80. It's A Cold And It's A Broken Hallelujah

Thanks for the reviews from the last chapter. I really am thankful for all of them.

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One Month Later.

"Hi Dad," Kim smiled, taking a seat beside her father at the picnic table. Jack was sleeping soundly on his shoulder, having become very attached to his grandfather. "What are you doing over here all by yourself?" Steve smiled and patted the baby's back gently.

"Just watching," he told her, taking her hand. "I remember the last time we were all together like this. It was the fourth of July and you were eleven." Kim nodded, remembering their picnic.

She and her sisters had spent most of the afternoon playing tag and having a vicious water fight that had ended with all of them laughing in the creek. She had curled up on her mother's lap when the sun went down and watched the fireworks with her family.

"A lot's changed since then," she sighed, wistfully, brushing Jack's hair from his eyes. Steve nodded gently, careful not to wake the baby.

"You have a beautiful family Kim," he smiled as he watched Adam playing tag with his niece. "I'm very proud of you." Kim grinned and kissed her father on the cheek.

"Thanks Dad."

"I know this sounds odd since you've been married for almost a year already but I'm having trouble grasping the concept of your little sister getting married," her father grinned. "She's always going to be the little blond girl who used to remind your mother and I a lot of the mailman."

Kim laughed and looked over at Jay and Erin, seated by the water talking happily to Hank and Olivia.

She groaned suddenly as she caught sight of Adam's dad making his way down the path to Jay's house.

"I'll be back Dad, I've got to do some damage control," she kissed his cheek quickly and took Jackson from him as she made her way to Adam's side.

"I'm gonna get you," Adam teased, jumping quickly towards Everly, who squealed and ran away towards Jay and Erin.

"Adam," she called him, keeping her eye on her son. "What is your dad doing here?"

He looked at her horrified.

"You're kidding me," he looked around, turning quickly back to her when he caught sight of them. "Dammit, just kill me now, it'll go faster." She chuckled and squeezed his hand. "Figures he'd be more involved in Hank's life than mine," he said bitterly. "He hasn't even seen Jack yet but Hank invites him to a fall picnic and he shows up."

"What do you want to do?" she asked, stroking his arm supportively. "We can hide for awhile or we can get this over with as quickly as possible." He watched his parents greeting Hank and Olivia and he looked down at Kim.

"Let's hide. Take Jack, we'll go get some ice cream or something." She nodded and moved before they were noticed.

"Hey Adam," Zoe called from the other side of the yard.

"Adam," she waved her hands to get his attention.

"Shit," he muttered to himself as his parents caught sight of him.

"Yeah Zoe?" he called back dejectedly, motioning for Kim to leave the baby alone.

"Can I go swimming? My mom left to go get some napkins and she said you and Kimmy are in charge," she explained as she waited for his reply. He sighed again as his parents approached and nodded his head.

"Go ahead but be careful," he called back, running his hands through his hair frustratedly.

"Adam," his father grunted, shaking his son's hand.

"Hi," he sighed. "You guys here for the picnic?" His parents nodded happily and looked over his shoulder to where Steve was.

"I can't believe those girls just let him back into their lives like that," his father sneered. "After everything he did to them, it just isn't right." Adam bit back a wave of anger at the insult to Kim's family.

"He isn't a bad guy dad," he said as calmly as possible. "He made a mistake and he's paid for it. Now he's getting on with his life."

His father's face was blank as she turned her gaze to Kim who was running playfully after the baby.

"Now whose this boy?" he asked, scrutinizing Kim's every move.

"I can't believe you," Adam finally shouted, causing everyone to look over at him. Kim stopped and scooped Jack off the ground walking over to support her husband.

"What do you mean whose little one is that. He's mine Dad, that's Jack." Kim slid beside him and took his hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. "How in the hell do you get off insulting everyone else's parents when they're a hell of a lot better than you."

He turned quickly, pulling Kim and the baby behind him.

She remained quiet but Jack whimpered slightly at his father's outburst. He stopped and flopped down onto the picnic table across from Steve, pulling Jack into his lap. He kissed the baby's head gently and Jack wrapped his arms around his father's neck. "Daddy didn't mean to yell Jack," he whispered, stroking his son's hair. Kim sighed and sat beside him, kissing his head gently.

"Sorry Adam," she whispered in his ear. "I know how much you hate this." He nodded slightly and turned to kiss her lips quickly.

"It's not your fault. I'm sorry I yelled. I hate yelling." She nodded and kissed him again.

"It's alright. It just surprised him that's all. He's over it already." Jack was smiling happily as he watched his parents share gentle kisses. Adam turned his head and saw Zoe, a frightened look on her face walking tentatively towards her aunt and uncle, her towel wrapped around her shoulders.

"Uncle Adam," she called softly, as she passed her stunned grandmother. "Are you okay?" Adam sighed and reached out for her.

"I'm fine Zoe," he smiled. "I just lost my temper a little bit. I'm sorry if I scared you." Zoe accepted his explanation and looked at him and Kim.

"I love you guys" Zoe said simply

"We love you too Zoe. You go back in the water and have fun. Adam and I will be right here." Kim assured

Zoe nodded and ran back toward the dock. Kim squeezed his hand as Adam's father left his new wife's side and moved towards his son.

"I know I deserved that Adam so I won't say a word," his father said quietly. "I don't know where I went wrong with you son. You always had more life in you than I was used to. I failed and I'm sorry. You have no idea how sorry." He looked down at his grandson and smiled slightly. "I'm going to leave now, you take care of this family of yours."

He turned around slowly and began to walk away, stopping suddenly. "Adam," he called over his shoulder, not looking back.

"Yeah Pop?" Adam sighed, squeezing Kim's hand harder.

"I'm proud of you son. You raised yourself well." He began to walk away again.

"Pop," Adam whispered, fighting back the tears that threatened to fall. "Don't go." Jack looked curiously up at his father and took his face between his hands, laying a messy kiss on his lips. Bob watched the display and smiled.

"Whatever you want son." Kim smiled hesitantly and took her son from Adam's arms as he stood gingerly.

Approaching his father he stopped.

"I want you to stay." Bob smiled and yanked his son hard into his arms. Adam let out a strangled sob and held his father tightly. Both men stood, oblivious to the audience they had, feeling like father and son for the first time. Kim smiled and kissed her son's head as he reached frustratedly for Adam. Finally he refused to take any more.

"Dada," he shouted angrily in his tiny baby voice. Adam chuckled and pulled away from his father, wiping his eyes quickly.

"What's the matter baby boy?" Adam asked, swinging his son out of Kim's arms. "Daddy's right here." Jack grinned and began bouncing in Adam's arms. Adam chuckled again and kissed Jack's silky brown hair. "I love you sweet boy," he sighed, looking down into his son's eyes.

Jack gave him a toothy grin and pinched his nose. "Dada."

He laughed and turned back to face his father.

"Let's try this again. Dad, I'd like you to meet my son Jackson. Jack this is your grandpa." Jack shifted his gaze between his father and grandfather, smiling at the attention.

"Dada," he shouted, slapping Adam's chest, and observing Bob 's reaction.

"Hello Jackson," Bob took the baby's hand and shook it gently. "It is very nice to meet you." Gradually the guests of the picnic turned their attention back to their own matters, allowing Adam to properly acquaint his two families. Kim watched proudly as Adam and his father talked, about work, marriage and becoming a father. She smiled happily as her family and his attempted to bridge the gap between them and sighed when he wrapped his arms around her waist at dusk.

"You know what Darlin?" she could hear the smile in his voice.

"What's that Adam?" she smiled back, wrapping his arms tighter around her body.

"Today was a good day."

She looked over where Jack sat with her mom and dad and she smiled as she ran a hand over her flat stomach and against the new life that was nestled in her abdomen.

"Today was a very good day."

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Swaying her slender hips in rhythm of the soft music coming out of the radio, Erin stirred the pancake batter in the bowl cradled in her arms. Humming and moving to the music she didn't notice her husband propped up against the refrigerator door.

"Morning beautiful."

Slightly jumping she turned to look at him, "Good morning to you too."

Closing the space between them, Jay took the bowl out of her arms so her could bring her into his loving embrace.

Dipping his head, he caught her lips with his own, quickly falling into a passionate kiss. Running his hands through her silky hair, he kissed her neck while pinning her between him and the countertop.

"I see you're wearing the shirt I was going to wear today."

Erin looked down at his bright blue button up she was wearing and rolled her eyes.

"Jay you have like ten of this exact same shirt, so I don't think you need this one for anything."

"Okay, maybe not."

"By the way Mr. Noland, your tie doesn't match your shirt."

"It doesn't, and who is Mr. Noland?"

"No it doesn't, and he was that bald man that used to work at The Purple Pig. I know you remember him, you have to."

"Ahh, that Mr. Noland, and if it doesn't match why don't you scoot into the bedroom and pick out one that does. I'll finish what you've started here, since we all know I'm the chef in this family anyway."

"Yes we all know the talents of the great and honorable Jay," she said while rolling her eyes.

"Damn straight you'd better," he answered while swatting her on the ass as she walked away.

Turning to glare at him playfully, they were broke out of their little game by the sound of a baby's crying.

"You get the tie Er, and I'll check on Everly," he said dropping a kiss on her lips before leaving the room.

Rifling through the closet, Erin selected a tie that would match his shirt better than the last one. Re-entering the kitchen she found Jay dancing around with their little girl bouncing ever so gently in his protective arms.

"How my little Evie-Bug this morning," Erin cooed to the giggling toddler.

Erin enjoyed the mornings with Everly before the twins woke up for a feeding. She felt like the time she and Jay had with just Evie was fleeting and she was looking forward to just the three of them going and getting their family pictures done.

Loosening the knot in his previous tie, he switched them out and sat down at the kitchen table with a glass of orange juice and the morning paper.

Looking over at him, Erin laughed. "If we aren't domesticated I don't who is."

"There's nothing wrong with that," he said reaching his arms out for his daughter, "Is there Everly?"

Grabbing his nose between her chubby fingers, Everly pulled on it answering him in her own little way. "Da-dee"

"Oww baby, let go of Daddy's nose," He said as he gently pried her little fingers away from his face. After getting them loose, he kissed her fingers as a silent thank you.

Setting a plate of pancakes in front of her husband, Erin plucked the baby out of his arms so he could eat.

"Jay, don't forget to meet us at Kathy's Studio at three o'clock and please try to keep your clothes clean too. Oh, and don't worry about the changes of clothes I'll take them with us."

"Changes as in plural, you're telling me I have to change clothes more than once for these pictures?"

"Yes Jay, these are important family pictures and we are going to look nice."

"Okay, I surrender. I'll meet you there at three o'clock for an afternoon filled with playing dress-up fun."

"Thanks babe."

Taking one last bite, Jay rose from the table. Leaning down he kissed Everly on the head before catching Erin's lips with his own.

"Love you, and I'll see you at three," he said as he strode out of the door.

Making a silly face at her daughter Erin laughed, "Daddy's silly isn't he?"

Everly just looked at her wide-eyed, before giggling a touch at her Mommy's goofy faces. "Mommy go?"

"Let's get those clothes laid out, so we can make Daddy suffer later in our matching outfits," Erin said in an over-exaggerated voice for her daughter's entertainment.

The two giggling girls headed for the bedroom getting ready for what was sure to be a long day of picture taking fun.

Rushing out the office, Jay yelled over his shoulder his last few commands before sliding out of the backdoor. He was running late and Erin wasn't going to be happy about it. He knew these pictures were very important to her, and here he'd screwed up the one thing she'd asked of him, to simply be there on time.

He hadn't even gotten the car door open when Hank was rushing out behind him.

"Halstead…"

"Hank, I'm running late and Erin's going to kill me if I don't leave like ten minutes ago…what is it?"

"The last load of case notes are coming in at four o'clock. Do you want me to come back in tonight, or would you rather I wait until in the morning?"

"Which ever you want to do Hank, but right now I've really got to go."

Shutting the car door behind him, he rubbed his hands over his face. He almost couldn't stand Hank sometimes.

Switching lanes, he checked his watch for the hundredth time of the short drive. He was only going to be ten minutes late, and surely she'd understand. He would never do anything to upset her on purpose, and he knew she knew that.

Sliding into the parking lot and finding a spot, he jogged up to the door of the studio anxious to get inside to try and to keep himself out of trouble. Looking through the big picture windows he spotted his girl and his kids inside.

Opening the door he walked in, instantly wrapping his arm around Erin's waist and kissing Everly's head.

"Sorry I'm late sweetheart," he whispered into Erin's ear, before brushing a gentle kiss where his apology had just been.

"Don't worry about it, Kathy is running late herself."

Jay looked down in the car seats at the twins who were asleep. Clapping his hands together, he wiggled them to get his daughter's attention.

"Come here Everly, come see your Daddy."

Excitedly she reached out for her father's embrace. Taking her into his arms, he kissed her small lips and held her against his chest softly swaying to the elevator music that was playing in the background.

"Jay, don't you dare put her to sleep before we get started."

As if on cue, Kathy walked into the room, her heavy Spanish accent filling the air.

"Okay, everybody ready?" She asked while ushering them into the back of the studio.

"Yeah, we're great."

"How many outfits did you bring?" Kathy asked looking at the hanging clothes bag she'd taken from Erin so that Erin could carry the twin's car seats.

"Four. The dress outfits, the yellow and denim outfits, Christmas Card outfits, and the casual outfits."

"Bring enough Er, I didn't even know I owned those type of clothes. And no Christmas outfits" Jay asked as he bounced Everly on his hip.

"You didn't, they're new. And Yes, you are"

"Alright, new stuffy clothes it is," he said teasing her.

"I thought you'd see it my way."

"I always do," he said scrunching up his nose, blatantly kissing her ass.

"Bite me Jay."

"Gladly," He bantered back.

"Okay, lets get you guys ready," Kathy called out pointing towards the focal point.

After setting through shot after shot, they were finally done with the long session.

Peeling the pale yellow shirt off of his body, he stood there with his wife beater and jeans on. It was so hot in the studio he thought he was going to melt if he was forced to put his suit back on to go home in.

"Jay, I'm going to go change out of this, so could you change the twins and Everly's clothes for me to save some time?"

"Sure, I can do that."

Jay quickly changed the twins and laid them back in their car seats as he looked up for Everly who was spinning around in her dress.

"Evie. Come here to daddy" Jay said as he held out his hand for her.

"Da-dee" Everly said as she spun one last time and took off running to her father.

Releasing the small buttons from the back of her dress, he realized she must be as hot as he was when he felt her excessively warm skin.

Her diaper was sagging off of her hips, but she was happy with all the attention she'd gotten over the past hour or so.

"Come on Droopy Drawers, let's just leave you in your diaper until your mommy comes so you don't have a heat stroke like Daddy is."

Pulling her to his chest he just held her close to his heart, gently blowing cool air down her back trying to cool her down. At that moment Kathy walked back in from the office and saw the scene in front of her and couldn't resist. Jay and Everly were off in their own private world, but she saw it as the perfect opportunity to capture the heart of their relationship. Snapping a few pictures, she then called attention herself wanting to take a few of them dressed like that looking at the camera.

"Do you mind if I get a few of you two like that?"

"Like this?" He asked looking down at their state of dress.

"Yeah, exactly like that."

"Sure…I guess."

Posing for a few more pictures, Everly gladly showed off for the camera again. Finally getting what she wanted she sat the camera down and left them alone once again, still waiting for Erin to reappear.

Moments later she showed up, laughing at their lack of clothes. "What are you two wearing?"

"It's hot Er, do you want us to sweat to death? I know it's October, but damn. It's hot outside"

"No, I suppose not."

"Damn" Everly repeated.

Erin raised an eyebrow at Jay as she shook her head and reached for her daughter. "Anything else you want to teach our daughter before we leave?"

Jay let Erin take Everly and watched as she dressed her. "Nope, that pretty much covers it"

"I can't believe you" Erin shook her head as she tried to fight off the dizzy spell she felt.

"You OK?" Jay asked as he looked at her.

Erin nodded as she felt the dizzy spell pass. "I'm fine"

"Let's get out of here and get something to eat, I'm starving."

"That's not a surprise," she said chuckling as they walked back into the office.

Leaning against the counter, she reached into her purse and pulled out her checkbook and wrote one for the setting fee.

"So when can we come back and look at the proofs?"

"In about five to seven days, but don't worry I'll be sure to give you a call when they come in."

"Thanks Kathy."

"No thank you Erin, you have a very beautiful family. I'm really glad you picked me to photograph you guys."

"They are something aren't they," Erin said looking over to where Jay was sitting on a bench with Everly as they looked down at the sleeping twins.

Continuing to stare at them, she smiled knowing Kathy was right. She did have a beautiful family.

Carrying Everly out of the studio, Jay placed her in the car seat in Erin's SUV. He looked over at her as she opened the other door and started to buckle the twins in.

"So where do you want to eat Er?"

"I don't care, but unless you put on some clothes the only place that'll take us is home."

"Funny Erin, of course I'll put on some clothes, just pick what you want and I'll follow you guys there. But I'll have you know that there's anything wrong with eating at home."

Erin just nodded, not about to start the great fast food debate yet again. Covering Arden and Caleb in light blankets, she closed the door and walked around her car. She watched as Jay closed the other car door and she gave him a gentle kiss as she moved to the driver's side door.

Popping in the children's tape, Erin headed down the road towards their favorite little café in Chicago.

Checking her rearview mirror every few minutes to make sure he was still with her, she knew they were about fifteen minutes away from their usual spot but it was their favorite kid friendly place to eat. The first time they went there you could just tell that they had this great atmosphere that welcomed kids.

Over the short time she had been a parent, one of her largest pet peeves had become restaurant's that refused to treat children with respect. Now she understood that unruly children needed to be taken care of, but places that were simply rude to you if you brought a child along really made her mad.

Raffi streamed through the speakers as Erin hummed along and smiled as she listened to Everly stumble of the words.

"Sing Mommy" Everly said from her car seat as she kicked her legs to the music

"Baby Beluga in the deep blue sea, swim so wild and you swim so free. Heaven about you, sea below, just a little white whale on the go."

Erin could remember her own Mother singing Raffi's soothing songs to her, and she knew that it was something she really wanted to pass on to her own children. Actually, it was really one of the only good memories Erin had of Bunny. And as much as she didn't want to admit it, some part of her cherished that memory.

Pulling into the parking lot alongside the café, she got out and pulled the sundress over Everly's head and waited for Jay to pull in behind her.

Standing there, with Everly on her hip she waited and waited and waited some more. Where in the hell was he? Just about the time she was preparing to go back and look for him he pulled up behind her.

"Where were you Jay?"

"There was a little fender bender in front of me and I got held up, sorry for making you wait."

"Don't worry about it, just throw on a shirt so we can get something to eat before Ev starts meltdown mode."

Jay grabbed the blue shirt, and slid it over his head on the way towards the door. Walking inside, Erin spotted their favorite waitress and waved to her as they took a seat.

Cradling the twins car seats in his arms. Jay sat them down on the booth next to him and slid in across from Erin taking her hand into his free one stroking her palm with his thumb.

"Hey you guys," Claire said as she approached the table, tapping her guest check tablet against Jay's shoulder. Erin knew the teen girl thought Jay was sure something special, but then again who didn't? She wasn't even sure Jay realized the little crush Claire had on him.

"Hey Claire," Jay answered as he watched her slide into the booth next to Erin.

"What are you guys doing out and about today?"

"Oh, we had some family pictures taken earlier and were just going to grab a bite to eat before heading home."

"That's so cute, you'll have to bring them in and let me see them."

"We will," Erin said smiling at her. So what if Claire had a crush on her husband, she wasn't worried about it and it certainly wasn't going to keep Erin from liking her. She was a nice girl and had even babysat for them a time or two lately.

"So what can I get you guys to eat?"

"I want a hot hamburger sandwich and fries with brown gravy," Jay said looking at Erin to continue.

"Yeah, I want a chicken strip sandwich and fries and I'll take the same for Everly, and we both want tea as well."

"Okay, I'll be back in a bit."

Digging in the diaper bag, Jay pulled out two bottles so he and Erin could feed twins before their food got there. Amazingly enough they ate without causing a scene.

"Breast mild sounds good to me," Jay laughed as he watched Arden suck her bottle down.

"You're such a good baby, yes you're my little sweetheart," Jay whispered kissing her head as he fed her.

Setting the two glasses of tea down in front of them, Claire smiled at the sight in front of her before turning around and walking back to the kitchen.

Seeing that Jay was busy, Erin moved her hand from where she was burping Caleb and fixed Jay's tea the way he liked it. Catching her eye Jay smiled, just relishing the time he was spending with his family.

Sensing Arden was done eating, Jay gently burped her. Swaying her in his arms, he watched as her eyes fluttered shut right before him. A few moments later and she was out for good, and Erin smiled at him.

"You sure have a way with her Jay."

"Well, she is my little angel you know."

"Yes I know, trust me I know."

"I have another angel too, did you know that?" Jay asked as he looked over at Everly who smiled at her daddy.

Playing along with him she answered, "You do, do you? When do I get to meet this other angel of yours?"

"Oh, I don't know. I think you know her. Her name's Everly." Jay smiled as he reached over and tickled Everly's belly.

"Da-dee" Everly yelled with glee as she laughed.

"I also kind of like you too" Jay said as his gaze moved to Erin's. "I mean, you'll do for now"

"Is that a threat Mr. Halstead?"

"Maybe," He replied nonchalantly.

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Stirring around, Adam's eyes drift open and fell on the empty spot next to him in their bed. Disappointed that Kim had already gotten up, he threw the comforter off his body and realized he was still naked from the night before. Looking on the ground for his jeans, he remembered they were in the bathroom hamper already. Digging in the dresser, he found a pair of old jeans and slid them on.

Opening the door, he heard Kim laughing in the kitchen and figured Atwater must be already be there. He couldn't believe how they both got up so early. Walking through the kitchen door, he saw them standing shoulder to shoulder washing the dishes that were in the sink. Clearing his throat his caught their attention.

Turning, Kim looked at him and smiled, "Morning sunshine."

"Why are you two doing dishes now? Why aren't you still sleeping like normal people?"

"Adam, what time is it?" Atwater asked trying to keep a straight face.

"Like 8 a.m. I think, why is it later than that?" Adam asked turning to look at the digital clock on the microwave. Seeing the time, his eyes widened drastically, "It's one in the afternoon! Why didn't you guys wake me up?"

Grabbing the dishtowel, Kim dried her hands and walked over to where he was standing. Wrapping her arms around his bare torso, she leaned up and kissed him on the lips gently.

"Because you were so peaceful in there, we just decided to let you sleep. Now go brush your teeth, they need it."

"That's cute, pick on me a little more," looking around and not seeing Jackson in the room, Kim picked up on what he was doing.

"He's in his crib. He seems to have gotten his sleeping habits from her Daddy."

"He hasn't been up yet today?"

"Yeah he was, then she fell back asleep, it is time for his nap you know. I put him in with you for a little while, but changed my mind for obvious reasons."

"Obvious reasons?" He asked not following what Kim meant.

"What were you wearing when you woke up this morning?" Seeing his face she added, "See what I mean?"

"Okay, that's really enough information for me," Atwater said walking out of the room laughing openly.

"Kim, it wasn't a few months ago that I was still holding him in the shower with me, that is until he got heavy enough I was afraid of dropping him. So don't give me that naked excuse."

"Okay, I confess. Kevin just didn't want her to wake you up."

"How thoughtful of my brother from another mother," he said pulling Kim back into his arms.

Bending his head to kiss her, seeing her eyes flutter closed he stopped before they touched.

"I forget, I need to brush my teeth," he said turning and walking out of the room just leaving her standing there.

Chasing him the few steps he had gotten ahead of her, she grabbed his arm and whirled him back around, pressing her lips against his. Deepening the kiss, she backed him up against the wall, pining him there.

Finally pulling away, he looked at her with wide eyes, "What's gotten into you today?"

"Nothing, I just love my husband…bad breath and all."

"Good to know," he said pulling her back into his body.

Kissing him once more, she grabbed his hand and led him into the bathroom. "Shower. Kevin's been waiting all morning to go do your guy's stuff, and refused to wake you up so the least you can do is hurry."

"Yes Ma'am," he said closing the door behind him.

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The sun had already set long ago when they finally arrived home. Pulling into the double car garage, Jay opened the back door of car and carefully unbuckled a sleeping Everly. Erin had her hands full with the twins, as Jay was cradling his little girl in his arms.

Setting the twins down on the couch, Erin sat down and started removing her shoes and socks.

"Hey Jay, I'm going to take a shower before bed."

"Okay, I'm going to put her down for the night," He said as he looked down at his sleeping child.

Unbuttoning her shirt, she stretched up and kissed him before passing by in route to the bathroom. Jay walked into the nursery, gently laying Everly down on the changing table so he could remove her sundress. After changing her diaper as well, he sat down in the rocking chair next to the crib and silently rocked her in his arms.

Turning off the spray of water, Erin pushed open the shower door and reached for a towel off of the rack that was hanging on the wall. Knotting it at her breasts, she found another towel to wrap her long hair up in. Wiping the steam off of the center mirror, she looked at her reflection and smiled. She hadn't been this happy in a long time and she owed it all to her small family. Grabbing her toothbrush, she picked up the tube of toothpaste that was lying beside it and examined it. It was just toothpaste, but she could tell that Jay was the last to use it. She always made sure it was pushed to the front of the tube and Jay just squeezed it out of the middle, probably never realizing she fixed it every time he messed it up. This was just one of the little things she loved about him that no one else could possibly understand.

Tossing the damp towels in the hamper, she grabbed her robe, cinching it tight at her waist. Erin groaned as she felt her stomach cramp and and she grabbed onto the wall to steady herself.

She stepped out into the bedroom, expecting to find Jay in bed but when her eyes scanned the room he wasn't there. Curiosity getting the better of her, she went out in search of him.

Poking her head into nursery she saw his brown hair poking above the high backed rocker. Stepping closer, she looked around to see what he was doing just sitting there so still. Finally seeing his face, she saw the soft lashes fluttering against his cheeks. Caleb and Arden's bodies relaxed bodies cradled in his arms, as the three slept.

As she gently lifted one baby out of his arms, feeling the absence his eyes opened to see what was going on. Seeing Erin standing before him, he stood up beside her kissing the baby's head one last time for the night before she placed Arden in the crib. He watched Erin repeat the previous action with Caleb, the interaction bringing a soft smile to his face.

"Let's go to bed Mr. Halstead," Erin said grabbing her husband's hand and pulling him out of the nursery.

"Yes Ma'am."

Wrapping his arms around her waist from behind, Jay nuzzled his face in her neck inhaling her scent. "I love you Er," He whispered as he kissed a trail along her jaw line.

"You love me huh?" She said stifling the giggle she wanted to emit.

"Very much."

"Wanna take me to bed?"

"You know it."

Erin felt the pain again and she grabbed onto the wall as she fell against it.

"Erin?" Jay said as she sank to the floor.

Jay knelt down to the floor next to Erin as he looked at his wife turn the familar shade of almost grey as he looked down at the blood that was starting to pool from between her legs.

"Jay" Erin's voice called out as she reached for him. "Help me"

Jay reached for his cellphone as he felt Erin go limp and slump against him.

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Please Review.

How About That Linstead Sex? Yep...Just in case you forgot it happened.