kim waddled down the stairs to see her family outside playing.
She moved onto the deck letting her family know she was awake now. "Looks like we are having fun out here." Kim smiled one hand on her belly, one on her back. "Mommy!" Both kids ran to get hugs. Adam right behind them to help they get higher to get hugs. "How are you feeling now that you napped more?" Adam asked kissing her quick. "Good. Still tired but good." She smiled hugging the kids. "Awesome. How about you relax out here while I make you something to eat?" He watched her nod as he headed inside to make her brunch. Kim relaxed in a chair with Riley who wanted to talk. Kim loved hearing him talking. He normally was overshadowed by Allie who of course had more language skills. "Buddy what do you want to do today?" Kim asked wanting to make time for both kids. "Can we play games?" Riley asked. "Of course. We all love family game time." Kim was happy with that idea.
A few minutes later Adam arrived with brunch for Kim. "Here you go darling. Eat up before family game time." Adam placed it in front of Kim watching her dig in. "Thank you baby! So good." Kim ate pretty quickly barely tasting her food. She was starving but she knew she couldnt eat too quick knowing it would give her heartburn. "Slow down a bit. Neither of us wants to deal with heartburn." He rubbed her back trying to slow her. "I know but Im starving." Kim whined a bit. "Oh I know but later will be worse. Especially if you over eat." He watched her nod slowing down her eating. "Thank you. I greatly appreciate it." He returned to playing with the kids. Leaving Kim to relax and enjoy her brunch in peace. When the kids started to crash they were taken to bed letting the adults have time to talk. It was much needed after the day before.
"Okay so now that we are alone. Should we all talk about what you said last night?" Eric asked knowing they really did need to talk but he wasnt sure it was the best time. "Yeah Im good with that. I know I probably sounded crazy last night but I really have been thinking about it. Im not saying I want you to move in here. But I really think we should be in the same town again. Your job is remote now. And yes I know you would still have to travel a lot but you could be with Allie more. I really think its best for her for you to be here more. I know its not an easy decision for you to make but please just think about it. For her." Kim watched him thinking about it. "Well you are right. Its a lot to think about but I promise you I will think about it. It wouldnt be quick. We are coming into Winter and thats rough. I dont love Chicago but I love my daughter. And I love this family we built so I will try my best. I would like to be here more for all the events so I promise to start looking into it." Eric sighed not really loving the idea but also wanting to see his kid more often. He would move mountains for her so this is what he needed to do.
"Thank you for understanding. And for looking into it. I know it won't be easy for you but we promised to put Allie first and that is what we are doing. Together." She reached out to grab his hand holding it. "This is great man. Thank you. We really appreciate it. She loves you so much and would be thrilled to have you around more. So thank you for working with us to provide the kids the best life ever." Adam shook his hand knowing they all needed to be in agreement. "Hey you two have kept me more involved than I have ever thought was possible. I really did expect to be pushed aside, not included in the day to day. I have to say I have been impressed by how you have both worked to include me in everything. I really have to admit Im sorry for how I treated you in the beginning. You didnt deserve it. So Im truly sorry. You have been an amazing father to our daughter, an amazing partner to Kim and a good friend to me." The guys stood up sharing their first bro hug. "Thank you. I just always wanted us to work together so our children have a better life than we had. That was always most important to us both. Broken homes leave a trail of destruction." Adam hugged Kim seeing her crying.
They all knew it was the hormones but it was a beautiful moment. They all needed this moment. To heal the past and to know they would all make this family work. "You know I still need to order all the bracelet supplies. Allies birthday party is around the corner." Kim sighed feeling like she let them down. "No worries. You can order it today. We can get that handled in no time. Relax. I promise its all good." Adam got up to grab her phone for her. "Here you go. It will be done in no time." Adam saw her typing away getting the app open to order everything they could possibly need. "Okay its all been ordered. I selected pick up in store and I put both your names on the pick up. Since I know Im not allowed to go." Kim smirked a bit. "Well its not that you aren't allowed. Its that you need to rest. And I know its hard but this is what we need to do at this point. Especially after yesterday. That was way too much stress on your body. So lets just rest and relax today. And after the kids have lunch we will get you showered up. Im sure the warm water will help relax your body." He watched her nod sighing a bit. It was hard for her being like this. Being unable to help herself.
But she didnt have a choice at this point and time. She would just grin and bare it for now. Kim did love that he cared so much for her and that he took such great care of her. "You know I hate having to rely on you. But thank you for not making it sound like a chore. I know Im a lot of work right now." Kim sighed a bit. "You are not a lot. And taking care of you isnt a chore. Considering what your body is going through, this is the least I could do. So dont you worry about that. Lets relax a bit longer." Adam rubbed her shoulders helping her relaxing. "I do love relaxing out here. Not too much more time we can do this before it gets too cold again." Kim closed her eyes letting the calm wash over her. "We should really get a swing set for the kids. I think they would love that." Adam looked over at the yard. "Sounds good. I will help pay for it. And help put it together. They will all love it. One with a baby swing to give you guys a break." Eric added knowing the kids would love it. "Fine but it has to be wood. No metal fragments getting in my kids eyes please." Kim stated with her eyes still closed.
"Yeah thats not happening to the kids. I promise you that wont happen to the kids. Their eyes will not be harmed like yours." Eric answered unsure if Adam knew about that. "Thank you." Kim smiled leaning back in the chair. "I assume you got a metal fragment in your eye as a kid from a metal swingset?" Adam asked her. "Yup. I was under 7. My folks didnt really believe me. But they did take me to get an eye exam since I bitched so much. The doctor was able to get it out without damage. It was a bit crazy." Kim stayed still in her chair relaxing even if talking about the bad times. "Well a nice wooden set will work perfect. It's probably sturdier too." Adam rubbed her back letting her relax some. "Maybe a climbing wall too on it. Both kids love rock climbing." Kim mentioned as she rested. "Good idea. Both kids would freak out over it." Adam laughed imagining the kids going nurs over it.
"Should we start making some lunch for the kids?" Eric suggested knowing the kids would being getting up soon. "Sounds good. The kids will be starving again." Kim started to get up needing help. "I gotcha ya." Adam helped her up bring her into the house. "I can at least cut up the fruit and veggies." Kim offered wanting to help out some. "Perfect." Eric helped her settle at the breakfast bar and started to gather the items she needed. They were all surprised when they heard a knock on the door. "I got it. Keep relaxing." Adam moved to the door seeing several team members outside. He opened the door surprised. "Hey. Did we know yall were coming over?" He was confused over this. "No but we just needed to see Kim is okay. May we see her?" Erin asked knowing it wouldnt normally be an issue. "Yeah its fine. Shes relaxing cutting up fruit and veggies for lunch time." Adam opened the door wider so they could all come in.
"Hey guys! How are we doing today?" Kim asked getting up to hug them all. "We are okay. We wanted to check on you. How are you doing today?" Kevin asked helping her sit again. "Um Im okay. Had a nightmare last night but Im okay. What ended up happening?" Kim asked not knowing the outcome. "Well it took awhile but he released all the hostages except one that was his victim. Swat ended up taking him out to end it. Not sure how it will go going forward. Hopefully they will have security going forward." Jay explained knowing Kim would be effected by it. "Oh wow. Woman traumatized already have been re-traumatized by a psychopath. Thats insane. They will have to change locations maybe." She shook her head shocked by what she heard. "We have no more details. Im sure changing locations will be an option going forward but for now they are closed. None of that matters, you are okay. That is the only thing that matters." Erin hugged Kim.
"Would you guys like to stay for lunch?" Adam asked lookimg towards the team. "Sure. That would be lovely. Are you sure you have enough? We did ambush you." Mouse asked. "Its all good. I did a grocery order yesterday. We have plenty of food. And we can order more later. This is good for all of us." Adam got more plates out as Eric opened the table making it longer. Kevin helped Eric making sure the table was locked again. They all looked over hearing Kim laughing. "Whats going on darling?" Adam was thrilled to hear her laughing but wasnt sure why. "Um I think our son is mooning us." Kim laughed as they all looked to see a bump sticking out that was clearly not a hand or foot. The entire group lost it laughing taking photos. "Christopher! Thats not nice!" Adam laughed but ran his hand over the bulge. "This kid is nuts!" Kim laughed rubbing her belly. "This kid is pure Adam already." Jay laughed hard seeing Kims belly.
"That is for sure. But I wouldnt trade it for anything." Kim smiled wide loving this time together. "We hear that but seriously this is too funny for words." Kevin was loving the fun atmosphere. "Im going to up and get the kids moving." Eric offered hearing the kids moving. "I will get Riley. Hes a handful sometimes when he wakes up. He loves rocking for a bit first." Adam followed behind Eric wanting to make sure his son doesnt cause any issues. "Okay let us set the table for you. And get the drinks set up. Erin can you help Kim to the table?" Jay asked as he moved to the kitchen with Kevin and Mouse. "Yeah of course." Erin helped Kim down from the chair following het to the table making sure Kim was steady. Eric and Allie were down the stairs shortly after. Allie running around get hugs. Adam followed still holding Riley who was still waking up but he was hungry so was willing to move. "Hey Ry you want mommy snuggles for a few before you eat?" She watched him reaching out for her.
Kim gladly took him in her arms holding him on top of her belly. It was such a loving moment. One that didn't happen enough with the bump. She rubbed his back till he was more awake and ready to eat. The couple never rushed him, just let him wake on his own since they had no where to be. Only when he was ready did Mouse move Riley to the high chair for his lunch. Once he ate a bit he started to perk up more. He was clearly hungry and tired. "I think after lunch Im going to take Allie to pick up the bracelet makings. If thats cool?" Eric offered knowing it needed to be picked up soon. "That works. Im sure she will be thrilled. And if you take her inside remember my rule, no glitter!" Kim was stern almost scary in her words. "Yes yes we all know your pure hatard of glitter. You dont have to worry about that." He was slightly scared which had people laughing. "By the way your old car still has glitter in it." He laughed but Kim just shuddered. "I have said it once and I will say it again. When I die they will find glitter in my lungs." Kim smirked.
"What?" Adam asked. "Well part of my retail career was working at Michaels the arts and craft store. I was surrounded by glitter. On my clothes, on my skin, all over my shoes, in my car, my purse. It was horrid. Customers literally dumping containers on the floor just because they could. It was awful. Never again will I deal with glitter." She literally gagged thinking about it. Adam laughed at her reaction. "Eric used to joke that I worked at a S.T.R.I.P club." They all laughed hysterically. "Well that explains a lot." Adam laughed hugging her a bit. "Retail was hell but it taught me a lot about dealing with people. But it was horrible. Never again." Kim cringed. "Thats right never again." Eric laughed. "Oh please! At least I wasn't the only white person working in a chinese food restaurant!" Kim laughed at him. "That was horrible! But I learned how to make some good food. And flowers out of napkins." Eric laughed they all did picturing him working in a chinese food restaurant.
"As much fun as this had been. Lets finish up and start playing games. Riley wants to play games today so thats the plan." Kim watched him get excited. "Okay buddy go pick the games you want to play." Adam placed Riley down letting him run off to pick some games. Adam watched him for a minute before helping Riley get the games. "Okay what are we playing today?" Adam asked watching Riley grabbing for the games. "Those!" Riley pointed. Adam laughed taking the games from the shelf bringing them to the living room. "Okay lets see we have candyland and monopoly. Well at least the are multi player games. That's helpful. Who all is playing?" Kim asked seeing most wanted to play. Allie and Eric headed out to the craft store to pick up the supplies. "Kim why dont you play for a bit. And I will clean up. Just keep resting." Adam made sure she was comfortable before he left to clean the kitchen. He could hear their team laughing along with the game and cheering Riley on.
It was great how they all came together to support each other after such a horrid day. The full group staying till just before dinner letting the family have quiet time once more. Though it still wasnt quiet. Kim had music playing and the kids were dancing around. Both guys loving how happy their kids were with something so simple. They both did notice when Kim jumped up to turn up the song playing. She started singing along occasionally pointing towards Eric. Adam was cracking up. "She is totally calling you out with this song. That hilarious." Adam watched Kim dancing with the kids which was against bed rest but he let her have this one. "Yeah I get it. She thinks shes funny. But shes not." Eric laughed a bit though the song was right about making promises that he never kept. He wouldnt even try to defend himself. It was pointless since she was right. He did break a lot of promises to her. He did break a lot of promises to Allie but he had worked hard to fix that. And would continue to work on it. As the song ended the volume went back down and Kim relaxed on the couch again.
"You need a drink after that?" Adam asked. "Probably. Wild child enjoyed it though." Kim smirked. "Im sure he did. Just try to rest a bit again." Adam kissed her forehead as he left the room grabbing her a drink and a snack. It had been a great day with their friends, their family. "Should we order something to eat for dinner?" Eric asked knowing they all needed some rest. "Sure. Im fine with that. It will be easier for us all." Kim agreed needing the rest. Eric watched as Kim rolled to be fully on the couch. Her eyes closing softly. Eric moved to cover her with a blanket just as she fell asleep. "Adam, shes out again. Forget the snack." Eric watched Adam shaking his head. "Well Im okay with that. She needs it. Is she at least on her side?" Adam asked putting the snack away. "Yeah. She is good. I covered her with her blanket keeping her warm." Eric sat with the kids playing quietly. "Thanks man. Shes pretty exhausted all the time so this makes sense for her. One day I had to bring her home from work, she fell asleep at her desk." Adam chuckled thinking about it.
"Sounds about right. Shes doing great though. She will just need to rest more." Eric went back to playing with the kids. Adam ordered dinner as he joined the kids. No one was surprised to see Tiger had curled up on Kims blanket with her. He had been upstairs when the music was playing napping on Kims side of the bed. With the kids playing he was happy to lay with Kim and enjoy the peacefulness. When dinner arrived Adam woke Kim so she could eat with the family. "Darling, its time to wake up. We have dinner ready." Adam rubbed her back waking her up. "Hey." Kim whispered. "You ready to eat some dinner?" He smiled looking at her waking. He moved her hair so he could see more of her face. "Yeah. I could eat." She smiled as Adam helped her up. Tiger taking over the blanket as she left. Adam followed behind Kim as she waddled to the table. Both kids eating already with Eric.
"How was your nap?" Eric asked seeing her waddle. "It was nice. Thank you for the blanket." Kim smiled softly still waking up. "You are welcome. I know you get cold easily." Eric really did know her well. "And I love a blanket no matter the weather outside." Kim smiled. She really did love having a blanket with her always. "So after dinner lets bathe the kids and watch a movie. Some nice relaxation. After they are asleep you are getting in the shower." Adam gave her the agenda since they missed shower time earlier. "Sounds good to me. We could all use it after playing outside earlier." Kim was just happy the kids were happy. The rest didnt matter to her. The family ate together talking about the next day when Eric would be flying out again later in the day. He needed to pack for the next week and get a flight to Houston. After dinner the kids were taken up to get washed up. Allie was taking a shower while Adam bathed Riley. Kim was resting on the couch again and Eric cleaned up after dinner.
Kim found a movie both kids would watch as she snuggled up with Tiger. Riley was done first. Adam dried him off and took him to get in his jammies for the night. Adam then cleaned up the bathroom before they headed down to the living room. Eric headed up to dry Allies hair so she could get moving quicker. When they came down the stairs they started the movie. Most of the family on one couch together. Allie lasted an hour before she moved to Eric to fall asleep on him. No one rushed to move her till they were sure both kids were sound asleep. Only after both kids were sound asleep were they taken up to bed. Eric went to his room to watch his own shows while Adam and Kim headed to shower. "Lets get you undressed and in the shower." Adam helped her get her dress off and led her into the bathroom. "Sounds like a good plan. I could use it." Kim sighed heavily.
"You definitely need it. Your muscles could use it." Adam saw her resigned to go along with his plan. "Im sure it will help. It cant hurt thats for certain." Kim smiled turning on the water. Adam stripped behind her wanting to get in the shower with her. As Kim showered Adam joined her. He washed her body spending extra time washing her belly. He shaved her legs and allowed her to shave her underarms. When she finished Adam washed himself. It was quick before he was out drying her off and rubbing lotion all over her body. But he spent extra time on her belly. He loved massaging her belly feeling the kicking under his hands. After Kim was done Adam helped her dress a bit and settled into bed. He finished drying himself off before joining her in the bed. Both hoping for a peaceful night sleep. "Good night my love." "Good night darling."