T/W:Mentions mental health issues.

***
Lex

Several weeks pass and it's wonderful seeing Timmy grow. He's such a joy to have. He's mostly a content baby, except for when he's really tired.

Also he may bear the name of Speed, but I have a feeling he's not going to be much like him in terms of personality. Timmy's very cheerful, whereas, Speed was far more serious in nature.

Yes, Speed was kind, gentle and did have a playful side that not many people saw, but he wasn't as cheerful as other people I knew. I don't think our Timmy will be so serious and that's okay.

***
"He's grown so much." Lorna is here, holding Timmy. He studies his grandmother's face.

"I know," I say. "It makes me sad." Timmy makes a small noise and Lorna's whole face lights up.

"He's a very content baby, isn't he?" Lorna comments. I smile.

"He is. Thankfully." Aria goes to climb up beside her grandmother and baby brother.

"Timmy's so cute," she coos, touching his dark hair. Lorna chuckles, putting her arm around Aria.

"He is cute," she agrees. "I hope you're helping Mommy out with Timmy, too." Aria nods enthusiastically.

"Yup! I help Mommy lots!" Lorna smiles, kissing the top of Aria's head.

"That's wonderful, sweetheart." Timmy releases a loud wail and I move to take him.

"He's hungry," I tell Lorna.

"Of course." Lorna grins. "Boys always are." I laugh, preparing to nurse Timmy, who latches on greedily.

"I'm sure," I joke. Aria climbs into her grandmother's lap, now that Timmy isn't occupying it.

"Otto," she tells her grandmother.

"Who's Otto?" Lorna asks.

"He's Knox Marshall's dog," I reply. Lorna's face contorts, as though she's tasted something bitter.

"I see." Obviously this is a bit of a touchy subject for her.

"Do you see him often?" Lorna asks.

"Not too often," I reply. "With having two, young children, one of whom is an infant, it's difficult to get together. Plus, Knox's crazy work schedule."

"You seem quite..fond of..this man," Lorna says.

"He's become a good friend," I murmur, smiling, thinking about Knox.

"He seems a little..eccentric," Lorna remarks.

"He is, some," I reply. "But not in a creepy way."

"Do you think it's wise for you to be so...close with him?" Lorna's gaze is boring into mine. I frown.

"Knox is a good guy," I say defensively.

"I think that's giving him a little too much credit." Lorna sniffs.

"Why?"

"Lex, he's clearly delusional."

"How do you figure?" Timmy finishes eating and I lift him to my shoulder to burp him.

"He thinks he's...Tim," Lorna says.

"Um, no," I say, super politely. "He doesn't."

"Doesn't he?" Lorna scowls. "He looks exactly like him. It's beyond disturbing." I scowl, but manage to keep my temper.

"Thanks for stopping in," I say, my tone cool. Lorna gets the hint. She gives Aria a quick hug and kiss before standing.

"I'll see you all later." Lorna pauses. "I'd just be careful around your friend, Lex. He may play nice, that doesn't mean he is."

****
Steve

I get an earful the minute I walk in the door. Apparently Mom was here and from what I gather, she pretty much insulted Knox Marshall and it really didn't sit right with Lex.

"I don't want your mother talking that way about my friend," Lex spits out, her face red.

"Lex, calm down, okay?" I murmur.

"Why the hell should I?" Lex snaps. "She insulted Knox! Dragged the poor guy through the mud!"

I move, wrapping my arms around Lex, who pushes me away, as tears well up in her eyes.

"Mom didn't mean any harm," I say softly. "She's just concerned for your safety."

"No," Lex says, her chin quivering. "She's just like you! She hates Knox, all because he resembles Speed!"

"I do not hate Knox," I snap quietly. "I just don't like him very much."

"Screw you both!" Lex snarls. "Neither of you know Knox. He'd never hurt me or the kids. Never." I sigh.

"I'll talk with Mom," I say. "But don't expect her to change her mind."

****
"I was only expressing my concerns," Mom tells me when I call her later.

"Lex is really upset," I say. "I think you should apologize."

"Why should I have to apologize for being concerned over the safety of my daughter-in-law and grandchildren?" Mom asks.

"Because," I reply. "Although you meant well, you upset Lex and I don't appreciate that." Mom goes silent.

"Very well," she says quietly. "If it's that important."

"It is." I call Lex to the phone and hand it to her. She warily accepts it, placing it to her ear.

"Hello?" Lex listens for a few seconds. "Apology accepted." She hands the phone back to me and walks off.

"I'm back," I tell Mom.

"There." Mom sounds annoyed. "I did as you asked and Lex is still angry with me."

"You shouldn't have said anything to her about Knox," I say softly. "Lex is extremely protective of him."

"I don't see why," Mom retorts. "He's obviously a deeply disturbed man, who shouldn't be allowed to work in the profession that he does. And he should seek professional help."

"Mom, he hasn't done anything wrong."

"Hasn't done anything wrong?" Mom snaps. "He thinks he's your brother."

"I've never witnessed any strange behavior like that from him," I say.

"Have you spent much time in his company?"

"Yes," I reply. "He accompanied us to the Miami zoo. Never once did he refer to himself as Tim. He's not a nut job."

"He could be fooling all of you," Mom says.

"Maybe. But I doubt it. Look, I need to go. It's dinnertime."

"All right." Mom pauses. "I am sorry if I upset Lex. I didn't mean to."

"I know, Mom. I know."

***
Lex

Even though I'm deeply offended by my mother-in-law's careless words and accusations about Knox, I'll try to let it go. It's not ideal, being at odds with her. I know Steve wouldn't want that. I really don't want it myself.

I like Lorna. She's always treated me like her daughter. Which is probably why she thought it was okay for her to state her opinions about Knox. I know she meant well and she worries for us.

But Knox is a good person. Sure, maybe Lorna's not totally wrong about Knox being somewhat eccentric, but that's not something that bothers me.

I genuinely like Knox. He's a wonderful friend. He saved my life. And Timmy's life, too, for that matter. I'm not gonna push him away just because my husband and mother-in-law think he's weird.

Meaning well or not, Lorna should have minded her own business. Because I'm not cutting Knox loose.

Period.